UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported): December 28, 2016
Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Delaware | 001-37794 | 81-2545345 | ||
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) |
(Commission File Number) |
(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
6355 MetroWest Boulevard, Suite 180 Orlando, Florida |
32835 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
(407) 722-3100
(Registrants Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Not Applicable
(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
☐ | Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
☐ | Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
☐ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
☐ | Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Item 1.01 | Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement. |
Agreements with Hilton and Park Related to the Spin-Off
On January 2, 2017, Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. (the Company or HGV) entered into several agreements with Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (Hilton) and Park Hotels & Resorts Inc. (Park) in connection with the previously announced spin-off (the spin-off) of the Company and Park from Hilton, including the following:
Distribution Agreement. The Company entered into a Distribution Agreement with Hilton and Park regarding the principal actions taken or to be taken in connection with the spin-off. The Distribution Agreement provides for certain transfers of assets and assumptions of liabilities by each of Hilton, HGV and Park and the settlement or extinguishment of certain liabilities and other obligations among Hilton, HGV and Park. In particular, the Distribution Agreement provides that, subject to the terms and conditions contained in the Distribution Agreement:
| all of the assets and liabilities (including whether accrued, contingent or otherwise, and subject to certain exceptions) associated with the separated real estate business will be retained by or transferred to Park or its subsidiaries; |
| all of the assets and liabilities (including whether accrued, contingent or otherwise, and subject to certain exceptions) associated with the timeshare business will be retained by or transferred to HGV or its subsidiaries; |
| all other assets and liabilities (including whether accrued, contingent or otherwise, and subject to certain exceptions) of Hilton will be retained by or transferred to Hilton or its subsidiaries (other than the Company, Park and their respective subsidiaries); |
| liabilities (including whether accrued, contingent or otherwise) related to, arising out of or resulting from businesses of Hilton that were previously terminated or divested will be allocated among the parties to the extent formerly owned or managed by or associated with such parties or their respective businesses; |
| each of the Company and Park will assume or retain any liabilities (including under applicable federal and state securities laws) relating to, arising out of or resulting from the Form 10 registering its respective common stock distributed by Hilton in the spin-off and from any disclosure documents that offer for sale securities in transactions related to the spin-off, subject to exceptions for certain information for which Hilton will retain liability; and |
| except as otherwise provided in the Distribution Agreement or any ancillary agreement, Hilton will generally be responsible for any costs or expenses incurred by each of Hilton, HGV and Park in connection with the spin-offs and the transactions contemplated by the Distribution Agreement, including costs and expenses relating to legal counsel, financial advisors and accounting advisory work related to the spin-off. |
In addition, notwithstanding the allocation described above, the Company, Park and Hilton have agreed that losses related to certain contingent liabilities (and related costs and expenses) that generally are not specifically attributable to any of the separated real estate business, the timeshare business or the retained business of Hilton (Shared Contingent Liabilities) will be apportioned among the parties according to fixed percentages of 65%, 26% and 9% for Hilton, Park and HGV, respectively. Examples of Shared Contingent Liabilities may include uninsured losses arising from actions (including derivative actions) against current or former directors or officers of Hilton or its subsidiaries in respect of acts or omissions occurring prior to the completion of the spin-off, or against current or former directors or officers of any of Hilton, HGV or Park, or any of their respective subsidiaries, arising out of, in connection with, or otherwise relating to, the spin-off, subject to certain exceptions described in the Distribution Agreement. In addition, costs and expenses of, and indemnification obligations to, third party professional advisors arising out of the foregoing actions also may be subject to these provisions. Subject to certain limitations and exceptions, Hilton will generally be vested with the exclusive management and control of all matters pertaining to any such Shared Contingent Liabilities, including the prosecution of any claim and the conduct of any defense. The Distribution Agreement also provides for cross-indemnities that, except as otherwise provided in the Distribution Agreement, are principally designed to place financial responsibility for the obligations and liabilities of each business with the appropriate company.
Employee Matters Agreement. The Company entered into an Employee Matters Agreement with Hilton and Park that governs the respective rights, responsibilities and obligations of Hilton, HGV and Park after the spin-off with respect to transferred employees, defined benefit pension plans, defined contribution plans, non-qualified retirement plans, employee health and welfare benefit plans, incentive plans, equity-based awards, collective bargaining agreements and other employment, compensation and benefits-related matters. The Employee Matters Agreement provides for, among other things, the allocation and treatment of assets and liabilities arising out of incentive plans, retirement plans and employee health and welfare benefit plans in which HGV and Park employees participated prior to the spin-off, and continued participation by HGV and Park employees in certain of Hiltons compensation and benefit plans for a specified period of time following the spin-off. Generally, other than with respect to certain specified compensation and benefit plans and liabilities, each of HGV and Park will assume or retain sponsorship of, and the liabilities relating to, compensation and benefit plans and employee-related liabilities relating to its current and former employees. The Employee Matters Agreement also provides that outstanding Hilton equity-based awards will be equitably adjusted or converted into Park or HGV awards, as applicable, in connection with the spin-off. After the spin-off, HGV and Park employees will no longer actively participate in Hiltons benefit plans or programs (other than specified compensation and benefit plans), and each of HGV and Park has established or will establish plans or programs for its employees as described in the Employee Matters Agreement. HGV and Park also have established or will establish or maintain plans and programs outside of the United States as may be required under applicable law or pursuant to the Employee Matters Agreement.
Tax Matters Agreement. The Company entered into a Tax Matters Agreement with Hilton and Park that governs the respective rights, responsibilities and obligations of Hilton, HGV and Park after the spin-off with respect to tax liabilities and benefits, tax attributes, tax contests and other tax sharing regarding U.S. federal, state, local and foreign income taxes, other tax matters and related tax returns. Although binding between the parties, the Tax Matters Agreement is not binding on the IRS. Each of HGV and Park will continue to have several liability with Hilton to the IRS for the consolidated U.S. federal income taxes of the Hilton consolidated group relating to the taxable periods in which HGV and Park were part of that group. The Tax Matters Agreement specifies the portion, if any, of this tax liability for which HGV and Park will bear responsibility, and each party has agreed to indemnify the other two against any amounts for which they are not responsible. The Tax Matters Agreement also provides special rules for allocating tax liabilities in the event that the spin-off is not tax-free. In general, under the Tax Matters Agreement, each party is expected to be responsible for any taxes imposed on Hilton that arise from the failure of the spin-off and certain related transactions to qualify as a tax-free transaction for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code), as applicable, and certain other relevant provisions of the Code, to the extent that the failure to qualify is attributable to actions taken by such party (or with respect to such partys stock). The parties will share responsibility in accordance with sharing percentages of 65% for Hilton, 26% for Park, and 9% for HGV for any such taxes imposed on Hilton that are not attributable to actions taken by a particular party.
The Tax Matters Agreement also provides for certain covenants that may restrict the Companys ability to issue equity and pursue strategic or other transactions that otherwise could maximize the value of its business, including, for two years after the spin-off:
| engaging in any transaction involving the acquisition of shares of HGV stock or certain issuances of shares of HGV stock (other than with respect to the purging distribution described in the Companys Information Statement (the Information Statement) included in the Companys Registration Statement on Form 10, as amended, which was filed on November 30, 2016 (the Registration Statement)); |
| merging or consolidating with any other person or dissolving or liquidating in whole or in part; |
| selling or otherwise disposing of, or allowing the sale or other disposition of, more than 35% of the Companys consolidated gross or net assets; or |
| repurchasing shares of HGV stock, except in certain circumstances. |
These restrictions are generally inapplicable in the event that the IRS has granted a favorable ruling to Hilton, HGV or Park or in the event that Hilton, HGV or Park has received an opinion from a tax advisor, in either case to the effect that it can take such actions without adversely affecting the tax-free status of the spin-off and related transactions.
Transition Services Agreement. The Company entered into a Transition Services Agreement with Hilton and Park under which Hilton or one of its affiliates will provide HGV and Park with certain services for a limited time to help ensure an orderly transition following the spin-off. The services that Hilton agreed to provide under the Transition Services Agreement may include certain finance, information technology, human resources and compensation, facilities, legal and compliance and other services. HGV and Park will pay Hilton for any such services utilized at agreed amounts as set forth in the Transition Services Agreement. In addition, for a specified term, HGV or Park and Hilton may mutually agree on additional services that were provided by Hilton prior to the completion of the spin-off at pricing based on market rates that are reasonably agreed to by the parties.
License Agreement. The Company entered into a License Agreement with Hilton, in which Hilton has granted the Company the right to use certain Hilton trademarks and other intellectual property in its timeshare business. for an initial term of 100 years.
The foregoing summaries do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Distribution Agreement, Employee Matters Agreement, Tax Matters Agreement, Transition Services Agreement and License Agreement, which are filed herewith as Exhibits 2.1, 10.1, 10.2, 10.3 and 10.4, respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K and are incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01.
Stockholders Agreement and Tax Stockholders Agreement
In addition, in connection with the spin-off, on January 2, 2017, the Company entered into a Stockholders Agreement with certain stockholders, including certain affiliates of The Blackstone Group L.P. (collectively, Blackstone), and a tax Stockholders Agreement with Hilton and certain stockholders, including Blackstone.
Under the Stockholders Agreement, Blackstone may designate a number of directors equal to: (i) if Blackstone and the other owners of Hilton prior to its December 2013 initial public offering (collectively, pre-IPO owners) beneficially own at least 50% of HGVs outstanding common stock, 50% of the total number of directors comprising the board of directors, rounded down to the nearest whole number; (ii) if the pre-IPO owners beneficially own at least 40% (but less than 50%) of HGVs outstanding common stock, 40% of the total number of directors comprising the board of directors, rounded down to the nearest whole number; (iii) if the pre-IPO owners beneficially own at least 30% (but less than 40%) of HGVs outstanding common stock, 30% of the total number of directors comprising the board of directors, rounded down to the nearest whole number; (iv) if the pre-IPO owners beneficially own at least 20% (but less than 30%) of HGVs outstanding common stock, either (x) 20% of the total number of directors comprising the board of directors, rounded down to the nearest whole number, if the total number of directors is 10 or more or (y) the lowest whole number that is greater than 20% of the total number of directors comprising the board of directors if the total number of directors is less than 10; and (v) if the pre-IPO owners beneficially own at least 5% (but less than 20%) of HGVs outstanding common stock, the lowest whole number that is greater than 10% of the total number of directors comprising the board of directors. The above-described provisions of the Stockholders Agreement will remain in effect until Blackstone is no longer entitled to nominate a director pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement, unless Blackstone requests that they terminate at an earlier date.
Descriptions of the material terms of the Stockholders Agreement and the Tax Stockholders Agreement are set forth in the section entitled Certain Relationships and Related Party TransactionsStockholders Agreements in the Information Statement included in the Companys Registration Statement, which section excerpts the Company is filing as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporating herein by reference into this Item 1.01. The descriptions of the agreements contained therein and herein do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Stockholders Agreement and the Tax Stockholders Agreement, which are filed herewith as Exhibit 10.6 and Exhibit 10.7, respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01.
Senior Secured Credit Facilities
On December 28, 2016, Hilton, the Company, Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC, a subsidiary of the Company (HGV Intermediate Parent) and Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC, an indirect subsidiary of the Company, as borrower (in such capacity, the Borrower), entered into senior secured credit facilities (the Senior Secured Credit Facilities) with Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as administrative agent (the Agent) collateral agent, swing line lender and L/C issuer, other financial institutions as lenders from time to time party thereto and the other parties thereto.
The Senior Secured Credit Facilities consist of (1) a $200 million term loan facility (the Term Loans), which will mature on December 28, 2021, and (2) a revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $200 million (the Revolving Facility), which will mature on December 28, 2021. Simultaneous with the closing of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, the Company drew down the entire $200 million of the Term Loans, the proceeds of which will be used to finance the spin-off and pay transaction expenses. If transaction expenses exceed $200 million, the Company may draw additional amounts under the Revolving Facility after the spin-off.
The Revolving Facility has borrowing capacity available in an amount of up to $30 million for letters of credit and $10 million for short-term borrowings (swing line borrowings). The Senior Secured Credit Facilities provide the option to increase the amount available under the Term Loans and/or the Revolving Credit Facility by an aggregate of up to $300 million plus an unlimited amount subject to pro forma compliance with a first lien net leverage ratio not to exceed 0.25:1.00.
Interest Rates and Fees
Borrowings under each of the Senior Secured Credit Facilities bear interest, at the Borrowers option, at a rate equal to a margin over either (a) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (1) the administrative agents prime lending rate, (2) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% and (3) the LIBOR rate for a one-month interest period plus 1.00% or (b) a LIBOR rate determined by reference to the Reuters LIBOR rate for the interest period relevant to such borrowing. The initial margins for the Senior Secured Credit Facilities is 2.25% for LIBOR rate loans and 1.25% for base rate loans, subject to step downs or step ups upon the achievement of specified total net leverage ratios. Following delivery by the Borrower of financial statements for the first full fiscal quarter ending after December 28, 2016, the margins for the Senior Secured Credit Facilities will be determined based on a total net leverage ratio and will range from 1.00% to 1.75%, in the case of base rate loans, and 2.00% to 2.75%, in the case of LIBOR rate loans. The Senior Secured Credit Facilities are subject to a LIBOR floor of 0%.
In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities, the Borrower is required to pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the Revolving Credit Facility in respect of the unutilized commitments thereunder. The initial commitment fee rate is 0.35%, subject to step downs and step ups upon the achievement of specified total net leverage ratios. The Borrower is also required to pay customary letter of credit fees.
Prepayments
The Senior Secured Credit Facilities require us to prepay outstanding Term Loans, subject to certain exceptions, with:
| 100% of the net cash proceeds (including insurance and condemnation proceeds) of all non-ordinary course asset sales or other dispositions of property by the Borrower and its restricted subsidiaries, subject to de minimis thresholds, if those net cash proceeds are not reinvested in assets to be used in the Borrowers business or to make certain other permitted investments (a) within 12 months of the receipt of such net cash proceeds or (b) if the Borrower commits to reinvest such net cash proceeds within 12 months of the receipt thereof, within 180 days of the date of such commitment (although in connection with any such prepayment, the Borrower may also repay other first lien debt to the extent it is so required); and |
| 100% of the net proceeds of any incurrence of debt by the Borrower or any of its restricted subsidiaries, other than debt permitted to be incurred or issued under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities. |
Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, each lender of the Term Loans has the right to reject its pro rata share of mandatory prepayments described above, in which case HGV may retain the amounts so rejected.
The foregoing mandatory prepayments will be applied pro rata to installments of the Term Loans as directed by the Borrower.
The Borrower may voluntarily prepay the Revolving Facility (which prepayments may be reborrowed), and outstanding Term Loans at any time without premium or penalty, other than customary breakage costs with respect to LIBOR loans. Voluntary prepayments on the Term Loans may be made on a discounted basis if the discounted prepayments are agreed to by the lenders.
Amortization
The Borrower is required to repay the Term Loans on the last business day of each fiscal quarter, commencing with the first full fiscal quarter following December 28, 2016 and continuing until the fiscal quarter ending immediately prior to the maturity date, in quarterly installments in an aggregate principal amount equal to 1.25% of the original principal amount of the Term Loans. The remaining amount of the Term Loans will be payable on the applicable maturity date with respect to the Term Loans.
Guarantees and Collateral
The obligations under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities are unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by each of Hilton (which guarantee was released upon consummation of the spin-off), the Company, HGV Intermediate Parent, any subsidiary of the Company that directly or indirectly owns 100% of the issued and outstanding equity interests of the Borrower, and, subject to certain exceptions, each of the Borrowers existing and future material restricted domestic wholly owned subsidiaries (each, a Subsidiary Guarantor and collectively with Hilton, the Company, HGV Intermediate Parent and the Borrower (other than in respect of its own obligations), the Guarantors). In addition, the Senior Secured Credit Facilities are collateralized by first priority or equivalent security interests in (i) all the capital stock of, or other equity interests in, the Borrower and each of the Borrowers and the Subsidiary Guarantors material direct or indirect wholly owned restricted domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the capital stock of, or other equity interests in, each of the Borrowers or any Subsidiary Guarantors direct wholly owned first-tier restricted foreign subsidiaries, and (ii) certain tangible and intangible assets of the Borrower and those of the Subsidiary Guarantors (subject to certain exceptions and qualifications).
Covenants and Events of Default
The credit agreement governing the Senior Secured Credit Facilities (the Senior Secured Credit Agreement) contains a number of significant affirmative and negative covenants and customary events of default. Such covenants, among other things, limit or restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of the Borrower and its restricted subsidiaries to:
| incur additional indebtedness, make guarantees and enter into hedging arrangements; |
| create liens on assets; |
| enter into sale and leaseback transactions; |
| engage in mergers or consolidations; |
| sell assets; |
| make fundamental changes; |
| pay dividends and distributions or repurchase capital stock; |
| make investments, loans and advances, including acquisitions; |
| engage in certain transactions with affiliates; |
| make changes in the nature of their business; and |
| make prepayments of subordinated debt. |
The Borrower and its restricted subsidiaries will also be required to maintain a maximum first lien net leverage ratio not to exceed 2.00:1.00 and a minimum interest coverage ratio of not less than 2.00:1.00.
If the loans under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities receive both a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) according to Moodys Investors Service, Inc. and BBB- (or the equivalent) according to Standard & Poors, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc., and no event of default has occurred and is continuing, the restrictions in the Senior Secured Credit Facilities regarding incurring additional indebtedness, dividends and distributions or repurchases of capital stock and transactions with affiliates will not apply to the Borrower and its restricted subsidiaries during the period in which such ratings are maintained.
If an event of default occurs under the Senior Secured Credit Agreement, the lenders under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities will be entitled to take various actions, including the acceleration of amounts due under the Senior Secured Credit Facilities and all actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor.
This summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Senior Secured Credit Agreement, filed as Exhibit 10.5 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference, and other Loan Documents (as defined in the Senior Secured Credit Agreement).
Item 2.03 | Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation or an Obligation under an Off-Balance Sheet Arrangement of a Registrant. |
The information set forth under Senior Secured Credit Facilities of Item 1.01 of this Current Report on Form 8-K is incorporated by reference into this Item 2.03.
Item 3.03 | Material Modification to Rights of Security Holders. |
The information set forth under Item 5.03 below is incorporated by reference into this Item 3.03.
Item 5.01 | Changes in Control of Registrant. |
The spin-off described in the Information Statement was consummated on January 3, 2017.
Item 5.02 | Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers. |
Appointments of Principal Accounting Officer
In connection with the spin-off, effective January 3, 2017, Mr. Allen J. Klingsick, age 39, was appointed as the Companys Senior Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer. Since February 2013, Mr. Klingsick served in a variety of roles at Hilton and HGV, including most recently as Vice President Accounting, HGV, and Senior Director of Accounting Research and Policy. His responsibilities at Hilton and HGV included oversight of timeshare accounting operations and global technical accounting matters. From 2011 through 2013, he served as Director of Accounting and Domestic Controller for LivingSocial, where he oversaw domestic accounting operations. From 2001 through 2011, Mr. Klingsick was employed in various capacities with KPMG LLP in Kansas City, Missouri and McLean, Virginia, where he performed public company audits, managed global audit engagement teams and provided training for KPMG associates nationally and internationally. Mr. Klingsick is a Certified Public Accountant, and earned a bachelors degree in accounting in 2000 and a Masters in Professional Accountancy in 2001, both from University of NebraskaLincoln. Mr. Klingsick will act as the Companys principal accounting officer.
Mr. Klingsick did not enter into any material contract, plan or arrangement, no material amendments were made to any material contract, plan or arrangement to which Mr. Klingsick is a party or participates, and no compensatory grants or awards were made to Mr. Klingsick, in each case, in connection with his appointment. There are no arrangements or understandings between Mr. Klingsick and any other person pursuant to which he was appointed. Mr. Klingsick has no family relationships with any director, executive officer or person nominated or chosen by the Company to become a director or executive officer of the Company. Mr. Klingsick is not a party to any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
A copy of the press release announcing Mr. Klingsicks appointment is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2.
Certain Benefit Plans
On January 3, 2017, the Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the Omnibus Incentive Plan) and the Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. 2017 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors (the Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors) became effective following their approval and adoption by the Companys board of directors and sole stockholder, and the Hilton Resorts Corporation 2017 Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan) became effective following its approval and adoption by the board of directors of Hilton Resorts Corporation (a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company). The material terms of the Omnibus Incentive Plan, the Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors and the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan are described in the Information Statement under the section entitled Executive and Director Compensation Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan, Executive and Director Compensation Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. 2017 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors and Executive and Director CompensationNon-Qualified Deferred Compensation, respectively, which sections the Company is filing as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and which are incorporated by reference into this Item 5.02. The foregoing summaries and incorporated descriptions of the Omnibus Incentive Plan, the Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors and the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the Omnibus Incentive Plan, the Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors and the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, which are filed herewith as Exhibits 10.8, 10.9 and 10.10, respectively, and are incorporated by reference into this Item 5.02.
Item 5.03 | Amendments to Articles of Incorporation or By-Laws; Change in Fiscal Year. |
On January 3, 2017, the Companys Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation), in substantially the same form previously filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registration Statement, became effective following its approval and adoption by the Companys board of directors and sole stockholder, and the Companys Amended and Restated By-laws (the Amended and Restated By-laws), in substantially the same form previously filed as Exhibit 3.2 to the Registration Statement, became effective following its approval and adoption by the Companys board of directors. Upon effectiveness of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation, the Companys issued and outstanding shares of common stock were reclassified into an aggregate of 98,802,597 shares, all of which were distributed by Hilton to its stockholders in the spin-off. A description of the material terms of each of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-laws is included in the Information Statement under the section entitled Description of Capital Stock which section the Company is filing as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and which is incorporated herein by reference into this Item 5.03.
The Companys corporate governance includes the following notable features:
| the Companys board of directors is not classified, each of the Companys directors is subject to re-election annually and the Company will not classify its board of directors in the future without the approval of its stockholders; |
| under the Amended and Restated By-laws and the Companys Corporate Governance Guidelines, directors (other than any person nominated or designated pursuant to any agreement or arrangement to which the Company is party) who fail to receive a majority of the votes cast in uncontested elections are required to submit their resignation to the Companys board of directors; |
| the Companys independent directors will meet regularly in executive sessions; |
| the Company does not have a stockholder rights plan, and if its board of directors were ever to adopt a stockholder rights plan in the future without prior stockholder approval, the board of directors would either submit the plan to stockholders for ratification or cause the rights plan to expire within one year; and |
| the Company has implemented or will implement a range of other corporate governance best practices, including placing limits on the number of directorships held by its directors to prevent overboarding and implementing a director education program. |
The foregoing summaries and incorporated descriptions do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of each of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and the Amended and Restated By-laws, which are filed herewith as Exhibit 3.1 and Exhibit 3.2, respectively, and are incorporated by reference into this Item 5.03.
Item 8.01 | Other Events |
On January 4, 2017, Hilton, HGV and Park issued a joint press release announcing the consummation of the spin-off. The press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.2.
Safe Harbor Statement
This report contains forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include the information concerning the Companys possible or assumed future results of operations, business strategies, financing plans, competitive position, potential growth opportunities, potential operating performance improvements, benefits resulting from its separation from Hilton, the effects of competition and the effects of future legislation or regulations. Forward-looking statements include all statements that are not historical facts and can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as the words believe, expect, plan, intend, anticipate, estimate, predict, potential, continue, may, might, should, could or the negative of these terms or similar expressions.
Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. You should not put undue reliance on any forward-looking statements contained herein. The Company does not have any intention or obligation to update forward-looking statements.
The risk factors discussed under the section entitled Risk Factors in the Information Statement, as well as the Companys other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, could cause the Companys results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements. There may be other risks and uncertainties that the Company is unable to predict at this time or that it currently does not expect to have a material adverse effect on its business. Any such risks could cause the Companys results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements.
Item 9.01 | Financial Statements and Exhibits. |
(d) Exhibits.
Exhibit No. |
Description |
|
Exhibit 2.1 | Distribution Agreement among Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., Hilton Domestic Operating Company, Inc., Park Hotels & Resorts Inc. and Hilton Grand Vacations Inc., dated as of January 2, 2017. | |
Exhibit 3.1 | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. |
Exhibit 3.2 | Amended and Restated Bylaws of Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. | |
Exhibit 10.1 | Employee Matters Agreement among Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., Hilton Domestic Operating Company Inc., Park Hotels & Resorts Inc. and Hilton Grand Vacations Inc., dated as of January 2, 2017. | |
Exhibit 10.2 | Tax Matters Agreement among Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., Hilton Domestic Operating Company Inc., Park Hotels & Resorts Inc. and Hilton Grand Vacations Inc., dated as of January 2, 2017. | |
Exhibit 10.3 | Transition Services Agreement between Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. and Hilton Grand Vacations Inc., dated as of January 2, 2017. | |
Exhibit 10.4 | License Agreement between Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. and Hilton Grand Vacations Inc., dated as of January 2, 2017. | |
Exhibit 10.5 | Credit Agreement by and among Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC, Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC, as borrower, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as administrative agent collateral agent, swing line lender and L/C issuer, other financial institutions as lenders from time to time party thereto and the other parties thereto, dated as of December 28, 2016. | |
Exhibit 10.6 | Stockholders Agreement among Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. and the other parties thereto, dated as of January 2, 2017. | |
Exhibit 10.7 | Tax Stockholders Agreement among Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. and the other parties thereto, dated as of January 2, 2017. | |
Exhibit 10.8 | Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan, dated as of January 3, 2017. | |
Exhibit 10.9 | Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. 2017 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors, dated as of January 3, 2017. | |
Exhibit 10.10 | Hilton Resorts Corporation 2017 Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, dated as of January 3, 2017. | |
Exhibit 99.1 | Excerpts from Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.s Information Statement, dated as of November 30, 2016. | |
Exhibit 99.2 | Press Release dated as of January 4, 2017. |
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS INC. | ||
By: |
/s/ Mark D. Wang |
|
Mark D. Wang | ||
President and Chief Executive Officer |
Date: January 4, 2017
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. |
Description |
|
Exhibit 2.1 | Distribution Agreement among Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., Hilton Domestic Operating Company Inc., Park Hotels & Resorts Inc. and Hilton Grand Vacations Inc., dated as of January 2, 2017. | |
Exhibit 3.1 | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. | |
Exhibit 3.2 | Amended and Restated Bylaws of Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. | |
Exhibit 10.1 | Employee Matters Agreement among Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., Hilton Domestic Operating Company Inc., Park Hotels & Resorts Inc. and Hilton Grand Vacations Inc., dated as of January 2, 2017. | |
Exhibit 10.2 | Tax Matters Agreement among Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., Hilton Domestic Operating Company Inc., Park Hotels & Resorts Inc. and Hilton Grand Vacations Inc., dated as of January 2, 2017. | |
Exhibit 10.3 | Transition Services Agreement between Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. and Hilton Grand Vacations Inc., dated as of January 2, 2017. | |
Exhibit 10.4 | License Agreement between Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. and Hilton Grand Vacations Inc., dated as of January 2, 2017. | |
Exhibit 10.5 | Credit Agreement by and among Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC, Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC, as borrower, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as administrative agent collateral agent, swing line lender and L/C issuer, other financial institutions as lenders from time to time party thereto and the other parties thereto, dated as of December 28, 2016. | |
Exhibit 10.6 | Stockholders Agreement among Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. and the other parties thereto, dated as of January 2, 2017. | |
Exhibit 10.7 | Tax Stockholders Agreement among Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. and the other parties thereto, dated as of January 2, 2017. | |
Exhibit 10.8 | Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan, dated as of January 3, 2017. | |
Exhibit 10.9 | Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. 2017 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors, dated as of January 3, 2017. | |
Exhibit 10.10 | Hilton Resorts Corporation 2017 Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, dated as of January 3, 2017. | |
Exhibit 99.1 | Excerpts from Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.s Information Statement, dated as of November 30, 2016. | |
Exhibit 99.2 | Press Release dated as of January 4, 2017. |
Exhibit 2.1
Execution Version
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
by and among
HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC.
PARK HOTELS & RESORTS INC.,
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS INC.,
and
HILTON DOMESTIC OPERATING COMPANY INC.
Dated as of January 2, 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION |
2 | |||
Section 1.1. General |
2 | |||
Section 1.2. References; Interpretation |
27 | |||
ARTICLE II THE SEPARATION |
28 | |||
Section 2.1. General |
28 | |||
Section 2.2. Restructuring: Transfer of Assets; Assumption of Liabilities |
28 | |||
Section 2.3. Intercompany Accounts |
29 | |||
Section 2.4. Limitation of Liability |
29 | |||
Section 2.5. Transfers Not Effected at or Prior to the Effective Time; Transfers Deemed Effective as of the Effective Time |
29 | |||
Section 2.6. Conveyancing and Assumption Instruments |
31 | |||
Section 2.7. Further Assurances |
31 | |||
Section 2.8. Guarantees; Letters of Credit |
32 | |||
Section 2.9. Return of Assets and Payments |
33 | |||
Section 2.10. Disclaimer of Representations and Warranties |
34 | |||
ARTICLE III CERTAIN ACTIONS AT OR PRIOR TO THE DISTRIBUTIONS |
35 | |||
Section 3.1. Certificates of Incorporation; By-laws |
35 | |||
Section 3.2. Directors |
35 | |||
Section 3.3. Officers |
35 | |||
Section 3.4. Resignations and Removals |
35 | |||
Section 3.5. Dividends |
36 | |||
ARTICLE IV EFFECTING THE DISTRIBUTION; CONDITIONS TO THE DISTRIBUTION |
36 | |||
Section 4.1. Stock Dividends to HLT Stockholders |
36 | |||
Section 4.2. Actions in Connection with the Distribution |
37 | |||
Section 4.3. Sole Discretion of HLT |
37 | |||
Section 4.4. Conditions to the Distribution |
38 | |||
ARTICLE V CERTAIN COVENANTS |
39 | |||
Section 5.1. Intellectual Property |
39 | |||
Section 5.2. Administration of Specified Shared Expenses |
39 | |||
Section 5.3. Cooperation |
39 | |||
Section 5.4. Periodic Meetings |
40 | |||
Section 5.5. No Solicit; No Hire |
40 | |||
ARTICLE VI SHARED CONTINGENT LIABILITIES |
41 | |||
Section 6.1. Shared Contingent Liabilities |
41 | |||
Section 6.2. Management of Shared Contingent Liabilities |
42 | |||
Section 6.3. Access to Information; Certain Services; Expenses |
43 | |||
Section 6.4. Notice Relating to Shared Contingent Liabilities; Disputes |
44 | |||
Section 6.5. Cooperation with Governmental Entity |
44 | |||
Section 6.6. Default |
44 |
i
ARTICLE VII INDEMNIFICATION |
45 | |||
Section 7.1. Release of Pre-Distribution Claims |
45 | |||
Section 7.2. Indemnification by HLT |
46 | |||
Section 7.3. Indemnification by PK |
46 | |||
Section 7.4. Indemnification by HGV |
47 | |||
Section 7.5. Procedures for Indemnification |
47 | |||
Section 7.6. Cooperation in Defense and Settlement |
49 | |||
Section 7.7. Indemnification Payments |
50 | |||
Section 7.8. Indemnification Obligations Net of Insurance Proceeds and Other Amounts |
50 | |||
Section 7.9. Additional Matters; Survival of Indemnities |
50 | |||
ARTICLE VIII PRESERVATION OF RECORDS; ACCESS TO INFORMATION; CONFIDENTIALITY; PRIVILEGE |
51 | |||
Section 8.1. Preservation of Corporate Records |
51 | |||
Section 8.2. Financial Statements and Accounting |
52 | |||
Section 8.3. Provision of Corporate Records |
53 | |||
Section 8.4. Witness Services |
54 | |||
Section 8.5. Reimbursement |
54 | |||
Section 8.6. Confidentiality |
54 | |||
Section 8.7. Privilege Matters |
55 | |||
Section 8.8. Ownership of Information |
57 | |||
Section 8.9. Other Agreements |
57 | |||
ARTICLE IX DISPUTE RESOLUTION |
58 | |||
Section 9.1. Negotiation |
58 | |||
Section 9.2. Mediation |
58 | |||
Section 9.3. Consent to Jurisdiction |
58 | |||
Section 9.4. Waiver of Jury Trial |
58 | |||
Section 9.5. Confidentiality |
58 | |||
Section 9.6. Continuity of Performance |
58 | |||
Section 9.7. Ancillary Agreements |
58 | |||
ARTICLE X INSURANCE |
59 | |||
Section 10.1. Policies and Rights Included Within Assets |
59 | |||
Section 10.2. Post-Effective Time Claims |
59 | |||
Section 10.3. Administration; Other Matters |
60 | |||
Section 10.4. Agreement for Waiver of Conflict and Shared Defense |
61 | |||
Section 10.5. Agreement for Waiver of Conflict and Insurance Litigation and/or Recovery Efforts |
61 | |||
Section 10.6. Directors and Officers Liability Insurance; Fiduciary Liability Insurance; Employment Practices Liability Insurance |
61 | |||
Section 10.7. No Coverage for Post-Effective Occurrences |
61 | |||
Section 10.8. Cooperation |
61 | |||
Section 10.9. Excluded Policies |
61 | |||
Section 10.10. HLT as General Agent and Attorney-In-Fact |
61 | |||
Section 10.11. Additional Premiums, Return Premiums and Pro Rata Cancellation Premium Credits |
62 |
ii
ARTICLE XI MISCELLANEOUS |
62 | |||
Section 11.1. Complete Agreement; Construction |
62 | |||
Section 11.2. Ancillary Agreements |
62 | |||
Section 11.3. Counterparts |
62 | |||
Section 11.4. Survival of Agreements |
62 | |||
Section 11.5. Expenses |
62 | |||
Section 11.6. Notices |
63 | |||
Section 11.7. Consents |
64 | |||
Section 11.8. Assignment |
64 | |||
Section 11.9. Successors and Assigns |
64 | |||
Section 11.10. Termination and Amendment |
64 | |||
Section 11.11. Payment Terms |
64 | |||
Section 11.12. No Circumvention |
65 | |||
Section 11.13. Subsidiaries |
65 | |||
Section 11.14. Third Party Beneficiaries |
65 | |||
Section 11.15. Title and Headings |
65 | |||
Section 11.16. Exhibits and Schedules |
65 | |||
Section 11.17. Governing Law |
65 | |||
Section 11.18. Severability |
65 | |||
Section 11.19. Force Majeure |
66 | |||
Section 11.20. Interpretation |
66 | |||
Section 11.21. No Duplication; No Double Recovery |
66 | |||
Section 11.22. Tax Treatment of Payments |
66 | |||
Section 11.23. No Waiver |
66 | |||
Section 11.24. No Admission of Liability |
67 |
iii
List of Schedules |
||
Schedule 1.1(20) |
Continuing Arrangements | |
Schedule 1.1(48) |
HLT Disclosure Sections | |
Schedule 1.1(50)(ii) |
HLT Retained Entities | |
Schedule 1.1(50)(iii) |
HLT Owned Real Property | |
Schedule 1.1(50)(iv) |
HLT Retained Leases | |
Schedule 1.1(50)(viii) |
Certain HLT Registered Intellectual Property | |
Schedule 1.1(50)(xiv) |
Specified HLT Assets | |
Schedule 1.1(51) |
HLT Retained Business | |
Schedule 1.1(53)(iv) |
Specified HLT Retained Liabilities | |
Schedule 1.1(53)(viii) |
Sold, Transferred or Discontinued HLT Operations | |
Schedule 1.1(53)(xii) |
HLT Retained Litigation and Disputes | |
Schedule 1.1(76)(ii) |
Certain Specified Ownership Assets | |
Schedule 1.1(76)(iii) |
Ownership Entities | |
Schedule 1.1(76)(iv) |
Ownership Owned Real Property | |
Schedule 1.1(76)(v) |
Ownership Leased Property | |
Schedule 1.1(76)(ix) |
Certain Ownership Registered Intellectual Property | |
Schedule 1.1(77) |
Ownership Hotel Properties | |
Schedule 1.1(80)(iv) |
Specified Ownership Liabilities | |
Schedule 1.1(80)(viii) |
Sold, Transferred or Discontinued Ownership Operations | |
Schedule 1.1(80)(xii) |
Ownership Litigation and Disputes | |
Schedule 1.1(97) |
Shared Contingent Liabilities | |
Schedule 1.1(98) |
Specified Shared Expenses | |
Schedule 1.1(106)(ii) |
Certain Specified Timeshare Assets | |
Schedule 1.1(106)(iii) |
Timeshare Entities | |
Schedule 1.1(106)(iv) |
Timeshare Owned Real Property | |
Schedule 1.1(106)(v) |
Timeshare Leased Property | |
Schedule 1.1(106)(ix) |
Certain Timeshare Registered Intellectual Property | |
Schedule 1.1(107) |
Timeshare Properties | |
Schedule 1.1(110)(iv) |
Specified Timeshare Liabilities | |
Schedule 1.1(110)(viii) |
Sold, Transferred, or Discontinued Timeshare Operations | |
Schedule 1.1(110)(xii) |
Timeshare Litigation and Disputes | |
Schedule 2.8(b) |
Ownership and Timeshare Liabilities where HLT is to Remain as Guarantor | |
Schedule 2.8(b)(i) |
Certain HLT Guarantees | |
Schedule 2.8(b)(ii) |
Certain Ownership Guarantees | |
Schedule 2.8(b)(iii) |
Certain Timeshare Guarantees | |
Schedule 3.2(a) |
HLT Directors | |
Schedule 3.3(a) |
HLT Officers | |
Schedule 7.2 |
Procedures for Indemnification of HLT by PK | |
Schedule 7.3 |
Procedures for Indemnification of PK by HLT | |
Schedule 8.1(a) |
Document Retention Policies | |
Schedule 8.2(c) |
2016 Draft Report Date | |
Schedule 8.4 |
Witness Services | |
Schedule 10.1 |
Company Insurance Policies | |
Schedule 10.9 |
Excluded Policies | |
Schedule 11.5 |
Separation Expenses | |
List of Annexes |
||
Annex I |
Plan of Reorganization |
iv
List of Exhibits |
||
Exhibit A |
Employee Matters Agreement | |
Exhibit B |
License Agreement | |
Exhibit C |
Tax Matters Agreement | |
Exhibit D |
Transition Services Agreement | |
Exhibit E |
Waiver Letter |
v
Index of Other Defined Terms
Defined Term |
Section |
|
Agreement Disputes |
Section 9.1 | |
Annual Reports |
Section 8.2(c) | |
Audited Party |
Section 8.2(b) | |
Board |
Recitals | |
Code |
Recitals | |
CPR |
Section 9.2 | |
Escrow Account |
Section 7.9(c) | |
Expense Amount |
Section 7.9(c) | |
Expense Amount Accountants Letter |
Section 7.9(c) | |
Expense Amount Tax Opinion |
Section 7.9(c) | |
Guaranty Release |
Section 2.8(c) | |
HGV |
Preamble | |
HLT |
Preamble | |
PK |
Preamble | |
Indemnifying Party |
Section 7.5(a) | |
Indemnitee |
Section 7.5(a) | |
Indemnity Payment |
Section 7.8(a) | |
Internal Control Audit and Management Assessments |
Section 8.2(a) | |
Managing Party |
Section 6.2(a) | |
Mediation Period |
Section 9.2 | |
Other Parties Auditors |
Section 8.2(b) | |
Party |
Preamble | |
Privilege |
Section 8.7(a) | |
Privileged Information |
Section 8.7(a) | |
REIT Qualification Ruling |
Section 7.9(c) | |
Release Document |
Section 7.9(c) | |
Separation Expenses |
Section 11.5 | |
Third Party Claim |
Section 7.5(b) | |
Third Party Proceeds |
Section 7.8(a) |
vi
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT (this Agreement ), dated as of January 2, 2017, by and among Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation ( HLT ), Park Hotels & Resorts Inc., a Delaware corporation ( PK ) and Hilton Grand Vacations Inc., a Delaware corporation ( HGV ) and for purposes of Sections 7.2 and 7.3, Hilton Domestic Operating Company Inc. ( OpCo ), a subsidiary of HLT. Each of HLT, PK and HGV is sometimes referred to herein as a Party and, collectively, as the Parties . Capitalized terms used and not defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in Section 1.1 .
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, HLT, acting through its direct and indirect Subsidiaries, currently conducts a number of businesses, including (i) the HLT Retained Business, (ii) the Ownership Business and (iii) the Timeshare Business;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of HLT (the Board ) has determined that it is appropriate, desirable and in the best interests of HLT and its stockholders to separate HLT into three separate, publicly traded companies, one for each of (i) the HLT Retained Business, which shall be owned and conducted, directly or indirectly, by HLT, (ii) the Ownership Business, which shall be owned and conducted, directly or indirectly, by PK (which will elect to be a REIT), and (iii) the Timeshare Business, which shall be owned and conducted, directly or indirectly, by HGV;
WHEREAS, in order to effect such separation, the Board has determined that it is appropriate, desirable and in the best interests of HLT and its stockholders (i) to enter into a series of transactions after giving effect to which (A) HLT and/or one or more of its Subsidiaries will, collectively, own all of the HLT Retained Assets and assume (or retain) all of the HLT Retained Liabilities (as defined herein), (B) PK and/or one or more of its Subsidiaries will, collectively, own all of the Ownership Assets and assume (or retain) all of the Ownership Liabilities, and (C) HGV and/or one or more of its Subsidiaries will, collectively, own all of the Timeshare Assets and assume (or retain) all of the Timeshare Liabilities (such transactions as described in Annex I hereto and, as they may be amended or modified from time to time, collectively, the Plan of Reorganization ) and (ii) for HLT to distribute to the holders of the HLT Common Stock (as defined herein), on a pro rata basis (in each case without consideration being paid by such stockholders), (A) all of the outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of PK (the PK Common Stock ) and (B) all of the outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of HGV (the HGV Common Stock );
WHEREAS, each of HLT, PK and HGV has determined that it is necessary and desirable, on or prior to the Effective Time, to allocate and transfer to the applicable Party or its Subsidiaries those Assets, and to allocate and assign to the applicable Party or its Subsidiaries responsibility for those Liabilities, in respect of the activities of the applicable Businesses of such entities;
WHEREAS, it is the intention of the Parties that (i) each of the contributions by PK of Assets to, and the assumption of Liabilities by, OpCo (such contribution, the OpCo Contribution ) and HGV together with the corresponding distribution by PK of all of the outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of OpCo and the HGV Common Stock, respectively, qualifies as a reorganization within the meaning of Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code ) (each such distribution, an Internal Distribution and together, the Internal Distributions ) and (ii) each of the distributions by HLT of all of the PK Common Stock and HGV Common Stock qualifies as a tax-free distribution within the meaning of Section 355 of the Code;
1
WHEREAS, each of HLT, PK and HGV has determined that it is necessary and desirable to set forth the principal corporate transactions required to effect the Plan of Reorganization and each Distribution and to set forth other agreements that will govern certain other matters following the Effective Time.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual agreements, provisions and covenants contained in this Agreement, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
Section 1.1. General . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1) Action shall mean any demand, action, claim, suit, countersuit, arbitration, inquiry, subpoena, case, litigation, proceeding or investigation (whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative) by or before any court or grand jury, any Governmental Entity or any arbitration or mediation tribunal.
(2) Affiliate shall mean, when used with respect to any Person, another Person that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such Person. For the purposes of this definition, control, when used with respect to any Person shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities or other interests, by Contract or otherwise. It is expressly agreed that no Party or member of any Partys Group shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of another Party or member of such other Partys Group by reason of having one or more directors in common or by reason of having been under common control of HLT or HLTs stockholders prior to or, in case of HLTs stockholders, after, the Effective Time.
(3) Ancillary Agreements shall mean all of the written Contracts, instruments, assignments, licenses, guarantees, indemnities or other arrangements (other than this Agreement) entered into in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Transition Services Agreement, the Employee Matters Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement, the License Agreement, the IP Assignments and the Managing and Franchise Agreements (the Transition Services Agreement, the Employee Matters Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement, the License Agreement, the IP Assignments and the Managing and Franchise Agreements, collectively, the Specified Ancillary Agreements ).
(4) Applicable HGV Percentage shall mean nine percent (9%).
(5) Applicable HLT Percentage shall mean sixty-five percent (65%).
(6) Applicable Percentage shall mean (i) as to HLT, the Applicable HLT Percentage, (ii) as to PK, the Applicable PK Percentage and (iii) as to HGV, the Applicable HGV Percentage.
(7) Applicable PK Percentage shall mean twenty-six percent (26%).
2
(8) Asset Transferors shall mean the entities transferring Assets to a Managing and Franchising Asset Transferee, an Ownership Asset Transferee or a Timeshare Asset Transferee in order to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or by the Plan of Reorganization.
(9) Assets shall mean assets, properties, claims, Intellectual Property and other rights (including goodwill), wherever located (including in the possession of vendors or other third parties or elsewhere), of every kind, character and description, whether real, personal or mixed, tangible, intangible or contingent. Except as otherwise expressly provided for in the Employee Matters Agreement, the rights and obligations of the Parties with respect to Taxes shall be governed by the Tax Matters Agreement and, therefore, Taxes shall not be treated as Assets.
(10) Assume shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(b ) ; and the terms Assumed and Assumption shall have their correlative meanings.
(11) Blackstone shall mean The Blackstone Group L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.
(12) Business shall mean the HLT Retained Business, the Ownership Business or the Timeshare Business, as applicable.
(13) Business Day means any day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or any other day on which banks are required or authorized by Law to be closed in New York City.
(14) Business Entity shall mean any corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture or other entity which may legally hold title to Assets.
(15) Claims Administration shall mean the processing of claims made under the Company Policies, including the reporting of losses or claims to insurance carriers (including as a result of reports provided to HLT by PK or HGV), management and defense of claims, the settlement of claims and providing for appropriate releases upon settlement of claims.
(16) Commission shall mean the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
(17) Company Policies shall mean all Policies, current or past (to the extent any such past Policy still provides for benefits), which are or at any time were maintained by or on behalf of or for the benefit or protection of HLT or any of its predecessors which relate to the HLT Retained Business, the Ownership Business or the Timeshare Business, or current or past directors, officers, employees or agents of any of the foregoing Businesses.
(18) Confidential Information shall mean all non-public, confidential or proprietary Information of or concerning (a) a Party, its Group and/or its Subsidiaries or their past, current or future activities, businesses, finances, assets, liabilities or operations or (b) any third party who has provided Information to a Party, its Group and/or its Subsidiaries in confidence, except for any Information that is (i) in the public domain or available to the public through no fault of the receiving Party or its Subsidiaries or their authorized recipients of the Information, (ii) lawfully acquired after the Effective Time by such Party or its Subsidiaries from other sources not known to be subject to confidentiality obligations with respect to such Information or (iii) independently developed by the receiving Party after the Effective Time without reference to any Confidential Information.
3
(19) Consents shall mean any consents, waivers or approvals from, or notification requirements to, any Person other than a Governmental Entity.
(20) Continuing Arrangements shall mean those arrangements set forth on Schedule 1.1(20) and such other commercial arrangements among the Parties (or their respective Groups) that are intended to survive and continue following the Effective Time as expressly set forth in the Transition Services Agreement; provided , however , that for the avoidance of doubt, Continuing Arrangements shall not apply to Third Party Agreements.
(21) Continuing Directors shall mean, as of any date of determination, any member of the board of directors of HLT, PK or HGV, as applicable, who (i) was a member of such Partys board of directors at the Effective Time; or (ii) was nominated for election, elected or appointed to such Partys board of directors with the approval of a majority of the Continuing Directors who were members of such Partys board of directors at the time of such nomination, election or appointment (either by a specific vote or by approval by such directors of the proxy statement of such Party in which such member was named as a nominee for election as a director).
(22) Contract shall mean any agreement, contract, subcontract, obligation, binding understanding, note, indenture, guarantee, instrument, option, lease, promise, arrangement, release, warranty, license, sublicense, insurance policy, benefit plan, purchase order or legally binding commitment or undertaking of any nature (whether written or oral and whether express or implied).
(23) Conveyancing and Assumption Instruments shall mean, collectively, the various Contracts, resolutions and other documents heretofore entered into and to be entered into to effect the Transfer of Assets and the Assumption of Liabilities in the manner contemplated by this Agreement and the Plan of Reorganization, or otherwise relating to, arising out of or resulting from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, in such form or forms as the applicable Parties thereto agree.
(24) Customer Information shall mean all information and data in recorded form, whether written, electronic, computerized or digital or stored in any other media, relating to past, current or prospective customers or clients and their activities, experiences and transactions.
(25) Disclosure Documents shall mean any registration statement (including any registration statement on Form 10) or other document filed with the Commission by or on behalf of any Party or any of its controlled Affiliates, and also includes any information statement, prospectus, offering memorandum, offering circular or similar disclosure document, whether or not filed with the Commission or any other Governmental Entity, which offers for sale or registers the Transfer or distribution of any security of such Party or any of its controlled Affiliates.
(26) Distribution shall mean, collectively, the PK Distribution and the HGV Distribution.
(27) Distribution Agent shall mean Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
(28) Distribution Date shall mean the date on which HLT distributes all of the issued and outstanding shares of PK Common Stock and HGV Common Stock to the holders of HLT Common Stock.
4
(29) Distribution Record Date shall mean such date as may be determined by HLTs Board as the record date for the Distribution.
(30) Effective Time shall mean 5:00 p.m., New York time, on the Distribution Date (or such other time as may be agreed to in writing by the Parties).
(31) Employee Matters Agreement shall mean the Employee Matters Agreement by and among HLT, PK, HGV and OpCo, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A .
(32) Environmental Laws shall mean all Laws relating to pollution, protection of the environment, or protection against harmful or deleterious substances.
(33) Excluded Policies shall mean the Policies listed on Schedule 10.9 .
(34) Final Determination shall have the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.
(35) Financing Arrangements shall the financing arrangements described in the PK Information Statement (including the Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Consolidated Financial Statements included therein) and the HGV Information Statement (including the Unaudited Pro Forma Combined Consolidated Financial Statements included therein).
(36) Force Majeure shall mean, with respect to a Party, an event beyond the control of such Party (or any Person acting on its behalf), which by its nature could not have been foreseen by such Party (or such Person), or, if it could have been foreseen, was unavoidable, and includes acts of God, storms, floods, riots, labor unrest, pandemics, nuclear incidents, fires, sabotage, civil commotion or civil unrest, interference by civil or military authorities, acts of war (declared or undeclared) or armed hostilities or other national or international calamity or one or more acts of terrorism or failure of energy sources or distribution facilities.
(37) Governmental Approvals shall mean any notices or reports to be submitted to, or other registrations or filings to be made with, or any consents, approvals, licenses, permits or authorizations to be obtained from, any Governmental Entity.
(38) Governmental Entity shall mean any nation or government, any state, municipality or other political subdivision thereof and any entity, body, agency, commission, department, board, bureau or court, whether domestic, foreign or multinational, exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government and any executive official thereof.
(39) Group shall mean (i) with respect to HLT, the HLT Group, (ii) with respect to PK, the PK Group and (iii) with respect to HGV, the HGV Group.
(40) HGV Balance Sheet shall mean the pro forma balance sheet of the HGV Group, including the notes thereto, as of September 30, 2016, as filed with the HGV Form 10.
(41) HGV Common Stock shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
(42) HGV Distribution shall mean the distribution on the Distribution Date to holders of record of shares of HLT Common Stock as of the Distribution Record Date of the HGV Common Stock owned by HLT, such distribution to be on the basis of one (1) share of HGV Common Stock for every ten (10) outstanding shares of HLT Common Stock (or such other basis as shall have been approved by the Board and set forth in the HGV Information Statement).
5
(43) HGV Form 10 shall mean the registration statement on Form 10 (Registration No. 001-37794) filed by HGV with the Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in connection with the HGV Distribution, including any amendment or supplement thereto.
(44) HGV Group shall mean HGV and each Person that is a direct or indirect Subsidiary of HGV immediately after the Effective Time, and each Person that becomes a Subsidiary of HGV after the Effective Time, and shall include the Timeshare Entities.
(45) HGV Information Statement shall mean the Information Statement attached as an exhibit to the HGV Form 10 to be sent to the holders of shares of HLT Common Stock in connection with the HGV Distribution, including any amendment or supplement thereto.
(46) HGV Offering Memorandum shall mean any offering memorandum or offering circular distributed to potential investors in connection with any private offering of debt securities by HGV, or its subsidiaries, as the case may be, in connection with the Financing Arrangements.
(47) HLT Common Stock shall mean the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of HLT, par value $0.01 per share.
(48) HLT Disclosure Sections shall mean the sections of the PK Form 10, the HGV Form 10, the PK Offering Memorandum or the HGV Offering Memorandum, identified on Schedule 1.1(48 ) .
(49) HLT Group shall mean HLT and each Person that is a direct or indirect Subsidiary of HLT immediately after the Effective Time, and each Person that becomes a Subsidiary of HLT after the Effective Time, and shall include the HLT Retained Entities.
(50) HLT Retained Assets shall mean any and all Assets that are owned, leased or licensed, at or prior to the Effective Time, by HLT and/or any of its Subsidiaries (or other Business Entities in which HLT or any of its Subsidiaries has an ownership interest) and that are not Ownership Assets or Timeshare Assets, including:
(i) any and all Assets that are expressly contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement as Assets which have been or are to remain with HLT or any other member of the HLT Group;
(ii) the ownership interests in those Business Entities set forth on Schedule 1.1(50)(ii) (such entities, together with HLT, the HLT Retained Entities ) and all Assets of the HLT Retained Entities;
(iii) all rights, title and interest in and to the owned real property set forth on Schedule 1.1(50)(iii) (the HLT Owned Real Property ), including all land and land improvements, structures, buildings and building improvements, other improvements and appurtenances located thereon;
6
(iv) all right, title and interest in, to and under the leases or subleases of the real property set forth on Schedule 1.1(50)(iv) (the HLT Retained Leases ), including, to the extent provided for in any HLT Retained Lease, any land and land improvements, structures, buildings and building improvements, other improvements and appurtenances located thereon;
(v) to the extent not provided in clauses (iii) and (iv) of this definition, all fixtures, machinery, equipment, apparatuses, computer hardware and other electronic data processing equipment, information technology and communications equipment, tools, instruments, furniture, office equipment, automobiles, trucks, aircraft and other transportation equipment, and other tangible personal property, in each case located at any of the HLT Owned Real Property or the locations subject to the HLT Retained Leases, except for laptop computers and related desktop equipment, cellular phones and other mobile computing devices in each case primarily used by PK Employees (as defined in the Employee Matters Agreement) or HGV Employees (as defined in the Employee Matters Agreement), which shall be retained by such PK Employees and HGV Employees in accordance with the terms of the Transition Services Agreement;
(vi) all inventories, including products, goods, materials, parts, raw materials, work in process and supplies;
(vii) all HLT Retained Contracts and any rights or claims arising thereunder;
(viii) all Intellectual Property, including the registrations and applications set forth on Schedule 1.1(50)(viii ) , except for Intellectual Property listed on Schedules 1.1(76)(ix) or 1.1(106)(ix ) , subject, as applicable, to the applicable License Agreement;
(ix) all licenses, permits, approvals and authorizations which have been issued by any Governmental Entity;
(x) Information as follows, subject to any express exceptions in Article VIII :
(a) Sole ownership and all originals and copies of all (i) Information used exclusively in the HLT Retained Business and all Intellectual Property incorporated therein (provided that counsel for PK and HGV may retain a copy of any of same to the extent (A) it is already in possession of PK and HGV, as applicable and (B) such retention is required by applicable Law) and (ii) Loyalty Program Data;
(b) the original of all Information (other than Loyalty Program Data) that was used but not exclusively used in the HLT Retained Business and is in the possession or control of HLT as of the Distribution Date; provided that to the extent that (x) prior to the Distribution Date, PK has used such Information in the Ownership Business (or, following the Distribution Date, PK reasonably requires the use of such Information in the Ownership Business as conducted as of the Distribution Date) or (y) prior to the Distribution Date, HGV has used such Information in the Timeshare Business (or, following the Distribution Date, HGV reasonably requires the use of such Information in the Timeshare Business as conducted as of the Distribution Date), PK and/or HGV, as applicable, shall (1) be deemed an equal co-owner with HLT of the Intellectual Property in such Information and each co-owning Party shall have the right to (and to allow others
7
to) use and disclose such Information without an accounting to (or consent of) the other co-owning Party and (2) subject to Section 8.5 , have the right to retain or receive a copy of such Information in the media in which it was maintained in the ordinary course of business at the time of such request, provided that such copies of such Information shall remain subject to all applicable Laws, privacy policies and other agreements with third parties regarding such Information; and
(c) a copy of all Information (other than Loyalty Program Data) that was used but not exclusively used in the HLT Retained Business, and is in the possession or control of PK or HGV but not HLT as of the Distribution Date; provided that HLT shall (i) be deemed an equal co-owner with the possessing or controlling Party of the Intellectual Property in such Information and have the right to (and to allow others to) use and disclose such Information without an accounting to (or consent of) the other co-owning Party and (ii) subject to Section 8.5 , have the right to retain or receive a copy of such Information in the media in which it was maintained in the ordinary course of business at the time of such request, provided that such copies of such Information shall remain subject to all applicable Laws, privacy policies and other agreements with third parties regarding such Information;
(xi) all deposits, prepaid expenses, letters of credit and performance and surety bonds;
(xii) all bonds, notes, debentures or other debt securities issued by any Person and held by any member of the HLT Group, all loans, advances or other extensions of credit or capital contributions to any Person on the books of any member of the HLT Group and all other investments in securities of any Person held by any member of the HLT Group;
(xiii) subject to Article X , any rights of any member of the HLT Group under any Company Policies, including any rights thereunder arising after the Effective Time in respect of any Company Policies that are occurrence policies and all rights in the nature of insurance, indemnification or contribution;
(xiv) the Assets set forth on Schedule 1.1(50)(xiv ) ; and
(xv) any claims, counterclaims, setoffs, rights of recoupment, equity rights or defenses, whether known or unknown, that HLT and/or any of its Subsidiaries may have with respect to any HLT Retained Assets and HLT Retained Liabilities.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the HLT Retained Assets shall not include any Assets that are expressly contemplated by this Agreement or by any Specified Ancillary Agreement (or the Schedules hereto or thereto) as Assets to be retained by or Transferred to any member of the PK Group or the HGV Group, as the case may be, including any Assets (A) specified in clauses (i) through (xv) of the definition of Ownership Assets or (B) specified in clauses (i) through (xv) of the definition of Timeshare Assets.
(51) HLT Retained Business shall mean the businesses conducted through the management of the day-to-day operations of Hilton-branded hotels, the ownership, development, franchising and promotion of the Hilton brands and the leasing or ownership of certain Hilton-branded hotels by HLT or any of its Subsidiaries (or other Business Entities in which HLT or any
8
of its Subsidiaries has an ownership interest) prior to the Effective Time, including, for the avoidance of doubt, the businesses of (i) the management, franchising, leasing or ownership of the hotel and resort properties set forth on Schedule 1.1(51 ) , (ii) any other division, Subsidiary, line of business or investment managed or operated by HLT or any of its Subsidiaries (or other Business Entities in which HLT or any of its Subsidiaries has an ownership interest) prior to the Effective Time, including the businesses conducted through the ownership and operation of the hotel management and franchising business of HLT prior to the Effective Time, unless such other division, Subsidiary, line of business or investment is included in the definitions of Ownership Business or Timeshare Business, and (iii) those business entities acquired or established by or for HLT or any other member of the HLT Group after the Effective Time. For the avoidance of doubt, the HLT Retained Business with respect to any of the properties set forth on Schedule 1.1(77) shall be deemed to be limited to the business activities performed by the applicable member of the HLT Group engaged as the manager or franchisor with respect to such property pursuant to the applicable Managing and Franchising Agreement entered into following the Distribution Date.
(52) HLT Retained Contracts shall mean any Contracts to which HLT or any of its Subsidiaries (or other Business Entities in which HLT or any of its Subsidiaries has an ownership interest) is a party as of the date hereof, becomes a party prior to the Effective Time or by which it or any of its Subsidiaries (or such other Business Entities) or any of their respective Assets is bound as of the date hereof or becomes bound prior to the Effective Time, whether or not in writing, except for any such Contract or part thereof that is an Ownership Contract or a Timeshare Contract, including:
(i) any Contract entered into in the name of, or expressly on behalf of, any division, business unit or member of the HLT Group;
(ii) any Contract that relates primarily to the HLT Retained Business, including any Contract providing for the acquisition or disposition of a HLT Retained Entity or any HLT Retained Assets;
(iii) any Contract that represents or underlies any HLT Retained Assets or HLT Retained Liabilities;
(iv) any Contract or part thereof that is otherwise expressly contemplated pursuant to this Agreement (including pursuant to Section 2.2(b ) ) or any of the Ancillary Agreements to be assigned to or retained by any member of the HLT Group; and
(v) any guarantee, indemnity, representation or warranty of or in favor of any member of the HLT Group.
(53) HLT Retained Liabilities shall mean any and all Liabilities of HLT and/or any of its Subsidiaries (or other Business Entities in which HLT or any of its Subsidiaries has an ownership interest) that are not Ownership Liabilities or Timeshare Liabilities, including:
(i) any and all Liabilities relating primarily to, arising primarily out of or resulting primarily from: (a) the operation or conduct of the HLT Retained Business, as conducted at any time prior to, at or after (except as otherwise provided in Managing and Franchise Agreements) the Effective Time (including any Liability relating to, arising out of or resulting from any act or failure to act by any director, officer, employee, agent or representative (whether or not such act or failure to act is or was within such Persons
9
authority) of the HLT Group); (b) the operation or conduct of any business conducted by any member of the HLT Group at any time prior to, on or after the Effective Time (including any Liability relating to, arising out of or resulting from any act or failure to act by any director, officer, employee, agent or representative (whether or not such act or failure to act is or was within such Persons authority) of the HLT Group); or (c) any HLT Retained Assets, whether arising prior to, on or after the Effective Time;
(ii) any Liabilities to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from, the HLT Retained Contracts;
(iii) the Applicable HLT Percentage of any Shared Contingent Liability;
(iv) the liabilities set forth on Schedule 1.1(53)(iv ) (the Specified HLT Retained Liabilities );
(v) any Liabilities assumed or retained by the HLT Group pursuant to this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements;
(vi) any Liabilities arising prior to, at or after the Effective Time for any infringement by the HLT Retained Business of the Intellectual Property of any other Person or breach by the HLT Retained Business of any Contract relating to Intellectual Property;
(vii) all Liabilities arising prior to, at or after the Effective Time to the extent resulting from any (A) violation prior to the Effective Time of any Environmental Laws by the HLT Group, any HLT Discontinued Operation or the conduct of the HLT Retained Business, (B) use, treatment, or disposal prior to the Effective Time of Materials of Environmental Concern by or on behalf of the HLT Group, any HLT Discontinued Operation or in the conduct of the HLT Retained Business or (C) presence of Materials of Environmental Concern at, or release of Materials of Environmental Concern from, any HLT Retained Assets or any HLT Discontinued Operation; provided that Liabilities of the type described in this subsection (vi) relating to real estate that is an Ownership Asset or a Timeshare Asset pursuant to this Agreement, shall not be HLT Retained Liabilities but shall instead be, respectively, Ownership Liabilities and Timeshare Liabilities;
(viii) any Liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from, any division, Subsidiary, line of business or investment managed or operated by HLT or any of its Subsidiaries at any time prior to the Effective Time and sold, transferred or otherwise discontinued prior to the Effective Time, including the divisions, Subsidiaries, lines of business or investments set forth on Schedule 1.1(53)(viii ) , unless such division, Subsidiary, line of business or investment is an Ownership Discontinued Operation or a Timeshare Discontinued Operation (each such division, Subsidiary, line of business or investment, an HLT Discontinued Operation );
(ix) any Liabilities relating primarily to, arising primarily out of or resulting primarily from, the operation or conduct of the HLT Retained Business by any Business Entity that is an Ownership Entity or a Timeshare Entity under this Agreement but has conducted the HLT Retained Business at any time prior to the Effective Time;
10
(x) any Liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, with respect to all information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, the HLT Disclosure Sections;
(xi) Specified Shared Expenses to the extent provided in Section 5.2 ;
(xii) any Liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from the claims, proceedings, litigation and disputes listed on Schedule 1.1(53)(xii ) ; and
(xiii) any Liabilities relating primarily to, arising primarily out of or resulting primarily from, a workers compensation claim brought by or on behalf of an employee employed at any time in the HLT Retained Business or any HLT Discontinued Operation, except in the case where such employee was employed in either the Ownership Business or any Ownership Discontinued Operation or the Timeshare Business or any Timeshare Discontinued Operation subsequent to such employees final employment in the HLT Retained Business or HLT Discontinued Operations in which case the Liability shall be retained by PK or HGV, respectively.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the HLT Retained Liabilities shall not include any Liabilities that are (A) expressly contemplated by this Agreement or by any Specified Ancillary Agreement (or the Schedules hereto or thereto) as Liabilities to be Assumed by any member of the PK Group or the HGV Group, as the case may be, including any Liabilities specified (1) in clauses (i) through (xiii) of the definition of Ownership Liabilities or (2) in clauses (i) through (xiii) of the definition of Timeshare Liabilities or (B) expressly discharged pursuant to Section 2.3 of this Agreement.
For the avoidance of doubt, no Liability shall be a HLT Retained Liability solely as a result of (x) HLT being named as party to or in any Action relating to any Ownership Liability or Timeshare Liability due to HLTs status as the remaining and legacy Business Entity or (y) its status as the former direct or indirect stockholder of any Business Entity.
(54) Income Taxes shall have the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.
(55) Indebtedness shall mean, with respect to any Person, (i) the principal value, prepayment and redemption premiums and penalties (if any), unpaid fees and other monetary obligations in respect of any indebtedness for borrowed money, whether short term or long term, including all obligations evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, other debt securities or similar instruments, (ii) any indebtedness arising under any capital leases (excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any real estate leases), whether short term or long term, (iii) all liabilities secured by any lien on any assets of such Person, (iv) all liabilities under any interest rate protection agreement, interest rate future agreement, interest rate option agreement, interest rate swap agreement, hedging arrangement or other similar agreement designed to protect such Person against fluctuations in interest rates, (v) all interest bearing indebtedness for the deferred purchase price of property or services, (vi) all liabilities under any letters of credit, performance bonds, bankers acceptances or similar obligations, (vii) all interest, prepayment or breakage costs, fees and other expenses owed with respect to indebtedness described in the foregoing clauses (i) through (vi), and (viii) without duplication, all guarantees of indebtedness referred to in the foregoing clauses (i) through (vii).
11
(56) Indemnifiable Loss and Indemnifiable Losses shall mean any and all Liabilities, deficiencies, obligations, penalties, judgments, settlements, claims, payments, fines, administrative penalties, interest and Taxes (including the costs and expenses of any and all Actions and demands, assessments, judgments, settlements and compromises relating thereto and the reasonable costs and expenses of attorneys, accountants, consultants and other professionals fees and expenses incurred in the investigation or defense thereof or the enforcement of rights hereunder), excluding special, consequential, reputational, indirect or punitive damages (other than special, consequential, indirect, reputational and/or punitive damages awarded by a court of competent jurisdiction in connection with a Third Party Claim (and, in such a case, only to the extent awarded in such Third Party Claim)).
(57) Information shall mean information and data in recorded form, whether written, electronic, computerized or digital or stored in any other media, including (i) books and records, whether accounting, legal or otherwise, ledgers, studies, reports, surveys, designs, specifications, drawings, blueprints, diagrams, models, prototypes, samples, flow charts, marketing plans, communications, correspondence, materials, product literature, artwork, files, documents, policies, procedures and manuals, research and analyses of any nature, including operational, technical or legal; (ii) financial and business information, including earnings reports and forecasts, macro-economic reports and forecasts, all cost information, sales and pricing data, business plans, market evaluations, surveys and credit-related information; and (iii) Customer Information.
(58) Insurance Proceeds shall mean those monies (i) received by an insured from an insurance carrier or (ii) paid by an insurance carrier on behalf of an insured, in either case net of any applicable deductible or retention.
(59) Insured Claims shall mean those Liabilities that, individually or in the aggregate, are covered within the terms and conditions of any of the Company Policies, whether or not subject to deductibles, co-insurance, uncollectability or retrospectively rated premium adjustments, but only to the extent that such Liabilities are within applicable Company Policy limits, including aggregates.
(60) Intellectual Property shall mean all worldwide intellectual property, proprietary and industrial property rights of any kind, including all (i) patents, patent applications, inventions and invention disclosures and utility models, (ii) trademarks, service marks, corporate names, trade names, domain names, social and mobile media identifiers, logos, slogans, designs, trade dress and other designations of source or origin, together with the goodwill symbolized by any of the foregoing ( Trademarks ), (iii) copyrights and copyrighted works, including software, code, compilations and documentation, website and mobile media content, photography, graphics and advertising materials, (iv) technology, trade secrets, know-how, processes, formulae, models, methodologies, discoveries, techniques, designs, specifications, drawings, and (v) all registrations, applications, continuations, continuations-in-part, divisionals, reissues, re-examinations, substitutions, renewals, extensions and foreign counterparts thereof.
(61) IP Assignments shall mean the short-form assignment documents executed for the purpose of recording the transfer of Intellectual Property applications and registrations with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the United States Copyright Officer or any other applicable office in any applicable foreign jurisdiction.
(62) IRS Ruling shall mean that certain IRS private letter ruling delivered to HLT and addressing, among other things, certain issues relevant to the tax-free treatment of the Distribution.
12
(63) Law shall mean any U.S. or non-U.S. federal, national, supranational, state, provincial, local or similar statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, income tax treaty, order, requirement or rule of law (including common law) or other binding directives of any Governmental Entity.
(64) Liabilities shall mean any and all Indebtedness, losses, damages, liabilities, costs, expenses, interest and obligations, whether accrued or fixed, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, reserved or unreserved, or determined or determinable, including those arising under any Law, claim, demand, Action, whether asserted or unasserted, or order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, stipulation, determination or award entered by or with any Governmental Entity and those arising under any Contract or any fines, damages or equitable relief which may be imposed and including all costs and expenses related thereto. Except as otherwise expressly provided for in the Employee Matters Agreement, the rights and obligations of the Parties with respect to Taxes shall be governed by the Tax Matters Agreement and, therefore, Taxes shall not be treated as Liabilities.
(65) LIBOR shall mean an interest rate per annum equal to the applicable three-month London Interbank Offer Rate for deposits in United States dollars published in The Wall Street Journal .
(66) License Agreement shall mean the License Agreement by and between HLT and HGV, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B .
(67) Loyalty Program Data shall have the meaning set forth in the License Agreement.
(68) Managing and Franchise Agreements shall mean the Management Agreements and Franchise Agreements by and among certain subsidiaries of PK, on the one hand, and certain subsidiaries of HLT, on the other hand.
(69) Managing and Franchising Asset Transferee shall mean the HLT Retained Entities to which HLT Retained Assets shall be or have been transferred by an Asset Transferor in order to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or by the Plan of Reorganization.
(70) Managing and Franchising Indemnitees shall mean each member of the HLT Group and each of their respective Affiliates from and after the Effective Time and each member of the HLT Groups and such Affiliates respective directors, officers, employees and agents and each of the heirs, executors, successors and assigns of any of the foregoing.
(71) Materials of Environmental Concern shall mean any gasoline or petroleum (including crude oil or any fraction thereof) or petroleum products, polychlorinated biphenyls, urea-formaldehyde insulation, asbestos, pollutants, contaminants, molds, and radioactivity; any substance classified or regulated as hazardous or toxic (or words of similar meaning); and any other substances regulated pursuant to or that could give rise to liability under any applicable Environmental Law.
(72) Nonqualifying Income shall mean any amount that is treated as gross income for purposes of Section 856 of the Code and which is not Qualifying Income.
(73) NYSE shall mean the New York Stock Exchange.
13
(74) OpCo Contribution shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
(75) Ownership Asset Transferees shall mean the Ownership Entities to which Ownership Assets shall be or have been Transferred by an Asset Transferor in order to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or by the Plan of Reorganization.
(76) Ownership Assets shall mean any and all Assets that are owned, leased or licensed at or prior to the Effective Time, by HLT and/or any of its Subsidiaries (or other Business Entities in which HLT or any of its Subsidiaries has an ownership interest), relating primarily to, used primarily in, or arising primarily from, the Ownership Business, and shall include:
(i) any and all Assets reflected on the PK Balance Sheet or the accounting records supporting such balance sheet and any Assets acquired by or for PK or any member of the PK Group subsequent to the date of the PK Balance Sheet which, had they been so acquired on or before such date and owned as of such date, would have been reflected on the PK Balance Sheet if prepared on a consistent basis, subject to any dispositions of any of such Assets subsequent to the date of the PK Balance Sheet;
(ii) the Assets set forth on Schedule 1.1(76)(ii) and any and all other Assets that are expressly contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement as Assets which have been or are to be Transferred to PK or any other member of the PK Group;
(iii) the ownership interests in those Business Entities set forth on Schedule 1.1(76)(iii) (such entities, together with PK, the Ownership Entities ), and all Assets of the Ownership Entities relating primarily to, used primarily in, or arising primarily from the Ownership Business;
(iv) all rights, title and interest in and to the owned real property set forth on Schedule 1.1(76)(iv) (the PK Owned Real Property ), including all land and land improvements, structures, buildings and building improvements, other improvements, fixtures and appurtenances located thereon;
(v) all right, title and interest in, to and under the leases or subleases of the real property set forth on Schedule 1.1(76)(v) (the Ownership Leases ), including, to the extent provided for in the Ownership Leases, any land and land improvements, structures, buildings and building improvements, other improvements and appurtenances located thereon;
(vi) to the extent not provided in clauses (iv) and (v) of this definition, all fixtures, machinery, equipment, apparatuses, computer hardware and other electronic data processing equipment, information technology and communications equipment, tools, instruments, furniture, office equipment, automobiles, trucks, aircraft and other transportation equipment, special and general tools, test devices, molds, tooling, dies, prototypes and models and other tangible personal property in each case located at any of the PK Owned Real Property or the locations subject to the Ownership Leases;
(vii) all inventories, including products, goods, materials, parts, raw materials, work-in-process and supplies, relating primarily to, used primarily in, or arising primarily from, the Ownership Business;
14
(viii) all Ownership Contracts and any rights or claims arising thereunder;
(ix) all Intellectual Property set forth on Schedule 1.1(76)(ix ) , subject, as applicable, to the Managing and Franchise Agreements;
(x) all licenses, permits, approvals and authorizations which have been issued by any Governmental Entity and which relate primarily to, are used primarily in, or arise primarily from, the Ownership Business;
(xi) Information as follows, subject to any express exceptions in Article VIII :
(a) sole ownership and all originals and copies of all Information (other than Loyalty Program Data) used exclusively in the Ownership Business and all Intellectual Property incorporated therein (provided that counsel for HLT and HGV may retain a copy of any of same to the extent (A) it is already in possession of HLT and HGV, as applicable, and (B) such retention is required by applicable Law);
(b) the original of all Information (other than Loyalty Program Data) that was used but not exclusively used in the Ownership Business and is in the possession or control of PK as of the Distribution Date; provided that to the extent that (x) prior to the Distribution Date, HLT has used such Information in the HLT Retained Business (or, following the Distribution Date, HLT reasonably requires the use of such Information in the HLT Retained Business as conducted as of the Distribution Date) or (y) HGV has used such Information in the Timeshare Business (or, following the Distribution Date, HGV reasonably requires the use of such Information in the Timeshare Business as conducted as of the Distribution Date), HLT and/or HGV, as applicable, shall (1) be deemed an equal co-owner with PK of the Intellectual Property in such Information and each co-owning Party shall have the right to (and to allow others to) use and disclose such Information without an accounting to (or consent of) the other co-owning Party and (2) subject to Section 8.5 , have the right to retain or receive a copy of such Information in the media in which it was maintained at the time of the request, if such Party does not already have possession or control of such a copy as of the Distribution Date, provided that such copies of such Information shall remain subject to all applicable Laws, privacy policies and other agreements with third parties regarding such Information; and
(c) a copy of all Information (other than Loyalty Program Data) that was used but not exclusively used in the Ownership Business, and is in the possession or control of HLT or HGV but not PK as of the Distribution Date; provided that PK shall (i) be deemed an equal co-owner with the possessing or controlling Party of the Intellectual Property in such Information and have the right to (and to allow others to) use and disclose such Information without an accounting to (or consent of) the other co-owning Party and (ii) subject to Section 8.5 , have the right to retain or receive a copy of such Information in the media in which it was maintained at the time of the request, if PK does not already have possession or control of such a copy as of the Distribution Date, provided that such copies of such Information shall remain subject to all applicable Laws, privacy policies and other agreements with third parties regarding such Information;
15
(xii) all deposits, prepaid expenses, letters of credit and performance and surety bonds relating primarily to, used primarily in, or arising primarily from, the Ownership Business;
(xiii) all bonds, notes, debentures or other debt securities issued by any Person and held by any member of the PK Group, all loans, advances or other extensions of credit or capital contributions to any Person on the books of any member of the PK Group and all other investments in securities of any Person held by any member of the PK Group;
(xiv) subject to Article X , any rights of any member of the PK Group under any Company Policies, including any rights thereunder arising after the Effective Time in respect of any Company Policies that are occurrence policies and all rights in the nature of insurance, indemnification or contribution; provided , that ownership of the Company Policies shall remain with the HLT Group; and
(xv) any claims, counterclaims, setoffs, rights of recoupment, equity rights or defenses, whether known or unknown, that HLT and/or any of its Subsidiaries may have with respect to any Ownership Assets or Ownership Liabilities.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Ownership Assets shall not include any Assets that are expressly contemplated by this Agreement or by any Specified Ancillary Agreement (or the Schedules hereto or thereto) as Assets to be retained by or Transferred to any member of the HLT Group or the HGV Group, as the case may be, including any Assets (A) specified in clauses (i) through (xv) of the definition of HLT Retained Assets, or (B) specified in clauses (i) through (xv) of the definition of Timeshare Assets.
(77) Ownership Business shall mean (A) the businesses conducted through the ownership, asset management (as opposed to hotel management), acquisition, development, refurbishment, redevelopment and sale of, and the provision of other services relating to hotel properties owned or leased by HLT or any of its Subsidiaries (or other Business Entities in which HLT or any of its Subsidiaries has an ownership interest) prior to the Effective Time, including, for the avoidance of doubt, the businesses of (i) the acquisition, development, refurbishment, redevelopment and sale of, and the provision of other services relating to the hotel properties set forth on Schedule 1.1(77 ) , (ii) any other division, Subsidiary, line of business or investment of HLT or any of its Subsidiaries (or other Business Entities in which HLT or any of its Subsidiaries has an ownership interest) managed or operated prior to the Effective Time by any Ownership Entity, unless such other division, Subsidiary, line of business or investment is a HLT Retained Entity, a HLT Retained Asset, a Timeshare Entity or a Timeshare Asset, and (iii) those business entities acquired or established by or for PK or any other member of the PK Group after the Effective Time, (B) the management of the day-to-day operations of the four hotel properties owned by PK and specified as such on Schedule 1.1(77) and (C) the management and operation of commercial laundry facilities servicing hotels, located in Portage, Indiana, Piscataway, New Jersey and Portland, Oregon.
(78) Ownership Contracts shall mean the following Contracts to which HLT or any of its Subsidiaries (or other Business Entities in which HLT or any of its Subsidiaries has an ownership interest) is a party as of the date hereof or becomes a party prior to the Effective Time, whether or not in writing, except for any such Contract or part thereof (a) that is expressly contemplated not to be Transferred by any member of the HLT Group or the HGV Group to the PK Group or (b) that is expressly contemplated to be Transferred to (or remain with) any member of the HLT Group or the HGV Group, in each case, pursuant to any provision of this Agreement or any Specified Ancillary Agreement:
16
(i) any Contract entered into in the name of, or expressly on behalf of, any division, business unit or member of the PK Group; provided that if such Contract was entered into by Hilton Worldwide Inc. (now known as Park Hotels & Resorts Inc.), such fact shall not, by itself, result in the determination that such Contract is an Ownership Contract;
(ii) any Contract that relates primarily to the Ownership Business, including (x) any Contract providing for the acquisition or disposition of an Ownership Entity or Ownership Assets and (y) any Contract that was entered into after the Effective Time and for which a quotation, proposal, or bid was pending as of the date hereof
(iii) any Contract that represents or underlies any Ownership Assets or Ownership Liabilities;
(iv) any Contract or part thereof that is otherwise expressly contemplated pursuant to this Agreement (including pursuant to Section 2.2(b ) ) or any of the Ancillary Agreements to be assigned to or retained by any member of the PK Group; and
(v) any guarantee, indemnity, representation or warranty of or in favor of any member of the PK Group.
(79) Ownership Indemnitees shall mean each member of the PK Group and each of their respective Affiliates from and after the Effective Time and each member of the PK Groups and such respective Affiliates respective directors, officers, employees and agents and each of the heirs, executors, successors and assigns of any of the foregoing.
(80) Ownership Liabilities shall mean any and all Liabilities relating primarily to, arising primarily out of or resulting primarily from: (a) the operation or conduct of the Ownership Business, as conducted at any time prior to, on or after the Effective Time (including any Liability relating to, arising out of or resulting from any act or failure to act by any director, officer, employee, agent or representative (whether or not such act or failure to act is or was within such Persons authority) of the PK Group); (b) the operation or conduct of any business conducted by any member of the PK Group at any time after the Effective Time (including any Liability relating to, arising out of or resulting from any act or failure to act by any director, officer, employee, agent or representative (whether or not such act or failure to act is or was within such Persons authority) of the PK Group); or (c) any Ownership Assets, whether arising prior to, on or after the Effective Time, including:
(i) any and all Liabilities reflected on the PK Balance Sheet or the accounting records supporting such balance sheet and any Liabilities incurred by or for PK or any member of the PK Group subsequent to the date of the PK Balance Sheet which, had they been so incurred on or before such date, would have been reflected on the PK Balance Sheet if prepared on a consistent basis, subject to any discharge of any of such Liabilities subsequent to the date of the PK Balance Sheet;
(ii) any Liabilities to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from, the Ownership Contracts;
17
(iii) the Applicable PK Percentage of any Shared Contingent Liability;
(iv) the liabilities set forth on Schedule 1.1(80)(iv) (the Specified Ownership Liabilities );
(v) any Liabilities assumed or retained by the PK Group pursuant to this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements;
(vi) any Liabilities arising prior to, at or after the Effective Time for any infringement by the Ownership Business of the Intellectual Property of any other Person or breach by the Ownership Business of any Contract relating to Intellectual Property;
(vii) all Liabilities arising prior to, at or after the Effective Time to the extent resulting from any (A) violation prior to the Effective Time of any Environmental Laws by the PK Group, any Ownership Discontinued Operation or the conduct of the Ownership Business, (B) use, treatment, or disposal prior to the Effective Time of Materials of Environmental Concern by or on behalf of the PK Group, any Ownership Discontinued Operation or in the conduct of the Ownership Business or (C) presence of Materials of Environmental Concern at, or release of Materials of Environmental Concern from, any Ownership Assets or any Ownership Discontinued Operation; provided that Liabilities of the type described in this subsection (vii) relating to real estate that is a HLT Retained Asset or a Timeshare Asset pursuant to this Agreement, shall not be Ownership Liabilities but shall instead be, respectively, HLT Retained Liabilities and Timeshare Liabilities;
(viii) any Liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from, any division, Subsidiary, line of business or investment of HLT or any of its Subsidiaries managed or operated at any time prior to the Effective Time by the Ownership Entities and sold, transferred or otherwise discontinued prior to the Effective Time, including the divisions, Subsidiaries, lines of business or investments set forth on Schedule 1.1(80)(viii ) , unless such division, Subsidiary, line of business or investment is listed on Schedule 1.1(53)(viii) or Schedule 1.1(110)(viii) (each such division, Subsidiary, line of business or investment, an Ownership Discontinued Operation );
(ix) any Liabilities relating primarily to, arising primarily out of or resulting primarily from, the operation or conduct of the Ownership Business by any Business Entity that is a HLT Retained Entity or a Timeshare Entity under this Agreement but has conducted the Ownership Business at any time prior to the Effective Time;
(x) any Liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated in the PK Form 10 or in any PK Offering Memorandum, or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, with respect to all information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, the PK Form 10, any PK Offering Memorandum and any other Disclosure Documents filed by PK in connection with the Distribution or as contemplated by this Agreement, other than with respect to the HLT Disclosure Sections;
(xi) Specified Shared Expenses to the extent provided in Section 5.2 ;
18
(xii) any Liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from the claims, proceedings, litigation and disputes listed on Schedule 1.1(80)(xii ) ; and
(xiii) any Liabilities relating primarily to, arising primarily out of or resulting primarily from, a workers compensation claim brought by or on behalf of an employee employed at any time in the Ownership Business or any Ownership Discontinued Operation, except in the case where such employee was employed in either the Timeshare Business or any Timeshare Discontinued Operation or the HLT Retained Business or any HLT Discontinued Operation subsequent to such employees final employment in the Ownership Business or Ownership Discontinued Operations, as applicable, in which case the Liability shall be retained by HGV or HLT, respectively.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Ownership Liabilities shall not include any Liabilities that are expressly (A) contemplated by this Agreement or by any Specified Ancillary Agreement (or the Schedules hereto or thereto) as Liabilities to be Assumed by any member of the HLT Group or the HGV Group, as the case may be, including any Liabilities specified (1) in the definition of HLT Retained Liabilities, including clauses (i) through (xiii) thereof, or (2) in clauses (i) through (xiii) of the definition of Timeshare Liabilities, or (B) discharged pursuant to Section 2.3 of this Agreement.
For the avoidance of doubt, no Liability shall be an Ownership Liability solely as a result of (x) PK being named as party to or in any Action relating to any HLT Retained Liability or Timeshare Liability or (y) PKs status as the former direct or indirect stockholder or equityholder of any member of the HLT Group or HGV Group.
(81) Person shall mean any natural person, firm, individual, corporation, business trust, joint venture, association, company, limited liability company, partnership or other organization or entity, whether incorporated or unincorporated, or any Governmental Entity.
(82) PK Balance Sheet shall mean the pro forma balance sheet of the PK Group, including the notes thereto, as of September 30, 2016, included in the PK Form 10.
(83) PK Common Stock shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
(84) PK Distribution shall mean the distribution on the Distribution Date to holders of record of shares of HLT Common Stock as of the Distribution Record Date of the PK Common Stock owned by HLT, such distribution to be on the basis of one (1) share of PK Common Stock for every five (5) outstanding shares of HLT Common Stock (or such other basis as shall have been approved by the Board and set forth in the PK Information Statement).
(85) PK Form 10 shall mean the registration statement on Form 10 (Registration No. 001-37795) filed by PK with the Commission under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, in connection with the PK Distribution, including any amendment or supplement thereto.
(86) PK Group shall mean PK and each Person that is a direct or indirect Subsidiary of PK immediately after the Effective Time, and each Person that becomes a Subsidiary of PK after the Effective Time, and shall include the Ownership Entities.
19
(87) PK Information Statement shall mean the Information Statement attached as an exhibit to the PK Form 10 to be sent to the holders of shares of HLT Common Stock in connection with the PK Distribution, including any amendment or supplement thereto.
(88) PK Offering Memorandum shall mean any offering memorandum or offering circular distributed to potential investors in connection with any private offering of debt securities by PK, or its Subsidiaries, as the case may be, in connection with the Financing Arrangements.
(89) Plan of Reorganization shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals.
(90) Policies shall mean all insurance policies and insurance contracts of any kind including bonds (other than policies or contracts related to employee benefit plans) currently in place for HLT programs, together with the rights, benefits and privileges thereunder.
(91) Protected REIT shall mean any entity that (i) has elected to be taxed as a REIT and (ii) either (A) is an Indemnitee or (B) owns a direct or indirect equity interest in any Indemnitee and is treated for purposes of Section 856 of the Code as owning all or a portion of the assets of such Indemnitee or as receiving all or a portion of the Indemnitees income.
(92) Qualifying Income shall mean gross income that is described in Section 856(c)(3) of the Code.
(93) Records shall mean any Contracts, documents, books, records or files.
(94) REIT shall mean a real estate investment trust, as defined under the Code.
(95) REIT Requirements shall mean the requirements imposed on REITs pursuant to Sections 856 through and including 860 of the Code.
(96) Security Interest shall mean any mortgage, security interest, pledge, lien, charge, claim, option, right to acquire, voting or other restriction, right-of-entry, covenant, condition, easement, encroachment, restriction on transfer, or other encumbrance of any nature whatsoever, excluding restrictions on transfer under securities Laws.
(97) Shared Contingent Liabilities shall mean any of the Liabilities set forth on Schedule 1.1(97 ) .
(98) Specified Shared Expenses shall mean any costs and expenses relating to the items or categories set forth on Schedule 1.1(98) that shall be shared in the manner specified in Section 5.2 .
(99) Subsidiary shall mean with respect to any Person (i) a corporation, fifty percent (50%) or more of the voting or capital stock of which is, as of the time in question, directly or indirectly owned by such Person and (ii) any other Person in which such first Person, directly or indirectly, owns fifty percent (50%) or more of the equity or economic interest thereof or has the power to elect or direct the election of fifty percent (50%) or more of the members of the governing body of such second Person.
(100) Tax shall have the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.
(101) Tax Contest shall have the meaning in the definition of Audit as set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.
20
(102) Tax Matters Agreement shall mean the Tax Matters Agreement by and among HLT, PK, HGV and OpCo, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit C .
(103) Tax Return shall have the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.
(104) Third Party Agreements shall mean any of the following Contracts, arrangements, course of dealings or understandings:
(i) any agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings to which any Person other than the Parties and their respective Groups is a party (it being understood that to the extent that the rights and obligations of the Parties and the members of their respective Groups under any such Contracts constitute Timeshare Assets or Timeshare Liabilities, Ownership Assets or Ownership Liabilities or HLT Retained Assets or HLT Retained Liabilities, such Contracts shall be assigned or retained pursuant to Article II ); and
(ii) any agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings to which any non-wholly owned Subsidiary of HLT, PK or HGV, as the case may be, is a party.
(105) Timeshare Asset Transferee shall mean the Timeshare Entities to which Timeshare Assets shall be or have been transferred by an Asset Transferor in order to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or by the Plan of Reorganization.
(106) Timeshare Assets shall mean any and all Assets that are owned, leased or licensed, at or prior to the Effective Time, by HLT and/or any of its Subsidiaries (or other Business Entities in which HLT or any of its Subsidiaries has an ownership interest), relating primarily to, used primarily in, or arising primarily from, the Timeshare Business, and shall include:
(i) any and all Assets reflected on the HGV Balance Sheet or the accounting records supporting such balance sheet and any Assets acquired by or for HGV or any member of the HGV Group subsequent to the date of the HGV Balance Sheet which, had they been so acquired on or before such date and owned as of such date, would have been reflected on the HGV Balance Sheet if prepared on a consistent basis, subject to any dispositions of any of such Assets subsequent to the date of the HGV Balance Sheet;
(ii) the Assets set forth on Schedule 1.1(106)(ii) and any and all other Assets that are expressly contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement as Assets which have been or are to be Transferred to HGV or any other member of the HGV Group;
(iii) the ownership interests in those Business Entities set forth on Schedule 1.1(106)(iii) (such entities, together with HGV, the Timeshare Entities )and all Assets of the Timeshare Entities relating primarily to, used primarily in, or arising primarily from the Timeshare Business;
(iv) all rights, title and interest in and to the owned real property set forth on Schedule 1.1(106)(iv) (the Timeshare Owned Real Property ), including all land and land improvements, structures, buildings and building improvements, other improvements and appurtenances located thereon;
21
(v) all rights, title and interest in, and to and under the leases or subleases of the real property set forth on Schedule 1.1(106)(v) (the Timeshare Leases ) including, to the extent provided for in the Timeshare Leases, any land and land improvements, structures, buildings and building improvements, other improvements and appurtenances;
(vi) to the extent not provided in clauses (iv) and (v) of this definition, all fixtures, machinery, equipment, apparatuses, computer hardware and other electronic data processing equipment, information technology and communications equipment, tools, instruments, furniture, office equipment, automobiles, trucks, aircraft and other transportation equipment, special and general tools, test devices, molds, tooling, dies, prototypes and models and other tangible personal property, in each case located at any of the Timeshare Owned Real Property or the locations subject to the Timeshare Leases;
(vii) all inventories, including products, goods, materials, parts, raw materials, work-in-process and supplies, relating primarily to, used primarily in, or arising primarily from, the Timeshare Business;
(viii) all Timeshare Contracts and any rights or claims arising thereunder;
(ix) all Intellectual Property set forth on Schedule 1.1(106)(ix ) , subject, as applicable, to the applicable License Agreement;
(x) all licenses, permits, approvals and authorizations which have been issued by any Governmental Entity and which relate primarily to, are used primarily in, or arise primarily from, the Timeshare Business;
(xi) Information as follows, subject to any express exceptions in Article VIII :
(a) sole ownership and all originals and copies of all Information (other than Loyalty Program Data) used exclusively in the Timeshare Business and all Intellectual Property incorporated therein (provided that counsel for PK and HLT may retain a copy of any of same to the extent (A) it is already in possession of PK and HLT, as applicable, and (B) such retention is required by applicable Law);
(b) the original of all Information (other than Loyalty Program Data) that was used but not exclusively used in the Timeshare Business and is in the possession or control of HGV as of the Distribution Date; provided that to the extent that (x) prior to the Distribution Date, HLT has used such Information in the HLT Retained Business (or following the Distribution Date HLT reasonably requires the use of such Information in the HLT Retained Business as conducted as of the Distribution Date) or (y) PK has used such Information in the Ownership Business (or following the Distribution Date PK reasonably requires the use of such Information in the Ownership Business as conducted as of the Distribution Date), HLT and/or PK, as applicable, shall (1) be deemed an equal co-owner with HGV of the Intellectual Property in such Information and each co-owning Party shall have the right to (and to allow others to) use and disclose such Information without an accounting to the other co-owning Party and (2) subject to Section 8.5, have the right to retain or receive a copy of such Information in
22
the media in which it was maintained at the time of such request in the ordinary course of business prior to the Distribution Date, if such Party does not already have possession or control of such a copy as of the Distribution Date, provided that such copies of such Information shall remain subject to all applicable Laws, privacy policies and other agreements with third parties regarding such Information; and
(c) a copy of all Information (other than Loyalty Program Data) that was used but not exclusively used in the Timeshare Business, and is in the possession or control of HLT or PK but not HGV as of the Distribution Date provided that HGV shall (i) be deemed an equal co-owner with the possessing or controlling Party of the Intellectual Property in such Information and have the right to (and to allow others to) use and disclose such Information without an accounting to the other co-owning Party and (ii) subject to Section 8.5 , have the right to retain or receive a copy of such Information in the media in which it was maintained at the time of such request, if HGV does not already have possession or control of such a copy as of the Distribution Date, provided that such copies of such Information shall remain subject to all applicable Laws, privacy policies and other agreements with third parties regarding such Information;
(xii) all deposits, prepaid expenses, letters of credit and performance and surety bonds relating primarily to, used primarily in, or arising primarily from, the Timeshare Business;
(xiii) all bonds, notes, debentures or other debt securities issued by any Person and held by any member of the HGV Group, all loans, advances or other extensions of credit or capital contributions to any Person on the books of any member of the HGV Group and all other investments in securities of any Person held by any member of the HGV Group;
(xiv) subject to Article X , any rights of any member of the HGV Group under any Company Policies, including any rights thereunder arising after the Effective Time in respect of any Company Policies that are occurrence policies and all rights in the nature of insurance, indemnification or contribution; provided that ownership of the Company Policies shall remain with the HLT Group; and
(xv) any claims, counterclaims, setoffs, rights of recoupment, equity rights or defenses, whether known or unknown, that HLT and/or any of its Subsidiaries may have with respect to any Timeshare Assets and Timeshare Liabilities.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Timeshare Assets shall not include any Assets that are expressly contemplated by this Agreement or by any Specified Ancillary Agreement (or the Schedules hereto or thereto) as Assets to be retained by or Transferred to any member of the PK Group or the HLT Group, as the case may be, including any Assets (A) specified in clauses (i) through (xv) of the definition of Ownership Assets or (B) specified in clauses (i) through (xv) of the definition of HLT Retained Assets.
(107) Timeshare Business shall mean the businesses conducted through the ownership, development, redevelopment and management of, the sale and financing of interests in, and the servicing of receivables with respect to, timeshare properties by HLT or any of its Subsidiaries (or other Business Entities in which HLT or any of its Subsidiaries has an ownership
23
interest) prior to the Effective Time, including, for the avoidance of doubt, the businesses of (i) the ownership, development, redevelopment and management of, the sale and financing of interests in, and the servicing of receivables with respect to, the timeshare properties set forth on Schedule 1.1(107) hereto, (ii) any other division, Subsidiary, line of business or investment of HLT or any of its Subsidiaries (or other Business Entities in which HLT or any of its Subsidiaries has an ownership interest) managed or operated prior to the Effective Time by any Timeshare Entity, unless such other division, Subsidiary, line of business or investment is an Ownership Entity, an Ownership Asset, a HLT Retained Entity or a HLT Retained Asset and (iii) those business entities acquired or established by or for HGV or any other member of the HGV Group after the Effective Time.
(108) Timeshare Contracts shall mean the following Contracts to which HLT or any of its Subsidiaries (or other Business Entities in which HLT or any of its Subsidiaries has an ownership interest) is a party as of the date hereof or becomes a party prior to the Effective Time, whether or not in writing, except for any such Contract or part thereof (i) that is expressly contemplated not to be Transferred by any member of the HLT Group or the PK Group to the HGV Group or (ii) that is expressly contemplated to be Transferred to (or remain with) any member of the HLT Group or the PK Group, in each case, pursuant to any provision of this Agreement or any Specified Ancillary Agreement:
(i) any Contract entered into in the name of, or expressly on behalf of, any division, business unit or member of the HGV Group;
(ii) any Contract that relates primarily to the Timeshare Business, including any (x) Contract providing for the acquisition or disposition of a Timeshare Entity or Timeshare Assets or (y) Contract that was awarded after the Effective Date and for which the quotation, proposal, or bid was pending as of the date hereof;
(iii) any Contract that relates primarily to the Timeshare Business that was awarded after the Effective Date and for which the quotation, proposal, or bid was pending as of the date hereof;
(iv) any Contract that represents or underlies any Timeshare Assets or Timeshare Liabilities;
(v) any Contract or part thereof that is otherwise expressly contemplated pursuant to this Agreement (including pursuant to Section 2.2(b ) ) or any of the Ancillary Agreements to be assigned to any member of the HGV Group; and
(vi) any guarantee, indemnity, representation or warranty of or in favor of any member of the HGV Group.
(109) Timeshare Indemnitees shall mean each member of the HGV Group and each of their respective Affiliates from and after the Effective Time and each member of the HGV Groups and such respective Affiliates respective directors, officers, employees and agents and each of the heirs, executors, successors and assigns of any of the foregoing.
(110) Timeshare Liabilities shall mean any and all Liabilities relating primarily to, arising primarily out of or resulting primarily from: (a) the operation or conduct of the Timeshare Business, as conducted at any time prior to, at or after the Effective Time (including any Liability relating to, arising out of or resulting from any act or failure to act by any director, officer,
24
employee, agent or representative (whether or not such act or failure to act is or was within such Persons authority) of the HGV Group); (b) the operation or conduct of any business conducted by any member of the HGV Group at any time after the Effective Time (including any Liability relating to, arising out of or resulting from any act or failure to act by any director, officer, employee, agent or representative (whether or not such act or failure to act is or was within such Persons authority) of the HGV Group); or (c) any Timeshare Assets, whether arising prior to, at or after the Effective Time, including:
(i) any and all Liabilities reflected on the HGV Balance Sheet or the accounting records supporting such balance sheet and any Liabilities incurred by or for HGV or any member of the HGV Group subsequent to the date of the HGV Balance Sheet which, had they been so incurred on or before such date, would have been reflected on the HGV Balance Sheet if prepared on a consistent basis, subject to any discharge of any of such Liabilities subsequent to the date of the HGV Balance Sheet;
(ii) any Liabilities to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from, the Timeshare Contracts;
(iii) the Applicable HGV Percentage of any Shared Contingent Liability;
(iv) The liabilities set forth on Schedule 1.1(110)(iv) (the Specified Timeshare Liabilities );
(v) any Liabilities assumed or retained by the HGV Group pursuant to this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements;
(vi) any Liabilities arising prior to, at or after the Effective Time for any infringement by the Timeshare Business of the Intellectual Property of any other Person or breach by the Timeshare Business of any Contract relating to Intellectual Property;
(vii) all Liabilities arising prior to, at or after the Effective Time to the extent resulting from any (A) violation prior to the Effective Time of any Environmental Laws by the HGV Group, any Timeshare Discontinued Operation or the conduct of the Timeshare Business, (B) use, treatment, or disposal prior to the Effective Time of Materials of Environmental Concern by or on behalf of the HGV Group, any Timeshare Discontinued Operation or in the conduct of the Timeshare Business or (C) presence of Materials of Environmental Concern at, or release of Materials of Environmental Concern from, any Timeshare Assets or any Timeshare Discontinued Operation; provided that Liabilities of the type described in this subsection (vii) relating to real estate that is an Ownership Asset or a HLT Retained Asset pursuant to this Agreement, shall not be Timeshare Liabilities but shall instead be, respectively, Ownership Liabilities and HLT Retained Liabilities;
(viii) any Liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from, any division, Subsidiary, line of business or investment of HLT or any of its Subsidiaries managed or operated at any time prior to the Effective Time by the Timeshare Entities and sold, transferred or otherwise discontinued prior to the Effective Time, including the divisions, Subsidiaries, lines of business or investments set forth on Schedule 1.1(110)(viii ) , unless such division, Subsidiary, line of business or investment is listed on Schedule 1.1(53)(ix) or Schedule 1.1(80)(viii) (each such division, Subsidiary, line of business or investment, a Timeshare Discontinued Operation );
25
(ix) any Liabilities relating primarily to, arising primarily out of or resulting primarily from, the operation or conduct of the Timeshare Business by any Business Entity that is a HLT Retained Entity or an Ownership Entity under this Agreement but has conducted the Timeshare Business at any time prior to the Effective Time;
(x) any Liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated in the HGV Form 10 or in any HGV Offering Memorandum, or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, with respect to all information contained in, or incorporated by reference into, the HGV Form 10, any HGV Offering Memorandum and any other Disclosure Documents filed by HGV in connection with the Distribution or as contemplated by this Agreement, other than with respect to the HLT Disclosure Sections;
(xi) Specified Shared Expenses to the extent provided in Section 5.2 ; and
(xii) any Liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from the claims, proceedings, litigation and disputes listed on Schedule 1.1(110)(xii ) ; and
(xiii) Any Liabilities relating primarily to, arising primarily out of or resulting primarily from, a workers compensation claim brought by or on behalf of an employee employed at any time in the Timeshare Business or any Timeshare Discontinued Operation, except in the case where such employee was employed in either the Ownership Business or any Ownership Discontinued Operation or the HLT Retained Business or any HLT Discontinued Operation subsequent to such employees final employment in the Timeshare Business or Timeshare Discontinued Operations, as applicable, in which case the Liability shall be retained by PK or HLT, respectively.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Timeshare Liabilities shall not include any Liabilities that are expressly (A) contemplated by this Agreement or by any Specified Ancillary Agreement (or the Schedules hereto or thereto) as Liabilities to be Assumed by any member of the PK Group or the HLT Group, as the case may be, including any Liabilities specified (1) in clauses (i) through (xiii) of the definition of Ownership Liabilities or (2) in the definition of HLT Retained Liabilities, including clauses (i) through (xiii) thereof, or (B) discharged pursuant to Section 2.3 of this Agreement.
For the avoidance of doubt, no Liability shall be a Timeshare Liability solely as a result of (x) HGV being named as party to or in any Action relating to any HLT Retained Liability or Ownership Liability, or (y) HGVs status as the former direct or indirect stockholder or equityholder of any member of the HLT Group or PK Group.
(111) Transfer shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(b ) ; and the term Transferred shall have its correlative meaning.
(112) Transition Services Agreement shall mean the Master Transition Services Agreement by and among HLT, PK and HGV, in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit D .
(113) Waiver Letter shall mean that letter agreement from Blackstone to each of PK and Hogan Lovells US LLP in the form attached as Exhibit E hereto.
26
Section 1.2. References; 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. Unless the context otherwise requires, 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, Annexes, Exhibits and Schedules shall be deemed references to Articles and Sections of, and Annexes, Exhibits 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. The words written request when used in this Agreement shall include email. In the event of any inconsistency or conflict which may arise in the application or interpretation of any of the definitions set forth in Section 1.1 , for the purpose of determining what is and is not included in such definitions, any item explicitly included on a Schedule referred to in any such definition shall take priority over any provision of the text thereof.
27
ARTICLE II
THE SEPARATION
Section 2.1. Genera l. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, the Parties shall use, and shall cause their respective Affiliates to use, their respective commercially reasonable efforts to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, including as set forth in the Plan of Reorganization, a portion of which may have already been implemented prior to the date hereof. It is the intent of the Parties that, after consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby HLT shall have been restructured, to the extent necessary, such that following the consummation of such restructuring, subject to Section 2.5 and Section 2.6 , (i) HLT shall, directly or indirectly, own the equity interests of all of the HLT Retained Entities (other than HLT), all of HLTs and its controlled Affiliates rights, title and interest in and to the HLT Retained Assets shall be owned or held by the HLT Group, the HLT Retained Business shall be conducted by the HLT Group and all of the HLT Retained Liabilities shall be Assumed directly or indirectly by (or remain with) the HLT Group, (ii) PK shall, directly or indirectly, own the equity interests of all of the Ownership Entities (other than PK), all of HLTs and its controlled Affiliates rights, title and interest in and to the Ownership Assets shall be owned or held by the PK Group, the Ownership Business shall be conducted by the PK Group and all of the Ownership Liabilities shall be Assumed directly or indirectly by (or remain with) the PK Group, and (iii) HGV shall, directly or indirectly, own the equity interests of all of the Timeshare Entities (other than HGV), all of HLTs and its controlled Affiliates rights, title and interest in and to the Timeshare Assets shall be owned or held by the HGV Group, the Timeshare Business shall be conducted by the HGV Group and all of the Timeshare Liabilities shall be Assumed directly or indirectly by (or remain with) the HGV Group.
Section 2.2. Restructuring: Transfer of Assets; Assumption of Liabilities .
(a) Restructuring of Entities . Prior to the Effective Time, to the extent not already completed, HLT and its controlled Affiliates will use commercially reasonable efforts to take such steps (which may include the transfer of shares or other equity interests, the formation of new entities and/or the declaration of dividends) as may be necessary or desirable to effect the Plan of Reorganization (and any additional steps that may have been omitted from (or are otherwise required in order to effect) the Plan of Reorganization) in order to cause (i) HLT to, directly or indirectly, own the HLT Retained Entities (other than HLT), (ii) PK to, directly or indirectly, own the Ownership Entities (other than PK) and (iii) HGV to, directly or indirectly, own the Timeshare Entities (other than HGV). In the event such steps are not able to be completed by the Effective Time, the Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to effect other actions following the Effective Time in accordance with, and subject to the limitations of, Sections 2.5 and 2.6 to cause the result set forth above.
(b) Transfer of Other Assets and Assumption of Liabilities . Prior to the Effective Time, except as otherwise specifically set forth in any Specified Ancillary Agreement and without duplication of the obligations set forth in Section 2.2(a ) , pursuant to the Conveyancing and Assumption Instruments: (x) HLT shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the applicable Asset Transferors to, transfer, contribute, distribute, assign and/or convey or cause to be transferred, contributed, distributed, assigned and/or conveyed ( Transfer ) to (A) the respective Managing and Franchising Asset Transferees, all of the applicable Asset Transferors right, title and interest in and to the HLT Retained Assets, (B) PK and/or the respective Ownership Asset Transferees, all of its and the applicable Asset Transferors right, title and interest in and to the Ownership Assets and (C) HGV and/or the respective Timeshare Asset Transferees, all of its and the applicable Asset Transferors right, title and interest in and to the Timeshare Assets and (y) (i) HLT shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause a member of the HLT Group to accept, assume (or, as applicable, retain) and perform, discharge and fulfill, in accordance with their respective terms ( Assume ), all of the HLT Retained Liabilities, (ii) PK shall, or shall cause a member of
28
the PK Group to, Assume all of the Ownership Liabilities and (iii) HGV shall, or shall cause a member of the HGV Group to, Assume all of the Timeshare Liabilities, in each case, regardless of (I) when or where such Liabilities arose or arise, (II) whether the facts upon which they are based occurred prior to, on or subsequent to the Effective Time, (III) where or against whom such Liabilities are asserted or determined or (IV) whether arising from or alleged to arise from negligence, recklessness, violation of Law, fraud or misrepresentation by any member of the HLT Group, the PK Group or the HGV Group, as the case may be, or any of their past or present respective directors, officers, employees, agents, Subsidiaries or Affiliates. In the event and to the extent any such Transfers and Assumptions are not completed by the Effective Time, the Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to effect such Transfers and Assumptions following the Effective Time in accordance with, and subject to the limitations of, Sections 2.5, 2.6, 2.7 and 2.8 ).
(c) Consents . The Parties shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the required Consents or Governmental Approvals to Transfer any Assets, Contracts, licenses, permits and/or authorizations issued by any Governmental Entity or parts thereof as contemplated by this Agreement prior to the Effective Time, or, pursuant to Section 2.5, following the Effective Time. Nothing herein shall be deemed to require the Transfer of any Assets or the Assumption of any Liabilities which by operation of Law cannot be Transferred or Assumed; provided , however , that the Parties shall cooperate and use their commercially reasonable efforts to seek to obtain, in accordance with applicable Law, any required Consents or Governmental Approvals for the Transfer of all Assets and Assumption of all Liabilities to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law contemplated to be Transferred and Assumed pursuant to this Article II .
Section 2.3. Intercompany Accounts . Except as set forth in Section 7.1(b) and to the extent not otherwise settled, capitalized or otherwise eliminated pursuant to any Ancillary Agreement, all (i) intercompany receivables, payables and loans (other than receivables, payables and loans otherwise specifically provided for under this Agreement, under any Ancillary Agreement or under any Continuing Arrangements as set forth on Schedule 1.1(20 ), and other than payables created or required hereby or by any Ancillary Agreement or any Continuing Arrangements or trade payables arising in the ordinary course of business), if any, and (ii) intercompany balances, including in respect of any cash balances, any cash balances representing deposited checks or drafts or any cash held in any centralized cash management system (A) between any member of the HLT Group, on the one hand, and any member of the PK Group or the HGV Group, on the other hand or (B) between any member of the PK Group, on the one hand, and any member of the HGV Group, on the other hand, in each case, which exist and are reflected in the accounting records of the relevant Parties immediately prior to the Effective Time, shall be settled or capitalized, in each case as of the Effective Time, as may be agreed prior to the Effective Time by HLT, PK and/or HGV, and their respective Subsidiaries, as applicable. Each of the Parties shall, and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to, take all actions and do all things reasonably necessary on its part, or such Subsidiaries part, under applicable Law or contractual obligations to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by such agreement or agreements in respect of such settlements or capitalizations.
Section 2.4. Limitation of Liability . No Party shall have any Liability to any other Party in the event that any Information exchanged or provided pursuant to this Agreement which is an estimate or forecast, or which is based on an estimate or forecast, is found to be inaccurate.
Section 2.5. Transfers Not Effected at or Prior to the Effective Time; Transfers Deemed Effective as of the Effective Time .
29
(a) To the extent that any Transfer of Assets (including any entity) or Assumption of Liabilities contemplated by this Article II shall not have been consummated at or prior to the Effective Time, the Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to effect such Transfers as promptly following the Effective Time as shall be practicable. Nothing herein shall be deemed to require the Transfer of any Assets or the Assumption of any Liabilities which by their terms or operation of Law cannot be Transferred; provided , however , that the Parties and their respective Subsidiaries shall cooperate and use commercially reasonable efforts to seek to obtain, in accordance with applicable Law, any necessary Consents or Governmental Approvals for the Transfer of all Assets and Assumption of all Liabilities to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law contemplated to be Transferred and Assumed pursuant to this Article II .
(b) In the event that any such Transfer of Assets (including any entity) or Assumption of Liabilities has not been consummated, from and after the Effective Time (i) the Party retaining such Asset shall thereafter hold such Asset in trust for the use and benefit of the Party entitled thereto (at the expense of the Party entitled thereto) and (ii) the Party intended to Assume such Liability shall, or shall cause the applicable member of its Group to (A) pay or reimburse the Party retaining such Liability for all amounts paid or incurred by such Party (applicable member of its Group) in connection with the retention of such Liability or (B) perform any non-monetary Liabilities in the place of the Party retaining such Liability to the extent such performance is practicable, permitted under applicable Law and does not result in a breach or default (or give rise to any termination rights, penalties or other remedies for the benefit of any counterparty) under any applicable Contract. To the extent the foregoing applies to any Contracts to be assigned for which any necessary Consents or Governmental Approvals are not received prior to the Effective Time, the treatment of such Contracts shall, for the avoidance of doubt, be subject to Section 2.7 , to the extent applicable. In addition, the Party retaining such Asset or Liability shall, insofar as reasonably possible and to the extent permitted by applicable Law, treat such Asset or Liability in the ordinary course of business in accordance with past practice and take such other actions as may be reasonably requested by the Party to which such Asset is to be Transferred or by the Party Assuming such Liability in order to place such Party, insofar as reasonably possible, in the same position as if such Asset or Liability had been Transferred or Assumed as contemplated hereby and so that all of the benefits and burdens relating to such Asset or Liability, including possession, use, risk of loss, potential for gain, and dominion, control and command over such Asset or Liability, are to inure from and after the Effective Time to the member or members of the HLT Group, the HGV Group or the PK Group entitled to the receipt of such Asset or required to Assume such Liability. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Parties agree that, as of the Effective Time, subject to Section 2.2(c ) , to the extent permitted by applicable Law, each Party shall be deemed to have acquired complete and sole beneficial ownership over all of the Assets, together with all rights, powers and privileges incident thereto, and shall be deemed to have Assumed in accordance with the terms of this Agreement all of the Liabilities, and all duties, obligations and responsibilities incident thereto, which such Party is entitled to acquire or required to Assume pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.
(c) If and when the Consents, Governmental Approvals and/or conditions, the absence or non-satisfaction of which caused the deferral of Transfer of any Asset or deferral of the Assumption of any Liability pursuant to Section 2.5(a ) , are obtained or satisfied, the Transfer, assignment, Assumption or novation of the applicable Asset or Liability shall be effected in accordance with and subject to the terms of this Agreement (including Section 2.2 ) and/or the applicable Ancillary Agreement, and shall, to the extent possible without the imposition of any substantial cost on any Party, be deemed to be effective as of the Effective Time.
(d) Any costs and expenses incurred after the Effective Time and on or prior to the second anniversary of the Distribution Date to effect any Transfer of Assets (including any entity) or Assumption of Liabilities shall be shared equally between the Parties to which such Transfer of Assets or Assumption of Liabilities relates. Following the second anniversary of the Distribution Date, (i) the Party retaining any Asset (including any entity) contemplated by this Agreement to be Transferred to another Party shall
30
not be obligated to expend any money to Transfer such Asset to such other Party unless the necessary funds are advanced, assumed, or agreed in advance to be reimbursed by the Party entitled to such Asset and (ii) the Party required to assume any Liability contemplated by this Agreement to be Assumed by such Party shall not be obligated to expend any money to Assume such Liability unless the necessary funds are advanced, assumed, or agreed in advance to be reimbursed by the Party seeking to be relieved of such Liability. Other than costs and expenses incurred and reimbursed in accordance with the foregoing, nothing in this Section 2.5(d) shall require any member of any Group to incur any material obligation or grant any material concession for the benefit of any member of any other Group in order to effect any transaction contemplated by Section 2.2 or Section 2.5 .
(e) With respect to Assets and Liabilities described in Section 2.5(a ) , each of HLT, PK and HGV shall, and shall cause the members of its respective Group to, (i) treat for all Income Tax purposes (A) the deferred Assets as assets having been Transferred to and owned by the Party entitled to such Assets not later than the Effective Time (or the time of the Internal Distribution of OpCo common stock in the case of Assets intended to be part of the OpCo Contribution) and (B) the deferred Liabilities as liabilities having been Assumed and owned by the Person intended to be subject to such Liabilities not later than the Effective Time (or the time of the Internal Distribution of OpCo common stock in the case of Assets intended to be part of the OpCo Contribution) and (ii) neither report nor take any Income Tax position (on a Tax Return or otherwise) inconsistent with such treatment (unless required by a change in applicable Tax Law, good faith resolution of a Tax Contest relating to Income Taxes or a Final Determination).
Section 2.6. Conveyancing and Assumption Instruments . In connection with, and in furtherance of, the Transfers of Assets and the Assumptions of Liabilities contemplated by this Agreement, the Parties shall execute or cause to be executed, on or after the date hereof by the appropriate entities to the extent not executed prior to the date hereof (but subject to Section 2.5), any Conveyancing and Assumption Instruments necessary to evidence the valid Transfer to the applicable Party or member of such Partys Group of all right, title and interest in and to its accepted Assets and the valid and effective Assumption by the applicable Party of its Assumed Liabilities for Transfers and Assumptions to be effected pursuant to the Laws of one of the states of the United States or, if not appropriate for a given Transfer or Assumption, and for Transfers or Assumptions to be effected pursuant to non-U.S. Laws, in such form as the Parties shall reasonably agree, including the Transfer of real property by mutually acceptable conveyance deeds as may be appropriate and in form and substance as may be required by the jurisdiction in which the real property is located. The Transfer of capital stock shall be effected by means of executed stock powers and notation on the stock record books of the corporation or other legal entities involved, or by such other means as may be required in any non-U.S. jurisdiction to Transfer title to stock and, only to the extent required by applicable Law, by notation on public registries.
Section 2.7. Further Assurances .
(a) In addition to and without limiting the actions specifically provided for elsewhere in this Agreement, including Section 2.5 , each of the Parties shall cooperate with each other and use (and shall cause its respective Subsidiaries and Affiliates to use) commercially reasonable efforts, at and after the Effective Time, to take, or to cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or to cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary on its part under applicable Law or contractual obligations to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements.
(b) Without limiting the foregoing, at and after the Effective Time, each Party shall cooperate with the other Parties, and, subject to Section 2.5 , from and after the Effective Time, to execute and deliver, or use commercially reasonable efforts to cause to be executed and delivered, all instruments, including instruments of Transfer or title, and to make all filings with, and to obtain all Consents and/or
31
Governmental Approvals, any permit, license, Contract, indenture or other instrument (including any Consents or Governmental Approvals), and to take all such other actions as such Party may reasonably be requested to take by any other Party from time to time, consistent with the terms of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, in order to effectuate the provisions and purposes of this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements and the Transfers of the applicable Assets and the assignment and Assumption of the applicable Liabilities and the other transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. Without limiting the foregoing, each Party shall, subject to Section 2.5, take such other actions as may be reasonably necessary to vest in such other Party such title and such rights as possessed by the transferring Party to the Assets allocated to such other Party under this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements, free and clear of any Security Interest, if and to the extent it is practicable to do so.
(c) At or prior to the Effective Time, each of HLT, PK and HGV shall enter into, and/or (where applicable) shall cause a member or members of their respective Group to enter into, the Specified Ancillary Agreements and shall, subject to Section 2.5 , use commercially reasonable efforts to enter into any other Ancillary Agreements and any other Contracts in respect of the Distributions reasonably necessary or appropriate in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby ( provided , however , that for the avoidance of doubt the Managing and Franchising Agreements shall not become effective until after the Distributions).
Section 2.8. Guarantees; Letters of Credit .
(a) Except as otherwise set forth in Section 2.8(b ) , any member of the HLT Group, the PK Group or the HGV Group, as applicable (an Existing Guarantor ), shall remain as the guarantor or obligor under any guarantee and/or letter of credit by such Existing Guarantor in favor of any member of another Group (a Guaranteed Party ) to which it is a party, and the applicable Guaranteed Party shall indemnify and hold harmless the Existing Guarantor for any Indemnifiable Loss arising from or relating thereto (in accordance with the provisions of Article VII ).
(b) With respect to those guarantees and/or letters of credit set forth on Schedule 2.8(b ) , (i) HLT shall (with the reasonable cooperation of the applicable member of the HGV Group or PK Group) use its commercially reasonable efforts to have any member of the HGV Group and/or the PK Group removed as guarantor of or obligor for any HLT Retained Liability to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, including in respect of those guarantees set forth on Schedule 2.8(b)(i ) , to the extent that they relate to HLT Retained Liabilities, (ii) PK shall (with the reasonable cooperation of the applicable member of the HLT Group or HGV Group) use commercially reasonable efforts to have any member of the HLT Group and/or the HGV Group removed as guarantor of or obligor for any Ownership Liability to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, including in respect of those guarantees set forth on Schedule 2.8(b)(ii ) , to the extent that they relate to Ownership Liabilities and (iii) HGV shall (with the reasonable cooperation of the applicable member of the HLT Group or PK Group) use commercially reasonably efforts to have any member of the HLT Group and/or the PK Group removed as guarantor of or obligor for any Timeshare Liability, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, including in respect of those guarantees set forth on Schedule 2.8(b)(iii ) , to the extent that they relate to Timeshare Liabilities.
(c) To the extent required to obtain a release from a guaranty (a Guaranty Release ) in accordance with Section 2.8(b ) :
(i) of any member of the HLT Group, PK and/or HGV shall, as applicable, execute a guaranty agreement substantially in the form of the existing guaranty or such other form as is agreed to by the relevant parties to such guaranty agreement, except to the extent that such existing guaranty contains representations, covenants or other terms or provisions either (A) with which PK or HGV, as the case may be, would be reasonably unable to comply or (B) which would be reasonably expected to be breached;
32
(ii) of any member of the PK Group, HLT and/or HGV shall, as applicable, execute a guaranty agreement substantially in the form of the existing guaranty or such other form as is agreed to by the relevant parties to such guaranty agreement, except to the extent that such existing guaranty contains representations, covenants or other terms or provisions either (A) with which HLT or HGV, as the case may be, would be reasonably unable to comply or (B) which would be reasonably expected to be breached; and
(iii) of any member of the HGV Group, HLT and/or PK, shall, as applicable, execute a guaranty agreement substantially in the form of the existing guaranty or such other form as is agreed to by the relevant parties to such guaranty agreement, except to the extent that such existing guaranty contains representations, covenants or other terms or provisions either (A) with which HLT or PK, as the case may be, would be reasonably unable to comply or (B) which would be reasonably expected to be breached.
(d) With respect to any Delayed Removal PK Guarantee (as defined in Schedule 2.8(b)(i)) at any time, or if HLT, PK or HGV has not yet obtained, or caused to be obtained, or is unable to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, any required removal of a guarantee as set forth in clauses (b) and (c) of this Section 2.8 , (i) the relevant member of the HLT Group, PK Group or HGV Group, as applicable, that has assumed the underlying Liability with respect to such guarantee shall indemnify and hold harmless the guarantor or obligor for any Indemnifiable Loss arising from or relating thereto (in accordance with the provisions of Article VII ) and shall or shall cause one of its Subsidiaries to, as agent or subcontractor for such guarantor or obligor, pay, perform and discharge fully all the obligations or other Liabilities of such guarantor or obligor thereunder and (ii) each of HLT, PK and HGV, on behalf of themselves and the members of their respective Groups, agree not to renew or extend the term of, increase its obligations under, or Transfer to a third party, any loan, guarantee, lease, contract or other obligation for which another Party or member of such Partys Group is or may be liable without the prior written consent of such other Party, unless all obligations of such other Party and the other members of such Partys Group with respect thereto are thereupon terminated by documentation reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to such Party; provided , however , with respect to leases, in the event a Guaranty Release is not obtained and the relevant beneficiary wishes to extend the term of such guaranteed lease, then such beneficiary shall have the option of extending the term if it provides such security as is reasonably satisfactory to the guarantor under such guaranteed lease.
Section 2.9. Return of Assets and Payments .
(a) In the event that, at any time from and after the Effective Time, any Party (or any member of its Group) discovers that it or one of the members of its Group is the owner of, receives or otherwise comes to possess or benefit from any Asset (including the receipt of payments made pursuant to Contracts and proceeds from accounts receivable with respect to such Asset) or is liable for any Liability that is otherwise allocated to any Person that is a member of one of the other Groups pursuant to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (except in the case of any acquisition of Assets or assumption of Liabilities from the other Party for value subsequent to the Effective Time), such Party shall promptly Transfer, or cause to be Transferred, such Asset or Liability to the Person so entitled thereto (and the applicable Party shall cause such entitled Person to accept such Asset or Assume such Liability) for no further consideration. Prior to any such transfer, such Asset shall be held in accordance with the other provisions of Section 2.5 .
(b) After the Effective Time, each Party (or any member of its Group) may receive mail, packages and other communications properly belonging to another Party (or any member of its Group). Accordingly, at all times after the Effective Time, each Party is hereby authorized to receive and open all
33
mail, packages and other communications received by such Party that belongs to such other Party, and to the extent that they do not relate to the business of the receiving Party, the receiving Party shall promptly deliver such mail, packages or other communications (or, in case the same also relates to the business of the receiving Party or another Party, copies thereof) to such other Party as provided for in Section 11.6 . The provisions of this Section 2.9(b) are not intended to, and shall not, be deemed to constitute an authorization by any Party to permit the other to accept service of process on its behalf and no Party is or shall be deemed to be the agent of any other Party for service of process purposes.
(c) As between any two Parties (and the members of their respective Group) all payments and reimbursements received after the Effective Time by any Party (or member of its Group) that relate to a Business, Asset or Liability of another Party (or member of its Group), shall be held by such Party in trust for the use and benefit of the Party entitled thereto (at the expense of the Party entitled thereto) and, promptly upon receipt by such Party of any such payment or reimbursement, such Party shall pay or shall cause the applicable member of its Group to pay over to the Party entitled thereto the amount of such payment or reimbursement without right of set-off.
Section 2.10. Disclaimer of Representations and Warranties . EACH OF HLT (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH MEMBER OF THE HLT GROUP), PK (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH MEMBER OF THE PK GROUP), AND HGV (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH MEMBER OF THE HGV GROUP) UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES THAT, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN, IN ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT OR IN ANY CONTINUING ARRANGEMENT, NO PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT, ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENT OR DOCUMENT CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENTS OR OTHERWISE, IS REPRESENTING OR WARRANTING IN ANY WAY AS TO THE ASSETS, BUSINESSES OR LIABILITIES CONTRIBUTED, TRANSFERRED OR ASSUMED AS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY, AS TO ANY CONSENTS OR GOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS REQUIRED IN CONNECTION HEREWITH OR THEREWITH, AS TO THE VALUE OR FREEDOM FROM ANY SECURITY INTERESTS, RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER, ENCUMBRANCE OR LIEN, NON-INFRINGEMENT, OR ANY OTHER MATTER CONCERNING, ANY ASSETS OF SUCH PARTY, OR AS TO THE ABSENCE OF ANY DEFENSES OR RIGHT OF SETOFF OR FREEDOM FROM COUNTERCLAIM WITH RESPECT TO ANY ACTION OR OTHER ASSET, INCLUDING ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, OF ANY PARTY, OR AS TO THE LEGAL SUFFICIENCY OF ANY CONTRIBUTION, ASSIGNMENT, DOCUMENT, CERTIFICATE OR INSTRUMENT DELIVERED HEREUNDER TO CONVEY TITLE TO ANY ASSET OR THING OF VALUE UPON THE EXECUTION, DELIVERY AND FILING HEREOF OR THEREOF. EXCEPT AS MAY EXPRESSLY BE SET FORTH HEREIN OR IN ANY ANCILLARY AGREEMENT, ALL SUCH ASSETS ARE BEING TRANSFERRED ON AN AS IS, WHERE IS BASIS (AND, IN THE CASE OF ANY REAL PROPERTY, BY MEANS OF A QUITCLAIM OR SIMILAR FORM DEED OR CONVEYANCE) AND THE RESPECTIVE TRANSFEREES SHALL BEAR THE ECONOMIC AND LEGAL RISKS THAT (I) ANY CONVEYANCE SHALL PROVE TO BE INSUFFICIENT TO VEST IN THE TRANSFEREE GOOD TITLE, FREE AND CLEAR OF ANY SECURITY INTEREST, RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER, ENCUMBRANCE OR LIEN AND (II) ANY NECESSARY CONSENTS OR GOVERNMENTAL APPROVALS ARE NOT OBTAINED OR THAT ANY REQUIREMENTS OF LAWS OR JUDGMENTS ARE NOT COMPLIED WITH.
34
ARTICLE III
CERTAIN ACTIONS AT OR PRIOR TO THE DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 3.1. Certificates of Incorporation; By-laws .
(a) PK . On or prior to the Distribution Date, all necessary actions shall be taken to adopt the form of amended and restated certificate of incorporation and form of amended and restated by-laws filed by PK with the Commission as exhibits to the PK Form 10, to be effective as of the Effective Time.
(b) HGV . On or prior to the Distribution Date, all necessary actions shall be taken to adopt the form of amended and restated certificate of incorporation and form of amended and restated by-laws filed by HGV with the Commission as exhibits to the HGV Form 10, to be effective as of the Effective Time.
Section 3.2. Directors .
(a) HLT . On or prior to the Distribution Date, HLT shall take all necessary actions, including procuring the resignations of the directors named on Schedule 3.2(a ) , such that, at the Effective Time, its Board shall include the individuals named on Schedule 3.2(a ) .
(b) PK . On or prior to the Distribution Date, HLT shall take all necessary action to cause the Board of Directors of PK to include, at the Effective Time, the individuals identified in the PK Information Statement as directors of PK.
(c) HGV . On or prior to the Distribution Date, HLT shall take all necessary action to cause the Board of Directors of HGV to include, at the Effective Time, the individuals identified in the HGV Information Statement as directors of HGV.
Section 3.3. Officers .
(a) HLT . On or prior to the Distribution Date, HLT shall take all necessary actions, including procuring the resignations of its officers, such that at the Effective Time its officers shall be the individuals named on Schedule 3.3(a ) .
(b) PK . On or prior to the Distribution Date, HLT shall take all necessary action to cause the individuals identified as such in the PK Information Statement to be officers of PK as of the Effective Time.
(c) HGV . On or prior to the Distribution Date, HLT shall take all necessary action to cause the individuals identified as such in the HGV Information Statement to be officers of HGV as of the Effective Time.
Section 3.4. Resignations and Removals .
(a) PK . On or prior to the Distribution Date or as soon thereafter as practicable, (i) HLT shall cause all of its employees and any employees of its Subsidiaries (excluding any employees of any member of the PK Group) to resign or be removed, effective as of the Effective Time, from all positions as officers or directors of any member of the PK Group in which they serve, and (ii) PK shall cause all of its employees and any employees of its Subsidiaries to resign, effective as of the Effective Time, from all positions as officers or directors of any members of the HLT Group or the HGV Group in which they serve.
(b) HGV . On or prior to the Distribution Date or as soon thereafter as practicable, (i) HLT shall cause all of its employees and any employees of its Subsidiaries (excluding any employees of any member of the HGV Group) to resign or be removed, effective as of the Effective Time, from all positions as officers or directors of any member of the HGV Group in which they serve, and (ii) HGV shall cause all of its employees and any employees of its Subsidiaries to resign, effective as of the Effective Time, from all positions as officers or directors of any members of the HLT Group or the PK Group in which they serve.
35
(c) No Person shall be required by any Party to resign from any position or office with another Party if such Person is disclosed in the applicable Information Statement as the Person who is to hold such position or office following the applicable Distribution.
Section 3.5. Dividends . Prior to the Distribution Date, PK will declare and pay a cash dividend to HLT (or another member of the HLT Group) in an amount to be mutually agreed by HLT and PK. Prior to the Distribution Date, HGV will declare and pay a cash dividend to HLT (or another member of the HLT Group) in an amount to be mutually agreed by HLT and HGV.
ARTICLE IV
EFFECTING THE DISTRIBUTION; CONDITIONS TO THE DISTRIBUTION
Section 4.1. Stock Dividends to HLT Stockholders .
(a) PK . On the Distribution Date, HLT shall cause the Distribution Agent to distribute all of the outstanding shares of PK Common Stock then owned by HLT to holders of HLT Common Stock on the Distribution Record Date, and to credit the appropriate number of such shares of PK Common Stock to book entry accounts for each such holder or designated transferee or transferees of such holder of PK Common Stock. For stockholders of HLT who own HLT Common Stock through a broker or other nominee, their shares of HLT Common Stock shall be credited to their respective accounts by such broker or nominee. Unless otherwise provided for in the Employee Matters Agreement, each holder of HLT Common Stock on the Distribution Record Date (or such holders designated transferee or transferees) shall be entitled to receive in the PK Distribution one (1) share of PK Common Stock, or such other number of shares of PK Common Stock as shall have been approved by the Board and set forth in the PK Information Statement, for every five (5) shares of HLT Common Stock held by such stockholder; provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, HLT shall not distribute any fractional shares of PK Common Stock and instead HLT shall cause the Distribution Agent to aggregate fractional shares to which holders of HLT Common Stock would otherwise be entitled into whole shares, sell the whole shares in the open market at prevailing market prices and distribute the aggregate net cash proceeds from the sales pro rata to each holder of HLT Common Stock who would otherwise have been entitled to receive a fractional share in the PK Distribution. No action by any such stockholder shall be necessary for such stockholder (or such stockholders designated transferee or transferees) to receive the applicable number of shares (and, if applicable, cash in lieu of any fractional shares) of PK Common Stock such stockholder is entitled to in the PK Distribution.
(b) HGV . On the Distribution Date, HLT shall cause the Distribution Agent to distribute all of the outstanding shares of HGV Common Stock then owned by HLT to holders of HLT Common Stock on the Distribution Record Date, and to credit the appropriate number of such shares of HGV Common Stock to book entry accounts for each such holder or designated transferee or transferees of such holder of HGV Common Stock. For stockholders of HLT who own HLT Common Stock through a broker or other nominee, their shares of HGV Common Stock shall be credited to their respective accounts by such broker or nominee. Unless otherwise provided for in the Employee Matters Agreement, each holder of HLT Common Stock on the Distribution Record Date (or such holders designated transferee or transferees) shall be entitled to receive in the HGV Distribution one (1) share of HGV Common Stock, or such other number of shares of HGV Common Stock as shall have been approved by the Board and set forth in the HGV Information Statement, for every ten (10) shares of HLT Common Stock held by such
36
stockholder; provided that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, HLT shall not distribute any fractional shares of HGV Common Stock and instead HLT shall cause the Distribution Agent to aggregate fractional shares to which holders of HLT Common Stock would otherwise be entitled into whole shares, sell the whole shares in the open market at prevailing market prices and distribute the aggregate net cash proceeds from the sales pro rata to each holder of HLT Common Stock who would otherwise have been entitled to receive a fractional share in the HGV Distribution. No action by any such stockholder shall be necessary for such stockholder (or such stockholders designated transferee or transferees) to receive the applicable number of shares (and, if applicable, cash in lieu of any fractional shares) of HGV Common Stock such stockholder is entitled to in the HGV Distribution.
Section 4.2. Actions in Connection with the Distribution .
(a) Prior to the Distribution Date, each of PK and HGV shall file such amendments and supplements to their respective Form 10s as HLT may reasonably request, and such amendments as may be necessary in order to cause the same to become and remain effective as required by Law, including filing such amendments and supplements to their respective Form 10s as may be required by the Commission or federal, state or foreign securities Laws. Each of PK and HGV shall mail to the holders of HLT Common Stock, at such time on or prior to the Distribution Date as HLT shall determine, a Notice of Internet Availability of Information Statement Materials, as well as any other information concerning PK or HGV, as applicable, their business, operations and management, the Plan of Reorganization, the PK Distribution or HGV Distribution, as applicable, and such other matters as HLT shall reasonably determine are necessary and as may be required by Law. Promptly after receiving a request from HLT, to the extent requested, each of PK and HGV shall prepare and, in accordance with applicable Law, file with the Commission any such documentation that HLT reasonably determines is necessary or desirable to effectuate the applicable Distribution, and HLT, PK and HGV shall each use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all necessary approvals from the Commission with respect thereto as soon as practicable.
(b) Each of PK and HGV shall use commercially reasonable efforts in preparing, filing with the Commission and causing to become effective, as soon as reasonably practicable (but in any case prior to the Effective Time), effective registration statements or amendments thereof which are required in connection with the establishment of, or amendments to, any employee benefit plans of such Party.
(c) To the extent not already approved and effective, each of PK and HGV shall use commercially reasonable efforts to have approved and made effective, the respective application for the original listing of the PK Common Stock and HGV Common Stock, as applicable, to be distributed in the applicable Distribution on the NYSE, subject to official notice of distribution.
(d) Each Party shall provide all cooperation reasonably requested by the other Parties that is necessary or desirable in connection with the Financing Arrangements.
(e) Nothing in this Section 4.2 shall be deemed to shift or otherwise impose Liability for any portion of such Form 10s or Information Statements to HLT.
Section 4.3. Sole Discretion of HLT . HLT shall, in its sole and absolute discretion, determine the Distribution Date, the Effective Time and all other terms of the Distribution, including the form, structure and terms of any transactions and/or offerings to effect the Distribution and the timing of and conditions to the consummation thereof. In addition, HLT may, in accordance with Section 11.10, at any time and from time to time until the completion of the Distribution decide to abandon the PK Distribution and/or the HGV Distribution or modify or change the terms of the PK Distribution and/or the HGV Distribution, including by accelerating or delaying the timing of the consummation of all or part of the Distribution. Without limiting the foregoing, HLT shall have the right not to complete the Distribution if, at any time prior to the Effective Time, the Board shall have determined, in its sole discretion, that the Distribution is not in the best interests of HLT or its stockholders.
37
Section 4.4. Conditions to the Distribution . Subject to Section 4.3 , the following are conditions to the consummation of the Distribution. The conditions are for the sole benefit of HLT and shall not give rise to or create any duty on the part of HLT or the Board to waive or not waive any such condition.
(a) The applicable Form 10 shall have been declared effective by the Commission, no stop order suspending the effectiveness thereof shall be in effect, no proceedings for such purpose shall be pending before or threatened by the Commission, and the applicable Information Statement (or applicable Notice of Internet Availability of Information Statement Materials) shall have been mailed to the holders of HLT Common Stock;
(b) With respect to the (i) PK Distribution, the PK Common Stock to be delivered in the PK Distribution shall have been approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of distribution and (ii) HGV Distribution, the HGV Common Stock to be delivered in the HGV Distribution shall have been approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to official notice of distribution;
(c) Prior to the Distribution Date, HLT shall have obtained an opinion from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, its tax counsel, in form and substance satisfactory to HLT (in its sole discretion), to the effect that the Distribution will qualify as a tax-free distribution under Section 355 of the Code;
(d) On or prior to the Distribution Date, Blackstone shall have delivered the Waiver Letter to PK;
(e) Prior to the Distribution Date, with respect to the PK Distribution, PK shall have obtained an opinion from Hogan Lovells US LLP, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to PK, to the effect that, commencing with PKs taxable year ending December 31, 2017, PK should have been organized in conformity with the requirements for qualification as a REIT under the Code, and its proposed method of operation should enable it to meet the requirements for qualification and taxation as a REIT;
(f) The IRS Ruling shall not have been revoked or modified in any material respect;
(g) Prior to the Distribution Date, the Board shall have obtained opinions from a nationally recognized valuation firm, in form and substance satisfactory to HLT, with respect to the capital adequacy and solvency of each of HLT, PK and HGV after giving effect to the Distribution;
(h) Any material Governmental Approvals and other Consents necessary to consummate the applicable Distribution or any portion thereof shall have been obtained and be in full force and effect, it being understood that, for the avoidance of doubt, the Governmental Approvals and Consents contemplated by Section 2.5 shall not be deemed necessary to consummate any Distribution;
(i) No order, injunction or decree issued by any Governmental Entity of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of all or any portion of the applicable Distribution shall be pending, threatened, issued or in effect, and no other event outside the control of HLT shall have occurred or failed to occur that prevents the consummation of all or any portion of the applicable Distribution;
38
(j) No other events or developments shall have occurred or failed to occur prior to the Distribution Date that, in the judgment of the Board, would result in the Distribution having a material adverse effect on HLT or its stockholders;
(k) The Financing Arrangements described in the applicable Information Statements as having occurred prior to the Distribution shall have been consummated on or prior to the Distribution;
(l) The Plan of Reorganization shall have been completed, except for such steps as HLT in its sole discretion shall have determined may be completed after the Effective Time;
(m) The actions and events set forth in Sections 3.1 , 3.2 and 3.3 shall have occurred;
(n) The Board shall have approved the Distribution, which approval may be given or withheld at its absolute and sole discretion;
(o) Each Specified Ancillary Agreement shall have been executed by each party thereto.
ARTICLE V
CERTAIN COVENANTS
Section 5.1. Intellectual Property . Each Party shall not use or exploit the Intellectual Property of the other Parties after the Effective Time, except (i) as permitted in the Ancillary Agreements, (ii) as required by applicable Law, (iii) as permitted by the fair use or similar doctrines or defenses, or (iv) for neutral, non-trademark use of the other Parties Trademarks to describe the history of each Partys respective business. Subject to the terms and conditions herein, effective as of the Distribution Date, HLT grants to the Subsidiaries of PK a non-exclusive, non-sublicensable, non-assignable license to continue to use, maintain and renew any corporate or trade name (and related registrations) that (i) contain any Trademarks owned by HLT or its Subsidiaries as of the Distribution Date and (ii) are used as of the Distribution Date as corporate or trade names by Subsidiaries of PK that, as of the Distribution Date, exist and are in good standing. The above license does not give PK and its Subsidiaries the right to (a) file for new registrations containing any Trademarks owned by HLT or its Subsidiaries, (b) use any Trademarks owned by HLT or its Subsidiaries as the corporate, trade or other name of any entity not in existence and good standing as of the Distribution Date, (c) represent to any Person that PK or any of its Subsidiaries is affiliated with or doing business as HLT or an Affiliate thereof or (d) make trademark use of any Trademark owned by HLT or its Subsidiaries or apply to register or register any such Trademarks (as any type of Trademark) or use such Trademarks in any manner other than as set forth above.
Section 5.2. Administration of Specified Shared Expenses . HLT shall be responsible for administering each Specified Shared Expense. Each Party shall be responsible for payment of its Applicable Percentage of any Specified Shared Expense, except with respect to certain Specified Shared Expenses otherwise allocated among the Parties as set forth on Schedule 1.1(98 ). HLT shall invoice each of PK and HGV on a quarterly basis, and PK and HGV shall each promptly following invoice reimburse HLT for its allocable share of such Specified Shared Expenses. In addition, HLT shall, in connection with each invoice, provide a quarterly estimated budget (for informational and planning purposes only) to PK and HGV of Specified Shared Expenses for the following quarter.
Section 5.3. Cooperation . From and after the Effective Time and subject to compliance with the other provisions of this Agreement (including Section 8.6 ) and the Ancillary Agreements, each Party shall, and shall cause each of its respective Affiliates and employees to, (i) provide reasonable cooperation and assistance to each other Party (and any member of their respective Groups) in connection with the completion of the Plan of Reorganization (including assisting in the preparation of the
39
Distributions), the Distributions and the other matters contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, (ii) provide knowledge transfer regarding its applicable Business or HLTs historical business at the reasonable request of another Party, (iii) reasonably assist each other Party in the orderly and efficient transition in becoming an independent company to the extent set forth in the Transition Services Agreement and (iv) reasonably assist each other Party to which such Party is providing or has provided services, as applicable, pursuant to the Transition Services Agreement, in connection with requests for information from, audits or other examinations of, such other Party by a Governmental Entity; in each case, except as set forth in Section 2.5 , as may otherwise be agreed to by the Parties in writing or as contemplated by the immediately following sentence, at no additional cost to the Party requesting such assistance other than for the actual out-of-pocket costs (which shall not include the costs of salaries and benefits of employees of such Party or any pro rata portion of overhead or other costs of employing such employees which would have been incurred by such employees employer regardless of the employees service with respect to the foregoing) incurred by any such Party, if applicable. If an employee of one Party is requested to dedicate a significant portion or his or her working time to a project requested by another Party, the Parties agree that (x) during the term of the Transition Services Agreement, such services shall be provided in accordance with the terms of the Transition Services Agreement and (y) after the term of the Transition Services Agreement, such services shall be provided based on the allocated employment cost (including overhead) of such employee. In furtherance of, and without limiting, the foregoing, each Party shall make reasonably available those employees with particular knowledge of any function or service of which another Party was not allocated the employees, agents or consultants involved in such function or service in connection with the Plan of Reorganization (including, employee benefits functions, risk management, etc.) and the Distributions.
Section 5.4. Periodic Meetings . Unless otherwise agreed to by the Parties, at least once during each fiscal quarter during the two (2) year period following the Distribution Date, the Parties shall hold a meeting for the purpose of sharing Information related to this Agreement, any Shared Contingent Liabilities or the preparation of any Partys financial statements. Each Party shall designate between one (1) and three (3) persons as its standing representatives for such meetings. The Managing Party shall be responsible for scheduling such meeting at reasonably consistent and convenient times and on no less than thirty (30) days notice. The Parties standing representatives and others may participate in such meetings in person or other medium by which all participants may hear each other.
Section 5.5. No Solicit; No Hire .
(a) None of HLT, PK or HGV or any member of their respective Groups shall, from the Effective Time through and including the date set forth on Schedule 5.5 , without the prior written consent of the applicable Party, directly or indirectly, recruit, solicit, hire or retain any person who is an employee specified on Schedule 5.5 of any other Party or its Subsidiaries as of the Effective Time or induce, or attempt to induce, any such employee to terminate his or her employment with, or otherwise cease his or her relationship with, any other Party or its Subsidiaries; provided , however , that (i) nothing in this Section 5.5 shall be deemed to prohibit any general solicitation for employment through advertisements and search firms not specifically directed at employees of such other applicable Party or, except with respect to employees defined as CEOs and Directly Reporting Employees on Schedule 5.5 , any hiring as a result thereof, and (ii) the prohibitions of this Section 5.5 shall not apply (A) with respect to employees who have been terminated by a Party and (B) following a Change in Control of HLT, PK or HGV, as applicable, with respect to the employees of such Party. The Parties agree that irreparable damage may occur in the event that the provisions of this Section 5.5 were not performed in accordance with their specific terms. Accordingly, it is hereby agreed that the Parties shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof in any court of the United States or any state having jurisdiction, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity. In respect of countries whose local Laws declare as invalid or unenforceable
40
or prohibit any agreement between employers not to hire Employees (as defined in the Employee Matters Agreement) of the other, the Parties shall not have an agreement not to hire Employees of the other but agree not to actively solicit the services of each others Employees for such period on and after the Effective Time as specified in this Section 5.5 .
(b) For purposes of this Agreement, Change in Control shall mean, with respect to any of HLT, PK or HGV, the occurrence of any one of the following after the Effective Time: (i) the direct or indirect Transfer (other than by way of merger, amalgamation, arrangement or consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of HLT, PK or HGV, as applicable, and those of such Partys Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to one or more Persons, other than to such Party or one of such Partys Subsidiaries; (ii) the first day on which a majority of the members of the board of directors of HLT, PK or HGV, as applicable, is not composed of Continuing Directors; (iii) the consummation of any transaction including any merger, amalgamation, arrangement or consolidation the result of which is that any Person becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of more than 50% of the voting stock of HLT, PK or HGV, as applicable; (iv) any of HLT, PK or HGV, as applicable, consolidate with, or merge with or into, any Person, or any Person consolidates with, or merges with or into, any of HLT, PK or HGV, in any such event pursuant to a transaction in which any of the outstanding voting stock of HLT, PK or HGV, as applicable, or of such other Person is converted into or exchanged for cash, securities or other property, other than any such transaction where the shares of such Partys voting stock outstanding immediately prior to such transaction constitute, or are converted into or exchanged for, a majority of the voting stock of the surviving Person immediately after giving effect to such transaction; or (v) the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution (other than a liquidation into a newly formed holding company) of HLT, PK or HGV, as applicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a transaction described in clause (iii) above will not be deemed to involve a Change in Control if (a) HLT, PK or HGV, as applicable, becomes a direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiary of a holding company (which shall include a parent company) and (b)(A) the direct or indirect holders of the voting stock of such holding company immediately following that transaction are substantially the same as, and hold in substantially the same proportions as, the holders of such Partys voting stock immediately prior to that transaction or (B) immediately following that transaction no Person (other than a holding company satisfying the requirements of this sentence) is the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly of more than 50% of the then outstanding voting stock, measured by voting power, of such holding company. Following any such transaction referred to in the foregoing sentence, references in this definition to HLT, PK or HGV, as applicable, shall be deemed to refer to such holding company. For the purposes of this definition, person and beneficial owner have the meanings used in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
ARTICLE VI
SHARED CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
Section 6.1. Shared Contingent Liabilities . From and after the Effective Time, except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Article VI or the Tax Matters Agreement (with respect to Taxes) and without limiting the indemnification provisions of Article VII , HLT, PK and HGV shall each be responsible for (i) its Applicable Percentage of any Shared Contingent Liabilities pursuant to and in accordance with the relevant provisions of Article VII and, without duplication, (ii) its Applicable Percentage of any Specified Shared Expenses related to or arising out of any Shared Contingent Liability. Any amounts owed in respect of any Shared Contingent Liabilities other than Specified Shared Expenses (which are addressed pursuant to Section 5.2 ) shall be remitted promptly after the Party entitled to such amount provides an invoice (including reasonable supporting Information with respect thereto and a calculation of the amounts owed by each Party based on such Partys Applicable Percentage) to the Party
41
or Parties owing such amount and such costs and expenses shall be included in the calculation of the amount of the applicable Shared Contingent Liability in determining the reimbursement obligations of the other Parties with respect thereto; provided , however , that if so directed by the Party providing the invoice, in lieu of remitting amounts directly to the Party providing the invoice, the owing Party shall remit the owed amount directly to the appropriate third party or parties or to an account established by the invoicing Party for the benefit of the Parties, in which case each Party shall contribute its Applicable Percentage of such amount to such account for the benefit of the Parties. It shall not be a defense to any obligation by any Party to pay any amounts, whether pursuant to this Article VI or in respect of Indemnifiable Losses pursuant to Article VII , in respect of any Shared Contingent Liability that (i) such Party was not consulted in the defense or management thereof, (ii) that such Partys views or opinions as to the conduct of such defense were not accepted or adopted, (iii) that such Party does not approve of the quality or manner of the defense thereof or (iv) that such Shared Contingent Liability was incurred by reason of a settlement rather than by a judgment or other determination of Liability.
Section 6.2. Management of Shared Contingent Liabilities .
(a) Managing Party shall initially mean HLT ; provided , however , another Party may become the Managing Party with respect to any Shared Contingent Liabilities or other matters set forth in this Agreement upon the prior written agreement of each of the Parties.
(b) Except as provided in the Tax Matters Agreement (with respect to management of Tax Contests), the Managing Party shall, on behalf of the other Parties, have sole and exclusive authority to, and shall actively and diligently, commence, prosecute, manage, control, conduct or defend (or assume or conduct the defense of) or otherwise determine all matters whatsoever (including, as applicable, litigation strategy and choice of legal counsel or other professionals) with respect to, on behalf of the other Parties, any Action or Third Party Claim with respect to a Shared Contingent Liability (including with respect to those Shared Contingent Liabilities set forth on Schedule 1.1(97 ) ). The Managing Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to promptly notify the other Parties in the event that it receives notice of any Shared Contingent Liability including any claim or demand relating thereto; provided , that the failure to provide such notice shall not give rise to any rights on the part of the other Parties against the Managing Party or affect any other provision of this Section 6.2 , except to the extent any Party is actually and materially prejudiced thereby in a manner different from any other Party. No Party other than the Managing Party shall consent to the entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement with respect to any Shared Contingent Liability without the prior written consent of the Managing Party and the other Party. Any settlement by the Managing Party shall be subject to without the prior written consent of the other Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
(c) The Managing Party shall on a quarterly basis, or if a material development occurs as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, inform the other Parties of the status of and developments relating to any matter involving a Shared Contingent Liability and provide copies of any material document, notices or other materials related to such matters; provided , that the failure to provide any such information shall not be a basis for liability of the Managing Party except and solely to the extent the receiving Party shall have been actually and materially prejudiced thereby in a manner different than any other Party. Each Party shall cooperate fully with the Managing Party in its management of any of such Shared Contingent Liability and shall take such actions in connection therewith that the Managing Party reasonably requests (including providing access to such Partys Records and other Information and employees as set forth in Section 6.3 ).
(d) In the event of any dispute as to whether any Liability is a Shared Contingent Liability as set forth in Section 6.4(b ) , the Managing Party may, but shall not be obligated to, commence prosecution or other assertion of such claim or right pending resolution of such dispute. In the event that the
42
Managing Party commences any such prosecution or assertion and, upon resolution of the dispute (pursuant to Article IX or otherwise), it is determined that such Liability is not a Shared Contingent Liability and that such Liability belongs to another Party, pursuant to the provisions of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, the Managing Party shall cease the prosecution or assertion of such right or claim and the applicable Parties shall cooperate to transfer the control thereof to the applicable other Party. In such event, the applicable other Party shall promptly reimburse the Managing Party (or any other Party who has fronted costs and expenses) for all out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred to such date in connection with the prosecution or assertion of such claim or right (which shall not include the costs of salaries and benefits of employees of the Managing Party or any pro rata portion of overhead or other costs of employing such employees which would have been incurred by such employees employer regardless of the employees service with respect to the foregoing).
Section 6.3. Access to Information; Certain Services; Expenses .
(a) Access to Information and Employees by the Managing Party . Unless otherwise prohibited by Law, in connection with the management and disposition of any Shared Contingent Liability, each of the Parties shall make readily available to and afford to the Managing Party and its authorized accountants, counsel and other designated representatives reasonable access, subject to appropriate restrictions for classified Information, Confidential Information or Privileged Information, to the employees, properties, Records and other Information of such Party and the members of such Partys Group insofar as such access relates to the relevant Shared Contingent Liability; it being understood by the Parties that such access as well as any services provided pursuant to Section 6.3(b) below may require a significant time commitment on the part of such Partys employees and that any such commitment shall not otherwise limit any of the rights or obligations set forth in this Article VI ; it also being understood that such access and such services provided shall not unreasonably interfere with any of such Partys employees normal functions. Nothing in this Section 6.3(a) shall require any Party to violate any agreement with any third party regarding the confidentiality of confidential and proprietary information relating to that third party or its business; provided , however , that in the event that a Party is required to disclose any such Information, such Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to seek to obtain such third partys written consent to the disclosure of such Information.
(b) Certain Services . Each of HLT, PK and HGV shall make available to the others, upon reasonable written request, its and its Subsidiaries officers, directors, employees, counsel and agents to assist in the management (including, if applicable, as witnesses in any Action) of any Shared Contingent Liabilities to the extent that such Persons may reasonably be required in connection with the prosecution, defense or day-to-day management of any Shared Contingent Liability. In respect of the foregoing, Schedule 1.1(97) sets forth certain identified Shared Contingent Liabilities and identifies (but does not limit) those employees and agents who shall assist the Managing Party in its management of such Shared Contingent Liabilities.
(c) Costs and Expenses Relating to Access by the Managing Party . Except as otherwise provided in any Ancillary Agreement, the provision of access and other services pursuant to this Section 6.3 (including by the Managing Party) shall be borne by the Party providing such access and services (other than for actual out-of-pocket costs and expenses, which shall constitute Specified Shared Expenses) and shall be shared by the other Parties accordingly.
(d) Other Specified Shared Expenses . The Managing Party (and the Party or Parties providing assistance to the Managing Party pursuant to Section 6.3(b ) ) shall be entitled, upon presentation of reasonable supporting documentation thereof, to reimbursement by the other Parties (in accordance with their Applicable Percentages) of any out-of-pocket costs and expenses (which shall include, in the case of the Managing Party, the pro rata portion of the costs of salaries and benefits of such employees
43
with respect to whom at least 50% of their professional time over a period of one month or greater is dedicated to the management or defense of such Shared Contingent Liability) related to or arising out of defending or managing any such Shared Contingent Liability from PK and HGV, as applicable, from time to time when invoiced, but no more frequently than quarterly, in advance of a final determination or resolution of any Action related to a Shared Contingent Liability. Specified Shared Expenses in respect of Shared Contingent Liabilities shall also include the reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses of defending, managing or providing assistance to the Managing Party pursuant to Section 6.3(b) with respect to any Third Party Claim that is a Shared Contingent Liability, which shall include any amounts with respect to a bond, prepayment or similar security or obligation required (or determined to be advisable by the Managing Party) to be posted by the Managing Party in respect of any claim and shall not include the costs of salaries and benefits of employees or any pro rata portion of overhead or other costs of employing such employees which would have been incurred by such employees employer regardless of the employees service with respect to the foregoing).
Section 6.4. Notice Relating to Shared Contingent Liabilities; Disputes .
(a) In the event that any Party or any member of such Partys Group or any of their respective Affiliates, becomes aware of (i) any Liability that may be a Shared Contingent Liability, (ii) any matter or occurrence that has given or could give rise to a Shared Contingent Liability or (iii) any matter that is material and is reasonably relevant to the Managing Partys ongoing or future management, prosecution, defense and/or administration of any Shared Contingent Liability, such Party shall promptly (but in any event within thirty (30) days of becoming aware, unless, by its nature the subject matter of such notice would reasonably require earlier notice) notify each of the Managing Party and the other Party of any such matter (setting forth in reasonable detail the subject matter thereof); provided , however , that no Party shall be liable for the failure to provide such notice except and solely to the extent the Managing Party and the other Party shall have been actually prejudiced as a result of such failure in a manner different than any other Party.
(b) In the event that any Party disagrees whether a claim, obligation or Liability is a Shared Contingent Liability or whether such claim, obligation or Liability is a Liability allocated to one of the Parties pursuant to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, then such matter shall be resolved pursuant to and in accordance with the dispute resolution provisions set forth in Article IX .
Section 6.5. Cooperation with Governmental Entity . If, in connection with any Shared Contingent Liability, a Party is required by Law to respond to and/or cooperate with a Governmental Entity, such Party shall be entitled to cooperate and respond to such Governmental Entity after, to the extent practicable under the specific circumstances, consultation with the Managing Party with respect to such Shared Contingent Liability; provided , that to the extent such consultation was not practicable such Party shall promptly inform the Managing Party of such cooperation and/or response to the Governmental Entity and the subject matter thereof. In the event that any Party is requested or required by any Governmental Entity in connection with any Shared Contingent Liability pursuant to written or oral question or request for Information or documents in any legal or administrative proceeding, review, interrogatory, subpoena, investigation, demand, or similar process, such Party shall notify the Managing Party promptly of the request or requirement and such Partys response thereto, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to consult with the Managing Party with respect to the nature of such Partys response to the extent practicable and not in violation of any attorney-client Privilege or legal process.
Section 6.6. Default . In the event that one or more of the Parties defaults in any full or partial payment in respect of any Shared Contingent Liability (as provided in this Article VI and in Article VII ), including the payment of the costs and expenses of the Managing Party, then each non-defaulting Party
44
(including HLT) shall be required to pay its relative Applicable Percentage of the amount in default; provided , however , that any such payment by a non-defaulting Party shall in no way release the defaulting Party from its obligations to pay its obligations in respect of such Shared Contingent Liability (both for past and future obligations) and any non-defaulting Party may exercise any available legal remedies available against such defaulting Party.
ARTICLE VII
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 7.1. Release of Pre-Distribution Claims .
(a) Except (i) as provided in Section 7.1(b ) , (ii) as may be otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement and (iii) for any matter for which any Party is entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Article VII , each Party (A) for itself and each member of its respective Group, their respective Affiliates as of the Effective Time and all Persons who at any time prior to the Effective Time were directors, officers, agents or employees of any member of their Group (in their respective capacities as such), in each case, together with their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, does hereby remise, release and forever discharge the other Parties and the other members of such other Parties Group, their respective Affiliates and all Persons who at any time prior to the Effective Time were stockholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of any member of such other Parties (in their respective capacities as such), in each case, together with their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, from any and all Liabilities whatsoever, whether at Law or in equity (including any right of contribution), whether arising under any Contract, by operation of Law or otherwise, existing or arising from any acts or events occurring or failing to occur or alleged to have occurred or to have failed to occur or any conditions existing or alleged to have existed on or before the Effective Time, including in connection with the Plan of Reorganization and all other activities to implement the Plan of Reorganization and the Distributions and any of the other transactions contemplated hereunder and under the Ancillary Agreements and (B) in any event will not, and will cause its respective Subsidiaries not to, bring any Action or claim against any member of the other Groups in respect of any such Liabilities.
(b) Nothing contained in Section 7.1(a) shall impair or otherwise affect any right of any Party and, as applicable, a member of such Partys Group, to enforce this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or any agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings contemplated in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement to continue in effect after the Effective Time. In addition, nothing contained in Section 7.1(a) shall release any Person from:
(i) any Liability Assumed, Transferred or allocated to a Party or a member of such Partys Group pursuant to or contemplated by, or any other Liability of any member of such Group under, this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement including (A) with respect to any Shared Contingent Liability, (B) with respect to HLT, any HLT Retained Liability, (C) with respect to PK, any Ownership Liability and (D) with respect to HGV, any Timeshare Liability;
(ii) any Liability for unpaid amounts for products or services or refunds owing on products or services due on a value-received basis for work done by a member of one Group or its Affiliates at the request or on behalf of a member of another Group;
(iii) any Liability provided in or resulting from any other Contract or understanding that is entered into after the Effective Time between any Party (and/or a member of such Partys or Parties Group), on the one hand, and any other Party or Parties (and/or a member of such Partys or Parties Group), on the other hand;
45
(iv) any Liability with respect to any Continuing Arrangements set forth on Schedule 1.1(20 ) ; and
(v) any Liability that the Parties may have with respect to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise for claims brought against the Parties by other Persons, which Liability shall be governed by the provisions of this Agreement and, in particular, this Article VII and, if applicable, the appropriate provisions of the Ancillary Agreements.
In addition, nothing contained in Section 7.1(a) shall release HLT from indemnifying any director, officer or employee of PK and HGV who was a director, officer or employee of HLT or any of its Affiliates prior to the Effective Time or the Distribution Date, as the case may be, to the extent such director, officer or employee is or becomes a named defendant in any Action with respect to which he or she was entitled to such indemnification pursuant to then existing obligations.
(c) Each Party shall not, and shall not permit any member of its Group to, make any claim, demand or offset, or commence any Action asserting any claim or demand, including any claim of contribution or any indemnification, against any other Party or any member of any other Partys Group, or any other Person released pursuant to Section 7.1(a ) , with respect to any Liabilities released pursuant to Section 7.1(a ) .
(d) It is the intent of each Party, by virtue of the provisions of this Section 7.1 , to provide, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, for a full and complete release and discharge of all Liabilities existing or arising from all acts and events occurring or failing to occur or alleged to have occurred or to have failed to occur and all conditions existing or alleged to have existed at or before the Effective Time, whether known or unknown, between or among any Party (and/or a member of such Partys Group), on the one hand, and any other Party or Parties (and/or a member of such Partys or Parties Group), on the other hand (including any contractual agreements or arrangements existing or alleged to exist between or among any such members at or before the Effective Time), except as specifically set forth in Sections 7.1(a) and 7.1(b ) . At any time, at the reasonable request of any other Party, each Party shall cause each member of its respective Group and, to the extent practicable, each other Person on whose behalf it released Liabilities pursuant to this Section 7.1 to execute and deliver releases, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, reflecting the provisions hereof.
Section 7.2. Indemnification by HLT . Except as otherwise specifically set forth in any provision of this Agreement or of any Ancillary Agreement, following the Effective Time, HLT shall and shall cause the other members of the HLT Group to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Ownership Indemnitees and the Timeshare Indemnitees from and against any and all Indemnifiable Losses of the Ownership Indemnitees and the Timeshare Indemnitees, respectively, arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with (a) the HLT Retained Liabilities or alleged HLT Retained Liabilities or (b) any breach by HLT of any provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement unless such Ancillary Agreement expressly provides for separate indemnification therein, in which case any such indemnification claims shall be made thereunder. In furtherance of the foregoing, HLT and OpCo shall be jointly and severally liable to any of the Ownership Indemnitees for any and all Indemnifiable Losses of the Ownership Indemnitees arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with the foregoing.
Section 7.3. Indemnification by PK . Except as otherwise specifically set forth in any provision of this Agreement or of any Ancillary Agreement, following the Effective Time, PK shall and shall cause the other members of the PK Group to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Managing and Franchising Indemnitees and the Timeshare Indemnitees from and against any and all Indemnifiable
46
Losses of the Managing and Franchising Indemnitees and the Timeshare Indemnitees, respectively, arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with (a) the Ownership Liabilities or alleged Ownership Liabilities or (b) any breach by PK of any provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement unless such Ancillary Agreement expressly provides for separate indemnification therein, in which case any such indemnification claims shall be made thereunder. In furtherance of the foregoing, any and all payments by PK or any other members of the PK Group in respect of Indemnifiable Losses of the Managing and Franchising Indemnitees arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with the foregoing shall be made directly to OpCo or one or more of its Subsidiaries.
Section 7.4. Indemnification by HGV . Except as otherwise specifically set forth in any provision of this Agreement or of any Ancillary Agreement, following the Effective Time, HGV shall and shall cause the other members of the HGV Group to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Managing and Franchising Indemnitees and the Ownership Indemnitees from and against any and all Indemnifiable Losses of the Managing and Franchising Indemnitees and the Ownership Indemnitees, respectively, arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with (a) the Timeshare Liabilities or alleged Timeshare Liabilities or (b) any breach by HGV of any provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement unless such Ancillary Agreement expressly provides for separate indemnification therein, in which case any such indemnification claims shall be made thereunder.
Section 7.5. Procedures for Indemnification .
(a) Other than with respect to Third Party Claims, which shall be governed by Section 7.5(b ) , and Shared Contingent Liabilities, which shall be governed by Section 6.4 , each Managing and Franchising Indemnitee, Ownership Indemnitee and Timeshare Indemnitee (each, an Indemnitee ) shall notify in writing, with respect to any matter that such Indemnitee has determined has given or could give rise to a right of indemnification under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, the Party which is or may be required pursuant to this Article VII or pursuant to any Ancillary Agreement to make such indemnification (the Indemnifying Party ), within thirty (30) days of such determination, stating the amount of the Indemnifiable Loss claimed, if known, and method of computation thereof, and referring to the provisions of this Agreement in respect of which such right of indemnification is claimed by such Indemnitee or arises; provided , however , that the failure to provide such written notice shall not release the Indemnifying Party from any of its obligations except and solely to the extent the Indemnifying Party shall have been actually prejudiced as a result of such failure. Each such Indemnitee shall provide the applicable Indemnifying Party with reasonable access, upon reasonable prior written notice and during normal business hours, in a manner so as not to unreasonably interfere in any material respect with the normal business operations of such Indemnitee, to its books and records, properties and personnel relating to the claim the Indemnitee has determined has given or could give rise to a right of indemnification under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement.
(b) Third Party Claims . If a claim or demand is made against an Indemnitee by any Person who is not a party to this Agreement (a Third Party Claim ) as to which such Indemnitee is or may be entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, such Indemnitee shall notify the Indemnifying Party in writing, and in reasonable detail, of the Third Party Claim promptly (and in any event within thirty (30) days) after receipt by such Indemnitee of written notice of the Third Party Claim; provided , however , that the failure to provide notice of any such Third Party Claim pursuant to this or the preceding sentence shall not release the Indemnifying Party from any of its obligations except and solely to the extent the Indemnifying Party shall have been actually prejudiced as a result of such failure. If any Party shall receive notice or otherwise learn of the assertion of a Third Party Claim which may reasonably be determined to be a Shared Contingent Liability, such Party, as appropriate, shall give the Managing Party written notice thereof within thirty (30) days after such Person becomes aware of such Third Party Claim subject to and in compliance with Section 6.4 ; provided , however , that if the first
47
notice is a lawsuit or other notice documentation requiring a timely response, such notice documentation shall be delivered immediately (and in any event within five (5) Business Days). Thereafter, the Indemnitee shall deliver to the Indemnifying Party (and, if applicable, to the Managing Party), promptly (and in any event within five (5) Business Days) after the Indemnitees receipt thereof, copies of all notices and documents (including court papers) received by the Indemnitee relating to the Third Party Claim.
(c) Other than in the case of (i) a Shared Contingent Liability (the defense of which shall be assumed and controlled by the Managing Party) or (ii) Taxes addressed in the Tax Matters Agreement, an Indemnifying Party shall be entitled to participate in the defense of any Third Party Claim and, if it so chooses, to assume the defense thereof, at such Indemnifying Partys own cost and expense and by such Indemnifying Partys own counsel, that is reasonably acceptable (provided that insurer-appointed counsel shall be automatically deemed acceptable) to the applicable Indemnitees, within thirty (30) days of the receipt of such notice from such Indemnitees; provided , however , that the Indemnifying Party shall not be entitled to assume the defense of any Third Party Claim to the extent such Third Party Claim (x) is an allegation of a criminal violation or (y) seeks injunctive relief against the Indemnitee but shall have the right to employ separate counsel to participate in (but not control) the defense, compromise or settlement thereof at its own expense. In connection with the Indemnifying Partys defense of a Third Party Claim, such Indemnitee shall have the right to employ separate counsel and to participate in (but not control) the defense, compromise, or settlement thereof, at its own expense and, in any event, shall cooperate with the Indemnifying Party in such defense and make available to the Indemnifying Party, at the Indemnifying Partys expense, all witnesses, pertinent Information, materials and information in such Indemnitees possession or under such Indemnitees control relating thereto as are reasonably required by the Indemnifying Party; provided , however , that in the event of a conflict of interest between the Indemnifying Party and the applicable Indemnitee(s), such Indemnitee(s) shall be entitled to retain, at the Indemnifying Partys expense, separate counsel as required by the applicable rules of professional conduct with respect to such matter; provided , further , that if (A) the Third Party Claim is not a Shared Contingent Liability and (B) the Indemnifying Party has assumed the defense of the Third Party Claim but has specified, and continues to assert, any reservations or exceptions to such defense or to its liability therefor, then, in any such case, the reasonable fees and expenses of one separate counsel for all Indemnitees shall be borne by the Indemnifying Party.
(d) Notwithstanding any assumption of defense of a Third Party Claim by an Indemnifying Party in accordance with Section 7.5(c ) , in the event that in the course of defending such Third Party Claim the Indemnifying Party or another Party shall become aware that the subject matter of such Third Party Claim relates to a Liability of another Party and not to a Liability of such Indemnifying Party, then the Indemnifying Party shall, subject to the prior written consent of the other Party to which such Liability belongs, use commercially reasonable efforts to transfer the defense of such claim to such other Party, and shall thereafter cooperate fully with such other Party in such defense and make available to such other Party, at such Partys expense, all witnesses, pertinent Information, materials and information in such Indemnifying Partys possession or under such Indemnifying Partys control relating to such Third Party Claim as are reasonably required by such other Party.
(e) Other than in the case of a Shared Contingent Liability, if an Indemnifying Party fails for any reason to assume responsibility for defending a Third Party Claim within the time specified, such Indemnitee may defend such Third Party Claim at the cost and expense of the Indemnifying Party. However, the Indemnifying Party shall, subject to the prior written consent of the other Party to which such Liability belongs, use commercially reasonable efforts to transfer the defense of such claim to such other Party, and shall thereafter cooperate fully with such other Party in such defense and make available to such other Party, at such Partys expense, all witnesses, pertinent Information, materials and information in such Indemnifying Partys possession or under such Indemnifying Partys control relating
48
to such Third Party Claim as are reasonably required by such other Party. If the Indemnitee is conducting the defense against any such Third Party Claim, the Indemnifying Party shall cooperate with the Indemnitee in such defense and make available to the Indemnitee, at the Indemnitees expense, all witnesses, pertinent Information, and material in such Indemnifying Partys possession or under such Indemnifying Partys control relating thereto as are reasonably required by the Indemnitee.
(f) No Indemnitee may settle or compromise any Third Party Claim (with any Shared Contingent Liability governed by Article VI ) without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
(g) In the case of a Third Party Claim (including in respect of a Shared Contingent Liability), no Indemnifying Party shall consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement of the Third Party Claim without the prior written consent of the Indemnitee (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) if the effect thereof is to permit any injunction, declaratory judgment, other order or other non-monetary relief, to be entered, directly or indirectly, against any Indemnitee; it being understood that in the case of a Third Party Claim that is a Shared Contingent Liability, the Managing Party shall be subject to the same requirement to seek the consent of the other Parties in connection with any such judgment or settlement.
(h) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article VII , subject to Article VI, the Managing Party shall, on behalf of the other Parties, have sole and exclusive authority to, and shall actively and diligently, commence, prosecute, manage, control, conduct or defend (or assume or conduct the defense of) or otherwise determine all matters whatsoever (including, as applicable, litigation strategy and choice of legal counsel or other professionals) with respect to any Action or Third Party Claim with respect to a Shared Contingent Liability.
(i) Except as otherwise set forth in Section 5.5 , Article VI and Section 8.6 , or as set forth in any Ancillary Agreement, absent fraud or willful misconduct by an Indemnifying Party, the indemnification provisions of this Article VII shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of an Indemnitee for any monetary or compensatory damages or losses resulting from any breach of this Agreement and each Indemnitee expressly waives and relinquishes any and all rights, claims or remedies such Person may have with respect to the foregoing other than under this Article VII against any Indemnifying Party. For the avoidance of doubt, all disputes in respect of this Article VII shall be resolved in accordance with Article IX .
Section 7.6. Cooperation in Defense and Settlement .
(a) With respect to any Third Party Claim that is not a Shared Contingent Liability and that implicates two or more Parties in any material respect due to the allocation of Liabilities, responsibilities for management of defense and related indemnities pursuant to this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements, the applicable Parties agree to use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate fully and maintain a joint defense (in a manner that will preserve for all Parties any Privilege with respect thereto). The Party that is not responsible for managing the defense of any such Third Party Claim shall, upon reasonable request, be consulted with respect to significant matters relating thereto and may, if necessary or helpful, retain counsel to assist in the defense of such claims.
(b) Each of HLT, PK and HGV agrees that at all times from and after the Effective Time, if an Action is commenced by a third party naming two (2) or more Parties (or any member of such Parties respective Groups) as defendants and with respect to which one or more named Parties (or any member of such Partys respective Group) is a nominal defendant and/or such Action is otherwise not a Liability allocated to such named Party under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, then the other Party or Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause such nominal defendant to be removed from such Action, as soon as reasonably practicable.
49
Section 7.7. Indemnification Payments . Indemnification required by this Article VII shall be made by periodic payments of the amount of Indemnifiable Losses in a timely fashion during the course of the investigation or defense, as and when bills are received or an Indemnifiable Loss incurred.
Section 7.8. Indemnification Obligations Net of Insurance Proceeds and Other Amounts .
(a) Any Indemnifiable Loss subject to indemnification pursuant to this Article VII including, for the avoidance of doubt, in respect of any Shared Contingent Liability, shall be calculated (i) net of Insurance Proceeds that actually reduce the amount of the Indemnifiable Loss, (ii) net of any proceeds received by the Indemnitee from any third party for indemnification for such Liability that actually reduce the amount of the Indemnifiable Loss ( Third Party Proceeds ) and (iii) net of any Tax benefits actually realized in accordance with, and subject to, the principles set forth or referred to in Section 7.3 of the Tax Matters Agreement, and increased in accordance with, and subject to, the principles set forth in Section 7.3 of the Tax Matters Agreement. Accordingly, the amount which any Indemnifying Party is required to pay pursuant to this Article VII to any Indemnitee pursuant to this Article VII shall be reduced by any Insurance Proceeds or Third Party Proceeds theretofore actually recovered by or on behalf of the Indemnitee in respect of the related Indemnifiable Loss. If an Indemnitee receives a payment required by this Agreement from an Indemnifying Party in respect of any Indemnifiable Loss (an Indemnity Payment ) and subsequently receives Insurance Proceeds or Third Party Proceeds, then the Indemnitee shall pay to the Indemnifying Party an amount equal to the excess of the Indemnity Payment received over the amount of the Indemnity Payment that would have been due if the Insurance Proceeds or Third Party Proceeds had been received, realized or recovered before the Indemnity Payment was made.
(b) The Parties acknowledge that the indemnification provisions hereof do not relieve any insurer who would otherwise be obligated to pay any claim to pay such claim. In furtherance of the foregoing, the Indemnitee shall use commercially reasonable efforts to seek to collect or recover any Insurance Proceeds and any Third Party Proceeds (other than Insurance Proceeds under an arrangement where future premiums are adjusted to reflect prior claims in excess of prior premiums or Insurance Proceeds under the Excluded Policies) to which the Indemnitee is entitled in connection with any Indemnifiable Loss for which the Indemnitee seeks indemnification pursuant to this Article VII ; provided , that the Indemnitees inability to collect or recover any such Insurance Proceeds or Third Party Proceeds (despite having used commercially reasonable efforts) shall not limit the Indemnifying Partys obligations hereunder.
Section 7.9. Additional Matters; Survival of Indemnities .
(a) The indemnity agreements contained in this Article VII shall remain operative and in full force and effect, regardless of (i) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Indemnitee; (ii) the knowledge by the Indemnitee of Indemnifiable Losses for which it might be entitled to indemnification hereunder; and (iii) any termination of this Agreement following the Effective Time.
(b) The rights and obligations of each Party and their respective Indemnitees under this Article VII shall survive the sale or other Transfer by any Party or its respective Subsidiaries of any Assets or businesses or the assignment by it of any Liabilities, with respect to any Indemnifiable Loss of any Indemnitee related to such Assets, businesses or Liabilities.
50
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, in the event that counsel or independent accountants for a Protected REIT determine that there exists a material risk that any indemnification payments due under this Agreement would be treated as Nonqualifying Income upon the payment of such amounts to the relevant Indemnitee, the amount paid to the Indemnitee pursuant to this Agreement in any tax year shall not exceed the maximum amount that can be paid to the Indemnitee in such year without causing the Protected REIT to fail to meet the REIT Requirements for any tax year, determined as if the payment of such amount were Nonqualifying Income as determined by such counsel or independent accountants to the Protected REIT. If the amount payable for any tax year pursuant to the preceding sentence is less than the amount which the relevant Indemnifying Party would otherwise be obligated to pay to the relevant Indemnitee pursuant to this Agreement (the Expense Amount ), then: (1) the Indemnifying Party shall place the Expense Amount into an escrow account (the Escrow Account ) using an escrow agent and agreement reasonably acceptable to the Indemnitee (which shall include that (y) the amount in the Escrow Account shall be treated as the property of the Indemnifying Party, unless it is released from such Escrow Account to the Indemnitee, and (z) all income earned upon the amount in the Escrow Account shall be treated as the property of the Indemnifying Party and reported, as and to the extent required by applicable Law, by the escrow agent to the Internal Revenue Service ( IRS ), or any other taxing authority, on IRS Form 1099 or 1042S (or other appropriate form) as income earned by the Indemnifying Party whether or not said income has been distributed during such taxable year) and shall not release any portion thereof to the Indemnitee, and the Indemnitee shall not be entitled to any such amount, unless and until the Indemnitee delivers to the Indemnifying Party, at the sole option of the relevant Protected REIT, (i) an opinion (an Expense Amount Tax Opinion ) of the Protected REITs tax counsel to the effect that such amount, if and to the extent paid, would not constitute Nonqualifying Income, (ii) a letter (an Expense Amount Accountants Letter ) from the Protected REITs independent accountants indicating the maximum portion of the Expense Amount that can be paid at that time to the Indemnitee without causing the Protected REIT to fail to meet the REIT Requirements for any relevant taxable year, or (iii) a private letter ruling issued by the IRS to the Protected REIT indicating that the receipt of any Expense Amount hereunder will not cause the Protected REIT to fail to satisfy the REIT Requirements (a REIT Qualification Ruling and, collectively with an Expense Amount Tax Opinion and an Expense Amount Accountants Letter, a Release Document ); (2) pending the delivery of a Release Document by the Indemnitee to the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnitee shall have the right, but not the obligation, to borrow the Expense Amount from the Escrow Account pursuant to a loan agreement reasonably acceptable to the Indemnitee that (i) requires the Indemnifying Party to lend the Indemnitee immediately available cash proceeds in an amount equal to the Expense Amount, and (ii) provides for (A) a commercially reasonable interest rate and commercially reasonable covenants, taking into account the credit standing and profile of the Indemnitee or any guarantor of the Indemnitee, including the Protected REIT, at the time of such loan, and (B) a fifteen (15) year maturity with no periodic amortization; and (3) the Indemnitee shall bear all costs and expenses with respect to the escrow as contemplated by clauses (1) and (2) in this Section 7.9(c ) .
ARTICLE VIII
PRESERVATION OF RECORDS; ACCESS TO INFORMATION; CONFIDENTIALITY; PRIVILEGE
Section 8.1. Preservation of Corporate Records
(a) The Parties shall comply with those document retention policies as shall be set forth on Schedule 8.1(a) hereto or otherwise established and agreed to in writing by their respective authorized officers at or prior to the Effective Time in respect of Records and related matters.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein and other than with respect to Tax Records (in which event the provisions of the Tax Matters Agreement shall govern), if on or before the sixth (6th) anniversary of the Distribution Date HLT (or any Affiliate of HLT) wishes to destroy any Records that were in existence as of the Effective Date, then HLT shall (or shall cause such Affiliate to)
51
give sixty (60) days prior written notice, including a reasonable description of the Records it wishes to destroy, to the other Parties and (to the extent permitted by applicable Law) each other Party shall have the right at its option and expense, upon prior written notice given within such sixty (60) day period to the other two Parties, to take possession or make copies of such Records within thirty (30) days after the date such notice is given by such Party to the other Parties, it being understood that in the event both other Parties wish to take possession of such Records, such Parties shall (i) agree on which Party shall be entitled to retain such Records and (ii) share equally the reasonable costs incurred by the other non-destroying Party in making copy of such Records within such thirty (30) day period.
Section 8.2. Financial Statements and Accounting . Each Party agrees to provide the following assistance and reasonable access to its properties, Records, other Information and personnel set forth in this Section 8.2 , (i) at any time, with the consent of the other applicable Party (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) for reasonable business purposes relating to financial reporting and other regulatory obligations (including disclosure obligations) or other obligations to Governmental Entities; (ii) from the Effective Time until the later of (a) March 31, 2019 and (b) completion of each Partys audit for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016, in connection with the preparation and audit of each Partys financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2016 and 2017 (including financial statements for any interim periods), the printing, filing and public dissemination of such financial statements and the audit of each Partys internal controls over financial reporting and managements assessment thereof and managements assessment of each Partys disclosure controls and procedures, if required; (iii) in the event that any Party changes its independent auditors within three (3) years following the Distribution Date, then such Party may request reasonable access on the terms set forth in this Section 8.2 for a period of up to one hundred and eighty (180) days from such change; and (iv) to the extent reasonably necessary to respond (and for the limited purpose of responding) to any written request or official comment from a Governmental Entity, such as in connection with responding to a comment letter from the Commission. Without limiting the foregoing, each Party agrees as follows:
(a) Financial Statements . Each Party shall provide reasonable access to the other Party in accordance with the timing set forth on Schedule 8.2(a) to all Information reasonably required to meet its schedule for the preparation, printing, filing, and public dissemination of its quarterly and annual financial statements and for managements assessment of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures and its internal controls over financial reporting in accordance with Items 307 and 308, respectively, of Regulation S-K and, to the extent applicable to such Party, its auditors audit of its internal controls over financial reporting and managements assessment thereof in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the Commissions and the Public Company Accounting Oversight Boards rules and auditing standards thereunder, if required (such assessments and audit being referred to as the Internal Control Audit and Management Assessments ). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Party shall provide all required financial and other Information with respect to itself and its Subsidiaries to its auditors in a sufficient and reasonable time and in sufficient detail to permit its auditors to take all steps and perform all reviews necessary to provide sufficient assistance, if requested, to each other Partys auditors with respect to Information to be included or contained in such other Partys annual financial statements and to permit such other Partys auditors and management to complete the Internal Control Audit and Management Assessments, for 2016 and 2017.
(b) Access to Personnel and Records . Except to the extent otherwise contemplated by the Ancillary Agreements, each Party shall authorize its respective auditors to make reasonably available to each other Partys auditors (each such other Partys auditors, collectively, the Other Parties Auditors ) both the personnel who performed or are performing the annual audits of such audited Party (each such Party with respect to its own audit, the Audited Party ) and work papers related to the annual audits of such Audited Party (subject to the execution of any reasonable and customary access letters that such Audited Partys auditors may require in connection with the review of such work papers by such Other
52
Parties Auditors), in all cases within a reasonable time prior to such Audited Partys auditors opinion date, so that the Other Parties Auditors are able to perform the procedures they reasonably consider necessary to take responsibility for the work of the Audited Partys auditors as it relates to their auditors report on such other Partys financial statements, all within sufficient time to enable such other Party to meet its timetable for the printing, filing and public dissemination of its annual financial statements. Each Party shall make reasonably available to the other Parties and to such Other Parties Auditors and management its personnel and Records and other Information in a reasonable time prior to the Other Parties Auditors opinion date and other Parties managements assessment date so that the Other Parties Auditors and other Parties management are able to perform the procedures they reasonably consider necessary to conduct the Internal Control Audit and Management Assessments for 2016 and 2017.
(c) Annual Reports . Each Party shall deliver to the other Parties a reasonably complete draft of the first report on Form 10-K to be filed with the Commission (or otherwise) that includes its respective financial statements (in the form expected to be covered by the audit report of such Partys independent auditors) for the year ended December 31, 2016 (such reports, collectively, the Annual Reports ), on or prior to the time set forth on Schedule 8.2(c ); provided , however , that each Party may continue to revise its respective Annual Report prior to the filing thereof, which changes shall be delivered to the other Parties as soon as reasonably practicable. Each Party shall notify the other Parties, as soon as reasonably practicable after becoming aware thereof, of any material accounting differences between the financial statements to be included in such Partys Annual Report and the historical audited and unaudited financial statements included, as applicable, in the PK Form 10 or the HGV Form 10 or the Form 8-K to be filed by HLT with the Commission on or about the time of the Distribution. If any such differences are notified by any Party, the Parties shall confer and/or meet as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, and in any event prior to the filing of any Annual Report, to consult with each other in respect of such differences and the effects thereof on the Parties Annual Reports.
(d) Nothing in this Article VIII shall require any Party to violate any agreement with any third party regarding the confidentiality of confidential and proprietary Information relating to that third party or its business; provided , however , that in the event that a Party is required under this Section 8.2 to disclose any such Information, such Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to seek to obtain such third partys written consent to the disclosure of such Information.
Section 8.3. Provision of Corporate Records . Other than in circumstances in which indemnification is sought pursuant to Article VII (in which event the provisions of such Article shall govern) or for matters related to provision of Tax Records (in which event the provisions of the Tax Matters Agreement shall govern) and without limiting the applicable provisions of Article VI , and subject to appropriate restrictions for classified Information, Privileged Information or Confidential Information:
(a) after the Effective Time, upon the prior written request by PK or HGV for specific and identified Information which relates to (x) PK or HGV or the conduct of the Ownership Business or the Timeshare Business, as the case may be, prior to the Effective Time or (y) any Ancillary Agreement to which HLT and one or more of PK and/or HGV are parties, as applicable, HLT shall provide, as soon as reasonably practicable following the receipt of such request, appropriate copies of such Information (or the originals thereof if the Party making the request is the owner of such originals or has a reasonable need for such originals) in the possession or control of HLT or any of its Affiliates or Subsidiaries;
(b) after the Effective Time, upon the prior written request by HLT or HGV for specific and identified Information which relates to (x) HLT or HGV or the conduct of the HLT Retained Business or Timeshare Business, as the case may be, prior to the Effective Time or (y) any Ancillary Agreement to which PK and one or more of HLT and/or HGV are parties, as applicable, PK shall provide, as soon as reasonably practicable following the receipt of such request, appropriate copies of such Information (or the originals thereof if the Party making the request is the owner of such originals or has a reasonable need for such originals) in the possession or control of PK or any of its Subsidiaries; and
53
(c) after the Effective Time, upon the prior written request by HLT or PK for specific and identified Information which relates to (x) HLT or PK or the conduct of the HLT Retained Business or Ownership Business, as the case may be, prior to the Effective Time or (y) any Ancillary Agreement to which HGV and one or more of HLT and/or PK are parties, as applicable, HGV shall provide, as soon as reasonably practicable following the receipt of such request, appropriate copies of such Information (or the originals thereof if the Party making the request is the owner of such originals or has a reasonable need for such originals) in the possession or control of HGV or any of its Subsidiaries;
provided that, to the extent any originals (other than originals that are owned by the requesting Party) are delivered to any requesting Party pursuant to this Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements, such Party shall, at its own expense, return them to the Party having provided such originals within a reasonable time after the need to retain such originals has ceased.
Section 8.4. Witness Services . Except in the event any Parties are opposing one another in an Action, in which case normal discovery rules shall apply, at all times from and after the Effective Time, each of HLT, PK and HGV shall use its commercially reasonable efforts (including as described on Schedule 8.4 ) to make available to the others, upon reasonable written request, its and its Subsidiaries former (to the extent practicable), current (to the extent practicable) and future directors, officers, employees, other personnel and agents of such Party as witnesses and any Records or other Information within its control or which it otherwise has the ability to make available (other than materials covered by any Privilege) to the extent that such Persons (giving consideration to business demands of such directors, officers, employees, other personnel and agents) or Records or other Information may reasonably be required to testify, in the case of Persons, or be provided, in the case of Records or Information, in connection with the prosecution or defense of any Action in which the requesting Party may from time to time be involved (except for claims, demands or Actions between members of each Group). A Party providing a witness to the other Party under this Section 8.4 shall be entitled to receive from the recipient of such witness services, upon the presentation of invoices therefor, payments for such amounts, relating to supplies, disbursements and other out-of-pocket expenses (which shall not include the costs of salaries and benefits of employees who are witnesses or any pro rata portion of overhead or other costs of employing such employees which would have been incurred by such employees employer regardless of the employees service as witnesses), as may be reasonably incurred and properly paid under applicable Law.
Section 8.5. Reimbursement . Except to the extent otherwise contemplated by this Agreement (including Section 6.3 ) or any Ancillary Agreement, a Party providing Information or access to Information to the other Party under this Article VIII shall be entitled to receive from the recipient, upon the presentation of invoices therefor, payments for such amounts, relating to supplies, disbursements and other out-of-pocket expenses (which shall not include the costs of salaries and benefits of employees of such Party or any pro rata portion of overhead or other costs of employing such employees which would have been incurred by such employees employer regardless of the employees service with respect to the foregoing), as may be reasonably incurred in providing such Information or access to such Information.
Section 8.6. Confidentiality
(a) Except with the prior written consent of the Party to whom the Confidential Information relates (which consent may be withheld in such Partys sole and absolute discretion), each Party shall, and shall cause each of its respective Subsidiaries and the Recipients of such Party and its respective Subsidiaries to (i) hold in strict confidence and (ii) not disclose or, unless otherwise permitted by this
54
Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, use any and all Confidential Information (as defined herein) concerning or belonging to the other Parties; provided , that each Party and its Subsidiaries may disclose Confidential Information (A) to its and their respective officers, employees, agents, auditors, attorneys, financial advisors, bankers and other appropriate consultants and advisors ( Recipients ) who have a need to know such Information and are informed of the obligation to hold such Information confidential and in respect of whose failure to comply with such obligations, the applicable Party will be responsible, (B) if any Party or any of its respective Subsidiaries is required or compelled to disclose any such Confidential Information by judicial or administrative process or by other applicable Law or stock exchange rule, (C) as required in connection with any Action by one Party against any other Party, (D) as necessary to permit a Party to prepare and disclose its financial statements, Tax Returns or other required disclosures, (E) as necessary for a Party to enforce its rights or perform its obligations under this Agreementor any Ancillary Agreement (including as necessary to obtain consents from third parties to any of the transactions contemplated hereby), (F) to Governmental Entities in accordance with applicable procurement regulations and contract requirements or (G) to other Persons in connection with their evaluation of, and negotiating and consummating, a potential strategic transaction, to the extent reasonably necessary in connection therewith, provided an appropriate and customary confidentiality agreement has been entered into with the Person receiving such Confidential Information. If any disclosure requirement for Confidential Information arises pursuant to clause (B), (C), (D), (E) or (F) above, each Party, as applicable, shall promptly notify (to the fullest extent permissible by Law) the Party to whom the Confidential Information relates of the existence of such disclosure requirement and shall provide such affected Party a reasonable opportunity to seek an appropriate protective order or other remedy, and reasonably cooperate with such affected Party at the affected Partys expense in obtaining such order or remedy. In the event that such appropriate protective order or other remedy is not obtained, the Party which faces the disclosure requirement shall furnish only that portion of the Confidential Information that is required to be disclosed and shall reasonably cooperate with such affected Party with any steps take by such affected Party to ensure that confidential treatment is accorded such Confidential Information. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Confidential Information of or concerning one or more other Parties, its or their Groups and/or Subsidiaries, to the extent such information is comingled and inseparable from Confidential Information concerning one or more other Parties, its or their Groups and/or Subsidiaries, shall not be the Confidential Information of any such Party, and all concerned Parties may use or disclose it without the consent of any other Party.
(b) The Parties agree that irreparable damage may occur in the event that the provisions of this Section 8.6 were not performed in accordance with their specific terms. Accordingly, it is hereby agreed that the Parties shall be entitled to seek an injunction or injunctions to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, without posting bond or other security, in any court of competent jurisdiction, this being in addition to any other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity.
(c) For the avoidance of doubt, the disclosure and sharing of Privileged Information shall be governed by Section 8.7 and not by this Section 8.6 . The provisions of this Section 8.6 shall survive any expiration or termination of this Agreement.
Section 8.7. Privilege Matters .
(a) Pre-Separation Services . The Parties recognize that legal and other professional services that have been and will be provided prior to the Effective Time have been and will be rendered for the collective benefit of each of the members of the HLT Group, the PK Group and the HGV Group, and that each of the members of the HLT Group, the PK Group and the HGV Group should be deemed to be the client with respect to such pre-separation services for the purposes of asserting all privileges, immunities, or other protections from disclosure which may be asserted under applicable Law, including attorney-client privilege, business strategy privilege, joint defense privilege, common interest privilege, and
55
protection under the work-product doctrine ( Privilege ). The Parties shall have a shared Privilege with respect to all Information subject to Privilege ( Privileged Information ) which relates to such pre-separation services. For the avoidance of doubt, Privileged Information within the scope of this Section 8.7 includes, but is not limited to, services rendered by legal counsel retained or employed by any Party (or any member of such Partys respective Group), including outside counsel and in-house counsel.
(b) Post-Separation Services . The Parties recognize that legal and other professional services will be provided following the Effective Time to each of HLT, PK and HGV. The Parties further recognize that certain of such post-separation services will be rendered solely for the benefit of HLT, PK or HGV, as the case may be, while other such post-separation services may be rendered with respect to claims, proceedings, litigation, disputes or other matters which involve two or more of HLT, PK or HGV. With respect to such post-separation services and related Privileged Information, the Parties agree as follows:
(i) All Privileged Information relating to any claims, proceedings, litigation, disputes or other matters which involve two or more of HLT, PK or HGV shall be subject to a shared Privilege among the Parties involved in the claims, proceedings, litigation, disputes or other matters at issue;
(ii) Except as otherwise provided in Section 8.7(b)(i ) , Privileged Information relating to post-separation services provided solely to one of HLT, PK or HGV shall not be deemed shared between the Parties, provided , that the foregoing shall not be construed or interpreted to restrict the right or authority of two or more Parties (x) to enter into any further agreement, not otherwise inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement, concerning the sharing of Privileged Information or (y) otherwise to share Privileged Information without waiving any Privilege which could be asserted under applicable Law; and
(iii) Each of HLT, PK or HGV shall be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges in connection with Privileged Information which relates solely to the HLT Retained Business, Ownership Business or Timeshare Business, as applicable, whether or not the Privileged Information is in the possession of or under the control of HLT, PK or HGV, as applicable, or the other Parties (or their respective Affiliates).
(c) The Parties agree as follows regarding all Privileged Information with respect to which the Parties shall have a shared Privilege under Section 8.7(a) or (b ) :
(i) Subject to Section 8.7(c)(iii) and (iv ) , no Party may waive any Privilege which could be asserted under any applicable Law, and in which any other Party has a shared Privilege, without the consent of the other Party, which shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Consent shall be in writing, or shall be deemed to be granted unless written objection is made within ten (10) Business Days after written notice by the requesting Party to the Party whose consent is sought;
(ii) 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 Parties, and shall not unreasonably withhold consent to any request for waiver by another Party. Each Party specifically agrees that it shall not withhold consent to waive for any purpose except to protect its own legitimate interests;
56
(iii) If, within ten (10) Business Days of receipt by the requesting Party of written objection, the Parties have not succeeded in negotiating a resolution to any dispute regarding whether a Privilege should be waived, and the requesting Party determines that a Privilege should nonetheless be waived to protect or advance its interest, the requesting Party shall provide the objecting Party ten (10) Business Days written notice prior to effecting such waiver. Each Party specifically agrees that failure within ten (10) Business Days of receipt of such notice to commence proceedings in a court of competent jurisdiction to enjoin such disclosure under applicable Law shall be deemed full and effective consent to such disclosure; and
(iv) In the event of any litigation or dispute between or among any of the Parties, or any members of their respective Groups, either such Party may waive a Privilege in which the other Party or member of such Group has a shared Privilege, without obtaining the consent of the other Party; provided , that such waiver of a shared Privilege shall be effective only as to the use of Privileged Information with respect to the litigation or dispute between the relevant Parties and/or the applicable members of their respective Groups, and shall not operate as a waiver of the shared Privilege with respect to third parties.
(d) The transfer of all Information pursuant to this Agreement is made in reliance on the agreement of HLT, PK or HGV as set forth in Sections 8.6 and this Section 8.7 , to maintain the confidentiality of Privileged Information and to assert and maintain any applicable Privilege. The access to Information being granted pursuant to Sections 6.3 , 7.6 , 8.2 and 8.3 hereof, the agreement to provide witnesses and individuals pursuant to Sections 6.3 , 7.6 and 8.4 hereof, the furnishing of notices and documents and other cooperative efforts contemplated by Sections 6.5 and 7.6 hereof, and the transfer of Privileged Information between and among the Parties and their respective Subsidiaries 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.
(e) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Section 8.7 , the Party responsible under the Tax Matters Agreement for controlling a Tax Contest shall have the authority to disclose or not disclose, in its sole discretion, any and all Privileged Information to (i) any Taxing Authority (as defined in the Tax Matters Agreement) conducting a Tax Contest or (ii) to third parties in connection with connection with the defense of a Tax Contest, including expert witnesses, accountants and other advisors, potential witnesses and other parties whose assistance is deemed, in the sole discretion of such Party, to be necessary or beneficial to representing the interests of the Parties hereunder.
Section 8.8. Ownership of Information . Any Information owned by one Party or any of its Subsidiaries that is provided to a requesting Party pursuant to this Article VIII shall be deemed to remain the property of the providing Party (except to the extent set forth in the definitions of HLT Retained Assets, Ownership Assets and Timeshare Assets). 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 8.9. Other Agreements . The rights and obligations granted under this Article VIII 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.
57
ARTICLE IX
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Section 9.1. Negotiation . In the event of a dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement (including its interpretation, performance or validity) (collectively, Agreement Disputes ), the general counsels of the relevant Parties (or such other individuals designated thereby) shall negotiate for a maximum of 21 days (or a mutually-agreed extension) (such period of days, the Negotiation Period) from the time of receipt by a Party of written notice of such Agreement Dispute . The relevant Parties shall not assert the defenses of statute of limitations and laches for any delays arising due to the procedures in Sections 9.1 or 9.2.
Section 9.2. Mediation . If the Parties have not timely resolved the Agreement Dispute under Section 9.1, the Parties agree to submit the Agreement Dispute to mediation no later than 10 days following the end of the Negotiation Period, with such mediation to be conducted in accordance with the Mediation Procedure of the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution ( CPR ). The Parties to the Agreement Dispute agree to bear equally the CPR and mediators costs . The Parties agree to participate in good faith in the mediation for a maximum of 14 days (or a mutually agreed extension). If the Parties have not timely resolved the Agreement Dispute pursuant to this Section 9.2, either Party may then bring an action in accordance with Sections 9.3 and 9.4 herein.
Section 9.3. Consent to Jurisdiction . Each Party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of (a) the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or (b) if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, any other state or federal court located within the County of New Castle in the State of Delaware, to resolve any Agreement Dispute that is not resolved pursuant to Sections 9.1 or 9.2. Any judgment of such court may be enforced by any court of competent jurisdiction. Further, notwithstanding Sections 9.1 and 9.2, either Party may apply to the above courts set forth in Section 9.3(a) & 9.3(b) above for a temporary restraining order or similar emergency relief during the process set forth in Sections 9.1 and 9.2. Each of the Parties agrees that service by U.S. registered mail to such Partys respective address set forth above shall be effective service of process for any of the above Actions and irrevocably and unconditionally waives any objection to the laying of venue of any Action in accordance with this Section 9.3. Nothing in this Section 9.3 shall limit or restrict the Parties from agreeing to arbitrate any Agreement Dispute pursuant to mutually-agreed procedures.
Section 9.4. Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING ANY AGREEMENT DISPUTE.
Section 9.5. Confidentiality. All information and communications between the Parties relating to an Agreement Dispute and/or under the procedures in Sections 9.1 and 9.2, shall be considered Confidential Information under Section 8.6 herein.
Section 9.6. Continuity of Performance . Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Parties shall continue to perform under this Agreement during the course of dispute resolution under this Article IX with respect to all matters not subject thereto.
Section 9.7. Ancillary Agreements . The provisions of this Article IX (including Section 8.6 as referenced herein) and Section 11.17 ( Governing Law ) shall also apply, mutatis mutandis, to any dispute arising out of or in connection with any Ancillary Agreement (including its interpretation, performance or validity) that does not contain its own dispute resolution provisions. For clarity, for any Ancillary Agreement that contains its own dispute resolution provisions, such provisions shall govern and be interpreted without reference to or incorporation of this Agreement, unless and to the extent such Ancillary Agreement expressly incorporates provisions of this Agreement by reference.
58
ARTICLE X
INSURANCE
Section 10.1. Policies and Rights Included Within Assets . (a) The HLT Retained Assets shall include any and all rights of a first named insured under Company Policies where HLT is a first named insured, subject to the terms of such Company Policies and any limitations or obligations of HLT contemplated by this Article X , specifically including rights of indemnity and the right to be defended by or at the expense of the insurer, with respect to all claims, suits, actions, proceedings, injuries, losses, liabilities, damages and expenses incurred or claimed to have been incurred prior to the Effective Time by any party in or in connection with the conduct of the HLT Retained Business or, to the extent any claim is made against HLT or any of its Subsidiaries, the conduct of the Ownership Business or the Timeshare Business, and which claims, suits, actions, proceedings, injuries, losses, liabilities, damages and expenses may arise out of an insured or insurable occurrence under one or more of such Company Policies; provided , however , that nothing in this Section 10.1 shall be deemed to constitute (or to reflect) an assignment of such Policies by HLT.
(b) The Ownership Assets shall include any and all rights of an insured party under each of the Company Policies, subject to Sections 10.9 and 10.10 and to the terms of such Company Policies and any limitations or obligations of PK contemplated by this Article X or Schedule 10.1 , specifically including rights of indemnity and the right to be defended by or at the expense of the insurer, with respect to all claims, suits, actions, proceedings, injuries, losses, liabilities, damages and expenses incurred or claimed to have been incurred prior to the Effective Time by any party in or in connection with the conduct of the Ownership Business or, to the extent any claim is made against PK or any of its Subsidiaries, the conduct of the HLT Retained Business or the Timeshare Business, and which claims, suits, actions, proceedings, injuries, losses, liabilities, damages and expenses may arise out of an insured or insurable occurrence under one or more of such Company Policies; provided , however , that nothing in this clause shall be deemed to constitute (or to reflect) an assignment of such Company Policies, or any of them, to PK.
(c) The Timeshare Assets shall include any and all rights of an insured party under each of the Company Policies, subject to Sections 10.9 and 10.10 and to the terms of such Company Policies and any limitations or obligations of HGV contemplated by this Article X or Schedule 10.1 , specifically including rights of indemnity and the right to be defended by or at the expense of the insurer, with respect to all claims, suits, actions, proceedings, injuries, losses, liabilities, damages and expenses incurred or claimed to have been incurred prior to the Effective Time by any party in or in connection with the conduct of the Timeshare Business or, to the extent any claim is made against HGV or any of its Subsidiaries, the conduct of the HLT Retained Business or the Ownership Business, and which claims, suits, actions, proceedings, injuries, losses, liabilities, damages and expenses may arise out of an insured or insurable occurrence under one or more of such Company Policies; provided , however , that nothing in this clause shall be deemed to constitute (or to reflect) an assignment of such Company Policies, or any of them, to HGV.
Section 10.2. Post-Effective Time Claims .
(a) If, subsequent to the Effective Time, any Person shall assert a claim against PK or any of its Subsidiaries (including where PK or its Subsidiaries are joint defendants with other Persons) with respect to any claim, suit, action, proceeding, injury, loss, liability, damage or expense incurred or claimed to have been incurred prior to the Effective Time in or in connection with the conduct of the Ownership Business or, to the extent any claim is made against PK or any of its Subsidiaries (including where PK or its Subsidiaries are joint defendants with other persons), the conduct of the HLT Retained Business or the Timeshare Business, and which claim, suit, action, proceeding, injury, loss, liability,
59
damage or expense may arise out of an insured or insurable occurrence under one or more of the Company Policies, HLT shall act on behalf of all insured parties to assert and manage all claims and to collect any related Insurance Proceeds on behalf of all insured parties under such Company Policy. PK, as an additionally insured party, shall have any and all rights of an additionally insured party under such Company Policy including asserting claims and with respect to such asserted claim, be entitled to rights of indemnity and the right to be defended by or at the expense of the insurer and the right to any applicable Insurance Proceeds thereunder; provided , however , that nothing in this Section 10.2(a) shall be deemed to constitute (or to reflect) an assignment of the Company Policies, or any of them, to PK nor be deemed to override existing policy terms and conditions.
(b) If, subsequent to the Effective Time, any person shall assert a claim against HGV or any of its Subsidiaries (including where HGV or its Subsidiaries are joint defendants with other persons) with respect to any claim, suit, action, proceeding, injury, loss, liability, damage or expense incurred or claimed to have been incurred prior to the Effective Time in or in connection with the conduct of the Timeshare Business or, to the extent any claim is made against HGV or any of its Subsidiaries (including where HGV or its Subsidiaries are joint defendants with other persons), the conduct of the HLT Retained Business or the Ownership Business, and which claim, suit, action, proceeding, injury, loss, liability, damage or expense may arise out of an insured or insurable occurrence under one or more of the Company Policies, HLT shall act on behalf of all insured parties to assert and manage all claims and to collect any related Insurance Proceeds on behalf of all insured parties under such Company Policy. HGV, as an additionally insured party shall have any and all rights of an additionally insured party under such Company Policy including asserting claims and with respect to such asserted claim, be entitled to rights of indemnity and the right to be defended by or at the expense of the insurer and the right to any applicable Insurance Proceeds thereunder; provided , however , that nothing in this Section 10.2(b) shall be deemed to constitute (or to reflect) an assignment of the Company Policies, or any of them, to HGV nor deemed to override existing policy terms and conditions.
Section 10.3. Administration; Other Matters .
(a) Administration . Subject to Section 10.10 , from and after the Effective Time, HLT shall be responsible for Claims Administration under Company Policies with respect to all Insured Claims. Each of PK and HGV shall provide prompt notice to HLT of any claims submitted by them or by their respective Subsidiaries under the Company Policies. Each Party shall be responsible for any amounts of its respective Insured Claims under Company Policies that fall below applicable deductibles or self-insured retentions, and shall be responsible for obtaining or reviewing the appropriateness of releases upon settlement of its respective Insured Claims under Company Policies. HLT shall have the sole right to change any Company Policies; provided that such change may not adversely and disproportionately affect PK or HGV as compared to HLT, without the consent of the adversely and disproportionately affected Party (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed). HLT may, with the consent of the other Parties (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), commute or otherwise terminate any Company Policies.
(b) Liability Limitation . HLT, PK and HGV shall not be liable to one another for claims not reimbursed by insurers for any reason not within the control of HLT, PK or HGV, as the case may be, including coinsurance provisions, deductibles, quota share deductibles, exhaustion of aggregates, self-insured retentions, bankruptcy or insolvency of an insurance carrier, Company Policy limitations or restrictions, any coverage disputes, any failure to timely claim by HLT, PK or HGV or any defect in such claim or its processing.
60
(c) Maximization of Insurance Proceeds . Each Party agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to maximize available coverage under those Company Policies applicable to it, and to take all commercially reasonable steps to recover from all other responsible parties in respect of an Insured Claim, including, as may be applicable, pursuing recoveries under other insurance policies available to such Party.
Section 10.4. Agreement for Waiver of Conflict and Shared Defense . In the event that Insured Claims of more than one Party exist relating to the same occurrence, the relevant Parties shall jointly defend and waive any conflict of interest to the extent necessary to the conduct of the joint defense. Nothing in this Section 10.4 shall be construed to limit or otherwise alter in any way the obligations of the Parties, including those created by this Agreement, by operation of law or otherwise.
Section 10.5. Agreement for Waiver of Conflict and Insurance Litigation and/or Recovery Efforts . In the event of any Action by any Party (or all of the Parties) to recover or obtain insurance proceeds, or to defend against any Action by an insurance carrier to deny any Policy benefits, all Parties may join in any such Action and be represented by joint counsel and all Parties shall waive any conflict of interest to the extent necessary to conduct any such Action. Nothing in this Section 10.5 shall be construed to limit or otherwise alter in any way the obligations of the Parties, including those created by this Agreement, by operation of Law, or otherwise.
Section 10.6. Directors and Officers Liability Insurance; Fiduciary Liability Insurance; Employment Practices Liability Insurance . HLT agrees that, from and after the Distribution Date to the sixth ( 6 th ) anniversary of the Effective Time, it will maintain in full force and effect the Company Policies identified as Directors & Officers Liability Insurance, Excess Directors & Officers Liability Insurance, Fiduciary Liability Insurance and Employment Practices Liability Insurance on Schedule 10.1 (or, through the purchase of extended discovery, the full benefits and coverage of such Company Policies) and shall not amend the terms of such Policies in a manner materially adverse to any persons covered by such insurance unless it is commercially impossible or unreasonable to maintain such Company Policies as they currently exist due to insurance market conditions. The provisions of this Section 10.6 are intended for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each of the persons covered by those Company Policies referenced in the preceding sentence.
Section 10.7. No Coverage for Post-Effective Occurrences . Each of PK and HGV, on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries, acknowledges and agrees that it will have no coverage under the Company Policies for acts or events that occur after the Effective Time, except as provided for in any Ancillary Agreements including under the Managing and Franchise Agreements pursuant to which HLT (or another member of the HLT Group) makes available to PK (or another member of the PK Group) coverage under certain Company Policies to the extent provided for in the applicable Managing and Franchise Agreement.
Section 10.8. Cooperation . The Parties agree to use their commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with respect to the various insurance matters contemplated by this Agreement (including in connection with Company Policies where HLT is an additional or first named insured).
Section 10.9. Excluded Policies . Each of PK and HGV, on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries, disclaims any rights that it otherwise may have under the Excluded Policies and agrees not to submit any claim or to pursue any recovery under any Excluded Policy, it being understood that the Excluded Policies are for the sole benefit of HLT and/or other parties.
Section 10.10. HLT as General Agent and Attorney-In-Fact . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, HLT remains the owner and holder of all rights and claims in and to the Company Policies (except with respect to Company Policies made available to PK pursuant to an Ancillary Agreement as set forth in Section 10.7). Should the provisions of Sections 10.1 and 10.2 as
61
they pertain to PK and/or HGV be challenged and/or fail their purpose, HLT shall act as agent and attorney-in-fact for PK and HGV and thereby effectuate, on behalf of PK and HGV, the provisions of Sections 10.2(a) and 10.2(b) of this Agreement, provided that, PK or HGV, as the case may be, shall pay HLTs reasonable out-of-pocket costs relating thereto.
Section 10.11. Additional Premiums, Return Premiums and Pro Rata Cancellation Premium Credits . If additional premiums are payable, or return premiums are receivable, on any Company Policies after the Effective Time as a result of an insurance carriers retrospective audit of insured exposure, each of HLT, PK and HGV shall be responsible for its respective share of any such additional premiums, and shall be entitled to receive its respective share of any such return premiums, that are attributable to a change in its or its Subsidiaries insured exposure. If cancellation premium credits are received after the Effective Time in connection with the cancellation of any Company Policies, each of HLT, PK and HGV shall be entitled to receive its Applicable Percentage of such cancellation premium credits.
ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 11.1. Complete Agreement; Construction . This Agreement, including the Exhibits and 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, course of dealings and writings with respect to such subject matter. In the event of any inconsistency between this Agreement and any Schedule hereto, the Schedule shall prevail. In the event and to the extent that there shall be a conflict between the provisions of (a) this Agreement and the provisions of any Specified Ancillary Agreement or Continuing Arrangement, such Specified Ancillary Agreement or Continuing Arrangement shall control and (b) this Agreement and any Ancillary Agreement which is not a Specified Ancillary Agreement, this Agreement shall control unless specifically stated otherwise in such Ancillary Agreement. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement: (i) all matters relating to Taxes and Tax Returns of the Parties and their respective Subsidiaries shall be governed exclusively by the Tax Matters Agreement; and (ii) for the avoidance of doubt, in the event of any conflict between this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, on the one hand, and the Tax Matters Agreement, on the other hand, with respect to such matters, the terms and conditions of the Tax Matters Agreement shall govern.
Section 11.2. Ancillary Agreements . Except as expressly set forth 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 11.3. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in more than one counterpart, 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.
Section 11.4. Survival of Agreements . Except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, all covenants and agreements of the Parties contained in this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement shall survive the Effective Time and remain in full force and effect in accordance with their applicable terms.
Section 11.5. Expenses . Except as otherwise provided (a) in this Agreement (including (i) with respect to costs and expenses incurred after the Effective Time, responsibility for which is allocated pursuant to Section 2.5 , (ii) with respect to Specified Shared Expenses, responsibility for which is allocated pursuant to Section 5.2 , (iii) with respect to Shared Contingent Liabilities, responsibility for
62
which is allocated pursuant to Article VI , (iv) with respect to fees and expenses incurred in the preservation of records and access to information, responsibility for which is allocated pursuant to Section 8.1 , Section 8.4 or Section 8.5 , or (v) with respect to fees and expenses incurred in connection with dispute resolution, responsibility for which is allocated pursuant to Article IX ) or (b) in any Ancillary Agreement, the Parties agree that all out-of-pocket fees and expenses incurred, or to be incurred and directly related to the Plan of Reorganization, the Distributions and the transactions contemplated hereby (including third party professional fees, fees and expenses incurred in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement and such other third party fees and expenses incurred on a non-recurring basis directly as a result of the Plan of Reorganization and the Distributions, including expenses set forth on Schedule 11.5 , and excluding the costs of salaries and benefits of employees or any pro rata portion of overhead or other costs of employing such employees which would have been incurred by such employees employer regardless of the employees service with respect to the foregoing) (collectively, Separation Expenses ) shall (A) to the extent set forth on Schedule 11.5 , be paid by HLT and (B) otherwise, be paid by the Party incurring such expenses. For the avoidance of doubt, except as expressly set forth in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreements, each Party shall be responsible for its own internal fees (and reimburse any other Party to the extent such Party has paid such costs and expenses on behalf of the responsible Party), costs and expenses (e.g., salaries of personnel working in its respective Business) incurred following the Distribution Date in connection with the Plan of Reorganization and the Distributions, including any costs and expenses relating to such Partys (or any member of its Groups) Disclosure Documents filed following the Distribution Date in connection with the Plan of Reorganization and the Distributions (including, printing, mailing and filing fees) or any costs and expenses incurred following the Distribution Date with the continued listing of such Partys common stock on the NYSE following the Distribution.
Section 11.6. Notices . All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications under this Agreement and, to the extent applicable and unless otherwise provided therein, under each of the Ancillary Agreements shall be in English, shall be in writing and shall be given or made (and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) by delivery in person, by overnight courier service, by facsimile with receipt confirmed (followed by delivery of an original via overnight courier service) or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective Parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a Party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 11.6 ):
To HLT or Hilton Domestic Operating Company Inc.:
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.
7930 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 1100
McLean, Virginia 22102
Attn: General Counsel
Facsimile: (703) 883-6188
To PK:
Park Hotels & Resorts Inc.
1600 Tysons Blvd., Suite 1000
McLean, Virginia 22102
Attn: General Counsel
Facsimile: (703) 893-1057
63
To HGV:
Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.
6355 MetroWest Boulevard, Suite 180
Orlando, Florida 32835
Attn: General Counsel
Facsimile: (407) 722-3776
Section 11.7. Consents . Any consent required or permitted to be given by any Party to the other Parties under this Agreement shall be in writing and signed by the Party giving such consent and shall be effective only against such Party (and its Group).
Section 11.8. Assignment . This Agreement shall not be assignable, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by any party hereto without the prior written consent of the other Parties (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), and any attempt to assign any rights or obligations arising under this Agreement without such consent shall be void. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall be assignable in whole in connection with a merger or consolidation or the sale of all or substantially all the assets of a Party hereto so long as the resulting, surviving or transferee Business Entity assumes all the obligations of the relevant party hereto by operation of law or pursuant to an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the other parties to this Agreement. No assignment permitted by this Section 11.8 shall release the assigning Party from liability for the full performance of its obligations under this Agreement.
Section 11.9. Successors and Assigns . The provisions of this Agreement and the obligations and rights hereunder shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by (and against) the Parties and their respective successors and permitted transferees and assigns.
Section 11.10. Termination and Amendment . Prior to the Effective Time, this Agreement (including Article VII hereof) may be terminated, modified or amended and the Distribution may be amended, modified or abandoned by and in the sole discretion of HLT upon written notice to PK and HGV but without the approval of PK, HGV or the stockholders of HLT. In the event of such termination, no Party shall have any liability of any kind to any other Party or any other Person. Following the Effective Time, this Agreement may not be terminated, modified or amended except by an agreement in writing signed by HLT, PK and HGV.
Section 11.11. Payment Terms .
(a) Except as expressly provided to the contrary in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement, any amount to be paid or reimbursed by any Party (and/or a member of such Partys Group), on the one hand, to any other Party or Parties (and/or a member of such Partys or Parties Group), on the other hand, under this Agreement shall be paid or reimbursed hereunder within forty-five (45) days after presentation of an invoice or a written demand therefor and setting forth, or accompanied by, reasonable documentation or other reasonable explanation supporting such amount.
(b) Except as expressly provided to the contrary in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement, any amount not paid when due pursuant to this Agreement (and any amount billed or otherwise invoiced or demanded and properly payable that is not paid within forty-five (45) days of such bill, invoice or other demand) shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR, from time to time in effect, calculated for the actual number of days elapsed, accrued from the date on which such payment was due up to the date of the actual receipt of payment.
64
(c) Except as expressly provided to the contrary in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement, a Party (or any member of a Partys Group) may direct that any payment owed such Party (or member of such Partys Group) hereunder or under any Ancillary Agreement be paid directly to another member of the same Group.
Section 11.12. No Circumvention . The Parties agree not to directly or indirectly take any actions, act in concert with any Person who takes an action, or cause or allow any member of any such Partys Group to take any actions (including the failure to take a reasonable action) such that the resulting effect is to materially undermine the effectiveness of any of the provisions of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement (including adversely affecting the rights or ability of any Party to successfully pursue indemnification or payment pursuant to Articles VI and VII ).
Section 11.13. 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 Assumed or otherwise performed by any Subsidiary of such Party or by any entity that becomes a Subsidiary of such Party at and after the Effective Time, to the extent such Subsidiary remains a Subsidiary of the applicable Party.
Section 11.14. Third Party Beneficiaries . Except (i) as provided in Article VII relating to Indemnitees and for the release under Section 7.1 of any Person provided therein, (ii) as provided in Section 10.6 relating to the directors, officers, employees, fiduciaries or agents provided therein and (iii) as specifically provided in any Ancillary Agreement, this Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Parties and should not be deemed to confer upon third parties any remedy, claim, liability, reimbursement, claim of action or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement.
Section 11.15. Title and Headings . Titles and headings to sections herein are inserted for the convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
Section 11.16. Exhibits and Schedules .
(a) The Exhibits and Schedules 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. Nothing in the Exhibits or Schedules constitutes an admission of any liability or obligation of any member of the HLT Group, PK Group or HGV Group or any of their respective Affiliates to any third party, nor, with respect to any third party, an admission against the interests of any member of the HLT Group, PK Group or HGV Group or any of their respective Affiliates. The inclusion of any item or liability or category of item or liability on any Exhibit or Schedule is made solely for purposes of allocating potential liabilities among the Parties and shall not be deemed as or construed to be an admission that any such liability exists.
(b) Subject to the prior written consent of the other Parties (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), each Party shall be entitled to update the Schedules from and after the date hereof until the Effective Time.
Section 11.17. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware without reference to any choice-of-law or conflicts of law principles that would result in the application of the laws of a different jurisdiction.
Section 11.18. 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.
65
Section 11.19. Force Majeure . No Party (or any Person acting on its behalf) shall have any liability or responsibility for failure to fulfill any obligation (other than a payment obligation) under this Agreement or, unless otherwise expressly provided therein, any Ancillary Agreement, so long as and to the extent to which the fulfillment of such obligation is prevented, frustrated, hindered or delayed as a consequence of circumstances of Force Majeure. A Party claiming the benefit of this provision shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after the occurrence of any such event: (a) notify the other applicable Parties of the nature and extent of any such Force Majeure condition and (b) use due diligence to remove any such causes and resume performance under this Agreement as soon as feasible.
Section 11.20. Interpretation . The Parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against the Party drafting or causing any instrument to be drafted.
Section 11.21. No Duplication; No 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 (including with respect to the rights, entitlements, obligations and recoveries that may arise out of one or more of the following Sections: Article VI ; Section 7.2 ; Section 7.3 ; Section 7.4 ; and Section 7.5 ).
Section 11.22. Tax Treatment of Payments . Unless otherwise required by a Final Determination, this Agreement or the Tax Matters Agreement or otherwise agreed to among the Parties, for U.S. federal Tax purposes, any payment made pursuant to this Agreement (other than any payment of interest pursuant to Section 11.11 ) by: (i) PK to OpCo shall be treated for all Tax purposes as a tax-free contribution by PK to OpCo with respect to its stock occurring immediately before the Internal Distribution of OpCo common stock; (ii) HGV to HLT shall be treated for all Tax purposes as a distribution by HGV to HLT with respect to its stock occurring after HGV is directly owned by HLT and immediately before the HGV Distribution; (iii) OpCo to PK shall be treated for all Tax purposes as a distribution by OpCo to PK with respect to stock of OpCo occurring immediately before the Internal Distribution of OpCo common stock; (iv) HLT to PK shall be treated for all Tax purposes as a tax-free contribution by HLT to PK with respect to its stock occurring immediately before the PK Distribution; (v) HLT to HGV shall be treated for all Tax purposes as a tax-free contribution by HLT to HGV with respect to its stock occurring after HGV is directly owned by HLT and immediately before the HGV Distribution; (vi) PK to HGV shall be treated for all Tax purposes as a tax-free contribution by PK to HGV with respect to its stock occurring immediately before the Internal Distribution of HGV Common Stock; (vii) HGV to PK shall be treated for all Tax purposes as a distribution by HGV to PK with respect to its stock occurring immediately before the Internal Distribution of HGV Common Stock; and in each case, none of the Parties shall take any position inconsistent with such treatment. In the event that a Taxing Authority (as defined in the Tax Matters Agreement) asserts that a Partys treatment of a payment pursuant to this Agreement should be other than as required pursuant to this Agreement (ignoring any potential inconsistent or adverse Final Determination), such Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to contest such challenge.
Section 11.23. No Waiver . No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising, on the part of any Party, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder or under the other Ancillary Agreements shall operate as a waiver hereof or thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder or thereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege.
66
Section 11.24. No Admission of Liability . The allocation of Assets and Liabilities herein (including on the Schedules hereto) is solely for the purpose of allocating such Assets and Liabilities among HLT, PK and HGV and is not intended as an admission of liability or responsibility for any alleged Liabilities vis-a-vis any third party, including with respect to the Liabilities of any non-wholly owned subsidiary of HLT, PK or HGV.
[ Signature Page Follows ]
67
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC. | ||
By: |
/s/ W. Steven Standefer |
|
Name: | W. Steven Standefer | |
Title: | Senior Vice President | |
PARK HOTELS & RESORTS INC. | ||
By: |
/s/ Sean DellOrto |
|
Name: | Sean DellOrto | |
Title: | EVP, CFO, and Treasurer | |
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS INC. | ||
By: |
/s/ Mark Wang |
|
Name: | Mark Wang | |
Title: | President and CEO | |
HILTON DOMESTIC OPERATING COMPANY INC. | ||
By: |
/s/ W. Steven Standefer |
|
Name: | W. Steven Standefer | |
Title: | Senior Vice President |
[Distribution Agreement]
Exhibit 3.1
AMENDED AND RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION
OF
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS INC.
The present name of the corporation is Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. (the Corporation ). The Corporation was incorporated under the name Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. by the filing of the original certificate of incorporation (the Original Certificate of Incorporation ) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on May 2, 2016. This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation, which amends, restates and integrates the provisions of the Original Certificate of Incorporation, was duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Sections 242 and 245 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware and by the written consent of the stockholders in accordance with Section 228 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware. The Original Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation is hereby amended and restated to read in its entirety as follows:
ARTICLE I
Section 1.1. Name . The name of the Corporation is Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.
ARTICLE II
Section 2.1. Address . The registered office of the Corporation in the State of Delaware is 2711 Centerville Road, Suite 400, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19808; and the name of the Corporations registered agent at such address is Corporation Service Company.
ARTICLE III
Section 3.1. Purpose . The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity, either directly or indirectly through subsidiaries of the Corporation, for which corporations may now or hereafter be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the DGCL ).
ARTICLE IV
Section 4.1. Capitalization . The total number of shares of all classes of stock that the Corporation is authorized to issue is 3,300,000,000 shares, consisting of (i) 3,000,000,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share ( Common Stock ) and (ii) 300,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share ( Preferred Stock ). The number of authorized shares of any of the Common Stock or Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority in voting power of the stock of the Corporation entitled to vote thereon irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the DGCL (or any successor provision thereto), and no vote of the holders of any of the Common Stock or Preferred Stock
1
voting separately as a class shall be required therefor, unless a vote of any such holder is required pursuant to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series of Preferred Stock).
Upon this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation becoming effective pursuant to the DGCL (the Effective Time ), each share of Common Stock of the Corporation issued immediately prior to the Effective Time will be reclassified into a number of issued, fully paid and nonassessable shares of Common Stock equal to the number of shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. issued and outstanding at 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on December 15, 2016 divided by one thousand ten (1,010), without any action required on the part of the Corporation or the holders of such Common Stock. No fractional shares of Common Stock will be issued to any holder in connection with the reclassification of shares of Common Stock provided herein. In lieu of fractional shares, holders of such Common Stock will receive a cash payment equal to the fair value of such fractional shares, as determined in good faith by the Board (as defined below). From and after the Effective Time, stock certificates representing the Common Stock issued immediately prior to the Effective Time, if any, shall represent the number of whole shares of Common Stock into which such Common Stock shall have been reclassified pursuant to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
Section 4.2. Preferred Stock .
(A) The Board of Directors of the Corporation (the Board ) is hereby expressly authorized, by resolution or resolutions, at any time and from time to time, to provide, out of the unissued shares of Preferred Stock, for one or more series of Preferred Stock and, with respect to each such series, to fix the number of shares constituting such series and the designation of such series, the voting powers (if any) of the shares of such series, and the powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, if any, and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, of the shares of such series and to cause to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware a certificate of designations with respect thereto. The powers, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other special rights of each series of Preferred Stock, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, if any, may differ from those of any and all other series at any time outstanding.
(B) Except as otherwise required by law, holders of a series of Preferred Stock, as such, shall be entitled only to such voting rights, if any, as shall expressly be granted thereto by this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to such series of Preferred Stock).
Section 4.3. Common Stock .
(A) Voting Rights . Each holder of Common Stock, as such, shall be entitled to one vote for each share of Common Stock held of record by such holder on all matters on which stockholders generally are entitled to vote; provided, however, that to the fullest extent permitted by law, holders of Common Stock, as such, shall have no voting power with respect to, and shall not be entitled to vote on, any amendment to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series of Preferred Stock)
2
that relates solely to the terms of one or more outstanding series of Preferred Stock if the holders of such affected series are entitled, either separately or together with the holders of one or more other such series, to vote thereon pursuant to this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series of Preferred Stock) or pursuant to the DGCL.
(B) Dividends and Distributions . Subject to applicable law and the rights, if any, of the holders of any outstanding series of Preferred Stock or any class or series of stock having a preference over or the right to participate with the Common Stock with respect to the payment of dividends and other distributions in cash, property of the Corporation or shares of stock of the Corporation, such dividends and other distributions may be declared and paid on the Common Stock out of the assets of the Corporation that are by law available therefor at such times and in such amounts as the Board in its discretion shall determine.
(C) Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up . In the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of the Corporation, after payment or provision for payment of the debts and other liabilities of the Corporation and subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of Preferred Stock or any class or series of stock having a preference over or the right to participate with the Common Stock as to distributions upon dissolution or liquidation or winding up, the holders of all outstanding shares of Common Stock shall be entitled to receive the remaining assets of the Corporation available for distribution ratably in proportion to the number of shares held by each such stockholder.
ARTICLE V
Section 5.1. By-Laws . In furtherance and not in limitation of the powers conferred by the DGCL, the Board is expressly authorized to make, amend, alter, change, add to or repeal the by-laws of the Corporation (as the same may be amended and/or restated from time to time, the Bylaws) without the assent or vote of the stockholders in any manner not inconsistent with the laws of the State of Delaware or this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. The affirmative vote of the holders of at least 80% of the voting power of all the then outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, shall be required for the stockholders to make, amend, alter, change, add to or repeal any provision of the Bylaws.
ARTICLE VI
Section 6.1. Board of Directors .
(A) Except as otherwise provided in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the DGCL, the business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of the Board, with the exact number of directors to be determined from time to time exclusively by resolution adopted by the Board.
(B) Whenever the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock issued by the Corporation shall have the right, voting separately as a series or separately as a class with one or more such other series, to elect directors at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, the election, term of office, removal and other features of such directorships shall be governed by
3
the terms of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series of Preferred Stock) applicable thereto. Notwithstanding Section 6.1(A), the number of directors that may be elected by the holders of any such series of Preferred Stock shall be in addition to the number fixed pursuant to Section 6.1(A) hereof.
(C) Directors of the Corporation need not be elected by written ballot unless the Bylaws shall so provide. Except as otherwise provided in this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series of Preferred Stock) or the Bylaws (as either may be amended and/or restated from time to time), directors of the Corporation shall be elected at each annual meeting of the stockholders and shall serve until the next annual meeting of the stockholders and until their successors are duly elected and qualified.
ARTICLE VII
Section 7.1. Meetings of Stockholders . For so long as the stockholders affiliated with The Blackstone Group L.P. (collectively, the Blackstone Stockholders ) party to the Stockholders Agreement, dated on or about the date hereof (as amended or supplemented from time to time the Blackstone Stockholders Agreement ), among the Corporation and the stockholders from time to time party thereto, collectively continue to beneficially own at least 40% of the total voting power of all the then outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, any action required or permitted to be taken by the holders of stock of the Corporation may be effected by written consent without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted and shall be delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the State of Delaware, its principal place of business, or to an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the books in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to the Corporations registered office shall be made by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. From and after the date on which the Blackstone Stockholders collectively cease to beneficially own at least 40% of the total voting power of all the then outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, any action required or permitted to be taken by the holders of stock of the Corporation must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of such holders and may not be effected by any consent in writing by such holders unless such action is recommended by all directors of the Corporation then in office; provided , however , that, to the extent expressly permitted by the certificate(s) of designation relating to one or more series of Preferred Stock, any action required or permitted to be taken by the holders of such series of Preferred Stock, voting separately as a series or separately as a class with one or more other such series, may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote, if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, shall be signed by the holders of outstanding shares of the relevant class or series having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote thereon were present and voted and shall be delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in Delaware, its principal place of business, or to an officer or
4
agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to the Corporations registered office shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. Except as otherwise required by law and subject to the rights of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock, special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation for any purpose or purposes may be called at any time only by or at the direction of the Board, the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation or upon the request of holders of stock of the Corporation entitling the holders thereof to not less than a majority of the total voting power of all the then outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, or for so long as the Blackstone Stockholders and their affiliates continue to beneficially own at least 40% of the total voting power of all the then outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, the Blackstone Stockholders. For so long as the Blackstone Stockholders continue to beneficially own at least 40% of the total voting power of all the then outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, the Blackstone Stockholders consent is required for any amendment to Section 7.1 hereof.
ARTICLE VIII
Section 8.1. Limitation on Liability of Directors . No director of the Corporation will have any personal liability to the Corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the DGCL as the same exists or hereafter may be amended. Neither the amendment nor the repeal of this Article VIII shall eliminate or reduce the effect thereof in respect of any state of facts existing or act or omission occurring, or any cause of action, suit or claim that, but for this Article VIII, would accrue or arise, prior to such amendment or repeal.
ARTICLE IX
Section 9.1. Business Combinations . The Corporation hereby elects not to be governed by Section 203 of the DGCL until such time as there is no Blackstone Stockholder, which, together with its affiliates, continues to beneficially own at least 5% of the total voting power of all the then outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, voting together as a single class, whereupon the Corporation shall immediately and automatically, without further action on the part of the Corporation or any holder of stock of the Corporation, become governed by Section 203 of the DGCL.
ARTICLE X
Section 10.1. Certain Acknowledgment . In recognition and anticipation that (i) certain directors, principals, officers, employees and/or other representatives of investment funds or vehicles affiliated with The Blackstone Group L.P. ( Blackstone ) and its Affiliates (as defined below) may serve as directors, officers or agents of the Corporation, (ii) Blackstone and its Affiliates may now engage and may continue to engage in the same or similar activities or related lines of business as those in which the Corporation, directly or indirectly, may engage and/or other business activities that overlap with or compete with those in which the
5
Corporation, directly or indirectly, may engage, and (iii) members of the Board who are not employees of the Corporation ( Non-Employee Directors ) and their respective Affiliates may now engage and may continue to engage in the same or similar activities or related lines of business as those in which the Corporation, directly or indirectly, may engage and/or other business activities that overlap with or compete with those in which the Corporation, directly or indirectly, may engage, the provisions of this Article X are set forth to regulate and define the conduct of certain affairs of the Corporation with respect to certain classes or categories of business opportunities as they may involve any of Blackstone, the Non-Employee Directors or their respective Affiliates and the powers, rights, duties and liabilities of the Corporation and its directors, officers and stockholders in connection therewith.
Section 10.2. Competition and Corporate Opportunities; Renouncement . None of (i) Blackstone or any of its Affiliates or (ii) any Non-Employee Director (including any Non-Employee Director who serves as an officer of the Corporation in both his or her director and officer capacities) or his or her Affiliates (the Persons (as defined below) identified in (i) and (ii) above being referred to, collectively, as Identified Persons and, individually, as an Identified Person) shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, have any duty to refrain from directly or indirectly (1) engaging in the same or similar business activities or lines of business in which the Corporation or any of its Affiliates now engages or proposes to engage or (2) otherwise competing with the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, no Identified Person shall be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders or to any Affiliate of the Corporation for breach of any fiduciary duty solely by reason of the fact that such Identified Person engages in any such activities. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Corporation hereby renounces any interest or expectancy in, or right to be offered an opportunity to participate in, any business opportunity which may be a corporate opportunity for an Identified Person and the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, except as provided in Section 10.3 hereof. Subject to said Section 10.3, in the event that any Identified Person acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or other business opportunity which may be a corporate opportunity for itself, herself or himself and the Corporation or any of its Affiliates, such Identified Person shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, have no duty to communicate or offer such transaction or other business opportunity to the Corporation or any of its Affiliates and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, shall not be liable to the Corporation or its stockholders or to any Affiliate of the Corporation for breach of any fiduciary duty as a stockholder, director or officer of the Corporation solely by reason of the fact that such Identified Person pursues or acquires such corporate opportunity for itself, herself or himself, or offers or directs such corporate opportunity to another Person.
Section 10.3. Allocation of Corporate Opportunities . The Corporation does not renounce its interest in any corporate opportunity offered to any Non-Employee Director (including any Non-Employee Director who serves as an officer of this Corporation) if such opportunity is expressly offered to such person solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Corporation, and the provisions of Section 10.2 hereof shall not apply to any such corporate opportunity.
Section 10.4. Certain Matters Deemed Not Corporate Opportunities . In addition to and notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Article X, a corporate opportunity shall not be deemed to be a potential corporate opportunity for the Corporation if it is a business
6
opportunity that (i) the Corporation is neither financially or legally able, nor contractually permitted to undertake, (ii) from its nature, is not in the line of the Corporations business or is of no practical advantage to the Corporation or (iii) is one in which the Corporation has no interest or reasonable expectancy.
Section 10.5. Certain Definitions . For purposes of this Article X, (i) Affiliate shall mean (a) in respect of Blackstone, any Person that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by Blackstone, controls Blackstone or is under common control with Blackstone and shall include any principal, member, director, partner, stockholder, officer, employee or other representative of any of the foregoing (other than the Corporation and any entity that is controlled by the Corporation), (b) in respect of a Non-Employee Director, any Person that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by such Non-Employee Director (other than the Corporation and any entity that is controlled by the Corporation) and (c) in respect of the Corporation, any Person that, directly or indirectly, is controlled by the Corporation; and (ii) Person shall mean any individual, corporation, general or limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, association or any other entity.
Section 10.6. Notice of this Article . To the fullest extent permitted by law, any Person purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in any shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and to have consented to the provisions of this Article X.
ARTICLE XI
Section 11.1. Severability . If any provision or provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable as applied to any circumstance for any reason whatsoever, the validity, legality and enforceability of such provisions in any other circumstance and of the remaining provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each portion of any paragraph of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby and the provisions of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation (including, without limitation, each such portion of any paragraph of this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to permit the Corporation to protect its directors, officers, employees and agents from personal liability to the fullest extent permitted by law.
ARTICLE XII
Section 12.1. Forum . Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer, employee or stockholder of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporations stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or the
7
Bylaws (as either may be amended and/or restated from time to time) or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article XII.
This Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation shall become effective at 4:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) on January 3, 2017.
* * *
8
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has caused this Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be signed by Charles R. Corbin, Jr., its EVP & General Counsel this 30 th day of December, 2017.
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS INC. | ||||
By: |
/s/ Charles R. Corbin, Jr. |
|||
Name: | Charles R. Corbin, Jr. | |||
Title: | EVP & General Counsel |
[Signature page Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation]
Exhibit 3.2
AMENDED AND RESTATED
BY-LAWS
OF
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS INC.
ARTICLE I.
STOCKHOLDERS
Section 1 . The annual meeting of the stockholders of Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. (the Corporation) for the purpose of electing directors and for the transaction of such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting shall be held on such date, and at such time and place, if any, within or without the State of Delaware as may be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the Board). The Corporation may postpone, reschedule or cancel any annual meeting of stockholders previously scheduled.
Section 2 . Except as otherwise required by law or the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, and subject to the rights of the holders of one or more series of Preferred Stock (as defined in the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation), special meetings of the stockholders of the Corporation may be called only by or at the direction of the Board, the Chairman of the Board or the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation or upon the request of holders of stock of the Corporation entitling the holders thereof to not less than a majority of the total voting power of all the then outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, or for so long as the Blackstone Stockholders (as defined in the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation) and their affiliates continue to beneficially own at least 40% of the total voting power of all the then outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, the Blackstone Stockholders. The Corporation may postpone, reschedule or cancel any special meeting of stockholders previously scheduled.
Section 3 . Except as otherwise provided by law, the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation or these By-Laws, notice of the date, time, place (if any), the means of remote communications, if any, by which stockholders and proxy holders may be deemed to be present in person and vote at such meeting, the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting (if such date is different from the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting) and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes of the meeting of stockholders shall be given not more than sixty (60), nor less than ten (10), days before the date of the meeting, to each stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting as of the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting at such address as appears on the records of the Corporation.
Section 4 . The holders of a majority in voting power of the stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of business, except as otherwise provided herein, by statute or by the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation; but if at any meeting of stockholders there shall be less than a quorum present, the chairman of the meeting or, by a majority in voting power thereof, the stockholders present may, to the extent permitted by law, adjourn the meeting from time to time without further notice other than announcement at the meeting of the date, time and place, if any, of the adjourned meeting, until a quorum shall be present or represented. Notwithstanding the foregoing, except as otherwise provided by the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, where a separate vote by a class or series or classes or series is required, a majority in voting power of the outstanding shares of such class or series or classes or series, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum entitled to take action with respect to that vote on that matter. At any adjourned meeting at which a quorum shall be present or represented, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the original meeting. Notice need not be given of any adjourned meeting if the time and place thereof are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken. If the adjournment is for more than thirty (30) days, a notice of the adjourned meeting shall be given to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at the meeting. If after the adjournment a new record date for stockholders entitled to vote is fixed for the adjourned meeting, the Board shall fix a new record date for notice of such adjourned meeting, and shall give notice of the adjourned meeting to each stockholder of record entitled to vote at such adjourned meeting as of the record date for notice of such adjourned meeting.
Section 5 . The Chairman of the Board, or in the Chairmans absence or at the Chairmans direction, the Chief Executive Officer, or in the Chief Executive Officers absence or at the Chief Executive Officers direction, any officer of the Corporation shall call all meetings of the stockholders to order and shall act as chairman of any such meetings. The Secretary of the Corporation or, in such officers absence, an Assistant Secretary shall act as secretary of the meeting. If neither the Secretary nor an Assistant Secretary is present, the chairman of the meeting shall appoint a secretary of the meeting. The Board may adopt such rules and regulations for the conduct of the meeting of stockholders as it shall deem appropriate. Unless otherwise determined by the Board prior to the meeting, the chairman of the meeting shall determine the order of business and shall have the authority in his or her discretion to regulate the conduct of any such meeting, including, without limitation, convening the meeting and adjourning the meeting (whether or not a quorum is present), announcing the date and time of the opening and the closing of the polls for each matter upon which the stockholders will vote, imposing restrictions on the persons (other than stockholders of record of the Corporation or their duly appointed proxies) who may attend any such meeting, establishing procedures for the transaction of business at the meeting (including the dismissal of business not properly presented), maintaining order at the meeting and safety of those present, restricting entry to the meeting after the time fixed for commencement thereof and limiting the circumstances in which any person may make a statement or ask questions at any meeting of stockholders.
Section 6 . At all meetings of stockholders, any stockholder entitled to vote thereat shall be entitled to vote in person or by proxy, but no proxy shall be voted after three years from its date, unless such proxy provides for a longer period. Without limiting the manner in which a stockholder may authorize another person or persons to act for the stockholder as proxy pursuant to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the DGCL), the following shall constitute a valid means by which a stockholder may grant such authority: (i) a stockholder may execute a writing authorizing another person or persons to act for the stockholder as proxy, and execution of the writing may be accomplished by the stockholder or the stockholders authorized officer, director, employee or agent signing such writing or causing his or her signature to be affixed to such writing by any reasonable means including, but not limited to, by facsimile signature; or (ii) a stockholder may authorize another person or persons to act for the stockholder as proxy by transmitting or authorizing by means of electronic transmission to the person who will be the holder of the proxy or to a proxy solicitation firm, proxy support service organization or like agent duly authorized by the person who will be the holder of the proxy to receive such transmission, provided that any such means of electronic transmission must either set forth or be submitted with information from which it can be determined that the electronic transmission was authorized by the stockholder. If it is determined that such electronic transmissions are valid, the inspector or inspectors of stockholder votes or, if there are no such inspectors, such other persons making that determination shall specify the information upon which they relied.
A 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 stockholder may revoke any proxy which is not irrevocable by attending the meeting and voting in person or by delivering to the Secretary of the Corporation a revocation of the proxy or a new proxy bearing a later date.
Any copy, facsimile telecommunication or other reliable reproduction of the writing or transmission created pursuant to the first paragraph of this Section 6 may be substituted or used in lieu of the original writing or transmission for any and all purposes for which the original writing or transmission could be used, provided that such copy, facsimile telecommunication or other reproduction shall be a complete reproduction of the entire original writing or transmission.
Proxies shall be filed with the secretary of the meeting prior to or at the commencement of the meeting to which they relate.
Section 7 . When a quorum is present at any meeting, the vote of the holders of a majority of the votes cast shall decide any question brought before such meeting, unless the question is one upon which by express provision of the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, these By-Laws or the DGCL a different vote is required, in which case such express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question. Notwithstanding the foregoing, where a separate vote by a class or series or classes or series is required and a quorum is present, the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by shares of such class or series or classes or series shall be the act of such class or series or classes or series, unless the question is one upon which by express provision of the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, these By-Laws or the DGCL a different vote is required, in which case such express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question.
2
Section 8 . (A) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to notice of any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board, and which record date shall, unless otherwise required by law, not be more than sixty (60) nor less than ten (10) days before the date of such meeting. If the Board so fixes a date, such date shall also be the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at such meeting unless the Board determines, at the time it fixes such record date, that a later date on or before the date of the meeting shall be the date for making such determination. If no record date is fixed by the Board, the record date for determining 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. A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however , that the Board may fix a new record date for determination of stockholders entitled to vote at the adjourned meeting, and in such case shall also fix as the record date for stockholders entitled to notice of such adjourned meeting the same or an earlier date as that fixed for determination of stockholders entitled to vote in accordance herewith at the adjourned meeting.
(B) In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights, or entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date on which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted and which record date shall not be more than sixty (60) days prior to such other action. If no such record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution relating thereto.
Section 9 . At any time when the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation permits action by one or more classes or series of stockholders of the Corporation to be taken by written consent, the provisions of this section shall apply. All consents properly delivered in accordance with the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, and the DGCL shall be deemed to be recorded when so delivered. No written consent shall be effective to take the corporate action referred to therein unless, within sixty (60) days of the earliest dated consent delivered to the Corporation as required by the DGCL, written consents signed by the holders of a sufficient number of shares to take such corporate action are so delivered to the Corporation in accordance with the applicable provisions of the DGCL. Prompt notice of the taking of the corporate action without a meeting by less than unanimous written consent shall be given to those stockholders who have not consented in writing and who, if the action had been taken at a meeting, would have been entitled to notice of the meeting if the record date for notice of such meeting had been the date that written consents signed by a sufficient number of holders to take the action were delivered to the Corporation as provided in the applicable provisions of the DGCL. Any action taken pursuant to such written consent or consents of the stockholders shall have the same force and effect as if taken by the stockholders at a meeting thereof. In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, the Board may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board, and which date shall not be more than ten (10) days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board. If no record date has been fixed by the Board, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, when no prior action by the Board is required by statute, shall be the first date on which a signed written consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in the State of Delaware, its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded. Delivery made to the Corporations registered office shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested. If no record date has been fixed by the Board and prior action by the Board is required by statute, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board adopts the resolution taking such prior action.
Section 10 . The officer who has charge of the stock ledger of the Corporation shall prepare and make at least ten (10) days before every meeting of stockholders, a complete list of the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting ( provided, however , if the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote is less than ten (10) days before the date of the meeting, the list shall reflect the stockholders entitled to vote as of the tenth (10th) day before the meeting date), arranged in alphabetical order, and showing the address of each stockholder and the number of
3
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 for a period of at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting: (i) on a reasonably accessible electronic network, provided that the information required to gain access to such list is provided with the notice of the meeting; or (ii) during ordinary business hours, at the principal place of business of the Corporation. In the event that the Corporation determines to make the list available on an electronic network, the Corporation may take reasonable steps to ensure that such information is available only to stockholders of the Corporation. If the meeting is to be held at a place, then a list of stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting shall 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. If the meeting is to be held solely by means of remote communication, then the list shall also be open to the examination of any stockholder during the whole time of the meeting on a reasonably accessible electronic network, and the information required to access such list shall be provided with the notice of the meeting.
Section 11 . The Board, in advance of all meetings of the stockholders, may (and, if required by law, shall) appoint one or more inspectors of stockholder votes, who may be employees or agents of the Corporation or stockholders or their proxies, but who shall not be directors of the Corporation or candidates for election as directors. In the event that the Board fails to so appoint one or more inspectors of stockholder votes or, in the event that one or more inspectors of stockholder votes previously designated by the Board fails to appear or act at the meeting of stockholders, the chairman of the meeting may appoint one or more inspectors of stockholder votes to fill such vacancy or vacancies. Inspectors of stockholder votes appointed to act at any meeting of the stockholders, before entering upon the discharge of their duties, shall take and sign an oath to faithfully execute the duties of inspector of stockholder votes with strict impartiality and according to the best of their ability and the oath so taken shall be subscribed by them. Inspectors of stockholder votes shall take all actions required under the applicable provisions of the DGCL and any other applicable law, rule or regulation.
Section 12 . (A) Annual Meetings of Stockholders . (1) Nominations of persons for election to the Board and the proposal of other business to be considered by the stockholders may be made at an annual meeting of stockholders only (a) as provided in the Blackstone Stockholders Agreement (as defined in the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation), (b) pursuant to the Corporations notice of meeting (or any supplement thereto) delivered pursuant to Article I, Section 3 of these By-Laws, (c) by or at the direction of the Board or any authorized committee thereof or (d) by any stockholder of the Corporation who is entitled to vote on such election or such other business at the meeting, who complied with the notice procedures set forth in subparagraphs (2) and (3) of this paragraph (A) of this By-Law and who was a stockholder of record at the time such notice is delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation.
(2) For nominations or other business to be properly brought before an annual meeting by a stockholder, the stockholder must have given timely notice thereof in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation, and, in the case of business other than nominations of persons for election to the Board, such other business must constitute a proper matter for stockholder action. To be timely, a stockholders notice shall be delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not less than ninety (90) days nor more than one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding years annual meeting; provided, however, that in the event that the date of the annual meeting is advanced by more than twenty (20) days, or delayed by more than seventy (70) days, from the anniversary date of the previous years meeting, or if no annual meeting was held in the preceding year (including for the Corporations first annual meeting of stockholders after shares of its Common Stock (as defined in the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation) are first publicly traded), notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not earlier than the close of business on the one hundred and twentieth (120th) day prior to such annual meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such annual meeting or, if later, the tenth (10th) day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made. For purposes of the application of Rule 14a-4(c) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act) (or any successor provision), the date for notice specified in this paragraph (A)(2) shall be the earlier of the date calculated as hereinbefore provided or the date specified in paragraph (c)(1) of Rule 14a-4.
Such stockholders notice shall set forth: (a) as to each person whom the stockholder proposes to nominate for election or re-election as a director all information relating to such person that is required to be disclosed in solicitations of proxies for election of directors, or is otherwise required, in each case pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, including such persons written consent to being named in the proxy statement as a nominee and to serving as a director if elected; (b) as to any other business
4
that the stockholder proposes to bring before the meeting, a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting, the text of the proposal or business (including the text of any resolutions proposed for consideration and, in the event that such business includes a proposal to amend these By-Laws, the language of the proposed amendment), the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting and any material interest in such business of such stockholder and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the proposal is made; (c) as to the stockholder giving the notice and the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made (i) the name and address of such stockholder, as they appear on the Corporations books and records, and of such beneficial owner, (ii) the class or series and number of shares of capital stock of the Corporation which are owned directly or indirectly, beneficially and of record by such stockholder and such beneficial owner, (iii) a representation that the stockholder is a holder of record of the stock of the Corporation at the time of the giving of the notice, will be entitled to vote at such meeting and will appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to propose such business or nomination, (iv) a representation whether the stockholder or the beneficial owner, if any, will be or is part of a group which will (A) deliver a proxy statement and/or form of proxy to holders of at least the percentage of the voting power of the Corporations outstanding capital stock required to approve or adopt the proposal or elect the nominee and/or (B) otherwise solicit proxies or votes from stockholders in support of such proposal or nomination, (v) a certification regarding whether such stockholder and beneficial owner, if any, have complied with all applicable federal, state and other legal requirements in connection with the stockholders and/or beneficial owners acquisition of shares of capital stock or other securities of the Corporation and/or the stockholders and/or beneficial owners acts or omissions as a stockholder of the Corporation and (vi) any other information relating to such stockholder and beneficial owner, if any, required to be disclosed in a proxy statement or other filings required to be made in connection with solicitations of proxies for, as applicable, the proposal and/or for the election of directors in an election contest pursuant to and in accordance with Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; (d) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding with respect to the nomination or proposal and/or the voting of shares of any class or series of stock of the Corporation between or among the stockholder giving the notice, the beneficial owner, if any, on whose behalf the nomination or proposal is made, any of their respective affiliates or associates and/or any others acting in concert with any of the foregoing (collectively, proponent persons); and (e) a description of any agreement, arrangement or understanding (including without limitation any contract to purchase or sell, acquisition or grant of any option, right or warrant to purchase or sell, swap or other instrument) to which any proponent person is a party, the intent or effect of which may be (i) to transfer to or from any proponent person, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of any security of the Corporation, (ii) to increase or decrease the voting power of any proponent person with respect to shares of any class or series of stock of the Corporation and/or (iii) to provide any proponent person, directly or indirectly, with the opportunity to profit or share in any profit derived from, or to otherwise benefit economically from, any increase or decrease in the value of any security of the Corporation. A stockholder providing notice of a proposed nomination for election to the Board or other business proposed to be brought before a meeting (whether given pursuant to this paragraph (A)(2) or paragraph (B) of this By-Law) shall update and supplement such notice from time to time to the extent necessary so that the information provided or required to be provided in such notice shall be true and correct as of the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting and as of the date that is fifteen (15) days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof provided that if the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting is less than fifteen (15) days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof, the information shall be supplemented and updated as of such later date. Any such update and supplement shall be delivered in writing to the Secretary of the Corporation at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than five (5) days after the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting (in the case of any update or supplement required to be made as of the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of the meeting), not later than ten (10) days prior to the date for the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof (in the case of any update or supplement required to be made as of fifteen (15) days prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof) and not later than five (5) days after the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to vote at the meeting, but no later than the day prior to the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof (in the case of any update and supplement required to be made as of a date less than fifteen (15) days prior the date of the meeting or any adjournment or postponement thereof). The Corporation may require any proposed nominee to furnish such other information as it may reasonably require to determine the eligibility of such proposed nominee to serve as a director of the Corporation and to determine the independence of such director under the Exchange Act and rules and regulations thereunder and applicable stock exchange rules.
5
(3) Notwithstanding anything in the second sentence of paragraph (A)(2) of this By-Law to the contrary, in the event that the number of directors to be elected to the Board is increased, effective after the time period for which nominations would otherwise be due under paragraph (A)(2) of this By-Law, and there is no public announcement naming all of the nominees for director or specifying the size of the increased Board made by the Corporation at least one hundred (100) days prior to the first anniversary of the preceding years annual meeting, a stockholders notice required by this By-Law shall also be considered timely, but only with respect to nominees for any new positions created by such increase, if it shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which a public announcement of such increase is first made by the Corporation; provided that, if no such announcement is made at least ten (10) days before the meeting, then no such notice shall be required.
(B) Special Meetings of Stockholders . Only such business shall be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting pursuant to the Corporations notice of meeting pursuant to Article I, Section 3 of these By-Laws. Nominations of persons for election to the Board may be made at a special meeting of stockholders at which directors are to be elected (i) pursuant to the Blackstone Stockholders Agreement, (ii) pursuant to the Corporations notice of meeting or (iii)(a) by or at the direction of the Board or a committee thereof (or stockholders pursuant to Article I, Section 2 of these By-Laws and Article VII of the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation) or (b) provided that the Board (or stockholders pursuant to Article I, Section 2 of these By-Laws and Article VII of the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation) has determined that directors shall be elected at such meeting, by any stockholder of the Corporation who is entitled to vote on such election at the meeting, who complies with the notice procedures set forth in this By-Law and who is a stockholder of record at the time such notice is delivered to the Secretary of the Corporation. The proposals by stockholders of other business to be conducted at a special meeting of stockholders may be made only in accordance with Article I, Section 2 of these By-Laws and Article VII of the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation. In the event the Corporation calls a special meeting of stockholders for the purpose of electing one or more directors to the Board, any such stockholder entitled to vote in such election of directors may nominate a person or persons (as the case may be) for election to such position(s) as specified in the Corporations notice of meeting if the stockholders notice as required by paragraph (A)(2) of this By-Law shall be delivered to the Secretary at the principal executive offices of the Corporation not earlier than the close of business on the one hundred twentieth (120th) day prior to such special meeting and not later than the close of business on the later of the ninetieth (90th) day prior to such special meeting or the tenth day following the day on which public announcement is first made of the date of the special meeting and of the nominees proposed by the Board to be elected at such meeting.
(C) General . (1) Only persons who are nominated in accordance with the procedures set forth in this By-Law or the Blackstone Stockholders Agreement shall be eligible to serve as directors and only such business shall be conducted at a meeting of stockholders as shall have been brought before the meeting in accordance with the procedures set forth in this By-Law. Except as otherwise provided by law, the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation or these By-Laws, the chairman of the meeting shall, in addition to making any other determination that may be appropriate for the conduct of the meeting, have the power and duty to determine whether a nomination or any business proposed to be brought before the meeting was made in accordance with the procedures set forth in these By-Laws and, if any proposed nomination or business is not in compliance with these By-Laws, to declare that such defective proposal or nomination shall be disregarded or that such proposed business shall not be transacted.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 12, if the stockholder (or a qualified representative of the stockholder) does not appear at the annual or special meeting of stockholders of the Corporation to present a nomination or business, such nomination shall be disregarded and such proposed business shall not be transacted, notwithstanding that proxies in respect of such vote may have been received by the Corporation. For purposes of this Section 12, to be considered a qualified representative of the stockholder, a person must be a duly authorized officer, manager or partner of such stockholder or must be authorized by a writing executed by such stockholder or an electronic transmission delivered by such stockholder to act for such stockholder as proxy at the meeting of stockholders and such person must produce such writing or electronic transmission, or a reliable reproduction of the writing or electronic transmission, at the meeting of stockholders.
(2) For purposes of this By-Law, public announcement shall mean disclosure (a) in a press release released by the Corporation, provided such press release is released by the Corporation following its customary procedures, is reported by the Dow Jones News Service, Associated Press or comparable national news service, or is generally available on internet news sites, (b) in a document publicly filed or furnished by the Corporation with the Securities
6
and Exchange Commission pursuant to Section 13, 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act or (c) otherwise disseminated in a manner constituting public disclosure under Regulation FD promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(3) For purposes of this By-Law, no adjournment or postponement or notice of adjournment or postponement of any meeting shall be deemed to constitute a new notice of such meeting for purposes of this Section 12, and in order for any notification required to be delivered by a stockholder pursuant to this Section 12 to be timely, such notification must be delivered within the periods set forth above with respect to the originally scheduled meeting.
(4) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this By-Law, a stockholder shall also comply with all applicable requirements of the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder with respect to the matters set forth in this By-Law; provided however, that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any references in these By-Laws to the Exchange Act or the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder are not intended to and shall not limit any requirements applicable to nominations or proposals as to any other business to be considered pursuant to this By-Law (including paragraphs (A)(1)(c) and (B) hereof), and compliance with paragraphs (A)(1)(c) and (B) of this By-Law shall be the exclusive means for a stockholder to make nominations or submit other business. Nothing in this By-Law shall apply to the right, if any, of the holders of any series of Preferred Stock to elect directors pursuant to any applicable provisions of the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation.
ARTICLE II.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Section 1 . The Board shall consist, subject to the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, of such number of directors as shall from time to time be fixed exclusively by resolution adopted by the Board. Directors shall (except as hereinafter provided for the filling of vacancies and newly created directorships and except as otherwise expressly provided in the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation) be elected by the holders of a plurality of the votes cast by the holders of shares present in person or represented by proxy at the meeting and entitled to vote on the election of such directors. A majority of the total number of directors then in office (but not less than one-third of the number of directors constituting the entire Board) shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Except as otherwise provided by law, these By-Laws or by the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board. Directors need not be stockholders.
Section 2 . Subject to the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation and the Blackstone Stockholders Agreement, unless otherwise required by the DGCL or Article II, Section 4 of these By-Laws, any newly created directorship on the Board that results from an increase in the number of directors and any vacancy occurring in the Board (whether by death, resignation, removal, retirement, disqualification or otherwise) shall be filled only by a majority of the directors then in office, even if less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director.
The Corporations corporate governance guidelines have established procedures with respect to the resignation of any director who does not receive a majority of the votes cast in an election that is not a Contested Election (as defined below). The Board will not nominate any person for service on the Board (other than any person nominated or designated pursuant to the Blackstone Stockholders Agreement) unless such person (a Nominee) has agreed to resign from the Board upon failing to receive a majority of the votes cast in an election that is not a Contested Election, contingent on acceptance of that proffered resignation by the Board in accordance with the policies and procedures adopted by the Board for such purpose. An election of directors is a Contested Election if, as of the tenth (10th) day preceding the date the Corporation first mails its notice of meeting for such meeting to the stockholders of the Corporation, or at any time thereafter, the number of nominees exceeds the number of directors to be elected. If the Board accepts a Nominees resignation, then the Board may fill any resulting vacancy pursuant to Article II, Section 2 of these By-Laws.
Section 3 . Meetings of the Board shall be held at such place, if any, within or without the State of Delaware as may from time to time be fixed by resolution of the Board or as may be specified in the notice of any meeting. Regular meetings of the Board shall be held at such times as may from time to time be fixed by resolution of the Board and special meetings may be held at any time upon the call of the Chairman of the Board or the Chief
7
Executive Officer, by oral or written notice, including telegraph, telex or transmission of a telecopy, e-mail or other means of electronic transmission, duly served on or sent and delivered to each director to such directors address, e-mail address or telephone or telecopy number as shown on the books of the Corporation not less than twenty-four (24) hours before the meeting. The notice of any meeting need not specify the purposes thereof. A meeting of the Board may be held without notice immediately after the annual meeting of stockholders at the same place, if any, at which such meeting is held. Notice need not be given of regular meetings of the Board held at times fixed by resolution of the Board.
Section 4 . Notwithstanding the foregoing, whenever the holders of any one or more series of Preferred Stock issued by the Corporation shall have the right, voting separately as a series or separately as a class with one or more such other series, to elect directors at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, the election, term of office, removal, and other features of such directorships shall be governed by the terms of the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation (including any certificate of designations relating to any series of Preferred Stock) applicable thereto. The number of directors that may be elected by the holders of any such series of Preferred Stock shall be in addition to the total number of directors fixed by the Board pursuant to the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation and these By-Laws. Except as otherwise expressly provided in the terms of such series, the number of directors that may be so elected by the holders of any such series of stock shall be elected for terms expiring at the next annual meeting of stockholders, and vacancies among directors so elected by the separate vote of the holders of any such series of Preferred Stock shall be filled by the affirmative vote of a majority of the remaining directors elected by such series, or, if there are no such remaining directors, by the holders of such series in the same manner in which such series initially elected a director.
Section 5 . If at any meeting for the election of directors, the Corporation has outstanding more than one class of stock, and one or more such classes or series thereof are entitled to vote separately as a class to elect directors, and there shall be a quorum of only one such class or series of stock, that class or series of stock shall be entitled to elect its quota of directors notwithstanding the absence of a quorum of the other class or series of stock.
Section 6 . The Board may from time to time establish one or more committees of the Board to serve at the pleasure of the Board, which shall be composed of such members of the Board and have such duties as the Board shall from time to time determine. Any director may belong to any number of committees of the Board. The Board may also establish such other non-Board committees with such members (whether or not directors) and with such duties as the Board may from time to time determine. The Board may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee. In the absence or disqualification of a member of a committee, the member or members present at any meeting and not disqualified from voting, whether or not such member or members constitute a quorum, may unanimously appoint another member of the Board to act at the meeting in the place of any such absent or disqualified member. Unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation, these By-Laws or the resolution of the Board designating the committee, a committee may create one or more subcommittees, each subcommittee to consist of one or more members of the committee, and may delegate to a subcommittee any or all of the powers and authority of the committee.
Section 7 . Unless otherwise restricted by the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation or these By-Laws, any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and the writing or writings or electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board or committee.
Section 8 . The members of the Board or any committee thereof may participate in a meeting of such Board or committee, as the case may be, by means of conference telephone or other communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and participation in a meeting pursuant to this subsection shall constitute presence in person at such a meeting.
Section 9 . The Board may establish policies for the compensation of directors and for the reimbursement of the expenses of directors, in each case, in connection with services provided by directors to the Corporation.
8
ARTICLE III.
OFFICERS
Section 1 . The Board shall elect officers of the Corporation, including a Chief Executive Officer, President and a Secretary. The Board may also from time to time elect such other officers (including, without limitation, a Chief Financial Officer, a Chief Operating Officer, a General Counsel, one or more Vice Presidents, a Treasurer, one or more Assistant Vice Presidents, one or more Assistant Secretaries and one or more Assistant Treasurers) as it may deem proper or may delegate to any elected officer of the Corporation the power to appoint and remove any such other officers and to prescribe their respective terms of office, authorities and duties. Any Vice President may be designated Executive, Senior or Corporate, or may be given such other designation or combination of designations as the Board or the Chief Executive Officer may determine. Any two or more offices may be held by the same person. The Board may also elect or appoint a Chairman of the Board, who may or may not also be an officer of the Corporation. The Board may elect or appoint co-Chairmen of the Board, co-Presidents or co-Chief Executive Officers and, in such case, references in these By-Laws to the Chairman of the Board, the President or the Chief Executive Officer shall refer to either such co-Chairman of the Board, co-President or co-Chief Executive Officer, as the case may be.
Section 2 . All officers of the Corporation elected by the Board shall hold office for such terms as may be determined by the Board or, except with respect to his or her own office, the Chief Executive Officer, or until their respective successors are chosen and qualified or until his or her earlier resignation or removal. Any officer may be removed from office at any time either with or without cause by affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Board then in office, or, in the case of appointed officers, by any elected officer upon whom such power of removal shall have been conferred by the Board.
Section 3 . Each of the officers of the Corporation elected by the Board or appointed by an officer in accordance with these By-Laws shall have the powers and duties prescribed by law, by these By-Laws or by the Board and, in the case of appointed officers, the powers and duties prescribed by the appointing officer, and, unless otherwise prescribed by these By-Laws or by the Board or such appointing officer, shall have such further powers and duties as ordinarily pertain to that office.
Section 4 . Unless otherwise provided in these By-Laws, in the absence or disability of any officer of the Corporation, the Board or the Chief Executive Officer may, during such period, delegate such officers powers and duties to any other officer or to any director and the person to whom such powers and duties are delegated shall, for the time being, hold such office.
ARTICLE IV.
INDEMNIFICATION AND ADVANCEMENT OF EXPENSES
Section 1 . Each person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (hereinafter a proceeding), by reason of the fact that he or she is or was a director or an officer of the Corporation or, while a director or officer of the Corporation, is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer, employee, agent or trustee of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to an employee benefit plan (hereinafter an indemnitee), whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee, agent or trustee or in any other capacity while serving as a director, officer, employee, agent or trustee, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Corporation to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law, as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Corporation to provide broader indemnification rights than such law permitted the Corporation to provide prior to such amendment), against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys fees, judgments, fines, ERISA excise taxes or penalties and amounts paid in settlement) reasonably incurred or suffered by such indemnitee in connection therewith; provided, however, that, except as provided in Section 3 of this Article IV with respect to proceedings to enforce rights to indemnification or advancement of expenses or with respect to any compulsory counterclaim brought by such indemnitee, the Corporation shall indemnify any such indemnitee in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such indemnitee only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board.
9
Section 2 . In addition to the right to indemnification conferred in Section 1 of this Article IV, an indemnitee shall also have the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses (including attorneys fees) incurred in appearing at, participating in or defending any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition or in connection with a proceeding brought to establish or enforce a right to indemnification or advancement of expenses under this Article IV (which shall be governed by Section 3 of this Article IV) (hereinafter an advancement of expenses); provided, however, that, if (x) the DGCL requires or (y) in the case of an advance made in a proceeding brought to establish or enforce a right to indemnification or advancement, an advancement of expenses incurred by an indemnitee in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Corporation (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such indemnitee, including, without limitation, service to an employee benefit plan) shall be made solely upon delivery to the Corporation of an undertaking (hereinafter an undertaking), by or on behalf of such indemnitee, to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined by final judicial decision from which there is no further right to appeal (hereinafter a final adjudication) that such indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified or entitled to advancement of expenses under Section 1 or 2 of this Article IV or otherwise.
Section 3 . If a claim under Section 1 or 2 of this Article IV is not paid in full by the Corporation within (i) sixty (60) days after a written claim for indemnification has been received by the Corporation or (ii) twenty (20) days after a claim for an advancement of expenses has been received by the Corporation, the indemnitee may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Corporation to recover the unpaid amount of the claim or to obtain advancement of expenses, as applicable. To the fullest extent permitted by law, if the indemnitee is successful in whole or in part in any such suit, or in a suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the indemnitee shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting or defending such suit. In (i) any suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification hereunder (but not in a suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to an advancement of expenses) it shall be a defense that, and (ii) any suit brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the Corporation shall be entitled to recover such expenses upon a final adjudication that, the indemnitee has not met any applicable standard for indemnification set forth in the DGCL. Neither the failure of the Corporation (including by its directors who are not parties to such action, a committee of such directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such suit that indemnification of the indemnitee is proper in the circumstances because the indemnitee has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL, nor an actual determination by the Corporation (including by its directors who are not parties to such action, a committee of such directors, independent legal counsel, or its stockholders) that the indemnitee has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall create a presumption that the indemnitee has not met the applicable standard of conduct or, in the case of such a suit brought by the indemnitee, be a defense to such suit. In any suit brought by the indemnitee to enforce a right to indemnification or to an advancement of expenses hereunder, or brought by the Corporation to recover an advancement of expenses pursuant to the terms of an undertaking, the burden of proving that the indemnitee is not entitled to be indemnified, or to such advancement of expenses, under this Article IV or otherwise shall be on the Corporation.
Section 4 . (A) The provision of indemnification to or the advancement of expenses and costs to any indemnitee under this Article IV, or the entitlement of any indemnitee to indemnification or advancement of expenses and costs under this Article IV, shall not limit or restrict in any way the power of the Corporation to indemnify or advance expenses and costs to such indemnitee in any other way permitted by law or be deemed exclusive of, or invalidate, any right to which any indemnitee seeking indemnification or advancement of expenses and costs may be entitled under any law, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to action in such indemnitees capacity as an officer, director, employee or agent of the Corporation and as to action in any other capacity.
(B) Given that certain jointly indemnifiable claims (as defined below) may arise due to the service of the indemnitee as a director and/or officer of the Corporation at the request of the indemnitee-related entities (as defined below), the Corporation shall be fully and primarily responsible for the payment to the indemnitee in respect of indemnification or advancement of expenses in connection with any such jointly indemnifiable claims, pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of this Article IV, irrespective of any right of recovery the indemnitee may have from the indemnitee-related entities. Under no circumstance shall the Corporation be entitled to any right of subrogation against or contribution by the indemnitee-related entities and no right of advancement, indemnification or recovery the indemnitee may have from the indemnitee-related entities
10
shall reduce or otherwise alter the rights of the indemnitee or the obligations of the Corporation under this Article IV. In the event that any of the indemnitee-related entities shall make any payment to the indemnitee in respect of indemnification or advancement of expenses with respect to any jointly indemnifiable claim, the indemnitee-related entity making such payment shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the rights of recovery of the indemnitee against the Corporation, and the indemnitee shall execute all papers reasonably required and shall do all things that may be reasonably necessary to secure such rights, including the execution of such documents as may be necessary to enable the indemnitee-related entities effectively to bring suit to enforce such rights. Each of the indemnitee-related entities shall be third-party beneficiaries with respect to this Section 4(B) of Article IV, entitled to enforce this Section 4(B) of Article IV.
For purposes of this Section 4(B) of Article IV, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1) The term indemnitee-related entities means any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise (other than the Corporation or any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise for which the indemnitee has agreed, on behalf of the Corporation or at the Corporations request, to serve as a director, officer, employee or agent and which service is covered by the indemnity described herein) from whom an indemnitee may be entitled to indemnification or advancement of expenses with respect to which, in whole or in part, the Corporation may also have an indemnification or advancement obligation.
(2) The term jointly indemnifiable claims shall be broadly construed and shall include, without limitation, any action, suit or proceeding for which the indemnitee shall be entitled to indemnification or advancement of expenses from both the indemnitee-related entities and the Corporation pursuant to applicable law, any agreement, certificate of incorporation, bylaws, partnership agreement, operating agreement, certificate of formation, certificate of limited partnership or comparable organizational documents of the Corporation or the indemnitee-related entities, as applicable.
Section 5 . The rights conferred upon indemnitees in this Article IV shall be contract rights and such rights shall continue as to an indemnitee who has ceased to be a director or officer and shall inure to the benefit of the indemnitees heirs, executors and administrators. Any amendment, alteration or repeal of this Article IV that adversely affects any right of an indemnitee or its successors shall be prospective only and shall not limit, eliminate, or impair any such right with respect to any proceeding involving any occurrence or alleged occurrence of any action or omission to act that took place prior to such amendment or repeal.
Section 6 . 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, trust 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 DGCL.
Section 7 . The Corporation may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the Board, grant rights to indemnification and to the advancement of expenses to any employee or agent of the Corporation to the fullest extent of the provisions of this Article IV with respect to the indemnification and advancement of expenses of directors and officers of the Corporation.
ARTICLE V.
CORPORATE BOOKS
The books of the Corporation may be kept inside or outside of the State of Delaware at such place or places as the Board may from time to time determine.
11
ARTICLE VI.
CHECKS, NOTES, PROXIES, ETC.
All checks and drafts on the Corporations bank accounts and all bills of exchange and promissory notes, and all acceptances, obligations and other instruments for the payment of money, shall be signed by such officer or officers or agent or agents as shall be authorized from time to time by the Board or such officer or officers who may be delegated such authority. Proxies to vote and consents with respect to securities of other corporations or other entities owned by or standing in the name of the Corporation may be executed and delivered from time to time on behalf of the Corporation by the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer, or by such officers as the Chairman of the Board, the Chief Executive Officer or the Board may from time to time determine.
ARTICLE VII.
FISCAL YEAR
The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be, unless otherwise determined by resolution of the Board, the calendar year ending on December 31.
ARTICLE VIII.
CORPORATE SEAL
The corporate seal shall have inscribed thereon the name of the Corporation. In lieu of the corporate seal, when so authorized by the Board or a duly empowered committee thereof, a facsimile thereof may be impressed or affixed or reproduced.
ARTICLE IX.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1 . Whenever notice is required to be given by law or under any provision of the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation or these By-Laws, notice of any meeting need not be given to any person who shall attend such meeting (except when the person 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), or who shall waive notice thereof, before or after such meeting, in writing (including by electronic transmission).
Section 2 . Section headings in these By-Laws are for convenience of reference only and shall not be given any substantive effect in limiting or otherwise construing any provision herein.
Section 3 . In the event that any provision of these By-Laws is or becomes inconsistent with any provision of the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation or the DGCL, the provision of these By-Laws shall not be given any effect to the extent of such inconsistency but shall otherwise be given full force and effect.
ARTICLE X.
AMENDMENTS
These By-Laws may be made, amended, altered, changed, added to or repealed as set forth in the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation and these By-laws. Notwithstanding any other provisions of these By-laws, at any time when the Blackstone Stockholders(as defined in the certificate of incorporation of the Corporation) beneficially owns at least 40% of the total voting power of all the then outstanding shares of stock of the Corporation entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, the consent of the Blackstone Stockholders shall be required in order to amend, alter, change, add to or repeal, in whole or in part, Article I, Section 2, Article I, Section 9, Article I, Section 12(B) or this Article X of these By-Laws or to add any provision inconsistent with such provisions of these By-Laws.
[ Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank ]
12
Exhibit 10.1
Execution Version
EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT
by and among
HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC.,
PARK HOTELS & RESORTS INC.,
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS INC., and
HILTON DOMESTIC OPERATING COMPANY INC.
Dated as of January 2, 2017
Table of Contents
Page | ||||||
1. |
DEFINITIONS |
2 | ||||
2. |
EMPLOYEES |
4 | ||||
3. |
BENEFIT PROGRAM PARTICIPATION |
6 | ||||
4. |
DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS |
7 | ||||
5. |
DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PENSION PLANS |
10 | ||||
6. |
NON-QUALIFIED RETIREMENT/DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS |
14 | ||||
7. |
EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND WELFARE BENEFIT PLANS |
16 | ||||
8. |
SEVERANCE PLANS |
22 | ||||
9. |
PAID TIME OFF |
23 | ||||
10. |
PERQUISITES |
24 | ||||
11. |
CASH BONUS PLANS |
25 | ||||
12. |
EQUITY-BASED AWARDS |
26 | ||||
13. |
COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS |
28 | ||||
14. |
TRANSITION SERVICES |
29 | ||||
15. |
ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND DATA EXCHANGE |
29 | ||||
16. |
NOTICES; COOPERATION |
31 | ||||
17. |
FURTHER ASSURANCES |
31 | ||||
18. |
INDEMNIFICATION |
31 | ||||
19. |
DISPUTE RESOLUTION |
33 | ||||
20. |
PAYROLL REPORTING AND TAX WITHHOLDING |
33 | ||||
21. |
MISCELLANEOUS |
34 |
i
This EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT (this Agreement ), dated as of January 2, 2017, is by and among Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation ( HLT ), Park Hotels & Resorts Inc., a Delaware corporation ( PK ), Hilton Grand Vacations Inc., a Delaware corporation ( HGV ) and, solely for purposes of Section 18, Hilton Domestic Operating Company Inc., a Delaware corporation and subsidiary of HLT ( OpCo ). Each of HLT, PK, HGV and, solely for purposes of Section 18, OpCo, is sometimes referred to herein as a Party and collectively, as the Parties . Capitalized terms used and not defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement (as defined below) or in Section 1 below.
WHEREAS, HLT, acting through its direct and indirect Subsidiaries, currently conducts a number of businesses, including (i) the HLT Retained Business, (ii) the Ownership Business and (iii) the Timeshare Business;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of HLT (the Board ) has determined that it is appropriate, desirable and in the best interests of HLT and its stockholders to separate HLT into three separate, publicly traded companies, one for each of (i) the HLT Retained Business, which shall be owned and conducted, directly or indirectly, by HLT, (ii) the Ownership Business, which shall be owned and conducted, directly or indirectly, by PK (which shall elect to be a REIT), and (iii) the Timeshare Business, which shall be owned and conducted, directly or indirectly, by HGV;
WHEREAS, in order to effect such separation, the Board has determined that it is appropriate, desirable and in the best interests of HLT and its stockholders (i) to enter into a series of transactions after giving effect to which (A) HLT and/or one or more of its Subsidiaries shall, collectively, own all of the HLT Retained Assets and Assume all of the HLT Retained Liabilities, (B) PK and/or one or more of its Subsidiaries shall, collectively, own all of the Ownership Assets and Assume all of the Ownership Liabilities, and (C) HGV and/or one or more of its Subsidiaries shall, collectively, own all of the Timeshare Assets and Assume all of the Timeshare Liabilities (such transactions as described in Annex I to the Distribution Agreement and, as they may be amended or modified from time to time, collectively, the Plan of Reorganization ) and (ii) for HLT to distribute to the holders of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share ( HLT Common Stock ), on a pro rata basis (in each case without consideration being paid by such stockholders), (A) all of the outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of PK (the PK Common Stock ) and (B) all of the outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of HGV (the HGV Common Stock );
WHEREAS, each of the Parties has executed the distribution agreement, dated as of the date hereof (as it may be amended or modified from time to time, the Distribution Agreement ) to effectuate such Plan of Reorganization; and
WHEREAS, each of the Parties has determined that it is necessary and desirable to allocate and assign responsibility for certain employee, compensation and benefits-related Assets and Liabilities in respect of the activities of the business of such entities on the Distribution Date.
2
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the Parties agree as follows:
1. DEFINITIONS . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(a) Cut-Off Date shall mean the day immediately preceding the Distribution Date.
(b) Employee shall mean, with respect to any entity, an individual who is considered, according to the payroll and other records of such entity, to be employed by such entity and, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not include a leased employee (as defined in Section 414(n) of the Code), an independent contractor, or other individual performing services with respect to any entity who is not on the payroll of such entity.
(c) ERISA shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. Reference to a specific provision of ERISA also includes any proposed, temporary or final regulation or other published IRS guidance in force under that provision.
(d) Former Employees shall mean, collectively, any Former HGV Employees, any Former Hilton Employees and any Former PK Employees.
(e) Former HGV Employee shall mean each Employee of Hilton who provided services primarily related to the Timeshare Business and whose employment terminated for any reason prior to the Distribution Date.
(f) Former Hilton Employee shall mean each Employee of Hilton who provided services primarily related to the HLT Retained Business whose employment terminated for any reason prior to the Distribution Date.
(g) Former PK Employee shall mean each Employee of Hilton who provided services primarily related to the Ownership Business and whose employment terminated for any reason prior to the Distribution Date.
(h) HGV Board shall mean the board of directors of HGV.
(i) HGV Plan shall mean each Plan sponsored or maintained by any member of the HGV Group immediately on and after the Plan Effective Time.
(j) HGV Compensation Committee shall mean the compensation committee of the HGV Board.
(k) Hilton shall mean HLT or one of its Subsidiaries immediately prior to the Plan Effective Time.
(l) Hilton Controlled Group shall mean, as of any date of determination prior to the Distribution Date, any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) which is considered a member of a controlled group of organizations within the meaning of Section 414(b), (c), (m), or (o) of the Code that includes HLT or is considered a single employer under common control with HLT under Section 4001(b)(1) of ERISA.
3
(m) Hilton Plan shall mean each Plan sponsored or maintained by HLT or one of its Subsidiaries immediately prior to the Plan Effective Time.
(n) HLT Compensation Committee shall mean the compensation committee of the Board.
(o) HLT Plan shall mean each Plan sponsored or maintained by any member of the HLT Group immediately on and after the Plan Effective Time.
(p) Liabilities shall have the same meaning as ascribed to such term in the Distribution Agreement, provided, however that for purposes of this Agreement, Taxes shall be treated as Liabilities.
(q) PK Board shall mean the board of directors of PK.
(r) PK Compensation Committee shall mean the compensation committee of the PK Board.
(s) PK Plan shall mean each Plan sponsored or maintained by any member of the PK Group immediately on and after the Plan Effective Time.
(t) Plan shall mean each plan, policy, program, practice, agreement, or arrangement providing compensation or benefits for any group of Employees or individual Employee, or the dependents or beneficiaries of any such Employee(s), including without limitation, each employee benefit plan (within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA), whether formal or informal or written or unwritten, and including, any means, whether or not legally required, pursuant to which any benefit is provided by an employer to any Employee or the beneficiaries of any such Employee. The term Plan as used in this Agreement does not include any contract, agreement or understanding relating to the settlement of actual or potential employment Action.
(u) Plan Effective Time shall mean 12:01 a.m. on the Distribution Date.
(v) Pre-Existing Hilton Employee shall mean each Employee employed by Hilton prior to the Distribution Date (other than a Former Employee) including each Employee who is absent from work with the HLT Group on the Cut-Off Date by reason of layoff, leave of absence or disability.
(w) Terminated Hilton DB Plans shall mean, collectively, the Terminated Hilton UK DB Plans and the Terminated Hilton US DB Plans.
(x) Terminated Hilton UK DB Plan shall mean each defined benefit pension Plan which was sponsored or maintained by HLT or one of its Subsidiaries prior to the Plan Effective Time and that was made available to certain Pre-Existing Hilton Employees and Former Employees in the United Kingdom, but which, as of the Plan Effective Time, is not a Hilton Plan due to such Plans termination prior to such date.
4
(y) Terminated Hilton US DB Plan shall mean each tax-qualified defined benefit pension Plan which was sponsored or maintained by HLT or one of its Subsidiaries prior to the Plan Effective Time and that was made available to certain Pre-Existing Hilton Employees and Former Employees in the United States, but which, as of the Plan Effective Time, is not a Hilton Plan due to such Plans termination prior to such date.
(z) Terminated Japanese DB Plans shall mean each defined benefit pension Plan which was sponsored or maintained by Vacations prior to the Plan Effective Time and that was made available to certain HGV Employees and Former HGV Employees in Japan, but which, as of the Plan Effective Time, is not a Japanese DB Plan due to such Plans termination prior to such date.
(aa) Vacations shall mean HGV or one of its Subsidiaries immediately prior to the Plan Effective Time.
2. EMPLOYEES . (a) Allocation of Employees . The Parties shall take all steps necessary or appropriate so that all of the Employees of HLT and its Subsidiaries as of the Cut-Off Date are allocated among the HLT Retained Business, the Ownership Business and the Timeshare Business as of the Distribution Date in accordance with the principles set forth in this Section 2(a). In making such allocation of Employees of HLT and its Subsidiaries pursuant to Section 2(a)(i) and (ii), the Parties shall share such information regarding the allocation of Employees as is reasonably requested. An Employee, other than a PK Employee (as defined below) or an HGV Employee (as defined below), who is (1) allocated to the HLT Retained Business and (2) employed by a member of the HLT Group as of the Distribution Date is a HLT Employee . An Employee who is (1) allocated to the Ownership Business and (2) employed by a member of the PK Group as of the Distribution Date is a PK Employee . An Employee who is (1) allocated to the Timeshare Business and (2) employed by a member of the HGV Group as of the Distribution Date is an HGV Employee . All Employees of HLT and its Subsidiaries as of the Cut-Off Date shall be allocated as an HLT Employee, a PK Employee or an HGV Employee on the Distribution Date. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein or in the Distribution Agreement, a member of the HLT Group shall be liable for all Liabilities involving HLT Employees and Former Hilton Employees, a member of the PK Group shall be liable for all Liabilities involving PK Employees and Former PK Employees and a member of the HGV Group shall be liable for all Liabilities involving HGV Employees and Former HGV Employees. Notwithstanding anything in Section 2(a) to the contrary, if the Parties determine after the Distribution Date that an Employee was incorrectly allocated to the Ownership Business, the Timeshare Business or the HLT Retained Business (or was incorrectly employed by a member of the PK Group, the HGV Group or the HLT Group as of the Distribution Date), the Parties shall correct such matter as appropriate and such correction shall be effective as of the Distribution Date.
(i) In making the allocation provided for in this Section 2(a), and subject to clause (ii) below, the Parties shall allocate each Employee whose employment duties prior to the Distribution Date relate exclusively to the Ownership Business to a member of the PK Group and the Timeshare Business to a member of the HGV Group. The Parties shall allocate all other Employees in a mutually agreeable manner that, to the extent possible, takes into account the Employees expertise, experience and existing positions and duties and does not
5
unreasonably disrupt the HLT Retained Business, the Ownership Business or the Timeshare Business and maximizes the ability of each of the HLT Retained Business, the Ownership Business and the Timeshare Business to manage and operate their respective businesses on and after the Distribution Date, taking into account the respective needs of such businesses as established by past practice, to the extent applicable.
(ii) The Parties each agree that, between the date hereof and the Distribution Date, Employees shall not be transferred among the HLT Retained Business, the Ownership Business and the Timeshare Business except (A) as necessary to effectuate the second sentence of clause (i) of this Section 2(a), (B) in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past practice, or (C) in accordance with the procedures described in the next sentence. The Parties agree that, between the date hereof and the Distribution Date, the senior human resources executives of each Party shall consult with one another in connection with the transfer of any Employee whose duties relate primarily to the HLT Retained Business, the Ownership Business or the Timeshare Business, as the case may be, and whose supervisor objects to the transfer. Consent by the transferee Party to any such transfer shall not be required.
(b) Leaves of Absence . Employees who are on an approved leave of absence as of the Distribution Date shall be treated as HLT Employees, PK Employees or HGV Employees, as the case may be, notwithstanding such leave of absence and each Party shall continue to apply the same leave of absence policy applicable to such inactive Employees as of such date until such inactive Employee returns to active employment with the HLT Group, the PK Group or the HGV Group, as the case may be.
(c) Subsequent Transfers of Employment . To the extent that the employment of any individual transfers among the HLT Group, the PK Group and the HGV Group following the Distribution Date but on or prior to December 31, 2017, the Parties shall use their reasonable efforts to effect the provisions of this Agreement with respect to the compensation and benefits of any such individual on and after the date of such transfer, it being understood that (i) it may not be possible to replicate the effect of such provisions under such circumstances and (ii) none of the Parties shall be bound by the provisions of this Section 2(c) to Assume any Liabilities or Transfer any Assets. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for compensation subject to the provisions of Section 409A of the Code, any such subsequent transfer, regardless of whether prior to, on or after December 31, 2017, shall be a separation from service from the applicable employer for purposes of such compensation, and the consequences of such separation from service shall be determined in accordance with the terms of the applicable Plan.
(d) No Creation/Acceleration of Benefits . Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, no provision of, or event arising under, this Agreement, the Distribution Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements shall be construed to create any right, or accelerate entitlement, to any compensation or benefit whatsoever on the part of any Pre-Existing Hilton Employee, Former Employee or other future, present or former Employee of any member of the HLT Group, the PK Group or the HGV Group.
(e) At-Will Status . Nothing in this Agreement shall create any obligation on the part of any member of the HLT Group, the PK Group or the HGV Group to continue the employment of any Employee or permit the return from a leave of absence of any Employee following the date of this Agreement or the Distribution Date (except as required by applicable Law) or change the employment status of any Employee from at-will, to the extent such Employee was an at-will employee under applicable Law.
6
3. BENEFIT PROGRAM PARTICIPATION . (a) Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein with respect to a particular Plan or otherwise provided for under applicable Law, all Employees who will become PK Employees and HGV Employees as of the Distribution Date shall cease active participation in all Hilton Plans no later than 11:59 p.m. on the Cut-Off Date (or such other time as may be required pursuant to applicable local Law).
(b) Recognition of Prior Service; No Duplication of Benefits . Except as otherwise expressly provided for under the terms of an HLT Plan, a PK Plan or an HGV Plan, each of HLT, PK and HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of their respective Groups to, recognize each HLT Employees, PK Employees and HGV Employees, as the case may be, service with Hilton for purposes of determining such Employees eligibility, vested status, benefit levels and benefit accruals under each applicable HLT Plan, PK Plan and HGV Plan, as the case may be, and, in each case, to the extent required under applicable local Law or, in the event there is no applicable local Law, to the same extent such service would be credited under the corresponding Hilton Plan, as applicable, or if none, as required by the applicable Plan terms. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of any Plans subject to any federal, state or local Laws of the United States, hours of service performed outside of the United States are not required to be credited for purposes of eligibility under any such HLT Plan, PK Plan or HGV Plan that is a welfare plan (within the meaning of Section 3(1) of ERISA), to the extent permitted by applicable Law. In addition, to the extent it would result in a duplication of benefits or duplication of service credit under one or more Plans sponsored or maintained by any member of the HLT Group, the PK Group or the HGV Group, as applicable, service credit shall not be awarded for purposes of retirement, severance, paid time off or any other Plan sponsored or maintained by any member of the HLT Group, the PK Group or the HGV Group, if the HLT Employee, PK Employee or HGV Employee, as the case may be, is compensated or otherwise eligible for a benefit, as applicable, on account of such service under a Hilton Plan as in effect on the Cut-Off Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing and for the avoidance of doubt, service credit shall be awarded for purposes of eligibility for any HLT Plan that is subject to any federal, state or local Laws of the United States (as adopted by any member of the PK Group or the HGV Group through no later than December 31, 2017), even if such award results in duplication of service credit.
(c) Amendment and Termination . Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed or interpreted to restrict the right or authority of any member of the HLT Group, the PK Group or the HGV Group, as applicable, to amend or terminate any HLT Plan, PK Plan or HGV Plan, or any Plan that is newly adopted or implemented in accordance with the terms hereof after the Distribution Date, as applicable, effective as of a date on and after the Distribution Date, to the extent permitted by applicable Law.
(d) Non-Termination of Employment . Any Pre-Existing Hilton Employee who, on the Distribution Date, is employed by a member of the HLT Group, the PK Group or the HGV Group shall not be deemed either to have terminated employment, incurred a separation from service or severance from employment, or to be in retirement status under any HLT Plan,
7
PK Plan or HGV Plan solely as a result of the Distribution or related transactions except to the extent required by applicable Law or the applicable Plan terms. Except to the extent required by applicable Law or the applicable Plan terms, any Pre-Existing Hilton Employee who, on the Distribution Date, is employed by a member of the HLT Group, the PK Group or the HGV Group shall not, solely as a result of the Distribution or related transactions, be eligible to receive payment of, or exercise any portability rights in respect of, such Employees vested benefit or retirement allowance under any HLT Plan, PK Plan or HGV Plan; provided that each HLT Employee, PK Employee and HGV Employee shall receive credit for their service with Hilton prior to the Distribution Date from a member of the HLT Group, the PK Group or the HGV Group, as applicable, as provided for in this Section 3.
(e) No Change in Control . The Parties acknowledge and agree that neither the consummation of the Distribution nor any transaction in connection with the Distribution shall be deemed a change of control, a change in control or term of similar import for purposes of any Hilton Plan, HLT Plan, PK Plan or HGV Plan.
(f) Fiduciary Matters . The Parties acknowledge that actions required to be taken pursuant to this Agreement may be subject to fiduciary duties or standards of conduct under ERISA or other applicable Law, and no Party shall be deemed to be in violation of this Agreement if it fails to comply with any provisions hereof based upon its good faith determination (as supported by advice from counsel experienced in such matters) that to do so would violate such a fiduciary duty or standard. Each Party shall be responsible for taking such actions as are deemed necessary and appropriate to comply with its own fiduciary responsibilities and shall fully release the other Parties for any Liabilities caused by the failure to satisfy any such responsibility.
(g) 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 shall use commercially reasonable efforts to implement the applicable provision of this Agreement to the full extent practicable. If any provision of this Agreement cannot be implemented due to the failure of such third party to consent, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to implement the provision in a mutually satisfactory manner.
4. DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS . (a) US Tax-Qualified DB Plans . Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, HLT shall, or shall cause another member or members or members of the HLT Group to, Assume (i) each tax-qualified defined benefit pension Plan sponsored or maintained by Hilton as of the Cut-Off Date that is made available to certain Pre-Existing Hilton Employees in the United States (or on temporary assignment outside the United States, if applicable) as of the Cut-Off Date, including, without limitation, the Plans listed on Schedule 4(a)(i) (such Plans, the US DB Plans ), (ii) all Liabilities associated with the US DB Plans related to Former Employees, HLT Employees, PK Employees and HGV Employees while such Employees were employed by a member of the Hilton Controlled Group, whether incurred prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time, (iii) all Assets and Liabilities related to any Terminated Hilton US DB Plans, and (iv) all Assets and accrued benefits associated with the US DB Plans related to Former Employees, HLT Employees, PK Employees and HGV Employees while such Employees were employed by a member of the Hilton Controlled Group, whether accrued prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time. On and after the Plan Effective Time, no
8
member of the PK Group or the HGV Group shall have any Liabilities related to any US DB Plans or any Terminated Hilton US DB Plans. For the avoidance of doubt, no member of the HLT Group is Assuming any Assets or Liabilities related to non-Hilton participating employers under the US DB Plans.
(b) Non-US DB Plans .
(i) HLT Group . Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, HLT shall, or shall cause another member or members or members of the HLT Group to, Assume (w) each defined benefit pension plan sponsored or maintained by Hilton as of the Cut-Off Date that is made available to certain Pre-Existing Hilton Employees outside of the United States as of the Cut-Off Date, including without limitation, the Plans listed on Schedule 4(b)(i), and any legally enforceable agreements or guarantees given by Hilton to support such plans (collectively, the Non-US DB Plans ), (x) all Liabilities associated with the Non-US DB Plans related to HLT Employees and Former Hilton Employees, and, solely with respect to the Hilton UK Pension Plan (the UK DB Plan ), Liabilities relating to benefits built up by any HLT Employees, Former Employees, PK Employees, and HGV Employees, in each case, while employed by Hilton, whether incurred prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time, (y) all Assets and Liabilities related to any Terminated Hilton UK DB Plans, and (z) all Assets and accrued benefits associated with the Non-US DB Plans related to HLT Employees and Former Hilton Employees and, solely with respect to the UK DB Plans, Assets related to and accrued benefits built up by any HLT Employees, Former Employees, PK Employees, and HGV Employees while employed by Hilton, whether accrued prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time. On and after the Plan Effective Time, except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, no member of the PK Group or the HGV Group shall have any Liabilities related to HLT Employees or Former Employees under the Non-US DB Plans, HLT Employees or Former Employees under any Terminated Hilton UK DB Plan or, solely with respect to the UK DB Plan, HLT Employees, Former Employees, PK Employees, or HGV Employees.
(ii) PK Group .
(A) Establishment of New Non-US DB Plans/Transfer of Assets and Liabilities . Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, PK shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group to, Assume (x) a portion of each Non-US DB Plan that is made available as of the Cut-Off Date to certain Pre-Existing Hilton Employees outside of the United States who become PK Employees at PK properties based outside of the United States, including, without limitation, the Plans listed on Schedule 4(b)(ii)(A), but excluding the UK DB Plan (such Plans, the Non-US PK DB Plans ), (y) all Liabilities associated with the Non-US PK DB Plans related to PK Employees and Former PK Employees, whether incurred prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time, and (z) all Assets and accrued benefits related to PK Employees and Former PK Employees associated with the Non-US PK DB Plans, whether accrued prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time. On and after the Plan Effective Time, no member of the HLT Group or the HGV Group shall have any Liabilities related to the Non-US PK DB Plans.
9
(B) UK Life Assurance Plans . Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, PK shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group to (x) establish, adopt and implement a new life assurance Plan to provide life assurance benefits to PK Employees employed in the United Kingdom on substantially similar terms, in all material respects, to the terms on which the PK Employees employed in the United Kingdom were provided with life assurance benefits as of the Cut-Off Date, and, if any member of the PK Group provides life assurance benefits to any new Employees employed by a member of the PK Group in the United Kingdom after the Distribution Date, it shall be through the same Plan and on the same terms as for PK Employees, and (y) Assume all Liabilities associated with such Plan related to PK Employees (and any new Employees employed by any member of the PK Group after the Distribution Date who are provided with life assurance benefits).
(C) UK DB Plan Mitigation Arrangements . As a result of ceasing to participate in the UK DB Plan, following the Distribution Date, PK shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group to pay, on a monthly basis, in arrears, to or in respect of each PK Employee who was an Active Deferred Member (as defined in the UK DB Plan) participating in the UK DB Plan immediately before the Distribution Date, in respect of each calendar month in which such PK Employee is employed by a member of the PK Group, either (x) a contribution to the defined contribution pension scheme that such PK Employee is a member of and provided under Section 5(b)(ii)(A), based on a fixed percentage (the Mitigation Percentage ) of such PK Employees basic salary as communicated to such PK Employee before the Distribution Date, or (y) a cash salary supplement in an amount equal to the product of (I) the Mitigation Percentage and (II) such PK Employees basic salary. These payments shall be paid on such terms, including as to duration, as are communicated to such PK Employees before the Distribution Date, and subject to any ability of PK or any other member or members of the PK Group to change the affected PK Employees contractual terms where permitted by applicable Law following the Distribution Date. These payments are to be provided as mitigation to such PK Employee for the loss of the salary linkage feature provided under the UK DB Plan prior to the Distribution Date.
(iii) HGV Group .
(A) Establishment of New Non-US DB Plans/Transfer of Assets and Liabilities . Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HGV Group to, Assume (x) each defined benefit pension plan sponsored or maintained by Vacations as of the Cut-Off Date that is made available as of the Cut-Off Date to certain Pre-Existing Hilton Employees in Japan who become HGV Employees at HGV properties based in Japan (such Plans, the Japanese DB Plans ), all Liabilities associated with the Japanese DB Plans related to HGV Employees and Former HGV Employees, whether incurred prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time, and all Assets and accrued benefits associated with the Japanese DB Plans related to HGV Employees and Former HGV Employees, whether incurred prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time, and (y) (I) a portion of each other Non-US DB Plan that is made available as of the Cut-Off Date to certain Pre-Existing Hilton Employees outside of the United States who become HGV Employees based outside the United States, including, without limitation, the Plans listed on Schedule 4(b)(iii)(A), but excluding the UK DB Plan (such Plans, the Non-US HGV DB Plans ), (II) all Liabilities associated with the Non-US HGV DB Plans related to HGV Employees and Former HGV Employees, whether incurred prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time, and (III) all Assets and accrued benefits related to HGV Employees and Former HGV Employees associated with the Non-US HGV DB Plans, whether accrued prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time. On and after the Plan Effective Time, no member of the HLT Group or the PK Group shall have any Liabilities related to the Japanese DB Plans and the Non-US HGV DB Plans.
10
(B) UK Life Assurance Plans . Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HGV Group to (x) establish, adopt and implement a new life assurance Plan to provide life assurance benefits to HGV Employees employed in the United Kingdom on substantially similar terms, in all material respects, to the terms on which the HGV Employees employed in the United Kingdom were provided with life assurance benefits as of the Cut-Off Date, and, if any member of the HGV Group provides life assurance benefits to any new Employees employed by a member of the HGV Group in the United Kingdom after the Distribution Date, it shall be through the same Plan and on the same terms as for HGV Employees, and (y) Assume all Liabilities associated with such Plan related to HGV Employees (and any new Employees employed by any member of the HGV Group after the Distribution Date who are provided with life assurance benefits).
(C) UK DB Plan Mitigation Arrangements . As a result of ceasing to participate in the UK DB Plan, following the Distribution Date, HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HGV Group to continue to pay, on a monthly basis, in arrears, to or in respect of each HGV Employee who was an Active Deferred Member participating in the UK DB Plan immediately before the Distribution Date, in respect of each calendar month in which such HGV Employee is employed by a member of the HGV Group, either (x) a contribution to the defined contribution pension scheme that such HGV Employee is a member of and provided under Section 5(b)(ii)(A), based on the Mitigation Percentage of such HGV Employees basic salary as communicated to such HGV Employee before the Distribution Date, or (y) a cash salary supplement in an amount equal to the product of (I) the Mitigation Percentage and (II) such HGV Employees basic salary. These payments shall be paid on such terms, including as to duration, as are communicated to such HGV Employees before the Distribution Date, and subject to any ability of HGV or any other member or members of the HGV Group to change the affected HGV Employees contractual terms where permitted by applicable Law following the Distribution Date. These payments are to be provided as mitigation to such HGV Employee for the loss of the salary linkage feature provided under the UK DB Plan prior to the Distribution Date.
5. DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PENSION PLANS . (a) US Tax-Qualified DC Plans .
(i) General . Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, except as otherwise expressly provided for herein or in the Transition Services Agreement, HLT shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HLT Group to, Assume (x) each tax-qualified defined contribution pension plan sponsored or maintained by Hilton as of the Cut-Off Date that is made available to certain Pre-Existing Hilton Employees in the United States (or on temporary assignment outside the United States, if applicable) as of the Cut-Off Date, including, without limitation, the Plans listed on Schedule 5(a)(i) (such Plans, the US DC Plans ), (y) all Liabilities associated with the US DC Plans related to Former Employees, HLT Employees, PK Employees and HGV Employees while such Employees were employed by a member of the Hilton Controlled Group, whether incurred prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time, and (z) all Assets and accrued benefits associated with the US DC Plans related to Former Employees, HLT
11
Employees, PK Employees and HGV Employees while such Employees were employed by a member of the Hilton Controlled Group, whether accrued prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time. On and after the Plan Effective Time, except as otherwise expressly provided for herein or in the Transition Services Agreement, no member of the PK Group or the HGV Group shall have any Liabilities related to HLT Employees or Former Employees under the US DC Plans. For the avoidance of doubt, no member of the HLT Group is Assuming any Assets or Liabilities related to non-Hilton participating employers under the US DC Plans.
(ii) Continued Participation in HW 401(k) Plan . Prior to the Plan Effective Time, each of (x) the Subsidiaries of HLT and (y) PK, HGV and their respective Subsidiaries with Employees who participate in the Hilton Worldwide 401(k) Plan as of the Cut-Off Date (the HW 401(k) Plan ) shall have adopted the HW 401(k) Plan each as a participating employer. Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, each of the applicable members of the PK Group and the HGV Group shall remain as participating employers in the HW 401(k) Plan until no later than December 31, 2017 and, in connection therewith, each of the HLT Group, the PK Group and the HGV Group shall (x) pay their proportional share of the administrative and contribution costs associated with the HW 401(k) Plan during such period and (y) Assume all Liabilities associated with the HW 401(k) Plan related to HLT Employees, Former HLT Employees, PK Employees, Former PK Employees, HGV Employees and Former HGV Employees (and any new Employees employed by any member of the HLT Group, the PK Group or the HGV Group, as applicable, after the Distribution Date), respectively.
(iii) Establishment of New US Tax-Qualified DC Plans/Transfer of Assets and Liabilities . Effective no later than January 1, 2018, each of PK and HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group and the HGV Group, as applicable, to establish, adopt and administer one or more new defined contribution pension plans that are intended to meet the requirements of Sections 401(a) and 401(k) of the Code and a related trust that is intended to meet the requirements of Section 501(a) of the Code for the benefit of eligible PK Employees and HGV Employees, as applicable, in the United States (or on temporary assignment outside of the United States, if applicable) (and any new Employees employed by any member of the PK Group or HGV Group after the Distribution Date) (collectively, the New 401(k) Plans ), the terms and conditions of which shall be determined by the PK Compensation Committee or the HGV Compensation Committee (or their respective designees), as applicable, taking into account the terms and conditions of the HW 401(k) Plan.
(iv) As soon as practicable following the adoption of each New 401(k) Plan, HLT shall, or shall cause the applicable member of the HLT Group to, cause the trustee of the HW 401(k) Plan to Transfer to the trustee or other funding agent of each New 401(k) Plan the amounts (in cash, securities, other property or a combination thereof, including any promissory notes reflecting outstanding participant loan balances) representing the account balances of all PK Employees, Former PK Employees, HGV Employees and Former HGV Employees (and any new Employees employed by any member of the PK Group or the HGV Group, as applicable, after the Distribution Date) who were participating in the HW 401(k) Plan with said amounts to be established as account balances of such Employees under the applicable New 401(k) Plan. Each such Transfer shall comply with Section 414(l) of the Code and the requirements of ERISA. Each of PK and HGV shall, or shall cause the applicable member of the PK Group or the HGV Group, as applicable, to (x) cause the trustees or other funding agent of
12
the applicable New 401(k) Plan to accept the trust-to-trust Transfer from the HW 401(k) Plan, and to credit the accounts of such PK Employees, Former PK Employees, HGV Employees and Former HGV Employees, as applicable (and any new Employees employed by any member of the PK Group and the HGV Group after the Distribution Date, as applicable) under the applicable New 401(k) Plan with the amounts Transferred on their behalf and (y) Assume and be solely responsible for all Liabilities under the applicable New 401(k) Plan relating to the accounts that are so Transferred as of the time of such Transfer. In connection with the trust-to-trust Transfer described above, the Parties agree to cooperate in making any and all appropriate filings required under applicable Law and to take all such action(s) as may be necessary or appropriate to cause such plan-to-plan Transfer to take place as soon as practicable following the adoption of each New 401(k) Plan.
(b) Non-US DC Plans .
(i) HLT Group . Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, except as otherwise expressly provided for herein or in the Transition Services Agreement, HLT shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HLT Group to, Assume (x) each defined contribution pension plan sponsored or maintained by Hilton as of the Cut-Off Date that is made available to certain Pre-Existing Hilton Employees outside of the United States as of the Cut-Off Date, including, without limitation, the Plans listed on Schedule 5(b)(i) (such Plans, the Non-US DC Plans ), (y) all Liabilities associated with (I) the Non-US DC Plans and (II) the HOGARENTE (the Hotel and Restaurant Association) and the Pensioenfond Horeca & Catering Retirement Plan (such Plans, the Mandatory DC Plans ), in each case, related to HLT Employees and Former Employees, whether incurred prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time, and (z) all Assets and accrued benefits associated with the Non-US DC Plans, in each case, related to HLT Employees and Former Employees, whether accrued prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time. On and after the Plan Effective Time, except as otherwise expressly provided for herein or in the Transition Services Agreement, no member of the PK Group or the HGV Group shall have any Liabilities related to HLT Employees or Former Employees under the Non-US DC Plans or the Mandatory DC Plans.
(ii) PK Group .
(A) Establishment of New Plans in the UK . (1) Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, PK shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group to, for the purposes of providing defined contribution pension benefits for PK Employees employed in the United Kingdom, adopt and implement one or more new defined contribution pension Plans that have the same terms as to contribution rates and eligibility as the Legal and General Group Pension PlanHilton Worldwide Personal UK Retirement Plan (the UK GPP ) and The Peoples Pension Scheme Hilton Hotels Worldwide Section (the UK Auto-Enrolment Plan ) (the UK GPP and the UK Auto-Enrolment Plan, collectively, the UK DC Plans ).
(2) Following the establishment, adoption and implementation by PK or another member or members of the PK Group of one or more new defined contribution pension Plans as required by clause (1) above, if it would not otherwise automatically happen, PK shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group to, request the trustee of the UK Auto-Enrolment Plan to Transfer all Assets and
13
Liabilities of the UK Auto-Enrolment Plan attributable to PK Employees to the applicable new defined contribution pension Plan, subject to the agreement of the new defined contribution pension Plan trustee or provider. Following such Transfer, no member of the HLT Group or the HGV Group shall have any Liabilities relating thereto. In addition, if it would not otherwise automatically be permitted, PK shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group to request that the trustee or provider of the new defined contribution pension Plan accept a Transfer of the Assets and Liabilities in the UK GPP attributable to any PK Employee who wishes to Transfer such Assets and Liabilities to the new defined contribution pension Plan, provided such PK Employee is still an active member of the new defined contribution pension Plan at the date of the Transfer.
(B) Assumption/Establishment of New Plans . Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, PK shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group to (x) commence participation in the Mandatory DC Plans and (y) Assume (I) each Non-US DC Plan that is made available as the Cut-Off Date to certain Pre-Existing Hilton Employees as of the Cut-Off Date in South Africa who become PK Employees at PK properties based in South Africa (such Plans, the SA DC Plans ), all Liabilities associated with the SA DC Plans related to PK Employees and Former PK Employees, whether incurred prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time, and all Assets and accrued benefits associated with the SA DC Plans related to PK Employees and Former PK Employees, whether accrued prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time, and (II) (1) a portion of each other Non-US DC Plan that is made available as of the Cut-Off Date to certain Pre-Existing Hilton Employees outside of the United States who become PK Employees at PK properties based outside of the United States, including, without limitation, the Plans listed on Schedule 5(b)(ii)(B), but excluding the UK DC Plans (such Plans, PK Required Plans ), (2) all Liabilities associated with the PK Required Plans related to PK Employees and Former PK Employees, whether incurred prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time, and (3) all Assets and accrued benefits associated with the PK Required Plans related to PK Employees and Former PK Employees, whether accrued prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time. On and after the Plan Effective Time, no member of the HLT Group or the HGV Group shall have any Liabilities related to PK Employees or Former PK Employees under the SA DC Plans or the PK Required Plans. The PK Compensation Committee (or its designee) shall establish, adopt and implement one or more new defined contribution pension plans that have substantially similar terms, in all material respects, to the PK Required Plans. Following the adoption of such plans, HLT shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HLT Group to, Transfer all Assets and Liabilities attributable to PK Employees and Former PK Employees under the respective PK Required Plans to each such newly adopted plan. On and after such Transfer, no member of the HLT Group or the HGV Group shall have any Liabilities related thereto. Following commencement of participation in the Mandatory DC Plans, PK shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group to, Assume all Liabilities associated with such the Mandatory DC Plans related to PK Employees and Former PK Employees, whether incurred prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time.
14
(iii) HGV Group .
(A) Assumption/Establishment of New Plans Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HGV Group to, Assume (x) each Non-US DC Plan that is made available as of the Cut-Off Date to certain Pre-Existing Hilton Employees in Japan who become HGV Employees at HGV properties based in Japan (the Japanese DC Plans ), all Liabilities associated with the Japanese DC Plans related to HGV Employees and Former HGV Employees, whether incurred prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time, and all Assets and accrued benefits associated with the Japanese DC Plans related to HGV Employees and Former HGV Employees, whether accrued prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time, (y) the defined contribution pension Plans that are made available as of the Cut-Off Date to certain Pre-Existing Hilton Employees in the United Kingdom who become HGV Employees at HGV properties based in the United Kingdom and that have the same terms as to contribution rates and eligibility as the UK DC Plans (the Replacement UK DC Plans ), all Liabilities associated with the Replacement UK DC Plans related to HGV Employees and Former HGV Employees, whether incurred prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time, and all Assets and accrued benefits associated with the Replacement UK DC Plans related to HGV Employees and Former HGV Employees, whether accrued prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time, and (z) (I) a portion of each other Non-US DC Plan that is made available as of the Cut-Off Date to certain Pre-Existing Hilton Employees outside of the United States who become HGV Employees at HGV properties based outside of the United States, including, without limitation, the Plans listed on Schedule 5(b)(iii)(A), (such Plans, excluding the UK DC Plans, the Hilton International Plan (Hilton Retirement Capital Plan section) and the Hilton Worldwide International Retirement Plan, the HGV Required Plans ), (II) all Liabilities associated with the HGV Required Plans related to HGV Employees and Former HGV Employees, whether incurred prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time, and (III) all Assets and accrued benefits associated with the HGV Required Plans related to HGV Employees and Former HGV Employees, whether accrued prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time. On and after the Plan Effective Time, no member of the HLT Group or the PK Group shall have any Liabilities related to HGV Employees or Former HGV Employees under the Japanese DC Plans or the HGV Required Plans. The HGV Compensation Committee (or its designee) shall establish, adopt and implement one or more new defined contribution pension plans that have substantially similar terms, in all material respects, to the HGV Required Plans, effective as of the Plan Effective Time. Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, HLT shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HLT Group to, Transfer all Assets and Liabilities attributable to HGV Employees and Former HGV Employees under each applicable HGV Required Plan to each such newly adopted plan. On and after such Transfer, no member of the HLT Group or the PK Group shall have any Liabilities related thereto.
6. NON-QUALIFIED RETIREMENT/DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS . (a) General . Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, HLT shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HLT Group to, Assume (x) each non-qualified retirement and deferred compensation plan sponsored or maintained by Hilton as of the Cut-Off Date that is made available to certain Pre-Existing Hilton Employees in the United States (or on temporary assignment outside the United States, if applicable) as of the Cut-Off Date, including, without limitation, the Plans listed on Schedule 6(a), (such Plans, the Hilton Deferred Compensation Plans ), (y) all Liabilities associated with the Hilton Deferred Compensation Plans related to Former Employees, HLT Employees, PK Employees and HGV Employees, whether incurred prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time, and (z) all Assets (including any associated rabbi trust) and accrued benefits associated with the Hilton Deferred Compensation Plans related to Former Employees, HLT Employees, PK
15
Employees and HGV Employees, whether accrued prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time. Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, on and after the Plan Effective Time, no member of the PK Group or the HGV Group shall have any Liabilities related to Former Employees, HLT Employees, PK Employees or HGV Employees under the Hilton Deferred Compensation Plans.
(b) New PK and HGV Deferred Compensation Plans/Transfer of Liabilities .
(i) PK Group . Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, PK shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group to, establish, adopt and administer one or more new deferred compensation and/or non-qualified retirement plans for eligible PK Employees (and any new Employees employed by any member of the PK Group after the Distribution Date) in the United States. The terms and conditions of one such plan for PK Employees who participated in the Hilton Hotels 2005 Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (the 2005 EDCP ) as of the Cut-Off Date shall be substantially similar, in all material respects, to the 2005 EDCP. Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, PK shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group to, Assume all Liabilities related to the 2005 EDCP attributable to PK Employees who participated in the 2005 EDCP as of the Cut-Off Date. On and after the Plan Effective Time, no member of the HLT Group or the HGV Group shall have any Liabilities related to PK Employees under the 2005 EDCP and no member of the PK Group shall have any Liabilities related to the HLT Employees and Former Employees under the 2005 EDCP. Any such other plans that are adopted by any member of the PK Group shall be on such terms and conditions as determined by the PK Compensation Committee (or its designee).
(ii) HGV Group . Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HGV Group to, establish, adopt and administer one or more new deferred compensation and/or non-qualified retirement plans for eligible HGV Employees (and any new Employees employed by any member of the HGV Group after the Distribution Date) in the United States. The terms and conditions of one such plan for HGV Employees who participated in the 2005 EDCP as of the Cut-Off Date shall be substantially similar, in all material respects, to the 2005 EDCP. Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HGV Group to, Assume all Liabilities related to the 2005 EDCP attributable to HGV Employees who participated in the 2005 EDCP as of the Cut-Off Date. On and after the Plan Effective Time, no member of the HLT Group or the PK Group shall have any Liabilities related to HGV Employees under the 2005 EDCP and no member of the HGV Group shall have any Liabilities related to the HLT Employees and Former Employees under the 2005 EDCP. Any such other plans that are adopted by any member of the HGV Group shall be on such terms and conditions as determined by the HGV Compensation Committee (or its designee).
(iii) No Separation from Service .
(A) The Parties agree that transfers of employment in connection with the Distribution shall not be treated as separations from service under any Hilton Deferred Compensation Plan, and such employment shall only be considered to terminate for purposes of the applicable Hilton Deferred Compensation Plans or a PK or HGV non-qualified retirement/deferred compensation plan that receives the Liabilities, as applicable, as a result of
16
(x) a transfer of employment among the HLT Group, the PK Group and the HGV Group, or (y) a termination of employment with the HLT Group, the PK Group or the HGV Group, as applicable, following the Plan Effective Time. All non-qualified retirement/deferred compensation benefits payable on and after the Plan Effective Time related to HLT Employees, PK Employees and HGV Employees shall be paid under the applicable Hilton Deferred Compensation Plans or a PK or HGV non-qualified retirement/deferred compensation plan that receives the Liabilities, as applicable.
7. EMPLOYEE HEALTH AND WELFARE BENEFIT PLANS . (a) US H&W Plans .
(i) General . Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, except as otherwise expressly provided for herein or in the Transition Services Agreement, HLT shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HLT Group to, Assume (x) each health and welfare benefit Plan (other than severance Plans) sponsored or maintained by Hilton as of the Cut-Off Date that is made available to certain Pre-Existing Hilton Employees in the United States and Puerto Rico as of the Cut-Off Date, including, without limitation, the Plans listed on Schedule 7(a)(i) (the Hilton H&W Plans ), (y) all Liabilities associated with the Hilton H&W Plans related to Former Employees, HLT Employees, PK Employees and HGV Employees, whether incurred prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time, and (z) all Assets and accrued benefits associated with the Hilton H&W Plans related to Former Employees, HLT Employees, PK Employees and HGV Employees, whether accrued prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time. On and after the Plan Effective Time, except as otherwise provided for in Section 7(a)(iii), no member of the PK Group or the HGV Group shall have any Liabilities related to HLT Employees or Former Hilton Employees under the Hilton H&W Plans, no member of the HLT Group or the HGV Group shall have any Liabilities related to PK Employees or Former PK Employees under the Hilton H&W Plans and no member of the HLT Group or the PK Group shall have any Liabilities related to HGV Employees or Former HGV Employees under the Hilton H&W Plans.
(ii) COBRA . HLT or another member or members of the HLT Group shall be responsible for providing continuation coverage pursuant to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, as amended (COBRA) ( COBRA Coverage ) under the applicable HLT Plan with respect to qualified beneficiaries whose qualifying event occurred prior to or in conjunction with the Distribution. For qualifying events occurring on and after the Plan Effective Time, HLT shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HLT Group to, be responsible for providing COBRA Coverage to qualified beneficiaries whose qualifying event relates to a HLT Employee (and any new Employees employed by any member of the HLT Group after the Distribution Date), PK shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group to, be responsible for providing COBRA Coverage to qualified beneficiaries whose qualifying event relates to a PK Employee (and any new Employees employed by any member of the PK Group after the Distribution Date), and HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HGV Group to, be responsible for providing COBRA Coverage to qualified beneficiaries whose qualifying event relates to a HGV Employee (and any new Employees employed by any member of the HGV Group after the Distribution Date).
17
(iii) Continued Participation In Hilton H&W Plans . Subject to the consent of the applicable insurers or any other applicable third-parties, as needed, effective as of the Plan Effective Time, each of the applicable members of the PK Group and the HGV Group shall remain participating employers in the Hilton H&W Plans until no later than December 31, 2017, but shall cease participating in any cafeteria Plans, salary continuation Plans, health savings accounts, health and dependent care flexible spending accounts, voluntary benefit Plans, commuter benefit Plans and tuition reimbursement Plans, in each case, sponsored or maintained by Hilton as of the Cut-Off Date that are made available to certain Pre-Existing Hilton Employees in the United States as of the Cut-Off Date (such Plans, the Specified H&W Plans ) as of the Plan Effective Time. In connection with such continued participation, each of the HLT Group, the PK Group and the HGV Group shall (x) pay their proportional share of the administrative and contribution costs associated with such Plans during such period and (y) Assume all Liabilities associated with such Plans related to HLT Employees, Former HLT Employees, PK Employees, Former PK Employees, HGV Employees or Former HGV Employees (and any new Employees employed by any member of the HLT Group, the PK Group or the HGV Group, as applicable, after the Distribution Date), respectively. Insurance premiums under the Hilton H&W Plans, including premiums related to COBRA Coverage, shall be paid either (x) directly to the applicable insurer by a member of each of the HLT Group, the PK Group and the HGV Group on behalf of the participating Former Employees, Employees and dependents of each, or (y) directly to the applicable insurer by a member of the HLT Group on behalf of Former Employees, HLT Employees, PK Employees and HGV Employees and their respective dependents with reimbursement of such amounts being made by a member of the PK Group and the HGV Group within the time period required under ERISA. During the period commencing on the Distribution Date and ending no later than December 31, 2017, the HLT Group, the PK Group and the HGV Group shall share proportionally in any credits returned ( e.g., MLR credits, subrogation recoveries, etc.) to any health and welfare benefit Plan sponsored or maintained by any member of the HLT Group in which a member of the PK Group and HGV Group continue to participate on and after the Plan Effective Time.
(iv) New PK and HGV Health and Welfare Benefit Plans .
(A) Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, each of PK and HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group or the HGV Group, as applicable, to, establish, adopt and implement one or more new health and welfare benefit Plans in which eligible PK Employees and HGV Employees (and any new Employees employed by any member of the PK Group and the HGV Group after the Distribution Date) in the United States shall participate, with terms and conditions that are substantially similar, in all material respects, to the terms and conditions of the Specified H&W Plans in which such Employees were participating as of the Cut-Off Date.
(B) Effective no later than January 1, 2018, each of PK and HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group or the HGV Group, as applicable, to, establish, adopt and implement one or more new health and welfare benefit Plans (excluding a Retiree Health Plan and retiree life insurance arrangements) under which PK Employees and HGV Employees (and any new Employees employed by any member of the PK Group and the HGV Group after the Distribution Date) in the United States shall participate, the terms and conditions of which shall be determined by the PK Compensation Committee (or its designee) or the HGV Compensation Committee (or its designee), as applicable, taking into account the terms and conditions of the corresponding Hilton H&W Plan.
18
(C) Each of PK and HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group and the HGV Group, as applicable, to use commercially reasonable efforts to waive all pre-existing condition exclusions and actively-at-work requirements for each health and welfare benefit Plan in which PK Employees and HGV Employees in the United States were participating as of the Cut-Off Date or the effective date of the new Plan, as applicable.
(D) Each of PK and HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group and the HGV Group, as applicable, to provide credit for expenses incurred by PK Employees and HGV Employees in the United States and their eligible dependents during the portion of the plan year that includes the Distribution Date for purposes of satisfying all deductible, coinsurance and maximum out-of-pocket requirements applicable to each such Employee.
(E) For the plan year in which the Distribution Date occurs, flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts of PK Employees and HGV Employees shall be transferred to the corresponding PK or HGV health and welfare benefit Plan, including contribution and payment history.
(b) Non-US H&W Plans .
(i) HLT Group .
(A) General . Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, except as expressly provided for herein or in the Transition Services Agreement, HLT shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HLT Group to, Assume (x) each health and welfare benefit Plan (including each related insurance policy, trust instrument and other related contract or agreement) sponsored or maintained by Hilton as of the Cut-Off Date that is made available to certain Pre-Existing Hilton Employees outside of the United States as of the Cut-Off Date, including without limitation, the Plans listed on Schedule 7(b)(i)(A) (such Plans, the Hilton Non-US H&W Plans ), (y) all Liabilities associated with the Hilton Non-US H&W Plans related to HLT Employees, Former Employees, PK Employees and HGV Employees, whether incurred prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time, and (z) all Assets and accrued benefits associated with the Non-US H&W Plans related to HLT Employees, Former Hilton Employees, PK Employees and HGV Employees. On and after the Plan Effective Time, except as expressly provided for herein or in the Transition Services Agreement, no member of the PK Group or the HGV Group shall have any Liabilities related HLT Employees and Former Employees under the Non-US H&W Plans.
(B) Continued Participation in Brazilian H&W Plans/New Brazilian H&W Plans . Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, HLT shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HLT Group to, for the purposes of providing health and welfare and/or life insurance benefits for HLT Employees employed in Brazil (and any new Employees employed by any member of the HLT Group in Brazil after the Distribution Date), either (x) to
19
establish, adopt or implement one or more new health and welfare and/or life insurance benefit plans that have substantially similar terms, in all material respects, to the Seguro Saude Empresarial, the Seguro Coletivo Empresarial de Assistencia a Saude Na Segmentacao Odontologico and/or the Seguro de Vida Em Groupo, as applicable (each such Plan, a Brazilian H&W Plan ) or (y) subject to consent of the applicable insurer(s) or any other applicable third-parties, as needed, effective as of the Plan Effective Time, each of the applicable members of the HLT Group shall remain as participating employers in one or more Brazilian H&W Plans until no later than December 31, 2017 and, in connection therewith, each of the HLT Group and the PK Group shall (I) pay their proportional share of the administrative and contribution costs associated with the applicable Brazilian H&W Plan(s) during such period and (II) Assume all Liabilities associated with the applicable Brazilian H&W Plan(s) related to HLT Employees, Former HLT Employees, PK Employees and Former PK Employees (and any new Employees employed by any member of the HLT Group or the PK Group, as applicable, after the Distribution Date), respectively. Effective no later than January 1, 2018, HLT shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HLT Group to, establish, adopt and implement one or more new health and welfare benefit Plans that have substantially similar terms, in all material respects, to the applicable Brazilian H&W Plan(s).
(ii) PK Group .
(A) Continued Participation in HLT Plans . Subject to consent of the applicable insurers or any other applicable third-parties, as needed, effective as of the Plan Effective Time, each of the applicable members of the PK Group shall remain as participating employers in the Plans listed on Schedule 7(b)(ii)(A) (each such Plan, a Continued PK H&W Plan ) until no later than December 31, 2017 and, in connection therewith, each of the HLT Group and the PK Group shall (x) pay their proportional share of the administrative and contribution costs associated with each such Continued PK H&W Plan during such period and (y) Assume all Liabilities associated with each such Continued PK H&W Plan related to HLT Employees, Former HLT Employees, PK Employees and Former PK Employees (and any new Employees employed by any member of the HLT Group or the PK Group, as applicable, after the Distribution Date), respectively. Effective no later than January 1, 2018, PK shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group to, establish, adopt and implement one or more new health and welfare benefit Plans that have substantially similar terms, in all material respects, to each applicable Continued PK H&W Plan.
(B) Assumption/Establishment of New Plans . Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, PK shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group to, Assume (I) each health and welfare benefit Plan sponsored or maintained by a member of the PK Group as of the Cut-Off Date that is made available as of the Cut-Off Date to certain Pre-Existing Hilton Employees in Brazil and South Africa who become PK Employees at PK properties based in Brazil and South Africa (such Plans, collectively, the Brazilian and SA H&W Plans ), all Liabilities associated with the Brazilian and SA H&W Plans related to PK Employees and Former PK Employees, whether incurred prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time, and all Assets (including each related insurance policy, trust instrument and other related contract or agreement) and accrued benefits associated with the Brazilian and SA H&W Plans related to PK Employees and Former PK Employees, whether accrued prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time, and (II) (1) a portion of each other health and welfare benefit Plan
20
sponsored or maintained by Hilton as of the Cut-Off Date that is made available as of the Cut-Off Date to certain Pre-Existing Hilton Employees outside of the United States who become PK Employees at PK properties based outside of the United States, including, without limitation, the Plans listed on Schedule 7(b)(ii)(B) (collectively, PK Required H&W Plans ), (2) all Liabilities associated with the PK Required H&W Plans related to PK Employees and Former PK Employees, whether incurred prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time, and (3) all Assets (other than those held in an insurance policy or those that the PK Employee has the right to elect to retain with the applicable insurer) and accrued benefits associated with the PK Required H&W Plans related to PK Employees and Former PK Employees, whether accrued prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time. On and after the Plan Effective Time, no member of the HLT Group or the HGV Group shall have any Liabilities related to PK Employees or Former PK Employees under the Brazilian and SA H&W Plans or the PK Required H&W Plans. The PK Compensation Committee (or its designee) shall establish, adopt and implement one or more new health and welfare benefit Plans that have substantially similar terms, in all material respects, to the PK Required H&W Plans. Following the adoption of such Plans, HLT shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HLT Group to, Transfer all Assets (other than those held in an insurance policy or those that the PK Employee or Former PK Employee has the right to elect to retain with the applicable insurer) and Liabilities attributable to PK Employees and Former PK Employees under the respective PK Required H&W Plans to each such newly adopted Plan. Following such Transfer, no member of the HLT Group or the HGV Group shall have any Liabilities related thereto.
(iii) HGV Group .
(A) Continued Participation in HLT Plans . Subject to consent of the applicable insurers or any other applicable third-parties, as needed, effective as of the Plan Effective Time, each of the applicable members of the HGV Group shall remain as participating employers in the Plans listed on Schedule 7(b)(iii)(A) (each such Plan, a Continued HGV H&W Plan ) until no later than December 31, 2017 and, in connection therewith, each of the HLT Group and the HGV Group shall (x) pay their proportional share of the administrative and contribution costs associated with each such Continued HGV H&W Plan during such period and (y) Assume all Liabilities associated with each such Continued HGV H&W Plan related to HLT Employees or HGV Employees (and any new Employees employed by any member of the HLT Group or the HGV Group, as applicable, after the Distribution Date), respectively. Effective no
21
later than January 1, 2018, HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HGV Group to, establish, adopt and implement one or more new health and welfare benefit Plans that have substantially similar terms, in all material respects, to each applicable Continued HGV H&W Plan.
(B) Assumption/Establishment of New Plans . Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HGV Group to, Assume (I) each health and welfare benefit Plan sponsored or maintained by a member of the HGV Group as of the Cut-Off Date that is made available as of the Cut-Off Date to certain Pre-Existing Hilton Employees in Japan who become HGV Employees at HGV properties based in Japan (such Plans, the Japanese H&W Plans ), all Liabilities associated with the Japanese H&W Plans related to HGV Employees and Former HGV Employees, whether incurred prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time, and all Assets (other than those held in an insurance policy or those that the HGV Employee or Former HGV Employee has the right to elect to retain with the applicable insurer) and accrued benefits associated with the Japanese H&W Plans related to HGV Employees and Former HGV Employees, whether accrued prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time, and (1) a portion of each other health and welfare benefit Plan sponsored or maintained by Hilton as of the Cut-Off Date that is made available as of the Cut-Off Date to certain Pre-Existing Hilton Employees outside of the United States who become HGV Employees at HGV properties based outside of the United States (collectively, HGV Required H&W Plans ), (2) all Liabilities associated with the HGV Required H&W Plans related to HGV Employees and Former HGV Employees, whether incurred prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time, and (3) all Assets (other than those held in an insurance policy or those that the HGV Employee or Former HGV Employee has the right to elect to retain with the applicable insurer) and accrued benefits associated with the HGV Required H&W Plans related to HGV Employees and Former HGV Employees, whether accrued prior to, on or after the Plan Effective Time. On and after the Plan Effective Time, no member of the HLT Group or the PK Group shall have any Liabilities related to HGV Employees or Former HGV Employees under the Japanese H&W Plans or the HGV Required H&W Plans. The HGV Compensation Committee (or its designee) shall establish, adopt and implement one or more new health and welfare benefit Plans that have substantially similar terms, in all material respects, to the HGV Required H&W Plans. Following the adoption of such Plans, HLT shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HLT Group to, Transfer all Assets (other than those held in an insurance policy or those that the HGV Employee or Former HGV Employees has the right to elect to retain with the applicable insurer) and Liabilities attributable to HGV Employees and Former HGV Employees under the respective HGV Required H&W Plans to each such newly adopted Plan. Following such Transfer, no member of the HLT Group or the PK Group shall have any Liabilities related thereto.
22
(iv) Credit . To the extent available under local Law, PK and HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group and the HGV Group, as applicable, to use commercially reasonable efforts to waive all pre-existing condition exclusions and actively-at-work requirements for each Non-US health and welfare benefit Plan in which such PK Employees and HGV Employees were participating as of the Cut-Off Date or the effective date of such new Plan, as applicable.
(A) PK and HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group and the HGV Group, as applicable, to provide credit for expenses incurred by such PK Employees and HGV Employees and their respective eligible dependents during the portion of the plan year that includes the Distribution Date for purposes of satisfying all deductible, coinsurance and maximum out-of-pocket requirements applicable to each such Employee.
(B) For purposes of this Section 7, 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 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 Employees 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, upon the date of admission to the hospital.
8. SEVERANCE PLANS . (a) US Plans . (i) Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, HLT shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HLT Group to, Assume (x) each severance plan sponsored or maintained by Hilton as of the Cut-Off Date that is made available to certain Pre-Existing Hilton Employees in the United States (or on temporary assignment outside the United States, if applicable) as of the Cut-Off Date, including, without limitation, the Plans listed on Schedule 8(a)(i) (collectively, the Hilton Severance Plans ), (y) all Liabilities associated with the Hilton Severance Plans related to HLT Employees as of the Plan Effective Time, and (z) all accrued benefits associated with the Hilton Severance Plans related to HLT Employees as of the Plan Effective Time. Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, (I) HLT shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HLT Group to, Assume all Liabilities associated with the Hilton Severance Plans related to Former Hilton Employees, (II) PK shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group to, Assume all Liabilities associated with the Hilton Severance Plans related to Former PK Employees, and (III) HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HGV Group to, Assume all Liabilities associated with the Hilton Severance Plans related to Former HGV Employees.
(ii) On or after the Plan Effective Time, PK and/or HGV may establish, adopt and implement one or more new severance Plans in the United States, the terms and conditions of which shall be determined by the PK Compensation Committee (or its designee) and/or the HGV Compensation Committee (or its designee), as applicable.
23
(iii) The Parties agree that transfers of employment in connection with the Distribution shall not be treated as terminations of employment under any Hilton Severance Plan and all severance benefits payable on and after the Plan Effective Time related to HLT Employees, PK Employees and HGV Employees (and any new Employees employed by any member of the HLT Group, the PK Group and the HGV Group after the Distribution Date) shall be paid under the applicable Hilton Severance Plan or, upon adoption following the Distribution Date, the new PK Group severance Plan or HGV Group severance Plan, as applicable.
(b) Non-US Plans . HLT, PK and HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HLT Group, the PK Group and the HGV Group, as applicable, to provide severance or end of service benefits ( Non-US Severance ), as applicable, to their respective Employees to the extent required by applicable Law and Assume all such Liabilities related to HLT Employees, PK Employees and HGV Employees, as applicable. Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, (i) HLT shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HLT Group to, Assume all Liabilities associated with Non-US Severance related to Former Hilton Employees, (ii) PK shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group to, Assume all Liabilities associated with Non-US Severance related to Former PK Employees, and (iii) HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HGV Group to, Assume all Liabilities associated with Non-US Severance related to Former HGV Employees.
9. PAID TIME OFF . (a) Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, HLT shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HLT Group to, Assume each US and non-US paid time off Plan sponsored or maintained by Hilton as of the Cut-Off Date that is made available to Pre-Existing Hilton Employees as of the Cut-Off Date who become HLT Employees (such Plans, the Hilton PTO Plans ) and all Liabilities associated with the Hilton PTO Plans related to HLT Employees as of the Plan Effective Time. On and after the Plan Effective Time, no member of the PK Group or the HGV Group shall have any Liabilities related to HLT Employees under the Hilton PTO Plans.
(b) Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, PK shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group to, establish, adopt and implement one or more new US and non-US paid time off Plans (each such Plan, a PK PTO Plan ), the terms and conditions of which shall be determined by one or more members of the PK Group, taking into account the terms and conditions of the corresponding Hilton PTO Plan. Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, PK shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group to, Assume all Liabilities related to PK Employees under the applicable Hilton PTO Plan. On and after the Plan Effective Time, no member of the HLT Group or the HGV Group shall have any Liabilities related thereto.
(c) Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HGV Group to, establish, adopt and implement one or more new US and non-US paid time off plans (each such Plan, a HGV PTO Plan ), the terms and conditions of which shall be determined by one or more members of the HGV Group, taking into account the terms and conditions of the corresponding Hilton PTO Plan. Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HGV Group to, Assume all Liabilities related to HGV Employees under the applicable Hilton PTO Plan. On and after the Plan Effective Time, no member of the HLT Group or the PK Group shall have any Liabilities related thereto.
24
(d) Unless otherwise required by applicable Law, the Parties agree that transfers of employment in connection with the Distribution shall not be treated as terminations of employment under any Hilton PTO Plan, PK PTO Plan or HGV PTO Plan and all paid time off benefits accrued under any Hilton PTO Plan as of the Plan Effective Time related to HLT Employees, PK Employees and HGV Employees shall remain with the applicable Hilton PTO Plan or transfer to a PK PTO Plan or HGV PTO Plan, as applicable.
(e) To the extent that any member of the HLT Group, PK Group or HGV Group (such member, the Paying Entity ) is required to pay any amounts relating to paid time off benefits associated with HLT Employees, PK Employees or HGV Employees who are not Employees of the Paying Entity as of the Distribution Date in connection with the Distribution, the employing entity agrees to reimburse the Paying Entity for such amounts.
10. PERQUISITES . (a) TMTP/Go Hilton . Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, HGV Employees and PK Employees (and any new Employees employed by any member of the HGV Group and the PK Group after the Distribution Date) shall continue to be eligible to participate in the Go Hilton Program, as amended from time to time in the HLT Groups sole discretion (the Program ), subject to annual review of such participation by the HLT Group and, in the case of HGV Employees (and any new Employees employed by any member of the HGV Group), payment of any annual participation fees assessed by the HLT Group, in its sole discretion, if any. HGV and PK participation in the Program is subject to the terms and conditions of reciprocity agreement(s) between a member of the HLT Group and a member of the HGV Group or the PK Group, as applicable, and reciprocal loading of HGV and PK inventory to be centrally managed by the HLT Go Hilton team. Such participation is intended to qualify as a fringe benefit excludible from gross income of HLT Employees, HGV Employees and PK Employees (and any new Employees employed by any member of the HLT Group, PK Group and the HGV Group after the Distribution Date) under Section 132(a) of the Code. This Agreement and any reciprocity agreement(s) shall each constitute a reciprocal agreement between HLT and HGV and HLT and PK, as applicable, within the meaning of Section 132(i) of the Code and each of HLT, PK and HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HLT Group, the PK Group and the HGV Group to, execute such further documentation as may be required for tax purposes or otherwise necessary to effect such arrangement.
(b) HGV Discount Program . Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, HLT Employees shall be permitted to continue to participate in the discount program offered by the HGV Group with respect to purchases of HGV inventory if so requested in writing by one or more members of the HLT Group and PK Employees shall no longer participate in such discount program.
(c) HLT Non-US Perquisites . Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, HLT shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HLT Group to, Assume, establish, adopt and implement, as applicable, one or more new perquisite policies covering HLT Employees (and any new Employees employed by any member of the HLT Group after the Distribution Date) outside of the United States, the terms and conditions of which shall be determined by the HLT Compensation Committee (or its designee), taking into account the terms and conditions of the perquisite policy sponsored or maintained by Hilton as of the Cut-Off Date that is made available to certain Pre-Existing Hilton Employees outside of the United States as of the Cut-Off Date
25
(such plans, the Hilton Non-US Perk Plans ). In connection with the foregoing, effective as of the Plan Effective Time, HLT shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HLT Group to, Assume all Liabilities associated with the Hilton Non-US Perk Plans related to HLT Employees and Former Hilton Employees. Following the Plan Effective Time, no member of the PK Group or the HGV Group shall have any Liabilities related to HLT Employees or Former Hilton Employees under the Hilton Non-US Perk Plans.
(d) PK Non-US Perquisites . Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, PK shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group to, establish, adopt and implement, as applicable, one or more new perquisite policies covering eligible PK Employees (and any new Employees employed by any member of the PK Group after the Distribution Date) outside of the United States, the terms and conditions of which shall be determined by the PK Compensation Committee (or its designee), taking into account the terms and conditions of the corresponding Hilton Non-US Perk Plan. Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, PK shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group to, Assume all Liabilities associated with the Hilton Non-US Perk Plans related to PK Employees and Former PK Employees.
(e) HGV Non-US Perquisites . Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HGV Group to, establish, adopt and implement, as applicable, one or more new perquisite policies covering eligible HGV Employees (and any new Employees employed by any member of the HGV Group after the Distribution Date) outside of the United States, the terms and conditions of which shall be determined by the HGV Compensation Committee (or its designee), taking into account the terms and conditions of the corresponding Hilton Non-US Perk Plan. Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HGV Group to, Assume all Liabilities associated with the Hilton Non-US Perk Plans related to HGV Employees and Former HGV Employees.
11. CASH BONUS PLANS . (a) General . Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, HLT shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HLT Group to, Assume each cash bonus Plan sponsored or maintained by Hilton as of the Cut-Off Date that is made available to certain Pre-Existing Hilton Employees as of the Cut-Off Date, including, without limitation, the Hilton 2016 corporate and hotel operations (general managers and hotel management) and hotel sales incentive Plans other than the 2016 Assumed HGV Plans (as defined below) (such Plans, the Hilton Bonus Plans ) and all Assets and Liabilities with respect to the bonus amounts earned (or to be earned) under the Hilton Bonus Plans based on the performance of Hilton for the period beginning on January 1, 2016 and ending on December 31, 2016 with respect to HLT Employees and Former Hilton Employees. Such bonus amounts, if any, shall be paid, following the determination and certification by the HLT Compensation Committee (or its designee), by a member of the HLT Group in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable Hilton Bonus Plan.
(b) HGV Cash Bonus Plans . Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HGV Group to, Assume each cash bonus Plan sponsored or maintained by Vacations as of the Cut-Off Date in respect of the 2016 fiscal year (the 2016 Assumed HGV Plans ) and all Assets and Liabilities with respect to bonus amounts earned under the 2016 Assumed HGV Plans based on the performance of the HGV
26
Group for the period commencing on January 1, 2016 and ending on December 31, 2016 ( CY 2016 ) with respect to HGV Employees and Former HGV Employees, as determined and certified by the HGV Compensation Committee (or its designee). Such bonus amounts, if any, shall be paid by a member of the HGV Group in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable 2016 Assumed HGV Plan.
(c) 2016 PK and HGV Cash Bonuses . Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, each of PK and HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group and HGV Group, as applicable, to, Assume all Liabilities associated with bonuses for CY 2016 under the Hilton Bonus Plans related to PK Employees and HGV Employees, as applicable. Such bonus amounts, if any, shall be paid, following the determination and certification by the HLT Compensation Committee (or its designee), by a member of the PK Group or the HGV Group, as applicable, in accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable Hilton Bonus Plan.
12. EQUITY-BASED AWARDS . (a) General . Effective as of the Plan Effective Time, HLT shall Assume each equity-based incentive plan sponsored or maintained by Hilton as of the Cut-Off Date that is made available to certain Pre-Existing Hilton Employees as of the Cut-Off Date, including, without limitation, the HLT 2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the OIP ) and all Assets and Liabilities associated with such plans related to Former Employees, HLT Employees, PK Employees and HGV Employees, whether incurred prior to, on or following the Plan Effective Time. Following the Plan Effective Time, no member of the PK Group or the HGV Group shall have any Liabilities related to HLT Employees or Former Employees under such plans. Employees who separate from service with Hilton prior to the Plan Effective Time and whose awards are subject to continued vesting under the retirement eligibility provisions of the OIP and the award agreements thereunder shall be treated as HLT Employees regardless of their roles with Hilton prior to the Plan Effective Time.
(b) New PK and HGV Plans . (i) Effective not later than the Plan Effective Time, PK shall have adopted (x) the Park Hotels & Resorts Inc. 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the PK OIP ), which shall permit the issuance of equity-based and cash-based incentive awards denominated in PK Common Stock and (y) the Park Hotels & Resorts Inc. 2017 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors, which shall permit the issuance of equity-based awards denominated in PK Common Stock (the PK Director Plan ). HLT shall cause the PK OIP and the PK Director Plan to both be approved prior to the Plan Effective Time by HLT, as PKs sole stockholder.
(ii) Effective not later than the Plan Effective Time, HGV shall have adopted (x) the Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the HGV OIP ), which shall permit the issuance of equity-based and cash-based incentive awards denominated in HGV Common Stock and (y) the Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. 2017 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors, which shall permit the issuance of equity-based awards denominated in HGV Common Stock (the HGV Director Plan ). HLT shall cause the HGV OIP and the HGV Director Plan to both be approved prior to the Plan Effective Time by HLT, as HGVs sole stockholder.
27
(iii) No individual awards (other than as expressly contemplated below) shall be granted under the PK OIP, the PK Director Plan, the HGV OIP or the HGV Director Plan until after the Distribution Date with any such awards at the discretion of the PK Board, the PK Compensation Committee, the HGV Board or the HGV Compensation Committee, as applicable.
(c) Treatment of Equity-Based Awards . (i) Equity-based awards granted under the OIP based on HLT Common Stock held by HLT Employees, Former Employees, HLT non-employee Board members and PK Employees who serve as General Managers at Hilton-branded PK properties outside of the United States ( PK Non-US GMs ) shall remain outstanding under the OIP and be adjusted, effective as of the Distribution Date, in accordance with the terms of the OIP in a manner as determined by the HLT Compensation Committee, to reflect the impact of the Distribution, but shall otherwise remain subject to the same general terms and conditions, including vesting schedule, as the original awards.
(ii) Equity-based awards granted under the OIP based on HLT Common Stock held by PK Employees (other than PK Non-US GMs) shall be converted, effective as of the Distribution Date, into awards under the PK OIP with equivalent value based on, and settled in, PK Common Stock but shall otherwise remain subject to the same general terms and conditions, including vesting schedule, as the original awards, except as expressly provided for below.
(iii) Equity-based awards granted under the OIP based on HLT Common Stock held by HGV Employees shall be converted, effective as of the Distribution Date, into awards under the HGV OIP with equivalent value based on, and settled in, HGV Common Stock but shall otherwise remain subject to the same general terms and conditions, including vesting schedule, as the original awards, except as expressly provided for below.
(iv) Performance-based awards granted in 2014 under the OIP held by PK Employees shall be converted, effective as of the Distribution Date, into awards under the PK OIP with equivalent value based on, and settled in, PK Common Stock but shall otherwise remain subject to the same general terms and conditions, including vesting schedule, as the original awards. As soon as practicable following the determination by the HLT Compensation Committee as to whether and to what extent the performance conditions have been satisfied with respect to such performance-based awards, HLT or another member of the HLT Group shall notify PK or another member of the PK Group of such determination.
(v) Performance-based awards granted in 2014 under the OIP held by HGV Employees shall be converted, effective as of the Distribution Date, into awards under the HGV OIP with equivalent value based on, and settled in, HGV Common Stock but shall otherwise remain subject to the same general terms and conditions, including vesting schedule, as the original awards. As soon as practicable following the determination by the HLT Compensation Committee as to whether and to what extent the performance conditions have been satisfied with respect to such performance-based awards, HLT or another member of the HLT Group shall notify HGV or another member of the HGV Group of such determination.
28
(vi) Performance-based awards granted in 2015 and 2016 under the OIP held by HLT Employees, PK Employees and HGV Employees shall be converted into time vesting awards, effective as of the Distribution Date, based on a performance level determined by the HLT Compensation Committee and, subject to continued employment, shall vest on the date that the applicable performance period would have otherwise ended, be settled in shares of HLT Common Stock, PK Common Stock or HGV Common Stock, as applicable, and otherwise remain subject to the same general terms and conditions as the original awards.
(d) PK and HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group or the HGV Group to, Assume all Liabilities related to any cash long-term incentive awards granted under the OIP by HLT to PK Employees and HGV Employees, respectively, whether incurred prior to, on or following the Distribution Date. On and after the Distribution Date, no member of the HLT Group shall have any Liabilities related thereto.
(e) All of the adjustments and conversions described in this Section 12 shall be effected in accordance with Sections 424 and 409A of the Code, as applicable.
(f) The Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain effective registration statements with the SEC with respect to the awards described in this Section 12, to the extent any such registration statement is required by applicable Law.
13. COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS . (a) HLT Collective Bargaining Agreements . HLT or another member or members of the HLT Group shall expressly Assume all collective bargaining or other labor agreements which relate to the HLT Retained Business, including, without limitation, those so identified on Schedule 13(a) (such agreements, the HLT CBAs ) and associated Liabilities, in each case, effective as of the Distribution Date. For each such HLT CBA in effect as of the Distribution Date, HLT or another member or members of the HLT Group, as applicable, agrees to recognize the union which is a party to each such HLT CBA as the exclusive collective bargaining representative for the HLT Employees covered under the terms of each such HLT CBA. PK shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group to, at the request of HLT, execute all Owners Letters and take all other actions necessary for HLTs and/or PKs compliance with any collective bargaining agreement or other labor agreement identified on Schedule 13(a) or Schedule 13(c).
(b) PK Collective Bargaining Agreements . PK or a member of the PK Group shall expressly Assume all collective bargaining or other labor agreements so identified on Schedule 13(b) (such agreements, the PK CBAs ) and associated Liabilities, in each case, effective as of the Distribution Date. For each such PK CBA in effect as of the Distribution Date, PK or another member or members of the PK Group agrees to recognize the union which is a party to each such PK CBA as the exclusive collective bargaining representative for the PK Employees covered under the terms of each such PK CBA.
(c) HGV Collective Bargaining Agreements . HGV or a member of the HGV Group shall expressly Assume all collective bargaining or other labor agreements so identified on Schedule 13(c) (such agreements, the HGV CBAs ) and associated Liabilities, in each case, effective as of the Distribution Date. For each such HGV CBA in effect as of the Distribution Date, HGV or another member or members of the HGV Group agrees to recognize the union
29
which is a party to each such HGV CBA as the exclusive collective bargaining representative for the HGV Employees covered under the terms of each such HGV CBA. HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HGV Group to, at the request of HLT, execute all Owners Letters and take all other actions necessary to HLTs and/or HGVs compliance with any collective bargaining agreement or other labor agreement identified on Schedule 13(a) or Schedule 13(c).
(d) EU Directive . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 13, in countries in which the European Union Acquired Rights Directive applies, collective bargaining agreements and any other agreements with employee representatives shall continue to apply after the Distribution Date to the extent and in the manner provided for by local Law.
14. TRANSITION SERVICES . Each of HLT, PK and HGV and the members of their respective Groups shall provide such transition services as required by the Transition Services Agreement.
15. ACCESS TO INFORMATION AND DATA EXCHANGE . (a) Provision of Corporate Records . (i) Consistent with Section 8.3 of the Distribution Agreement, upon the prior written request by PK or HGV for specific and identified agreements, documents, books, records or files including, without limitation, computer files, microfiche, tape recordings and photographs (collectively, Records ), relating to or affecting PK or HGV, as applicable, HLT shall arrange, as soon as reasonably practicable following the receipt of such request, for the provision of appropriate copies of such Records (or the originals thereof if the Party making the request has a reasonable need for such originals) in the possession of HLT or any of its Subsidiaries.
(ii) After the Distribution Date, upon the prior written request by HLT or PK for specific and identified Records relating to or affecting HLT or PK, as applicable, HGV shall arrange, as soon as practicable following the receipt of such request, for the provision of appropriate copies of such Records (or the originals thereof if the Party making the request has a need for such originals) in the possession of HGV or any of its Subsidiaries.
(iii) After the Distribution Date, upon the prior written request by HLT or HGV for specific and identified Records relating to or affecting HLT or HGV, as applicable, PK shall arrange, as soon as practicable following the receipt of such request, for the provision of appropriate copies of such Records (or the originals thereof if the Party making the request has a need for such originals) in the possession of PK or any of its Subsidiaries.
(b) Access to Information . (i) From and after the Distribution Date and consistent with Section 8.3 of the Distribution Agreement, each of HLT, PK and HGV shall afford to the other and its authorized accountants, counsel and other designated representatives reasonable access during normal business hours, subject to the appropriate restrictions for classified, privileged or confidential information, to the personnel, properties, books and Records of such Party and its Subsidiaries insofar as such access is reasonably required by the other Party.
30
(ii) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing clause (i), except as otherwise provided by applicable Law, each Party shall furnish, or shall cause to be furnished to the other Parties, a list of all benefit plan participants and employee data or information in its possession which is necessary for such other Parties to maintain and implement any benefit plan or arrangement covered by this Agreement, or to comply with the provisions of this Agreement, and which is not otherwise readily available to such other Party.
(c) Reimbursement; Other Matters . (i) Except to the extent otherwise specifically identified by the Distribution Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, a Party providing Records or access to information to the other Party under this Section 15 shall be entitled to receive from the recipient, upon the presentation of invoices therefore, payments for such amounts, relating to supplies, disbursements and other out-of-pocket expenses, as may be reasonably incurred in providing such Records or access to information.
(ii) The Parties shall comply with those document retention policies, cost sharing arrangements, expense reimbursement procedures and request procedures as shall be established and agreed to in writing by their respective authorized officers on or prior to the Distribution Date in respect of Records and related matters.
(d) Confidentiality . Each of HLT, PK and HGV shall, or shall cause another member or members of the HLT Group, the PK Group, and the HGV Group to, not use or permit the use of (without the prior written consent of the other) and shall hold, and shall cause its consultants and advisors to hold, in strict confidence, all information concerning the other Parties in its possession, its custody or under its control (except to the extent that (A) such information has been in the public domain through no fault of such Party, (B) such information has been later lawfully acquired from other sources by such Party, or (C) as may be required under the USA Patriot Act) to the extent such information (x) relates to the period up to the Plan Effective Time, (y) relates to the Distribution Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement or (z) is obtained in the course of performing services for the other Party pursuant to the Distribution Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, 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 Partys auditors and attorneys, 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. To the extent that a Party is compelled by judicial or administrative process to disclose such information under circumstances in which any evidentiary privilege would be available, such Party agrees to assert such privilege in good faith prior to making such disclosure. Each of the Parties agrees to consult with each relevant other Party in connection with any such judicial or administrative process, including, without limitation, in determining whether any privilege is available, and further agrees to allow each such relevant Party and its counsel to participate in any hearing or other proceeding (including, without limitation, any appeal of an initial order to disclose) in respect of such disclosure and assertion of privilege. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, each Party shall be entitled to use information disclosed pursuant to this Agreement to the extent reasonably necessary for the administration of its employee benefit plans in accordance with applicable Law.
31
(e) Audit Rights with Respect to Information Provided . Each of the Parties and their duly authorized representatives shall have the right to conduct reasonable audits with respect to all information provided to it by the other Party. The Parties shall cooperate to determine the procedures and guidelines for conducting audits under this Section 15(e), which shall require reasonable advance notice by the auditing Party. The auditing Party shall have the right to make copies of any records at its expense, subject to applicable Law.
16. NOTICES; COOPERATION . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, all actions contemplated herein with respect to benefit plans which are to be consummated pursuant to this Agreement shall be subject to such notices to, and/or approvals by, the Internal Revenue Service (or other Governmental Entity) as are required or deemed appropriate by such benefit plans sponsor. Each of HLT, PK and HGV agrees to use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause all such notices and/or approvals to be filed or obtained, as the case may be, in a timely fashion. Each Party shall reasonably cooperate with the other Parties with respect to any Governmental Approvals, employee notices or any other actions reasonably necessary to maintain and implement the employee benefit arrangements covered by this Agreement.
17. FURTHER ASSURANCES . From time to time, as and when reasonably requested by any other Party, each Party shall execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, all such documents and instruments and shall take, or cause to be taken, all such further or other actions as such other Party may reasonably deem necessary or desirable to effect the purposes of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereunder.
18. INDEMNIFICATION . (a) Indemnification by HLT . Except as otherwise specifically set forth in this Agreement or in Article VII of the Distribution Agreement, following the Plan Effective Time, HLT shall, and shall cause the other members of the HLT Group to, indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Ownership Indemnitees and the Timeshare Indemnitees from and against any and all Indemnifiable Losses of the Ownership Indemnitees and the Timeshare Indemnitees, respectively, arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with (i) any HLT Plan, (ii) any and all Liabilities relating primarily to, arising primarily out of or resulting primarily from the operation or conduct of any US DB Plan, UK DB Plan or Terminated Hilton DB Plan or any individual identified as an HLT Employee (and any new Employees employed by any member of the HLT Group after the Distribution Date), and (iii) the breach by HLT of any provision of this Agreement. In furtherance of the foregoing, HLT and OpCo shall be jointly and severally liable to any of the Ownership Indemnitees for any and all Indemnifiable Losses of the Ownership Indemnitees arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with the foregoing.
(b) Indemnification by PK . Except as otherwise specifically set forth in this Agreement or in Article VII of the Distribution Agreement, following the Plan Effective Time, PK shall, and shall cause the other members of the PK Group to, indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Managing and Franchising Indemnitees and the Timeshare Indemnitees from and against any and all Indemnifiable Losses of the Management and Franchising Indemnitees and the Timeshare Indemnitees, respectively, arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with (i) any PK Plan, (ii) any and all Liabilities relating primarily to, arising primarily out of or resulting primarily from the operation or conduct of any Plan sponsored or maintained by any
32
member of the PK Group prior to the Distribution Date primarily for the benefit of PK Employees and Former PK Employees or any individual identified as a PK Employee (and any new Employees employed by any member of the PK Group after the Distribution Date), or (iii) the breach by PK of any provision of this Agreement. In furtherance of the foregoing, any and all payments by PK or any other members of the PK Group in respect of Indemnifiable Losses of the Managing and Franchising Indemnitees arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with the foregoing shall be made directly to OpCo or one of its Subsidiaries.
(c) Indemnification by HGV . Except as otherwise specifically set forth in this Agreement or in Article VII of the Distribution Agreement, following the Plan Effective Time, HGV shall, and shall cause the other members of the HGV Group to, indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Managing and Franchising Indemnitees and the Ownership Indemnitees from and against any and all Indemnifiable Losses of the Managing and Franchising Indemnitees and the Ownership Indemnitees, respectively, arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with (i) any HGV Plan, (ii) any and all Liabilities relating primarily to, arising primarily out of or resulting primarily from the operation or conduct of any Plan sponsored or maintained by Vacations prior to the Distribution Date or any individual identified as a HGV Employee (and any new Employees employed by any member of the HGV Group after the Distribution Date), or (iii) the breach by HGV of any provision of this Agreement.
(d) Limitations on Indemnification Obligations . (i) The amount that any Party (an Indemnifying Party ) is or may be required to pay to any other Person (an Indemnitee ) pursuant to paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 18, as applicable, shall be reduced (retroactively or prospectively) by any Insurance Proceeds or other amounts actually recovered by or on behalf of such Indemnitee in respect of the related Indemnifiable Loss. If an Indemnitee shall have received the payment required by this Agreement from an Indemnifying Party in respect of an Indemnifiable Loss and shall subsequently actually receive Insurance Proceeds or other amounts in respect of such Indemnifiable Loss, then such Indemnitee shall pay to such Indemnifying Party a sum equal to the amount of such Insurance Proceeds or other amounts actually received, up to the aggregate amount of any payments received from such Indemnifying Party pursuant to this Agreement in respect of such Indemnifiable Loss.
(ii) An Indemnifying Party shall not be required to indemnify or pay an Indemnitee pursuant to paragraphs (a), (b) or (c) of this Section 18, as applicable, for any Indemnifiable Losses relating to or associated with any Plan of the Indemnifying Party arising out of, by reason of or otherwise in connection with any act or failure to act on the part of such Indemnitee (including for this purpose any Subsidiaries, businesses or operations which become associated with the Indemnitee by virtue of or in connection with the Distribution) with respect to or in connection with such Plan, including, without limitation, any such act or failure to act in connection with the administration by the Indemnitee of such Plan.
(e) Survival of Indemnities . The obligations of HLT, PK and HGV under this Section 18 shall survive the sale or other Transfer by any of them of any assets or businesses or the assignment by any of them of any Liabilities, with respect to any Indemnifiable Loss of the other related to such assets, businesses or Liabilities.
33
(f) REIT Status Considerations . The principles of Section 7.9(c) of the Distribution Agreement shall apply to indemnification payments due under this Agreement.
19. DISPUTE RESOLUTION .
(a) Negotiation . In the event of a dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement (including its interpretation, performance or validity) (collectively, Agreement Disputes ), the general counsels of the relevant Parties (or such other individuals designated thereby) shall negotiate for a maximum of 21 days (or a mutually-agreed extension) (such period of days, the Negotiation Period ) from the time of receipt by a Party of written notice of such Agreement Dispute. The relevant Parties shall not assert the defenses of statute of limitations and laches for any delays arising due to the procedures in Section 19(a) or Section 19(b).
(b) Mediation . If the Parties have not timely resolved the Agreement Dispute under Section 19(a), the Parties agree to submit the Agreement Dispute to mediation no later than 10 days following the end of the Negotiation Period, with such mediation conducted in accordance with the Mediation Procedure of the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution ( CPR ). The Parties to the Agreement Dispute agree to bear equally the CPR and mediators costs. The Parties agree to participate in good faith in the mediation for a maximum of 14 days (or a mutually agreed extension). If the Parties have not timely resolved the Agreement Dispute pursuant to this Section 19(b), either Party may then bring an action in accordance with Sections 21(r) and 21(s) herein.
(c ) Confidentiality. All information and communications between the Parties relating to an Agreement Dispute and/or under the procedures in Sections 19(a) and 19(b) shall be considered Confidential Information for which the provisions of Section 15(d) herein apply.
(d ) Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Parties shall continue to perform under this Agreement during the course of dispute resolution under this Section 19 with respect to all matters not subject thereto.
20. PAYROLL REPORTING AND TAX WITHHOLDING . (a) Form W-2 Reporting . The Parties agree to use commercially reasonable efforts to follow the alternate procedure for United States employment tax withholding as provided in Section 5 of Rev. Proc. 2004-53, I.R.B. 2004-35.
(b) Garnishments, Tax Levies, Child Support orders and Wage Assignments . With respect to Employees with garnishments, tax levies, child support orders and wage assignments in effect with Hilton as of the Cut-Off Date, PK and HGV, as the successor employers to each such PK Employee and HGV Employee, as applicable, shall, or shall cause another member of the PK Group or the HGV Group, as applicable, to honor such payroll deduction authorizations and shall continue to make payroll deductions and payments to the authorized payee, as specified by the court or governmental order which was filed with Hilton. HLT shall, or shall cause another member of the HLT Group to provide each of PK and HGV with a list of the PK Employees and HGV Employees who have garnishments, tax levies, child support orders and wage assignments in effect as of the Cut-Off Date.
34
(c) Authorization for Payroll Deductions . Unless otherwise prohibited by this Agreement, another Ancillary Agreement, a Plan document or applicable Law, with respect to Employees with authorizations for payroll deductions and direct deposits in effect with Hilton as of the Cut-Off Date, PK and HGV, as the successor employers, shall, or shall cause another member or members of the PK Group and the HGV Group, as applicable, to honor such payroll deduction authorizations relating to each PK Employee and HGV Employee, as applicable, and shall not require that such PK Employee or HGV Employee, as applicable, submit a new authorization to the extent that the type of deduction by PK or HGV, as applicable, does not differ from that made by Hilton.
21. MISCELLANEOUS . (a) Complete Agreement; Construction . This Agreement, including any schedules hereto and the Distribution Agreement, shall constitute the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all previous negotiations, commitments, course of dealings and writings with respect to such subject matter. In the event and to the extent that there shall be a conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of the Distribution Agreement, this Agreement shall control unless specifically stated otherwise in this Agreement. In the event and to the extent that there shall be a conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of any other Ancillary Agreement, this Agreement shall control unless specifically stated otherwise in this Agreement.
(b) Data Privacy . The Parties agree that any applicable data privacy Laws and any other obligations of the HLT Group, PK Group and the HGV Group to maintain the confidentiality of any employee information or information held by any Plan in accordance with applicable Law shall govern the disclosure of employee information among the Parties under this Agreement. The Parties agree to use commercially reasonable efforts to have in place appropriate technical and organizational security measures to protect the personal data of the HLT Employees, PK Employees and HGV Employees.
(c) Ancillary Agreements . Except as expressly set forth herein, this Agreement is not intended to address, and should not be interpreted to address, the matters specifically and expressly covered by any other Ancillary Agreement.
(d) Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in more than one counterpart, 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.
(e) Survival of Agreements . Except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement, all covenants and agreements of the Parties contained in this Agreement shall survive the Plan Effective Time and remain in full force and effect in accordance with their applicable terms.
(f) Expenses . All out-of-pocket fees and expenses incurred, or to be incurred and directly related to the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid as described in Section 11.5 of the Distribution Agreement.
35
(g) Notices . All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications under this Agreement shall be made as described in Section 11.6 of the Distribution Agreement.
(h) Consents . Any consent required or permitted to be given by any Party to the other Parties under this Agreement shall be in writing and signed by the Party giving such consent and shall be effective only against such Party (and its Group).
(i) 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 Parties (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed), and any attempt to assign any rights or obligations arising under this Agreement without such consent shall be void. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement shall be assignable in whole in connection with a merger or consolidation or the sale of all or substantially all the assets of a Party so long as the resulting, surviving or transferee Business Entity assumes all the obligations of the relevant Party by operation of Law or pursuant to an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the other Parties. No assignment permitted by this Section 21(i) shall release the assigning Party from liability for the full performance of its obligations under this Agreement.
(j) Successors and Assigns . The provisions of this Agreement and the obligations and rights hereunder shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by (and against) the Parties and their respective successors and permitted transferees and assigns.
(k) Termination and Amendment . This Agreement may be terminated, amended, or modified and the Distribution may be amended, modified or abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time by and in the sole discretion of HLT without the approval of PK, HGV or the stockholders of HLT. 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 Effective Time, this Agreement may not be terminated, modified or amended except by an agreement in writing signed by HLT, PK and HGV.
(l) Payment Terms . Except as expressly provided to the contrary in this Agreement or the Transition Services Agreement, any amount to be paid or reimbursed by any Party (and/or a member of such Partys Group), on the one hand, to any other Party or Parties (and/or a member of such Partys or Parties Group), on the other hand, under this Agreement shall be paid or reimbursed hereunder within sixty (60) days after presentation of an invoice or a written demand therefor and setting forth, or accompanied by, reasonable documentation or other reasonable explanation supporting such amount. Except as expressly provided to the contrary in this Agreement, any amount not paid when due pursuant to this Agreement (and any amount billed or otherwise invoiced or demanded and properly payable that is not paid within sixty (60) days of such bill, invoice or other demand) shall bear interest at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR, from time to time in effect, calculated for the actual number of days elapsed, accrued from the date on which such payment was due up to the date of the actual receipt of payment. Except as expressly provided to the contrary in this Agreement, a Party (or any member of a Partys Group) may direct that any payment owed such Party (or member of such Partys Group) hereunder be paid directly to a member of the same Group.
36
(m) No Circumvention . The Parties agree not to directly or indirectly take any actions, act in concert with any Person who takes an action, or cause or allow any member of any such Partys Group to take any actions (including the failure to take a reasonable action) such that the resulting effect is to materially undermine the effectiveness of any of the provisions of this Agreement (including adversely affecting the rights or ability of any Party to successfully pursue indemnification or payment pursuant to Section 18).
(n) 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 Subsidiary of such Party or by any entity that becomes a Subsidiary of such Party at and after the Plan Effective Time, to the extent such Subsidiary remains a Subsidiary of the applicable Party.
(o) Third Party Beneficiaries . Except as provided in Section 18 relating to Indemnitees, this Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Parties and should not be deemed to confer upon third parties any remedy, claim, Liability, reimbursement, claim of action or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement.
(p) Title and Headings . Titles and headings to sections herein are inserted for the convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
(q) Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware without reference to any choice-of-law or conflict of law principles that would result in the applicable of Laws of a different jurisdiction.
(r) Consent to Jurisdiction . Each Party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of (a) the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or (b) if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, any other state or federal court located within the County of New Castle in the State of Delaware, to resolve any Agreement Dispute that is not resolved pursuant to Sections 19(a) or 19(b). Any judgment of such court may be enforced by any court of competent jurisdiction. Further, notwithstanding Sections 19(a) or 19(b), either Party may apply to the above courts set forth in Section 21(r)(a) and 21(r)(b) above for a temporary restraining order or similar emergency relief during the process set forth in Sections 19(a) and 19(b). Each of the Parties agrees that service by U.S. registered mail to such Partys respective address set forth above shall be effective service of process for any of the above Actions and irrevocably and unconditionally waives any objection to the laying of venue of any Action in accordance with this Section 21(r). Nothing in this Section 21(r) shall limit or restrict the Parties from agreeing to arbitrate any Agreement Dispute pursuant to mutually-agreed procedures.
(s) Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING ANY AGREEMENT DISPUTE.
37
(t) 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.
(u) Force Majeure . No Party (or any Person acting on its behalf) shall have any Liability for failure to fulfill any obligation (other than a payment obligation) under this Agreement, so long as and to the extent to which the fulfillment of such obligation is prevented, frustrated, hindered or delayed as a consequence of circumstances of Force Majeure. A Party claiming the benefit of this provision shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after the occurrence of any such event: (i) notify the other applicable Parties of the nature and extent of any such Force Majeure condition and (ii) use due diligence to remove any such causes and resume performance under this Agreement as soon as feasible.
(v) Interpretation . The Parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against the Party drafting or causing any instrument to be drafted.
(w) No Duplication; No 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.
(x) No Waiver . No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising, on the part of any Party, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver hereof or thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder or thereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege.
(y) No Admission of Liability . The allocation of Assets and Liabilities herein is solely for the purpose of allocating such Assets and Liabilities among the HLT Group, the PK Group and the HGV Group and is not intended as an admission of liability or responsibility for any alleged Liabilities vis-a-vis any third party, including with respect to the Liabilities of any non-wholly owned Subsidiary of HLT, PK or HGV.
(z) Effect if Distribution Does Not Occur . If the Distribution does not occur, then all actions that are, under this Agreement, to be take or occur effective as of the Distribution, or otherwise in connection with the Distribution, shall not be taken or occur except to the extent specifically agreed by the Parties.
(aa) 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 set forth herein.
38
[Signature Page Follows]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC. | ||
By: | /s/ W. Steven Standefer | |
Name: | W. Steven Standefer | |
Title: | Senior Vice President | |
PARK HOTELS & RESORTS INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Sean DellOrto | |
Name: | Sean DellOrto | |
Title: | EVP, CFO, and Treasurer | |
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Mark Wang | |
Name: | Mark Wang | |
Title: |
President and CEO |
|
HILTON DOMESTIC OPERATING COMPANY INC. (solely for purposes of Section 18) | ||
By: | /s/ W. Steven Standefer | |
Name: | W. Steven Standefer | |
Title: | Senior Vice President |
Schedules to the
EMPLOYEE MATTERS AGREEMENT
by and among
HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC.,
PARK HOTELS & RESORTS INC.,
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS INC.,
and
HILTON DOMESTIC OPERATING COMPANY INC.
Dated as of January 2, 2017
1
These Schedules have been prepared in connection with the Employee Matters Agreement, dated as of January 2, 2017 (the Employee Matters Agreement ), by and among Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., Park Hotels & Resorts Inc., Hilton Grand Vacations Inc., and Hilton Domestic Operating Company Inc. Defined terms used herein and not otherwise defined have the respective meanings assigned to them in the Employee Matters Agreement.
These Schedules shall be construed with and as an integral part of the Employee Matters Agreement. Nothing in the Schedules constitutes an admission of any liability or obligation of any member of the HLT Group, PK Group or HGV Group or any of their respective Affiliates to any third party, nor, with respect to any third party, an admission against the interests of any member of the HLT Group, PK Group or HGV Group or any of their respective Affiliates. The inclusion of any item or liability or category of item or liability on any Schedule is made solely for purposes of allocating potential liabilities among the Parties and shall not be deemed as or construed to be an admission that any such liability exists.
The section and subsection numbers in these Schedules correspond to the section and subsection numbers in the Employee Matters Agreement. The headings contained in these Schedules are for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to modify or influence the interpretation of the information contained in these Schedules or the Employee Matters Agreement.
The inclusion of any information in any Section of the Schedule shall not be deemed to be an admission or acknowledgment by any of the HLT Group, PK Group or HGV Group or any of their respective Affiliates or otherwise imply that any such matter is material to or outside the ordinary course of the business of any of the HLT Group, PK Group or HGV Group or any of their respective Affiliates.
Matters reflected in these Schedules are not necessarily limited to matters required by the Employee Matters Agreement to be reflected in the Schedules. Such additional matters are set forth for informational purposes and do not necessarily include other matters of a similar nature. If there is any inconsistency between a statement in the body of the Employee Matters Agreement and one in these Schedules, the statement in the body of the Employee Matters Agreement will control.
The information provided in these Schedules is being provided solely for the purpose of making the required disclosures under the Employee Matters Agreement. In disclosing this information, the Parties expressly do not waive any attorney-client privilege associated with such information or any protection afforded by the work product doctrine with respect to any of the matters disclosed or discussed herein.
2
SCHEDULE 4(a)(i)
HLT US DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS
1. | Hilton Hotels Retirement Plan |
2. | Hilton International Cash Balance Plan |
3
SCHEDULE 4(b)(i)
HLT NON-US DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS
1. | Hilton UK Pension Plan |
a. | Guarantee, dated May 18, 2015, by Hilton Worldwide Manage Limited for Hilton UK Trustee Limited as trustee of the Hilton UK Pension |
b. | Hilton UK Pension Plan Funding Support Plan |
2. | Hilton International Wien GmbH |
3. | Delta Lloyd Life Defined Benefits Plan |
4. | Hilton UK Hotels Limited Unfunded Retirement Benefit Scheme |
5. | Germany GmbH mit Diensteintritt ab dem 01.05.1988 |
6. | Germany GmbH mit Diensteintritt bis zum 30.04.1988 |
7. | Hilton International Plan (Hilton International Retirement Plan section) |
8. | Hilton Hotels Egypt End of Service Plan for General Managers and Senior Regional SpecialistsEgypt |
9. | Hilton Hotels in Egypt End of Service Plan (for non-Senior Managers) |
10. | Conrad Cairo End of Service Plan |
11. | Bituah Pensioni |
12. | Japan Defined Benefit Plan |
13. | Stichting Pension Fund (the A Plan) |
14. | Statutory Old Age and Collectively Bargained Pension Benefits |
15. | Trinidad Hilton Limited Pension Fund |
16. | Hilton Trinidad Plan (unionized) |
17. | Switzerland Defined Benefit Plan |
4
SCHEDULE 4(b)(ii)(A)
PK NON-US DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS
1. | Stichting Pension Fund (the A Plan) |
5
SCHEDULE 4(b)(iii)(A)
HGV NON-US DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLANS
1. | Japan Social Pension Insurance |
6
SCHEDULE 5(a)(i)
HLT US DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PENSION PLANS
1. | Hilton 401(k) Plan |
2. | Hilton Resorts 401(k) Plan |
3. | Hilton Puerto Rico Retirement Savings Plan |
7
SCHEDULE 5(b)(i)
HLT NON-US DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PENSION PLANS
1. | Hilton Worldwide UK Retirement Plan |
2. | UK Auto-Enrollment Plan |
3. | Alexander Forbes Retirement Fund |
4. | Stichting Pension Fund (B, C and Nettopensioen Plans) |
5. | HOGARENTE through the Hotel and Restaurant Association |
6. | Pensioenfond Horeca & Catering |
7. | DEBEKA/MIKU (for non-Nuremburg employees) |
8. | Personal Retirement Savings Accounts |
9. | Hilton International Plan (Hilton Retirement Capital Plan section) |
10. | Hilton Worldwide International Retirement Plan |
11. | Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan |
12. | Conrad International Retirement Plan |
13. | Bituah Pensioni |
14. | Hilton Nairobi Ltd. Staff Pension Scheme (and Trust) |
15. | Hilton Addis Ababa Provident Fund |
16. | Australasia Hilton Australia Retirement Plan (HARP) |
17. | Zurich Hilton Ireland Management Pension Plan 60515438 |
18. | Delta Lloyd Defined Contribution Plan |
19. | Japan Defined Contribution Plan |
8
SCHEDULE 5(b)(ii)(B)
PK ASSUMED AND NEW NON-US DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PENSION PLANS
1. | Alexander Forbes Retirement Fund |
2. | Personal Retirement Savings Accounts |
3. | Stichting Pension Fund (B and Nettopensioen Plans) |
4. | Debeka Lebensversicherung AG-Debeka |
5. | HOGARENTE through the Hotel and Restaurant Association |
6. | Pensioenfond Horeca & Catering |
9
SCHEDULE 5(b)(iii)(A)
HGV ASSUMED AND NEW NON-US DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PENSION PLANS
1. | Japan Defined Contribution Retirement Plan |
10
SCHEDULE 6(a)
HLT US NON-QUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS
1. | Hilton Hotels Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (pre-2005) |
2. | Hilton Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan |
3. | Hilton Hotels Retirement Benefit Replacement Plan |
4. | Promus Hotel Corporation Executive Deferred Compensation Plan |
5. | Promus Hotel Capital Accumulation Plan for Executives |
6. | Promus Hotel Corporation Deferred Compensation Plan |
7. | Hilton International Co. Deferred Compensation Plan 2005 for Management Employees in US and Puerto Rico |
8. | Hilton 2005 Executive Deferred Compensation Plan |
9. | Deferred Compensation Trust Between Hilton Domestic Operating Company Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. |
10. | Various Individual Arrangements |
11
SCHEDULE 7(a)(i)
HLT US HEALTH & WELFARE PLANS
1. | Hilton Health & Welfare Plan |
2. | Salary Continuation Plan (SALCO) |
3. | Voluntary Insurance Benefits |
4. | Commuter Benefits |
5. | Paid Maternity Leave Program |
6. | Paid Parental Leave Program |
7. | Educational Assistance Program |
8. | Retiree Health Access Plan |
9. | Washington Hilton Medical Plan |
10. | Embassy Suites Washington, D.C. Convention Center Medical Plan |
11. | Hilton-McLean Welfare Benefits Plan |
12. | DoubleTree-Crystal City Welfare Benefits Plan |
13. | Capital Hilton Medical Plan |
14. | Hilton Worldwide, Inc. Texas Occupational Injury Benefit Plan |
12
SCHEDULE 7(b)(i)(A)
HLT NON-US HEALTH AND WELFARE PLANS
1. | UK Group Medical Insurance |
2. | UK Voluntary Dental Coverage |
3. | UK Employee Assistance Program |
4. | UK Long-Term Disability Insurance |
5. | UK Life Insurance |
6. | UK Business Travel Insurance |
7. | Hilton Hotels Ireland Ltd. Life Assurance Plan |
8. | Long-Term Disability Insurance |
9. | UK Cash Medical Plan Insurance |
10. | Group Term Life, Total Permanent Disability Insurance |
11. | Group Personal Accident Insurance Plan |
12. | Group Hospitalization, Major Medical Insurance, Outpatient, Dental Plans |
13. | Hilton International Retiree Medical Plan and Trust |
13
SCHEDULE 7(b)(ii)(A)
PK CONTINUED PARTICIPATION NON-US HEALTH AND WELFARE PLANS
1. | UK Group Medical Insurance |
2. | UK Voluntary Dental Coverage |
3. | UK Employee Assistance Program |
4. | UK Long-Term Disability Insurance |
5. | UK Cash Medical Plan Insurance |
14
SCHEDULE 7(b)(ii)(B)
PK NEW NON-US HEALTH AND WELFARE PLANS
1. | Discovery Health Medical Scheme (and associated Medical Savings Accounts) |
2. | Life Insurance |
3. | Disability Income Benefit |
4. | Seguro Saude Empresarial |
5. | Seguro de Vida Em Grupo |
6. | Seguro Coletivo Empresarial de Assistencia a Saude Na Segmentacao Odontologico |
7. | Long-Term Disability Insurance |
8. | UK Life Insurance |
9. | Conrad Dublin Life Assurance Plan |
15
SCHEDULE 7(b)(iii)(A)
HGV CONTINUED PARTICIPATION NON-US HEALTH AND WELFARE PLANS
1. | UK Group Medical Insurance |
2. | UK Voluntary Dental Coverage |
3. | UK Employee Assistance Program |
4. | UK Long-Term Disability Insurance |
5. | UK Cash Medical Plan Insurance |
6. | Singapore Group Term Life, Total Permanent Disability Insurance |
7. | Singapore Group Personal Accident Insurance Plan |
8. | Singapore Group Hospitalization, Major Medical Insurance, Outpatient, Dental Plans |
16
SCHEDULE 8(a)(i)
HLT US SEVERANCE PLANS
1. | Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc. 2013 Executive Severance Plan |
2. | Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc. Severance Plan for General Managers, Directors, Senior Directors and Vice Presidents |
3. | Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc. Severance Plan for Non-Exempt and Certain Exempt Employees |
4. | Agreement dated April 2015, by and between, the Waldorf=Astoria Hotel and the New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council, AFL-CIO |
5. | Side Letter to the Agreement dated April 2015, by and between, the Waldorf=Astoria Hotel and the New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council, AFL-CIO |
17
SCHEDULE 13(a)
HLT COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS
1. | Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between Unite Here, Local 7 & International Union of Operating Engineers, AFL-CIO, Local 37 and Hilton Management, LLC d/b/a Hilton Baltimore (February 1, 2012 March 31, 2019) |
2. | Collective Bargaining Agreement between Doubletree by Hilton San Jose and UNITE HERE! Local 19 International Union (July 1, 2011 November 30, 2017) |
3. | Collective Bargaining Agreement between Hilton Rosemont and Unite Here Local 450 (Effective November 1, 2015 October 31, 2020) |
4. | Agreement between Waldorf-Astoria Management, LLC, as Operator of the Arizona Biltmore and The International Union of Operating Engineers Local No, 428, AFL-CIO (Term: March 16. 2016 March 16, 2019) |
5. | Collective Bargaining Agreement between Hotel Association of New York City, Inc. and New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council, AFL-CIO (extended by memorandum of agreement through June 30, 2026) |
6. | Plaza Collective Bargaining Agreement between UNITE HERE Local 610 and Hilton Worldwide International Puerto Rico, LLC d/b/a Condado Plaza Hilton (2016-2018) |
7. | Unite HERE Local 610 and Hilton International Manage LLC d/b/a Caribe Hilton Hotel Memorandum of Agreement 2016-2018 |
8. | Collective Bargaining Agreement between Hilton Minneapolis and Miscellaneous Driver, Helper and Warehousemans Union Local 638 Affiliated with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters May 1, 2016 April 30, 2021 |
9. | Collective Agreement between MH HOTELS (Meadowvale Hotel & Conference Centre) Ltd. doing business as the Hilton Mississauga Meadowvale, the Employer and United Food & Commercial Workers International Union, Local 333 (May 6, 2016 May 5, 2020) |
10. | Contract between Oakland Airport Hilton and Freight Checkers, Clerical Employees & Helpers; Union Local No. 856 International Brotherhood of Teamsters (June 1, 2013 May 31, 2016) 1 |
11. | Agreement between Painting and Decorating Contractors Association, Chicago Council and Painters District Council No. 14 of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (of Chicago, Cook, Lake, Will and Grundy Counties, Illinois) (subject to automatic annual extensions) |
12. | Agreement between Hilton Worldwide, Inc. (HWI) as Agent for Oasis West Realty, LLC a Delaware Limited Liability Company d/b/a The Beverly Hilton and International Union of Operating Engineers Local No. 501, AFL-CIO and Painters & Allied Trades District Council No. 36 (August 1, 2013 July 31, 2016) 1 |
13. | Convention Collective de Travail Entre Innvest REIT; Royal Bank Plaza, South Tower, 200, Bay Street, suite 3205; P.O. Box 126, Toronto (Ontario) M5J 2S1 Etablissement Vise: Hilton Quebec; 1100, boulevard Rene-Levesque Est; C.P. 157, succ. Haute-Ville; Quebec (Quebec) G1R 4P3 Ci-apres appelee: LEMPLOYEUR ET Syndicat Des Travailleuses Et Travailleurs de Hilton Quebec (CSN); 155, boulevard Charest Est, bureau 400 Quebec (Quebec) G1K 3G6; Ci-apres appele: LE SYNDICAT (2016-2020) |
1 | Expired and negotiations are underway for a new agreement. |
18
14. | Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between Hilton Waikoloa Village and I.L.W.U Local 142 (October 1, 2016 September 30, 2020) |
15. | Agreement between Hilton Worldwide, Inc. d/b/a Hilton Chicago and Chicago and Midwest Regional Joint Board, An Affiliate Workers United/S.E.I.U. (Effective: November 16, 2013 November 15, 2019) |
16. | Agreement between Hilton Worldwide, Inc. d/b/a Palmer House Chicago and Chicago and Midwest Regional Joint Board, An Affiliate Workers United/S.E.I.U. (Effective: November 16, 2013 November 15, 2019) |
17. | Agreement between Hilton Worldwide, Inc. d/b/a The Drake and Chicago and Midwest Regional Joint Board, An Affiliate Workers United/S.E.I.U. (Effective: November 16, 2013 November 15, 2019) |
18. | Agreement between Teamsters Local Union No. 727 and Hilton OHare (January 1, 2012 December 31, 2016) |
19. | Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between Interstate Management Company, LLC as Agent for BVP Tenant LLC d/b/a Buena Vista Palace and UNITE HERE Local 737 (extended by memorandum of agreement through December 31, 2016) and Assumption Agreement: Entered into by and between Hilton Management, LLC as agent for BVP Tenant, LLC d/b/a Buena Vista Palace |
20. | The Beverly Hilton and General Teamsters, Airline, Aerospace and Allied Employees, Warehousemen, Drivers, Construction, Rock and Sand, Local 986 (May 1, 2014 April 30, 2017) |
21. | Agreement between UNITE HERE, Local #8 and Doubletree Management, LLC as Operator of Doubletree Hotel, Seattle Airport 18740 International Boulevard, Seattle, WA 98188 (206) 246-8600 (Effective June 1, 2014 May 31, 2017) |
22. | Agreement between Unite Here, Local #8 and Doubletree Management, LLC as Operator of Hilton Seattle Airport 18740 International Boulevard, Seattle, WA 98188 (206) 246-8600 (Effective June 1, 2014 May 31, 2017) |
23. | Agreement between Plumbing Contractors Association of Chicago and Cook County and Chicago Journeymen Plumbers Local Union 130, U.A. (subject to automatic annual extensions) |
24. | Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between Hilton Worldwide, Inc. (Hilton Washington Hotel) and The Metropolitan Regional Council of Carpenters (June 1, 2014 May 31, 2017) |
25. | Agreement between Hilton Chicago and The United Steelworkers AFL-CIO-CLC on behalf of Drapery, Slip Cover, Window Shade, Venetian Blinds, Exhibition, Flag and Bunting USW Decorators Union, Local Union No. 17U (July 1, 2012 June 30, 2017) |
26. | Agreement between Palmer House and The United Steelworkers AFL-CIO-CLC on behalf of Drapery, Slip Cover, Window Shade, Venetian Blinds, Exhibition, Flag and Bunting USW Decorators Union, Local Union No. 17U (July 1, 2012 June 30, 2018) |
27. | Agreement between The Drake Hotel and The United Steelworkers AFL-CIO-CLC on behalf of Drapery, Slip Cover, Window Shade, Venetian Blinds, Exhibition, Flag and Bunting USW Decorators Union, Local Union No. 17U (July 1, 2012 June 30, 2019) |
28. | Contract and Agreement Between the Hilton Hotel, Vancouver, Washington and Unite Here Local 8 Affiliated with Unite Here International Union (July 1, 2014 June 30, 2017) |
29. | Collective Agreement between The Westin Diplomat Resort and Spa and UNITE HERE Local 355 (July 1, 2013 June 30, 2017) |
19
30. | Collective Bargaining Agreement between Painters and Allied Trades District Council 16 & Hilton San Francisco Union Square (August 1, 2012 July 31, 2017) |
31. | Contract and Agreement between Hilton Management LLC and Unite Here Local 8 Affiliated with Unite Here International Union, AFL-CIO/CLC (August 1, 2014 July 31, 2017) |
32. | Agreement between Unite Here, Local 1 and Waldorf-Astoria Management, LLC as Operator of the Waldorf-Astoria Chicago (September 1, 2013 August 31, 2017) |
33. | International Union of Operating Engineers Local 68-68A 68B, AFL-CIO and Hilton Management , LLC d/b/a Hilton Newark Airport Hotel (May 1, 2016 April 30, 2020) |
34. | Agreement by and between Hilton Management, LLC operators of the Washington Hilton and UNITE HERE Local 25 (October 16, 2010 October 15, 2017) |
35. | Agreement by and between Hilton Management, LLC operators of the Capital Hilton and UNITE HERE Local 25 (October 16, 2010 October 15, 2017) |
36. | Agreement by and between Embassy Suites Management Company, LLC operators of the Embassy Suites Washington D.C., Convention Center and UNITE HERE Local 25 (October 16, 2010 October 15, 2017) |
37. | Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between Hilton Oakland Airport and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Stationary Engineers, Local 39 (November 16, 2014 November 15, 2017) |
38. | Agreement between Hilton San Diego Bayfront and UNITE HERE Local 30 (February 1, 2014 November 28, 2016) 2 |
39. | Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between Doubletree by Hilton Hotel San Jose and the International Union of Operating Engineers, Stationary Engineers, Local 39 (December 1, 2014 November 30, 2017) |
40. | Agreement between Hilton Atlanta and Service Employees International Union/National Association of Government Employees, Local #679 (December 23, 2012 December 22, 2017) |
41. | Clerical Agreement between Teamsters Local Union No. 856, I.B.T. and Hilton San Francisco Union Square (January 1, 2013 December 31, 2017) |
42. | Collective Agreement Between Hilton Saint John and National Automobile, Aerospace, Transportation and General Workers Union of Canada (Unifor Canada), Local 2002 (2014 2017) |
43. | Agreement between Hilton Chicago & Towers International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union No. 134 AFL-CIO (July 1, 2015 June 30, 2019) |
44. | Agreement between Palmer House of Chicago, Illinois and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union No. 134 AFL-CIO (July 1, 2015 June 30, 2019) |
45. | Agreement between Drake Hotel of Chicago, Illinois and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union No. 134 AFL-CIO (July 1, 2015 June 30, 2019) |
46. | Agreement between Hilton Chicago OHare Airport of Chicago, Illinois and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union No. 134 AFL-CIO (July 1, 2015 June 30, 2019) |
47. | Clerical Agreement between Parc 55 A Hilton Hotel and Teamsters Union Local No. 856, International Brotherhood of Teamsters (January 1, 2013 December 31, 2017) |
2 | Expired and negotiations are underway for a new agreement. |
20
48. | Collective Agreement as of the 1st day of February, 2006 between Hilton Toronto Airport (hereinafter referred to as the Employer ) and UNITE HERE Local 75 UNITE HERE Ontario Council (hereinafter referred to as the Union) (extended through January 31, 2019 per National Agreement Memorandum of Agreement) |
49. | Collective Agreement between Hilton Toronto and UNITE HERE Local 75 (extended through January 31, 2019 per National Agreement Memorandum of Agreement) |
50. | Agreement between UNITE HERE Local 26 and Hilton Management, LLC as operator of the Hilton Boston Logan Airport (March 1, 2013 February 28, 2018) |
51. | Agreement between The Hilton Oakland Airport and District Council 16; Painters and Drywall Finishers Local Union #3 (April 1, 2013 March 31, 2018) |
52. | Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between 90210 Grand Wailea Management Company, LLC d/b/a Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa and ILWU, Local 142 (April 1, 2013 March 31, 2018) (for hotel and restaurant employees) |
53. | Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between 90210 Grand Wailea Management Company, LLC d/b/a Grand Wailea Resort Hotel & Spa and ILWU, Local 142 (January 1, 2015 December 31, 2018) (for retail employees) |
54. | Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between UNITE HERE! Local 5 and Hilton Management, LLC d/b/a Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort (July 1, 2013 June 30, 2018) |
55. | Bargaining Agreement by and between the Journeymen Plasters P&B Society Local No. 5 and the Midwest Ceiling Contractors Association (expires June 30, 2018) |
56. | Agreement between HLT CA Hilton LLC d/b/a Hilton Oakland Airport and Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Local #2850 (July 7, 2013 July 6, 2018) |
57. | Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between the International Union of Operating Engineers, Stationary Engineers, Local 39 and the San Francisco Hilton (July 16, 2013 July 15, 2018) |
58. | Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between the International Union of Operating Engineers, Stationary Engineers, Local 39 and the Parc 55 Wyndham Union Square Hotel (August 1, 2013 July 31, 2018) |
59. | Collective Bargaining Agreement between The Hotels and Unite Here, Local 2 (extended through August 14, 2018 by Memorandum of Agreement Concerning Modifications to Collective Bargaining Agreement) |
60. | Collective Bargaining Agreement between The Hotels and Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union, Local 2 (extended through August 14, 2018 by Memorandum of Agreement Concerning Modifications to Collective Bargaining Agreement) |
61. | Agreement between Chicago Joint Executive Board of the UNITE HERE Local 1 and UNITE HERE Local 450 and Hilton Management, LLC d/b/a Hilton Chicago (September 1, 2013 August 31, 2018) |
62. | Agreement between Chicago Joint Executive Board of the UNITE HERE Local 1 and UNITE HERE Local 450 and HLT PALMER d/b/a Palmer House (September 1, 2013 August 31, 2018) |
63. | Agreement between Chicago Joint Executive Board of the UNITE HERE Local 1 and UNITE HERE Local 450 and HLT DRAKE d/b/a The Drake (September 1, 2013 August 31, 2018) |
21
64. | Agreement between Chicago Joint Executive Board of the UNITE HERE Local 1 and UNITE HERE Local 450 and Hilton Management, LLC d/b/a Hilton Chicago OHare Airport (September 1, 2013 August 31, 2018) |
65. | Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between Hilton Management, LLC The Employer at the Hilton Washington and Painters and Allied Trades District Council No. 51, of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trade, AFL-CIO (September 1, 2014 August 31, 2018) |
66. | Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between Hilton Management, LLC The Employer at the Capital Hilton Hotel and Painters and Allied Trades District Council No. 51, of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trade, AFL-CIO (September 1, 2014 August 31, 2018) |
67. | Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between Embassy Suites Management, LLC Employer at 1000 K, LLC d/b/a Embassy Suites DC Convention Center and Painters and Allied Trades District Council No. 51, of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trade, AFL-CIO (September 1, 2014 August 31, 2018) |
68. | Maintenance Agreement by and between Local 26, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the Washington Hilton Hotel (September 1, 2015 August 31, 2018) |
69. | Agreement between HLT Conrad Domestic, LLC d/b/a Hilton San Diego Bayfront and International Union of Operating Engineers Local 501, AFL-CIO (September 1, 2015 August 31, 2018) |
70. | Agreement between Hilton Worldwide, Inc. d/b/a Hilton Chicago and Chicago and Midwest Regional Joint Board, an affiliate Workers United/S.E.I.U. (November 16, 2013 November 15, 2016) 3 |
71. | Agreement between Hilton Illinois Corp d/b/a Palmer House Hilton and Chicago and Midwest Regional Joint Board, an affiliate Workers United/S.E.I.U. (November 16, 2013 November 15, 2016) 3 |
72. | Agreement between Vista International Ill, Inc. d/b/a The Drake Hotel and Chicago and Midwest Regional Joint Board, an affiliate Workers United/S.E.I.U. (November 16, 2013 November 15, 2016) 3 |
73. | Collective Bargaining Agreement Hilton Worldwide, Inc. d/b/a The Crystal City Embassy Suites and Unite Here Local 25 (October 16, 2010 October 15, 2017) |
74. | Collective Bargaining Agreement DT Management, LLC d/b/a Doubletree Hotel Crystal City and Unite Here Local 25 (October 16, 2010 October 15, 2017) |
75. | Collective Bargaining Agreement Hilton Worldwide, Inc. d/b/a The Hilton McLean and Unite Here Local 25 (October 16, 2010 October 15, 2017) |
76. | Agreement between Unite Here Local 26 and Doubletree Management, LLC, as operator of the Doubletree Suits by Hilton Hotel Boston Cambridge (November 1, 2015 February 28, 2018) |
77. | Collective Bargaining Agreement between International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 99 99A, AFL CIO and Embassy Suites Management, LLC as agent for Ashford TRS Crystal City, LLC d/b/a Embassy Suites Crystal City (November 1, 2014 October 31, 2018) |
78. | Collective Bargaining Agreement between IUOE, Local 99 and Hilton Management, LLC as agent for Hilton McLean, LLC d/b/a Hilton McLean (November 1, 2014 October 31, 2018) |
79. | Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between Hilton Management LLC for The Capital Hilton Hotel and Local 99-99A, International Union of Operating Engineers, affiliated with the Greater Washington Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO and the Maryland State and District of Columbia AFL-CIO (November 1, 2014 October 31, 2018) |
3 | Expired and negotiations are underway for a new agreement. |
22
80. | Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between Hilton Management LLC for Washington Hilton Hotel & Towers and Local 99-99A, International Union of Operating Engineers, affiliated with the Greater Washington Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO and the Maryland State and District of Columbia AFL-CIO (November 1, 2014 October 31, 2018) |
81. | Agreement between Hilton Management, LLC as operator of The Hilton Anaheim Hotel and UNITE HERE! Local 11 (May 16, 2013 May 15, 2018) |
82. | Collective Bargaining Agreement between Hilton Boston Logan Airport Hotel and Firemen and Oilers Local 3, S.E.I.U. (December 1, 2015 November 30, 2018) |
83. | Agreement between Hilton Management LLC and International Union of Operating Engineers Local Union No, 701 (January 1, 2016 December 31, 2018) |
84. | Collective Bargaining Agreement between Hilton Minneapolis and Unite Here Local 17 AFL-CIO (May 1, 2014 April 30, 2019) |
85. | Collective Bargaining Agreement between Irvine Hilton and Unite Here Local 11 (June 1, 2014 May 31, 2019) |
86. | Collective Bargaining Agreement between Unite Here International Union Local 631 and Hilton Management LLC (September 1, 2014 October 1, 2019) |
87. | Agreement between Hampton Inn Milford and Local 371 United Food & Commercial Workers Union Westport, Connecticut (September 11, 2015 September 10, 2019) |
88. | Collective Bargaining Agreement between International Union of Operating Engineers Local 68-68A-68B, AFL-CIO and Hilton Worldwide (October 1, 2015 September 30, 2019) |
89. | Collective Bargaining Agreement between United Association of Journeymen & Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United State and Canada or Broward County, Florida and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. d/b/a Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa (assumed by Hilton Worldwide, Inc. December 2014) (January 21, 2014 January 20, 2020) |
90. | Hilton Americas-Houston Labor Agreement with Unite Here International Union Local 23, AFL-CIO, CLC and The International Union of Operating Engineers Local 564 (The Engineers) AFL-CIO (July 1, 2015 June 30, 2020) |
91. | Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America Commercial Area Agreement Cook, Lake and DuPage Counties, in Illinois (June 1, 2014 May 31, 2019) |
92. | Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between Hilton Chicago & Towers and International Union of Operating Engineers of Chicago, Illinois and Vicinity Local No. 399 (July 1, 2015 June 30, 2019) |
93. | Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between Palmer House and International Union of Operating Engineers of Chicago, Illinois and Vicinity Local No. 399 (July 1, 2015 June 30, 2019) |
94. | Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between Drake Hotel and International Union of Operating Engineers of Chicago, Illinois and Vicinity Local No. 399 (July 1, 2015 June 30, 2019) |
95. | Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between Hilton Chicago OHare Airport and International Union of Operating Engineers of Chicago, Illinois and Vicinity Local No. 399 (July 1, 2015 June 30, 2019) |
23
96. | Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between Embassy Suites-Chicago Downtown Lakefront and International Union of Operating Engineers of Chicago, Illinois and Vicinity Local No. 399 (July 1, 2015 June 30, 2019) |
97. | Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between Waldorf-Astoria Management, LLC and International Union of Operating Engineers of Chicago, Illinois and Vicinity Local No. 399 (July 1, 2015 June 30, 2019). |
98. | Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between Conrad Chicago and International Union of Operating Engineers of Chicago, Illinois and Vicinity Local No. 399 (July 1, 2015 June 30, 2019). |
99. | Collective Bargaining Agreement between International Union of Operating Engineers Local 68-68A-68B, AFL-CIO and Embassy Suites Management LLC d/b/a Embassy Suites Parsippany (December 1, 2015 November 30, 2019) |
100. | Collective Bargaining Agreement between International Union of Operating Engineers Local 68-68A-68B, AFL-CIO and Embassy Suites Management LLC d/b/a Embassy Suites Secaucus (December 1, 2015 November 30, 2019) |
101. | Agreement between Greater Regional Bargaining Group Hotels and Hotel Association of New York City, Inc. (party to agreement via property riders below) (April 1, 2013 March 31, 2018) |
102. | Agreement between Hilton Management, LLC, doing business as the Hilton Westchester, its owner(s), and operator(s) and manager(s) on their own behalf and on behalf of any affiliated or related entity and their respective successors or assigns and the New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council, ALF-CIO (Rider) (December 1, 2015 March 31, 2018) |
103. | Agreement by and among Hilton Short Hills Hotel, its current and future owner(s), operator(s) and manager(s) on their own behalf and on behalf of any of their respective affiliated or related entity, as well as their successors or assigns and the New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council, ALF-CIO (Rider) (January 1, 2015 March 31, 2018) |
104. | Agreement by and among Embassy Suites Parsippany, its current and future owner(s), operator(s) and manager(s) on their own behalf and on behalf of any of their respective affiliated or related entity, as well as their successors or assigns and the New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council, ALF-CIO (Rider) (September 17, 2015 March 31, 2018) |
105. | Agreement by and among Embassy Suites Secaucus-Meadowlands, its current and future owner(s), operator(s) and manager(s) on their own behalf and on behalf of any of their respective affiliated or related entity, as well as their successors or assigns and the New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council, ALF-CIO (Rider) (August 18, 2015 March 31, 2018) |
24
SCHEDULE 13(b)
PK COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS
1. | Agreement between Tex Holding, Inc. DBA Meritex and Chicago and Midwest Regional Joint Board, an Affiliate of Workers United/SEIU (Effective Duration: January 1, 2015 December 31, 2016) 4 |
2. | Collective Bargaining Agreement by and between Meritex Laundry Portage Meritex and International Union of Operating Engineers of Chicago, Illinois and Vicinity Local No. 399 June 1, 2012 May, 31 2017 |
3. | Labor Agreement between Meritex LLC and Laundry, Distribution & Food Service Joint Board, Workers United, Affiliated with the SEIU (September 2, 2014 September 1, 2017) |
4. | Collective Bargaining Agreement between International Union of Operating Engineers Local 68-68A-68B, AFL-CIO and Meritex, LLC (October 1, 2013 September 30, 2018) |
4 | Negotiations expected to commence prior to expiration. |
25
SCHEDULE 13(c)
HGV COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS
1. | Collective Bargaining Agreement between Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC d/b/a Hilton Grand Vacations Club at the Las Vegas Hilton and International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 501, AFL-CIO July 1, 2011 June 30, 2014 5 |
2. | Collective Bargaining Agreement between Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC A Delaware Limited Liability Company and Local Joint Executive Board of Las Vegas (for Elara) (expires 2018) |
3. | Collective Bargaining Agreement between Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC A Delaware Limited Liability Company and Local Joint Executive Board of Las Vegas (for Boulevard/Karen/Flamingo) (expires 2018) |
4. | Labor Agreements between Hilton Grand Vacations, LLC at the Elara Hotel and General Teamsters, Airline, Aerospace and Allied Employers, Warehousemen, Drivers, Constructions, Rock and Sand Teamsters Local 986 (Valet/Bell Department) June 1, 2015 May 31, 2019 |
5. | Collective Bargaining Agreement between Hotel Association of New York City, Inc. and New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council, AFL-CIO (July 1, 2012 June 30, 2019, extended through June 30, 2026 by memorandum of agreement) |
5 | Expired and negotiations are underway for a new agreement. |
26
Exhibit 10.2
Execution Version
TAX MATTERS AGREEMENT
by and among
HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC.,
PARK HOTELS & RESORTS INC.,
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS INC., and
HILTON DOMESTIC OPERATING COMPANY INC.
Dated as of January 2, 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION | 2 | |||
Section 1.1 |
Definitions | 2 | ||
Section 1.2 |
References; Interpretation | 13 | ||
Section 1.3 |
Effective Time | 14 | ||
ARTICLE II PREPARATION AND FILING OF TAX RETURNS | 14 | |||
Section 2.1 |
Responsibility of HLT to Prepare and File Tax Returns | 14 | ||
Section 2.2 |
Responsibility of Parties to Prepare and File PK Straddle Income Tax Returns and HGV Straddle Income Tax Returns | 15 | ||
Section 2.3 |
Responsibility of Parties to Prepare and File Post-Distribution Income Tax Returns and Non-Income Tax Returns | 16 | ||
Section 2.4 |
Time of Filing Tax Returns | 17 | ||
Section 2.5 |
Costs and Expenses | 17 | ||
ARTICLE III RESPONSIBILITY FOR PAYMENT OF TAXES | 17 | |||
Section 3.1 |
Responsibility for Payment of Taxes | 17 | ||
Section 3.2 |
Reimbursement of Straddle Income Taxes and Restructuring Taxes | 17 | ||
Section 3.3 |
Timing of Payments of Taxes | 17 | ||
ARTICLE IV REFUNDS, CARRYBACKS AND AMENDED TAX RETURNS | 18 | |||
Section 4.1 |
Refunds | 18 | ||
Section 4.2 |
Carrybacks | 18 | ||
Section 4.3 |
Amended Tax Returns | 18 | ||
ARTICLE V DISTRIBUTION TAXES | 19 | |||
Section 5.1 |
Liability for Distribution Taxes | 19 | ||
Section 5.2 |
Definition of Fault for Distribution Purposes | 19 | ||
Section 5.3 |
Limits on Proposed Acquisition Transactions and Other Transactions During Restricted Period | 20 | ||
Section 5.4 |
Certain Limitations on PK with Respect to its Stock | 21 | ||
Section 5.5 |
IRS Ruling, Tax Representation Letters, and Tax Opinions; Consistency | 23 | ||
Section 5.6 |
Timing of Payment of Taxes | 23 | ||
Section 5.7 |
Protective Section 336(e) Elections | 23 | ||
ARTICLE VI INDEMNIFICATION | 24 | |||
Section 6.1 |
Indemnification Obligations of HLT | 24 | ||
Section 6.2 |
Indemnification Obligations of PK | 24 |
i
Page | ||||
Section 6.3 |
Indemnification Obligations of HGV | 25 | ||
Section 6.4 |
Protected REITs | 25 | ||
ARTICLE VII PAYMENTS | 26 | |||
Section 7.1 |
Payments | 26 | ||
Section 7.2 |
Treatment of Payments made Pursuant to Tax Matters Agreement | 26 | ||
Section 7.3 |
Payments Net of Tax Benefit Actually Realized and Tax Cost | 27 | ||
ARTICLE VIII AUDITS | 27 | |||
Section 8.1 |
Notice | 27 | ||
Section 8.2 |
Audits | 27 | ||
Section 8.3 |
Payment of Audit Amounts | 29 | ||
ARTICLE IX COOPERATION AND EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION | 30 | |||
Section 9.1 |
Cooperation and Exchange of Information | 30 | ||
Section 9.2 |
Retention of Records | 31 | ||
Section 9.3 |
Tax Opinions | 32 | ||
ARTICLE X ALLOCATION OF TAX ATTRIBUTES AND OTHER TAX MATTERS | 32 | |||
Section 10.1 |
Allocation of Tax Attributes | 32 | ||
Section 10.2 |
Allocation of Tax Items | 32 | ||
ARTICLE XI DEFAULTED AMOUNTS | 33 | |||
Section 11.1 |
General | 33 | ||
ARTICLE XII DISPUTE RESOLUTION | 33 | |||
Section 12.1 |
Negotiation | 33 | ||
Section 12.2 |
Mediation | 33 | ||
Section 12.3 |
Confidentiality | 34 | ||
Section 12.4 |
Continuity of Performance | 34 | ||
ARTICLE XIII MISCELLANEOUS | 34 | |||
Section 13.1 |
Counterparts | 34 | ||
Section 13.2 |
Survival | 34 | ||
Section 13.3 |
Notices | 34 | ||
Section 13.4 |
Waivers | 35 | ||
Section 13.5 |
Assignment | 35 | ||
Section 13.6 |
Successors and Assigns | 35 | ||
Section 13.7 |
Termination and Amendment | 35 | ||
Section 13.8 |
No Circumvention | 35 | ||
Section 13.9 |
Subsidiaries | 36 |
ii
Page | ||||
Section 13.10 |
Third Party Beneficiaries | 36 | ||
Section 13.11 |
Title and Headings | 36 | ||
Section 13.12 |
Schedules | 36 | ||
Section 13.13 |
Specific Performance | 36 | ||
Section 13.14 |
Governing Law | 36 | ||
Section 13.15 |
Consent to Jurisdiction | 36 | ||
Section 13.16 |
Waiver of Jury Trial | 37 | ||
Section 13.17 |
Force Majeure | 37 | ||
Section 13.18 |
Interpretation | 37 | ||
Section 13.19 |
Changes in Law | 37 | ||
Section 13.20 |
Severability | 37 | ||
Section 13.21 |
Tax Sharing Agreements | 38 | ||
Section 13.22 |
Exclusivity | 38 | ||
Section 13.23 |
No Waiver | 38 | ||
Section 13.24 |
No Duplication; No Double Recovery | 38 |
Schedules
Schedule 2.3 | List of Certain Allocations of Non-Income Taxes | |
Schedule 8.3(b) | List of Specified Audit Taxes |
iii
TAX MATTERS AGREEMENT
THIS TAX MATTERS AGREEMENT (this Agreement ) is made and entered into as of the day of January 2, 2017, by and among Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation ( HLT ), Park Hotels & Resorts Inc., a Delaware corporation ( PK ), Hilton Grand Vacations Inc., a Delaware corporation ( HGV ) and Hilton Domestic Operating Company Inc., a Delaware corporation ( OpCo ). Each of HLT, PK, HGV and OpCo is sometimes referred to herein as a Party and, collectively, as the Parties .
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, HLT, acting through its direct and indirect Subsidiaries, currently conducts a number of businesses, including (i) the HLT Retained Business (as defined herein), (ii) the Ownership Business (as defined herein) and (iii) the Timeshare Business (as defined herein);
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of HLT (the Board ) has determined that it is appropriate, desirable and in the best interests of HLT and its stockholders to separate HLT into three separate, publicly traded companies, one for each of (i) the HLT Retained Business, which shall be owned and conducted, directly or indirectly, by HLT, (ii) the Ownership Business, which shall be owned and conducted, directly or indirectly, by PK (which will elect to be a REIT (as defined herein)) and (iii) the Timeshare Business, which shall be owned and conducted, directly or indirectly, by HGV;
WHEREAS, in order to effect such separation, the Board has determined that it is appropriate, desirable and in the best interests of HLT and its stockholders (i) to enter into a series of transactions after giving effect to which (A) HLT and/or one or more of its Subsidiaries (as defined herein) will, collectively, own all of the HLT Retained Assets (as defined herein) and assume (or retain) all of the HLT Retained Liabilities (as defined herein), (B) PK and/or one or more of its Subsidiaries will, collectively, own all of the Ownership Assets (as defined herein) and assume (or retain) all of the Ownership Liabilities (as defined herein) and (C) HGV and/or one or more of its Subsidiaries will, collectively, own all of the Timeshare Assets (as defined herein) and assume (or retain) all of the Timeshare Liabilities (as defined herein) and (ii) for HLT to distribute to the holders of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share ( HLT Common Stock ), on a pro rata basis (in each case without consideration being paid by such stockholders) (A) all of the outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of PK (the PK Common Stock ) and (B) all of the outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of HGV (the HGV Common Stock ) (such transactions as they may be amended or modified from time to time, collectively, the Plan of Reorganization );
WHEREAS, it is the intention of the Parties that (i) each of the contributions by PK of Assets to, and the assumption of Liabilities by, OpCo and HGV (each such contribution, an Internal Contribution and together, the Internal Contributions ) together with the corresponding distribution by PK of all of the OpCo common stock and the HGV Common Stock, respectively, qualifies as a reorganization within the meaning of Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code ) (each such distribution, an Internal Distribution and together, the Internal Distributions ), (ii) the use by PK of the Cash Amounts (as defined herein) from OpCo qualifies under Section 361(b) of the Code such
that no gain is recognized upon receipt of the Cash Amounts by PK in connection with any Internal Contribution, (iii) the Debt Exchanges (as defined herein) qualify as distributions and exchanges of qualified property within the meaning of Section 361(c) of the Code, (iv) the distribution by HGV of Cash Amounts to HLT qualifies first as a payment in respect of Tax liabilities allocable to HGV or one of its Subsidiaries under Treasury Regulations Section 1.1552-1(b) (or any corresponding provisions under U.S. state or local Law) for a taxable period (or portion thereof) ending on or before the Distribution Date, in each case to the extent payments have not previously been made in respect of such Tax liabilities, and second as a distribution under Section 301 of the Code from HGV to HLT, (v) any distribution by OpCo of Cash Amounts to Hilton Worldwide Finance LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( HWF ) or HLT qualifies as a distribution under Section 301 of the Code from OpCo to HLT, (vi) any distribution by PK of Cash Amounts to HWF or HLT qualifies first as a payment in respect of Tax liabilities allocable to PK or one of its Subsidiaries under Treasury Regulations Section 1.1552-1(b) (or any corresponding provisions under U.S. state or local Law) for a taxable period (or portion thereof) ending on or before the Distribution Date, in each case to the extent payments have not previously been made in respect of such Tax liabilities, and second as a distribution under Section 301 of the Code from PK to HLT and (vii) each of the distributions by HLT of all of the PK Common Stock (the PK Distribution ) and HGV Common Stock (the HGV Distribution and together with the PK Distribution, the External Distributions ) qualifies as a tax-free distribution within the meaning of Section 355 of the Code (collectively, the Intended Tax Treatment ); and
WHEREAS, in connection with the Plan of Reorganization, the Parties desire to set forth their agreement on the rights and obligations with respect to handling and allocating Taxes and related matters.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the terms, conditions, covenants and provisions of this Agreement, each of the Parties mutually covenant and agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
Section 1.1 Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1) Acquisition means an acquisition for purposes of Section 355(e) of the Code of stock of PK, or issuance by PK of any options or other instruments that grant the holder a right (including if PK has a right to settle the obligation with property other than PK stock) to complete such an acquisition. The terms Acquire and Acquired has a corresponding meaning. For purposes of determining whether and to what extent a transaction shall be taken into account for purposes of this definition, any recapitalization or other action resulting in a shift of voting power or any redemption or repurchase of shares of stock shall be treated as an indirect acquisition of shares of stock by the benefitted or non-exchanging stockholders.
(2) Active Business means each of (a) the Ownership Business, the HLT Retained Business and the Timeshare Business, in each case taken as a whole, (b) the Select Hotels Business taken as a whole (or any hotel included therein) and (c) the Hotel Laundry Business taken as a whole (or any laundry facility included therein).
2
(3) Affiliate means a Person that directly, or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, a specified Person. A Person shall be deemed to control another Person if such first Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct, or cause the direction of, the management and policies of such other Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. For purposes hereof, none of the Parties or their respective Subsidiaries shall be considered an Affiliate of any of the other Parties or their respective Subsidiaries (determined on the same basis). For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes hereof, neither The Blackstone Group L.P. (nor any of its Affiliates) shall be considered an Affiliate of any Party or its Subsidiaries.
(4) Agreement has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
(5) Agreement Dispute has the meaning set forth in Section 12.1.
(6) Ancillary Agreements has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
(7) Assets has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
(8) Audit means any audit, assessment of Taxes, other examination by or on behalf of any Taxing Authority (including notices), proceeding, or appeal of such a proceeding relating to Taxes, whether administrative or judicial, including proceedings relating to competent authority determinations initiated by a Party or any of its Subsidiaries.
(9) Audit Management Party means the Party responsible for administering and controlling an Audit pursuant to Section 8.2(a)(i) or (b)(ii).
(10) Audit Representative means the chief tax officer of each Party (or such other officer of a Party that may be designated by that Partys Chief Financial Officer from time to time).
(11) Big Four Accounting Firm means each of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Ernst & Young LLP, KPMG LLP, and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
(12) Blackstone Entity has the meaning set forth in the Stockholders Agreement.
(13) Blackstone-PK Applicable Percentage has the meaning set forth in the Stockholders Agreement.
(14) Blackstone-PK Percentage Shift Limit has the meaning set forth in the Stockholders Agreement.
(15) Blackstone Representative has the meaning set forth in the Stockholders Agreement.
(16) Board has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
(17) Business Day means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on which banks are required to be closed in New York, New York.
3
(18) Cash Amounts means (i) the cash received by PK as partial consideration for the Internal Contribution to OpCo, (ii) the cash received by HWF or HLT from OpCo after the Internal Distribution of OpCo stock, (iii) any cash (including for these purposes any distribution of intercompany receivables) received by HWF or HLT from PK before the PK Distribution in connection with the Plan of Reorganization and (iv) the cash received by HLT from HGV before the HGV Distribution, as the context requires.
(19) Claiming Party has the meaning set forth in Section 11.2(b).
(20) Code has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
(21) Debt Exchanges means (i) OpCo issuing debt instruments to PK as partial consideration for the Internal Contribution to OpCo and PK using such debt instruments to satisfy some or all of the debt owed by PK to Hilton HHonors Worldwide, L.L.C., and (ii) HGV issuing debt instruments to PK as partial consideration for the Internal Contribution to HGV and PK using such debt instruments to satisfy some or all of the mortgage debt owed by PK and secured by a hotel in Bonnet Creek, Florida.
(22) Distribution or Distributions means, individually or collectively, the Internal Distributions and the External Distributions.
(23) Distribution Agreement means the Distribution Agreement by and among HLT, PK, HGV and OpCo dated as of January 2, 2017.
(24) Distribution Date means the date on which the Distributions to holders of record of shares of HLT Common Stock of the HGV Common Stock and the PK Common Stock owned by HLT are effectuated pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.
(25) Distribution Taxes mean any and all U.S. federal, state and local Income Taxes required to be paid by or imposed on a Party or any of its Affiliates resulting from, or directly arising in connection with, the failure of any Internal Contribution, any Distribution, any receipt of Cash Amounts, or any Debt Exchange to qualify for the Intended Tax Treatment (or the failure to qualify under or the application of corresponding provisions of the Laws of U.S. state or local jurisdictions).
(26) Due Date means the date (taking into account all valid extensions) upon which a Tax Return is required to be filed with or Taxes are required to be paid to a Taxing Authority, whichever is applicable.
(27) Effective Time has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
(28) Escrow Account has the meaning set forth in Section 6.4.
(29) Expense Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 6.4.
(30) Expense Amount Accountants Letter has the meaning set forth in Section 6.4.
4
(31) Expense Amount Tax Opinion has the meaning set forth in Section 6.4.
(32) External Distribution has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
(33) Fault for Distribution Purposes has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2.
(34) Final Determination means the final resolution of liability for any Tax for any taxable period, by or as a result of:
(a) a final decision, judgment, decree or other order by any court of competent jurisdiction that can no longer be appealed to a court other than the Supreme Court of the United States;
(b) a final settlement with the IRS, a closing agreement or accepted offer in compromise under Sections 7121 or 7122 of the Code, or a comparable agreement under the Laws of other jurisdictions, which resolves the liability for the Taxes addressed in such agreement for any taxable period;
(c) any allowance of a refund or credit in respect of an overpayment of Tax, but only after the expiration of all periods during which such refund or credit may be recovered by the jurisdiction imposing the Tax; or
(d) any other final disposition, including by reason of the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations.
(35) Group means the HLT Group, the PK Group, or the HGV Group.
(36) HGV has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
(37) HGV Allocable Audit Portion means the amount, determined by HLT in its good faith discretion, equal to the product of (a) the amount of any Taxes attributable to a Pre-Distribution Tax Period or the portion of a Straddle Tax Period ending on the Distribution Date that are not reported on a Tax Return filed for such periods, and (b) a fraction (i) the numerator of which is the additional Taxes that would be due and payable determined on a separate basis for the Timeshare Assets or the Timeshare Business, and (ii) the denominator of which is the sum of the additional Taxes that would be due and payable determined on a separate basis for each of the HLT Retained Assets or the HLT Retained Business, the Ownership Assets or the Ownership Business, and the Timeshare Assets or the Timeshare Business, respectively. For purposes of this determination, any Distribution Taxes, Specified Audit Taxes or Restructuring Taxes incurred shall be deemed not to have been incurred, regardless of which entity incurs such Taxes.
(38) HGV Common Stock has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
(39) HGV Distribution has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
(40) HGV Group has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
5
(41) HGV Straddle Income Tax Returns means any Income Tax Return required under applicable Law to be filed by any member of the HGV Group for a Straddle Tax Period.
(42) HLT has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
(43) HLT Allocable Audit Portion means the amount, determined by HLT in its good faith discretion, equal to the product of (a) the amount of any Taxes attributable to a Pre-Distribution Tax Period or the portion of a Straddle Tax Period ending on the Distribution Date that are not reported on a Tax Return filed for such periods, and (b) a fraction (i) the numerator of which is the additional Taxes that would be due and payable determined on a separate basis for the HLT Retained Assets or the HLT Retained Business, and (ii) the denominator of which is the sum of the additional Taxes that would be due and payable determined on a separate basis for each of the HLT Retained Assets or the HLT Retained Business, the Ownership Assets or the Ownership Business, and the Timeshare Assets or the Timeshare Business, respectively. For purposes of this determination, any Distribution Taxes, Specified Audit Taxes or Restructuring Taxes incurred shall be deemed not to have been incurred, regardless of which entity incurs such Taxes.
(44) HLT Combined Income Tax Return means any U.S. federal, state, local or foreign consolidated, combined, unitary or similar Income Tax Return that actually includes, by election or otherwise, one or more members of the HLT Group together with one or more members of either the PK Group or the HGV Group.
(45) HLT Common Stock has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
(46) HLT Group has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
(47) HLT Retained Assets has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement and shall include any Assets owned leased or licensed by HLT or its current or prior Subsidiaries at any time (whether or not owned, leased or licensed by HLT or its Subsidiaries at or prior to the Effective Time) that related primarily to, were used primarily in, or arose primarily from, the HLT Retained Business.
(48) HLT Retained Business has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
(49) HLT Retained Liabilities has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
(50) HLT Straddle Income Tax Returns means any Income Tax Return required under applicable Law to be filed by any member of the HLT Group for a Straddle Tax Period.
(51) Hotel Laundry Business means the component of the Ownership Business involving the management and operation of commercial laundry facilities servicing hotels, located in Portage, Indiana, Piscataway, New Jersey and Portland, Oregon.
(52) HWF has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
6
(53) Implementing Agreement means any agreement the primary purpose of which is to implement one or more steps described in the Reorganization Slide Deck.
(54) Income Taxes mean:
(a) all Taxes based upon, measured by, or calculated with respect to (i) net income or profits (including, but not limited to, any capital gains, minimum tax or any Tax on items of tax preference, but not including sales, use, real, or personal property, gross or net receipts, value added, excise, leasing, transfer or similar Taxes), or (ii) multiple bases (including, but not limited to, corporate franchise, doing business and occupation Taxes) if one or more bases upon which such Tax is determined is described in clause (a)(i) above; and
(b) all U.S., state, local or non-U.S. franchise Taxes.
(55) Income Tax Returns mean all Tax Returns that relate to Income Taxes.
(56) Indemnified Party means the Party which is or may be entitled pursuant to this Agreement to receive any payments (including reimbursement for Taxes or costs and expenses) from another Party or Parties to this Agreement.
(57) Indemnifying Party means the Party which is or may be required pursuant to this Agreement to make indemnification or other payments (including reimbursement for Taxes and costs and expenses) to another Party to this Agreement.
(58) Intended Tax Treatment has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
(59) Internal Contribution has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
(60) Internal Distribution has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
(61) IRS means the United States Internal Revenue Service or any successor thereto, including, but not limited to its agents, representatives, and attorneys.
(62) IRS Ruling means that certain IRS private letter ruling, dated February 24, 2016, delivered to HLT and addressing, among other things, certain issues relevant to the tax-free treatment of the Distributions, together with the requests submitted to the IRS for such private letter ruling and any supplemental materials submitted to the IRS relating thereto.
(63) Law means any U.S. or non-U.S. federal, national, supranational, state, provincial, local or similar statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, administrative pronouncement, order, requirement or rule of law (including common law), or any income tax treaty.
(64) LIBOR has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
(65) Losses has the meaning assigned to the term Indemnifiable Losses in the Distribution Agreement.
7
(66) Majority of the Parties means the consent of at least two of the Parties.
(67) Negotiation Period has the meaning set forth in Section 12.1.
(68) Non-Income Tax Returns mean all Tax Returns other than Income Tax Returns.
(69) Nonqualifying Income shall mean any amount that is treated as gross income for purposes of Section 856 of the Code and which is not Qualifying Income.
(70) OpCo has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
(71) Ownership Assets has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement and shall include any Assets owned leased or licensed by HLT or its current or prior Subsidiaries at any time (whether or not owned, leased or licensed by HLT or its Subsidiaries at or prior to the Effective Time) that related primarily to, were used primarily in, or arose primarily from, the Ownership Business.
(72) Ownership Business has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
(73) Ownership Liabilities has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
(74) Participating Party has the meaning set forth in Section 8.2(c)(i).
(75) Party has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
(76) Paying Party has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(b).
(77) Person means any natural person, firm, individual, corporation, business trust, joint venture, association, company, limited liability company, partnership, or other organization or entity, whether incorporated or unincorporated, or any governmental entity.
(78) PK has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
(79) PK Allocable Audit Portion means the amount, determined by HLT in its good faith discretion, equal to the product of (a) the amount of any Taxes attributable to a Pre-Distribution Tax Period or the portion of a Straddle Tax Period ending on the Distribution Date that are not reported on a Tax Return filed for such periods, and (b) a fraction (i) the numerator of which is the additional Taxes that would be due and payable determined on a separate basis for the Ownership Assets or the Ownership Business, and (ii) the denominator of which is the sum of the additional Taxes that would be due and payable determined on a separate basis for each of the HLT Retained Assets or the HLT Retained Business, the Ownership Assets or the Ownership Business, and the Timeshare Assets or the Timeshare Business, respectively. For purposes of this determination, any Distribution Taxes, Specified Audit Taxes or Restructuring Taxes incurred shall be deemed not to have been incurred, regardless of which entity incurs such Taxes.
8
(80) PK Applicable Percentage means the percentage shift in ownership equal to the greater of (a) the percentage determined by dividing (i) the value of all shares of PK stock (as of immediately after the Distribution) Acquired pursuant to one or more PK Issuances of PK stock occurring on or after the Distribution Date by (ii) the value of all outstanding stock of PK as of immediately after the Distribution, or (b) the percentage determined by dividing (i) the total combined voting power of all shares of PK stock (as of immediately after the Distribution) Acquired pursuant to one or more PK Issuances occurring on or after the Distribution Date by (ii) the total combined voting power of all outstanding stock of PK as of immediately after the Distribution. The amount set forth in (a)(ii) or (b)(ii) shall be reduced by any redemption or repurchase (directly or indirectly) by PK (or its Subsidiaries) of PK Common Stock following the Distribution and prior to the last such PK Issuance (with such reduction calculated in the case of (a)(ii) using the value of the applicable stock as of immediately after the Distribution). This definition and the application thereof is intended to monitor compliance with Section 355(e) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder and shall be interpreted accordingly by the Parties in good faith.
(81) PK Common Stock has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
(82) PK Percentage Shift Limit means 8.34%, as adjusted from time to time by mutual written consent of the Blackstone Representative and PK or under Section 5.4(f) or (g); provided , however , that the sum of the Blackstone-PK Percentage Shift Limit and the PK Percentage Shift Limit immediately after such adjustments must equal such sum immediately before such adjustments; provided further , that if PK has actual knowledge that the Blackstone-PK Applicable Percentage exceeds the Blackstone-PK Percentage Shift Limit, the PK Percentage Shift Limit shall be reduced by such excess (without prejudice to any rights or remedies PK or any other Party may have).
(83) PK Group has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
(84) PK Issuance has the meaning set forth in Section 5.4(a).
(85) PK Straddle Income Tax Returns means any Income Tax Return required under applicable Law to be filed by any member of the PK Group for a Straddle Tax Period.
(86) Plan of Reorganization has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
(87) Post-Distribution Income Tax Returns mean, collectively, all Income Tax Returns required to be filed by a Party or its Affiliates for a Post-Distribution Tax Period.
(88) Post-Distribution Payment Tax Benefit has the meaning set forth in Section 11.2(b).
(89) Post-Distribution Ruling has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3.
(90) Post-Distribution Tax Period means a Tax period beginning and ending after the Distribution Date.
(91) Pre-Distribution Income Tax Returns mean, collectively, all Income Tax Returns required to be filed by a Party or its Affiliates for a Pre-Distribution Tax Period.
9
(92) Pre-Distribution Tax Period means a Tax period beginning and ending on or before the Distribution Date.
(93) Preparing Party has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(b).
(94) Proposed Acquisition Transaction means a transaction or series of transactions (i) as a result of which any of the Parties would merge or consolidate with any other Person, or (ii) as a result of which any Person or any group of Persons would (directly or indirectly) acquire, or have the right to acquire (through an option or otherwise), from any of the Parties or any of their Affiliates and/or one or more holders of their stock, respectively, any amount of stock of any of the Parties that would, when combined with any other changes in ownership of the stock of such Party, result in a shift of more than forty-nine percent (49%) of (a) the value of all outstanding shares of stock of such Party as of the date of the Distribution, or (b) the total combined voting power of all outstanding shares of voting stock of such Party as of the date of the Distribution. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Proposed Acquisition Transaction shall not include the adoption by a Party of, or the issuance of stock pursuant to, a stockholder rights plan. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the total value or total combined voting power of all HLT Common Stock, PK Common Stock or HGV Common Stock, as applicable, issued and outstanding immediately after the Distribution shall be reduced by any redemption or repurchase (directly or indirectly) by a Party (or any of its Affiliates) of HLT Common Stock, PK Common Stock or HGV Common Stock, as applicable, following the Distribution. For purposes of determining whether and to what extent a transaction constitutes an indirect acquisition for purposes of the first sentence of this definition, any recapitalization or other action resulting in a shift of voting power or any redemption or repurchase of shares of stock shall be treated as an indirect acquisition of shares of stock by the benefitted or non-exchanging stockholders. Notwithstanding the two previous sentences, the effect of any such recapitalization, other action, or redemption or repurchase (directly or indirectly) of shares shall take into account any applicable IRS private letter ruling received by one or more of the Parties with respect thereto. This definition and the application thereof is intended to monitor compliance with Section 355(e) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder and shall be interpreted accordingly by the Parties in good faith.
(95) Protected REIT shall mean any entity that (i) has elected to be taxed as a REIT and (ii) either (a) is an Indemnified Party or (b) owns a direct or indirect equity interest in any Indemnified Party and is treated for purposes of Section 856 of the Code as owning all or a portion of the assets of such Indemnified Party or as receiving all or a portion of such Indemnified Partys income.
(96) Qualified Tax Advisor means any Big Four Accounting Firm or any law firm of nationally recognized standing.
(97) Qualifying Income shall mean gross income that is described in Section 856(c)(3) of the Code.
(98) Reallocation Event has the meaning set forth in the Stockholders Agreement.
10
(99) Reallocation Event Reduction has the meaning set forth in the Stockholders Agreement.
(100) REIT shall mean any a real estate investment trust within the meaning of Section 856(a) of the Code.
(101) REIT Qualification Ruling has the meaning set forth in Section 6.4.
(102) REIT Requirements shall mean the requirements imposed on REITs pursuant to Sections 856 through and including 860 of the Code.
(103) Release Document has the meaning set forth in Section 6.4.
(104) Reorganization Slide Deck means the Plan of Reorganization (as such term is used in the Distribution Agreement).
(105) Requesting Party shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.3.
(106) Restricted Period means the period beginning at the Effective Time and ending on the two-year anniversary of the day after the Distribution Date.
(107) Restructuring Tax means any Tax, other than any Distribution Tax, required to be paid by or imposed on a Party or any of its Affiliates, imposed directly in connection with transactions contemplated by the Plan of Reorganization, the Reorganization Slide Deck or the Implementing Agreements, in each case undertaken before or at the same time as any of the Distributions.
(108) Select Hotels Business means the component of the Ownership Business involving the day-to-day management and operation by PK of (i) the Hilton Garden Inn in El Segundo, California, (ii) the Hampton Inn & Suites in Memphis, Tennessee, (iii) the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago/Oakbrook Terrace, and (iv) the Hilton Chicago/Oakbrook Suites.
(109) Specified Audit Taxes has the meaning set forth in Section 8.3(b).
(110) Stockholders Agreement means that certain Stockholders Agreement by and among HLT, HGV and the Blackstone Entities party thereto dated as of January 2, 2017.
(111) Sharing Percentages means, with respect to HLT, sixty-five percent (65%), with respect to PK, twenty-six percent (26%), and with respect to HGV, nine percent (9%).
(112) Simpson means Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP.
(113) Straddle Tax Period means a Tax period beginning before the Distribution Date and ending after the Distribution Date.
(114) Subsidiary has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
11
(115) Tax or Taxes means (i) all taxes, charges, fees, imposts, levies or other assessments, including all net income, gross receipts, capital, sales, use, gains, ad valorem, value added, transfer, franchise, profits, inventory, capital stock, license, withholding, payroll, employment, social security, unemployment, excise, severance, stamp, occupation, property and estimated taxes, custom duties, fees, assessments and charges of any kind whatsoever, and (ii) liability for the payment of any amount of the type described in clause (i) above arising as a result of being (or having been) a member of any group or being (or having been) included or required to be included in any Tax Return related thereto. Whenever the term Tax or Taxes is used it shall include penalties, fines, additions to tax and interest thereon.
(116) Tax Attributes mean for U.S. federal, state, local, and non-U.S. Income Tax purposes, earnings and profits, tax basis, net operating and capital loss carryovers or carrybacks, alternative minimum Tax credit carryovers or carrybacks, general business credit carryovers or carrybacks, income tax credits or credits against income tax, disqualified interest and excess limitation carryovers or carrybacks, overall foreign losses, research and experimentation credit base periods, and all other items that are determined or computed on an affiliated group basis (as defined in Section 1504(a) of the Code determined without regard to the exclusion contained in Section 1504(b)(3) of the Code), or similar Tax items determined under applicable Tax law.
(117) Tax Benefit Actually Realized means with respect to a Party and its Subsidiaries a reduction in the amount of Taxes that are required to be paid or an increase in refund due, whether resulting from a deduction, from reduced gain or increased loss from disposition of an asset, or otherwise, such reduction or increase in refund due determined on an actually realized basis. For purposes of this definition, a Party or its Subsidiaries will be deemed to have actually realized such reduction or increase in refund due at the time the amount of Taxes such Party or any of its Subsidiaries is required to pay is reduced or the amount of any refund due is increased. The amount of any Tax Benefit Actually Realized shall be computed on a with and without basis.
(118) Taxing Authority means any governmental authority or any subdivision, agency, commission, or authority thereof or any quasi-governmental or private body having jurisdiction over the assessment, determination, collection, or imposition of any Tax (including the IRS).
(119) Tax Opinions mean certain Tax opinions and supporting memoranda rendered by Simpson or KPMG to HLT or any of its Affiliates in connection with the Plan of Reorganization.
(120) Tax Package means Tax data and information relating to the operations of PK, HGV and/or their respective Subsidiaries, the Ownership Business (in the case of PK), or the Timeshare Business (in the case of HGV) that is reasonably necessary to prepare and file any Pre-Distribution Income Tax Return, HLT Straddle Income Tax Return, PK Straddle Income Tax Return, or HGV Straddle Income Tax Return, as applicable.
(121) Tax Representation Letter means any letter containing certain representations and covenants issued by HLT or any of its Affiliates to Simpson or KPMG in connection with the Tax Opinions.
12
(122) Tax Returns mean any return, report, certificate, form or similar statement or document (including any related or supporting information or schedule attached thereto and any information return, amended tax return, claim for refund, or declaration of estimated Tax) required to be supplied to, or filed with, a Taxing Authority in connection with the determination, assessment or collection of any Tax or the administration of any Laws, regulations, or administrative requirements relating to any Taxes.
(123) Tax Sharing Agreement has the meaning set forth in Section 8.3(c).
(124) Timeshare Assets has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement and shall include any Assets owned leased or licensed by HLT or its current or prior Subsidiaries at any time (whether or not owned, leased or licensed by HLT or its Subsidiaries at or prior to the Effective Time) that related primarily to, were used primarily in, or arose primarily from, the Timeshare Business.
(125) Timeshare Business has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
(126) Timeshare Liabilities has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
(127) Treasury Regulations mean the income tax and administrative regulations promulgated from time to time under the Code, as in effect for the relevant Tax Period.
(128) Unqualified 355(e) Opinion means, with respect to an PK Issuance or Reallocation Event, an unqualified will opinion of a Qualified Tax Advisor addressed to HLT and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to HLT, without substantive qualifications, to the effect that such PK Issuance or Reallocation Event (including any future PK Issuance of stock pursuant to an option or other instrument that grants the holder a right (including if PK has a right to settle the obligation with property other than PK stock) to complete an Acquisition) will not be part of a plan (or series of related transactions) within the meaning of Section 355(e) of the Code involving the Distributions.
(129) Unqualified Tax Opinion means an unqualified will opinion of a Qualified Tax Advisor, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to each of applicable Parties (other than OpCo) and upon which each of the applicable Parties (other than OpCo) may rely to confirm that a transaction (or transactions) will not result in Distribution Taxes.
(130) U.S. means the United States of America.
Section 1.2 References; Interpretation . Terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Distribution Agreement. 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. Unless the context otherwise requires, 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. Unless the context otherwise requires, the word stock or shares refers to any equity interests of the applicable entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes and any references to a Person include a reference to any successor to such Person.
13
Section 1.3 Effective Time . Notwithstanding that certain interrelated and intermediate internal transactions must be given effect prior to the Distributions, the agreements contained herein, including, but not limited to, the manner in which Taxes are shared amongst the Parties, shall be effective no earlier than and only upon the Effective Time.
ARTICLE II
PREPARATION AND FILING OF TAX RETURNS
Section 2.1 Responsibility of HLT to Prepare and File Tax Returns .
(a) General . To the extent not previously filed and subject to the rights and obligations of each of the Parties set forth herein, HLT shall prepare or cause to be prepared all (i) Pre-Distribution Income Tax Returns, and (ii) HLT Straddle Income Tax Returns. HLT shall file or cause to be filed all such Tax Returns with the applicable Taxing Authority to the extent a member of the HLT Group is responsible under applicable Law for filing such Tax Returns, and the other Parties shall cooperate (or cause their Subsidiaries to cooperate) in the filing of such Tax Returns to the extent a member of their Group is responsible for filing such Tax Returns under applicable Law. To the extent any member of the PK Group or the HGV Group could be liable after the Distribution Date for Taxes with respect to such Tax Returns (taking into account any provision under this Agreement), HLT shall be required to prepare such Tax Returns in a manner consistent with the past practice of HLT and its Affiliates (unless otherwise modified by a Final Determination or required by applicable Law); provided , however , that HLT shall be permitted to claim the maximum U.K. tax deductions or other tax reliefs available in the U.K. Tax Returns, including but not limited to capital allowances as provided for in the Capital Allowances Act 2001 and other related U.K. tax legislation. All Tax Returns filed under this Section 2.1 shall be filed in a manner consistent with (and the Parties and their Affiliates shall not take any position inconsistent with) the IRS Ruling, the Tax Representation Letters, and the Tax Opinions. Subject to the foregoing standards, HLT shall have the right with respect to any Tax Return filed under this Section 2.1, to determine: (a) except as provided in Section 10.2, the manner in which such Tax Return will be prepared and filed, including the elections, method of accounting, positions, conventions, and principles of taxation to be used and the manner in which any Tax item will be reported; (b) whether any extensions may be requested; and (c) except as provided in Section 10.2, the elections that will be made by HLT, any member of the HLT Group, any member of the PK Group, or any member of the HGV Group on such Tax Return.
(b) Tax Package . To the extent not previously provided, PK and HGV shall (at their own cost and expense), to the extent that a Pre-Distribution Income Tax Return or HLT Straddle Income Tax Return includes items of that Party or its Affiliates, the Ownership Business (in the case of PK), or the Timeshare Business (in the case of HGV), prepare and provide or cause to be prepared and provided to HLT a Tax Package relating to such Tax Return. Such Tax Package shall be provided in a timely manner. In the event a Party does not fulfill its obligations pursuant to this Section 2.1(b), HLT shall be entitled, at the sole cost and expense of such Party, to prepare or cause to be prepared the information required to be included in the Tax Package for purposes of preparing any such Tax Returns.
14
Section 2.2 Responsibility of Parties to Prepare and File PK Straddle Income Tax Returns and HGV Straddle Income Tax Returns .
(a) General . Subject to the rights and obligations of each of the Parties set forth herein, PK shall prepare or cause to be prepared all PK Straddle Income Tax Returns and HGV shall prepare or cause to be prepared all HGV Straddle Income Tax Returns required to be filed after the Distribution Date. PK shall file or cause to be filed all such PK Straddle Income Tax Returns with the applicable Taxing Authority, and HGV shall file or cause to be filed all such HGV Straddle Income Tax Returns with the applicable Taxing Authority. All such Tax Returns shall be prepared in a manner: (i) consistent with the past practice of the Parties and their Affiliates unless otherwise modified by a Final Determination or required by applicable Law; (ii) consistent with (and the Parties and their Affiliates shall not take any position inconsistent with) the IRS Ruling, the Tax Representation Letters, and the Tax Opinions; and (iii) consistent with any Pre-Distribution Income Tax Returns; provided , however , that PK and HGV shall file or cause to be filed any such U.K. Tax Returns in a manner consistent with any elections or claims made in respect of group relief, as provided for in Part 5 of the Corporation Act 2010, from HLT and its Subsidiaries, subject to the grant of consent to surrender such group relief, and shall claim or cause to be claimed the maximum amount of group relief available for U.K. Tax purposes with respect to such Tax Returns, after claiming the maximum available group relief within their own respective U.K. groups.
(b) Tax Package . To the extent not previously provided, HLT shall (at its own cost and expense), prepare and provide or cause to be prepared and provided to PK and HGV a Tax Package relating to any PK Straddle Income Tax Return (in the case of PK) or HGV Straddle Income Tax Return (in the case of HGV). Such Tax Package shall be provided in a timely manner. In the event HLT does not fulfill its obligations pursuant to this Section 2.2(b), PK or HGV, as applicable, shall be entitled, at the sole cost and expense of HLT, to prepare or cause to be prepared the information required to be included in the Tax Package for purposes of preparing any such PK Straddle Income Tax Return or HGV Straddle Income Tax Return.
(c) Procedures Relating to the Preparation and Filing of PK Straddle Income Tax Returns and HGV Straddle Income Tax Returns .
(i) PK (in the case of PK Straddle Income Tax Returns required to be filed after the Distribution Date) and HGV (in the case of HGV Straddle Income Tax Returns required to be filed after the Distribution Date) shall, no later than thirty (30) days prior to the Due Date of each such Tax Return (reduced to twenty (20) days for state or local Tax Returns), shall make available or cause to be made available drafts of such Tax Returns to HLT. HLT shall have access to any and all data and information reasonably necessary for its review of all such Tax Returns, and PK or HGV (as the case may be) shall cooperate fully in the preparation and review of such Tax Returns. Subject to the preceding sentence, no later than fifteen (15) days after receipt of such Tax Returns (reduced to five (5) days for state or local Tax Returns), HLT shall have a right to object to such PK Straddle Income Tax Return or such HGV Straddle Income Tax Return (or, in each case, items with respect thereto) by written notice to PK or HGV (as applicable); such written notice shall contain such disputed item (or items) and the basis for its objection.
15
(ii) With respect to a PK Straddle Income Tax Return or HGV Straddle Income Tax Return submitted by PK or HGV (as applicable) to HLT pursuant to Section 2.2(c)(i), if HLT does not object by proper written notice within the time period described, such Tax Return shall be deemed to have been accepted and agreed upon, and to be final and conclusive, for purposes of this Section 2.2(c)(ii). If HLT does object by proper written notice within such applicable time period, PK or HGV (as applicable) shall reflect HLTs comments on such Tax Return; provided , however , that PK or HGV (as applicable) shall not be required to reflect comments to the extent such comments are inconsistent with the standards set forth in Section 2.2(a). The Parties shall act in good faith to resolve any such dispute as promptly as practicable. If the Parties have not reached a final resolution with respect to all disputed items for which proper written notice was given within ten (10) days prior to the Due Date for such Tax Return, then any disputed issues shall be submitted to an Big Four Accounting Firm (excluding any firm involved in preparing such Tax Return) mutually agreed by the Parties for a final binding resolution.
Section 2.3 Responsibility of Parties to Prepare and File Post-Distribution Income Tax Returns and Non-Income Tax Returns .
(a) General . The Party or its Affiliate responsible under applicable Law for filing a Post-Distribution Income Tax Return or a Non-Income Tax Return (in each case required to be filed after the Distribution Date) shall prepare and file or cause to be prepared and filed that Tax Return (at that Partys own cost and expense). All such Tax Returns shall be filed in a manner (i) consistent with (and the Parties and their Affiliates shall not take any position inconsistent with) the IRS Ruling, the Tax Representation Letters, and the Tax Opinions and (ii) consistent with any (1) in the case of any Post-Distribution Income Tax Return, any Pre-Distribution Income Tax Returns and (2) in the case of any Non-Income Tax Return, consistent with past practice.
(b) Procedures Relating to the Preparation and Filing of Non-Income Tax Returns.
(i) If the Party responsible for paying any Taxes shown on a Non-Income Tax Return set forth on Schedule 2.3 (the Paying Party ) is different from the Party responsible for preparing such Non-Income Tax Return under Section 2.3(a) (the Preparing Party ), the Preparing Party shall, no later than thirty (30) days prior to the Due Date of each such Tax Return, shall make available or cause to be made available drafts of such Non-Income Tax Return to the Paying Party. The Paying Party shall have access to any and all data and information reasonably necessary for its review of all such Non-Income Tax Return, and the Preparing Party shall cooperate fully in the preparation and review of such Non-Income Tax Return. Subject to the preceding sentence, no later than fifteen (15) days after receipt of such Non-Income Tax Return, the Paying Party shall have a right to object to such Non-Income Tax Return (or items with respect thereto) by written notice to the Preparing Party; such written notice shall contain such disputed item (or items) and the basis for its objection.
16
(ii) With respect to a Non-Income Tax Return submitted by the Preparing Party to the Paying Party pursuant to Section 2.3(b)(i), if the Paying Party does not object by proper written notice within the time period described, such Non-Income Tax Return shall be deemed to have been accepted and agreed upon, and to be final and conclusive, for purposes of this Section 2.2(b)(ii). If the Paying Party does object by proper written notice within such applicable time period, the Preparing Party shall reflect the Paying Partys comments on such Non-Income Tax Return; provided , however , that the Preparing Party shall not be required to reflect comments to the extent such comments are inconsistent with the standards set forth in Section 2.2(a). The Parties shall act in good faith to resolve any such dispute as promptly as practicable. If the Parties have not reached a final resolution with respect to all disputed items for which proper written notice was given within ten (10) days prior to the Due Date for such Non-Income Tax Return, then any disputed issues shall be submitted to an Big Four Accounting Firm (excluding any firm involved in preparing such Tax Return) mutually agreed by the Parties for a final binding resolution.
Section 2.4 Time of Filing Tax Returns . Each Tax Return shall be filed on or prior to the Due Date for such Tax Return by the Party responsible for filing such Tax Return hereunder.
Section 2.5 Costs and Expenses . The party responsible for preparing any Tax Return or Tax Package under Section 2.1, 2.2, or 2.3 shall be responsible for the costs and expenses associated with preparing such Tax Return or Tax Package.
ARTICLE III
RESPONSIBILITY FOR PAYMENT OF TAXES
Section 3.1 Responsibility for Payment of Taxes . Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, each of HLT, PK and HGV shall be liable for and shall pay or cause to be paid the Taxes shown on the Tax Returns for which it has the responsibility to prepare under Article II to the applicable Taxing Authority.
Section 3.2 Reimbursement of Straddle Income Taxes and Restructuring Taxes . No later than five (5) Business Days prior to the relevant Due Date for Taxes described in Section 3.1, a member of the HLT Group shall pay HGV or PK, as applicable, an amount in immediately available funds equal to such Taxes to the extent they represent Restructuring Taxes shown on Tax Returns for which HGV or PK, as applicable, has responsibility to prepare under Article II or are Income Taxes shown on HGV Straddle Income Tax Returns or PK Straddle Income Tax Returns, as applicable, that relate to the portion of the relevant Straddle Tax Period (as determined under Section 10.2) ending on the Distribution Date. No later than five (5) Business Days prior to relevant Due Date for Taxes shown on Non-Income Tax Returns, the Parties (or members of their Group) shall make payments in immediately available funds to the other Parties for any Taxes for which the Paying Party is responsible pursuant to Schedule 2.3.
Section 3.3 Timing of Payments of Taxes . All Taxes required to be paid or caused to be paid by a Party to a Taxing Authority pursuant to this Article III shall be paid or caused to be paid by such Party on or prior to the Due Date of such Taxes. All amounts required to be paid by one Party to another Party pursuant to this Article III shall be paid or caused to be paid by such first Party to such other Party in accordance with Article VII.
17
ARTICLE IV
REFUNDS, CARRYBACKS AND AMENDED TAX RETURNS
Section 4.1 Refunds .
(a) Each Party shall be entitled to refunds (including any similar credit or offset of Taxes) that relate to Taxes for which it is liable hereunder in accordance with Article III (taking into account Section 3.2), including any refunds (or similar credit or offset of Taxes) resulting from overpayments of estimated Taxes on or prior to the Distribution Date in respect of a Straddle Tax Period; provided , however , that each Party shall be entitled to refunds (including any similar credit or offset of Taxes) that relate to Taxes for which it was actually liable in accordance with Article V or Article VIII.
(b) Any refund or portion thereof to which a Party is entitled pursuant to this Section 4.1 that is received or deemed to have been received as described herein by another Party, shall be paid by such other Party to such first Party in immediately available funds in accordance with Article VII.
Section 4.2 Carrybacks . PK and HGV agree and will cause their Subsidiaries not to carry back any Tax Attribute for any taxable period ending after the Distribution Date to an HLT Combined Income Tax Return or any Pre-Distribution Income Tax Return, except as is required by applicable Law; provided that where such Tax Attribute is so required to be carried back, HLT shall reimburse PK or HGV, as applicable, for any Tax Benefit Actually Realized with respect to such Tax Attribute.
Section 4.3 Amended Tax Returns .
(a) Notwithstanding Sections 2.1 and 2.2, a Party or its Subsidiary that is entitled to file an amended Tax Return for a Pre-Distribution Tax Period or a Straddle Tax Period for members of its Group shall be permitted to prepare and file an amended Tax Return at its own cost and expense; provided , however , that (i) such amended Tax Return shall be prepared in a manner: (x) consistent with the past practice of the Parties and their Affiliates unless otherwise modified by a Final Determination or required by applicable Law; (y) consistent with (and the Parties and their Affiliates shall not take any position inconsistent with) the IRS Ruling, the Tax Representation Letters, and the Tax Opinions; and (z) consistent with any HLT Combined Income Tax Returns; and (ii) if such amended Tax Return could result in one or more other Parties becoming responsible for a payment of Taxes pursuant to Article III or a payment to a Party pursuant to Article VIII, such amended Tax Return shall be permitted only if the consent of such other Parties is obtained. The consent of such other Parties shall not be withheld unreasonably and shall be deemed to be obtained in the event that a Party or its Subsidiary is required to file an amended Tax Return as a result of an Audit adjustment that arose in accordance with Article VIII.
18
(b) A Party or its Subsidiary that is entitled to file an amended Tax Return for a Post-Distribution Tax Period shall be permitted to do so without the consent of any Party.
(c) A Party that is permitted (or whose Subsidiary is permitted) to file an amended Tax Return shall not be relieved of any liability for payments pursuant to this Agreement notwithstanding that another Party consented thereto.
ARTICLE V
DISTRIBUTION TAXES
Section 5.1 Liability for Distribution Taxes . In the event that Distribution Taxes become due and payable to a Taxing Authority pursuant to a Final Determination or are paid in the reasonable good faith discretion of the relevant Audit Representative, then, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement:
(a) No Fault . If such Distribution Taxes are not attributable to the Fault for Distribution Purposes of any Party or any of its Affiliates, the responsibility for such Distribution Taxes shall be shared by the Parties in accordance with their Sharing Percentages. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, such Distribution Taxes shall not be subject to Article III or Section 8.3.
(b) Fault . If such Distribution Taxes are attributable to the Fault for Distribution Purposes of one or more Parties or any of their Affiliates, the responsibility for such Distribution Taxes shall reside with the Party or Parties at Fault for Distribution Purposes. If more than one Party is at Fault for Distribution Purposes, the responsibility for the Distribution Taxes shall be allocated equally among all of the Parties at Fault for Distribution Purposes. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, such Distribution Taxes shall not be subject to Article III or Section 8.3.
Section 5.2 Definition of Fault for Distribution Purposes . For purposes of this Agreement, Distribution Taxes shall be deemed to result from the fault ( Fault for Distribution Purposes ) of a Party if such Distribution Taxes are attributable to, or result from:
(a) any act, or failure or omission to act, by such Party or any of such Partys Affiliates following the Distributions that results in one or more Parties (or any of their Affiliates) being responsible for such Distribution Taxes pursuant to a Final Determination, regardless of whether such act or failure to act (i) is covered by a Post-Distribution Ruling, Unqualified Tax Opinion, or waiver in accordance with Section 5.3, or (ii) occurs during or after the Restricted Period, or
(b) the direct or indirect acquisition of all or a portion of the stock of such Party (or any transaction or series of related transactions that is deemed to be such an acquisition for purposes of Section 355(e) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder) by any means whatsoever by any person including pursuant to an issuance or repurchase of stock by such Party or any of its Affiliates.
19
Section 5.3 Limits on Proposed Acquisition Transactions and Other Transactions During Restricted Period . During the Restricted Period, neither PK nor HGV shall (or allow any of their respective Subsidiaries to take any such action with respect to PK or HGV):
(a) allow any Proposed Acquisition Transaction to occur with respect to PK or HGV (as applicable);
(b) merge or consolidate with any other Person or dissolve, liquidate or partially liquidate (other than a wholly owned Subsidiary of PK or HGV, as applicable, merging or consolidating with PK or HGV or another wholly owned Subsidiary of such PK or HGV, as applicable);
(c) approve or allow the discontinuance, cessation, or sale or other transfer (to an Affiliate or otherwise) of any Active Business by PK or HGV, as applicable, for purposes of Section 355 of the Code;
(d) sell or otherwise dispose of more than 35 percent (35%) of its consolidated gross or net assets or allow the sale or other disposition (to an Affiliate or otherwise) of more than 35 percent (35%) of the consolidated gross or net assets of PK or HGV (as applicable) (in each case, excluding sales in the ordinary course of business, sales the net cash proceeds (taking into account any Taxes payable) of which are reinvested in other assets (including pursuant to an exchange under Section 1031 of the Code) and sales the net cash proceeds (taking into account any Taxes payable) of which are used to repay indebtedness, and measured based on fair market values as of the date of the applicable Distribution or other transaction);
(e) amend its certificate of incorporation (or other organizational documents) or take any other action or approve or allow the taking of any action, whether through a stockholder vote or otherwise, in each case that affects the economic or voting rights of the stock of such Party (in each case, other than certain amendments to such certificates of incorporation to be made in connection with the transactions contemplated by that certain Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of October 24, 2016 among HNA Tourism Group Company Limited and the seller parties named therein);
(f) purchase, directly or through any Affiliate, any of its outstanding stock after the Distributions, other than through stock purchases meeting the requirements of Section 4.05(1)(b) of Revenue Procedure 96-30;
(g) take any action or fail to take any action, or permit any of its Affiliates to take any action or fail to take any action, that is inconsistent with the representations and covenants made in the IRS Ruling or in the Tax Representation Letters, or that is inconsistent with any rulings or opinions in the IRS Ruling or any Tax Opinion;
(h) in the case of PK, materially reduce the size or scope of the Select Hotels Business or the Hotel Laundry Business conducted by PKs separate affiliated group within the meaning of Section 355(b)(3)(B) of the Code;
20
(i) in the case of PK, enter into an exchange pursuant to Section 1031 of the Code with respect to any of the assets comprising the Select Hotels Business or the Hotel Laundry Business; or
(j) enter into an arrangement or agreement to do any of the foregoing.
provided , however , that a Party (the Requesting Party ) shall be permitted to take such action or one or more actions set forth in the foregoing clauses (a) through (g) if such action is described in the Reorganization Slide Deck or if, prior to taking any such actions: (1) such Requesting Party or HLT shall have received a favorable private letter ruling from the IRS, or a ruling from another Taxing Authority (a Post-Distribution Ruling ), in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to HLT and upon which HLT, PK and HGV are entitled to rely that confirms that such action or actions will not result in Distribution Taxes, taking into account such actions and any other relevant transactions in the aggregate; (2) such Requesting Party shall have received an Unqualified Tax Opinion that confirms that such action or actions will not result in Distribution Taxes, taking into account such actions and any other relevant transactions in the aggregate; or (3) such Requesting Party shall have received a written statement from each of the other Parties that provides that such other Party waives the requirement to obtain a Post-Distribution Ruling or Unqualified Tax Opinion described in this paragraph. The Requesting Party shall bear all costs and expenses of securing any such Post-Distribution Ruling or Unqualified Tax Opinion.
Section 5.4 Certain Limitations on PK with Respect to its Stock .
(a) During the Restricted Period, PK may not issue any of its stock or take any action with respect to its stock that would cause an Acquisition (including redemptions or repurchases), or issue any options or other instruments that grant the holder a right (including if PK has a right to settle the obligation with property other than PK stock) to complete an Acquisition (any such issuance or other transaction, a PK Issuance ); provided that HGV shall have no right to enforce this Section 5.4(a) against PK.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 5.4(a), a PK Issuance shall be permitted if, immediately after such PK Issuance, the PK Applicable Percentage will be less than or equal to the PK Percentage Shift Limit.
(c) Notwithstanding Section 5.4(a), a PK Issuance shall be permitted where such PK Issuance (or the related issuance of stock in the case of an option issuance) is described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.355-7(d)(8) (other than a PK Issuance made in connection with a merger or other acquisition transaction by a third party; provided , that no PK Issuance will be deemed to be connected with an acquisition pursuant to a secondary sale for cash of PK stock by one or more Blackstone Entities in a public offering).
(d) Notwithstanding Section 5.4(a), a PK Issuance shall be permitted if PK provides an Unqualified 355(e) Opinion to HLT; provided, further, that in the case of a PK Issuance of stock pursuant to an exercise of an option or other instrument that grants the holder a right (including if PK has a right to settle the obligation with property other than PK stock) to complete such an acquisition, such PK Issuance shall be permitted if PK provided an Unqualified 355(e) Opinion to HLT in respect of the PK Issuance of such option or other instrument.
21
(e) A PK Issuance which is permitted pursuant to Section 5.4(c) or (d) shall be disregarded for purposes of clauses (a)(i) and (b)(i) of the definition of PK Applicable Percentage.
(f) Upon a Reallocation Event with respect to PK stock, the Blackstone Representative, on the one hand, and PK, on the other, shall use reasonable efforts to allocate the Reallocation Event Reduction to and reduce the Blackstone-PK Percentage Shift Limit and/or PK Percentage Shift Limit. If the Blackstone Representative and PK do not agree on an allocation, the Reallocation Event Reduction shall first be allocated to and reduce the PK Percentage Shift Limit (but not below the PK Applicable Percentage as of the time of the Reallocation Event). Any excess Reallocation Event Reduction shall be allocated to and reduce the Blackstone-PK Percentage Shift Limit (but not below the Blackstone-PK Applicable Percentage as of the time of the Reallocation Event). For the avoidance of doubt, the sum (immediately before the Reallocation Event) of the Blackstone-PK Percentage Shift Limit and PK Percentage Shift Limit shall equal the sum (immediately after the Reallocation Event), of the Reallocation Event Reduction plus Blackstone-PK Percentage Shift Limit and PK Percentage Shift Limit. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5.4(f), if the Blackstone Representative or PK provides an Unqualified 355(e) Opinion with respect to a purported Reallocation Event to HLT, such purported Reallocation Event shall not constitute a Reallocation Event.
(g) During the Restricted Period, if a proposed PK Issuance is a redemption or repurchase, then, immediately before such PK Issuance, (i) the Blackstone-PK Percentage Shift Limit shall be increased or decreased (but not below the Blackstone-PK Applicable Percentage as of immediately before such PK Issuance) such that the number of shares permitted to be Disposed of under Section 2.2(a)(ii) of the Stockholders Agreement remains unchanged immediately after such PK Issuance (other than to reflect shares of PK actually redeemed or repurchased from the Blackstone Entities pursuant to such PK Issuance), and (ii) the PK Percentage Shift Limit shall be decreased (in the case of an increase in clause (i), but not below the PK Applicable Percentage as of immediately before such PK Issuance) or increased (in the case of a decrease in clause (i)) by the amount set forth in clause (i). If clause (ii) calls for a reduction in the PK Percentage Shift Limit and the amount of such reduction would be limited by the parenthetical therein, then, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement (including Section 5.4(d)), PK shall not undertake such PK Issuance without the written consent of the Blackstone Representative; provided that in the event the Blackstone Representative so consents, the amount of the increase set forth in (i) shall not exceed the amount of the decrease set forth in (ii). For the avoidance of doubt, a PK Issuance that satisfies the requirements of this Section 5.4(g) remains subject to the provisions of this Agreement, including, without limitation, this Section 5.4. For the avoidance of doubt, if a proposed PK Issuance is not consummated, the Blackstone-PK Percentage Shift Limit and PK Percentage Shift Limit shall not be adjusted pursuant to this Section 5.4(g) as a result of such proposed PK Issuance.
(h) For purposes of computing the (a) PK Applicable Percentage, (b) Blackstone-PK Applicable Percentage or (c) Reallocation Event Reduction, any calculation of the shift of ownership of PK under Section 355(e) shall take into account (i) any IRS private letter ruling received by one or more of HLT, PK, HGV and/or the Blackstone Entities and (ii) any unqualified will opinion of a Qualified Tax Advisor (or, with respect to an opinion delivered by HLT, should opinion) addressed to HLT and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to HLT, without substantive qualifications, in each case addressing the manner in which the calculation of such shift is performed.
22
(i) The provisions of this Section 5.4 are intended for the benefit of, and shall be enforceable by, each of the Blackstone Entities.
Section 5.5 IRS Ruling, Tax Representation Letters, and Tax Opinions; Consistency . Each Party represents that the information and representations furnished with respect to such Party or its Subsidiaries in or in connection with the IRS Ruling, the Tax Representation Letters, or the Tax Opinions are accurate and complete as of the Effective Time. Each Party covenants that if, after the Effective Time, it or any of its Affiliates obtains information indicating, or otherwise becomes aware, that any such information or representations is or may be inaccurate or incomplete, to promptly inform the other Parties.
Section 5.6 Timing of Payment of Taxes . All Distribution Taxes required to be paid or caused to be paid by a Party to a Taxing Authority under applicable Law shall be paid or caused to be paid by such Party on or prior to the Due Date of such Distribution Taxes. All amounts required to be paid by one Party to another Party (including obligations arising under Article VI) pursuant to this Article V shall be paid or caused to be paid by such first Party to such other Party in accordance with Article VII.
Section 5.7 Protective Section 336(e) Elections .
(a) PK, on the one hand, and each of OpCo and HGV, on the other, 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 applicable Internal Distribution in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.336-2(h) and (j) (and any applicable provisions under state and local law), and the Parties 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 5.7(a) is intended to constitute binding, written agreements to make elections under Section 336(e) of the Code with respect to the Internal Distributions. If an election under Section 336(e) of the Code is unavailable to PK, on the one hand, and OpCo or HGV, on the other, in connection with the applicable Internal Distribution, PK and HLT shall (and shall cause their Affiliates to) cooperate in making an effective election under Section 338(h)(10) of the Code (and any similar election under state or local law) with respect to such applicable Internal Distribution and cooperate with respect to any related filings or procedures (including having PK and HLT file an election under Section 338(h)(10) of the Code under the relief provisions of Treasury Regulation Sections 301.9100-1, et. seq. and filing or amending any Tax Returns to implement an election that becomes effective).
(b) HLT and HGV 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 HGV Distribution in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.336-2(h) and (j) (and any applicable provisions under state and local law) and 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 5.7(b) is intended to constitute a binding, written agreement to make an election under Section 336(e) of the Code with respect to the HGV Distribution.
23
(c) HLT shall, within six (6) months of the Distribution Date, determine in its good faith discretion whether HLT and PK and/or any additional applicable parent and subsidiary entities shall make a protective election under Section 336(e) of the Code (and any similar election under state or local law) in accordance with Treasury Regulation Section 1.336-2(h) and (j) (and any applicable provisions under state and local law) with respect to the PK or the Subsidiaries of HLT immediately before the first of the External Distributions. If HLT so determines that HLT and PK and/or an applicable parent and subsidiary entity shall make a protective election under Section 336(e), the relevant Parties shall cooperate (and shall cause their respective Affiliates to cooperate) in the timely completion and/or filings of such elections and any related filings or procedures and any similar procedures or relief provisions with respect to Section 338(h)(10) of the Code in the event a protective election under Section 336(e) is not available with respect to an Internal Distribution. The Parties shall cooperate (and shall cause their respective Affiliates to cooperate) in causing HLT and PK and/or the applicable parent and subsidiary entities to enter into binding agreements to make such elections under Section 336(e) of the Code within twenty (20) days following such determination.
(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in the event that an election contemplated in Section 5.7 is made and becomes effective, then the Parties shall share in the Tax Benefit Actually Realized as a result of such election in accordance with the Parties relative responsibility for such Taxes under this Article V, and payments shall be made between the Parties, if necessary.
ARTICLE VI
INDEMNIFICATION
Section 6.1 Indemnification Obligations of HLT . HLT and OpCo shall jointly and severally indemnify PK and its Affiliates and HGV and its Affiliates and hold the indemnified party harmless from and against (without duplication):
(a) all Taxes and other amounts for which the HLT Group is responsible under this Agreement and any related Losses; and
(b) all Taxes and Losses attributable to a breach of any representation, covenant, or obligation of HLT or OpCo under this Agreement.
Section 6.2 Indemnification Obligations of PK . PK shall indemnify OpCo and its Affiliates and HGV and its Affiliates and hold them harmless from and against (without duplication):
(a) all Taxes and other amounts for which the PK Group is responsible under this Agreement and any related Losses; and
(b) all Taxes and Losses attributable to a breach of any representation, covenant, or obligation of PK under this Agreement.
24
Section 6.3 Indemnification Obligations of HGV . HGV shall indemnify HLT and its Affiliates and PK and its Affiliates and hold them harmless from and against (without duplication):
(a) all Taxes and other amounts for which the HGV Group is responsible under this Agreement and any related Losses; and
(b) all Taxes and Losses attributable to a breach of any representation, covenant or obligation of HGV under this Agreement.
Section 6.4 Protected REITs . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, in the event that counsel or independent accountants for a Protected REIT determine that there exists a material risk that any indemnification payments due under this Agreement would be treated as Nonqualifying Income upon the payment of such amounts to the relevant Indemnified Party, the amount paid to the Indemnified Party pursuant to this Agreement in any tax year shall not exceed the maximum amount that can be paid to the Indemnified Party in such year without causing the Protected REIT to fail to meet the REIT Requirements for any tax year, determined as if the payment of such amount were Nonqualifying Income as determined by such counsel or independent accountants to the Protected REIT. If the amount payable for any tax year pursuant to the preceding sentence is less than the amount which the relevant Indemnifying Party would otherwise be obligated to pay to the relevant Indemnified Party pursuant to this Agreement (the Expense Amount ), then: (1) the Indemnifying Party shall place the Expense Amount into an escrow account (the Escrow Account ) using an escrow agent and agreement reasonably acceptable to the Indemnified Party (which shall include that (y) the amount in the Escrow Account shall be treated as the property of the Indemnifying Party, unless it is released from such Escrow Account to the Indemnified Party, and (z) all income earned upon the amount in the Escrow Account shall be treated as the property of the Indemnifying Party and reported, as and to the extent required by applicable Law, by the escrow agent to the IRS, or any other taxing authority, on IRS Form 1099 or 1042S (or other appropriate form) as income earned by the Indemnifying Party whether or not said income has been distributed during such taxable year) and shall not release any portion thereof to the Indemnified Party, and the Indemnified Party shall not be entitled to any such amount, unless and until the Indemnified Party delivers to the Indemnifying Party, at the sole option of the relevant Protected REIT, (i) an opinion (an Expense Amount Tax Opinion ) of the Protected REITs tax counsel to the effect that such amount, if and to the extent paid, would not constitute Nonqualifying Income, (ii) a letter (an Expense Amount Accountants Letter ) from the Protected REITs independent accountants indicating the maximum portion of the Expense Amount that can be paid at that time to the Indemnified Party without causing the Protected REIT to fail to meet the REIT Requirements for any relevant taxable year, or (iii) a private letter ruling issued by the IRS to the Protected REIT indicating that the receipt of any Expense Amount hereunder will not cause the Protected REIT to fail to satisfy the REIT Requirements (a REIT Qualification Ruling and, collectively with an Expense Amount Tax Opinion and an Expense Amount Accountants Letter, a Release Document ); (2) pending the delivery of a Release Document by the Indemnified Party to the Indemnifying Party, the Indemnified Party shall have the right, but not the obligation, to borrow the Expense Amount from the Escrow Account pursuant to a loan agreement reasonably acceptable to the Indemnified Party that (i) requires the Indemnifying Party to lend the Indemnified Party immediately available cash proceeds in an amount equal to the Expense
25
Amount, and (ii) provides for (A) a commercially reasonable interest rate and commercially reasonable covenants, taking into account the credit standing and profile of the Indemnified Party or any guarantor of the Indemnified Party, including the Protected REIT, at the time of such loan, and (B) a fifteen (15) year maturity with no periodic amortization; and (3) the Indemnified Party shall bear all costs and expenses with respect to the escrow as contemplated by clauses (1) and (2) in this Section 6.4.
ARTICLE VII
PAYMENTS
Section 7.1 Payments .
(a) General . In the event that an Indemnifying Party is required to make a payment to an Indemnified Party pursuant to this Agreement, such payment shall be made to the Indemnified Party within the time prescribed for payment in this Agreement, or if no period is prescribed, within twenty (20) days after delivery of written notice of payment owing together with a computation of the amounts due. If the Indemnifying Party fails to make a payment to the Indemnified Party within the time period set forth in this Section 7.1 or as otherwise provided in this Agreement, such Indemnifying Party shall pay to the Indemnified Party interest that accrues (at a rate equal to LIBOR) on the amount of such payment from the time that such payment was due to the Indemnified Party until the date that payment is actually made to the Indemnified Party; provided , however , that this provision for interest shall not be construed to give the Indemnifying Party the right to defer payment beyond the due date hereunder.
(b) Right of Setoff . It is expressly understood that an Indemnifying Party is hereby authorized to set off and apply any and all amounts required to be paid to an Indemnified Party pursuant to this Section 7.1 against any and all of the obligations of the Indemnified Party to the Indemnifying Party arising under Section 7.1 of this Agreement that are then either due and payable or past due, irrespective of whether such Indemnifying Party has made any demand for payment with respect to such obligations.
Section 7.2 Treatment of Payments made Pursuant to Tax Matters Agreement . Unless otherwise required by a Final Determination or this Agreement or otherwise agreed to among the Parties, for U.S. federal Tax purposes, any payment (other than payments of interest pursuant to Section 7.1(a)) made pursuant to this Agreement by:
(a) PK to OpCo shall be treated for all Tax purposes as a tax-free contribution by PK to OpCo with respect to its stock occurring immediately before the Internal Distribution of OpCo common stock;
(b) HGV to HLT shall be treated for all Tax purposes as a distribution by HGV to HLT with respect to its stock occurring after HGV is directly owned by HLT and immediately before the HGV Distribution;
(c) OpCo to PK shall be treated for all Tax purposes as a distribution by OpCo to PK with respect to stock of OpCo occurring immediately before the Internal Distribution of OpCo common stock;
26
(d) HLT to PK shall be treated for all Tax purposes as a tax-free contribution by HLT to PK with respect to its stock occurring immediately before the PK Distribution;
(e) HLT to HGV shall be treated for all Tax purposes as a tax-free contribution by HLT to HGV with respect to its stock occurring after HGV is directly owned by HLT and immediately before the HGV Distribution;
(f) PK to HGV shall be treated for all Tax purposes as a tax-free contribution by PK to HGV with respect to its stock occurring immediately before the Internal Distribution of HGV Common Stock;
(g) HGV to PK shall be treated for all Tax purposes as a distribution by HGV to PK with respect to its stock occurring immediately before the Internal Distribution of HGV Common Stock; and
(h) in each case, none of the Parties shall take any position inconsistent with such treatment. In the event that a Taxing Authority asserts that a Partys treatment of a payment pursuant to this Agreement should be other than as required pursuant to this Agreement (ignoring any potential inconsistent or adverse Final Determination), such Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to contest such challenge.
Section 7.3 Payments Net of Tax Benefit Actually Realized and Tax Cost . Subject to Section 5.7(d), all amounts required to be paid by one Party to another pursuant to this Agreement or the Distribution Agreement shall be reduced by the Tax Benefit Actually Realized by the Indemnified Party or its Affiliates in the taxable year the payment is made or any prior taxable year as a result of the claim giving rise to the payment. If the receipt or accrual of any such payment (other than payments of interest pursuant Section 11.11 of the Distribution Agreement or Section 7.1(a)) results in taxable income to the Indemnified Party or its Affiliates, such payment shall be increased so that, after the payment of any Taxes with respect to the payment, the Indemnified Party or its Affiliates shall have realized the same net amount it would have realized had the payment not resulted in taxable income.
ARTICLE VIII
AUDITS
Section 8.1 Notice . Within twenty (20) Business Days after a Party or any of its Affiliates receives a written notice from a Taxing Authority of the existence of an Audit that may require indemnification pursuant to this Agreement, that Party shall notify the other Parties of such receipt and send such notice to the other Parties via overnight mail. The failure of one Party to notify the other Parties of an Audit shall not relieve such other Party of any liability and/or obligation that it may have under this Agreement, except to the extent that the Indemnifying Partys rights under this Agreement are materially prejudiced by such failure.
Section 8.2 Audits .
(a) Determination of Administering Party .
27
(i) Subject to Sections 8.2(b) and 8.2(c), HLT and its Subsidiaries shall administer and control all Audits of Pre-Distribution Income Tax Returns.
(ii) Audits of PK Straddle Income Tax Returns, HGV Straddle Income Tax Returns, Post-Distribution Income Tax Returns, and Non-Income Tax Returns shall be administered and controlled by the Party and its Subsidiaries that would be primarily liable under applicable Law to pay to the applicable Taxing Authority the Taxes resulting from such Audits. Audits of Post-Distribution Income Tax Returns and Non-Income Tax Returns for taxable periods beginning after the Distribution Date shall not be subject to Sections 8.2(b) and 8.2(c).
(b) Administration and Control; Cooperation .
(i) Subject to Sections 8.2(b)(ii) and 8.2(c), the Audit Management Party shall have absolute authority to make all decisions (determined in its sole discretion) with respect to the administration and control of such Audit, including the selection of all external advisors. In that regard, the Audit Management Party (a) may in its sole discretion settle or otherwise determine not to continue to contest any issue related to such Audit without the consent of the other Parties, and (b) shall, as soon as reasonably practicable and prior to settlement of an issue that could cause one or more other Parties to become responsible for Taxes under Section 8.3, notify the Audit Representatives of such other Parties of such settlement. The other Parties shall (and shall cause their Affiliates to) undertake all actions and execute all documents (including an extension of the applicable statute of limitations) that are determined in the sole discretion of the Audit Management Party to be necessary to effectuate such administration and control. The Parties shall act in good faith and use their reasonable best efforts to cooperate fully with each other Party (and their Affiliates) in connection with such Audit and shall provide or cause their Subsidiaries to provide such information to each other as may be necessary or useful with respect to such Audit in a timely manner, identify and provide access to potential witnesses, and other persons with knowledge and other information within its control and reasonably necessary to the resolution of the Audit.
(ii) In the case of any Audit in respect of Distribution Taxes for which a Party could be liable pursuant to Section 5.1(b), such Party shall have the rights of a Participating Party described in Section 8.2(c); provided , however , that the relevant Audit Management Party shall not settle such Audit without the prior written consent of such Party that could be liable for Distribution Taxes pursuant to Section 5.1(b). In the event more than one Party would be liable under Section 5.1(b), such Parties shall each have the rights described in this Section 8.2(b)(ii) with respect to such Audit.
(c) Participation Rights of Parties and Information Sharing with respect to Audits .
(i) Each Party that would be responsible under Section 8.3 for Taxes resulting from an Audit (other than the Audit Management Party) (a Participating Party ) shall have the rights as set forth in this Section 8.2(c) with respect to such Audit. Upon the reasonable request of a Participating Party, the Audit Management Party shall make available relevant personnel and external advisors to meet with the Participating Party and its independent auditor in order to review the status of the Audits. The Participating Parties shall provide the Audit Management Party with reasonable notice of such requested meetings or information.
28
(ii) Each Participating Party shall have access to any written documentation in the possession of the Audit Management Party that pertains to the Audit (including any written summaries of issues that the Audit Management Party has developed in the context of evaluating the financial reporting of the Audit); provided , however , that if documentation was prepared solely by or on behalf of a Party, then the documentation must relate to the joint defense of the Audit. Copies of the documentation will be made available to the Participating Parties at their sole cost and expense.
(iii) Upon becoming aware of any scheduled meeting or scheduled phone call with an Audit agent, the Audit Management Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to inform each Participating Party of the time, location and/or expected subject matter of such meeting or phone call. Such Participating Party shall be entitled to designate a representative to attend such meeting or phone call (it being understood that the Audit Management Party shall not have any obligation to reschedule any such meeting or phone call to facilitate such representatives attendance); provided , however , that such Participating Party (and its representative) may not actively participate in such meeting or phone call.
(iv) The Participating Parties are encouraged to provide consultation to the Audit Management Party in regards to Audit strategy and shall, upon request of the Audit Management Party, provide such consultation. The Participating Party may elect to employ separate counsel to advise the Participating Party as additional counsel in or in connection with an Audit, but in that event, the fees and expenses of the separate counsel shall be paid solely by the Participating Party. The Audit Management Party shall in good faith consider all advice and other input received from the Participating Parties in connection with their consultations with respect to an Audit. However, the Audit Management Party shall retain the sole authority to make all Audit decisions. In that regard, the Participating Parties and their separate counsels shall not be allowed to participate in any Audit-related meetings other than those described in (i), (ii) or (iii) above, respond directly to a Taxing Authority conducting the Audit, or in any manner control resolution of the Audit.
(d) Power of Attorney/Officer Signature . Each Party hereby appoints (and shall cause its Subsidiaries to appoint) the Audit Management Party (and its designated representatives) as its agent and attorney-in-fact to take the actions the Audit Management Party deems necessary or appropriate to implement the responsibilities of the Audit Management Party under this Agreement. Each Party also shall (or shall cause its Subsidiaries to) execute and deliver to the Audit Management Party a power of attorney, and such other documents as are reasonably requested from time to time by the Audit Management Party (or its designee).
Section 8.3 Payment of Audit Amounts .
(a) Except as set forth in Section 8.3(b) or (c), in connection with any Audit of any Income Tax Return or Non-Income Tax Return, in each case for a Pre-Distribution Tax Period or a Straddle Tax Period:
(i) A member of the HLT Group shall be liable for and shall pay or cause to be paid to the applicable Taxing Authority, PK or HGV (as the case may be) the HLT Allocable Audit Portion owed as a result of such Audit;
29
(ii) PK shall be liable for and shall pay or cause to be paid to the applicable Taxing Authority, a member of the HLT Group or HGV (as the case may be) the PK Allocable Audit Portion owed as a result of such Audit;
(iii) HGV shall be liable for and shall pay or cause to be paid to the applicable Taxing Authority, a member of the HLT Group or PK (as the case may be) the HGV Allocable Audit Portion owed as a result of such Audit.
(b) All additional U.S. federal, state or local Income Taxes for a Pre-Distribution Tax Period or a Straddle Tax Period due and payable as a result of an Audit of an Income Tax Return for a Pre-Distribution Tax Period or a Straddle Tax Period relating to an item listed on Schedule 8.3(b) (including any corresponding or correlative adjustments for U.S. federal, state or local Income Tax purposes) ( Specified Audit Taxes ) shall be allocated first , to a member of the HLT Group up to an aggregate amount equal to ninety million dollars ($90,000,000), and second , among the Parties in accordance with their respective Sharing Percentages. All additional Taxes that are Restructuring Taxes and are due and payable as a result of an Audit shall be allocated among the Parties in accordance with their respective Sharing Percentages. Each Party shall be liable for any shall pay or cause to be paid to the applicable Taxing Authority all such Taxes so allocated to it.
(c) Third Party Indemnity Payments . Any benefit or liability resulting from any Tax sharing, contractual indemnity agreements or similar agreements, written or unwritten, as between any of the Parties or their respective Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any other third party, on the other hand (other than the Distribution Agreement, this Agreement or any other Ancillary Agreement) ( Tax Sharing Agreements ), shall remain the benefit or liability of such Party or its respective Subsidiary; provided, however, that the Party responsible under this Agreement for any Taxes shall be responsible for any related liability in respect of such Taxes under any Tax Sharing Agreement, and be entitled to any related benefit in respect of such Taxes under any Tax Sharing Agreement. No Party shall be entitled to indemnification under this Agreement in respect of Taxes to the extent such Party or one of its Subsidiaries is indemnified under any Tax Sharing Agreement, and the Parties shall (and shall cause their Subsidiaries to) use commercially reasonable efforts to pursue any indemnification rights under any Tax Sharing Agreement if such indemnification would reduce the other Partys responsibility for such Taxes under this Agreement.
ARTICLE IX
COOPERATION AND EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION
Section 9.1 Cooperation and Exchange of Information . The Parties shall each cooperate fully (and each shall cause its respective Subsidiaries to cooperate fully) and in a timely manner (considering the other Partys normal internal processing or reporting requirements) with all reasonable requests in writing from another Party hereto, or from an agent,
30
representative, or advisor to such Party, in connection with the preparation and filing of Tax Returns, claims for refund, Audits, determinations of Tax Attributes and the calculation of Taxes or other amounts required to be paid hereunder, and any applicable financial reporting requirements of a Party or its Affiliates, in each case, related or attributable to or arising in connection with Taxes or Tax Attributes of any of the Parties or their respective Subsidiaries covered by this Agreement. Such cooperation shall include, without limitation:
(a) the retention until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations or, if later, until the expiration of all relevant Tax Attributes (in each case taking into account all waivers and extensions), and the provision upon request, of Tax Returns of the Parties and their respective Subsidiaries for periods up to and including the Distribution Date, books, records (including information regarding ownership and Tax basis of property), documentation, and other information relating to such Tax Returns, including accompanying schedules, related work papers, and documents relating to rulings or other determinations by Taxing Authorities;
(b) the execution of any document that may be necessary or reasonably helpful in connection with any Audit of any of the Parties or their respective Subsidiaries, or the filing of a Tax Return or refund claim of the Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries (including the signature of an officer of a Party or its Subsidiary);
(c) the use of the Partys reasonable efforts to obtain any documentation and provide additional facts, insights or views as requested by another Party that may be necessary or reasonably helpful in connection with any of the foregoing (including without limitation any information contained in Tax or other financial information databases); and
(d) the use of the Partys reasonable efforts to obtain any Tax Returns (including accompanying schedules, related work papers, and documents), documents, books, records, or other information that may be necessary or helpful in connection with any Tax Returns of any of the Parties or their Affiliates.
Each Party shall make its and its Subsidiaries employees and facilities available on a reasonable and mutually convenient basis in connection with the foregoing matters. Except for costs and expenses otherwise allocated among the Parties pursuant to this Agreement, including costs incurred under Article II and Article VIII, no reimbursement shall be made for costs and expenses incurred by the Parties as a result of cooperating pursuant to this Section 9.1.
Section 9.2 Retention of Records . Subject to Section 9.1, if any of the Parties or their respective Subsidiaries intends to dispose of any documentation relating to the Taxes of the Parties or their respective Subsidiaries for which another Party to this Agreement may be responsible pursuant to the terms of this Agreement (including, without limitation, Tax Returns, books, records, documentation, and other information, accompanying schedules, related work papers, and documents relating to rulings or other determinations by Taxing Authorities), such Party shall or shall cause written notice to the other Parties describing the documentation to be destroyed or disposed of sixty (60) Business Days prior to taking such action. The other Parties may arrange to take delivery of the documentation described in the notice at their expense during the succeeding sixty (60) day period.
31
Section 9.3 Tax Opinions . The Parties shall reasonably cooperate (and cause the members of the relevant Group to reasonably cooperate) in obtaining any Unqualified Tax Opinion, Unqualified 355(e) Opinion or, in the case of PK, any Unqualified 355(e) Opinion or Unqualified Device Opinion each as defined in the Stockholders Agreement (including making reasonable representations required in connection with any such opinion), including by maintaining and making available to each other all records necessary in connection with such opinions and making employees available on a mutually convenient basis to provide additional information or explanation of any material provided hereunder.
ARTICLE X
ALLOCATION OF TAX ATTRIBUTES
AND OTHER TAX MATTERS
Section 10.1 Allocation of Tax Attributes . HLT shall in good faith advise each of PK and HGV in writing of the portion, if any, of any Tax Attributes, earnings and profits, or other consolidated, combined or unitary attribute that HLT determines shall be allocated or apportioned to each Group under applicable Law; provided, however, that such determination shall be made in a manner that is: (a) reasonably consistent with the past practices of the Parties; (b) in accordance with the rules prescribed by applicable Law, including the Code and the Treasury Regulations; and (c) consistent with the IRS Ruling, the Tax Representation Letters, and the Tax Opinions. HLT agrees to provide the other Parties with all of the information supporting the Tax Attribute and other determinations made by HLT pursuant to this Section 10.1. In the case of an Audit of Pre-Distribution Income Tax Returns that results in an increase in the earnings and profits allocated to PK, PK may be required to pay a deficiency dividend, in accordance with Section 860 of the Code, within ninety (90) days after the determination, as defined in Section 860 of the Code. To provide PK with sufficient notice so that PK can make arrangements to pay such a deficiency dividend within ninety (90) days after the determination, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, HLT agrees to keep PK informed of any Audit of Pre-Distribution Income Tax Returns that could result in an increase in the earnings and profits allocated to PK, and HLT agrees to notify PK of a determination with respect to such Audit within five (5) Business Days after such determination.
Section 10.2 Allocation of Tax Items . All determinations for purposes of this Agreement regarding the allocation of Income Tax items (other than Tax items arising on the Distribution Date but after the applicable Distribution that are outside the ordinary course of business) between the portion of a Straddle Tax Period that ends on the Distribution Date and the portion that begins the day after the Distribution Date shall be made based on a closing of the books method under the principles of Treasury Regulation 1.1502-76 (and any similar rule under U.S. state, local or non-U.S. Law) as determined by HLT on any HLT Combined Income Tax Return, unless in each case the Parties unanimously agree otherwise; provided , however , any Taxes in respect of actions taken outside the ordinary course of business on the date of an External Distribution but after such External Distribution shall be deemed to arise the day after such External Distribution. Any such allocation of Tax items shall initially be made by HLT. To the extent that HGV or PK disagrees with such determination, the dispute shall be resolved by an Big Four Accounting Firm mutually agreed upon by the Parties for a final binding resolution. For purposes of preparing any Income Tax Returns for the year of the Distributions that require
32
an allocation of Tax items between a Pre-Distribution Tax Period and a Post-Distribution Tax Period, Tax items shall be allocated based on a closing of the books method under Treasury Regulation 1.1502-76 (and any similar rule under U.S. state, local or non-U.S. Law) as determined by HLT on any HLT Combined Income Tax Return, unless the Parties unanimously agree otherwise. Except for the transactions contemplated in the Reorganization Slide Deck or any Implementing Agreement, HGV and PK shall not (and shall not permit any member of their respective Groups to) take any action outside the ordinary course of business on the date of an External Distribution but after such External Distribution.
ARTICLE XI
DEFAULTED AMOUNTS
Section 11.1 General . In the event that one or more Parties defaults on its obligation to pay Distribution Taxes for which it is liable pursuant to Article V to another Party, then each non-defaulting Party shall be required to fund a portion of such Distribution Taxes in accordance with the Sharing Percentages of the non-defaulting Parties; provided, however, that no payment obligation shall exist under this Section 11.1 with respect to Distribution Taxes that are attributable to the Fault for Distribution Purposes of one or more Parties; provided, further, that any payment of Distribution Taxes by a non-defaulting Party pursuant to this Section 11.1 shall in no way release the defaulting Party from its obligations to pay such Distribution Taxes and any non-defaulting Party may exercise any available legal remedies available against such defaulting Party; provided, further, that interest shall accrue on any such payment by a non-defaulting Party at a rate per annum equal to the then applicable LIBOR. In connection with the foregoing, it is expressly understood that any defaulting Partys rights to any amounts to be received by such defaulting Party hereunder may be used via a right of offset to satisfy, in whole or in part, the obligations of such defaulting Party to pay the Distribution Taxes that are borne by the non-defaulting Parties; such rights of offset shall be applied in favor of the non-defaulting Party or Parties in proportion to the additional amounts paid by any such non-defaulting Party or Parties.
ARTICLE XII
DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Section 12.1 Negotiation . In the event of a dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement (including its interpretation, performance or validity) (collectively, Agreement Disputes ), the senior tax officers of the relevant Parties (or such other individuals designated thereby) shall negotiate for a maximum of 21 days (or a mutually-agreed extension) (such period of days, the Negotiation Period) from the time of receipt by a Party of written notice of such Agreement Dispute. The relevant Parties shall not assert the defenses of statute of limitations and laches for any delays arising due to the procedures in Sections 12.1 or 12.2.
Section 12.2 Mediation . If the Parties have not timely resolved the Agreement Dispute under Section 12.1, the Parties agree to submit the Agreement Dispute to mediation no later than 10 days following the end of the Negotiation Period, with such mediation to be
33
conducted in accordance with the Mediation Procedure of the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution (CPR). The Parties to the Agreement Dispute agree to bear equally the CPR and mediators costs for same. The Parties agree to participate in good faith in the mediation for a maximum of 14 days (or a mutually agreed extension). If the Parties have not timely resolved the Agreement Dispute pursuant to this Section 12.2, either Party may then bring an action in accordance with Sections 13.15 and 13.16 herein.
Section 12.3 Confidentiality . All information and communications between the Parties relating to an Agreement Dispute and/or under the procedures in Sections 12.1 and 12.2 shall be considered Confidential Information for which the provisions of Section 8.6 of the Distribution Agreement shall apply herein, mutatis mutandis.
Section 12.4 Continuity of Performance . Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Parties shall continue to perform under this Agreement during the course of dispute resolution under this Article XII with respect to all matters not subject thereto.
ARTICLE XIII
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 13.1 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in more than one counterpart, 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.
Section 13.2 Survival . Except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement or the Distribution Agreement, all covenants and agreements of the Parties contained in this Agreement shall survive the Distribution Date and remain in full force and effect in accordance with their applicable terms; provided, however, that all indemnification for Taxes shall survive until ninety (90) days following the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations (taking into account all extensions thereof), if any, of the Tax that gave rise to the indemnification; provided, further, that, in the event that notice for indemnification has been given within the applicable survival period, such indemnification shall survive until such time as such claim is finally resolved.
Section 13.3 Notices . All notices, requests, claims, demands, and other communications under this Agreement shall be in English, shall be in writing and shall be given or made (and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) by delivery in person, by overnight courier service, by facsimile with receipt confirmed (followed by delivery of an original via overnight courier service), or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective Parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a Party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 13.3):
To HLT:
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.
7930 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 1100
McLean, Virginia 22102
Attn: General Counsel
Facsimile: (703) 883-6188
34
To PK:
Park Hotels & Resorts Inc.
1600 Tysons Boulevard, Suite 1000
McLean, Virginia 22102
Attn: General Counsel
Facsimile: (703) 893-1057
To HGV:
Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.
6355 MetroWest Boulevard, Suite 180
Orlando, Florida 32835
Attn: General Counsel
Facsimile: (407) 722-3776
Section 13.4 Waivers . Any consent required or permitted to be given by any Party to the other Parties under this Agreement shall be in writing and signed by the Party giving such consent and shall be effective only against such Party (and its Group).
Section 13.5 Assignment . This Agreement may not be assigned without the express prior written consent of the other Parties, and any attempted assignment, without such consents, will be null and void; provided, however, that this Agreement shall be assignable in whole in connection with a merger or consolidation or the sale of all or substantially all the assets of a Party hereto so long as the resulting, surviving or transferee entity assumes all the obligations of the relevant Party hereto by operation of law or pursuant to an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the other Parties to this Agreement.
Section 13.6 Successors and Assigns . The provisions of this Agreement and the obligations and rights hereunder shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by (and against) the Parties and their respective successors and permitted transferees and assigns.
Section 13.7 Termination and Amendment . This Agreement (including indemnification obligations hereunder) may be terminated, modified or amended and each Distribution may be amended, modified or abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time by and in the sole discretion of HLT without the approval of PK or HGV or the stockholders of HLT. 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 Effective Time, this Agreement may not be terminated except by an agreement in writing signed by a duly authorized representative of each of HLT, PK, and HGV.
Section 13.8 No Circumvention . The Parties agree not to directly or indirectly take any actions, act in concert with any Person who takes an action, or cause or allow any member of any such Partys Group to take any actions (including the failure to take a reasonable action) such that the resulting effect is to materially undermine the effectiveness of any of the provisions of this Agreement, the Distribution Agreement or any other Ancillary Agreement.
35
Section 13.9 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 Subsidiary of such Party or by any entity that becomes a Subsidiary of such Party on and after the Effective Time, to the extent such Subsidiary remains a Subsidiary of the applicable Party.
Section 13.10 Third Party Beneficiaries . Except as provided in Section 5.4 relating to each of the Blackstone Entities, this Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Parties and should not be deemed to confer upon third parties any remedy, claim, liability, reimbursement, claim of action or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement.
Section 13.11 Title and Headings . Titles and headings to sections herein are inserted for the convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
Section 13.12 Schedules . The Schedules 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.
Section 13.13 Specific Performance . In the event of any actual or threatened default in, or breach of, any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement, 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, including monetary damages, may be inadequate compensation for any loss and that the Parties may be irreparably harmed as a result. Accordingly, any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate is waived. Any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond with such remedy are waived by the Parties to this Agreement.
Section 13.14 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware without reference to any choice-of-law or conflicts of law principles that would result in the application of the laws of a different jurisdiction.
Section 13.15 Consent to Jurisdiction . Each Party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of (a) the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or (b) if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, any other state or federal court located within the County of New Castle in the State of Delaware, to resolve any Agreement Dispute that is not resolved pursuant to Sections 12.1 or 12.2. Any judgment of such court may be enforced by any court of competent jurisdiction. Further, notwithstanding Sections 12.1 and 12.2, either Party may apply to the above courts set forth in Section 13.15(a) and 13.15(b) above for a temporary restraining order or similar emergency relief during the process set forth in Sections 12.1 and
36
12.2. Each of the Parties agrees that service by U.S. registered mail to such Partys respective address set forth above shall be effective service of process for any of the above Actions and irrevocably and unconditionally waives any objection to the laying of venue of any Action in accordance with this Section 13.15. Nothing in this Section 13.15 shall limit or restrict the Parties from agreeing to arbitrate any Agreement Dispute pursuant to mutually-agreed procedures.
Section 13.16 Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING ANY AGREEMENT DISPUTE.
Section 13.17 Force Majeure . No Party (or any Person acting on its behalf) shall have any liability or responsibility for failure to fulfill any obligation (other than a payment obligation) under this Agreement so long as and to the extent to which the fulfillment of such obligation is prevented, frustrated, hindered, or delayed as a consequence of circumstances of Force Majeure (as defined in the Distribution Agreement). A Party claiming the benefit of this provision shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after the occurrence of any such event: (a) notify the other applicable Parties of the nature and extent of any such Force Majeure condition and (b) use due diligence to remove any such causes and resume performance under this Agreement as soon as feasible.
Section 13.18 Interpretation . The Parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against the party drafting or causing any instrument to be drafted.
Section 13.19 Changes in Law .
(a) Any reference to a provision of the Code, Treasury Regulations, or a Law of another jurisdiction shall include a reference to any applicable successor provision or Law.
(b) If, due to any change in applicable Law or regulations or their interpretation by any court of Law or other governing body having jurisdiction subsequent to the date hereof, performance of any provision of this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby shall become impracticable or impossible, the Parties hereto shall use their commercially reasonable best efforts to find and employ an alternative means to achieve the same or substantially the same result as that contemplated by such provision.
Section 13.20 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.
37
Section 13.21 Tax Sharing Agreements . All Tax sharing, indemnification and similar agreements, written or unwritten, as between any of the Parties or their respective Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any other Party or its respective Subsidiaries, on the other hand (other than this Agreement, any other Ancillary Agreement or any agreement solely between any of HLT, OpCo and/or any of their Subsidiaries), shall be or shall have been terminated as of the Distribution Date and, after the Distribution Date, none of such Parties (or their Subsidiaries) to any such Tax sharing, indemnification or similar agreement shall have any further rights or obligations under any such agreement.
Section 13.22 Exclusivity . Except as specifically set forth herein or in the Distribution Agreement or any other Ancillary Agreement, all matters related to Taxes or Tax Returns of the Parties and their respective Subsidiaries shall be governed exclusively by this Agreement. In the event of a conflict between this Agreement, the Distribution Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement with respect to such matters, this Agreement shall govern and control.
Section 13.23 No Waiver . No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising, on the part of any Party, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver hereof or thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. No waiver shall be effective unless it is in writing and is signed by the Party asserted to have granted such waiver.
Section 13.24 No Duplication; No 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.
38
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed the day and year first above written.
HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC. | ||
/s/ W. Steven Standefer | ||
Name: | W. Steven Standefer | |
Title: | Senior Vice President | |
PARK HOTELS & RESORTS INC. | ||
/s/ Sean DellOrto | ||
Name: | Sean DellOrto | |
Title: | EVP, CFO, and Treasurer | |
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS INC. | ||
/s/ Mark Wang | ||
Name: | Mark Wang | |
Title: | President and CEO | |
HILTON DOMESTIC OPERATING COMPANY INC. | ||
/s/ W. Steven Standefer | ||
Name: | W. Steven Standefer | |
Title: | Senior Vice President |
Schedule 2.3
1. | HLT is the Paying Party of amounts shown on Non-Income Tax Returns with respect to HLT Retained Assets (determined on a with and without basis, as determined by HLT in its good faith discretion). |
2. | PK is the Paying Party of amounts shown on Non-Income Tax Returns with respect to Ownership Assets (determined on a with and without basis, as determined by HLT in its good faith discretion). |
3. | HGV is the Paying Party of amounts shown on Non-Income Tax Returns with respect to Timeshare Assets (determined on a with and without basis, as determined by HLT in its good faith discretion). |
Schedule 8.3(b)
| The IRS has asserted that certain foreign currency denominated intercompany loans, from HLTs foreign subsidiaries to certain U.S. subsidiaries, should be recharacterized as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes and should constitute deemed dividends from such foreign subsidiaries to the U.S. subsidiaries as described in Note 12 of HLTs financial statements included in its Form 10Q filing for the quarterly period ending September 30, 2016. |
| In calculating the amount of U.S. taxable income resulting from the Hilton HHonors guest loyalty program, the IRS has taken a position that Hilton HHonors Worldwide, L.L.C. should not reduce gross income by the estimated costs of future redemptions, but rather such costs would be deductible only at the time the points are redeemed as described in Note 12 of HLTs financial statements included in its Form 10Q filing for the quarterly period ending September 30, 2016. |
| The IRS has asserted that foreign currency denominated loans entered into by one of HLTs Luxembourg subsidiaries whose functional currency is the U.S. Dollar, should instead be treated as entered into by one of HLTs Belgian subsidiaries whose functional currency is the Euro, and thus foreign currency gains and losses with respect to such loans should have been measured in Euros, instead of the U.S. Dollar as described in Note 12 of HLTs financial statements included in its Form 10Q filing for the quarterly period ending September 30, 2016. |
| In the fourth quarter of 2015, certain of HLTs U.S. subsidiary corporations were converted to limited liability companies and certain of HLTs subsidiary controlled foreign corporations elected to be disregarded for U.S. federal income tax purposes. These transactions were treated as tax-free liquidations for federal tax purposes. |
Exhibit 10.3
Execution Version
MASTER TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT
This Master Transition Services Agreement (this Agreement ) is entered into as of January 2, 2017, by and among Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation ( HLT ), Park Hotels & Resorts Inc., a Delaware corporation ( PK ) and Hilton Grand Vacations Inc., a Delaware corporation ( HGV ). Each of HLT, PK and HGV is sometimes referred to herein as a Party and collectively as the Parties . Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings given to such terms in the Distribution Agreement, entered into on the date hereof, by and among HLT, PK, HGV and Hilton Domestic Operating Company Inc. (as such may be amended from time to time, the Distribution Agreement ).
W I T N E S S E T H :
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of HLT has determined that it is appropriate, desirable and in the best interests of HLT and its stockholders to separate, pursuant to and in accordance with the Distribution Agreement, HLT into three separate, publicly traded companies, one for each of (i) the HLT Retained Business, which shall be owned and conducted, directly or indirectly, by HLT, (ii) the Ownership Business, which shall be owned and conducted, directly or indirectly, by PK (which will elect to be a REIT), and (iii) the Timeshare Business, which shall be owned and conducted, directly or indirectly, by HGV; and
WHEREAS, in order to provide for an orderly transition under the Distribution Agreement, each of HLT, PK and HGV desires to provide to the other certain services for specified periods following the Distribution Date, all in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements of the Parties contained herein, the Parties agree as follows:
1. Services Provided .
(a) With respect to each Service (as defined in Section 1(b )), the Party required to provide such Service is the Service Provider and the other Party is the Service Recipient . In performing the Services, Service Provider and each of its Affiliates shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide, or to ensure that any Third Party Provider (as defined in Section 1(b )) shall provide, the Services in the same manner, within the same amount of time and at the same level of service (including, as applicable, with respect to type, scope, frequency, quality and quantity), with the same degree of reasonable skill and care and with the same level of security and control as provided and used in providing the Services during the twelve (12) month period prior to the Distribution Date (excluding any actions taken in contemplation of the Distribution); provided , however , that Service Provider shall not be obligated to provide services that are more extensive in type, scope, frequency, quality or quantity than similar or comparable services provided by Service Provider to Service Recipient during the twelve (12) month period prior to the Distribution Date. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Services are
to be provided in a manner that does not disparately treat Service Recipient (or its Subsidiaries or its or their personnel or business) as compared to Service Providers treatment of itself (or its Affiliates or its or their personnel or business) in connection with the provision of a Self-Service (as defined in Section 2(a)(v )).
(b) During the period commencing on the Distribution Date and ending on the date that is two (2) years from the date hereof, unless an earlier or later date is otherwise specified for a Service on Schedule A hereto (for each such Service, such end date being herein referred to as the Termination Date , with Schedule A being herein referred to as the Services Schedules ), Service Provider shall provide, or shall cause one or more of its Affiliates or a contractor, subcontractor, vendor or other third-party service provider (each, a Third Party Provider ) to provide, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, the services described on the Services Schedules (the Services ); provided , Service Provider shall obtain the consent of Service Recipient (not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned) in the event any such Service is to be provided by a Third Party Provider or Affiliate if such Services were not provided by such Third Party Provider or Affiliate to Service Recipient during the twelve (12) month period prior to the Distribution Date; provided further , Service Provider shall remain primarily responsible for the performance by any such Affiliate or Third Party Provider of its obligations hereunder. Irrespective of whether Service Provider, an Affiliate or a Third Party Provider is providing a Service, Service Recipient may direct that any such Service be provided directly to Service Recipient or any other member of such Partys Group.
(c) Each Service provided hereunder shall be terminated on its applicable Termination Date, unless otherwise terminated earlier by Service Recipient pursuant to Section 11 . Service Provider shall be under no obligation to provide a Service to Service Recipient after the Termination Date applicable to such Service, except to the extent otherwise agreed in writing by Service Provider and Service Recipient.
(d) Limitations on Services .
(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in the Services Schedules, Service Provider shall have no obligation under this Agreement to: (1) operate the business of Service Recipient or any members of its Group or any portion thereof; (2) advance funds; (3) provide any Service to the extent that the provision of such Service would require Service Provider to violate any applicable Law, third-party confidentiality, contractual obligations or fiduciary responsibilities; (4) provide any Service to the extent Service Recipient has breached (or through its actions or omissions has caused the Service Provider to be in breach of or default under) any applicable obligations under, or requirements of, any contract or arrangement with any Third Party Provider ( Third Party Provider Use Requirements ) engaged with respect to such Service ( provided that Service Recipient shall first be permitted to attempt to cure such breach or default within thirty (30) days from receipt of notice thereof if such breach or default is capable of being cured); (5) implement processes, plans or initiatives developed, acquired or utilized by Service Recipient after the Distribution Date except as otherwise agreed; (6) perform or cause to be performed any of the Services for the benefit
2
of any third party; (7) render any Service in a particular location that would necessitate that Service Provider obtain any permits or regulatory approvals, or qualify to do business, in any location or jurisdiction other than the locations and jurisdictions where Service Provider does business or conducted business as of the date hereof; or (8) purchase, lease or license any physical assets or equipment, expand its facilities or incur long-term capital expenses.
(ii) All employees and representatives of Service Provider, members of its Group and its Affiliates shall be deemed for all purposes to be employees or representatives of Service Provider, members of its Group or such Affiliates, as applicable. In performing the Services, such employees and representatives shall be under the direction, control and supervision of Service Provider, members of its Group or the applicable Affiliate thereof, and Service Provider, members of its Group and its Affiliates shall have the sole right to exercise all authority with respect to the employment (including termination of employment), assignment and compensation of such employees and representatives.
2. Consideration .
(a) Costs and Fees .
(i) For each Service, Service Recipient shall pay (in accordance with Section 2(b ) ) Service Provider an amount equal to the Market Rate (as defined in Section 2(a)(i)(1 ) ).
(1) The Market Rate for each Service shall be an amount equal to the sum of: (A) the rate as set forth on the applicable Services Schedule (which rate reflects the Parties good faith estimate as to the cost of such Service to the Service Provider plus an additional amount that the Parties acknowledge is fair and adequate consideration for the work expected to be performed by personnel of Service Provider in connection with such Service, including coordinating or managing Third Party Providers); provided that if a Services Schedule is silent regarding such rate, the amount under this subsection (A) shall be equal to Service Providers allocated costs (including salary, wages and benefits, but excluding severance costs that are the responsibility of Service Recipient pursuant to Section 2(a)(ii ) ) for any of its (or its Affiliates) employees involved in providing Services; plus (B) any reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with retaining Third Party Providers or pursuing any warranty or indemnity against a Third Party Provider in accordance with Section 3(c ) ; plus (C) fees incurred in connection with any Third Party Consent or Alternative Method, which shall be borne equally by Service Recipient and Service Provider; plus (D) any sales, transfer, goods, services, value added, gross receipts or similar taxes, fees, charges or assessments (including any such taxes that are required to be withheld); provided that the Parties agree to use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize any such tax with respect to the Services; plus (E) other reasonable miscellaneous out-of-pocket costs and expenses; provided , however , that any such expenses exceeding $25,000 per month for each Service (other than routine business travel and related expenses) shall require advance approval of Service Recipient.
3
(2) Any costs and expenses provided for on a Services Schedule shall be subject to an increase of 5% per annum beginning on January 1, 2018, in order to adjust for inflation.
(3) Service Provider shall notify Service Recipient of any event that may reasonably be expected to increase the Market Rate by more than 10%.
(ii) Subject to the terms of this Section 2(a)(ii ) , Service Provider shall use commercially reasonable efforts to retain its workforce required to provide the Services and, consistent with its severance policies then in effect, if any, may make severance payments to its employees. Service Provider shall be responsible for Service Providers actual severance costs incurred as a result of terminating an employee who is primarily engaged in providing a Service in connection with the termination of such Service, provided that to the extent such severance costs are in excess of the amount of the severance costs that would have been paid by Service Provider if such employee had been terminated on the Distribution Date, the Service Recipient shall be reponsible for the amount of such excess severance costs; provided that any such employees employment was actually terminated and such individual is not rehired by Service Provider or any of its Affiliates for at least ninety (90) days following such termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a former employee of Service Provider (who was (a) primarily engaged in providing a Service and (b) terminated by Service Provider within six (6) months of such individual having engaged in any activities with respect to providing such Service) is hired by another Party within twelve (12) months of the termination of such individuals employment with Service Provider, such other Party shall be responsible for (and shall indemnify Service Provider with respect to) all of the actual services costs incurred by Service Recipient with respect to such individual. Service Provider shall prepare and deliver, within thirty (30) days following the end of each quarterly period ending each March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 (it being understood that the first such period shall be shorter than one quarter), to Service Recipient an invoice setting forth the amount of severance costs to be paid by Service Recipient in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 2(a)(ii ) , which invoice Service Recipient shall pay pursuant to the terms of Section 2(b ) .
(iii) Unless the Parties otherwise agree in writing, (i) where Services are provided in a country outside of the United States by a Person located in the same country, amounts shall be invoiced and paid in the local currency of the Person providing the Services and (ii) if payments are to be made between Persons not within the same country, such amounts shall be invoiced and paid in U.S. Dollars. To the extent necessary, local currency conversion on any such invoice shall be based on Service Providers internal exchange rate for the then-current month, based upon the average for such month, as calculated consistently with how such local currency conversion was calculated in the twelve (12) month period prior to the Distribution Date.
4
(iv) All charges based on a monthly or other time basis will be pro-rated based on actual calendar days elapsed during the period of service.
(v) With respect to any service that a Service Provider provides or causes an Affiliate to provide to itself or its Affiliates that is the same or substantially similar to a Service provided to Service Recipient or its Subsidiaries hereunder (such service, a Self-Service ), if Service Provider determines to no longer provide such Self-Service to itself or its Affiliates, Service Provider shall notify Service Recipient of such termination no later than the number of days prior to such termination as is provided in Section 11(b) for terminating the corresponding Service. If Service Provider terminates a Self-Service prior to the end of the Termination Date applicable for the corresponding Service, the Market Rate of such Service following any such termination and up to but not including the Termination Date shall be calculated as if Service Provider had not terminated such Self-Service. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Service Provider shall continue to provide the Service in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, unless such Service is otherwise terminated pursuant to Section 11 , and Service Provider shall not be permitted to terminate any Self-Service prior to the Termination Date for the applicable Service if such termination would adversely affect the level of service, security or control of such Service or the scope or content thereof required pursuant to Sections 1(a) and 4(a ).
(b) Invoices and Payment .
(i) Service Provider shall invoice Service Recipient for the amounts owed hereunder in arrears on a calendar monthly basis or, in the case of Section 2(a)(ii ) , as provided therein, and shall provide reasonable documentation supporting such amounts owed pursuant to Section 2(a ) , except to the extent such amounts are set forth on the Services Schedules. Service Recipient shall pay the amount of such invoice by electronic transfer of immediately available funds not later than forty-five (45) days after the date of such invoice. Neither Party nor any of its respective Subsidiaries shall have a right of set-off against the other Party or its Subsidiaries, except in connection with any amounts billed hereunder. In the event Service Recipient does not pay Service Provider in accordance with the terms hereof (i) all amounts so payable and past due shall accrue interest from the 31 st day after the date of the invoice to the receipt of payment at a rate per annum equal to five percent (5%) (the Interest Rate ) until such amounts, together with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, are paid in full, and (ii) Service Recipient shall pay, as additional fees, all reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by Service Provider in attempting to collect and collecting amounts due under this Section 2 , including all reasonable attorneys fees and expenses.
(ii) In the event that Service Recipient in good faith disputes an invoice submitted by Service Provider, Service Recipient may withhold payment of any amount subject to the dispute; provided , however , that (x) Service Recipient shall continue to pay all undisputed amounts in accordance with the terms hereof, (y) Service Recipient shall notify Service Provider, in writing, of any disputed amounts and the reason for any dispute by the due date for payment of the invoice containing any disputed charges and (z) in the event any dispute is resolved in Service Providers favor, any amount that
5
Service Recipient should have paid shall be deemed to have accrued interest at the Interest Rate from the date such payment should have been made. In the event of a dispute regarding the amount of any invoice, the Parties shall use all reasonable efforts to resolve such dispute within thirty (30) days after Service Recipient provides written notification of such dispute to Service Provider. Each Party shall provide full supporting documentation concerning any disputed amount or invoice within twenty (20) days after written notification of the dispute. Unpaid fees that are under good faith dispute shall not be considered a basis for default hereunder. To the extent that a dispute regarding the amount of any invoice cannot be resolved pursuant to this Section 2(b)(ii ) , the dispute resolution procedures set forth in Section 9 herein shall apply.
(c) Migration and Integration; Disconnection and Disintegration .
(i) Service Recipient shall be responsible for planning, preparing and integrating the transition of the provision of each of the Services to its own internal organization or other third-party service providers, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to prepare, within one hundred and twenty (120) days after the Distribution Date ( Migration Planning Period ), a plan in order to transition off each Service by the end of the term for such Service ( Migration Plan ); provided , however , that Service Recipient will not be deemed to have violated its obligations with respect to preparation of the Migration Plan if Service Recipient (i) fails to complete the Migration Plan within the Migration Planning Period, (ii) has been working, and thereafter continues to work, in good faith and without undue delay to expeditiously prepare the Migration Plan and (iii) completes the Migration Plan no later than one hundred and fifty (150) days after the Distribution Date. At Service Recipients request, Service Provider shall reasonably assist, and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause any Third Party Provider to reasonably assist, Service Recipient in connection with the implementation of Service Recipients transition plan, which may include consulting and training and providing reasonable access to data and other information and to Service Providers employees, but which shall take into account the need to minimize the cost of such migration and the disruption to the ongoing business activities of Service Provider and its Affiliates and shall not unduly burden or interfere with Service Providers business and operations ( provided that , for the avoidance of doubt, such services shall not include any services that, in Service Providers commercially reasonable opinion, do not primarily effect the separation of Service Recipient from the Services).
(ii) In furtherance of the foregoing, Service Recipient shall use commercially reasonable efforts to make or obtain any approvals, permits and licenses and implement any systems as may be necessary for it to perform the Services independently in each country and applicable jurisdiction as soon as practicable following the Distribution Date.
(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein (but subject to Section 2(a)(ii ) ), in the Distribution Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement, Service Recipient shall bear all costs or expenses associated with integrating the Services with the Information, facilities, personnel and assets of Service Recipient and shall reimburse Service Provider for any costs or expenses incurred by Service Provider which are to be borne by Service Recipient pursuant to this Section 2(c ) .
6
3. Cooperation .
(a) It is understood that it will require significant efforts by the Parties to implement this Agreement and ensure performance hereunder. The Parties shall: (i) cooperate with and provide such information and documentation to the other Party as is reasonably necessary for Service Provider to perform the Services and for Service Recipient to meet its obligations under the Agreement; (ii) notify the other Party of any changes to operating environments or key personnel to the extent related to the provision of the Services; (iii) provide timely decisions, approvals and acceptances required to perform the obligations hereunder in a timely and efficient manner; and (iv) perform such other duties and tasks as may be reasonably required to permit Service Provider to perform the Services or for Service Recipient to meet its obligations under the Agreement, including (A) cooperating in obtaining any Third Party Consents necessary to facilitate Service Providers ability to provide the Services and (B) upon thirty (30) days prior written notice by Service Provider, conducting such testing as may be reasonably required by Service Provider in connection with any updates or changes to the applicable systems or processes involved in providing a Service. Service Provider shall not be deemed to be in breach of its obligations to provide or make available any Service to the extent that Service Recipient has not provided information and access to appropriate personnel that is reasonably necessary for the performance of such Service.
(b) Upon Service Recipients written request and without prejudice to Service Recipients direct rights against a Third Party Provider, Service Provider shall use commercially reasonable efforts to request any warranty or indemnity under any contract Service Provider or its Subsidiaries may have with a Third Party Provider with respect to any Service provided to Service Recipient by such Third Party Provider.
(c) Service Provider and Service Recipient shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain in a cost effective manner any necessary waivers, permits, license, consents or similar approvals with respect to agreements with third parties in order for Service Provider to provide the Services directly or indirectly (any such waiver, permit, consent, license or similar approval, a Third Party Consent ). If a Third Party Consent cannot be obtained on reasonable terms or after using commercially reasonable efforts, such Parties will use commercially reasonable efforts to arrange for an alternative method of obtaining any such Service on Service Recipients behalf in a cost effective manner ( Alternative Method ), which may include Service Provider providing such Service itself. If there is any Third Party Consent which was not required as of the date hereof but will subsequently be required before the Termination Date for a particular Service, Service Provider shall identify in writing to Service Recipient such Third Party Consent within sixty (60) days of the date hereof.
(d) In connection with the provision of Services hereunder, except as provided pursuant to Section 2(a)(iii) for local currency conversion for invoices, the Parties shall use the same methodology to determine the appropriate foreign exchange conversion rate as used in the twelve (12) month period prior to the Distribution Date, which may be determined or based upon the average for the month or other applicable period or the spot rate at the end of such month or period or otherwise.
7
4. Performance Standard; Reports; Personnel .
(a) Except as otherwise provided in the Services Schedule and Section 1(a) herein, nothing in this Agreement shall require or be interpreted to require Service Provider to provide a Service to Service Recipient beyond the scope and content of such Service as provided by Service Provider to the HLT Retained Business, Ownership Business or Timeshare Business, as the case may be, during the twelve (12) month period prior to the Distribution Date, excluding any actions taken in contemplation of the Distribution.
(b) Service Provider shall not make changes in the manner of providing a Service unless (i) Service Provider is making similar changes in a service being performed for itself or its Subsidiaries, (ii) such changes are immaterial and do not adversely affect the level of service, security or control of such Service or the scope or content thereof required pursuant to Sections 1(a) and 4(a ) above, (iii) such changes are required by Service Provider or Service Recipient pursuant to applicable Law (including changes required by Service Provider or Service Recipient in connection with the provision of the Services to the other Party) or (iv) Service Recipient provides its prior written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) to such changes (in each case, for the avoidance of doubt, with the costs of any such change to be included in the calculation of the Market Rate). In the event Service Provider determines to change the location of delivery of any Service, Service Provider shall provide Service Recipient with thirty (30) days prior written notice. All Services shall be performed in compliance with applicable Law, including all applicable U.S. and non-U.S. laws and regulations relating to export controls, sanctions, and imports, including without limitation those regulations maintained by the U.S. Department of the Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control and the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security.
(c) In performing the Services, Service Provider shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to prepare and furnish to Service Recipient reports concerning the Services with such reports to contain substantially the same data, in substantially the same format, and prepared and delivered on substantially the same timetable, as reports prepared during the twelve (12) month period prior to the Distribution Date (excluding any reports solely prepared in contemplation of the Distribution), except as may be otherwise required by Service Recipient or Service Provider pursuant to applicable Law. Upon Service Recipients written request for modifications to the reporting and data transfer practices reasonably required to assist Service Recipient in transitioning off the Service, Service Provider shall cooperate and consult in good faith with Service Recipient to make such modifications; provided that if Service Provider reasonably determines in its sole discretion that any such modification may cause Service Provider to be in breach of its obligations to the other Party hereunder (including as a result of breaching its obligations as a Service Provider to the other Party as Service Recipient), then Service Provider shall not be under any obligation to make such modifications.
8
(d) Service Provider shall use commercially reasonable efforts consistent with past practice to make available such personnel as may be required to provide the Services. Service Provider shall have the right to designate which personnel it will assign to perform the Services. Service Provider also shall have the right to remove and replace any such personnel at any time or designate any of its Subsidiaries or a Third Party Provider (subject to Section 1(a) herein) at any time to perform the Services; provided , however , that Service Provider shall use its commercially reasonable efforts consistent with past practice to limit the disruption to Service Recipient in the transition of the Services to different personnel. Subject to and consistent with Section 2(a)(ii ), Service Provider shall have no obligation to retain any individual employee or any Third Party Provider or to employ additional personnel in order to provide a particular Service.
(e) In the event Service Recipient or any of its Subsidiaries hires away an employee of Service Provider or its Subsidiaries, and such employee was providing Services to Service Recipient and will not continue to provide such Service, Service Provider shall have the option, in its sole discretion (in addition to any other remedies available to it under the Distribution Agreement or otherwise), upon ten (10) Business Days written notice to Service Recipient to reduce its obligations with respect to such Service (with a proportionate reduction in the applicable Market Rate) effective on the date of such employees termination of employment with Service Provider. Any provision of Service thereafter pursuant to such a reduction in Service Providers obligations shall be deemed to be consistent with Service Providers obligations under this Agreement, so long as Service Provider satisfies the other obligations contained in this Section 4 with respect to such Service. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section 4(e) shall be deemed to modify, amend or waive the non-solicitation and no-hire restrictions set forth in Section 5.1 of the Distribution Agreement.
(f) Each Party agrees that it shall take appropriate action by instruction of or agreement with its personnel (including any Third Party Provider) to ensure that all such personnel performing or otherwise involved with Services shall be bound by and comply with all of the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
(g) In the event Service Provider has received a notice of default or breach in the performance of a Service hereunder (including as a result of substantial errors in the performance of such Service), it will use its commercially reasonable efforts to cure such default or breach. In the event Service Provider is unable to cure such default within thirty (30) days from receipt of notice thereof, in addition to the rights available under Section 11 , there shall be an adjustment to the Market Rate to reflect the costs to Service Recipient associated with such default, breach or error, including any reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by Service Recipient in retaining any Third Party Provider to provide such Service or in providing such Service itself.
(h) Each Party shall notify the applicable other Party as promptly as practicable after becoming aware of any breach of this Agreement committed by either it or the applicable other Party. Service Provider shall notify Service Recipient of any event that may reasonably be expected to materially impact a Service provided hereunder, which may include a Termination Notice (as defined in Section 11(b )) provided by the other Party as Service Recipient hereunder or a notice of termination of a Self-Service, issued pursuant and in accordance with, Section 2(a)(v ).
9
(i) In the event of any conflict, as reasonably determined by Service Provider in its sole discretion, between requests for modification or termination of Services made by the two other Parties and each properly delivered hereunder, Service Provider shall determine which request it received first and, subject to the other terms and conditions of this Agreement, make such modifications or terminations pursuant to the request that was first received before making any modifications or terminations pursuant to any requests received afterwards.
5. New Services .
If, after the date hereof and on or prior to August 31, 2017, or, with respect to Services provided in connection with any Transfer that, pursuant to Section 2.5 of the Distribution Agreement, is not consummated at or prior to the Effective Time, one hundred (100) days following the actual date of such Transfer (notwithstanding that under Section 2.5(c) of the Distribution Agreement such Transfer may be deemed to have occurred on the Effective Time) the Parties determine that a service required by Service Recipient and provided by Service Provider or one of its Subsidiaries prior to the Distribution Date was omitted from the Services Schedules, Service Recipient may request that Service Provider perform such service ( New Service ) in addition to the Services being provided hereunder. Service Provider shall promptly begin performing any New Service consistent with past practice upon a timely written request from Service Recipient (which request may be in the form of email) including (i) a description of the work Service Recipient anticipates being performed by Service Provider in connection with such New Service and (ii) a schedule for commencing and completing such New Service, and Service Provider and Service Recipient shall enter into good faith negotiations to agree to an amendment to the Services Schedules providing for such New Service; provided that if no agreement for an Additional Service Schedule Amendment has been reached in writing in thirty (30) days, such New Service shall be deemed to have a Termination Date of two (2) years from the date hereof, with the Market Rate as provided for in Section 2(a)(i ) , calculated as if the amendment to the Services Schedule for such New Service were silent regarding costs and expenses (such amendment or deemed amendment pursuant to the foregoing proviso, an Additional Service Schedule Amendment ). Any New Service shall be considered a Service hereunder and the Services Schedules shall incorporate, and be deemed to be duly amended by, such Additional Service Schedule Amendment.
6. Intellectual Property; IT Security .
(a) Except as provided in the Services Schedules, the Market Rate shall include the allocable portion of any amounts that are required to be paid by Service Provider to any third party licensors of software that is used by Service Provider in connection with the provision of any Services hereunder, including (i) license, right-to-use and royalty fees and (ii) any amounts required to obtain the consent of such licensors to allow Service Provider to provide any of the Services hereunder. Service Recipient agrees to comply and cause its Subsidiaries to comply with the terms of any license or other agreement of Service Provider or any of its Subsidiaries relating to software that is provided to Service Recipient and is used in connection with the provision of any Services hereunder, including as specified in the Third Party Provider Use Requirements; provided that in the event that Service Provider enters into new software licenses after the Distribution Date, Service Recipient shall have the prior opportunity to review
10
and confirm its ability to comply therewith, which it shall do in good faith. In the event that Service Recipient provides notice of its inability to comply therewith, Service Provider may at its sole discretion discontinue its provision of any Services under such new software licenses effective after thirty (30) days notice of the same, and Service Recipient shall indemnify Service Provider for any claims by third parties arising out of or in connection with Service Recipients noncompliance or violation of such software licenses; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, Service Recipients delivery of such notice will not affect Service Recipients obligation to comply with all Third Party Provider Use Requirements applicable to Services already in use by Service Recipient. Subject to the foregoing, Service Provider shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any consent that may be required from such licensors in order to provide any of the Services hereunder and the Parties shall cooperate to identify any material licenses or consents necessary for such provision and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize the costs associated therewith.
(b) If the receipt or provision of any Service hereunder requires the use by a Party of the patents, know-how, trade secrets, methods and processes (excluding Customer Information and Loyalty Program Information) of the other Party, then, subject to applicable restrictions contained in Service Providers contracts with Third Party Providers, such Party and its Subsidiaries shall have the non-exclusive, royalty-free, non-sublicensable (except as required for its and its Subsidiaries receipt or provision of Services) right and license to use such Intellectual Property for the sole purpose of, and only to the extent necessary for, the receipt or provision of such Services hereunder, pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Upon the Termination Date applicable to such Service, or the earlier termination of any Services in accordance with Section 11 , the license herein to the applicable Intellectual Property will terminate, and the applicable Service Recipient and/or Service Provider shall cease all use of the Intellectual Property licensed hereunder. The applicable Service Recipient and/or Service Provider acknowledges that it will acquire no right, title or interest (including any license rights or rights of use) in any firmware or software, and the licenses therefor which are held by the applicable Service Provider and/or Service Recipient, by reason of the provision of the Services provided hereunder, except to the extent that any such license rights or rights of use are provided for in a written agreement signed by Service Provider and Service Recipient. Nothing in this Section 6(b) shall be deemed to limit, modify or terminate any License Agreement between the Parties.
(c) Subject to the limited licenses granted in Section 6(b) , each Party shall exclusively own any Intellectual Property that it creates, develops or invents in connection with the provision of any Services hereunder.
(d) While using or accessing any computers, systems, software, networks, information technology or related infrastructure or equipment (including any data stored thereon or transmitted thereby) ( Systems ) of the other Party (whether or not a Service), each Party shall and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, adhere in all respects to the other Partys controlled processes, policies and procedures (including any of the foregoing with respect to Confidential Information, data, communications and system privacy, operation, security and proper use) as in effect on the Distribution Date or as communicated to such Party from time to time in writing.
11
(e) Service Provider and Service Recipient shall each maintain reasonable, current security measures (i) to prevent unauthorized access to its systems and (ii) with respect to all data contained in its facilities, networks and systems and used in connection with the Services. Such measures shall in no event be less stringent than those used to safeguard such Partys own property, or industry standard security measures used by companies of a similar size. Such measures shall include, where appropriate, use of updated firewalls, virus screening software, logon identification and passwords, encryption, intrusion detection systems, logging of incidents, periodic reporting, and prompt application of current security patches, virus definitions and other updates. Service Recipient shall not install any new equipment, software or technology or modify the setup of any existing equipment, software or technology that is, or will be, connected to Service Providers facilities, networks or systems without the prior consent of Service Provider.
(f) Service Provider may suspend Service Recipients access (if any) to the information technology or communications systems used by Service Recipient following advance written notice to the extent practicable if, in Service Providers reasonable opinion (i) the integrity, security or performance of its systems, or any data stored on them, is being or is likely to be jeopardized by the activities of Service Recipient, or (ii) continued access to those information technology or communications systems by Service Recipient would expose Service Provider to liability. Service Recipient shall take appropriate corrective actions and if such actions fully resolve the matter (as determined by Service Provider in its sole discretion), Service Provider shall restore such access to Service Recipient.
(g) Each Party reserves the right to terminate all Services that provide access to such Partys information technology or communications systems, in its sole discretion and without limitation or termination liability, if Service Recipient or Service Provider, as applicable, remains in breach of this Section 6 five (5) Business Days after receipt of notice of such breach. Service Provider and Service Recipient acknowledge that the security measures used by the other as of the date of this Agreement are in compliance with this Section 6.
(h) Each party will comply with all applicable privacy and other Laws and regulations relating to protection, collection, use, and distribution of information (including Customer Information) received by a Party in connection with the Services that can be associated with or traced to any individual, including an individuals name, address, telephone number, e-mail address, credit card information, social security number, or other similar specific factual information, regardless of the media on which such information is stored (e.g., on paper or electronically), and which includes certain of such information that is generated, collected, stored or obtained as part of this Agreement, including transactional and other data pertaining to users ( Personally Identifiable Information ). In no event may a Party sell or transfer Personally Identifiable Information to third parties other than its Affiliates, or otherwise provide third parties other than its Affiliates with access thereto, except (i) as may be allowed pursuant to other written agreements between the Parties, or (ii) in the case of Service Provider, with any of its Third Party Providers assisting Service Provider with the performance of the Services hereunder. If there is a suspected or actual breach of security involving Personally Identifiable Information, responsible Party will notify the other Partys privacy counsel within twenty four (24) hours of a management-level associate becoming aware of such occurrence.
12
(i) Those Third Party Providers (and their personnel) of Service Recipient and Service Provider (or their respective Affiliates) having access to the other Partys Systems may be required by Service Provider or Service Recipient, as the case may be, to enter into a customary non-disclosure agreement in connection with, and as a condition to, such access.
7. Records .
Service Provider shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide to Service Recipient, taking into consideration the financial reporting, internal controls and other public company requirements of Service Recipient, all information and records reasonably required to maintain full and accurate books relating to the provision of Services whether prior to or after the Distribution Date. Upon reasonable notice and reasonable request from Service Recipient, and at Service Recipients cost, Service Provider shall (a) make available for inspection and copying by Service Recipients agents or representatives such information, books and records relating to the Services during reasonable business hours and (b) certify that the controls in effect prior to the Distribution Date continue to be in effect, or if Service Provider is aware of any instances where such controls are not so in effect, in lieu of certification for such instances, provide a list of such instances and descriptions of the change in such controls thereof.
8. Force Majeure; Reduction of Services .
No Party (or any Person acting on its behalf) shall have any liability or responsibility for failure to fulfill any obligation (other than a payment obligation) under this Agreement so long as and to the extent to which the fulfillment of such obligation is prevented, frustrated, hindered or delayed as a consequence of circumstances of Force Majeure. A Party claiming the benefit of this provision shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after the occurrence of any such event: (a) notify the other applicable Parties of the nature and extent of any such Force Majeure condition and (b) use due diligence to remove any such causes and resume performance under this Agreement as soon as feasible. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Service Recipient shall be entitled to terminate Services so affected by a Force Majeure upon fifteen (15) days prior written notice in respect of any such delay or failure resulting from any such Force Majeure without any penalty or obligation to pay for Services not performed; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, Service Recipient shall remain responsible for any severance costs for any such Services to the extent set forth in Section 2(a)(ii).
9. TSA Managers; Steering Committee; Dispute Resolution .
(a) Each Party shall nominate in writing one representative to act as the primary contact with respect to the provision and receipt of Services (a TSA Manager ), with the initial TSA Managers as listed on Schedule A . Each Party may, at its discretion, from time to time select another individual to serve in these capacities during the term of this Agreement; provided , however , each Party shall notify the other Party promptly (and in any event within five (5) Business Days) of any change in an individual serving in this capacity, setting forth the name and contact information of the replacement, and stating that such replacement is authorized to act for such Party in accordance with this Section 9(a) . The TSA Managers shall meet regularly or as needed.
13
(b) A steering committee (the Steering Committee ) of the TSA Managers, a finance executive from each Party (the Finance Officers ) and corporate counsel from each Party (the Legal Officers ) will have overall responsibility for oversight, administration and issue resolution relating to the performance and migration of Services under this Agreement. The Finance Officers will liaise with the TSA Managers and the Legal Officers to suggest modifications to Services or their costs (as necessary). The Legal Officers will adjust the schedule of Services to reflect changes in scope (as necessary).
(c) In the event of a dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement (including its interpretation, performance or validity) (collectively, Agreement Disputes ), the TSA Managers shall meet as expeditiously as possible to resolve same. If any Agreement Dispute is not resolved within thirty (30) days, a TSA Manager may notify each Partys Chief Financial Officer (or such other executive designated thereby), who shall attempt to resolve such Agreement Dispute for a maximum of fifteen (15) days after the prior thirty (30) day period. The relevant Parties shall not assert the defenses of statute of limitations and laches for any delays arising due to the procedures in Sections 9(c) or 9(d).
(d) If the Parties have not timely resolved the Agreement Dispute under Section 9(c), the Parties agree to submit the Agreement Dispute within 10 days to mediation conducted in accordance with the Mediation Procedure of the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution ( CPR ), and to bear equally the CPR and mediators costs for same. The Parties agree to participate in good faith in the mediation for a maximum of 14 days (or a mutually agreed extension). If the Parties have not timely resolved the Agreement Dispute pursuant to this Section 9(d), either Party may then bring an action in accordance with Sections 26 and 27 herein.
(e) In the event of any dispute between the Parties regarding a Service prior to the applicable Termination Date (other than a Partys failure to pay undisputed amounts due), Service Provider shall not discontinue the supply of any such Service during the above dispute resolution process, unless so requested by Service Recipient pursuant to a Termination Notice.
(f) All information and communications between the Parties relating to an Agreement Dispute and/or under the procedures in Sections 9(c) and 9(d) shall be considered Confidential Information under Section 13 herein.
10. Disclaimer; Limited Liability .
(a) Service Recipient acknowledges that Service Provider is not in the business of providing the Services and that the Services being provided pursuant to this Agreement are provided as an accommodation to Service Recipient. Other than in the event of Service Providers fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct, Service Provider will not be liable for any error or omission in rendering Services under this Agreement, or for any defect in Services so rendered; provided that if there is a substantial error in any of the Services, Service Provider shall use commercially reasonable efforts to attempt to correct the error, or if Service
14
Provider is unable to so correct such error, to provide an adjustment to the Market Rate for such Service in reasonable proportion to that which the error bears to the Service provided for such month, which adjustment may, pursuant to Section 2(a)(i)(1 ) , include any reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by Service Recipient in retaining a Third Party Provider to provide such Service or in providing such service itself. Other than in the event of Service Providers fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct, and other than for the Market Rate, severance costs owed under Section 2(a)(ii) and other amounts expressly owed hereunder, Service Provider will not be liable for any damages, fines, penalties, deficiencies, losses, liabilities (including settlements and judgments) and expenses (including interest, court costs, reasonable fees and expenses of attorneys, accountants or other experts and professionals or other reasonable fees and expenses of litigation or other proceedings or of any claim, default or assessment) ( Losses ) arising out of a breach of Service Providers obligations in connection with the Services provided under this Agreement. Service Provider agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Service Recipient and its Affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents as a result of the fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct of Service Provider or its Affiliates or any of their respective directors, officers, employees or agents. Service Recipient agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Service Provider and its Affiliates and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents from any Loss resulting from Service Recipients breach of any Third Party Provider Use Requirements.
(b) NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED (INCLUDING WARRANTIES OF NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY, ACCURACY, SATISFACTORY QUALITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR CONFORMITY TO ANY REPRESENTATION OR DESCRIPTION), ARE MADE BY SERVICE PROVIDER OR ANY OF ITS AFFILIATES WITH RESPECT TO THE PROVISION OF SERVICES UNDER THIS AGREEMENT AND, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ALL SUCH REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES ARE HEREBY WAIVED AND DISCLAIMED. WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES, INCLUDING THE FAILURE OF THE ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OF ANY REMEDY, SHALL SERVICE PROVIDER BE LIABLE FOR, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY LOST PROFITS, BUSINESS INTERRUPTIONS, CUSTOMER CLAIMS, REMITTANCES, COLLECTIONS, INVOICES, PENALTIES, INTEREST OR SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, CONSEQUENTIAL OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES CAUSED BY THE PERFORMANCE OF, ANY DELAY IN THE PERFORMING, FAILURE TO PERFORM OR DEFECTS IN THE PERFORMANCE OF, THE SERVICES CONTEMPLATED TO BE PERFORMED BY SERVICE PROVIDER PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER A PARTY HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.
11. Term and Service Termination Dates .
(a) This Agreement (other than Sections 9 , 10 , 11 and 13 ) shall terminate upon the last of the Termination Dates in respect of all Services to be provided hereunder; provided that the rights of the Parties in respect of any claims that have accrued prior to such termination shall survive such termination.
15
(b) For each Service, the service period during which Service Provider is obligated to provide such Service to Service Recipient ends as of the Termination Date set forth on the applicable Services Schedule. The Parties agree to cooperate if necessary to adjust the applicable Termination Date to end on a date that is the end of a calendar or fiscal month, as deemed appropriate. Service Recipient may terminate any Service prior to its Termination Date by providing to Service Provider written notice of termination, which shall be deemed irrevocable upon delivery (a Termination Notice ), not less than sixty (60) days before the date of such earlier termination except as otherwise specified in the Services Schedules; provided that if the Services Schedules indicate that any Service is dependent on one or more other Services, then each such Service must be terminated together; provided further that any termination may be on a location by location basis if so indicated on the Services Schedules. In the event a Service is terminated prior to its Termination Date pursuant to Service Recipients Termination Notice, Service Recipient shall reimburse Service Provider for any out-of-pocket costs incurred by Service Provider through the date of receipt of any Termination Notice in expectation that such Service would be provided until the applicable Termination Date (subject to Service Provider exercising commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate such costs). Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon the receipt of a Termination Notice, if Service Provider is unable to transition the applicable Service to Service Recipient or its designee in a commercially reasonable manner which does not unduly disrupt the Service on the requested termination date, Service Provider shall use commercially reasonable efforts consistent with past practice to transition such Service as soon as possible, and any resulting third party out-of-pocket costs to Service Recipient shall be paid by Service Recipient.
(c) In the event either Party defaults in the performance of any of its obligations under this Agreement, and if such default is not excused and not cured within thirty (30) days after written notice from the other Party specifying such default, then the non-defaulting Party may at any time thereafter terminate, at its option, any such Service that is the subject of such default by giving five (5) days prior written notice; provided that if no such termination notice is given within fifteen (15) days after the end of the thirty (30) day cure period, then the non-defaulting Party waives all rights to terminate such Service with respect to such default; provided further , that such fifteen (15) day period referred to in the immediately foregoing proviso shall be extended if (x) the Parties dispute whether there has been a default hereunder or (y) agree that there has been a default hereunder and have a dispute related to such default, and in either case are attempting to resolve such dispute pursuant to Section 9(c) until ten (10) days after there has been a final determination pursuant to the procedures in Section 9(c ) .
(d) Any Service can be terminated prior to the Distribution Date, with no fee, penalty or ongoing obligation, if Service Recipient provides a Termination Notice to Service Provider (which may be via email) at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the Distribution Date; provided , however , that Service Recipient shall reimburse Service Provider for any out-of-pocket costs incurred by Service Provider through the date of receipt of any Termination Notice received prior to the Distribution Date (subject to Service Provider exercising commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate such costs).
16
12. Independent Contractor .
The Parties hereto understand and agree that this Agreement does not make either of them an agent or legal representative of the other for any purpose whatsoever. No Party is granted, by this Agreement or otherwise, any right or authority to assume or create any obligation or responsibilities, express or implied, on behalf of or in the name of any other Party, or to bind any other Party in any manner whatsoever. The Parties expressly acknowledge (i) that Service Provider is an independent contractor with respect to Service Recipient in all respects, including the provision of the Services, and (ii) that the Parties are not partners, joint venturers, employees or agents of or with each other.
13. Confidentiality .
(a) Any Confidential Information of the Parties shall be subject to Section 8.6 of the Distribution Agreement. With respect to any information disclosed by one Party to another Party for the purpose of this Agreement or otherwise accessible to such other Party during the performance hereunder, including any Customer Information ( Confidential Information ), the Party receiving such Confidential Information agrees that it will use the same skill and care as set forth in Section 1(a) to prevent the disclosure or accessibility to others of the disclosing Partys Confidential Information and will use such Confidential Information only for the purposes of this Agreement, the Distribution Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements. The receiving Party and its employees, representatives and agents (including any Third Party Provider) (collectively, the Recipient Parties ) shall only disclose and permit access to Confidential Information of the other Parties to such Recipient Parties who have a need to know such Confidential Information for the purposes of this Agreement, the Distribution Agreement or the Ancillary Agreements and who are informed of the obligation to hold such Confidential Information confidential and in respect of whose failure to comply with such obligations, the applicable Party will be responsible. For Confidential Information provided with respect to any Service, the obligations of the Recipient Parties pursuant to this Section 13 shall expire on the date that is five (5) years from the termination of such Service. Each Party shall provide prompt written notice of any breach of the obligations under this Section 13 by such Party or its Recipient Parties and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to assist the other Party in remedying any such breach.
(b) Specifically excluded from the definition of Confidential Information is any and all information that:
(i) is independently developed by the Recipient Parties after the Effective Time without reference to any Confidential Information;
(ii) is or comes to be in the public domain or available to the public through no fault of the Recipient Parties of the Confidential Information; or
(iii) is lawfully acquired after the Effective Time by the Recipient Parties from other sources not known to be subject to confidentiality obligations with respect to such Confidential Information.
17
(c) If the Recipient Party is required to disclose Confidential Information by Law, process or regulation, to the extent legally permissible, such Recipient Party shall promptly notify the disclosing Party, reasonably cooperate with the disclosing Party to the extent it may seek to limit such disclosure and, insofar as a protective order or waiver from the disclosing Party is not obtained, only disclose such Confidential Information that is required to be disclosed.
(d) In connection with any permitted disclosure of this Agreement to any third party, each Party shall redact the portions of the Services Schedules that are not relevant to such third partys inquiry.
(e) It is further understood and agreed that money damages may not be a sufficient remedy for any breach of this Section 13 and that each Party shall be entitled to seek equitable relief, including injunction and specific performance, as remedy for any such breach in any court of competent jurisdiction, without posting bond or other security. Such remedies shall not be deemed to be the exclusive remedies for a breach, but shall be in addition to all other remedies herein described available at law or equity.
14. Audit Rights .
(a) Audits by Service Provider . Upon notice from Service Provider, Service Recipient shall use commercially reasonable efforts to provide Service Provider, its auditors (including internal audit staff and external auditors), inspectors, regulators and other reasonably designated representatives as Service Provider may from time to time designate in writing (collectively, the Service Provider Auditors ) with access to, at reasonable times, any Service Recipient facility or part of a facility at which Service Recipient is using the Services, Service Recipient personnel, and data and records relating to the Services for purposes of verifying compliance with this Agreement. Service Provider audits may include security reviews (including Service Recipients completion of security-related questionnaires) of the Services and Service Recipients systems, including reasonable use of automated scanning tools such as network scanners, port scanners, and web inspection tools. Service Recipient will provide any assistance that Service Provider Auditors may reasonably require with respect to such audits. Upon notice from Service Recipient, Service Provider shall provide Service Recipient and its auditors with access to, at reasonable times, books and records relating to the Services or this Agreement in order for Service Recipient to comply with applicable Laws.
(b) Audits by Service Recipient . Service Recipient shall have the right, upon at least thirty (30) days written notice to Service Provider, and in a manner to avoid unreasonable interruption to Service Providers business, to perform audit procedures over Service Providers internal controls and procedures for the Services provided by Service Provider under this Agreement; provided that, such audit right shall exist solely to the extent required by Service Recipients external auditors to ensure Service Recipients compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, to determine if Service Recipients financial statements conform to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), to verify third-party expenses or to the extent required by any Governmental Authority; provided , further , that such audit right shall not grant Service Recipient the right to perform audit activities with respect to any Third Party Provider engaged in the provision of the Services. Service Provider shall use commercially
18
reasonable efforts to provide Service Recipient and its auditors with appropriate space, furnishings, and telephone, facsimile and photocopy equipment as Service Recipient or its auditors may reasonably require to perform such audit procedures. Service Provider shall consider in good faith, but shall not be obligated to make, changes to its controls and procedures to address any findings of such audits. Service Recipient shall pay or reimburse all of Service Providers incremental costs arising from all such audit-related activities, provision of space, furnishings and equipment, and analysis and implementation, if any, of any potential changes in Service Providers controls or procedures described in this Section 14(b ).
15. Beneficiary of Services; No Third Party Beneficiaries.
This Agreement is for the sole benefit of the Parties hereto, and nothing expressed or implied shall give or be construed to give any Person any legal or equitable rights hereunder, whether as a third-party beneficiary or otherwise. Each Party agrees, and each Party in its capacity as a Service Recipient represents and warrants, that the Services shall be provided solely to, and shall be used solely by, Service Recipient and its Subsidiaries. Service Recipient shall not resell or provide the Services to any other Person, or permit the use of the Services by any Person other than Service Recipient and its Subsidiaries.
16. Entire Agreement .
This Agreement, together with the Distribution Agreement and the other Ancillary Agreements, constitutes the entire agreement of the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior agreements, understandings and negotiations, both written and oral, between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. In the event and to the extent that there shall be a conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of the Distribution Agreement or any other Ancillary Agreement, the Parties agree that this Agreement shall govern. The Parties agree that, in the event of an express conflict between the terms of this Agreement and a Services Schedule, the terms of the Services Schedule shall govern as it relates to the Services to which such terms and conditions apply.
17. Amendment; Waiver .
This Agreement and the Services Schedules may be amended, and any provision of this Agreement may be waived, only if such amendment or waiver is in writing and signed, in the case of an amendment, by each of the Parties, or in the case of a waiver, by the Party against whom the waiver is effective. No failure or delay by either Party in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege.
18. Notices .
All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications to any Party hereunder shall be in writing (including telecopy, electronic transmission or similar writing) and shall be given as follows:
19
if to HLT:
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.
7930 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 1100
McLean, Virginia 22102
Attn: General Counsel
Facsimile: (703) 883-6188
if to PK:
Park Hotels & Resorts Inc.
1600 Tysons Blvd., Suite 1000
McLean, Virginia 22102
Attn: General Counsel
Facsimile: (703) 893-1057
if to HGV:
Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.
6355 MetroWest Boulevard, Suite 180
Orlando, Florida 32835
Attn: General Counsel
Facsimile: (407) 722-3776
or to such other address or telecopy number and with such other copies, as such Party may hereafter specify for the purpose of notice to the other Parties. All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications under this Agreement and, to the extent applicable and unless otherwise provided therein, under each of the Ancillary Agreements shall be in English, shall be in writing and shall be given or made (and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) by delivery in person, by overnight courier service, by facsimile or electronic transmission with receipt confirmed (followed by delivery of an original via overnight courier service) or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective Parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a Party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 18 ).
19. Non-Assignability .
Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations of either Party hereunder may be assigned or transferred by any such Party without the prior written consent of the other Party (not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned), and any purported assignment, without such prior written consent shall be null and void. Notwithstanding the foregoing, (a) any Party may assign or transfer all its rights hereunder without such consent to an acquirer in connection with a sale of all or substantially all of its assets or other similar change in control of such Party and (b) Service Provider may assign any or all of its rights or obligations arising under this Agreement to any of its Affiliates that is reasonably capable of providing the Services ( provided , however , that Service Provider shall remain primarily responsible for its obligations under this Agreement notwithstanding any such assignment).
20
20. Further Assurances .
From time to time after the date hereof, without further consideration, each Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all appropriate action, do or cause to be done all things reasonably proper or advisable under applicable Law, and execute and deliver such documents as may be required or appropriate to carry out the provisions of this Agreement and to consummate, perform and make effective the transition contemplated hereby.
21. Definitions and Rules of Construction .
(a) Defined terms used in this Agreement have the meanings ascribed to them by definition in this Agreement or in the Distribution Agreement.
(b) This Agreement shall be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against the Party drafting or causing any instrument to be drafted.
(c) Whenever the words include, including, or includes appear in this Agreement, they shall be read to be followed by the words without limitation or words having similar import.
(d) As used in this Agreement, the plural shall include the singular and the singular shall include the plural.
(e) All references to $ herein shall be references to U.S. Dollars.
22. Counterparts; Effectiveness .
This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original and all of which together shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument. Copies of executed counterparts transmitted by telecopy, telefax or other electronic transmission service shall be considered original executed counterparts for purposes of this Section 22 , provided that receipt of copies of such counterparts is confirmed. This Agreement shall become effective when each Party has received a counterpart hereof signed by the other Party hereto.
23. Section Headings .
The section headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
21
24. Severability .
If any provision of this Agreement shall be declared by any court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, void or unenforceable, all other provisions of this Agreement shall not be affected and shall remain in full force and effect, and the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to replace such illegal, void or unenforceable provision with a provision that corresponds as closely as possible to the intentions of the Parties as expressed by such illegal, void, or unenforceable provision.
25. Governing Law .
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware without reference to any choice-of-law or conflicts of law principles that would result in the application of the laws of a different jurisdiction.
26. Consent to Jurisdiction .
Each Party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of (a) the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or (b) if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, any other state or federal court located within the County of New Castle in the State of Delaware, to resolve any Agreement Dispute that is not resolved pursuant to Sections 9(c) or 9(d). Any judgment of such court may be enforced by any court of competent jurisdiction. Further, notwithstanding Sections 9(c) and 9(d), either Party may apply to the courts specified in this Section 26 for a temporary restraining order or similar emergency relief during the process set forth in such Sections. Each of the Parties agrees that service by U.S. registered mail to such Partys respective address set forth above shall be effective service of process for any of the above Actions and irrevocably and unconditionally waives any objection to the laying of venue of any Action in accordance with this Section 26. Nothing in this Section 26 shall limit or restrict the Parties from agreeing to arbitrate any Agreement Dispute pursuant to mutually-agreed procedures.
27. Waiver of Jury Trial .
EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING ANY AGREEMENT DISPUTE.
[ Remainder of Page Intentionally Blank ]
22
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC. | ||
By: |
/s/ W. Steven Standefer |
|
Name: | W. Steven Standefer | |
Title: | Senior Vice President |
PARK HOTELS & RESORTS INC. | ||
By: |
/s/ Sean DellOrto |
|
Name: |
Sean DellOrto |
|
Title: | EVP, CFO, and Treasurer |
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS INC. | ||
By: |
/s/ Mark Wang |
|
Name: | Mark Wang | |
Title: | President and CEO |
SCHEDULE A
[See Attached]
MASTER TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT
SERVICES SCHEDULES
1. | FINANCE |
2. | HUMAN RESOURCES |
3. | INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY |
4. | LEGAL |
5. | RISK MANAGEMENT |
1
MASTER TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT
SERVICES SCHEDULES
1. | FINANCE |
A. | FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY HLT TO HGV |
B. | FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY HLT TO PK |
C. | FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY HGV TO HLT |
D. | FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY PK TO HLT |
2
FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY HLT TO HGV 1
Services |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses |
Service Period 2 |
||
Shared Service (US) |
||||
Accounts Payable processing support, including:
Invoice processing
Payment processing (check printing, ACH, payments, etc.)
Payment voiding and stopping
Payment investigation
W-9 maintenance
Vendor 1099 preparation (service will be completed in January of the year following service termination)
Invoice archiving and maintenance
Vendor Master Data maintenance |
HGV: $3.00/ voucher
Express Checks (same day printing) $25.00 per check
Special Handling of Payments $10.00/ check
Returned Checks $10.00/ check
Stop/ void Payment$10.00/ check |
12/31/17 |
1 | HWHI may, at its sole election determine that certain finance and accounting services that it currently performs as of the date of this agreement may be performed by a third party or outsourced vendor. For the Service Period, to the extent that HWHI elects to engage a third party or outsourced vendor to perform the Services in whole or in any part, it will ensure that the Services are provided on a consistent basis with current HWHI standards, policies and procedures. HWHI will inform HGV to the extent that any Services are being performed by a third party or outsourced vendor. HWHI will also ensure that any third party or outsourced vendor meets its then-current standards for execution of internal controls over financial reporting and other relevant framework. |
2 | Services to continue to be available and provided on request of recipient through no later than date noted. |
3
4
5
6
Services |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses |
Service Period 2 |
||
Governmental required reporting (U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, Census Bureau, etc.), including quarterly and annual filings as required. | Up to $3,350 per quarter for quarterly filings and an additional $8,625 for separate annually required filings. | 6/30/18 | ||
Financial Systems |
||||
Provide governance and support for code block requests based upon Hiltons current definitions and timing. Ensure code block segments are appropriately configured and setup in the necessary PeopleSoft and Hyperion applications. Current Hilton related controls will be applied to all areas. Provide Blackline security administration as currently provided | $9,000/ month | 12/31/17 | ||
Consulting type services to support transition of business processes | $150/ hour | 12/31/17 | ||
Consulting support for Hyperion, PeopleSoft, and other financial applications | $175/hour | 12/31/17 | ||
Any activity/support required to effect the separation of financial applications will be mutually agreed upon. | Hourly rates on an as needed basis | 12/31/17 | ||
APAC Service (HGV) |
||||
Accounts Payable service including:
Coding of invoices
Review of department level results
Process cash disbursements, expense reports, electronic wires |
For A/P and Payroll: At cost for 2.6 FTE and rent $16,667/ month | 12/31/2017 |
7
8
Services |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses |
Service Period 2 |
||
Cash & Banking: Incremental Backup (US) Ad hoc support to backfill US cash & banking functions, beyond support provided under fixed cost bundle |
Per hour charge $50/hour | 12/31/2017 | ||
Cash & Banking: Incremental Backup (UK, ROW) Ad hoc support to backfill UK and ROW cash & banking functions, beyond support provided under fixed cost bundle, subject to banking access |
Per hour charge $65/hour | 12/31/2017 | ||
Cash & Banking Consulting (Project) Engagement on multi-hour projects, as defined by HGV/PK and agreed by Hilton, on design and/or implementation of global cash & banking services |
Per hour charge $150/hour | 12/31/2017 | ||
Risk/Liquidity Consulting (Project) Engagement on multi-hour projects, as defined by HGV/PK and agreed by Hilton, on design and/or implementation of global risk & liquidity management |
Per hour charge $325/hour | 12/31/2017 | ||
Treasury System Consulting (Project) Engagement on multi-hour projects, as defined by HGV/PK and agreed by Hilton, on design and/or implementation of treasury systems solutions |
Per hour charge $325/hour | 12/31/2017 |
9
Services |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses |
Service Period 3 |
||
Tax 4 |
||||
Tax Compliancefurnishing data through 12/31/16 periods | The TMA stipulates each party is to fulfill its obligation at its own cost. No charging for services to occur. | Through completion of 2016 compliance. | ||
Tax audit activity through the 12/31/17 periods. Cooperation and participation rights among the three companies as necessary for administration and completion of tax audits. Rights and obligations for such are stipulated in the TMA. | The TMA stipulates each party is to fulfill its obligation at its own cost. No charging for services to occur. | Through completion of audits up to the periods ending 12/31/17. | ||
Consulting and provision of services for Income Tax Compliance (beyond activities described in TMA), including:
General consulting regarding historic processes employed to perform Income Tax Compliance
Provision of Income Tax Compliance Services
Tax technology consulting services |
Hourly per rate card plus expenses | 12/31/17 (at HLTs discretion, reasonable requests not to be denied, timing of when services performed at HLT sole discretion) |
3 | Services to continue to be available and provided on request of recipient through no later than date noted. |
4 | The following hourly rates for Tax support apply: |
HWHI: |
SVP Tax | $ | 1,200 | |||
VP1 Tax | 1,200 | |||||
VP Tax | 1,000 | |||||
Senior Director/Director | 800 | |||||
Senior Manager/Manager | 400 | |||||
Other | 350 |
10
11
5 | Services to continue to be available and provided on request of recipient through no later than date noted. |
12
FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY HLT TO PK 6
6 | HWHI may, at its sole election determine that certain finance and accounting services that it currently performs as of the date of this agreement may be performed by a third party or outsourced vendor. For the Service Period, to the extent that HWHI elects to engage a third party or outsourced vendor to perform the Services in whole or in any part, it will ensure that the Services are provided on a consistent basis with current HWHI standards, policies and procedures. HWHI will inform PK to the extent that any Services are being performed by a third party or outsourced vendor. HWHI will also ensure that any third party or outsourced vendor meets its then-current standards for execution of internal controls over financial reporting and other relevant framework. |
7 | Services to continue to be available and provided on request of recipient through no later than date noted. |
13
14
8 | Services to continue to be available and provided on request of recipient through no later than date noted. |
15
16
9 | Services to continue to be available and provided on request of recipient through no later than date noted. |
17
10 | Services to continue to be available and provided on request of recipient through no later than date noted. |
18
Services |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses |
Service Period |
||
JV Accounting | provided by Accounting, Reporting, Close, and Consolidation | 6/30/18 | ||
Calculation and booking of US GAAP Adjustments |
6/30/18 |
|||
Intercompany elimination processing and consolidation entries |
6/30/18 |
|||
USD overrides on equity and IC investment accounts |
6/30/18 |
|||
Financial Systems | ||||
Provide governance and support for code block requests based upon Hiltons current definitions and timing. Ensure code block segments are appropriately configured and setup in the necessary PeopleSoft and Hyperion applications. Current Hilton related controls will be applied to all areas. Provide Blackline security administration as currently provided | $1,000.00/month for Corporate requests only | 6/30/18 | ||
Consulting type services to support transition of business processes | $150/ hour | 6/30/18 | ||
Consulting support for Hyperion, PeopleSoft, and other financial applications | $175/hour | 6/30/18 | ||
Functional Hyperion support for applications required to support the PK global close, consolidation processes. Also includes the Hyperion application support of the Operational reporting that will be provided by Global Operations Finance. This specifically excludes any Corporate expense/overhead planning support. | Monthly fixed charge of 1.5 FTE $22,500.00 | 6/30/18 | ||
Any activity/support required to effect the separation of financial applications will be mutually agreed upon. | As per need basis | 6/30/18 |
19
11 | Services to continue to be available and provided on request of recipient through no later than date noted. |
20
Services |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses |
Service Period 11 |
||
Cash & Banking: Incremental Backup (US) Ad hoc support to backfill US cash & banking functions, beyond support provided under fixed cost bundle |
Per hour charge $50/hour | 12/31/2017 | ||
Cash & Banking: Incremental Backup (UK, ROW) Ad hoc support to backfill UK and ROW cash & banking functions, beyond support provided under fixed cost bundle, subject to banking access |
Per hour charge $65/hour | 12/31/2017 | ||
Cash & Banking Consulting (Project) Engagement on multi-hour projects, as defined by HGV/PK and agreed by Hilton, on design and/or implementation of global cash & banking services |
Per hour charge $150/hour | 12/31/2017 | ||
Risk/Liquidity Consulting (Project) Engagement on multi-hour projects, as defined by HGV/PK and agreed by Hilton, on design and/or implementation of global risk & liquidity management |
Per hour charge $325/hour | 12/31/2017 | ||
Treasury System Consulting (Project) Engagement on multi-hour projects, as defined by HGV/PK and agreed by Hilton, on design and/or implementation of treasury systems solutions |
Per hour charge $325/hour | 12/31/2017 |
21
Services |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses |
Service Period 12 |
||
Tax 13 | ||||
Tax Compliancefurnishing data through 12/31/16 periods | The TMA stipulates each party is to fulfill its obligation at its own cost. No charging for services to occur. | Through completion of 2016 compliance. | ||
Tax audit activity through the 12/31/17 periods. Cooperation and participation rights among the three companies as necessary for administration and completion of tax audits. Rights and obligations for such are stipulated in the TMA. | The TMA stipulates each party is to fulfill its obligation at its own cost. No charging for services to occur. | Through completion of audits up to the periods ending 12/31/17. | ||
Consulting and provision of services for Income Tax Compliance (beyond activities described in TMA), including:
General consulting regarding historic processes employed to perform Income Tax Compliance
Provision of Income Tax Compliance Services
Tax technology consulting services |
Hourly per rate card plus expenses | One year post spin at HLTs discretion, reasonable requests not to be denied, timing of when services performed at HLT sole discretion. |
12 | Services to continue to be available and provided on request of recipient through no later than date noted. |
13 | The following hourly rates for Tax support apply: |
HWHI: |
SVP Tax | $ | 1,200 | |||
VP1 Tax | 1,200 | |||||
VP Tax | 1,000 | |||||
Senior Director/Director | 800 | |||||
Senior Manager/Manager | 400 | |||||
Other | 350 |
22
23
14 | Services to continue to be available and provided on request of recipient through no later than date noted. |
24
FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY HGV TO HLT
15 | Services to continue to be available and provided on request of recipient through no later than date noted. |
16 | The following hourly rates for Tax support apply: |
HGV |
VP Tax | $ | 1,000 | |||
Sr Director/Director | 800 | |||||
Sr Manager/Manager | 400 | |||||
Other | 350 |
25
Services |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses |
Service Period 15 |
||
Consulting and provision of services for Income Tax Compliance (beyond activities described in TMA), including:
General consulting regarding historic processes employed to perform Income Tax Compliance
Provision of Income Tax Compliance Services
Tax technology consulting services |
Hourly per rate card plus expenses | One year post spin at HLTs discretion, reasonable requests not to be denied, timing of when services performed at HLT sole discretion. | ||
Income tax audit matters (beyond activity described in TMA), including:
provision of data,
cooperation,
general consulting |
Hourly per rate card plus expenses | One year post spin. | ||
General income tax consulting, including
consulting regarding tax planning
structuring specific to the spin |
Hourly per rate card plus expenses | One year post spin. | ||
Indirect (sales/use) taxesgeneral consulting | Hourly per rate card plus expenses | One year post spin. | ||
Financial Planning & Analysis and Treasury | ||||
Ad hoc consulting | $325/hour | 12/31/2017 |
26
FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY PK TO HLT
17 | Services to continue to be available and provided on request of recipient through no later than date noted. |
18 | The following hourly rates for Tax support apply: |
Park: |
SVP Tax | $ | 1,200 | |||
VP Tax | 1,000 | |||||
Senior Director/Director | 800 | |||||
Senior Manager/Manager | 400 | |||||
Other | 350 |
27
28
MASTER TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT
SERVICES SCHEDULES
2. | HUMAN RESOURCES |
a. | HR/BENEFITS RELATED SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY HLT |
b. | HR/BENEFITS RELATED SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY PK |
29
HR/BENEFITS RELATED SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY HLT
Services |
Service Recipient(s) |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses 19 |
Service Period |
|||
Executive Compensation | ||||||
Executive compensation advisory/consulting support | HGV & PK | $250/hour | Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
Global Compensation (excluding Executive Compensation) | ||||||
Compensation support related to calculation of 2016 Bonuses and 2017 merit increase and LTI award distribution | HGV & PK | One-time charge of $100,000 (HGV)/ $10,000 (PK) | Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
Performance ManagementPM Support 2016cycle performance review/rating process using current performance management system | HGV & PK | One-time charge not to exceed $100,000 (HGV)/ $5,000 one-time charge (PK) | Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
Compensation and consulting support Job evaluation, market pricing and general compensation consulting Salary structure building, program design and analysis |
HGV & PK | $250/hour | Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
U.S. Benefits | ||||||
Continued health and welfare benefits administrative services, including creation of separate third-party benefit administration platforms (U.S. H&W Program Management Fee) | HGV & PK | Monthly cost $65,000 (HGV)/ $6,000 (PK) | Through no later than 12/31/2017 |
19 | For certain costs that are impacted by participation, the costs in this document are estimated based on current plan enrollment, employee contributions, salaries and elections, as applicable. Actuals will be based on actual number of employees participating, and employee pay and contribution levels. |
30
Services |
Service Recipient(s) |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses 19 |
Service Period |
|||
Continued participation in US medical, prescription, dental and vision plans | HGV & PK |
Employer health benefit contribution for medical, prescription and dental monthly cost $2,525,000 (HGV)/ $155,000 (PK)
Vision is 100% employee paid. |
Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
Continued participation in US basic life insurance policy | HGV & PK | Monthly cost $27,500 (HGV)/ $2,000 (PK) | Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
Continued participation in US supplemental, dependent life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance plan | HGV & PK | Cost included as part of the monthly U.S. H&W Program Management Fee. | Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
Continued participation in US employer-paid basic short-term disability plan for the benefit of eligible property-level employees | HGV & PK | Monthly cost $42,000 (HGV)/ $1,400 (PK) | Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
Continued participation in US long-term disability plan | HGV & PK | Cost included as part of the monthly U.S. H&W Program Management Fee. | Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
Continued U.S. Salary Continuation (SALCO) administrative services | HGV & PK | Monthly cost $1,100 (HGV)/ $200 (PK) | Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
Continued Adoption Assistance Program administrative services | HGV | Fee of $75 per claim reviewed | Through no later than 12/31/2017 |
31
Services |
Service Recipient(s) |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses 19 |
Service Period |
|||
Continued participation in US employee assistance program | HGV & PK | Monthly cost $6,500 (HGV)/$450 (PK) | Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
Continued participation in US business travel accident insurance policy | HGV & PK | Monthly cost $1,900 (HGV)/ $120 (PK) | Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
Continued administrative services related to US voluntary insurance policy (home, auto, pet, legal) | HGV & PK | Cost included as part of the monthly U.S. H&W Program Management Fee. | Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
Continued U.S. Health & Welfare HRO administrative services related to enrollment, continuation of benefits, dependent verification, outsourced benefits center 20 | HGV & PK | Monthly cost $38,000 (HGV)/ $3,700 (PK) | Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
Continued access to health benefits tax reporting service |
HGV & PK | Monthly cost $5,000 | Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
Continued administrative services related to US commuter benefits program | HGV & PK | Monthly cost $200 (HGV)/ $25 (PK) | Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
Continued administrative services related to pre-tax flexible spending accounts | HGV & PK | Monthly cost $3,100 (HGV)/ $200 (PK) | Through no later than 12/31/2017 |
20 | If HGV or PK changes its human capital management system, U.S. health and welfare costs will increase. The schedule assumes that HGV and PK will not change their human capital management system. |
32
Services |
Service Recipient(s) |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses 19 |
Service Period |
|||
Continued administrative services related to pre-tax health savings account benefits | HGV & PK | Monthly cost $825 (HGV)/ $25 (PK) | Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
Continued administrative services related to qualified medical child support orders (QMCSO) | HGV & PK | Monthly cost $6,000 (HGV)/ $900 (PK) | Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
Continued administrative services of tuition reimbursement program. | HGV & PK | Monthly cost $800 (PK) | Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
Continued participation in Go Hilton Programs and related administrative services | HGV & PK | $200,000 annual program management fee (HGV)/ No fee (PK) | HGV and PK continued participation reviewed annually by HLT | |||
Continued access to US domestic relocation support for relocation initiations under relocation plans for current open relocations and new relocation initiations prior to 7/1/2017 under current and revised relocation plans. | HGV & PK | Monthly cost varies based on plan, family size, distance (actual costs will be invoiced to HGV or PK, as applicable, directly) | Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
Continued participation in Hilton 401(k) plan and accompanying administrative services | HGV & PK | Monthly cost $22,500 (HGV)/ $2,500 (PK) | Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
Matching contributions related to continued participation in Hilton 401(k) plan | HGV & PK | Monthly cost $600,000 (HGV)/ $15,000 (PK). Estimated based on current plan enrollment. Actuals will be based on actual number of employees participating, and employee pay and contribution levels. | Through no later than 12/31/2017 |
33
Services |
Service Recipient(s) |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses 19 |
Service Period |
|||
Global expatriate services and administration related to retirement and health and welfare plans | HGV & PK |
Monthly cost $4,500 (HGV)/ $7,500 (PK) for health and welfare support Monthly cost $450 (PK) retirement support |
Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
Continued access to Hilton U.S. Marketplace site | HGV | Monthly cost $2,000 | Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
Non-U.S. Benefits | ||||||
Provide continued general human resources support in Singapore | HGV | Annual cost $500,000 | Through no later than 12/31/2017, subject to an extension upon review by HLT | |||
Continued administrative support for UK group private medical insurance scheme | HGV | Monthly cost £40 | Through no later than 12/31/2017, subject to an extension upon review by HLT | |||
Continued participation in UK cash medical plan insurance | HGV | 100% employee paid | Through no later than 12/31/2017, subject to an extension upon review by HLT | |||
Continued participation in UK dental plan | HGV | Monthly cost £50, including an administrative fee. | Through no later than 12/31/2017, subject to an extension upon review by HLT | |||
Continued administrative support for UK Life Assurance Plan | HGV | Monthly cost £29 | Through no later than 12/31/2017, subject to an extension upon review by HLT |
34
Services |
Service Recipient(s) |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses 19 |
Service Period |
|||
UK Life Insurance Administrationsupport setting up new plan and transitioning employees from Hilton UK Pension Plan Life Assurance policy | HGV | Fixed, one-time fee to vendor of £5,000 | Through no later than 12/31/2017, subject to an extension upon review by HLT | |||
Continued participation in UK long term disability plan | HGV | Monthly cost of £100. Increase possible for 2017 if group is moved moves to Small and Medium Enterprise scheme. | Through no later than 12/31/2017, subject to an extension upon review by HLT | |||
Continued participation in UK employee assistance plan | HGV | Monthly cost of £44 | Through no later than 12/31/2017, subject to an extension upon review by HLT | |||
Continued access to the Hilton UK and Ireland Marketplace site | HGV | Monthly cost £31 | Through no later than 12/31/2017, subject to an extension upon review by HLT | |||
Continued administrative support for UK Hilton Worldwide (UK) personal retirement plan (DC Plan) and UK auto-enrollment plan (DC Plan) for certain specified employee(s) | HGV | Monthly cost £127 | Through no later than 12/31/2017, subject to an extension upon review by HLT | |||
Administrative support in establishing new UK DC plans and related administrative services | HGV | Fixed, one-time fee of £7,000 | Through no later than 12/31/2017, subject to an extension upon review by HLT | |||
Recruitment | ||||||
Continued access to various recruitment-related systems and support (excluding set-up costs) | HGV & PK | Estimated aggregate annual cost $188,500 (HGV)/ $14,810 (PK) | Through no later than 12/31/2017 |
35
Services |
Service Recipient(s) |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses 19 |
Service Period |
|||
Background check and drug testing (new hire) services. | PK | $4,950 | Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
Support for executive and corporate recruitment | PK |
Executive: 25% of base salary per requisition not to exceed $100,000. Corporate: 20% of base salary per requisition |
Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
Recruitment services for select properties | PK | Cost is based on a cost per requisition model. | Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
Recruitment services for management level resort roles and volume resort roles | HGV | $500 to $2012 (region dependent) per role for management level resort roles and $225 to $1,600 (region dependent) per role for volume resort roles | Through no later than 12/31/2017 (for management resort roles) and 12/31/2017 (for volume resort roles) | |||
Support to design, develop, prepare and deliver affirmative action plans, develop and deliver OFCCP training; provide OFCCP compliance and audit support. | HGV | $19,195 | Through no later than 12/1/2017 | |||
Learning | ||||||
Course hosting and creation on Hilton Worldwide University | HGV |
$20 per current course hosting fee.
$220 per new course to load and host |
Through no later than 3/31/2017 | |||
Continued access to courseware vendor and software | HGV | Estimated aggregate cost $38,520 including license fee. | Through no later than 12/31/2017 |
36
Services |
Service Recipient(s) |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses 19 |
Service Period |
|||
Sales training learning license fee | HGV | 17% of full 2017 contract amount. | Through no later than 9/30/2017 | |||
Ad-hoc learning and development | PK | $250/hour | Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
HR IT Systems | ||||||
Continued support in connection with employee lists, Talent Acquisition/Recruitment, continued access to The Lobby, and performance/talent management consulting support. | HGV & PK | $250/hour | Through no later than (a) 12/31/2017 or (b) until a new HCM is implemented by HGV or PK, whichever comes first. | |||
Continued support to learning systemsHilton Worldwide University (HWU) | HGV | $250/hour | Through no later than (a) 12/31/2017 or (b) until a new HCM is implemented by HGV or PK, whichever comes first. | |||
Continued access to performance management systems 21 | PK | $70/form for exempt employees and $3.50/form for non-exempt employees | Through no later than 12/31/2017 or until a new HCM is implemented, whichever comes first. |
21 | The performance management system is connected to transition services provided under the IT schedules. Please review when considering any modifications to these transition services. |
37
Services |
Service Recipient(s) |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses 19 |
Service Period |
|||
Technical software and IT support related to learning and performance management system | HGV & PK | $82,500 (HGV)/ $52,800 (PK) annual cost. Will be billed on a quarterly basis. | Through no later than 12/31/2017 or until a new HCM is implemented, whichever comes first. | |||
Access to human resource call center | PK | $50/case | Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
HRIS consultingtechnical system and integration support | HGV & PK | $250/hour | Through no later than 12/31/2017 |
38
HR/BENEFITS RELATED SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY PK
Services |
Service Recipient(s) |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses |
Service Period |
|||
Non-US Benefits | ||||||
Continued participation in Brazilian health benefits Seguro Saude Empresarial (medical and dental insurance) for certain specified employee(s) | HLT | Monthly cost $1,500 | Through no later than 12/31/2017 | |||
Continued participation in Brazilian life insurance Seguro de Vida Em Grupo (employer paid group life insurance) for certain specified employee(s) | HLT | Monthly cost $50 | Through no later than 12/31/2017 |
| For certain costs that are impacted by participation, the costs in this document are estimated based on current plan enrollment, employee contributions, salaries and elections, as applicable. Actuals will be based on actual number of employees participating, and employee pay and contribution levels. |
39
MASTER TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT
SERVICES SCHEDULES
3. | INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY |
a. | INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY HLT TO HGV |
b. | INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY HLT TO PK |
40
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY HLT TO HGV
Services |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses |
Service Period |
||
Financial and Core HR Systems | ||||
General Ledger Systems Management of general ledger used to keep track of all financial transactions. Hilton provides the following support for GL systems:
Accounts Receivable and Billing Systems Management of systems used to support accounting transactions dealing with the billing of a customer for goods and services that a customer has ordered. Hilton provides the following support for AR and Billing systems:
Accounts Payable Systems Management of systems used to support money owed by Hilton to its suppliers. Hilton provides the following support for accounts payable systems:
Financial Reporting Systems Suite of applications used to support both internal management reporting as well as the foundation for external reporting (e.g., SEC and Statutory). Includes capabilities to create/update budgets and forecasts as well as report on actuals during close.
Enterprise Data Warehouse reporting/HGV Dashboard
Current reports will be serviced as is
Costs of any requested changes will be discussed and costs will be mutually agreed
Budgeting and Forecasting Systems Management of systems used to manage the budgeting and forecasting process. Hilton provides functional and IT support for hotel users during global business working hours with weekend support during budget season.
Reconciliation Systems Management of systems used to manage the financial close process and bank reconciliations. Hilton provides the following support for reconciliation systems: |
Annual cost: $950,000 |
24 months
Can terminate early based on TSA notice provisions
Cannot be scaled down |
41
Services |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses |
Service Period |
||
Travel and Expense Systems Management of systems used to process transactions associated with travel and valid company expenses. Hilton provides the following support for travel and expense systems:
Human Resources, Payroll, Timekeeping, and Related Systems Management of the core PeopleSoft 9.1 Human Resources, Payroll and Timekeeping environment including ADP, UniFocus, Greenware, Ceridian UK Payroll and related services. Manage vendor partners including Dell, TCS, etc.
All Financial and Core HR Systems Include:
Functional and IT support for end users.
Ensures that all transactions have been properly accounted for and accurately reflected in the companys accounting process.
Management of all product releases and enhancements.
Management of change control to support SOX compliance.
Infrastructure to support these systems.
Management of license agreements.
End user security administration process. |
||||
Legal and Contracting Systems | ||||
Legal and Contracting Management of systems used to support the legal and contracting functions. Hilton provides the following support for Legal and Contracting systems:
Matter management, contract negotiation document management, contract repository, trademark management, corporate filing tracking, eDiscovery and legal hold management, records management.
Physical and digital records management.
Management of all product releases and enhancements.
Infrastructure to support these systems.
Management of license agreements.
End user security administration process. |
Annual cost: $150,000 |
9 Months
Can terminate early based on TSA notice provisions
Cannot be scaled down |
42
Services |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses |
Service Period |
||
Help Desk Services | ||||
Help Desk and Desktop Support Management of the help desk. | Annual cost: $550,000 |
8 Months
Can terminate early based on TSA notice provisions
Can be scaled down based on count of users with access to the help desk |
||
Data Center and Security Management | ||||
Data Center Management of servers and other infrastructure housed in a data center. This includes management of the business resumption planning, disaster recovery requirements and crisis planning/communication.
Identity Systems Management of the Identity Management and Directory Services environments. IDM manages the provisioning and lifecycle of accounts in the Hilton ecosystem.
Management of IDM and Authentication infrastructure.
Day to day support of IDM, LDAP, RSA Access Manager and Securid servers.
Distribution of RSA Securid tokens.
User account management including Add/Remove resources and roles to user accounts moves between Organizations.
User lockout and other password issues including password out of sync issues.
Troubleshooting and resolving account issues.
Creation of Corporate Contractor and Call Center contractor accounts.
Bug fixes for existing IDM functionality.
New feature enhancements for IDM Website.
Creation, testing and deployment of new roles/capabilities according to given business requirements.
Creation, testing and deployment of new workflows to support business processes. |
Annual cost: $4,175,000 |
14 Months
Can terminate early based on TSA notice provisions
Can be scaled down based on count of servers receiving services |
43
Services |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses |
Service Period |
||
Creation, testing and deployment of new user types.
Creation, testing and deployment of new SSO federation agreements.
Maintain and administer the information security program protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data.
Develop and maintain information security policies, standards, and processes.
Provide guidance and direction on information security matters during the project lifecycle, as well as technology and technology services procurement.
Manage information security communications and inquiries with internal and external stakeholders.
Web Proxy Services Management of the web proxy environment used for security and bandwidth management purposes.
Scan, filter, and protect against email attacks originating from malicious attachments, links, and other methods.
Services are not severable while using the Hilton email system.
Scan and block malicious network traffic.
Control internal and external network traffic based on network, host, and port / protocol.
Services are not severable while using Hilton Internet, data center, and / or WAN connections.
Protect against malicious activity on servers and workstations.
Perform change auditing and alerting.
Protect sensitive accounts and passwords from misuse.
Identify security vulnerabilities and route for resolution.
Services are not severable while hosts reside in Hilton networks.
Monitor the environment for potential security incidents. Review and investigate as warranted.
Platform to deliver and track information security awareness training for general users. |
44
Services |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses |
Service Period |
||
Platform to deliver and track secure code training for developers.
Maintain and enhance the IT internal controls program necessary to support SOX requirements and the Centralized Accounting service organization audit (SOC1).
Maintain and enhance the PCI program necessary to support periodic compliance validation reporting.
File and Print Services Management of local file and print services along with any other local on premise servers. |
||||
Telecom / Network Systems | ||||
Telecom Systems Management of the telecom environment. This includes cloud PBX, voice mail, conference calling, etc.
Management of all product releases and enhancements.
Infrastructure to support these systems.
Management of license agreements.
End user security administration process.
VPN Services Management of the VPN environment for all global network access.
Network Connectivity Management of the Local and Wide Area Networking environment. Includes items such as switches, WAPs, routers, etc. Also includes access to video conferencing. |
Annual cost: $550,000 |
14 Months
Can terminate early based on TSA notice provisions
Cannot be scaled down |
||
Email and Related Services | ||||
Email and Related Services Management of the email environment. This includes distribution list creation and management, email archiving, mobile device access, instant messaging, list server, etc.
Management of all product releases and enhancements.
Infrastructure to support these systems.
Management of license agreements.
End user security administration process. |
Annual cost: $650,000 |
8 Months
Can terminate early based on TSA notice provisions
Can be scaled down based on count of email users receiving services |
45
Services |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses |
Service Period |
||
Intranet and Portal Systems | ||||
Intranet and Portal Systems Management of the Intranet, Portal and Team Sites.
Corporate communications, portfolio reporting, property operational reporting and collaboration resources.
Management of all product releases and enhancements.
Infrastructure to support these systems.
Management of license agreements.
End user security administration process. |
Annual cost: $200,000 |
10 Months
Can terminate early based on TSA notice provisions
Cannot be scaled down |
||
Pass Through of Direct Software Costs | ||||
Direct Software Costs including Oracle and Microsoft. | Annual cost: $2,325,000 |
24 months
Can terminate early based on TSA notice provisions
Can be scaled down based on direct costs |
||
Benefits Conversion | ||||
Conversion: HGVC and REIT will be responsible for all aspects (including cost) of the migration of systems to their end state environments during the transition period. This includes any required system selection, contracting, design, implementation, and testing of the systems. All system configuration data such as user profiles, report definition, interface configurations, external interface data, system rules, application tables, etc. will be provided by Hilton as reasonably requested. Hilton will provide any available documentation of current system configurations as reasonably requested. | $300/hour |
24 months
Cost based on actual usage |
46
Services |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses |
Service Period |
||
Data Migration | ||||
Systems & Data Migration: Hilton will provide data owned by the relevant party in a format requested as reasonably requested. | $300/hour |
24 months
Cost based on actual usage |
47
SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY HLT TO PK
Services |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses |
Service Period |
||
Financial Systems | ||||
General Ledger Systems Management of general ledger used to keep track of all financial transactions. Hilton provides the following support for GL systems:
Accounts Receivable and Billing Systems Management of systems used to support accounting transactions dealing with the billing of a customer for goods and services that a customer has ordered. Hilton provides the following support for AR and Billing systems:
Accounts Payable Systems Management of systems used to support money owed by Hilton to its suppliers. Hilton provides the following support for accounts payable systems:
Financial Reporting Systems Suite of applications used to support both internal management reporting as well as the foundation for external reporting (e.g., SEC and Statutory). Includes capabilities to create/update budgets and forecasts as well as report on actuals during close.
Enterprise Data Warehouse reporting/HGV Dashboard
Current reports will be serviced as is
Costs of any requested changes will be discussed and costs will be mutually agreed
Budgeting and Forecasting Systems Management of systems used to manage the budgeting and forecasting process. Hilton provides functional and IT support for hotel users during global business working hours with weekend support during budget season.
Reconciliation Systems Management of systems used to manage the financial close process and bank reconciliations. Hilton provides the following support for reconciliation systems:
Travel and Expense Systems Management of systems used to process transactions associated with travel and valid company expenses. Hilton provides the following support for travel and expense systems: |
Annual cost: $181,000 |
24 months
Can terminate early based on TSA notice provisions
Cannot be scaled down |
48
Services |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses |
Service Period |
||
Human Resources, Payroll, Timekeeping, and Related Systems Management of the core PeopleSoft 9.1 Human Resources, Payroll and Timekeeping environment including ADP, UniFocus, Greenware, Ceridian UK Payroll and related services. Manage vendor partners including Dell, TCS, etc.
All Financial and Core HR Systems Include:
Functional and IT support for end users.
Ensures that all transactions have been properly accounted for and accurately reflected in the companys accounting process.
Management of all product releases and enhancements.
Management of change control to support SOX compliance.
Infrastructure to support these systems.
Management of license agreements.
End user security administration process. |
||||
Treasury Systems | ||||
Treasury Systems Management of systems used to support risk and liquidity management, cash management, and treasury and cash accounting. Hilton leverages a system called Global Treasury Management System (GTMS) that is based on the Wall Street Systems software. This is a 3 rd party hosted system that integrates with Hiltons network via a dedicated T1 connection. Hilton provides the following IT support for treasury systems: | Annual Cost: $19,000 |
24 months
Can terminate early based on TSA notice provisions
Cannot be scaled down |
49
50
Services |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses |
Service Period |
||
Help Desk and Desktop Support Services | ||||
Help Desk and Desktop Support Management of the help desk and desk side support services.
During the TSA period while Hilton resources are being used, Contract Services for DSS personnel will be charged on an as-needed basis (separate from the $175,000 annual cost).
During the TSA period REIT will be charged for helpdesk services based on headcount reports.
During the TSA period while using Hilton helpdesk and DSS services provisioned by Hilton, the HWI Standards and SOPs will prevail.
Desktop Hardware and Software Management and procurement of the client devices used by employees such as desktops, laptops, printers, etc. as well as the software installed on those devices. This includes desktop security services, such as anti-malware. |
Annual Cost: $175,000 |
24 Months
Can terminate early based on TSA notice provisions
Can be scaled down based on TSA count of users with access to the help desk |
||
Data Center and Security Management | ||||
Data Center Management of servers and other infrastructure housed in a data center. This includes management of the business resumption planning, disaster recovery requirements and crisis planning/communication.
Identity Systems Management of the Identity Management and Directory Services environments. IDM manages the provisioning and lifecycle of accounts in the Hilton ecosystem.
Management of IDM and Authentication infrastructure.
Day to day support of IDM, LDAP, RSA Access Manager and Securid servers.
Distribution of RSA Securid tokens.
User account management including Add/Remove resources and roles to user accounts moves between Organizations.
User lockout and other password issues including password out of sync issues. |
Annual Cost: $55,000 |
24 Months
Can terminate early based on TSA notice provisions
Can be scaled down based on count of servers receiving services |
51
Services |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses |
Service Period |
||
Troubleshooting and resolving account issues.
Creation of Corporate Contractor and Call Center contractor accounts.
Bug fixes for existing IDM functionality.
New feature enhancements for IDM Website.
Creation, testing and deployment of new roles/capabilities according to given business requirements.
Creation, testing and deployment of new workflows to support business processes.
Creation, testing and deployment of new user types.
Creation, testing and deployment of new SSO federation agreements.
Maintain and administer the information security program protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data.
Develop and maintain information security policies, standards, and processes.
Provide guidance and direction on information security matters during the project lifecycle, as well as technology and technology services procurement.
Manage information security communications and inquiries with internal and external stakeholders.
Web Proxy Services Management of the web proxy environment used for security and bandwidth management purposes.
Scan, filter, and protect against email attacks originating from malicious attachments, links, and other methods.
Services are not severable while using the Hilton email system.
Scan and block malicious network traffic.
Control internal and external network traffic based on network, host, and port / protocol.
Services are not severable while using Hilton Internet, data center, and / or WAN connections. |
52
Services |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses |
Service Period |
||
Protect against malicious activity on servers and workstations.
Perform change auditing and alerting.
Protect sensitive accounts and passwords from misuse.
Identify security vulnerabilities and route for resolution.
Services are not severable while hosts reside in Hilton networks.
Monitor the environment for potential security incidents. Review and investigate as warranted.
Platform to deliver and track information security awareness training for general users.
Platform to deliver and track secure code training for developers.
Maintain and enhance the IT internal controls program necessary to support SOX requirements and the Centralized Accounting service organization audit (SOC1).
Maintain and enhance the PCI program necessary to support periodic compliance validation reporting.
File and Print Services Management of local file and print services along with any other local on premise servers. |
||||
Telecom / Network Systems | ||||
Telecom Systems Management of the telecom environment. This includes cloud PBX, voice mail, conference calling, etc.
Management of all product releases and enhancements.
Infrastructure to support these systems.
Management of license agreements.
End user security administration process.
VPN Services Management of the VPN environment for all global network access.
Network Connectivity Management of the Local and Wide Area Networking environment. Includes items such as switches, WAPs, routers, etc. Also includes access to video conferencing. |
Annual Cost: $125,000 |
24 Months
Can terminate early based on TSA notice provisions
Cannot be scaled down |
53
54
Services |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses |
Service Period |
||
Conversion | ||||
Conversion: HGVC and REIT will be responsible for all aspects (including cost) of the migration of systems to their end state environments during the transition period. This includes any required system selection, contracting, design, implementation, and testing of the systems. All system configuration data such as user profiles, report definition, interface configurations, external interface data, system rules, application tables, etc. will be provided by Hilton as reasonably requested. Hilton will provide any available documentation of current system configurations as reasonably requested. | $300/hour |
24 months
Cost based on actual usage |
||
Data Migration | ||||
Systems & Data Migration: Hilton will provide data owned by the relevant party in a format requested as reasonably requested. | $300/hour |
24 months
Cost based on actual usage |
55
MASTER TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT
SERVICES SCHEDULES
4. | LEGAL |
a. | LEGAL RELATED SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY HLT |
b. | LEGAL RELATED SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY HGV |
c. | LEGAL RELATED SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY PK |
56
LEGAL RELATED SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY HLT DURING TRANSITION PERIOD
57
Services |
Service Recipient(s) |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses |
Service Period |
|||
e. Additional documents not already in the possession of Service Recipient, including:
Relevant corporate entity records and communications
Real estate records for relevant properties
Lease agreements and records for relevant properties (PK only)
Contracts that have been retained or assumed by requesting Service Recipient
Loan agreements retained or assumed by Service Recipient
Benefit plans
Labor/employment-related agreements |
HGV, PK |
Applicable hourly rate + any necessary third party costs |
Effective Date 12/31/2018 | |||
II. Legal Systems Access. | ||||||
a. Access to Matter Management System . HLT will provide Service Recipient with continued access to and use of matter management software system. |
HGV |
Cost of license + Any applicable hourly rate for technical support provided by HLT |
Effective Date 12/31/2017 for HGV
Effective Date 9/30/2017 for PK |
|||
b. Matter Management Data Migration. HLT will provide consulting services in connection with migrating PK data out of existing matter management system into new environment (to the extent not complete in the initial distribution of records), including:
Formulating plan for migrating such data
Engaging and directing necessary third party vendors to migrate data |
PK |
Applicable hourly rate + any necessary third party costs |
03/31/2017 9/30/2017 |
58
59
Services |
Service Recipient(s) |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses |
Service Period |
|||
b. Regulatory Compliance . Consulting services related to regulatory practices, procedures, policies and compliance with respect to the business of the Service Recipient, including:
Historical FCPA compliance policies and procedures
Assistance with data and records related to OFAC compliance programs |
HGV, PK |
Applicable hourly rate + any necessary third party costs |
Effective Date 12/31/17 | |||
c. Benefits Plans. Consulting services related to start-up and ongoing administration of benefit plan matters set forth in Employment Matters Agreement, including:
Historical benefits plans
Benefit plan transition matters (e.g., assumption of existing plan, adoption of new plan, etc.)
Notices and correspondence related to benefits plans |
HGV, PK |
Applicable hourly rate + any necessary third party costs |
Effective Date 12/31/2017 | |||
d. Labor & Employment . Consulting services related to ongoing labor and employment matters, including:
Historical information related to labor unions and card check
Historical information related to collective bargaining |
HGV, PK |
Applicable hourly rate + any necessary third party costs |
Effective Date 12/31/2017 |
Hourly Rates for Consulting Services Performed by HLT
| Administrative Assistant/Paralegal: $225/hour |
| Systems Services and Consulting: $281/hour |
| Junior Attorney: $450/hour |
| Senior Attorney: $750/hour |
60
LEGAL RELATED SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY HGV DURING TRANSITION PERIOD
Services |
Service Recipient(s) |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses |
Minimum Service Period |
|||
I. Upon request of Service Recipient, HGV will reasonably provide records and documents not already in the possession of Service Recipients, subject to appropriate exclusions and restrictions for classified Information, Privileged Information or Confidential Information (as defined in the Distribution Agreement) * |
HLT, PK |
Applicable hourly rate + any necessary third party costs |
Effective date 12/31/2017 | |||
II. Upon the request of Service Recipient, HGV will reasonably provide consulting services regarding specific questions related to Service Recipient matters, excluding any and all claims or litigation to which HGV is or may be adverse |
HLT, PK |
Applicable hourly rate + any necessary third party costs |
Effective date 12/31/2017 |
* | After 12/31/17 (and for the avoidance of doubt), the parties shall have the ongoing rights to obtain Information set forth in the Distribution Agreement (including under Section 8.3 thereof). |
Hourly Rates for Legal Services Performed by HGV
| Administrative Assistant/Paralegal: $225/hour |
| Systems Services and Consulting: $281/hour |
| Junior Attorney: $450/hour |
| Senior Attorney: $750/hour |
61
LEGAL RELATED SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY PK DURING TRANSITION PERIOD
Services |
Service Recipient(s) |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses |
Minimum Service Period |
|||
I. Upon request of Service Recipient, PK will reasonably provide records and documents not already in the possession of Service Recipients, subject to appropriate exclusions and restrictions for classified Information, Privileged Information or Confidential Information (as defined in the Distribution Agreement) * |
HGV, HLT |
Applicable hourly rate + any necessary third party costs |
Effective date 12/31/2017 | |||
II. Upon the request of Service Recipient, PK will reasonably provide consulting services regarding specific questions related to Service Recipient matters, excluding any and all claims or litigation to which PK is or may be adverse |
HGV, HLT |
Applicable hourly rate + any necessary third party costs |
Effective date 12/31/2017 |
* | After 12/31/17 (and for the avoidance of doubt), the parties shall have the ongoing rights to obtain Information set forth in the Distribution Agreement (including under Section 8.3 thereof). |
Hourly Rates for Legal Services Performed by PK
| Administrative Assistant/Paralegal: $225/hour |
| Systems Services and Consulting: $281/hour |
| Junior Attorney: $450/hour |
| Senior Attorney: $750/hour |
62
MASTER TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT
SERVICES SCHEDULES
5. | RISK MANAGEMENT |
63
RISK MANAGEMENT RELATED SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY HLT
64
MASTER TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT
SERVICES SCHEDULES
6. | PROJECT MANAGEMENT |
65
PROJECT MANAGEMENT RELATED SERVICES
66
MASTER TRANSITION SERVICES AGREEMENT
SERVICES SCHEDULES
8. | LIVINGWELL |
67
LIVINGWELL-RELATED SERVICES
Services |
Service Recipient(s) |
Market Rate Costs and Expenses |
Minimum Service Period |
|||
Project Management Services to be provided by HLT | ||||||
Administrative support for the operation of a Livingwell-branded health club at Craigendarroch Suites, including:
Support for the preparation of monthly performance reports;
Support for marketing operations and promotions;
Support for periodic trainings
Assistance with periodic support conference calls
Other reasonable administrative support as agreed by the parties. |
HGV |
Marketing, training and membership systems fees - £351 per calendar month
Monthly Royalty and Support Fee - £800 per calendar month |
Effective date 12/31/2017 |
68
SCHEDULE B
TSA Managers
HLT: Mike Duffy
HGV: Eduardo Schutte
PK: Darren Robb
Exhibit 10.4
EXECUTION COPY
LICENSE AGREEMENT
by and between
HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC.
and
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS INC.
Dated as of January 2, 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE I LICENSES |
1 | |||||
Section 1.1. |
Trademark License | 1 | ||||
Section 1.2. |
Content License | 2 | ||||
Section 1.3. |
Software Licenses | 2 | ||||
Section 1.4. |
Data Access | 2 | ||||
Section 1.5. |
Marketing Rights | 2 | ||||
Section 1.6. |
Brand Displays | 2 | ||||
ARTICLE II EXCLUSIVITY AND RESERVED RIGHTS |
2 | |||||
Section 2.1. |
[Intentionally Omitted] | 2 | ||||
Section 2.2. |
Exclusivity | 2 | ||||
Section 2.3. |
Licensors Reserved Rights | 3 | ||||
Section 2.4. |
Licensees Reserved Rights | 4 | ||||
Section 2.5. |
Similar Lines of Business | 4 | ||||
Section 2.6. |
Licensor Transactions | 4 | ||||
ARTICLE III FEES |
5 | |||||
Section 3.1. |
Royalty Fees | 5 | ||||
Section 3.2. |
Additional Fees | 6 | ||||
Section 3.3. |
Other Costs | 6 | ||||
Section 3.4. |
Reimbursement | 6 | ||||
Section 3.5. |
Licensee Forecasts | 6 | ||||
Section 3.6. |
Making of Payments | 7 | ||||
Section 3.7. |
Interest on Late Payments | 7 | ||||
Section 3.8. |
Currency and Taxes | 7 | ||||
ARTICLE IV TERM |
7 | |||||
Section 4.1. |
Initial Term | 7 | ||||
Section 4.2. |
Extension Term; Tail Period | 7 | ||||
ARTICLE V EXISTING AND NEW PROJECTS |
8 | |||||
Section 5.1. |
Existing Projects | 8 | ||||
Section 5.2. |
New Projects | 8 | ||||
Section 5.3. |
Undeveloped Parcels | 9 | ||||
Section 5.4. |
Projects at Third-Party Hotels | 9 |
i
Page | ||||||
Section 5.5. |
Future Franchise and Management Agreements | 9 | ||||
Section 5.6. |
Vacation Ownership Properties at Licensor Lodging Properties | 9 | ||||
Section 5.7. |
Limitations on Licensed Business; Compliance with Contracts | 10 | ||||
Section 5.8. |
Delegation; Sublicensing | 10 | ||||
Section 5.9. |
Limited Lodging Operations by Licensee | 11 | ||||
ARTICLE VI SOURCING |
11 | |||||
Section 6.1. |
Sourcing | 11 | ||||
ARTICLE VII LICENSOR BRAND IDENTITY GUIDELINES; STANDARDS; LOYALTY PROGRAM |
11 | |||||
Section 7.1. |
Licensor Brand Identity Guidelines | 11 | ||||
Section 7.2. |
Modified Standards | 11 | ||||
Section 7.3. |
Loyalty Program Participation | 12 | ||||
Section 7.4. |
Exclusivity/Licensee Status | 12 | ||||
Section 7.5. |
Sale of Loyalty Program Points | 13 | ||||
Section 7.6. |
Use of Loyalty Program Points | 13 | ||||
Section 7.7. |
Conversion to Loyalty Program Points | 13 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII OPERATIONS |
13 | |||||
Section 8.1. |
Licensee Operations, Brand Standards | 13 | ||||
Section 8.2. |
Employees | 13 | ||||
Section 8.3. |
Management and Operation of the Projects | 14 | ||||
Section 8.4. |
Quality Assurance | 14 | ||||
Section 8.5. |
Licensed HOAs Not Controlled By Licensee | 14 | ||||
Section 8.6. |
Employee Discounts | 15 | ||||
Section 8.7. |
Managers | 15 | ||||
ARTICLE IX LICENSEE OBLIGATIONS |
15 | |||||
Section 9.1. |
Lodging Business | 15 | ||||
Section 9.2. |
Hilton Competitors | 15 | ||||
Section 9.3. |
Acquisitions | 15 | ||||
Section 9.4. |
New Products and Services | 16 | ||||
Section 9.5. |
Advertising | 16 | ||||
Section 9.6. |
Sponsorships/Partnerships | 16 | ||||
Section 9.7. |
Reservations | 17 | ||||
Section 9.8. |
Diversion | 17 | ||||
Section 9.9. |
Finances | 17 |
ii
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE X SYSTEMS |
17 | |||||
Section 10.1. |
Systems | 17 | ||||
ARTICLE XI LICENSOR SERVICES |
18 | |||||
Section 11.1. |
Call Center Transfer Services | 18 | ||||
Section 11.2. |
Other Services | 18 | ||||
ARTICLE XII REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE |
18 | |||||
Section 12.1. |
Repairs | 18 | ||||
ARTICLE XIII INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY |
18 | |||||
Section 13.1. |
Ownership/New Marks | 18 | ||||
Section 13.2. |
Licensees Use of Licensed IP | 19 | ||||
Section 13.3. |
Enforcement | 19 | ||||
Section 13.4. |
Credit Cards | 20 | ||||
ARTICLE XIV CONFIDENTIALITY |
20 | |||||
Section 14.1. |
Confidential Information | 20 | ||||
Section 14.2. |
Data and Data Security | 21 | ||||
ARTICLE XV ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS |
22 | |||||
Section 15.1. |
Maintenance of Records | 22 | ||||
Section 15.2. |
Audit | 22 | ||||
Section 15.3. |
Royalty and Fee Reporting | 22 | ||||
ARTICLE XVI INDEMNIFICATION; INSURANCE |
22 | |||||
Section 16.1. |
Indemnification | 22 | ||||
Section 16.2. |
Insurance Policies | 23 | ||||
Section 16.3. |
Insurance Requirements | 24 | ||||
Section 16.4. |
Licensees Obligations | 24 | ||||
Section 16.5. |
Contribution | 24 | ||||
ARTICLE XVII TRANSFERS |
25 | |||||
Section 17.1. |
By Licensee | 25 | ||||
Section 17.2. |
By Licensor | 25 | ||||
Section 17.3. |
By Either Party | 25 | ||||
ARTICLE XVIII BREACH, DEFAULT, AND REMEDIES |
25 | |||||
Section 18.1. |
Deflagging | 25 | ||||
Section 18.2. |
Termination by Licensor for Bankruptcy by Licensee | 27 |
iii
Page | ||||||
Section 18.3. |
Termination by Licensor For Breach by Licensee | 27 | ||||
Section 18.4. |
Termination of Corporate Name Rights | 28 | ||||
Section 18.5. |
Suspension | 28 | ||||
ARTICLE XIX POST TERMINATION OBLIGATIONS |
28 | |||||
Section 19.1. |
After Termination | 28 | ||||
Section 19.2. |
Liquidated Damages | 29 | ||||
Section 19.3. |
Cross-Default | 29 | ||||
Section 19.4. |
Survival | 29 | ||||
ARTICLE XX COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS |
29 | |||||
Section 20.1. |
Applicable Laws | 29 | ||||
Section 20.2. |
Notice of Events | 29 | ||||
ARTICLE XXI RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES |
30 | |||||
Section 21.1. |
Consent Standard | 30 | ||||
Section 21.2. |
Independent Contractor | 30 | ||||
ARTICLE XXII GOVERNING LAW/DISPUTE RESOLUTION |
30 | |||||
Section 22.1. |
Governing Law | 30 | ||||
Section 22.2. |
Negotiation | 30 | ||||
Section 22.3. |
Mediation | 30 | ||||
Section 22.4. |
Consent to Jurisdiction | 30 | ||||
Section 22.5. |
Waiver of Jury Trial | 31 | ||||
Section 22.6. |
Confidentiality | 31 | ||||
Section 22.7. |
Continuity of Performance | 31 | ||||
ARTICLE XXIII NOTICES |
31 | |||||
ARTICLE XXIV MISCELLANEOUS |
32 | |||||
Section 24.1. |
Complete Agreement; Construction | 32 | ||||
Section 24.2. |
Counterparts | 32 | ||||
Section 24.3. |
Amendment | 32 | ||||
Section 24.4. |
Third Party Beneficiaries | 32 | ||||
Section 24.5. |
Title and Headings | 32 | ||||
Section 24.6. |
Severability | 32 | ||||
Section 24.7. |
Interpretation | 32 | ||||
Section 24.8. |
No Waiver | 32 | ||||
Section 24.9. |
Cumulative Remedies | 32 | ||||
Section 24.10. |
Force Majeure | 32 |
iv
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE XXV WARRANTIES |
33 | |||||
Section 25.1. |
By Each Party | 33 | ||||
Section 25.2. |
Disclaimer | 33 | ||||
Section 25.3. |
Limitation on Damages | 33 |
LIST OF EXHIBITS
Exhibit A | Definitions | |
Exhibit B | Operating Guidelines | |
Exhibit C | Licensed Marks | |
Exhibit D | Excluded Products and Services | |
Exhibit E | Licensee Products and Services Included in Licensed Vacation Ownership Business | |
Exhibit F | Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties Under Development | |
Exhibit G | Non-Licensed Existing Vacation Ownership Properties | |
Exhibit H | Excluded Fractional Vacation Club Services | |
Exhibit I | Existing Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties | |
Exhibit J | Undeveloped Real Estate Parcels | |
Exhibit K | Approved Mixed-Use Development New Properties | |
Exhibit L | Approved Subcontracting and Delegation Agreements | |
Exhibit M | Existing Marketing Agreements for Licensed Exchange Program |
v
HGV LICENSE AGREEMENT
This HGV LICENSE AGREEMENT dated as of January 2, 2017 (the Effective Date ), by and between Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation ( Licensor ) and Hilton Grand Vacations Inc., a Delaware corporation ( Licensee ). Each of Licensor and Licensee is referred to herein as a Party and collectively, as the Parties .
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, Licensor, Park Hotels & Resorts Inc., a Delaware corporation ( PHRI ) and Licensee entered into that certain Distribution Agreement, dated as of January 2, 2017 (the Distribution Agreement ), pursuant to which Licensor will be separated into three independent, publicly traded companies; and
WHEREAS, Licensor, directly or indirectly, owns the Licensed IP and possesses the Hilton Data (as defined herein) and Licensee wishes to use the Licensed IP and Hilton Data in its Vacation Ownership Business after the Effective Date, and Licensor is willing to grant Licensee such a license on the terms and conditions herein.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual agreements and covenants contained in this Agreement, the Parties hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
LICENSES
Section 1.1. Trademark License .
(a) Subject to the terms and conditions herein, during the Term, Licensor hereby grants to Licensee a license to use the Licensed Marks as Trademarks in the Territory in connection with the current and future operation of the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business. Such license shall be exclusive for the Term. For clarity, (i) the above license covers only the exact Licensed Marks, and Licensee may not use the term Hilton standing alone or, except as permitted by the Licensor Brand Identity Guidelines any variations, derivatives, abbreviations or stylizations of the Licensed Marks, in each case, without Licensors prior written consent, and (ii) the above exclusivity means that, during the Term, Licensor will not use (or allow others to use) the Licensed Marks in connection with the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business.
(b) Without the prior written consent of Licensor, Licensee shall not (i) bid for, purchase, register or use the term Hilton or any other Trademark owned by Licensor or its Subsidiaries as or as part of any key word, ad word, metatag or similar device designed to attract viewers or users in online, social, mobile or other media or (ii) link to or frame any website, online, social or mobile media property or venue of Licensor that Licensee is not already linking to or framing as of the Effective Date, regardless of whether the foregoing constitutes trademark use under applicable Laws.
(c) Licensee hereby grants to Licensor and its Subsidiaries a non-exclusive sublicense during the Term to (i) use the Licensed Marks and (ii) use and exercise the intellectual property rights in the Licensed Content, in each case, to the extent necessary to advertise and promote the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business on Licensees behalf during the Term. Licensee may further sublicense the above license in connection with the foregoing.
Section 1.2. Content License . Subject to the terms and conditions herein, during the Term, Licensor hereby grants to Licensee a license to use, reproduce, distribute, perform and display the Licensed Content in the Territory solely in connection with the current and future operation of the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business. Such license shall be exclusive for the Noncompetition Term and non-exclusive for the remainder of the Term. Licensee may modify Licensed Content for format or technical reasons, but may not make substantive or artistic changes thereto, without Licensors prior written consent.
Section 1.3. Software Licenses .
(a) Licensor hereby at its option (i) grants to Licensee a non-exclusive sublicense or (ii) agrees to cause an Affiliate to grant to Licensee a non-exclusive license, in each case, during the Term to use the Licensed Software in connection with the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business. Licensee shall comply with all terms and conditions of the applicable license or sublicense (which shall be equivalent in all material respects to the then-current version of the Hilton Information Technology System Agreement) in connection with such use.
(b) Licensor hereby grants to Licensee the non-exclusive right during the Term to access the Licensed System and provide the Licensed System with information as to the current inventory of vacant rooms at Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties.
Section 1.4. Data Access . Subject to the terms and conditions herein, Licensor hereby grants to Licensee the rights to use the Hilton Data as set forth in Section 14.2(b).
Section 1.5. Marketing Rights . Subject to the terms and conditions herein, during the Noncompetition Term, Licensor hereby grants to Licensee the right to market the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business at Licensors corporate-level advertising channels, including websites and social media properties (but not the channels of individual Hilton-branded properties). Such right is exclusive, meaning that during the Noncompetition Term, Licensor will not allow any other Person to market a Vacation Ownership Business through such channels.
Section 1.6. Brand Displays . Licensor acknowledges and agrees that during the Noncompetition Term, Licensor shall, wherever legally permissible, include (i) the Licensed Mark Hilton Grand Vacations on its brand bar, and similar displays where Licensor advertises all of the Hilton Marks for the Licensor Lodging Business and (ii) inventory of transient rentals for the Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties in all proprietary and third-party advertising venues that list such inventory for the Licensor Lodging Business, in each case, in the same manner and quality Licensor provided prior to the Effective Date of this Agreement.
ARTICLE II
EXCLUSIVITY AND RESERVED RIGHTS
Section 2.1. [Intentionally Omitted] .
Section 2.2. Exclusivity .
(a) Until December 31, 2046 (the Initial Noncompetition Term ), Licensor will not: (x) engage or license any Person to engage in the Vacation Ownership Business worldwide under any Trademark; (y) use or license any Person to use the Licensed IP or Hilton Data in connection with the Vacation Ownership Business; and/or (z) allow any Person engaged in the Vacation Ownership Business, other than Licensee, to participate in the Loyalty Program.
2
(b) The Initial Noncompetition Term shall be extended for additional 10-year terms (each 10-year term, a Renewal Noncompetition Term and together with the Initial Noncompetition Term, the Noncompetition Term ), if Licensee satisfies the criteria in either clause (i) or (ii) below in calendar year 2046 (or the final calendar year of any Renewal Noncompetition Term) (each, a Measuring Year ):
(i) Licensees Gross Revenues in a Measuring Year must be equal to or greater than 80% of $1,493,000,000 USD (Licensees 2016 projected Gross Revenues) as inflated to such Measuring Year dollars by the CPI Adjustment. For example, if Licensee had 2016 Gross Revenues of $100 USD, and that translated into $300 in projected Gross Revenues in 2046 due to CPI Adjustments, Licensees minimum 2046 revenue to renew the Noncompetition Term until December 31, 2056 would be $240; or
(ii) Licensee must generate the sum of the Gross Sales Price and Fee For Services Sales Price in a Measuring Year that rank first, second or third among Vacation Ownership Business worldwide, based on revenues disclosed in audited financial reports for such Measuring Year (or a comparable mutually-agreed metric, if such annual contract sales are no longer publicly reported).
(c) If Licensee does not satisfy clause (i) or (ii) during a Measuring Year, Licensee may retain the Noncompetition Term for one year terms by paying Licensor 5% of the shortfall between Licensees actual Gross Revenues for the Measuring Year and 100% of Licensees projected Gross Revenues for the Measuring Year as set forth in clause (i) (each, a Shortfall Payment ). The Shortfall Payment shall be due within 30 days after the end of the Measuring Year. For example, if Licensee had 2016 Gross Revenues of $100, and that translated into $300 in projected Gross Revenues in 2046 due to CPI Adjustments, and Licensees Gross Revenues were $220 in 2046, that would be a shortfall of $80, and Licensee would submit a Shortfall Payment of $80 times 5% for the Royalty, or $4.
(d) Licensee shall be allowed a maximum of five consecutive Shortfall Payments during any Renewal Noncompetition Term, with no carryover of unused Shortfall Payments into the next Renewal Noncompetition Term. If during any year of noncompetition afforded by a Shortfall Payment, Licensee satisfies clause (i) or (ii), the Noncompetition Term shall be extended by a 10-year Renewal Noncompetition Term beginning at the end of the prior Measuring Year. For example, if Licensees Gross Revenues are $220 in 2046, Licensee would make the above $4 Shortfall Payment for 2046, and if in 2047 Licensees Gross Revenues meet the target, the Noncompetition Term would renew until December 31, 2056. If after five consecutive Shortfall Payments, Licensee fails to satisfy clauses (i) or (ii), the Noncompetition Term expires on December 31 st in the year in which the last Shortfall Payment was made.
(e) If the Noncompetition Term terminates under Section 2.2(a) or Section 2.6(a), Licensor shall notify Licensee of same in writing. Thereafter, Licensee will continue to be bound by its obligations in this Agreement including Article IX, but Licensor may (and may assist or allow other Persons to) engage in the Vacation Ownership Business in any form and under any Trademark (other than HGV and Hilton Grand Vacations) worldwide for the remainder of the Term.
Section 2.3. Licensors Reserved Rights . Licensor reserves all rights not expressly licensed to Licensee hereunder, including without limitation, the right to Operate any business or properties and/or use the Licensed IP and Hilton Data in any manner that does not violate Licensees exclusive rights herein. Licensor may sell, assign or license the Hilton Marks (other than the Licensed Marks) without Licensees consent, and any acquirer, assignee or licensee shall have no obligation to Licensee herein.
3
Section 2.4. Licensees Reserved Rights . Licensee reserves the right to engage in any activity worldwide not expressly prohibited in this Agreement.
Section 2.5. Similar Lines of Business . Licensee may engage in the Fractional Vacation Club Business and the Whole Ownership Business, as a Separate Operation (or as part of the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business, subject to Licensors prior written consent), at any time during the Term. Licensor may engage in the Fractional Vacation Club Business and the Whole Ownership Business at any time during the Term.
Section 2.6. Licensor Transactions .
(a) Notwithstanding Section 2.2(a), if at any time during the Noncompetition Term, Licensor merges with or acquires direct or indirect Control of a Person that operates a Vacation Ownership Business as well as a Lodging Business (in either an equity or asset acquisition), Licensor shall use commercially reasonable efforts to allow Licensee to acquire or manage such acquired Vacation Ownership Business (the Acquired Vacation Business ) as a Licensed Vacation Ownership Business herein. For the avoidance of doubt, Licensor has no obligation to include Licensee in any pre-closing discussions or negotiations with the third-party counter-party and may elect to present Licensee with the opportunity to acquire or manage the Acquired Vacation Business only after closing of the business transaction and, in either case, Licensor may proceed with the transaction whether or not Licensee acquires or manages the Acquired Vacation Business. For the avoidance of doubt, during the Noncompetition Term Licensor may not merge with or acquire direct or indirect Control of a Person that operates solely a Vacation Ownership Business.
(b) If Licensee does not acquire or manage the acquired Vacation Ownership Business: (i) Licensor shall have no further obligations to include Licensee in the ownership or management of the Acquired Vacation Business; (ii) Licensor may merge its Loyalty Program with the loyalty program of the Acquired Vacation Business and, notwithstanding the exclusivity and non-competition provisions herein, compete in the Vacation Ownership Business using the Hilton IP (but not the Licensed Marks), Hilton Data and the Loyalty Program in connection with such Acquired Vacation Business; and (iii) during the Noncompetition Term, Licensor shall use Reasonable Best Efforts to continue to provide Licensee the Licensed IP and Hilton Data on a basis comparable to Licensors past practice under this Agreement.
(c) If, on the closing date for the acquisition of the Acquired Vacation Business, 90% of all ownership interests, use rights, or other entitlements to use overnight accommodations in the Vacation Ownership Properties within such business ( Acquired Vacation Property Inventory ) have been sold to Persons for their own use such that the Acquired Vacation Property Inventory is not being actively marketed, during the Noncompetition Term, Licensor shall not use the Hilton Data to sell any newly created Acquired Vacation Property Inventory or develop new Vacation Ownership Properties under the Acquired Vacation Business unless Licensee is given the right of first offer to manage such properties. However, Licensor shall be permitted to use the Hilton Data to sell any existing unsold Acquired Vacation Property Inventory or existing Acquired Vacation Property Inventory that may become available through foreclosure or otherwise comes available to Licensor.
4
ARTICLE III
FEES
Section 3.1. Royalty Fees .
(a) (i) Licensee shall pay to Licensor a royalty (the Royalty ) for the rights granted to Licensee under this Agreement in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of Gross Revenues.
(ii) Except for the limited exception for Non-Licensed Existing Projects below, if Licensee develops Vacation Ownership Properties or acquires Vacation Ownership Properties from a Person other than a Hilton Competitor and they are not operated as Separate Operations, the Royalty shall apply to such Vacation Ownership Properties as if they were Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties, even if such properties are not Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties. The Royalty shall also apply to all Transient Rental Revenue at any Vacation Ownership Properties that use the Licensed IP or Hilton Data. For clarity, Licensee shall not owe a Royalty arising out of its Vacation Ownership Properties that are operated as Separate Operations.
(iii) If Licensee permits Non-Licensed Existing Projects, or other non-licensed Vacation Ownership Properties with which Licensee has entered into a Marketing Agreement pursuant to Section 9.6(d), to be exchanged pursuant to an arrangement between the Licensed Exchange Program and a non-licensed Exchange Program whereby individual owners of the non-licensed Vacation Ownership Properties do not have full access to the Loyalty Program through the Licensed Exchange Program, then the Royalty shall be due only on the applicable Club Revenue portion of the Gross Revenue. If Hilton Data is used to market the sale of units at Non-Licensed Existing Projects, then the Royalty shall be due on Gross Sales Price, Club Revenue, and Marketing Package Revenues.
(b) A sale occurs for Royalty purposes with respect to the initial sale or re-sale of an interest in a Licensed Vacation Ownership Property when all of the following conditions have been satisfied, regardless of when, or whether, any part of the Gross Sales Price or Fee For Services Sales Price are actually paid to, or received by or on behalf of, Licensee.
(i) A written agreement ( Purchase Contract ) is executed by a purchaser and has been accepted by Licensee pursuant to which such purchaser contractually commits to acquire such interest;
(ii) With respect to purchase money financing provided by or through Licensee or its Affiliates, if any, such purchaser has duly executed all applicable sales and purchase money financing documents in respect of such Purchase Contract;
(iii) Such purchaser has duly tendered payment of the full purchase price in respect of such Purchase Contract (or full installments thereof in the case of purchase money financing, as applicable) by cash, by check which has cleared, or by credit card which has been duly processed) to either (x) Licensee or its Affiliates or (y) a fiduciary, escrow agent, trustee or other independent third-party designated by Licensee or its Affiliates, as may be required by applicable Laws;
(iv) All rescission periods applicable to such Purchase Contract have expired, without any such right of rescission having been exercised; and
5
(v) All pre-conditions set forth in such Purchase Contract and any legal requirements under the applicable Laws in order to close the transaction which is the subject of the Purchase Contract as set forth in such Purchase Contract shall have been duly satisfied, without the purchaser having exercised any right of cancellation afforded such purchaser under the terms of such Purchase Contract or under the applicable Laws.
(vi) To the extent that the sale of a Licensed Vacation Ownership Property meets (i) through (v) above, but such Licensed Vacation Ownership Property has not achieved a Certificate of Occupancy granted by relevant municipalities that approve the use by a purchaser of the Licensed Vacation Ownership Property, the sale for Royalty purposes will be multiplied by the Percentage of Completion. The Percentage of Completion will be calculated and applied to such Licensed Vacation Ownership Property each reporting period until such time that the Licensed Vacation Ownership Property achieves its Certificate of Occupancy, at which time and for all periods thereafter, the Percentage of Completion will be 100%.
(c) The Gross Sales Price or Fee For Services Sales Price shall, for purposes of calculating the Royalty under Section 3.1(a), exclude the amount attributable to a gross up for imputed interest associated with a zero percent (0%) or below market interest rate program used in relation to financing a purchasers acquisition of interests in a Licensed Vacation Ownership Property, but only where the Gross Sales Price or Fee For Services Sales Price is offered at different amounts to the customers on a programmatic basis, depending on the financing or payment terms selected by the customer.
Section 3.2. Additional Fees . In addition to the Royalty, Licensee shall pay to Licensor:
(a) An annual transition fee for the first five years of the Term of $5 million per year.
(b) The then-current Loyalty Program fee for eligible guest folios, subject to caps in place as of the Effective Date for a period of twenty (20) years from the Effective Date. At the end of such twenty (20) year period, the caps will be eliminated and Licensee will pay the same Loyalty Program fee that is in effect for Licensor Lodging Properties.
Section 3.3. Other Costs . Licensee shall pay Licensor fees covering Licensors proportionate costs for Licensees use of the Licensed Software. Licensee shall pay the non-refundable, up-front installation costs (if any) for the Licensed Software to be installed at any additional Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties, which shall include sales centers that are not in existence as of the Effective Date.
Section 3.4. Reimbursement . Licensee shall reimburse Licensor for its costs (without profits) that would typically be covered by the Program Fee, including marketing campaigns in which Licensee participates under Section 9.5 or Section 9.6 below or enhancements to the Licensed Software that are provided to all of Licensor Lodging Properties, provided that Licensee will pay such costs only for services that Licensee uses. Licensee shall also reimburse Licensor for all costs associated with Call transfer services, GBCS Services used by Licensee, central delivery used by Licensee, third party reservation charges, guest assistance services and the handling of guest complaints, whether such guests are Loyalty Program members or not.
Section 3.5. Licensee Forecasts . At least one month prior to the end of each of Licensors fiscal years during the Term, Licensee shall provide to Licensor a forecast of its projected Royalties and Gross Revenues (separated by the categories in the definition of Gross Revenues herein) for Licensors upcoming fiscal year, and then after each fiscal year quarter during the Term, Licensee shall provide to Licensor the actual Royalties and Gross Revenues for such prior quarter and an updated rolling forecast of outstanding quarterly royalties for the remainder of Licensors then current fiscal year.
6
Section 3.6. Making of Payments . The Royalty and all additional fees due in this Article III shall be paid within thirty (30) days following the end of each calendar quarter. All other payments herein shall be made within thirty (30) days after receipt of an invoice from Licensor. Licensee shall pay via a wire transfer (or other method reasonably designated by Licensor) of immediately available funds, pursuant to Licensors commercially reasonable instructions. All amounts payable to Licensor shall be invoiced in U.S. dollars unless Licensor otherwise designates another currency. The exchange rate shall be set each month by Licensor as taken from an international reporting service. Licensee shall submit to Licensor, within eight (8) business days after the end of each month, a statement in the form reasonably required by Licensor that includes all Information required by Licensor to determine all due payments hereunder, and on a quarterly basis, such statement will also aggregate the amounts presented on the monthly statement itemizing the various revenue streams to Licensor that constitute the Royalty. Such Information is not Licensees Confidential Information and Licensor may use or disclose it for authorized business purposes.
Section 3.7. Interest on Late Payments . If a Party does not make any payment due under this Agreement within fourteen (14) days after its due date, such Party shall pay interest from the due date until the date of payment compounded monthly, at the interest rate of an annual rate equal to the lesser of (i) the prime rate (as published by the Wall Street Journal or, if no longer published, such other similar source as reasonably selected by Licensor) applicable on the date such payment is due and on each date thereafter that interest is compounded, plus eight (8) percentage points and (ii) the highest rate then permitted by applicable Laws.
Section 3.8. Currency and Taxes . Licensee shall bear and be responsible for all taxes, duties and deductions (including any sales, value added, use, excise, gross receipts, income, goods and service taxes, stamp or other duties, fees, deductions, withholdings or other payments, and including penalties and interest as a result of failure to comply) (collectively, Taxes ) levied on, deducted or withheld from, or assessed or imposed on any payments made by Licensee hereunder. If Licensor or its designee pays any such amounts due, then Licensee must reimburse Licensor therefor. Licensee shall gross-up all payments herein so that Licensor receives the same amount that it would have received if no Taxes were applicable.
ARTICLE IV
TERM
Section 4.1. Initial Term . The term of this Agreement begins on the Effective Date and expires on December 31, 2116 (the Term ).
Section 4.2. Extension Term; Tail Period . For a period of thirty (30) years following the Term (if it expires on December 31, 2116 and is not earlier terminated) ( Tail Period ), Licensee shall have a non-exclusive license (but no obligation) to use the Licensed IP (and a non-exclusive right to access and use the Hilton Data and Loyalty Program) in connection with any Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties in existence at the end of the Term (including any new Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties under development and approved by Licensor as of such date), provided that: (i) Licensee complies with all terms and conditions herein; (ii) the exclusivity granted in Section 2.2(a) (if not earlier terminated) shall immediately terminate at the expiration of the Term (not including the Tail Period); and (iii) Licensee shall be required to pay the Royalty and other payments due under Article III during the Tail Period for so long as such properties use the Licensed IP, Hilton Data or Loyalty Program. All other applicable terms and conditions of this Agreement, including Licensees requirement to pay all fees in Article III other than the Royalty, shall be in force during the Tail Period.
7
ARTICLE V
EXISTING AND NEW PROJECTS
Section 5.1. Existing Projects . The Vacation Ownership Properties listed on Exhibit I to this Agreement shall be deemed Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties herein.
Section 5.2. New Projects .
(a) If Licensee notifies Licensor that it wishes to develop additional Vacation Ownership Properties that use Hilton Marks (other than the Licensed Marks) either alone or as co-branding with any Licensed Marks, it shall notify Licensor in writing by submitting to Licensor a written application that contains all material information with respect thereto. Licensor may, in its sole discretion, grant Licensee a license to use such additional Trademarks in connection therewith, pursuant to a separate agreement or an amendment to this Agreement.
(b) If Licensee notifies Licensor that it wishes to (i) develop or acquire additional Vacation Ownership Properties that would use the Licensed Marks or (ii) expand the scope or size of an existing Licensed Vacation Ownership Property (if such expansion was not included in the original proposal for the property approved by Licensor), it shall notify Licensor in writing by submitting to Licensor a written application that contains all material information with respect thereto. Licensor shall not unreasonably withhold its approval for such Vacation Ownership Properties to use the Licensed IP and Hilton Data (and upon such approval, such properties shall become Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties herein) if the proposed additional Vacation Ownership Property or proposed expansion to an existing Licensed Vacation Ownership Property (each, a New Property ) and Licensees intended operation thereof complies with the then-current Standards and Agreements and:
(i) the development of the proposed New Property would not breach, or be reasonably likely to breach, any applicable Laws or agreement between Licensor or its Affiliates, including territorial restrictions or areas of protection;
(ii) the proposed New Property will not involve any co-investor that (a) is a Hilton Competitor, (b) is known in the community as being of bad moral character, (c) has been convicted in any court of a felony or other offense that could result in imprisonment for one (1) year or more or a fine or penalty of one million dollars ($1,000,000) (as adjusted annually after the Effective Date by the CPI Adjustment) or more (or is in Control of or Controlled by Persons who have been convicted in any court of felonies or such offenses), or (d) is (or has an Affiliate that is) a Blocked Person; and
(iii) the proposed New Property is not reasonably likely to harm Licensor, the Licensed IP, the Hilton Data or the goodwill associated therewith.
(c) Licensor shall provide the plans and specifications for each New Project to Licensor for review and inspection to ensure that they are in compliance with this Agreement and the Standards and Agreements. Licensee shall pay Licensor a fixed fee for such review. Notwithstanding such review and inspection, as between the Parties, Licensee is responsible for ensuring that all aspects of each New Project comply with all applicable Laws, this Agreement and the Standards and Agreements, and Licensor disclaims all liability for any of same.
8
Section 5.3. Undeveloped Parcels .
(a) Licensee has listed on Exhibit J all real estate owned by Licensee that have not been developed as of the Effective Date ( Undeveloped Parcels ). Licensor hereby approves the Undeveloped Parcels as sites for future New Properties, which shall be subject to Section 5.2.
(b) If Licensee wishes to sell an Undeveloped Parcel (or any part thereof or rights therein) to any Person other than a Hilton Competitor, Licensee will notify Licensor, and for thirty (30) days after such notice, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith towards a sale agreement. If no such agreement is executed in such time period, for 270 days thereafter, Licensee shall be free to execute such sale with such Person, so long as the sale price is at least 95% of the sale price proposed to Licensor. Licensee shall promptly provide Licensor with all information reasonably requested by Licensee to confirm Licensees compliance with this Section 5.3(b).
(c) If Licensee wishes to sell an Undeveloped Parcel (or any part thereof or rights therein) to a Hilton Competitor, Licensee will notify Licensor, and Licensor shall have a right of first refusal on such purchase for 30 days, on the same terms set forth in the offer from the Hilton Competitor. If the third party offer provides for payment of consideration other than cash, Licensor may offer commercially reasonable cash equivalent.
(d) Licensee agrees that any purported transaction in violation of Licensors rights in this Section 5.3 shall be deemed null and void at the outset and of no force or effect, and Licensor shall be entitled to equitable relief, including rescission, to effect such nullification.
Section 5.4. Projects at Third-Party Hotels . Licensee shall not participate in a New Property that is a mixed-use development project (whether or not such New Property uses the Licensed IP and/or Hilton Data) that includes Hilton Competitors without Licensors prior written consent, except for those projects set forth on Exhibit K.
Section 5.5. Future Franchise and Management Agreements . Licensor will use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that any third-party management, operating and franchise agreements for Licensor Lodging Properties (i) if executed after the Effective Date, include commercially reasonable provisions to ensure that third party hotel owners and franchisees do not (and do not allow other Persons to) operate, promote or sell interests in Vacation Ownership Properties other than Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties in connection with such Licensor Lodging Property; and (ii) if executed as of the Effective Date, retain the above-described provisions, if such retention can be achieved with no material concession or liability by Licensor. Licensor shall not be liable to Licensee for any failure to obtain the above provisions, if it exercises the above commercially reasonable efforts in this regard.
Section 5.6. Vacation Ownership Properties at Licensor Lodging Properties .
(a) If a third-party developer of a Licensor Lodging Property intends to develop a Vacation Ownership Property as a component thereof (the Co-Located Licensor Lodging Property ), Licensor will notify Licensee and use commercially reasonable efforts to allow Licensee to negotiate with such developer to Operate the Vacation Ownership Property as a Licensed Vacation Ownership Property. If, despite such efforts, such counterparty does not offer Licensee such opportunity, Licensor shall have no further obligations to Licensee in this regard (but Licensors obligations during the Noncompetition Term shall still apply).
(b) If Licensor engages in a mixed-use project that includes a Vacation Ownership Property, Licensor will use commercially reasonable efforts to include Licensee in same, and if Licensee is not included, Licensor shall not allow the Hilton Data or the Loyalty Program to be used to conduct direct marketing activities with respect to the above Vacation Ownership Business component (but shall have no other restriction on the use of Hilton Data or Loyalty Program for such projects).
9
Section 5.7. Limitations on Licensed Business; Compliance with Contracts .
Licensee shall abide by all territorial and other contractual restrictions applicable to Licensor that relate to the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business and are in effect as of the Effective Date (or thereafter, subject to Licensees consent). Licensor will not agree to an extension of the duration, or a broadening of the scope, of any such restrictions without Licensees prior written consent (which shall be required only during the Noncompetition Term), except for extending or renewing such agreements in accordance with their terms. Licensee shall not enter into any agreement with any third party that purports to limit or restrict Licensors right to Operate Licensor Lodging Properties in any manner that is inconsistent with this Agreement.
Section 5.8. Delegation; Sublicensing .
(a) Licensee may sublicense the Licensed IP
(i) as expressly permitted in this Agreement;
(ii) to Persons other than Licensee who are authorized to manage Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties under Section 8.3(a), to the extent necessary to enable such operation; and
(iii) to its Subsidiaries and their respective suppliers, service providers and contractors, solely (x) to the extent necessary to assist Licensee in conducting the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business, with respect to the Licensed Marks and Licensed Content and (y) with the prior written consent of Licensor for Persons other than Subsidiaries, with respect to the Licensed Software and Licensed System.
(b) Except as permitted above, Licensee may not sublicense the Licensed IP to any Person, or use the Licensed IP for the direct or indirect benefit of any other Person, without Licensors prior written consent.
(c) Licensee may also sublicense the Licensed Marks to Licensed HOAs, solely to the extent necessary for their operation. Licensee shall ensure that all Licensed HOAs include all information and terms reasonably requested by Licensor (in a form approved by Licensor) in their sales offering documents, sale, deed and other agreements with potential buyers, including provisions that (i) Licensor is a third-party beneficiary with the right to enforce such terms directly against the Licensed HOA and buyer and (ii) the intended buyer is not acquiring any rights in or to use any Licensed IP or Hilton Data. Licensee shall obtain Licensors prior written consent before signing any agreement with respect to the creation, operation, title, deed or sales provisions of any Licensed HOA. Licensee will, at its expense, submit to Licensor within ninety (90) days request for the same, information regarding the length of the terms, renewal rights and expiration dates of all Licensed HOA management agreements.
(d) Licensee is liable for any act or omission by any of its sublicenses that would breach this Agreement if committed by such Licensee.
(e) The Subsidiaries of each Party may exercise the rights of such Party herein and are bound by the obligations of such Party herein. A Party is liable for any act or omission by any of its Affiliates that would breach this Agreement if committed by such Party.
10
Section 5.9. Limited Lodging Operations by Licensee . Notwithstanding the prohibition on Licensee operating a Lodging Business in Section 9.1, Licensee may:
(a) On a limited basis, engage in the transient rental of inventory of Vacation Ownership Properties that are held for development and sale and owned by Licensee, its Affiliates, an HOA or a third party with which Licensee or its Affiliates has entered into a development agreement or management agreement (together, Licensee Parties ) or that is controlled by Licensee, its Affiliates or an HOA as a result of a Vacation Ownership Property owner default pending foreclosure or cure in the ordinary course of business, in each case, solely to support Licensees Vacation Ownership Business. Licensee agrees that all Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties transient rental inventory shall be made available through the Licensed System and shall not be placed on any third party platforms or distribution channels.
(b) In the event Licensee acquires a hotel, resort or other transient or extended stay lodging facilities for the purpose of converting such facilities into a Vacation Ownership Property, Licensee may during such conversion process operate such facilities, or a significant portion thereof, as a hotel provided Licensee shall pursue such conversion in a commercially reasonable manner so as to limit Licensees competition with Licensor in the Lodging Business. The parties agree Licensees obligation in this regard shall be met if Licensee diligently pursues the conversion and has commenced bona fide sales of Vacation Ownership Property intervals within 24 months of Licensees obtaining ownership, control or management of such property. If the Licensee fails to commence bona fide sales of Vacation Ownership Property intervals within the 24-month period, Licensee shall retain Licensor (for any Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties) or a third party management company (for any Separate Operations) to manage the hotel component of the project.
ARTICLE VI
SOURCING
Section 6.1. Sourcing . Licensee will source the furniture, fixtures and equipment for the Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties in compliance with all applicable Laws and the Standards and Agreements.
ARTICLE VII
LICENSOR BRAND IDENTITY GUIDELINES; STANDARDS; LOYALTY PROGRAM
Section 7.1. Licensor Brand Identity Guidelines . Licensee shall use the Licensed Marks solely: (i) in good faith, in a dignified manner and in accordance with the Licensor Brand Identity Guidelines and good trademark practice in the Territory; (ii) in a manner that does not harm or jeopardize the value of the Licensed Marks or their associated goodwill; and (iii) in connection with activities, products, and services that maintain at all times the high levels of quality associated with Licensees use of the Licensed Marks prior to the Effective Date. Licensee shall not take any action (or fail to take any action) that materially harms or jeopardizes (or could reasonably be expected to materially harm or jeopardize) the value, validity, reputation or goodwill of the Licensed IP.
Section 7.2. Modified Standards .
(a) Licensor may modify or implement any existing or new Standards during the Term, effective upon notice to Licensee, provided that (i) Licensor may not require Licensee to comply with any Standards that, as a whole, place a disproportionate or discriminatory burden upon Licensee relative to practices for similarly situated Licensor Lodging Properties, but Licensee acknowledges that certain Standards may not apply to all of Licensors branded hotels and (ii) Licensee shall have a commercially reasonable time to transition to comply with the above new Standards (unless new or modified Standards reflect changes in applicable Laws, in which case, Licensee must adopt such changes sufficiently promptly to comply with such Laws).
11
(b) On an annual basis during the Term, Licensee may submit proposed changes to the Brand Standards for Licensors prior written approval. Licensor shall not unreasonably withhold its approval to any such changes.
Section 7.3. Loyalty Program Participation .
(a) Licensee shall participate in the Loyalty Program pursuant to the terms in this Article VII, the Loyalty Program terms, and all additional terms contained in any other agreement executed between the Parties at any time during the Term with respect to the Loyalty Program.
(b) Licensor may modify the Loyalty Program terms in its sole discretion, provided that:
(i) Licensee shall receive commercially reasonable advance notice of any material changes;
(ii) Owners at Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties maintain the Loyalty Program status tier level or equivalent that was purchased prior to such notice;
(iii) Licensee may opt out of select programs if they are optional for similarly situated Licensor Lodging Properties; and
(iv) Licensor will not modify the Loyalty Program in any manner that places a disproportionate or discriminatory burden upon (x) Licensee relative to similarly situated participants or (y) owners at Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties related to other Loyalty Program members.
(c) All Loyalty Program members shall have the right to redeem Loyalty Program Points for nightly stays at Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties. Licensee shall provide Loyalty Program members benefits for stays at Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties, consistent with the tiers and rules of the Loyalty Program. Licensee shall have sole responsibility for all matters, activities and disputes involving Loyalty Program members with respect to their stays in Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties.
(d) So long as the Loyalty Program maintains an air travel mileage partner, Licensor will use commercially reasonable efforts to allow Licensee to purchase air travel miles at the same cost as Licensor.
Section 7.4. Exclusivity/Licensee Status . Licensee may not participate in a loyalty program (or purchase and use loyalty program points) of a Hilton Competitor unless such loyalty program relates solely to Vacation Ownership Properties maintained as Separate Operations. Licensor will not authorize Loyalty Program Points to be used solely for the creation of a Vacation Ownership Business that conflicts with Licensees rights under this Agreement. Licensor will maintain Licensees tier status (or grant comparable tier status to Licensee) in the Loyalty Program, if Licensee changes the tier structure of the Loyalty Program during the Term. Licensee may purchase tier status from Licensor for the Loyalty Program.
12
Section 7.5. Sale of Loyalty Program Points . Licensor shall cause Hilton HHonors Worldwide, L.L.C. ( HHonors LLC ) to sell Loyalty Program Points to Licensee at cost for a period of 20 years after the Effective Date. Licensor shall cause HHonors LLC to inform Licensee of the cost per point at the beginning of each calendar year during such 20 year period. Thereafter, (i) Licensor shall cause HHonors LLC to sell Loyalty Program Points to Licensee at the market rate (which shall not be (x) less than cost or (y) more than the amount paid by any other Person participating in the Loyalty Program who buys the similar quantity of points on the same terms and is otherwise similarly situated to Licensee), provided that such market rate is no higher than the price per point paid by any strategic partner that purchases a comparable volume of points annually on comparable business terms from HHonors LLC. During the Term and in accordance with the restrictions in this Article VII, HHonors LLC shall be entitled to increase the price per point on an annual basis.
Section 7.6. Use of Loyalty Program Points . Licensee may use the Loyalty Program Points it purchases:
(i) to fulfill benefits related to the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business;
(ii) as awards or incentives associated with the marketing or sale of the Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties;
(iii) in connection with customer complaints or customer service responses; or
(iv) for any other reason approved by Licensor in advance in writing.
Licensee may not resell or transfer Loyalty Program Points to any other Person or allow any Person (other than members of the Loyalty Program for end-use purposes) to do same.
Section 7.7. Conversion to Loyalty Program Points . Licensee can convert points associated with Licensees own point-based reservations and exchange system into Loyalty Program Points through a Licensed Exchange Program at a conversion rate to be determined by Licensee. Licensees members elections to convert such points to Loyalty Program Points will be irrevocable and irreversible. All costs and expenses associated with such point conversion shall be the sole responsibility of Licensee.
ARTICLE VIII
OPERATIONS
Section 8.1. Licensee Operations, Brand Standards . At all times during the Term, Licensee will, at its sole expense, (i) operate the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business in strict compliance with all Standards and Agreements and all applicable Laws; (ii) obtain and maintain all approvals, permits, licenses and consents required for the operation of the Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties; and (iii) pay all Taxes relating thereto. Licensee acknowledges that, although Licensor provides the Standards and Agreements, Licensee has exclusive day-to-day control of the business and operation of the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business. Without limiting any obligations in this Agreement or the Standards and Agreements, Licensee shall, at its sole cost and expense, comply with its obligations set forth on Exhibit B.
Section 8.2. Employees . Licensee will employ sufficient and suitably qualified individuals with respect to the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business. Licensee will ensure that Licensees employees at all times comply with the Standards and Agreements.
13
Section 8.3. Management and Operation of the Projects .
(a) Licensee may subcontract or delegate its property-level, non-management functions with respect to Operating one or more Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties, such as housekeeping, security and maintenance to vendors without Licensors prior written consent, provided that such functions are delegated or subcontracted in accordance with the Brand Standards. Licensee may subcontract or delegate both property-level and management functions to (i) a Subsidiary without notice to or consent of Licensor or (ii) any other Person, with Licensors prior written consent not to be unreasonably withheld. Licensor hereby consents to the subcontracting and delegation agreements set forth on Exhibit L.
(b) Licensee shall require all sublicensees (and all Persons referenced in Section 8.3(a)) to agree in writing to abide by all terms herein relating to the Standards and Agreements and protection of the Licensed IP, and Licensee is liable to Licensor hereunder for any act or omission by a sublicensee or a Person referenced in Section 8.3(a) that would breach this Agreement if committed by Licensee. A Party may not license or authorize any Person (including Subsidiaries) to take any action that such Party is prohibited from doing under this Agreement, and each Party is liable hereunder for any action by a Subsidiary that would breach this Agreement if committed by such Party.
Section 8.4. Quality Assurance .
(a) Subject to any pre-existing third-party agreements prohibiting same, Licensor and its representatives have the right (but not the obligation) to enter the Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties at any time without notice or additional permission from Licensee to verify that Licensee is complying with this Agreement and the Standards and Agreements. Licensee shall provide commercially reasonable assistance to facilitate such inspections and promptly (or immediately, for material deficiencies or issues involving health or safety) take all actions necessary to correct any deficiencies found during any inspection. If Licensor is required to conduct more than one (1) inspection in any twelve (12) month period because of Licensees failure to comply with the Standards and Agreements or this Agreement, Licensee shall reimburse Licensor for the commercially reasonable out-of-pocket costs of such additional inspections. The results of such inspection are Licensors Confidential Information, and Licensor may use and disclose them for authorized business purposes.
(b) Licensors representatives who travel to the Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties to perform design review, training, inspections, assistance or other services shall be permitted, subject to availability, to stay at the relevant Licensed Vacation Ownership Property and use its facilities (including commercially reasonable food and beverage consumption) without charge.
Section 8.5. Licensed HOAs Not Controlled By Licensee . If any Licensed HOA not Controlled by Licensee operates or maintains a Licensed Vacation Ownership Property in a manner that would constitute a Deflagging Event or an action set forth in Section 18.3 of this Agreement if committed by Licensee, Licensee shall promptly notify the Licensed HOA of such failure and request the same be cured within thirty (30) days. If such failure is not susceptible to being cured during such 30 day period, Licensee may extend such cure period for such additional periods as is reasonable under the circumstances if cure is being diligently pursued, and in no event will such period be more than one year from the date of the initial notice without Licensors prior written consent. If the Licensed HOA cannot effect cure within such time (or an extension thereof, which requires Licensors prior written consent, not to be unreasonably withheld), then Licensee shall immediately Deflag such Licensed Vacation Ownership Property, and the provisions of Section 18.1 shall apply.
14
Section 8.6. Employee Discounts . Licensors employees may stay at the Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties (and Licensees employees may stay at the Licensor Lodging Properties) for other business or non-business purposes at reduced rates (such rates also covering food and beverage costs), subject to the terms and conditions contained in the Employee Matters Agreement dated as of the date hereof among the Parties, PHRI and Hilton Domestic Operating Company Inc. (the Employee Matters Agreement ). Licensees employees may enjoy discounts consistent with Licensors then-current discount offers to its own employees for in-room amenities, in accordance with the Standards and Agreements and the Employee Matters Agreement. If Licensor so requests in writing, Licensors employees may enjoy discounts consistent with Licensees then-current discount offers to Licensees own employees to purchase units in Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties.
Section 8.7. Managers . Each Party shall give the other Party notice of one representative to act as such Partys primary contact(s) with respect to the various performance areas and obligations in this Agreement. Each Party may change one or more of its primary contacts in accordance with the procedures set forth in Article XXIII. The Parties contacts shall fully cooperate to perform this Agreement and meet regularly or as needed.
ARTICLE IX
LICENSEE OBLIGATIONS
Section 9.1. Lodging Business . During the Term and except as permitted in Section 5.9 and this Section 9.1, Licensee will not engage in the Lodging Business under any Trademark anywhere in the world.
Section 9.2. Hilton Competitors . Without Licensors prior written consent, Licensee may not:
(a) merge with or acquire direct or indirect Control of a (x) Hilton Competitor or (y) Vacation Ownership Business (in either an equity or asset acquisition) which has entered into an agreement for Operating activities with a Hilton Competitor;
(b) acquire direct or indirect Control of a Vacation Ownership Business together with a Lodging Business (in either an equity or asset acquisition); or
(c) be directly or indirectly acquired by, merged into or combined with any Person other than an Affiliate (in either an equity or asset transaction).
Any purported transaction in violation of this Section 9.2 shall be deemed null and void at the outset and of no force or effect.
Section 9.3. Acquisitions .
(a) Without Licensors prior written consent, Licensee may acquire direct or indirect Control of a business that is not a Vacation Ownership Business or Lodging Business (in either an equity or asset acquisition), and Licensee may (i) operate such new business as Separate Operations or (ii) use the Licensed IP in connection with such new business, subject to Licensors prior written consent.
(b) Without Licensors prior written consent, Licensee may acquire direct or indirect Control of Vacation Ownership Properties (in either an equity or asset acquisition) that have never been branded with any Hilton Marks, and Licensee may operate such Vacation Ownership Properties as (i) Separate Operations or (ii) new Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties, subject to all terms and conditions herein regarding same.
15
Section 9.4. New Products and Services . Licensee may develop or acquire products or services that are not in the Vacation Ownership Business but are substantially similar to products and services being offered at the time by other Persons who operate a business described in clause (i) of the definition of Vacation Ownership Business of quality similar to Licensee: (i) as Separate Operations or (ii) subject to Licensors prior written consent, as part of the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business.
Section 9.5. Advertising .
(a) Licensee shall, at its cost and expense, advertise and promote the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business, in all venues and media, in a first-class, dignified manner, in compliance with all Standards and Agreements and this Agreement. Licensee shall ensure that all advertising and promotional materials used in connection with the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business, in any form or media ( Marketing Content ) comply with all applicable Laws and the Standards and Agreements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Licensee may continue to use all Marketing Content that Licensee has used prior to the Effective Date, to the extent such Marketing Content is consistent with the Standards and Agreements, and will not violate any Standards and Agreements by such use. Licensor has the right to review (on a periodic basis), and Licensee shall respond to Licensors commercially reasonable requests to submit to Licensor any new Marketing Content that differs materially from that used by Licensee as of the Effective Date. Licensee shall promptly revise or cease using any Marketing Content after it becomes aware (whether from notice from Licensor or otherwise) that it does not comply with this Agreement, the Standards and Agreements (subject to this Section 9.5(a)) or applicable Laws.
(b) The Parties will cooperate to facilitate advertising the Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties in Licensors distribution channels, and develop and exploit new Marketing Content and channels to support the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business, provided that , in each case, Licensor has sole discretion as to any specific advertising activities.
(c) The Parties will coordinate all marketing activities provided under this Agreement, including online demand generation, Internet keyword purchasing and email marketing (and future successors and equivalents of the foregoing), so as to prevent current and prospective customers from declining to receive marketing for Licensor and/or the Loyalty Program.
Section 9.6. Sponsorships/Partnerships .
(a) The Parties shall meet quarterly during the Term to discuss future Marketing Content and any sponsorship, marketing, endorsement or similar agreements ( Marketing Agreements ) for the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business between the Parties and their advertisers.
(b) If Licensor wishes to enter into any Marketing Agreement on an exclusive basis, and such exclusivity would restrict the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business, Licensor shall notify Licensee (i) at the quarterly meeting or (ii) for time-sensitive matters, at least 30 days prior to executing same. In each case, Licensor shall consult with Licensee and in good faith consider Licensees comments with respect to such agreement; however, for the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section 9.6(b) shall give Licensee the right to block or delay any such exclusive marketing agreement. Licensor shall have the sole right to approve and execute any such exclusive Marketing Agreements that involve the Licensed Marks. However, should Licensor request Licensee participate in a marketing or similar agreement with respect to co-branded credit cards, and such arrangement includes a bounty fee or similar payment by the issuer for acquisitions at Licensees Vacation Ownership Properties, Licensee shall not be required to participate in such marketing activates unless Licensee receives a share of such payment.
16
(c) Licensee shall ensure that all marketing activities, Marketing Content and Marketing Agreements entered into in connection with the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business comply with all applicable Laws and the Standards and Agreements and, absent the prior written consent of Licensor, do not involve a Hilton Competitor. Licensee shall not use any of the Licensed Marks or participate in a Marketing Agreement that may subject Licensor to public ridicule, criticism or controversy or that may substantially tarnish Licensors goodwill.
(d) Licensee may continue to perform under all Marketing Agreements that Licensee has entered into in writing and made available to Licensor for review prior to the Effective Date. Licensor acknowledges that Licensee has prior to the Effective Date entered into certain Marketing Agreements or other arrangements designed to support the Licensed Exchange Program with Hilton Competitors, a list of which is attached hereto as Exhibit M. Should Licensee desire to enter into a new Marketing Agreement or other arrangement with a Hilton Competitor, or materially expand the scope of such an existing arrangement, Licensee must first obtain Licensors prior written consent.
(e) Licensee may enter into new local Marketing Agreements and enterprise-wide Marketing Agreements at any time, subject to Licensors prior written approval for all enterprise-wide Marketing Agreements and any new local Marketing Agreement that differs materially from that used by Licensee as of the Effective Date. Licensee shall notify Licensor of all proposed new Marketing Agreements (i) at the quarterly meeting or (ii) for time-sensitive matters, at least 30 days prior to the signing date. Licensor shall not unreasonably withhold its approval for any Marketing Agreement that does not involve a Hilton Competitor. In each case, Licensee shall consult with Licensor and in good faith consider Licensors comments with respect to such agreement. Should Licensor determine, in its reasonable discretion, that a Marketing Agreement does not comply with this Agreement, the Standards and Agreements (subject to this Section 9.6(e)) or applicable Laws, then Licensor shall notify Licensee of same and Licensee shall terminate such Marketing Agreement. Licensee shall respond to Licensors reasonable requests to submit to Licensor any Marketing Content.
Section 9.7. Reservations . Licensee shall, at all times during the Term, participate in and use the Licensed System and honor all confirmed reservations referred to the Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties through the Licensed System.
Section 9.8. Diversion . Licensee shall not divert any business from the Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties to any other facilities or products (except other Vacation Ownership Properties through an exchange program or facilities or products affiliated with Licensor, in each case, as approved by Licensor in its sole discretion).
Section 9.9. Finances . Licensee shall have sole responsibility for all debts, liabilities, permits, Taxes and other financial obligations incurred in the operation of the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business, and make all such payments when due.
ARTICLE X
SYSTEMS
Section 10.1. Systems . Licensee shall maintain all Licensee Systems in connection with all Standards and Agreements.
17
ARTICLE XI
LICENSOR SERVICES
Section 11.1. Call Center Transfer Services . The Parties have executed the Marketing Services Agreement, effective as of the Effective Date (the Marketing Services Agreement ), which shall govern the transfer of Calls from Licensor to Licensee. The Marketing Services Agreement shall at a minimum provide that:
(i) it shall terminate automatically, if the Noncompetition Term expires or terminates (either standing alone or if this Agreement terminates in its entirety);
(ii) Licensor shall have no service level obligations or required minimums for transferred Calls; however, for ten years after the Effective Date, Licensor shall use Reasonable Best Efforts to transfer Calls to Licensee at a level consistent with past practice prior the Effective Date as adjusted in good faith to reflect, among other facts and circumstances that could affect the overall value proposition of the Marketing Services Agreement, overall call volume, changes to the demographic mix of callers and changes in customers preference or willingness to be presented with Licensed Vacation Ownership Property offers;
(iii) For three years after the Effective Date, Licensors existing call center procedures shall not be changed in a way that negatively and materially affects the order in which Calls are forwarded by Licensor to third parties, including Licensee; and
(iv) Licensor shall provide the Call transfer services described therein at cost for the first 30 years and at market rates thereafter.
All other terms and conditions with respect to such Call transfers shall be set forth in the Marketing Services Agreement.
Section 11.2. Other Services . Licensor shall otherwise provide services to Licensee as set forth in all other Party Agreements.
ARTICLE XII
REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE
Section 12.1. Repairs . Licensee shall ensure that all Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties are in good repairs and first-class condition and conform with applicable Laws and the Standards and Agreements.
ARTICLE XIII
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Section 13.1. Ownership/New Marks .
(a) Licensor, together with its Affiliates, is the sole owner of all Licensed IP, and Licensee will not file to register, register, patent, maintain or renew any of same. Licensee will not directly or indirectly attack, contest or otherwise challenge the validity, enforceability or ownership of any Licensed IP or Hilton Data. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Licensee is deemed to be the owner of any Licensed
18
IP (or own any rights in any Hilton Data), Licensee hereby assigns and agrees to assign to Licensor all of such rights in same. Unless Licensee has notified Licensor that it no longer requires the use of any Licensed Marks, Licensor shall continue to maintain and renew all Licensed Marks (and file and use Reasonable Best Efforts to prosecute until registration all new Licensed Marks approved hereunder), so long as Licensee reimburses Licensor for all commercially reasonable out-of-pocket costs incurred.
(b) Without limiting Section 13.1(a), Licensor agrees that Licensee may (i) serve as the administrative and technical contact for all domain names and social or mobile media registrations included in the Licensed Marks, provided that Licensor shall be the registrant of any such domain names (and social or mobile media registrations, if and to the extent the trademark owner is intended to be the registrant) and (ii) file to register corporate, trade, d/b/a and similar names containing the Licensed Marks, so long as any such registration does not modify or compromise Licensors ownership rights in the Licensed Marks.
(c) If Licensee wishes to use a Licensed Mark in a country or jurisdiction for which it is not registered as of the Effective Date, it may notify Licensor of same. The Parties will cooperate to perform all necessary due diligence with respect to Licensees proposed use. Licensor shall not withhold its consent to any proposed new Trademark if the new Trademark, in Licensors good-faith judgment, would not reasonably be expected to harm or jeopardize the value, validity, reputation or goodwill of the Licensed Marks or subject Licensor to any risk of legal liability or an adverse Action anywhere in the world. Any new Trademark approved by Licensor hereunder shall be owned by Licensor and deemed to be a Licensed Mark hereunder.
Section 13.2. Licensees Use of Licensed IP .
(a) Licensee shall use all Licensed IP solely in compliance with applicable Laws and all Standards and Agreements. Licensee will use all notices and legends for the Licensed IP that are required by applicable Laws or reasonably requested by Licensor.
(b) Licensee acknowledges that Licensor may change the stylization, font or appearance of the Licensed Marks during the Term. Licensee must use the latest version of the Licensed Marks that Licensor has adopted for its own use, subject to a commercially reasonable transition period during which Licensee may engage in traditional phase out use of the prior version of the Licensed Marks.
(c) Licensee may use the Trademarks of third parties in connection with permitted marketing activities in the ordinary course of business in the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business, provided that, without Licensors prior written consent (whether provided in connection with the Parties marketing activities in Section 9.5 or Section 9.6 or otherwise), Licensee shall not use (i) the Licensed Marks with any other Trademark in such a manner so as to suggest (a) a co-branded, combined or composite Trademark or (b) that Licensor is affiliated with, endorses or sponsors the owner of such Trademark; or (ii) the Trademarks of any Hilton Competitor in the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business.
Section 13.3. Enforcement . If Licensee learns of any actual or threatened unauthorized use of the Licensed IP by any Person, Licensee shall promptly notify Licensor. Licensor, in its sole discretion, shall decide whether to commence an Action against such use. If Licensor elects not to bring an Action and such unauthorized use is materially impairing Licensees rights under this Agreement, Licensor shall not unreasonably refuse a request by Licensee to bring an Action in its own name. If Licensor refuses such a request, Licensee may not bring such an Action. If Licensor grants such a request, Licensor may participate in such Action with counsel of its own choice at its own expense. The Parties may also elect in their discretion to bring a joint Action. The Parties shall fully cooperate in any such Action brought in this Section 13.3. Absent a joint Action or later agreement to the contrary, the Party that brings any
19
Action herein shall control its prosecution, pay all costs and expenses associated therewith and have the sole right to any and all damages, settlements and proceeds therefrom; provided that a Party shall not enter into any settlement or other agreement that would impose any liability or obligations or have any adverse effect upon on the other Party without its prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld. Licensee hereby agrees that this Section 13.3 limits its rights under applicable Laws to commence an Action against any Persons unauthorized use of the Licensed IP, and hereby waives such rights, to the extent they conflict with this Section 13.3.
Section 13.4. Credit Cards .
(a) Licensee may not enter into any agreement with a financial institution or any other Person to create a co-branded credit card or any co-branded alternative payment technology (e.g., Google Wallet) without Licensors prior written consent. Should Licensee establish Separate Operations, Licensee may co-brand a credit card or other payment alternative provided such co-branding does not include any Hilton Marks and is only utilized in connection with the Separate Operations.
(b) Licensee shall use the then-current Loyalty Program credit card designated by Licensor as the exclusive instant credit card issued for down payments, renewals or other fees in connection with Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties and honor all nationally recognized credit cards and credit vouchers and enter into all necessary agreements with issuers therefor.
ARTICLE XIV
CONFIDENTIALITY
Section 14.1. Confidential Information .
(a) Absent the prior written consent of the disclosing Party (the Disclosing Party ), the receiving Party (the Receiving Party ) shall not use any of the Disclosing Partys Confidential Information other than as required to perform this Agreement or exercise its rights hereunder, and shall not disclose any such Confidential Information to any Person, other than to its Subsidiaries (but not including Licensees Subsidiaries engaged in Separate Operations) and their respective employees and counsel (and Persons described in Section 8.3(a) who need to know it for such Party to perform under this Agreement ( Recipients ), subject to commercially reasonable confidentiality agreements or obligations of confidentiality (and the provisions of Section 14.2 for Hilton Data). Each Party shall protect the security of the other Partys Confidential Information with the same measures it uses to protect its own most sensitive information, and shall use at least a commercially reasonable standard of care in this regard. Each Party is liable for any unauthorized use or disclosure of Confidential Information by it and its Recipients, and shall promptly notify the other Party about (and cooperate with the other Party to remediate) any instance of same.
(b) Confidential Information shall not include Information (other than Hilton Data, for which such exceptions do not apply) that: (i) was in the Receiving Partys possession on a non-confidential basis prior to the time of disclosure to such Party by or on behalf of the Disclosing Party; (ii) was or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by the Receiving Party or its Recipients; (iii) becomes available to such Party on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Disclosing Party or its Recipients; (iv) was independently developed by the Receiving Party without the use of Confidential Information of the Disclosing Party; or (v) is required to be disclosed by applicable Laws, subpoena, legal process or document demand (or to enforce a Partys rights under this Agreement), provided that the Receiving Party shall promptly inform the Disclosing Party of any such requirement, disclose no more Information than as required and cooperate with any efforts by the Disclosing Party to obtain a protective order or similar treatment.
20
Section 14.2. Data and Data Security .
(a) As between Licensor and Licensee, (i) Licensor is the owner of all Hilton Data and (ii) Licensee is the owner of all Licensee Data. Unless otherwise specified, to the extent that any data may fall within the definitions of both Hilton Data and Licensee Data, the use by a Party of such data shall be in accordance with the rights and restrictions applicable to data owned by such Party, without regard to the restrictions applicable to the same data to the extent owned by the other Party.
(b) Subject to all terms and conditions herein, including this Section 14.2(b), Licensor grants to Licensee during the Term a limited, non-transferable right to use the Hilton Data: (i) to engage in the promotion of the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business and (ii) for research and analysis in furtherance of Licensees internal business purposes, in each case solely in connection with Licensees operation of the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business. Except as otherwise expressly set forth herein, Licensee shall not use the Hilton Data (including in aggregate form) for any purpose. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in no event shall Hilton Data (including in aggregate form) be disclosed, sold, assigned, leased or otherwise provided to third parties (including any non-Subsidiary Licensee Parties and Separate Operations) by Licensee except as otherwise expressly permitted herein or with Licensors prior written consent. Notwithstanding the above rights, Licensor is not required to provide any Hilton Data to Licensee to the extent such provision would result in Licensors violation of any applicable Laws, Privacy Policies or Data Security Policies.
(c) Licensees Systems and Licensees use of Hilton Data, whether acquired, obtained or developed prior to or after the Effective Date shall at all times comply with: (i) this Agreement, all applicable Laws, the Standards and Agreements and best practices in the industry; and (ii) Licensees own Privacy Policies and Data Security Policies. Licensee shall provide to Licensor all of its policies and procedures with respect to the Licensee Systems as of the Effective Date and will not materially change same without Licensors prior written consent. Licensee may not share or disclose Hilton Data to any third party vendor, or agent of Licensee without Licensors prior written consent. Licensee shall ensure that its third-party vendors that operate, host or otherwise have access to Licensee Systems or Hilton Data also comply with the above applicable Laws, the Standards and Agreements, best practices in the industry and Licensors Privacy Policies and Data Security Policies, and in all agreements with such vendors, shall expressly (i) require such compliance and (ii) designate Licensor as a third-party beneficiary with the right to enforce such agreement directly against such vendor with respect to all Hilton Data or Licensed IP. Other than as permitted under this Agreement, Licensee will not have, claim or assert any right against or to such Hilton Data.
(d) Licensee will notify Licensor immediately following discovery of any actual, attempted, suspected or threatened or reasonably foreseeable circumstance that compromises, or could reasonably be expected to compromise, either physical security (including security at any facility housing Licensee Systems or relating to transportation of Licensee Systems or the physical media containing Licensors Confidential Information) or Systems security (including security control measures of Systems of any variety) of any Licensee Systems used in connection with the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business (or Systems interacting with same) in any manner that either does or could reasonably be expected to permit unauthorized processing, use, disclosure or acquisition of or access to any Licensee Systems, Hilton Data, or other Confidential Information of Licensor, or otherwise harm the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business or the reputation or goodwill of Licensor (a Security Breach ). Licensee shall remedy any such breach at its own expense, in compliance with all applicable Laws and the Standards and Agreements, and a remediation plan approved by Licensor, and the Parties shall cooperate fully in all such remedial actions. Unless otherwise required by applicable Laws, Licensee shall not make any notifications to customers, members or the general public of any such Security Breach without Licensors prior written consent.
21
ARTICLE XV
ACCOUNTING AND REPORTS
Section 15.1. Maintenance of Records . Licensee, at its expense, will maintain and preserve for at least five (5) years (or, if longer, the period of time required by applicable Laws) after their creation or generation complete and accurate books, records and accounts for the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business, in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, applicable Laws and the Standards and Agreements.
Section 15.2. Audit . During the Term and for three (3) years thereafter, Licensor and its representatives have the right, at any time, upon commercially reasonable notice to Licensee and at Licensors cost, to examine, copy and audit all Information of Licensee for the past five (5) years preceding as is required to ensure that Licensee complies with this Agreement. Licensee will fully cooperate with any such audit. If an examination or audit reveals that Licensee has underpaid Licensor, Licensee will promptly pay to Licensor the amount underpaid plus interest. If the underpayment is five (5%) or more for the period being audited, Licensee will reimburse Licensor for all commercially reasonable costs and expenses connected with the audit. If the examination or audit establishes a pattern of underreporting, Licensor may require that the financial reports due hereunder be audited by an internationally recognized independent accounting firm.
Section 15.3. Royalty and Fee Reporting . During the Term and Tail Period, and for a period of at least one (1) year thereafter, Licensee agrees that it shall, at Licensees expense, maintain accurate and complete records with respect to the basis upon which the Royalties and fees are calculated under this Agreement. Upon reasonable advance notice to Licensee, such records shall be open for inspection by representatives of Licensor during Licensees regular business hours. Licensor has the right to inspect the records of all Licensee Parties to the extent that such records are relevant to how the Royalties and fees were calculated under this Agreement.
ARTICLE XVI
INDEMNIFICATION; INSURANCE
Section 16.1. Indemnification .
(a) Licensee shall indemnify, defend at its expense and hold harmless Licensor and its Subsidiaries and their respective officers, directors, agents, employees and representatives ( Related Parties ) from and against any and all losses, costs, liabilities, damages, judgments, settlements, fees, claims, demands and expenses (including commercially reasonable attorneys fees and costs of suit) ( Losses ) resulting from (i) third-party claims based upon (w) Licensees breach of this Agreement or any representation, warranty or covenant herein, (x) the operation of its Vacation Ownership Business, and all acts and omissions in connection therewith, (y) Licensees use of or access to the Licensed IP or Hilton Data other than as expressly authorized herein and (z) Licensors use as authorized herein of any content provided by Licensee under Section 1.2 and/or (ii) claims based upon any Security Breach or any unauthorized use, processing or disclosure of any Hilton Data.
22
(b) Licensor shall indemnify, defend at its expense and hold harmless Licensee and its Subsidiaries and their Related Parties from and against all Losses resulting from third-party claims based upon (i) Licensors breach of this Agreement or any representation, warranty or covenant herein, (ii) Licensor and its Subsidiaries operation of their businesses, and all of their acts and omissions in connection therewith or (iii) Licensees use of the Licensed IP as expressly authorized herein.
(c) A Party receiving notice of an indemnified claim herein shall promptly notify the other Party. The indemnified Party may, at its expense, employ separate counsel and participate in (but not control) the defense, compromise or settlement of such claim, and shall fully cooperate with the indemnifying Party in connection therewith. Neither Party shall settle or compromise an indemnified claim in any manner that adversely affects the other Party without its prior written consent.
Section 16.2. Insurance Policies . Licensee shall obtain and maintain at all times during the Term and thereafter, to the extent any such policies require coverage at the time a claim is made (unless such requirement is waived pursuant to Licensors prior written consent), insurance of the following types:
(a) Commercial General Liability Insurance including coverage for premises and operations, contractual liability, bodily injury, personal injury, advertising injury, property damage, innkeepers liability and liquor liability if applicable with a minimum policy limit of $25,000,000 USD per occurrence.
(b) Business Automobile Liability Insurance with coverage for any auto or vehicle whether owned, non-owned, hired, leased or otherwise used in the performance of this Agreement with limits of $25,000,000 USD combined single limit each accident.
(c) Crime, Employee Dishonesty Insurance with coverage for loss arising out of or in connection with any fraudulent or dishonest acts committed by the employees, acting alone or in collusion with others, in an amount of at least $2,000,000 USD.
(d) Employment Practice Liability Insurance shall be obtained in an amount no less than $1,000,000 USD. Such insurance shall include coverage for mass/class action multi-party claims, and shall specifically amend the definition of Employer to include both Owner and Manager, regardless of who is the statutory employer.
(e) Property Damage and Business Interruption Insurance as follows:
(i) Property Damage and Business Interruption insurance on a special causes of loss policy form (all-risk), covering one hundred percent (100%) of the insurable replacement value of the building and its contents, and for full recovery of the net profits and continuing expenses for the property (including rental value and franchise fees) for a twelve (12) month period must be carried. The policy must include coverage for the peril of windstorm, earthquake, and flood with limits as close to replacement cost of the building as is available at commercially reasonable prices. Limits below full replacement cost should be based on a professional study probable maximum loss.
(ii) Broad form Boiler and Machinery Insurance, including business interruption coverage, against loss from accidental damage to, or from the explosion of, boilers, air conditioning systems, including refrigeration and heating apparatus, pressure vessels and pressure pipes in an amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the actual replacement value of such items plus full recovery of the net profits and continuing expenses of the property.
23
(iii) Terrorism Insurance coverage for both first party damage and third party liability either stand-alone, through a government operated or mandated pool, or as part of the General Liability coverage and the Property Damage and Business Interruption coverage.
(f) Workers Compensation Insurance per applicable Laws and Employers Liability insurance with a limit not less than $1,000,000 USD each accident for bodily injury, $100,000,000 USD each employee for bodily injury by disease, and $1,000,000 USD policy limit for disease.
(g) Cyber Liability Insurance, including but not limited to coverage for privacy and network security liability: 1st and 3rd party liability, wrongful disclosure of data, breach of security, downtown, identification theft, credit monitoring service and with a minimum policy limit of $3,500,000 USD each occurrence of claim.
(h) Upon sixty (60) days written notice, such other insurance in such amounts as Licensor may reasonably request against such other insurable hazards common in the industry, taking into account the changing circumstances in the law and insurance marketplace.
Section 16.3. Insurance Requirements .
(a) Licensee shall purchase the insurance in Section 16.2 solely from insurance companies with a financial rating acceptable to Licensor, which shall be no less than AVII if rated by the company A.M. Best. Licensee shall provide evidence to Licensor via certificate (initial coverage, renewal or change in limits) by fax, email or upload to Licensor (or Licensors external partner as indicated by Licensor to Licensee) of its compliance with Section 16.2 and Section 16.3 herein.
(b) With the exception of Boiler & Machinery and Workers Compensation, all insurance policies must name Licensor and its Affiliates and their respective past and current employees, officers and directors as additional insureds. Licensor shall cause all policies to be endorsed to be primary insurance with no recourse to, or contribution from, other similar insurance, if any, which may be carried by Licensor or its Affiliates.
(c) Requests by Licensee to modify requirements for Earthquake, Flood, Windstorm or Terrorism may be submitted to Licensors Risk Management division for consideration. Guidelines for such requests may be requested from RiskManagement@hilton.com.
(d) If Licensee breaches its obligations under Section 16.2 or Section 16.3, Licensor may (but is not obligated to) obtain and maintain insurance to remedy such breach without notifying Licensee, and Licensee shall immediately reimburse Licensor for all costs and premiums in this regard.
Section 16.4. Licensees Obligations . Licensor makes no representation, implied or express, that the foregoing insurance requirements are adequate to protect Licensee from its potential liability relating to this Agreement or the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business. The insurance coverage requirements do not limit Licensees indemnification or other liabilities to Licensor under this Agreement. Any failure of Licensor to demand evidence of compliance by Licensee with Section 16.2 or Section 16.3 shall not be construed as a waiver of Licensees obligations.
Section 16.5. Contribution . If a Partys indemnification obligations herein are unavailable, unenforceable or insufficient to indemnify, hold harmless and defend the indemnified Party and its Related Parties from an indemnified claim herein, the indemnifying Party will, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws, contribute to the Losses of any indemnified parties for an indemnified claim, in proportion to the relative fault of the indemnifying Party in relation to such claim.
24
ARTICLE XVII
TRANSFERS
Section 17.1. By Licensee . Without the prior written consent of Licensor, Licensee cannot assign, mortgage or pledge its rights under this Agreement, in whole or in part, to any Person other than an assignment of this Agreement in its entirety to an Affiliate, solely as part of an internal reorganization for tax or administrative purposes, and solely if (i) Licensee guarantees the performance of such Affiliate thereafter and (ii) the assignee is the ultimate parent entity in Licensees organization or otherwise has the power to control the actions of all of Licensees Affiliates receiving the benefit of this Agreement. For clarity, this Agreement shall be construed as an agreement for the personal services of Licensee in its current form as a non-bankrupt entity, and Licensee may not assume this Agreement (or assign this Agreement to any other Person, including an Affiliate) in bankruptcy without Licensors prior written consent. Without the prior written consent of Licensor, Licensee shall not permit a tax sale, seizure, security interest, lien, mortgage or encumbrance or attachment to occur with respect to any Licensed Vacation Ownership Property.
Section 17.2. By Licensor . Licensor may assign this Agreement, in whole or in part, in its discretion, provided that any successor or acquirer must assume in writing all of Licensors obligations hereunder. Licensor may delegate its obligations herein to any Person, provided that Licensor is obligated hereunder for such Persons acts or omissions.
Section 17.3. By Either Party . Any purported assignment, sublicense, acquisition or other transaction with a third party in violation of any provision of this Agreement shall be null and void at the outset. In the event of a permitted assignment hereunder, this Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties permitted successors or assigns.
ARTICLE XVIII
BREACH, DEFAULT, AND REMEDIES
Section 18.1. Deflagging . Upon the occurrence of any of the events below (each a Deflagging Event ), without limiting its other rights and remedies herein, Licensor has the right to require Licensee to Deflag the applicable Licensed Vacation Ownership Property and terminate access to or use of all Licensed IP, Hilton Data and Loyalty Program by the applicable Licensed Vacation Ownership Property, whether or not it is Controlled by an HOA or Controlled by Licensee (the Deflagged Property ), and Licensor may exercise the applicable remedy as set forth below:
(a) If execution is levied against any Licensed Vacation Ownership Property in connection with a final, non-appealable judgment for the payment of an amount in excess of $10,000,000 USD (as adjusted annually after the Effective Date by the CPI Adjustment), or a suit to foreclose any lien, mortgage or security interest (except for foreclosures with respect to consumer financing and mechanics liens that are placed on such Licensed Vacation Ownership Property in the ordinary course of business) on such Licensed Vacation Ownership Property or any property necessary for the operation of such Licensed Vacation Ownership Property in accordance with Standards and Agreements, is initiated and not vacated within ninety (90) days, then Licensor may issue of notice of breach to Licensee with respect to such Licensed Vacation Ownership Property. Licensee shall have thirty (30) days following notice of breach to post a bond or provide other financial assurances reasonably acceptable to Licensor that such Licensed Vacation Ownership Property can continue to operate as part of the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business in accordance with this Agreement. Licensees failure to obtain such bond or provide adequate financial assurances is a Deflagging Event and Licensor may Deflag such Licensed Vacation Ownership Property immediately upon notice to Licensee.
25
(b) An on-going threat or danger to public health or safety occurs at any Licensed Vacation Ownership Property, and such occurrence has or is reasonably expected to have a substantial, material and adverse effect on such Licensed Vacation Ownership Property, Licensor, the Licensed IP or any goodwill associated therewith, Licensee will notify Licensor of the threat or danger and Licensee will provide Licensor with a plan to address such threat or danger in a manner reasonably acceptable to Licensor, which plan may include proposed arrangements to accommodate guests at alternative lodging facilities. Depending on the severity of such threat or danger, Licensor may suspend or remove such Licensed Vacation Ownership Property from the Licensed IP, Hilton Data and Loyalty Program until resolution of the threat or danger. If the threat or danger to public health or safety is not eliminated within six (6) months and Licensee fails to develop a plan to address such threat or danger in a manner reasonably acceptable to Licensor, it shall be a Deflagging Event and Licensor may Deflag such Licensed Vacation Ownership Property, immediately upon notice to Licensee.
(c) Except where the failure to meet the applicable thresholds for performance under the quality assurance audit system at such Licensed Vacation Ownership Property is directly a result of Licensors actions or inactions with respect to the provision of management services or shared services at such Licensed Vacation Ownership Property, it shall be a Deflagging Event if Licensed Vacation Ownership Property fails to achieve the thresholds of performance established by the Licensors quality assurance audit system and such failure has not been cured within the applicable cure period under the quality assurance audit system which shall not be less than thirty (30) days. If Licensee fails to cure or enter into a remediation arrangement with Licensor within ninety (90) days following the date of the Deflagging Event, or fails to improve the performance of such Licensed Vacation Ownership Property in accordance with the remediation arrangement, Licensor may Deflag such Licensed Vacation Ownership Property, immediately upon notice to Licensee.
(d) If any Licensed Vacation Ownership Property is not Operated in compliance with the Standards and Agreements and this Agreement, Licensor may issue a notice of breach to Licensee with respect to such Licensed Vacation Ownership Property. If Licensee fails to cure the breach within the time period specified in the notice, which shall not be less than thirty (30) days, it shall be a Deflagging Event. If Licensee fails to cure or enter into a remediation arrangement with Licensor within sixty (60) days following the date of the Deflagging Event, or fails to improve the performance of such Licensed Vacation Ownership Property in accordance with the remediation arrangement, Licensor may Deflag such Licensed Vacation Ownership Property, immediately upon notice to Licensee.
(e) Any Deflagging Event shall not affect the rights of the other Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties hereunder. Upon notice from Licensor of Deflagging, Licensee shall notify the Deflagged Property within 30 days, and starting from the date of Deflagging, Licensee will comply with the terms of Section 19.1 with respect to such property. If Licensee then wishes to continue to operate the Deflagged Property, Licensee may operate it solely as a Separate Operation. This Section 18.1 is cumulative with, and shall not limit Licensors rights under Section 18.3.
(f) If Licensee fails to operate any Sales Facility or Member Service Center in compliance with the Standards and Agreements or this Agreement, then Licensor may issue a notice of breach with respect to such failure. If Licensee fails to remedy within thirty (30) days of such notice, then Licensor may require Licensee to close such Sales Facility or Member Service Center or cease to operate such Sales Facility or Member Service Center as part of the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business.
26
(g) Upon the occurrence of a Deflagging Event, without limiting its other rights and remedies herein, Licensee shall not develop new phases of such Licensed Vacation Ownership Property as determined by Licensor its sole discretion until the breach is cured.
Section 18.2. Termination by Licensor for Bankruptcy by Licensee . Licensor may immediately terminate this Agreement, effective upon notice to the Licensee, if Licensee dissolves, liquidates, ceases business operations (excluding a merger into another entity that continues such operations thereafter), becomes insolvent, generally does not pay its debts as they become due or files a voluntary petition (or consents to an involuntary petition) or an involuntary petition is filed and is not dismissed within sixty (60) days under any bankruptcy, insolvency or similar Laws.
Section 18.3. Termination by Licensor For Breach by Licensee . Licensor may immediately terminate this Agreement in its entirety, effective upon notice to Licensee, if at any time during the Term:
(a) (i) 25% or more of the Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties are failing the performance thresholds of Licensors then-current quality assurance system for Vacation Ownership Properties or (ii) Licensees overall customer satisfaction score for all Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties is less than 60, and in each case of (i) and (ii), such failure has not been cured within the applicable cure period under the quality assurance or customer satisfaction audit system, which shall not be less than thirty (30) days or (iii) Licensee fails to operate any Licensed Vacation Ownership Property in compliance with this Agreement or the Standards and Agreements, or otherwise breaches any of the foregoing, and such failure or breach has a material adverse effect on the business, goodwill, operations, assets, liabilities (actual or contingent) or financial condition of Licensor and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
(b) Licensee timely fails to pay any amounts due herein in excess of (i) $5 million USD (as adjusted annually after the Effective Date by the CPI, or its equivalent, if the CPI is unavailable, the CPI Adjustment ) and does not cure such payment within fifteen (15) days or (ii) $3 million USD (subject to the CPI Adjustment) two (2) or more times within any twenty-four (24) month period;
(c) A threat or danger to public health or safety occurs at any Licensed Vacation Ownership Property, and such occurrence has a material adverse effect on the business, goodwill, operations, assets, liabilities (actual or contingent) or financial condition of Licensor and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
(d) Licensee directly or indirectly becomes an Affiliate of a Person who is (i) (x) owned or Controlled by, or is acting on behalf of any Governmental Entity of any country that is subject to comprehensive U.S. sanctions in force; (y) located in, organized under the laws of or ordinarily resident in any such country; or (c) identified by any Governmental Entity as a person with whom dealings and transactions by Licensee are prohibited or restricted or (ii) a Hilton Competitor, unless the Hilton Competitors Vacation Ownership Business is managed thereafter as a Separate Operation;
(e) Licensee breaches Section 9.2 (without giving effect to the provisions therein that would render any breaching transaction null and void) or Section 9.3; or
(f) Licensee (i) contests in any Action Licensors ownership or the validity of the Licensed IP or Hilton Data or assists any other Person to do same; (ii) assigns this Agreement in violation of Section 17.1 (without giving effect to the provisions in Section 17.3 that would render such assignment null and void); (iii) intentionally submits false information or maintains false records or books with respect to its payment obligations herein; (iv) has a senior executive or board member that is convicted of a felony (or any other crime that is reasonably likely to harm Licensor, the Licensed Marks or their goodwill); or (v) is the subject of publicly disclosed information that harms any licenses or permits held by Licensor or its Subsidiaries or their stature with any Governmental Entity.
27
Section 18.4. Termination of Corporate Name Rights . Licensees license to use the Licensed Marks as a trade, corporate, d/b/a or similar name shall terminate automatically if: (x) the aggregate number of units of accommodation in the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business falls below two-thirds of the total number of units of accommodation in Licensees entire Vacation Ownership Business; (y) if Licensee, directly or indirectly, merges with or into or acquires Control of the assets of Marriott International, Inc., Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation, Hyatt Hotels Corporation, Wyndham Worldwide Corporation, and Interval Leisure Group, Inc. or their respective Affiliates and Licensee or any such other Person uses the brands of such Persons in any business after such acquisition or (z) Licensee becomes an Affiliate of a Hilton Competitor, in each case regardless of whether the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business is operated as a Separate Operation.
Section 18.5. Suspension . Upon a default under Section 18.3(a) or Section 18.3(c), without limiting its other rights and remedies herein, Licensor has the right to (i) suspend Licensees access to and use of all Licensed IP and/or Hilton Data (other than the Licensed Marks and Licensed Content) until such breach is cured.
ARTICLE XIX
POST TERMINATION OBLIGATIONS
Section 19.1. After Termination . On termination or expiration of this Agreement, Licensee will:
(a) within 10 days, pay all sums due and owing to Licensor, including all costs and expenses incurred by Licensor in obtaining injunctive relief in connection with the enforcement of this Agreement;
(b) cease using (and at Licensors option, securely destroy or return when applicable) the Licensed IP and Hilton Data according to the following deadlines:
(i) immediately, cease creating new advertising, marketing and promotional materials in any form or media that contain the Licensed Marks;
(ii) immediately, cease all access to and use of Licensors Confidential Information;
(iii) within 10 days, cease all access to the Licensed System;
(iv) within 10 days, at Licensors option, securely destroy or return to Licensor all of Licensors Confidential Information;
(v) within 20 days, delete all uses of Licensed Marks from all websites, social and mobile media and other digital or electronic venues in Licensees possession or control and establish Licensors designated employees as all contact names on any registrations or reservations for domain names, social, mobile media and similar identifiers;
(vi) within 30 days, file to change or transfer to Licensor, at Licensors option, all corporate, trade and d/b/a names and vanity telephone numbers to names (or numbers corresponding to names) that do not contain any Licensed Marks;
28
(vii) within 60 days, cease using all Licensed Content in digital or electronic media;
(viii) within 6 months, cease using all business cards, stationery, brochures, portable signage and all other printed matter and collateral that is visible to the public and bears the Licensed Marks;
(ix) within 1 year, remove the Licensed Marks from all motor vehicles and large outdoor signage; and
(x) in the next replacement cycle, cease using all internal office collateral that is not visible to the public and bears the Licensed Marks.
Section 19.2. Liquidated Damages . Each Party agrees that the termination of this Agreement due to the fault of Licensee will cause substantial damage to Licensor, and without limiting Licensors right to seek injunctive or equitable relief, Licensor may in its sole discretion elect to receive, in lieu of actual damages, a payment of liquidated damages not as a penalty, but as a commercially reasonable estimate of the minimum just and fair compensation for its lost profits and/or direct damages. If Licensor so elects, such liquidated damages will be due thirty (30) days following any termination of this Agreement and shall be an amount equal to the net present value as of the termination date of all unpaid Royalties and fees under Article III that Licensor expected (had Licensee not breached) to collect for the remainder of the Term. A discount rate of 8% shall be used to determine the net present value.
Section 19.3. Cross-Default . Upon termination of this Agreement, all Standards and Agreements shall automatically terminate.
Section 19.4. Survival . Section 1.1(b), Article III (for fees accruing prior to termination date), Section 4.2, Section 13.1, Section 14.1, Section 14.2(a), Section 15.1Section 15.3, Section 16.1 and Section 16.5, Article XIX and Article XXIArticle XXV shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement.
ARTICLE XX
COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS
Section 20.1. Applicable Laws . At all times during the Term, Licensee will (i) at its sole expense, operate the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business in strict compliance with all applicable Laws and (ii) subject to reimbursement by Licensor for its commercially reasonable out-of-pocket costs, provide Licensor with all information relating to the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business that is necessary or desirable to allow Licensor to comply with all applicable Laws.
Section 20.2. Notice of Events .
(a) Licensee shall promptly provide to Licensor all Information Licensor reasonably requests about Licensee and its Subsidiaries (including its and their respective beneficial owners, officers, directors, shareholders, partners or members) and/or the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business and the Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties;
(b) Licensee shall give Licensor notice within ten (10) business days of (i) any occurrence that reasonably could materially adversely affect any Licensed Vacation Ownership Property, the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business or the financial condition of Licensee, (ii) any communication from a Governmental Entity alleging that the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business (or Licensees
29
Operating of same) fails to comply with any Laws, or that may materially adversely affect the Operation or financial condition of Licensee or the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business or (iii) any potential or pending Action of which Licensee becomes aware (x) that names Licensor or its Subsidiaries, the Licensed IP or Hilton Data, (y) that would be reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business, the Licensed IP or Hilton Data or (z) with respect to which the amount in controversy relating to the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business exceeds five million dollars ($5,000,000 USD).
ARTICLE XXI
RELATIONSHIP OF PARTIES
Section 21.1. Consent Standard . Any consent or approval given under this Agreement may be given or withheld by a Party in its sole discretion, unless otherwise specified.
Section 21.2. Independent Contractor . The Parties are independent contractors, and nothing in this Agreement is intended to constitute or deem either Party as an agent, legal representative, fiduciary, subsidiary, joint venturer, partner, manager, employee or servant of the other Party for any purpose, provided that Licensor may act on Licensees behalf as Licensees agent for purposes of booking reservations at any Licensed Vacation Ownership Property. Nothing in this Agreement authorizes either Party to make, provide, or enter into any contract, agreement, warranty or representation on the other Partys behalf or to incur any debt or other obligation in the other Partys name.
ARTICLE XXII
GOVERNING LAW/DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Section 22.1. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of New York without reference to any choice-of-law or conflicts of law principles that would result in the application of the laws of a different jurisdiction.
Section 22.2. Negotiation . In the event of a dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement (including its interpretation, performance or validity) (collectively, Agreement Disputes ), the general counsels of the relevant Parties (or such other individuals designated thereby) shall negotiate for a maximum of 21 days (or a mutually-agreed extension) (such period of days, the Negotiation Period ) from the time of receipt by a Party of written notice of such Agreement Dispute. The relevant Parties shall not assert the defenses of statute of limitations and laches for any delays arising due to the procedures in Sections 22.2 or 22.3.
Section 22.3. Mediation . If the Parties have not timely resolved the Agreement Dispute under Section 22.2, the Parties agree to submit the Agreement Dispute within to mediation no later than 10 days following the end of the Negotiation Period, with such mediation to be conducted in accordance with the Mediation Procedure of the International Institute for Conflict Prevention and Resolution ( CPR ). The Parties to the Agreement Dispute agree to bear equally the CPR and mediators costs. The Parties agree to participate in good faith in the mediation for a maximum of 14 days (or a mutually agreed extension). If the Parties have not timely resolved the Agreement Dispute pursuant to this Section 22.3, either Party may then bring an action in accordance with Sections 22.4 and 22.5 herein.
Section 22.4. Consent to Jurisdiction . Each Party irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of (a) the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or (b) if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, any other state or federal court located within the County of New Castle in the
30
State of Delaware, to resolve any Agreement Dispute that is not resolved pursuant to Sections 22.2 or 22.3. Any judgment of such court may be enforced by any court of competent jurisdiction. Further, notwithstanding Sections 22.2 and 22.3, either Party may apply to the above courts set forth in Section 22.4(a) & 22.4(b) above for a temporary restraining order or similar emergency relief during the process set forth in Sections 22.2 and 22.3. Each of the Parties agrees that service by U.S. registered mail to such Partys respective address set forth above shall be effective service of process for any of the above Actions and irrevocably and unconditionally waives any objection to the laying of venue of any Action in accordance with this Section 22.4. Nothing in this Section 22.4 shall limit or restrict the Parties from agreeing to arbitrate any Agreement Dispute pursuant to mutually-agreed procedures.
Section 22.5. Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, INCLUDING ANY AGREEMENT DISPUTE.
Section 22.6. Confidentiality . All information and communications between the Parties relating to an Agreement Dispute and/or under the procedures in Sections 22.2 and 22.3 shall be considered Confidential Information under Article XIV herein.
Section 22.7. Continuity of Performance . Unless otherwise agreed in writing, the Parties shall continue to perform under this Agreement during the course of dispute resolution under this Article XXII with respect to all matters not subject thereto.
ARTICLE XXIII
NOTICES
All notices under this Agreement shall be in English, in writing and given or made by delivery in person, by overnight courier service, by facsimile with receipt confirmed (followed by delivery of an original via overnight courier service) or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective Parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a Party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Article XXIII):
To Licensor:
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.
7930 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 1100
McLean, Virginia 22102
Attn: General Counsel
Facsimile: (703) 883-6188
To Licensee:
Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.
6355 MetroWest Boulevard, Suite 180
Orlando, Florida 32835
Attn: General Counsel
Facsimile: (407) 722-3776
31
ARTICLE XXIV
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 24.1. 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, course of dealings and writings with respect to such subject matter.
Section 24.2. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in more than one counterpart, 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. Facsimile or PDF signature shall serve as originals for purposes of binding the Parties hereto.
Section 24.3. Amendment . This Agreement may not be modified or waived in whole or in part except by an agreement in writing signed by Licensor and Licensee.
Section 24.4. Third Party Beneficiaries . This Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Parties and should not be deemed to confer upon third parties any remedy, claim, liability, reimbursement, claim of action or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement.
Section 24.5. Title and Headings . Titles and headings to sections herein are inserted for the convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
Section 24.6. 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 shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby, and such provision shall be interpreted to fullest extent possible consistent with the Parties intent. Further, 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 24.7. Interpretation . The Parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against the Party drafting or causing any instrument to be drafted.
Section 24.8. No Waiver . No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising, on the part of any Party, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver hereof or thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder or thereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege.
Section 24.9. Cumulative Remedies . No right or remedy conferred upon or reserved to Licensor or Licensee by this Agreement is intended to be, nor will be, deemed exclusive of any other right or remedy herein or by law or equity provided or permitted, but each will be cumulative of every other right or remedy.
Section 24.10. Force Majeure . Neither Party (or any Person acting on its behalf) shall have any liability or responsibility for failure to fulfill any obligation (other than a payment obligation or Licensees obligations under Article XIV) under this Agreement (which is an Ancillary Agreement as
32
defined in the Distribution Agreement), so long as and to the extent to which the fulfillment of such obligation is prevented, frustrated, hindered or delayed as a consequence of circumstances of Force Majeure. A Party claiming the benefit of this provision shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after the occurrence of any such event: (a) notify the other Party of the nature and extent of any such Force Majeure condition and (b) use due diligence to remove any such causes and resume performance under this Agreement as soon as feasible.
ARTICLE XXV
WARRANTIES
Section 25.1. By Each Party . Without modifying the Distribution Agreement, each Party represents and warrants to the other Party that: (i) the warranting Party has full power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations under this Agreement and (ii) this Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the warranting Party and, assuming the due execution and delivery of this Agreement by both Parties, constitutes a valid and binding agreement of the warranting Party enforceable against the warranting Party in accordance with its terms.
Section 25.2. Disclaimer . Except as expressly set forth in Section 25.1, each Party disclaims any representations and warranties, either express or implied, with respect to this Agreement, and Licensor disclaims any representations and warranties, either express or implied, with respect to the Licensed Marks, including any warranty of ownership, non-infringement, suitability, value, fitness for use or non-infringement of third party rights.
Section 25.3. Limitation on Damages . Except for claims arising under or breaches of Article XVI, neither Party will be liable to the other Party for any (i) special, incidental, indirect, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages or (ii) except for Licensors reasonably estimated lost profits included in the liquidated damages payment in Section 19.2, lost profits, in each case, relating to this Agreement, regardless of whether such Party has been notified of the possibility or the foreseeability thereof.
[ Signature Page Follows ]
33
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the day and year first above written.
HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC. | ||
By: | /s/ W. Steven Standefer | |
Name: | W. Steven Standefer | |
Title: | Senior Vice President | |
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS INC. | ||
By: | /s/ Mark Wang | |
Name: | Mark Wang | |
Title: | President and CEO |
EXHIBIT A
DEFINITIONS
As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1) Action shall mean any demand, action, claim, suit, countersuit, arbitration, inquiry, subpoena, case, litigation, proceeding or investigation (whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative) by or before any court or grand jury, any Governmental Entity or any arbitration or mediation tribunal.
(2) Acquired Vacation Business has the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(a).
(3) Acquired Vacation Property Inventory has the meaning set forth in Section 2.6(c).
(4) Affiliate shall mean, when used with respect to any Person, another Person that directly or indirectly Controls, is Controlled by or is under common Control with such Person. For clarity, Licensor, Licensee and PHRI (and their respective Subsidiaries after the Effective Date) shall not be deemed to be Affiliates of each other in this Agreement.
(5) Agreement means this HGV License Agreement, including all Exhibits and Schedules, as each may be amended by the Parties from time to time.
(6) Blocked Person shall mean (i) a Person designated by the U.S. Department of Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control as a specially designated national or blocked person or similar status; (ii) a Person described in Section 1 of U.S. Executive Order 13224, issued on September 23, 2001; or (iii) a Person otherwise identified by government or legal authority as a Person with whom Licensor, Licensee or any of their Affiliates, are prohibited from transacting business As of the Effective Date, a list of such designations and the text of the Executive Order are published under the internet website address www.ustreas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac.
(7) Brand Standards shall mean the guidelines developed for use with the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business as modified, amended or supplemented from time to time in accordance with Article VII, which include without limitation standards and specifications related to health, fire and life safety, security, guest services and assistance, quality assurance as well as design and construction standards, it being acknowledged Brand Standards differ from other Licensor brand standards in a manner to reflect appropriate differences between hotel service levels and service levels applicable to the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business.
(8) Call has the meaning set forth in the Marketing Services Agreement.
(9) Club Revenue shall mean Licensees revenue resulting from the collection of annual dues paid by members (mandatory and voluntary) of the Licensed Exchange Program.
(10) Co-Located Licensor Lodging Property has the meaning set forth in Section 5.6(a).
(11) Confidential Information shall mean all confidential, proprietary or non-public Information, content or materials in any form or media provided by or on behalf of a Party to the other Party hereunder, including any information relating to a Party or its Subsidiaries (or any other Person who has provided such Information to them under obligations of confidentiality) and/or their respective activities, businesses or operations, including financial, technical, customer, personnel and marketing Information. For clarity, Licensors Confidential Information shall include the Standards and Agreements, Hilton Data, Licensed Software and Licensed System.
(12) Contract Sales shall mean the sum of (i) the gross sale price paid or to be paid to a third party in a fee for service transaction or arrangement for the initial sale or re-sale of interests held by third parties in Vacation Ownership Properties, and (ii) gross sale price paid or to be paid for the initial sale or re-sale of interests held in Vacation Ownership Properties, regardless of whether any part thereof is financed. For the avoidance of doubt, the Contract Sales excludes maintenance fees, management fees, dues, exchange fees, enrollment fees, closing costs, transaction costs, including brokerage commissions and expenses, applicable Taxes paid by an owner of Vacation Ownership Business or its Affiliates or gross up for Taxes paid by purchasers, or interest or financing charges with respect to financed purchases.
(13) Control of a person shall mean having direct or indirect (i) ownership of all or substantially all of the properties or assets of a person; (ii) right to appoint a majority of the members of the board of directors of such person; and/or (iii) beneficial ownership of more than 50% of the total voting power of the outstanding shares of stock or other equity interests of such person entitled to vote in the election of directors, or otherwise to participate in the direction of the management and policies, of such person (excluding shares or equity interests entitled so to vote or participate only upon the happening of some contingency). For the purposes of this definition, person and beneficial owner have the meanings used in Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
(14) CPI shall mean the Consumer Price Index published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the United States Department of Labor, U.S. City Average, All Items (Not Seasonally Adjusted) (1982-1984=100). If the Consumer Price Index is hereafter converted to a different standard reference base or otherwise revised, any determination hereunder that uses the Consumer Price Index shall be made with the use of such conversion factor, formula or table for converting the Consumer Price Index as may be published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, or, if the bureau shall no longer publish the same, then with the use of such conversion factor, formula or table as may be published by any nationally recognized publisher of similar statistical information.
(15) CPI Adjustment has the meaning set forth in Section 18.3(b).
(16) CPR has the meaning set forth in Section 22.3.
(17) Data Security Policies shall mean any current or future posted or internal agreement, standard or policy of a Person relating to the integrity, operation, redundancy, disaster recovery, security testing, monitoring and remediation of Systems used in such Persons or its Affiliates business (and the data therein).
(18) Deflag shall mean, with respect to (i) a Licensed Vacation Ownership Property, for such property to lose its license to use the Hilton Data, Loyalty Program and Licensed IP herein and (ii) Licensor Lodging Property, for Licensor to cease Operating such property under a Hilton Mark.
(19) Deflagged Property has the meaning set forth in Section 18.1.
(20) Deflagging Event has the meaning set forth in Section 18.1.
(21) Disclosing Party has the meaning set forth in Section 14.1(a).
(22) Disputes has the meaning set forth in Section 22.2.
2
(23) Distribution Agreement has the meaning set forth in the Recitals to this Agreement.
(24) Effective Date has the meaning set forth in the opening paragraph of this Agreement.
(25) Eligible HOA Expenses shall mean Eligible HOA operating expenses, reserves and real estate taxes.
(26) Eligible HOAs shall mean HOAs operated in connection with Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties (i) subsequent to the Effective Date of this Agreement and ii) along with the following Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties operated as of the Effective Date: HLTV Vacation Suites, LV Tower 52 Vacation Suites, AOC Vacation Suites, Ocean 22 Vacation Suites, Sunrise Lodge, Las Palmeras, GI Vacation Suites, Ocean Oak Vacation Suites, TD Suites, HC Suites and BW Vacation Suites. Future phases of existing resorts where new phases will be combined with existing phases for HOA assessment purposes, such as RL Vacation Suites, WBKL Vacation Suites and Las Vegas Boulevard Vacation Suites, shall be excluded from this definition, however, if such new phases are not under the existing HOA, they shall be counted when assessing Royalty.
(27) Exchange Program shall mean any program or arrangement for the voluntary exchange of the right to use and occupy an accommodation unit for the right to use or occupy another accommodation unit.
(28) Fee For Services Sales Price shall mean the gross sale price paid or to be paid to a third party in a fee for service transaction or arrangement for the initial sale or re-sale of interests held by third-parties in Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties (excluding HGVClub at Craigendarroch Suites and HGVClub at MarBrisa). For the avoidance of doubt, the Fee For Services Sales Price excludes maintenance fees, management fees, dues, exchange fees, enrollment fees, closing costs, transaction costs, including brokerage commissions and expenses, applicable Taxes paid by Licensee or its Affiliates or gross up for Taxes paid by purchasers, or interest or financing charges with respect to financed purchases. To the extent that interests in Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties are used as consideration, in whole or in part, for the purchase of interests in other Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties (i.e., upgrades), then the Fee For Services Sales Price shall be the difference between the gross sales price paid by the owner for the prior interest in the Licensed Vacation Ownership Property and the gross sales price paid by the owner for the newly acquired interest in the Licensed Vacation Ownership Property.
(29) Force Majeure shall mean, with respect to a Party, an event beyond the commercially reasonable control of such Party (or any Person acting on its behalf), which by its nature could not have been foreseen by such Party (or such Person), or, if it could have been foreseen, was unavoidable, and includes acts of God, storms, floods, riots, labor unrest, pandemics, nuclear incidents, fires, sabotage, civil commotion or civil unrest, interference by civil or military authorities, acts of war (declared or undeclared) or armed hostilities or other national or international calamity or one or more acts of terrorism or failure of energy sources or distribution facilities.
(30) Fractional Vacation Club Business shall mean (i) business of Operating properties for vacation or leisure purposes in which Persons acquire an shared ownership interest in or right to use (including through interests in a land trust or similar real estate vehicle, Destination Club, and/or in the form of points, deeded weeks or other currency) one or more specified overnight accommodations and associated facilities, in each case, on a recurring, minimum periodic basis greater than twenty-seven (27) days per calendar year, and pay for such interest or right in advance (whether payments lump-sum or periodically over time and (ii) natural ancillary products or services for such business.
3
(31) GBCS Services shall mean a series of commercial services centrally delivered by Licensor including, but not limited to, group lead generation, business travel sales RFP management, sales operational support, EDGE program management and online demand generation and optimization, and third party distribution.
(32) Governmental Entity shall mean any (i) nation or government, any state, municipality or other political subdivision thereof; (ii) entity, body, agency, commission, department, board, bureau or court, whether U.S., state, municipal, foreign or multinational, exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government and any official thereof; and (iii) stock exchange or industry self-regulatory organization.
(33) Gross Revenues shall mean the sum of:
(a) | the aggregate Gross Sales Price; |
(b) | the Fee For Services Sales Price; |
(c) | Leasehold Sales Price Amortization; |
(d) | Property Operations Revenue; |
(e) | Club Revenue; |
(f) | Marketing Package Revenue; |
(g) | Transient Rental Revenue; and |
(h) | Eligible HOA Expenses. |
(34) Gross Sales Price shall mean the gross sale price paid or to be paid to Licensee or its Affiliates for the initial sale or re-sale of interests, other than those sold with a reversionary leasehold interest, held by Licensee or its Affiliates in Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties (excluding HGVClub at Craigendarroch Suites and HGVClub at MarBrisa), regardless of whether any part thereof is financed by Licensee or any third-party. For the avoidance of doubt, the Gross Sales Price excludes bad debt expense, maintenance fees, management fees, dues, exchange fees, enrollment fees, closing costs, transaction costs, including brokerage commissions and expenses and incentives granted to a purchaser at the time of purchase, applicable Taxes paid by Licensee or its Affiliates or gross up for Taxes paid by purchasers, or interest or financing charges with respect to financed purchases. To the extent that interests in Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties are used as consideration, in whole or in part, for the purchase of interests in other Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties (i.e. upgrades), then the Gross Sales Price shall be the difference between the original gross sales price paid for the first Licensed Vacation Ownership Property and gross sales price of the newly acquired Licensed Vacation Ownership Property.
(35) HHonors LLC has the meaning set forth in Section 7.5.
(36) Hilton Competitor shall mean any Person who (i) Operates a Lodging Business and/or (ii) competes with Licensor or its Subsidiaries in any other business other than exclusively in the Vacation Ownership Business at any time during the Term, and the Affiliates of any such Person.
4
(37) Hilton Data shall mean the Loyalty Program Data and all guest, customer or member profiles, contact information (including addresses, phone numbers and email addresses), histories, preferences and other related information obtained or derived from guests, customers or members in connection with any Lodging Business of Licensor or its Subsidiaries.
(38) Hilton Information Technology System Agreement shall mean that certain Hilton Information Technology System Agreement which the Parties have entered into concurrent with this Agreement.
(39) Hilton Marks shall mean all Trademarks owned or controlled by Licensor or its Affiliates, including the Licensed Marks.
(40) HOA shall mean an association of owners with ownership interests in a Vacation Ownership Property (i.e., the single governing association, not the individual homeowners within the HOA).
(41) Information shall mean information and data in any form or media, including written, oral, electronic, computerized or digital.
(42) Initial Noncompetition Term has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a).
(43) Intellectual Property shall mean all worldwide intellectual property, proprietary and industrial property rights, including all (i) patents, patent applications, inventions and invention disclosures and utility models, (ii) trademarks, service marks, corporate, trade, d/b/a or similar names, logos, slogans, designs, trade dress, domain names, social and mobile media identifiers and other designations of source or origin, together with the goodwill symbolized by any of the foregoing (collectively, Trademarks ), (iii) copyrights, (iv) trade secrets, know-how, processes and methods, and (v) all registrations, applications, continuations, continuations-in-part, divisionals, reissues, re-examinations, substitutions, renewals, extensions and foreign counterparts thereof.
(44) Laws shall mean all laws, statutes, ordinances, orders, rules, directives, judgments and decrees (by consent or otherwise), regulations, codes, permits, licenses, certificates, authorizations, directions and requirements of, issued by or executed with any Governmental Entity.
(45) Leasehold Sales Price Amortization shall mean the recognition of the sales price of a Licensed Vacation Ownership Property sold subject to a reversionary leasehold interest. For avoidance of doubt, Leasehold Sales Price Amortization will be calculated by multiplying the sales price of the Licensed Vacation Ownership Property by a fraction, the numerator of which is the time period over which the license is being recognized and the denominator is the leasehold period.
(46) Licensed Content shall mean all consumer-facing advertising and promotional materials in any form or media that are owned by Licensor or its Subsidiaries and displayed in print, digital, electronic or computerized form and are provided to Licensee in Licensors discretion during the Term for use in connection with the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business, but excluding all software, information technology infrastructure and other non-consumer-facing assets and items.
(47) Licensed Exchange Program shall mean an exchange program operated by Licensee that uses the Licensed Marks. For example, as of the Effective Date, Licensee operates the following Licensed Exchange Programs: Hilton Grand Vacations Club Exchange Program and Hilton Club Exchange Program.
5
(48) Licensed HOA shall mean the HOA in the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business that has hired Licensee to manage its Licensed Vacation Ownership Property.
(49) Licensed IP shall mean the Licensed Marks, the Licensed Content, the Licensed System and the Licensed Software.
(50) Licensed Marks shall mean the trademarks Hilton Grand Vacations and HGV and Hilton Club in their entirety, and not any variations thereof, including the term Hilton standing alone or used with any other words, terms, designs or other elements, including those registered trademarks set forth on Exhibit C.
(51) Licensed Software shall mean the business software and hardware system, currently known as OnQ, which Licensor may periodically change in its sole discretion (including changes to the way in which OnQ data is delivered to users and their properties), that is currently comprised of software that includes a proprietary property management component, reservations component, revenue management component, rate & inventory component, learning management component and other components Licensor considers necessary to support the following activities: reservations, sales, distribution, customer relationship management, operations, and business intelligence gathering and analysis.
(52) Licensed System shall mean Licensors then-current reservation system pursuant to which Licensor offers inventory of vacant rooms to the public.
(53) Licensed Vacation Ownership Business shall mean (i) Licensees business of Operating the Licensed Exchange Program and Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties (or interests therein) for vacation or leisure purposes, (ii) natural extensions of and ancillary products and services for such business of Licensee, including membership services, financing, establishing and operating sales facilities, managing rental programs associated with Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties, but excluding products on Exhibit D or products and services of the type excluded from the Vacation Ownership Business definition, (iii) products and services that Licensor has approved pursuant to Section 9.4 and (iv) the products and services of Licensee set forth on Exhibit E.
(54) Licensed Vacation Ownership Property shall mean the existing Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties and Vacation Ownership Properties under development listed in Exhibit F and additional Vacation Ownership Properties approved by Licensor pursuant to Section 9.1, and for clarity, excluding any Separate Operations and any Non-Licensed Existing Projects. Where the Licensed Vacation Ownership Property is limited to Licensed Vacation Ownership Property units being offered within a larger, mixed-use facility, and Licensee or its Affiliates do not control the other improvements, structures, facilities, entry and exit rights, parking, pools, landscaping, and other appurtenances located at such facility, then the Licensed Vacation Ownership Property shall refer to such Licensed Vacation Ownership Property units and not to which Licensee or its Affiliates do not control.
(55) Licensee has the meaning set forth in the opening paragraph of this Agreement.
(56) Licensee Data shall mean all guest, customer or member profiles, contact information (including addresses, phone numbers and email addresses), histories, preferences and other related information obtained or derived by Licensee or its Subsidiaries from guests, customers or members in connection with (i) owners of Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties in their capacity as owners of such Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties; and (ii) owners or other guests, members or customers of the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business to the extent collected by Licensee or its Subsidiaries in connection with the marketing and sale of Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties. Licensee Data shall not include any (x) Loyalty Program Data or (y) data collected from owners, members or other guests or customers in connection with a transient stay or event at Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties, except as covered by subsection (ii) above.
6
(57) Licensee Parties has the meaning set forth in Section 5.9(a).
(58) Licensee Systems shall mean, collectively, all Systems used in the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business, whether owned by Licensee or any other Person.
(59) Licensor has the meaning set forth in the opening paragraph of this Agreement.
(60) Licensor Brand Identity Guidelines shall mean Licensors general guidelines for its licensees use of the Licensed Marks, as may be modified by Licensor and provided to Licensee throughout the Term.
(61) Licensor Lodging Properties shall mean those hotels, resorts and other lodging properties that are Operated by Licensor or its Affiliates, including those bearing the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, CurioA Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton brand names.
(62) Lodging Business shall mean the (i) business of Operating hotels, resorts or other transient or extended stay lodging, fractional residential sales, whole ownership or branded residential sales, destination clubs, travel clubs, travel agencies (including online travel agencies), serviced apartments, condo hotels, home sharing and similar facilities and (ii) all related ancillary services, including travel agent services and loyalty programs (in any current or future media).
(63) Losses has the meaning set forth in Section 16.1(a).
(64) Loyalty Program shall mean the guest frequency or reward program predominantly used by Licensor Branded Lodging Properties at any time during the Term, which such program is currently titled the Hilton HHonors ® program.
(65) Loyalty Program Data shall mean all member profiles, contact information (including addresses, phone numbers and email addresses), histories, preferences and other related information obtained or derived from members of the Loyalty Program.
(66) Loyalty Program Points shall mean any point credits earned by Loyalty Program members that are redeemable for various rewards in the Loyalty Program.
(67) Marketing Agreements has the meaning set forth in Section 9.6(a).
(68) Marketing Content has the meaning set forth in Section 9.5(a).
(69) Marketing Package Revenue shall mean revenue from the sale of vacation packages for stays at Licensor Lodging Properties or Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties which related to the marketing of Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties which include the sale of trial memberships of the Licensed Exchange Program known as exit, sampler or vacation introduction programs as well as forfeiture revenue related to the expiration of vacation packages and trial memberships.
(70) Marketing Services Agreement has the meaning set forth in Section 11.1.
7
(71) Measuring Year has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(b).
(72) Member Service Center shall mean a facility at which Licensee provides owners of Vacation Ownership Properties with off-site services with respect to their use and enjoyment of such ownership interests.
(73) New Property has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(b).
(74) Noncompetition Term shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(b).
(75) Non-Licensed Existing Projects shall mean the projects that do not use the Licensed Marks and existed prior to the Effective Date listed on Exhibit G.
(76) Operate shall mean, with respect to a business or property, (i) owning, financing, developing, redeveloping, managing, marketing, operating, licensing, leasing or franchising vacation properties; and/or (ii) acquiring or selling ownership of or the right to use individual units within properties included in such business.
(77) Operating Guidelines shall mean Licensors general guidelines set forth on Exhibit B for operation of Vacation Ownership Properties under the Licensed Marks, as may be modified by Licensor throughout the Term.
(78) Parties has the meaning set forth in the opening paragraph of this Agreement.
(79) Party has the meaning set forth in the opening paragraph of this Agreement.
(80) Party Agreements has the meaning set forth in the definition of Standards and Agreements.
(81) Percentage of Completion shall mean a fraction of which the numerator is the total project construction costs incurred for a Licensed Vacation Ownership Property under construction at the end of a reporting period and the denominator is the total expected project construction costs for such Licensed Vacation Ownership Property.
(82) Person shall mean any natural person, firm, individual, corporation, business trust, joint venture, association, company, limited liability company, partnership or other organization or entity, whether incorporated or unincorporated, or any Governmental Entity.
(83) PHRI has the meaning set forth in the Recitals to this Agreement.
(84) Privacy Policy shall mean any current or future posted or internal agreement, standard or policy of a Person relating to privacy, personal, regulated or confidential information or personally identifiable information.
(85) Program Fee shall mean the fee paid by Licensors branded hotels to Licensor or its designee for various programs benefitting Licensors branded hotel system, including (i) advertising, promotion, publicity, public relations, market research, and other marketing programs, (ii) developing and maintaining directories and Internet sites for properties; (iii) developing and maintaining the reservation service systems and support; (iv) quality assurance programs; and (v) administrative costs and overhead related to the administration or direction of these projects and programs.
8
(86) Property Operations Revenue shall mean Licensees or its Affiliates gross revenue resulting from the operation of spas and wellness centers; retail; food and beverage; and other on-property operations, in conjunction with a Licensed Vacation Ownership Property. Property Operations Revenue shall not include any onsite revenue related to the Anderson Ocean Club with respect to managing the Anderson Ocean Club HOA (this property is a joint timeshare and whole ownership project that includes multiple associations and the revenues represent reimbursements from the various associations).
(87) Purchase Contract has the meaning in Section 3.1(b)(i).
(88) Reasonable Best Efforts shall mean (i) commercially reasonable efforts plus, if necessary, (ii) any additional actions that do not (x) incur material out-of-pocket costs; (y) require material additional employee resources; and/or (z) materially interfere with the conduct of the performing partys applicable business.
(89) Receiving Party has the meaning set forth in Section 14.1(a).
(90) Recipients has the meaning set forth in Section 14.1(a).
(91) Related Parties has the meaning set forth in Section 16.1(a).
(92) Renewal Noncompetition Term has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(b).
(93) Royalty has the meaning set forth in Section 3.1(a)(i).
(94) Sales Facilities shall mean galleries, desks and other physical facilities from which interests in units of Vacation Ownership Properties are offered and sold to the public.
(95) Security Breach has the meaning set forth in Section 14.2(d).
(96) Separate Operations shall mean a project or business that satisfies all of the following conditions: (i) it is operated completely separately from the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business with respect to physical locations of Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties and is not directly exchangeable or interchangeable with Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties (including through Exchange Programs owned or operated by Licensee or its Affiliates); (ii) it is sold through separate and distinct sales locations and personnel (other than common regional-level management personnel) from the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business and uses separate Member Service Centers and Sales Facilities; (iii) it is operated and marketed without use of (or access to) the Loyalty Program, any Licensed IP or Hilton Data (or any key word, ad word, metatag or similar device designed to attract viewers or users in online, social, mobile or other media that uses a Licensed Mark); (iv) it is not a Subsidiary of, or operated directly or indirectly by a Person that uses the Licensed Marks as a corporate, trade or d/b/a name; and (v) it is advertised, marketed and otherwise presented to the public as being operated completely separately from the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business.
(97) Shortfall Payment has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(c).
(98) Standards has the meaning set forth in the definition of Standards and Agreements.
(99) Standards and Agreements shall mean all (i) standards, rules, guidelines, manuals and policies that are provided to the Licensee, including Brand Standards, Licensor Brand Identity Guidelines, Licensors Privacy Polices, Data Security Policies and Operating Guidelines (the Standards ) and (ii) agreements executed by the Parties as of the Effective Date (other than the Agreement) or at any time during the Term, in each case, with respect to the Licensed IP or Hilton Data and/or any aspect of Licensees activities, the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business and the Marketing Services Agreement (the Party Agreements ).
9
(100) Subsidiary shall mean, when used with respect to any Person, another Person that is directly or indirectly Controlled by such Person.
(101) Systems shall mean software, systems, networks, computers, hardware and other information technology assets.
(102) Tail Period has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2.
(103) Taxes has the meaning set forth in Section 3.8.
(104) Term has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.
(105) Territory for each Licensed Mark shall mean all countries and jurisdictions worldwide in which (i) Licensor has a valid registration for such Licensed Mark as of the Effective Date or (ii) Licensor has approved Licensees use of the Licensed Mark in writing pursuant to Section 5.2.
(106) Trademarks has the meaning set forth within the definition of Intellectual Property.
(107) Transient Rental Revenue shall mean all revenues generated from the transient rental of inventory of Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties and conversion properties (but not Marketing Package Revenue) (i) that is held for development and sale and owned by a Licensee Party; (ii) that is Controlled by Licensee or its Affiliates as a result of Vacation Ownership Property Owners participation in programmatic elements of Licensed Vacation Ownership Business (e.g., exchange, banking, borrowing, Brand Loyalty Program trade, and similar programs); and (iii) that is Controlled by Licensee, its Affiliates or an HOA as a result of Vacation Ownership Property Owner default (e.g., maintenance fee defaults or financing defaults) pending foreclosure or cure in the ordinary course of business. Transient Rental Revenue shall also include bonus point, guest resort charge, open season rental, access fees and no show revenue for stays at Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties.
(108) Undeveloped Parcels has the meaning set forth in Section 5.3(a).
(109) Vacation Ownership Business shall mean (i) the business of Operating Vacation Ownership Properties (or interests therein) for vacation or leisure purposes, (ii) natural ancillary products and services for such business of Licensee, including membership services, Exchange Programs, financing, establishing and operating sales facilities, managing rental programs associated with Vacation Ownership Properties, but excluding destination clubs, travel clubs, travel agencies (including online travel agencies), serviced apartments, condo hotels, home sharing and similar facilities, (iii) products and services that Licensor has approved Licensee to offer pursuant to Section 9.4, and (iv) any business ancillary amenities to Vacation Ownership Properties, such as country clubs, spas, golf courses, food and beverage outlets, gift and sundry shops, only if they are physically located on a Vacation Ownership Property (and excluding any of same, if they are not physically located on such property). Vacation Ownership Business excludes the Fractional Vacation Club Business, Whole Ownership Business, and any products and services of the type set forth on Exhibit H.
(110) Vacation Ownership Property shall mean (i) a property in which Persons acquire an ownership interest in or right to use (including through interests in a land trust or similar real estate vehicle and/or in the form of points, deeded weeks or other currency) one or more specified overnight
10
accommodations and associated facilities on a recurring, periodic basis, in all cases for less than 28 days per calendar year, and pay for such interest or right in advance (whether payments lump-sum or periodically over time), (ii) all improvements, structures, facilities, entry and exit rights, parking, pools, landscaping and other appurtenances (including the property building) located at the site of the property and (iii) all furniture, fixtures, equipment, supplies and inventories installed or located in such improvements at the site of the property.
(111) Whole Ownership Business shall mean the business of developing or operating a project that includes whole residential units, including single family homes, condominium units, or other housing units which are owned on a whole (not fractional) ownership basis.
References; Interpretation.
References in this Agreement to the singular include references to the plural and vice versa. The word including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation. All references to $ or dollar herein shall be references to U.S. dollars. 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.
The Parties acknowledge that given the long length of the Term, evolutions in technology and industry practices will occur. Therefore, the definitions herein shall be interpreted broadly to include new media and distribution channels or new industry products and services that are equivalent or analogous to those existing on the Effective Date, so as to give each Party the full benefit of its bargain herein over the Term. By way of example, the terms telephone, domain names, metatags and credit cards shall be interpreted to include their successor versions and replacements during the Term.
11
EXHIBIT B
OPERATING GUIDELINES
Licensee shall perform all of the obligations listed herein. In the event of a conflict between these guidelines and any existing or new Standards and Agreements, the latter shall control.
I. | Operation of the Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties |
(a) Keep the Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties open and operating twenty-four (24) hours a day, three hundred sixty-five (365) days a year.
(b) Operate the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business in such a manner to provide courteous, uniform, respectable and high quality lodging and other services and conveniences to the public.
(c) Purchase a particular brand of product or service to maintain the common identity and reputation of the Licensed Marks and/or purchase products or services from suppliers or distributors approved by Licensor.
(d) Participate in and pay all charges in connection with all required guest complaint resolution programs, which programs may include chargebacks to a Licensed Vacation Ownership Property for guest refunds or credits and all required quality assurance programs, such as guest comment cards, customer surveys and mystery shopper programs.
(e) Participate in, and promptly pay all fees, commissions and charges associated with all travel agent commission programs and third-party reservation and distribution services (such as airline reservation systems).
(f) Pay Licensor all fees and charges, if any, Licensor requires for Licensees personnel to attend such training programs. Licensee is responsible for all travel, lodging and other expenses Licensee or its employees incur in attending these programs.
(g) Purchase and maintain property management, revenue management, in-room entertainment, telecommunications, high-speed internet access and other computer and technology systems that Licensor designates as necessary based on its assessment of the long-term best interests of the Vacation Ownership Business.
II. | Ownership and Control of the Vacation Ownership Properties |
(a) Not directly or indirectly conduct or permit any gaming or casino operations in or connected to any Licensed Vacation Ownership Property or otherwise engage in any activity which, in Licensors business judgment, is likely to adversely reflect upon or affect in any manner, any gaming licenses or permits held or applied for by Licensor or its Affiliates.
(b) Not share the business operations of or license, lease or sublease commercial space in the Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties, or enter into concession or other arrangements for operations in connection with the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business, without Licensors prior written consent.
III. | Marketing and Promotion |
(a) Display in a manner reasonably prominent and visible to visitors, guests and customers of the Licensed Vacation Ownership Business all Marketing Content that Licensor provides, and allow advertising and promotion only of Licensor Lodging Properties on the Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties.
(b) Honor the terms of any discount or promotional programs (including any frequent guest program) that Licensor offers to the public, any room rate quoted to any guest for an advance reservation and any award certificates issued to guests participating in these programs.
EXHIBIT C
Licensed Marks
TRADEMARK |
COUNTRY |
TRADEMARK STATUS |
APPLICATION NO. |
REGISTRATION NO. |
||||
HGVCLUB | United States of America | Registered | 74412050 | 1827728 | ||||
HGV | United States of America | Pending | 86926636 | |||||
HGVCLUB | EUTM | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | Austria | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | Benelux | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | Bulgaria | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | Croatia | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | Cyprus | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | Czech Republic | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | Denmark | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | Estonia | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | Finland | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | France | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | Germany | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | Gibraltar | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | Greece | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | Hungary | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | Ireland | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | Italy | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | Latvia | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | Lithuania | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | Malta | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | Poland | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | Portugal | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | Romania | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | Slovakia | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | Slovenia | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | Spain | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | Sweden | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | United Kingdom | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HGVCLUB | Jersey | Registered | 003520079 | 003520079 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | United States of America | Registered | 85445480 | 4157339 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | United States of America | Registered | 78804055 | 3304342 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Peru | Registered | 472351 | 3725 |
TRADEMARK |
COUNTRY |
TRADEMARK STATUS |
APPLICATION NO. |
REGISTRATION NO. |
||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | United Arab Emirates | Registered | 163800 | 163800 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | St. Maarten | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Samoa | Registered | 6048 | 6048 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Kenya | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Israel | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Tonga | Registered | 02515 | 02082 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Guatemala | Registered | 20119209 | 182520 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Guatemala | Registered | 20119210 | 183444 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Djibouti | Registered | 43711RADM | 43711RADM | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Ecuador | Registered | 201111607 | 196313 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Ecuador | Registered | 201111609 | 196213 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Gaza | Registered | 15931 | 15931 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Kazakhstan | Registered | 56017 | 40344 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Mauritius | Registered | MUM1114121 | 123382012 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Mozambique | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Aruba | Registered | 11101218 | 29916 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Aruba | Registered | 11101219 | 29917 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Costa Rica | Registered | 201110256 | 216085 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | El Salvador | Registered | 2011113303 | 07200015016 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Hong Kong | Registered | 302055186 | 302055186 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | New Zealand | Registered | 850844 | 850844 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Macau | Registered | N60404 | N60404 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Macau | Registered | N60405 | N60405 |
TRADEMARK |
COUNTRY |
TRADEMARK STATUS |
APPLICATION NO. |
REGISTRATION NO. |
||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | United Arab Emirates | Registered | 163799 | 163799 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Namibia | Pending | 110434 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | United Kingdom | Registered | 2597428 | 2597428 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Canada | Registered | 1547389 | TMA836213 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Zanzibar | Registered | ZND2011387 | ZND2011387 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Honduras | Registered | 3478311 | 17436 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Honduras | Registered | 3478811 | 17433 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Philippines | Registered | 42015002850 | 42015002850 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | WIPO | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Albania | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Antigua & Barbuda | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Armenia | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Australia | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Azerbaijan | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Bahrain | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Belarus | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Bhutan | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Bosnia & Herzegovina | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | China | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Croatia | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Curacao | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Georgia | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Iceland | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 |
TRADEMARK |
COUNTRY |
TRADEMARK STATUS |
APPLICATION NO. |
REGISTRATION NO. |
||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Japan | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Kyrgyzstan | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Liechtenstein | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Macedonia | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Madagascar | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Moldova (Republic of) | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Monaco | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Mongolia | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Montenegro | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Morocco | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Norway | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Oman | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Republic of Korea (South) | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Russian Federation | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | San Marino | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Sao Tome & Principe | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Serbia | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Singapore | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Turkey | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Turkmenistan | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Ukraine | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Uzbekistan | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Vietnam | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 |
TRADEMARK |
COUNTRY |
TRADEMARK STATUS |
APPLICATION NO. |
REGISTRATION NO. |
||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Andorra | Registered | 26322 | 34740 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Chile | Registered | 974149 | 1072111 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Gaza | Registered | 15930 | 15930 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Jersey | Registered | 9142 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Kosovo | Registered | 121611 | 13973 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Kuwait | Registered | 129762 | 109269 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Kuwait | Registered | 129763 | 109270 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Liberia | Registered | LRM201100301 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Namibia | Pending | 110435 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Nepal | Registered | 041733 | 33107 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Nicaragua | Registered | 2011003774 | 2013099854LM | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Rwanda | Registered | RWM10000354 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Samoa | Registered | 6047 | 6047 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Solomon Islands | Registered | TM2847 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | St. Lucia | Registered | 11000405 | TM2011000405 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Swaziland | Registered | 2352011 | 2352011 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Switzerland | Registered | 615502011 | 625861 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Taiwan | Registered | 100052312 | 1514684 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Tajikistan | Registered | 11011339 | 10581 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Tunisia | Pending | TNE201101731 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Uganda | Registered | UGT2014050383 | 50383 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Uganda | Pending | UGT2014050384 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | West Bank | Registered | 19794 | 19794 |
TRADEMARK |
COUNTRY |
TRADEMARK STATUS |
APPLICATION NO. |
REGISTRATION NO. |
||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Zanzibar | Registered | ZNS2011386 | ZNS2011386 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | ARIPO | Registered | APM 2011001142 | APM 2011001142 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Tajikistan | Registered | 13012798 | TJ11100 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Zambia | Pending | 7392011 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Nepal | Registered | 041734 | 33108 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Malawi | Registered | MWTM201100380 | MWTM201100380 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | St. Vincent & Grenadines | Registered | 3182011 | 3182011 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Paraguay | Registered | 441192011 | 376378 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Paraguay | Registered | 441202011 | 376274 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Qatar | Registered | 72273 | 72273 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Qatar | Registered | 72274 | 72274 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Nigeria | Pending | FTM201118292 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Nigeria | Pending | FTM201118293 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Uruguay | Registered | 428233 | 428233 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Afghanistan | Registered | 1137 | 11902 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Tanzania | Registered | TZS2011460 | TZS2011460 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Bahamas | Pending | ||||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Laos | Registered | 24879 | 24181 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Laos | Registered | 24880 | 24182 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Anguilla | Registered | 5162 | 5162 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Barbados | Pending | 8128820 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Dominican Republic | Registered | 20123781 | 195056 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Pakistan | Pending | 308776 |
TRADEMARK |
COUNTRY |
TRADEMARK STATUS |
APPLICATION NO. |
REGISTRATION NO. |
||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Pakistan | Pending | 308777 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Palau | Cautionary Notice | ||||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Bolivia | Registered | SM055122011 | 136596 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Bolivia | Registered | SM055112011 | 136595 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Puerto Rico | Pending | 78336 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Malaysia | Registered | 2011018295 | 2011018295 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Malaysia | Registered | 2011018296 | 2011018296 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Jamaica | Registered | 59078 | 59078 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Benin | Registered | 3201101862 | 68599 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Burkina Faso | Registered | 3201101862 | 68599 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Cameroon | Registered | 3201101862 | 68599 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Central African Republic | Registered | 3201101862 | 68599 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Chad | Registered | 3201101862 | 68599 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Comoros | Registered | 3201101862 | 68599 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Ivory Coast | Registered | 3201101862 | 68599 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Equatorial Guinea | Registered | 3201101862 | 68599 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Gabon | Registered | 3201101862 | 68599 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Guinea | Registered | 3201101862 | 68599 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Guinea-Bissau | Registered | 3201101862 | 68599 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Mali | Registered | 3201101862 | 68599 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Mauritania | Registered | 3201101862 | 68599 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Niger | Registered | 3201101862 | 68599 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Senegal | Registered | 3201101862 | 68599 |
TRADEMARK |
COUNTRY |
TRADEMARK STATUS |
APPLICATION NO. |
REGISTRATION NO. |
||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Togo | Registered | 3201101862 | 68599 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Angola | Pending | 30443 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Argentina | Pending | 3121920 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Brazil | Pending | 831141352 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Burundi | Registered | 6146BUR | 6146BUR | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Cambodia | Registered | 43324 | KH4116412 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Colombia | Registered | 2011134961 | 454809 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Colombia | Registered | 2011134965 | 454810 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Sudan | Registered | 44384 | 44384 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Sudan | Registered | 44383 | 44383 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Bangladesh | Registered | 147534 | 147534 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Bangladesh | Registered | 147535 | 147535 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Bermuda | Registered | 51221 | 51221 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Bermuda | Registered | 51220 | 51220 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Zimbabwe | Registered | APM2011001142 | APM2011001142 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Caribbean Netherlands (BES-Bonaire,Eustatius,Saba) | Registered | 1105480 | 1105480 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Algeria | Pending | 113081 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Angola | Pending | 30442 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Argentina | Registered | 3121918 | 2549132 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Belize | Registered | 829511 | 829511 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Brazil | Pending | 831141360 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | British Virgin Islands | Registered | N/A | 2864 |
TRADEMARK |
COUNTRY |
TRADEMARK STATUS |
APPLICATION NO. |
REGISTRATION NO. |
||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Brunei Darussalam | Registered | 42343 | 42343 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Cambodia | Registered | 43323 | KH4116312 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Cape Verde | Pending | 17132011 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Cayman Islands | Registered | 2597428 | 2597428 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Comoros | Cautionary Notice | ||||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Dominica | Registered | 2822011 | 2822011 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Eritrea | Cautionary Notice | ||||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Eritrea | Cautionary Notice | ||||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Ethiopia | Registered | 6168 | 7747 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Fiji | Registered | 4782012 | 4782012 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Gambia | Pending | GMM201100130 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Ghana | Pending | 0006512011 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Ghana | Pending | ||||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Gibraltar | Registered | 10330 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Grenada | Registered | 752012 | 752012 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Guernsey | Registered | N/A | GGGT7797 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Guernsey | Pending | ||||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Guyana | Registered | 25112C | 025112 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Haiti | Registered | 1447G | 355191 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | India | Registered | 2218768 | 2218768 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Jordan | Registered | 120322 | 120322 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Jordan | Registered | 120370 | 120370 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Kiribati | Registered | 3220 |
TRADEMARK |
COUNTRY |
TRADEMARK STATUS |
APPLICATION NO. |
REGISTRATION NO. |
||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Lesotho | Registered | LSM1100129 | LSM1100129 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Libya | Pending | ||||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Libya | Pending | ||||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Maldives | Cautionary Notice | ||||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Marshall Islands | Cautionary Notice | ||||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Montserrat | Registered | 99281770 | 4238 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Myanmar | Cautionary Notice | 119412011 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Nauru | Pending | ||||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Nauru | Pending | ||||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Panama | Registered | 205459 | 205459 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Panama | Registered | 205456 | 20545601 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Papua New Guinea | Registered | 69946 | A69946 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Papua New Guinea | Registered | 69947 | A69947 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Puerto Rico | Pending | 78335 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Saudi Arabia | Registered | 174423 | 143212839 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Saudi Arabia | Registered | 174424 | 143212838 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Seychelles | Registered | 4232011 | 10184 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Seychelles | Registered | 4222011 | 10183 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Sierra Leone | Pending | 19320 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | South Africa | Registered | 201125367 | 201125367 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | South Africa | Registered | 201125368 | 201125368 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Sri Lanka | Pending | 166219 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Sri Lanka | Pending | 166220 |
TRADEMARK |
COUNTRY |
TRADEMARK STATUS |
APPLICATION NO. |
REGISTRATION NO. |
||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | St. Helena | Registered | 1836 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | St. Kitts Nevis | Pending | ||||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Surinam | Registered | 23535 | 23535 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Tanzania | Pending | TZS2011456 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Trinidad & Tobago | Registered | 44501 | 44501 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Turks & Caicos Islands | Registered | 16861 | 16861 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Tuvalu | Pending | ||||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Vanuatu | Registered | 25503 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | West Bank | Registered | 19793 | 19793 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Yemen | Registered | 56673 | 56673 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Yemen | Registered | 56674 | 56674 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Gambia | Pending | GMM200100131 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Haiti | Registered | 1448G | 356191 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Venezuela | Pending | 2011019377 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Venezuela | Pending | 2011019378 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Kiribati | Registered | 3219 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Turks & Caicos Islands | Registered | 16862 | 16862 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Barbados | Pending | 8128821 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Botswana | Registered | APM2011001142 | APM2011001142 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Fiji | Registered | 4792012 | 4792012 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Congo (Republic / Brazzaville) | Registered | 3201101862 | 68599 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | OAPI | Registered | 3201101862 | 68599 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Indonesia | Pending |
TRADEMARK |
COUNTRY |
TRADEMARK STATUS |
APPLICATION NO. |
REGISTRATION NO. |
||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Indonesia | Pending | ||||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Thailand | Pending | 823967 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Thailand | Pending | 823968 | |||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS CLUB | United States of America | Registered | 74228130 | 1810193 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS CLUB in English and Katakana | Japan | Registered | 2004042827 | 4821215 | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS design | United States of America | Registered | 78809165 | 3304364 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Slovenia | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Spain | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Sweden | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | United Kingdom | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Jersey | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Lithuania | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Malta | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Poland | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Portugal | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Romania | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Slovakia | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Gibraltar | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Greece | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Hungary | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Ireland | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Italy | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 |
TRADEMARK |
COUNTRY |
TRADEMARK STATUS |
APPLICATION NO. |
REGISTRATION NO. |
||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Latvia | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Czech Republic | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Denmark | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Estonia | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Finland | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | France | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Germany | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | EUTM | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Austria | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Benelux | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Bulgaria | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Croatia | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Cyprus | Registered | 001717537 | 001717537 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Egypt | Registered | 152093 | 152093 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Egypt | Registered | 152094 | 152094 | ||||
HILTON INTERNATIONAL GRAND VACATIONS | Egypt | Registered | 152095 | 152095 | ||||
STAY CONNECTED @ HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | United States of America | Registered | 85079550 | 4309459 | ||||
STAY CONNECTED @ HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Canada | Pending | 1502904 | |||||
STAY CONNECTED @ HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Slovakia | Registered | 009551623 | 009551623 | ||||
STAY CONNECTED @ HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Slovenia | Registered | 009551623 | 009551623 |
TRADEMARK |
COUNTRY |
TRADEMARK STATUS |
APPLICATION NO. |
REGISTRATION NO. |
||||
STAY CONNECTED @ HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Italy | Registered | 009551623 | 009551623 | ||||
STAY CONNECTED @ HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Cyprus | Registered | 009551623 | 009551623 | ||||
STAY CONNECTED @ HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Czech Republic | Registered | 009551623 | 009551623 | ||||
STAY CONNECTED @ HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Denmark | Registered | 009551623 | 009551623 | ||||
STAY CONNECTED @ HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Estonia | Registered | 009551623 | 009551623 | ||||
STAY CONNECTED @ HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Finland | Registered | 009551623 | 009551623 | ||||
STAY CONNECTED @ HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | France | Registered | 009551623 | 009551623 | ||||
STAY CONNECTED @ HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Austria | Registered | 009551623 | 009551623 | ||||
STAY CONNECTED @ HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Benelux | Registered | 009551623 | 009551623 | ||||
STAY CONNECTED @ HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Bulgaria | Registered | 009551623 | 009551623 | ||||
STAY CONNECTED @ HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | Croatia | Registered | 009551623 | 009551623 | ||||
STAY CONNECTED @ HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | EUTM | Registered | 009551623 | 009551623 | ||||
STAY CONNECTED @ HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | China | Registered | 8953399 | 8953399 | ||||
STAY CONNECTED @ HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | China | Registered | 8953400 | 8953400 | ||||
STAY CONNECTED @ HILTON GRAND VACATIONS | India | Pending | 2052008 | 2052008 | ||||
THE HILTON CLUB | United States of America | Registered | 78096709 | 2811681 |
TRADEMARK |
COUNTRY |
TRADEMARK STATUS |
APPLICATION NO. |
REGISTRATION NO. |
||||
THE HILTON CLUB design | United States of America | Registered | 78167627 | 2788816 | ||||
WEST 57TH STREET BY HILTON CLUB design | United States of America | Registered | 77465368 | 3549743 |
EXHIBIT D
Excluded Products and Services
None.
EXHIBIT E
Licensee Products and Services included in Licensed Vacation Ownership Business
1. | Programs and Services |
1.1. | Local programs providing access and discounts to local attractions, entertainment, dining, and similar services to guests at Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties. Such programs include Fun in the Sun, Elevated Rewards, Village Experience, and the Holo Holo card. |
1.2. | Short term membership programs (sometimes known as sampler or exit programs) where after a sales presentation a potential owner is offered the option to experience the benefits of being an owner for a limited time for a fee. Licensees current programs are known as the Vacation Introduction Program and Hawaii Vacation Introduction Program. |
2. | Travel agency operations: |
2.1. | Hilton Travel, LLC (operates a travel agency in Florida) |
2.2. | Hilton Resorts Corporation (operates a travel agency in Hawaii) |
2.3. | Hilton Resorts Marketing Corp (operates a travel agency in Japan) |
EXHIBIT F
Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties under development
Project Name |
Location |
|||
1. | Maui Bay | Hawaii | ||
2. | 48th Street New York | New York, New York |
EXHIBIT G
Non-Licensed Existing Vacation Ownership Properties
Property Name |
Property Address |
|||
1. | Casa Ybel |
2255 West Gulf Drive Sanibel, FL 33957 |
||
2. | Charter Club |
700 S. Colllier Boulevard Marco Island, FL 34145 |
||
3. | Club Regency |
50 S. Collier Boulevard Marco Island, FL 34145 |
||
4. | Cottages at South Seas Plantation | 13000 South Seas Plantation Road | ||
5. | Eagles Nest |
410 S. Collier Boulevard Marco Island, FL 34145 |
||
6. | Harbourview Villas |
970 South Seas Plantation Captiva, FL 33924 |
||
7. | Hurricane House |
2939 West Gulf Drive Sanibel, FL 33957 |
||
8. | Plantation Beach Club at Indian River Plantation |
329 NE Tradewind Lane Stuart, FL 34996 |
||
9. | Plantation Bay Villas |
13000 South Seas Plantation Road Captiva Island, FL 33924 |
||
10. | Plantation Beach Club |
13000 South Seas Plantation Road Captiva Island, FL 33924 |
||
11. | Plantation House at South Seas |
13000 South Seas Plantation Road Captiva Island, FL 33924 |
||
12. | Sanibel Cottages |
2341 West Gulf Drive Sanibel, FL 34996 |
||
13. | Seawatch on the Beach |
6550 Estero Boulevard Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931 |
||
14. | South Seas Plantation |
13000 South Seas Plantation Rd Captiva, FL 33924 |
||
15. | Surf Club |
540 S. Collier Boulevard Marco Island, FL 34145 |
||
16. | Tortuga Beach Club |
959 East Gulf Drive Sanibel, FL 33957 |
||
17. | Valdoro Mountain Lodge |
500 Village Road Breckenridge, CO 80424 |
EXHIBIT H
Excluded Fractional Vacation Club Services
None.
EXHIBIT I
Existing Licensed Vacation Ownership Properties
Property Name |
Property Address |
|||
CENTRAL FLORIDA | ||||
1. |
Hilton Grand Vacations Club at SeaWorld
aka Orlando Vacation Suites |
6924 Grand Vacations Way Orlando, Florida 32821 |
||
2. |
Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Tuscany Village
aka Tuscany Village Vacation Suites |
8122 Arezzo Way Orlando, Florida 32821 |
||
3. |
Parc Soleil by Hilton Grand Vacations Club
aka RL Vacation Suites |
11272 Desforges, Avenue Orlando, FL 32836 |
||
4. |
Las Palmeras by Hilton Grand Vacations Club
aka LP Vacation Suites |
9501 Universal Boulevard Orlando, FL 32839 |
||
SOUTH FLORIDA | ||||
5. |
Hilton Grand Vacations Club at McAlpin
aka South Beach Vacation Suites |
1430 Ocean Drive Miami, Florida 33139 |
||
NEVADA | ||||
6. |
Hilton Grand Vacations Club at the Flamingo
aka FHRC Suites |
3575 Las Vegas Blvd. South Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 |
||
7. |
Hilton Grand Vacations Club on Paradise
aka Las Vegas Vacation Suites |
455 Karen Avenue Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 |
||
8. |
Hilton Grand Vacations Club on the Boulevard
aka Las Vegas Boulevard Vacation Suites |
455 Karen Avenue Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 |
||
9. |
Hilton Grand Vacations Club at the Trump International Hotel Las Vegas
aka HLTV Vacations Suites |
2000 Fashion Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89109 |
||
10. |
Elara, Hilton Grand Vacations Club
aka LV Tower 52 Vacation Suites |
80 East Harmon Avenue Las Vegas, NV 89109 |
||
HAWAII | ||||
11. |
Lagoon Tower by Hilton Grand Vacations Club
aka Hawaiian Village Vacation Suites |
2003 Kalia Road Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 |
||
12. |
Kalia Suites by Hilton Grand Vacations Club
aka KT Vacation Suites |
2005 Kalia Road, Honoluly, Hawaii 96815 |
||
13. |
Kohala Suites by Hilton Grand Vacations Club
aka Kohala Coast Vacation Suites |
69-550 Waikoloa Beach Drive Waikoloa, Hawaii 96738 |
||
14. |
Kings Land by Hilton Grand Vacations Club
aka WBKL Vacation Suites |
69-699 Waikoloa Beach Drive Waikoloa, Hawaii 96738 |
||
15. |
Grand Waikikian by Hilton Grand Vacations Club
aka GW Vacation Suites |
1811 Ala Moana Boulevard Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 |
||
16. |
Hokulani Waikiki by Hilton Grand Vacations Club
aka BW Vacation Suites |
2181 Kalakaua Condominium Honolulu, Hawaii |
Property Name |
Property Address |
|||
17. |
Grand Islander by Hilton Grand Vacations Club
aka GI Vacation Suites |
Kalia road, Honolulu, Hawaii 96815 |
||
18. | The Bay Club at Waikoloa Beach Resort |
69-450 Waikoloa Beach Drive Waikoloa, Hawaii 96738 |
||
NEW YORK | ||||
19. |
The Hilton Club-New York
aka HNY Club Suites |
1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019 | ||
20. |
The Residences by Hilton club
aka HC Suites |
1335 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019 | ||
21. |
West 57 th Street by Hilton Club
aka 57 th Street Vacation Suites |
102 West 57 th St., New York, New York 10019 | ||
SOUTH CAROLINA | ||||
22. |
Ocean 22 by Hilton Grand Vacations Club
aka Ocean 22 by Hilton Grand Vacations Club |
2200 North Ocean Boulevard, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina | ||
23. |
Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Anderson Ocean Club
aka AOC Vacation Suites |
2600 North Ocean Boulevard Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 |
||
24. |
Ocean Oak by Hilton Grand Vacations Club
aka MBV Vacation Suites |
41 South Forest Beach Road Hilton Head, SC 29929 |
||
SCOTLAND | ||||
25. |
Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Craigendarroch Suites
aka Craigendarroch Suites |
Braemar Road, Ballater, Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland AB35 5XA. | ||
26. | Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Craigendarroch Lodges | Braemar Road, Ballater, Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire, Scotland AB35 5XA. | ||
27. | Coylumbridge Highland Lodges |
Coylumbridge, Aviemore Inverness-shire PH 22 IQN |
||
28. | Lodges at Dunkheld House Lodges Club |
Dunkeld, Perthshire PH8 OHX Scotland |
||
OTHER | ||||
29. | The District by Hilton Club aka TD Suites |
1250 22 nd Street NW Washington DC 20037 |
||
30. |
Hilton Grand Vacations Club at MarBrisa
aka Grand Pacific MarBrisa Resort |
5500 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008 | ||
31. |
Sunrise Lodge, a Hilton Grand Vacations Club
aka Sunrise Lodge |
2307 West High Mountains Road Park City, Utah 84098 |
||
32. |
Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Borgo Alle Vigne
aka Borgo Alle Vigne Fractional Ownership |
Via Casanova 11 Selvatelle, Terricolla Italy 56030 |
EXHIBIT J
Undeveloped Real Estate Parcels
Project |
Parcels |
|||
1. |
Parc Soleil 11272 Desforges Ave, Orlando, FL 32836 |
52 acres total Developed: 22.315 Undeveloped: 29.685 |
||
2. |
Las Vegas Boulevard 2650 S Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109 |
10 acres total Developed: 4.83 Undeveloped: 2.17 |
||
3. |
Kings Land 69-699 Waikoloa Beach Drive, Waikoloa Village, HI 96738 |
112.4 acres total Developed: 54.505 Undeveloped: 57.895 |
||
4. |
Coylumbridge, Coylumbridge Hotel, Coylumbridge Aviermore |
Plots of land at Coylumbridge Hotel registered in the Land Register of Scotland under Title Number INV20700 |
EXHIBIT K
Approved Mixed-Use Development New Properties
Third Party Mixed Use Developments:
1. | Grand Pacific Resorts, Carlsbad, California |
2. | Trump International Hotel and Spa, Las Vegas, Nevada |
3. | Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood, Las Vegas, Nevada |
4. | Flamingo Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada |
5. | Waikiki Beach Walk, Honolulu, Hawaii |
6. | Sunrise at Escala Canyons Resort, Park City, Utah |
7. | Dunkeld House Hotel (formerly Hilton Dunkeld), Scotland, United Kingdom |
Hilton Mixed Use Developments:
1. | New York Hilton, New York City, New York |
2. | Hilton Hawaiian Village, Honolulu, Hawaii |
3. | Hilton Waikoloa Resort, Waikoloa, Hawaii |
4. | Embassy Suites Georgetown, Washington, DC |
5. | Hilton Odawara, Odawara, Japan |
6. | Hilton Coylumbridge, Scotland, United Kingdom |
7. | Hilton Vilamoura Resort, Vilamoura, Portugal |
EXHIBIT L
Approved Subcontracting and Delegation Agreements
PROPERTY LEGAL NAME |
MANAGEMENT CO. |
SUB-MANAGEMENT CO. | ||
BW Vacation Suites 270 Lewers Street, Honolulu, Hawaii |
Hilton Grand Vacations Management, LLC | Outrigger Hotel Hawaii | ||
Grand Pacific MarBrisa Resort 5900 Pasteur Ct., Suite 200 Carlsbad, CA 92008 |
Hilton Grand Vacations Management, LLC |
Grand Pacific Resort
Services, L.P. |
||
Borgo alle Vigne Fractional Ownership Project Viale Della Repubblica 298 Prato 59100, Italy |
Hilton Grand Vacations Italy s.r.l. | Prime Service SRL |
EXHIBIT M
Existing Marketing Agreements for Licensed Exchange Program
1. | Anantara Resorts |
2. | Fiesta Americana |
3. | O.A.R.S. Adventure Travel |
4. | Guided Journeys via Tauck |
5. | Forever Resorts Houseboats |
6. | EagleRider Motorcycles |
7. | El Monte RV Motorhomes |
8. | Walking Excursions via Country Walkers |
9. | The Moorings Yacht Charters |
10. | International Cruise Exchange (ICE) |
11. | World Travel Holdings |
12. | RCI |
13. | SFX Preferred Resorts |
14. | ResorTime |
15. | Tokyu Resort Services |
16. | Tokyu corporation |
17. | Unimat Precious Co. Ltd |
18. | Kamori Kanko Co. Ltd |
19. | JTB Corporate Sales |
20. | CLEAR (airport security program) |
21. | GroundLink (car service) |
22. | Luggage Forward (door to door delivery) |
23. | Grand Pacific Resorts |
24. | Miki Tours (Japan Cruise partner) |
25. | Priority Pass (lounge airport access) |
26. | Vacation Guard (insurance) |
27. | Smart Destinations (Destination attractions) |
28. | Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino |
29. | Avis/Budget Group |
30. | The Forbes Company-The Mall at Millenia |
31. | Engage/LRG (online shopping channel) |
32. | Waikoloa Golf Resort |
33. | Waikoloa Kohala Spa |
34. | JAL |
35. | Hawaiian Airlines |
Exhibit 10.5
EXECUTION VERSION
CREDIT AGREEMENT
Dated as of December 28, 2016,
Among
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS PARENT LLC
as Parent,
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER LLC
as the Borrower,
THE OTHER GUARANTORS PARTY HERETO FROM TIME TO TIME
DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH,
as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, and
THE OTHER LENDERS PARTY HERETO FROM TIME TO TIME
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
and
GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA,
as Co-Syndication Agents,
DEUTSCHE BANK SECURITIES INC.,
MERRILL LYNCH, PIERCE, FENNER & SMITH INCORPORATED,
BARCLAYS BANK PLC
GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA,
J.P. MORGAN SECURITIES LLC,
SUNTRUST BANK and
WELLS FARGO SECURITIES, LLC,
as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE I |
||||||
DEFINITIONS AND ACCOUNTING TERMS |
1 | |||||
SECTION 1.01 |
Defined Terms |
1 | ||||
SECTION 1.02 |
Other Interpretive Provisions |
61 | ||||
SECTION 1.03 |
Accounting Terms |
62 | ||||
SECTION 1.04 |
Rounding |
62 | ||||
SECTION 1.05 |
References to Agreements, Laws, Etc. |
62 | ||||
SECTION 1.06 |
Times of Day |
62 | ||||
SECTION 1.07 |
Timing of Payment or Performance |
62 | ||||
ARTICLE II |
||||||
THE COMMITMENTS AND CREDIT EXTENSIONS |
62 | |||||
SECTION 2.01 |
The Loans |
62 | ||||
SECTION 2.02 |
Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Loans |
63 | ||||
SECTION 2.03 |
Letters of Credit |
65 | ||||
SECTION 2.04 |
Swing Line Loans |
75 | ||||
SECTION 2.05 |
Prepayments |
78 | ||||
SECTION 2.06 |
Termination or Reduction of Commitments |
89 | ||||
SECTION 2.07 |
Repayment of Loans |
89 | ||||
SECTION 2.08 |
Interest |
90 | ||||
SECTION 2.09 |
Fees |
90 | ||||
SECTION 2.10 |
Computation of Interest and Fees |
91 | ||||
SECTION 2.11 |
Evidence of Indebtedness |
91 | ||||
SECTION 2.12 |
Payments Generally |
92 | ||||
SECTION 2.13 |
Sharing of Payments |
94 | ||||
SECTION 2.14 |
Incremental Credit Extensions |
95 | ||||
SECTION 2.15 |
Refinancing Amendments |
100 | ||||
SECTION 2.16 |
Extension of Term Loans; Extension of Revolving Credit Loans |
101 | ||||
SECTION 2.17 |
Defaulting Lenders |
105 | ||||
ARTICLE III |
||||||
TAXES, INCREASED COSTS PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY |
106 | |||||
SECTION 3.01 |
Taxes |
106 | ||||
SECTION 3.02 |
Illegality |
109 | ||||
SECTION 3.03 |
Inability to Determine Rates |
110 | ||||
SECTION 3.04 |
Increased Cost and Reduced Return; Capital Adequacy; Reserves on Eurocurrency Rate Loans |
110 | ||||
SECTION 3.05 |
Funding Losses |
112 | ||||
SECTION 3.06 |
Matters Applicable to All Requests for Compensation |
112 | ||||
SECTION 3.07 |
Replacement of Lenders under Certain Circumstances |
113 | ||||
SECTION 3.08 |
Survival |
115 |
i
ARTICLE IV |
||||||
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO CREDIT EXTENSIONS |
115 | |||||
SECTION 4.01 |
Conditions to Closing Date |
115 | ||||
SECTION 4.02 |
Conditions to All Credit Extensions |
117 | ||||
ARTICLE V |
||||||
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES |
118 | |||||
SECTION 5.01 |
Existence, Qualification and Power; Compliance with Laws |
118 | ||||
SECTION 5.02 |
Authorization; No Contravention |
118 | ||||
SECTION 5.03 |
Governmental Authorization; Other Consents |
118 | ||||
SECTION 5.04 |
Binding Effect |
119 | ||||
SECTION 5.05 |
Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect |
119 | ||||
SECTION 5.06 |
Litigation |
120 | ||||
SECTION 5.07 |
[Reserved] |
120 | ||||
SECTION 5.08 |
Ownership of Property; Liens; Real Property |
120 | ||||
SECTION 5.09 |
Environmental Matters |
121 | ||||
SECTION 5.10 |
Taxes |
121 | ||||
SECTION 5.11 |
ERISA Compliance |
121 | ||||
SECTION 5.12 |
Subsidiaries; Equity Interests |
122 | ||||
SECTION 5.13 |
Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act |
122 | ||||
SECTION 5.14 |
Disclosure |
122 | ||||
SECTION 5.15 |
Labor Matters |
123 | ||||
SECTION 5.16 |
[Reserved] |
123 | ||||
SECTION 5.17 |
Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc. |
123 | ||||
SECTION 5.18 |
Solvency |
124 | ||||
SECTION 5.19 |
Subordination of Junior Financing; First Lien Obligations |
124 | ||||
SECTION 5.20 |
Sanctions; Anti-Corruption; USA PATRIOT Act |
124 | ||||
SECTION 5.21 |
Security Documents |
124 | ||||
ARTICLE VI |
||||||
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS |
125 | |||||
SECTION 6.01 |
Financial Statements |
125 | ||||
SECTION 6.02 |
Certificates; Other Information |
127 | ||||
SECTION 6.03 |
Notices |
128 | ||||
SECTION 6.04 |
Payment of Obligations |
129 | ||||
SECTION 6.05 |
Preservation of Existence, Etc. |
129 | ||||
SECTION 6.06 |
Maintenance of Properties |
129 | ||||
SECTION 6.07 |
Maintenance of Insurance |
129 | ||||
SECTION 6.08 |
Compliance with Laws |
130 | ||||
SECTION 6.09 |
Books and Records |
130 | ||||
SECTION 6.10 |
Inspection Rights |
130 | ||||
SECTION 6.11 |
Additional Collateral; Additional Guarantors |
130 | ||||
SECTION 6.12 |
Compliance with Environmental Laws |
132 | ||||
SECTION 6.13 |
Further Assurances |
132 | ||||
SECTION 6.14 |
Designation of Subsidiaries |
132 | ||||
SECTION 6.15. |
Post-Closing Covenants |
133 |
ii
ARTICLE VII |
||||||
NEGATIVE COVENANTS |
133 | |||||
SECTION 7.01 |
Liens |
133 | ||||
SECTION 7.02 |
Investments |
137 | ||||
SECTION 7.03 |
Indebtedness |
141 | ||||
SECTION 7.04 |
Fundamental Changes |
145 | ||||
SECTION 7.05 |
Dispositions |
146 | ||||
SECTION 7.06 |
Restricted Payments |
148 | ||||
SECTION 7.07 |
Change in Nature of Business |
152 | ||||
SECTION 7.08 |
Transactions with Affiliates |
152 | ||||
SECTION 7.09 |
Burdensome Agreements |
153 | ||||
SECTION 7.10 |
Use of Proceeds |
154 | ||||
SECTION 7.11 |
Financial Covenant |
154 | ||||
SECTION 7.12 |
Accounting Changes |
155 | ||||
SECTION 7.13 |
Prepayments, Etc. of Indebtedness |
155 | ||||
SECTION 7.14 |
Permitted Activities |
155 | ||||
ARTICLE VIII |
||||||
EVENTS OF DEFAULT AND REMEDIES |
157 | |||||
SECTION 8.01 |
Events of Default |
157 | ||||
SECTION 8.02 |
Remedies Upon Event of Default |
159 | ||||
SECTION 8.03 |
Exclusion of Immaterial Subsidiaries |
160 | ||||
SECTION 8.04 |
Application of Funds |
160 | ||||
SECTION 8.05 |
Borrowers Right to Cure |
161 | ||||
ARTICLE IX |
||||||
ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND OTHER AGENTS |
162 | |||||
SECTION 9.01 |
Appointment and Authorization of Agents |
162 | ||||
SECTION 9.02 |
Delegation of Duties |
163 | ||||
SECTION 9.03 |
Liability of Agents |
163 | ||||
SECTION 9.04 |
Reliance by Agents |
164 | ||||
SECTION 9.05 |
Notice of Default |
164 | ||||
SECTION 9.06 |
Credit Decision; Disclosure of Information by Agents |
164 | ||||
SECTION 9.07 |
Indemnification of Agents |
165 | ||||
SECTION 9.08 |
Agents in Their Individual Capacities |
165 | ||||
SECTION 9.09 |
Successor Agents |
166 | ||||
SECTION 9.10 |
Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim |
167 | ||||
SECTION 9.11 |
Collateral and Guaranty Matters |
168 | ||||
SECTION 9.12 |
Other Agents; Lead Arrangers and Managers |
169 | ||||
SECTION 9.13 |
Withholding Tax Indemnity |
169 | ||||
SECTION 9.14 |
Appointment of Supplemental Agents |
170 |
iii
ARTICLE X |
||||||
MISCELLANEOUS |
170 | |||||
SECTION 10.01 |
Amendments, Etc. |
170 | ||||
SECTION 10.02 |
Notices and Other Communications; Facsimile Copies |
173 | ||||
SECTION 10.03 |
No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies |
174 | ||||
SECTION 10.04 |
Attorney Costs and Expenses |
175 | ||||
SECTION 10.05 |
Indemnification by the Borrower |
175 | ||||
SECTION 10.06 |
Payments Set Aside |
177 | ||||
SECTION 10.07 |
Successors and Assigns |
177 | ||||
SECTION 10.08 |
Confidentiality |
183 | ||||
SECTION 10.09 |
Setoff |
184 | ||||
SECTION 10.10 |
Interest Rate Limitation |
185 | ||||
SECTION 10.11 |
Counterparts |
185 | ||||
SECTION 10.12 |
Integration; Termination |
186 | ||||
SECTION 10.13 |
Survival of Representations and Warranties |
186 | ||||
SECTION 10.14 |
Severability |
186 | ||||
SECTION 10.15 |
GOVERNING LAW |
186 | ||||
SECTION 10.16 |
WAIVER OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY |
187 | ||||
SECTION 10.17 |
Binding Effect |
187 | ||||
SECTION 10.18 |
USA PATRIOT Act |
187 | ||||
SECTION 10.19 |
No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility |
188 | ||||
SECTION 10.20 |
Electronic Execution of Assignments |
189 | ||||
SECTION 10.21 |
Effect of Certain Inaccuracies |
189 | ||||
SECTION 10.22 |
Judgment Currency |
189 | ||||
SECTION 10.23 |
Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions |
190 | ||||
ARTICLE XI |
||||||
GUARANTY |
190 | |||||
SECTION 11.01 |
The Guaranty |
190 | ||||
SECTION 11.02 |
Obligations Unconditional |
191 | ||||
SECTION 11.03 |
Reinstatement |
192 | ||||
SECTION 11.04 |
Subrogation; Subordination |
192 | ||||
SECTION 11.05 |
Remedies |
192 | ||||
SECTION 11.06 |
Instrument for the Payment of Money |
193 | ||||
SECTION 11.07 |
Continuing Guaranty |
193 | ||||
SECTION 11.08 |
General Limitation on Guarantee Obligations |
193 | ||||
SECTION 11.09 |
Information |
193 | ||||
SECTION 11.10 |
Release of Guarantors |
193 | ||||
SECTION 11.11 |
Right of Contribution |
194 | ||||
SECTION 11.12 |
Cross-Guaranty |
194 |
iv
SCHEDULES |
||
1.01A |
Commitments and L/C Sublimit |
|
1.01B |
Disqualified Lenders |
|
1.01C |
Collateral Documents |
|
1.01D |
Excluded Subsidiaries |
|
1.01E |
Securitization Subsidiaries |
|
1.01F |
Unrestricted Subsidiaries |
|
1.01G |
Approved Counterparties |
|
5.05 |
Certain Liabilities |
|
5.06 |
Litigation |
|
5.08 |
Ownership of Property |
|
5.09(a) |
Environmental Matters |
|
5.10 |
Taxes |
|
5.11(a) |
ERISA Compliance |
|
5.12 |
Subsidiaries and Other Equity Investments |
|
6.15 |
Post-Closing Covenants |
|
7.01(b) |
Existing Liens |
|
7.02(f) |
Existing Investments |
|
7.03(b) |
Existing Indebtedness |
|
7.08 |
Transactions with Affiliates |
|
7.09 |
Certain Contractual Obligations |
|
10.02 |
Administrative Agents Office, Certain Addresses for Notices |
EXHIBITS |
||
Form of |
||
A |
Committed Loan Notice |
|
B |
Letter of Credit Issuance Request |
|
C |
Swing Line Loan Notice |
|
D-1 |
Term Note |
|
D-2 |
Revolving Credit Note |
|
D-3 |
Swing Line Note |
|
E-1 |
Compliance Certificate |
|
E-2 |
Solvency Certificate |
|
F |
Assignment and Assumption |
|
G |
Security Agreement |
|
H |
Perfection Certificate |
|
I |
Intercompany Note |
|
J-1 |
First Lien Intercreditor Agreement |
|
J-2 |
Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement |
|
K-1 |
United States Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Non-Partnership Lenders) |
|
K-2 |
United States Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Non-Partnership Participants) |
|
K-3 |
United States Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Partnership Lenders) |
|
K-4 |
United States Tax Compliance Certificate (Foreign Partnership Participants) |
|
L |
Administrative Questionnaire |
|
M-3 |
Acceptance and Prepayment Notice |
|
M-4 |
Discount Range Prepayment Notice |
v
M-5 |
Discount Range Prepayment Offer |
|
M-6 |
Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice |
|
M-7 |
Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer |
|
M-8 |
Specified Discount Prepayment Notice |
|
M-9 |
Specified Discount Prepayment Response |
vi
CREDIT AGREEMENT
This CREDIT AGREEMENT (as the same may be amended, modified, refinanced and/or restated from time to time, this Agreement ) is entered into as of December 28, 2016, among HILTON GRAND VACATIONS PARENT LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( Parent ), HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), the Guarantors party hereto from time to time, DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, and each lender from time to time party hereto (collectively, the Lenders and individually, a Lender ).
PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS
The Borrower has requested that the Lenders extend credit to the Borrower in the form of (i) the Initial Term Loans on the Closing Date in an initial aggregate principal amount of $200,000,000 and (ii) a Revolving Credit Facility in an initial aggregate principal amount of $200,000,000.
The proceeds of the Initial Term Loans will be used by the Borrower on or around the Closing Date to directly or indirectly consummate the Spin-Off Transaction and pay the Transaction Expenses.
The applicable Lenders have indicated their willingness to lend and the L/C Issuers have indicated their willingness to issue Letters of Credit, in each case, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.
In consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
Definitions and Accounting Terms
SECTION 1.01 Defined Terms.
As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:
Acceptable Discount has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(2).
Acceptable Prepayment Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(3).
Acceptance and Prepayment Notice means a notice of the Borrowers acceptance of the Acceptable Discount in substantially the form of Exhibit M -3 .
Acceptance Date has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(2).
Acquired EBITDA means, with respect to any Acquired Entity or Business or any Converted Restricted Subsidiary for any period, the amount for such period of Consolidated EBITDA of such Acquired Entity or Business or Converted Restricted Subsidiary (determined as if references to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in the definition of Consolidated EBITDA were references to such Acquired Entity or Business and its Subsidiaries or to such Converted Restricted Subsidiary and its Subsidiaries), as applicable, all as determined on a consolidated basis for such Acquired Entity or Business or Converted Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable.
1
Acquired Entity or Business has the meaning set forth in the definition of the term Consolidated EBITDA.
Additional Lender has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(c).
Additional Refinancing Lender has the meaning set forth in Section 2.15(a).
Administrative Agent means Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, in its capacity as administrative agent under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor administrative agent.
Administrative Agents Office means the Administrative Agents address and account as set forth on Schedule 10.02 , or such other address or account as the Administrative Agent may from time to time notify the Borrower and the Lenders.
Administrative Questionnaire means an Administrative Questionnaire in the form of Exhibit L or such other form as may be supplied from time to time by the Administrative Agent.
Affiliate means, with respect to any Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified. Control means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. Controlling and Controlled have meanings correlative thereto.
Agent-Related Persons means the Agents, together with their respective Affiliates, and the officers, directors, employees, partners, agents, advisors, attorneys-in-fact and other representatives of such Persons and Affiliates.
Agents means, collectively, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Co-Syndication Agents and the Supplemental Agents (if any).
Aggregate Commitments means the Commitments of all the Lenders.
Agreement means this Credit Agreement, as the same may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
All-In Yield means, as to any Indebtedness, the yield thereof, whether in the form of interest rate, margin, OID, upfront fees or Eurocurrency Rate or Base Rate floor; provided that OID and upfront fees shall be equated to interest rate assuming a 4-year life to maturity (or, if less, the stated life to maturity at the time of its incurrence of the applicable Indebtedness); and provided, further , that All-In Yield shall not include arrangement fees, structuring fees, commitment fees, underwriting fees or other fees payable to any lead arranger (or its affiliates) in connection with the commitment or syndication of such Indebtedness.
Anti-Corruption Laws has the meaning set forth in Section 5.20(a).
Applicable Discount has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(2).
2
Applicable L/C Fronting Sublimit means (x) with respect to each L/C Issuer on the Closing Date, the amount set forth opposite such L/C Issuers name on Schedule 1.01A and (y) with respect to any other Person that becomes an L/C Issuer in accordance with Sections 2.03(k) or 10.07(k), in each case, such amount as agreed to in writing by the Borrower and such Person at the time such Person becomes an L/C Issuer, as each of the foregoing amounts may be decreased or increased from time to time with the written consent of the Borrower and the L/C Issuers (provided that any increase in the Applicable L/C Fronting Sublimit with respect to any L/C Issuer shall require the consent of only the Borrower and such L/C Issuer). Any successor L/C Issuer appointed pursuant to Section 10.07(k) shall assume the resigning L/C Issuers Applicable L/C Fronting Sublimit.
Applicable Period has the meaning set forth in Section 10.21.
Applicable Rate means (1) until delivery of financial statements for the first full fiscal quarter ending after the Closing Date pursuant to Section 6.01, a percentage per annum equal to (A) for Eurocurrency Rate Loans, 2.25% and (B) for Base Rate Loans, 1.25%; (2) thereafter, the following percentages per annum, based upon the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio as set forth in the most recent Compliance Certificate received by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 6.02(a):
Applicable Rate |
||||||||
Pricing Level |
Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio |
Eurocurrency Rate for Initial Term Loans, Revolving Credit Loans and Letter of Credit Fees |
Base Rate for Initial Term Loans and Revolving Credit Loans |
Unused Commitment Fee Rate |
||||
1 |
£ 0.50:1.00 | 2.00% | 1.00% | 0.30% | ||||
2 |
> 0.50:1.00 and £ 1.75:1.00 |
2.25% | 1.25% | 0.35% | ||||
3 |
> 1.75:1.00 and £ 2.50:1.00 |
2.50% | 1.50% | 0.35% | ||||
4 |
> 2.50:1.00 | 2.75% | 1.75% | 0.50% |
Any increase or decrease in the Applicable Rate resulting from a change in the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio shall become effective as of the first Business Day immediately following the date a Compliance Certificate is delivered pursuant to Section 6.02(a); provided that at the option of the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders, the highest pricing level ( i.e. , Pricing Level 4) shall apply (x) as of the first Business Day after the date on which a Compliance Certificate was required to have been delivered but was not delivered, and shall continue to so apply to and including the date on which such Compliance Certificate is so delivered (and thereafter the pricing level otherwise determined in accordance with this definition shall apply) and (y) as of the first Business Day after an Event of Default under Section 8.01(a) shall have occurred and be continuing, and shall continue to so apply to but excluding the date on which such Event of Default is cured or waived (and thereafter the pricing level otherwise determined in accordance with this definition shall apply).
3
Approved Counterparty means (a) each counterparty listed on Schedule 1.01G , (b) any Agent, Lender or any Affiliate of an Agent or Lender at the time it entered into a Secured Hedge Agreement or a Treasury Services Agreement, as applicable, in its capacity as a party thereto, (c) any other Person whose long term senior unsecured debt rating is A/A2 by S&P or Moodys (or their equivalent) or higher or (d) any other Person from time to time approved in writing by the Administrative Agent.
Appropriate Lender means, at any time, (a) with respect to Loans of any Class, the Lenders of such Class, (b) with respect to Letters of Credit, (i) the relevant L/C Issuer and (ii) the Revolving Credit Lenders and (c) with respect to the Swing Line Facility, (i) the Swing Line Lender and (ii) if any Swing Line Loans are outstanding pursuant to Section 2.04(a), the Revolving Credit Lenders.
Approved Currency means each of (i) Dollars, (ii) euros, (iii) Sterling and (iv) Yen.
Approved Foreign Currency means any Approved Currency other than Dollars.
Approved Fund means, with respect to any Lender, any Fund that is administered, advised or managed by (a) such Lender, (b) an Affiliate of such Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers, advises or manages such Lender.
Assignees has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(b).
Assignment and Assumption means an Assignment and Assumption substantially in the form of Exhibit F .
Assignment Taxes has the meaning specified in Section 3.01(b).
Attorney Costs means and includes all reasonable and documented fees, expenses and disbursements of any law firm or other external legal counsel.
Attributable Indebtedness means, on any date, in respect of any Capitalized Lease of any Person, the capitalized amount thereof that would appear on a balance sheet of such Person prepared as of such date in accordance with GAAP.
Auction Agent means (a) the Administrative Agent or (b) any other financial institution or advisor employed by the Borrower (whether or not an Affiliate of the Administrative Agent) to act as an arranger in connection with any Discounted Term Loan Prepayment pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v); provided that the Borrower shall not designate the Administrative Agent as the Auction Agent without the written consent of the Administrative Agent (it being understood that the Administrative Agent shall be under no obligation to agree to act as the Auction Agent); provided , further , that neither the Borrower nor any of its Affiliates may act as the Auction Agent.
Audited Financial Statements means the audited consolidated balance sheets of Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. as of June 1, 2016, the audited consolidated balance sheets of Hilton Resorts Corporation as of each of December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and related consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and parent equity (deficit) of Hilton Resorts Corporation for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2015, December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
4
Auto-Extension Letter of Credit has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(b)(iii).
Bail-In Action means the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable EEA Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of an EEA Financial Institution.
Bail-In Legislation means, with respect to any EEA Member Country implementing Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law for such EEA Member Country from time to time which is described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule.
Base Rate means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate in effect on such day plus 1/2 of 1%, (b) the Prime Rate in effect for such day and (c) the Eurocurrency Rate for deposits in Dollars for a one-month Interest Period plus 1.00%; provided that for the avoidance of doubt, the Eurocurrency Rate for any day shall be LIBOR, at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) two Business Days prior to such day for deposits in Dollars with a term of one month commencing on such day; it being understood that, for the avoidance of doubt, the Base Rate shall be deemed to be not less than 0% per annum. If the Administrative Agent shall have determined (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that it is unable to ascertain the Federal Funds Rate for any reason, including the inability or failure of the Administrative Agent to obtain sufficient quotations in accordance with the terms of the definition thereof, the Base Rate shall be determined without regard to clause (a) of the preceding sentence until the circumstances giving rise to such inability no longer exist. Any change in the Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Rate or the Eurocurrency Rate shall be effective on the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Rate or the Eurocurrency Rate, as the case may be.
Base Rate Loan means a Loan denominated in Dollars that bears interest based on the Base Rate.
Borrower has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.
Borrower Materials has the meaning set forth in Section 6.02.
Borrower Offer of Specified Discount Prepayment means the offer by any Company Party to make a voluntary prepayment of Term Loans at a Specified Discount to par pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(B).
Borrower Solicitation of Discount Range Prepayment Offers means the solicitation by any Company Party of offers for, and the corresponding acceptance by a Lender of, a voluntary prepayment of Term Loans at a specified range of discounts to par pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(C).
Borrower Solicitation of Discounted Prepayment Offers means the solicitation by any Company Party of offers for, and the subsequent acceptance, if any, by a Lender of, a voluntary prepayment of Term Loans at a discount to par pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(D).
Borrowing means a Revolving Credit Borrowing, a Swing Line Borrowing or a Term Borrowing of a particular Class, as the context may require.
5
Business Day means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks are authorized to close under the Laws of, or are in fact closed in, the state where the Administrative Agents Office is located and if such day relates to any interest rate settings as to a Eurocurrency Rate Loan, any fundings, disbursements, settlements and payments in respect of any such Eurocurrency Rate Loan, or any other dealings to be carried out pursuant to this Agreement in respect of any such Eurocurrency Rate Loan, means a day (a) on which dealings in deposits in the applicable Approved Currency are conducted by and between banks in the applicable London interbank market, (b) if such Eurocurrency Rate Loan is denominated in euros, on which the Trans-European Automated Real-Time Gross Settlement Express Transfer (TARGET) System is open and (c) if such Eurocurrency Rate Loan is denominated in Yen, on which banks are open for foreign exchange business in Tokyo, Japan.
Capitalized Leases means all leases that have been or are required to be, in accordance with GAAP, recorded as capitalized leases; provided that for all purposes hereunder the amount of obligations under any Capitalized Lease shall be the amount thereof accounted for as a liability on a balance sheet in accordance with GAAP; provided, further, that for purposes of calculations made pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, GAAP will be deemed to treat leases in a manner consistent with its current treatment under generally accepted accounting principles as of the Closing Date, notwithstanding any modifications or interpretive changes thereto that may occur thereafter.
Capitalized Lease Obligation means, at the time any determination thereof is to be made, the amount of the liability in respect of a Capitalized Lease; provided that any obligations of the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries either existing on the Closing Date or created prior to any recharacterization described below (i) that were not included on the consolidated balance sheet of Holdings as financing or capital lease obligations and (ii) that are subsequently recharacterized as financing or capital lease obligations or indebtedness due to a change in accounting treatment or otherwise, shall for all purposes under this Agreement (including, without limitation, the calculation of Consolidated Net Income and Consolidated EBITDA) not be treated as financing or capital lease obligations, Capitalized Lease Obligations or Indebtedness.
Capitalized Software Expenditures means, for any period, the aggregate of all expenditures (whether paid in cash or accrued as liabilities) by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries during such period in respect of licensed or purchased software or internally developed software and software enhancements that, in conformity with GAAP, are or are required to be reflected as capitalized costs on the consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and the Restricted Subsidiaries.
Cash Collateral has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(g).
Cash Collateral Account means a blocked account at a commercial bank specified by the Administrative Agent in the name of the Administrative Agent and under the sole dominion and control of the Administrative Agent, and otherwise established in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
Cash Collateralize has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(g).
Cash Equivalents means any of the following types of Investments, to the extent owned by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary:
(1) Dollars;
6
(2)(a) Canadian dollars, Sterling, Yen, euros or any national currency of any participating member state of the EMU; or
(b) in such local currencies held by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary from time to time in the ordinary course of business;
(3) securities issued or directly and fully and unconditionally guaranteed or insured by the U.S. government or any agency or instrumentality thereof the securities of which are unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation of such government with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;
(4) certificates of deposit, time deposits and eurodollar time deposits with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition, demand deposits, bankers acceptances with maturities not exceeding one year and overnight bank deposits, in each case with any domestic or foreign commercial bank having capital and surplus of not less than $250,000,000 in the case of U.S. banks and $100,000,000 (or the Dollar Equivalent as of the date of determination) in the case of non-U.S. banks;
(5) repurchase obligations for underlying securities of the types described in clauses (3), (4), (7) and (8) entered into with any financial institution or recognized securities dealer meeting the qualifications specified in clause (4) above;
(6) commercial paper and variable or fixed rate notes rated at least P-2 by Moodys or at least A-2 by S&P (or, if at any time neither Moodys nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency) and in each case maturing within 24 months after the date of creation thereof;
(7) marketable short-term money market and similar funds having a rating of at least P-2 or A-2 from either Moodys or S&P, respectively (or, if at any time neither Moodys nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency);
(8) readily marketable direct obligations issued by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States or any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof having an investment grade rating from either Moodys or S&P (or, if at any time neither Moodys nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency) with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;
(9) readily marketable direct obligations issued by any foreign government or any political subdivision or public instrumentality thereof, in each case having an investment grade rating from either Moodys or S&P (or, if at any time neither Moodys nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency) with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition;
(10) Investments with average maturities of 12 months or less from the date of acquisition in money market funds rated AAA- (or the equivalent thereof) or better by S&P or Aaa3 (or the equivalent thereof) or better by Moodys (or, if at any time neither Moodys nor S&P shall be rating such obligations, an equivalent rating from another nationally recognized statistical rating agency);
7
(11) securities with maturities of 12 months or less from the date of acquisition backed by standby letters of credit issued by any financial institution or recognized securities dealer meeting the qualifications specified in clause (4) above;
(12) Indebtedness or preferred stock issued by Persons with a rating of A or higher from S&P or A2 or higher from Moodys with maturities of 24 months or less from the date of acquisition; and
(13) investment funds investing at least 90% of their assets in securities of the types described in clauses (1) through (12) above.
In the case of Investments by any Foreign Subsidiary that is a Restricted Subsidiary or Investments made in a country outside the United States of America, Cash Equivalents shall also include (a) investments of the type and maturity described in clauses (1) through (8) and clauses (10), (11), (12) and (13) above of foreign obligors, which Investments or obligors (or the parents of such obligors) have ratings described in such clauses or equivalent ratings from comparable foreign rating agencies and (b) other short-term investments utilized by Foreign Subsidiaries that are Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with normal investment practices for cash management in investments analogous to the foregoing investments in clauses (1) through (13) and in this paragraph.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Cash Equivalents shall include amounts denominated in currencies other than those set forth in clauses (1) and (2) above; provided that such amounts are converted into any currency listed in clauses (1) and (2) as promptly as practicable and in any event within ten (10) Business Days following the receipt of such amounts.
For the avoidance of doubt, any items identified as Cash Equivalents under this definition will be deemed to be Cash Equivalents for all purposes regardless of the treatment of such items under GAAP.
Casualty Event means any event that gives rise to the receipt by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of any insurance proceeds or condemnation awards in respect of any equipment, fixed assets or real property (including any improvements thereon) to replace or repair such equipment, fixed assets or real property.
CERCLA means the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as subsequently amended, and the regulations promulgated thereunder.
Change of Control shall be deemed to occur if:
(a) any person or group (within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act as in effect on the Closing Date), other than any combination of the Permitted Holders, shall have acquired beneficial ownership (directly or indirectly) of 35% or more on a fully diluted basis of the voting interest in Holdings Equity Interests and the Permitted Holders shall own, directly or indirectly, less than such person or group on a fully diluted basis of the voting interest in Holdings Equity Interests;
8
(b) a change of control (or similar event) shall occur under any Indebtedness for borrowed money permitted under Section 7.03 with an aggregate outstanding principal amount in excess of the Threshold Amount or any Permitted Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of any of the foregoing with an aggregate outstanding principal amount in excess of the Threshold Amount; or
(c) Holdings shall cease to own directly 100% of the Equity Interests of the Borrower.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Spin-Off Transaction shall be deemed not to constitute a Change of Control.
Class (a) when used with respect to any Lender, refers to whether such Lender has a Loan or Commitment with respect to a particular Class of Loans or Commitments, (b) when used with respect to Commitments, refers to whether such Commitments are Revolving Credit Commitments, Extended Revolving Credit Commitments of a given Extension Series, Revolving Commitment Increases, Other Revolving Credit Commitments, Initial Term Commitments, Incremental Term Commitments or Refinancing Term Commitments of a given Refinancing Series and (c) when used with respect to Loans or a Borrowing, refers to whether such Loans, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Revolving Credit Loans, Revolving Credit Loans under Extended Revolving Credit Commitments of a given Extension Series, Revolving Credit Loans under Other Revolving Credit Commitments, Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans of a given Refinancing Series or Extended Term Loans of a given Extension Series. Revolving Credit Commitments, Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments, Extended Revolving Credit Commitments, Other Revolving Credit Commitments, Initial Term Commitments, Incremental Term Commitments or Refinancing Term Commitments (and in each case, the Loans made pursuant to such Commitments) that have different terms and conditions shall be construed to be in different Classes. Commitments (and, in each case, the Loans made pursuant to such Commitments) that have the same terms and conditions shall be construed to be in the same Class. There shall be no more than an aggregate of three Classes of revolving credit facilities and five Classes of term loan facilities under this Agreement.
Closing Date means December 28, 2016, the first date on which all conditions precedent in Section 4.01 are satisfied or waived in accordance with Section 4.01.
Closing Fees means those fees required to be paid on the Closing Date pursuant to (i) the Engagement Letter and (ii) that Fee Letter, dated as of October 18, 2016, among Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. and the Borrower.
Co-Syndication Agents means Bank of America, N.A. and Goldman Sachs Bank USA, in their respective capacities as co-syndication agents under this Agreement.
Code means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.
Collateral means (i) the Collateral as defined in the Security Agreement, (ii) all the Collateral or Pledged Assets as defined in any other Collateral Document and (iii) any other assets pledged or in which a Lien is granted, in each case, pursuant to any Collateral Document.
9
Collateral Agent means Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, in its capacity as collateral agent or pledgee in its own name under any of the Loan Documents, or any successor collateral agent.
Collateral and Guarantee Requirement means, at any time, the requirement that:
(a) the Administrative Agent shall have received each Collateral Document required to be delivered on the Closing Date pursuant to Section 4.01(a) or from time to time pursuant to Section 6.11, Section 6.13 or Section 6.15, subject to the limitations and exceptions of this Agreement, duly executed by each Loan Party party thereto;
(b) the Obligations and the Guaranty shall have been secured by a first-priority security interest in (i) all the Equity Interests of the Borrower, (ii) all Equity Interests of each Restricted Subsidiary (that is not an Excluded Subsidiary) directly owned by any Loan Party and (iii) 65% of the Equity Interests in each Restricted Subsidiary (that is not an Excluded Subsidiary (other than any Restricted Subsidiary that is an Excluded Subsidiary solely pursuant to clause (f) or (j) of the definition thereof)) directly owned by any Loan Party, which Restricted Subsidiary (x) is a Foreign Subsidiary or (y) substantially all of the assets of which consist of the Equity Interests and/or Indebtedness of one or more Foreign Subsidiaries that are controlled foreign corporations within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code, in each case, subject to exceptions and limitations otherwise set forth in this Agreement and the Collateral Documents (to the extent appropriate in the applicable jurisdiction);
(c) the Obligations and the Guaranty shall have been secured by a perfected security interest in substantially all now owned or at any time hereafter acquired tangible and intangible assets of each Loan Party (including Equity Interests, intercompany debt, accounts, inventory, equipment, investment property, contract rights, intellectual property in the United States of America, other general intangibles and proceeds of the foregoing), in each case, subject to exceptions and limitations otherwise set forth in this Agreement and the Collateral Documents (to the extent appropriate in the applicable jurisdiction); and
(d) after the Closing Date, each Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not then a Guarantor and not an Excluded Subsidiary shall become a Guarantor and signatory to this Agreement pursuant to a joinder agreement in accordance with Sections 6.11 or 6.13 and a party to the Collateral Documents in accordance with Section 6.11; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing provisions, any Subsidiary of the Borrower that Guarantees the Senior Unsecured Notes, Indebtedness incurred under Section 7.03(s) or Section 7.03(w), any Junior Financing, or any Permitted Refinancing of any of the foregoing, shall be a Guarantor hereunder for so long as it Guarantees such Indebtedness.
Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this definition or anything in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to the contrary:
(A) the foregoing definition shall not require, unless otherwise stated in this clause (A), the creation or perfection of pledges of, security interests in, mortgages on, or the obtaining of title insurance or taking other actions with respect to, (i) in excess of 65% of the Equity Interests of any direct Foreign Subsidiary of a Loan Party or a Domestic Subsidiary substantially all of whose assets consist of Equity Interests and/or Indebtedness of one or more Foreign Subsidiaries that are treated as controlled foreign corporations within the
10
meaning of Section 957 of the Code, (ii) any property or assets owned by any Foreign Subsidiary or an Unrestricted Subsidiary, (iii) any lease, license or agreement or any property subject to a purchase money security interest or similar arrangement to the extent that a grant of a security interest therein would violate or invalidate such lease, license or agreement or purchase money arrangement or create a right of termination in favor of any other party thereto after giving effect to the applicable anti-assignment provisions of the Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable Law, other than proceeds and receivables thereof, the assignment of which is expressly deemed effective under the Uniform Commercial Code or other applicable Law notwithstanding such prohibition, (iv) any interest in fee-owned real property, (v) Excluded Contracts, Excluded Equipment and any interest in leased real property (including any requirement to deliver landlord waivers, estoppels and collateral access letters), (vi) motor vehicles and other assets subject to certificates of title except to the extent perfection of a security interest therein may be accomplished by filing of financing statements in appropriate form in the applicable jurisdiction under the Uniform Commercial Code, (vii) Margin Stock and Equity Interests of any Person other than wholly-owned Subsidiaries of the Borrower that are Restricted Subsidiaries, (viii) any trademark application filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office on the basis of the Borrowers or any Guarantors intent to use such mark and for which a form evidencing use of the mark has not yet been filed with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, to the extent that granting a security interest in such trademark application prior to such filing would impair the enforceability or validity of such trademark application or any registration that issues therefrom under applicable federal Law, (ix) the creation or perfection of pledges of, or security interests in, any property or assets that would result in material adverse tax consequences to Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, as determined in the reasonable judgment of the Borrower and communicated in writing delivered to the Collateral Agent, (x) any governmental licenses or state or local franchises, charters and authorizations, to the extent a security in any such license, franchise, charter or authorization is prohibited or restricted thereby after giving effect to the Uniform Commercial Code and other applicable Law, (xi) pledges and security interests prohibited or restricted by applicable Law (including any requirement to obtain the consent of any governmental authority or third party), (xii) all commercial tort claims in an amount less than $5,000,000, (xiii) accounts, property and other assets pledged pursuant to a Qualified Securitization Financing, (xiv) letter of credit rights, except to the extent constituting a supporting obligation for other Collateral as to which perfection of the security interest in such other Collateral is accomplished solely by the filing of a Uniform Commercial Code financing statement (it being understood that no actions shall be required to perfect a security interest in letter of credit rights, other than the filing of a Uniform Commercial Code financing statement), (xv) any particular assets if, in the reasonable judgment of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, the burden, cost or consequences of creating or perfecting such pledges or security interests in such assets is excessive in relation to the benefits to be obtained therefrom by the Lenders under the Loan Documents and (xvi) proceeds from any and all of the foregoing assets described in clauses (i) through (xv) above to the extent such proceeds would otherwise be excluded pursuant to clauses (i) through (xv) above, except to the extent perfection can be achieved by filing a Uniform Commercial Code financing statement;
(B) (i) the foregoing definition shall not require control agreements with respect to any cash, deposit accounts or securities accounts; (ii) no actions in any non-U.S. jurisdiction or required by the laws of any non-U.S. jurisdiction shall be required in order to create any security interests in assets located or titled outside of the U.S., including any
11
intellectual property registered in any non-U.S. jurisdiction, or to perfect such security interests (it being understood that there shall be no security agreements or pledge agreements governed under the laws of any non-U.S. jurisdiction) and (iii) except to the extent that perfection and priority may be achieved by the filing of a financing statement under the Uniform Commercial Code with respect to the Borrower or a Guarantor, the Loan Documents shall not contain any requirements as to perfection or priority with respect to any assets or property described in this clause (B);
(C) after the Closing Date, the Administrative Agent in its discretion may grant extensions of time for the creation or perfection of security interests in or taking other actions with respect to, particular assets or any other compliance with the requirements of this definition where it reasonably determines in writing, in consultation with the Borrower, that the creation or perfection of security interests or taking other actions, or any other compliance with the requirements of this definition cannot be accomplished without undue delay, burden or expense by the time or times at which it would otherwise be required by this Agreement or the Collateral Documents; and
(D) Liens required to be granted from time to time pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement shall be subject to exceptions and limitations set forth in this Agreement and the Collateral Documents.
Collateral Documents means, collectively, the Security Agreement, the Intellectual Property Security Agreements, collateral assignments, security agreements, pledge agreements, intellectual property security agreements or other similar agreements delivered to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent pursuant to Section 4.01, Section 6.11, Section 6.13 or Section 6.15, and each of the other agreements, instruments or documents that creates or purports to create a Lien in favor of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties.
Commitment means a Revolving Credit Commitment, Incremental Revolving Credit Commitment, Extended Revolving Credit Commitment of a given Extension Series, Other Revolving Credit Commitment of a given Refinancing Series, Initial Term Commitment, Incremental Term Commitment or Refinancing Term Commitment of a given Refinancing Series as the context may require.
Committed Loan Notice means a notice of (a) a Borrowing, (b) a conversion of Loans from one Type to the other, or (c) a continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans, pursuant to Section 2.02(a), which, if in writing, shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit A .
Commodity Exchange Act means the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq. ).
Company Parties means the collective reference to Holdings and its Restricted Subsidiaries, including the Borrower, and Company Party means any one of them.
Compensation Period has the meaning set forth in Section 2.12(c)(ii).
Compliance Certificate means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit E-1 .
Connection Income Taxes means, with respect to a Lender, Taxes that are imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), that are franchise Taxes or that are branch profits
12
Taxes, in each case imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such Lender and the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (other than connections arising from such Lender having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced any Loan Document, or sold or assigned an interest in any Loan or Loan Document). For the avoidance of doubt, the term Lender for purposes of this definition shall include each L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender.
Consolidated EBITDA means, for any period, the Consolidated Net Income for such period:
(1) increased (without duplication) by the following, in each case (other than with respect to clauses (h) and (k)) to the extent deducted (and not added back) in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period:
(a) provision for taxes based on income, profits or capital gains of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, federal, state, franchise and similar taxes (such as the Delaware franchise tax, the Pennsylvania capital tax, Texas margin tax and provincial capital taxes paid in Canada) and foreign withholding taxes (including any future taxes or other levies which replace or are intended to be in lieu of such taxes and any penalties and interest related to such taxes or arising from tax examinations) and the net tax expense associated with any adjustments made pursuant to clauses (1) through (17) of the definition of Consolidated Net Income; plus
(b) Fixed Charges for such period (including (x) net losses on Swap Obligations or other derivative instruments entered into for the purpose of hedging interest rate risk, (y) bank fees and other financing fees and (z) costs of surety bonds in connection with financing activities, plus amounts excluded from Consolidated Interest Expense as set forth in clauses (1)(q) through (z) (other than clause (1)(x)) in the definition thereof); plus
(c) the total amount of depreciation and amortization expense and capitalized fees related to any Qualified Securitization Financing of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, including the amortization of intangible assets, deferred financing costs, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses and Capitalized Software Expenditures of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP; plus
(d) the amount of any restructuring charges or reserves, equity-based or non-cash compensation charges or expenses including any such charges or expenses arising from grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock or other rights, retention charges (including charges or expenses in respect of incentive plans), start-up or initial costs for any project or new production line, division or new line of business, integration costs or other business optimization expenses or reserves including, without limitation, costs or reserves associated with improvements to IT and accounting functions, integration and facilities opening costs or any one-time costs incurred in connection with acquisitions and investments and costs related to the closure and/or consolidation of facilities; plus
13
(e) any other non-cash charges, including any write-offs or write-downs reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period ( provided that if any such non-cash charges represent an accrual or reserve for potential cash items in any future period, (A) the Borrower may elect not to add back such non-cash charge in the current period and (B) to the extent the Borrower elects to add back such non-cash charge, the cash payment in respect thereof in such future period shall be subtracted from Consolidated EBITDA to such extent, and excluding amortization of a prepaid cash item that was paid in a prior period); plus
(f) the amount of any non-controlling interest or minority interest expense consisting of Subsidiary income attributable to minority equity interests of third parties in any non-wholly owned Subsidiary; plus
(g) the amount of management, monitoring, consulting, advisory fees and other fees (including termination fees) and indemnities and expenses paid or accrued in such period under the Support and Services Agreement (and related agreements or arrangements) or otherwise to the Investors to the extent otherwise permitted under Section 7.08; plus
(h) the amount of run-rate cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies projected by the Borrower in good faith to result from actions taken, committed to be taken or expected in good faith to be taken no later than twenty-four (24) months after the end of such period (calculated on a pro forma basis as though such cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies had been realized on the first day of such period for which Consolidated EBITDA is being determined and as if such cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies were realized during the entirety of such period), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided , that such cost savings and synergies are reasonably identifiable and factually supportable (it is understood and agreed that run-rate means the full recurring benefit for a period that is associated with any action taken, committed to be taken or expected to be taken, net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions); plus
(i) the amount of loss or discount on sale of receivables, Securitization Assets and related assets to any Securitization Subsidiary in connection with a Qualified Securitization Financing; plus
(j) any costs or expense incurred by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary or any direct or indirect parent entity of the Borrower pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement or any stock subscription or shareholder agreement, to the extent that such cost or expenses are funded with cash proceeds contributed to the capital of the Borrower or net cash proceeds of an issuance of Equity Interest of the Borrower (other than Disqualified Equity Interest); plus
14
(k) cash receipts (or any netting arrangements resulting in reduced cash expenditures) not representing Consolidated EBITDA or Consolidated Net Income in any period to the extent non-cash gains relating to such income were deducted in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to clause (2) below for any previous period and not added back; plus
(l) any net loss from disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations; plus
(2) decreased (without duplication) by the following, in each case to the extent included in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period:
(a) non-cash gains increasing Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower for such period, excluding any non-cash gains to the extent they represent the reversal of an accrual or reserve for a potential cash item that reduced Consolidated EBITDA in any prior period and any non-cash gains with respect to cash actually received in a prior period so long as such cash did not increase Consolidated EBITDA in such prior period; plus
(b) any net income from disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations;
There shall be included in determining Consolidated EBITDA for any period, without duplication, (A) the Acquired EBITDA of any Person, property, business or asset acquired by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary during such period (but not the Acquired EBITDA of any related Person, property, business or assets to the extent not so acquired), to the extent not subsequently sold, transferred or otherwise disposed by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary during such period (each such Person, property, business or asset acquired and not subsequently so disposed of, an Acquired Entity or Business ) and the Acquired EBITDA of any Unrestricted Subsidiary that is converted into a Restricted Subsidiary during such period (each, a Converted Restricted Subsidiary ), based on the actual Acquired EBITDA of such Acquired Entity or Business or Converted Restricted Subsidiary for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such acquisition) and (B) for the purposes of the definition of the term Permitted Acquisition, compliance with the covenants set forth in Section 7.11 and the calculation of Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio, Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio and Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio, an adjustment in respect of each Acquired Entity or Business equal to the amount of the Pro Forma Adjustment with respect to such Acquired Entity or Business for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such acquisition) as specified in a certificate executed by a Responsible Officer and delivered to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent. There shall be excluded in determining Consolidated EBITDA for any period the Disposed EBITDA of any Person, property, business or asset (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary) sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of or, closed or classified as discontinued operations (but if such operations are classified as discontinued due to the fact that they are subject to an agreement to dispose of such operations, only when and to the extent such operations are actually disposed of) by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary during such period (each such Person, property, business or asset so sold or disposed of, a Sold Entity or Business ) and the Disposed EBITDA of any Restricted Subsidiary that is converted into an Unrestricted Subsidiary during such period (each a Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary ), based on the actual Disposed EBITDA of such Sold Entity or Business or Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such sale, transfer or disposition).
15
Consolidated First Lien Net Debt means Consolidated Total Net Debt minus the sum of (i) the portion of Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary included in Consolidated Total Net Debt that is not secured by any Lien on property or assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and (ii) the portion of Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary included in Consolidated Total Net Debt that is secured by Liens on property or assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, which Liens are expressly subordinated or junior to the Liens securing the Obligations.
Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio means, with respect to any Test Period, the ratio of (a) Consolidated First Lien Net Debt as of the last day of such Test Period to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for such Test Period.
Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio means, with respect to any Test Period, the ratio of (a) Consolidated EBITDA for such Test Period to (b) Consolidated Interest Expense for such Test Period; provided , that for purposes of determining the amount of Consolidated Interest Expense included in the calculation of the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio for the Test Period ending (a) the first fiscal quarter ended after the Closing Date, such amount shall equal such item for such fiscal quarter multiplied by four; (b) the second fiscal quarter ended after the Closing Date, such amount shall equal such item for the two fiscal quarters then ended multiplied by two; and (c) the third fiscal quarter ended after the Closing Date, such amount shall equal such item for the three fiscal quarters then ended multiplied by 4/3.
Consolidated Interest Expense means, for any period, the sum, without duplication, of (1) consolidated interest expense of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent such expense was deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income (including (a) amortization of original issue discount resulting from the issuance of Indebtedness at less than par, (b) all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit or bankers acceptances, (c) non-cash interest payments (but excluding any non-cash interest expense attributable to the movement in the mark to market valuation of Swap Obligations or other derivative instruments pursuant to GAAP), (d) the interest component of Capitalized Lease Obligations, and (e) net payments, if any made (less net payments, if any, received), pursuant to interest rate Swap Obligations with respect to Indebtedness, and excluding (q) any additional interest owing pursuant to the registration rights agreements with respect to the Senior Unsecured Notes or other securities, (r) costs associated with obtaining Swap Obligations, (s) any expense resulting from the discounting of any Indebtedness in connection with the application of recapitalization accounting or, if applicable, purchase accounting in connection with any acquisition, (t) penalties and interest relating to taxes, (u) any additional interest or liquidated damages with respect to other securities for failure to timely comply with registration rights obligations, (v) amortization or expensing of deferred financing fees, amendment and consent fees, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses and discounted liabilities, (w) any expensing of bridge, commitment and other financing fees and any other fees related to the Spin-Off Transaction or any acquisitions after the Closing Date, (x) commissions, discounts, yield and other fees and charges (including any interest expense) related to any Qualified Securitization Financing, (y) any accretion of accrued interest on discounted liabilities and any prepayment premium or penalty) and (z) interest expense attributable to a parent entity resulting from push-down accounting; plus
(2) consolidated capitalized interest of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, whether paid or accrued; less
16
(3) interest income of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period.
For purposes of this definition, interest on a Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be deemed to accrue at an interest rate reasonably determined by the Borrower to be the rate of interest implicit in such Capitalized Lease Obligation in accordance with GAAP.
Consolidated Net Income means, for any period, the net income (loss) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided , however , that, without duplication,
(1) any after-tax effect of extraordinary, non-recurring or unusual gains or losses (less all fees and expenses relating thereto), charges or expenses (including relating to the Spin-Off Transaction or any multi-year strategic initiatives), Transaction Expenses, restructuring and duplicative running costs, relocation costs, integration costs, facility consolidation and closing costs, severance costs and expenses, one-time compensation charges, costs relating to pre-opening, opening and conversion costs for facilities, losses, costs or cost inefficiencies related to facility or property disruptions or shutdowns, signing, retention and completion bonuses, costs incurred in connection with any strategic initiatives, transition costs, costs incurred in connection with acquisitions and non-recurring product and intellectual property development, other business optimization expenses (including costs and expenses relating to business optimization programs and new systems design, inventory optimization programs, severance, contract termination costs, future lease commitments, excess pension charges, retention charges, system establishment costs and implementation costs) and operating expenses attributable to the implementation of cost-savings initiatives, and curtailments or modifications to pension and post-retirement employee benefit plans shall be excluded;
(2) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles and changes as a result of the adoption or modification of accounting policies during such period shall be excluded;
(3) any net after-tax effect of gains or losses on disposal, abandonment or discontinuance of disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations, as applicable, shall be excluded;
(4) any net after-tax effect of gains or losses (less all fees, expenses and charges relating thereto) attributable to asset dispositions or abandonments or the sale or other disposition of any Equity Interests of any Person other than in the ordinary course of business shall be excluded;
(5) the net income for such period of any Person that is not a Subsidiary of the Borrower, or is an Unrestricted Subsidiary, or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting shall be excluded; provided that Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower shall be increased by the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments (other than Excluded Contributions) that are actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period;
(6) the net income for such period of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than any Guarantor) shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of its net income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (which has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by the operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule, or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders (other than restrictions in this Agreement), unless such restriction with respect to the payment of dividends or
17
similar distributions has been legally waived; provided that the Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries will be increased by the amount of dividends or other distributions or other payments actually paid in Cash Equivalents (or to the extent converted into Cash Equivalents) to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period, to the extent not already included therein;
(7) effects of adjustments (including the effects of such adjustments pushed down to the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries) in the Borrowers consolidated financial statements pursuant to GAAP (including in the inventory (including any impact of changes to inventory valuation policy methods, including changes in capitalization of variances), property and equipment, software, goodwill, intangible assets, in-process research and development, deferred revenue and debt line items thereof) resulting from the application of recapitalization accounting or purchase accounting, as the case may be, in relation to the Spin-Off Transaction or any consummated acquisition or joint venture investment or the amortization or write-off or write-down of any amounts thereof, net of taxes, shall be excluded;
(8) any after-tax effect of income (loss) from the early extinguishment or conversion of (i) Indebtedness, (ii) Swap Obligations or (iii) other derivative instruments shall be excluded;
(9) any impairment charge or asset write-off or write-down, including impairment charges or asset write-offs or write-downs related to intangible assets, long-lived assets, investments in debt and equity securities and investments recorded using the equity method or as a result of a change in law or regulation, in each case, pursuant to GAAP, and the amortization of intangibles arising pursuant to GAAP shall be excluded;
(10) any equity-based or non-cash compensation charge or expense including any such charge or expense arising from grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock, profits interests or other rights or equity or equity-based incentive programs (equity incentives), any one-time cash charges associated with the equity incentives or other long-term incentive compensation plans (including under the deferred compensation arrangements of the Borrower or Holdings), roll-over, acceleration, or payout of Equity Interests by management, other employees or business partners of the Borrower or any of its direct or indirect parent companies, shall be excluded;
(11) any fees, expenses or charges incurred during such period, or any amortization thereof for such period, in connection with any acquisition, recapitalization, investment, disposition, incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness (including such fees, expenses or charges related to the offering and issuance of the Senior Unsecured Notes and other securities and the syndication and incurrence of any Facility), issuance of Equity Interests, refinancing transaction or amendment or modification of any debt instrument (including any amendment or other modification of the Senior Unsecured Notes and other securities and any Facility) and including, in each case, any such transaction consummated on or prior to the Closing Date and any such transaction undertaken but not completed, and any charges or non-recurring merger costs incurred during such period as a result of any such transaction, in each case whether or not successful or consummated (including, for the avoidance of doubt the effects of expensing all transaction related expenses in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 805), shall be excluded;
(12) accruals and reserves that are established or adjusted within twelve months after the Spin-Off Date that are so required to be established or adjusted as a result of the Spin-Off
18
Transaction (or within twenty-four months after the closing of any acquisition that are so required to be established as a result of such acquisition) in accordance with GAAP or changes as a result of modifications of accounting policies shall be excluded;
(13) any expenses, charges or losses to the extent covered by insurance or indemnity and actually reimbursed, or, so long as the Borrower has made a determination that there exists reasonable evidence that such amount will in fact be reimbursed by the insurer or indemnifying party and only to the extent that such amount is in fact reimbursed within 365 days of the date of the insurable or indemnifiable event (net of any amount so added back in any prior period to the extent not so reimbursed within the applicable 365-day period), shall be excluded;
(14) any non-cash compensation expense resulting from the application of Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 718, Compensation Stock Compensation , shall be excluded;
(15) the following items shall be excluded:
(a) any net unrealized gain or loss (after any offset) resulting in such period from Swap Obligations and the application of Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 815, Derivatives and Hedging ,
(b) any net unrealized gain or loss (after any offset) resulting in such period from currency translation gains or losses including those related to currency remeasurements of Indebtedness (including any net loss or gain resulting from Swap Obligations for currency exchange risk) and any other foreign currency translation gains and losses, to the extent such gain or losses are non-cash items,
(c) any adjustments resulting for the application of Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 460, Guarantees , or any comparable regulation,
(d) effects of adjustments to accruals and reserves during a prior period relating to any change in the methodology of calculating reserves for returns, rebates and other chargebacks, and
(e) earn-out and contingent consideration obligations (including to the extent accounted for as bonuses or otherwise) and adjustments thereof and purchase price adjustments; and
(16) reserves established for the benefit of landlords of fee-for-service and just-in-time vacation ownership intervals for the acquisition of capitalized assets and equipment at such properties shall be excluded; and
(17) if such Person is treated as a disregarded entity or partnership for U.S. federal, state and/or local income tax purposes for such period or any portion thereof, the amount of distributions actually made to any direct or indirect parent company of such Person in respect of such period in accordance with Section 7.06(i)(iii) shall be included in calculating Consolidated Net Income as though such amounts had been paid as taxes directly by such Person for such period.
In addition, to the extent not already included in the Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, Consolidated Net Income shall include the amount of proceeds received from business interruption insurance and reimbursements of any expenses and charges that are covered by indemnification or other reimbursement provisions in connection with any acquisition, investment or any sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of assets permitted under this Agreement.
19
Consolidated Total Net Debt means, as of any date of determination, the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding on such date, in an amount that would be reflected on a balance sheet prepared as of such date on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (but excluding the effects of any discounting of Indebtedness resulting from the application of purchase accounting in connection with the Spin-Off Transaction or any Permitted Acquisition), consisting of Indebtedness for borrowed money, Attributable Indebtedness, and debt obligations evidenced by promissory notes or similar instruments, minus the aggregate amount of all cash and Cash Equivalents on the balance sheet of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date; provided that Consolidated Total Net Debt shall not include Indebtedness (i) in respect of letters of credit, except to the extent of unreimbursed amounts thereunder; provided that any unreimbursed amount under commercial letters of credit shall not be counted as Consolidated Total Net Debt until three Business Days after such amount is drawn, (ii) in respect of Qualified Securitization Financings and (iii) of Unrestricted Subsidiaries; it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that obligations under Swap Contracts do not constitute Consolidated Total Net Debt.
Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio means, with respect to any Test Period, the ratio of (a) Consolidated Total Net Debt as of the last day of such Test Period to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for such Test Period.
Contractual Obligation means, as to any Person, any provision of any security issued by such Person or of any agreement, instrument or other undertaking to which such Person is a party or by which it or any of its property is bound.
Control has the meaning set forth in the definition of Affiliate.
Converted Restricted Subsidiary has the meaning set forth in the definition of Consolidated EBITDA.
Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary has the meaning set forth in the definition of Consolidated EBITDA.
Covenant Suspension Event has the meaning set forth in Article VII.
Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness means (a) Permitted First Priority Refinancing Debt, (b) Permitted Second Priority Refinancing Debt, (c) Permitted Unsecured Refinancing Debt or (d) other Indebtedness incurred pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment, in each case, issued, incurred or otherwise obtained (including by means of the extension or renewal of existing Indebtedness) in exchange for, or to extend, renew, replace, repurchase, retire or refinance, in whole or part, existing Term Loans and Revolving Credit Loans (or Revolving Credit Commitments), or any then-existing Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness ( Refinanced Debt ); provided that (i) such Indebtedness has a maturity no earlier, and, in the case of Refinancing Term Loans, a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater, than the Refinanced Debt, (ii) such Indebtedness shall not have a greater principal amount than the principal amount of the Refinanced Debt plus accrued interest, fees, premiums (if any) and penalties thereon and reasonable fees and expenses associated with the refinancing, (iii) the terms and conditions of such Indebtedness
20
(except as otherwise provided in clause (ii) above and with respect to pricing, premiums, fees, rate floors and optional prepayment or redemption terms) are substantially identical to, or (taken as a whole) are no more favorable to the lenders or holders providing such Indebtedness, than those applicable to the Refinanced Debt being refinanced (except for covenants or other provisions applicable only to periods after the Latest Maturity Date at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness) ( provided that a certificate of a Responsible Officer delivered to the Administrative Agent at least five (5) Business Days prior to the incurrence of such Indebtedness, together with a reasonably detailed description of the material terms and conditions of such Indebtedness or drafts of the documentation relating thereto, stating that the Borrower has determined in good faith that such terms and conditions satisfy the requirement of this clause (iii) shall be conclusive evidence that such terms and conditions satisfy such requirement unless the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower within such five (5) Business Day period that it disagrees with such determination (including a description of the basis upon which it disagrees)), and (iv) such Refinanced Debt shall be repaid, repurchased, retired, defeased or satisfied and discharged, all accrued interest, fees, premiums (if any) and penalties in connection therewith shall be paid, and all commitments thereunder terminated, on the date such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness is issued, incurred or obtained.
Credit Extension means each of the following: (a) a Borrowing and (b) an L/C Credit Extension.
Debtor Relief Laws means the Bankruptcy Code of the United States and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization or similar debtor relief Laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect and affecting the rights of creditors generally.
Default means any event or condition that constitutes an Event of Default or that, with the giving of any notice, the passage of time, or both, would be an Event of Default.
Default Rate means an interest rate equal to (a) the Base Rate plus (b) the Applicable Rate, if any, applicable to Revolving Loans that are Base Rate Loans plus (c) 2.0% per annum; provided that with respect to the overdue principal or interest in respect of a Eurocurrency Rate Loan, the Default Rate shall be an interest rate equal to the interest rate (including any Applicable Rate) otherwise applicable to such Loan, plus 2.0% per annum, in each case to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws.
Defaulting Lender means any Lender whose acts or failure to act, whether directly or indirectly, cause it to meet any part of the definition of Lender Default.
Designated Equity Contribution has the meaning set forth in Section 8.05(a).
Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(B)(2).
Discount Range has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(1).
Discount Range Prepayment Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(1).
21
Discount Range Prepayment Notice means a written notice of a Borrower Solicitation of Discount Range Prepayment Offers made pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(C) substantially in the form of Exhibit M -4 .
Discount Range Prepayment Offer means the irrevocable written offer by a Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit M -5 , submitted in response to an invitation to submit offers following the Auction Agents receipt of a Discount Range Prepayment Notice.
Discount Range Prepayment Response Date has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(1).
Discount Range Proration has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(3).
Discounted Prepayment Determination Date has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(3).
Discounted Prepayment Effective Date means in the case of a Borrower Offer of Specified Discount Prepayment, Borrower Solicitation of Discount Range Prepayment Offer or Borrower Solicitation of Discounted Prepayment Offer, five (5) Business Days following the Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date, the Discount Range Prepayment Response Date or the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date, as applicable, in accordance with Section 2.05(a)(v)(B)(1), Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(1) or Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(1), respectively, unless a shorter period is agreed to between the Borrower and the Auction Agent.
Discounted Term Loan Prepayment has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(A).
Disposed EBITDA means, with respect to any Sold Entity or Business or any Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary for any period, the amount for such period of Consolidated EBITDA of such Sold Entity or Business (determined as if references to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in the definition of Consolidated EBITDA (and in the component definitions used therein) were references to such Sold Entity or Business and its Subsidiaries or such Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary and its Subsidiaries) or such Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary, all as determined on a consolidated basis for such Sold Entity or Business or such Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary.
Disposition or Dispose means the sale, transfer, license, lease or other disposition (including any sale and leaseback transaction and any sale or issuance of Equity Interests in a Restricted Subsidiary) of any property by any Person, including any sale, assignment, transfer or other disposal, with or without recourse, of any notes or accounts receivable or any rights and claims associated therewith; provided that Disposition and Dispose shall not be deemed to include any issuance by HWHI, HGVI or Holdings of any of its Equity Interests to another Person.
Disqualified Equity Interests means any Equity Interest that, by its terms (or by the terms of any security or other Equity Interests into which it is convertible or for which it is exchangeable), or upon the happening of any event or condition (a) matures or is mandatorily redeemable (other than solely for Qualified Equity Interests), pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise (except as a result of a change of control or asset sale so long as any rights of the holders thereof upon the occurrence of a change of control or asset sale event shall be subject to the prior repayment in full of the Loans and all other Obligations that are accrued and payable and the termination of the Commitments and the termination or expiration of all outstanding Letters of Credit (unless the
22
Outstanding Amount of the L/C Obligations related thereto has been Cash Collateralized, backstopped by a letter of credit reasonably satisfactory to the applicable L/C Issuer or deemed reissued under another agreement reasonably acceptable to the applicable L/C Issuer)), (b) is redeemable at the option of the holder thereof (other than solely for Qualified Equity Interests and other than as a result of a change of control or asset sale so long as any rights of the holders thereof upon the occurrence of a change of control or asset sale event shall be subject to the prior repayment in full of the Loans and all other Obligations that are accrued and payable and the termination of the Commitments and the expiration or termination of all outstanding Letters of Credit (unless the Outstanding Amount of the L/C Obligations related thereto has been Cash Collateralized, backstopped by a letter of credit reasonably satisfactory to the applicable L/C Issuer or deemed reissued under another agreement reasonably acceptable to the applicable L/C Issuer)), in whole or in part, (c) provides for the scheduled payments of dividends in cash, or (d) is or becomes convertible into or exchangeable for Indebtedness or any other Equity Interests that would constitute Disqualified Equity Interests, in each case, prior to the date that is ninety-one (91) days after the Latest Maturity Date at the time of issuance of such Equity Interests; provided that if such Equity Interests are issued pursuant to a plan for the benefit of employees of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent thereof), the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries or by any such plan to such employees, such Equity Interests shall not constitute Disqualified Equity Interests solely because it may be required to be repurchased by the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations.
Disqualified Lenders means the Persons listed on Schedule 1.01B .
Distressed Person has the meaning set forth in the definition of Lender-Related Distress Event.
Distribution Agreement means the Distribution Agreement, to be dated on or prior to the Spin-Off Date, containing substantially the terms described in the Senior Unsecured Notes Offering Memorandum, by and among Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., PHRI and HGVI, as amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified from time to time in a manner not materially adverse to the Lenders when taken as whole, as compared to the Distribution Agreement as in effect immediately prior to such amendment, supplement, waiver or modification.
Dollar and $ mean lawful money of the United States.
Dollar Denominated Loan means any Loan incurred in Dollars.
Dollar Denominated Letter of Credit means any Letter of Credit incurred in Dollars.
Dollar Equivalent means, with respect to an amount of an Approved Currency other than Dollars, the amount of Dollars which could be purchased with the amount of the applicable Approved Currency involved in such computation at (x) the spot exchange rate as shown in the Wall Street Journal on the Business Day of any such determination (or on such other basis as is satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) or (y) if the provisions of the foregoing clause (x) is not applicable, the official exchange rate (if applicable) or the spot exchange rate for the applicable Approved Currency in question calculated by the Administrative Agent (each such exchange rate, the Spot Exchange Rate ); provided that (i) for purposes of (x) determining compliance with Sections 2.01(b) and 2.03(a) and (y) calculating fees pursuant to Section 2.09(a), the Dollar Equivalent of any amounts denominated in a currency other than Dollars shall be calculated on the Closing Date and
23
revalued on the first Business Day of each Interest Period using the Spot Exchange Rate, (ii) at any time during a calendar month, if the Revolving Credit Exposure (for the purposes of the determination thereof, using the Dollar Equivalent as recalculated based on the Spot Exchange Rate therefor on the respective date of determination pursuant to this exception) would exceed 90.0% of the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments of all Lenders, then in the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent or at the request of the Required Lenders, the Dollar Equivalent shall be reset based upon the Spot Exchange Rates on such date, which rates shall remain in effect until the last Business Day of such calendar month or such earlier date, if any, as the rate is reset pursuant to this proviso and (iii) notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this definition, at any time that a Default or an Event of Default then exists, the Administrative Agent may revalue the Dollar Equivalent of any amounts outstanding under the Loan Documents in a currency other than Dollars in its reasonable discretion using the Spot Exchange Rates therefor.
Domestic Subsidiary means any Subsidiary that is organized under the Laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia.
EEA Financial Institution means (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in clause (a) of this definition, or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country which is a subsidiary of an institution described in clauses (a) or (b) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent;
EEA Member Country means any of the member states of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
EEA Resolution Authority means any public administrative authority or any person entrusted with public administrative authority of any EEA Member Country (including any delegee) having responsibility for the resolution of any EEA Financial Institution.
Effective Yield means, as to any Loans of any Class, the effective yield on such Loans, taking into account the applicable interest rate margins, any interest rate floors or similar devices and all fees, including upfront or similar fees or OID (amortized over the shorter of (x) the original stated life of such Loans and (y) the four years following the date of incurrence thereof) payable generally to Lenders making such Loans, but excluding arrangement fees, structuring fees, commitment fees, underwriting fees or other fees payable to any lead arranger (or its affiliates) in connection with the commitment or syndication of such Indebtedness.
Eligible Assignee has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(a).
Employee Matters Agreement means the Employee Matters Agreement, to be dated on or prior to the Spin-Off Date, by and among Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., PHRI and HGVI, substantially on the terms described in the Senior Unsecured Notes Offering Memorandum, as amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified from time to time in a manner not materially adverse to the Lenders when taken as a whole, as compared to the Employee Matters Agreement as in effect immediately prior to such amendment, supplement, waiver or modification.
Engagement Letter means that certain Engagement Letter dated October 18, 2016, among the Borrower and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as amended, supplemented, modified or restated from time to time.
24
Environment means indoor air, ambient air, surface water, groundwater, drinking water, land surface, subsurface strata and natural resources such as wetlands, flora and fauna.
Environmental Laws means any applicable Law relating to pollution, protection of the Environment and natural resources, pollutants, contaminants, or chemicals or any toxic or otherwise hazardous substances, wastes or materials, or the protection of human health and safety as it relates to any of the foregoing, including any applicable provisions of CERCLA.
Environmental Liability means any liability, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of investigation and remediation, fines, penalties or indemnities), of or relating to the Loan Parties or any of their respective Subsidiaries directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) violation of, or liability under or relating to any Environmental Law, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials, (d) the actual or alleged presence, Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Materials or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.
Environmental Permit means any permit, approval, identification number, license or other authorization required under any Environmental Law.
Equity Interests means, with respect to any Person, all of the shares, interests, rights, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock of (or other ownership or profit interests or units in) such Person and all of the warrants, options or other rights for the purchase, acquisition or exchange from such Person of any of the foregoing (including through convertible securities).
ERISA means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended from time to time.
ERISA Affiliate means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with a Loan Party or any Restricted Subsidiary, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code, or solely for purposes of Section 302 of ERISA and Section 412 of the Code, is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.
ERISA Event means (a) a Reportable Event with respect to a Pension Plan; (b) a withdrawal by a Loan Party, any Restricted Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which it was a substantial employer (as defined in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA) or a cessation of operations that is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of ERISA; (c) a complete or partial withdrawal by a Loan Party, any Restricted Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate from a Multiemployer Plan or a notification or determination that a Multiemployer Plan is in reorganization; (d) the filing by the PBGC of a notice of intent to terminate any Pension Plan, the treatment of a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan amendment as a termination under Sections 4041 or 4041A of ERISA, respectively, or the commencement of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (e) appointment of a trustee to administer any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan; (f) with respect to a Pension Plan, the failure to satisfy the minimum funding standard of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302, 303 or 304 of ERISA, whether or not waived; (g) any Foreign Benefit Event; or (h) the imposition of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than for PBGC premiums due but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon a Loan Party, any Restricted Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate.
25
EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule means the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor person), as in effect from time to time.
Eurocurrency Rate means, (a) for any Interest Period with respect to any Eurocurrency Rate Loan denominated in any Approved Currency other than euros, the rate per annum equal to the London Interbank Offered Rate ( LIBOR ) or such comparable or successor rate which is approved by the Administrative Agent, as published on the applicable Reuters screen page (or such other commercially available source providing such quotations as may be designated by the Administrative Agent from time to time) at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the date which is two Business Days prior to the beginning of such Interest Period for deposits in such Approved Currency (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest Period; provided that to the extent that an interest rate is not ascertainable pursuant to the foregoing provision of this definition, the Eurocurrency Rate with respect to Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in an Approved Currency other than euros shall be the interest rate per annum, determined by the Administrative Agent to be the average of the rates per annum at which deposits in such Approved Currency are offered for such relevant Interest Period to major banks in the London interbank market in London, England at approximately 11:00 a.m. (London time) on the date which is two Business Days prior to the beginning of such Interest Period and (b) for any Interest Period with respect to any Eurocurrency Rate Loan denominated in euros, the rate per annum appearing on Reuters Page EURIBOR-01 (or any successor page) at approximately 11:00 a.m. (Brussels time) on the date which is two Business Days prior to the beginning of such Interest Period for a period equal to such Interest Period, as determined by the Administrative Agent; provided that if such rate is not shown on Reuters Page EURIBOR-01 (or any successor page), the Eurocurrency Rate applicable to Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in euros shall be interest rate per annum, determined by the Administrative Agent to be the average of the rates per annum at which deposits in euros are offered for such relevant Interest Period to prime banks in the Eurozone interbank market at approximately 11:00 a.m. (Brussels time) on the date which is two Business Days prior to the beginning of such Interest Period; provided that if the Eurocurrency Rate is negative, it shall be deemed to be 0.00%.
Eurocurrency Rate Loan means a Loan that bears interest at a rate based on the Eurocurrency Rate.
euro means the single currency of participating member states of the economic and monetary union in accordance with the Treaty of Rome 1957, as amended by the Single European Act 1986, the Maastricht Treaty of 1992 and the Amsterdam Treaty of 1998.
Event of Default has the meaning set forth in Section 8.01.
Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Excluded Contract means, at any date, any rights or interest of the Borrower or any Guarantor under any agreement, contract, license, instrument, document or other general intangible (referred to solely for purposes of this definition as a Contract ) to the extent that such Contract by the terms of a restriction in favor of a Person who is not the Borrower or any Guarantor, or any requirement of law, prohibits, or requires any consent or establishes any other condition for or would
26
terminate because of an assignment thereof or a grant of a security interest therein by the Borrower or a Guarantor; provided that (i) rights under any such Contract otherwise constituting an Excluded Contract by virtue of this definition shall be included in the Collateral to the extent permitted thereby or by Section 9-406 or Section 9-408 of the Uniform Commercial Code and (ii) all proceeds paid or payable to any of the Borrower or any Guarantor from any sale, transfer or assignment of such Contract and all rights to receive such proceeds shall be included in the Collateral.
Excluded Contribution means net cash proceeds, marketable securities or Qualified Proceeds received by the Borrower from:
(1) contributions to its common equity capital;
(2) dividends, distributions, fees and other payments (A) from Unrestricted Subsidiaries and any of their Subsidiaries, (B) received in respect of any minority investments and (C) from any joint ventures that are not Restricted Subsidiaries; and
(3) the sale (other than to a Subsidiary of the Borrower or to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement of the Borrower) of Equity Interest (other than Disqualified Equity Interests and preferred stock) of the Borrower;
in each case to the extent designated as Excluded Contributions by the Borrower pursuant to an officers certificate executed by the principal financial officer of the Borrower.
Excluded Equipment means, at any date, any equipment or other assets of the Borrower or any Guarantor which is subject to, or secured by, a Capitalized Lease Obligation or a purchase money obligation if and to the extent that (i) a restriction in favor of a Person who is not Holdings, the Borrower or a Subsidiary contained in the agreements or documents granting or governing such Capitalized Lease Obligation or purchase money obligation prohibits, or requires any consent or establishes any other conditions for or would result in the termination of such agreement or document because of an assignment thereof, or a grant of a security interest therein, by the Borrower or any Guarantor and (ii) such restriction relates only to the asset or assets acquired by the Borrower or any Guarantor with the proceeds of such Capitalized Lease Obligation or purchase money obligation and attachments thereto, improvements thereof or substitutions therefor; provided that all proceeds paid or payable to any of the Borrower or any Guarantor from any sale, transfer or assignment or other voluntary or involuntary disposition of such assets and all rights to receive such proceeds shall be included in the Collateral to the extent not otherwise required to be paid to the holder of any Capitalized Lease Obligations or purchase money obligations secured by such assets.
Excluded Subsidiary means (a) any Subsidiary that is not a wholly owned Subsidiary of the Borrower or a Guarantor, (b) any Subsidiary of a Guarantor that does not have total assets in excess of 1.0% of Total Assets, individually or in the aggregate with all other Subsidiaries excluded via this clause (b), (c) [reserved], (d) any Subsidiary that is prohibited by applicable Law or Contractual Obligations existing on the Closing Date (or, in the case of any newly acquired Subsidiary, in existence at the time of acquisition but not entered into in contemplation thereof) from guaranteeing the Obligations or if guaranteeing the Obligation would require governmental (including regulatory) consent, approval, license or authorization (unless such consent, approval, license or authorization has been obtained), (e) any other Subsidiary with respect to which, in the reasonable judgment of the Administrative Agent, in consultation with the Borrower, the burden or
27
cost or other consequences (including any material adverse tax consequences) of providing a Guarantee shall be excessive in view of the benefits to be obtained by the Lenders therefrom, (f) any direct or indirect Foreign Subsidiary of the Borrower, (g) any not-for-profit Subsidiaries, (h) any Unrestricted Subsidiaries, (i) any Securitization Subsidiary or Subsidiary of a Securitization Subsidiary, (j) any direct or indirect Domestic Subsidiary substantially all of the assets of which consist of the Equity Interests of one or more Foreign Subsidiaries that are controlled foreign corporations within the meaning of Section 957 of the Code, (k) any Domestic Subsidiary that is a direct or indirect Subsidiary of a Foreign Subsidiary and (l) any captive insurance subsidiaries (such Subsidiaries are listed on Schedule 1.01D) .
Excluded Swap Obligation means, with respect to any Guarantor, (a) any Swap Obligation if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the Guaranty of such Guarantor of, or the grant by such Guarantor of a security interest to secure, such Swap Obligation (or any Guaranty thereof) is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act or any rule, regulation, or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof) (i) by virtue of such Guarantors failure to constitute an eligible contract participant, as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act and the regulations thereunder (determined after giving effect to Section 11.12 and any other applicable agreement for the benefit of such Guarantor and any and all applicable guarantees of such Guarantors Swap Obligations by other Loan Parties), at the time the guarantee of (or grant of such security interest by, as applicable) such Guarantor becomes or would become effective with respect to such Swap Obligation or (ii) in the case of a Swap Obligation that is subject to a clearing requirement pursuant to section 2(h) of the Commodity Exchange Act, because such Guarantor is a financial entity, as defined in section 2(h)(7)(C) of the Commodity Exchange Act, at the time the guarantee of (or grant of such security interest by, as applicable) such Guarantor becomes or would become effective with respect to such Swap Obligation or (b) any other Swap Obligation designated as an Excluded Swap Obligation of such Guarantor as specified in any agreement between the relevant Loan Parties and the Approved Counterparty applicable to such Swap Obligations. If a Swap Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one Swap, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Swap Obligation that is attributable to the Swap for which such guarantee or security interest is or becomes excluded in accordance with the first sentence of this definition.
Existing Revolver Tranche has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(b).
Existing Term Loan Tranche has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(a).
Expiring Credit Commitment has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04(g).
Extended Revolving Credit Commitments has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(b).
Extended Term Loans has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(a).
Extending Revolving Credit Lender has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(c).
Extending Term Lender has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(c).
Extension means the establishment of an Extension Series by amending a Loan pursuant to Section 2.16 and the applicable Extension Amendment.
28
Extension Amendment has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(d).
Extension Election has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(c).
Extension Request means any Term Loan Extension Request or a Revolver Extension Request, as the case may be.
Extension Series means any Term Loan Extension Series or a Revolver Extension Series, as the case may be.
Facility means a given Class of Initial Term Loans or Incremental Term Loans, a given Refinancing Series of Refinancing Term Loans, a given Extension Series of Extended Term Loans, the Revolving Credit Facility, a given Class of Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments, a given Refinancing Series of Other Revolving Credit Commitments, a given Extension Series of Extended Revolving Credit Commitments, as the context may require.
FATCA means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code), as of the Closing Date (and any amended or successor version thereof that is substantively comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any current or future Treasury Regulations or other official administrative guidance promulgated thereunder and any intergovernmental agreements entered into in connection with the implementation thereof.
FCPA means the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, as amended.
Federal Funds Rate means, for any day, the rate per annum equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System on such day, as published on the next succeeding Business Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York; provided that (a) if such day is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on such transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next succeeding Business Day, and (b) if no such rate is so published for any day that is a Business Day, the average of the rate charged to the Administrative Agent on such day for such transactions as determined by the Administrative Agent; provided that if such rate as determined above is negative, it shall be deemed to be 0.00%.
FIRREA means the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989, as amended.
First Lien Intercreditor Agreement means an intercreditor agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit J-1 (which agreement in such form or with immaterial changes thereto the Collateral Agent is authorized to enter into) among Holdings, the Borrower, the subsidiaries of the Borrower from time to time party thereto, the Collateral Agent and one or more collateral agents or representatives for the holders of Indebtedness that is permitted under Section 7.03 to be, and intended to be, secured on a pari passu basis with the Obligations.
Fixed Charges means, with respect to the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for any period, the sum of, without duplication:
(1) Consolidated Interest Expense for such period;
29
(2) all cash dividends or other distributions paid (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of preferred stock during such period; and
(3) all cash dividends or other distributions paid (excluding items eliminated in consolidation) on any series of Disqualified Equity Interests during such period.
Foreign Benefit Event means, with respect to any Foreign Pension Plan, (a) the existence of unfunded liabilities in excess of the amount permitted under any applicable law or in excess of the amount that would be permitted absent a waiver from applicable governmental authority or (b) the failure to make the required contributions or payments, under any applicable law, on or before the due date for such contributions or payments.
Foreign Currency Denominated Loan means any Loan incurred in any Approved Foreign Currency.
Foreign Currency Denominated Letter of Credit means any Letter of Credit denominated in an Approved Foreign Currency.
Foreign Disposition has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(b)(xi).
Foreign Pension Plan means any benefit plan that under applicable Law is required to be funded through a trust or other funding vehicle other than a trust or funding vehicle maintained exclusively by a Governmental Authority.
Foreign Subsidiary means any direct or indirect Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Domestic Subsidiary.
Foreign Subsidiary Total Assets means the total assets of the Foreign Subsidiaries, as determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP in good faith by a Responsible Officer.
FRB means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States.
Fronting Exposure means, at any time there is a Defaulting Lender, (a) with respect to the L/C Issuer, such Defaulting Lenders Pro Rata Share of the outstanding L/C Obligations other than L/C Obligations as to which such Defaulting Lenders participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders or Cash Collateralized in accordance with the terms hereof, and (b) with respect to the Swing Line Lender, such Defaulting Lenders Pro Rata Share of Swing Line Loans other than Swing Line Loans as to which such Defaulting Lenders participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders or Cash Collateralized in accordance with the terms hereof.
Fund means any Person (other than a natural person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course.
GAAP means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America, as in effect from time to time; provided , however , that (i) if the Borrower notifies the Administrative Agent that the Borrower requests an amendment to any provision hereof to eliminate the effect of any change occurring after the Closing Date in GAAP or in the application thereof on the operation of such provision (or if the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower that the Required Lenders request an amendment to any provision hereof for such purpose), regardless of whether any such
30
notice is given before or after such change in GAAP or in the application thereof, then such provision shall be interpreted on the basis of GAAP as in effect and applied immediately before such change shall have become effective until such notice shall have been withdrawn or such provision amended in accordance herewith, (ii) GAAP shall be construed, and all computations of amounts and ratios referred to herein shall be made, without giving effect to any election under FASB ASC Topic 825 (or any other Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any Indebtedness or other liabilities of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries at fair value, as defined therein, and Indebtedness shall be measured at the aggregate principal amount thereof, and (iii) the accounting for operating leases and financing or capital leases under GAAP as in effect on the Closing Date (including, without limitation, Accounting Standards Codification 840) shall apply for the purposes of determining compliance with the provisions of this Agreement, including the definition of Capitalized Leases and obligations in respect thereof.
Governmental Authority means any nation or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof, any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, administrative tribunal, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government.
Granting Lender has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(i).
Guarantee means, as to any Person, without duplication, (a) any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of such Person guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other monetary obligation payable or performable by another Person (the primary obligor) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of such Person, direct or indirect, (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation, (ii) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of the payment or performance of such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation, (iii) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity or level of income or cash flow of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation, or (iv) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee in respect of such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of the payment or performance thereof or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in whole or in part), or (b) any Lien on any assets of such Person securing any Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of any other Person, whether or not such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation is assumed by such Person (or any right, contingent or otherwise, of any holder of such Indebtedness to obtain any such Lien); provided that the term Guarantee shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit, in either case in the ordinary course of business, or customary and reasonable indemnity obligations in effect on the Closing Date or entered into in connection with any acquisition or disposition of assets permitted under this Agreement (other than such obligations with respect to Indebtedness). The amount of any Guarantee shall be deemed to be an amount equal to the stated or determinable amount of the related primary obligation, or portion thereof, in respect of which such Guarantee is made or, if not stated or determinable, the maximum reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the guaranteeing Person in good faith. The term Guarantee as a verb has a corresponding meaning.
Guaranteed Obligations has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01.
31
Guarantors means, collectively, (i) Holdings, (ii) HGVI, (iii) HWHI, (iv) the wholly owned Domestic Subsidiaries of the Borrower (other than any Excluded Subsidiary), (v) those wholly owned Domestic Subsidiaries that issue a Guaranty of the Obligations after the Closing Date pursuant to Section 6.11 or otherwise, at the option of the Borrower, issues a Guaranty of the Obligations after the Closing Date and (vi) solely in respect of any Secured Hedge Agreement or Treasury Services Agreement to which the Borrower is not a party, the Borrower, in each case, until the Guaranty thereof is released in accordance with this Agreement.
Guaranty means, collectively, the guaranty of the Obligations by the Guarantors pursuant to this Agreement.
Hazardous Materials means all materials, pollutants, contaminants, chemicals, compounds, constituents, substances or wastes, including petroleum or petroleum distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, polychlorinated biphenyls, lead, radon gas, pesticides, fungicides, fertilizers, or toxic mold that are regulated pursuant to, or which could give rise to liability under, applicable Environmental Law.
HGVI means Hilton Grand Vacations Inc., a Delaware corporation, and not any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates.
Holdings means Parent, if it is the direct parent of the Borrower, or, if not, any Domestic Subsidiary of Parent that directly owns 100% of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests in the Borrower and issues a Guarantee of the Obligations and agrees to assume the obligations of Holdings pursuant to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents pursuant to one or more instruments in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.
Honor Date has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(c)(i).
HWHI means Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation, and not any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates.
Identified Participating Lenders has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(3).
Identified Qualifying Lenders has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(3).
Immaterial Subsidiary has the meaning set forth in Section 8.03.
Incremental Amendment has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(f).
Incremental Commitments has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a).
Incremental Facility Closing Date has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(d).
Incremental Lenders has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(c).
Incremental Loan has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(b).
Incremental Loan Request has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a).
32
Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a).
Incremental Revolving Credit Lender has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(c).
Incremental Revolving Credit Loan has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(b).
Incremental Term Commitments has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a).
Incremental Term Lender has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(c).
Incremental Term Loan has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(b).
Indebtedness means, as to any Person at a particular time, without duplication, all of the following:
(a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money and all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes, loan agreements or other similar instruments;
(b) the maximum amount (after giving effect to any prior drawings or reductions which may have been reimbursed) of all outstanding letters of credit (including standby and commercial), bankers acceptances, bank guaranties, surety bonds, performance bonds and similar instruments issued or created by or for the account of such Person;
(c) net obligations of such Person under any Swap Contract;
(d) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services (other than (i) trade accounts and accrued expenses payable in the ordinary course of business, (ii) any earn-out obligation until such obligation becomes a liability on the balance sheet of such Person in accordance with GAAP and (iii) accruals for payroll and other liabilities accrued in the ordinary course);
(e) indebtedness (excluding prepaid interest thereon) secured by a Lien on property owned or being purchased by such Person (including indebtedness arising under conditional sales or other title retention agreements and mortgage, industrial revenue bond, industrial development bond and similar financings), whether or not such indebtedness shall have been assumed by such Person or is limited in recourse;
(f) all Attributable Indebtedness;
(g) all obligations of such Person in respect of Disqualified Equity Interests;
if and to the extent that the foregoing would constitute indebtedness or a liability in accordance with GAAP; provided that Indebtedness of any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower appearing upon the balance sheet of the Borrower solely by reason of push-down accounting under GAAP shall be excluded; and
(h) to the extent not otherwise included above, all Guarantees of such Person in respect of any of the foregoing.
33
For all purposes hereof, the Indebtedness of any Person shall (A) include the Indebtedness of any partnership or joint venture (other than a joint venture that is itself a corporation or limited liability company) in which such Person is a general partner or a joint venturer, except to the extent such Persons liability for such Indebtedness is otherwise expressly limited and only to the extent such Indebtedness would be included in the calculation of Consolidated Total Net Debt, (B) in the case of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, exclude all intercompany Indebtedness having a term not exceeding 364 days (inclusive of any roll-over or extensions of terms) and made in the ordinary course of business and (C) exclude obligations under or in respect of Qualified Securitization Financing, operating leases or sale lease-back transactions (except any resulting Capitalized Lease Obligations). The amount of any net obligation under any Swap Contract on any date shall be deemed to be the Swap Termination Value thereof as of such date. The amount of Indebtedness of any Person for purposes of clause (e) shall be deemed to be equal to the lesser of (i) the aggregate unpaid amount of such Indebtedness and (ii) the fair market value of the property encumbered thereby as determined by such Person in good faith. Notwithstanding anything in this definition to the contrary, Indebtedness shall be calculated without giving effect to the effects of Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 815 and related interpretations to the extent such effects would otherwise increase or decrease an amount of Indebtedness for any purpose hereunder as a result of accounting for any embedded derivatives created by the terms of such Indebtedness.
Indemnified Liabilities has the meaning set forth in Section 10.05.
Indemnified Taxes means, with respect to any Agent or any Lender, all Taxes other than (i) Taxes imposed on or measured by its net income, however denominated, and franchise (and similar) Taxes imposed in lieu of net income Taxes by a jurisdiction (A) as a result of such recipient being organized in or having its principal office (or, in the case of any Lender, its applicable Lending Office) in such jurisdiction (or any political subdivision thereof), or (B) as a result of any other connection between such Lender or Agent and such jurisdiction other than any connections arising from executing, delivering, being a party to, engaging in any transactions pursuant to, performing its obligations under, receiving payments under, or enforcing, any Loan Document, (ii) Taxes attributable to the failure by any Agent or Lender to deliver the documentation required to be delivered pursuant to Section 3.01(d), (iii) any branch profits Taxes imposed by the United States or any similar Tax, imposed by any jurisdiction described in clause (i) above, (iv) in the case of any Lender (other than an assignee pursuant to a request by the Borrower under Section 3.07), any U.S. federal withholding Tax that is in effect on the date such Lender becomes a party to this Agreement, or designates a new Lending Office, except to the extent such Lender (or its assignor, if any) was entitled immediately prior to the time of designation of a new Lending Office (or assignment) to receive additional amounts with respect to such withholding Tax pursuant to Section 3.01, (v) any withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA, and (vi) any U.S. federal backup withholding imposed as a result of a failure by a Lender that is a United States person as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code to deliver the form described in Section 3.01(d)(i). For the avoidance of doubt, the term Lender for purposes of this definition shall include each L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender.
Indemnitees has the meaning set forth in Section 10.05.
Information has the meaning set forth in Section 10.08.
Initial Term Commitment means, as to each Term Lender, its obligation to make an Initial Term Loan to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.01(a) in an aggregate amount not to exceed
34
the amount set forth opposite such Term Lenders name in Schedule 1.01A under the caption Initial Term Commitment or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Term Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with this Agreement (including Section 2.14). The initial aggregate amount of the Initial Term Commitments is $200,000,000.
Initial Term Loans means the term loans made by the Lenders on the Closing Date to the Borrower under this Agreement in an aggregate principal amount of $200,000,000.
Intellectual Property Security Agreements has the meaning set forth in the Security Agreement.
Intercompany Note means a promissory note substantially in the form of Exhibit I .
Intercreditor Agreements means the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, collectively, in each case to the extent in effect.
Interest Payment Date means, (a) as to any Eurocurrency Rate Loan, the last day of each Interest Period applicable to such Loan and the Maturity Date of the Facility under which such Loan was made; provided that if any Interest Period for a Eurocurrency Rate Loan exceeds three months, the respective dates that fall every three months after the beginning of such Interest Period shall also be Interest Payment Dates and (b) as to any Base Rate Loan (including a Swing Line Loan), the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December and the Maturity Date of the Facility under which such Loan was made.
Interest Period means, as to each Eurocurrency Rate Loan, the period commencing on the date such Eurocurrency Rate Loan is disbursed or converted to or continued as a Eurocurrency Rate Loan and ending on the date one, two, three or six months thereafter or, to the extent agreed by each Lender of such Eurocurrency Rate Loan, twelve months or, to the extent agreed by the Administrative Agent, less than one month thereafter, as selected by the Borrower in its Committed Loan Notice; provided that:
(i) any Interest Period that would otherwise end on a day that is not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such Business Day falls in another calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day;
(ii) any Interest Period (other than an Interest Period having a duration of less than one month) that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the calendar month at the end of such Interest Period; and
(iii) no Interest Period shall extend beyond the Maturity Date of the Facility under which such Loan was made.
Investment means, as to any Person, any direct or indirect acquisition or investment by such Person, whether by means of (a) the purchase or other acquisition of Equity Interests or debt or other securities of another Person, (b) a loan, advance or capital contribution to, Guarantee or
35
assumption of Indebtedness of, or purchase or other acquisition of any other debt or equity participation or interest in, another Person, including any partnership or joint venture interest in such other Person excluding, in the case of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, intercompany loans, advances, or Indebtedness having a term not exceeding 364 days (inclusive of any roll-over or extensions of terms) and made in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice) or (c) the purchase or other acquisition (in one transaction or a series of transactions) of all or substantially all of the property and assets or business of another Person or assets constituting a business unit, line of business or division of such Person. For purposes of covenant compliance, the amount of any Investment at any time shall be the amount actually invested (measured at the time made), without adjustment for subsequent increases or decreases in the value of such Investment.
Investment Grade Rating means a rating equal to or higher than Baa3 (or the equivalent) by Moodys and BBB- (or the equivalent) by S&P, or if the applicable securities or loans are not then rated by Moodys or S&P, an equivalent rating by any other nationally recognized statistical rating agency.
Investors means one or more investment funds, investment partnerships or managed accounts controlled or managed by The Blackstone Group L.P. or one or more of its Affiliates (other than any portfolio operating companies).
IP Rights has the meaning set forth in Section 5.17.
ISP means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the International Standby Practices 1998 published by the Institute of International Banking Law & Practice, Inc. (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the time of issuance).
Joint Bookrunners means Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Barclays Bank PLC, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, SunTrust Bank and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, in their respective capacities as joint bookrunners under this Agreement.
Junior Financing has the meaning set forth in Section 7.13(a).
Junior Financing Documentation means any documentation governing any Junior Financing.
Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement means an intercreditor agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit J-2 hereto (which agreement in such form or with immaterial changes thereto the Collateral Agent is authorized to enter into) between the Collateral Agent and one or more collateral agents or representatives for the holders of Permitted Ratio Debt issued or incurred pursuant to Sections 7.03 (q) or (s) that are intended to be secured on a basis junior to the Obligations. Wherever in this Agreement, an Other Debt Representative is required to become party to the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, if the related Indebtedness is the initial Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to be secured by a Lien on a basis junior to the Liens securing the Obligations, then the Borrower, Holdings, the Subsidiary Guarantors, the Administrative Agent and the Other Debt Representative for such Indebtedness shall execute and deliver the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
36
Latest Maturity Date means, at any date of determination, the latest Maturity Date applicable to any Loan or Commitment hereunder at such time, including the latest maturity date of any Refinancing Term Loan, any Refinancing Term Commitment, any Extended Term Loan, any Extended Revolving Credit Commitment, any Incremental Term Loans, any Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments or any Other Revolving Credit Commitments, in each case as extended in accordance with this Agreement from time to time.
Laws means, collectively, all international, foreign, federal, state and local statutes, treaties, rules, guidelines, regulations, ordinances, codes and administrative or judicial precedents, orders, decrees, injunctions or authorities, including the interpretation or administration thereof by any Governmental Authority charged with the enforcement, interpretation or administration thereof, and all applicable administrative orders, directed duties, requests, licenses, authorizations and permits of, and agreements with, any Governmental Authority.
L/C Advance means, with respect to each Revolving Credit Lender, such Lenders funding of its participation in any L/C Borrowing in accordance with its Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement. All L/C Advances shall be denominated in Dollars.
L/C Borrowing means an extension of credit resulting from a drawing under any Letter of Credit which has not been reimbursed on the applicable Honor Date or refinanced as a Revolving Credit Borrowing. All L/C Borrowings shall be denominated in Dollars.
L/C Credit Extension means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the issuance thereof or extension of the expiry date thereof, or the renewal or increase of the amount thereof.
L/C Disbursement means any payment made by an L/C Issuer pursuant to a Letter of Credit.
L/C Issuer means Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch and any other Lender that becomes an L/C Issuer in accordance with Sections 2.03(k) or 10.07(k), in each case, in its capacity as an issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder, or any successor issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder. If there is more than one L/C Issuer at any given time, the term L/C Issuer shall refer to the relevant L/C Issuers.
L/C Obligations means, as at any date of determination, the aggregate amount available to be drawn under all outstanding Letters of Credit plus the aggregate of all Unreimbursed Amounts, including all L/C Borrowings. For purposes of computing the amount available to be drawn under any Letter of Credit, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be determined in accordance with Section 2.03(l). For all purposes of this Agreement, if on any date of determination a Letter of Credit has expired by its terms but any amount may still be drawn thereunder by reason of the operation of Rule 3.14 of the ISP, such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be outstanding in the amount so remaining available to be drawn.
Lead Arrangers means Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Barclays Bank PLC, Goldman Sachs Bank USA, J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, SunTrust Bank and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, in their respective capacities as joint lead arrangers under this Agreement.
37
Lender has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement and, as the context requires, includes an L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender, and their respective successors and assigns as permitted hereunder, each of which is referred to herein as a Lender.
Lender Default means (i) the refusal (which may be given verbally or in writing and has not been retracted) or failure of any Lender to make available its portion of any incurrence of revolving loans or reimbursement obligations required to be made by it, which refusal or failure is not cured within two Business Days after the date of such refusal or failure; (ii) the failure of any Lender to pay over to the Administrative Agent, any L/C Issuer or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder within two business days of the date when due, unless subject to a good faith dispute; (iii) a Lender has notified the Borrower or the Administrative Agent that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations, or has made a public statement to that effect with respect to its funding obligations, under the Revolving Credit Facility or under other agreements generally in which it commits to extend credit; (iv) a Lender has failed, within three Business Days after request by the Administrative Agent, to confirm that it will comply with its funding obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility (provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender upon the Administrative Agents receipt of such confirmation in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent); or (v) a Lender has admitted in writing that it is insolvent or such Lender becomes subject to a Lender-Related Distress Event or a Bail-in Action. Any determination by the Administrative Agent that a Lender Default has occurred under any one or more of clauses (i) through (v) above shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and the applicable Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender (subject to Section 2.17(b)) upon delivery of written notice of such determination to the Borrower, each L/C Issuer, each Swing Line Lender and each Lender.
Lender-Related Distress Event means, with respect to any Lender or any person that directly or indirectly controls such Lender (each, a Distressed Person ), as the case may be, a voluntary or involuntary case with respect to such Distressed Person under any Debtor Relief Law, or a custodian, conservator, receiver or similar official is appointed for such Distressed Person or any substantial part of such Distressed Persons assets, or such Distressed Person or any person that directly or indirectly controls such Distressed Person is subject to a forced liquidation, or such Distressed Person makes a general assignment for the benefit of creditors or is otherwise adjudicated as, or determined by any Governmental Authority having regulatory authority over such Distressed Person or its assets to be, insolvent or bankrupt; provided that a Lender-Related Distress Event shall not be deemed to have occurred solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any equity interests in any Lender or any person that directly or indirectly controls such Lender by a Governmental Authority or an instrumentality thereof, so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Lender with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permit such Lender (or such Governmental Authority) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made with such Lender.
Lending Office means, as to any Lender, the office or offices of such Lender described as such in such Lenders Administrative Questionnaire, or such other office or offices as a Lender may from time to time notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.
Letter of Credit means any standby letter of credit issued hereunder. A Letter of Credit may be issued in any Approved Currency.
38
Letter of Credit Expiration Date means the day that is five (5) Business Days prior to the scheduled Maturity Date then in effect for the applicable Revolving Credit Facility (or, if such day is not a Business Day, the next preceding Business Day).
Letter of Credit Issuance Request means a letter of credit request substantially in the form of Exhibit B .
Letter of Credit Sublimit means an amount equal to the lesser of (a) $30,000,000 and (b) the aggregate amount of the Revolving Credit Commitments. The Letter of Credit Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Revolving Credit Facility.
LIBOR has the meaning set forth in the definition of Eurocurrency Rate.
License Agreement means the License Agreement, to be dated on or prior to the Spin-Off Date, containing substantially the terms described in the Senior Unsecured Notes Offering Memorandum, by and between Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. and HGVI, as amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified from time to time in a manner not materially adverse to the Lenders when taken as a whole, as compared to the License Agreement as in effect immediately prior to such amendment, supplement, waiver or modification.
Lien means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge, or preference, priority or other security interest or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any easement, right of way or other encumbrance on title to Real Property, and any Capitalized Lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).
Loan means an extension of credit by a Lender to the Borrower under Article II in the form of a Term Loan, a Revolving Credit Loan or a Swing Line Loan (including any Incremental Term Loan and any extensions of credit under any Revolving Commitment Increase).
Loan Documents means, collectively, (i) this Agreement, (ii) the Notes, (iii) the Collateral Documents, (iv) each Intercreditor Agreement to the extent then in effect, (v) each Letter of Credit Issuance Request and (vi) any Refinancing Amendment, Incremental Amendment or Extension Amendment.
Loan Parties means, collectively, Holdings, the Borrower and each Subsidiary Guarantor.
Management Stockholders means the members of management of HGVI, Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries who are investors in Holdings or any direct or indirect parent thereof.
Margin Stock has the meaning set forth in Regulation U issued by the FRB.
Market Capitalization means an amount equal to (i) the total number of issued and outstanding shares of common Equity Interests of HGVI on the date of the declaration of a Restricted Payment multiplied by (ii) the arithmetic mean of the closing prices per share of such common Equity Interests on the principal securities exchange on which such common Equity Interests are traded for the 30 consecutive trading days immediately preceding the date of declaration of such Restricted Payment.
39
Master Agreement has the meaning set forth in the definition of Swap Contract.
Material Adverse Effect means a (a) material adverse effect on the business, operations, assets, liabilities (actual or contingent) or financial condition of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; (b) material adverse effect on the ability of the Loan Parties (taken as a whole) to fully and timely perform any of their payment obligations under any Loan Document to which the Borrower or any of the Loan Parties is a party; or (c) material adverse effect on the rights and remedies available to the Lenders or any Agent under any Loan Document.
Maturity Date means (i) with respect to the Initial Term Loans and the Revolving Credit Commitments, the earlier of (1) the date that is five years after the Closing Date and (2) if the Spin-Off Transaction has not occurred on or prior to such date in accordance with the Spin-off Requirements, the date that is 135 days after the Closing Date, (ii) with respect to any tranche of Extended Term Loans or Extended Revolving Credit Commitments, the final maturity date applicable thereto as specified in the applicable Extension Request accepted by the respective Lender or Lenders,(iii) with respect to any Refinancing Term Loans or Other Revolving Credit Commitments, the final maturity date applicable thereto as specified in the applicable Refinancing Amendment and (iv) with respect to any Incremental Term Loans or Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments, the final maturity date applicable thereto as specified in the applicable Incremental Amendment; provided , in each case, that if such date is not a Business Day, then the applicable Maturity Date shall be the next succeeding Business Day.
Maximum Rate has the meaning set forth in Section 10.10.
Moodys means Moodys Investors Service, Inc. and any successor thereto.
Multiemployer Plan means any employee benefit plan of the type described in Sections 3(37) or 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, to which the Borrower, any Restricted Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate makes or is obligated to make contributions, or during the preceding six years, has made or been obligated to make contributions.
Net Proceeds means:
(a) 100% of the aggregate cash proceeds received by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of any Disposition or Casualty Event, net of the direct costs relating to such Disposition or Casualty Event, including legal, accounting and investment banking fees, payments made in order to obtain a necessary consent or required by applicable law, and brokerage and sales commissions, any relocation expenses incurred as a result thereof, other customary fees and expenses, including title and recordation expenses and taxes paid or payable as a result thereof (after taking into account any available tax credits or deductions and any tax sharing arrangements), amounts required to be applied to the repayment of principal, premium, if any, and interest on amounts required to be applied to the repayment of Indebtedness secured by a Lien (other than a Lien that ranks pari passu with or subordinated to the Liens securing the Obligations) on such assets and required (other than Indebtedness under the Loan Documents) to be paid (and is timely repaid) as a result of such transaction and any deduction of appropriate amounts to be provided by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries as a reserve in accordance with GAAP against any liabilities (other than any taxes deducted pursuant to the foregoing) associated with the asset disposed of in such transaction and retained by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries after
40
such sale or other disposition thereof, including pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities and liabilities related to environmental matters or against any indemnification obligations associated with such transaction (however, the amount of any subsequent reduction of such reserve (other than in connection with a payment in respect of any such liability) shall be deemed to be Net Proceeds of such Disposition or Casualty Event occurring on the date of such reduction); provided that in the case of any Disposition or Casualty Event by a non-wholly owned Restricted Subsidiary, the pro rata portion of the Net Proceeds thereof attributable to minority interests and not available for distribution to or for the account of the Borrower or a wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiary may be deducted from such Net Proceeds; provided further that if no Default exists, the Borrower may reinvest any portion of such proceeds in assets useful for its business (which shall include any Investment permitted by this Agreement) within 12 months of such receipt and such portion of such proceeds shall not constitute Net Proceeds except to the extent not, within 12 months of such receipt, so reinvested or contractually committed to be so reinvested (it being understood that if any portion of such proceeds are not so used within such 12-month period but within such 12-month period are contractually committed to be used, then upon the termination of such contract or if such Net Proceeds are not so used within 18 months of initial receipt, such remaining portion shall constitute Net Proceeds as of the date of such termination or expiry without giving effect to this proviso; it being further understood that such proceeds shall constitute Net Proceeds notwithstanding any investment notice if there is a Specified Default at the time of a proposed reinvestment unless such proposed reinvestment is made pursuant to a binding commitment entered into at a time when no Specified Default was continuing); provided , further , that no proceeds realized in a single transaction or series of related transactions shall constitute Net Proceeds (x) unless such proceeds shall exceed $50,000,000 and (y) the aggregate net proceeds excluded under clause (x) exceeds $75,000,000 in any fiscal year (and thereafter only net cash proceeds in excess of such amount in clauses (x) or (y) shall constitute Net Proceeds under this clause (a)), and
(b) 100% of the cash proceeds from the incurrence, issuance or sale by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries of any Indebtedness, net of all taxes paid or reasonably estimated to be payable as a result thereof and fees (including investment banking fees and discounts), commissions, costs and other expenses, in each case incurred in connection with such incurrence, issuance or sale.
For purposes of calculating the amount of Net Proceeds, fees, commissions and other costs and expenses payable to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary shall be disregarded.
Non-Consenting Lender has the meaning set forth in Section 3.07(d).
Non-Defaulting Lender means, at any time, a Lender that is not a Defaulting Lender.
Non-Expiring Credit Commitment has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04(g).
Non-Extension Notice Date has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(b)(iii).
Not Otherwise Applied means, with reference to any amount of Net Proceeds of any transaction or event, that such amount (a) was not required to be applied to prepay the Loans pursuant to Section 2.05(b), (b) was not previously (and is not concurrently being) applied in determining the permissibility of a transaction under the Loan Documents where such permissibility
41
was or is (or may have been) contingent on receipt of such amount or utilization of such amount for a specified purpose and (c) was not utilized pursuant to Section 8.05. The Borrower shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent of any application of such amount as contemplated by (b) above.
Note means a Term Note, a Revolving Credit Note or a Swing Line Note, as the context may require.
Obligations means all (x) advances to, and debts, liabilities, obligations, covenants and duties of, any Loan Party and its Restricted Subsidiaries arising under any Loan Document or otherwise with respect to any Loan or Letter of Credit, whether direct or indirect (including those acquired by assumption), absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising and including interest and fees that accrue after the commencement by or against any Loan Party or Restricted Subsidiary of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Laws naming such Person as the debtor in such proceeding, regardless of whether such interest and fees are allowed claims in such proceeding and (y) obligations of any Loan Party arising under any Secured Hedge Agreement or any Treasury Services Agreement. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Obligations of the Loan Parties under the Loan Documents (and of their Restricted Subsidiaries to the extent they have obligations under the Loan Documents) include (a) the obligation (including guarantee obligations) to pay principal, interest, Letter of Credit fees, reimbursement obligations, charges, expenses, fees, Attorney Costs, indemnities and other amounts payable by any Loan Party under any Loan Document and (b) the obligation of any Loan Party to reimburse any amount in respect of any of the foregoing that any Lender, in its sole discretion, may elect to pay or advance on behalf of such Loan Party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary under any Secured Hedge Agreement or any Treasury Services Agreement shall be secured and guaranteed pursuant to the Collateral Documents and the Guaranty only to the extent that, and for so long as, the other Obligations are so secured and guaranteed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Obligations of any Guarantor shall in no event include any Excluded Swap Obligations of such Guarantor.
OFAC means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the United States Department of the Treasury.
Offered Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(1).
Offered Discount has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(1).
OID means original issue discount.
Organization Documents means (a) with respect to any corporation, the certificate or articles of incorporation and the bylaws (or equivalent or comparable constitutive documents with respect to any non-U.S. jurisdiction); (b) with respect to any limited liability company, the certificate or articles of formation or organization and operating agreement; and (c) with respect to any partnership, joint venture, trust or other form of business entity, the partnership, joint venture or other applicable agreement of formation or organization and any agreement, instrument, filing or notice with respect thereto filed in connection with its formation or organization with the applicable Governmental Authority in the jurisdiction of its formation or organization and, if applicable, any certificate or articles of formation or organization of such entity.
Other Applicable Indebtedness has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(b)(ii).
42
Other Debt Representative means, with respect to any series of Permitted First Priority Refinancing Debt or Permitted Second Priority Refinancing Debt, the trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent or similar agent under the indenture or agreement pursuant to which such Indebtedness is issued, incurred or otherwise obtained, as the case may be, and each of their successors in such capacities.
Other Revolving Credit Commitments means one or more Classes of revolving credit commitments hereunder that result from a Refinancing Amendment.
Other Revolving Credit Loans means one or more Classes of Revolving Credit Loans that result from a Refinancing Amendment.
Other Taxes has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(b).
Outstanding Amount means (a) with respect to the Term Loans, Revolving Credit Loans and Swing Line Loans on any date, the aggregate outstanding Principal Amount thereof after giving effect to any borrowings and prepayments or repayments of Term Loans, Revolving Credit Loans (including any refinancing of outstanding unpaid drawings under Letters of Credit or L/C Credit Extensions as a Revolving Credit Borrowing) and Swing Line Loans, as the case may be, occurring on such date; and (b) with respect to any L/C Obligations on any date, the aggregate outstanding Principal Amount thereof on such date after giving effect to any L/C Credit Extension occurring on such date and any other changes thereto as of such date, including as a result of any reimbursements of outstanding unpaid drawings under any Letters of Credit (including any refinancing of outstanding unpaid drawings under Letters of Credit or L/C Credit Extensions as a Revolving Credit Borrowing) or any reductions in the maximum amount available for drawing under Letters of Credit taking effect on such date.
Overnight Rate means, for any day, (a) with respect to any amount denominated in Dollars, the Federal Funds Rate and (b) with respect to any amount denominated in an Approved Foreign Currency, the rate of interest per annum at which overnight deposits in such currency, in an amount approximately equal to the amount with respect to which such rate is being determined, would be offered for such day by a branch or Affiliate of the Administrative Agent in the applicable offshore interbank market for such currency to major banks in such interbank market.
Ownership Business has the meaning assigned to such term in the Distribution Agreement.
Ownership Capitalization means the transactions which upon consummation thereof will result in the Borrower holding, directly or indirectly, all of the Equity Interests of Hilton Resorts Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and all or substantially all of the assets and operations of the Timeshare Business.
Parent has the meaning set forth in the introductory paragraph to this Agreement.
Participant has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(f).
Participant Register has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(f).
Participating Lender has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(2).
43
PBGC means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation.
Pension Plan means any employee pension benefit plan (as such term is defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA), other than a Multiemployer Plan, that is subject to Title IV of ERISA and is sponsored or maintained by any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate or to which any Loan Party or any ERISA Affiliate contributes or has an obligation to contribute, or in the case of a multiple employer or other plan described in Section 4064(a) of ERISA, has made contributions at any time during the immediately preceding six years.
Perfection Certificate means a certificate in the form of Exhibit H hereto or any other form reasonably approved by the Collateral Agent, as the same shall be supplemented from time to time.
Permitted Acquisition has the meaning set forth in Section 7.02(i).
Permitted First Priority Refinancing Debt means any Permitted First Priority Refinancing Notes and any Permitted First Priority Refinancing Loans.
Permitted First Priority Refinancing Loans means any Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness in the form of secured loans incurred by the Borrower in the form of one or more tranches of loans under this Agreement; provided that (i) such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a pari passu basis (but without regard to the control of remedies) with the Obligations and is not secured by any property or assets of Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary other than the Collateral, (ii) such Indebtedness is not at any time guaranteed by any Subsidiaries other than Subsidiaries that are Loan Parties or (iii) such Indebtedness does not mature or have scheduled amortization or payments of principal (other than customary offers to repurchase upon a change of control, asset sale or event of loss and a customary acceleration right after an event of default) on or prior to the date that is the Latest Maturity Date at the time such Indebtedness is incurred or issued.
Permitted First Priority Refinancing Notes means any Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness in the form of secured Indebtedness (including any Registered Equivalent Notes) incurred by the Borrower in the form of one or more series of senior secured notes; provided that (i) such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a pari passu basis (but without regard to the control of remedies) with the Obligations and is not secured by any property or assets of Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary other than the Collateral, (ii) such Indebtedness is not at any time guaranteed by any Subsidiaries other than Subsidiaries that are Loan Parties, (iii) such Indebtedness does not mature or have scheduled amortization or payments of principal (other than customary offers to repurchase upon a change of control, asset sale or event of loss and a customary acceleration right after an event of default) on or prior to the date that is the Latest Maturity Date at the time such Indebtedness is incurred or issued, (iv) the security agreements relating to such Indebtedness are substantially the same as or more favorable to the Loan Parties than the Collateral Documents (with such differences as are reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent) and (v) an Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of such Indebtedness shall have become party to each Intercreditor Agreement. Permitted First Priority Refinancing Debt will include any Registered Equivalent Notes issued in exchange therefor.
Permitted Holders means each of (x) the Investors and (y) the Management Stockholders ( provided that if the Management Stockholders own beneficially or of record more than fifteen percent (15%) of the outstanding voting stock of Holdings in the aggregate, they shall be treated as Permitted Holders of only fifteen percent (15%) of the outstanding voting stock of Holdings at such time).
44
Permitted Intercompany Activities means any transactions between or among the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (for the avoidance of doubt, including Unrestricted Subsidiaries) that are entered into in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and, in the good faith judgment of the Borrower are necessary or advisable in connection with the ownership or operation of the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, including, but not limited to, (i) payroll, cash management, purchasing, insurance and hedging arrangements; (ii) management, technology and licensing arrangements; and (iii) HHonors, Hilton Grand Vacations Club and similar customer loyalty and rewards programs.
Permitted Other Debt Conditions means that such applicable debt (i) does not mature or have scheduled amortization payments of principal or payments of principal and is not subject to mandatory redemption, repurchase, prepayment or sinking fund obligations (except customary asset sale or change of control provisions that provide for the prior repayment in full of the Loans and all other Obligations), in each case on or prior to the Latest Maturity Date at the time such Indebtedness is incurred, (ii) is not at any time guaranteed by any Subsidiaries other than Subsidiaries that are Guarantors, and (iii) to the extent secured, the security agreements relating to such Indebtedness are substantially the same as or more favorable to the Loan Parties than the Collateral Documents (with such differences as are reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent).
Permitted Ratio Debt means Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary so long as immediately after giving Pro Forma Effect thereto and to the use of the proceeds thereof (but without netting the proceeds thereof) (i) no Event of Default shall be continuing or result therefrom (ii) the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries are in compliance with the covenants set forth in Section 7.11, determined on a Pro Forma Basis as of the date of incurrence of such Indebtedness and with respect to any revolving commitment, assuming a borrowing of the maximum amount of Indebtedness available thereunder and (iii) (x) if such Indebtedness is secured on a pari passu basis with the Facilities, the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio is no greater than 0.25:1.00 and (y) if such Indebtedness is secured on a junior basis to the Facilities, the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio is no greater than 1.10:1.00; provided that, such Indebtedness shall (A) in the case of clause (x) above, have a maturity date that is after the Latest Maturity Date at the time such Indebtedness is incurred, and in the case of clause (y) above, have a maturity date that is at least ninety-one (91) days after the Latest Maturity Date at the time such Indebtedness is incurred, (B) in the case of clause (x) above, have a Weighted Average Life to Maturity not shorter than the longest remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Facilities and, in the case of clause (y) above, shall not be subject to scheduled amortization prior to maturity, (C) if such Indebtedness is incurred or guaranteed on a secured basis by a Loan Party, be subject to the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement and, if the Indebtedness is secured on a pari passu basis with the Facilities, be subject to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement and (D) have terms and conditions (other than pricing, rate floors, discounts, fees, premiums and optional prepayment or redemption provisions) that in the good faith determination of the Borrower are not materially less favorable (when taken as a whole) to the Borrower than the terms and conditions of the Loan Documents (when taken as a whole) ( provided that a certificate of the Borrower as to the satisfaction of the conditions described in this clause (D) delivered at least five (5) Business Days prior to the incurrence of such Indebtedness, together with a reasonably detailed description of the material terms and conditions of such Indebtedness or drafts of documentation relating thereto, stating that the Borrower has determined in good faith that such
45
terms and conditions satisfy the foregoing requirements of this clause (D), shall be conclusive unless the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower within such five (5) Business Day period that it disagrees with such determination (including a description of the basis upon which it disagrees)); provided , further , that any such Indebtedness incurred pursuant to clauses (x) or (y) above by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party, together with any Indebtedness incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party pursuant to Sections 7.03(g), 7.03(q) or 7.03(w), does not exceed in the aggregate at any time outstanding the greater of (1) $60,000,000 and (2) 4.25% of Total Assets.
Permitted Refinancing means, with respect to any Person, any modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement or extension of any Indebtedness of such Person; provided that (a) the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) thereof does not exceed the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of the Indebtedness so modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended except by an amount equal to unpaid accrued interest and premium thereon plus other reasonable amounts paid, and fees and expenses reasonably incurred, in connection with such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement or extension and by an amount equal to any existing commitments unutilized thereunder, (b) other than with respect to a Permitted Refinancing in respect of Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 7.03(e), such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement or extension has a final maturity date equal to or later than the final maturity date of, and has a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of, the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended, (c) other than with respect to a Permitted Refinancing in respect of Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 7.03(e), at the time thereof, no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and (d) if such Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended is Junior Financing, (i) to the extent such Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended is subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations, such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement or extension is subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations on terms at least as favorable to the Lenders as those contained in the documentation governing the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended, (ii) such modification, refinancing, refunding, renewal, replacement or extension is incurred by the Person who is the obligor of the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended and (iii) if the Indebtedness being modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended was subject to an Intercreditor Agreement, the holders of such modified, refinanced, refunded, renewed, replaced or extended Indebtedness (if such Indebtedness is secured) or their representative on their behalf shall become party to such Intercreditor Agreement.
Permitted Second Priority Refinancing Debt means Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness constituting secured Indebtedness (including any Registered Equivalent Notes) incurred by the Borrower in the form of one or more series of second lien (or other junior lien) secured notes or second lien (or other junior lien) secured loans; provided that (i) such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a second priority (or other junior priority) basis to the liens securing the Obligations and the obligations in respect of any Permitted First Priority Refinancing Debt and is not secured by any property or assets of Holdings, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary other than the Collateral, (ii) such Indebtedness may be secured by a Lien on the Collateral that is junior to the Liens securing the Obligations and the obligations in respect of any Permitted First Priority Refinancing Debt, notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in the definition of Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness, (iii) an Other Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of such Indebtedness shall have become party to the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement
46
as a Second Priority Representative thereunder, and (iv) such Indebtedness meets the Permitted Other Debt Conditions. Permitted Second Priority Refinancing Debt will include any Registered Equivalent Notes issued in exchange therefor.
Permitted Unsecured Refinancing Debt means Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness in the form of unsecured Indebtedness (including any Registered Equivalent Notes) incurred by the Borrower in the form of one or more series of senior unsecured notes or loans; provided that (i) such Indebtedness constitutes Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness and (ii) meets the Permitted Other Debt Conditions.
Person means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, Governmental Authority or other entity.
PHRI means Park Hotels & Resorts Inc., a Delaware corporation.
Plan means any employee benefit plan (as such term is defined in Section 3(3) of ERISA) sponsored, maintained or contributed to by any Loan Party or, with respect to any such plan that is subject to Section 412 of the Code or Title IV of ERISA, any ERISA Affiliate.
Platform has the meaning set forth in Section 6.02.
Pledged Debt has the meaning set forth in the Security Agreement.
Pledged Equity has the meaning set forth in the Security Agreement.
Post-Acquisition Period means, with respect to any Permitted Acquisition or the conversion of any Unrestricted Subsidiary into a Restricted Subsidiary, the period beginning on the date such Permitted Acquisition or conversion is consummated and ending on the first anniversary of the date on which such Permitted Acquisition or conversion is consummated.
Prime Rate means the rate of interest per annum determined from time to time by the Administrative Agent as its prime rate in effect at its principal office in New York City and notified to the Borrower.
Principal Amount means (i) the stated or principal amount of each Dollar Denominated Loan or Dollar Denominated Letter of Credit or L/C Obligation with respect thereto, as applicable, and (ii) the Dollar Equivalent of the stated or principal amount of each Foreign Currency Denominated Loan and Foreign Currency Denominated Letter of Credit or L/C Obligation with respect thereto, as the context may require.
Pro Forma Adjustment means, for any Test Period that includes all or any part of a fiscal quarter included in any Post-Acquisition Period, with respect to the Acquired EBITDA of the applicable Acquired Entity or Business or Converted Restricted Subsidiary or the Consolidated EBITDA of the Borrower, the pro forma increase or decrease in such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, projected by the Borrower in good faith as a result of (a) actions taken during such Post-Acquisition Period for the purposes of realizing reasonably identifiable and factually supportable cost savings or (b) any additional costs incurred during such Post-Acquisition Period, in each case in connection with the combination of the operations of such Acquired Entity or Business or Converted Restricted Subsidiary with the operations of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that (i) at the election of the Borrower, such Pro Forma
47
Adjustment shall not be required to be determined for any Acquired Entity or Business or Converted Restricted Subsidiary to the extent the aggregate consideration paid in connection with such acquisition was less than $25,000,000, and (ii) so long as such actions are taken during such Post-Acquisition Period or such costs are incurred during such Post-Acquisition Period, as applicable, for purposes of projecting such pro forma increase or decrease to such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, it may be assumed that such cost savings will be realizable during the entirety of such Test Period, or such additional costs, as applicable, will be incurred during the entirety of such Test Period; provided, further, that any such pro forma increase or decrease to such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, shall be without duplication for cost savings or additional costs already included in such Acquired EBITDA or such Consolidated EBITDA, as the case may be, for such Test Period.
Pro Forma Basis , Pro Forma Compliance and Pro Forma Effect mean, with respect to compliance with any test hereunder, that (A) to the extent applicable, the Pro Forma Adjustment shall have been made and (B) all Specified Transactions and the following transactions in connection therewith shall be deemed to have occurred as of the first day of the applicable period of measurement in such test: (a) income statement items (whether positive or negative) attributable to the property or Person subject to such Specified Transaction, (i) in the case of a Disposition of all or substantially all Equity Interests in any Subsidiary of the Borrower or any division, product line, or facility used for operations of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, shall be excluded, and (ii) in the case of a Permitted Acquisition or Investment described in the definition of Specified Transaction, shall be included, (b) any retirement of Indebtedness, and (c) any Indebtedness incurred or assumed by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in connection therewith and if such Indebtedness has a floating or formula rate, shall have an implied rate of interest for the applicable period for purposes of this definition determined by utilizing the rate which is or would be in effect with respect to such Indebtedness as at the relevant date of determination; provided that, without limiting the application of the Pro Forma Adjustment pursuant to (A) above, the foregoing pro forma adjustments may be applied to any such test solely to the extent that such adjustments are consistent with the definition of Consolidated EBITDA and give effect to events (including operating expense reductions) that are (as determined by the Borrower in good faith) (i) (x) directly attributable to such transaction, (y) expected to have a continuing impact on the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries and (z) factually supportable or (ii) otherwise consistent with the definition of Pro Forma Adjustment; provided, further , that when calculating (i) the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio for purposes of the definition of Applicable Rate and (ii) Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio or Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio for purposes of determining actual compliance (and not Pro Forma Compliance or compliance on a Pro Forma Basis) with Section 7.11, the events that occurred subsequent to the end of the applicable Test Period shall not be given pro forma effect.
Pro Rata Share means, with respect to each Lender, at any time a fraction (expressed as a percentage, carried out to the ninth decimal place), the numerator of which is the amount of the Commitments and, if applicable and without duplication, Term Loans of such Lender under the applicable Facility or Facilities at such time and the denominator of which is the amount of the Aggregate Commitments under the applicable Facility or Facilities and, if applicable and without duplication, Term Loans under the applicable Facility or Facilities at such time; provided that, in the case of the Revolving Credit Facility, if such Commitments have been terminated, then the Pro Rata Share of each Lender shall be determined based on the Pro Rata Share of such Lender immediately prior to such termination and after giving effect to any subsequent assignments made pursuant to the terms hereof.
48
Public Lender has the meaning set forth in Section 6.02.
Qualified ECP Guarantor means, in respect of any Swap Obligation, each Guarantor that, at the time the relevant Guaranty (or grant of the relevant security interest, as applicable) becomes or would become effective with respect to such Swap Obligation, has total assets exceeding $10,000,000 or otherwise constitutes an eligible contract participant under the Commodity Exchange Act and which may cause another person to qualify as an eligible contract participant with respect to such Swap Obligation at such time by entering into an agreement pursuant to the Commodity Exchange Act.
Qualified Equity Interests means any Equity Interests that are not Disqualified Equity Interests.
Qualified IPO means the issuance by Holdings or any direct or indirect parent of Holdings of its common Equity Interests in an underwritten primary public offering (other than a public offering pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-4 or Form S-8) pursuant to an effective registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance with the Securities Act (whether alone or in connection with a secondary public offering).
Qualified Proceeds means the fair market value of assets that are used or useful in, or Equity Interests of any Person engaged in, a Similar Business.
Qualified Securitization Financing means (a) any timeshare financing receivable backed notes (such as notes issued by Hilton Grand Vacations Trust 2013-A pursuant to the indenture, dated as of August 8, 2013, between Hilton Grand Vacations Trust 2013-A, as issuer, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as indenture trustee) and similar note issuances, in each case, the Obligations of which are non-recourse (except for customary representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities made in connection therewith) to the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a Securitization Subsidiary), (b) any timeshare financing receivable backed credit facility (such as the Timeshare Facility) and similar financings, in each case, the Obligations of which are non-recourse (except for customary representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities made in connection therewith) to the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a Securitization Subsidiary) and similar facilities and (c) any other Securitization Financing of a Securitization Subsidiary that meets the following conditions: (I)(x) the board of directors or management of the Borrower shall have determined in good faith that such Securitization Financing is in the aggregate economically fair and reasonable to the Borrower and (y) all sales and/or contributions of Securitization Assets and related assets to the applicable Securitization Subsidiary are made at fair market value (as determined in good faith by the Borrower) or (II) constitutes a receivables or payables financing or factoring facility.
Qualifying Lender has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(3).
Rating Agencies means Moodys and S&P.
Real Property means, collectively, all right, title and interest (including any leasehold, mineral or other estate) in and to any and all parcels of or interests in real property (including, without limitation, any vacation ownership intervals) owned or leased by any Person, whether by lease, license or other means, together with, in each case, all easements, hereditaments and appurtenances relating thereto, all improvements and appurtenant fixtures and equipment, all general intangibles and contract rights and other property and rights incidental to the ownership, lease or operation thereof.
49
Refinanced Debt has the meaning set forth in the definition of Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness.
Refinancing means the repayment in full of all third party Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries existing prior to the consummation of the Spin-Off Transaction (other than existing financing or capital leases and letters of credit and any Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries set forth on Schedule 7.03(b) ) with the proceeds of the Initial Term Loans, the Revolving Credit Loans and the termination and release of all commitments, security interests and guarantees in connection therewith.
Refinancing Amendment means an amendment to this Agreement executed by each of (a) the Borrower, (b) the Administrative Agent, (c) each Additional Refinancing Lender and (d) each Lender that agrees to provide any portion of Refinancing Term Loans, Other Revolving Credit Commitments or Other Revolving Credit Loans incurred pursuant thereto, in accordance with Section 2.15.
Refinancing Series means all Refinancing Term Loans, Refinancing Term Commitments, Other Revolving Credit Commitments or Other Revolving Credit Loans that are established pursuant to the same Refinancing Amendment (or any subsequent Refinancing Amendment to the extent such Refinancing Amendment expressly provides that the Refinancing Term Loans, Refinancing Term Commitments, Other Revolving Credit Commitments or Other Revolving Credit Loans provided for therein are intended to be a part of any previously established Refinancing Series) and that provide for the same Effective Yield and, in the case of Refinancing Term Loans or Refinancing Term Commitments, amortization schedule.
Refinancing Term Commitments means one or more Classes of Term Commitments hereunder that are established to fund Refinancing Term Loans of the applicable Refinancing Series hereunder pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment.
Refinancing Term Loans means one or more Classes of Term Loans hereunder that result from a Refinancing Amendment.
Register has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(d).
Registered Equivalent Notes means, with respect to any notes originally issued in an offering pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act or other private placement transaction under the Securities Act of 1933, substantially identical notes (having the same guarantees) issued in a dollar-for-dollar exchange therefor pursuant to an exchange offer registered with the SEC.
Release means any spilling, leaking, pumping, pouring, emitting, emptying, discharging, injecting, escaping, leaching, dumping, disposing or migrating in into, onto or through the Environment.
Reportable Event means any of the events set forth in Section 4043(c) of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder, other than events for which the thirty (30) day notice period has been waived.
50
Request for Credit Extension means (a) with respect to a Borrowing, continuation or conversion of Term Loans or Revolving Credit Loans, a Committed Loan Notice, (b) with respect to an L/C Credit Extension, a Letter of Credit Issuance Request, and (c) with respect to a Swing Line Loan, a Swing Line Loan Notice.
Required Class Lenders means, with respect to any Class on any date of determination, Lenders having more than 50% of the sum of (i) the outstanding Loans under such Class and (ii) the aggregate unused Commitments under such Facility.
Required Facility Lenders mean, as of any date of determination, with respect to any Facility, Lenders having more than 50% of the sum of (a) the Total Outstandings under such Facility (with the aggregate amount of each Lenders risk participation and funded participation in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans, as applicable, under such Facility being deemed held by such Lender for purposes of this definition) and (b) the aggregate unused Commitments under such Facility; provided that the unused Commitments of, and the portion of the Total Outstandings under such Facility held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of the Required Facility Lenders.
Required Lenders means, as of any date of determination, Lenders having more than 50% of the sum of the (a) Total Outstandings (with the aggregate amount of each Lenders risk participation and funded participation in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans being deemed held by such Lender for purposes of this definition), (b) aggregate unused Term Commitments and (c) aggregate unused Revolving Credit Commitments; provided that the unused Term Commitment and unused Revolving Credit Commitment of, and the portion of the Total Outstandings held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Lenders.
Required Revolving Credit Lenders means, as of any date of determination, Revolving Credit Lenders having more than 50% of the sum of the (a) Outstanding Amount of all Revolving Credit Loans, Swing Line Loans and all L/C Obligations (with the aggregate amount of each Lenders risk participation and funded participation in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans being deemed held by such Lender for purposes of this definition) and (b) aggregate unused Revolving Credit Commitments; provided that unused Revolving Credit Commitment of, and the portion of the Outstanding Amount of all Revolving Credit Loans, Swing Line Loans and all L/C Obligations held or deemed held by, any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded for purposes of making a determination of Required Revolving Credit Lenders.
Responsible Officer means the chief executive officer, president, vice president, chief financial officer, treasurer or assistant treasurer or other similar officer of a Loan Party, HWHI or HGVI and, as to any document delivered on the Closing Date, any secretary or assistant secretary of such Loan Party, HWHI or HGVI, as applicable. Any document delivered hereunder that is signed by a Responsible Officer of a Loan Party, HWHI or HGVI shall be conclusively presumed to have been authorized by all necessary corporate, limited liability company, partnership and/or other action on the part of such Loan Party, HWHI or HGVI, as applicable, and such Responsible Officer shall be conclusively presumed to have acted on behalf of such Loan Party, HWHI or HGVI, as applicable.
Restricted Payment means any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any Equity Interest of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, or any payment (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar
51
deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, defeasance, acquisition, cancellation or termination of any such Equity Interest, or on account of any return of capital to the Borrowers or a Restricted Subsidiarys stockholders, partners or members (or the equivalent Persons thereof).
Restricted Subsidiary means any Subsidiary of the Borrower other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
Reversion Date has the meaning set forth in Article VII.
Revolver Extension Request has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(b).
Revolver Extension Series has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(b).
Revolving Commitment Increase has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a).
Revolving Credit Borrowing means a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Revolving Credit Loans of the same Type, in the same Approved Currency, and, in the case of Eurocurrency Rate Loans, having the same Interest Period made by each of the Revolving Credit Lenders pursuant to Section 2.01(b).
Revolving Credit Commitment means, as to each Revolving Credit Lender, its obligation to (a) make Revolving Credit Loans to the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.01(b), (b) purchase participations in L/C Obligations in respect of Letters of Credit and (c) purchase participations in Swing Line Loans, in an aggregate Principal Amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the amount set forth opposite such Lenders name on Schedule 1.01A under the caption Revolving Credit Commitments or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender becomes a party hereto, as applicable, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with this Agreement (including Section 2.14). The aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments of all Revolving Credit Lenders shall be $200,000,000 on the Closing Date, as such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.
Revolving Credit Exposure means, as to each Revolving Credit Lender, the sum of the amount of the outstanding Principal Amount of such Revolving Credit Lenders Revolving Credit Loans and its Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement of the amount of the L/C Obligations and the Swing Line Obligations at such time.
Revolving Credit Facility means, at any time, the aggregate amount of the Revolving Credit Commitments at such time.
Revolving Credit Lender means, at any time, any Lender that has a Revolving Credit Commitment at such time or, if the Revolving Credit Commitments have terminated, Revolving Credit Exposure.
Revolving Credit Loans means any Revolving Credit Loan made pursuant to Section 2.01(b), Incremental Revolving Credit Loans, Other Revolving Credit Loans or Extended Revolving Credit Loans, as the context may require.
Revolving Credit Note means a promissory note of the Borrower payable to any Revolving Credit Lender or its registered assigns, in substantially the form of Exhibit D-2 hereto, evidencing the aggregate Indebtedness of the Borrower to such Revolving Credit Lender resulting from the Revolving Credit Loans made by such Revolving Credit Lender to the Borrower.
52
S&P means Standard & Poors Financial Services LLC, a subsidiary of S&P Global Inc., and any successor thereto.
Same Day Funds means immediately available funds.
Sanction(s) means any international economic sanction administered or enforced by the United States government (including without limitation, OFAC), the United Nations Security Council, the European Union or Her Majestys Treasury.
SEC means the Securities and Exchange Commission, or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.
Secured Hedge Agreement means any Swap Contract that is entered into by and between the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and any Approved Counterparty.
Secured Parties means, collectively, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the Lenders, any Approved Counterparty party to a Secured Hedge Agreement or Treasury Services Agreement, the Supplemental Agents and each co-agent or sub-agent appointed by the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent from time to time pursuant to Section 9.02.
Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
Securitization Assets means the accounts receivable, financing receivables, other receivables, royalty or other revenue streams and other rights to payment and any other assets related thereto subject to a Qualified Securitization Financing and the proceeds thereof.
Securitization Fees means distributions or payments made directly or by means of discounts with respect to any participation interest issued or sold in connection with, and other fees paid to a Person that is not a Securitization Subsidiary in connection with any Qualified Securitization Financing.
Securitization Financing means any of one or more receivables or securitization financing facilities as amended, supplemented, modified, extended, renewed, restated or refunded from time to time, the obligations of which are non-recourse (except for customary representations, warranties, covenants and indemnities made in connection with such facilities) to the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than a Securitization Subsidiary) pursuant to which the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries sells or grants a security interest in Securitization Assets to, or for the benefit of, either (a) a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary or (b) a Securitization Subsidiary that in turn sells its or grants a security interests in Securitization Assets to, or for the benefit of, a Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary.
Securitization Subsidiary means (i) each Subsidiary of the Borrower listed on Schedule 1.01E and (ii) any Subsidiary formed for the purpose of, and that solely engages only in one or more Qualified Securitization Financing and other activities reasonably related thereto.
53
Security Agreement means the Security Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit G , dated as of the Closing Date, among Holdings, the Borrower, certain subsidiaries of the Borrower and the Collateral Agent.
Security Agreement Supplement has the meaning set forth in the Security Agreement.
Senior Unsecured Notes means $300,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of the Borrowers 6.50% senior unsecured notes due 2024 issued pursuant to the Senior Unsecured Notes Indenture.
Senior Unsecured Notes Documents means the Senior Unsecured Notes Indenture and the other transaction documents referred to therein (including the related guarantee, the notes, the notes purchase agreement and the registration rights agreements).
Senior Unsecured Notes Indenture means the Indenture for the Senior Unsecured Notes, dated as of October 21, 2016, among Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC and Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower Inc., as the issuers, the guarantors listed therein and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee, as amended or supplemented from time to time.
Senior Unsecured Notes Offering Memorandum means the offering memorandum, dated November 18, 2016, relating to the sale of the Senior Unsecured Notes.
Similar Business means (1) any business conducted or proposed to be conducted by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries on the Closing Date, and any reasonable extension thereof, or (2) any business or other activities that are reasonably similar, ancillary, incidental, complementary or related to, or a reasonable extension, development or expansion of, the businesses in which the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries are engaged or propose to be engaged on the Closing Date.
Sold Entity or Business has the meaning set forth in the definition of the term Consolidated EBITDA.
Solicited Discount Proration has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(3).
Solicited Discounted Prepayment Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(1).
Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice means a written notice of the Borrower of Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers made pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(D) substantially in the form of Exhibit M -6 .
Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer means the irrevocable written offer by each Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit M -7 , submitted following the Administrative Agents receipt of a Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice.
Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)(1).
Solvent and Solvency mean, with respect to any Person on any date of determination, that on such date (a) the fair value of the assets of such Person and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated
54
basis, exceeds, on a consolidated basis, their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, (b) the present fair saleable value of the property of such Person and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, is greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability, on a consolidated basis, of their debts and other liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured, (c) such Person and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are able to pay their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such liabilities become absolute and matured and (d) such Person and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are not engaged in, and are not about to engage in, business for which they have unreasonably small capital. The amount of any contingent liability at any time shall be computed as the amount that would reasonably be expected to become an actual and matured liability.
SPC has the meaning set forth in Section 10.07(i).
Specified Default means a Default under Section 8.01(a), (f) or (g).
Specified Discount has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(B)(1).
Specified Discount Prepayment Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(B)(1).
Specified Discount Prepayment Notice means a written notice of the Borrower Offer of Specified Discount Prepayment made pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(B) substantially in the form of Exhibit M-8 .
Specified Discount Prepayment Response means the irrevocable written response by each Lender, substantially in the form of Exhibit M -9 , to a Specified Discount Prepayment Notice.
Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(B)(1).
Specified Discount Proration has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(B)(3).
Specified Equity Contribution means any cash contribution to the common equity of Holdings and/or any purchase or investment in an Equity Interest of Holdings other than Disqualified Equity Interests.
Specified Guarantor means any Guarantor that is not an eligible contract participant under the Commodity Exchange Act (determined prior to giving effect to Section 11.12).
Specified Representations means those representations and warranties made by the Borrower in Sections 5.01(b)(ii), 5.02(a), 5.02(b)(i), 5.02(b)(iii) (to the extent such conflict has not resulted in a Material Adverse Effect (as such term or similar definition is defined in the main transaction agreement governing the applicable Permitted Acquisition), 5.04, 5.13, 5.18, 5.20 and 5.21).
Specified Transaction means any Investment, Disposition, incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness, Restricted Payment, Subsidiary designation, Incremental Term Loan or Revolving Commitment Increase in respect of which the terms of this Agreement require any test to be calculated on a Pro Forma Basis or after giving Pro Forma Effect; provided that a Revolving Commitment Increase, for purposes of this Specified Transaction definition, shall be deemed to be fully drawn.
55
Spin-Off Date means the date on which the Spin-Off Transaction is consummated.
Spin-Off Requirements shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.02(iv).
Spin-Off Transaction means, collectively, the transactions, substantially on the terms described in the Senior Unsecured Notes Offering Memorandum, which upon consummation thereof, will result in (a) PHRI holding directly or indirectly all or substantially all of the Ownership Business and (b) HGVI holding directly or indirectly all or substantially all of the Timeshare Business, and which will be completed by the distribution by Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. to its stockholders of shares of each of PHRI and HGVI on a pro rata basis, and all related transactions, including the Ownership Capitalization and the Transactions.
Spot Exchange Rate shall have the meaning provided in the definition of Dollar Equivalent.
Sterling and £ mean freely transferable lawful money of the United Kingdom (expressed in pounds sterling).
Stockholders Agreement means the Stockholders Agreement, to be dated on or prior to the Spin-Off Date, containing substantially the terms described in the Senior Unsecured Notes Offering Memorandum, by and among Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., HGVI, the Blackstone Entities (as defined therein) and the other parties thereto, as amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified from time to time in a manner not materially adverse to the Lenders when taken as a whole, as compared to the Stockholders Agreement as in effect immediately prior to such amendment, supplement, waiver or modification.
Submitted Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(1).
Submitted Discount has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)(1).
Subsidiary of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which (i) a majority of the shares of securities or other interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body (other than securities or interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time beneficially owned, (ii) more than half of the issued share capital is at the time beneficially owned or (iii) the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a Subsidiary or to Subsidiaries shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Borrower. For the avoidance of doubt, any entity that is owned at a 50.0% or less level (as described above) shall not be a Subsidiary for any purpose under this Agreement, regardless of whether such entity is consolidated on Holdings or any Restricted Subsidiarys financial statements.
Subsidiary Guarantor means any Guarantor other than Holdings, HWHI and HGVI.
Successor Company has the meaning set forth in Section 7.04(d).
Supplemental Agent has the meaning set forth in Section 9.14(a) and Supplemental Agents shall have the corresponding meaning.
56
Support and Services Agreement means the management services or similar agreements between certain of the management companies associated with one or more of the Investors or their advisors, if applicable, and HGVI (and/or its direct or indirect parent companies), as in effect from time to time; provided that any management, monitoring, consulting and advisory fees payable in advance by HGVI (and/or its direct or indirect parent companies) and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall not exceed an amount equal to 2.0% of Consolidated EBITDA for such fiscal year.
Suspended Covenants has the meaning set forth in Article VII.
Suspension Period has the meaning set forth in Article VII.
Swap means, any agreement, contract, or transaction that constitutes a swap within the meaning of Section 1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act.
Swap Contract means (a) any and all rate swap transactions, basis swaps, credit derivative transactions, forward rate transactions, commodity swaps, commodity options, forward commodity contracts, equity or equity index swaps or options, bond or bond price or bond index swaps or options or forward bond or forward bond price or forward bond index transactions, interest rate options, forward foreign exchange transactions, cap transactions, floor transactions, collar transactions, currency swap transactions, cross-currency rate swap transactions, currency options, spot contracts, or any other similar transactions or any combination of any of the foregoing (including any options to enter into any of the foregoing), whether or not any such transaction is governed by or subject to any master agreement, and (b) any and all transactions of any kind, and the related confirmations, which are subject to the terms and conditions of, or governed by, any form of master agreement published by the International Swaps and Derivatives Association, Inc., any International Foreign Exchange Master Agreement, or any other master agreement (any such master agreement, together with any related schedules, a Master Agreement ), including any such obligations or liabilities under any Master Agreement.
Swap Obligation means, with respect to any Person, any obligation to pay or perform under any Swap.
Swap Termination Value means, in respect of any one or more Swap Contracts, after taking into account the effect of any legally enforceable netting agreement relating to such Swap Contracts, (a) for any date on or after the date such Swap Contracts have been closed out and termination value(s) determined in accordance therewith, such termination value(s), and (b) for any date prior to the date referenced in clause (a), the amount(s) determined as the mark-to-market value(s) for such Swap Contracts, as determined based upon one or more mid-market or other readily available quotations provided by any recognized dealer in such Swap Contracts (which may include a Lender or any Affiliate of a Lender).
Swing Line Borrowing means a borrowing of a Swing Line Loan pursuant to Section 2.04.
Swing Line Facility means the swing line loan facility made available by the Swing Line Lenders pursuant to Section 2.04.
57
Swing Line Lender means Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, in its capacity as provider of Swing Line Loans or any successor swing line lender hereunder.
Swing Line Loan has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04(a).
Swing Line Loan Notice means a notice of a Swing Line Borrowing pursuant to Section 2.04(b), which, if in writing, shall be substantially in the form of Exhibit C .
Swing Line Note means a promissory note of the Borrower payable to the Swing Line Lender or its registered assigns, in substantially the form of Exhibit D-3 hereto, evidencing the aggregate Indebtedness of the Borrower to the Swing Line Lender resulting from the Swing Line Loans.
Swing Line Obligations means, as at any date of determination, the aggregate principal amount of all Swing Line Loans outstanding.
Swing Line Sublimit means an amount equal to the lesser of (a) $10,000,000 and (b) the aggregate amount of the Revolving Credit Commitments. The Swing Line Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Revolving Credit Commitments.
Tax Group has the meaning set forth in Section 7.06(i).
Tax Matters Agreement means the Tax Matters Agreement, to be dated on or prior to the Spin-Off Date, containing substantially the terms described in the Senior Unsecured Notes Offering Memorandum, by and among Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., PHRI and HGVI and the other parties thereto, as amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified from time to time in a manner not materially adverse to the Lenders when taken as a whole, as compared to the Tax Matters Agreement as in effect immediately prior to such amendment, supplement, waiver or modification.
Taxes has the meaning set forth in Section 3.01(a).
Term Borrowing means a borrowing consisting of simultaneous Term Loans of the same Class and Type and, in the case of Eurocurrency Rate Loans, having the same Interest Period made by each of the Term Lenders pursuant to Section 2.01.
Term Commitment means, as to each Term Lender, its obligation to make a Term Loan to the Borrower hereunder, expressed as an amount representing the maximum principal amount of the Term Loan to be made by such Term Lender under this Agreement, as such commitment may be (a) reduced from time to time pursuant to Section 2.06 and (b) reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to (i) assignments by or to such Term Lender pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption, (ii) an Incremental Amendment, (iii) a Refinancing Amendment or (iv) an Extension.
Term Lender means, at any time, any Lender that has a Term Commitment or a Term Loan at such time.
Term Loans means any Initial Term Loans or any Incremental Term Loan, Refinancing Term Loan or Extended Term Loan designated as a Term Loan, as the context may require.
Term Loan Extension Request has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(a).
58
Term Loan Extension Series has the meaning set forth in Section 2.16(a).
Term Loan Increase has the meaning set forth in Section 2.14(a).
Term Note means a promissory note of the Borrower payable to any Term Lender or its registered assigns, in substantially the form of Exhibit D-1 hereto, evidencing the aggregate Indebtedness of the Borrower to such Term Lender resulting from the Term Loans of each Class made by such Term Lender.
Test Period means, for any date of determination under this Agreement, the latest four consecutive fiscal quarters of the Borrower for which financial statements have been delivered to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the Closing Date and/or for which financial statements are required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01, as applicable.
Threshold Amount means $75,000,000.
Timeshare Business has the meaning assigned to such term in the Distribution Agreement.
Timeshare Facility means the Receivables Loan Agreement, dated as of May 9, 2013, among Hilton Grand Vacations Trust I LLC, as borrower, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as paying agent and securities intermediary, the persons from time to time party thereto as conduit lenders, the financial institutions from time to time party thereto as committed lenders, the financial institutions from time to time party thereto as managing agents, and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc., as administrative agent and structuring agent, as amended or replaced.
Timeshare Loans means loans made by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to consumers in connection with their purchase of vacation ownership intervals from the Borrower or one of its Subsidiaries and evidenced by a promissory note secured by points earned under the Hilton Grand Vacations Club or similar customer loyalty and rewards programs or a fee simple interest in a residential unit.
Total Assets means the total assets of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, as shown on the most recent balance sheet of Holdings delivered pursuant to Sections 6.01(a) or (b).
Total Outstandings means the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all Loans and all L/C Obligations.
Transaction Agreements means collectively, the Distribution Agreement, the Employee Matters Agreement, the License Agreement, the Stockholders Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement, the Transition Services Agreement and each other instrument or agreement to be entered into in connection with, or as contemplated by, the Spin-Off Transaction.
Transaction Expenses means any fees or expenses incurred or paid by HGVI, the Parent, the Borrower or any of its (or their) Subsidiaries in connection with the Transactions (including expenses in connection with hedging transactions related to the Facilities and any original issue discount or upfront fees), this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.
59
Transactions means, collectively, (a) the funding of the Initial Term Loans on the Closing Date and the execution and delivery of Loan Documents entered into on the Closing Date, (b) the Refinancing, (c) the issuance of the Senior Unsecured Notes and (d) the payment of Transaction Expenses.
Transferred Guarantor has the meaning set forth in Section 11.10.
Transition Services Agreement means the Master Transition Services Agreement, to be dated on or prior to the Spin-Off Date, containing substantially the terms described in the Senior Unsecured Notes Offering Memorandum, by and among Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., PHRI and HGVI, as amended, supplemented, waived or otherwise modified from time to time in a manner not materially adverse to the Lenders when taken as a whole, as compared to the Transition Services Agreement as in effect immediately prior to such amendment, supplement, waiver or modification.
Treasury Services Agreement means any agreement between the Borrower or any Subsidiary and any Approved Counterparty relating to treasury, depository, credit card, debit card, stored value cards, purchasing or procurement cards and cash management services or automated clearinghouse transfer of funds or any similar services.
Type means, with respect to a Loan, its character as a Base Rate Loan or a Eurocurrency Rate Loan.
Unaudited Financial Statements means the unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheets of Hilton Resorts Corporation as of September 30, 2016 and June 30, 2016 and related condensed consolidated statements of operations, cash flows and parent equity (deficit) for Hilton Resorts Corporation for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and for the six months ended June 30, 2016 and June 30, 2015, in each case, adjusted to give effect to the Spin-Off Transactions.
Uniform Commercial Code or UCC means the Uniform Commercial Code as the same may from time to time be in effect in the State of New York or the Uniform Commercial Code (or similar code or statute) of another jurisdiction, to the extent it may be required to apply to any item or items of Collateral.
United States and U.S. mean the United States of America.
United States Tax Compliance Certificate means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibits K-1, K-2, K-3 and K-4 hereto, as applicable.
Unreimbursed Amount has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03(c)(i).
Unrestricted Subsidiary means (i) each Subsidiary of the Borrower listed on Schedule 1.01F , (ii) any Subsidiary of the Borrower designated by the board of managers of the Borrower as an Unrestricted Subsidiary pursuant to Section 6.14 subsequent to the Closing Date and (iii) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
USA PATRIOT Act means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001, Public Law 10756, as amended or modified from time to time.
60
Weighted Average Life to Maturity means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing: (i) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (a) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (b) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment; by (ii) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.
wholly owned means, with respect to a Subsidiary of a Person, a Subsidiary of such Person all of the outstanding Equity Interests of which (other than (x) directors qualifying shares and (y) shares issued to foreign nationals to the extent required by applicable Law) are owned by such Person and/or by one or more wholly owned Subsidiaries of such Person.
Write-Down and Conversion Powers means, with respect to any EEA Resolution Authority, the write-down and conversion powers of such EEA Resolution Authority from time to time under the Bail-In Legislation for the applicable EEA Member Country, which write-down and conversion powers are described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule.
Yen and ¥ mean lawful money of Japan.
SECTION 1.02 Other Interpretive Provisions.
With reference to this Agreement and each other Loan Document, unless otherwise specified herein or in such other Loan Document:
(a) The meanings of defined terms are equally applicable to the singular and plural forms of the defined terms.
(b) The words herein, hereto, hereof and hereunder and words of similar import when used in any Loan Document shall refer to such Loan Document as a whole and not to any particular provision thereof.
(c) Article, Section, Exhibit and Schedule references are to the Loan Document in which such reference appears.
(d) The term including is by way of example and not limitation.
(e) The term documents includes any and all instruments, documents, agreements, certificates, notices, reports, financial statements and other writings, however evidenced, whether in physical or electronic form.
(f) In the computation of periods of time from a specified date to a later specified date, the word from means from and including; the words to and until each mean to but excluding; and the word through means to and including.
(g) Section headings herein and in the other Loan Documents are included for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the interpretation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document.
61
SECTION 1.03 Accounting Terms.
(a) All accounting terms not specifically or completely defined herein shall be construed in conformity with, and all financial data (including financial ratios and other financial calculations) required to be submitted pursuant to this Agreement shall be prepared in conformity with, GAAP, applied in a manner consistent with that used in preparing the Audited Financial Statements, except as otherwise specifically prescribed herein.
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, for purposes of determining compliance with any test or covenant contained in this Agreement with respect to any period during which any Specified Transaction occurs, the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio, Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio and Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio shall be calculated with respect to such period and such Specified Transaction on a Pro Forma Basis.
SECTION 1.04 Rounding.
Any financial ratios required to be maintained by the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement (or required to be satisfied in order for a specific action to be permitted under this Agreement) shall be calculated by dividing the appropriate component by the other component, carrying the result to one place more than the number of places by which such ratio is expressed herein and rounding the result up or down to the nearest number (with a rounding up if there is no nearest number).
SECTION 1.05 References to Agreements, Laws, Etc.
Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, (a) references to Organization Documents, agreements (including the Loan Documents) and other contractual instruments shall be deemed to include all subsequent amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications thereto, but only to the extent that such amendments, restatements, extensions, supplements and other modifications are permitted by the Loan Documents; and (b) references to any Law shall include all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating, amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting such Law.
SECTION 1.06 Times of Day.
Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to times of day shall be references to Eastern time (daylight or standard, as applicable).
SECTION 1.07 Timing of Payment or Performance.
When the payment of any obligation or the performance of any covenant, duty or obligation is stated to be due or performance required on a day which is not a Business Day, the date of such payment (other than as described in the definition of Interest Period) or performance shall extend to the immediately succeeding Business Day.
ARTICLE II
The Commitments and Credit Extensions
SECTION 2.01 The Loans.
(a) The Term Borrowings . Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Term Lender severally agrees to make to the Borrower on the Closing Date loans denominated in
62
Dollars in an aggregate amount not to exceed the amount of such Term Lenders Initial Term Commitment. Amounts borrowed under this Section 2.01(a) and repaid or prepaid may not be reborrowed. Term Loans may be Base Rate Loans or Eurocurrency Rate Loans, as further provided herein.
(b) The Revolving Credit Borrowings. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein each Revolving Credit Lender severally agrees to make revolving credit loans denominated in an Approved Currency to the Borrower from its applicable Lending Office (each such loan, a Revolving Credit Loan ) from time to time as elected by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.02, on any Business Day during the period from the Closing Date until the Maturity Date with respect to such Revolving Credit Lenders applicable Revolving Credit Commitment, in an aggregate Principal Amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the amount of such Lenders Revolving Credit Commitment at such time; provided that after giving effect to any Revolving Credit Borrowing, the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Revolving Credit Loans of any Lender, plus such Lenders Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement of the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations, plus such Lenders Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement of the Outstanding Amount of all Swing Line Loans shall not exceed such Lenders Revolving Credit Commitment. Within the limits of each Lenders Revolving Credit Commitments, and subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower may borrow under this Section 2.01(b), prepay under Section 2.05, and reborrow under this Section 2.01(b). Revolving Credit Loans denominated in Dollars may be Base Rate Loans or Eurocurrency Rate Loans, as further provided herein.
SECTION 2.02 Borrowings, Conversions and Continuations of Loans.
(a) Each Term Borrowing, each Revolving Credit Borrowing, each conversion of Term Loans or Revolving Credit Loans from one Type to the other, and each continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be made upon the Borrowers irrevocable notice to the Administrative Agent, which may be given by telephone. Each such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. New York City time (i) three Business Days prior to the requested date of any Borrowing or continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans or any conversion of Base Rate Loans to Eurocurrency Rate Loans, and (ii) one (1) Business Day before the requested date of any Borrowing of Base Rate Loans; provided that the notice referred to in subclause (i) above may be delivered no later than one (1) Business Day prior to the Closing Date in the case of initial Credit Extensions denominated in Dollars. Each telephonic notice by the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.02(a) must be confirmed promptly by delivery to the Administrative Agent of a written Committed Loan Notice, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower. Except as provided in Section 2.14(a), each Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be in a minimum principal amount of (A) if such Eurocurrency Rate Loan is denominated in Dollars, $2,000,000, or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof, (B) if such Eurocurrency Rate Loan is denominated in Sterling, £1,000,000, or a whole multiple of £500,000 in excess thereof, (C) if such Eurocurrency Rate Loan is denominated in euros, 2,000,000, or a whole multiple of 1,000,000 in excess thereof, and (D) if such Eurocurrency Rate Loan is denominated in Yen, ¥2,000,000,000, or a whole multiple of ¥1,000,000,000 in excess thereof. Except as provided in Sections 2.03(c), 2.04(c), 2.14(a) or the last sentence of this paragraph, each Borrowing of or conversion to Base Rate Loans shall be in a minimum principal amount of $1,000,000 or a whole multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof. Each Committed Loan Notice (whether telephonic or written) shall specify (i) whether the Borrower is requesting a Term Borrowing of a particular Class, a Revolving Credit Borrowing, a conversion of Term Loans of any Class or Revolving Credit Loans
63
from one Type to the other, or a continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans, (ii) the requested date of the Borrowing, conversion or continuation, as the case may be (which shall be a Business Day), (iii) the principal amount of Loans to be borrowed, converted or continued, (iv) the Type of Loans to be borrowed or to which existing Term Loans of a Class or Revolving Credit Loans are to be converted, (v) in the case of a Revolving Credit Borrowing, the relevant Approved Currency in which such Revolving Credit Borrowing is to be denominated and (vi) if applicable, the duration of the Interest Period with respect thereto. If the Borrower fails to specify an Approved Currency of a Loan in a Committed Loan Notice, such Loan shall be made in Dollars. If the Borrower fails to specify a Type of Loan in a Committed Loan Notice or fails to give a timely notice requesting a conversion or continuation, then the applicable Term Loans or Revolving Credit Loans shall be made as or converted to (x) in the case of any Loan denominated in Dollars, Base Rate Loans or (y) in the case of any Loan denominated in an Approved Foreign Currency, Eurocurrency Rate Loans in the Approved Currency having an Interest Period of one month, as applicable. Any such automatic conversion to Base Rate Loans or one-month Eurocurrency Loans shall be effective as of the last day of the Interest Period then in effect with respect to the applicable Eurocurrency Rate Loans. If the Borrower requests a Borrowing of, conversion to, or continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans in any such Committed Loan Notice, but fails to specify an Interest Period, it will be deemed to have specified an Interest Period of one (1) month. No Loan may be converted into or continued as a Loan denominated in another Approved Currency, but instead must be prepaid in the original Approved Currency or reborrowed in another Approved Currency.
(b) Following receipt of a Committed Loan Notice, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender of the amount (and Approved Currency) of its Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement of the applicable Class of Loans, and if no timely notice of a conversion or continuation is provided by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent shall notify each Lender of the details of any automatic conversion or continuation described in Section 2.02(a). In the case of each Borrowing, each Appropriate Lender shall make the amount of its Loan available to the Administrative Agent in Same Day Funds at the Administrative Agents Office not later than 1:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the Business Day specified in the applicable Committed Loan Notice. The Administrative Agent shall make all funds so received available to the Borrower in like funds as received by the Administrative Agent by wire transfer of such funds in accordance with instructions provided to (and reasonably acceptable to) the Administrative Agent by the Borrower.
(c) Except as otherwise provided herein, a Eurocurrency Rate Loan may be continued or converted only on the last day of an Interest Period for such Eurocurrency Rate Loan unless the Borrower pays the amount due, if any, under Section 3.05 in connection therewith. During the existence of an Event of Default, the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders may require that no Loans in any Approved Currency may be converted to or continued as Eurocurrency Rate Loans and the Required Lenders may demand that any or all of the then outstanding Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in an Approved Foreign Currency be prepaid, or redenominated into Dollars in the amount of the Dollar Equivalent thereof, on the last day of the then current Interest Period with respect thereto.
(d) The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the interest rate applicable to any Interest Period for Eurocurrency Rate Loans upon determination of such interest rate. The determination of the Eurocurrency Rate by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. At any time that Base Rate Loans are outstanding, the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of any change in the Prime Rate used in determining the Base Rate promptly following the announcement of such change.
64
(e) After giving effect to all Term Borrowings, all Revolving Credit Borrowings, all conversions of Term Loans or Revolving Credit Loans from one Type to the other, and all continuations of Term Loans or Revolving Credit Loans as the same Type, there shall not be more than ten (10) Interest Periods in effect.
(f) The failure of any Lender to make the Loan to be made by it as part of any Borrowing shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligation, if any, hereunder to make its Loan on the date of such Borrowing, but no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to make the Loan to be made by such other Lender on the date of any Borrowing.
SECTION 2.03 Letters of Credit.
(a) The Letter of Credit Commitment. (i) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, (A) each L/C Issuer agrees, in reliance upon the agreements of the other Revolving Credit Lenders set forth in this Section 2.03, (1) from time to time on any Business Day during the period from the Closing Date until the Letter of Credit Expiration Date to issue Letters of Credit at sight denominated in any Approved Currency for the account of the Borrower or any Subsidiary of the Borrower and to amend, renew or extend Letters of Credit previously issued by it, in accordance with Section 2.03(b), and (2) to honor drafts under the Letters of Credit and (B) the Revolving Credit Lenders severally agree to participate in Letters of Credit issued pursuant to this Section 2.03; provided that no L/C Issuer shall be obligated to make any L/C Credit Extension with respect to any Letter of Credit, and no Lender shall be obligated to participate in any Letter of Credit if as of the date of such L/C Credit Extension, (x) the Revolving Credit Exposure of any Revolving Credit Lender would exceed such Lenders Revolving Credit Commitment or (y) the Outstanding Amount of the L/C Obligations would exceed the Letter of Credit Sublimit. In addition, the face amount of outstanding Letters of Credit issued by any L/C Issuer shall not exceed such L/C Issuers Applicable L/C Fronting Sublimit. Within the foregoing limits, and subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Borrowers ability to obtain Letters of Credit shall be fully revolving, and accordingly the Borrower may, during the foregoing period, obtain Letters of Credit to replace Letters of Credit that have expired or that have been drawn upon and reimbursed.
(ii) An L/C Issuer shall be under no obligation to issue any Letter of Credit if:
(A) any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain such L/C Issuer from issuing such Letter of Credit, or any Law applicable to such L/C Issuer or any directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over such L/C Issuer shall prohibit, or direct that such L/C Issuer refrain from, the issuance of letters of credit generally or such Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon such L/C Issuer with respect to such Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve, liquidity or capital requirement (for which such L/C Issuer is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the Closing Date, or shall impose upon such L/C Issuer any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense which was not applicable on the Closing Date (for which such L/C Issuer is not otherwise compensated hereunder);
65
(B) subject to Section 2.03(b)(iii), the expiry date of such requested Letter of Credit would occur more than twelve months after the date of issuance or last renewal, unless (1) each Appropriate Lender has approved of such expiration date or (2) the L/C Issuer thereof has approved of such expiration date and the Outstanding Amount of L/C Obligations in respect of such requested Letter of Credit has been cash collateralized or backstopped pursuant to arrangements reasonably satisfactory to such L/C Issuer;
(C) the expiry date of such requested Letter of Credit would occur after the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, unless all the Revolving Credit Lenders have approved such expiry date;
(D) the issuance of such Letter of Credit would violate any Laws binding upon such L/C Issuer;
(E) the L/C Issuer does not as of the issuance date of the requested Letter of Credit issue Letters of Credit in the requested currency; or
(F) any Revolving Credit Lender is at that time a Defaulting Lender, unless such L/C Issuer has entered into arrangements, including the delivery of Cash Collateral, satisfactory to such L/C Issuer (in its sole discretion) with the Borrower or such Lender to eliminate such L/C Issuers actual or potential Fronting Exposure (after giving effect to Section 2.17(a)(iv)) with respect to the Defaulting Lender arising from either the Letter of Credit then proposed to be issued or that Letter of Credit and all other L/C Obligations as to which such L/C Issuer has actual or potential Fronting Exposure, as it may elect in its sole discretion.
(iii) An L/C Issuer shall be under no obligation to amend any Letter of Credit if (A) such L/C Issuer would have no obligation at such time to issue such Letter of Credit in its amended form under the terms hereof, or (B) the beneficiary of such Letter of Credit does not accept the proposed amendment to such Letter of Credit.
(iv) Each L/C Issuer shall act on behalf of the Lenders with respect to any Letters of Credit issued by it and the documents associated therewith, and each L/C Issuer shall have all of the benefits and immunities (A) provided to the Administrative Agent in Article IX with respect to any acts taken or omissions suffered by such L/C Issuer in connection with Letters of Credit issued by it or proposed to be issued by it and any Letter of Credit Issuance Request (and any other document, agreement or instrument entered into by such L/C Issuer and the Borrower or in favor of such L/C Issuer) pertaining to such Letters of Credit as fully as if the term Administrative Agent as used in Article IX included such L/C Issuer with respect to such acts or omissions, and (B) as additionally provided herein with respect to each L/C Issuer.
(b) Procedures for Issuance and Amendment of Letters of Credit; Auto-Extension Letters of Credit. (i) Each Letter of Credit shall be issued or amended, as the case may be, upon the request of the Borrower delivered to an L/C Issuer (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) in the form of a Letter of Credit Issuance Request, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower or his/her delegate or designee. Such Letter of Credit Issuance Request must be received by the relevant L/C Issuer and the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. (New York
66
City time) at least two Business Days prior to the proposed issuance date or date of amendment, as the case may be; or, in each case, such other date and time as the relevant L/C Issuer may agree in a particular instance in its sole discretion. In the case of a request for an initial issuance of a Letter of Credit, such Letter of Credit Issuance Request shall specify in form and detail reasonably satisfactory to the relevant L/C Issuer: (a) the proposed issuance date of the requested Letter of Credit (which shall be a Business Day); (b) the amount thereof; (c) the relevant Approved Currency in which such Letter of Credit is to be denominated; (d) the expiry date thereof; (e) the name and address of the beneficiary thereof; (f) the documents to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder; (g) the full text of any certificate to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder; and (h) such other matters as the relevant L/C Issuer may reasonably request. In the case of a request for an amendment of any outstanding Letter of Credit, such Letter of Credit Issuance Request shall specify in form and detail reasonably satisfactory to the relevant L/C Issuer (1) the Letter of Credit to be amended; (2) the proposed date of amendment thereof (which shall be a Business Day); (3) the nature of the proposed amendment; and (4) such other matters as the relevant L/C Issuer may reasonably request.
(ii) Promptly after receipt of any Letter of Credit Issuance Request, the relevant L/C Issuer will confirm with the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) that the Administrative Agent has received a copy of such Letter of Credit Issuance Request from the Borrower and, if not, such L/C Issuer will provide the Administrative Agent with a copy thereof. Upon receipt by the relevant L/C Issuer of confirmation from the Administrative Agent that the requested issuance or amendment is permitted in accordance with the terms hereof, then, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, such L/C Issuer shall, on the requested date, issue a Letter of Credit for the account of the Borrower or enter into the applicable amendment, as the case may be. Immediately upon the issuance of each Letter of Credit, each Revolving Credit Lender shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to, purchase from the relevant L/C Issuer a risk participation in such Letter of Credit in an amount equal to the product of such Lenders Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement times the amount of such Letter of Credit.
(iii) If the Borrower so requests in any applicable Letter of Credit Issuance Request, the relevant L/C Issuer shall agree to issue a Letter of Credit that has automatic extension provisions (each, an Auto-Extension Letter of Credit ); provided that any such Auto-Extension Letter of Credit must permit the relevant L/C Issuer to prevent any such extension at least once in each twelve month period (commencing with the date of issuance of such Letter of Credit) by giving prior notice to the beneficiary thereof not later than a number of days (the Non-Extension Notice Date ) prior to the last day of such twelve month period to be agreed upon by the relevant L/C Issuer and the Borrower at the time such Letter of Credit is issued. Unless otherwise directed by the relevant L/C Issuer, the Borrower shall not be required to make a specific request to the relevant L/C Issuer for any such extension. Once an Auto-Extension Letter of Credit has been issued, the applicable Lenders shall be deemed to have authorized (but may not require) the relevant L/C Issuer to permit the extension of such Letter of Credit at any time to an expiry date not later than the Letter of Credit Expiration Date; provided that the relevant L/C Issuer shall not permit any such extension if (A) the relevant L/C Issuer has determined that it would have no obligation at such time to issue such Letter of Credit in its extended form under the terms hereof (by reason of the provisions of Section 2.03(a)(ii) or otherwise), or (B) it has received notice (which may be by telephone or in writing) on or before the day that is five (5) Business Days
67
before the Non-Extension Notice Date from the Administrative Agent, any Revolving Credit Lender or the Borrower that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Section 4.02 is not then satisfied.
(iv) Promptly after issuance of any Letter of Credit or any amendment to a Letter of Credit, the relevant L/C Issuer will also deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent a true and complete copy of such Letter of Credit or amendment.
(c) Drawings and Reimbursements; Funding of Participations. (i) Upon receipt from the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit of any notice of a drawing under such Letter of Credit, the relevant L/C Issuer shall notify promptly the Borrower and the Administrative Agent thereof. In the case of a Letter of Credit denominated in an Approved Foreign Currency, the Borrower shall reimburse the L/C Issuer in such Approved Currency, unless the L/C Issuer (at its option) shall have specified in such notice that it will require reimbursement in Dollars. In the case of any such reimbursement in Dollars of a drawing under a Letter of Credit denominated in an Approved Foreign Currency, the L/C Issuer shall notify the Company of the Dollar Equivalent of the amount of the drawing promptly following the determination thereof. Not later than 1:00 p.m. (New York City time), in the case of a drawing in Dollars, or 2:00 p.m. (London time) (or, if earlier, 9:00 a.m. New York City time), in the case of a drawing in an Approved Foreign Currency, on (1) the next Business Day immediately following any payment by an L/C Issuer under a Letter of Credit that the Borrower receives notice thereof (each such date, an Honor Date ), the Borrower shall reimburse such L/C Issuer through the Administrative Agent in an amount equal to the amount of such drawing in the relevant Approved Currency; provided that the Borrower may, subject to the conditions to borrowing set forth herein, request in accordance with Section 2.03 that such payment be financed with a Revolving Credit Borrowing under the Revolving Credit Facility or a Swing Line Borrowing under the Swing Line Facility in an equivalent amount and, to the extent so financed, the Borrowers obligation to make such payment shall be discharged and replaced by the resulting Revolving Credit Borrowing or Swing Line Borrowing, as applicable. In the event that (x) a drawing denominated in an Approved Foreign Currency is to be reimbursed in Dollars pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 2.03(c)(i) and (y) the Dollar amount paid by the Borrower, whether on or after the Honor Date, shall not be adequate on the date of that payment to purchase in accordance with normal banking procedures a sum denominated in the applicable Approved Foreign Currency equal to the drawing, the Borrower agrees, as a separate and independent obligation, to indemnify the L/C Issuer for the loss resulting from its inability on that date to purchase the Approved Currency in the full amount of the drawing. If the Borrower fails to so reimburse such L/C Issuer by such time, the Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Appropriate Lender of the Honor Date, the amount of the unreimbursed drawing (expressed in Dollars in the amount of the Dollar Equivalent thereof) (the Unreimbursed Amount ), and the amount of such Appropriate Lenders Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement thereof. In such event, the Borrower shall be deemed to have requested a Revolving Credit Borrowing of Base Rate Loans to be disbursed on the Honor Date in an amount equal to the Unreimbursed Amount, without regard to the minimum and multiples specified in Section 2.02 for the principal amount of Base Rate Loans or Eurocurrency Rate Loans, as applicable, but subject to the amount of the unutilized portion of the Revolving Credit Commitments of the Appropriate Lenders and the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (other than the delivery of a Committed Loan Notice). Any notice given by an L/C Issuer or the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 2.03(c)(i) may be given by telephone if immediately confirmed in writing; provided that the lack of such an immediate confirmation shall not affect the conclusiveness or binding effect of such notice.
68
(ii) Each Appropriate Lender (including any Lender acting as an L/C Issuer) shall upon any notice pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(i) make funds available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the relevant L/C Issuer in Dollars at the Administrative Agents Office for Dollar-denominated payments in an amount equal to its Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement of the Unreimbursed Amount not later than 2:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the Business Day specified in such notice by the Administrative Agent, whereupon, subject to the provisions of Section 2.03(c)(iii), each Appropriate Lender that so makes funds available shall be deemed to have made a Revolving Credit Loan that is a Base Rate Loan or Eurocurrency Rate Loan, as applicable, to the Borrower in such amount. The Administrative Agent shall promptly remit the funds so received to the relevant L/C Issuer in Dollars.
(iii) With respect to any Unreimbursed Amount that is not fully refinanced by a Revolving Credit Borrowing of Base Rate Loans or Eurocurrency Rate Loans, as applicable, because the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 cannot be satisfied or for any other reason, the Borrower shall be deemed to have incurred from the relevant L/C Issuer an L/C Borrowing in the amount of the Unreimbursed Amount that is not so refinanced, which L/C Borrowing shall be due and payable on demand (together with interest) and shall bear interest (which begins to accrue upon funding by the L/C Issuer) at the Default Rate for Revolving Credit Loans. In such event, each Appropriate Lenders payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the relevant L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(ii) shall be deemed payment in respect of its participation in such L/C Borrowing and shall constitute an L/C Advance from such Lender in satisfaction of its participation obligation under this Section 2.03.
(iv) Until each Appropriate Lender funds its Revolving Credit Loan or L/C Advance pursuant to this Section 2.03(c) to reimburse the relevant L/C Issuer for any amount drawn under any Letter of Credit, interest in respect of such Lenders Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement of such amount shall be solely for the account of the relevant L/C Issuer.
(v) Each Revolving Credit Lenders obligation to make Revolving Credit Loans or L/C Advances to reimburse an L/C Issuer for amounts drawn under Letters of Credit, as contemplated by this Section 2.03(c), shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (A) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender may have against the relevant L/C Issuer, the Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever, (B) the occurrence or continuance of a Default, or (C) any other occurrence, event or condition, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; provided that each Revolving Credit Lenders obligation to make Revolving Credit Loans pursuant to this Section 2.03(c) is subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (other than delivery by the Borrower of a Committed Loan Notice). No such making of an L/C Advance shall relieve or otherwise impair the obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the relevant L/C Issuer for the amount of any payment made by such L/C Issuer under any Letter of Credit, together with interest as provided herein.
(vi) If any Revolving Credit Lender fails to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the relevant L/C Issuer any amount required to be paid by such Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.03(c) by the time specified in Section 2.03(c)(ii), such L/C Issuer shall be entitled to recover from such Lender (acting
69
through the Administrative Agent), on demand, such amount with interest thereon for the period from the date such payment is required to the date on which such payment is immediately available to such L/C Issuer at a rate per annum equal to the Federal Funds Rate from time to time in effect, plus any reasonable administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by such L/C Issuer in connection with the foregoing. A certificate of the relevant L/C Issuer submitted to any Revolving Credit Lender (through the Administrative Agent) with respect to any amounts owing under this Section 2.03(c)(vi) shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
(d) Repayment of Participations. (i) If, at any time after an L/C Issuer has made a payment under any Letter of Credit and has received from any Revolving Credit Lender such Lenders L/C Advance in respect of such payment in accordance with Section 2.03(c), the Administrative Agent receives for the account of such L/C Issuer any payment in respect of the related Unreimbursed Amount or interest thereon (whether directly from the Borrower or otherwise, including proceeds of Cash Collateral applied thereto by the Administrative Agent), the Administrative Agent will distribute to such Lender its Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement hereof (appropriately adjusted, in the case of interest payments, to reflect the period of time during which such Lenders L/C Advance was outstanding) in the same funds as those received by the Administrative Agent.
(ii) If any payment received by the Administrative Agent for the account of an L/C Issuer pursuant to Section 2.03(c)(i) is required to be returned under any of the circumstances described in Section 10.06 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by such L/C Issuer in its discretion), each Appropriate Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of such L/C Issuer its Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement thereof on demand of the Administrative Agent or the L/C Issuer, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such amount is returned by such Lender, at a rate per annum equal to the applicable Overnight Rate, plus any reasonable administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Administrative Agent in connection with the foregoing.
(e) Obligations Absolute. The obligation of the Borrower to reimburse the relevant L/C Issuer for each drawing under each Letter of Credit issued by it and to repay each L/C Borrowing shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be paid strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under all circumstances, including the following:
(i) any lack of validity or enforceability of such Letter of Credit, this Agreement, or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto;
(ii) the existence of any claim, counterclaim, setoff, defense or other right that any Loan Party may have at any time against any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit (or any Person for whom any such beneficiary or any such transferee may be acting), the relevant L/C Issuer or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby or by such Letter of Credit or any agreement or instrument relating thereto, or any unrelated transaction;
(iii) any draft, demand, certificate or other document presented under such Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect; or any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under such Letter of Credit;
70
(iv) any payment by the relevant L/C Issuer under such Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or certificate that does not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit; or any payment made by the relevant L/C Issuer under such Letter of Credit to any Person purporting to be a trustee in bankruptcy, debtor-in-possession, assignee for the benefit of creditors, liquidator, receiver or other representative of or successor to any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit, including any arising in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law;
(v) any exchange, release or non-perfection of any Collateral, or any release or amendment or waiver of or consent to departure from the Guaranty or any other guarantee, for all or any of the Obligations of any Loan Party in respect of such Letter of Credit;
(vi) any adverse change in the relevant exchange rates or in the availability of the relevant Approved Foreign Currency to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or in the relevant currency markets generally; and
(vii) any other circumstance or happening whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, including any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Loan Party;
provided that the foregoing shall not excuse any L/C Issuer from liability to the Borrower to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to consequential damages, claims in respect of which are waived by the Borrower to the extent permitted by applicable Law) suffered by the Borrower that are caused by such L/C Issuers gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined in a final and non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof.
(f) Role of L/C Issuers. Each Lender and the Borrower agree that, in paying any drawing under a Letter of Credit, the relevant L/C Issuer shall not have any responsibility to obtain any document (other than any sight draft, certificates and documents expressly required by the Letter of Credit) or to ascertain or inquire as to the validity or accuracy of any such document or the authority of the Person executing or delivering any such document. None of the L/C Issuers, any Agent-Related Person nor any of the respective correspondents, participants or assignees of any L/C Issuer shall be liable to any Lender for (i) any action taken or omitted in connection herewith at the request or with the approval of the Lenders or the Lenders holding a majority of the Revolving Credit Commitments, as applicable; (ii) any action taken or omitted in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined in a final and non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction; or (iii) the due execution, effectiveness, validity or enforceability of any document or instrument related to any Letter of Credit or Letter of Credit Issuance Request. The Borrower hereby assumes all risks of the acts or omissions of any beneficiary or transferee with respect to its use of any Letter of Credit; provided that this assumption is not intended to, and shall not, preclude the Borrowers pursuing such rights and remedies as it may have against the beneficiary or transferee at law or under any other agreement. None of the L/C Issuers, any Agent-Related Person, nor any of the respective correspondents, participants or assignees of any L/C Issuer, shall be liable or responsible for any of the matters described in clauses (i) through (vii) of Section 2.03(e); provided that anything in such clauses to the contrary notwithstanding, the Borrower may have a claim against
71
an L/C Issuer, and such L/C Issuer may be liable to the Borrower, to the extent, but only to the extent, of any direct, as opposed to consequential or exemplary, damages suffered by the Borrower which the Borrower proves were caused by such L/C Issuers willful misconduct or gross negligence or such L/C Issuers willful or grossly negligent failure to pay under any Letter of Credit after the presentation to it by the beneficiary of a sight draft and certificate(s) strictly complying with the terms and conditions of a Letter of Credit, in each case as determined in a final and non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction. In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, each L/C Issuer may accept documents that appear on their face to be in order, without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, and no L/C Issuer shall be responsible for the validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or assigning or purporting to transfer or assign a Letter of Credit or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be invalid or ineffective for any reason.
(g) Cash Collateral. If (i) as of the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, any Letter of Credit may for any reason remain outstanding and partially or wholly undrawn, (ii) any Event of Default occurs and is continuing and the Administrative Agent or the Lenders holding a majority of the Revolving Credit Commitments, as applicable, require the Borrower to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations pursuant to Section 8.02 or (iii) an Event of Default set forth under Section 8.01(f) occurs and is continuing, the Borrower shall Cash Collateralize the then Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations (in an amount equal to such Outstanding Amount determined as of the date of such Event of Default or the Letter of Credit Expiration Date, as the case may be), and shall do so not later than 2:00 p.m., New York City time on (x) in the case of the immediately preceding clauses (i) and (ii), (1) the Business Day that the Borrower receives notice thereof, if such notice is received on such day prior to 12:00 noon, New York City time or (2) if clause (1) above does not apply, the Business Day immediately following the day that the Borrower receives such notice and (y) in the case of the immediately preceding clause (iii), the Business Day on which an Event of Default set forth under Section 8.01(f) occurs or, if such day is not a Business Day, the Business Day immediately succeeding such day. At any time that there shall exist a Defaulting Lender, immediately upon the request of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent Cash Collateral in an amount sufficient to cover all Fronting Exposure (after giving effect to Section 2.17(a)(iv) and any Cash Collateral provided by the Defaulting Lender). For purposes hereof, Cash Collateralize means to pledge and deposit with or deliver to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the relevant L/C Issuer and the Appropriate Lenders, as collateral for the L/C Obligations, cash or deposit account balances ( Cash Collateral ) pursuant to documentation in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and the relevant L/C Issuer (which documents are hereby consented to by the Appropriate Lenders). Derivatives of such term have corresponding meanings. The Borrower hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the L/C Issuers and the Revolving Credit Lenders of the applicable Facility, a security interest in all such cash, deposit accounts and all balances therein and all proceeds of the foregoing. Cash Collateral shall be maintained in a Cash Collateral Account and may be invested in readily available Cash Equivalents as directed by the Borrower. If at any time the Administrative Agent determines that any funds held as Cash Collateral are expressly subject to any right or claim of any Person other than the Administrative Agent (on behalf of the Secured Parties) or that the total amount of such funds is less than the aggregate Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations, the Borrower will, forthwith upon demand by the Administrative Agent, pay to the Administrative Agent, as additional funds to be deposited and held in the Cash Collateral Account, an amount equal to the excess of (a) such aggregate Outstanding Amount over (b) the total amount of funds, if any, then held as Cash Collateral that the Administrative Agent reasonably determines to be free and clear of any such right and claim. Upon the drawing of any Letter of Credit for which funds
72
are on deposit as Cash Collateral, such funds shall be applied, to the extent permitted under applicable Law, to reimburse the relevant L/C Issuer. To the extent the amount of any Cash Collateral exceeds the then Outstanding Amount of such L/C Obligations and so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the excess shall be refunded to the Borrower. To the extent any Event of Default giving rise to the requirement to Cash Collateralize any Letter of Credit pursuant to this Section 2.03(g) is cured or otherwise waived by the Required Lenders, then so long as no other Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, all Cash Collateral pledged to Cash Collateralize such Letter of Credit shall be refunded to the Borrower.
(h) Letter of Credit Fees. The Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Revolving Credit Lenders for the applicable Revolving Credit Facility (in accordance with their Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement) a Letter of Credit fee in Dollars for each Letter of Credit issued pursuant to this Agreement equal to the Applicable Rate for Revolving Credit Loans that are Eurocurrency Rate Loans times the Dollar Equivalent of the daily maximum amount then available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit (whether or not such maximum amount is then in effect under such Letter of Credit if such maximum amount increases periodically pursuant to the terms of such Letter of Credit); provided , however , any Letter of Credit fees otherwise payable for the account of a Defaulting Lender with respect to any Letter of Credit as to which such Defaulting Lender has not provided Cash Collateral satisfactory to the L/C Issuer pursuant to this Section 2.03 shall be payable, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable Law, to the other Lenders in accordance with the upward adjustments in their respective Pro Rata Shares allocable to such Letter of Credit pursuant to Section 2.17(a)(iv), with the balance of such fee, if any, payable to the L/C Issuer for its own account. Such Letter of Credit fees shall be computed on a quarterly basis in arrears. Such Letter of Credit fees shall be due and payable in Dollars on the first Business Day after the end of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the Letter of Credit Expiration Date and thereafter on demand. If there is any change in any Applicable Rate for Revolving Credit Loans during any quarter, the daily maximum amount of each Letter of Credit shall be computed and multiplied by such Applicable Rate separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Rate was in effect.
(i) Fronting Fee and Documentary and Processing Charges Payable to L/C Issuers. The Borrower shall pay directly to each L/C Issuer for its own account, in Dollars, a fronting fee with respect to each Letter of Credit issued by it equal to 0.125% per annum of the Dollar Equivalent of the daily maximum amount then available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit (whether or not such maximum amount is then in effect under such Letter of Credit if such maximum amount increases periodically pursuant to the terms of such Letter of Credit). Such fronting fees shall be computed on a quarterly basis in arrears. Such fronting fees shall be due and payable in Dollars on the first Business Day after the end of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date to occur after the issuance of such Letter of Credit, on the Letter of Credit Expiration Date and thereafter on demand. In addition, the Borrower shall pay directly to each L/C Issuer for its own account, in Dollars, with respect to each Letter of Credit issued by it the customary issuance, presentation, amendment and other processing fees, and other standard costs and charges, of such L/C Issuer relating to letters of credit as from time to time in effect. Such customary fees and standard costs and charges are due and payable within ten (10) Business Days of demand and are nonrefundable.
(j) Conflict with Letter of Credit Issuance Request. Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary in this Agreement or any Letter of Credit Issuance Request, in the event of any conflict between the terms hereof and the terms of any Letter of Credit Issuance Request, the terms hereof shall control.
73
(k) Addition of an L/C Issuer. A Revolving Credit Lender may become an additional L/C Issuer hereunder pursuant to a written agreement among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and such Revolving Credit Lender. The Administrative Agent shall notify the Revolving Credit Lenders of any such additional L/C Issuer.
(l) Letter of Credit Amounts . Unless otherwise specified herein, the amount of a Letter of Credit at any time shall be deemed to be the Dollar Equivalent of the stated amount of such Letter of Credit in effect at such time; provided , however , that with respect to any Letter of Credit that, by its terms or the terms of any document related thereto, provides for one or more automatic increases in the stated amount thereof, the amount of such Letter of Credit shall be deemed to be the Dollar Equivalent of the maximum stated amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum stated amount is in effect at such time.
(m) Reporting . Each L/C Issuer will report in writing to the Administrative Agent (i) on the first Business Day of each calendar month, the aggregate face amount of Letters of Credit issued by it and outstanding as of the last Business Day of the preceding calendar month (and on such other dates as the Administrative Agent may request), (ii) on or prior to each Business Day on which such L/C Issuer expects to issue, amend, renew or extend any Letter of Credit, the date of such issuance or amendment, and the aggregate face amount of Letters of Credit to be issued, amended, renewed or extended by it and outstanding after giving effect to such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (and such L/C Issuer shall advise the Administrative Agent on such Business Day whether such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension occurred and whether the amount thereof changed), (iii) on each Business Day on which such L/C Issuer makes any L/C Disbursement, the date and amount of such L/C Disbursement and (iv) on any Business Day on which the Borrower fails to reimburse an L/C Disbursement required to be reimbursed to such L/C Issuer on such day, the date and amount of such failure.
(n) Provisions Related to Letters of Credit in respect of Extended Revolving Credit Commitments . If the Letter of Credit Expiration Date in respect of any tranche of Revolving Credit Commitments occurs prior to the expiry date of any Letter of Credit, then (i) if consented to by the L/C Issuer which issued such Letter of Credit, if one or more other tranches of Revolving Credit Commitments in respect of which the Letter of Credit Expiration Date shall not have so occurred are then in effect, such Letters of Credit for which consent has been obtained shall automatically be deemed to have been issued (including for purposes of the obligations of the Revolving Credit Lenders to purchase participations therein and to make Revolving Credit Loans and payments in respect thereof pursuant to Section 2.03(c) and (d)) under (and ratably participated in by Lenders pursuant to) the Revolving Credit Commitments in respect of such non-terminating tranches up to an aggregate amount not to exceed the aggregate amount of the unutilized Revolving Credit Commitments thereunder at such time (it being understood that no partial face amount of any Letter of Credit may be so reallocated) and (ii) to the extent not reallocated pursuant to immediately preceding clause (i), the Borrower shall Cash Collateralize any such Letter of Credit in accordance with Section 2.03(g). Upon the maturity date of any tranche of Revolving Credit Commitments, the sublimit for Letters of Credit may be reduced as agreed between the L/C Issuers and the Borrower, without the consent of any other Person.
74
(o) Letters of Credit Issued for Subsidiaries . Notwithstanding that a Letter of Credit issued or outstanding hereunder is in support of any obligations of, or is for the account of, a Restricted Subsidiary, the Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse the applicable L/C Issuer hereunder for any and all drawings under such Letter of Credit. The Borrower hereby acknowledges that the issuance of Letters of Credit for the account of Restricted Subsidiaries inures to the benefit of the Borrower, and that the Borrowers business derives substantial benefits from the businesses of such Restricted Subsidiaries.
SECTION 2.04 Swing Line Loans.
(a) The Swing Line. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, in its capacity as Swing Line Lender, agrees to make loans in Dollars to the Borrower (each such loan, a Swing Line Loan ), from time to time on any Business Day during the period beginning on the Business Day after the Closing Date and until the Maturity Date of the Revolving Credit Facility in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed at any time outstanding the amount of the Swing Line Sublimit, provided that such Swing Line Loans, when aggregated with the Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement of the Outstanding Amount of Revolving Credit Loans and L/C Obligations of the Lender acting as Swing Line Lender, shall not exceed the amount of such Swing Line Lenders Revolving Credit Commitment; provided that, after giving effect to any Swing Line Loan, (i) the Revolving Credit Exposure shall not exceed the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments and (ii) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Revolving Credit Loans of any Lender, plus such Lenders Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement of the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations, plus such Lenders Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement of the Outstanding Amount of all Swing Line Loans shall not exceed such Lenders Revolving Credit Commitment then in effect; provided, further, that the Borrower shall not use the proceeds of any Swing Line Loan to refinance any outstanding Swing Line Loan. Within the foregoing limits, and subject to the other terms and conditions hereof, the Borrower may borrow under this Section 2.04, prepay under Section 2.05, and reborrow under this Section 2.04. Each Swing Line Loan shall be a Base Rate Loan. Immediately upon the making of a Swing Line Loan, each Revolving Credit Lender shall be deemed to, and hereby irrevocably and unconditionally agrees to, purchase from the Swing Line Lender a risk participation in such Swing Line Loan in an amount equal to the product of such Lenders Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement times the amount of such Swing Line Loan.
(b) Borrowing Procedures. Each Swing Line Borrowing shall be made upon the Borrowers irrevocable notice to the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent, which may be given by telephone. Each such notice must be received by the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. New York City time on the requested borrowing date and shall specify (i) the principal amount to be borrowed, which principal amount shall be a minimum of $500,000 (and any amount in excess of $500,000 shall be in integral multiples of $100,000) and (ii) the requested borrowing date, which shall be a Business Day. Each such telephonic notice must be confirmed promptly by delivery to the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent of a written Swing Line Loan Notice, appropriately completed and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower. Promptly after receipt by the Swing Line Lender of any Swing Line Loan Notice (by telephone or in writing), the Swing Line Lender will confirm with the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) that the Administrative Agent has also received such Swing Line Loan Notice and, if not, the Swing Line Lender will notify the Administrative Agent (by telephone or in writing) of the contents thereof. Unless the Swing Line Lender has
75
received notice (by telephone or in writing) from the Administrative Agent (including at the request of any Revolving Credit Lender) prior to 2:00 p.m. New York City time on the date of the proposed Swing Line Borrowing (A) directing the Swing Line Lender not to make such Swing Line Loan as a result of the limitations set forth in the first proviso to the first sentence of Section 2.04(a), or (B) that one or more of the applicable conditions specified in Section 4.02 is not then satisfied, then, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, the Swing Line Lender will, not later than 3:00 p.m. New York City time on the borrowing date specified in such Swing Line Loan Notice, make the amount of its Swing Line Loan available to the Borrower. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 2.04 or elsewhere in this Agreement, the Swing Line Lender shall not be obligated to make any Swing Line Loan at a time when a Revolving Credit Lender is a Defaulting Lender unless the Swing Line Lender has entered into arrangements reasonably satisfactory to it and the Borrower to eliminate the Swing Line Lenders Fronting Exposure (after giving effect to Section 2.17(a)(iv)) with respect to the Defaulting Lenders or Defaulting Lenders participation in such Swing Line Loans, including by Cash Collateralizing, or obtaining a backstop letter of credit from an issuer reasonably satisfactory to the Swing Line Lender to support, such Defaulting Lenders or Defaulting Lenders Pro Rata Share of the outstanding Swing Line Loans.
(c) Refinancing of Swing Line Loans. (i) The Swing Line Lender at any time in its sole and absolute discretion may request, on behalf of the Borrower (which hereby irrevocably authorizes such Swing Line Lender to so request on its behalf), that each Revolving Credit Lender make a Base Rate Loan in an amount equal to such Lenders Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement of the amount of Swing Line Loans then outstanding. Such request shall be made in writing (which written request shall be deemed to be a Committed Loan Notice for purposes hereof) and in accordance with the requirements of Section 2.02, without regard to the minimum and multiples specified therein for the principal amount of Base Rate Loans, but subject to the unutilized portion of the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments and the conditions set forth in Section 4.02. The Swing Line Lender shall furnish the Borrower with a copy of the applicable Committed Loan Notice promptly after delivering such notice to the Administrative Agent. Each Revolving Credit Lender shall make an amount equal to its Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement of the amount specified in such Committed Loan Notice available to the Administrative Agent in Same Day Funds for the account of the Swing Line Lender at the Administrative Agents Office for Dollar-denominated payments not later than 1:00 p.m. New York City time on the day specified in such Committed Loan Notice, whereupon, subject to Section 2.04(c)(ii), each Revolving Credit Lender that so makes funds available shall be deemed to have made a Base Rate Loan to the Borrower in such amount. The Administrative Agent shall remit the funds so received to the Swing Line Lender.
(ii) If for any reason any Swing Line Loan cannot be refinanced by such a Revolving Credit Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.04(c)(i), the request for Base Rate Loans submitted by the Swing Line Lender as set forth herein shall be deemed to be a request by the Swing Line Lender that each of the Revolving Credit Lenders fund its risk participation in the relevant Swing Line Loan and each Revolving Credit Lenders payment to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swing Line Lender pursuant to Section 2.04(c)(i) shall be deemed payment in respect of such participation.
(iii) If any Revolving Credit Lender fails to make available to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Swing Line Lender any amount required to be paid by the Lender pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.04(c) by the time specified in Section 2.04(c)(i), the Swing Line Lender shall be entitled to recover from such Lender
76
(acting through the Administrative Agent), on demand, such amount with interest thereon for the period from the date such payment is required to the date on which such payment is immediately available to the Swing Line Lender at a rate per annum equal to the applicable Overnight Rate from time to time in effect, plus any reasonable administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Swing Line Lender in connection with the foregoing. A certificate of the Swing Line Lender submitted to any Lender (through the Administrative Agent) with respect to any amounts owing under this clause (iii) shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
(iv) Each Revolving Credit Lenders obligation to make Revolving Credit Loans or to purchase and fund risk participations in Swing Line Loans pursuant to this Section 2.04(c) shall be absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance, including (A) any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which such Lender may have against the Swing Line Lender, the Borrower or any other Person for any reason whatsoever, (B) the occurrence or continuance of a Default, or (C) any other occurrence, event or condition, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing; provided that each Revolving Credit Lenders obligation to make Revolving Credit Loans pursuant to this Section 2.04(c) (but not to purchase and fund risk participations in Swing Line Loans) is subject to the conditions set forth in Section 4.02. No such funding of risk participations shall relieve or otherwise impair the obligation of the Borrower to repay Swing Line Loans, together with interest as provided herein.
(d) Repayment of Participations. (i) At any time after any Revolving Credit Lender has purchased and funded a risk participation in a Swing Line Loan, if the Swing Line Lender receives any payment on account of such Swing Line Loan, the Swing Line Lender will distribute to such Lender its Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement of such payment (appropriately adjusted, in the case of interest payments, to reflect the period of time during which such Lenders risk participation was funded) in the same funds as those received by the Swing Line Lender.
(ii) If any payment received by the Swing Line Lender in respect of principal or interest on any Swing Line Loan is required to be returned by the Swing Line Lender under any of the circumstances described in Section 10.06 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the Swing Line Lender in its discretion), each Revolving Credit Lender shall pay to the Swing Line Lender its Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement thereof on demand of the Administrative Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such amount is returned, at a rate per annum equal to the applicable Overnight Rate. The Administrative Agent will make such demand upon the request of the Swing Line Lender.
(e) Interest for Account of Swing Line Lender. The Swing Line Lender shall be responsible for invoicing the Borrower for interest on the Swing Line Loans. Until each Revolving Credit Lender funds its Base Rate Loan, Eurocurrency Rate Loan or risk participation pursuant to this Section 2.04 to refinance such Lenders Pro Rata Share of any Swing Line Loan, interest in respect of such Pro Rata Share shall be solely for the account of the Swing Line Lender.
(f) Payments Directly to Swing Line Lender. The Borrower shall make all payments of principal and interest in respect of the Swing Line Loans directly to the Swing Line Lender.
77
(g) Provisions Related to Extended Revolving Credit Commitments . If the maturity date shall have occurred in respect of any tranche of Revolving Credit Commitments (the Expiring Credit Commitment ) at a time when another tranche or tranches of Revolving Credit Commitments is or are in effect with a longer maturity date (each a Non-Expiring Credit Commitment and collectively, the Non-Expiring Credit Commitments ), then with respect to each outstanding Swing Line Loan, if consented to by the applicable Swing Line Lender, on the earliest occurring maturity date such Swing Line Loan shall be deemed reallocated to the tranche or tranches of the Non-Expiring Credit Commitments on a pro rata basis; provided that (x) to the extent that the amount of such reallocation would cause the aggregate credit exposure to exceed the aggregate amount of such Non-Expiring Credit Commitments, immediately prior to such reallocation the amount of Swing Line Loans to be reallocated equal to such excess shall be repaid or Cash Collateralized and (y) notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower shall still be obligated to pay Swing Line Loans allocated to the Revolving Credit Lenders holding the Expiring Credit Commitments at the maturity date of the Expiring Credit Commitment or if the Loans have been accelerated prior to the maturity date of the Expiring Credit Commitment. Upon the maturity date of any tranche of Revolving Credit Commitments, the sublimit for Swing Line Loans may be reduced as agreed between the Swing Line Lender and the Borrower, without the consent of any other Person.
SECTION 2.05 Prepayments.
(a) Optional. (i) The Borrower may, upon, subject to clause (iii) below, written notice to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower, at any time or from time to time voluntarily prepay Term Loans and Revolving Credit Loans in whole or in part without premium or penalty; provided that (1) such notice must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. New York City time (A) three Business Days prior to any date of prepayment of Eurocurrency Rate Loans and (B) one (1) Business Day prior to any prepayment of Base Rate Loans; (2) any prepayment of Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be in a minimum Principal Amount of $2,000,000, or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof; and (3) any prepayment of Base Rate Loans shall be in a minimum Principal Amount of $1,000,000 or a whole multiple of $500,000 in excess thereof or, in each case, if less, the entire Principal Amount thereof then outstanding. Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment and the Class(es) and Type(s) of Loans to be prepaid. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Appropriate Lender of its receipt of each such notice, and of the amount of such Lenders Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement of such prepayment. If such notice is given by the Borrower, the Borrower shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein. Any prepayment of a Eurocurrency Rate Loan shall be accompanied by all accrued interest thereon to such date, together with any additional amounts required pursuant to Section 3.05. In the case of each prepayment of the Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05(a), the Borrower may in its sole discretion select the Borrowing or Borrowings and, subject to the pro rata application within any Class of Loans, any Class to be repaid, and such payment shall be paid to the Appropriate Lenders in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares or other applicable share as provided for under this Agreement.
(ii) The Borrower may, upon, subject to clause (iii) below, written notice to the Swing Line Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), at any time or from time to time, voluntarily prepay Swing Line Loans in whole or in part without premium or penalty; provided that (1) such notice must be received by the Swing Line Lender and the Administrative Agent not later than 1:00 p.m. New York City time on the date of the
78
prepayment, and (2) any such prepayment shall be in a minimum Principal Amount of $500,000 or a whole multiple of $100,000 in excess thereof or, if less, the entire principal amount thereof then outstanding. Each such notice shall specify the date and amount of such prepayment. If such notice is given by the Borrower, the Borrower shall make such prepayment and the payment amount specified in such notice shall be due and payable on the date specified therein.
(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, subject to the payment of any amounts owing pursuant to Section 3.05, the Borrower may rescind any notice of prepayment under Sections 2.05(a)(i) or 2.05(a)(ii) if such prepayment would have resulted from a refinancing of all or a portion of the applicable Facility, which refinancing shall not be consummated or shall otherwise be delayed. Each prepayment of any Class of Term Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05(a) shall be applied in an order of priority to repayments thereof required pursuant to Section 2.07(a) as directed by the Borrower and, absent such direction, shall be applied in direct order of maturity to repayments thereof required pursuant to Section 2.07(a).
(iv) [Reserved].
(v) Notwithstanding anything in any Loan Document to the contrary, so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and no proceeds of Revolving Credit Borrowings are applied to fund any such repayment, any Company Party may prepay the outstanding Term Loans (which shall, for the avoidance of doubt, be automatically and permanently canceled immediately upon such prepayment) (or Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries may purchase such outstanding Loans and immediately cancel them) on the following basis:
(A) Any Company Party shall have the right to make a voluntary prepayment of Term Loans at a discount to par pursuant to a Borrower Offer of Specified Discount Prepayment, Borrower Solicitation of Discount Range Prepayment Offers or Borrower Solicitation of Discounted Prepayment Offers (any such prepayment, the Discounted Term Loan Prepayment ), in each case made in accordance with this Section 2.05(a)(v); provided that no Company Party shall initiate any action under this Section 2.05(a)(v) in order to make a Discounted Term Loan Prepayment unless (I) at least ten (10) Business Days shall have passed since the consummation of the most recent Discounted Term Loan Prepayment as a result of a prepayment made by a Company Party on the applicable Discounted Prepayment Effective Date; or (II) at least three Business Days shall have passed since the date the Company Party was notified that no Term Lender was willing to accept any prepayment of any Term Loan at the Specified Discount, within the Discount Range or at any discount to par value, as applicable, or in the case of Borrower Solicitation of Discounted Prepayment Offers, the date of any Company Partys election not to accept any Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers.
(B) (1) Subject to the proviso to subsection (A) above, any Company Party may from time to time offer to make a Discounted Term Loan Prepayment by providing the Auction Agent with five (5) Business Days notice in the form of a Specified Discount Prepayment Notice; provided that (I) any such offer shall be made available, at the sole discretion of the Company Party, to (x) each Term Lender
79
and/or (y) each Term Lender with respect to any Class of Term Loans on an individual tranche basis (II) any such offer shall specify the aggregate principal amount offered to be prepaid (the Specified Discount Prepayment Amount ) with respect to each applicable tranche, the tranche or tranches of Term Loans subject to such offer and the specific percentage discount to par (the Specified Discount ) of such Term Loans to be prepaid (it being understood that different Specified Discounts and/or Specified Discount Prepayment Amounts may be offered with respect to different tranches of Term Loans and, in such event, each such offer will be treated as a separate offer pursuant to the terms of this Section 2.05(a)(v)(B)), (III) the Specified Discount Prepayment Amount shall be in an aggregate amount not less than $10,000,000 and whole increments of $1,000,000 in excess thereof and (IV) each such offer shall remain outstanding through the Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date. The Auction Agent will promptly provide each Appropriate Lender with a copy of such Specified Discount Prepayment Notice and a form of the Specified Discount Prepayment Response to be completed and returned by each such Term Lender to the Auction Agent (or its delegate) by no later than 5:00 p.m., on the third Business Day after the date of delivery of such notice to such Lenders (the Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date ).
(2) Each Term Lender receiving such offer shall notify the Auction Agent (or its delegate) by the Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date whether or not it agrees to accept a prepayment of any of its applicable then outstanding Term Loans at the Specified Discount and, if so (such accepting Lender, a Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender ), the amount and the tranches of such Lenders Term Loans to be prepaid at such offered discount. Each acceptance of a Discounted Term Loan Prepayment by a Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender shall be irrevocable. Any Term Lender whose Specified Discount Prepayment Response is not received by the Auction Agent by the Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date shall be deemed to have declined to accept the applicable Borrower Offer of Specified Discount Prepayment.
(3) If there is at least one Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender, the relevant Company Party will make a prepayment of outstanding Term Loans pursuant to this paragraph (B) to each Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender in accordance with the respective outstanding amount and tranches of Term Loans specified in such Lenders Specified Discount Prepayment Response given pursuant to subsection (2) above; provided that if the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans accepted for prepayment by all Discount Prepayment Accepting Lenders exceeds the Specified Discount Prepayment Amount, such prepayment shall be made pro rata among the Discount Prepayment Accepting Lenders in accordance with the respective principal amounts accepted to be prepaid by each such Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender and the Auction Agent (in consultation with such Company Party and subject to rounding requirements of the Auction Agent made in its reasonable discretion) will calculate such proration (the Specified Discount Proration ). The Auction Agent shall promptly, and in any case within three Business Days following the Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date, notify (I) the relevant Company Party of the respective Term Lenders responses to such offer, the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date and the aggregate principal amount of the Discounted Term Loan Prepayment and the tranches to be prepaid, (II) each
80
Term Lender of the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date, and the aggregate principal amount and the tranches of Term Loans to be prepaid at the Specified Discount on such date and (III) each Discount Prepayment Accepting Lender of the Specified Discount Proration, if any, and confirmation of the principal amount, tranche and Type of Term Loans of such Lender to be prepaid at the Specified Discount on such date. Each determination by the Auction Agent of the amounts stated in the foregoing notices to the Company Party and such Term Lenders shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes absent manifest error. The payment amount specified in such notice to the Company Party shall be due and payable by such Company Party on the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date in accordance with subsection (F) below (subject to subsection (J) below).
(C) (1) Subject to the proviso to subsection (A) above, any Company Party may from time to time solicit Discount Range Prepayment Offers by providing the Auction Agent with five (5) Business Days notice in the form of a Discount Range Prepayment Notice; provided that (I) any such solicitation shall be extended, at the sole discretion of such Company Party, to (x) each Term Lender and/or (y) each Term Lender with respect to any Class of Term Loans on an individual tranche basis, (II) any such notice shall specify the maximum aggregate principal amount of the relevant Term Loans (the Discount Range Prepayment Amount ), the tranche or tranches of Term Loans subject to such offer and the maximum and minimum percentage discounts to par (the Discount Range ) of the principal amount of such Term Loans with respect to each relevant tranche of Term Loans willing to be prepaid by such Company Party (it being understood that different Discount Ranges and/or Discount Range Prepayment Amounts may be offered with respect to different tranches of Term Loans and, in such event, each such offer will be treated as a separate offer pursuant to the terms of this Section 2.05(a)(v)(C)), (III) the Discount Range Prepayment Amount shall be in an aggregate amount not less than $10,000,000 and whole increments of $1,000,000 in excess thereof and (IV) each such solicitation by a Company Party shall remain outstanding through the Discount Range Prepayment Response Date. The Auction Agent will promptly provide each Appropriate Lender with a copy of such Discount Range Prepayment Notice and a form of the Discount Range Prepayment Offer to be submitted by a responding Lender to the Auction Agent (or its delegate) by no later than 5:00 p.m., on the third Business Day after the date of delivery of such notice to such Lenders (the Discount Range Prepayment Response Date ). Each Term Lenders Discount Range Prepayment Offer shall be irrevocable and shall specify a discount to par within the Discount Range (the Submitted Discount ) at which such Lender is willing to allow prepayment of any or all of its then outstanding Term Loans of the applicable tranche or tranches and the maximum aggregate principal amount and tranches of such Lenders Term Loans (the Submitted Amount ) such Term Lender is willing to have prepaid at the Submitted Discount. Any Term Lender whose Discount Range Prepayment Offer is not received by the Auction Agent by the Discount Range Prepayment Response Date shall be deemed to have declined to accept a Discounted Term Loan Prepayment of any of its Term Loans at any discount to their par value within the Discount Range.
(2) The Auction Agent shall review all Discount Range Prepayment Offers received on or before the applicable Discount Range Prepayment Response
81
Date and shall determine (in consultation with such Company Party and subject to rounding requirements of the Auction Agent made in its sole reasonable discretion) the Applicable Discount and Term Loans to be prepaid at such Applicable Discount in accordance with this subsection (C). The relevant Company Party agrees to accept on the Discount Range Prepayment Response Date all Discount Range Prepayment Offers received by Auction Agent by the Discount Range Prepayment Response Date, in the order from the Submitted Discount that is the largest discount to par to the Submitted Discount that is the smallest discount to par, up to and including the Submitted Discount that is the smallest discount to par within the Discount Range (such Submitted Discount that is the smallest discount to par within the Discount Range being referred to as the Applicable Discount ) which yields a Discounted Term Loan Prepayment in an aggregate principal amount equal to the lower of (I) the Discount Range Prepayment Amount and (II) the sum of all Submitted Amounts. Each Term Lender that has submitted a Discount Range Prepayment Offer to accept prepayment at a discount to par that is larger than or equal to the Applicable Discount shall be deemed to have irrevocably consented to prepayment of Term Loans equal to its Submitted Amount (subject to any required proration pursuant to the following subsection (3)) at the Applicable Discount (each such Term Lender, a Participating Lender ).
(3) If there is at least one Participating Lender, the relevant Company Party will prepay the respective outstanding Term Loans of each Participating Lender in the aggregate principal amount and of the tranches specified in such Lenders Discount Range Prepayment Offer at the Applicable Discount; provided that if the Submitted Amount by all Participating Lenders offered at a discount to par greater than the Applicable Discount exceeds the Discount Range Prepayment Amount, prepayment of the principal amount of the relevant Term Loans for those Participating Lenders whose Submitted Discount is a discount to par greater than or equal to the Applicable Discount (the Identified Participating Lenders ) shall be made pro rata among the Identified Participating Lenders in accordance with the Submitted Amount of each such Identified Participating Lender and the Auction Agent (in consultation with such Company Party and subject to rounding requirements of the Auction Agent made in its sole reasonable discretion) will calculate such proration (the Discount Range Proration ). The Auction Agent shall promptly, and in any case within five (5) Business Days following the Discount Range Prepayment Response Date, notify (I) the relevant Company Party of the respective Term Lenders responses to such solicitation, the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date, the Applicable Discount, and the aggregate principal amount of the Discounted Term Loan Prepayment and the tranches to be prepaid, (II) each Term Lender of the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date, the Applicable Discount, and the aggregate principal amount and tranches of Term Loans to be prepaid at the Applicable Discount on such date, (III) each Participating Lender of the aggregate principal amount and tranches of such Term Lender to be prepaid at the Applicable Discount on such date, and (IV) if applicable, each Identified Participating Lender of the Discount Range Proration. Each determination by the Auction Agent of the amounts stated in the foregoing notices to the relevant Company Party and Term Lenders shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes absent manifest error. The payment amount specified in such notice to the Company Party shall be due and payable by such Company Party on the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date in accordance with subsection (F) below (subject to subsection (J) below).
82
(D) (1) Subject to the proviso to subsection (A) above, any Company Party may from time to time solicit Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers by providing the Auction Agent with five (5) Business Days notice in the form of a Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice; provided that (I) any such solicitation shall be extended, at the sole discretion of such Company Party, to (x) each Term Lender and/or (y) each Lender with respect to any Class of Loans on an individual tranche basis, (II) any such notice shall specify the maximum aggregate amount of the Term Loans (the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Amount ) and the tranche or tranches of Term Loans the Borrower is willing to prepay at a discount (it being understood that different Solicited Discounted Prepayment Amounts may be offered with respect to different tranches of Term Loans and, in such event, each such offer will be treated as a separate offer pursuant to the terms of this Section 2.05(a)(v)(D)), (III) the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Amount shall be in an aggregate amount not less than $10,000,000 and whole increments of $1,000,000 in excess thereof and (IV) each such solicitation by a Company Party shall remain outstanding through the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date. The Auction Agent will promptly provide each Appropriate Lender with a copy of such Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice and a form of the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer to be submitted by a responding Lender to the Auction Agent (or its delegate) by no later than 5:00 p.m., on the third Business Day after the date of delivery of such notice to such Term Lenders (the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date ). Each Term Lenders Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer shall (x) be irrevocable, (y) remain outstanding until the Acceptance Date, and (z) specify both a discount to par (the Offered Discount ) at which such Term Lender is willing to allow prepayment of its then outstanding Term Loan and the maximum aggregate principal amount and tranches of such Term Loans (the Offered Amount ) such Term Lender is willing to have prepaid at the Offered Discount. Any Term Lender whose Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer is not received by the Auction Agent by the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date shall be deemed to have declined prepayment of any of its Term Loans at any discount.
(2) The Auction Agent shall promptly provide the relevant Company Party with a copy of all Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers received on or before the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date. Such Company Party shall review all such Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers and select the largest of the Offered Discounts specified by the relevant responding Term Lenders in the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers that is acceptable to the Company Party (the Acceptable Discount ), if any. If the Company Party elects to accept any Offered Discount as the Acceptable Discount, then as soon as practicable after the determination of the Acceptable Discount, but in no event later than by the third Business Day after the date of receipt by such Company Party from the Auction Agent of a copy of all Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers pursuant to the first sentence of this subsection (2) (the Acceptance Date ), the Company Party shall submit an Acceptance and Prepayment Notice to the Auction Agent setting forth the Acceptable Discount. If the Auction Agent shall fail to receive an Acceptance and Prepayment Notice from the Company Party by the Acceptance Date, such Company Party shall be deemed to have rejected all Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers.
83
(3) Based upon the Acceptable Discount and the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers received by Auction Agent by the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date, within three Business Days after receipt of an Acceptance and Prepayment Notice (the Discounted Prepayment Determination Date ), the Auction Agent will determine (in consultation with such Company Party and subject to rounding requirements of the Auction Agent made in its sole reasonable discretion) the aggregate principal amount and the tranches of Term Loans (the Acceptable Prepayment Amount ) to be prepaid by the relevant Company Party at the Acceptable Discount in accordance with this Section 2.05(a)(v)(D). If the Company Party elects to accept any Acceptable Discount, then the Company Party agrees to accept all Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers received by Auction Agent by the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Response Date, in the order from largest Offered Discount to smallest Offered Discount, up to and including the Acceptable Discount. Each Term Lender that has submitted a Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer with an Offered Discount that is greater than or equal to the Acceptable Discount shall be deemed to have irrevocably consented to prepayment of Term Loans equal to its Offered Amount (subject to any required pro rata reduction pursuant to the following sentence) at the Acceptable Discount (each such Lender, a Qualifying Lender ). The Company Party will prepay outstanding Term Loans pursuant to this subsection (D) to each Qualifying Lender in the aggregate principal amount and of the tranches specified in such Lenders Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer at the Acceptable Discount; provided that if the aggregate Offered Amount by all Qualifying Lenders whose Offered Discount is greater than or equal to the Acceptable Discount exceeds the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Amount, prepayment of the principal amount of the Term Loans for those Qualifying Lenders whose Offered Discount is greater than or equal to the Acceptable Discount (the Identified Qualifying Lenders ) shall be made pro rata among the Identified Qualifying Lenders in accordance with the Offered Amount of each such Identified Qualifying Lender and the Auction Agent (in consultation with such Company Party and subject to rounding requirements of the Auction Agent made in its sole reasonable discretion) will calculate such proration (the Solicited Discount Proration ). On or prior to the Discounted Prepayment Determination Date, the Auction Agent shall promptly notify (I) the relevant Company Party of the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date and Acceptable Prepayment Amount comprising the Discounted Term Loan Prepayment and the tranches to be prepaid, (II) each Term Lender of the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date, the Acceptable Discount, and the Acceptable Prepayment Amount of all Term Loans and the tranches to be prepaid to be prepaid at the Applicable Discount on such date, (III) each Qualifying Lender of the aggregate principal amount and the tranches of such Term Lender to be prepaid at the Acceptable Discount on such date, and (IV) if applicable, each Identified Qualifying Lender of the Solicited Discount Proration. Each determination by the Auction Agent of the amounts stated in the foregoing notices to such Company Party and Term Lenders shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes absent manifest error. The payment amount specified in such notice to such Company Party shall be due and payable by such Company Party on the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date in accordance with subsection (F) below (subject to subsection (J) below).
84
(E) In connection with any Discounted Term Loan Prepayment, the Company Parties and the Term Lenders acknowledge and agree that the Auction Agent may require as a condition to any Discounted Term Loan Prepayment, the payment of customary fees and expenses from a Company Party in connection therewith.
(F) If any Term Loan is prepaid in accordance with paragraphs (B) through (D) above, a Company Party shall prepay such Term Loans on the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date. The relevant Company Party shall make such prepayment to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Discount Prepayment Accepting Lenders, Participating Lenders, or Qualifying Lenders, as applicable, at the Administrative Agents Office in immediately available funds not later than 11:00 a.m. on the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date and all such prepayments shall be applied to the remaining principal installments of the relevant tranche of Loans on a pro rata basis across such installments. The Term Loans so prepaid shall be accompanied by all accrued and unpaid interest on the par principal amount so prepaid up to, but not including, the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date. Each prepayment of the outstanding Term Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05(a)(v) shall be paid to the Discount Prepayment Accepting Lenders, Participating Lenders, or Qualifying Lenders, as applicable, and shall be applied to the relevant Loans of such Lenders in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Share. The aggregate principal amount of the tranches and installments of the relevant Term Loans outstanding shall be deemed reduced by the full par value of the aggregate principal amount of the tranches of Term Loans prepaid on the Discounted Prepayment Effective Date in any Discounted Term Loan Prepayment. In connection with each prepayment pursuant to this Section 2.05(a)(v), the relevant Company Party shall waive any right to bring any action against the Administrative Agent, in its capacity as such, in connection with any such Discounted Term Loan Prepayment.
(G) To the extent not expressly provided for herein, each Discounted Term Loan Prepayment shall be consummated pursuant to procedures consistent with the provisions in this Section 2.05(a)(v), established by the Auction Agent acting in its reasonable discretion and as reasonably agreed by the Borrower.
(H) Notwithstanding anything in any Loan Document to the contrary, for purposes of this Section 2.05(a)(v), each notice or other communication required to be delivered or otherwise provided to the Auction Agent (or its delegate) shall be deemed to have been given upon Auction Agents (or its delegates) actual receipt during normal business hours of such notice or communication; provided that any notice or communication actually received outside of normal business hours shall be deemed to have been given as of the opening of business on the next Business Day.
(I) Each of the Company Parties and the Term Lenders acknowledge and agree that the Auction Agent may perform any and all of its duties under this Section 2.05(a)(v) by itself or through any Affiliate of the Auction Agent and
85
expressly consents to any such delegation of duties by the Auction Agent to such Affiliate and the performance of such delegated duties by such Affiliate. The exculpatory provisions pursuant to this Agreement shall apply to each Affiliate of the Auction Agent and its respective activities in connection with any Discounted Term Loan Prepayment provided for in this Section 2.05(a)(v) as well as activities of the Auction Agent.
(J) Each Company Party shall have the right, by written notice to the Auction Agent, to revoke in full (but not in part) its offer to make a Discounted Term Loan Prepayment and rescind the applicable Specified Discount Prepayment Notice, Discount Range Prepayment Notice or Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice therefor at its discretion at any time on or prior to the applicable Specified Discount Prepayment Response Date (and if such offer is revoked pursuant to the preceding clauses, any failure by such Company Party to make any prepayment to a Lender, as applicable, pursuant to this Section 2.05(a)(v) shall not constitute a Default or Event of Default under Section 8.01 or otherwise).
(b) Mandatory. (i) [Reserved].
(ii) If (x) the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower Disposes of any property or assets (other than any Disposition of any property or assets permitted by Sections 7.05 (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (g), (h), (i), (k), (l), (m), (o), (p), (q), (s)), or (y) any Casualty Event occurs, which results in the realization or receipt by the Borrower or Restricted Subsidiary of Net Proceeds, the Borrower shall cause to be offered to be prepaid in accordance with clause (b)(ix) below, on or prior to the date which is ten (10) Business Days after the date of the realization or receipt by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of such Net Proceeds, subject to clause (b)(xi) below, an aggregate principal amount of Term Loans in an amount equal to 100% of all Net Proceeds received; provided that if at the time that any such prepayment would be required, the Borrower is required to offer to repurchase any Permitted First Priority Refinancing Debt (or any Permitted Refinancing thereof that is secured on a pari passu basis with the Obligations) pursuant to the terms of the documentation governing such Indebtedness with the Net Proceeds of such Disposition or Casualty Event (such Indebtedness required to be offered to be so repurchased, Other Applicable Indebtedness ), then the Borrower may apply such Net Proceeds on a pro rata basis (determined on the basis of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the Term Loans and Other Applicable Indebtedness at such time); provided, further, that (A) the portion of such Net Proceeds allocated to the Other Applicable Indebtedness shall not exceed the amount of such Net Proceeds required to be allocated to the Other Applicable Indebtedness pursuant to the terms thereof, and the remaining amount, if any, of such Net Proceeds shall be allocated to the Term Loans in accordance with the terms hereof to the prepayment of the Term Loans and to the repurchase or prepayment of Other Applicable Indebtedness, and the amount of prepayment of the Term Loans that would have otherwise been required pursuant to this Section 2.05(b)(ii) shall be reduced accordingly and (B) to the extent the holders of Other Applicable Indebtedness decline to have such indebtedness repurchased or prepaid, the declined amount shall promptly (and in any event within ten (10) Business Days after the date of such rejection) be applied to prepay the Term Loans in accordance with the terms hereof.
(iii) [Reserved.]
86
(iv) If the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary incurs or issues any Indebtedness after the Closing Date (other than Indebtedness not prohibited under Section 7.03 (excluding Section 7.03(t)), the Borrower shall cause to be offered to be prepaid in accordance with clause (b)(ix) below an aggregate principal amount of Term Loans in an amount equal to 100% of all Net Proceeds received therefrom on or prior to the date which is five (5) Business Days after the receipt by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary of such Net Proceeds.
(v) If for any reason the aggregate Revolving Credit Exposures at any time exceeds the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments then in effect (including, for the avoidance of doubt, as a result of the termination of any Class of Revolving Credit Commitments on the Maturity Date with respect thereto), the Borrower shall promptly prepay or cause to be promptly prepaid Revolving Credit Loans and Swing Line Loans and/or Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations in an aggregate amount equal to such excess; provided that the Borrower shall not be required to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations pursuant to this Section 2.05(b)(v) unless after the prepayment in full of the Revolving Credit Loans and Swing Line Loans such aggregate Outstanding Amount exceeds the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitments then in effect.
(vi) Except with respect to Loans incurred in connection with any Refinancing Amendment, Term Loan Extension Request, Revolver Extension Request or any Incremental Amendment (which may be prepaid on a less than pro rata basis in accordance with its terms), (A) each prepayment of Term Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05(b) shall be applied ratably to each Class of Term Loans then outstanding ( provided that (i) any prepayment of Term Loans with the Net Proceeds of Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness shall be applied solely to each applicable Class of Refinanced Debt, and (ii) any Class of Incremental Term Loans may specify that one or more other Classes of Term Loans and Incremental Term Loans may be prepaid prior to such Class of Incremental Term Loans); (B) with respect to each Class of Term Loans, each prepayment pursuant to clauses (i) through (iv) of this Section 2.05(b) shall be applied to the scheduled installments of principal thereof following the date of prepayment pursuant to Section 2.07(a) in direct order of maturity; and (C) each such prepayment shall be paid to the Lenders in accordance with their respective Pro Rata Shares of such prepayment.
(vii) The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent in writing of any mandatory prepayment of Term Loans required to be made pursuant to clauses (i) through (iv) of this Section 2.05(b) at least four (4) Business Days prior to the date of such prepayment. Each such notice shall specify the date of such prepayment and provide a reasonably detailed calculation of the amount of such prepayment. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify each Appropriate Lender of the contents of the Borrowers prepayment notice and of such Appropriate Lenders Pro Rata Share of the prepayment.
(viii) Funding Losses, Etc. All prepayments under this Section 2.05 shall be made together with, in the case of any such prepayment of a Eurocurrency Rate Loan on a date other than the last day of an Interest Period therefor, any amounts owing in respect of such Eurocurrency Rate Loan pursuant to Section 3.05. Notwithstanding any of the other provisions of Section 2.05(b), so long as no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, if any prepayment of Eurocurrency Rate Loans is required to be made under this Section 2.05(b), prior to the last day of the Interest Period therefor, the Borrower may, in its
87
sole discretion, deposit the amount of any such prepayment otherwise required to be made thereunder into a Cash Collateral Account until the last day of such Interest Period, at which time the Administrative Agent shall be authorized (without any further action by or notice to or from the Borrower or any other Loan Party) to apply such amount to the prepayment of such Loans in accordance with this Section 2.05(b). Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, the Administrative Agent shall also be authorized (without any further action by or notice to or from the Borrower or any other Loan Party) to apply such amount to the prepayment of the outstanding Loans in accordance with this Section 2.05(b).
(ix) Term Opt-out of Prepayment . With respect to each prepayment of Term Loans required pursuant to Section 2.05(b), (A) each Lender of Term Loans will have the right to refuse such offer of prepayment by giving written notice of such refusal to the Administrative Agent within one (1) Business Day after such Lenders receipt of notice from the Administrative Agent of such offer of prepayment (and the Borrower shall not prepay any Term Loans of such Lender on the date that is specified in clause (B) below), (B) the Borrower will make all such prepayments not so refused upon the fourth Business Day after delivery of notice by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.05(b)(vii) and (C) any prepayment refused by Lenders of Term Loans may be retained by the Borrower.
(x) In connection with any mandatory prepayments by the Borrower of the Term Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05(b), such prepayments shall be applied on a pro rata basis to the then outstanding Term Loans of the applicable Class or Classes being prepaid irrespective of whether such outstanding Term Loans are Base Rate Loans or Eurocurrency Rate Loans; provided that if no Lenders exercise the right to waive a given mandatory prepayment of the Term Loans pursuant to Section 2.05(b)(ix), then, with respect to such mandatory prepayment, the amount of such mandatory prepayment within any tranche of Term Loans shall be applied first to Term Loans of such tranche that are Base Rate Loans to the full extent thereof before application to Term Loans of such tranche that are Eurocurrency Rate Loans in a manner that minimizes the amount of any payments required to be made by the Borrower pursuant to Section 3.05.
(xi) Foreign Dispositions . Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section 2.05, (i) to the extent that any of or all the Net Proceeds of any Disposition by a Foreign Subsidiary ( Foreign Disposition ) is prohibited or delayed by applicable local law from being repatriated to the United States, the portion of such Net Proceeds so affected will not be required to be applied to repay Term Loans at the times provided in this Section 2.05 but may be retained by the applicable Foreign Subsidiary so long, but only so long, as the applicable local law will not permit repatriation to the United States (the Borrower hereby agreeing to cause the applicable Foreign Subsidiary to promptly take all actions reasonably required by the applicable local law to permit such repatriation), and once such repatriation of any of such affected Net Proceeds that would otherwise be required to be used to make an offer of prepayment pursuant to 2.05(b)(ii), is permitted under the applicable local law, such repatriation will be immediately effected and such repatriated Net Proceeds will be promptly (and in any event not later than two Business Days after such repatriation) applied (net of additional taxes payable or reserved against as a result thereof) to the repayment of the Term Loans pursuant to this Section 2.05 and (ii) to the extent that the Borrower has determined in good faith that repatriation of any of or all the Net Proceeds of any Foreign Disposition would have material adverse tax cost consequences with respect to such Net Proceeds, such
88
Net Proceeds so affected may be retained by the applicable Foreign Subsidiary; provided that in the case of this clause (ii), on or before the date on which any such Net Proceeds so retained would otherwise have been required to be applied to reinvestments or prepayments pursuant to Section 2.05(b), the Borrower applies an amount equal to such Net Proceeds to such reinvestments or prepayments, as applicable, as if such Net Proceeds had been received by the Borrower rather than such Foreign Subsidiary, less the amount of additional taxes that would have been payable or reserved against if such Net Proceeds had been repatriated (or, if less, the Net Proceeds would be calculated if received by such Foreign Subsidiary).
SECTION 2.06 Termination or Reduction of Commitments.
(a) Optional. The Borrower may, upon written notice to the Administrative Agent, terminate the unused Commitments of any Class, or from time to time permanently reduce the unused Commitments of any Class, in each case without premium or penalty; provided that (i) any such notice shall be received by the Administrative Agent three Business Days prior to the date of termination or reduction, (ii) any such partial reduction shall be in a minimum aggregate amount of $5,000,000, or any whole multiple of $1,000,000, in excess thereof or, if less, the entire amount thereof and (iii) if, after giving effect to any reduction of the Commitments, the Letter of Credit Sublimit or the Swing Line Sublimit exceeds the amount of the Revolving Credit Facility, such sublimit shall be automatically reduced by the amount of such excess. The amount of any such Commitment reduction shall not otherwise be applied to the Letter of Credit Sublimit or the Swing Line Sublimit unless otherwise specified by the Borrower. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower may rescind or postpone any notice of termination of the Commitments if such termination would have resulted from a refinancing of all of the applicable Facility, which refinancing shall not be consummated or otherwise shall be delayed.
(b) Mandatory. The Initial Term Commitment of each Term Lender shall be automatically and permanently reduced to $0 upon the funding of the Initial Term Loans to be made by it on the Closing Date. The Revolving Credit Commitment shall automatically and permanently terminate on the Maturity Date with respect to the Revolving Credit Commitments.
(c) Application of Commitment Reductions; Payment of Fees. The Administrative Agent will promptly notify the Appropriate Lenders of any termination or reduction of unused portions of the Letter of Credit Sublimit or the Swing Line Sublimit or the unused Commitments of any Class under this Section 2.06. Upon any reduction of unused Commitments of any Class, the Commitment of each Lender of such Class shall be reduced by such Lenders Pro Rata Share of the amount by which such Commitments are reduced (other than the termination of the Commitment of any Lender as provided in Section 3.07). All commitment fees accrued until the effective date of any termination of the Aggregate Commitments shall be paid on the effective date of such termination.
SECTION 2.07 Repayment of Loans.
(a) Term Loans. The Borrower shall repay to the Administrative Agent for the ratable account of the Term Lenders, (i) on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first full fiscal quarter after the Closing Date until the fiscal quarter ending prior to the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date, an aggregate principal amount equal to 1.25% of the aggregate principal amount of all Initial Term Loans outstanding on the Closing Date (which payments shall be reduced as a result of the application of prepayments in accordance with the order of priority set forth in Section 2.05) and (ii) on the Maturity Date for the Initial Term
89
Loans, the aggregate principal amount of all Initial Term Loans outstanding on such date. In the event any Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans are made, such Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans, as applicable, shall be repaid by the Borrower in the amounts and on the dates set forth in the Incremental Amendment, Refinancing Amendment or Extension Amendment with respect thereto and on the applicable Maturity Date thereof.
(b) Revolving Credit Loans . The Borrower shall repay to the Administrative Agent for the ratable account of the Appropriate Lenders on the applicable Maturity Date for the Revolving Credit Facilities of a given Class the aggregate principal amount of all of its Revolving Credit Loans of such Class outstanding on such date.
(c) Swing Line Loans . The Borrower shall repay each Swing Line Loan on the earlier to occur of (i) the date five (5) Business Days after such Loan is made and (ii) the Maturity Date for the Revolving Credit Facility (although Swing Line Loans may thereafter be reborrowed, in accordance with the terms and conditions hereof, if there are one or more Classes of Revolving Credit Commitments which remain in effect).
SECTION 2.08 Interest.
(a) Subject to the provisions of Section 2.08(b), (i) each Eurocurrency Rate Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof for each Interest Period at a rate per annum equal to the Eurocurrency Rate for such Interest Period plus the Applicable Rate; (ii) each Base Rate Loan (other than a Swing Line Loan) shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate; and (iii) each Swing Line Loan shall bear interest on the outstanding principal amount thereof from the applicable borrowing date at a rate per annum equal to the Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate for Revolving Credit Loans.
(b) During the continuance of a Default under Section 8.01(a), the Borrower shall pay interest on past due amounts owing by it hereunder at a fluctuating interest rate per annum at all times equal to the Default Rate to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Laws; provided that no interest at the Default Rate shall accrue or be payable to a Defaulting Lender so long as such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender. Accrued and unpaid interest on such amounts (including interest on past due interest) shall be due and payable upon demand.
(c) Interest on each Loan shall be due and payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date applicable thereto and at such other times as may be specified herein. Interest hereunder shall be due and payable in accordance with the terms hereof before and after judgment, and before and after the commencement of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law.
SECTION 2.09 Fees.
In addition to certain fees described in Sections 2.03(h) and (i):
(a) Commitment Fee. The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Credit Lender under each Facility in accordance with its Pro Rata Share or other applicable share provided for under this Agreement, a commitment fee in Dollars equal to the Applicable Rate with respect to Revolving Credit Loan commitment fees, times the actual daily
90
amount by which the aggregate Revolving Credit Commitment for the applicable Facility exceeds the sum of (A) the Outstanding Amount of Revolving Credit Loans for such Facility and (B) the Outstanding Amount of L/C Obligations for such Facility; provided that any commitment fee accrued with respect to any of the Commitments of a Defaulting Lender during the period prior to the time such Lender became a Defaulting Lender and unpaid at such time shall not be payable by the Borrower so long as such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender, except to the extent that such commitment fee shall otherwise have been due and payable by the Borrower prior to such time; and provided , further , that no commitment fee shall accrue on any of the Commitments of a Defaulting Lender so long as such Lender shall be a Defaulting Lender. The commitment fee on each Revolving Credit Facility shall accrue at all times from the Closing Date until the Maturity Date for the Revolving Credit Commitments, including at any time during which one or more of the conditions in Article IV is not met, and shall be due and payable quarterly in arrears on the last Business Day of each March, June, September and December, commencing with the first such date during the first full fiscal quarter to occur after the Closing Date and on the Maturity Date for the Revolving Credit Commitments. The commitment fee shall be calculated quarterly in arrears, and if there is any change in the Applicable Rate during any quarter, the actual daily amount shall be computed and multiplied by the Applicable Rate separately for each period during such quarter that such Applicable Rate was in effect.
(b) Other Fees. The Borrower shall pay to the Agents such fees as shall have been separately agreed upon in writing in the amounts and at the times so specified. Such fees shall be fully earned when paid and shall not be refundable for any reason whatsoever (except as expressly agreed between the Borrower and the applicable Agent).
SECTION 2.10 Computation of Interest and Fees.
All computations of interest for Base Rate Loans when the Base Rate is determined by the Prime Rate shall be made on the basis of a year of three hundred and sixty-five (365) days, or three hundred and sixty-six (366) days, as applicable, and actual days elapsed. All other computations of fees and interest shall be made on the basis of a three hundred and sixty (360) day year and actual days elapsed. Interest shall accrue on each Loan for the day on which the Loan is made, and shall not accrue on a Loan, or any portion thereof, for the day on which the Loan or such portion is paid; provided that any Loan that is repaid on the same day on which it is made shall, subject to Section 2.12(a), bear interest for one (1) day. Each determination by the Administrative Agent of an interest rate or fee hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes, absent manifest error.
SECTION 2.11 Evidence of Indebtedness.
(a) The Credit Extensions made by each Lender shall be evidenced by one or more accounts or records maintained by such Lender and evidenced by one or more entries in the Register maintained by the Administrative Agent, acting solely for purposes of Treasury Regulation Section 5f.103-1(c), as agent for the Borrower, in each case in the ordinary course of business. The accounts or records maintained by the Administrative Agent and each Lender shall be prima facie evidence absent manifest error of the amount of the Credit Extensions made by the Lenders to the Borrower and the interest and payments thereon. Any failure to so record or any error in doing so shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligation of the Borrower hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the Obligations. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by any Lender and the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of
91
manifest error. Upon the request of any Lender made through the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall execute and deliver to such Lender (through the Administrative Agent) a Note payable to such Lender, which shall evidence such Lenders Loans in addition to such accounts or records. Each Lender may attach schedules to its Note and endorse thereon the date, Type (if applicable), amount, currency and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.
(b) In addition to the accounts and records referred to in Section 2.11(a), each Lender and the Administrative Agent shall maintain in accordance with its usual practice accounts or records and, in the case of the Administrative Agent, entries in the Register, evidencing the purchases and sales by such Lender of participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans. In the event of any conflict between the accounts and records maintained by the Administrative Agent and the accounts and records of any Lender in respect of such matters, the accounts and records of the Administrative Agent shall control in the absence of manifest error.
(c) Entries made in good faith by the Administrative Agent in the Register pursuant to Sections 2.11(a) and (b), and by each Lender in its account or accounts pursuant to Sections 2.11(a) and (b), shall be prima facie evidence of the amount of principal and interest due and payable or to become due and payable from the Borrower to, in the case of the Register, each Lender and, in the case of such account or accounts, such Lender, under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, absent manifest error; provided that the failure of the Administrative Agent or such Lender to make an entry, or any finding that an entry is incorrect, in the Register or such account or accounts shall not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
SECTION 2.12 Payments Generally.
(a) All payments to be made by the Borrower shall be made without condition or deduction for any counterclaim, defense, recoupment or setoff. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein and except with respect to an Approved Foreign Currency, all payments by the Borrower hereunder shall be made to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the respective Lenders to which such payment is owed, at the applicable Administrative Agents Office for Dollar-denominated payments and in Same Day Funds not later than 1:00 p.m. New York City time on the date specified herein. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all payments by the Borrower hereunder in an Approved Foreign Currency shall be made to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the respective Lenders to which such payment is owed, at the applicable Administrative Agents Office in such Approved Foreign Currency and in Same Day Funds not later than 2:00 p.m. (London time) (or, if earlier, 9:00 a.m. New York city time) on the dates specified herein. If, for any reason, the Borrower is prohibited by any Law from making any required payment hereunder in an Approved Foreign Currency, the Borrower shall make such payment in Dollars in an amount equal to the Dollar Equivalent of such Approved Foreign Currency payment amount. The Administrative Agent will promptly distribute to each Appropriate Lender its Pro Rata Share (or other applicable share as provided herein) of such payment in like funds as received by wire transfer to such Lenders applicable Lending Office. All payments received by the Administrative Agent after the time specified above shall in each case be deemed received on the next succeeding Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall continue to accrue.
(b) Except as otherwise provided herein, if any payment to be made by the Borrower shall come due on a day other than a Business Day, payment shall be made on the next following Business Day, and such extension of time shall be reflected in computing interest or fees, as the case
92
may be; provided that if such extension would cause payment of interest on or principal of Eurocurrency Rate Loans to be made in the next succeeding calendar month, such payment shall be made on the immediately preceding Business Day.
(c) Unless the Borrower or any Lender has notified the Administrative Agent, prior to the date any payment is required to be made by it to the Administrative Agent hereunder, that the Borrower or such Lender, as the case may be, will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower or such Lender, as the case may be, has timely made such payment and may (but shall not be so required to), in reliance thereon, make available a corresponding amount to the Person entitled thereto. If and to the extent that such payment was not in fact made to the Administrative Agent in Same Day Funds, then:
(i) if the Borrower failed to make such payment, each Lender shall forthwith on demand repay to the Administrative Agent the portion of such assumed payment that was made available to such Lender in Same Day Funds, together with interest thereon in respect of each day from and including the date such amount was made available by the Administrative Agent to such Lender to the date such amount is repaid to the Administrative Agent in Same Day Funds at the applicable Overnight Rate, plus any reasonable administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Administrative Agent in connection with the foregoing; and
(ii) if any Lender failed to make such payment (including, without limitation, failure to fund participations in respect of any Letter of Credit or Swing Line Loan), such Lender shall forthwith on demand pay to the Administrative Agent the amount thereof in Same Day Funds, together with interest thereon for the period from the date such amount was made available by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower to the date such amount is recovered by the Administrative Agent (the Compensation Period ) at a rate per annum equal to the applicable Overnight Rate, plus any reasonable administrative, processing or similar fees customarily charged by the Administrative Agent in connection with the foregoing. When such Lender makes payment to the Administrative Agent (together with all accrued interest thereon), then such payment amount (excluding the amount of any interest which may have accrued and been paid in respect of such late payment) shall constitute such Lenders Loan included in the applicable Borrowing. If such Lender does not pay such amount (including, without limitation, failure to fund participations in respect of any Letter of Credit or Swing Line Loan) forthwith upon the Administrative Agents demand therefor, the Administrative Agent may make a demand therefor upon the Borrower, and the Borrower shall pay such amount to the Administrative Agent, together with interest thereon for the Compensation Period at a rate per annum equal to the rate of interest applicable to the applicable Borrowing. Nothing herein shall be deemed to relieve any Lender from its obligation to fulfill its Commitment or to prejudice any rights which the Administrative Agent or the Borrower may have against any Lender as a result of any default by such Lender hereunder.
A notice of the Administrative Agent to any Lender or the Borrower with respect to any amount owing under this Section 2.12(c) shall be conclusive, absent manifest error.
(d) If any Lender makes available to the Administrative Agent funds for any Loan to be made by such Lender as provided in the foregoing provisions of this Article II, and such funds are not made available to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent because the conditions to the
93
applicable Credit Extension set forth in Article IV or in the applicable Incremental Amendment, Extension Amendment or Refinancing Amendment are not satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms hereof, the Administrative Agent shall return such funds (in like funds as received from such Lender) to such Lender, without interest.
(e) The obligations of the Lenders hereunder to make Loans and to fund participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans are several and not joint. The failure of any Lender to make any Loan or to fund any such participation on any date required hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its corresponding obligation to do so on such date, and no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to so make its Loan or purchase its participation.
(f) Nothing herein shall be deemed to obligate any Lender to obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner or to constitute a representation by any Lender that it has obtained or will obtain the funds for any Loan in any particular place or manner.
(g) Whenever any payment received by the Administrative Agent under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents is insufficient to pay in full all amounts due and payable to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders under or in respect of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents on any date, such payment shall be distributed by the Administrative Agent and applied by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders in the order of priority set forth in Section 8.04. If the Administrative Agent receives funds for application to the Obligations of the Loan Parties under or in respect of the Loan Documents under circumstances for which the Loan Documents do not specify the manner in which such funds are to be applied, the Administrative Agent may (to the fullest extent permitted by mandatory provisions of applicable Law), but shall not be obligated to, elect to distribute such funds to each of the Lenders in accordance with such Lenders Pro Rata Share of the sum of (a) the Outstanding Amount of all Loans outstanding at such time and (b) the Outstanding Amount of all L/C Obligations outstanding at such time, in repayment or prepayment of such of the outstanding Loans or other Obligations then owing to such Lender.
SECTION 2.13 Sharing of Payments.
If, other than as expressly provided elsewhere herein, any Lender shall obtain on account of the Loans made by it, or the participations in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans held by it, any payment (whether voluntary, involuntary, through the exercise of any right of setoff, or otherwise) in excess of its ratable share (or other share contemplated hereunder) thereof, such Lender shall immediately (a) notify the Administrative Agent of such fact, and (b) purchase from the other Lenders such participations in the Loans made by them and/or such subparticipations in the participations in L/C Obligations or Swing Line Loans held by them, as the case may be, as shall be necessary to cause such purchasing Lender to share the excess payment in respect of such Loans or such participations, as the case may be, pro rata with each of them; provided that if all or any portion of such excess payment is thereafter recovered from the purchasing Lender under any of the circumstances described in Section 10.06 (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by the purchasing Lender in its discretion), such purchase shall to that extent be rescinded and each other Lender shall repay to the purchasing Lender the purchase price paid therefor, together with an amount equal to such paying Lenders ratable share (according to the proportion of (i) the amount of such paying Lenders required repayment to (ii) the total amount so recovered from the purchasing Lender) of any interest or other amount paid or payable by the purchasing Lender in respect of the total amount so recovered, without further interest thereon. For avoidance of doubt, the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to (A) any payment made by the Borrower pursuant to
94
and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement as in effect from time to time (including the application of funds arising from the existence of a Defaulting Lender) or (B) any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a participation in any of its Loans to any assignee or participant permitted hereunder. The Borrower agrees that any Lender so purchasing a participation from another Lender may, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, exercise all its rights of payment (including the right of setoff, but subject to Section 10.09) with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were the direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation. The Administrative Agent will keep records (which shall be conclusive and binding in the absence of manifest error) of participations purchased under this Section 2.13 and will in each case notify the Lenders following any such purchases or repayments. Each Lender that purchases a participation pursuant to this Section 2.13 shall from and after such purchase have the right to give all notices, requests, demands, directions and other communications under this Agreement with respect to the portion of the Obligations purchased to the same extent as though the purchasing Lender were the original owner of the Obligations purchased.
SECTION 2.14 Incremental Credit Extensions.
(a) Incremental Commitments . The Borrower may at any time or from time to time after the Closing Date, by notice to the Administrative Agent (an Incremental Loan Request ), request (A) one or more new commitments which may be in the same Facility as any outstanding Term Loans of an existing Class of Term Loans (a Term Loan Increase ) or a new Class of term loans (collectively with any Term Loan Increase, the Incremental Term Commitments ) and/or (B) one or more increases in the amount of the Revolving Credit Commitments (a Revolving Commitment Increase ) or the establishment of one or more new revolving credit commitments (any such new commitments, collectively with any Revolving Commitment Increases, the Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments and the Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments, collectively with any Incremental Term Commitments, the Incremental Commitments ), whereupon the Administrative Agent shall promptly deliver a copy to each of the Lenders.
(b) Incremental Loans . Any Incremental Commitments effected through the establishment of one or more new revolving credit commitments or new Term Loans made on an Incremental Facility Closing Date shall be designated a separate Class of Incremental Commitments for all purposes of this Agreement. On any Incremental Facility Closing Date on which any Incremental Term Commitments of any Class are effected (including through any Term Loan Increase), subject to the satisfaction of the terms and conditions in this Section 2.14, (i) each Incremental Term Lender of such Class shall make a Loan to the Borrower (or any Loan Party organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof, may be designated as a borrower in respect thereof) (an Incremental Term Loan ) in an amount equal to its Incremental Term Commitment of such Class and (ii) each Incremental Term Lender of such Class shall become a Lender hereunder with respect to the Incremental Term Commitment of such Class and the Incremental Term Loans of such Class made pursuant thereto. On any Incremental Facility Closing Date on which any Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments of any Class are effected through the establishment of one or more new revolving credit commitments (including through any Revolving Commitment Increase), subject to the satisfaction of the terms and conditions in this Section 2.14, (i) each Incremental Revolving Credit Lender of such Class shall make its Commitment available to the Borrower (or any Loan Party organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof, that may be designated as a borrower in respect thereof) (when borrowed, an Incremental Revolving Credit Loan and collectively with any Incremental Term Loan, an
95
Incremental Loan ) in an amount equal to its Incremental Revolving Credit Commitment of such Class and (ii) each Incremental Revolving Credit Lender of such Class shall become a Lender hereunder with respect to the Incremental Revolving Credit Commitment of such Class and the Incremental Revolving Credit Loans of such Class made pursuant thereto. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Incremental Term Loans may have identical terms to any of the Term Loans and be treated as the same Class as any of such Term Loans.
(c) Incremental Loan Request . Each Incremental Loan Request from the Borrower pursuant to this Section 2.14 shall set forth the requested amount, the Approved Currency and proposed terms of the relevant Incremental Term Loans or Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments. Incremental Term Loans may be made, and Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments may be provided, by any existing Lender (but each existing Lender will not have an obligation to make any Incremental Commitment, nor will the Borrower have any obligation to approach any existing lenders to provide any Incremental Commitment) or by any other bank or other financial institution (any such other bank or other financial institution being called an Additional Lender ) (each such existing Lender or Additional Lender providing such, an Incremental Revolving Credit Lender or Incremental Term Lender , as applicable, and, collectively, the Incremental Lenders ); provided that the Administrative Agent, each Swing Line Lender and each L/C Issuer shall have consented (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) to such Lenders or Additional Lenders making such Incremental Term Loans or providing such Revolving Commitment Increases to the extent such consent, if any, would be required under Section 10.07(b) for an assignment of Loans or Revolving Credit Commitments, as applicable, to such Lender or Additional Lender,.
(d) Effectiveness of Incremental Amendment . The effectiveness of any Incremental Amendment, and the Incremental Commitments thereunder, shall be subject to the satisfaction on the date thereof (the Incremental Facility Closing Date ) of each of the following conditions:
(i) (x) if the proceeds of such Incremental Commitments are being used to finance a Permitted Acquisition, no Event of Default under Sections 8.01(a) or (f) shall have occurred and be continuing or would exist after giving effect to such Incremental Commitments, or (y) if otherwise, no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would exist after giving effect to such Incremental Commitments;
(ii) after giving effect to such Incremental Commitments, the conditions of Sections 4.02(i) and (ii) shall be satisfied (it being understood that all references to the date of such Credit Extension or similar language in such Section 4.02 shall be deemed to refer to the effective date of such Incremental Amendment); provided that if the proceeds of such Incremental Commitments are being used to finance a Permitted Acquisition, (x) the reference in 4.02(i) to the accuracy of the representations and warranties shall refer to the accuracy of the representations and warranties that would constitute Specified Representations and (y) the reference to Material Adverse Effect in the Specified Representations shall be understood for this purpose to refer to Material Adverse Effect or similar definition as defined in the main transaction agreement governing such Permitted Acquisition;
(iii) the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall be in compliance with the covenants set forth in Section 7.11, determined on a Pro Forma Basis as of the Incremental Facility Closing Date and the last day of the most recently ended Test Period, as if any
96
Incremental Term Loans or Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments, as applicable, available under such Incremental Commitments had been outstanding on the last day of such fiscal quarter of the Borrower for testing compliance therewith, and, in each case (x) with respect to any Incremental Revolving Credit Commitment, assuming a borrowing of the maximum amount of Loans available thereunder, and (y) without netting the cash proceeds of any such Incremental Loans;
(iv) each Incremental Term Commitment shall be in an aggregate principal amount that is not less than $10,000,000 and shall be in an increment of $1,000,000 ( provided that such amount may be less than $10,000,000 if such amount represents all remaining availability under the limit set forth in the next sentence) and each Incremental Revolving Credit Commitment shall be in an aggregate principal amount that is not less than $5,000,000 and shall be in an increment of $1,000,000 ( provided that such amount may be less than $5,000,000 if such amount represents all remaining availability under the limit set forth in the next sentence);
(v) the aggregate amount of the Incremental Term Loans and the Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments shall not exceed the sum of (A) $300,000,000 less the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 7.03(q) at or prior to such time plus (B) all voluntary prepayments of Term Loans and voluntary commitment reductions of Revolving Credit Commitments prior to or simultaneous with the Incremental Facility Closing Date (excluding voluntary prepayments of Incremental Term Loans and voluntary commitment reductions (i) of Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments, to the extent such Incremental Term Loans and Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments were obtained pursuant to clause (C) below or (ii) with the proceeds of Indebtedness), plus (C) additional amounts so long as the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio, determined on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the most recently ended period of four consecutive fiscal quarters for which financial statements are internally available, as if any Incremental Term Loans or Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments, as applicable, available under such Incremental Commitments had been outstanding on the last day of such period, and, in each case (x) with respect to any Incremental Revolving Credit Commitment, assuming a borrowing of the maximum amount of Loans available thereunder, and (y) without netting the cash proceeds of any such Incremental Loans, does not exceed 0.25 to 1.00; and
(vi) such other conditions as the Borrower, each Incremental Lender providing such Incremental Commitments and the Administrative Agent shall agree.
(e) Required Terms . The terms, provisions and documentation of the Incremental Term Loans and Incremental Term Commitments or the Incremental Revolving Credit Loans and Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments, as the case may be, of any Class shall be as agreed between the Borrower and the applicable Incremental Lenders providing such Incremental Commitments, and except as otherwise set forth herein, to the extent not identical to the Term Loans or Revolving Credit Commitments, as applicable, each existing on the Incremental Facility Closing Date, shall be reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent (it being understood that to the extent any financial maintenance covenant is added for the benefit of any Incremental Term Loans and Incremental Term Commitments or the Incremental Revolving Credit Loans and Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments, no consent shall be required from the Administrative Agent or any
97
of the Lenders to the extent that such financial maintenance covenant is also added for the benefit of any corresponding existing Facility). In any event:
(i) the Incremental Term Loans:
(A) shall rank pari passu in right of payment and of security with the Revolving Credit Loans and the Term Loans,
(B) shall not mature earlier than the Latest Maturity Date of any Term Loans outstanding at the time of incurrence of such Incremental Term Loans,
(C) shall have a Weighted Average Life to Maturity not shorter than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Term Loans,
(D) shall have an Applicable Rate, and subject to clauses (e)(i)(B) and (e)(i)(C) above and clause (e)(iii) below, amortization determined by the Borrower and the applicable Incremental Term Lenders, and
(E) the Incremental Term Loans may participate on a pro rata basis or non-pro rata basis in any voluntary or less than pro rata basis (but not on a greater than pro rata basis) in any mandatory prepayments of Term Loans hereunder, as specified in the applicable Incremental Amendment.
(ii) the Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments and Incremental Revolving Credit Loans shall be identical to the Revolving Credit Commitments and the Revolving Credit Loans, other than the Maturity Date and as set forth in this Section 2.14(e)(ii); provided that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 2.14 or otherwise:
(A) any such Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments or Incremental Revolving Credit Loans shall rank pari passu in right of payment and of security with the Revolving Credit Loans and the Term Loans,
(B) any such Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments or Incremental Revolving Credit Loans shall not mature earlier than the Latest Maturity Date of any Revolving Credit Loans outstanding at the time of incurrence of such Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments,
(C) the borrowing and repayment (except for (1) payments of interest and fees at different rates on Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments (and related outstandings), (2) repayments required upon the maturity date of the Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments and (3) repayment made in connection with a permanent repayment and termination of commitments (subject to clause (E) below)) of Loans with respect to Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments after the associated Incremental Facility Closing Date shall be made on a pro rata basis with all other Revolving Credit Commitments on the Incremental Facility Closing Date,
(D) subject to the provisions of Sections 2.03(n) and 2.04(g) to the extent dealing with Swing Line Loans and Letters of Credit which mature or expire
98
after a maturity date when there exists Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments with a longer maturity date, all Swing Line Loans and Letters of Credit shall be participated on a pro rata basis by all Lenders with Commitments in accordance with their percentage of the Revolving Credit Commitments on the Incremental Facility Closing Date (and except as provided in Section 2.03(n) and Section 2.04(g), without giving effect to changes thereto on an earlier maturity date with respect to Swing Line Loans and Letters of Credit theretofore incurred or issued),
(E) the permanent repayment of Revolving Credit Loans with respect to, and termination of, Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments after the associated Incremental Facility Closing Date shall be made on a pro rata basis with all other Revolving Credit Commitments on the Incremental Facility Closing Date, except that the Borrower shall be permitted to permanently repay and terminate commitments of any such Class on a better than a pro rata basis as compared to any other Class with a later maturity date than such Class,
(F) assignments and participations of Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments and Incremental Revolving Credit Loans shall be governed by the same assignment and participation provisions applicable to Revolving Credit Commitments and Revolving Credit Loans on the Incremental Facility Closing Date, and
(G) any Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments may constitute a separate Class or Classes, as the case may be, of Commitments from the Classes constituting the applicable Revolving Credit Commitments prior to the Incremental Facility Closing Date.
(iii) the amortization schedule applicable to any Incremental Loans and the All-In Yield applicable to the Incremental Term Loans or Incremental Revolving Credit Loans of each Class shall be determined by the Borrower and the applicable new Lenders and shall be set forth in each applicable Incremental Amendment.
(f) Incremental Amendment . Commitments in respect of Incremental Term Loans and Incremental Revolving Credit Commitment shall become Commitments (or in the case of an Incremental Revolving Credit Commitment to be provided by an existing Revolving Credit Lender, an increase in such Lenders applicable Revolving Credit Commitment), under this Agreement pursuant to an amendment (an Incremental Amendment ) to this Agreement and, as appropriate, the other Loan Documents, executed by the Borrower, any Loan Party organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof, that may be designated as a borrower in respect thereof (if any), each Incremental Lender providing such Commitments and the Administrative Agent. The Incremental Amendment may, without the consent of any other Loan Party, Agent or Lender, effect such amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to effect the provisions of this Section 2.14. The Borrower (or any Loan Party organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof, that may be designated as a borrower in respect thereof) will use the proceeds of the Incremental Term Loans and Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments for any purpose not prohibited by this Agreement. No Lender shall be obligated to provide any Incremental Term Loans or Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments, unless it so agrees.
99
(g) Reallocation of Revolving Credit Exposure . Upon any Incremental Facility Closing Date on which Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments are effected through an increase in the Revolving Credit Commitments pursuant to this Section 2.14, (a) if the increase relates to the Revolving Credit Facility, each of the Revolving Credit Lenders shall assign to each of the Incremental Revolving Credit Lenders, and each of the Incremental Revolving Credit Lenders shall purchase from each of the Revolving Credit Lenders, at the principal amount thereof, such interests in the Incremental Revolving Credit Loans outstanding on such Incremental Facility Closing Date as shall be necessary in order that, after giving effect to all such assignments and purchases, such Revolving Credit Loans will be held by existing Revolving Credit Lenders and Incremental Revolving Credit Lenders ratably in accordance with their Revolving Credit Commitments after giving effect to the addition of such Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments to the Revolving Credit Commitments, (b) each Incremental Revolving Credit Commitment shall be deemed for all purposes a Revolving Credit Commitment and each Loan made thereunder shall be deemed, for all purposes, a Revolving Credit Loan and (c) each Incremental Revolving Credit Lender shall become a Lender with respect to the Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments and all matters relating thereto. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders hereby agree that the minimum borrowing and prepayment requirements in Sections 2.02 and 2.05(a) of this Agreement shall not apply to the transactions effected pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence.
(h) This Section 2.14 shall supersede any provisions in Section 2.13 or 10.01 to the contrary.
SECTION 2.15 Refinancing Amendments.
(a) On one or more occasions after the Closing Date, the Borrower may obtain, from any Lender or any other bank, financial institution or other institutional lender or investor that agrees to provide any portion of Refinancing Term Loans or Other Revolving Credit Commitments constituting Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment in accordance with this Section 2.15 (each, an Additional Refinancing Lender ) ( provided that the Administrative Agent, each Swing Line Lender and each L/C Issuer shall have consented (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) to such Lenders or Additional Refinancing Lenders making such Refinancing Term Loans or providing such Other Revolving Credit Commitments to the extent such consent, if any, would be required under Section 10.07(b) for an assignment of Loans or Revolving Credit Commitments, as applicable, to such Lender or Additional Refinancing Lender; provided that notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 2.15 or otherwise, (1) the borrowing and repayment (except for (A) payments of interest and fees at different rates on Other Revolving Credit Commitments (and related outstandings), (B) repayments required upon the maturity date of the Other Revolving Credit Commitments and (C) repayment made in connection with a permanent repayment and termination of commitments (subject to clause (3) below)) of Loans with respect to Other Revolving Credit Commitments after the date of obtaining any Other Revolving Credit Commitments shall be made on a pro rata basis with all other Revolving Credit Commitments, (2) subject to the provisions of Section 2.03(n) and 2.04(g) to the extent dealing with Swing Line Loans and Letters of Credit which mature or expire after a maturity date when there exist Other Revolving Credit Commitments with a longer maturity date, all Swing Line Loans and Letters of Credit shall be participated on a pro rata basis by all Lenders with Commitments in accordance with their percentage of the Revolving Credit Commitments (and except as provided in Section 2.03(n) and Section 2.04(g), without giving effect to changes thereto on an earlier maturity date with respect to Swing Line Loans and Letters of Credit theretofore incurred or issued), (3) the permanent repayment of Revolving Credit Loans with respect to, and termination of, Other Revolving Credit Commitments
100
after the date of obtaining any Other Revolving Credit Commitments shall be made on a pro rata basis with all other Revolving Credit Commitments, except that the Borrower shall be permitted to permanently repay and terminate commitments of any such Class on a better than a pro rata basis as compared to any other Class with a later maturity date than such Class and (4) assignments and participations of Other Revolving Credit Commitments and Other Revolving Credit Loans shall be governed by the same assignment and participation provisions applicable to Revolving Credit Commitments and Revolving Credit Loans.
(b) The effectiveness of any Refinancing Amendment shall be subject to the satisfaction on the date thereof of each of the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 and, to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, receipt by the Administrative Agent of (i) customary legal opinions, board resolutions and officers certificates consistent with those delivered on the Closing Date other than changes to such legal opinion resulting from a change in law, change in fact or change to counsels form of opinion reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (ii) reaffirmation agreements and/or such amendments to the Collateral Documents as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent in order to ensure that such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness is provided with the benefit of the applicable Loan Documents.
(c) Each issuance of Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness under Section 2.15(a) shall be in an aggregate principal amount that is (x) not less than $10,000,000 and (y) an integral multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof.
(d) Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that this Agreement and the other Loan Documents may be amended pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment, without the consent of any other Lenders, to the extent (but only to the extent) necessary to (i) reflect the existence and terms of the Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness incurred pursuant thereto and (ii) make such other changes to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents consistent with the provisions and intent of the third paragraph of Section 10.01 (without the consent of the Required Lenders called for therein) and (iii) effect such other amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to effect the provisions of this Section 2.15, and the Required Lenders hereby expressly authorize the Administrative Agent to enter into any such Refinancing Amendment.
SECTION 2.16 Extension of Term Loans; Extension of Revolving Credit Loans.
(a) Extension of Term Loans . The Borrower may at any time and from time to time request that all or a portion of the Term Loans of a given Class (each, an Existing Term Loan Tranche ) be amended to extend the scheduled maturity date(s) with respect to all or a portion of any principal amount of such Term Loans (any such Term Loans which have been so amended, Extended Term Loans ) and to provide for other terms consistent with this Section 2.16. In order to establish any Extended Term Loans, the Borrower shall provide a notice to the Administrative Agent (who shall provide a copy of such notice to each of the Lenders under the applicable Existing Term Loan Tranche) (each, a Term Loan Extension Request ) setting forth the proposed terms of the Extended Term Loans to be established, which shall (x) be identical as offered to each Lender under such Existing Term Loan Tranche (including as to the proposed interest rates and fees payable) and offered pro rata to each Lender under such Existing Term Loan Tranche and (y) be identical to the Term Loans under the Existing Term Loan Tranche from which such Extended Term Loans are to be amended, except that: (i) all or any of the scheduled amortization payments of principal of the Extended Term Loans may be delayed to later dates than the scheduled amortization payments of
101
principal of the Term Loans of such Existing Term Loan Tranche, to the extent provided in the applicable Extension Amendment; (ii) the Effective Yield with respect to the Extended Term Loans (whether in the form of interest rate margin, upfront fees, original issue discount or otherwise) may be different than the Effective Yield for the Term Loans of such Existing Term Loan Tranche, in each case, to the extent provided in the applicable Extension Amendment; (iii) the Extension Amendment may provide for other covenants and terms that apply solely to any period after the Latest Maturity Date that is in effect on the effective date of the Extension Amendment (immediately prior to the establishment of such Extended Term Loans); and (iv) Extended Term Loans may have call protection as may be agreed by the Borrower and the Lenders thereof; provided that no Extended Term Loans may be optionally prepaid prior to the date on which the Term Loans under the Existing Term Loan Tranche from which such Extended Term Loans were amended are repaid in full, unless such optional prepayment is accompanied by at least a pro rata optional prepayment of such Existing Term Loan Tranche; provided , however , that (A) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time a Term Loan Extension Request is delivered to Lenders, (B) in no event shall the final maturity date of any Extended Term Loans of a given Term Loan Extension Series at the time of establishment thereof be earlier than the then Latest Maturity Date of any then existing Term Loans hereunder, (C) the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of any Extended Term Loans of a given Term Loan Extension Series at the time of establishment thereof shall be no shorter (other than by virtue of amortization or prepayment of such Indebtedness prior to the time of incurrence of such Extended Term Loans) than the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of any Existing Term Loan Tranche, (D) any such Extended Term Loans (and the Liens securing the same) shall be permitted by the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements (to the extent any Intercreditor Agreement is then in effect), (E) all documentation in respect of such Extension Amendment shall be consistent with the foregoing and (F) any Extended Term Loans may participate on a pro rata basis or less than a pro rata basis (but not greater than a pro rata basis) in any voluntary or mandatory repayments or prepayments hereunder, in each case as specified in the respective Term Loan Extension Request. Any Extended Term Loans amended pursuant to any Term Loan Extension Request shall be designated a series (each, a Term Loan Extension Series ) of Extended Term Loans for all purposes of this Agreement; provided that any Extended Term Loans amended from an Existing Term Loan Tranche may, to the extent provided in the applicable Extension Amendment, be designated as an increase in any previously established Term Loan Extension Series with respect to such Existing Term Loan Tranche. Each Term Loan Extension Series of Extended Term Loans incurred under this Section 2.16 shall be in an aggregate principal amount that is not less than $10,000,000.
(b) Extension of Revolving Credit Commitments . The Borrower may at any time and from time to time request that all or a portion of the Revolving Credit Commitments of a given Class (each, an Existing Revolver Tranche ) be amended to extend the Maturity Date with respect to all or a portion of any principal amount of such Revolving Credit Commitments (any such Revolving Credit Commitments which have been so amended, Extended Revolving Credit Commitments ) and to provide for other terms consistent with this Section 2.16. In order to establish any Extended Revolving Credit Commitments, the Borrower shall provide a notice to the Administrative Agent (who shall provide a copy of such notice to each of the Lenders under the applicable Existing Revolver Tranche) (each, a Revolver Extension Request ) setting forth the proposed terms of the Extended Revolving Credit Commitments to be established, which shall (x) be identical as offered to each Lender under such Existing Revolver Tranche (including as to the proposed interest rates and fees payable) and offered pro rata to each Lender under such Existing Revolver Tranche and (y) be identical to the Revolving Credit Commitments under the Existing Revolver Tranche from which such Extended Revolving Credit Commitments are to be amended, except that: (i) the Maturity Date
102
of the Extended Revolving Credit Commitments may be delayed to a later date than the Maturity Date of the Revolving Credit Commitments of such Existing Revolver Tranche, to the extent provided in the applicable Extension Amendment; (ii) the Effective Yield with respect to extensions of credit under the Extended Revolving Credit Commitments (whether in the form of interest rate margin, upfront fees, commitment fees, original issue discount or otherwise) may be different than the Effective Yield for extensions of credit under the Revolving Credit Commitments of such Existing Revolver Tranche, in each case, to the extent provided in the applicable Extension Amendment; (iii) the Extension Amendment may provide for other covenants and terms that apply solely to any period after the Latest Maturity Date that is in effect on the effective date of the Extension Amendment (immediately prior to the establishment of such Extended Revolving Credit Commitments); and (iv) all borrowings under the applicable Revolving Credit Commitments ( i.e ., the Existing Revolver Tranche and the Extended Revolving Credit Commitments of the applicable Revolver Extension Series) and repayments thereunder shall be made on a pro rata basis (except for (I) payments of interest and fees at different rates on Extended Revolving Credit Commitments (and related outstandings) and (II) repayments required upon the Maturity Date of the non-extending Revolving Credit Commitments); provided , further , that (A) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing at the time a Revolver Extension Request is delivered to Lenders, (B) in no event shall the final maturity date of any Extended Revolving Credit Commitments of a given Revolver Extension Series at the time of establishment thereof be earlier than the then Latest Maturity Date of any other Revolving Credit Commitments hereunder, (C) any such Extended Revolving Credit Commitments (and the Liens securing the same) shall be permitted by the terms of the Intercreditor Agreements (to the extent any Intercreditor Agreement is then in effect) and (D) all documentation in respect of such Extension Amendment shall be consistent with the foregoing. Any Extended Revolving Credit Commitments amended pursuant to any Revolver Extension Request shall be designated a series (each, a Revolver Extension Series ) of Extended Revolving Credit Commitments for all purposes of this Agreement; provided that any Extended Revolving Credit Commitments amended from an Existing Revolver Tranche may, to the extent provided in the applicable Extension Amendment, be designated as an increase in any previously established Revolver Extension Series with respect to such Existing Revolver Tranche. Each Revolver Extension Series of Extended Revolving Credit Commitments incurred under this Section 2.16 shall be in an aggregate principal amount that is not less than $5,000,000.
(c) Extension Request . The Borrower shall provide the applicable Extension Request at least five (5) Business Days prior to the date on which Lenders under the Existing Term Loan Tranche or Existing Revolver Tranche, as applicable, are requested to respond, and shall agree to such procedures, if any, as may be established by, or acceptable to, the Administrative Agent, in each case acting reasonably to accomplish the purposes of this Section 2.16. No Lender shall have any obligation to agree to have any of its Term Loans of any Existing Term Loan Tranche amended into Extended Term Loans or any of its Revolving Credit Commitments amended into Extended Revolving Credit Commitments, as applicable, pursuant to any Extension Request. Any Lender holding a Loan under an Existing Term Loan Tranche (each, an Extending Term Lender ) wishing to have all or a portion of its Term Loans under the Existing Term Loan Tranche subject to such Extension Request amended into Extended Term Loans and any Revolving Credit Lender (each, an Extending Revolving Credit Lender ) wishing to have all or a portion of its Revolving Credit Commitments under the Existing Revolver Tranche subject to such Extension Request amended into Extended Revolving Credit Commitments, as applicable, shall notify the Administrative Agent (each, an Extension Election ) on or prior to the date specified in such Extension Request of the amount of its Term Loans under the Existing Term Loan Tranche or Revolving Credit Commitments under the Existing Revolver Tranche, as applicable, which it has elected to request be amended into
103
Extended Term Loans or Extended Revolving Credit Commitments, as applicable (subject to any minimum denomination requirements imposed by the Administrative Agent). In the event that the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans under the Existing Term Loan Tranche or Revolving Credit Commitments under the Existing Revolver Tranche, as applicable, in respect of which applicable Term Lenders or Revolving Credit Lenders, as the case may be, shall have accepted the relevant Extension Request exceeds the amount of Extended Term Loans or Extended Revolving Credit Commitments, as applicable, requested to be extended pursuant to the Extension Request, Term Loans or Revolving Credit Commitments, as applicable, subject to Extension Elections shall be amended to Extended Term Loans or Revolving Credit Commitments, as applicable, on a pro rata basis (subject to rounding by the Administrative Agent, which shall be conclusive) based on the aggregate principal amount of Term Loans or Revolving Credit Commitments, as applicable, included in each such Extension Election.
(d) Extension Amendment . Extended Term Loans and Extended Revolving Credit Commitments shall be established pursuant to an amendment (each, an Extension Amendment ) to this Agreement among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and each Extending Term Lender or Extending Revolving Credit Lender, as applicable, providing an Extended Term Loan or Extended Revolving Credit Commitment, as applicable, thereunder, which shall be consistent with the provisions set forth in Sections 2.16(a) or (b) above, respectively (but which shall not require the consent of any other Lender). The effectiveness of any Extension Amendment shall be subject to the satisfaction on the date thereof of each of the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 and, to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, receipt by the Administrative Agent of (i) legal opinions, board resolutions and officers certificates consistent with those delivered on the Closing Date other than changes to such legal opinion resulting from a change in law, change in fact or change to counsels form of opinion reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (ii) reaffirmation agreements and/or such amendments to the Collateral Documents as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent in order to ensure that the Extended Term Loans or Extended Revolving Credit Commitments, as applicable, are provided with the benefit of the applicable Loan Documents. The Administrative Agent shall promptly notify each Lender as to the effectiveness of each Extension Amendment. Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that this Agreement and the other Loan Documents may be amended pursuant to an Extension Amendment, without the consent of any other Lenders, to the extent (but only to the extent) necessary to (i) reflect the existence and terms of the Extended Term Loans or Extended Revolving Credit Commitments, as applicable, incurred pursuant thereto, (ii) modify the scheduled repayments set forth in Section 2.07 with respect to any Existing Term Loan Tranche subject to an Extension Election to reflect a reduction in the principal amount of the Term Loans thereunder in an amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Extended Term Loans amended pursuant to the applicable Extension (with such amount to be applied ratably to reduce scheduled repayments of such Term Loans required pursuant to Section 2.07), (iii) modify the prepayments set forth in Section 2.05 to reflect the existence of the Extended Term Loans and the application of prepayments with respect thereto, (iv) make such other changes to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents consistent with the provisions and intent of the second paragraph of Section 10.01 (without the consent of the Required Lenders called for therein) and (v) effect such other amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to effect the provisions of this Section 2.16, and the Required Lenders hereby expressly authorize the Administrative Agent to enter into any such Extension Amendment.
104
(e) No conversion of Loans pursuant to any Extension in accordance with this Section 2.16 shall constitute a voluntary or mandatory payment or prepayment for purposes of this Agreement.
SECTION 2.17 Defaulting Lenders.
(a) Adjustments . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then, until such time as that Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable Law:
(i) Waivers and Amendments . That Defaulting Lenders right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent with respect to this Agreement shall be restricted as set forth in Section 10.01.
(ii) Reallocation of Payments . Any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of that Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Article VIII or otherwise), shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: first , to the payment of any amounts owing by that Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second , to the payment on a pro rata basis of any amounts owing by that Defaulting Lender to L/C Issuers or Swing Line Lender hereunder; third , if so determined by the Administrative Agent or requested by any L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, to be held as Cash Collateral for future funding obligations of that Defaulting Lender of any participation in any Swing Line Loan or Letter of Credit; fourth , as the Borrower may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which that Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative Agent; fifth , if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to be held in a non-interest bearing deposit account and released in order to satisfy obligations of that Defaulting Lender to fund Loans under this Agreement; sixth , to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders, the L/C Issuers or the Swing Line Lender as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender, any L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender against that Defaulting Lender as a result of that Defaulting Lenders breach of its obligations under this Agreement; seventh , so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrower as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Borrower against that Defaulting Lender as a result of that Defaulting Lenders breach of its obligations under this Agreement; and eighth , to that Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (x) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans or L/C Borrowings in respect of which that Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share and (y) such Loans or L/C Borrowings were made at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of, and L/C Borrowings owed to, all Non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of, or L/C Borrowings owed to, that Defaulting Lender. Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post Cash Collateral pursuant to this Section 2.17(a)(ii) shall be deemed paid to and redirected by that Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto.
105
(iii) Certain Fees . That Defaulting Lender (x) shall not be entitled to receive any commitment fee pursuant to Section 2.09(a) for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender (and the Borrower shall not be required to pay any such fee that otherwise would have been required to have been paid to that Defaulting Lender) and (y) shall be limited in its right to receive Letter of Credit fees as provided in Section 2.03(h).
(iv) Reallocation of Pro Rata Share to Reduce Fronting Exposure . During any period in which there is a Defaulting Lender, for purposes of computing the amount of the obligation of each Non-Defaulting Lender to acquire, refinance or fund participations in Letters of Credit or Swing Line Loans pursuant to Sections 2.03 and 2.04, the Pro Rata Share of each Non-Defaulting Lenders Revolving Credit Loans and L/C Obligations shall be computed without giving effect to the Commitment of that Defaulting Lender; provided that (i) each such reallocation shall be given effect only if, at the date the applicable Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; and (ii) the aggregate obligation of each Non-Defaulting Lender to acquire, refinance or fund participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans shall not exceed the positive difference, if any, of (1) the Revolving Credit Commitment of that Non-Defaulting Lender minus (2) the aggregate Outstanding Amount of the Loans of that Lender. Subject to Section 10.23, no reallocation hereunder shall constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder against a Defaulting Lender arising from that Lender having become a Defaulting Lender, including any claim of a Non-Defaulting Lender as a result of such Non-Defaulting Lenders increased exposure following such reallocation.
(b) Defaulting Lender Cure . If the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, Swing Line Lender and the L/C Issuers agree in writing in their sole discretion that a Defaulting Lender should no longer be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender, the Administrative Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the effective date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein (which may include arrangements with respect to any Cash Collateral), that Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase that portion of outstanding Loans of the other Lenders or take such other actions as the Administrative Agent may determine to be necessary to cause the Revolving Credit Loans and funded and unfunded participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans to be held on a pro rata basis by the Lenders in accordance with their Pro Rata Share (without giving effect to Section 2.17(a)(iv)), whereupon that Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender; provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrower while that Lender was a Defaulting Lender; and provided , further , that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lenders having been a Defaulting Lender.
ARTICLE III
Taxes, Increased Costs Protection and Illegality
SECTION 3.01 Taxes.
(a) Except as provided in this Section 3.01, any and all payments made by or on account of the Borrower (the term Borrower under Article III being deemed to include any Subsidiary for whose account a Letter of Credit is issued) or any Guarantor under any Loan Document shall be made free and clear of and without deduction for any and all present or future taxes, duties, levies,
106
imposts, assessments or withholdings (including backup withholding) or similar charges imposed by any Governmental Authority including interest, penalties and additions to tax (collectively Taxes ), except as required by applicable Law. If the Borrower, any Guarantor or other applicable withholding agent shall be required by any Laws to deduct any Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable under any Loan Document to any Agent or any Lender, (A) to the extent the Tax in question is an Indemnified Tax, the sum payable by the Borrower or such Guarantor shall be increased as necessary so that after making all required deductions (including deductions applicable to additional sums payable under this Section 3.01), each of such Agent and such Lender receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deductions been made, (B) the applicable withholding agent shall make such deductions, (C) the applicable withholding agent shall pay the full amount deducted to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable Laws, and (D) within thirty (30) days after the date of such payment (or, if receipts or evidence are not available within thirty (30) days, as soon as possible thereafter), if the Borrower or any Guarantor is the applicable withholding agent, shall furnish to such Agent or Lender (as the case may be) the original or a copy of a receipt evidencing payment thereof or other evidence reasonably acceptable to such Agent or Lender.
(b) In addition, each Loan Party agrees to pay any and all present or future stamp, court or documentary taxes and any other excise, property, intangible or mortgage recording taxes, or charges or levies of the same character, imposed by any Governmental Authority, which arise from any payment made under any Loan Document or from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, or otherwise with respect to, any Loan Document (including additions to tax, penalties and interest related thereto) excluding, in each case, such amounts that result from an Agent or Lenders Assignment and Assumption, grant of a participation, transfer or assignment to or designation of a new applicable Lending Office or other office for receiving payments under any Loan Document (collectively, Assignment Taxes ) to the extent such Assignment Taxes result from a connection that the Agent or Lender has with the taxing jurisdiction other than the connection arising out of the Loan Documents or the transactions therein, except for such Assignment Taxes resulting from assignment or participation that is requested or required in writing by the Borrower (all such non-excluded Taxes described in this Section 3.01(b) being hereinafter referred to as Other Taxes ).
(c) Each Loan Party agrees to indemnify each Agent and each Lender for (i) the full amount of Indemnified Taxes and Other Taxes payable by such Agent or such Lender and (ii) any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, in each case whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability prepared in good faith by such Agent or Lender (or by an Agent on behalf of such Lender), accompanied by a written statement thereof setting forth in reasonable detail the basis and calculation of such amounts shall be conclusive absent manifest error.
(d) Each Lender shall, at such times as are reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, provide the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with any documentation prescribed by Law certifying as to any entitlement of such Lender to an exemption from, or reduction in, withholding Tax with respect to any payments to be made to such Lender under the Loan Documents. Each such Lender shall, whenever a lapse in time or change in circumstances renders such documentation obsolete or inaccurate in any material respect, deliver promptly to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent updated or other appropriate documentation (including any new documentation reasonably requested by the applicable withholding agent) or promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing of its inability to do so. Unless the applicable
107
withholding agent has received forms or other documents satisfactory to it indicating that payments under any Loan Document to or for a Lender are not subject to withholding Tax or are subject to such Tax at a rate reduced by an applicable tax treaty, the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or other applicable withholding agent shall withhold amounts required to be withheld by applicable Law from such payments at the applicable statutory rate. Notwithstanding any other provision of this clause (d), a Lender shall not be required to deliver any form pursuant to this clause (d) that such Lender is not legally able to deliver. Without limiting the foregoing:
(i) Each Lender that is a United States person (as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or before the date on which it becomes a party to this Agreement two properly completed and duly signed original copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-9 (or any successor form) certifying that such Lender is exempt from federal backup withholding.
(ii) Each Lender that is not a United States person (as defined in Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code) shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or before the date on which it becomes a party to this Agreement whichever of the following is applicable:
(A) two properly completed and duly signed original copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or any successor forms) claiming eligibility for the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party, and such other documentation as required under the Code,
(B) two properly completed and duly signed original copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8ECI (or any successor forms),
(C) in the case of a Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (a) a United States Tax Compliance Certificate and (b) two properly completed and duly signed original copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E (or any successor form), or
(D) to the extent a Lender is not the beneficial owner (for example, where the Lender is a partnership or a participating Lender), Internal Revenue Service Form W-8IMY (or any successor forms) of the Lender, accompanied by a Form W-8ECI, W-8BEN, W-8BEN-E United States Tax Compliance Certificate, Form W-9, Form W-8IMY and/or any other required information from each beneficial owner, as applicable ( provided that if the Lender is a partnership, and one or more beneficial partners of such Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, the United States Tax Compliance Certificate may be provided by such Lender on behalf of such partner).
(iii) If a payment made to a Lender under any Loan Document would be subject to U.S. federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, such documentation
108
prescribed by applicable law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Borrower and the Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations under FATCA, to determine whether such Lender has or has not complied with such Lenders obligations under FATCA and, as necessary, to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment. Solely for purposes of this Section 3.01(d)(iii), FATCA shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the Closing Date.
(e) Any Lender claiming any additional amounts payable pursuant to this Section 3.01 and Section 3.04(a) shall, if requested by the Borrower, use its reasonable efforts to change the jurisdiction of its Lending Office (or take any other measures reasonably requested by the Borrower) if such a change or other measures would reduce any such additional amounts (including any such additional amounts that may thereafter accrue) and would not, in the sole determination of such Lender, result in any unreimbursed cost or expense or be otherwise materially disadvantageous to such Lender.
(f) If any Lender or Agent receives a refund in respect of any Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes as to which indemnification or additional amounts have been paid to it by any Loan Party pursuant to this Section 3.01, it shall promptly remit such refund to such Loan Party (but only to the extent of indemnification or additional amounts paid by such Loan Party under this Section 3.01 with respect to Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including any Taxes) of the Lender or Agent, as the case may be, and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant taxing authority with respect to such refund); provided that such Loan Party, upon the request of the Lender or Agent, as the case may be, agrees promptly to return such refund (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant taxing authority) to such party in the event such party is required to repay such refund to the relevant taxing authority. This section shall not be construed to require the Administrative Agent or any Lender to make available its tax returns (or any other information relating to Taxes that it deems confidential) to the Borrower or any other person.
(g) For the avoidance of doubt, the term Lender for purposes of this Section 3.01 shall include each L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender.
SECTION 3.02 Illegality.
If any Lender determines that any Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender or its applicable Lending Office to make, maintain or fund Eurocurrency Rate Loans (whether denominated in Dollars or any other Approved Currency), or to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Eurocurrency Rate, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the Borrower through the Administrative Agent, any obligation of such Lender to make or continue Eurocurrency Rate Loans in the affected currency or currencies, or, in the case of Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in Dollars, to convert Base Rate Loans to Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be suspended until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower shall, upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), prepay or, if applicable and such Loans are denominated in Dollars, convert all applicable Eurocurrency Rate Loans of such Lender to Base Rate Loans, either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Eurocurrency
109
Rate Loans to such day, or promptly, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Eurocurrency Rate Loans. Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrower shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted and all amounts due, if any, in connection with such prepayment or conversion under Section 3.05. Each Lender agrees to designate a different Lending Office if such designation will avoid the need for such notice and will not, in the good faith judgment of such Lender, otherwise be materially disadvantageous to such Lender.
SECTION 3.03 Inability to Determine Rates.
If the Required Lenders determine that for any reason adequate and reasonable means do not exist for determining the applicable Eurocurrency Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurocurrency Rate Loan in a given Approved Currency, or that the Eurocurrency Rate for any requested Interest Period with respect to a proposed Eurocurrency Rate Loan in such Approved Currency does not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of funding such Loan, or that deposits in the applicable Approved Currency in which such proposed Eurocurrency Rate Loan is to be denominated are not being offered to banks in the applicable offshore interbank market for the applicable amount and the Interest Period of such Eurocurrency Rate Loan in the applicable Approved Currency, the Administrative Agent will promptly so notify the Borrower and each Lender. Thereafter, the obligation of the Lenders to make or maintain Eurocurrency Rate Loans in the affected Approved Currency shall be suspended until the Administrative Agent (upon the instruction of the Required Lenders) revokes such notice. Upon receipt of such notice, the Borrower may revoke any pending request for a Borrowing of, conversion to or continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans denominated in the affected Approved Currency or, failing that, will be deemed to have converted such request, if applicable, into a request for a Borrowing of Base Rate Loan in the amount specified therein.
SECTION 3.04 Increased Cost and Reduced Return; Capital Adequacy; Reserves on Eurocurrency Rate Loans.
(a) If any Lender reasonably determines that as a result of the introduction of or any change in or in the interpretation of any Law, in each case after the Closing Date, or such Lenders compliance therewith, there shall be any increase in the cost to such Lender of agreeing to make or making, funding or maintaining any Eurocurrency Rate Loans or (as the case may be) issuing or participating in Letters of Credit, or a reduction in the amount received or receivable by such Lender in connection with any of the foregoing (excluding for purposes of this Section 3.04(a) any such increased costs or reduction in amount resulting from (i) Indemnified Taxes or Other Taxes, or any Taxes excluded from the definition of Indemnified Taxes under exceptions (i)(B) through (vi) thereof or Connection Income Taxes, or (ii) reserve requirements contemplated by Section 3.04(c)) and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender of making or maintaining the Eurocurrency Rate Loan (or of maintaining its obligations to make any Loan), or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender, then from time to time within fifteen (15) days after demand by such Lender setting forth in reasonable detail such increased costs (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent given in accordance with Section 3.06), the Borrower shall pay to such Lender such additional amounts as will compensate such Lender for such increased cost or reduction. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, for all purposes under this Agreement, (x) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives thereunder or issued in connection therewith and (y) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States or foreign
110
regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, shall in each case be deemed to be a change in law, regardless of the date enacted, adopted or issued; provided that to the extent any increased costs or reductions are incurred by any Lender as a result of any requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act or pursuant to Basel III after the Closing Date, then such Lender shall be compensated pursuant to this Section 3.04 only if such Lender imposes such charges under other syndicated credit facilities involving similarly situated borrowers that such Lender is a lender under.
(b) If any Lender determines that the introduction of any Law regarding capital adequacy or liquidity or any change therein or in the interpretation thereof, in each case after the Closing Date, or compliance by such Lender (or its Lending Office) therewith, has the effect of reducing the rate of return on the capital of such Lender or any corporation controlling such Lender as a consequence of such Lenders obligations hereunder (taking into consideration its policies with respect to capital adequacy or liquidity and such Lenders desired return on capital), then from time to time upon demand of such Lender setting forth in reasonable detail the charge and the calculation of such reduced rate of return (with a copy of such demand to the Administrative Agent given in accordance with Section 3.06), the Borrower shall pay to such Lender such additional amounts as will compensate such Lender for such reduction within fifteen (15) days after receipt of such demand.
(c) The Borrower shall pay to each Lender, (i) as long as such Lender shall be required to maintain reserves, capital or liquidity with respect to liabilities or assets consisting of or including Eurocurrency funds or deposits, additional interest on the unpaid principal amount of each applicable Eurocurrency Rate Loan of the Borrower equal to the actual costs of such reserves, capital or liquidity allocated to such Loan by such Lender (as determined by such Lender in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error), and (ii) as long as such Lender shall be required to comply with any reserve ratio, capital or liquidity requirement or analogous requirement of any other central banking or financial regulatory authority imposed in respect of the maintenance of the Commitments or the funding of any Eurocurrency Rate Loans of the Borrower, such additional costs (expressed as a percentage per annum and rounded upwards, if necessary, to the nearest five decimal places) equal to the actual costs allocated to such Commitment or Loan by such Lender (as determined by such Lender in good faith, which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) which in each case shall be due and payable on each date on which interest is payable on such Loan; provided the Borrower shall have received at least fifteen (15) days prior notice (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) of such additional interest or cost from such Lender. If a Lender fails to give notice fifteen (15) days prior to the relevant Interest Payment Date, such additional interest or cost shall be due and payable fifteen (15) days from receipt of such notice.
(d) Failure or delay on the part of any Lender to demand compensation pursuant to this Section 3.04 shall not constitute a waiver of such Lenders right to demand such compensation.
(e) If any Lender requests compensation under this Section 3.04, then such Lender will, if requested by the Borrower, use commercially reasonable efforts to designate another Lending Office for any Loan or Letter of Credit affected by such event; provided that such efforts are made on terms that, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, cause such Lender and its Lending Office(s) to suffer no material economic, legal or regulatory disadvantage, and provided, further, that nothing in this Section 3.04(e) shall affect or postpone any of the Obligations of the Borrower or the rights of such Lender pursuant to Sections 3.04(a), (b), (c) or (d).
111
SECTION 3.05 Funding Losses.
Upon written demand of any Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) from time to time, the Borrower shall promptly compensate such Lender for and hold such Lender harmless from any loss, cost or expense actually incurred by it as a result of:
(a) any continuation, conversion, payment or prepayment of any Eurocurrency Rate Loan of the Borrower on a day other than the last day of the Interest Period for such Loan;
(b) any failure by the Borrower (for a reason other than the failure of such Lender to make a Loan) to prepay, borrow, continue or convert any Eurocurrency Rate Loan of the Borrower on the date or in the amount notified by the Borrower, including any loss or expense (excluding loss of anticipated profits) arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to maintain such Loan or from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which such funds were obtained; or
(c) any failure by the Borrower to make payment of any Loan or drawing under any Letter of Credit (or interest due thereon) denominated in an Approved Foreign Currency on its scheduled due date or any payment thereof in a different currency.
For purposes of calculating amounts payable by the Borrower to the Lenders under this Section 3.05, each Lender shall be deemed to have funded each Eurocurrency Rate Loan made by it at the Eurocurrency Rate for such Loan by a matching deposit or other borrowing in the offshore interbank market for the applicable currency for a comparable amount and for a comparable period, whether or not such Eurocurrency Rate Loan was in fact so funded.
SECTION 3.06 Matters Applicable to All Requests for Compensation.
(a) Any Agent or any Lender claiming compensation under this Article III shall deliver a certificate to the Borrower setting forth the additional amount or amounts to be paid to it hereunder which shall be conclusive in the absence of manifest error. In determining such amount, such Agent or such Lender may use any reasonable averaging and attribution methods.
(b) With respect to any Lenders claim for compensation under Sections 3.01, 3.02, 3.03 or 3.04, the Borrower shall not be required to compensate such Lender for any amount incurred more than one hundred and eighty (180) days prior to the date that such Lender notifies the Borrower of the event that gives rise to such claim; provided that if the circumstance giving rise to such claim is retroactive, then such 180-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof. If any Lender requests compensation by the Borrower under Section 3.04, the Borrower may, by notice to such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), suspend the obligation of such Lender to make or continue from one Interest Period to another applicable Eurocurrency Rate Loan, or, if applicable, to convert Base Rate Loans into Eurocurrency Rate Loans, until the event or condition giving rise to such request ceases to be in effect (in which case the provisions of Section 3.06(c) shall be applicable); provided that such suspension shall not affect the right of such Lender to receive the compensation so requested.
(c) If the obligation of any Lender to make or continue any Eurocurrency Rate Loan, or to convert Base Rate Loans into Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be suspended pursuant to Section 3.06(b) hereof, such Lenders applicable Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be automatically converted into Base Rate Loans (or, if such conversion is not possible, repaid) on the last day(s) of the then current Interest Period(s) for such Eurocurrency Rate Loans (or, in the case of an immediate
112
conversion required by Section 3.02, on such earlier date as required by Law) and, unless and until such Lender gives notice as provided below that the circumstances specified in Sections 3.02, 3.03 or 3.04 hereof that gave rise to such conversion no longer exist:
(i) to the extent that such Lenders Eurocurrency Rate Loans have been so converted, all payments and prepayments of principal that would otherwise be applied to such Lenders applicable Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be applied instead to its Base Rate Loans; and
(ii) all Loans that would otherwise be made or continued from one Interest Period to another by such Lender as Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall be made or continued instead as Base Rate Loans (if possible), and all Base Rate Loans of such Lender that would otherwise be converted into Eurocurrency Rate Loans shall remain as Base Rate Loans.
(d) If any Lender gives notice to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) that the circumstances specified in Sections 3.02, 3.03 or 3.04 hereof that gave rise to the conversion of any of such Lenders Eurocurrency Rate Loans pursuant to this Section 3.06 no longer exist (which such Lender agrees to do promptly upon such circumstances ceasing to exist) at a time when Eurocurrency Rate Loans made by other Lenders under the applicable Facility are outstanding, if applicable, such Lenders Base Rate Loans shall be automatically converted, on the first day(s) of the next succeeding Interest Period(s) for such outstanding Eurocurrency Rate Loans, to the extent necessary so that, after giving effect thereto, all Loans held by the Lenders holding Eurocurrency Rate Loans under such Facility and by such Lender are held pro rata (as to principal amounts, interest rate basis, and Interest Periods) in accordance with their respective Commitments for the applicable Facility.
SECTION 3.07 Replacement of Lenders under Certain Circumstances.
(a) If at any time (i) the Borrower becomes obligated to pay additional amounts or indemnity payments described in Section 3.01 (with respect to Indemnified Taxes) or 3.04 as a result of any condition described in such Sections or any Lender ceases to make any Eurocurrency Rate Loans as a result of any condition described in Section 3.02 or Section 3.04, (ii) any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender or (iii) any Lender becomes a Non-Consenting Lender, then the Borrower may so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, at its sole cost and expense, on ten (10) Business Days prior written notice to the Administrative Agent and such Lender, (x) replace such Lender by causing such Lender to (and such Lender shall be obligated to) assign pursuant to Section 10.07(b) (with the assignment fee to be paid by the Borrower in such instance) all of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (in respect of any applicable Facility only in the case of clause (i) or, with respect to a Class vote, clause (iii)) to one or more Eligible Assignees; provided that neither the Administrative Agent nor any Lender shall have any obligation to the Borrower to find a replacement Lender or other such Person; and provided, further, that (A) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 3.04 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 3.01 (with respect to Indemnified Taxes), such assignment will result in a reduction in such compensation or payments and (B) in the case of any such assignment resulting from a Lender becoming a Non-Consenting Lender, the applicable Eligible Assignees shall have agreed to, and shall be sufficient (together with all other consenting Lenders) to cause the adoption of, the applicable departure, waiver or amendment of the Loan Documents; or (y) terminate the Commitment of such Lender or L/C Issuer (in respect of any applicable Facility only in the case of clause (i) or clause (iii)), as the case may be, and (1) in the case of a Lender (other than an L/C
113
Issuer), repay all Obligations of the Borrower owing to such Lender relating to the Loans and participations held by such Lender as of such termination date and (2) in the case of an L/C Issuer, repay all Obligations of the Borrower owing to such L/C Issuer relating to the Loans and participations held by the L/C Issuer as of such termination date and cancel or backstop on terms satisfactory to such L/C Issuer any Letters of Credit issued by it; provided that in the case of any such termination of a Non-Consenting Lender such termination shall be sufficient (together with all other consenting Lenders) to cause the adoption of the applicable departure, waiver or amendment of the Loan Documents and such termination shall be in respect of any applicable Facility only in the case of clause (i) or, with respect to a Class vote, clause (iii).
(b) Any Lender being replaced pursuant to Section 3.07(a)(x) above shall (i) execute and deliver an Assignment and Assumption with respect to such Lenders applicable Commitment and outstanding Loans and participations in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans in respect thereof, and (ii) deliver any Notes evidencing such Loans to the Borrower or Administrative Agent. Pursuant to such Assignment and Assumption, (A) the assignee Lender shall acquire all or a portion, as the case may be, of the assigning Lenders Commitment and outstanding Loans and participations in L/C Obligations and Swing Line Loans, (B) all obligations of the Borrower owing to the assigning Lender relating to the Loans, Commitments and participations so assigned shall be paid in full by the assignee Lender to such assigning Lender concurrently with such Assignment and Assumption and (C) upon such payment and, if so requested by the assignee Lender, delivery to the assignee Lender of the appropriate Note or Notes executed by the Borrower, the assignee Lender shall become a Lender hereunder and the assigning Lender shall cease to constitute a Lender hereunder with respect to such assigned Loans, Commitments and participations, except with respect to indemnification provisions under this Agreement, which shall survive as to such assigning Lender. In connection with any such replacement, if any such Non-Consenting Lender or Defaulting Lender does not execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent a duly executed Assignment and Assumption reflecting such replacement within five (5) Business Days of the date on which the assignee Lender executes and delivers such Assignment and Assumption to such Non-Consenting Lender or Defaulting Lender, then such Non-Consenting Lender or Defaulting Lender shall be deemed to have executed and delivered such Assignment and Assumption without any action on the part of the Non-Consenting Lender or Defaulting Lender.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained above, any Lender that acts as an L/C Issuer may not be replaced hereunder at any time that it has any Letter of Credit outstanding hereunder unless arrangements reasonably satisfactory to such L/C Issuer (including the furnishing of a backup standby letter of credit in form and substance, and issued by an issuer reasonably satisfactory to such L/C Issuer or the depositing of cash collateral into a cash collateral account in amounts and pursuant to arrangements reasonably satisfactory to such L/C Issuer) have been made with respect to each such outstanding Letter of Credit and the Lender that acts as the Administrative Agent may not be replaced hereunder except in accordance with the terms of Section 9.09.
(d) In the event that (i) the Borrower or the Administrative Agent has requested that the Lenders consent to a departure or waiver of any provisions of the Loan Documents or agree to any amendment thereto, (ii) the consent, waiver or amendment in question requires the agreement of each Lender, each affected Lender or each affected Lender of a certain Class in accordance with the terms of Section 10.01 or all the Lenders with respect to a certain Class of the Loans and (iii) the Required Lenders (or, in the case of a consent, waiver or amendment involving all affected Lenders of a certain Class, the Required Class Lenders as applicable) have agreed to such consent, waiver or amendment, then any Lender who does not agree to such consent, waiver or amendment shall be deemed a Non-Consenting Lender .
114
SECTION 3.08 Survival.
All of the Borrowers obligations under this Article III shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments and repayment of all other Obligations hereunder.
ARTICLE IV
Conditions Precedent to Credit Extensions
SECTION 4.01 Conditions to Closing Date.
The effectiveness of this Agreement on the Closing Date is subject to satisfaction of the following conditions precedent, except as otherwise agreed between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent:
(a) The Administrative Agents receipt of the following, each of which shall be originals or pdf copies or other facsimiles (followed promptly by originals) unless otherwise specified, each properly executed by a Responsible Officer of HWHI, HGVI or the signing Loan Party, as applicable, each in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its legal counsel:
(i) a Committed Loan Notice in accordance with the requirements hereof;
(ii) executed counterparts of this Agreement and any Notes requested by a Lender prior to the Closing Date;
(iii) each Collateral Document set forth on Schedule 1.01C required to be executed on the Closing Date as indicated on such schedule, duly executed by each Loan Party thereto, together with:
(A) certificates, if any, representing the Pledged Equity referred to therein accompanied by undated stock or membership interest powers executed in blank and instruments evidencing the Pledged Debt indorsed in blank (or confirmation in lieu thereof that such certificates, powers and instruments have been sent for overnight delivery to the Collateral Agent or its counsel); and
(B) evidence that all other actions, recordings and filings required by the Collateral Documents as of the Closing Date or that the Administrative Agent may deem reasonably necessary to satisfy the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement shall have been taken, completed or otherwise provided for in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;
(iv) evidence of all insurance required to be maintained pursuant to Section 6.07, and evidence that the Administrative Agent shall have been named as an additional insured or loss payee, as applicable, on all insurance policies covering loss or damage to Collateral and on all liability insurance policies as to which the Administrative Agent has reasonably requested to be so named;
115
(v) such certificates of good standing (to the extent such concept exists) from the applicable secretary of state of the state of organization of HWHI, HGVI and each Loan Party, certificates or memorandums and articles of incorporation, certificates of limited partnership or certificates of formation, including all amendments thereto, of HWHI, HGVI and each Loan Party, certified (as of a recent date), if applicable, by the Secretary of State (or other similar official) of the jurisdiction of its organization or incorporation, as the case may be, certificates of resolutions or other action, incumbency certificates and/or other certificates of Responsible Officers of HWHI, HGVI and each Loan Party as the Administrative Agent may reasonably require evidencing the identity, authority and capacity of each Responsible Officer thereof authorized to act as a Responsible Officer in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which HWHI, HGVI or such Loan Party is a party or is to be a party on the Closing Date;
(vi) an opinion from Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, New York counsel to HWHI, HGVI and the Loan Parties and opinion from Holley, Driggs, Walch, Fine, Wray, Puzey & Thompson, Nevada counsel to HGVI and the Loan Parties;
(vii) a solvency certificate from the chief financial officer, chief accounting officer or other officer with equivalent duties of the Borrower (after giving effect to the Spin-Off Transaction) substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E-2 ;
(viii) a certificate, dated the Closing Date and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, confirming satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 4.02(i) and (ii); and
(ix) the Perfection Certificate, duly completed and executed by the Loan Parties.
(b) The Closing Fees and all fees and expenses due to the Lead Arrangers and their Affiliates required to be paid on the Closing Date and (in the case of expenses) invoiced at least three Business Days before the Closing Date (except as otherwise reasonably agreed by the Borrower) shall have been paid from the proceeds of the initial funding under the Facilities.
(c) Prior to or substantially simultaneously with the initial Credit Extensions, the sale of the Senior Unsecured Notes as contemplated by the Senior Unsecured Notes Offering Memorandum shall have been consummated in an aggregate principal amount of $300,000,000.
(d) The Lead Arrangers shall have received the Audited Financial Statements and the Unaudited Financial Statements.
(e) The Ownership Capitalization shall have occurred, and HGVI shall be a wholly owned direct subsidiary of Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.
(f) The Administrative Agent shall have received at least 3 days prior to the Closing Date all documentation and other information about the Borrower and the Guarantors required under applicable know your customer and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act that has been requested by the Administrative Agent in writing at least 10 days prior to the Closing Date.
116
Without limiting the generality of the provisions of Section 9.03(b), for purposes of determining compliance with the conditions specified in this Section 4.01, each Lender that has signed this Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted or to be satisfied with, each document or other matter required thereunder to be consented to or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to a Lender unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from such Lender prior to the proposed Closing Date specifying its objection thereto.
SECTION 4.02 Conditions to All Credit Extensions.
The obligation of each Lender to honor any Request for Credit Extension (other than a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Loans to the other Type, or a continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans and other than a Request for Credit Extension for an Incremental Facility which shall be governed by Section 2.14(d) and provided that clause (iv) shall only apply in respect of the initial request for a Credit Extension under the Revolving Credit Facility) including on the Closing Date is subject to the following conditions precedent:
(i) The representations and warranties of each Loan Party set forth in Article V and in each other Loan Document shall be true and correct in all material respects (except that any representation and warranty that is qualified as to materiality or Material Adverse Effect shall be true and correct in all respects as so qualified) on and as of the date of such Credit Extension with the same effect as though made on and as of such date, except to the extent such representations and warranties expressly relate to an earlier date, in which case they shall be true and correct in all material respects as of such earlier date.
(ii) No Default shall exist or would result from such proposed Credit Extension or from the application of the proceeds therefrom.
(iii) The Administrative Agent and, if applicable, the relevant L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender, shall have received a Request for Credit Extension in accordance with the requirements hereof.
(iv) With respect to the initial Credit Extension under the Revolving Credit Facility, (1) the Administrative Agent shall be reasonably satisfied with the terms and conditions of each of the Transaction Agreements (it being understood that the Transaction Agreements delivered prior to the Closing Date are reasonably satisfactory, and including any amendments, supplements, waivers or modifications of such Transaction Agreement in a manner not materially adverse to the Lenders when taken as whole, as compared to such Transaction Agreement as in effect immediately prior to such amendment, supplement, waiver or modification) and each such Transaction Agreement shall be in full force and effect in accordance with its terms, and the final terms and conditions of the Spin-Off Transactions shall be substantially consistent with the terms set forth in such Transaction Agreements and the Amendment No. 7 to Form 10, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 30, 2016 and (2) the Administrative Agent shall have received reasonably satisfactory evidence that prior to or substantially simultaneously with such initial Credit Extension, (i) the Refinancing has been consummated and (ii) the Spin-Off Transaction shall have occurred, in each case, with final terms and conditions substantially consistent with the terms set forth in such Transaction Agreements and the Amendment No. 7 to Form 10, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 30, 2016 (the requirements in clause (1) and (2) collectively, the Spin-off Requirements ).
117
Each Request for Credit Extension (other than a Committed Loan Notice requesting only a conversion of Loans to the other Type, or a continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans) submitted by the Borrower shall be deemed to be a representation and warranty that the conditions specified in Sections 4.02(i) and (ii) (or, in the case of a Request for Credit Extension for an Incremental Facility, the conditions specified in Section 2.14(d)) have been satisfied on and as of the date of the applicable Credit Extension.
ARTICLE V
Representations and Warranties
The Borrower and each of the Subsidiary Guarantors party hereto represent and warrant to the Agents, the L/C Issuers and the Lenders at the time of each Credit Extension that:
SECTION 5.01 Existence, Qualification and Power; Compliance with Laws.
Each Loan Party, HWHI, HGVI and each Restricted Subsidiary (a) is a Person duly organized or formed, validly existing and in good standing (where relevant) under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation or organization, (b) has all requisite power and authority to (i) own or lease its assets and carry on its business as currently conducted and (ii) in the case of HWHI, HGVI and the Loan Parties, execute, deliver and perform its obligations under the Loan Documents to which it is a party, (c) is duly qualified and in good standing (where relevant) under the Laws of each jurisdiction where its ownership, lease or operation of properties or the conduct of its business requires such qualification, (d) is in compliance with all Laws, orders, writs and injunctions and (e) has all requisite governmental licenses, authorizations, consents and approvals to operate its business as currently conducted; except in each case, referred to in clause (a) (other than with respect to the Borrower), (b)(i) (other than with respect to the Borrower), (c), (d) and (e), to the extent that failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 5.02 Authorization; No Contravention.
The execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party, HWHI and HGVI of each Loan Document to which such Person is a party, and the consummation of the Spin-Off Transaction (to the extent HWHI, HGVI or any Loan Party is a party or otherwise subject thereto), are within HWHI, HGVI or such Loan Partys corporate or other powers, (a) have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational action, and (b) do not (i) contravene the terms of any of such Persons Organization Documents, (ii) conflict with or result in any breach or contravention of, or the creation of any Lien under (other than as permitted by Section 7.01), or require any payment to be made under (x) any Contractual Obligation to which such Person is a party or affecting such Person or the properties of such Person or any of its Subsidiaries or (y) any material order, injunction, writ or decree of any Governmental Authority or any arbitral award to which such Person or its property is subject, or (iii) violate any applicable Law; except with respect to any conflict, breach or contravention or payment (but not creation of Liens) referred to in clause (b)(ii)(x), to the extent that such violation, conflict, breach, contravention or payment could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 5.03 Governmental Authorization; Other Consents.
No material approval, consent, exemption, authorization, or other action by, or notice to, or filing with, any Governmental Authority or any other Person is necessary or required in connection
118
with (a) the execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement against, any Loan Party, HWHI or HGVI of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or for the consummation of the Spin-Off Transaction (to the extent such Loan Party, HWHI or HGVI is a party or otherwise subject thereto), (b) the grant by any Loan Party of the Liens granted by it pursuant to the Collateral Documents, (c) the perfection or maintenance of the Liens created under the Collateral Documents (including the priority thereof) or (d) the exercise by the Administrative Agent or any Lender of its rights under the Loan Documents or the remedies in respect of the Collateral pursuant to the Collateral Documents, except for (i) filings, recordings and registrations with Governmental Authorities necessary to perfect the Liens on the Collateral granted by the Loan Parties in favor of the Secured Parties, (ii) the approvals, consents, exemptions, authorizations, actions, notices and filings which have been duly obtained, taken, given or made and are in full force and effect (except to the extent not required to be obtained, taken, given or made or be in full force and effect pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement) and (iii) those approvals, consents, exemptions, authorizations or other actions, notices or filings, the failure of which to obtain or make could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 5.04 Binding Effect.
This Agreement and each other Loan Document has been duly executed and delivered by HWHI and HGVI, as applicable, and each Loan Party that is a party thereto. This Agreement and each other Loan Document constitutes, a legal, valid and binding obligation of HWHI and HGVI, as applicable, and such Loan Party, enforceable against HWHI and HGVI, as applicable, and each Loan Party that is a party thereto in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by (i) Debtor Relief Laws and by general principles of equity, (ii) the need for filings, recordations and registrations necessary to perfect the Liens on the Collateral granted by the Loan Parties in favor of the Secured Parties and (iii) the effect of foreign Laws, rules and regulations as they relate to pledges, if any, of Equity Interests in Foreign Subsidiaries.
SECTION 5.05 Financial Statements; No Material Adverse Effect.
(a) (i) The Audited Financial Statements fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and their results of operations for the periods covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein.
(ii) The Unaudited Financial Statements fairly present in all material respects the financial condition of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as of the dates thereof and their results of operations for the periods covered thereby in accordance with GAAP consistently applied throughout the periods covered thereby, except as otherwise expressly noted therein.
(b) The forecasts of consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of income and cash flow of Holdings and its Subsidiaries which have been furnished to the Administrative Agent prior to the Closing Date have been prepared in good faith on the basis of the assumptions stated therein, which assumptions were believed to be reasonable at the time of preparation of such forecasts, it being understood that actual results may vary from such forecasts and that such variations may be material.
119
(c) Since December 31, 2015, there has been no event or circumstance, either individually or in the aggregate, that has had or could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
(d) As of the Closing Date, none of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries has any Indebtedness or other obligations or liabilities, direct or contingent (other than (i) the liabilities reflected on Schedule 5.05, (ii) obligations arising under the Loan Documents or under the Senior Unsecured Notes Documents and (iii) liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business that, either individually or in the aggregate, have not had nor could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect).
SECTION 5.06 Litigation.
Except as set forth on Schedule 5.06 , there are no actions, suits, proceedings, claims or disputes pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened in writing, at law, in equity, in arbitration or before any Governmental Authority, by or against the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or against any of their properties or revenues that either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 5.07 [Reserved].
SECTION 5.08 Ownership of Property; Liens; Real Property.
(a) The Borrower and each of its Restricted Subsidiaries has good record title to, or valid leasehold interests in, or easements or other limited property interests in, all Real Property necessary in the ordinary conduct of its business, free and clear of all Liens except as set forth on Schedule 5.08 hereto and except for minor defects in title that do not materially interfere with its ability to conduct its business or to utilize such assets for their intended purposes and Liens permitted by Section 7.01 and except where the failure to have such title or other interest could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
(b) As of the Closing Date, Schedule 8 to the Perfection Certificate contains a true and complete list of each Real Property owned by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries as of the Closing Date.
(c) Except as would not have a Material Adverse Effect, (i) none of the management agreements relating to Real Property owned or leased by any Loan Party requires or will require any Loan Party to pay any material property improvement plan fees or charges or requires or will require any Loan Party to renovate, update, upgrade, repair, enhance, or improve such Real Property as a result of the Spin-Off Transaction, and (ii) all management agreements to which any Loan Party is a party, relating to Real Property are in full force and effect and no consent is required in connection with any such agreements for the consummation of the Spin-Off Transaction (to the extent any Loan Party is a party or otherwise subject thereto), except as shall have been obtained prior to the Closing Date.
120
SECTION 5.09 Environmental Matters.
Except as specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.09(a) or except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect:
(a) Each Loan Party and its respective properties and operations are and, other than any matters which have been finally resolved, have been in compliance with all Environmental Laws, which includes obtaining, maintaining and complying with all applicable Environmental Permits required under such Environmental Laws to carry on the business of the Loan Parties;
(b) the Loan Parties have not received any written notice that alleges any of them is in violation of or potentially liable under any Environmental Laws and none of the Loan Parties nor any of the Real Property owned, leased or operated by any Loan Party or Subsidiary is the subject of any claims, investigations, liens, demands, or judicial, administrative or arbitral proceedings pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened, under or relating to any Environmental Law;
(c) there has been no Release of Hazardous Materials on, at, under or from any Real Property or facilities currently or formerly owned, leased or operated by any Loan Party or Subsidiary, or arising out of the conduct of the Loan Parties that could reasonably be expected to require investigation, remedial activity or corrective action or cleanup by, or on behalf of, any Loan Party or Subsidiary or could reasonably be expected to result in any Environmental Liability;
(d) there are no facts, circumstances or conditions arising out of or relating to the Loan Parties or any of their respective operations or any facilities currently or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, formerly owned, leased or operated by any of the Loan Parties or Subsidiaries, that could reasonably be expected to require investigation, remedial activity or corrective action or cleanup by, or on behalf of, any Loan Party or Subsidiary or could reasonably be expected to result in any Environmental Liability; and
(e) the Borrower has made available to the Administrative Agent all environmental reports, studies, assessments, audits, or other similar documents containing information regarding any Environmental Liability that are in the possession or control of the Borrower or any Loan Party or Subsidiary.
SECTION 5.10 Taxes.
Except as would not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries have filed all tax returns required to be filed, and have paid all Taxes levied or imposed upon them or their properties, that are due and payable (including in their capacity as a withholding agent), except those that are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings diligently conducted. Except as described on Schedule 5.10, there is no proposed Tax deficiency or assessment known to any Loan Parties against the Loan Parties that would, if made, individually or in the aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 5.11 ERISA Compliance.
(a) Except as set forth on Schedule 5.11(a) or as would not, either individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each Plan maintained by a Loan Party or ERISA Affiliate is in compliance with the applicable provisions of ERISA and the Code and the regulations and published interpretations thereunder and other federal or state Laws.
(b) (i) No ERISA Event has occurred during the six year period prior to the date on which this representation is made or deemed made or is reasonably expected to occur; (ii) neither any
121
Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to any Pension Plan (other than premiums due and not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA); (iii) neither any Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or reasonably expects to incur, any liability (and no event has occurred which, with the giving of notice under Section 4219 of ERISA, would result in such liability) under Sections 4201 or 4243 of ERISA with respect to a Multiemployer Plan; and (iv) neither any Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction that could be subject to Sections 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA, except, with respect to each of the foregoing clauses of this Section 5.11(b), as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect.
(c) With respect to each Pension Plan, the adjusted funding target attainment percentage (as defined in Section 901 of the Code), as determined by the applicable Pension Plans Enrolled Actuary under Sections 436(j) and 430(d)(2) of the Code and all applicable regulatory guidance promulgated thereunder (AFTAP), would not reasonably be expected to result, individually or in the aggregate, in a Material Adverse Effect. Neither any Loan Party nor any ERISA Affiliate maintains or contributes to a Plan that is, or is expected to be, in at-risk status (as defined in Section 303(i)(4) of ERISA or Section 430(i)(4) of the Code) in each case, except as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 5.12 Subsidiaries; Equity Interests.
As of the Closing Date (after giving effect to the Spin-Off Transaction), no Loan Party has any material Subsidiaries other than those specifically disclosed in Schedule 5.12, and all of the outstanding Equity Interests owned by the Loan Parties (or a Subsidiary of any Loan Party) in such material Subsidiaries have been validly issued and are fully paid and all Equity Interests owned by a Loan Party in such material Subsidiaries are owned free and clear of all Liens except (i) those created under the Collateral Documents and (ii) any Lien that is permitted under Section 7.01. As of the Closing Date, Schedules 1(a) and 10 to the Perfection Certificate (a) set forth the name and jurisdiction of each Domestic Subsidiary that is a Loan Party and (b) set forth the ownership interest of the Borrower and any other Guarantor in each material wholly owned Subsidiary, including the percentage of such ownership.
SECTION 5.13 Margin Regulations; Investment Company Act.
(a) The Borrower is not engaged nor will it engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying Margin Stock, and no proceeds of any Borrowings or drawings under any Letter of Credit will be used for any purpose that violates Regulation U of the Board of Governors of the United States Federal Reserve System.
(b) None of the Borrower, any Person Controlling the Borrower, or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries is or is required to be registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
SECTION 5.14 Disclosure.
To the best of the Borrowers knowledge, no report, financial statement, certificate or other written information furnished by or on behalf of any Loan Party (other than projected financial information, pro forma financial information and information of a general economic or industry
122
nature) to any Agent or any Lender in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and the negotiation of this Agreement or delivered hereunder or under any other Loan Document (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished), when taken as a whole, contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein (when taken as a whole), in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading. With respect to projected financial information and pro forma financial information, the Borrower represents that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable at the time of preparation; it being understood that such projections may vary from actual results and that such variances may be material.
SECTION 5.15 Labor Matters.
Except as, in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect as of the Closing Date (a) there are no strikes or other labor disputes against the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, threatened, (b) hours worked by and payment made to employees of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries have not been in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable Laws, (c) the Borrower and the other Loan Parties have complied with all applicable labor laws including work authorization and immigration and (d) all payments due from the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries on account of employee health and welfare insurance have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of the relevant party.
SECTION 5.16 [Reserved].
SECTION 5.17 Intellectual Property; Licenses, Etc.
The Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries own, license or possess the right to use all of the trademarks, service marks, trade names, domain names, copyrights, patents, patent rights, licenses, technology, software, know-how database rights, design rights and other intellectual property rights (collectively, IP Rights ) that are reasonably necessary for the operation of their respective businesses as currently conducted, and, to the knowledge of the Borrower, such IP Rights do not conflict with the rights of any Person, except to the extent such failure to own, license or possess or such conflicts, either individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. The business of any Loan Party or any of their Subsidiaries as currently conducted does not infringe upon, misappropriate or otherwise violate any IP Rights held by any Person except for such infringements, misappropriations and violations, individually or in the aggregate, which could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect. No claim or litigation regarding any of the IP Rights, is filed and presently pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower, presently threatened in writing against any Loan Party or any of its Subsidiaries, which, either individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Except pursuant to licenses and other user agreements entered into by each Loan Party in the ordinary course of business, as of the Closing Date, all registrations listed in Schedule 9 to the Perfection Certificate are valid and subsisting, except, in each case, to the extent failure of such registrations to be valid and subsisting could not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect.
123
SECTION 5.18 Solvency.
On the Closing Date, after giving effect to the Spin-Off Transaction, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are Solvent.
SECTION 5.19 Subordination of Junior Financing; First Lien Obligations.
The Obligations are Senior Debt, Senior Indebtedness, Guarantor Senior Debt or Senior Secured Financing (or any comparable term) under, and as defined in, any Junior Financing Documentation.
SECTION 5.20 Sanctions; Anti-Corruption; USA PATRIOT Act.
(a) Holdings and each of its Subsidiaries is in compliance, in all material respects, with (i) all applicable Sanctions, (ii) the FCPA and all other applicable anti-corruption laws ( Anti-Corruption Laws ) and (ii) as applicable, the USA PATRIOT Act. Holdings and its Subsidiaries have implemented and maintain in effect policies and procedures reasonably designed to promote and achieve compliance by Holdings, its Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees and agents with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions.
(b) None of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries or, to the knowledge of the Borrower and the other Loan Parties, any director, officer, employee, agent or controlled affiliate of Holdings or any Subsidiary is currently the subject of any Sanctions, nor is Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries located, organized or resident in any country or territory that is the subject of Sanctions.
(c) No part of the proceeds of the Loans will be used, directly or indirectly, by the Borrower (i) in violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws or (ii) for the purpose of financing any activities or business of or with any Person that, at the time of such financing, is the subject of any Sanctions.
SECTION 5.21 Security Documents.
(a) Valid Liens. Each Collateral Document delivered pursuant to Section 4.01 and Sections 6.11, 6.13 and 6.15 will, upon execution and delivery thereof, be effective to create in favor of the Collateral Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties, legal, valid and enforceable Liens on, and security interests in, the Collateral described therein to the extent intended to be created thereby and (i) when financing statements and other filings in appropriate form are filed in the offices specified on Schedule 5 to the Perfection Certificate and (ii) upon the taking of possession or control by the Collateral Agent of such Collateral with respect to which a security interest may be perfected only by possession or control (which possession or control shall be given to the Collateral Agent to the extent possession or control by the Collateral Agent is required by the Security Agreement), the Liens created by the Collateral Documents shall constitute fully perfected Liens on, and security interests in (to the extent intended to be created thereby), all right, title and interest of the grantors in such Collateral to the extent perfection can be obtained by filing financing statements, in each case subject to no Liens other than Liens permitted hereunder.
(b) PTO Filing; Copyright Office Filing . When the Intellectual Property Security Agreements are properly filed in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office, to the extent such filings may perfect such interests, the Liens created by the Security Agreement shall constitute fully perfected Liens on, and security interests in, all right, title and interest of the grantors thereunder in Patents and Trademarks (each as defined in the Security
124
Agreement) registered or applied for with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and Copyrights (as defined in the Security Agreement) registered or applied for with the United States Copyright Office, as the case may be, in each case subject to no Liens other than Liens permitted hereunder (it being understood that subsequent recordings in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office may be necessary to establish a Lien on registered Patents, Trademarks and Copyrights acquired by the grantors thereof after the Closing Date).
Notwithstanding anything herein (including this Section 5.21) or in any other Loan Document to the contrary, neither the Borrower nor any other Loan Party makes any representation or warranty as to (A) the effects of perfection or non-perfection, the priority or the enforceability of any pledge of or security interest in any Equity Interests of any Foreign Subsidiary, or as to the rights and remedies of the Agents or any Lender with respect thereto, under foreign Law or (B) the pledge or creation of any security interest, or the effects of perfection or non-perfection, the priority or the enforceability of any pledge of or security interest to the extent such pledge, security interest, perfection or priority is not required pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement.
ARTICLE VI
Affirmative Covenants
So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation (other than obligations under Treasury Services Agreements or obligations under Secured Hedge Agreements) hereunder which is accrued and payable shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding (unless the Outstanding Amount of the L/C Obligations related thereto has been Cash Collateralized or a backstop letter of credit reasonably satisfactory to the applicable L/C Issuer is in place), then from and after the Closing Date, the Borrower shall, and shall (except in the case of the covenants set forth in Sections 6.01, 6.02 and 6.03) cause each of its Restricted Subsidiaries to:
SECTION 6.01 Financial Statements.
(a) Deliver to the Administrative Agent for prompt further distribution to each Lender, within 90 days after the end of each fiscal year (or 120 days for the first fiscal year ending after the Closing Date), a consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal year, and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, stockholders equity and cash flows for such fiscal year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, audited and accompanied by a report and opinion of Ernst & Young LLP or any other independent registered public accounting firm of nationally recognized standing, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and shall not be subject to any going concern or like qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit other than a going concern qualification resulting solely from an upcoming maturity date under the Facilities occurring within one year from the time such opinion is delivered;
(b) Deliver to the Administrative Agent for prompt further distribution to each Lender, within 45 days after the end of each of the first three fiscal quarters of each fiscal year of the Borrower (or 60 days for the first three fiscal quarters ending after the Closing Date), a consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such fiscal quarter and the related consolidated statements of income or operations for such fiscal quarter and the portion of the fiscal year then ended, setting forth in comparative form the figures for the corresponding fiscal quarter of
125
the previous fiscal year and the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, and statements of stockholders equity for the current fiscal quarter and consolidated statement of cash flows for the portion of the fiscal year then ended, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and certified by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower as fairly presenting in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, stockholders equity and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes;
(c) [reserved]; and
(d) Deliver to the Administrative Agent with each set of consolidated financial statements referred to in Sections 6.01(a) and 6.01(b) above, supplemental financial information necessary to eliminate the accounts of Unrestricted Subsidiaries (if any) from such consolidated financial statements.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 6.01 may be satisfied with respect to financial information of Holdings and the Subsidiaries by furnishing (A) the applicable financial statements of Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent of Holdings) or (B) Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent thereof), as applicable, Form 10-K or 10-Q, as applicable, filed with the SEC; provided that with respect to clauses (A) and (B), (i) to the extent such information relates to a parent of Holdings, such information is accompanied by consolidating information that explains in reasonable detail the differences between the information relating to Holdings (or such parent), on the one hand, and the information relating to Holdings and the Subsidiaries on a stand-alone basis, on the other hand and (ii) to the extent such information is in lieu of information required to be provided under Section 6.01(a), such materials are accompanied by a report and opinion of Ernst & Young LLP or any other independent registered public accounting firm of nationally recognized standing, which report and opinion shall be prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and, except as permitted in Section 6.01(a), shall not be subject to any going concern or like qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit.
Documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01 and Sections 6.02(b) and (c) may be delivered electronically and if so delivered, shall be deemed to have been delivered on the date (i) on which the Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower) posts such documents, or provides a link thereto on the website on the Internet at the Borrowers website address listed on Schedule 10.02; or (ii) on which such documents are posted on the Borrowers behalf on IntraLinks/IntraAgency or another relevant website, if any, to which each Lender and the Administrative Agent have access (whether a commercial, third-party website or whether sponsored by the Administrative Agent); provided that: (i) upon written request by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower shall deliver paper copies of such documents to the Administrative Agent for further distribution to each Lender until a written request to cease delivering paper copies is given by the Administrative Agent; and (ii) the Borrower shall notify (which may be by facsimile or electronic mail) the Administrative Agent of the posting of any such documents and, in the case of documents required to be delivered pursuant to Section 6.01, provide to the Administrative Agent by electronic mail electronic versions ( i.e. , soft copies) of such documents. Notwithstanding anything contained herein, in every instance the Borrower shall be required to provide paper copies of the Compliance Certificates required by Section 6.02(a) to the Administrative Agent; provided , however , that if such Compliance Certificate is first delivered by electronic means, the date of such delivery by electronic
126
means shall constitute the date of delivery for purposes of compliance with Section 6.02(a). Each Lender shall be solely responsible for timely accessing posted documents or requesting delivery of paper copies of such documents from the Administrative Agent and maintaining its copies of such documents.
SECTION 6.02 Certificates; Other Information.
Deliver to the Administrative Agent for prompt further distribution to each Lender:
(a) no later than five (5) days after the delivery of the financial statements referred to in Sections 6.01(a) and (b), a duly completed Compliance Certificate signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower;
(b) promptly after the same are publicly available, copies of all annual, regular, periodic and special reports and registration statements which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary files with the SEC or with any Governmental Authority that may be substituted therefor (other than amendments to any registration statement (to the extent such registration statement, in the form it became effective, is delivered), exhibits to any registration statement and, if applicable, any registration statement on Form S-8) and in any case not otherwise required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent pursuant hereto; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations in this Section 6.02(b) may be satisfied as long as such filing is publicly available on the SECs EDGAR website;
(c) promptly after the furnishing thereof, copies of any material requests or material notices received by any Loan Party (other than in the ordinary course of business) or material statements or material reports furnished to any holder of debt securities (other than in connection with any board observer rights) of any Loan Party or of any of its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of any Senior Unsecured Notes Documents or any Junior Financing Documentation and, in each case, any Permitted Refinancing thereof, in a principal amount in excess of the Threshold Amount and not otherwise required to be furnished to the Lenders pursuant to any other clause of this Section 6.02;
(d) together with the delivery of each Compliance Certificate pursuant to Section 6.02(a), (i) in the case of annual Compliance Certificates only, a report setting forth the information required by sections describing the legal name and the jurisdiction of formation of each Loan Party and the location of the chief executive office of each Loan Party of the Perfection Certificate or confirming that there has been no change in such information since the later of the Closing Date or the date of the last such report, (ii) a description of each event, condition or circumstance during the last fiscal quarter covered by such Compliance Certificate requiring a mandatory prepayment under Section 2.05(b) and (iii) a list of each Subsidiary of the Borrower that identifies each Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, an Unrestricted Subsidiary, a Securitization Subsidiary or an Excluded Subsidiary as of the date of delivery of such Compliance Certificate or confirmation that there has been no change in such information since the later of the Closing Date or the date of the last such list; and
(e) promptly, such additional information regarding the business, legal, financial or corporate affairs of the Loan Parties or any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries, or compliance with the terms of the Loan Documents, as the Administrative Agent or any Lender through the Administrative Agent may from time to time reasonably request.
127
The Borrower hereby acknowledges that (a) the Administrative Agent and/or the Lead Arrangers will make available to the Lenders and the L/C Issuers materials and/or information provided by or on behalf of the Borrower hereunder (collectively, Borrower Materials ) by posting the Borrower Materials on IntraLinks or another similar electronic system (the Platform ) and (b) certain of the Lenders may be public-side Lenders ( i.e. , Lenders that do not wish to receive material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its securities) (each, a Public Lender ). The Borrower hereby agrees to make all Borrower Materials that the Borrower intends to be made available to Public Lenders clearly and conspicuously designated as PUBLIC. By designating Borrower Materials as PUBLIC, the Borrower authorizes such Borrower Materials to be made available to a portion of the Platform designated Public Investor, which is intended to contain only information that is either publicly available or not material information (though it may be sensitive and proprietary) with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States federal and state securities laws. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower shall not be under any obligation to mark any Borrower Materials PUBLIC. The Borrower agrees that (i) any Loan Documents, (ii) any financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 6.01 and (iii) any Compliance Certificates delivered pursuant to Section 6.02(a) will be deemed to be public-side Borrower Materials and may be made available to Public Lenders.
Each Public Lender agrees to cause at least one individual at or on behalf of such Public Lender to at all times have selected the Private Side Information or similar designation on the content declaration screen of the Platform in order to enable such Public Lender or its delegate, in accordance with such Public Lenders compliance procedures and applicable law, including United States federal and state securities laws, to make reference to communications that are not made available through the Public Side Information portion of the Platform and that may contain material non-public information with respect to the Borrower or its securities for purposes of United States federal or state securities laws.
SECTION 6.03 Notices.
Promptly after a Responsible Officer of the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor has obtained knowledge thereof, notify the Administrative Agent:
(a) of the occurrence of any Default;
(b) of any matter that has resulted or would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; and
(c) of the filing or commencement of any action, suit, litigation or proceeding, whether at law or in equity by or before any Governmental Authority, (i) against Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries thereof that would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) with respect to any Loan Document.
Each notice pursuant to this Section 6.03 shall be accompanied by a written statement of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower (x) that such notice is being delivered pursuant to Sections 6.03(a), (b) or (c) (as applicable) and (y) setting forth details of the occurrence referred to therein and stating what action the Borrower has taken and proposes to take with respect thereto.
128
SECTION 6.04 Payment of Obligations.
Pay, discharge or otherwise satisfy as the same shall become due and payable in the normal conduct of its business, all its obligations and liabilities in respect of Taxes imposed upon it or upon its income or profits or in respect of its property, except, in each case, (i) to the extent any such Tax is being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings for which appropriate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP or (ii) if such failure to pay or discharge such obligations and liabilities would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 6.05 Preservation of Existence, Etc.
(a) Preserve, renew and maintain in full force and effect its legal existence under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization except in a transaction permitted by Sections 7.04 or 7.05 and (b) take all reasonable action to maintain all rights, privileges (including its good standing where applicable in the relevant jurisdiction), permits, licenses and franchises necessary or desirable in the normal conduct of its business, except, in the case of (a) (other than with respect to the Borrower) or (b), (i) to the extent that failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) pursuant to a transaction permitted by Article VII or clause (y) of this Section 6.05.
SECTION 6.06 Maintenance of Properties.
Except if the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, maintain, preserve and protect all of its material tangible or intangible properties and equipment necessary in the operation of its business in good working order, repair and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted and fire, casualty or condemnation excepted.
SECTION 6.07 Maintenance of Insurance.
(a) Generally . Maintain with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, insurance with respect to its properties and business against loss or damage of the kinds customarily insured against by Persons engaged in the same or similar business, of such types and in such amounts (after giving effect to any self-insurance reasonable and customary for similarly situated Persons engaged in the same or similar businesses as the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries) as are customarily carried under similar circumstances by such other Persons.
(b) Requirements of Insurance . All such insurance shall (i) provide that no cancellation, material reduction in amount or material change in coverage thereof shall be effective until at least 10 days (or, to the extent reasonably available, 30 days) after receipt by the Collateral Agent of written notice thereof (the Borrower shall deliver a copy of the policy (and to the extent any such policy is cancelled or renewed, a renewal or replacement policy) or other evidence thereof to the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent, or insurance certificate with respect thereto) and (ii) name the Collateral Agent as mortgagee (in the case of property insurance) or additional insured on behalf of the Secured Parties (in the case of liability insurance) or loss payee (in the case of property insurance) (it being understood that, absent an Event of Default, any proceeds of any such property insurance shall be delivered by the insurer(s) to the Borrower or one of its Subsidiaries and applied in accordance with this Agreement), as applicable.
129
SECTION 6.08 Compliance with Laws.
Comply with the requirements of all Laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its business or property, except if the failure to comply therewith could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.
SECTION 6.09 Books and Records.
Maintain proper books of record and account, in which entries that are full, true and correct in all material respects and are in conformity with GAAP consistently applied and which reflect all material financial transactions and matters involving the assets and business of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be (it being understood and agreed that certain Foreign Subsidiaries maintain individual books and records in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in their respective countries of organization and that such maintenance shall not constitute a breach of the representations, warranties or covenants hereunder).
SECTION 6.10 Inspection Rights.
Permit representatives and independent contractors of the Administrative Agent and each Lender to visit and inspect any of its properties, to examine its corporate, financial and operating records, and make copies thereof or abstracts therefrom, and to discuss its affairs, finances and accounts with its directors, officers, and independent public accountants (subject to such accountants customary policies and procedures), all at the reasonable expense of the Borrower and at such reasonable times during normal business hours and as often as may be reasonably desired, upon reasonable advance notice to the Borrower; provided that, excluding any such visits and inspections during the continuation of an Event of Default, only the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Lenders may exercise rights of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders under this Section 6.10 and the Administrative Agent shall not exercise such rights more often than two times during any calendar year and only one (1) such time shall be at the Borrowers expense; provided, further, that when an Event of Default exists, the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or any of their respective representatives or independent contractors) may do any of the foregoing at the expense of the Borrower at any time during normal business hours and upon reasonable advance notice. The Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall give the Borrower the opportunity to participate in any discussions with the Borrowers independent public accountants. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 6.10, none of the Borrower nor any Restricted Subsidiary shall be required to disclose, permit the inspection, examination or making copies or abstracts of, or discussion of, any document, information or other matter that (i) constitutes non-financial trade secrets or non-financial proprietary information, (ii) in respect of which disclosure to the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or their respective representatives or contractors) is prohibited by Law or (iii) is subject to attorney-client or similar privilege or constitutes attorney work-product.
SECTION 6.11 Additional Collateral; Additional Guarantors.
At the Borrowers expense, take all action either necessary or as reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent to ensure that the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement continues to be satisfied, including:
Upon (x) the formation or acquisition of any new direct or indirect wholly owned Domestic Subsidiary (in each case, other than an Excluded Subsidiary) by the Borrower, (y) any Excluded Subsidiary ceasing to constitute an Excluded Subsidiary or (z) the designation in accordance with
130
Section 6.14 of an existing direct or indirect wholly owned Domestic Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary) as a Restricted Subsidiary:
(i) within sixty (60) days after such formation, acquisition, cessation or designation, or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in writing in its discretion:
(A) cause each such Domestic Subsidiary that is required to become a Guarantor pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to duly execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent (as appropriate) joinders to this Agreement as Guarantors, Security Agreement Supplements, intellectual property security agreements, a counterpart of the Intercompany Note, each Intercreditor Agreement, if applicable, and other security agreements and documents, as reasonably requested by and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (consistent with the Security Agreement and other security agreements in effect on the Closing Date), in each case granting Liens required by the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement;
(B) cause each such Domestic Subsidiary that is required to become a Guarantor pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement (and the parent of each such Domestic Subsidiary that is a Guarantor) to deliver any and all certificates representing Equity Interests (to the extent certificated) and intercompany notes (to the extent certificated) that are required to be pledged pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, accompanied by undated stock powers or other appropriate instruments of transfer executed in blank;
(C) take and cause such Restricted Subsidiary and each direct or indirect parent of such Restricted Subsidiary that is required to become a Guarantor pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to take whatever action the filing of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements and intellectual property security agreements, and delivery of stock and membership interest certificates) as may be necessary in the reasonable opinion of the Collateral Agent to vest in the Collateral Agent (or in any representative of the Collateral Agent designated by it) valid and perfected Liens to the extent required by the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, and to otherwise comply with the requirements of the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement;
(ii) if reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, within sixty (60) days after such request (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in writing in its discretion), deliver to the Administrative Agent a signed copy of an opinion, addressed to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, of counsel for the Loan Parties reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent as to such matters set forth in this Section 6.11(a) as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request; and
(iii) if reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, within sixty (60) days after such request (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree in writing in its discretion), deliver to the Collateral Agent any other items necessary from time to time to satisfy the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement with respect to perfection and existence of security interests with respect to property of any Guarantor acquired after the Closing Date and subject to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, but not specifically covered by the preceding clauses (i) or (ii).
131
SECTION 6.12 Compliance with Environmental Laws.
Except, in each case, to the extent that the failure to do so could not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, comply, and take all commercially reasonable actions to cause all lessees and other Persons operating or occupying its properties to comply with all applicable Environmental Laws and Environmental Permits; obtain, maintain and renew all Environmental Permits necessary for its operations and properties; and, in each case to the extent the Loan Parties or Subsidiaries are required by Environmental Laws, conduct any investigation, remedial or other corrective action necessary to address Hazardous Materials at any property or facility in accordance with applicable Environmental Laws.
SECTION 6.13 Further Assurances.
(a) Promptly upon reasonable request by the Administrative Agent (i) correct any material defect or error that may be discovered in the execution, acknowledgment, filing or recordation of any Intercreditor Agreement or any Collateral Document or other document or instrument relating to any Collateral and (ii) do, execute, acknowledge, deliver, record, re-record, file, re-file, register and re-register any and all such further acts, deeds, certificates, assurances and other instruments as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request from time to time in order to carry out more effectively the purposes of any Intercreditor Agreement or the Collateral Documents, to the extent required pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement.
(b) Ensure that all Real Property owned by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary as of the Closing Date or acquired from time to time after the Closing Date is owned by or transferred to a Loan Party or a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower whose Equity Interests constitute Collateral (other than pursuant to a transaction or for any other purpose not prohibited by this Agreement, including Permitted Acquisitions and other Investments).
(c) Ensure that the Spin-Off Transaction occurs in accordance with the Spin-Off Requirements.
SECTION 6.14 Designation of Subsidiaries.
The Borrower may at any time designate any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower as an Unrestricted Subsidiary or any Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that (i) immediately before and after such designation, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing, (ii) immediately after giving effect to such designation, the Borrower shall be in compliance, on a Pro Forma Basis, with the covenants set forth in Section 7.11, and, as a condition precedent to the effectiveness of any such designation, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate setting forth in reasonable detail the calculations demonstrating such compliance and (iii) no Subsidiary may be designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary if it is a Restricted Subsidiary for the purpose of any Senior Unsecured Notes Documents, Indebtedness incurred under Section 7.03(s) or Section 7.03(w) or any Junior Financing, as applicable. The designation of any Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary after the Closing Date shall constitute an Investment by the Borrower therein at the date of designation in an amount equal to the fair market value of the Borrowers or its Subsidiarys (as applicable) Investment therein. The designation of any Unrestricted Subsidiary as a
132
Restricted Subsidiary shall constitute (i) the incurrence at the time of designation of any Investment, Indebtedness or Liens of such Subsidiary existing at such time and (ii) a return on any Investment by the Borrower in Unrestricted Subsidiaries pursuant to the preceding sentence in an amount equal to the fair market value at the date of such designation of the Borrowers or its Subsidiarys (as applicable) Investment in such Subsidiary.
SECTION 6.15 Post-Closing Covenants. Except as otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion, the Borrower shall, and shall cause each of the other Loan Parties to, deliver each of the documents, instruments and agreements and take each of the actions set forth on Schedule 6.15 within the time periods set forth therein (or such longer time periods as determined by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion).
ARTICLE VII
Negative Covenants
So long as any Lender shall have any Commitment hereunder, any Loan or other Obligation hereunder (other than obligations under Treasury Services Agreements or obligations under Secured Hedge Agreements) which is accrued and payable shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied, or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding (unless the Outstanding Amount of the L/C Obligations related thereto has been Cash Collateralized or a backstop letter of credit reasonably satisfactory to the applicable L/C Issuer is in place), then from and after the Closing Date:
SECTION 7.01 Liens.
Neither the Borrower nor the Restricted Subsidiaries shall, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its property, assets or revenues, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, other than the following:
(a) Liens pursuant to any Loan Document;
(b) Liens existing on the Closing Date and listed on Schedule 7.01(b) and any modifications, replacements, renewals, refinancings or extensions thereof; provided that (i) the Lien does not extend to any additional property other than (A) after-acquired property that is affixed or incorporated into the property covered by such Lien or financed by Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.03, and (B) proceeds and products thereof, and (ii) the replacement, renewal, extension or refinancing of the obligations secured or benefited by such Liens, to the extent constituting Indebtedness, is permitted by Section 7.03;
(c) Liens for Taxes that are not overdue for a period of more than thirty (30) days or that are being contested in good faith and by appropriate actions diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person to the extent required in accordance with GAAP;
(d) statutory or common law Liens of landlords, sublandlords, carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, materialmen, repairmen, construction contractors or other like Liens that secure amounts not overdue for a period of more than forty-five (45) days or if more than forty-five (45) days overdue, that are unfiled and no other action has been taken to enforce such Lien or that are being
133
contested in good faith and by appropriate actions diligently conducted, if adequate reserves with respect thereto are maintained on the books of the applicable Person to the extent required in accordance with GAAP;
(e) (i) pledges or deposits in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers compensation, unemployment insurance and other social security legislation and (ii) pledges and deposits in the ordinary course of business securing liability for reimbursement or indemnification obligations of (including obligations in respect of letters of credit or bank guarantees for the benefit of) insurance carriers providing property, casualty or liability insurance to the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries;
(f) deposits to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts, governmental contracts and leases (other than Indebtedness for borrowed money), statutory obligations, surety, stay, customs and appeal bonds, performance bonds and other obligations of a like nature (including (i) those to secure health, safety and environmental obligations and (ii) letters of credit and bank guarantees required or requested by any Governmental Authority in connection with any contract or Law) incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(g) easements, rights-of-way, restrictions, encroachments, protrusions and other similar encumbrances and minor title defects affecting Real Property that do not in the aggregate materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
(h) Liens securing judgments for the payment of money not constituting an Event of Default under Section 8.01(h);
(i) leases, licenses, subleases or sublicenses granted to others in the ordinary course of business which do not (i) interfere in any material respect with the business of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole or (ii) secure any Indebtedness;
(j) Liens (i) in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of Law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods in the ordinary course of business and (ii) Liens on specific items of inventory or other goods and proceeds thereof of any Person securing such Persons obligations in respect of bankers acceptances or letters of credit issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or other goods in the ordinary course of business;
(k) Liens (i) of a collection bank arising under Section 4-210 of the Uniform Commercial Code on items in the course of collection, (ii) attaching to commodity trading accounts or other commodities brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and (iii) in favor of a banking or other financial institution arising as a matter of Law or under customary general terms and conditions encumbering deposits or other funds maintained with a financial institution (including the right of set-off) and that are within the general parameters customary in the banking industry or arising pursuant to such banking institutions general terms and conditions;
(l) Liens (i) on cash advances in favor of the seller of any property to be acquired in an Investment permitted pursuant to Sections 7.02(i) and (n) or, to the extent related to any of the foregoing, Section 7.02(r) to be applied against the purchase price for such Investment, and (ii) consisting of an agreement to Dispose of any property in a Disposition permitted under Section 7.05, in each case, solely to the extent such Investment or Disposition, as the case may be, would have been permitted on the date of the creation of such Lien;
134
(m) Liens (i) in favor of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary on assets of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party securing permitted intercompany Indebtedness and (ii) in favor of the Borrower or any Subsidiary Guarantor;
(n) any interest or title of a lessor, sublessor, licensor or sublicensor under leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses entered into by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;
(o) Liens arising out of conditional sale, title retention, consignment or similar arrangements for sale of goods entered into by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business permitted by this Agreement;
(p) Liens deemed to exist in connection with Investments in repurchase agreements under Section 7.02;
(q) Liens encumbering reasonable customary initial deposits and margin deposits and similar Liens attaching to commodity trading accounts or other brokerage accounts incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;
(r) Liens that are contractual rights of set-off or rights of pledge (i) relating to the establishment of depository relations with banks not given in connection with the issuance of Indebtedness, (ii) relating to pooled deposit or sweep accounts of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to permit satisfaction of overdraft or similar obligations incurred in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or (iii) relating to purchase orders and other agreements entered into with customers of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;
(s) Liens solely on any cash earnest money deposits made by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement permitted hereunder;
(t) ground leases in respect of Real Property on which facilities owned or leased by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries are located;
(u) Liens to secure Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.03(e); provided that (i) such Liens are created within 365 days of the acquisition, construction, repair, lease or improvement of the property subject to such Liens, (ii) such Liens do not at any time encumber property (except for replacements, additions and accessions to such property) other than the property financed by such Indebtedness and the proceeds and products thereof and customary security deposits and (iii) with respect to Capitalized Leases, such Liens do not at any time extend to or cover any assets (except for replacements, additions and accessions to such assets) other than the assets subject to such Capitalized Leases and the proceeds and products thereof and customary security deposits; provided that individual financings of equipment provided by one lender may be cross collateralized to other financings of equipment provided by such lender;
135
(v) Liens on property (i) of any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party and (ii) that does not constitute Collateral, which Liens secure Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary permitted under Section 7.03;
(w) Liens existing on property at the time of its acquisition or existing on the property of any Person at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary (other than by designation as a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to Section 6.14), in each case after the Closing Date (other than Liens on the Equity Interests of any Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary); provided that (i) such Lien was not created in contemplation of such acquisition or such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary, (ii) such Lien does not extend to or cover any other assets or property (other than the proceeds or products thereof and other than after-acquired property subjected to a Lien securing Indebtedness and other obligations incurred prior to such time and which Indebtedness and other obligations are permitted hereunder that require, pursuant to their terms at such time, a pledge of after-acquired property, it being understood that such requirement shall not be permitted to apply to any property to which such requirement would not have applied but for such acquisition), and (iii) the Indebtedness secured thereby is permitted under Section 7.03(g);
(x) (i) zoning, building, entitlement and other land use regulations by Governmental Authorities with which the normal operation of the business complies, and (ii) any zoning or similar law or right reserved to or vested in any Governmental Authority to control or regulate the use of any real property that does not materially interfere with the ordinary conduct of the business of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole;
(y) Liens arising from precautionary Uniform Commercial Code financing statement or similar filings;
(z) Liens on insurance policies and the proceeds thereof securing the financing of the premiums with respect thereto;
(aa) the modification, replacement, renewal or extension of any Lien permitted by clauses (u) and (w) of this Section 7.01; provided that (i) the Lien does not extend to any additional property, other than (A) after-acquired property that is affixed or incorporated into the property covered by such Lien and (B) proceeds and products thereof, and (ii) the renewal, extension or refinancing of the obligations secured or benefited by such Liens is permitted by Section 7.03 (to the extent constituting Indebtedness);
(bb) [Reserved];
(cc) Liens with respect to property or assets of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries securing obligations in an aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time not to exceed $75,000,000;
(dd) Liens to secure Indebtedness permitted under Sections 7.03(q) or 7.03(s); provided that the representative of the holders of each such Indebtedness becomes party to (i) if such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a pari passu basis (but without regard to the control of remedies) with the Obligations, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement as a Senior Representative (as defined in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement) and the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement and (ii) if such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a second priority (or other junior priority) basis to the liens securing the Obligations, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement as a Second Priority Representative (as defined in the Junior Intercreditor Agreement);
136
(ee) Liens on the Collateral securing obligations in respect of Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness constituting Permitted First Priority Refinancing Debt or Permitted Second Priority Refinancing Debt (and any Permitted Refinancing of any of the foregoing); provided that (x) any such Liens securing any Permitted Refinancing in respect of such Permitted First Priority Refinancing Debt are subject to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement and (y) any such Liens securing any Permitted Refinancing in respect of such Permitted Second Priority Refinancing Debt are subject to the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement;
(ff) Liens on specific items of inventory or other goods and the proceeds thereof securing such Persons obligations in respect of documentary letters of credit or bankers acceptances issued or created for the account of such Person to facilitate the purchase, shipment or storage of such inventory or goods;
(gg) deposits of cash with the owner or lessor of premises leased and operated by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries to secure the performance of the Borrowers or such Subsidiarys obligations under the terms of the lease for such premises;
(hh) Liens on the Securitization Assets arising in connection with a Qualified Securitization Financing; and
(ii) Liens with respect to property or assets of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries (including accounts receivable or other revenue streams and other rights to payment and any other assets related thereto) in connection with a property managers obligations in respect of timeshare collection accounts, operating accounts and reserve accounts.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) no consensual Liens shall exist on Equity Interests that constitute Collateral other than pursuant to clauses (a), (dd) and (ee) above, (ii) no Liens otherwise permitted under this Section 7.01 shall exist on Real Property other than Liens on Real Property not constituting inventory (as would be reflected on a balance sheet prepared as of such date on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP) securing obligations in an aggregate amount outstanding at any time not to exceed the greater of (a) $25,000,000 and (b) 10% of the total gross book value (including any applicable depreciation and amortization) of all Real Property not constituting inventory (as would be reflected on a balance sheet prepared as of such date on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP) and (iii) no Liens shall exist on any rights of any of the Parent, Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary under the License Agreement.
SECTION 7.02 Investments.
Neither the Borrower nor the Restricted Subsidiaries shall directly or indirectly, make any Investments, except:
(a) Investments by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in assets that were Cash Equivalents when such Investment was made;
(b) loans or advances to officers, directors, managers and employees of any Loan Party (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) or any of its Subsidiaries (i) for reasonable and customary
137
business-related travel, entertainment, relocation and analogous ordinary business purposes, (ii) in connection with such Persons purchase of Equity Interests of Holdings or any direct or indirect parent thereof directly from such issuing entity ( provided that the amount of such loans and advances shall be contributed to the Borrower in cash as common equity) and (iii) for any other purposes not described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii); provided that the aggregate principal amount outstanding at any time under clause (iii) above shall not exceed $25,000,000;
(c) Investments by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or any Person that will, upon such Investment become a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that the aggregate amount of Investments made by Loan Parties in Persons that are not or do not become Loan Parties (except if such Investments are part of a series of substantially concurrent transactions that result in the proceeds of such Investments ultimately being invested in (or distributed to) Loan Parties), in the aggregate with any Investments made pursuant to Section 7.02(i)(iv), shall not exceed at any time outstanding the sum of (1) 15.0% of Total Assets and (2) an unlimited amount so long as the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio calculated on a Pro Forma Basis is less than or equal to 1.10:1.00; provided further that any Investment made by any Person that is not a Loan Party in any Loan Party pursuant to this clause (c) shall be subordinated in right of payment to the Loans;
(d) Investments consisting of extensions of credit in the nature of accounts receivable or notes receivable arising from the grant of trade credit in the ordinary course of business, and Investments received in satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account debtors and other credits to suppliers in the ordinary course of business;
(e) Investments (excluding loans and advances made in lieu of Restricted Payments pursuant to and limited by Section 7.02(m) below) consisting of transactions permitted under Sections 7.01, 7.03 (other than 7.03(c) and (d)), 7.04 (other than 7.04(c), (d) and (e)), 7.05 (other than 7.05(d)(ii) or 7.05(e)), 7.06 (other than 7.06(e) and (i)(iv)) and 7.13, respectively;
(f) Investments (i) existing or contemplated on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 7.02(f) and any modification, replacement, renewal, reinvestment or extension thereof and (ii) existing on the Closing Date by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary and any modification, renewal or extension thereof; provided that the amount of the original Investment is not increased except by the terms of such Investment as of the Closing Date or as otherwise permitted by this Section 7.02;
(g) Investments in Swap Contracts permitted under Section 7.03;
(h) promissory notes and other non-cash consideration received in connection with Dispositions permitted by Section 7.05;
(i) any acquisition of all or substantially all the assets of a Person, or any Equity Interests in a Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or a division or line of business of a Person (or any subsequent Investment made in a Person, division or line of business previously acquired in a Permitted Acquisition), in a single transaction or series of related transactions, if immediately after giving effect thereto: (i) the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries shall be in Pro Forma Compliance with the covenants set forth in Section 7.11 after giving effect to such acquisition or Investment and any related transactions; (ii) any acquired or newly formed Restricted Subsidiary shall not be liable for any Indebtedness except for Indebtedness otherwise permitted by Section 7.03;
138
(iii) to the extent required by the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement, (A) the property, assets and businesses acquired in such purchase or other acquisition shall constitute Collateral and (B) any such newly created or acquired Subsidiary (other than an Excluded Subsidiary, Securitization Subsidiary or an Unrestricted Subsidiary) shall become a Guarantor, in each case, in accordance with Section 6.11, and (iv) the aggregate amount of Investments made by Loan Parties in Persons that do not become Loan Parties, in the aggregate with any Investments made pursuant to the first proviso to Section 7.02(c), shall not exceed at any time outstanding the sum of (1) 15.0% of Total Assets and (2) an unlimited amount so long as the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio calculated on a Pro Forma Basis is less than or equal to 1.10:1.00 (any such acquisition, a Permitted Acquisition );
(j) Investments in the form of (A) Timeshare Loans generated in the ordinary course of business, (B) construction loans to developers of properties in the ordinary course of business or otherwise in connection with vacation ownership interval transactions and (C) purchases of vacation ownership intervals for inventory or resale, in each case by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries;
(k) Investments in the ordinary course of business consisting of UCC Article 3 endorsements for collection or deposit and UCC Article 4 customary trade arrangements with customers consistent with past practices;
(l) Investments (including debt obligations and Equity Interests) received in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of suppliers and customers or in settlement of delinquent obligations of, or other disputes with, customers and suppliers arising in the ordinary course of business or upon the foreclosure with respect to any secured Investment or other transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment;
(m) loans and advances to the Borrower and any other direct or indirect parent of the Borrower, and not in excess of the amount of (after giving effect to any other loans, advances or Restricted Payments in respect thereof), Restricted Payments to the extent permitted to be made to such parent in accordance with Sections 7.06(g), (h) or (i);
(n) other Investments (including for Permitted Acquisitions pursuant to Section 7.02(i)(iv)) in an aggregate amount outstanding pursuant to this clause (n) (valued at the time of the making thereof, and without giving effect to any write downs or write offs thereof) at any time not to exceed the greater of (a) $75,000,000 and (b) 4.0% of Total Assets (in each case, net of any return in respect thereof, including dividends, interest, distributions, returns of principal, profits on sale, repayments, income and similar amounts);
(o) advances of payroll payments to employees in the ordinary course of business;
(p) Investments to the extent that payment for such Investments is made solely with Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of the Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower);
(q) Investments of a Restricted Subsidiary acquired after the Closing Date or of a Person merged or amalgamated or consolidated into the Borrower or merged, amalgamated or consolidated with a Restricted Subsidiary in accordance with Section 7.04 after the Closing Date to the extent that such Investments were not made in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition, merger, amalgamation or consolidation and were in existence on the date of such acquisition, merger or consolidation;
139
(r) Investments made by any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party to the extent such Investments are financed with the proceeds received by such Restricted Subsidiary from an Investment in such Restricted Subsidiary contemplated pursuant to Section 7.02(i)(iv) or permitted under Section 7.02(n);
(s) Investments constituting the non-cash portion of consideration received in a Disposition permitted by Section 7.05;
(t) Guarantees by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries of leases (other than Capitalized Leases) or of other obligations that do not constitute Indebtedness, in each case entered into in the ordinary course of business;
(u) (i) Investments in or relating to a Securitization Subsidiary that, in the good faith determination of the Borrower are necessary or advisable to effect any Qualified Securitization Financing (including any contribution of replacement or substitute assets to such subsidiary) or any repurchase obligation in connection therewith and (ii) distributions or payments of Securitization Fees and purchases of Securitization Assets in connection with a Qualified Securitization Financing;
(v) Investments in Unrestricted Subsidiaries having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (v) that are at the time outstanding, without giving effect to the sale of an Unrestricted Subsidiary to the extent the proceeds of such sale do not consist of cash or marketable securities (until such proceeds are converted to Cash Equivalents), not to exceed the greater of $50,000,000 and 4.00% of Total Assets at the time of such Investment (with the fair market value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value); provided that any Investment made by any Loan Party pursuant to this clause (v) shall be subordinated in right of payment to the Loans;
(w) [reserved];
(x) Permitted Intercompany Activities, the Spin-Off Transaction and related transactions;
(y) Investments in joint ventures of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries existing on the Closing Date;
(z) Investments in joint ventures of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken together with all other Investments made pursuant to this clause (z) that are at that time outstanding, not to exceed the greater of (a) $25,000,000 and (b) 2.0% of Total Assets (in each case, determined on the date such Investment is made, with the fair market value of each Investment being measured at the time made and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value);
(aa) Investments that are made in an amount equal to the amount of Excluded Contributions previously received (less any Restricted Payments made pursuant to Section 7.06(p)); and
(bb) so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries may make Investments in an unlimited
140
amount so long as the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio calculated on a Pro Forma Basis is less than or equal to 1.10:1.00; provided that with respect to any Investments other than in the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio calculated on a Pro Forma Basis shall be less than or equal to 0.80:1.00.
SECTION 7.03 Indebtedness.
Neither the Borrower nor any of the Restricted Subsidiaries shall directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness, except:
(a) Indebtedness of any Loan Party under (i) the Loan Documents, (ii) the Senior Unsecured Notes Documents in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $300,000,000 and, in the case of this clause (ii), any Permitted Refinancing thereof;
(b) (i) Indebtedness outstanding on the Closing Date and listed on Schedule 7.03(b) and any Permitted Refinancing thereof and (ii) Indebtedness owed to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary outstanding on the Closing Date and any refinancing thereof with Indebtedness owed to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in a principal amount that does not exceed the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of the intercompany Indebtedness so refinanced; provided that (x) any amount owed by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party to a Loan Party shall be evidenced by an Intercompany Note and (y) all such Indebtedness of any Loan Party owed to any Person or Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall be unsecured and subordinated to the Obligations pursuant to an Intercompany Note;
(c) Guarantees by the Borrower and any Restricted Subsidiary in respect of Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower otherwise permitted hereunder; provided that (A) no Guarantee of any Senior Unsecured Notes or any Indebtedness constituting Junior Financing shall be permitted unless such guaranteeing party shall have also provided a Guarantee of the Obligations on the terms set forth herein and (B) if the Indebtedness being Guaranteed is subordinated to the Obligations, such Guarantee shall be subordinated to the Guarantee of the Obligations on terms at least as favorable to the Lenders as those contained in the subordination of such Indebtedness;
(d) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary owing to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (or issued or transferred to any direct or indirect parent of a Loan Party which is substantially contemporaneously transferred to a Loan Party or any Restricted Subsidiary of a Loan Party) to the extent constituting an Investment permitted by Section 7.02; provided that all such Indebtedness of any Loan Party owed to any Person or Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall be evidenced by an Intercompany Note and any such Indebtedness owing to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party is subordinated in right of payment to the Loans (for the avoidance of doubt, any such Indebtedness owing to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall be deemed to be expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Loans unless the terms of such Indebtedness expressly provide otherwise);
(e) (i) Attributable Indebtedness and other Indebtedness (including Capitalized Leases) financing an acquisition, construction, repair, replacement, lease or improvement of a fixed or capital asset incurred by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary prior to or within 365 days after the acquisition, construction, repair, replacement, lease or improvement of the applicable asset in an aggregate amount not to exceed the greater of (a) $80,000,000 and (b) 6.0% of Total Assets, in each
141
case determined at the time of incurrence (together with any Permitted Refinancings thereof) at any time outstanding, (ii) Attributable Indebtedness arising out of sale-leaseback transactions permitted by Section 7.05(m) and (iii) any Permitted Refinancing of any of the foregoing;
(f) Indebtedness in respect of Swap Contracts designed to hedge against the Borrowers or any Restricted Subsidiarys exposure to interest rates, foreign exchange rates or commodities pricing risks incurred in the ordinary course of business and not for speculative purposes;
(g) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary assumed in connection with any Permitted Acquisition so long as such Indebtedness is not incurred in contemplation of such Permitted Acquisition, and any Permitted Refinancing thereof; provided that after giving pro forma effect to such Permitted Acquisition and the assumption of such Indebtedness, the aggregate amount of such Indebtedness does not exceed (x) $25,000,000 at any time outstanding plus (y) any additional amount of such Indebtedness so long (i) if such Indebtedness is secured on a junior basis to the Facilities, the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio determined on a Pro Forma Basis is no greater than 1.10:1.00, and the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries are in compliance with the covenants set forth in Section 7.11, determined on a Pro Forma Basis as of the date of incurrence of such Indebtedness; (ii) if such Indebtedness is secured on a pari passu basis with the Facilities, the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio determined on a Pro Forma Basis is no greater than 0.25:1.00 and the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries are in compliance with the covenants set forth in Section 7.11, determined on a Pro Forma Basis as of the date of incurrence of such Indebtedness; or (iii) if such Indebtedness is unsecured, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries are in compliance with the covenants set forth in Section 7.11, determined on a Pro Forma Basis as of the date of incurrence of such Indebtedness; provided that any such Indebtedness incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party, together with any Indebtedness incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party pursuant to Sections 7.03(q), 7.03(s) or 7.03(w), does not exceed in the aggregate at any time outstanding the greater of (A) $60,000,000 and (B) 4.25% of Total Assets;
(h) Indebtedness representing deferred compensation to employees of the Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries incurred in the ordinary course of business;
(i) Indebtedness consisting of promissory notes issued by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to current or former officers, managers, consultants, directors and employees, their respective estates, spouses or former spouses to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of the Borrower or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower permitted by Section 7.06;
(j) Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in a Permitted Acquisition, any other Investment expressly permitted hereunder or any Disposition, in each case, constituting indemnification obligations or obligations in respect of purchase price (including earnouts) or other similar adjustments, other than guarantees of Indebtedness incurred by any Person acquiring all or any portion of such business, assets or a Subsidiary for the purposes of financing such acquisition; provided , that such Indebtedness is not reflected on the balance sheet of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (contingent obligations referred to in a footnote to financial statements and not otherwise reflected on the balance sheet will not be deemed to be reflected on such balance sheet for purposes of this clause (j));
142
(k) Indebtedness consisting of obligations of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries under deferred compensation or other similar arrangements incurred by such Person in connection with Permitted Acquisitions or any other Investment expressly permitted hereunder;
(l) obligations in respect of Treasury Services Agreements and other Indebtedness in respect of netting services, automatic clearinghouse arrangements, overdraft protections and similar arrangements in each case in connection with deposit accounts;
(m) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, in an aggregate principal amount that at the time of, and after giving effect to, the incurrence thereof, would not exceed (x) $150,000,000 at any time outstanding plus (y) 100% of the cumulative amount of the net cash proceeds and Cash Equivalent proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests (other than Excluded Contributions, proceeds of Disqualified Equity Interests, Designated Equity Contributions or sales of Equity Interests to the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries) of the Borrower or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower after the Closing Date and on or prior to such time (including upon exercise of warrants or options) which proceeds have been contributed as common equity to the capital of the Borrower that has not been applied to incur debt pursuant to this clause (m)(y), to make Restricted Payments pursuant to Section 7.06 (other than pursuant to Section 7.06(h)), to make Investments pursuant to clause 7.02(n), (v), (w), (y) or (z) or to make prepayments of subordinated indebtedness pursuant to Section 7.13 (other than 7.13(a)(iv));
(n) Indebtedness consisting of (a) the financing of insurance premiums or (b) take-or-pay obligations contained in supply arrangements, in each case, in the ordinary course of business;
(o) Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees, bankers acceptances or similar instruments issued or created in the ordinary course of business, including in respect of workers compensation claims, health, disability or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance or self-insurance or other Indebtedness with respect to reimbursement-type obligations regarding workers compensation claims; provided that any reimbursement obligations in respect thereof are reimbursed within 30 days following the incurrence thereof;
(p) obligations in respect of performance, bid, appeal and surety bonds and performance and completion guarantees and similar obligations provided by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries or obligations in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments related thereto, in each case in the ordinary course of business or consistent with past practice;
(q) so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom (or if the proceeds of such Indebtedness are being used to finance a Permitted Acquisition, no Event of Default under Sections 8.01(a) or (f) has occurred and is continuing), Indebtedness incurred on (x) a pari passu basis with the Facilities or (y) junior to the Facilities in an aggregate principal amount, when aggregated with the amount of Incremental Term Loans and Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments pursuant to Section 2.14(d)(v)(A) and Section 2.14(d)(v)(B), not to exceed $300,000,000; provided that such Indebtedness shall (A) in the case of clause (x) above, have a maturity date that is after the Latest Maturity Date at the time such Indebtedness is incurred, and in the case of clause (y) above, have a maturity date that is at least ninety-one (91) days after the Latest Maturity Date at the time such Indebtedness is incurred, (B) in the case of clause (x) above, have a Weighted Average Life to Maturity not shorter than the longest remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the Facilities and, in the case of clause (y) above, shall not be subject to scheduled
143
amortization prior to maturity, (C) if such Indebtedness is incurred or guaranteed on a secured basis by a Loan Party subject to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement and/or the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, as applicable, (D) have terms and conditions (other than pricing, rate floors, discounts, fees, premiums and optional prepayment or redemption provisions) that in the good faith determination of the Borrower are not materially less favorable (when taken as a whole) to the Borrower than the terms and conditions of the Loan Documents (when taken as a whole) ( provided that a certificate of the Borrower as to the satisfaction of the conditions described in this clause (D) delivered at least five (5) Business Days prior to the incurrence of such Indebtedness, together with a reasonably detailed description of the material terms and conditions of such Indebtedness or drafts of documentation relating thereto, stating that the Borrower has determined in good faith that such terms and conditions satisfy the foregoing requirements of this clause (D), shall be conclusive unless the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower within such five (5) Business Day period that it disagrees with such determination (including a description of the basis upon which it disagrees)) and (E) the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries are in compliance with the covenants set forth in Section 7.11, determined on a Pro Forma Basis as of the date of incurrence of such Indebtedness; provided , further , that any such Indebtedness incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party, together with any Indebtedness incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party pursuant to Sections 7.03(g), 7.03(s) or 7.03(w), does not exceed in the aggregate at any time outstanding the greater of (1) $60,000,000 and (2) 4.25% of Total Assets;
(r) Indebtedness supported by a Letter of Credit, in a principal amount not to exceed the face amount of such Letter of Credit;
(s) Permitted Ratio Debt and any Permitted Refinancing thereof;
(t) Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness;
(u) [Reserved];
(v) Indebtedness incurred by a Foreign Subsidiary which, when aggregated with the principal amount of all other Indebtedness incurred pursuant to this clause (v) and then outstanding, does not exceed 10% of Foreign Subsidiary Total Assets;
(w) unsecured Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, so long as the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries are in compliance with the covenants set forth in Section 7.11, determined on a Pro Forma Basis as of the date of incurrence of such Indebtedness; and without duplication, Permitted Refinancings of such Indebtedness; provided that any such Indebtedness incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party, together with any Indebtedness incurred by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party pursuant to Sections 7.03(g), 7.03(q) or 7.03(s), does not exceed in the aggregate at any time outstanding the greater of (A) $60,000,000 and (B) 4.25% of Total Assets;
(x) Indebtedness arising from Permitted Intercompany Activities; and
(y) all premiums (if any), interest (including post-petition interest), fees, expenses, charges and additional or contingent interest on obligations described in clauses (a) through (x) above.
144
For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 7.03, in the event that an item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of the categories of Indebtedness described in clauses (a) through (x) above, the Borrower shall, in its sole discretion, classify or later divide or classify such item of Indebtedness (or any portion thereof) and will only be required to include the amount and type of such Indebtedness in one or more of the above clauses; provided that all Indebtedness outstanding under the Loan Documents, any Senior Unsecured Notes Documents and, in each case, any Permitted Refinancing thereof, will at all times be deemed to be outstanding in reliance only on the exception in Section 7.03(a).
SECTION 7.04 Fundamental Changes.
Neither the Borrower nor any of the Restricted Subsidiaries shall merge, dissolve, liquidate, consolidate with or into another Person, or Dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) to or in favor of any Person, except that:
(a) any Restricted Subsidiary may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with (i) the Borrower (including a merger, the purpose of which is to reorganize the Borrower into a new jurisdiction); provided that the Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving Person and such merger does not result in the Borrower ceasing to be a corporation, partnership or limited liability company organized under the Laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia or (ii) one or more other Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that when any Person that is a Loan Party is merging with a Restricted Subsidiary, a Loan Party shall be the continuing or surviving Person;
(b) (i) any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party may merge, amalgamate or consolidate with or into any other Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party and (ii) any Subsidiary may liquidate or dissolve or the Borrower or any Subsidiary may change its legal form (x) if the Borrower determines in good faith that such action is in the best interest of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries and if not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders and (y) to the extent such Restricted Subsidiary is a Loan Party, any assets or business not otherwise disposed of or transferred in accordance with Sections 7.02 (other than 7.02(e)) or 7.05 or, in the case of any such business, discontinued, shall be transferred to otherwise owned or conducted by another Loan Party after giving effect to such liquidation or dissolution (it being understood that in the case of any change in legal form, a Subsidiary that is a Guarantor will remain a Guarantor unless such Guarantor is otherwise permitted to cease being a Guarantor hereunder);
(c) any Restricted Subsidiary may Dispose of all or substantially all of its assets (upon voluntary liquidation or otherwise) to the Borrower or to another Restricted Subsidiary; provided that if the transferor in such a transaction is a Guarantor, then (i) the transferee must be a Guarantor or the Borrower or (ii) to the extent constituting an Investment, such Investment must be a permitted Investment in or Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party in accordance with Sections 7.02 and 7.03, respectively; and
(d) so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom, the Borrower may merge or consolidate with any other Person; provided that (i) the Borrower shall be the continuing or surviving corporation or (ii) if the Person formed by or surviving any such merger or consolidation is not the Borrower (any such Person, the Successor Company ), (A) the Successor Company shall be an entity organized or existing under the Laws of the United States, any state thereof, the District of Columbia or any territory thereof, (B) the Successor Company shall expressly assume all the
145
obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which the Borrower is a party pursuant to a supplement hereto or thereto in form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, (C) each Guarantor, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, shall have confirmed that its Guaranty shall apply to the Successor Companys obligations under the Loan Documents, (D) each Guarantor, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, shall have by a supplement to the Security Agreement and other applicable Collateral Documents confirmed that its obligations thereunder shall apply to the Successor Companys obligations under the Loan Documents, and (E) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent an officers certificate and an opinion of counsel, each stating that such merger or consolidation and such supplement to this Agreement or any Collateral Document preserves the enforceability of this Agreement, the Guaranty and the Collateral Documents and the perfection of the Liens under the Collateral Documents; provided , further , that if the foregoing are satisfied, the Successor Company will succeed to, and be substituted for, the Borrower under this Agreement; and
(e) so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom (in the case of a merger involving a Loan Party), any Restricted Subsidiary may merge or consolidate with any other Person in order to effect an Investment permitted pursuant to Section 7.02; provided that the continuing or surviving Person shall be a Restricted Subsidiary or the Borrower, which together with each of its Restricted Subsidiaries, shall have complied with the requirements of Section 6.11 to the extent required pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement;
(f) so long as no Default exists or would result therefrom, a merger, dissolution, liquidation, consolidation or Disposition, the purpose of which is to effect a Disposition permitted pursuant to Section 7.05; and
(g) the Borrower and its Subsidiaries may consummate Permitted Intercompany Activities, the Spin-Off Transaction and related transactions.
SECTION 7.05 Dispositions.
Neither the Borrower nor any of the Restricted Subsidiaries shall, directly or indirectly, make any Disposition, except:
(a) (i) Dispositions of obsolete, worn out or surplus property, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, in the ordinary course of business and Dispositions of property no longer used or useful in the conduct of the business of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and (ii) Dispositions of property no longer used or useful in the good faith determination of the Borrower in the conduct of the business of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries outside the ordinary course of business (and for consideration complying with the requirements applicable to Dispositions pursuant to clause (j) below);
(b) Dispositions of vacation ownership intervals or other inventory (whether developed, just-in-time or fee-for service) or goods (or other assets, including timeshare and residential assets, furniture and equipment) held for sale and immaterial assets (including allowing any registrations or any applications for registration of any immaterial intellectual property to lapse or go abandoned in the ordinary course of business), in each case, in the ordinary course of business;
146
(c) Dispositions of property to the extent that (i) such property is exchanged for credit against the purchase price of similar replacement property or (ii) the proceeds of such Disposition are promptly applied to the purchase price of such replacement property;
(d) Dispositions of property to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided that if the transferor of such property is a Loan Party, (i) the transferee thereof must be a Loan Party or (ii) if such transaction constitutes an Investment, such transaction is permitted under Section 7.02;
(e) to the extent constituting Dispositions, transactions permitted by Sections 7.01, 7.02 (other than Section 7.02(e)), 7.04 (other than Section 7.04(f)) and 7.06;
(f) Dispositions of land or other real property, whether vacant, unused or improved, in each case in the ordinary course of business or otherwise in connection with a vacation ownership interval transaction;
(g) Dispositions of Cash Equivalents;
(h) (i) leases, subleases, licenses or sublicenses (including the provision of software under an open source license), in each case in the ordinary course of business and which do not materially interfere with the business of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries and (ii) Dispositions of intellectual property that do not materially interfere with the business of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries so long as the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries receives a license or other ownership rights to use such intellectual property;
(i) transfers of property subject to Casualty Events upon receipt of the Net Proceeds of such Casualty Event;
(j) Dispositions of property; provided that (i) at the time of such Disposition (other than any such Disposition made pursuant to a legally binding commitment entered into at a time when no Default exists), no Default shall exist or would result from such Disposition and (ii) with respect to any Disposition pursuant to this clause (j) for a purchase price in excess of $50,000,000, the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries shall receive not less than 75% of such consideration in the form of cash or Cash Equivalents (in each case, free and clear of all Liens at the time received, other than nonconsensual Liens permitted by Section 7.01 and Liens permitted by Sections 7.01(a), (f), (k), (p), (q), (r)(i), (r)(ii), (dd) (only to the extent the Obligations are secured by such cash and Cash Equivalents) and (ee) (only to the extent the Obligations are secured by such cash and Cash Equivalents); provided, however , that for the purposes of this clause (j)(ii), the following shall be deemed to be cash: (A) any liabilities (as shown on the Borrowers (or the Restricted Subsidiaries, as applicable) most recent balance sheet provided hereunder or in the footnotes thereto) of Holdings or such Restricted Subsidiary, other than liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the payment in cash of the Obligations, that are assumed by the transferee with respect to the applicable Disposition and for which the Borrower and all of its Restricted Subsidiaries shall have been validly released by all applicable creditors in writing, (B) any securities received by the Borrower or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary from such transferee that are converted by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary into cash or Cash Equivalents (to the extent of the cash or Cash Equivalents received) within 180 days following the closing of the applicable Disposition, and (C) aggregate non-cash consideration received by the Borrower or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary having an aggregate fair market value (determined as of the closing of the applicable Disposition for which such non-cash consideration is received) not to exceed the greater of (a) $75,000,000 and (b) 5.00% of Total Assets at any time (net of any non-cash consideration converted into cash and Cash Equivalents);
147
(k) any Disposition of Securitization Assets (or of the Equity Interests in a Subsidiary, substantially all of the assets of which are Securitization Assets) to a Securitization Subsidiary;
(l) Dispositions or discounts without recourse of accounts receivable in connection with the compromise or collection thereof in the ordinary course of business;
(m) Dispositions of property pursuant to sale-leaseback transactions; provided that the fair market value of all property so Disposed of after the Closing Date shall not exceed $100,000,000;
(n) any swap of assets in exchange for services or other assets of comparable or greater value or usefulness to the business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries as a whole, as determined in good faith by the management of the Borrower;
(o) any issuance or sale of Equity Interests in, or Indebtedness or other securities of, an Unrestricted Subsidiary (or a Restricted Subsidiary which owns an Unrestricted Subsidiary so long as such Restricted Subsidiary owns no assets other than the Equity Interests of such an Unrestricted Subsidiary) and;
(p) the unwinding of any Swap Contract pursuant to its terms;
(q) Dispositions of Investments in joint ventures to the extent required by, or made pursuant to customary buy/sell arrangements between, the joint venture parties set forth in joint venture arrangements and similar binding arrangements;
(r) the lapse or abandonment in the ordinary course of business of any registrations or applications for registration of any immaterial IP Rights; and
(s) Permitted Intercompany Activities, the Spin-Off Transaction and related transactions;
provided that any Disposition of any property pursuant to this Section 7.05 (except pursuant to Sections 7.05(e), (i), (k), (p), (r) and (s) and except for Dispositions from a Loan Party to any other Loan Party) shall be for no less than the fair market value of such property at the time of such Disposition. To the extent any Collateral is Disposed of as expressly permitted by this Section 7.05 to any Person other than a Loan Party, such Collateral shall be sold free and clear of the Liens created by the Loan Documents, and the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, shall be authorized to take any actions deemed appropriate in order to effect the foregoing.
SECTION 7.06 Restricted Payments.
Neither the Borrower nor any of the Restricted Subsidiaries shall declare or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, except:
(a) each Restricted Subsidiary may make Restricted Payments to the Borrower, and other Restricted Subsidiaries of the Borrower (and, in the case of a Restricted Payment by a non-wholly owned Restricted Subsidiary, to the Borrower and any other Restricted Subsidiary and to each other owner of Equity Interests of such Restricted Subsidiary based on their relative ownership interests of the relevant class of Equity Interests);
148
(b) the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary may declare and make Restricted Payments payable solely in the Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests not otherwise permitted by Section 7.03) of such Person;
(c) (i) the Spin-Off Transaction and Restricted Payments in connection therewith, in each case, as set forth in the Transaction Agreements and the Amendment No. 7 to Form 10, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 30, 2016, in each case, including any amendments, supplements, waivers or modifications in a manner not materially adverse to the Lenders when taken as whole, as compared to such Transaction Agreement or Form 10 as in effect immediately prior to such amendment, supplement, waiver or modification) and (ii) a distribution, on or around the Closing Date, by the Borrower to its direct or indirect parents of (A) the cash proceeds from the Loans and additional borrowings under the Timeshare Facility and (B) an additional amount of cash to the extent the balance of available cash (including restricted cash) as of the date of the Spin-Off Transaction exceeds $125,000,000;
(d) so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries may make Restricted Payments in an unlimited amount so long as the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio calculated on a Pro Forma Basis is less than or equal to 1.10:1.00;
(e) to the extent constituting Restricted Payments, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries may enter into and consummate transactions expressly permitted by any provision of Sections 7.02 (other than 7.02(e) and (m)), 7.04 or 7.08 (other than Sections 7.08(e) or 7.08(j));
(f) repurchases of Equity Interests in the Borrower (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) or any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower deemed to occur upon exercise of stock options or warrants if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such options or warrants;
(g) the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary may pay (or make Restricted Payments to allow the Borrower or any other direct or indirect parent thereof to pay) for the repurchase, retirement or other acquisition or retirement for value of Equity Interests of such Restricted Subsidiary (or of the Borrower or any other such direct or indirect parent thereof) from any future, present or former employee, officer, director, manager or consultant of such Restricted Subsidiary (or the Borrower or any other direct or indirect parent of such Restricted Subsidiary) or any of its Subsidiaries upon the death, disability, retirement or termination of employment of any such Person or pursuant to any employee or director equity plan, employee, manager or director stock option plan or any other employee or director benefit plan or any agreement (including any stock subscription or shareholder agreement) with any employee, manager, director, officer or consultant of such Restricted Subsidiary (or the Borrower or any other direct or indirect parent thereof) or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that the aggregate amount of Restricted Payments made pursuant to this clause (g) shall not exceed $25,000,000 in any calendar year (with unused amounts in any calendar year being carried over to succeeding calendar years subject to a maximum of $50,000,000
149
in any calendar year); provided , further , that such amount in any calendar year may be increased by an amount not to exceed:
(i) to the extent contributed to the Borrower, the Net Proceeds from the sale of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of any of the Borrowers direct or indirect parent companies, in each case to members of management, managers, directors or consultants of Holdings, the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or any of its direct or indirect parent companies that occurs after the Closing Date, to the extent Net Proceeds from the sale of such Equity Interests have been Not Otherwise Applied; plus
(ii) the Net Proceeds of key man life insurance policies received by the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries; less
(iii) the amount of any Restricted Payments previously made with the cash proceeds described in clause (i) and (ii) of this Section 7.06(g);
(h) the Borrower may make Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount not to exceed, when combined with prepayment of Indebtedness pursuant to Section 7.13(a)(iv), $75,000,000;
(i) the Borrower may make Restricted Payments to any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower:
(i) to pay its operating costs and expenses incurred in the ordinary course of business and other corporate overhead costs and expenses (including administrative, legal, accounting and similar expenses provided by third parties), which are reasonable and customary and incurred in the ordinary course of business and attributable to the ownership or operations of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries and, Transaction Expenses and any reasonable and customary indemnification claims made by directors, managers or officers of such parent attributable to the ownership or operations of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries;
(ii) the proceeds of which shall be used by such parent to pay franchise Taxes and other fees, Taxes and expenses required to maintain its (or any of its direct or indirect parents) corporate existence;
(iii) for any taxable period ending after the Closing Date (A) in which the Borrower and/or any of its Subsidiaries is a member of a consolidated, combined, unitary or similar Tax group (a Tax Group ) of which a direct or indirect parent of Borrower is the common parent or (B) in which the Borrower is treated as a disregarded entity or partnership for U.S. federal, state and/or local income tax purposes, to pay U.S. federal, state and local and foreign Taxes that are attributable to the taxable income, revenue, receipts, gross receipts, gross profits, capital or margin of the Borrower and/or its Subsidiaries; provided that for each taxable period, the amount of such payments made in respect of such taxable period in the aggregate shall not exceed the amount of such Taxes that the Borrower and its Subsidiaries would have been required to pay if they were a stand-alone Tax Group with the Borrower as the corporate common parent of such stand-alone Tax Group; provided , further , that the permitted payment pursuant to this clause (iii) with respect to any Taxes of any Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be limited to the amount actually paid with respect to such period by such Unrestricted Subsidiary to the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries for the purposes of paying such consolidated, combined unitary or similar Taxes;
150
(iv) to finance any Investment that would be permitted to be made pursuant to Section 7.02 if such parent were subject to such Section; provided that (A) such Restricted Payment shall be made substantially concurrently with the closing of such Investment, (B) such parent shall, immediately following the closing thereof, cause (1) all property acquired (whether assets or Equity Interests) to be contributed to the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries or (2) the merger (to the extent permitted in Section 7.04) of the Person formed or acquired into the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries in order to consummate such Permitted Acquisition or Investment, in each case, in accordance with the requirements of Section 6.11, (C) such parent company and its Affiliates (other than the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary) receives no consideration or other payment in connection with such transaction except to the extent the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary could have given such consideration or made such payment in compliance with this Agreement and (D) such Investment shall be deemed to be made by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to Section 7.02 (other than pursuant to Section 7.02(aa) or 7.02(p));
(v) the proceeds of which shall be used to pay customary salary, bonus and other benefits payable to officers and employees of Holdings or any direct or indirect parent company of Holdings to the extent such salaries, bonuses and other benefits are attributable to the ownership or operation of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries;
(vi) the proceeds of which shall be used by Holdings to pay (or to make Restricted Payments to allow any direct or indirect parent thereof to pay) fees and expenses (other than to Affiliates) related to any unsuccessful equity or debt offering by Holdings (or any direct or indirect parent thereof) that is directly attributable to the operations of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries; and
(vii) amounts payable pursuant to (x) the Support and Services Agreement or (y) any of the Transaction Agreements (including, in each case, any amendment thereto or replacement thereof so long as any such amendment or replacement is not materially disadvantageous in the good faith judgment of the board of directors of the Borrower to the Lenders when taken as a whole, as compared to the applicable agreement as in effect immediately prior to such amendment or replacement), solely to the extent such amounts are not paid directly by Borrower or its Subsidiaries;
(j) payments made or expected to be made by the Borrower or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries in respect of required withholding or similar Taxes payable upon exercise of Equity Interests by any future, present or former employee, director, manager or consultant of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiaries and any repurchases of Equity Interests deemed to occur upon the exercise of stock options;
(k) the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary may (i) pay cash in lieu of fractional Equity Interests in connection with any dividend, split or combination thereof or any Permitted Acquisition and (ii) honor any conversion request by a holder of convertible Indebtedness and make cash payments in lieu of fractional shares in connection with any such conversion and may make payments on convertible Indebtedness in accordance with its terms;
(l) (i) any Restricted Payment by the Borrower or any other direct or indirect parent of the Borrower to pay listing fees and other costs and expenses attributable to being a publicly traded
151
company which are reasonable and customary and (ii) Restricted Payments not to exceed the sum of (A) up to 6% per annum of the net proceeds received by (or contributed to) the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries from a Qualified IPO (and other than a public sale constituting an Excluded Contribution) and (B) Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount per annum not to exceed 5.00% of Market Capitalization;
(m) distributions or payments of Securitization Fees;
(n) [Reserved];
(o) the distribution, by dividend or otherwise, of Equity Interests of an Unrestricted Subsidiary (or a Restricted Subsidiary that owns one or more Unrestricted Subsidiaries), or Indebtedness owed to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary by an Unrestricted Subsidiary (other than Unrestricted Subsidiaries the primary assets of which are cash and/or Cash Equivalents); and
(p) Restricted Payments that are made (i) in an amount equal to the amount of Excluded Contributions previously received since the Closing Date (less any Investments made in reliance on Section 7.02(aa)) or (ii) without duplication with clause (i), in an amount equal to the Net Proceeds from a Disposition in respect of property or assets acquired after the Closing Date, if the acquisition of such property or assets was financed with Excluded Contributions.
SECTION 7.07 Change in Nature of Business.
The Borrower shall not, nor shall the Borrower permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, engage in any material line of business substantially different from those lines of business conducted by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on the Closing Date or any business reasonably related, complementary, synergistic or ancillary thereto or reasonable extensions thereof.
SECTION 7.08 Transactions with Affiliates.
Neither the Borrower shall, nor shall the Borrower permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, enter into any transaction of any kind with any Affiliate of the Borrower, whether or not in the ordinary course of business, involving aggregate payments or consideration in excess of $25,000,000, other than (a) loans and other transactions among the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries and Securitization Subsidiaries or any entity that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or Securitization Subsidiary as a result of such loan or other transaction to the extent permitted under this Article VII, (b) on terms substantially as favorable to the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary as would be obtainable by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary at the time in a comparable arms-length transaction with a Person other than an Affiliate, (c) the Transactions and the payment of Transaction Expenses as part of or in connection with the Transactions, (d) so long as no Event of Default under Sections 8.01(a) or (f) has occurred and is continuing, (A) the payment of management, monitoring, consulting, transaction, termination and advisory fees in an aggregate amount pursuant to the Support and Services Agreement and related indemnities and reasonable expenses, or any amendment thereto or replacement thereof so long as any such amendment or replacement is not materially disadvantageous in the good faith judgment of the board of directors of Borrower to the Lenders when taken as a whole, as compared to the applicable agreement as in effect immediately prior to such amendment or replacement and (B) transactions pursuant to the Transaction Agreements, or any amendment thereto or replacement
152
thereof so long as any such amendment or replacement is not materially disadvantageous in the good faith judgment of the board of directors of Borrower to the Lenders when taken as a whole, as compared to the applicable agreement as in effect immediately prior to such amendment or replacement, (e) Restricted Payments permitted under Section 7.06 and Investments permitted under Section 7.02, (f) employment and severance arrangements between the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries and their respective officers and employees in the ordinary course of business and transactions pursuant to stock option plans and employee benefit plans and arrangements in the ordinary course of business, (g) the payment of customary fees and reasonable out of pocket costs to, and indemnities provided on behalf of, directors, managers, officers, employees and consultants of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries (or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower) in the ordinary course of business to the extent attributable to the ownership or operation of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, (h) transactions pursuant to agreements in existence on the Closing Date and set forth on Schedule 7.08 or any amendment thereto to the extent such an amendment is not adverse to the Lenders in any material respect, (i) customary payments by the Borrower and any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to the Investors made for any financial advisory, financing, underwriting or placement services or in respect of other investment banking activities (including in connection with acquisitions or divestitures), which payments are approved by the majority of the members of the board of directors or managers or a majority of the disinterested members of the board of directors or managers of the Borrower, in good faith, (j) payments by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to any tax sharing agreements with any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower to the extent attributable to the ownership or operation of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, but only to the extent permitted by Section 7.06(i)(iii), (k) the issuance or transfer of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of Holdings to any direct or indirect parent company of Holdings or to any Permitted Holder or to any former, current or future director, manager, officer, employee or consultant (or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing) of the Borrower, any of its Subsidiaries or any direct or indirect parent thereof, (l) any Disposition of Securitization Assets or related assets in connection with any Qualified Securitization Financing, (m) Permitted Intercompany Activities, the Spin-Off Transaction (including each instrument or agreement to be entered into in connection with, or contemplated by, the Spin-Off Transaction) and any related transaction and the payment of all fees and expenses related thereto, (n) [reserved] or (o) a joint venture which would constitute a transaction with an Affiliate solely as a result of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary owning an equity interest or otherwise controlling such joint venture or similar entity.
SECTION 7.09 Burdensome Agreements.
The Borrower shall not, nor shall the Borrower permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, enter into or permit to exist any Contractual Obligation (other than this Agreement or any other Loan Document) that limits the ability of (a) any Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower that is not a Guarantor to make Restricted Payments to the Borrower or any Guarantor or to make or repay intercompany loans and advances to the Borrower or any Guarantor or (b) any Loan Party to create, incur, assume or suffer to exist Liens on property of such Person for the benefit of the Lenders with respect to the Facilities and the Obligations or under the Loan Documents; provided that the foregoing clauses (a) and (b) shall not apply (except in respect of Real Property (other than otherwise permitted pursuant to the last paragraph of Section 7.01))) to Contractual Obligations which (i)(x) exist on the Closing Date and (to the extent not otherwise permitted by this Section 7.09) are listed on Schedule 7.09 hereto and (y) to the extent Contractual Obligations permitted by clause (x) are set forth in an agreement evidencing Indebtedness, are set forth in any agreement evidencing any permitted modification, replacement, renewal, extension or refinancing of such Indebtedness so long
153
as such modification, replacement, renewal, extension or refinancing does not expand the scope of such Contractual Obligation, (ii) are binding on a Restricted Subsidiary at the time such Restricted Subsidiary first becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower, so long as such Contractual Obligations were not entered into solely in contemplation of such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower; provided, further, that this clause (ii) shall not apply to Contractual Obligations that are binding on a Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to Section 6.14, (iii) represent Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary of the Borrower which is not a Loan Party which is permitted by Section 7.03, (iv) arise in connection with any Disposition permitted by Sections 7.04 or 7.05 and relate solely to the assets or Person subject to such Disposition, (v) are customary provisions in joint venture agreements and other similar agreements applicable to joint ventures permitted under Section 7.02 and applicable solely to such joint venture entered into in the ordinary course of business, (vi) are negative pledges and restrictions on Liens in favor of any holder of Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.03 but solely to the extent any negative pledge relates to the property financed by such Indebtedness, (vii) are customary restrictions on leases, subleases, licenses or asset sale agreements otherwise permitted hereby so long as such restrictions relate to the assets subject thereto, (viii) comprise restrictions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 7.03(e), (g) or (m) and to the extent that such restrictions apply only to the property or assets securing such Indebtedness or to the Restricted Subsidiaries incurring or guaranteeing such Indebtedness, (ix) are customary provisions restricting subletting or assignment of any lease governing a leasehold interest of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, (x) are customary provisions restricting assignment of any agreement entered into in the ordinary course of business, (xi) are restrictions on cash or other deposits imposed by customers under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business, (xii) arise in connection with cash or other deposits permitted under Sections 7.01 and 7.02 and limited to such cash or deposit and (xiii) are customary restrictions contained in any Senior Unsecured Notes Documents or any Permitted Refinancing thereof.
SECTION 7.10 Use of Proceeds.
The proceeds of the Term Loans received on the Closing Date, together with the proceeds of the issuance of the Senior Unsecured Notes received on the Closing Date shall not be used for any purpose other than for the Spin-Off Transaction. The proceeds of the Revolving Credit Loans on the Closing Date, if any, will be used to finance the Spin-Off Transaction and fees and expenses related to the Spin-off Transaction, for working capital needs and general corporate purposes. After the Closing Date, the proceeds of the Revolving Credit Loans and Swing Line Loans shall be used for working capital, general corporate purposes and any other purpose not prohibited by this Agreement, including Permitted Acquisitions and other Investments. The Letters of Credit shall be used solely to support obligations of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries incurred for working capital, general corporate purposes and any other purpose not prohibited by this Agreement.
SECTION 7.11 Financial Covenant.
(a) The Borrower will not permit the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio as of the last day of any Test Period, beginning with the fiscal quarter ending on March 31, 2017 to be less than 2.00 to 1.00.
(b) The Borrower will not permit the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of any Test Period, beginning with the fiscal quarter ending on March 31, 2017, to be greater than 2.00 to 1.00.
154
SECTION 7.12 Accounting Changes.
The Borrower shall not make any change in its fiscal year; provided , however , that the Borrower may, upon written notice to the Administrative Agent, change its fiscal year to any other fiscal year reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent, in which case, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent will, and are hereby authorized by the Lenders to, make any adjustments to this Agreement that are necessary to reflect such change in fiscal year.
SECTION 7.13 Prepayments, Etc. of Indebtedness.
(a) The Borrower shall not, nor shall the Borrower permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, prepay, redeem, purchase, defease or otherwise satisfy prior to the scheduled maturity thereof in any manner (it being understood that payments of regularly scheduled principal and interest shall be permitted), any subordinated Indebtedness incurred under Section 7.03(g) or any other Indebtedness that is or is required to be subordinated, in right of payment or as to Collateral, to the Obligations pursuant to the terms of the Loan Documents (collectively, Junior Financing ) or make any payment in violation of any subordination terms of any Junior Financing Documentation, except (i) the refinancing thereof with the Net Proceeds of any Indebtedness (to the extent such Indebtedness constitutes a Permitted Refinancing and, if such Indebtedness was originally incurred under Section 7.03(g), is permitted pursuant to Section 7.03(g)), to the extent not required to prepay any Loans pursuant to Section 2.05(b), (ii) the conversion of any Junior Financing to Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests) of Holdings or any of its direct or indirect parents, (iii) the prepayment of Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to the extent not prohibited by the subordination provisions contained in the Intercompany Note, (iv) prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments in respect of Junior Financings in an aggregate amount not to exceed, when combined with the amount of Restricted Payments pursuant to Section 7.06(h), $75,000,000 and (v) so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries may make prepayments, redemptions, purchases, defeasances and other payments in respect of Junior Financings in an unlimited amount so long as the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio calculated on a Pro Forma Basis is less than or equal to 1.10:1.00.
(b) The Borrower shall not, nor shall it permit any of the Restricted Subsidiaries to amend, modify or change in any manner materially adverse to the interests of the Lenders any term or condition of any Junior Financing Documentation without the consent of the Administrative Agent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).
SECTION 7.14 Permitted Activities.
Holdings shall not engage in any material operating or business activities; provided that the following and activities incidental thereto shall be permitted in any event: (i) its ownership of the Equity Interests of Borrower and activities incidental thereto, (ii) the maintenance of its legal existence (including the ability to incur fees, costs and expenses relating to such maintenance), (iii) the performance of its obligations with respect to the Loan Documents or the Senior Unsecured Notes Documents, (iv) any public offering of its common stock or any other issuance or sale of its Equity Interests, (v) payment of dividends or making contributions to the capital of the Borrower, (vi) participating in tax, accounting and other administrative matters as owner of the Borrower, (vii) holding any cash incidental to any activities permitted under this Section 7.14, (viii) providing
155
indemnification to officers, managers and directors and (ix) any activities incidental to the foregoing. Holdings shall not incur any Liens on Equity Interests of the Borrower other than those for the benefit of the Obligations or any comparable term in any Permitted Refinancing thereof and Holdings shall not own any Equity Interests other than those of the Borrower.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Article VII of this Agreement, the Borrower shall not, nor shall it permit any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to, from and after the Closing Date until the consummation of the Spin-Off Transactions, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Lien upon any of its property, assets or revenues, whether now owned or hereafter acquired (other than any such non-consensual Lien permitted by Section 7.01); make any Investments (other than Investments in the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary permitted by Section 7.02); create, incur, assume or suffer to exist any Indebtedness (other than the Loans and the Guarantees pursuant to the Loan Documents and borrowings under the Timeshare Facility); merge, dissolve, liquidate, consolidate with or into another Person, or Dispose of (whether in one transaction or in a series of transactions) all or substantially all of its assets (whether now owned or hereafter acquired) to or in favor of any Person; make any Disposition; declare or make any Restricted Payment (other than Restricted Payments with the proceeds of the Loans and borrowings under the Timeshare Facility made to the direct or indirect parent of the Borrower); enter into any transaction of any kind with any Affiliate of the Borrower (other than pursuant to Section 7.08(a), (c), (d), (f), (g), (h), (i) and (m)); prepay, redeem, purchase, defease or otherwise satisfy prior to the scheduled maturity thereof in any manner any Junior Financing or make any payment in violation of any subordination terms of any Junior Financing Documentation; in each case, other than any such transactions relating to the operations or business activities of the Borrower in the ordinary course of business or in connection with the consummation of the Spin-Off Transactions.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Article VII of this Agreement, if on any date (i) the Loans have an Investment Grade Rating from both of the Rating Agencies and (ii) no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing (the occurrence of the events described in the foregoing clauses (i) and (ii) being collectively referred to as a Covenant Suspension Event ), then, beginning on such date and continuing so long as the Loans have an Investment Grade Rating, Sections 7.03, 7.06 and 7.08 (the Suspended Covenants ) will no longer be applicable to the Loans during such period (the Suspension Period ) until the occurrence of the Reversion Date.
In the event that the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries are not subject to the Suspended Covenants for any period of time as a result of the foregoing, and on any subsequent date (the Reversion Date ) one or more of the Rating Agencies withdraw their Investment Grade Rating or downgrade the rating assigned to the Loans below an Investment Grade Rating (leaving neither of the Rating Agencies with an Investment Grade Rating for the Loans), then the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries will thereafter again be subject to the Suspended Covenants with respect to future events.
During a Suspension Period, the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries will be entitled to consummate transactions to the extent not prohibited hereunder without giving effect to the Suspended Covenants. During a Suspension Period, the covenants that are not Suspended Covenants shall be interpreted as though the Suspended Covenants continue to be applicable during such Suspension Period. For illustrative purposes only, even though Section 7.03 will not be in effect during a Suspension Period, Section 7.01(dd) will be interpreted as though Section 7.03(q) were still in effect during such Suspension Period.
156
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of any such reinstatement, no action taken or omitted to be taken by Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries prior to such reinstatement that was permitted at such time will give rise to a Default or Event of Default under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; provided that (1) with respect to Restricted Payments made after such reinstatement, the amount available to be made as Restricted Payments will be calculated as though the covenant described above under Section 7.06 had been in effect prior to, but not during, the Suspension Period; and (2) all Indebtedness incurred, or Disqualified Equity Interests issued, during the Suspension Period will be classified to have been incurred or issued pursuant to Section 7.03(b)(i); and (3) any transaction with an Affiliate entered into after such reinstatement pursuant to an agreement entered into during any Suspension Period shall be deemed to be permitted pursuant to Section 7.08(h).
ARTICLE VIII
Events of Default and Remedies
SECTION 8.01 Events of Default.
Any of the following from and after the Closing Date shall constitute an event of default (an Event of Default ):
(a) Non-Payment. Any Loan Party or other Guarantor fails to pay (i) when and as required to be paid herein, any amount of principal of any Loan, or (ii) within five (5) Business Days after the same becomes due, any interest on any Loan or any other amount payable hereunder or with respect to any other Loan Document; or
(b) Specific Covenants. The Borrower, any Restricted Subsidiary or, in the case of Section 7.14, Holdings, fails to perform or observe any term, covenant or agreement contained in any of Section 6.03(a), 6.05(a) (solely with respect to the Borrower), or 6.13(c) (and such failure continues for 135 days after the Closing Date) or Article VII; provided that a Default as a result of a breach of Section 7.11 is subject to cure pursuant to Section 8.05; or
(c) Other Defaults. Any Loan Party or other Guarantor fails to perform or observe any other covenant or agreement (not specified in Sections 8.01(a) or (b) above) contained in any Loan Document on its part to be performed or observed and such failure continues for thirty (30) days after written notice thereof by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower; or
(d) Representations and Warranties. Any representation, warranty, certification or statement of fact made or deemed made by or on behalf of the Borrower, any other Loan Party or other Guarantor herein, in any other Loan Document, or in any document required to be delivered in connection herewith or therewith shall be incorrect in any material respect when made or deemed made; or
(e) Cross-Default. Any Loan Party or any Restricted Subsidiary (A) fails to make any payment beyond the applicable grace period with respect thereto, if any, (whether by scheduled maturity, required prepayment, acceleration, demand, or otherwise) in respect of any Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness hereunder) having an outstanding aggregate principal amount of not less than the Threshold Amount, or (B) fails to observe or perform any other agreement or condition relating to any such Indebtedness, or any other event occurs (other than, with respect to Indebtedness consisting of Swap Agreement, termination events or equivalent events pursuant to the terms of such
157
Swap Agreements), the effect of which default or other event is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of such Indebtedness (or a trustee or agent on behalf of such holder or holders or beneficiary or beneficiaries) to cause, with the giving of notice if required, such Indebtedness to become due or to be repurchased, prepaid, defeased or redeemed (automatically or otherwise), or an offer to repurchase, prepay, defease or redeem such Indebtedness to be made, prior to its stated maturity; provided that this clause (e)(B) shall not apply to secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the voluntary sale or transfer of the property or assets securing such Indebtedness, if such sale or transfer is permitted hereunder and under the documents providing for such Indebtedness; or
(f) Insolvency Proceedings, Etc. Any Loan Party or any Restricted Subsidiary institutes or consents to the institution of any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or applies for or consents to the appointment of any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator, administrator, administrative receiver or similar officer for it or for all or any material part of its property; or any receiver, trustee, custodian, conservator, liquidator, rehabilitator, administrator, administrative receiver or similar officer is appointed without the application or consent of such Person and the appointment continues undischarged or unstayed for sixty (60) calendar days; or any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law relating to any such Person or to all or any material part of its property is instituted without the consent of such Person and continues undismissed or unstayed for sixty (60) calendar days, or an order for relief is entered in any such proceeding; or
(g) Inability to Pay Debts; Attachment. (i) Any Loan Party or any Restricted Subsidiary becomes unable or admits in writing its inability or fails generally to pay its debts as they become due, or (ii) any writ or warrant of attachment or execution or similar process is issued or levied against all or any material part of the property of the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, and is not released, vacated or fully bonded within sixty (60) days after its issue or levy; or
(h) Judgments. There is entered against any Loan Party or any Restricted Subsidiary a final judgment or order for the payment of money in an aggregate amount exceeding the Threshold Amount (to the extent not covered by independent third-party insurance as to which the insurer has been notified of such judgment or order and has not denied coverage) and such judgment or order shall not have been satisfied, vacated, discharged or stayed or bonded pending an appeal for a period of sixty (60) consecutive days; or
(i) Invalidity of Loan Documents. Any material provision of any Loan Document, at any time after its execution and delivery and for any reason other than as expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder (including as a result of a transaction permitted under Sections 7.04 or 7.05) or as a result of acts or omissions by the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent or any Lender or the satisfaction in full of all the Obligations, ceases to be in full force and effect; or any Loan Party contests in writing the validity or enforceability of any provision of any Loan Document or the validity or priority of a Lien as required by the Collateral Documents on a material portion of the Collateral; or any Loan Party denies in writing that it has any or further liability or obligation under any Loan Document (other than as a result of repayment in full of the Obligations and termination of the Aggregate Commitments), or purports in writing to revoke or rescind any Loan Document; or
(j) Change of Control. There occurs any Change of Control; or
(k) Collateral Documents. (i) Any Collateral Document after delivery thereof pursuant to Section 4.01 or Sections 6.11, 6.13 or 6.15 shall for any reason (other than pursuant to the terms
158
thereof including as a result of a transaction not prohibited under this Agreement) cease to create a valid and perfected Lien, with the priority required by the Collateral Documents and the Intercreditor Agreements on and security interest in any material portion of the Collateral purported to be covered thereby, subject to Liens permitted under Section 7.01, except to the extent that any such perfection or priority is not required pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement or any loss thereof results from the failure of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent to maintain possession of certificates actually delivered to it representing securities pledged under the Collateral Documents or to file Uniform Commercial Code continuation statements, or (ii) any of the Equity Interests of the Borrower shall for any reason cease to be pledged pursuant to the Collateral Documents; or
(l) ERISA. (i) An ERISA Event occurs which has resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in liability of a Loan Party or a Restricted Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate in an aggregate amount which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, or (ii) a Loan Party, any Restricted Subsidiary or any ERISA Affiliate fails to pay when due, after the expiration of any applicable grace period, any installment payment with respect to its withdrawal liability under Section 4201 of ERISA under a Multiemployer Plan in an aggregate amount which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect; or
(m) Junior Financing Documentation . (i) Any of the Obligations of the Loan Parties under the Loan Documents for any reason shall cease to be (A) Senior Debt, Senior Indebtedness, Guarantor Senior Debt or Senior Secured Financing (or any comparable term) under, and as defined in, any Junior Financing Documentation and (B) First Lien Obligations (or any comparable term) under, and as defined in, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement under, and as defined in any Junior Financing Documentation or (ii) the subordination provisions set forth in any Junior Financing Documentation shall, in whole or in part, cease to be effective or cease to be legally valid, binding and enforceable against the holders of any Junior Financing, if applicable.
SECTION 8.02 Remedies Upon Event of Default.
If any Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Administrative Agent may and, at the request of the Required Lenders, shall take any or all of the following actions:
(i) declare the commitment of each Lender to make Loans and any obligation of the L/C Issuers to make L/C Credit Extensions to be terminated, whereupon such commitments and obligation shall be terminated;
(ii) declare the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans, all interest accrued and unpaid thereon, and all other amounts owing or payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document to be immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby expressly waived by the Borrower;
(iii) require that the Borrower Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations (in an amount equal to the then Outstanding Amount thereof); and
(iv) exercise on behalf of itself and the Lenders all rights and remedies available to it and the Lenders under the Loan Documents or applicable Law;
159
provided that upon the occurrence of an actual or deemed entry of an order for relief with respect to Borrower under the Bankruptcy Code of the United States, the obligation of each Lender to make Loans and any obligation of the L/C Issuers to make L/C Credit Extensions shall automatically terminate, the unpaid principal amount of all outstanding Loans and all interest and other amounts as aforesaid shall automatically become due and payable and the obligation of the Borrower to Cash Collateralize the L/C Obligations as aforesaid shall automatically become effective, in each case without further act of the Administrative Agent or any Lender.
SECTION 8.03 Exclusion of Immaterial Subsidiaries.
Solely for the purpose of determining whether a Default or Event of Default has occurred under clause (f) or (g) of Section 8.01, any reference in any such clause to any Restricted Subsidiary or Loan Party shall be deemed not to include any Restricted Subsidiary (an Immaterial Subsidiary ) affected by any event or circumstances referred to in any such clause that did not, as of the last day of the most recent completed fiscal quarter of the Borrower, have assets with a fair market value in excess of 5.0% of Total Assets (it being agreed that all Restricted Subsidiaries affected by any event or circumstance referred to in any such clause shall be considered together, as a single consolidated Restricted Subsidiary, for purposes of determining whether the condition specified above is satisfied).
SECTION 8.04 Application of Funds.
After the exercise of remedies provided for in Section 8.02 (or after the Loans have automatically become immediately due and payable and the L/C Obligations have automatically been required to be Cash Collateralized as set forth in the proviso to Section 8.02), any amounts received on account of the Obligations shall be applied by the Administrative Agent in the following order (to the fullest extent permitted by mandatory provisions of applicable Law):
First , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities, expenses and other amounts (other than principal and interest, but including Attorney Costs payable under Section 10.04 and amounts payable under Article III) payable to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent in its capacity as such;
Second , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting fees, indemnities and other amounts (other than principal and interest) payable to the Lenders (including Attorney Costs payable under Section 10.04 and amounts payable under Article III), ratably among them in proportion to the amounts described in this clause Second payable to them;
Third , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting accrued and unpaid interest on the Loans and L/C Borrowings, and any fees, premiums and scheduled periodic payments due under Treasury Services Agreements or Secured Hedge Agreements, ratably among the Secured Parties in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Third payable to them;
Fourth , to payment of that portion of the Obligations constituting unpaid principal of the Loans and L/C Borrowings (including to Cash Collateralize that portion of L/C Obligations comprised of the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit), and any breakage, termination or other payments under Treasury Services Agreements or Secured Hedge Agreements, ratably among the Secured Parties in proportion to the respective amounts described in this clause Fourth held by them;
160
Fifth , to the payment of all other Obligations of the Borrower that are due and payable to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties on such date, ratably based upon the respective aggregate amounts of all such Obligations owing to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties on such date; and
Last , the balance, if any, after all of the Obligations have been paid in full, to the Borrower or as otherwise required by Law.
Subject to Section 2.03(c), amounts used to Cash Collateralize the aggregate undrawn amount of Letters of Credit pursuant to clause Fifth above shall be applied to satisfy drawings under such Letters of Credit as they occur. If any amount remains on deposit as Cash Collateral after all Letters of Credit have either been fully drawn or expired, such remaining amount shall be applied to the other Obligations, if any, in the order set forth above and, if no Obligations remain outstanding, to the Borrower as applicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amounts received from any Guarantor shall be applied to any Excluded Swap Obligation of such Guarantor.
SECTION 8.05 Borrowers Right to Cure.
(a) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Sections 8.01 or 8.02, if the Borrower determines that an Event of Default under the covenant set forth in Section 7.11 has occurred or may occur, during the period commencing after the beginning of the last fiscal quarter included in such Test Period and ending ten (10) Business Days after the date on which financial statements are required to be delivered hereunder with respect to such fiscal quarter, HGVI may make a Specified Equity Contribution to Holdings (a Designated Equity Contribution ), and the amount of the net cash proceeds thereof shall be deemed to increase Consolidated EBITDA with respect to such applicable quarter; provided that such net cash proceeds (i) are actually received by the Borrower as cash common equity (including through capital contribution of such net cash proceeds to the Borrower) during the period commencing after the beginning of the last fiscal quarter included in such Test Period by the Borrower and ending ten (10) Business Days after the date on which financial statements are required to be delivered with respect to such fiscal quarter hereunder and (ii) are Not Otherwise Applied. The parties hereby acknowledge that this Section 8.05(a) may not be relied on for purposes of calculating any financial ratios other than as applicable to Section 7.11 and shall not result in any adjustment to any baskets or other amounts other than the amount of the Consolidated EBITDA for the purpose of Section 7.11.
(b) (i) In each period of four consecutive fiscal quarters, there shall be at least two fiscal quarters in which no Designated Equity Contribution is made, (ii) no more than five Designated Equity Contributions may be made in the aggregate during the term of this Agreement, (iii) the amount of any Designated Equity Contribution shall be no more than the amount required to cause the Borrower to be in Pro Forma Compliance with Section 7.11 for any applicable period and (iv) there shall be no pro forma reduction in Indebtedness with the proceeds of any Designated Equity Contribution for determining compliance with Section 7.11 for the fiscal quarter with respect to which such Designated Equity Contribution was made.
161
ARTICLE IX
Administrative Agent and Other Agents
SECTION 9.01 Appointment and Authorization of Agents.
(a) Each Lender hereby irrevocably appoints, designates and authorizes each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent to take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Agreement and each other Loan Document and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are expressly delegated to it by the terms of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained elsewhere herein or in any other Loan Document, neither the Administrative Agent nor the Collateral Agent shall have any duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein, nor shall the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent have or be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any Lender or Participant, and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities, duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this Agreement or any other Loan Document or otherwise exist against the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing sentence, the use of the term agent herein and in the other Loan Documents with reference to any Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary or other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable Law. Instead, such term is used merely as a matter of market custom, and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between independent contracting parties.
(b) Each L/C Issuer shall act on behalf of the Lenders with respect to any Letters of Credit issued by it and the documents associated therewith, and each such L/C Issuer shall have all of the benefits and immunities (i) provided to the Agents in this Article IX with respect to any acts taken or omissions suffered by such L/C Issuer in connection with Letters of Credit issued by it or proposed to be issued by it and the applications and agreements for letters of credit pertaining to such Letters of Credit as fully as if the term Agent as used in this Article IX and in the definition of Agent-Related Person included such L/C Issuer with respect to such acts or omissions, and (ii) as additionally provided herein with respect to such L/C Issuer.
(c) Each of the Secured Parties hereby irrevocably appoints and authorizes the Collateral Agent to act as the agent of (and to hold any security interest created by the Collateral Documents for and on behalf of or on trust for) such Secured Party for purposes of acquiring, holding and enforcing any and all Liens on Collateral granted by the Loan Parties to secure any of the Obligations, together with such powers and discretion as are reasonably incidental thereto. In this connection, the Collateral Agent (and any co-agents, sub-agents and attorneys-in-fact appointed by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 9.02 for purposes of holding or enforcing any Lien on the Collateral (or any portion thereof) granted under the Collateral Documents, or for exercising any rights and remedies thereunder at the direction of the Collateral Agent), shall be entitled to the benefits of all provisions of this Article IX (including Section 9.07, as though such co-agents, sub-agents and attorneys-in-fact were the Collateral Agent under the Loan Documents) as if set forth in full herein with respect thereto.
(d) Each Lender hereby (i) acknowledges that it has received a copy of the Intercreditor Agreements, (ii) agrees that it will be bound by and will take no actions contrary to the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreements to the extent then in effect, and (iii) authorizes and instructs the Collateral Agent to enter into each Intercreditor Agreement as Collateral Agent and on behalf of such Lender.
162
(e) Except as provided in Sections 9.09 and 9.11, the provisions of this Article IX are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the L/C Issuer, and neither the Borrower nor any other Loan Party shall have rights as a third-party beneficiary of any of such provisions.
SECTION 9.02 Delegation of Duties.
Each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent may execute any of its duties under this Agreement or any other Loan Document (including for purposes of holding or enforcing any Lien on the Collateral (or any portion thereof) granted under the Collateral Documents or of exercising any rights and remedies thereunder) by or through agents, employees or attorneys-in-fact and shall be entitled to advice of counsel and other consultants or experts concerning all matters pertaining to such duties. The Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any and all of its duties and exercise its rights and powers by or through their respective Agent-Related Persons. The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Agent-Related Persons of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and any such sub-agent, and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the Facilities as well as activities as Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent. The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agent or sub-agent or attorney-in-fact that it selects in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct (as determined in the final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction).
SECTION 9.03 Liability of Agents.
No Agent-Related Person shall (a) be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by any of them under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions contemplated hereby (except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by the final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, in connection with its duties expressly set forth herein), or (b) be responsible in any manner to any Lender or Participant for any recital, statement, representation or warranty made by any Loan Party or any officer thereof, contained herein or in any other Loan Document, or in any certificate, report, statement or other document referred to or provided for in, or received by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent under or in connection with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or the validity, effectiveness, genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, the existence, value or collectability of the Collateral, any failure to monitor or maintain any part of the Collateral, or the perfection or priority of any Lien or security interest created or purported to be created under the Collateral Documents, or for any failure of any Loan Party or any other party to any Loan Document to perform its obligations hereunder or thereunder. No Agent-Related Person shall be under any obligation to any Lender or participant to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or performance of any of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or to inspect the properties, books or records of any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Administrative Agent nor the Collateral Agent shall have any duty to take any discretionary action or exercise any discretionary powers, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated hereby or by the other Loan Documents that the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent (as applicable) is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or
163
percentage of the Lenders as shall be expressly provided for herein or in the other Loan Documents); provided that the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent (as applicable) shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion or the opinion of its counsel, may expose the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent (as applicable) to liability or that is contrary to any Loan Document or applicable Law, including for the avoidance of doubt any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any Debtor Relief Law or that may effect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any Debtor Relief Law.
SECTION 9.04 Reliance by Agents.
Each Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any writing, communication, signature, resolution, representation, notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, telegram, facsimile, telex or telephone message, electronic mail message, statement or other document or conversation believed by it to be genuine and correct and to have been signed, sent or made by the proper Person or Persons, and upon advice and statements of legal counsel (including counsel to any Loan Party), independent accountants and other experts selected by such Agent. Each Agent shall be fully justified in failing or refusing to take any action under any Loan Document unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the Required Lenders as it deems appropriate and, if it so requests, it shall first be indemnified to its satisfaction by the Lenders against any and all liability and expense which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such action. Each Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining from acting, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document in accordance with a request or consent of the Required Lenders (or such greater number of Lenders as may be expressly required hereby in any instance) and such request and any action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all the Lenders.
SECTION 9.05 Notice of Default.
The Administrative Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or notice of the occurrence of any Default, except with respect to defaults in the payment of principal, interest and fees required to be paid to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders, unless the Administrative Agent shall have received written notice from a Lender or the Borrower referring to this Agreement, describing such Default and stating that such notice is a notice of default. The Administrative Agent will notify the Lenders of its receipt of any such notice. The Administrative Agent shall take such action with respect to any Event of Default as may be directed by the Required Lenders in accordance with Article VIII; provided that unless and until the Administrative Agent has received any such direction, the Administrative Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from taking such action, with respect to such Event of Default as it shall deem advisable or in the best interest of the Lenders.
SECTION 9.06 Credit Decision; Disclosure of Information by Agents.
Each Lender acknowledges that no Agent-Related Person has made any representation or warranty to it, and that no act by any Agent hereafter taken, including any consent to and acceptance of any assignment or review of the affairs of any Loan Party or any Affiliate thereof, shall be deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by any Agent-Related Person to any Lender as to any matter, including whether Agent-Related Persons have disclosed material information in their possession. Each Lender represents to each Agent that it has, independently and without reliance upon any Agent-Related Person and based on such documents and information as it has deemed
164
appropriate, made its own appraisal of and investigation into the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries, and all applicable bank or other regulatory Laws relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, and made its own decision to enter into this Agreement and to extend credit to the Borrower hereunder. Each Lender also represents that it will, independently and without reliance upon any Agent-Related Person and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit analysis, appraisals and decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and to make such investigations as it deems necessary to inform itself as to the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition and creditworthiness of the Loan Parties. Except for notices, reports and other documents expressly required to be furnished to the Lenders by any Agent herein, such Agent shall not have any duty or responsibility to provide any Lender with any credit or other information concerning the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and other condition or creditworthiness of any of the Loan Parties or any of their Affiliates which may come into the possession of any Agent-Related Person.
SECTION 9.07 Indemnification of Agents.
Whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated, the Lenders shall indemnify upon demand each Agent-Related Person (to the extent not reimbursed by or on behalf of any Loan Party and without limiting the obligation of any Loan Party to do so), pro rata, and hold harmless each Agent-Related Person from and against any and all Indemnified Liabilities incurred by it; provided that no Lender shall be liable for the payment to any Agent-Related Person of any portion of such Indemnified Liabilities resulting from such Agent-Related Persons own gross negligence or willful misconduct, as determined by the final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that no action taken in accordance with the directions of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be required by the Loan Documents) shall be deemed to constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct for purposes of this Section 9.07; provided, further, that any obligation to indemnify an L/C Issuer pursuant to this Section 9.07 shall be limited to Revolving Credit Lenders only. In the case of any investigation, litigation or proceeding giving rise to any Indemnified Liabilities, this Section 9.07 applies whether any such investigation, litigation or proceeding is brought by any Lender or any other Person. Without limitation of the foregoing, each Lender shall reimburse each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent upon demand for its ratable share of any costs or out-of-pocket expenses (including Attorney Costs) incurred by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, in connection with the preparation, execution, delivery, administration, modification, amendment or enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of, or legal advice in respect of rights or responsibilities under, this Agreement, any other Loan Document, or any document contemplated by or referred to herein, to the extent that the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be, is not reimbursed for such expenses by or on behalf of the Loan Parties. The undertaking in this Section 9.07 shall survive termination of the Aggregate Commitments, the payment of all other Obligations and the resignation of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as the case may be.
SECTION 9.08 Agents in Their Individual Capacities.
Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch and its Affiliates may make loans to, issue letters of credit for the account of, accept deposits from, acquire Equity Interests in and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust, financial advisory, underwriting or other business with the Borrower and
165
its respective Affiliates as though Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch were not the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or Swing Line Lender hereunder and without notice to or consent of the Lenders. The Lenders acknowledge that, pursuant to such activities, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch or its Affiliates may receive information regarding the Borrower or its Affiliates (including information that may be subject to confidentiality obligations in favor of the Borrower or such Affiliate) and acknowledge that neither the Administrative Agent nor the Collateral Agent shall be under any obligation to provide such information to them. With respect to its Loans, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch and its Affiliates shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as any other Lender and may exercise such rights and powers as though it were not the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent or a Swing Line Lender, and the terms Lender and Lenders include Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch in its individual capacity. Any successor to Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent shall also have the rights attributed to Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch under this paragraph.
SECTION 9.09 Successor Agents.
Each of the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent may resign as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable upon thirty (30) days notice to the Lenders and the Borrower and if either the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent is a Defaulting Lender, the Borrower may remove such Defaulting Lender from such role upon ten (10) days notice to the Lenders. If the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent resigns under this Agreement or is removed by the Borrower, the Required Lenders shall appoint from among the Lenders a successor agent for the Lenders, which successor agent shall be consented to by the Borrower at all times other than during the existence of an Event of Default under Sections 8.01(f) or (g) (which consent of the Borrower shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). If no successor agent is appointed prior to the effective date of the resignation or removal of the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, in the case of a resignation, and the Borrower, in the case of a removal may appoint, after consulting with the Lenders and the Borrower (in the case of a resignation), a successor agent from among the Lenders. Upon the acceptance of its appointment as successor agent hereunder, the Person acting as such successor agent shall succeed to all the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent or retiring Collateral Agent and the term Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent shall mean such successor administrative agent or collateral agent and/or Supplemental Agent, as the case may be, and the retiring Administrative Agents or Collateral Agents appointment, powers and duties as the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent shall be terminated. After the retiring Administrative Agents or the Collateral Agents resignation or removal hereunder as the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, the provisions of this Article IX and the provisions of Sections 10.04 and 10.05 shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent under this Agreement. If no successor agent has accepted appointment as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent by the date which is thirty (30) days following the retiring Administrative Agents or Collateral Agents notice of resignation or ten (10) days following the Borrowers notice of removal, the retiring Administrative Agents or the retiring Collateral Agents resignation shall nevertheless thereupon become effective and the Lenders shall perform all of the duties of the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent hereunder until such time, if any, as the Required Lenders appoint a successor agent as provided for above. Upon the acceptance of any appointment as the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent hereunder by a successor and upon the execution and filing or recording of such financing statements, or amendments thereto, and such other instruments or notices, as may be necessary or desirable, or as the Required Lenders may request, in order to (a) continue the perfection of the Liens granted or purported to be granted by the
166
Collateral Documents or (b) otherwise ensure that Section 6.11 is satisfied, the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, discretion, privileges, and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations under the Loan Documents. After the retiring Administrative Agents or Collateral Agents resignation hereunder as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, the provisions of this Article IX and Sections 10.04 and 10.05 shall continue in effect for its benefit in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was acting as the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent.
SECTION 9.10 Administrative Agent May File Proofs of Claim.
In case of the pendency of any receivership, insolvency, liquidation, bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, composition or other judicial proceeding relative to any Loan Party, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan or L/C Obligation shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower or the Collateral Agent) shall be (to the fullest extent permitted by mandatory provisions of applicable Law) entitled and empowered, by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:
(a) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans, L/C Obligations and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders, the Collateral Agent and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders, the Collateral Agent and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due to the Lenders, the Collateral Agent and the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.03(h) and (i), 2.09, 10.04 and 10.05) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and
(b) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;
and any custodian, curator, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such judicial proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender to make such payments to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders, to pay to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent any amount due for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Agents and their respective agents and counsel, and any other amounts due the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent under Sections 2.09, 10.04 and 10.05.
Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender or to authorize the Administrative Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender in any such proceeding.
167
SECTION 9.11 Collateral and Guaranty Matters.
The Lenders irrevocably agree:
(a) that any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent under any Loan Document shall be automatically released (i) upon termination of the Aggregate Commitments and payment in full of all Obligations (other than (x) obligations under Secured Hedge Agreements and Treasury Services Agreements not yet due and payable and (y) contingent indemnification obligations not yet accrued and payable) and the expiration or termination or cash collateralization of all Letters of Credit, (ii) at the time the property subject to such Lien is Disposed or to be Disposed as part of or in connection with any Disposition permitted hereunder or under any other Loan Document to any Person other than a Person required to grant a Lien to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent under the Loan Documents (or, if such transferee is a Person required to grant a Lien to the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent on such asset, at the option of the applicable Loan Party, such Lien on such asset may still be released in connection with the transfer so long as (x) the transferee grants a new Lien to the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent on such asset substantially concurrently with the transfer of such asset, (y) the transfer is between parties organized under the laws of different jurisdictions and at least one of such parties is a Foreign Subsidiary and (z) the priority of the new Lien is the same as that of the original Lien), (iii) subject to Section 10.01, if the release of such Lien is approved, authorized or ratified in writing by the Required Lenders or (iv) if the property subject to such Lien is owned by a Guarantor, upon release of such Guarantor from its obligations under its Guaranty pursuant to clause (c) below;
(b) To release or subordinate any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent under any Loan Document to the holder of any Lien on such property that is permitted by Sections 7.01(u) or (w) (in the case of clause (w), to the extent required by the terms of the obligations secured by such Liens);
(c) That any Subsidiary Guarantor shall be automatically released from its obligations under the Guaranty if such Person ceases to be a Restricted Subsidiary or becomes an Excluded Subsidiary as a result of a transaction or designation permitted hereunder; provided that no such release shall occur if such Guarantor continues to be a guarantor in respect of the Senior Unsecured Notes or any Junior Financing;
(d) (i) At the sole option of the Borrower, Parent or any existing entity constituting Holdings shall be released from its obligations under the Guaranty if such entity ceases to be the direct parent of the Borrower as a result of a transaction or designation permitted pursuant to the definition thereof and otherwise permitted hereunder, subject to the assumption of obligations of Holdings under the Loan Documents by such other Domestic Subsidiary of Parent that directly owns 100% of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests in the Borrower pursuant to the definition thereof and (ii) HWHI shall be released from its obligations under the Guaranty and the Loan Documents upon the consummation of the Spin-Off Transactions; and
(e) the Collateral Agent may, without any further consent of any Lender, enter into (i) a First Lien Intercreditor Agreement with the collateral agent or other representatives of holders of Permitted Ratio Debt that is intended to be secured on a pari passu basis with the Obligations and/or (ii) a Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement with the collateral agent or other representatives of the holders of Indebtedness permitted under Section 7.03, in each case, where such Indebtedness is secured by Liens permitted under Section 7.01. The Collateral Agent may rely exclusively on a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower as to whether any such other Liens are permitted. Any First Lien Intercreditor Agreement or Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement entered into by the Collateral Agent in accordance with the terms of this Agreement shall be binding on the Secured Parties.
168
Upon request by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent at any time, the Required Lenders will confirm in writing the Administrative Agents or the Collateral Agents authority to release or subordinate its interest in particular types or items of property, or to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty pursuant to this Section 9.11. In each case as specified in this Section 9.11, the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent will promptly (and each Lender irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent to), at the Borrowers expense, execute and deliver to the applicable Loan Party such documents as the Borrower may reasonably request to evidence the release or subordination of such item of Collateral from the assignment and security interest granted under the Collateral Documents, or to evidence the release of such Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty, in each case in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents and this Section 9.11.
SECTION 9.12 Other Agents; Lead Arrangers and Managers.
None of the Lenders or other Persons identified on the facing page or signature pages of this Agreement as a joint bookrunner, lead arranger or co-syndication agent shall have any right, power, obligation, liability, responsibility or duty under this Agreement other than those applicable to all Lenders as such. Without limiting the foregoing, none of the Lenders or other Persons so identified shall have or be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any Lender. Each Lender acknowledges that it has not relied, and will not rely, on any of the Lenders or other Persons so identified in deciding to enter into this Agreement or in taking or not taking action hereunder.
SECTION 9.13 Withholding Tax Indemnity.
To the extent required by any applicable Law, the Administrative Agent may withhold from any payment to any Lender an amount equivalent to any applicable withholding Tax. If the Internal Revenue Service or any other authority of the United States or other jurisdiction asserts a claim that the Administrative Agent did not properly withhold Tax from amounts paid to or for the account of any Lender for any reason (including, without limitation, because the appropriate form was not delivered or not properly executed, or because such Lender failed to notify the Administrative Agent of a change in circumstance that rendered the exemption from, or reduction of withholding Tax ineffective), such Lender shall, within 10 days after written demand therefor, indemnify and hold harmless the Administrative Agent (to the extent that the Administrative Agent has not already been reimbursed by the Borrower pursuant to Section 3.01 and Section 3.04 and without limiting or expanding the obligation of the Borrower to do so) for all amounts paid, directly or indirectly, by the Administrative Agent as Taxes or otherwise, together with all expenses incurred, including legal expenses and any other out-of-pocket expenses, whether or not such Tax was correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority. A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error. Each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any amount due the Administrative Agent under this Section 9.13. The agreements in this Section 9.13 shall survive the resignation and/or replacement of the Administrative Agent, any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all other Obligations. For the avoidance of doubt, the term Lender for purposes of this Section 9.13 shall include each L/C Issuer and Swing Line Lender.
169
SECTION 9.14 Appointment of Supplemental Agents.
(a) It is the purpose of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents that there shall be no violation of any Law of any jurisdiction denying or restricting the right of banking corporations or associations to transact business as agent or trustee in such jurisdiction. It is recognized that in case of litigation under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents, and in particular in case of the enforcement of any of the Loan Documents, or in case the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent deems that by reason of any present or future Law of any jurisdiction it may not exercise any of the rights, powers or remedies granted herein or in any of the other Loan Documents or take any other action which may be desirable or necessary in connection therewith, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent are hereby authorized to appoint an additional individual or institution selected by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent in its sole discretion as a separate trustee, co-trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, administrative sub-agent or administrative co-agent (any such additional individual or institution being referred to herein individually as a Supplemental Agent and collectively as Supplemental Agents ).
(b) In the event that the Collateral Agent appoints a Supplemental Agent with respect to any Collateral, (i) each and every right, power, privilege or duty expressed or intended by this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents to be exercised by or vested in or conveyed to the Collateral Agent with respect to such Collateral shall be exercisable by and vest in such Supplemental Agent to the extent, and only to the extent, necessary to enable such Supplemental Agent to exercise such rights, powers and privileges with respect to such Collateral and to perform such duties with respect to such Collateral, and every covenant and obligation contained in the Loan Documents and necessary to the exercise or performance thereof by such Supplemental Agent shall run to and be enforceable by either the Collateral Agent or such Supplemental Agent, and (ii) the provisions of this Article IX and of Sections 10.04 and 10.05 that refer to the Administrative Agent shall inure to the benefit of such Supplemental Agent and all references therein to the Collateral Agent shall be deemed to be references to the Collateral Agent and/or such Supplemental Agent, as the context may require.
Should any instrument in writing from any Loan Party be required by any Supplemental Agent so appointed by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent for more fully and certainly vesting in and confirming to him or it such rights, powers, privileges and duties, such Loan Party shall execute, acknowledge and deliver any and all such instruments promptly upon request by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent. In case any Supplemental Agent, or a successor thereto, shall die, become incapable of acting, resign or be removed, all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of such Supplemental Agent, to the extent permitted by Law, shall vest in and be exercised by the Administrative Agent until the appointment of a new Supplemental Agent.
ARTICLE X
Miscellaneous
SECTION 10.01 Amendments, Etc.
Except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, no amendment or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom, shall be effective unless in writing signed by the Required Lenders, or by the Administrative Agent with the consent of the Required Lenders, and such Loan Party and each such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given; provided that any amendment or waiver contemplated in clauses (g) or (i) below, shall only require the consent of such Loan Party and the Required Revolving Credit Lenders or the
170
Required Facility Lenders under the applicable Facility, as applicable; provided, further, that no such amendment, waiver or consent shall:
(a) extend or increase the Commitment of any Lender without the written consent of each Lender holding such Commitment (it being understood that a waiver of any condition precedent or of any Default, mandatory prepayment or mandatory reduction of the Commitments shall not constitute an extension or increase of any Commitment of any Lender);
(b) postpone any date scheduled for, or reduce or forgive the amount of, any payment of principal or interest under Sections 2.07 or 2.08 without the written consent of each Lender holding the applicable Obligation (it being understood that the waiver of (or amendment to the terms of) any mandatory prepayment of the Term Loans shall not constitute a postponement of any date scheduled for the payment of principal or interest and it being understood that any change to the definition of Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio or in the component definitions thereof shall not constitute a reduction or forgiveness in any rate of interest);
(c) reduce or forgive the principal of, or the rate of interest specified herein on, any Loan, or L/C Borrowing, or (subject to clause (iii) of the second proviso to this Section 10.01) any fees or other amounts payable hereunder or under any other Loan Document (or change the timing of payments of such fees or other amounts) without the written consent of each Lender holding such Loan, L/C Borrowing or to whom such fee or other amount is owed (it being understood that any change to the definition of Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio or in the component definitions thereof shall not constitute a reduction or forgiveness in any rate of interest); provided that only the consent of the Required Lenders shall be necessary to amend the definition of Default Rate or to waive any obligation of the Borrower to pay interest at the Default Rate;
(d) change any provision of Sections 8.04 or 10.01 or the definition of Required Revolving Credit Lenders, Required Lenders, Required Facility Lenders, Required Class Lenders or any other provision specifying the number of Lenders or portion of the Loans or Commitments required to take any action under the Loan Documents, without the written consent of each Lender directly affected thereby;
(e) other than in connection with a transaction permitted under Sections 7.04 or 7.05, release all or substantially all of the Collateral in any transaction or series of related transactions, without the written consent of each Lender;
(f) other than in connection with a transaction permitted under Sections 7.04 or 7.05, release all or substantially all of the aggregate value of the Guaranty, without the written consent of each Lender;
(g) (1) waive any condition set forth in Section 4.02 as to any Credit Extension under one or more Revolving Credit Facilities or (2) amend, waive or otherwise modify any term or provision which directly affects Lenders under one or more Revolving Credit Facilities and does not directly affect Lenders under any other Facility, in each case, without the written consent of the Required Facility Lenders under such applicable Revolving Credit Facility or Facilities (and in the case of multiple Facilities which are affected, with respect to any such Facility, such consent shall be effected by the Required Facility Lenders of such Facility); provided , however , that the waivers described in this clause (g) shall not require the consent of any Lenders other than the Required Facility Lenders under such Facility or Facilities;
171
(h) amend, waive or otherwise modify the portion of the definition of Interest Period that provides for one, two, three or six month intervals to automatically allow intervals in excess of six months, without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby; or
(i) amend, waive or otherwise modify any term or provision (including the availability and conditions to funding under Section 2.14 with respect to Incremental Term Loans and Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments, under Section 2.15 with respect to Refinancing Term Loans and Other Revolving Credit Commitments and under Section 2.16 with respect to Extended Term Loans or Extended Revolving Credit Commitments and, in each case, the rate of interest applicable thereto) which directly affects Lenders of one or more Incremental Term Loans, Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments, Refinancing Term Loans, Other Revolving Credit Commitments, Extended Term Loans or Extended Revolving Credit Commitments and does not directly affect Lenders under any other Facility, in each case, without the written consent of the requisite Lenders under such applicable Incremental Term Loans, Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments, Refinancing Term Loans, Other Revolving Credit Commitments, Extended Term Loans or Extended Revolving Credit Commitments (and in the case of multiple Facilities which are affected, with respect to any such Facility, such consent shall be effected by the Required Facility Lenders of such Facility); provided , however , that the waivers described in this clause (i) shall not require the consent of any Lenders other than the requisite Lenders under such applicable Incremental Term Loans, Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments, Refinancing Term Loans, Other Revolving Credit Commitments, Extended Term Loans or Extended Revolving Credit Commitments, as the case may be;
and provided , further , that (i) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by each L/C Issuer in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of an L/C Issuer under this Agreement or any Letter of Credit Issuance Request relating to any Letter of Credit issued or to be issued by it; (ii) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by a Swing Line Lender in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of such Swing Line Lender under this Agreement; provided , however , that this Agreement may be amended to adjust the borrowing mechanics related to Swing Line Loans with only the written consent of the Administrative Agent, the Swing Line Lender and the Borrower so long as the obligations of the Revolving Credit Lenders are not affected thereby; (iii) no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in writing and signed by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, in addition to the Lenders required above, affect the rights or duties of, or any fees or other amounts payable to, the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, as applicable, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; (iv) Section 10.07(h) may not be amended, waived or otherwise modified without the consent of each Granting Lender all or any part of whose Loans are being funded by an SPC at the time of such amendment, waiver or other modification; and (v) the consent of Lenders holding more than 50% of any Class of Commitments or Loans shall be required with respect to any amendment that by its terms adversely affects the rights of such Class in respect of payments or Collateral hereunder in a manner different than such amendment affects other Classes. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Defaulting Lender shall have any right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent hereunder (and any amendment, waiver or consent which by its terms requires the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender may be effected with the consent of the applicable Lenders other than Defaulting Lenders), except that (x) the Commitment of any Defaulting Lender may not be increased or extended without the consent of such Lender and (y) any waiver, amendment or modification requiring the consent of all Lenders or each affected Lender that by its terms materially and adversely affects any Defaulting Lender (if such Lender were not a Defaulting Lender) to a greater extent than other affected Lenders shall require the consent of such Defaulting Lender.
172
Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Lender consent is required to effect any amendment or supplement to any First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, any Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement or other intercreditor agreement or arrangement permitted under this Agreement that is for the purpose of adding the holders of Permitted First Priority Refinancing Debt, or Permitted Second Priority Refinancing Debt, as expressly contemplated by the terms of such First Lien Intercreditor Agreement, such Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement or such other intercreditor agreement or arrangement permitted under this Agreement, as applicable (it being understood that any such amendment or supplement may make such other changes to the applicable intercreditor agreement as, in the good faith determination of the Administrative Agent, are required to effectuate the foregoing and provided that such other changes are not adverse, in any material respect, to the interests of the Lenders); provided , further , that no such agreement shall amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of the Administrative Agent hereunder or under any other Loan Document without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Agreement and any other Loan Document may be amended solely with the consent of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower without the need to obtain the consent of any other Lender if such amendment is delivered in order (x) to correct or cure ambiguities, errors, omissions, defects, (y) to effect administrative changes of a technical or immaterial nature or (z) to fix incorrect cross references or similar inaccuracies in this Agreement or the applicable Loan Document. The Collateral Documents and related documents in connection with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents may be in a form reasonably determined by the Administrative Agent and may be, together with this Agreement, amended, supplemented and waived with the consent of the Administrative Agent at the request of the Borrower without the need to obtain the consent of any other Lender if such amendment, supplement or waiver is delivered in order (i) to comply with local Law or advice of local counsel, (ii) to cure ambiguities, omissions, mistakes or defects or (iii) to cause such Collateral Documents or other document to be consistent with this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.
Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or any other Loan Document to the contrary, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent may enter into any Incremental Amendment in accordance with Section 2.14, Refinancing Amendment in accordance with Section 2.15 and Extension Amendment in accordance with Section 2.16 and such Incremental Amendments, Refinancing Amendments and Extension Amendments shall be effective to amend the terms of this Agreement and the other applicable Loan Documents, in each case, without any further action or consent of any other party to any Loan Document.
SECTION 10.02 Notices and Other Communications; Facsimile Copies.
(a) General. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, all notices and other communications provided for hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall be in writing (including by facsimile transmission). All such written notices shall be mailed, faxed or delivered to the applicable address, facsimile number or electronic mail address, and all notices and other
173
communications expressly permitted hereunder to be given by telephone shall be made to the applicable telephone number, as follows:
(i) if to the Borrower (or any other Loan Party) or the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, an L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender, to the address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified for such Person on Schedule 10.02 or to such other address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number as shall be designated by such party in a notice to the other parties; and
(ii) if to any other Lender, to the address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number specified in its Administrative Questionnaire or to such other address, facsimile number, electronic mail address or telephone number as shall be designated by such party in a notice to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, an L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender.
All such notices and other communications shall be deemed to be given or made upon the earlier to occur of (i) actual receipt by the relevant party hereto and (ii) (A) if delivered by hand or by courier, when signed for by or on behalf of the relevant party hereto; (B) if delivered by mail, four (4) Business Days after deposit in the mails, postage prepaid; (C) if delivered by facsimile, when sent and receipt has been confirmed by telephone; and (D) if delivered by electronic mail (which form of delivery is subject to the provisions of Section 10.02(c)), when delivered; provided that notices and other communications to the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, an L/C Issuer and the Swing Line Lender pursuant to Article II shall not be effective until actually received by such Person. In no event shall a voice mail message be effective as a notice, communication or confirmation hereunder.
(b) Effectiveness of Facsimile Documents and Signatures. Loan Documents may be transmitted and/or signed by facsimile or other electronic communication. The effectiveness of any such documents and signatures shall, subject to applicable Law, have the same force and effect as manually signed originals and shall be binding on all Loan Parties, the Agents and the Lenders.
(c) Reliance by Agents and Lenders. The Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and the Lenders shall be entitled to rely and act upon any notices (including telephonic Committed Loan Notices and Swing Line Loan Notices) purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower even if (i) such notices were not made in a manner specified herein, were incomplete or were not preceded or followed by any other form of notice specified herein, or (ii) the terms thereof, as understood by the recipient, varied from any confirmation thereof. The Borrower shall indemnify each Agent-Related Person and each Lender from all losses, costs, expenses and liabilities resulting from the reliance by such Person on each notice purportedly given by or on behalf of the Borrower in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct as determined in a final and non-appealable judgment by a court of competent jurisdiction. All telephonic notices to the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent may be recorded by the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent, and each of the parties hereto hereby consents to such recording.
SECTION 10.03 No Waiver; Cumulative Remedies.
No failure by any Lender or the Administrative Agent or the Collateral Agent to exercise, and no delay by any such Person in exercising, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. The rights, remedies, powers and privileges herein provided, and provided under each other Loan Document, are cumulative and not exclusive of any rights, remedies, powers and privileges provided by Law.
174
SECTION 10.04 Attorney Costs and Expenses.
The Borrower agrees (a) if the Closing Date occurs, to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, L/C Issuers, the Lead Arrangers and the Joint Bookrunners for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, negotiation, syndication and execution of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and any amendment, waiver, consent or other modification of the provisions hereof and thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated thereby are consummated), and the consummation and administration of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby (including all Attorney Costs, which shall be limited to Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP and one local counsel as reasonably necessary in each relevant jurisdiction material to the interests of the Lenders taken as a whole) and (b) from and after the Closing Date, to pay or reimburse the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, L/C Issuers, the Lead Arrangers, the Joint Bookrunners and each Lender for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with the enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of any rights or remedies under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents (including all such costs and expenses incurred during any legal proceeding, including any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, and including all respective Attorney Costs which shall be limited to Attorney Costs of one counsel to the Administrative Agent and the Lead Arrangers (and one local counsel as reasonably necessary in each relevant jurisdiction material to the interests of the Lenders taken as a whole)). The foregoing costs and expenses shall include all reasonable search, filing and recording charges relating to Collateral and fees related thereto, and other reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by any Agent. The agreements in this Section 10.04 shall survive the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and repayment of all other Obligations. All amounts due under this Section 10.04 shall be paid within thirty (30) days of receipt by the Borrower of an invoice relating thereto setting forth such expenses in reasonable detail including, if requested by the Borrower and to the extent reasonably available, backup documentation supporting such reimbursement request; provided that with respect to the Closing Date, all amounts due under this Section 10.04 shall be paid on the Closing Date solely to the extent invoiced to the Borrower within three Business Days of the Closing Date. If any Loan Party fails to pay when due any costs, expenses or other amounts payable by it hereunder or under any Loan Document, such amount may be paid on behalf of such Loan Party by the Administrative Agent in its sole discretion. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 10.04 shall not apply to Taxes, except any Taxes that represent liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, prepayments, suits, costs, expenses and disbursements arising from any non-Tax claims.
SECTION 10.05 Indemnification by the Borrower.
The Borrower shall indemnify and hold harmless each Agent-Related Person, each Lender and their respective Affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, partners, agents, advisors and other representatives of each of the foregoing (collectively the Indemnitees ) from and against any and all liabilities (including Environmental Liabilities), obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses and disbursements (including Attorney Costs but limited in the case of legal fees and expenses to the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees, disbursements and other charges of one counsel to all Indemnitees taken as a whole and, if reasonably necessary, one local counsel for all Indemnitees taken as a whole in each
175
relevant jurisdiction that is material to the interests of the Lenders, and solely in the case of a conflict of interest, one additional counsel in each relevant jurisdiction to each group of similarly situated affected Indemnitees) of any kind or nature whatsoever which may at any time be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against any such Indemnitee in any way relating to or arising out of or in connection with (a) the execution, delivery, enforcement, performance or administration of any Loan Document or any other agreement, letter or instrument delivered in connection with the transactions contemplated thereby or the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereby, (b) any Commitment, Loan or Letter of Credit or the use or proposed use of the proceeds therefrom including any refusal by an L/C Issuer to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit or (c) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory (including any investigation of, preparation for, or defense of any pending or threatened claim, investigation, litigation or proceeding) and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto (all the foregoing, collectively, the Indemnified Liabilities ) in all cases, whether or not caused by or arising, in whole or in part, out of the negligence of the Indemnitee; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, such indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, be available to the extent that such liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements resulted from (x) the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee or any of its Affiliates or their respective directors, officers, employees, partners, agents, advisors or other representatives, as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction, (y) a material breach of any obligations under any Loan Document by such Indemnitee or any of its Affiliates or their respective directors, officers, employees, partners, agents, advisors or other representatives, as determined by a final non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction or (z) any dispute solely among Indemnitees (other than any claims against an Indemnitee in its capacity or in fulfilling its role as an agent or arranger or any similar role or as a letter of credit issuer or swing line bank under any Facility and other than any claims arising out of any act or omission of Holdings, the Borrower, the Investors or any of their Affiliates). No Indemnitee shall be liable for any damages arising from the use by others of any information or other materials obtained through IntraLinks or other similar information transmission systems in connection with this Agreement, nor shall any Indemnitee, Loan Party or any Subsidiary have any liability for any special, punitive, indirect or consequential damages relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or arising out of its activities in connection herewith or therewith (whether before or after the Closing Date) (other than, in the case of any Loan Party, in respect of any such damages incurred or paid by an Indemnitee to a third party and for any out-of-pocket expenses); it being agreed that this sentence shall not limit the indemnification obligations of Holdings, the Borrower or any Subsidiary. In the case of an investigation, litigation or other proceeding to which the indemnity in this Section 10.05 applies, such indemnity shall be effective whether or not such investigation, litigation or proceeding is brought by any Loan Party, any Subsidiary of any Loan Party, its directors, stockholders or creditors or an Indemnitee or any other Person, whether or not any Indemnitee is otherwise a party thereto and whether or not any of the transactions contemplated hereunder or under any of the other Loan Documents are consummated. All amounts due under this Section 10.05 shall be paid within thirty (30) days after written demand therefor (together with backup documentation supporting such reimbursement request); provided , however , that such Indemnitee shall promptly refund the amount of any payment to the extent that there is a final judicial or arbitral determination that such Indemnitee was not entitled to indemnification rights with respect to such payment pursuant to the express terms of this Section 10.05. The agreements in this Section 10.05 shall survive the resignation of the Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, the replacement of any Lender, the termination of the Aggregate Commitments and the repayment,
176
satisfaction or discharge of all the other Obligations. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 10.05 shall not apply to Taxes, except any Taxes that represent liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, claims, demands, actions, prepayments, suits, costs, expenses and disbursements arising from any non-Tax claims.
SECTION 10.06 Payments Set Aside.
To the extent that any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower is made to any Agent or any Lender, or any Agent or any Lender exercises its right of setoff, and such payment or the proceeds of such setoff or any part thereof is subsequently invalidated, declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside or required (including pursuant to any settlement entered into by such Agent or such Lender in its discretion) to be repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party, in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law or otherwise, then (a) to the extent of such recovery, the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied shall, to the fullest extent possible under provisions of applicable Law, be revived and continued in full force and effect as if such payment had not been made or such setoff had not occurred, and (b) each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent upon demand its applicable share of any amount so recovered from or repaid by any Agent, plus interest thereon from the date of such demand to the date such payment is made at a rate per annum equal to the applicable Overnight Rate from time to time in effect, in the applicable currency of such recovery or payment.
SECTION 10.07 Successors and Assigns.
(a) The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, except that the Borrower may not assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of each Lender (except as permitted by Section 7.04) and no Lender may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder except (i) to an Assignee pursuant to an assignment made in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.07(b) (such an assignee, an Eligible Assignee ) in the case of any Assignee that is Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, Section 10.07(m), (ii) by way of participation in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.07(f), (iii) by way of pledge or assignment of a security interest subject to the restrictions of Section 10.07(h) or (iv) to an SPC in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.07(i) (and any other attempted assignment or transfer by any party hereto shall be null and void); provided , however , that notwithstanding anything to the contrary, (x) no Lender may assign or transfer by participation any of its rights or obligations hereunder to (i) any Person that is a Defaulting Lender or a Disqualified Lender, (ii) a natural Person or (iii) to Holdings, the Borrower or any of their respective Subsidiaries or Affiliates (except, in the case of Holdings, Borrower and any of their respective Subsidiaries, pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v) or Section 10.07(m)) and (y) no Lender may assign any Revolving Credit Commitments or Revolving Credit Exposure hereunder without the consent of the Borrower (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) unless (i) such assignment is to a Revolving Credit Lender or to an Affiliate of a Revolving Credit Lender of similar creditworthiness or (ii) an Event of Default under Section 8.01(a) or, solely with respect to the Borrower, Section 8.01(f) has occurred and is continuing; provided that the Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to any assignment of Term Loans unless the Borrower shall have objected thereto within fifteen (15) Business Days after having received written notice thereof. The parties hereby agree that Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated may, without notice to the Borrower, assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to any other registered broker-dealer wholly-owned by Bank of America Corporation to which all or substantially all of Bank of America Corporations or any subsidiaries
177
investment banking, commercial lending services or related businesses may be transferred following the date of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby, Participants to the extent provided in Section 10.07(f) and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the Indemnitees) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement.
(b) (i) Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (b)(ii) below, any Lender may assign to one or more assignees ( Assignees ) all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans (including for purposes of this Section 10.07(b), participations in L/C Obligations and in Swing Line Loans) at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) of:
(A) the Borrower; provided that no consent of the Borrower shall be required for (i) an assignment of all or any portion of the Term Loans to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, (ii) an assignment related to Revolving Credit Commitments or Revolving Credit Exposure to a Revolving Credit Lender or to an Affiliate of a Revolving Credit Lender of similar creditworthiness, (iii) if an Event of Default under Section 8.01(a) or, solely with respect to the Borrower, Section 8.01(f) has occurred and is continuing or (iv) an assignment of all or a portion of the Loans pursuant to Section 10.07(m);
(B) the Administrative Agent; provided that no consent of the Administrative Agent shall be required for an assignment (i) of all or any portion of a Term Loan to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund or (ii) all or any portion of the Loans pursuant to Section 10.07(m);
(C) each L/C Issuer at the time of such assignment; provided that no consent of the L/C Issuers shall be required for any assignment not related to Revolving Credit Commitments or Revolving Credit Exposure; and
(D) the Swing Line Lender; provided that no consent of the Swing Line Lender shall be required for any assignment not related to Revolving Credit Commitments or Revolving Credit Exposure.
(ii) Assignments shall be subject to the following additional conditions:
(A) except in the case of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lenders Commitment or Loans of any Class, the amount of the Commitment or Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment (determined as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall not be less than an amount of $5,000,000 (in the case of a Revolving Credit Loan or Revolving Credit Commitment), $1,000,000 (in the case of a Term Loan), and shall be in increments of an amount of $1,000,000 (in the case of a Revolving Credit Loan or Revolving Credit Commitment) or $1,000,000 (in the case of Term Loans) in excess thereof ( provided that simultaneous assignments to or from two or more Approved Funds shall be aggregated for purposes of determining compliance with this Section
178
10.07(b)(ii)(A)), unless each of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent otherwise consents; provided that such amounts shall be aggregated in respect of each Lender and its Affiliates or Approved Funds, if any;
(B) the parties to each assignment shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption via an electronic settlement system acceptable to the Administrative Agent (or if previously agreed with the Administrative Agent, manually), together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500 (which fee may be waived or reduced in the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent); provided that only one such fee shall be payable in the event of simultaneous assignments to or from two or more Approved Funds; and
(C) other than in the case of assignments pursuant to Section 10.07(m), the Assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent an Administrative Questionnaire (in which the Assignee shall designate one or more credit contacts to whom all syndicate-level information (which may contain material non-public information about the Loan Parties and their Affiliates or their respective securities) will be made available and who may receive such information in accordance with the Assignees compliance procedures and applicable laws, including federal and state securities laws) and all applicable tax forms required pursuant to Section 3.01(d).
In connection with any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder, no such assignment shall be effective unless and until, in addition to the other conditions thereto set forth herein, the parties to the assignment shall make such additional payments to the Administrative Agent in an aggregate amount sufficient, upon distribution thereof as appropriate (which may be outright payment, purchases by the assignee of participations or subparticipations, or other compensating actions, including funding, with the consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, the applicable pro rata share of Loans previously requested but not funded by the Defaulting Lender, to each of which the applicable assignee and assignor hereby irrevocably consent), to (x) pay and satisfy in full all payment liabilities then owed by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent or any Lender hereunder (and interest accrued thereon) and (y) acquire (and fund as appropriate) its full pro rata share of all Loans and participations in Letters of Credit and Swing Line Loans in accordance with its Pro Rata Share. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that any assignment of rights and obligations of any Defaulting Lender hereunder shall become effective under applicable Law without compliance with the provisions of this paragraph, then the assignee of such interest shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender for all purposes of this Agreement until such compliance occurs.
(c) Subject to acceptance and recording thereof by the Administrative Agent pursuant to Sections 10.07(d) and (e), from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, (1) other than in connection with an assignment pursuant to Section 10.07(m), the Eligible Assignee thereunder shall be a party to this Agreement and, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and (2) the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all of the assigning Lenders rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04, 3.05, 10.04 and 10.05 with respect to facts and circumstances
179
occurring prior to the effective date of such assignment). Upon request, and the surrender by the assigning Lender of its Note, the Borrower (at its expense) shall execute and deliver a Note to the assignee Lender. Any assignment or transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this clause (c) shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with Section 10.07(f).
(d) The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as an agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at the Administrative Agents Office a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it, and each notice of cancellation of any Loans delivered by the Borrower pursuant to Section 10.07(m) and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitments of, and principal amounts (and related interest amounts) of the Loans, L/C Obligations (specifying the Unreimbursed Amounts), L/C Borrowings and the amounts due under Section 2.03, owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the Register ). The entries in the Register shall be conclusive, absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Agents and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary. The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower, any Agent and, with respect to such Lenders own interest only, any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice. This Section 10.07(d) and Section 2.11 shall be construed so that all Loans are at all times maintained in registered form within the meaning of Sections 163(f), 871(h)(2) and 881(c)(2) of the Code and any related Treasury regulations (or any other relevant or successor provisions of the Code or of such Treasury regulations). Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the Administrative Agent be obligated to ascertain, monitor or inquire as to whether any Lender is an Affiliate of Holdings, Borrower or any Subsidiary thereof.
(e) Upon its receipt of, and consent to, a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an Assignee, an Administrative Questionnaire completed in respect of the assignee (unless the Assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (b) above, if applicable, and the written consent of the Administrative Agent, if required, and, if required, the Borrower, the Swing Line Lender and each L/C Issuer to such assignment and any applicable tax forms required pursuant to Section 3.01(d), the Administrative Agent shall promptly (i) accept such Assignment and Assumption and (ii) record the information contained therein in the Register. No assignment shall be effective unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph (e).
(f) Any Lender may at any time sell participations to any Person, subject to the proviso to Section 10.07(a) (each, a Participant ), in all or a portion of such Lenders rights and/or obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and/or the Loans (including such Lenders participations in L/C Obligations and/or Swing Line Loans) owing to it); provided that (i) such Lenders obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (ii) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (iii) the Borrower, the Agents and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lenders rights and obligations under this Agreement. Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, waiver or
180
other modification described in the first proviso to Section 10.01 that requires the affirmative vote of such Lender. Subject to Section 10.07(g), the Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04 and 3.05 (subject to the requirements and limitations of such Sections) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment pursuant to Section 10.07(c). To the extent permitted by applicable Law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 10.09 as though it were a Lender; provided that such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.13 as though it were a Lender. Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each participants interest in the Loans or other obligations under this Agreement (the Participant Register ); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register to any Person (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participants interest in any Commitments, Loans or Letters of Credit or its other obligations under any Loan Document) except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary in connection with an audit or other proceeding to establish that such Commitment, Loan, Letter of Credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations. The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive and such Lender shall treat each person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary.
(g) A Participant shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Sections 3.01, 3.04 or 3.05 than the applicable Lender would have been entitled to receive with respect to the participation sold to such Participant, unless the sale of the participation to such Participant is made with the Borrowers prior written consent, not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed.
(h) Any Lender may, without the consent of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement (including under its Note, if any) to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank; provided that no such pledge or assignment shall release such Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.
(i) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any Lender (a Granting Lender ) may grant to a special purpose funding vehicle identified as such in writing from time to time by the Granting Lender to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (an SPC ) the option to provide all or any part of any Loan that such Granting Lender would otherwise be obligated to make pursuant to this Agreement; provided that (i) nothing herein shall constitute a commitment by any SPC to fund any Loan, (ii) if an SPC elects not to exercise such option or otherwise fails to make all or any part of such Loan, the Granting Lender shall be obligated to make such Loan pursuant to the terms hereof and (iii) such SPC and the applicable Loan or any applicable part thereof, shall be appropriately reflected in the Participant Register. Each party hereto hereby agrees that (i) an SPC shall be entitled to the benefit of Sections 3.01, 3.04 and 3.05 (subject to the requirements and the limitations of such Section), but neither the grant to any SPC nor the exercise by any SPC of such option shall increase the costs or expenses or otherwise increase or change the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement except in the case of Sections 3.01 or 3.04, to the extent that the grant to the SPC was made with the prior written consent of the Borrower (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed; for the avoidance of doubt, the Borrower shall have reasonable basis for withholding consent if an exercise by SPC immediately after the grant would result in materially increased indemnification obligations to the Borrower at such time), (ii) no SPC shall be liable for
181
any indemnity or similar payment obligation under this Agreement for which a Lender would be liable, and (iii) the Granting Lender shall for all purposes, including the approval of any amendment, waiver or other modification of any provision of any Loan Document, remain the lender of record hereunder. The making of a Loan by an SPC hereunder shall utilize the Commitment of the Granting Lender to the same extent, and as if, such Loan were made by such Granting Lender. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any SPC may (i) with notice to, but without prior consent of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and with the payment of a processing fee of $3,500, assign all or any portion of its right to receive payment with respect to any Loan to the Granting Lender and (ii) disclose on a confidential basis any non-public information relating to its funding of Loans to any rating agency, commercial paper dealer or provider of any surety or Guarantee or credit or liquidity enhancement to such SPC.
(j) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, without the consent of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, (1) any Lender may in accordance with applicable Law create a security interest in all or any portion of the Loans owing to it and the Note, if any, held by it and (2) any Lender that is a Fund may create a security interest in all or any portion of the Loans owing to it and the Note, if any, held by it to the trustee for holders of obligations owed, or securities issued, by such Fund as security for such obligations or securities; provided that unless and until such trustee actually becomes a Lender in compliance with the other provisions of this Section 10.07, (i) no such pledge shall release the pledging Lender from any of its obligations under the Loan Documents and (ii) such trustee shall not be entitled to exercise any of the rights of a Lender under the Loan Documents even though such trustee may have acquired ownership rights with respect to the pledged interest through foreclosure or otherwise.
(k) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender may, upon thirty (30) days notice to the Borrower and the Lenders, resign as an L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, respectively; provided that on or prior to the expiration of such 30-day period with respect to such resignation, the relevant L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender shall have identified a successor L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender reasonably acceptable to the Borrower willing to accept its appointment as successor L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, as applicable. In the event of any such resignation of an L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender, the Borrower shall be entitled to appoint from among the Lenders willing to accept such appointment a successor L/C Issuer or Swing Line Lender hereunder; provided that no failure by the Borrower to appoint any such successor shall affect the resignation of the relevant L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender, as the case may be, except as expressly provided above. If an L/C Issuer resigns as an L/C Issuer, it shall retain all the rights and obligations of an L/C Issuer hereunder with respect to all Letters of Credit outstanding as of the effective date of its resignation as an L/C Issuer and all L/C Obligations with respect thereto (including the right to require the Lenders to make Base Rate Loans or fund risk participations in Unreimbursed Amounts pursuant to Section 2.03(c)). If the Swing Line Lender resigns as Swing Line Lender, it shall retain all the rights of the Swing Line Lender provided for hereunder with respect to Swing Line Loans made by it and outstanding as of the effective date of such resignation, including the right to require the Lenders to make Base Rate Loans, Eurocurrency Rate Loans or fund risk participations in outstanding Swing Line Loans pursuant to Section 2.04(c).
(l) Any assignment of Commitments or Loans by a Lender or all or a portion of its rights and obligations among the Facilities shall not be required to be made on a pro rata basis among each of the Facilities.
182
(m) Any Lender may, so long as no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and no proceeds of Revolving Credit Borrowings are applied to fund the consideration for any such assignment, at any time, assign all or a portion of its rights and obligations with respect to Term Loans under this Agreement to HGVI, Holdings or the Borrower through (x) Dutch auctions open to all Lenders on a pro rata basis in accordance with procedures of the type described in Section 2.05(a)(v) or (y) notwithstanding Sections 2.12 and 2.13 or any other provision in this Agreement, open market purchase on a non-pro rata basis; provided that in connection with assignments pursuant to clause (y) above:
(i) if HGVI or Holdings is the assignee, upon such assignment, transfer or contribution, HGVI or Holdings shall automatically be deemed to have contributed the principal amount of such Term Loans, plus all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, to the Borrower; or
(ii) if the assignee is the Borrower (including through contribution or transfers set forth in clause (i) above), (A) the principal amount of such Term Loans, along with all accrued and unpaid interest thereon, so contributed, assigned or transferred to the Borrower shall be deemed automatically cancelled and extinguished on the date of such contribution, assignment or transfer, (B) the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Term Loans of the remaining Lenders shall reflect such cancellation and extinguishing of the Term Loans then held by the Borrower and (C) the Borrower shall promptly provide notice to the Administrative Agent of such contribution, assignment or transfer of such Term Loans, and the Administrative Agent, upon receipt of such notice, shall reflect the cancellation of the applicable Term Loans in the Register.
SECTION 10.08 Confidentiality.
Each of the Agents and the Lenders agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information and not to disclose such information, except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Affiliates and its and its Affiliates managers, administrators, directors, officers, employees, trustees, partners, investors, investment advisors and agents, including accountants, legal counsel and other advisors (it being understood that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential); (b) to the extent requested by any Governmental Authority or self-regulatory authority having or asserting jurisdiction over such Person (including any Governmental Authority or examiner (including the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or any other similar organization) regulating any Lender or its Affiliates); provided that the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as applicable, agrees that it will notify the Borrower as soon as practicable in the event of any such disclosure by such Person (other than at the request of a regulatory authority or examiner) unless such notification is prohibited by law, rule or regulation; (c) to the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar agency in connection with the issuance and monitoring of CUSIP numbers with respect to the Facilities or market data collectors, similar services providers to the lending industry and service providers to the Administrative Agent in connection with the administration and management of this Agreement and the Loan Documents; (d) to the extent required by applicable Laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process; provided that the Administrative Agent or such Lender, as applicable, agrees that it will notify the Borrower as soon as practicable in the event of any such disclosure by such Person (other than at the request of a regulatory authority or examiner) unless such notification is
183
prohibited by law, rule or regulation; (e) to any other party to this Agreement; (f) subject to an agreement containing provisions at least as restrictive as those set forth in this Section 10.08 (or as may otherwise be reasonably acceptable to the Borrower), to any pledgee referred to in Section 10.07(h), counterparty to a Swap Contract, Eligible Assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective Eligible Assignee of or Participant in any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement ( provided that the disclosure of any such Information to any Lenders or Eligible Assignees or Participants shall be made subject to the acknowledgement and acceptance by such Lender, Eligible Assignee or Participant that such Information is being disseminated on a confidential basis (on substantially the terms set forth in this Section 10.08 or as otherwise reasonably acceptable to the Borrower, including, without limitation, as agreed in any Borrower Materials) in accordance with the standard processes of the Administrative Agent or customary market standards for dissemination of such type of Information; (g) with the written consent of the Borrower; (h) to the extent such Information becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section 10.08 or becomes available to the Administrative Agent, the Lead Arrangers, any Lender, the L/C Issuer or any of their respective Affiliates on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than a Loan Party or any Investor or their respective Affiliates (so long as such source is not known to the Administrative Agent, the Lead Arrangers, such Lender, such L/C Issuer or any of their respective Affiliates to be bound by confidentiality obligations to any Loan Party); (i) to any Governmental Authority or examiner (including the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or any other similar organization) regulating any Lender; (j) to any rating agency when required by it (it being understood that, prior to any such disclosure, such rating agency shall undertake to preserve the confidentiality of any Information relating to Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries received by it from such Lender) or to the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar organization; (k) in connection with the exercise of any remedies hereunder, under any other Loan Document or the enforcement of its rights hereunder or thereunder or (l) to the extent such Information is independently developed by the Administrative Agent, the Lead Arrangers, such Lender, such L/C Issuer or any of their respective Affiliates; provided that no disclosure shall be made to any Disqualified Lender. In addition, the Agents and the Lenders may disclose the existence of this Agreement and publicly available information about this Agreement to market data collectors, similar service providers to the lending industry, and service providers to the Agents and the Lenders in connection with the administration and management of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents, the Commitments, and the Credit Extensions. For the purposes of this Section 10.08, Information means all information received from the Loan Parties relating to any Loan Party, its Affiliates or its Affiliates directors, managers, officers, employees, trustees, investment advisors or agents, relating to Holdings, the Borrower or any of their Subsidiaries or its business, other than any such information that is publicly available to any Agent, any L/C Issuer or any Lender prior to disclosure by any Loan Party other than as a result of a breach of this Section 10.08; provided that all information received after the Closing Date from Parent, Holdings, the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries shall be deemed confidential unless such information is clearly identified at the time of delivery as not being confidential.
SECTION 10.09 Setoff.
In addition to any rights and remedies of the Lenders provided by Law, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, each Lender and its Affiliates (and the Collateral Agent, in respect of any unpaid fees, costs and expenses payable hereunder) is authorized at any time and from time to time, without prior notice to the Borrower, any such notice being waived by the Borrower (on its own behalf and on behalf of each Loan Party and each of its Subsidiaries) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final) at any time held by, and other Indebtedness at any time
184
owing by, such Lender and its Affiliates or the Collateral Agent to or for the credit or the account of the respective Loan Parties and their Subsidiaries against any and all Obligations owing to such Lender and its Affiliates or the Collateral Agent hereunder or under any other Loan Document, now or hereafter existing, irrespective of whether or not such Agent or such Lender or Affiliate shall have made demand under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and although such Obligations may be contingent or unmatured or denominated in a currency different from that of the applicable deposit or Indebtedness; provided that in the event that any Defaulting Lender shall exercise any such right of setoff, (x) all amounts so set off shall be paid over immediately to the Administrative Agent for further application in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.17 and, pending such payment, shall be segregated by such Defaulting Lender from its other funds and deemed held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuers, and the Lenders, and (y) the Defaulting Lender shall provide promptly to the Administrative Agent a statement describing in reasonable detail the Obligations owing to such Defaulting Lender as to which it exercised such right of setoff. Each Lender agrees promptly to notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent after any such set off and application made by such Lender; provided that the failure to give such notice shall not affect the validity of such setoff and application. The rights of the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and each Lender under this Section 10.09 are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent and such Lender may have. No amounts set off from any Guarantor shall be applied to any Excluded Swap Obligations of such Guarantor.
SECTION 10.10 Interest Rate Limitation.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in any Loan Document, the interest paid or agreed to be paid under the Loan Documents shall not exceed the maximum rate of non-usurious interest permitted by applicable Law (the Maximum Rate ). If any Agent or any Lender shall receive interest in an amount that exceeds the Maximum Rate, the excess interest shall be applied to the principal of the Loans or, if it exceeds such unpaid principal, refunded to the Borrower. In determining whether the interest contracted for, charged, or received by an Agent or a Lender exceeds the Maximum Rate, such Person may, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, (a) characterize any payment that is not principal as an expense, fee, or premium rather than interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, and (c) amortize, prorate, allocate, and spread in equal or unequal parts the total amount of interest throughout the contemplated term of the Obligations hereunder.
SECTION 10.11 Counterparts.
This Agreement and each other Loan Document may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery by telecopier or other electronic transmission of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Agreement and each other Loan Document shall be effective as delivery of an original executed counterpart of this Agreement and such other Loan Document. The Agents may also require that any such documents and signatures delivered by telecopier or other electronic transmission be confirmed by a manually signed original thereof; provided that the failure to request or deliver the same shall not limit the effectiveness of any document or signature delivered by telecopier or other electronic transmission.
185
SECTION 10.12 Integration; Termination.
This Agreement, together with the other Loan Documents, comprises the complete and integrated agreement of the parties on the subject matter hereof and thereof and supersedes all prior agreements, written or oral, on such subject matter. In the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and those of any other Loan Document, the provisions of this Agreement shall control; provided that the inclusion of supplemental rights or remedies in favor of the Agents or the Lenders in any other Loan Document shall not be deemed a conflict with this Agreement. Each Loan Document was drafted with the joint participation of the respective parties thereto and shall be construed neither against nor in favor of any party, but rather in accordance with the fair meaning thereof.
SECTION 10.13 Survival of Representations and Warranties.
All representations and warranties made hereunder and in any other Loan Document or other document delivered pursuant hereto or thereto or in connection herewith or therewith shall survive the execution and delivery hereof and thereof. Such representations and warranties have been or will be relied upon by each Agent and each Lender, regardless of any investigation made by any Agent or any Lender or on their behalf and notwithstanding that any Agent or any Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any Default at the time of any Credit Extension, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as any Loan or any other Obligation hereunder shall remain unpaid or unsatisfied or any Letter of Credit shall remain outstanding.
SECTION 10.14 Severability.
If any provision of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents is held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, the legality, validity and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall not be affected or impaired thereby. The invalidity of a provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 10.14, if and to the extent that the enforceability of any provisions in this Agreement relating to Defaulting Lenders shall be limited by Debtor Relief Laws, as determined in good faith by the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender, as applicable, then such provisions shall be deemed to be in effect only to the extent not so limited. Without limiting the foregoing provisions of this Section 10.14, if and to the extent that the enforceability of any provisions in this Agreement relating to Defaulting Lenders shall be limited by Debtor Relief Laws, as determined in good faith by the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer or the Swing Line Lender, as applicable, then such provisions shall be deemed to be in effect only to the extent not so limited.
SECTION 10.15 GOVERNING LAW.
(a) THIS AGREEMENT AND EACH OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
(b) ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING UNDER ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO OR ANY OF THEM WITH RESPECT TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, SHALL BE BROUGHT IN THE COURTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK SITTING IN NEW YORK CITY OR OF THE
186
UNITED STATES FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF SUCH STATE, AND BY EXECUTION AND DELIVERY OF THIS AGREEMENT, EACH LOAN PARTY, EACH AGENT AND EACH LENDER CONSENTS, FOR ITSELF AND IN RESPECT OF ITS PROPERTY, TO THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF THOSE COURTS AND AGREES THAT IT WILL NOT COMMENCE OR SUPPORT ANY SUCH ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN ANOTHER JURISDICTION. EACH LOAN PARTY, EACH AGENT AND EACH LENDER IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY OBJECTION, INCLUDING ANY OBJECTION TO THE LAYING OF VENUE OR BASED ON THE GROUNDS OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS , WHICH IT MAY NOW OR HEREAFTER HAVE TO THE BRINGING OF ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING IN SUCH JURISDICTION IN RESPECT OF ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR OTHER DOCUMENT RELATED THERETO. EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENTS IN THE MANNER PROVIDED FOR NOTICES (OTHER THAN TELECOPIER OR OTHER ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION) IN SECTION 10.02. NOTHING IN THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT WILL AFFECT THE RIGHT OF ANY PARTY HERETO TO SERVE PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.
SECTION 10.16 WAIVER OF RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.
TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT HEREBY EXPRESSLY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY OF ANY CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION ARISING UNDER ANY LOAN DOCUMENT OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH OR RELATED OR INCIDENTAL TO THE DEALINGS OF THE PARTIES HERETO OR ANY OF THEM WITH RESPECT TO ANY LOAN DOCUMENT, OR THE TRANSACTIONS RELATED THERETO, IN EACH CASE WHETHER NOW EXISTING OR HEREAFTER ARISING, AND WHETHER FOUNDED IN CONTRACT OR TORT OR OTHERWISE; AND EACH PARTY HEREBY AGREES AND CONSENTS THAT ANY SUCH CLAIM, DEMAND, ACTION OR CAUSE OF ACTION SHALL BE DECIDED BY COURT TRIAL WITHOUT A JURY, AND THAT ANY PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT MAY FILE AN ORIGINAL COUNTERPART OR A COPY OF THIS SECTION 10.16 WITH ANY COURT AS WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF THE CONSENT OF THE SIGNATORIES HERETO TO THE WAIVER OF THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY.
SECTION 10.17 Binding Effect.
This Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Loan Parties, the Administrative Agent, the Collateral Agent, the L/C Issuers, and the Administrative Agent shall have been notified by each Lender, the Swing Line Lender and the L/C Issuers that each Lender, the Swing Line Lender and the L/C Issuers have executed it and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Loan Parties, each Agent and each Lender and their respective successors and assigns, in each case in accordance with Section 10.07 (if applicable) and except that no Loan Party shall have the right to assign its rights hereunder or any interest herein without the prior written consent of the Lenders except as permitted by Section 7.04.
SECTION 10.18 USA PATRIOT Act.
Each Lender that is subject to the USA PATRIOT Act and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies the Borrower that pursuant to the requirements
187
of the USA PATRIOT Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each Loan Party, which information includes the name, address and tax identification number of such Loan Party and other information regarding such Loan Party that will allow such Lender or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify such Loan Party in accordance with the USA PATRIOT Act. This notice is given in accordance with the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act and is effective as to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent.
SECTION 10.19 No Advisory or Fiduciary Responsibility.
(a) In connection with all aspects of each transaction contemplated hereby, each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees, and acknowledges its Affiliates understanding, that (i) the facilities provided for hereunder and any related arranging or other services in connection therewith (including in connection with any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document) are an arms-length commercial transaction between the Borrower and its Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Agents, the Lead Arrangers and the Lenders, on the other hand, and the Borrower is capable of evaluating and understanding and understands and accepts the terms, risks and conditions of the transactions contemplated hereby and by the other Loan Documents (including any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or thereof), (ii) in connection with the process leading to such transaction, each of the Agents, the Lead Arrangers and the Lenders is and has been acting solely as a principal and is not the financial advisor, agent or fiduciary, for the Borrower or any of its Affiliates, stockholders, creditors or employees or any other Person, (iii) none of the Agents, the Lead Arrangers or the Lenders has assumed or will assume an advisory, agency or fiduciary responsibility in favor of the Borrower with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby or the process leading thereto, including with respect to any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document (irrespective of whether any Agent or Lender has advised or is currently advising the Borrower or any of its Affiliates on other matters) and none of the Agents, the Lead Arrangers or the Lenders has any obligation to the Borrower or any of its Affiliates with respect to the financing transactions contemplated hereby except those obligations expressly set forth herein and in the other Loan Documents, (iv) the Agents, the Lead Arrangers and the Lenders and their respective Affiliates may be engaged in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from, and may conflict with, those of the Borrower and its Affiliates, and none of the Agents, the Lead Arrangers or the Lenders has any obligation to disclose any of such interests by virtue of any advisory, agency or fiduciary relationship and (v) the Agents, the Lead Arrangers and the Lenders have not provided and will not provide any legal, accounting, regulatory or tax advice with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby (including any amendment, waiver or other modification hereof or of any other Loan Document) and the Loan Parties have consulted their own legal, accounting, regulatory and tax advisors to the extent they have deemed appropriate. Each Loan Party hereby waives and releases, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any claims that it may have against the Agents, the Lead Arrangers and the Lenders with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty under applicable law relating to agency and fiduciary obligations.
Each Loan Party acknowledges and agrees that each Lender, the Lead Arrangers and any affiliate thereof may lend money to, invest in, and generally engage in any kind of business with, any of the Borrower, Holdings, any Investor, any Affiliate thereof or any other person or entity that may do business with or own securities of any of the foregoing, all as if such Lender, the Lead Arrangers or Affiliate thereof were not an Lender or the Lead Arrangers (or an agent or any other person with any similar role under the Facilities) and without any duty to account therefor to any other Lender, the Lead Arrangers, Holdings, the Borrower, any Investor or any Affiliate of the foregoing. Each
188
Lender, the Lead Arrangers and any affiliate thereof may accept fees and other consideration from Holdings, the Borrower, any Investor or any Affiliate thereof for services in connection with this Agreement, the Facilities or otherwise without having to account for the same to any other Lender, the Lead Arrangers, Holdings, the Borrower, any Investor or any Affiliate of the foregoing. Some or all of the Lenders and the Lead Arrangers may have directly or indirectly acquired certain equity interests (including warrants) in Holdings, the Borrower, an Investor or an Affiliate thereof or may have directly or indirectly extended credit on a subordinated basis to Holdings, the Borrower, an Investor or an Affiliate thereof. Each party hereto, on its behalf and on behalf of its affiliates, acknowledges and waives the potential conflict of interest resulting from any such Lender, the Lead Arrangers or an Affiliate thereof holding disproportionate interests in the extensions of credit under the Facilities or otherwise acting as arranger or agent thereunder and such Lender, the Lead Arrangers or Affiliate thereof directly or indirectly holding equity interests in or subordinated debt issued by Holdings, the Borrower, an Investor or an Affiliate thereof.
SECTION 10.20 Electronic Execution of Assignments.
The words execution, signed, signature, and words of like import in any Assignment and Assumption shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based record keeping system, as the case may be, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act, or any other similar state laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.
SECTION 10.21 Effect of Certain Inaccuracies.
In the event that any financial statement or Compliance Certificate previously delivered pursuant to Section 6.02 was inaccurate (regardless of whether this Agreement or the Commitments are in effect when such inaccuracy is discovered), and such inaccuracy, if corrected, would have led to the application of a higher Applicable Rate for any period (an Applicable Period ) than the Applicable Rate applied for such Applicable Period, then (i) the Borrower shall as soon as practicable deliver to the Administrative Agent a corrected financial statement and a corrected Compliance Certificate for such Applicable Period, (ii) the Applicable Rate shall be determined based on the corrected Compliance Certificate for such Applicable Period, and (iii) the Borrower shall within 15 days after the delivery of the corrected financial statements and Compliance Certificate pay to the Administrative Agent the accrued additional interest or fees owing as a result of such increased Applicable Rate for such Applicable Period. This Section 10.21 shall not limit the rights of the Administrative Agent or the Lenders with respect to Sections 2.08(b) and 8.01.
SECTION 10.22 Judgment Currency.
If for the purposes of obtaining judgment in any court it is necessary to convert a sum due from the Borrower hereunder in the currency expressed to be payable herein (the specified currency ) into another currency, the parties hereto agree, to the fullest extent that they may effectively do so, that the rate of exchange used shall be that at which in accordance with normal banking procedures any Lender could purchase the specified currency with such other currency at such Lenders New York office on the Business Day preceding that on which final judgment is given. The obligations of the Borrower in respect of any sum due to any Lender hereunder shall, notwithstanding any judgment in a currency other than the specified currency, be discharged only to
189
the extent that on the Business Day following receipt by such Lender of any sum adjudged to be so due in such other currency such Lender may in accordance with normal banking procedures purchase the specified currency with such other currency; if the amount of the specified currency so purchased is less than the sum originally due to such Lender in the specified currency, the Borrower agrees, to the fullest extent that it may effectively do so, as a separate obligation and notwithstanding any such judgment, to indemnify the Lender against such loss, and if the amount of the specified currency so purchased exceeds the sum originally due to such Lender in the specified currency, such Lender agrees to remit such excess to the Borrower.
SECTION 10.23 Acknowledgement and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document or in any other agreement, arrangement or understanding among any such parties, each party hereto acknowledges that any liability of any Lender that is an EEA Financial Institution arising under any Loan Document, to the extent such liability is unsecured, may be subject to the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of an EEA Resolution Authority and agrees and consents to, and acknowledges and agrees to be bound by:
(a) the application of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by an EEA Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising hereunder which may be payable to it by any party hereto to any Lender that is an EEA Financial Institution; and
(b) the effects of any Bail-in Action on any such liability, including, if applicable:
(i) a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability;
(ii) a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such EEA Financial Institution, its parent undertaking, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; or
(iii) the variation of the terms of such liability in connection with the exercise of the Write-Down and Conversion Powers of any EEA Resolution Authority.
ARTICLE XI
Guaranty
SECTION 11.01 The Guaranty.
Each Guarantor hereby jointly and severally with the other Guarantors guarantees, as a primary obligor and not merely as a surety to each Secured Party and their respective successors and assigns, the prompt payment in full when due (whether at stated maturity, by required prepayment, declaration, demand, by acceleration or otherwise) of the principal of and interest (including any interest, fees, costs or charges that would accrue but for the provisions of (i) Title 11 of the United States Code after any bankruptcy or insolvency petition under Title 11 of the United States Code and (ii) any other Debtor Relief Laws) on the Loans made by the Lenders to, and the Notes held by each Lender of, the Borrower, and all other Obligations (other than with respect to any Guarantor, Excluded Swap Obligations of such Guarantor) from time to time owing to the Secured Parties by
190
any Loan Party under any Loan Document or any Secured Hedge Agreement or any Treasury Services Agreement, in each case strictly in accordance with the terms thereof (such obligations being herein collectively called the Guaranteed Obligations ). The Guarantors hereby jointly and severally agree that if the Borrower or other Guarantor(s) shall fail to pay in full when due (whether at stated maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) any of the Guaranteed Obligations, the Guarantors will promptly pay the same in cash, without any demand or notice whatsoever, and that in the case of any extension of time of payment or renewal of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, the same will be promptly paid in full when due (whether at extended maturity, by acceleration or otherwise) in accordance with the terms of such extension or renewal.
SECTION 11.02 Obligations Unconditional.
The obligations of the Guarantors under Section 11.01 shall constitute a guarantee of payment and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, are absolute, irrevocable and unconditional, joint and several, irrespective of the value, genuineness, validity, regularity or enforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement, the Notes, if any, or any other agreement or instrument referred to herein or therein, or any substitution, release or exchange of any other guarantee of or security for any of the Guaranteed Obligations, and, irrespective of any other circumstance whatsoever that might otherwise constitute a legal or equitable discharge or defense of a surety or Guarantor (except for payment in full). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is agreed that the occurrence of any one or more of the following shall not alter or impair the liability of the Guarantors hereunder which shall remain absolute, irrevocable and unconditional under any and all circumstances as described above:
(i) at any time or from time to time, without notice to the Guarantors, to the extent permitted by Law, the time for any performance of or compliance with any of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be extended, or such performance or compliance shall be waived;
(ii) any of the acts mentioned in any of the provisions of this Agreement or the Notes, if any, or any other agreement or instrument referred to herein or therein shall be done or omitted;
(iii) the maturity of any of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be accelerated, or any of the Guaranteed Obligations shall be amended in any respect, or any right under the Loan Documents or any other agreement or instrument referred to herein or therein shall be amended or waived in any respect or any other guarantee of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or except as permitted pursuant to Section 11.10 any security therefor shall be released or exchanged in whole or in part or otherwise dealt with;
(iv) any Lien or security interest granted to, or in favor of, an L/C Issuer or any Lender or Agent as security for any of the Guaranteed Obligations shall fail to be perfected; or
(v) the release of any other Guarantor pursuant to Section 11.10.
The Guarantors hereby expressly waive diligence, presentment, demand of payment, protest and, to the extent permitted by Law, all notices whatsoever, and any requirement that any Secured Party exhaust any right, power or remedy or proceed against the Borrower under this Agreement or
191
the Notes, if any, or any other agreement or instrument referred to herein or therein, or against any other person under any other guarantee of, or security for, any of the Guaranteed Obligations. The Guarantors waive, to the extent permitted by Law, any and all notice of the creation, renewal, extension, waiver, termination or accrual of any of the Guaranteed Obligations and notice of or proof of reliance by any Secured Party upon this Guaranty or acceptance of this Guaranty, and the Guaranteed Obligations, and any of them, shall conclusively be deemed to have been created, contracted or incurred in reliance upon this Guaranty, and all dealings between the Borrower and the Secured Parties shall likewise be conclusively presumed to have been had or consummated in reliance upon this Guaranty. This Guaranty shall be construed as a continuing, absolute, irrevocable and unconditional guarantee of payment without regard to any right of offset with respect to the Guaranteed Obligations at any time or from time to time held by Secured Parties, and the obligations and liabilities of the Guarantors hereunder shall not be conditioned or contingent upon the pursuit by the Secured Parties or any other person at any time of any right or remedy against the Borrower or against any other person which may be or become liable in respect of all or any part of the Guaranteed Obligations or against any collateral security or guarantee therefor or right of offset with respect thereto. This Guaranty shall remain in full force and effect and be binding in accordance with and to the extent of its terms upon the Guarantors and the successors and assigns thereof, and shall inure to the benefit of the Lenders, and their respective successors and assigns, notwithstanding that from time to time during the term of this Agreement there may be no Guaranteed Obligations outstanding.
SECTION 11.03 Reinstatement.
The obligations of the Guarantors under this Article XI shall be automatically reinstated if and to the extent that for any reason any payment by or on behalf of the Borrower or other Loan Party in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations is rescinded or must be otherwise restored by any holder of any of the Guaranteed Obligations, whether as a result of any proceedings in insolvency, bankruptcy or reorganization or otherwise.
SECTION 11.04 Subrogation; Subordination.
Each Guarantor hereby agrees that until the payment and satisfaction in full in cash of all Guaranteed Obligations and the expiration and termination of the Commitments of the Lenders under this Agreement, it shall waive any claim and shall not exercise any right or remedy, direct or indirect, arising by reason of any performance by it of its guarantee in Section 11.01, whether by subrogation or otherwise, against the Borrower or any other Guarantor of any of the Guaranteed Obligations or any security for any of the Guaranteed Obligations. Any Indebtedness of any Loan Party permitted pursuant to Sections 7.03(b)(ii) or 7.03(d) shall be subordinated to such Loan Partys Obligations in the manner set forth in the Intercompany Note evidencing such Indebtedness.
SECTION 11.05 Remedies.
The Guarantors jointly and severally agree that, as between the Guarantors and the Lenders, the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and the Notes, if any, may be declared to be forthwith due and payable as provided in Section 8.02 (and shall be deemed to have become automatically due and payable in the circumstances provided in Section 8.02) for purposes of Section 11.01, notwithstanding any stay, injunction or other prohibition preventing such declaration (or such obligations from becoming automatically due and payable) as against the Borrower and that, in the event of such declaration (or such obligations being deemed to have become automatically due and payable), such obligations (whether or not due and payable by the Borrower) shall forthwith become due and payable by the Guarantors for purposes of Section 11.01.
192
SECTION 11.06 Instrument for the Payment of Money.
Each Guarantor hereby acknowledges that the guarantee in this Article XI constitutes an instrument for the payment of money, and consents and agrees that any Lender or Agent, at its sole option, in the event of a dispute by such Guarantor in the payment of any moneys due hereunder, shall have the right to bring a motion-action under New York CPLR Section 3213.
SECTION 11.07 Continuing Guaranty.
The guarantee in this Article XI is a continuing guarantee of payment, and shall apply to all Guaranteed Obligations whenever arising.
SECTION 11.08 General Limitation on Guarantee Obligations.
In any action or proceeding involving any state corporate limited partnership or limited liability company law, or any applicable state, federal or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other Law affecting the rights of creditors generally, if the obligations of any Guarantor under Section 11.01 would otherwise be held or determined to be void, voidable, invalid or unenforceable, or subordinated to the claims of any other creditors, on account of the amount of its liability under Section 11.01, then, notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary, the amount of such liability shall, without any further action by such Guarantor, any Loan Party or any other person, be automatically limited and reduced to the highest amount (after giving effect to the right of contribution established in Section 11.11) that is valid and enforceable and not subordinated to the claims of other creditors as determined in such action or proceeding.
SECTION 11.09 Information.
Each Guarantor assumes all responsibility for being and keeping itself informed of the Borrowers financial condition and assets, and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Guaranteed Obligations and the nature, scope and extent of the risks that each Guarantor assumes and incurs under this Guaranty, and agrees that none of any Agent, any L/C Issuer or any Lender shall have any duty to advise any Guarantor of information known to it regarding those circumstances or risks.
SECTION 11.10 Release of Guarantors.
If, in compliance with the terms and provisions of the Loan Documents, (i) all or substantially all of the Equity Interests or property of any Subsidiary Guarantor are sold or otherwise transferred (a Transferred Guarantor ) to a person or persons, none of which is a Loan Party or (ii) any Subsidiary Guarantor becomes an Excluded Subsidiary, such Transferred Guarantor shall, upon the consummation of such sale or transfer, be automatically released from its obligations under this Agreement (including under Section 10.05 hereof) and its obligations to pledge and grant any Collateral owned by it pursuant to any Collateral Document and, in the case of a sale of all or substantially all of the Equity Interests of the Transferred Guarantor, the pledge of such Equity Interests to the Collateral Agent pursuant to the Collateral Documents shall be automatically released, and, so long as the Borrower shall have provided the Agents such certifications or
193
documents as any Agent shall reasonably request, the Administrative Agent and the Collateral Agent shall, at such Transferred Guarantors expense, take such actions as are necessary to effect each release described in this Section 11.10 in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Collateral Documents.
When all Commitments hereunder have terminated, and all Loans or other Obligation (other than obligations under Treasury Services Agreements or Secured Hedge Agreements) hereunder which are accrued and payable have been paid or satisfied, and no Letter of Credit remains outstanding (except any Letter of Credit the Outstanding Amount of which the Obligations related thereto has been Cash Collateralized or for which a backstop letter of credit reasonably satisfactory to the applicable L/C Issuer has been put in place), this Agreement and the guarantees made herein shall terminate with respect to all Obligations, except with respect to Obligations that expressly survive such repayment pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. The Collateral Agent shall, at each Guarantors expense, take such actions as are necessary to release any Collateral owned by such Guarantor in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Collateral Documents.
SECTION 11.11 Right of Contribution.
Each Guarantor hereby agrees that to the extent that a Subsidiary Guarantor shall have paid more than its proportionate share of any payment made hereunder, such Subsidiary Guarantor shall be entitled to seek and receive contribution from and against any other Guarantor hereunder which has not paid its proportionate share of such payment. Each Subsidiary Guarantors right of contribution shall be subject to the terms and conditions of Section 11.04. The provisions of this Section 11.11 shall in no respect limit the obligations and liabilities of any Subsidiary Guarantor to the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer, the Swing Line Lender and the Lenders, and each Subsidiary Guarantor shall remain liable to the Administrative Agent, the L/C Issuer, the Swing Line Lender and the Lenders for the full amount guaranteed by such Subsidiary Guarantor hereunder.
SECTION 11.12 Cross-Guaranty.
Each Qualified ECP Guarantor hereby jointly and severally, absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to provide such funds or other support to each Specified Guarantor as may be needed by such Specified Guarantor from time to time to honor all of its obligations under its Guaranty and the other Loan Documents in respect of any Swap Obligation ( provided, however , that each Qualified ECP Guarantor shall only be liable under this Section 11.12 for up to the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering such Qualified ECP Guarantors obligations and undertakings under this Section 11.12 voidable under applicable law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer, and not for any greater amount). The obligations and undertakings of each Qualified ECP Guarantor under this Section 11.12 shall remain in full force and effect until the Obligations have been indefeasibly paid and performed in full and all Commitments have been terminated. Each Qualified ECP Guarantor intends that this Section 11.12 constitute, and this Section 11.12 shall be deemed to constitute, an agreement for the benefit of each Specified Guarantor for all purposes of the Commodity Exchange Act.
[Signature Pages Follow]
194
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER LLC, as Borrower | ||
By: |
/s/ James Mikolaichik |
|
Name: James Mikolaichik | ||
Title: Executive Vice President | ||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS PARENT LLC, as Parent | ||
By: |
/s/ James Mikolaichik |
|
Name: James Mikolaichik | ||
Title: Executive Vice President | ||
HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC., as a Guarantor and solely in respect of certain applicable provisions of Article V and Article XI | ||
By: |
/s/ W. Steven Standefer |
|
Name: W. Steven Standefer | ||
Title: Senior Vice President | ||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS INC., as a Guarantor and solely in respect of certain applicable provisions of Article V and Article XI | ||
By: |
/s/ Allen Klingsick |
|
Name: Allen Klingsick | ||
Title: Vice President | ||
48TH STREET HOLDING LLC HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER INC. HILTON GRAND VACATIONS CLUB, LLC HILTON GRAND VACATIONS COMPANY, LLC HILTON GRAND VACATIONS FINANCING, LLC HILTON GRAND VACATIONS MANAGEMENT, LLC HILTON KINGSLAND 1, LLC HILTON RESORTS CORPORATION HILTON RESORTS MARKETING CORP. HILTON TRAVEL, LLC HRC ISLANDER LLC GRAND VACATIONS REALTY, LLC GRAND VACATIONS SERVICES LLC GRAND VACATIONS TITLE, LLC, each, as a Guarantor |
||
By: |
/s/ James Mikolaichik |
|
Name: James Mikolaichik | ||
Title: Executive Vice President |
[Signature page to Credit Agreement]
DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender, L/C Issuer and a Lender | ||||
By: |
/s/ Dusan Lazarov |
|||
Name: | Dusan Lazarov | |||
Title: | Director | |||
By: |
/s/ Peter Cucchiara |
|||
Name: | Peter Cucchiara | |||
Title: | Vice President |
[Signature page to Credit Agreement]
Bank of America, N.A., as a Lender |
||||
By: |
/s/ Will T. Bowers, Jr. |
|||
Name: | Will T. Bowers, Jr. | |||
Title: | Senior Vice President |
[Signature page to Credit Agreement]
GOLDMAN SACHS BANK USA, as a Lender |
||||
By: |
/s/ Annie Carr |
|||
Name: | Annie Carr | |||
Title: | Authorized Signatory |
[Signature page to Credit Agreement]
Barclays Bank PLC, as a Lender |
||
By: |
/s/ Ronnie Glenn |
|
Name: Ronnie Glenn | ||
Title: Vice President |
[Signature page to Credit Agreement]
Sun Trust Bank, as a Lender |
||
By: |
/s/ David A. Ernst |
|
Name: David A. Ernst | ||
Title: Vice President |
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as a Lender |
||
By: |
/s/ Nadeige Dang |
|
Name: Nadeige Dang | ||
Title: Vice President |
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as a Lender |
||
By: |
/s/ Mark F. Monahan |
|
Name: Mark F. Monahan | ||
Title: Senior Vice President |
THE BANK OF TOKYO-MITSUBISHI UFJ, LTD as a Lender |
||
By: |
/s/ Lawrence Elkins |
|
Name: Lawrence Elkins | ||
Title: Vice President |
U.S. Bank National Association, as a Lender |
||
By: |
/s/ Steven L. Sawyer |
|
Name: Steven L. Sawyer | ||
Title: Senior Vice President |
Bank of Hawaii, as a Lender |
||
By: |
/s/ Rod Peroff |
|
Name: Rod Peroff | ||
Title: Vice President |
[Signature page to Credit Agreement]
Schedule 1.01A
Commitments and L/C Sublimit
Initial Term
Commitments: |
Revolving Credit
Commitments: |
|||||||
Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch |
$ | 27,500,000.00 | $ | 27,500,000.00 | ||||
Bank of America, N.A. |
$ | 27,500,000.00 | $ | 27,500,000.00 | ||||
Goldman Sachs Bank USA |
$ | 27,500,000.00 | $ | 27,500,000.00 | ||||
Barclays Bank PLC |
$ | 21,500,000.00 | $ | 21,500,000.00 | ||||
SunTrust Bank |
$ | 21,500,000.00 | $ | 21,500,000.00 | ||||
JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. |
$ | 21,500,000.00 | $ | 21,500,000.00 | ||||
Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. |
$ | 21,500,000.00 | $ | 21,500,000.00 | ||||
The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Ltd. |
$ | 16,500,000.00 | $ | 16,500,000.00 | ||||
U.S. Bank National Association |
$ | 10,000,000.00 | $ | 10,000,000.00 | ||||
Bank of Hawaii |
$ | 5,000,000.00 | $ | 5,000,000.00 | ||||
Total: |
$ | 200,000,000.00 | $ | 200,000,000.00 |
Applicable L/C Fronting Sublimit | ||||
Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch |
$ | 30,000,000.00 |
Schedule 1.01B
Disqualified Lenders
1. | Marriott Vacations Worldwide, Inc. |
2. | Disney Vacation Club |
3. | Interval Leisure Group |
4. | Holiday Inn Club Vacations |
5. | Bluegreen Vacations |
6. | Diamond Resorts International |
7. | Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts |
8. | Hyatt Hotels Corporation |
9. | Marriott International, Inc. |
10. | Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. |
11. | Société du Louvre, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, LLC |
12. | InterContinental Hotels Group PLC |
13. | FRHI Hotels & Resorts |
14. | Choice Hotels International, Inc. |
15. | Accor Hotels |
16. | Any Subsidiaries of (1) through (15) above that are reasonably identifiable as such on the basis of name (other than bona fide debt funds) |
Schedule 1.01C
Collateral Documents
The Security Agreement, dated as of December 28, 2016, among the Borrower, Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC, Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC, certain subsidiaries of the Borrower and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Collateral Agent.
Schedule 1.01D
Excluded Subsidiaries
Entity Name | Jurisdiction |
%
ownership |
||
Hilton Grand Vacations Japan, LLC |
Japan | 100% | ||
HGV Depositor LLC |
Delaware | 100% | ||
Hilton Grand Vacations Italy S.R.L. |
Italy | 100% | ||
Hilton Grand Vacations Trust 2013-A |
Delaware | 100% | ||
Hilton Grand Vacations Trust 2013-A |
Delaware | 100% | ||
Hilton Grand Vacations Trust I, LLC |
Delaware | 100% | ||
Hilton Resorts Marketing Korea, LLC |
Korea, Republic of | 100% | ||
Hilton Grand Vacations UK Ltd. |
England and Wales | 100% |
Schedule 1.01E
Securitization Subsidiaries
Entity Name | Jurisdiction |
%
ownership |
||
HGV Depositor LLC |
Delaware | 100% | ||
Hilton Grand Vacations Trust 2013-A |
Delaware | 100% | ||
Hilton Grand Vacations Trust 2014-A |
Delaware | 100% | ||
Hilton Grand Vacations Trust I, LLC |
Delaware | 100% |
Schedule 1.01F
Unrestricted Subsidiaries
Entity Name | Jurisdiction |
%
ownership |
||
HGV Depositor LLC |
Delaware | 100% | ||
Hilton Grand Vacations Trust 2013-A |
Delaware | 100% | ||
Hilton Grand Vacations Trust 2014-A |
Delaware | 100% | ||
Hilton Grand Vacations Trust I, LLC |
Delaware | 100% |
Schedule 1.01G
Approved Counterparties
None.
Schedule 5.05
Certain Liabilities
Attachment I to Schedule 5.05
Intercompany Indebtedness to be Remain Outstanding
Following the Consummation of the Spin-off Transaction
Lender |
Entity Type |
Borrower |
Entity Type |
Currency | Amount | |||||||
Hilton Resorts Corporation |
Guarantor | Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 1,892,443,899 | |||||||
Hilton Grand Vacations Club, LLC |
Guarantor | Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 541,105,503 | |||||||
Hilton Grand Vacations Club, LLC |
Guarantor | Hilton Resorts Corporation | Guarantor | USD | 347,596,423 | |||||||
HRC Islander LLC |
Guarantor | Hilton Resorts Corporation | Guarantor | USD | 269,196,597 | |||||||
Hilton Grand Vacations Management, LLC |
Guarantor | Hilton Resorts Corporation | Guarantor | USD | 205,920,383 | |||||||
Hilton Grand Vacations Management, LLC |
Guarantor | Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 191,051,413 | |||||||
Hilton Resorts Marketing Corp. |
Guarantor | Hilton Resorts Corporation | Guarantor | USD | 174,153,089 | |||||||
Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC |
Guarantor | Hilton Resorts Marketing Corp. | Guarantor | USD | 153,787,574 | |||||||
Hilton Grand Vacations Club, LLC |
Guarantor | Hilton Grand Vacations Management, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 136,369,602 | |||||||
Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC |
Guarantor | HRC Islander LLC | Guarantor | USD | 84,325,327 | |||||||
Grand Vacations Title, LLC |
Guarantor | Hilton Resorts Corporation | Guarantor | USD | 39,562,107 | |||||||
Grand Vacations Services LLC |
Guarantor | Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 29,472,269 | |||||||
Grand Vacations Title, LLC |
Guarantor | Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 22,306,187 | |||||||
Grand Vacations Services LLC |
Guarantor | Hilton Resorts Corporation | Guarantor | USD | 19,221,406 | |||||||
Grand Vacations Realty, LLC |
Guarantor | Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 18,888,130 | |||||||
Hilton Resorts Marketing Corp. |
Guarantor | Hilton Grand Vacations Club, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 10,590,461 | |||||||
Hilton Resorts Corporation |
Guarantor | Hilton Grand Vacations UK Ltd. | Non-Guarantor | GBP | 7,615,560 | |||||||
Hilton Resorts Corporation |
Guarantor | HGV Depositor LLC | Non-Guarantor | USD | 7,602,254 | |||||||
HGV Depositor LLC |
Non-Guarantor | Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 6,837,238 |
Lender |
Entity Type |
Borrower |
Entity Type |
Currency | Amount | |||||||
Hilton Grand Vacations Club, LLC |
Guarantor | HRC Islander LLC | Guarantor | USD | 1,955,639 | |||||||
Hilton Resorts Corporation |
Guarantor | Grand Vacations Realty, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 1,228,171 | |||||||
Grand Vacations Title, LLC |
Guarantor | HRC Islander LLC | Guarantor | USD | 725,864 | |||||||
Hilton Grand Vacations Management, LLC |
Guarantor | Grand Vacations Realty, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 261,124 | |||||||
Grand Vacations Realty, LLC |
Guarantor | Hilton Grand Vacations Club, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 259,171 | |||||||
Grand Vacations Services LLC |
Guarantor | HRC Islander LLC | Guarantor | USD | 249,255 | |||||||
Hilton Resorts Marketing Korea, LLC |
Non-Guarantor | Hilton Resorts Corporation | Guarantor | USD | 139,237 | |||||||
Hilton Resorts Corporation |
Guarantor | Hilton Travel, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 111,063 | |||||||
HRC Islander LLC |
Guarantor | Grand Vacations Realty, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 106,930 | |||||||
Hilton Grand Vacations Club, LLC |
Guarantor | Grand Vacations Services LLC | Guarantor | USD | 98,255 | |||||||
Hilton Resorts Corporation |
Guarantor | Hilton Grand Vacations Italy S.R.L. | Non-Guarantor | USD | 76,551 | |||||||
Grand Vacations Realty, LLC |
Guarantor | Grand Vacations Services LLC | Guarantor | USD | 38,301 | |||||||
Hilton Grand Vacations Management, LLC |
Guarantor | Grand Vacations Title, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 36,369 | |||||||
Grand Vacations Title, LLC |
Guarantor | Grand Vacations Realty, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 19,793 | |||||||
Hilton Travel, LLC |
Guarantor | Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 12,045 | |||||||
Grand Vacations Title, LLC |
Guarantor | Hilton Grand Vacations Club, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 10,986 | |||||||
Grand Vacations Title, LLC |
Guarantor | Grand Vacations Services LLC | Guarantor | USD | 10,346 | |||||||
Hilton Resorts Marketing Korea, LLC |
Non-Guarantor | Hilton Grand Vacations Club, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 3,792 | |||||||
Hilton Grand Vacations Management, LLC |
Guarantor | Grand Vacations Services LLC | Guarantor | USD | 3,025 | |||||||
Grand Vacations Realty, LLC |
Guarantor | HGV Depositor LLC | Non-Guarantor | USD | 1,832 | |||||||
Hilton Resorts Marketing Corp. |
Guarantor | Grand Vacations Services LLC | Guarantor | USD | 579 | |||||||
Hilton Grand Vacations Club, LLC |
Guarantor | HGV Depositor LLC | Non-Guarantor | USD | 208 | |||||||
Hilton Resorts Marketing Corp. |
Guarantor | Hilton Grand Vacations Management, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 81 |
Attachment II to Schedule 5.05
Intercompany Indebtedness to be Repaid
In Connection with the Spin-Off Transaction
Lender |
Entity Type |
Borrower |
Entity Type |
Currency | Amount | |||||||
Hilton Reservations Worldwide LLC |
Hilton Worldwide | Hilton Resorts Corporation | Guarantor | USD | 37,671,406 | |||||||
Hilton Intl Holding LLC |
Hilton Worldwide | Hilton Resorts Corporation | Guarantor | USD | 12,343,457 | |||||||
Hilton HHonors Worldwide LLC |
Hilton Worldwide | Hilton Grand Vacations Club, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 6,451,038 | |||||||
Promus Hotels LLC |
Hilton Worldwide | Hilton Resorts Corporation | Guarantor | USD | 5,529,872 | |||||||
Promus Hotels LLC |
Hilton Worldwide | Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 2,622,635 | |||||||
Hilton Systems Solutions LLC |
Hilton Worldwide | Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 2,248,514 | |||||||
Park Hotels and Resorts Inc. |
Park | Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 1,470,613 | |||||||
Hilton HHonors Worldwide LLC |
Hilton Worldwide | Hilton Resorts Corporation | Guarantor | USD | 1,166,378 | |||||||
Park Hotels and Resorts Inc. |
Park | Hilton Grand Vacations Club, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 767,501 | |||||||
Promus Hotels LLC |
Hilton Worldwide | Hilton Grand Vacations Club, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 318,882 | |||||||
HLT Domestic Owner LLC |
Park | Hilton Resorts Corporation | Guarantor | USD | 307,424 | |||||||
Hilton Reservations Worldwide LLC |
Hilton Worldwide | Hilton Grand Vacations Club, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 275,636 | |||||||
HLT Domestic Owner LLC |
Hilton Worldwide | Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 191,959 | |||||||
Promus Hotels LLC |
Hilton Worldwide | Hilton Grand Vacations Management, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 154,648 | |||||||
Promus Hotels LLC |
Hilton Worldwide | Grand Vacations Services LLC | Guarantor | USD | 149,552 | |||||||
Promus Hotels LLC |
Hilton Worldwide | Grand Vacations Title, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 46,149 | |||||||
Promus Hotels LLC |
Hilton Worldwide | Grand Vacations Realty, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 16,998 | |||||||
Park Hotels and Resorts Inc. |
Park | Hilton Grand Vacations Management, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 12,361 | |||||||
Park Hotels and Resorts Inc. |
Park | Grand Vacations Services LLC | Guarantor | USD | 6,546 |
Lender |
Entity Type |
Borrower |
Entity Type |
Currency | Amount | |||||||
Hilton Supply Management LLC |
Hilton Worldwide | Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 385 | |||||||
Promus Hotels LLC |
Hilton Worldwide | Hilton Resorts Marketing Corp. | Guarantor | USD | 337 | |||||||
Park Hotels and Resorts Inc. |
Park | Grand Vacations Title, LLC | Guarantor | USD | 268 | |||||||
Park Hotels and Resorts Inc. |
Park | HRC Islander LLC | Guarantor | USD | 85 |
Schedule 5.06
Litigation
None.
Schedule 5.08
Ownership of Property
None.
Schedule 5.09(a)
Environmental Matters
None.
Schedule 5.10
Taxes
None.
Schedule 5.11(a)
ERISA Compliance
None.
Schedule 5.12
Subsidiaries and Other Equity Investments
Entity Name | Jurisdiction | % ownership | ||
48th Street Holding LLC |
Delaware | 100% | ||
Grand Vacations Realty, LLC |
Delaware | 100% | ||
Grand Vacations Services LLC |
Delaware | 100% | ||
Grand Vacations Title, LLC |
Delaware | 100% | ||
Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower Inc. |
Delaware | 100% | ||
Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC |
Delaware | 100% | ||
Hilton Grand Vacations Club, LLC |
Delaware | 100% | ||
Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC |
Delaware | 100% | ||
Hilton Grand Vacations Financing, LLC |
Delaware | 100% | ||
Hilton Grand Vacations Italy S.R.L. |
Italy | 100% | ||
Hilton Grand Vacations Japan, LLC |
Japan | 100% | ||
Hilton Grand Vacations Management, LLC |
Nevada | 100% | ||
Hilton Grand Vacations Trust 2013-A |
Delaware | 100% | ||
Hilton Grand Vacations Trust 2014-A |
Delaware | 100% | ||
Hilton Grand Vacations Trust I, LLC |
Delaware | 100% | ||
Hilton Grand Vacations UK Ltd. |
England | 100% | ||
Hilton Kingsland 1, LLC |
Delaware | 100% | ||
Hilton Resorts Corporation |
Delaware | 100% | ||
Hilton Resorts Marketing Corp. |
Delaware | 100% | ||
Hilton Resorts Marketing Korea, LLC |
Korea, Republic of | 100% | ||
Hilton Travel, LLC |
Delaware | 100% | ||
HGV Depositor LLC |
Delaware | 100% | ||
HRC Islander LLC |
Delaware | 100% |
Schedule 6.15
Post-Closing Covenants
1. | Within sixty (60) days of the Closing Date (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree), delivery to the Collateral Agent of joinders to the Intercompany Note, accompanied by note powers duly executed in blank or other instruments of transfer, by each of the following Restricted Subsidiaries of the Borrower: Hilton Grand Vacations Italy S.R.L., Hilton Grand Vacations Japan, LLC, Hilton Grand Vacations UK Ltd., and Hilton Resorts Marketing Korea, LLC. |
2. | Within ninety (90) days of the Closing Date (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may agree), (a) filing of an assignment of the trademarks set forth on Schedule 9(a) of the Perfection Certificate to Hilton Resorts Corporation (the HRC Trademarks ) with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and (b) delivery to the Collateral Agent of a short-form Intellectual Property Security Agreement (as defined in the Security Agreement), executed by Hilton Resorts Corporation and relating to the HRC Trademarks, for recording by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. |
Schedule 7.01(b)
Existing Liens
Debtor |
State |
Jurisdiction |
Thru
Date |
Original
File Date and Number |
Secured Party |
Collateral |
Related Filings | |||||||
Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC | DE | Secretary of State | 09-19-13 |
11-19-07
#2007 4396569 |
Steelcase Financial Services Inc. | equipment lease |
Assignment
11-19-07 Continuation 09-25-12 |
|||||||
Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC | DE | Secretary of State | 09-19-13 |
12-11-13
#201300371151 |
De Lage Landen Financial Services, Inc. | equipment lease | ||||||||
Hilton Grand Vacations Management, LLC | NV | Secretary of State | 10-03-13 |
09-08-2016
#2016025717-3 |
Western Equipment Finance, Inc. | equipment lease | ||||||||
Hilton Grand Vacations Management, LLC | NV | Secretary of State | 11-15-16 |
06-26-15
#2015015871-6 |
Talmer Bank & Trust | equipment lease |
Assignment
07-26-16 |
|||||||
Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC | DE | Secretary of State | 09-26-16 |
11-18-13
#2013454196 |
Whirlpool Corporation | equipment lease | ||||||||
Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC | DE | Secretary of State | 09-29-16 |
06-15-15
#20152555489 |
Sysco Central Florida, Inc. | equipment lease | ||||||||
Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC | DE | Secretary of State | 09-26-16 |
05-12-16
#20162861613 |
North America Office Solutions, Inc. | equipment lease |
Schedule 7.02(f)
Existing Investments
Schedule 7.03(b)
Existing Indebtedness
Guarantees: | ||||||||
Beneficiary | Purpose | Amount | ||||||
Hilton East 48 th Street, New York City |
Guarantee to acquire units | $ | 182,300,000 | |||||
Hilton Las Palmeras |
Guarantee to acquire units | $ | 12,600,000 | |||||
Letters of Credit: | ||||||||
Issued for the Benefit of | Amount | |||||||
ACE American Insurance Company |
$ | 216,000 | ||||||
ACE American Insurance Company |
$ | 551,967 | ||||||
ACE American Insurance Company |
$ | 700,000 | ||||||
Intercompany Indebtedness: | ||||||||
Borrower | Lender | Amount | ||||||
Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC |
HGV Depositor LLC | $ | 6,837,238 |
Schedule 7.08
Transactions with Affiliates
BLACKSTONE SPECIFIC AGREEMENTS
Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of January, 14 2014 by and between HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE LLC, a Hawaii limited liability company, and BRE GRAND ISLANDER LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
Development Management Agreement dated as of April 9, 2014 by and between BRE GRAND ISLANDER LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and HILTON RESORTS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation.
Sales and Marketing Agreement dated April 9, 2014 by and between HILTON RESORTS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation and BRE GRAND ISLANDER LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
Reciprocal Rights Agreement dated April 9, 2014 by and between HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE LLC, a Hawaii limited liability company, and BRE GRAND ISLANDER LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
Loan Servicing Agreement dated April 9, 2014 by and among BRE GRAND ISLANDER LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and Grand Vacations Services LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
Amended and Restated Resort Agreement for GI Vacation Suites, Honolulu, Hawaii dated January 27, 2015.
Side Letter dated January 27, 2015 to the Amended and Restated Resort Agreement for GI Vacation Suites, Honolulu, Hawaii dated January 27, 2015
IP Assignment Agreement dated April 9, 2014 by and between BRE GRAND ISLANDER LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE LLC, a Hawaii limited liability company, HLT DOMESTIC IP LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and HILTON RESORTS CORPORATION, a Delaware Corporation.
Post Sales Services Agreement dated April 9, 2014 by and among BRE GRAND ISLANDER LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, Grand Vacations Title LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and HILTON RESORTS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation.
Accounting Services Agreement dated June 2, 2014 by and between Hilton Grand Vacations Company, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and BRE Grand Islander LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
Hotel Management Agreement dated April 9, 2014 by and among BRE GRAND ISLANDER LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and Hilton Grand Vacations Management LLC, a Nevada limited liability company.
Timeshare Management Agreement dated April 9, 2014 by and between GI Vacation Owners Association Inc., a Hawaii nonprofit corporation, and Hilton Grand Vacations Management LLC, a Nevada limited liability company.
Room Night Agreement dated April 9, 2014 by and between BRE GRAND ISLANDER LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and HILTON RESORTS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation.
HHV AGREEMENTS W/ HW
Further Amended and Restated Irrevocable Facilities License Agreement dated April 9, 2014 by and among HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE LLC, a Hawaii limited liability company, HILTON RESORTS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, BRE GRAND ISLANDER LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, HVVS Owners Association Inc., a Hawaii nonprofit corporation, KT Vacation Owners Association Inc., a Hawaii nonprofit corporation, KT Condominium Association Inc., a Hawaii nonprofit corporation, GW Vacation Owners Association Inc., a Hawaii nonprofit corporation, and GI Vacation Owners Association Inc., a Hawaii nonprofit corporation.
Amended and Restated Roadway and Utility Easement Agreement dated April 9, 2014 by and among HILTON HAWAIIAN VILLAGE LLC, a Hawaii limited liability company, HILTON RESORTS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, BRE GRAND ISLANDER LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, HVVS Owners Association Inc., a Hawaii nonprofit corporation, KT Vacation Owners Association Inc., a Hawaii nonprofit corporation, KT Condominium Association Inc., a Hawaii nonprofit corporation, GW Vacation Owners Association Inc., a Hawaii nonprofit corporation, and GI Vacation Owners Association Inc., a Hawaii nonprofit corporation.
Intercompany Memorandum dated November 21, 2011 from Hilton Grand Vacations Company to Hilton Worldwide Finance Department setting forth rent calculation and related matters in connection with the use of certain space within the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort by Hilton Grand Vacations
Services Agreement dated December 12, 2008 by and between Hilton Grand Vacations Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, GW Vacation Owners Association, Inc., and Hilton Hawaiian Village, LLC, a Hawaii limited liability company
Encroachment Agreement dated September 14, 2007 by and among Hilton Hawaiian Village, LLC, a Hawaii limited liability company and Hilton Resorts Corporation, a Delaware corporation.
HWV AGREEMENTS
Lease Agreement dated October 21, 2016 by and between HILTON RESORTS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, and GLOBAL RESORT PARTNERS, a Hawaii general partnership.
Reciprocal Easements and Facilities Sharing Agreement dated October 21, 2016 by and between HILTON LAND INVESTMENT 1, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and GLOBAL RESORT PARTNERS, a Hawaii general partnership.
NEW YORK
Area License Agreement dated October 10, 2016 by and between Hilton Resorts Corporation, a Delaware corporation, and HLT NY Hilton LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.
Services Agreement dated March 11, 2016 by and between Hilton Grand Vacations Management, LLC HC Suites Owners Association, Inc. and HLT NY Hilton LLC.
JAPAN
Purchase and Sale Agreement dated December 21, 2016 by and among Odawara Hilton Co. Ltd., a Japanese company, and Hilton Grand Vacations Japan, a Goda Kaisha.
SOUTH KOREA
Restated and Amended Lease between CDL (Hotels) Limited-Millenium Seoul Hilton and Hilton Resorts Marketing Korea, LLC dated October 29, 2009, as amended.
TEMPORARY OFFICE SPACE LICENSE AGREEMENTS
Space License Agreement between Hilton Resorts Corporation and Hilton Domestic Operating Company, Inc. at Metro West Commerce Center with a Commencement Date of January 1, 2017.
Space License Agreement between Hilton Resorts Corporation and Hilton Domestic Operating Company, Inc. at Parc Soleil by Hilton Grand Vacations with a Commencement Date of January 1, 2017.
Space License Agreement between Hilton Resorts Corporation and Hilton Domestic Operating Company, Inc. at Millenia Lakes with a Commencement Date of January 1, 2017.
Space License Agreement between Hilton Resorts Corporation and Hilton Domestic Operating Company, Inc. at Hilton Grand Vacations at the Flamingo with a Commencement Date of January 1, 2017.
WASHINGTON DC
Amended and Restated Management Agreement dated June 30, 2016 by and between HLT DC Owner, LLC and Hilton Grand Vacations Management, LLC.
Side Letter to Amended and Restated Management Agreement dated June 30, 2016.
Lease Agreement between HLT DC Owner, LLC and Hilton Resorts Corporation with a Commencement Date of May 1, 2016.
Schedule 7.09
Certain Contractual Obligations
None.
Schedule 10.02
Administrative Agents Office, Certain Addresses for Notices
If to the Borrower:
Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC
c/o Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.
5323 Millenia Lakes Boulevard, Suite 400
Orlando, FL 32839
Attention: James Mikolaichik, Chief Financial Officer
Telephone No.: 407-613-8348
Email: JMikolaichik@hgvc.com
With a copy to:
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
425 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Attention: Brian Gluck
Facsimile No.: (212) 455-2368
If to the Administrative Agent:
Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch
c/o Sara Pelton and MaryKay Coyle
60 Wall Street
New York, NY 10005
with electronic copies to: Sara Pelton ( sara.pelton@db.com ), MaryKay Coyle ( marykay.coyle@db.com ) and Agency.Transactions@DB.com
Borrowers Website:
www.hiltongrandvacations.com or such other website with respect to which the Borrower gives reasonable advance notice to each Lender and the Administrative Agent.
EXHIBIT A
[FORM OF]
COMMITTED LOAN NOTICE
To: | Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent |
Attn: MaryKay Coyle
60 Wall Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10005
Fax: +1(212)797-5690
Email: marykay.coyle@db.com
Attn: Sara Pelton
60 Wall Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10005
Fax: +1(904) 779-3080
Email: Agency.Transactions@DB.com
[Date]
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2016 (as amended, modified, refinanced and/or restated from time to time, the Credit Agreement ), among Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Parent ), Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), the other Guarantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such teams in the Credit Agreement.
The undersigned Borrower hereby requests (select one): | ||||||
☐ | A Borrowing of new Loans |
|
||||
☐ | A conversion of Loans made on |
|
||||
☐ | A continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans made on |
|
||||
to be made on the terms set forth below: | ||||||
(A) | Class of Borrowing 1 |
|
1 | E.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans , Extended Term Loans, Revolving Credit Loans, Incremental Revolving Credit Loans, Revolving Credit Loans under Extended Revolving Credit Commitments, Other Revolving Credit Commitments. |
A-1
(B) |
Date of Borrowing, conversion or continuation (which is a Business Day) |
|
||||
(C) |
Principal amount 2 |
|
||||
(D) |
Type of Loan 3 |
|
||||
(E) |
Interest Period and the last day thereof 4 |
|
||||
(F) |
Location and number of Borrowers account to which proceeds of Borrowings are to be disbursed: |
|
The above request complies with the notice requirements set forth in the Credit Agreement.
[The undersigned Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that, on the date of this Committed Loan Notice and on the date of the related Borrowing, the conditions to lending specified in Section 4.02(i) and (ii) of the Credit Agreement have been satisfied.] 5
[The undersigned Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that, on the date of this Committed Loan Notice and on the date of the related Borrowing, the conditions to lending specified in Section 2.14(d) of the Credit Agreement have been satisfied.] 6
2 | Each Borrowing (other than Borrowings of Incremental Loans) of, conversion to or continuation of Eurocurrency Rate Loans (A) in Dollars shall be in a minimum of $2,000,000, or a whole multiple of $1,000,000 in excess thereof, (B) in Sterling, £1,000,000, or a whole multiple of £500,000 in excess thereof, (C) in euros, 2,000,000, or a whole multiple of 1,000,000 in excess thereof and (D) in Yen, ¥2,000,000,000, or a whole multiple of ¥1,000,000,000 in excess thereof. Each Borrowing (other than Borrowings of Incremental Loans) of, conversion to or continuation of Base Rate Loans shall be in a minimum of $1,000,000, or a whole multiple of $500,000, in excess thereof. Each Incremental Term Commitment shall be in an aggregate principal amount that is not less than $10,000,000 and shall be in an increment of $1,000,000 (provided that such amount may be less than $10,000,000 if such amount represents all remaining availability under the limit set forth in the Credit Agreement) and each Incremental Revolving Credit Commitment shall be in an aggregate principal amount that is not less than $5,000,000 and shall be in an increment of $1,000,000 (provided that such amount may be less than $5,000,000 if such amount represents all remaining availability under the limit set forth in the Credit Agreement). |
3 | Specify Eurocurrency Rate or Base Rate. |
4 | Applicable for Eurocurrency Borrowings only. |
5 | Insert bracketed language if the Borrower is making a Request for Credit Extension (unless requesting only (i) a conversion of Loans to the other Type, (ii) a continuation of Eurocurrency Loans or (iii) a Credit Extension for an Incremental Loan) after the Closing Date. |
6 | Insert bracketed language if the Borrower is making a Request for Credit Extension of Incremental Loans. |
A-2
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER LLC | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
A-3
EXHIBIT B
[FORM OF]
LETTER OF CREDIT ISSUANCE REQUEST
Dated 1
Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch
as Administrative Agent for the Lenders party
to the Credit Agreement referred to below
60 Wall Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10005
Attention: MaryKay Coyle
Fax: +1(212)797-5690
Email: marykay.coyle@db.com
Attention: Sara Pelton
Fax: +1(904)779-3080
Email: Agency.Transactions@DB.com
Fronting Bank: 2
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen:
We hereby request that the Issuing Bank, in its individual capacity, issue a standby Letter of Credit for the account of the undersigned on 3 (the Date of Issuance ), which Letter of Credit shall be denominated in United States Dollars and shall be in the aggregate amount of 4 .
1 | Date of Letter of Credit Issuance Request. On or after the Initial Borrowing Date and prior to the 30th day prior to the Revolving Loan Maturity Date. |
2 | If standby Letter of Credit is to be issued by Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas insert: Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, Global Loan Operations, Standby Letter of Credit Unit, 60 Wall Street, New York, New York 10005, MS NYC 60-0926 and Christine LaMonaca, Standby Letter of Credit Unit, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, 60 Wall Street, New York, NY 10005, (T) 212-250-1525, (F) 212-797-0403, (E) christine.lamonaca@db.com with a copy to sblc_unit_ny@list.db.com. For standby Letters of Credit to be issued by other Fronting Bank insert name and address of applicable Fronting Bank. |
3 | Date of Issuance, which shall be at least two (2) Business Days from the date hereof (or such shorter period as is reasonably acceptable to the Fronting Bank). |
4 | Aggregate initial amount of the Letter of Credit. |
B-1
For the purposes of this Letter of Credit Issuance Request, unless otherwise defined herein, all capitalized terms used herein and defined in the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2016 (as amended, modified, refinanced and/or restated from time to time, the Credit Agreement ), among Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Parent ), Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), the other Guarantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer shall have the respective meaning provided such terms in the Credit Agreement.
The beneficiary of the requested Letter of Credit will be 5 , and such Letter of Credit will be in support of 6 and will have a stated expiration date of 7 .
The above request complies with the notice requirements of the Credit Agreement.
The undersigned Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that, on the date of this Letter of Credit Issuance Request and on the date of the related Letter of Credit issuance, the conditions to lending specified in Section 4.02(i) and (ii) of the Credit Agreement have been satisfied, both before and after giving effect to the issuance of the Letter of Credit requested hereby.
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
5 | Insert name and address of beneficiary. |
6 | Insert brief description of supportable obligations. |
7 | Insert the last date upon which drafts may be presented which may not be later than the dates referred to in Section 2.03(a) of the Credit Agreement. |
B-2
EXHIBIT C
[FORM OF]
SWING LINE LOAN NOTICE
To: | Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent |
and Swing Line Lender
Attn: MaryKay Coyle
60 Wall Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10005
Fax: +1(212)797-5690
Email: marykay.coyle@db.com
Attn: Sara Pelton
60 Wall Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10005
Fax: +1(904) 779-3080
Email: Agency.Transactions@DB.com
[Date]
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2016 (as amended, modified, refinanced and/or restated from time to time, the Credit Agreement ), among Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Parent ), Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), the other Guarantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement. The undersigned Borrower hereby gives you notice pursuant to Section 2.04(b) of the Credit Agreement that it requests a Swing Line Borrowing under the Credit Agreement, and in that connection sets forth below the terms on which such Swing Line Borrowing is requested to be made:
(A) | Principal Amount to be Borrowed 1 |
|
||
(B) | Date of Borrowing (which is a Business Day) |
|
1 | Shall be a minimum of $500,000. |
C-1
The above request complies with the notice requirements of the Credit Agreement.
The undersigned Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that, on the date of this Swing Line Loan Notice and on the date of the related Swing Line Borrowing, the conditions to lending specified in Section 4.02(i) and (ii) of the Credit Agreement have been satisfied.
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER LLC | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
C-2
EXHIBIT D-1
LENDER: [●]
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT: $[●]
[FORM OF]
TERM NOTE
New York, New York
[Date]
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), hereby promises to pay to the Lender set forth above (the Lender ) or its registered assigns, in lawful money of the United States of America in immediately available funds at the relevant Administrative Agents Office (such term, and each other capitalized term used but not defined herein, having the meaning assigned to it in the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2016 (as amended, modified, refinanced and/or restated from time to time, the Credit Agreement ), among Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Parent ), the Borrower, the other Guarantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer) (i) on the dates set forth in the Credit Agreement, the principal amounts set forth in the Credit Agreement with respect to Term Loans made by the Lender to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement and (ii) on each Interest Payment Date, interest at the rate or rates per annum as provided in the Credit Agreement on the unpaid aggregate principal amount of all Term Loans made by the Lender to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement.
The Borrower promises to pay interest, on demand, on any overdue principal and, to the extent permitted by law, overdue interest from their due dates at the rate or rates provided in (and to the extent required by) the Credit Agreement.
The Borrower hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand, protest and notice of any kind whatsoever. The nonexercise by the holder hereof of any of its rights hereunder in any particular instance shall not constitute a waiver thereof in that or any subsequent instance.
All borrowings evidenced by this note and all payments and prepayments of the principal hereof and interest hereon and the respective dates thereof shall be endorsed by the holder hereof on the schedule attached hereto and made a part hereof or on a continuation thereof which shall be attached hereto and made a part hereof, or otherwise recorded by such holder in its internal records; provided , however , that the failure of the holder hereof to make such a notation or any error in such notation shall not affect the obligations of the Borrower under this note.
This note is one of the Term Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement that, among other things, contains provisions for the acceleration of the maturity hereof upon the happening of certain events, for optional and mandatory prepayment of the principal hereof prior to the maturity hereof and for the amendment or waiver of certain provisions of the Credit Agreement, all upon the terms and conditions therein specified.
D-1-1
THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
[This note is secured by collateral, other than Florida real property, as described in the Security Agreement. Accordingly, pursuant to Florida Administrative Code 12B-04.053(28), Florida Documentary Stamp Tax in the amount of $[2,450] has been paid to the Florida Department of Revenue.] 1
[THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
1 | Insert bracketed language if the note will be executed and/or delivered in Florida. The amount of $2,450 should be inserted if the principal amount of indebtedness covered by the note exceeds $700,000. |
D-1-2
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER LLC | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
D-1-3
LOANS AND PAYMENTS
Date |
Amount of Loan |
Maturity Date |
Payments of Principal/Interest |
Principal Balance of Note |
Name of Person Making the Notation |
|||||
D-1-4
EXHIBIT D-2
LENDER: [●]
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT: $[●]
[FORM OF]
REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE
New York, New York
[Date]
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), hereby severally promises to pay to the Lender set forth above (the Lender ) or its registered assigns, in immediately available funds at the relevant Administrative Agents Office (such term, and each other capitalized term used but not defined herein, having the meaning assigned to it in the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2016 (as amended, modified, refinanced and/or restated from time to time, the Credit Agreement ), among Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Parent ), the Borrower, the other Guarantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer) (A) on the dates set forth in the Credit Agreement, the lesser of (i) the principal amount set forth above and (ii) the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Revolving Credit Loans made by the Lender to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement, and (B) interest from the date hereof on the principal amount from time to time outstanding on each such Revolving Credit Loan at the rate or rates per annum and payable on such dates, as provided in the Credit Agreement.
The Borrower promises to pay interest, on demand, on any overdue principal and, to the extent permitted by law, overdue interest from their due dates at a rate or rates provided in (and to the extent required by) the Credit Agreement.
The Borrower hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand, protest and notice of any kind whatsoever. The nonexercise by the holder hereof of any of its rights hereunder in any particular instance shall not constitute a waiver thereof in that or any subsequent instance.
All borrowings evidenced by this note and all payments and prepayments of the principal hereof and interest hereon and the respective dates thereof shall be endorsed by the holder hereof on the schedule attached hereto and made a part hereof or on a continuation thereof which shall be attached hereto and made a part hereof, or otherwise recorded by such holder in its internal records; provided , however , that the failure of the holder hereof to make such a notation or any error in such notation shall not affect the obligations of the Borrower under this note.
This note is one of the Revolving Credit Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement that, among other things, contains provisions for the acceleration of the maturity hereof upon the happening of certain events, for optional and mandatory prepayment of the principal hereof prior to the maturity hereof and for the amendment or waiver of certain provisions of the Credit Agreement, all upon the terms and conditions therein specified.
D-2-1
THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
[This note is secured by collateral, other than Florida real property, as described in the Security Agreement. Accordingly, pursuant to Florida Administrative Code 12B-04.053(28), Florida Documentary Stamp Tax in the amount of $[2,450] has been paid to the Florida Department of Revenue.] 1
[THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
1 | Insert bracketed language if the note will be executed and/or delivered in Florida. The amount of $2,450 should be inserted if the principal amount of indebtedness covered by the note exceeds $700,000. |
D-2-2
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER LLC | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
D-2-3
LOANS AND PAYMENTS
Date |
Amount of Loan |
Maturity Date |
Payments of Principal/Interest |
Principal Balance of Note |
Name of Person Making the Notation |
|||||
D-2-4
EXHIBIT D-3
LENDER: [●]
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT: $[●]
[FORM OF]
SWING LINE NOTE
New York, New York
[Date]
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), hereby severally promises to pay to the Lender set forth above (the Lender ) or its registered assigns, in immediately available funds at the relevant Administrative Agents Office (such term, and each other capitalized term used but not defined herein, having the meaning assigned to it in the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2016 (as amended, modified, refinanced and/or restated from time to time, the Credit Agreement ), among Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Parent ), the Borrower, the other Guarantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer) (A) on the dates set forth in the Credit Agreement, the lesser of (i) the principal amount set forth above and (ii) the aggregate unpaid principal amount of all Swing Line Loans made by the Lender to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement, and (B) interest from the date hereof on the aggregate principal amount from time to time outstanding on each such Swing Line Loan at the rate or rates per annum and payable on such dates as provided in the Credit Agreement.
The Borrower promises to pay interest, on demand, on any overdue principal and, to the extent permitted by law, overdue interest from their due dates at a rate or rates provided in (and to the extent required by) the Credit Agreement.
The Borrower hereby waives diligence, presentment, demand, protest and notice of any kind whatsoever. The nonexercise by the holder hereof of any of its rights hereunder in any particular instance shall not constitute a waiver thereof in that or any subsequent instance.
All borrowings evidenced by this note and all payments and prepayments of the principal hereof and interest hereon and the respective dates thereof shall be endorsed by the holder hereof on the schedule attached hereto and made a part hereof or on a continuation thereof which shall be attached hereto and made a part hereof, or otherwise recorded by such holder in its internal records; provided , however , that the failure of the holder hereof to make such a notation or any error in such notation shall not affect the obligations of the Borrower under this note.
This note is one of the Swing Line Notes referred to in the Credit Agreement that, among other things, contains provisions for the acceleration of the maturity hereof upon the happening of certain events, for optional and mandatory prepayment of the principal hereof prior to the maturity hereof and for the amendment or waiver of certain provisions of the Credit Agreement, all upon the terms and conditions therein specified.
D-3-1
THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
[This note is secured by collateral, other than Florida real property, as described in the Security Agreement. Accordingly, pursuant to Florida Administrative Code 12B-04.053(28), Florida Documentary Stamp Tax in the amount of $[2,450] has been paid to the Florida Department of Revenue.] 1
[THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
1 | Insert bracketed language if the note will be executed and/or delivered in Florida. The amount of $2,450 should be inserted if the principal amount of indebtedness covered by the note exceeds $700,000. |
D-3-2
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER LLC | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
D-3-3
LOANS AND PAYMENTS
Date |
Amount of Loan |
Maturity Date |
Payments of Principal/Interest |
Principal Balance of Note |
Name of Person Making the Notation |
|||||
D-3-4
EXHIBIT E-1
[FORM OF]
COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
Reference is made to the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2016 (as amended, modified, refinanced and/or restated from time to time, the Credit Agreement ), among Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Parent ), Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), the other Guarantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Credit Agreement. Pursuant to Section 6.02(a) of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned, in his/her capacity as a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, certifies as follows:
(a) | [Attached hereto as Exhibit A is the consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as of December 31, 20[ ], and the related consolidated statements of income or operations, stockholders equity and cash flows for the fiscal year then ended, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail and prepared in accordance with GAAP, audited and accompanied by a report and opinion of Ernst & Young LLP or any other independent registered public accounting firm of nationally recognized standing, prepared in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and not subject to any going concern or like qualification or exception or any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit other than a going concern qualification resulting solely from an upcoming maturity date under the Facilities occurring within one year from the time such opinion is delivered. [Also attached hereto as Exhibit A is supplemental financial information necessary to eliminate the accounts of Unrestricted Subsidiaries (if any) (which may be in footnote form only) from such consolidated financial statements.]] 1 |
(b) | [Attached hereto as Exhibit A is the consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as of [ ], 20[ ] and the related consolidated statements of income or operations for such fiscal quarter and the portion of the fiscal year then ended, setting forth in comparative form the figures for the corresponding fiscal quarter of the previous fiscal year and the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, and statements of stockholders equity for the current fiscal quarter and consolidated statement of cash flows for the portion of the fiscal year then ended, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding portion of the previous fiscal year, all in reasonable detail. These financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, stockholders equity and cash flows of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes. [Also attached hereto as Exhibit A is supplemental financial information necessary to eliminate the accounts of Unrestricted Subsidiaries (if any) (which may be in footnote form only) from such consolidated financial statements.]] 2 |
1 | To be included if accompanying annual financial statements only. |
2 | To be included if accompanying quarterly financial statements only. |
E-1-1
(c) | To my knowledge, except as otherwise disclosed to the Administrative Agent pursuant to the Credit Agreement, no Default has occurred. If unable to provide the foregoing certification, fully describe the reasons therefor and circumstances thereof and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto on Annex A attached hereto. |
(d) | The following represent true and accurate calculations, as of [ ], 20[ ], to be used to determine compliance with the covenants set forth in Section 7.11 of the Credit Agreement: |
(e) | [Attached hereto is the information required by Section 6.02(d) of the Credit Agreement.] 4 |
3 | Which calculations shall be in reasonable detail satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and shall include, among other things, an explanation of the methodology used in such calculations and a breakdown of the components of such calculations. |
4 | To be included only in annual compliance certificate. |
E-1-2
SCHEDULE I
(A) | Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio: Consolidated EBITDA to Consolidated Interest Expense |
(1) | Consolidated EBITDA: | |||||||||
(a) | Consolidated Net Income: | |||||||||
(i) | the net income (loss) of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP, excluding, without duplication: | |||||||||
(A) | any after tax-effect of extraordinary, non-recurring or unusual gains or losses(less all fees and expenses relating thereto), charges or expenses (including relating to the Spin-Off Transaction or any multi-year strategic initiatives), Transaction Expenses, restructuring and duplicative running costs, relocation costs, integration costs, facility consolidation and closing costs, severance costs and expenses, one-time compensation charges, costs relating to pre-opening, opening and conversion costs for facilities, losses, costs or cost inefficiencies related to facility or property disruptions or shutdowns, signing, retention and completion bonuses, costs incurred in connection with any strategic initiatives, transition costs, costs incurred in connection with acquisitions and non-recurring product and intellectual property development, other business optimization expenses (including costs and expenses relating to business optimization programs and new systems design, inventory optimization programs, severance, contract termination costs, future lease commitments, excess pension charges, retention charges, system establishment costs and implementation costs) and operating expenses attributable to the implementation of cost-savings initiatives, and curtailments or modifications to pension and post-retirement employee benefit plans, | |||||||||
(B) | the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles and changes as a result of the adoption or modification of accounting policies during such period, | |||||||||
(C) | any net after-tax effect of gains or losses on disposal, abandonment or discontinuance of disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations, as applicable, |
E-1-3
(D) | any net after-tax effect of gains or losses (less all fees, expenses and charges relating thereto) attributable to asset dispositions or abandonments or the sale or other disposition of any Equity Interests of any Person other than in the ordinary course of business, | |||||||||
(E) | the net income for such period of any Person that is not a Subsidiary of the Borrower, or is an Unrestricted Subsidiary, or that is accounted for by the equity method of accounting shall be excluded; provided that Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower shall be increased by the amount of dividends or distributions or other payments (other than Excluded Contributions) that are actually paid in cash (or to the extent converted into cash) to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period, | |||||||||
(F) | the net income for such period of any Restricted Subsidiary (other than any Guarantor) shall be excluded to the extent that the declaration or payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Restricted Subsidiary of its net income is not at the date of determination permitted without any prior governmental approval (which has not been obtained) or, directly or indirectly, by the operation of the terms of its charter or any agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule, or governmental regulation applicable to that Restricted Subsidiary or its stockholders (other than restrictions in this Agreement), unless such restriction with respect to the payment of dividends or similar distributions has been legally waived; provided that the Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries will be increased by the amount of dividends or other distributions or other payments actually paid in Cash Equivalents (or to the extent converted into Cash Equivalents) to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary thereof in respect of such period, to the extent not already included therein, | |||||||||
(G) | effects of adjustments (including the effects of such adjustments pushed down to the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries) in the Borrowers consolidated financial statements pursuant to GAAP (including in the inventory (including any impact of changes to inventory valuation policy methods, including changes in capitalization of variances), property and equipment, software, goodwill, intangible assets, in-process research and |
E-1-4
development, deferred revenue and debt line items thereof) resulting from the application of recapitalization accounting or purchase accounting, as the case may be, in relation to the Spin-Off Transaction or any consummated acquisition or joint venture investment or the amortization or write-off or write-down of any amounts thereof, net of taxes, | ||||||||||
(H) | any after-tax effect of income (loss) from the early extinguishment or conversion of (i) Indebtedness, (ii) Swap Obligations or (iii) other derivative instruments, | |||||||||
(I) | any impairment charge or asset write-off or write-down, including impairment charges or asset write-offs or write-downs related to intangible assets, long-lived assets, investments in debt and equity securities and investments recorded using the equity method or as a result of a change in law or regulation, in each case, pursuant to GAAP, and the amortization of intangibles arising pursuant to GAAP, | |||||||||
(J) | any equity-based or non-cash compensation charge or expense including any such charge or expense arising from grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock, profits interests or other rights or equity or equity-based incentive programs (equity incentives), any one-time cash charges associated with the equity incentives or other long-term incentive compensation plans (including under the deferred compensation arrangements of the Borrower or Holdings), roll-over, acceleration, or payout of Equity Interests by management, other employees or business partners of the Borrower or any of its direct or indirect parent companies, | |||||||||
(K) | any fees, expenses or charges incurred during such period, or any amortization thereof for such period, in connection with any acquisition, recapitalization, investment, disposition, incurrence or repayment of Indebtedness (including such fees, expenses or charges related to the offering and issuance of the Senior Unsecured Notes and other securities and the syndication and incurrence of any Facility), issuance of Equity Interests, refinancing transaction or amendment or modification of any debt instrument (including any amendment or other modification of the Senior Unsecured Notes and other securities and any Facility) and including, in each case, any such transaction consummated on or prior to the Closing Date and any such transaction undertaken but not |
E-1-5
completed, and any charges or non-recurring merger costs incurred during such period as a result of any such transaction, in each case whether or not successful or consummated (including, for the avoidance of doubt the effects of expensing all transaction related expenses in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification 805), | ||||||||||
(L) | accruals and reserves that are established or adjusted within twelve months after the Spin-Off Date that are so required to be established or adjusted as a result of the Spin-Off Transaction (or within twenty-four months after the closing of any acquisition that are so required to be established as a result of such acquisition) in accordance with GAAP or changes as a result of modifications of accounting policies, | |||||||||
(M) | any expenses, charges or losses to the extent covered by insurance or indemnity and actually reimbursed, or, so long as the Borrower has made a determination that there exists reasonable evidence that such amount will in fact be reimbursed by the insurer or indemnifying party and only to the extent that such amount is in fact reimbursed within 365 days of the date of the insurable or indemnifiable event (net of any amount so added back in any prior period to the extent not so reimbursed within the applicable 365-day period), | |||||||||
(N) | any non-cash compensation expense resulting from the application of Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 718, CompensationStock Compensation, | |||||||||
(O) | any net unrealized gain or loss (after any offset) resulting in such period from Swap Obligations and the application of Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 815, Derivatives and Hedging, | |||||||||
(P) | any net unrealized gain or loss (after any offset) resulting in such period from currency translation gains or losses including those related to currency remeasurements of Indebtedness (including any net loss or gain resulting from Swap Obligations for currency exchange risk) and any other foreign currency translation gains and losses, to the extent such gain or losses are non-cash items, | |||||||||
(Q) | any adjustments resulting for the application of Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 460, Guarantees, or any comparable regulation, |
E-1-6
(R) | effects of adjustments to accruals and reserves during a prior period relating to any change in the methodology of calculating reserves for returns, rebates and other chargebacks, | |||||||||
(S) | earn-out and contingent consideration obligations (including to the extent accounted for as bonuses or otherwise) and adjustments thereof and purchase price adjustments, | |||||||||
(T) | reserves established for the benefit of landlords of fee-for-service and just-in-time vacation ownership intervals for the acquisition of capitalized assets and equipment at such properties. | |||||||||
(U) | if such Person is treated as a disregarded entity or partnership for U.S. federal, state and/or local income tax purposes for such period or any portion thereof, the amount of distributions actually made to any direct or indirect parent company of such Person in respect of such period in accordance with Section 7.06(i)(iii) of the Credit Agreement shall be included in calculating Consolidated Net Income as though such amounts had been paid as taxes directly by such Person for such period | |||||||||
(b) | plus , to the extent not already included in the Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, the amount of proceeds received from business interruption insurance and reimbursements of any expenses and charges that are covered by indemnification or other reimbursement provisions in connection with any acquisition, investment or any sale, conveyance, transfer or other disposition of assets permitted under the Credit Agreement. | |||||||||
(c) | plus, without duplication and, except with respect to clauses (viii) and (xi), to the extent already deducted (and not added back) in arriving at such Consolidated Net Income, the sum of the following amounts for such period with respect to the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries: | |||||||||
(i) | provision for taxes based on income, profits or capital gains of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, federal, state, franchise and similar taxes (such as the Delaware franchise tax, the Pennsylvania capital tax, Texas margin tax and provincial capital taxes paid in Canada) and foreign withholding taxes (including any future taxes or other levies which replace or are intended to be in lieu of such taxes and any penalties and interest related to such |
E-1-7
taxes or arising from tax examinations) and the net tax expense associated with any adjustments made pursuant to items (A) through (U) of the calculation of Consolidated Net Income above, | ||||||||||
(ii) | Fixed Charges for such period (including (x) net losses on Swap Obligations or other derivative instruments entered into for the purpose of hedging interest rate risk, (y) bank fees and other financing fees and (z) costs of surety bonds in connection with financing activities, plus (q) any additional interest owing pursuant to the registration rights agreement with respect to the Senior Unsecured Notes or other securities, (r) costs associated with obtaining Swap Obligations, (s) any expense resulting from the discounting of any Indebtedness in connection with the application of recapitalization accounting or, if applicable, purchase accounting in connection with any acquisition, (t) penalties and interest relating to taxes, (u) any additional interest or liquidated damages with respect to other securities for failure to timely comply with registration rights obligations, (v) amortization or expensing of deferred financing fees, amendment and consent fees, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses and discounted liabilities, (w) any expensing of bridge, commitment and other financing fees and any other fees related to the Spin-Off Transaction or any acquisitions after the Closing Date, (x) [reserved], (y) any accretion of accrued interest on discounted liabilities and any prepayment premium or penalty) and (z) interest expense attributable to a parent entity resulting from push-down accounting, | |||||||||
(iii) | the total amount of depreciation and amortization expense and capitalized fees related to any Qualified Securitization Financing of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, including the amortization of intangible assets, deferred financing costs, debt issuance costs, commissions, fees and expenses and Capitalized Software Expenditures of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period on a consolidated basis and otherwise determined in accordance with GAAP, | |||||||||
(iv) | the amount of any restructuring charges or reserves, equity-based or non-cash compensation charges or expenses including any such charges or expenses arising from grants of stock appreciation or similar rights, stock options, restricted stock or other rights, retention charges (including charges or expenses in respect of incentive plans), start-up or initial costs for any project or new production line, division or new line of business, integration costs or other business optimization expenses or reserves including, without limitation, costs or reserves associated with improvements to IT and accounting functions, integration and facilities opening costs or any one-time costs incurred in connection with acquisitions and investments and costs related to the closure and/or consolidation of facilities, |
E-1-8
(v) | any other non-cash charges, including any write-offs or write-downs reducing Consolidated Net Income for such period (provided that if any such non-cash charges represent an accrual or reserve for potential cash items in any future period, (A) the Borrower may elect not to add back such non-cash charge in the current period and (B) to the extent the Borrower elects to add back such non-cash charge, the cash payment in respect thereof in such future period shall be subtracted from Consolidated EBITDA to such extent, and excluding amortization of a prepaid cash item that was paid in a prior period), | |||||||||
(vi) | the amount of any non-controlling interest or minority interest expense consisting of Subsidiary income attributable to minority equity interests of third parties in any non-wholly owned Subsidiary, | |||||||||
(vii) | the amount of management, monitoring, consulting, advisory fees and other fees (including termination fees) and indemnities and expenses paid or accrued in such period under the Support and Services Agreement (and related agreements or arrangements) or otherwise to the Investors to the extent otherwise permitted under Section 7.08 of the Credit Agreement, | |||||||||
(viii) | the amount of run-rate cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies projected by the Borrower in good faith to result from actions taken, committed to be taken or expected in good faith to be taken no later than twenty-four (24) months after the end of such period (calculated on a pro forma basis as though such cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies had been realized on the first day of such period for which Consolidated EBITDA is being determined and as if such cost savings, operating expense reductions and synergies were realized during the entirety of such period), net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions; provided, that such cost savings and synergies are reasonably identifiable and factually supportable (it is understood and agreed that run-rate means the full recurring benefit for a period that is associated with any action taken, committed to be taken or expected to be taken, net of the amount of actual benefits realized during such period from such actions), | |||||||||
(ix) | the amount of loss or discount on sale of receivables, Securitization Assets and related assets to any Securitization Subsidiary in connection with a Qualified Securitization Financing, |
E-1-9
(x) | any costs or expense incurred by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary or any direct or indirect parent entity of the Borrower pursuant to any management equity plan or stock option plan or any other management or employee benefit plan or agreement or any stock subscription or shareholder agreement, to the extent that such cost or expenses are funded with cash proceeds contributed to the capital of the Borrower or net cash proceeds of an issuance of Equity Interest of the Borrower (other than Disqualified Equity Interest), | |||||||||
(xi) | cash receipts (or any netting arrangements resulting in reduced cash expenditures) not representing Consolidated EBITDA or Consolidated Net Income in any period to the extent non-cash gains relating to such income were deducted in the calculation of Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to item (d) below for any previous period and not added back, and | |||||||||
(xii) | any net loss from disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations, | |||||||||
(d) | minus, without duplication and to the extent included in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period, the sum of the following: | |||||||||
(i) | non-cash gains increasing Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower for such period, excluding any non-cash gains to the extent they represent the reversal of an accrual or reserve for a potential cash item that reduced Consolidated EBITDA in any prior period and any non-cash gains with respect to cash actually received in a prior period so long as such cash did not increase Consolidated EBITDA in such prior period, and | |||||||||
(ii) | any net income from disposed, abandoned or discontinued operations | |||||||||
|
||||||||||
There shall be included in determining Consolidated EBITDA for any period, without duplication, (i) the Acquired EBITDA of any Person, property, business or asset acquired by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary during such period (but not the Acquired EBITDA of any related Person, property, business or assets to the extent not so acquired), to the extent not subsequently sold, transferred or otherwise disposed by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary during such period (each such Person, property, business or asset acquired and not subsequently so disposed of, an Acquired Entity or Business ) and the Acquired EBITDA of any Unrestricted Subsidiary that is converted into a Restricted Subsidiary during such period (each a Converted Restricted Subsidiary ), based on the actual Acquired EBITDA of such Acquired Entity or |
E-1-10
Business or Converted Restricted Subsidiary for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such acquisition) and (ii) for the purposes of the definition of the term Permitted Acquisition, compliance with the covenants set forth in Section 7.11 of the Credit Agreement and the calculation of Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio, Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio and Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio, an adjustment in respect of each Acquired Entity or Business equal to the amount of the Pro Forma Adjustment with respect to such Acquired Entity or Business for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such acquisition) as specified in a certificate executed by a Responsible Officer and delivered to the Lenders and the Administrative Agent. | ||||||||||
There shall be excluded in determining Consolidated EBITDA for any period the Disposed EBITDA of any Person, property, business or asset (other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary) sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of or closed or classified as discontinued operations (but if such operations are classified as discontinued due to the fact that they are subject to an agreement to dispose of such operations, only when and to the extent such operations are actually disposed of) by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary during such period (each such Person, property, business or asset so sold or disposed of, a Sold Entity or Business ) and the Disposed EBITDA of any Restricted Subsidiary that is converted into an Unrestricted Subsidiary during such period (each a Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary ), based on the actual Disposed EBITDA of such Sold Entity or Business or Converted Unrestricted Subsidiary for such period (including the portion thereof occurring prior to such sale, transfer or disposition). | ||||||||||
Consolidated EBITDA | ||||||||||
(2) | Consolidated Interest Expense: | |||||||||
(a) | the sum, without duplication, of: | |||||||||
(i) | consolidated interest expense of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries for such period, to the extent such expense was deducted (and not added back) in computing Consolidated Net Income (including (a) amortization of original issue discount resulting from the issuance of Indebtedness at less than par, (b) all commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed with respect to letters of credit or bankers acceptances, (c) non-cash interest payments (but excluding any non-cash interest expense attributable to the movement in the mark to market valuation of Swap Obligations or other derivative instruments pursuant to GAAP), (d) the interest component of Capitalized Lease Obligations, and (e) net payments, if any made (less net payments, if any, received), pursuant to interest rate Swap Obligations with respect to Indebtedness, and excluding (q) |
E-1-11
5 | For purposes of determining the amount of Consolidated Interest Expense included in the calculation of the Consolidated Interest Coverage Ratio for the Test Period ending (a) the first fiscal quarter ended after the Closing Date, such amount shall equal such item for such fiscal quarter multiplied by four; (b) the second fiscal quarter ended after the Closing Date, such amount shall equal such item for the two fiscal quarters then ended multiplied by two; and (c) the third fiscal quarter ended after the Closing Date, such amount shall equal such item for the three fiscal quarters then ended multiplied by 4/3. |
E-1-12
(B) | Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio: Consolidated First Lien Net Debt to Consolidated EBITDA | |||||||||
(1) | Consolidated First Lien Net Debt: | |||||||||
(a) | Consolidated Total Net Debt as of [ ], 20[●]: | |||||||||
(i) | As of any date of determination, the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding on such date, in an amount that would be reflected on a balance sheet prepared as of such date on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP (but excluding the effects of any discounting of Indebtedness resulting from the application of purchase accounting in connection with the Spin-Off Transaction or any Permitted Acquisition) consisting of the sum of the following: | |||||||||
(A) | Indebtedness for borrowed money | |||||||||
(B) | Attributable Indebtedness | |||||||||
(C) | debt obligations evidenced by promissory notes or similar instruments | |||||||||
minus | ||||||||||
(ii) | the aggregate amount of all cash and Cash Equivalents on the balance sheet of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date; provided that Consolidated Total Net Debt shall not include Indebtedness (i) in respect of letters of credit, except to the extent of unreimbursed amounts thereunder; provided that any unreimbursed amount under commercial letters of credit shall not be counted as Consolidated Total Net Debt until three Business Days after such amount is drawn, (ii) in respect of Qualified Securitization Financings and (iii) of Unrestricted Subsidiaries; it being understood, for the avoidance of doubt, that obligations under Swap Contracts do not constitute Consolidated Total Net Debt. | |||||||||
Consolidated Total Net Debt | ||||||||||
minus | ||||||||||
(b) | the portion of Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary included in Consolidated Total Net Debt that is not secured by any Lien on property or assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and |
E-1-13
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned, in his/her capacity as a Responsible Officer Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC, has executed this certificate for and on behalf of Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC, and has caused this certificate to be delivered this day of , 20[ ].
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER LLC | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
E-1-14
EXHIBIT E-2
[FORM OF]
SOLVENCY CERTIFICATE
of
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER LLC
AND ITS SUBSIDIARIES
[Date]
Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2016 (as amended, modified, refinanced and/or restated from time to time, the Credit Agreement ), among Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Parent ), Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), the other Guarantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, the undersigned hereby certifies, solely in such undersigneds capacity as president of the Borrower, and not individually, as follows:
As of the date hereof, after giving effect to the consummation of the Spin-Off Transaction, including the making of the Loans under the Credit Agreement on the date hereof, and after giving effect to the application of the proceeds of such Loans:
a. | The fair value of the assets of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, exceeds, on a consolidated basis, their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise; |
b. | The present fair saleable value of the property of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, is greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability, on a consolidated basis, of their debts and other liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured; |
c. | The Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are able to pay their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such liabilities become absolute and matured; and |
d. | The Borrower and its Subsidiaries, on a consolidated basis, are not engaged in, and are not about to engage in, business for which they have unreasonably small capital. |
For purposes of this Certificate, the amount of any contingent liability at any time shall be computed as the amount that would reasonably be expected to become an actual and matured liability. Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement.
E-2-1
The undersigned is familiar with the business and financial position of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries. In reaching the conclusions set forth in this Certificate, the undersigned has made such other investigations and inquiries as the undersigned has deemed appropriate, having taken into account the nature of the particular business anticipated to be conducted by the Borrower and its Subsidiaries after consummation of the Transactions.
[ Signature Page Follows ]
E-2-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Certificate in such undersigneds capacity as president of the Borrower, on behalf of the Borrower, and not individually, as of the date first stated above.
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER LLC | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
E-2-3
EXHIBIT F
[FORM OF]
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION
This Assignment and Assumption (this Assignment and Assumption ) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between the Assignor (as defined below) and the Assignee (as defined below). Capitalized terms used in this Assignment and Assumption and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings specified in the Credit Agreement identified below (as amended, modified, refinanced and/or restated from time to time, the Credit Agreement ), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by the Assignee. The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex 1 attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Assumption as if set forth herein in full.
For an agreed consideration, the Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to the Assignee, and the Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from the Assignor, subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the Administrative Agent as contemplated below, (i) all of the Assignors rights and obligations in its capacity as a Lender under the Credit Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of the Assignor under the respective facilities identified below (including participations in any Letters of Credit or Swing Line Loans included in such facilities) and (ii) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender) against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including, but not limited to, contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (i) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) above being referred to herein collectively as the Assigned Interest ). Such sale and assignment is without recourse to the Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty by the Assignor.
1. Assignor (the Assignor ):
2. Assignee (the Assignee ):
Assignee is an Affiliate of [Name of Lender]
Assignee is an Approved Fund of: [Name of Lender]
3. Borrower: Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC
4. Administrative Agent: Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch
5. Credit Agreement: The Credit Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2016, among Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC (the Parent), a Delaware limited liability company, Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC (the Borrower), the Guarantors party thereto, the Lenders from time to time party thereto, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer and the other parties from time to time party thereto.
F-1
6. Assigned Interest:
Facility Assigned 1 |
Aggregate Amount of
Commitment/Loans of all Lenders 2 |
Amount of
Commitment/Loans Assigned 3 |
Percentage Assigned
of Aggregate Commitment/Loans of all Lenders 4 |
|||||||||
$ | $ | % | ||||||||||
$ | $ | % | ||||||||||
$ | $ | % |
[7. Trade Date: ] 5
Effective Date: , 20 [TO BE INSERTED BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TRANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR.]
1 | Fill in the appropriate terminology for the types of facilities under the Credit Agreement that are being assigned under this Assignment and Assumption (e.g. Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans , Extended Term Loans, Revolving Credit Commitments, Incremental Revolving Credit Commitments, Extended Revolving Credit Commitments, Other Revolving Credit Commitments, etc.). Amounts in this column and in the column immediately to the right to be adjusted by the counterparties to take into account any payments or prepayments made between the Trade Date and the Effective Date. |
2 | Amounts in this column and in the column immediately to the right to be adjusted by the counterparties to take into account any payments or prepayments made between the Trade Date and the Effective Date |
3 | Except in the cases of an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund or an assignment of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lenders Commitment or Loans of any class, the amount shall not be less than $5,000,000 (in the case of a Revolving Credit Loan or Revolving Credit Commitment) or, $1,000,000 (in the case of a Term Loan), and shall be in increments of $1,000,000 (in the case of each Revolving Credit Loan or Revolving Credit Commitment) or $1,000,000 (in the case of Term Loans) in excess thereof. |
4 | Set forth, to at least 8 decimals, as a percentage of the Commitment/Loans of all Lenders thereunder. |
5 | To be completed if the Assignor and the Assignee intend that the minimum assignment amount is to be determined as of the Trade Date. |
F-2
The terms set forth in this Assignment and Assumption are hereby agreed to:
[NAME OF ASSIGNOR], as Assignor | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[NAME OF ASSIGNEE], as Assignee | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
F-3
[Consented to and] 6 Accepted: | ||
DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH, as Administrative Agent[, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer] 7 8 |
||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
6 | No consent of the Administrative Agent shall be required for an assignment of a Term Loan to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund. |
7 | No consent of the Swing Line Lender shall be required for any assignment not related to Revolving Credit Commitments or Revolving Credit Exposure. |
8 | No consent of the L/C Issuers shall be required for any assignment not related to Revolving Credit Commitments or Revolving Credit Exposure. |
F-4
[Consented to: | ||
[ ] and each other L/C Issuer], as L/C Issuer] 9 | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
9 | No consent of the L/C Issuers shall be required for any assignment not related to Revolving Credit Commitments or Revolving Credit Exposure. |
F-5
[Consented to: | ||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER LLC] 10 | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
10 | No consent of the Borrower shall be required for (i) an assignment of all or any portion of the Term Loans to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund; provided that the Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to any assignment of Term Loans unless the Borrower shall have objected thereto within fifteen (15) Business Days after having received written notice thereof, (ii) an assignment related to Revolving Credit Commitments or Revolving Credit Exposure to a Revolving Credit Lender or to an Affiliate of a Revolving Credit Lender of similar creditworthiness, (iii) if an Event of Default under Section 8.01(a) of the Credit Agreement or, solely with respect to the Borrower, Section 8.01(f) of the Credit Agreement has occurred and is continuing or (iv) an assignment of all or a portion of the Loans pursuant to Section 10.07(m) of the Credit Agreement. |
F-6
ANNEX I
STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION
1. Representations and Warranties .
1.1 Assignor . The Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of the Assigned Interest, (ii) the Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim and (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of Parent, the Borrower, or any of their respective Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person obligated in respect of the Credit Agreement or (iv) the performance or observance by Parent, the Borrower, or any of their respective Subsidiaries or Affiliates or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.
1.2. Assignee . The Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it satisfies the requirements, if any, specified in the Credit Agreement that are required to be satisfied by it in order to acquire the Assigned Interest and become a Lender thereunder, (iii) it is not a Defaulting Lender, a Disqualified Lender, a natural person or an Affiliated Lender, (iv) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the Credit Agreement and, to the extent provided in this Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (v) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to acquire assets of the type represented by the Assigned Interest and either it, or the person exercising discretion in making its decision to acquire the Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of such type, (vi) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, together with copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Sections 5.05 or 6.01 of the Credit Agreement, as applicable, and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase the Assigned Interest on the basis of which it has made such analysis and decision independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent, the Assignor or any other Lender, (vii) if it is not already a Lender under the Credit Agreement, attached to this Assignment and Assumption is an Administrative Questionnaire as required by the Credit Agreement and (viii) the Administrative Agent has received a processing and recordation fee of $3,500 (unless waived or reduced in the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent) as of the Effective Date and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent, the Assignor or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents, and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender, including its obligations pursuant to Section 3.01 of the Credit Agreement.
2. Payments . From and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of the Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to the Assignor for amounts which have accrued to but excluding the Effective Date and to the Assignee for amounts which have accrued from and after the Effective Date.
F-7
3. General Provisions .
3.1 In accordance with Section 10.07 of the Credit Agreement, upon execution, delivery, acceptance and recording of this Assignment and Assumption, from and after the Effective Date, (a) the Assignee shall be a party to the Credit Agreement and, to the extent provided in this Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under the Credit Agreement with a Commitment/Loan as set forth herein and (b) the Assignor shall, to the extent of the Assigned Interest assigned pursuant to this Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under the Credit Agreement (and, in the case that this Assignment and Assumption covers all of the Assignors rights and obligations under the Credit Agreement, the Assignor shall cease to be a party to the Credit Agreement but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of Sections 3.01, 3.04, 3.05, 10.04 and 10.05 thereof).
3.2 This Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns. This Assignment and Assumption may be executed by one or more of the parties to this Assignment and Assumption on any number of separate counterparts (including by facsimile or other electronic transmission), and all of said counterparts taken together shall be deemed to constitute one and the same instrument. This Assignment and Assumption and the rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall be construed in accordance with and governed by and interpreted under the law of the state of New York.
F-8
EXHIBIT G
[FORM OF]
SECURITY AGREEMENT
[See separately executed document]
G-1
EXHIBIT H
[FORM OF]
PERFECTION CERTIFICATE
[See separately executed document]
H-1
EXHIBIT I
[FORM OF]
INTERCOMPANY NOTE
December [ ], 2016
FOR VALUE RECEIVED, each of the undersigned, to the extent a borrower from time to time from any other entity listed on the signature page hereto (each, in such capacity, an Issuer ), hereby promises to pay on demand to the order of such other entity listed below (each, in such capacity, a Holder and, together with each Issuer, a Note Party ), in immediately available funds at such location as the applicable Holder shall from time to time designate, the unpaid principal amount of all loans and advances or other credit extensions (including trade payables) made by such Holder to such Issuer. Each Issuer promises also to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of all such loans and advances or other credit extensions in like money at said location from the date of such loans and advances until paid at such rate per annum as shall be agreed upon from time to time by such Issuer and such Holder.
This note ( Note ) is an Intercompany Note referred to in the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2016 (as amended, modified, refinanced and/or restated from time to time, the Credit Agreement ), among Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Parent ), Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), the other Guarantors party thereto from time to time, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent (the Administrative Agent ), Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer and the lenders party thereto from time to time and (collectively, the Lenders and individually, a Lender ) and is subject to the terms thereof, and shall be pledged by each Holder pursuant to the Security Agreement (as defined in the Credit Agreement), to the extent required pursuant to the terms thereof. Each Holder hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Administrative Agent may exercise all rights provided in the Credit Agreement and the Security Agreement with respect to this Note.
Anything in this Note to the contrary notwithstanding, the indebtedness evidenced by this Note owed by any Issuer that is the Borrower or a Guarantor to any Holder shall be subordinate and junior in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner hereinafter set forth, to (i) all obligations of such Issuer under the Credit Agreement and the Senior Unsecured Notes Documents, including, without limitation, where applicable, under such Issuers guarantee of the obligations under the Credit Agreement and the Senior Unsecured Notes Documents and (ii) all other Indebtedness (as defined in the Credit Agreement and the Senior Unsecured Notes Documents) of such Issuer or any guaranty thereof, other than Indebtedness that by its terms expressly provides that it shall not be Senior Indebtedness (as defined below) hereunder (such Obligations and such Indebtedness and other indebtedness and obligations in connection with any renewal, refunding, restructuring or refinancing thereof, including interest thereon accruing after the commencement of any proceedings referred to in clause (i) below, whether or not such interest is an allowed claim in such proceeding, being hereinafter collectively referred to as Senior Indebtedness ):
(i) In the event of any insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, and any receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar proceedings in connection therewith, relative to any Issuer or to its creditors, as such, or to its property, and in the event of any proceedings for voluntary liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of such Issuer, whether or not involving
I-1
insolvency or bankruptcy, then (x) the holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be paid in full in cash in respect of all amounts constituting Senior Indebtedness before any Holder is entitled to receive (whether directly or indirectly), or make any demands for, any payment on account of this Note and (y) until the holders of Senior Indebtedness are paid in full in cash in respect of all amounts constituting Senior Indebtedness, any payment or distribution to which such Holder would otherwise be entitled (other than debt securities of such Issuer that are subordinated, to at least the same extent as this Note, to the payment of all Senior Indebtedness then outstanding (such securities being hereinafter referred to as Restructured Debt Securities )) shall be made to the holders of Senior Indebtedness;
(ii) if any default occurs and is continuing with respect to any Senior Indebtedness (including any Default under the Credit Agreement or the Senior Unsecured Notes Documents), then no payment or distribution of any kind or character shall be made by or on behalf of the Issuer or any other Person on its behalf with respect to this Note; and
(iii) if any payment or distribution of any character, whether in cash, securities or other property (other than Restructured Debt Securities), in respect of this Note shall (despite these subordination provisions) be received by any Holder in violation of clause (i) or (ii) before all Senior Indebtedness shall have been paid in full in cash, such payment or distribution shall be held in trust for the benefit of, and shall be paid over or delivered to, the holders of Senior Indebtedness (or their representatives), ratably according to the respective aggregate amounts remaining unpaid thereon, to the extent necessary to pay all Senior Indebtedness in full in cash.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, no present or future holder of Senior Indebtedness shall be prejudiced in its right to enforce the subordination of this Note by any act or failure to act on the part of any Issuer or by any act or failure to act on the part of such holder or any trustee or agent for such holder. Each Holder and each Issuer hereby agree that the subordination of this Note is for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the Lenders under the Credit Agreement and the trustee under the Senior Unsecured Notes Documents and such parties are obligees under this Note to the same extent as if their names were written herein as such and the Administrative Agent may, on behalf of itself and the Lenders, or the trustee under the Senior Unsecured Notes Documents may, on behalf of itself and the note holders, proceed to enforce the subordination provisions herein.
The indebtedness evidenced by this Note owed by any Issuer that is not the Borrower or a Guarantor shall not be subordinated to, and shall rank pari passu in right of payment with, any other obligation of such Issuer.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) nothing contained in the subordination provisions set forth above is intended to or will impair, as between each Issuer and each Holder, the obligations of such Issuer, which are absolute and unconditional, to pay to such Holder the principal of and interest on this Note as and when due and payable in accordance with its terms, or is intended to or will affect the relative rights of such Holder and other creditors of such Issuer other than the holders of Senior Indebtedness and (ii) with respect to any indebtedness owing from any Issuer to any Holder with a works council or other employee representative body, such Indebtedness shall, unless such body has been consulted with respect to such subordination, and, if and to the extent required, unconditionally approved such subordination (by means of a prior positive advice or otherwise), not be subordinated to the Senior Indebtedness to the extent, and only to the extent, that the terms of such subordination would require the approval of or consultation with such entity before such subordination could be effective.
Each Holder is hereby authorized to record all loans and advances or other credit extensions made by it to any Issuer (all of which shall be evidenced by this Note), and all repayments or prepayments thereof, in
I-2
its books and records, such books and records constituting prima facie evidence of the accuracy of the information contained therein. For the avoidance of doubt, this Note as between each Issuer and each Holder contains additional terms to any intercompany loan agreement between them and this Note does not in any way replace such intercompany loans between them nor does this Note in any way change the principal amount of any intercompany loans between them.
Upon execution and delivery after the date hereof by Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC or any subsidiary of Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC of a counterpart signature page hereto, such subsidiary shall become a Note Party hereunder with the same force and effect as if originally named as a Note Party hereunder. The rights and obligations of each Note Party hereunder shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the addition of any new Note Party as a party to this Note.
Each Issuer hereby waives presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind in connection with this Note. All payments under this Note shall be made without offset, counterclaim or deduction of any kind.
THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
I-3
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS PARENT LLC as both Issuer and Holder, |
||||
By: |
|
|||
Name: | ||||
Title: | ||||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER LLC as both Issuer and Holder, | ||||
By: |
|
|||
Name: | ||||
Title: | ||||
[ ] | ||||
each, as both Issuer and Holder, | ||||
By: |
|
|||
Name: | ||||
Title: |
I-4
EXHIBIT J-1
[FORM OF]
FIRST LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT
dated as of [ ], 20[ ],
among
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS PARENT LLC,
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER LLC,
the other GRANTORS party hereto,
DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH,
as Credit Agreement Collateral Agent,
[ ],
as Initial Additional First Lien Collateral Agent,
and
each ADDITIONAL COLLATERAL AGENT from time to time party hereto
J-1-1
FIRST LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of [ ], 20[ ] (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this Agreement ), among HILTON GRAND VACATIONS PARENT LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( Holdings ), HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), the other Grantors party hereto, DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH, in its capacity as collateral agent for the Credit Agreement Secured Parties (in such capacity, the Credit Agreement Collateral Agent ), [ ], (in such capacity, the Initial Additional First Lien Collateral Agent ), and each Additional Collateral Agent (as defined below) from time to time party hereto as collateral agent for any First Lien Obligations (as defined below) of any other Class (as defined below).
The parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
Definitions
SECTION 1.01. Certain Defined Terms . As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below or, if defined in the New York UCC, the meanings specified therein:
Additional Collateral Agent has the meaning assigned to such term in Article IX.
Additional First Lien Obligations means all obligations of the Borrower and the other Grantors that shall have been designated as such pursuant to Article IX, together with any Refinancing thereof; provided , that the holders of any such Refinancing debt (or the applicable Collateral Agent on their behalf) shall, to the extent not already party hereto in such capacity, bind themselves in writing to the terms of this Agreement.
Additional First Lien Obligations Documents means the notes, the indentures, security documents or any other agreements or instruments under which Additional First Lien Obligations of any Series are issued or incurred and all other instruments, agreements and other documents evidencing or governing Additional First Lien Obligations of such Series or providing any guarantee, Lien or other right in respect thereof.
Additional Secured Parties means the holders of any Additional First Lien Obligations and any collateral agent named as authorized representative for such Series in the Collateral Agent Joinder Agreement.
Affiliate means, with respect to any Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified. Control means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. Controlling and Controlled have meanings correlative thereto.
Agreement has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble hereto.
Amend means, in respect of any agreement, to amend, restate, supplement, waive or otherwise modify such agreement, in whole or in part. The terms Amended and Amendment shall have correlative meanings.
Authorized Officer means, with respect to any Person, the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, the president, any vice president, treasurer, general counsel, secretary or another executive officer of such Person.
J-1-2
Bankruptcy Case has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.01(a).
Bankruptcy Code means Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended.
Bankruptcy Law means the Bankruptcy Code and any similar Federal, state or foreign law for the relief of debtors.
Borrower has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble hereto.
Business Day means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by law to remain closed.
Class , when used in reference to (a) any First Lien Obligations, refers to whether such First Lien Obligations are the Credit Agreement Obligations, the Initial Additional First Lien Obligations or the Additional First Lien Obligations of any Series, (b) any Collateral Agent, refers to whether such Collateral Agent is the Credit Agreement Collateral Agent, the Initial Additional First Lien Collateral Agent or the Additional Collateral Agent with respect to the Additional First Lien Obligations of any Series, (c) any Secured Parties, refers to whether such Secured Parties are the Credit Agreement Secured Parties, the Initial Additional First Lien Secured Parties or the holders of the Additional First Lien Obligations of any Series, (d) any Secured Credit Documents, refers to whether such Secured Credit Documents are the Credit Agreement Documents, the Initial Additional First Lien Documents or the Additional First Lien Obligations Documents with respect to Additional First Lien Obligations of any Series, and (e) any Security Documents, refers to whether such Security Documents are part of the Credit Agreement Documents, the Initial Additional First Lien Documents or the Additional First Lien Obligations Documents with respect to Additional First Lien Obligations of any Series.
Collateral means all assets of the Borrower or any of the Grantors now or hereafter subject to a Lien securing any First Lien Obligation.
Collateral Agent Joinder Agreement means a supplement to this Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit I.
Collateral Agents means the Credit Agreement Collateral Agent, the Initial Additional First Lien Collateral Agent and each Additional Collateral Agent.
Control has the meaning assigned thereto in the definition of Affiliate.
Controlling Collateral Agent means (a) until the earlier of (x) the Discharge of Credit Agreement Obligations and (y) the Non-Controlling Collateral Agent Enforcement Date, the Credit Agreement Collateral Agent and (b) thereafter, the Major Non-Controlling Collateral Agent as of the occurrence of the event describe in clause (a) of this definition.
Controlling Secured Parties means, with respect to any Shared Collateral, the Class of First Lien Obligations whose Collateral Agent is the Controlling Collateral Agent for such Shared Collateral.
Credit Agreement means the Credit Agreement dated as of December 27, 2016 by and among the Borrower, Holdings, the other guarantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party
J-1-3
thereto from time to time, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as administrative agent, collateral agent, swing line lender and L/C issuer, and one or more other financing arrangements (including, without limitation, any guarantee agreements and security documents), in each case as such agreements may be amended (including any amendment and restatement thereof), supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, including any agreement, indenture, credit facility, commercial paper facility or new agreement extending the maturity of, refinancing, replacing, consolidating or otherwise restructuring all or any portion of the Indebtedness under any such agreement or any successor or replacement agreement and whether by the same or any other agent, lender or group of lenders and whether or not increasing the amount of Indebtedness that may be incurred thereunder (provided that such Indebtedness is permitted to be incurred under the Secured Credit Documents); provided (a) that the collateral agent for any such other financing arrangement or agreement becomes a party hereto by executing and delivering a Collateral Agent Joinder Agreement and (b) in the case of any refinancing or replacement, the Borrower designates such financing arrangement or agreement as the Credit Agreement (and not an Additional First Lien Obligation) hereunder.
Credit Agreement Administrative Agent has the meaning assigned to the term Administrative Agent in the Credit Agreement and shall include any successor administrative agent.
Credit Agreement Collateral Agent has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble hereto.
Credit Agreement Documents has the meaning assigned to the term Loan Documents in the Credit Agreement.
Credit Agreement Obligations has the meaning assigned to the term Obligations in the Credit Agreement, together with any Refinancing thereof.
Credit Agreement Secured Parties has the meaning assigned to the term Secured Parties in the Credit Agreement.
Credit Agreement Security Agreement has the meaning assigned to the term Security Agreement in the Credit Agreement.
DIP Financing has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.01(a).
DIP Financing Liens has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.01(a).
DIP Lenders has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.01(a).
Discharge means, with respect to any Shared Collateral and any Class of First Lien Obligations, the date on which such Class of First Lien Obligations is no longer secured by such Shared Collateral. The term Discharged shall have a corresponding meaning.
Event of Default means an Event of Default (or similar event, however denominated) as defined in any Secured Credit Document.
First Lien Obligations means (a) all the Credit Agreement Obligations, (b) all the Initial Additional First Lien Obligations and (c) all the Additional First Lien Obligations.
Grantor Joinder Agreement means a supplement to this Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit II.
J-1-4
Grantors means, at any time, Holdings, the Borrower and each Subsidiary that, at such time, pursuant to Security Documents of any Class have granted a Lien on any of its assets to secure any First Lien Obligations of such Class.
Holdings has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble hereto.
Impairment has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.02.
Indebtedness has the meaning assigned to such term in the Credit Agreement or in the Initial Additional First Lien Agreement, as applicable.
Initial Additional First Lien Agreement means that certain [Indenture][Credit Agreement][Other Agreement], dated as of [ ], among the Borrower, [the Guarantors identified therein,] and [ ], as [trustee][administrative agent], as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, together with any Refinancing thereof; provided , (a) the obligations in respect of any such Refinancing are secured by Liens on the Shared Collateral that rank pari passu to the Liens securing the First Lien Obligations and (b) that the holders of any such Refinancing debt (or their agent on their behalf) shall bind themselves in writing to the terms of this Agreement.
Initial Additional First Lien Collateral Agent has the meaning assigned to such term in the preamble hereto.
Initial Additional First Lien Documents means the Initial Additional First Lien Agreement and the other related facility [Documents] as defined in the Initial Additional First Lien Agreement.
Initial Additional First Lien Obligations means the [Obligations] as such term is defined in the Initial Additional First Lien Security Agreement.
Initial Additional First Lien Secured Parties means the means the Initial Additional First Lien Collateral Agent and the holders of the Initial Additional First Lien Obligations issued pursuant to the Initial Additional First Lien Agreement.
Initial Additional First Lien Security Agreement means the [security][collateral] agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among the Borrower, the Initial Additional First Lien Collateral Agent and the other parties thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding means:
(a) any case commenced by or against the Borrower or any other Grantor under any Bankruptcy Law, any other proceeding for the reorganization, receivership, recapitalization or adjustment or marshalling of the assets or liabilities of the Borrower or any other Grantor, any receivership or assignment for the benefit of creditors relating to the Borrower or any other Grantor or its assets or any similar case or proceeding relative to the Borrower or any other Grantor or its creditors or its assets, as such, in each case whether or not voluntary;
(b) any liquidation, dissolution, marshalling of assets or liabilities, assignment for the benefit of creditors or other winding up of or relating to the Borrower or any other Grantor or its assets, in each case whether or not voluntary and whether or not involving bankruptcy or insolvency and whether or not in a court supervised proceeding; or
J-1-5
(c) any other proceeding of any type or nature in which substantially all claims of creditors of the Borrower or any other Grantor are determined and any payment or distribution is or may be made on account of such claims.
Intervening Creditor has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.02.
Intervening Lien has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.02.
Lien means, with respect to any asset, any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge, or preference, priority or other security interest or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any easement, right of way or other encumbrance on title to real property, and any Capitalized Lease (as defined in the Credit Agreement) having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).
Major Non-Controlling Collateral Agent means, with respect to any Shared Collateral, the Collateral Agent of the Class of First Lien Obligations (other than the Credit Agreement Obligations) that constitutes the largest outstanding principal amount of any Indebtedness for borrowed money then outstanding Class of First Lien Obligations (other than the Credit Agreement Obligations) with respect to such Shared Collateral.
New York UCC means the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect in the State of New York.
Non-Controlling Collateral Agent means, at any time with respect to any Shared Collateral, any Collateral Agent that is not the Controlling Collateral Agent at such time with respect to such Shared Collateral.
Non-Controlling Collateral Agent Enforcement Date means, with respect to any Non-Controlling Collateral Agent, the date which is 120 days (throughout which 120 day period such Non-Controlling Collateral Agent was the Major Non-Controlling Collateral Agent) after the occurrence of both (a) an Event of Default (under and as defined in the Secured Credit Documents under which such Non-Controlling Collateral Agent is the Collateral Agent) and (b) the Controlling Collateral Agents and each other Collateral Agents receipt of written notice from such Non-Controlling Collateral Agent certifying that (x) such Non-Controlling Collateral Agent is the Major Non-Controlling Collateral Agent and that an Event of Default (under and as defined in the Secured Credit Documents under which such Non-Controlling Collateral Agent is the Collateral Agent) has occurred and is continuing and (y) the First Lien Obligations of the Class with respect to which such Non-Controlling Collateral Agent is the Collateral Agent are currently due and payable in full (whether as a result of acceleration thereof or otherwise) in accordance with the terms of the applicable Secured Credit Documents; provided that the Non-Controlling Collateral Agent Enforcement Date shall be stayed and shall not occur and shall be deemed not to have occurred with respect to any Shared Collateral (1) at any time the Controlling Collateral Agent has commenced and is diligently pursuing any enforcement action with respect to such Shared Collateral or (2) at any time the Grantor that has granted a security interest in such Shared Collateral is then a debtor under or with respect to (or otherwise subject to) any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding.
Non-Controlling Secured Parties means, with respect to any Shared Collateral, the Secured Parties which are not Controlling Secured Parties with respect to such Shared Collateral.
Person means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, governmental authority or other entity.
J-1-6
Possessory Collateral means any Shared Collateral in the possession of a Collateral Agent (or its agents or bailees), to the extent that possession thereof perfects a Lien thereon under the Uniform Commercial Code of any jurisdiction. Possessory Collateral includes, without limitation, any Certificated Securities, Promissory Notes, Instruments, and Chattel Paper, in each case, delivered to or in the possession of any Collateral Agent under the terms of the Security Documents.
Proceeds has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.01(b).
Refinance means, in respect of any Indebtedness, to refinance, extend, renew, refund, repay, prepay, redeem, purchase, defease, retire, restructure, amend, increase, modify, supplement or replace, or to issue other Indebtedness or enter alternative financing arrangements in exchange or replacement for, such Indebtedness, in whole or in part, including by adding or replacing lenders, creditors, agents, borrowers and/or guarantors, and including, in each case, but not limited to, after the original instrument giving rise to such indebtedness has been terminated and including, in each case, through any credit agreement, indenture or other agreement. Refinanced and Refinancing shall have correlative meanings.
Related Secured Credit Documents means, with respect to the Collateral Agent or Secured Parties of any Class, the Secured Credit Documents of such Class.
Related Secured Parties means, with respect to the Collateral Agent of any Class, the Secured Parties of such Class.
Secured Credit Documents means, collectively, (a) the Credit Agreement Documents, (b) the Initial Additional First Lien Documents and (c) the Additional First Lien Obligations Documents.
Secured Parties means (a) the Credit Agreement Secured Parties, (b) the Initial Additional First Lien Secured Parties and (c) the Additional Secured Parties.
Security Documents means (a) the Credit Agreement Security Agreement and the other Collateral Documents (as defined in the Credit Agreement), (b) the Initial Additional First Lien Security Agreement and the other [Collateral Documents] (as defined in the Initial Additional First Lien Agreement) and (c) any other agreement entered into in favor of the Collateral Agent of any other Class for the purpose of securing the First Lien Obligations of such Class.
Series , when used in reference to Additional First Lien Obligations, refers to such Additional First Lien Obligations as shall have been issued or incurred pursuant to the same indentures or other agreements and with respect to which the same Person acts as the Additional Collateral Agent.
Shared Collateral means, at any time, Collateral on which Collateral Agents or Secured Parties of any two or more Classes have at such time a Lien (including as a result of the agreements set forth in Section 4.01). If First Lien Obligations of more than two Classes are outstanding at any time, then any Collateral shall constitute Shared Collateral with respect to First Lien Obligations of any Class only if the Collateral Agent or Secured Parties of such Class have at such time a Lien on such Collateral.
Subsidiary of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which a majority of the shares of securities or other interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body (other than securities or interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time beneficially
J-1-7
owned directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a Subsidiary or to Subsidiaries shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Borrower. For the avoidance of doubt, any entity that is owned at a 50.0% or less level (as described above) shall not be a Subsidiary for any purpose under this Agreement, regardless of whether such entity is consolidated on Holdings or any Subsidiarys financial statements.
SECTION 1.02. Terms Generally . The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words include, includes and including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation. The word will shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word shall. Unless the context requires otherwise, (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument, other document, statute or regulation herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument, other document, statute or regulation as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified, (b) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Persons successors and assigns, but shall not be deemed to include the subsidiaries of such Person unless express reference is made to such subsidiaries, (c) the words herein, hereof and hereunder, and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (d) all references herein to Articles, Sections and Exhibits shall be construed to refer to Articles, and Sections of, and Exhibits to, this Agreement and (e) the words asset and property shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.
SECTION 1.03. Concerning the Credit Agreement Collateral Agent, the Initial Additional First Lien Collateral Agent and Each Additional Collateral Agent .
(a) Each acknowledgement, agreement, consent and waiver (whether express or implied) in this Agreement made by the Credit Agreement Collateral Agent, whether on behalf of itself or any of its Related Secured Parties, is made in reliance on the authority granted to the Credit Agreement Collateral Agent pursuant to the authorization thereof under the Credit Agreement. It is understood and agreed that the Credit Agreement Collateral Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into whether any of its Related Secured Parties is in compliance with the terms of this Agreement, and no party hereto or any other Secured Party shall have any right of action whatsoever against the Credit Agreement Collateral Agent for any failure of any of its Related Secured Parties to comply with the terms hereof or for any of its Related Secured Parties taking any action contrary to the terms hereof.
(b) Each acknowledgement, agreement, consent and waiver (whether express or implied) in this Agreement made by the Initial Additional First Lien Collateral Agent, whether on behalf of itself or any of its Related Secured Parties, is made in reliance on the authority granted to the Initial Additional First Lien Collateral Agent pursuant to the authorization thereof under the Initial Additional First Lien Agreement. It is understood and agreed that the Initial Additional First Lien Collateral Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into whether any of its Related Secured Parties is in compliance with the terms of this Agreement, and no party hereto or any other Secured Party shall have any right of action whatsoever against the Initial Additional First Lien Collateral Agent for any failure of any of its Related Secured Parties to comply with the terms hereof or for any of its Related Secured Parties taking any action contrary to the terms hereof.
(c) Each acknowledgement, agreement, consent and waiver (whether express or implied) in this Agreement made by any Additional Collateral Agent, whether on behalf of itself or any of its Related Secured Parties, is made in reliance on the authority granted to such Additional Collateral
J-1-8
Agent pursuant to the authorization thereof under the Additional First Lien Obligations Documents relating to such Class of First Lien Obligations. It is understood and agreed that no Additional Collateral Agent shall be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into whether any of its Related Secured Parties is in compliance with the terms of this Agreement, and no party hereto or any other Secured Party shall have any right of action whatsoever against the Additional Collateral Agent for any failure of any of its Related Secured Parties to comply with the terms hereof or for any of its Related Secured Parties taking any action contrary to the terms hereof.
ARTICLE II
Lien Priorities; Proceeds
SECTION 2.01. Relative Priorities .
(a) Notwithstanding the date, time, method, manner or order of grant, attachment or perfection of any Lien on any Shared Collateral securing any First Lien Obligation, and notwithstanding any provision of the Uniform Commercial Code of any jurisdiction, any other applicable law or any Secured Credit Document, or any other circumstance whatsoever (but, in each case, subject to Section 2.01(b) and Section 2.02), each Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of its Related Secured Parties, agrees that Liens on any Shared Collateral securing First Lien Obligations of any Class shall be of equal priority.
(b) Each Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of its Related Secured Parties, agrees that, notwithstanding (x) any provision of any Secured Credit Document to the contrary (but subject to Section 2.02) and (y) the date, time, method, manner or order of grant, attachment or perfection of any Lien on any Shared Collateral securing any First Lien Obligation, and notwithstanding any provision of the Uniform Commercial Code of any jurisdiction, any other applicable law or any Secured Credit Document, or any other circumstance whatsoever (but, in each case, subject to Section 2.02), if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and (i) such Collateral Agent or any of its Related Secured Parties takes any action to enforce rights or exercise remedies in respect of any Shared Collateral (including any such action referred to in Section 3.01(a)), (ii) any distribution is made in respect of any Shared Collateral in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding of the Borrower or any other Grantor or (iii) such Collateral Agent or any of its Related Secured Parties receives any payment with respect to any Shared Collateral pursuant to any intercreditor agreement (other than this Agreement), then the proceeds of any sale, collection or other liquidation of any Shared Collateral obtained by such Collateral Agent or any of its Related Secured Parties on account of such enforcement of rights or exercise of remedies, and any such distributions or payments received by such Collateral Agent or any of its Related Secured Parties (all such proceeds, distributions and payments being collectively referred to as Proceeds ), shall be applied as follows:
(i) FIRST, to the payment of all amounts owing to and all costs and expenses incurred by any Collateral Agent, the Credit Agreement Administrative Agent and the Initial Additional First Lien Collateral Agent (in their capacities as such), pursuant to the terms of any Secured Credit Document or in connection with any enforcement of rights or exercise of remedies pursuant thereto, including all court costs and the reasonable fees and expenses of agents and legal counsel and, in each case, including all costs and expenses incurred in enforcing its rights to obtain such payment;
(ii) SECOND, subject to Section 2.02 to the payment in full of all First Lien Obligations of each Class secured by a Lien on such Shared Collateral at the time due and payable (the amounts so applied to be distributed, as among such Classes of First Lien Obligations, ratably in accordance with the amounts of the First Lien Obligations of each such Class on the date of such application); and
J-1-9
(iii) THIRD, after payment in full of all the First Lien Obligations, to the Borrower and the other Grantors or their successors or assigns, as their interests may appear, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may direct.
(c) For the avoidance of doubt, any amounts to be distributed pursuant to this Section 2.01 shall be distributed by the Controlling Collateral Agent to each Non-Controlling Collateral Agent for further distribution to its Related Secured Parties.
(d) It is acknowledged that the First Lien Obligations of any Class may, subject to the limitations set forth in the then extant Secured Credit Documents, be increased, extended, renewed, replaced, restated, supplemented, restructured, repaid, refunded, Refinanced or otherwise amended or modified from time to time, all without affecting the priorities set forth in Section 2.01(b) or the provisions of this Agreement defining the relative rights of the Secured Parties of any Class.
SECTION 2.02. Impairments . It is the intention of the parties hereto that the Secured Parties of any given Class of First Lien Obligations (and not the Secured Parties of any other Class of First Lien Obligations) bear the risk of any determination by a court of competent jurisdiction that (i) any First Lien Obligations of such Class of First Lien Obligations are unenforceable under applicable law or are subordinated to any other obligations (other than to any First Lien Obligations), (ii) the Secured Parties of such Class of First Lien Obligations do not have a Lien on any of the Collateral securing any First Lien Obligations of any other Class of First Lien Obligations and/or (iii) any Person (other than any Collateral Agent or Secured Party) has a Lien on any Shared Collateral that is senior in priority to the Lien on such Shared Collateral securing First Lien Obligations of such Class of First Lien Obligations, but junior to the Lien on such Shared Collateral securing any other Class of First Lien Obligations (any such Lien being referred to as an Intervening Lien , and any such Person being referred to as an Intervening Creditor ) (any condition with respect to First Lien Obligations of such Class of First Lien Obligations being referred to as an Impairment of such Class). In the event an Impairment exists with respect to First Lien Obligations of any Class, the results of such Impairment shall be borne solely by the Secured Parties of such Class of First Lien Obligations, and the rights of the Secured Parties of such Class of First Lien Obligations (including the right to receive distributions in respect of First Lien Obligations of such Class of First Lien Obligations pursuant to Section 2.01(b)) set forth herein shall be modified to the extent necessary so that the results of such Impairment are borne solely by the Secured Parties of such Class. In furtherance of the foregoing, in the event First Lien Obligations of any Class of First Lien Obligations shall be subject to an Impairment in the form of an Intervening Lien of any Intervening Creditor, the value of any Shared Collateral or Proceeds that are allocated to such Intervening Creditor shall be deducted solely from the Shared Collateral or Proceeds to be distributed in respect of First Lien Obligations of such Class.
SECTION 2.03. Payment Over . Each Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and its Related Secured Parties, agrees that if such Collateral Agent or any of its Related Secured Parties shall at any time obtain possession of any Shared Collateral or receive any Proceeds (other than as a result of any application of Proceeds pursuant to Section 2.01(b)), then it shall hold such Shared Collateral or Proceeds in trust for the other Secured Parties and promptly transfer such Shared Collateral or Proceeds, as the case may be, to the Controlling Collateral Agent, to be distributed in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.01(b) hereof.
SECTION 2.04. Determinations with Respect to Amounts of Obligations and Liens . Whenever the Collateral Agent of any Class shall be required, in connection with the exercise of its rights
J-1-10
or the performance of its obligations hereunder, to determine the existence or amount of any First Lien Obligations of any other Class, or the Shared Collateral subject to any Lien securing the First Lien Obligations of any other Class (and whether such Lien constitutes a valid and perfected Lien), it may request that such information be furnished to it in writing by the Collateral Agent of such other Class and shall be entitled to make such determination on the basis of the information so furnished; provided that if, notwithstanding the request of the Collateral Agent of such Class, the Collateral Agent of such other Class shall fail or refuse reasonably promptly to provide the requested information, the Collateral Agent of such Class shall be entitled to make any such determination by such method as it may, in the exercise of its good faith judgment, determine, including by reliance upon a certificate of an Authorized Officer of the Borrower. Each Collateral Agent may rely conclusively, and shall be fully protected in so relying, on any determination made by it in accordance with the provisions of the preceding sentence (or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction) and shall have no liability to any Grantor, any Secured Party or any other Person as a result of such determination or any action taken or not taken pursuant thereto.
SECTION 2.05. Exculpatory Provisions. Without limitation of Article VI, none of the Collateral Agents or any Secured Parties shall be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken by any Collateral Agent or Secured Party with respect to any Shared Collateral in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.
ARTICLE III
Rights and Remedies; Matters Relating to Shared Collateral
SECTION 3.01. Exercise of Rights and Remedies .
(a) Only the Controlling Collateral Agent shall act or refrain from acting with respect to any Shared Collateral (including with respect to any intercreditor agreement with respect to any junior Liens on Shared Collateral). No Non-Controlling Collateral Agent and no Non-Controlling Secured Party shall commence any judicial or nonjudicial foreclosure proceedings with respect to, seek to have a trustee, receiver, liquidator or similar official appointed for or over, attempt any action to take possession of, exercise any right, remedy or power as a secured creditor with respect to, or otherwise take any action to enforce its security interest in or realize upon, or take any other action available to it in respect of, any Shared Collateral (including with respect to any intercreditor agreement with respect to junior Liens on any Shared Collateral), whether under any Secured Credit Document, applicable law or otherwise, it being agreed that only the Controlling Collateral Agent, acting in accordance with the applicable Secured Credit Documents, shall be entitled to take any such actions or exercise any such remedies with respect to Shared Collateral at any time. Without limitation of the foregoing, (A) in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding commenced by or against the Borrower or any other Grantor, each Collateral Agent or any of its Related Secured Parties may file a proof of claim or statement of interest with respect to the applicable obligations thereto, (B) in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding commenced by or against the Borrower or any other Grantor, each Collateral Agent or its Related Secured Parties may file any necessary or appropriate responsive pleadings in opposition to any motion, adversary proceeding or other pleading filed by any Person objecting to or otherwise seeking disallowance of the claim or Lien of such Collateral Agent or Related Secured Party, (C) each Collateral Agent or its Related Secured Parties may file any pleadings, objections, motions, or agreements which assert rights available to unsecured creditors of the Borrower or any other Grantor arising under any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or applicable non-bankruptcy law, and (D) each Collateral Agent and its Related Secured Party may vote on any plan of reorganization in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding of the Borrower or any other Grantor, in each case (A) through (D) above to the extent such action is not inconsistent with, or could not result in a resolution inconsistent with, the terms of this Agreement.
J-1-11
(b) Notwithstanding the equal priority of the Liens securing each Class of First Lien Obligations, the Controlling Collateral Agent may deal with the Shared Collateral as if such Controlling Collateral Agent had a senior Lien on such Collateral. No Non-Controlling Collateral Agent or Non-Controlling Secured Party will contest, protest or object to any foreclosure proceeding or action brought by the Controlling Collateral Agent or any Controlling Secured Party or any other exercise by the Controlling Collateral Agent or any Controlling Secured Party of any rights and remedies relating to the Shared Collateral. The foregoing shall not be construed to limit the rights and priorities of any Secured Party or any Collateral Agent with respect to any Collateral not constituting Shared Collateral or impair any rights available to them as unsecured creditors.
SECTION 3.02. Prohibition on Contesting Liens . Each Collateral Agent agrees, on behalf of itself and its Related Secured Parties, that neither such Collateral Agent nor any of its Related Secured Parties will, and each hereby waives any right to, contest or support any other Person in contesting, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), the perfection, priority, validity, attachment or enforceability of a Lien held by or on behalf of any other Collateral Agent or any of its Related Secured Parties in all or any part of the Shared Collateral; provided that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent or impair the rights of any Collateral Agent or any of its Related Secured Parties to enforce this Agreement.
SECTION 3.03. Prohibition on Challenging this Agreement . Each Collateral Agent agrees, on behalf of itself and its Related Secured Parties, that neither such Collateral Agent nor any of its Related Secured Parties will attempt, directly or indirectly, whether by judicial proceedings or otherwise, to challenge the enforceability of any provision of this Agreement; provided that nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent or impair the rights of any Collateral Agent or any of its Related Secured Parties to enforce this Agreement.
SECTION 3.04. Release of Liens . The parties hereto agree and acknowledge that the release of Liens on any Shared Collateral securing First Lien Obligations of any Class, whether in connection with a sale, transfer or other disposition of such Shared Collateral or otherwise, shall be governed by and subject to the Secured Credit Documents of such Class, and that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to amend or affect the terms of the Secured Credit Documents of such Class with respect thereto; provided that if, at any time any Shared Collateral is transferred to a third party or otherwise disposed of, in each case, in connection with any enforcement by the Controlling Collateral Agent in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, then (whether or not any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding is pending at the time) the Liens in favor of the other Collateral Agents for the benefit of each Class of Secured Parties upon such Shared Collateral will automatically be released and discharged upon final conclusion of foreclosure proceeding as and when, but only to the extent, such Liens on the Shared Collateral of the Controlling Collateral Agent are released and discharged; provided that any proceeds of any Shared Collateral realized therefrom shall be applied pursuant to Section 2.01(b) hereof. Each Collateral Agent agrees to execute and deliver (at the sole cost and expense of the Grantors) all such authorizations and other instruments as shall reasonably be requested by the any other Collateral Agent to evidence and confirm any release of Shared Collateral provided for in this Section.
ARTICLE IV
Collateral
SECTION 4.01. Bailment for Perfection of Security Interests .
(a) The Possessory Collateral shall be delivered to the Controlling Collateral Agent and by accepting such Possessory Collateral such Controlling Collateral Agent agrees to hold any Shared
J-1-12
Collateral constituting Possessory Collateral that is part of the Collateral in its possession or control (or in the possession or control of its agents or bailees) as gratuitous bailee for the benefit of each other Secured Party and any assignee solely for the purpose of perfecting the security interest granted in such Possessory Collateral, if any, pursuant to the applicable Security Documents, in each case, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 4.01.
(b) The Controlling Collateral Agent shall, upon the Discharge of the First Lien Obligations with respect to which such Collateral Agent is the Collateral Agent, transfer the possession and control of the Possessory Collateral, together with any necessary endorsements but without recourse or warranty, to the successor Controlling Collateral Agent. In connection with any transfer under the foregoing sentence by any Collateral Agent, such transferor Collateral Agent agrees to take all actions in its power as shall be necessary or reasonably requested by the transferee Collateral Agent to permit the transferee Collateral Agent to obtain, for the benefit of its Related Secured Parties, a first priority security interest in the applicable Possessory Collateral. The Borrower shall take such further action as is required to effectuate the transfer contemplated hereby and shall indemnify each Collateral Agent for loss or damage suffered by such Collateral Agent as a result of such transfer, except for loss or damage suffered by such Collateral Agent as a result of its own willful misconduct, gross negligence or bad faith.
(c) Each Collateral Agent agrees to hold any Shared Collateral constituting Possessory Collateral, from time to time in its possession, as gratuitous bailee for the benefit of each other Secured Party and any assignee, solely for the purpose of perfecting the security interest granted in such Possessory Collateral, if any, pursuant to the applicable Security Documents, in each case, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 4.01.
(d) The duties or responsibilities of each Collateral Agent under this Section 4.01 shall be limited solely to holding any Shared Collateral constituting Possessory Collateral as gratuitous bailee for the benefit of each other Secured Party for purposes of perfecting the Lien held by such Secured Parties thereon.
SECTION 4.02. Delivery of Documents . Promptly after the execution and delivery to any Collateral Agent by any Grantor of any Security Document (other than (a) any Security Document in effect on the date hereof and (b) any Additional First Lien Obligations Document referred to in paragraph (b) of Article IX, but including any amendment, amendment and restatement, waiver or other modification of any such Security Document or Additional First Lien Obligations Document), the Borrower shall deliver to each Collateral Agent party hereto at such time a copy of such Security Document.
ARTICLE V
Certain Agreements With Respect to Bankruptcy or Insolvency Proceedings
SECTION 5.01. Certain Agreements With Respect to Bankruptcy or Insolvency Proceedings.
(a) If the Borrower and/or any other Grantor shall become subject to a case (a Bankruptcy Case ) under the Bankruptcy Code and shall, as debtor(s)-in-possession, move for approval of financing ( DIP Financing ) to be provided by one or more lenders (the DIP Lenders ) under Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any equivalent provision of any other Bankruptcy Law or the use of cash collateral under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code or any equivalent provision of any other Bankruptcy Law, each Secured Party (other than any Controlling Secured Party or any of its Related Secured Parties) agrees that it will raise no objection to any such financing or to the Liens on the Shared Collateral
J-1-13
securing the same ( DIP Financing Liens ) or to any use of cash collateral that constitutes Shared Collateral, unless the Controlling Collateral Agent shall then oppose or object to such DIP Financing or such DIP Financing Liens or use of cash collateral (and (i) to the extent that such DIP Financing Liens are senior to the Liens on any such Shared Collateral for the benefit of the Controlling Secured Parties, each Non-Controlling Secured Party will subordinate its Liens with respect to such Shared Collateral on the same terms as the Liens of the Controlling Secured Parties (other than any Liens of any Secured Parties constituting DIP Financing Liens) are subordinated thereto, and (ii) to the extent that such DIP Financing Liens rank pari passu with the Liens on any such Shared Collateral granted to secure the First Lien Obligations of the Controlling Secured Parties, each Non-Controlling Secured Party will confirm the priorities with respect to such Shared Collateral as set forth herein); provided , in each case, that (A) the Secured Parties of each Class retain the benefit of their Liens on all such Shared Collateral pledged to the DIP Lenders, including proceeds thereof arising after the commencement of such proceeding, with the same priority vis-à-vis all the other Secured Parties (other than any Liens of the Secured Parties constituting DIP Financing Liens) as existed prior to the commencement of the Bankruptcy Case, (B) the Secured Parties of each Class are granted Liens on any additional collateral pledged to any Secured Parties as adequate protection or otherwise in connection with such DIP Financing or use of cash collateral, with the same priority vis-à-vis the Secured Parties as set forth in this Agreement, (C) if any amount of such DIP Financing or cash collateral is applied to repay any of the First Lien Obligations, such amount is applied pursuant to Section 2.01, and (D) if any Secured Parties are granted adequate protection, including in the form of periodic payments, in connection with such DIP Financing or use of cash collateral, the proceeds of such adequate protection are applied pursuant to Section 2.01; provided , further, that this Agreement shall not limit the right of the Secured Parties of each Class to object to the grant of a Lien to secure the DIP Financing over any Collateral subject to Liens in favor of the Secured Parties of such Class or the Collateral Agent with respect thereto that shall not constitute Shared Collateral; and provided , further , however, that the Secured Parties receiving adequate protection shall not object to any other Secured Party receiving adequate protection comparable to any adequate protection granted to such Secured Parties in connection with a DIP Financing or use of cash collateral permitted by this paragraph.
(b) Each Non-Controlling Secured Party agrees that it will not object to or oppose any release of their Liens in connection with any sale or other disposition of any Shared Collateral (or any portion thereof) under Section 363 of the Bankruptcy Code or any other provision of the Bankruptcy Code if the Controlling Collateral Agent and the Controlling Secured Parties shall have consented to such sale or disposition of such Shared Collateral; provided that the Liens of the Secured Parties will attach to the proceeds of such sale or disposition on the same basis of priority as they do with respect to the Shared Collateral in accordance with this Agreement, and further provided that the Non-Controlling Secured Parties will be entitled to assert any objection to such sale or disposition that may be asserted by any unsecured creditor of the Borrower or any other Grantor in such Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding.
SECTION 5.02. Reorganization Securities . If, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, debt obligations of the reorganized debtor secured by Liens upon any property of the reorganized debtor are distributed pursuant to a plan of reorganization or liquidation or similar dispositive restructuring plan on account of each Class of First Lien Obligations, then, to the extent the debt obligations distributed on account of each Class of First Lien Obligations are secured by Liens upon the same property, the provisions of this Agreement will survive the distribution of such debt obligations pursuant to such plan and will apply with like effect to the Liens securing such debt obligations.
J-1-14
ARTICLE VI
The Controlling Collateral Agent
(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, nothing herein shall be construed to impose any fiduciary or other duty on any Controlling Collateral Agent to any Non-Controlling Secured Party or give any Non-Controlling Secured Party the right to direct any Controlling Collateral Agent, except that each Controlling Collateral Agent shall be obligated to distribute proceeds of any Shared Collateral in accordance with Section 2.01(b) hereof.
(b) In furtherance of the foregoing, each Non-Controlling Secured Party acknowledges and agrees that the Controlling Collateral Agent shall be entitled, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of or deal with any Shared Collateral as provided herein and in the Security Documents, as applicable, pursuant to which the Controlling Collateral Agent is the collateral agent for such Shared Collateral, without regard to any rights to which the Non-Controlling Secured Parties would otherwise be entitled as a result of the First Lien Obligations held by such Non-Controlling Secured Parties. Without limiting the foregoing, each Non-Controlling Secured Party agrees that none of the Controlling Collateral Agent or any other Controlling Secured Party shall have any duty or obligation first to marshal or realize upon any type of Shared Collateral (or any other Collateral securing any of the First Lien Obligations), or to sell, dispose of or otherwise liquidate all or any portion of such Shared Collateral (or any other Collateral securing any First Lien Obligations), in any manner that would maximize the return to the Non-Controlling Secured Parties, notwithstanding that the order and timing of any such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation may affect the amount of proceeds actually received by the Non-Controlling Secured Parties from such realization, sale, disposition or liquidation. Except with respect to any actions expressly prohibited or required to be taken by this Agreement, each of the Secured Parties waives any claim it may now or hereafter have against any Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party of any other Class arising out of (i) any actions which any Collateral Agent or Secured Party takes or omits to take (including, actions with respect to the creation, perfection or continuation of Liens on any Collateral, actions with respect to the foreclosure upon, sale, release or depreciation of, or failure to realize upon, any of the Collateral and actions with respect to the collection of any claim for all or any part of the First Lien Obligations from any account debtor, guarantor or any other party) in accordance with the Security Documents or any other agreement related thereto or to the collection of the First Lien Obligations or the valuation, use, protection or release of any security for the First Lien Obligations, (ii) any election by any Collateral Agent or any holders of First Lien Obligations, in any proceeding instituted under the Bankruptcy Code, of the application of Section 1111(b) of the Bankruptcy Code or (iii) subject to Section 5.01, any borrowing by, or grant of a security interest or administrative expense priority under Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any equivalent provision of any other Bankruptcy Law, by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries, as debtor-in-possession. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Controlling Collateral Agent shall not accept any Shared Collateral in full or partial satisfaction of any First Lien Obligations pursuant to Section 9-620 of the Uniform Commercial Code of any jurisdiction, without the consent of each Collateral Agent representing holders of First Lien Obligations for whom such Collateral constitutes Shared Collateral.
J-1-15
ARTICLE VII
Other Agreements
SECTION 7.01. Concerning Secured Credit Documents and Collateral .
(a) The Secured Credit Documents of any Class may be Amended, in whole or in part, in accordance with their terms, in each case without notice to or the consent of the Collateral Agent or any Secured Parties of any other Class; provided that nothing in this paragraph shall affect any limitation on any such Amendment that is set forth in the Secured Credit Documents of any such other Class.
(b) The Grantors agree that they shall not grant to any Person any Lien on any Shared Collateral securing First Lien Obligations of any Class other than through the Collateral Agent of such Class (it being understood that the foregoing shall not be deemed to prohibit grants of set-off rights to Secured Parties of any Class).
(c) The Grantors agree that they shall not, and shall not permit any Subsidiary to, grant or permit or suffer to exist any additional Liens (unless otherwise permitted under each Secured Credit Document) on any asset or property to secure any Class of First Lien Obligations unless it has granted a Lien on such asset or property to secure each other Class of First Lien Obligations; provided , that to the extent the foregoing is not complied with for any reason, without limiting any other rights and remedies available to the Secured Parties, each Secured Party agrees that any amounts received by or distributed to any of them pursuant to or as a result of Liens granted in contravention of this Section 7.01(c) shall be subject to Article II;
SECTION 7.02. Refinancings . The First Lien Obligations of any Class may be increased or Refinanced (including, for the avoidance of doubt, any additional Indebtedness incurred to pay premiums (including tender premiums), defeasance costs, and accrued interest, fees and expenses in connection with such Refinancing), in whole or in part, in each case, without notice to, or the consent of the Collateral Agent or any Secured Party of any other Class, all without affecting the priorities provided for herein or the other provisions hereof, so long as permitted by the terms of each Secured Credit Document; provided , that if any obligations of the Grantors in respect of such Refinancing indebtedness shall be secured by Liens on any Shared Collateral, such obligations and the holders thereof shall be subject to and bound by the provisions of this Agreement and, if not already, the collateral agent under such obligations shall become a party hereto by executing and delivering a Collateral Agent Joinder Agreement.
SECTION 7.03. Reinstatement . If, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise, all or part of any payment with respect to the First Lien Obligations of any Class previously made shall be rescinded for any reason whatsoever (including an order or judgment for disgorgement of a preference or other avoidance action under the Bankruptcy Code, or any similar law), then the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be fully applicable thereto until all the First Lien Obligations of such Class shall again have been satisfied in full.
SECTION 7.04. Reorganization Modifications . In the event the First Lien Obligations of any Class are modified pursuant to applicable law, including Section 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code, any reference to the First Lien Obligations of such Class or the Secured Credit Documents of such Class shall refer to such obligations or such documents as so modified.
SECTION 7.05. Further Assurances . Each of the Collateral Agents and the Grantors agrees that it will execute, or will cause to be executed, such reasonable further documents, agreements and instruments, and take all such reasonable further actions, as may be required under any applicable law, or which any Collateral Agent may reasonably request, to effectuate the terms of this Agreement.
J-1-16
ARTICLE VIII
No Reliance; No Liability
SECTION 8.01. No Reliance; Information . Each Collateral Agent, on behalf of its Related Secured Parties, acknowledges that (a) its Related Secured Parties have, independently and without reliance upon any Collateral Agent or any Related Secured Parties, and based on such documents and information as they have deemed appropriate, made their own credit analysis and decision to enter into the Secured Credit Documents to which they are party and (b) its Related Secured Parties will, independently and without reliance upon any Collateral Agent or any of its Related Secured Parties, and based on such documents and information as they shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make their own credit decision in taking or not taking any action under this Agreement or any other Secured Credit Document. The Collateral Agent or Secured Parties of any Class shall have no duty to disclose to any Collateral Agent or any Secured Party of any other Class any information relating to the Borrower or any of the Grantors or their Subsidiaries, or any other circumstance bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of any of the First Lien Obligations, that is known or becomes known to any of them or any of their Affiliates. If the Collateral Agent or any Secured Party of any Class, in its sole discretion, undertakes at any time or from time to time to provide any such information to, as the case may be, the Collateral Agent or any Secured Party of any other Class, it shall be under no obligation (i) to make, and shall not be deemed to have made, any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or validity of the information so provided, (ii) to provide any additional information or to provide any such information on any subsequent occasion or (iii) to undertake any investigation.
SECTION 8.02. No Warranties or Liability .
(a) Each Collateral Agent, for itself and on behalf of its Related Secured Parties, acknowledges and agrees that no Collateral Agent or Secured Party of any other Class has made any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the execution, validity, legality, completeness, collectability or enforceability of any of the Secured Credit Documents, the ownership of any Shared Collateral or the perfection or priority of any Liens thereon. The Collateral Agent and the Secured Parties of any Class will be entitled to manage and supervise their loans and other extensions of credit in the manner set forth in their Related Secured Credit Documents. No Collateral Agent shall, by reason of this Agreement, any other Security Document or any other document, have a fiduciary relationship or other implied duties in respect of any other Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party.
(b) No Collateral Agent or Secured Parties of any Class shall have any express or implied duty to the Collateral Agent or any Secured Party of any other Class to act or refrain from acting in a manner that allows, or results in, the occurrence or continuance of a default or an Event of Default under any Secured Credit Document (other than, in each case, this Agreement), regardless of any knowledge thereof that they may have or be charged with.
J-1-17
SECTION 8.03. Rights of Initial Additional First Lien Collateral Agent .
Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, the Initial Additional First Lien Collateral Agent shall be entitled to the same rights, protections, immunities and indemnities as set forth in the Initial Additional First Lien Agreement as if the provisions setting forth those rights, protections, immunities and indemnities are fully set forth herein.
ARTICLE IX
Additional First Lien Obligations
The Borrower may from time to time, subject to any limitations contained in any Secured Credit Documents in effect at such time, incur and designate additional indebtedness and related obligations that are, or are to be, secured by Liens on any assets of the Borrower or any of the Grantors that would, if such Liens were granted, constitute Shared Collateral as Additional First Lien Obligations by delivering to each Collateral Agent party hereto at such time a certificate of an Authorized Officer of the Borrower:
(a) describing the indebtedness and other obligations being designated as Additional First Lien Obligations, and including a statement of the maximum aggregate outstanding principal amount of such indebtedness as of the date of such certificate;
(b) setting forth the Additional First Lien Obligations Documents under which such Additional First Lien Obligations are or will be issued or incurred or the Guarantees of or Liens securing such Additional First Lien Obligations are, or are to be, granted or created, and attaching copies of such Additional First Lien Obligations Documents as each Grantor has executed and delivered to the Person that serves as the collateral agent, collateral trustee or a similar representative for the holders of such Additional First Lien Obligations (such Person being referred to as the Additional Collateral Agent ) with respect to such Additional First Lien Obligations on the closing date of such Additional First Lien Obligations, certified as being true and complete in all material respects by an Authorized Officer of the Borrower;
(c) identifying the Person that serves as the Additional Collateral Agent;
(d) certifying that the incurrence of such Additional First Lien Obligations, the creation of the Liens securing such Additional First Lien Obligations and the designation of such Additional First Lien Obligations as Additional First Lien Obligations hereunder do not or will not violate or result in a default under any provision of any Secured Credit Document of any Class in effect at such time;
(e) certifying that the Additional First Lien Obligations Documents authorize the Additional Collateral Agent to become a party hereto by executing and delivering a Collateral Agent Joinder Agreement and provide that, upon such execution and delivery, such Additional First Lien Obligations and the holders thereof shall become subject to and bound by the provisions of this Agreement; and
(f) attaching a fully completed Collateral Agent Joinder Agreement executed and delivered by the Additional Collateral Agent.
Upon the delivery of such certificate and the related attachments as provided above and as so long as the statements made therein are true and correct as of the date of such certificate, the obligations designated in such notice shall become Additional First Lien Obligations for all purposes of this Agreement.
J-1-18
Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, each Collateral Agent may conclusively rely on such certificate delivered by the Borrower, and upon its receipt of such certificate, each Collateral Agent shall execute the Collateral Agent Joinder Agreement evidencing its acknowledgment thereof, and shall incur no liability to any Person for such execution.
ARTICLE X
Miscellaneous
SECTION 10.01. Notices . All notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by facsimile, as follows:
(a) if to any Grantor, to it (or, in the case of any Grantor other than the Borrower, to it in care of the Borrower) at:
Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC
[ ]
Facsimile: [ ]
Attention: [ ]
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
425 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10017-3954
Facsimile: (212) 455-2502
(b) if to the Credit Agreement Collateral Agent, to it at:
Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch
Attention: [ ]
60 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
Telephone: [ ]
Facsimile: [ ]
Electronic mail: [ ]
(c) if to the Initial Additional First Lien Collateral Agent, to it at:
[ ]
(d) if to any Additional Collateral Agent, to it at the address set forth in the applicable Collateral Agent Joinder Agreement.
Any party hereto may change its address or facsimile number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto. All notices and other communications given to any party hereto in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been given on the date of receipt (if a Business Day) and on the next Business Day thereafter (in all other cases) if delivered by hand or overnight courier service or sent by facsimile or on the date five Business Days after dispatch by certified or registered mail if mailed, in each case delivered, sent or mailed (properly addressed) to
J-1-19
such party as provided in this Section or in accordance with the latest unrevoked direction from such party given in accordance with this Section. As agreed to in writing by any party hereto from time to time, notices and other communications to such party may also be delivered by e-mail to the e-mail address of a representative of such party provided from time to time by such party.
SECTION 10.02. Waivers; Amendment; Joinder Agreements .
(a) No failure or delay on the part of any party hereto in exercising any right or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the parties hereto are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by any party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. No notice or demand on any party hereto in any case shall entitle such party to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.
(b) Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be waived, amended or otherwise modified except as contemplated by the Secured Credit Documents and then pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by each Collateral Agent then party hereto; provided that no such agreement shall by its terms amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or obligations of any Grantor without the Borrowers prior written consent; provided , further that without any action or consent of any Collateral Agent (i) (A) this Agreement may be supplemented by a Collateral Agent Joinder Agreement, and an Additional Collateral Agent may become a party hereto, in accordance with Article IX and (B) this Agreement may be supplemented by a Grantor Joinder Agreement, and a Subsidiary may become a party hereto, in accordance with Section 10.12, and (ii) in connection with any Refinancing of First Lien Obligations of any Class, the Collateral Agents then party hereto shall enter (and are hereby authorized to enter without the consent of any other Secured Party), at the request of any Collateral Agent or the Borrower, into such amendments or modifications of this Agreement as are reasonably necessary to reflect such Refinancing; provided that such Collateral Agent shall not be required to enter into such amendments or modifications unless it shall have received a certificate of an Authorized Officer of the Borrower certifying that such Refinancing is permitted hereunder.
SECTION 10.03. Parties in Interest . This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns, as well as the other Secured Parties, all of whom are intended to be bound by, and to be third party beneficiaries of, this Agreement. No other Person shall have or be entitled to assert rights or benefits hereunder.
SECTION 10.04. Effectiveness; Survival . This Agreement shall become effective when executed and delivered by the parties hereto. All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by any party in this Agreement shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement. This Agreement shall continue in full force and effect notwithstanding the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding against the Borrower or any other Grantor, and the parties hereto acknowledge that this Agreement is intended to be and shall be enforceable as a subordination agreement under Bankruptcy Code Section 510(a). All references herein to any Grantor shall apply to any trustee for such Person and such Person as a debtor-in-possession.
SECTION 10.05. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement.
J-1-20
SECTION 10.06. Severability . Any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction. 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 10.07. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process .
(a) This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with and governed by the law of the State of New York.
(b) Each party hereto irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Supreme Court of the State of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan, New York County and of the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York sitting in the Borough of Manhattan, 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 party hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law. Nothing in this Agreement shall affect any right that any party hereto or any Secured Party may otherwise have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement against any party hereto or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.
(c) Each party hereto irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any court referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section. Each party hereto irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.
(d) Each party hereto irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 10.01, such service to be effective upon receipt. Nothing in this Agreement will affect the right of any party hereto or any Secured Party to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.
SECTION 10.08. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . EACH PARTY HERETO WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY). EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HERETO 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 BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.
J-1-21
SECTION 10.09. Headings . Article and Section headings used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and are not to affect the construction of, or to be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.
SECTION 10.10. Conflicts . In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of any other Secured Credit Documents, the provisions of this Agreement shall control.
SECTION 10.11. Provisions Solely to Define Relative Rights . The provisions of this Agreement are and are intended solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of the Secured Parties in relation to one another. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, none of the Borrower, any other Grantor, any other Subsidiary or any other creditor of any of the foregoing shall have any rights or obligations hereunder, and none of the Borrower, any other Grantor or any other Subsidiary may rely on the terms hereof. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to or shall impair the obligations of the Borrower or any other Grantor, which are absolute and unconditional, to pay the First Lien Obligations as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with their terms. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing contained herein shall be construed to constitute a waiver or an amendment of any covenant of the Borrower or any other Grantor contained in any Secured Credit Document, which restricts the incurrence of any Indebtedness or the grant of any Lien.
SECTION 10.12. Additional Grantors . In the event any Subsidiary shall have granted a Lien on any of its assets to secure any First Lien Obligations, the Borrower shall cause such Subsidiary, if not already a party hereto, to become a party hereto as a Grantor. Upon the execution and delivery by any Subsidiary of a Grantor Joinder Agreement, any such Subsidiary shall become a party hereto and a Grantor hereunder with the same force and effect as if originally named as such herein. The execution and delivery of any such instrument shall not require the consent of any other party hereto. The rights and obligations of each party hereto shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the addition of any new Grantor as a party to this Agreement.
SECTION 10.13. Specific Performance . Each Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and its Related Secured Parties, may demand specific performance of this Agreement. Each Collateral Agent, on behalf of itself and its Related Secured Parties, hereby irrevocably waives any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law and any other defense that might be asserted to bar the remedy of specific performance in any action which may be brought by the Secured Parties.
SECTION 10.14. Integration . This Agreement, together with the other Secured Credit Documents, represents the agreement of each of the Grantors and the Secured Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and there are no promises, undertakings, representations or warranties by any Grantor, any Collateral Agent or any other Secured Party relative to the subject matter hereof not expressly set forth or referred to herein or in the other Secured Credit Documents.
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
J-1-22
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH, as Credit Agreement Collateral Agent |
||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
[Signature Page to Intercreditor Agreement]
J-1-23
[ ], | ||
as Initial Additional First Lien Collateral Agent | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
J-1-24
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS PARENT LLC | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER LLC | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[OTHER GRANTORS] | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
J-1-25
EXHIBIT I
[FORM OF] COLLATERAL AGENT JOINDER AGREEMENT NO. [ ] dated as of [ ], 20[ ] (this Joinder Agreement ) to the FIRST LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of [ ], 20[ ] (the Intercreditor Agreement ), among HILTON GRAND VACATIONS PARENT LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( Holdings ), HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), the GRANTORS party thereto, DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH, as the Credit Agreement Collateral Agent, [ ], as Initial Additional First Lien Collateral Agent, and each ADDITIONAL COLLATERAL AGENT from time to time party thereto.
A. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Intercreditor Agreement.
B. The Borrower proposes to issue or incur Additional First Lien Obligations and the Person identified in the signature pages hereto as the Additional Collateral Agent (the Additional Collateral Agent ) will serve as the collateral agent, collateral trustee or a similar representative for the Additional Secured Parties. The Additional First Lien Obligations are being designated as such by the Borrower in accordance with Article IX of the Intercreditor Agreement.
C. The Additional Collateral Agent wishes to become a party to the Intercreditor Agreement and to acquire and undertake, for itself and on behalf of the Additional Secured Parties, the rights and obligations of an Additional Collateral Agent thereunder. The Additional Collateral Agent is entering into this Joinder Agreement in accordance with the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement in order to become an Additional Collateral Agent thereunder.
Accordingly, the Additional Collateral Agent and the Borrower agree as follows, for the benefit of the Additional Collateral Agent, the Borrower and each other party to the Intercreditor Agreement:
SECTION 1. Accession to the Intercreditor Agreement . The Additional Collateral Agent (a) hereby accedes and becomes a party to the Intercreditor Agreement as an Additional Collateral Agent for the Additional Secured Parties from time to time in respect of the Additional First Lien Obligations, (b) agrees, for itself and on behalf of the Additional Secured Parties from time to time in respect of the Additional First Lien Obligations, to all the terms and provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement and (c) shall have all the rights and obligations of an Additional Collateral Agent under the Intercreditor Agreement.
SECTION 2. Counterparts . This Joinder Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Joinder Agreement shall become effective when each Collateral Agent shall have received a counterpart of this Joinder Agreement that bears the signature of the Additional Collateral Agent. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Joinder Agreement by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Joinder Agreement.
SECTION 3. Benefit of Agreement . The agreements set forth herein or undertaken pursuant hereto are for the benefit of, and may be enforced by, any party to the Intercreditor Agreement.
SECTION 4. Governing Law . THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
J-1-26
SECTION 5. Severability . In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Joinder Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, none of the parties hereto shall be required to comply with such provision for so long as such provision is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, but the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and in the Intercreditor Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired. The parties hereto 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 6. Notices . All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 10.01 of the Intercreditor Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to the Additional Collateral Agent shall be given to it at the address set forth under its signature hereto, which information supplements Section 10.01 of the Intercreditor Agreement.
SECTION 7. Expense Reimbursement . The Borrower agrees to reimburse each Collateral Agent for its reasonable and invoiced out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Joinder Agreement, including the reasonable and invoiced fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for each Collateral Agent.
J-1-27
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Additional Collateral Agent and the Borrower have duly executed this Joinder Agreement to the Intercreditor Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF ADDITIONAL COLLATERAL AGENT], as ADDITIONAL COLLATERAL AGENT for the ADDITIONAL SECURED PARTIES | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
Address for notices: | ||
|
||
attention of: |
|
Telecopy: |
|
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS PARENT LLC | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER LLC | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[OTHER GRANTORS] | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
J-1-28
Acknowledged by: | ||
DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH, as Credit Agreement Collateral Agent | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[ ], | ||
as Initial Additional First Lien Collateral Agent | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[EACH OTHER ADDITIONAL | ||
COLLATERAL AGENT], as Additional | ||
Collateral Agent | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
J-1-29
[FORM OF] GRANTOR JOINDER AGREEMENT NO. [ ] dated as of [ ], 20[ ] (this Grantor Joinder Agreement ) to the FIRST LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of [ ], 20[ ] (the Intercreditor Agreement ), among HILTON GRAND VACATIONS PARENT LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( Holdings ), HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), the GRANTORS party thereto, DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH, as the Credit Agreement Collateral Agent, [ ], as Initial Additional First Lien Collateral Agent, each ADDITIONAL COLLATERAL AGENT from time to time party thereto and [ ], a [ ], as an additional GRANTOR.
A. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Intercreditor Agreement.
B. [ ], a Subsidiary of the Borrower (the Additional Grantor ), has granted a Lien on all or a portion of its assets to secure First Lien Obligations and such Additional Grantor is not a party to the Intercreditor Agreement.
C. The Additional Grantor wishes to become a party to the Intercreditor Agreement and to acquire and undertake the rights and obligations of a Grantor thereunder. The Additional Grantor is entering into this Grantor Joinder Agreement in accordance with the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement in order to become a Grantor thereunder.
Accordingly, the Additional Grantor agrees as follows, for the benefit of the Collateral Agents, the Borrower and each other party to the Intercreditor Agreement:
SECTION 1. Accession to the Intercreditor Agreement . In accordance with Section 10.12 of the Intercreditor Agreement, the Additional Grantor (a) hereby accedes and becomes a party to the Intercreditor Agreement as a Grantor with the same force and effect as if originally named therein as a Grantor, (b) agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement and (c) shall have all the rights and obligations of a Grantor under the Intercreditor Agreement.
SECTION 2. Representations, Warranties and Acknowledgement of the Additional Grantor . The Additional Grantor represents and warrants to each Collateral Agent and each Secured Party that this Grantor Joinder Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by such Additional Grantor and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.
SECTION 3. Counterparts . This Grantor Joinder Agreement may be executed in multiple counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Grantor Joinder Agreement shall become effective when each Collateral Agent shall have received a counterpart of this Grantor Joinder Agreement that bears the signature of the Additional Grantor. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Grantor Joinder Agreement by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Grantor Joinder Agreement.
SECTION 4. Benefit of Agreement . The agreements set forth herein or undertaken pursuant hereto are for the benefit of, and may be enforced by, any party to the Intercreditor Agreement.
SECTION 5. Governing Law . THIS GRANTOR JOINDER AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
J-1-30
SECTION 6. Severability . In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Grantor Joinder Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, none of the parties hereto shall be required to comply with such provision for so long as such provision is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, but the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and in the Intercreditor Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired. The parties hereto 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 7. Notices . All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 10.01 of the Intercreditor Agreement.
SECTION 8. Expense Reimbursement . The Additional Grantor agrees to reimburse each Collateral Agent for its reasonable and invoiced out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Grantor Joinder Agreement, including the reasonable and invoiced fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for each Collateral Agent.
J-1-31
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Additional Grantor has duly executed this Grantor Joinder Agreement to the Intercreditor Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF SUBSIDIARY] | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
J-1-32
Acknowledged by: | ||
DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH, as Credit Agreement Collateral Agent | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[ ], | ||
as Initial Additional First Lien Collateral Agent | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[EACH OTHER ADDITIONAL | ||
COLLATERAL AGENT], as Additional | ||
Collateral Agent | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
J-1-33
EXHIBIT J-2
[FORM OF]
JUNIOR LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT
Among
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS PARENT LLC,
as Holdings,
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER LLC,
as the Borrower,
the other Grantors party hereto,
DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH,
as Senior Representative for the
First Lien Credit Agreement Secured Parties,
[each Additional Senior Debt Collateral Agent,]
[ ],
as the Second Priority Representative for the
Initial Second Lien Secured Parties
and
each additional Representative from time to time party hereto
dated as of [ ]
J-2-1
JUNIOR LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of [ ] (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this Agreement ), among HILTON GRAND VACATIONS PARENT LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( Holdings ), HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), the other Grantors (as defined below) party hereto, DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH, as Representative for the First Lien Credit Agreement Secured Parties (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacity, the First Lien Credit Agreement Collateral Agent ), [each additional Collateral Agent for any Senior Obligations (each, an Additional Senior Debt Collateral Agent ),] [ ], as Representative for the Initial Second Lien Secured Parties (in such capacity and together with its successors in such capacity, the Initial Second Lien Collateral Agent ), and each additional Second Priority Representative and Senior Representative that from time to time becomes a party hereto pursuant to Section 8.09.
In consideration of the mutual agreements herein contained and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the First Lien Credit Agreement Collateral Agent (for itself and on behalf of the First Lien Credit Agreement Secured Parties), the Initial Second Lien Collateral Agent (for itself and on behalf of the Initial Second Lien Secured Parties), each additional Senior Representative (for itself and on behalf of the Additional Senior Debt Parties under the applicable Additional Senior Debt Facility) and each additional Second Priority Representative (for itself and on behalf of the Second Priority Debt Parties under the applicable Second Priority Debt Facility) agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
Definitions
SECTION 1.01. Certain Defined Terms . Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein, if defined in the New York UCC, have the meanings specified therein. As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below.
Additional Second Priority Debt means any Indebtedness that is issued or guaranteed by the Borrower and/or any other Grantor (and not guaranteed by any Subsidiary that is not a Guarantor) (other than Indebtedness constituting Initial Second Lien Obligations), which Indebtedness and guarantees are secured by the Second Priority Collateral (or any portion thereof) on a pari passu basis (but without regard to control of remedies, other than as provided by the terms of the applicable Additional Second Priority Debt Documents) with the Initial Second Lien Obligations and any other Second Priority Debt Obligations and which the applicable Additional Second Priority Debt Documents provide that such Indebtedness and guarantees are to be secured by such Second Priority Collateral on a subordinate basis to the Senior Obligations (and which is not secured by Liens on any assets of the Borrower or any other Grantor other than the Second Priority Collateral or which are not included in the Senior Collateral); provided , however , that (i) such Indebtedness is permitted to be incurred, secured and guaranteed on such basis by each then extant Senior Debt Document and Second Priority Debt Document and (ii) the Representative for the holders of such Indebtedness shall have become party to this Agreement pursuant to, and by satisfying the conditions set forth in, Section 8.09 hereof. Additional Second Priority Debt shall include any Registered Equivalent Notes and Guarantees thereof by the Guarantors issued in exchange therefor.
Additional Second Priority Debt Documents means, with respect to any series, issue or class of Additional Second Priority Debt, the promissory notes, indentures, the Second Priority Collateral Documents or other operative agreements evidencing or governing such Indebtedness.
J-2-2
Additional Second Priority Debt Facility means each indenture or other governing agreement with respect to any Additional Second Priority Debt.
Additional Second Priority Debt Obligations means, with respect to any series, issue or class of Additional Second Priority Debt, all amounts owing pursuant to the terms of such Additional Second Priority Debt, including, without limitation, the obligation (including guarantee obligations) to pay principal, interest (including interest that accrues after the commencement of a Bankruptcy Case, regardless of whether such interest is an allowed claim under such Bankruptcy Case), letter of credit commissions, reimbursement obligations, charges, expenses, fees, attorneys costs, indemnities and other amounts payable by a Grantor under any Additional Second Priority Debt Document.
Additional Second Priority Debt Parties means, with respect to any series, issue or class of Additional Second Priority Debt, the holders of such Indebtedness, the Representative with respect thereto, any trustee or agent therefor under any related Additional Second Priority Debt Documents and the beneficiaries of each indemnification obligation undertaken by the Borrower or any other Grantor under any related Additional Second Priority Debt Documents.
Additional Senior Debt means any Indebtedness that is issued or guaranteed by the Borrower and/or any Guarantor (other than Indebtedness constituting First Lien Credit Agreement Obligations) which Indebtedness and Guarantees are secured by the Senior Collateral (or a portion thereof) on a pari passu basis (but without regard to control of remedies) with the First Lien Credit Agreement Obligations; provided , however , that (i) such Indebtedness is permitted to be incurred, secured and guaranteed on such basis by each then extant Senior Debt Document and Second Priority Debt Document and (ii) the Representative for the holders of such Indebtedness shall have (A) executed and delivered this Agreement as of the date hereof or become party to this Agreement pursuant to, and by satisfying the conditions set forth in, Section 8.09 hereof and (B) become a party to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement pursuant to, and by satisfying the conditions set forth in, Article IX thereof. Additional Senior Debt shall include any Registered Equivalent Notes and Guarantees thereof by the Guarantors issued in exchange therefor.
[ Additional Senior Debt Collateral Agent has the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.]
Additional Senior Debt Documents means, with respect to any series, issue or class of Additional Senior Debt, the promissory notes, indentures, the Senior Collateral Documents or other operative agreements evidencing or governing such Indebtedness.
Additional Senior Debt Facility means each indenture or other governing agreement with respect to any Additional Senior Debt.
Additional Senior Debt Obligations means, with respect to any series, issue or class of Additional Senior Debt, all amounts owing pursuant to the terms of such Additional Senior Debt, including, without limitation, the obligation (including guarantee obligations) to pay principal, interest (including interest that accrues after the commencement of a Bankruptcy Case, regardless of whether such interest is an allowed claim under such Bankruptcy Case), letter of credit commissions, reimbursement obligations, charges, expenses, fees, attorneys costs, indemnities and other amounts payable by a Grantor under any Additional Senior Debt Document.
Additional Senior Debt Parties means, with respect to any series, issue or class of Additional Senior Debt, the holders of such Indebtedness, the Representative with respect thereto, any trustee or agent therefor under any related Additional Senior Debt Documents and the beneficiaries of each indemnification obligation undertaken by the Borrower or any Guarantor under any related Additional Senior Debt Documents.
J-2-3
Agreement has the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.
Authorized Officer means, with respect to any Person, the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, the president, any vice president, treasurer, general counsel, secretary or another executive officer of such Person.
Bankruptcy Case means a case under the Bankruptcy Code or any other Bankruptcy Law.
Bankruptcy Code means Title 11 of the United States Code, as amended or any similar federal or state law for the relief of debtors.
Bankruptcy Law means the Bankruptcy Code and any similar federal, state or foreign law for the relief of debtors.
Borrower has the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.
Business Day means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by law to remain closed.
Class Debt has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.09.
Class Debt Parties has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.09.
Class Debt Representatives has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.09.
Collateral means the Senior Collateral and the Second Priority Collateral.
Collateral Agents means the First Lien Credit Agreement Collateral Agent, each Additional Senior Debt Collateral Agent, the Initial Second Lien Collateral Agent and any collateral agent designated pursuant to any Additional Second Priority Debt Documents.
Collateral Documents means the Senior Collateral Documents and the Second Priority Collateral Documents.
Debt Facility means any Senior Facility and any Second Priority Debt Facility.
Designated Second Priority Representative means (i) the Initial Second Lien Collateral Agent, until such time as the Initial Second Lien Agreement ceases to be the only Second Priority Debt Facility under this Agreement and (ii) thereafter, the Second Priority Representative designated from time to time by the Second Priority Majority Representatives, in a notice to the Designated Senior Representative and the Borrower hereunder, as the Designated Second Priority Representative for purposes hereof.
Designated Senior Representative means the Controlling Collateral Agent (as defined in the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement) at such time.
DIP Financing has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.01.
J-2-4
Discharge means, with respect to any Shared Collateral and any Debt Facility, the date on which such Debt Facility and the Senior Obligations or Second Priority Debt Obligations thereunder, as the case may be, are no longer secured by such Shared Collateral pursuant to the terms of the documentation governing such Debt Facility. The term Discharged shall have a corresponding meaning.
Discharge of Senior Obligations means the date on which each Senior Facility has been Discharged.
First Lien Credit Agreement means the Credit Agreement dated as of December 27, 2016 by and among the Borrower, Holdings, the other guarantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time, Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as administrative agent, collateral agent, swing line lender and L/C issuer, and one or more other financing arrangements (including, without limitation, any guarantee agreements and security documents), in each case as such agreements may be amended (including any amendment and restatement thereof), supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, including any agreement, indenture, credit facility, commercial paper facility or new agreement extending the maturity of, refinancing, replacing, consolidating or otherwise restructuring all or any portion of the Indebtedness under any such agreement or any successor or replacement agreement and whether by the same or any other agent, lender or group of lenders and whether or not increasing the amount of Indebtedness that may be incurred thereunder (provided that such Indebtedness is permitted to be incurred under the Senior Debt Documents and the Second Priority Debt Documents); provided (a) that the obligations in respect of any such other financing arrangement or agreement are secured by Liens on the Shared Collateral that rank pari passu with the Liens securing the Senior Obligations, (b) that the collateral agent for any such other financing arrangement or agreement becomes a party to the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement by executing and delivering a Collateral Agent Joinder Agreement (as defined in the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement) and to this Agreement by executing and delivering a Joinder Agreement and (c) in the case of any refinancing or replacement, the Borrower designates such financing arrangement or agreement as the Credit Agreement (and not an Additional First Lien Obligation, as defined in the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement) under the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement and as the First Lien Credit Agreement (and not Additional Senior Debt) hereunder.
First Lien Credit Agreement Collateral Agent has the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement and shall include any successor Collateral Agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement.
First Lien Credit Agreement Loan Documents means the First Lien Credit Agreement and the other Loan Documents as defined in the First Lien Credit Agreement.
First Lien Credit Agreement Obligations means the Obligations as defined in the First Lien Credit Agreement.
First Lien Credit Agreement Secured Parties means the Secured Parties as defined in the First Lien Credit Agreement.
First Lien Credit Agreement Security Agreement means the Security Agreement as defined in the First Lien Credit Agreement.
First Lien Intercreditor Agreement has the meaning assigned to such term in the First Lien Credit Agreement.
J-2-5
Grantors means the Borrower, Holdings, the other Guarantors, and each of their respective Subsidiaries or direct or indirect parent company of the Borrower which has granted a security interest pursuant to any Collateral Document to secure any Secured Obligations. The Grantors existing on the date hereof are listed on the signature pages hereto as Grantors.
Guarantors means each Person that guarantees any Senior Obligations pursuant to any Senior Debt Documents.
Holdings has the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.
Indebtedness has the meaning assigned to such term in the First Lien Credit Agreement or the Initial Second Lien Agreement, as applicable.
Initial Second Lien Agreement means that certain [Indenture][Credit Agreement][Other Agreement], dated as of [ ], among the Borrower, [the Guarantors identified therein,] and [ ], as [trustee][administrative agent], as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, together with any Refinancing thereof; provided , (a) the obligations in respect of any such Refinancing are secured by Liens on the Shared Collateral that rank junior to the Liens securing the Senior Obligations and (b) that the holders of any such Refinancing debt (or their agent on their behalf) shall bind themselves in writing to the terms of this Agreement.
Initial Second Lien Collateral Agent has the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory paragraph of this Agreement.
Initial Second Lien Debt Documents means the Initial Second Lien Agreement and the other related facility Documents as defined in the Initial Second Lien Agreement.
Initial Second Lien Obligations means the Obligations as such term is defined in the Initial Second Lien Security Agreement.
Initial Second Lien Secured Parties means the means the Initial Second Lien Collateral Agent and the holders of the Initial Second Lien Obligations issued pursuant to the Initial Second Lien Agreement.
Initial Second Lien Security Agreement means the [security][collateral] agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among the Borrower, the Initial Second Lien Collateral Agent and the other parties thereto, as amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding means:
(1) any case commenced by or against the Borrower or any other Grantor under any Bankruptcy Law, any other proceeding for the reorganization, recapitalization or adjustment or marshalling of the assets or liabilities of the Borrower or any other Grantor, any receivership or assignment for the benefit of creditors relating to the Borrower or any other Grantor or any similar case or proceeding relative to the Borrower or any other Grantor or its creditors, as such, in each case whether or not voluntary;
(2) any liquidation, dissolution, marshalling of assets or liabilities or other winding up of or relating to the Borrower or any other Grantor, in each case whether or not voluntary and whether or not involving bankruptcy or insolvency; or
J-2-6
(3) any other proceeding of any type or nature in which substantially all claims of creditors of the Borrower or any other Grantor are determined and any payment or distribution is or may be made on account of such claims.
Joinder Agreement means a supplement to this Agreement in substantially the form of Annex II or Annex III hereof.
Lien means any mortgage, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit arrangement, encumbrance, lien (statutory or other), charge, or preference, priority or other security interest or preferential arrangement of any kind or nature whatsoever (including any conditional sale or other title retention agreement, any easement, right of way or other encumbrance on title to real property, and any Capitalized Lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing).
New York UCC means the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect in the State of New York.
Officers Certificate has the meaning provided to such term in Section 8.08.
Person means any natural person, corporation, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, company, partnership, governmental authority or other entity.
Possessory Collateral means any Shared Collateral in the possession of a Collateral Agent (or its agents or bailees), to the extent that possession thereof perfects a Lien thereon under the Uniform Commercial Code of any jurisdiction. Possessory Collateral includes, without limitation, any Certificated Securities, Promissory Notes, Instruments, and Chattel Paper, in each case, delivered to or in the possession of any Collateral Agent under the terms of the Senior Collateral Documents or the Second Priority Collateral Documents.
Proceeds means the proceeds of any sale, collection or other liquidation of Shared Collateral and any payment or distribution made in respect of Shared Collateral in a Bankruptcy Case and any amounts received by any Senior Representative or any Senior Secured Party from a Second Priority Debt Party in respect of Shared Collateral pursuant to this Agreement.
Purchase Event has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.07.
Recovery has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.04.
Refinance means, in respect of any Indebtedness, to refinance, extend, renew, refund, repay, prepay, redeem, purchase, defease, retire, restructure, amend, increase, modify, supplement or replace, or to issue other Indebtedness or enter alternative financing arrangements in exchange or replacement for, such Indebtedness, in whole or in part, including by adding or replacing lenders, creditors, agents, borrowers and/or guarantors, and including, in each case, but not limited to, after the original instrument giving rise to such indebtedness has been terminated and including, in each case, through any credit agreement, indenture or other agreement. Refinanced and Refinancing shall have correlative meanings.
Registered Equivalent Notes means, with respect to any notes originally issued in a Rule 144A or other private placement transaction under the Securities Act of 1933, substantially identical notes (having the same Guarantees) issued in a dollar-for-dollar exchange therefor pursuant to an exchange offer registered with the SEC.
J-2-7
Replacement Senior Obligations has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.10.
Representatives means the Senior Representatives and the Second Priority Representatives.
SEC means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and any successor agency thereto.
Second Priority Class Debt has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.09.
Second Priority Class Debt Parties has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.09.
Second Priority Class Debt Representative has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.09.
Second Priority Collateral means any Collateral as defined in any Initial Second Lien Debt Document or any other Second Priority Debt Document or any other assets of the Borrower or any other Grantor with respect to which a Lien is granted or purported to be granted pursuant to a Second Priority Collateral Document as security for any Second Priority Debt Obligation.
Second Priority Collateral Documents means the Initial Second Lien Security Agreement and the other Collateral Documents as defined in the Initial Second Lien Agreement and each of the collateral agreements, security agreements and other instruments and documents executed and delivered by the Borrower or any other Grantor for purposes of providing collateral security for any Second Priority Debt Obligation.
Second Priority Debt means any Initial Second Lien Obligations and any Additional Second Priority Debt.
Second Priority Debt Documents means the Initial Second Lien Debt Documents and any Additional Second Priority Debt Documents.
Second Priority Debt Facilities means the Initial Second Lien Agreement and any Additional Second Priority Debt Facilities.
Second Priority Debt Obligations means the Initial Second Lien Obligations and any Additional Second Priority Debt Obligations.
Second Priority Debt Parties means the Initial Second Lien Secured Parties and any Additional Second Priority Debt Parties.
Second Priority Enforcement Date means, with respect to any Second Priority Representative, the date which is 180 days after the occurrence of both (i) an Event of Default (under and as defined in the Second Priority Debt Document for which such Second Priority Representative has been named as Representative) and (ii) the Designated Senior Representatives and each other Representatives receipt of written notice from such Second Priority Representative that (x) such Second Priority Representative is the Designated Second Priority Representative and that an Event of Default (under and as defined in the Second Priority Debt Document for which such Second Priority Representative has been named as Representative) has occurred and is continuing and (y) the Second Priority Debt Obligations of the series with respect to which such Second Priority Representative is the Second Priority Representative are
J-2-8
currently due and payable in full (whether as a result of acceleration thereof or otherwise) in accordance with the terms of the applicable Second Priority Debt Document; provided that the Second Priority Enforcement Date shall be stayed and shall not occur and shall be deemed not to have occurred with respect to any Shared Collateral (1) at any time the Designated Senior Representative has commenced and is diligently pursuing any enforcement action with respect to such Shared Collateral or (2) at any time the Grantor which has granted a security interest in such Shared Collateral is then a debtor under or with respect to (or otherwise subject to) any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding.
Second Priority Majority Representatives means Second Priority Representatives representing at least a majority of the then aggregate amount of Second Priority Debt Obligations for borrowed money that agree to vote together.
Second Priority Lien means the Liens on the Second Priority Collateral in favor of Second Priority Debt Parties under Second Priority Collateral Documents.
Second Priority Representative means (i) in the case of the Initial Second Lien Obligations, the Initial Second Lien Collateral Agent and (ii) in the case of any Second Priority Debt Facility incurred after the date hereof, the Second Priority Debt Parties thereunder, the trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent or similar agent under such Second Priority Debt Facility that is named as the Representative in respect of such Second Priority Debt Facility in the applicable Joinder Agreement.
Secured Obligations means the Senior Obligations and the Second Priority Debt Obligations.
Secured Parties means the Senior Secured Parties and the Second Priority Debt Parties.
Senior Class Debt has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.09.
Senior Class Debt Parties has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.09.
Senior Class Debt Representative has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 8.09.
Senior Collateral means any Collateral as defined in any First Lien Credit Agreement Loan Document or any other Senior Debt Document or any other assets of the Borrower or any other Grantor with respect to which a Lien is granted or purported to be granted pursuant to a Senior Collateral Document as security for any Senior Obligations.
Senior Collateral Documents means the First Lien Credit Agreement Security Agreement and the other Collateral Documents as defined in the First Lien Credit Agreement, the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement (upon and after the initial execution and delivery thereof by the initial parties thereto) and each of the collateral agreements, security agreements and other instruments and documents executed and delivered by the Borrower or any other Grantor for purposes of providing collateral security for any Senior Obligation.
Senior Debt Documents means the First Lien Credit Agreement Loan Documents and any Additional Senior Debt Documents.
Senior Facilities means the First Lien Credit Agreement and any Additional Senior Debt Facilities.
Senior Lien means the Liens on the Senior Collateral in favor of the Senior Secured Parties under the Senior Collateral Documents.
J-2-9
Senior Obligations means the First Lien Credit Agreement Obligations and any Additional Senior Debt Obligations; provided that the aggregate principal amount of debt for borrowed money constituting Senior Obligations shall not exceed the amount of such debt permitted to be incurred in accordance with the terms of the Second Priority Debt Documents.
Senior Representative means (i) in the case of any First Lien Credit Agreement Obligations or the First Lien Credit Agreement Secured Parties, the First Lien Credit Agreement Collateral Agent and (ii) in the case of any Additional Senior Debt Facility and the Additional Senior Debt Parties thereunder, the trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent or similar agent under such Additional Senior Debt Facility that is named as the Representative in respect of such Additional Senior Debt Facility hereunder or in the applicable Joinder Agreement.
Senior Secured Parties means the First Lien Credit Agreement Secured Parties and any Additional Senior Debt Parties.
Shared Collateral means, at any time, Collateral in which the holders of Senior Obligations under at least one Senior Facility and the holders of Second Priority Debt Obligations under at least one Second Priority Debt Facility (or their Representatives) hold a security interest at such time (or, in the case of the Senior Facilities, are deemed pursuant to Article II to hold a security interest). If, at any time, any portion of the Senior Collateral under one or more Senior Facilities does not constitute Second Priority Collateral under one or more Second Priority Debt Facilities, then such portion of such Senior Collateral shall constitute Shared Collateral only with respect to the Second Priority Debt Facilities for which it constitutes Second Priority Collateral and shall not constitute Shared Collateral for any Second Priority Debt Facility which does not have a security interest in such Collateral at such time.
Subsidiary of a Person means a corporation, partnership, joint venture, limited liability company or other business entity of which a majority of the shares of securities or other interests having ordinary voting power for the election of directors or other governing body (other than securities or interests having such power only by reason of the happening of a contingency) are at the time beneficially owned, or the management of which is otherwise controlled, directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, or both, by such Person. Unless otherwise specified, all references herein to a Subsidiary or to Subsidiaries shall refer to a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Borrower. For the avoidance of doubt, any entity that is owned at a 50.0% or less level (as described above) shall not be a Subsidiary for any purpose under this Agreement, regardless of whether such entity is consolidated on Holdings or any Subsidiarys financial statements.
Uniform Commercial Code or UCC means, unless otherwise specified, the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect in the State of New York.
SECTION 1.02. Terms Generally . The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined. Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine and neuter forms. The words include, includes and including shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase without limitation. The word will shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word shall. Unless the context requires otherwise, (i) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument, other document, statute or regulation herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument, other document, statute or regulation as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified, (ii) any reference herein to any Person shall be construed to include such Persons successors and assigns, but shall not be deemed to include the subsidiaries of such Person unless express reference is made to such subsidiaries, (iii) the words herein, hereof and hereunder, and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof, (iv) all references herein to Articles,
J-2-10
Sections and Annexes shall be construed to refer to Articles, Sections and Annexes of this Agreement, (v) unless otherwise expressly qualified herein, the words asset and property shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights and (vi) the term or is not exclusive.
ARTICLE II
Priorities and Agreements with Respect to Shared Collateral
SECTION 2.01. Subordination .
(a) Notwithstanding the date, time, manner or order of filing or recordation of any document or instrument or grant, attachment or perfection of any Liens granted to any Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Debt Parties on the Shared Collateral or of any Liens granted to any Senior Representative or any other Senior Secured Party on the Shared Collateral (or any actual or alleged defect in any of the foregoing) and notwithstanding any provision of the UCC, any applicable law, any Second Priority Debt Document or any Senior Debt Document or any other circumstance whatsoever, each Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, hereby agrees that (a) any Lien on the Shared Collateral securing any Senior Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of any Senior Representative or any other Senior Secured Party or other agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall have priority over and be senior in all respects and prior to any Lien on the Shared Collateral securing any Second Priority Debt Obligations and (b) any Lien on the Shared Collateral securing any Second Priority Debt Obligations now or hereafter held by or on behalf of any Second Priority Representative, any Second Priority Debt Parties or other agent or trustee therefor, regardless of how acquired, whether by grant, statute, operation of law, subrogation or otherwise, shall be junior and subordinate in all respects to all Liens on the Shared Collateral securing any Senior Obligations. All Liens on the Shared Collateral securing any Senior Obligations shall be and remain senior in all respects and prior to all Liens on the Shared Collateral securing any Second Priority Debt Obligations for all purposes, whether or not such Liens securing any Senior Obligations are subordinated to any Lien securing any other obligation of the Borrower, any Grantor or any other Person or otherwise subordinated, voided, avoided, invalidated or lapsed.
SECTION 2.02. Nature of Senior Lender Claims . Each Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, acknowledges that (a) a portion of the Senior Obligations is revolving in nature and that the amount thereof that may be outstanding at any time or from time to time may be increased or reduced and subsequently reborrowed, (b) the terms of the Senior Debt Documents and the Senior Obligations may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified, and the Senior Obligations, or a portion thereof, may be Refinanced from time to time and (c) the aggregate amount of the Senior Obligations may be increased, in each case, without notice to or consent by the Second Priority Representatives or the Second Priority Debt Parties and without affecting the provisions hereof. The Lien priorities provided for in Section 2.01 shall not be altered or otherwise affected by any amendment, supplement or other modification, or any Refinancing, of either the Senior Obligations or the Second Priority Debt Obligations, or any portion thereof. As between the Borrower and the other Grantors and the Second Priority Debt Parties, the foregoing provisions will not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of the Borrower and the Grantors contained in any Second Priority Debt Document with respect to the incurrence of additional Senior Obligations.
SECTION 2.03. Prohibition on Contesting Liens . Each of the Second Priority Representatives, for itself and on behalf of each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority
J-2-11
Debt Facility, agrees that it shall not (and hereby waives any right to) contest or support any other Person in contesting, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), the validity, extent, perfection, priority or enforceability of any Lien securing any Senior Obligations held (or purported to be held) by or on behalf of any Senior Representative or any of the other Senior Secured Parties or other agent or trustee therefor in any Senior Collateral, and each Senior Representative, for itself and on behalf of each Senior Secured Party under its Senior Facility, agrees that it shall not (and hereby waives any right to) contest or support any other Person in contesting, in any proceeding (including any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding), the validity, extent, perfection, priority or enforceability of any Lien securing any Second Priority Debt Obligations held (or purported to be held) by or on behalf of any of any Second Priority Representative or any of the Second Priority Debt Parties in the Second Priority Collateral. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision in this Agreement shall be construed to prevent or impair the rights of any Senior Representative to enforce this Agreement (including the priority of the Liens securing the Senior Obligations as provided in Section 2.01) or any of the Senior Debt Documents.
SECTION 2.04. No Other Liens . The parties hereto agree that, so long as the Discharge of Senior Obligations has not occurred, none of the Grantors shall, or shall permit any of its subsidiaries to, grant or permit any Lien on any asset to secure any Second Priority Debt Obligation unless it has granted, or concurrently therewith grants, a Lien on such asset to secure the Senior Obligations. To the extent that the provisions of the immediately preceding sentence are not complied with for any reason, without limiting any other right or remedy available to any Senior Representative or any other Senior Secured Party, each Second Priority Representative agrees, for itself and on behalf of the other Second Priority Debt Parties, that any amounts received by or distributed to any Second Priority Debt Party pursuant to or as a result of any Lien granted in contravention of this Section 2.04 shall be subject to Section 4.02.
SECTION 2.05. Perfection of Liens . Except for the limited agreements of the Senior Representatives pursuant to Section 5.05 hereof, none of the Senior Representatives or the Senior Secured Parties shall be responsible for perfecting and maintaining the perfection of Liens with respect to the Shared Collateral for the benefit of the Second Priority Representatives or the Second Priority Debt Parties. The provisions of this Agreement are intended solely to govern the respective Lien priorities as between the Senior Secured Parties and the Second Priority Debt Parties and shall not impose on the Senior Representatives, the Senior Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representatives, the Second Priority Debt Parties or any agent or trustee therefor any obligations in respect of the disposition of Proceeds of any Shared Collateral which would conflict with prior perfected claims therein in favor of any other Person or any order or decree of any court or governmental authority or any applicable law.
ARTICLE III
Enforcement
SECTION 3.01. Exercise of Remedies .
(a) So long as the Discharge of Senior Obligations has not occurred, whether or not any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding has been commenced by or against the Borrower or any other Grantor, (i) neither any Second Priority Representative nor any Second Priority Debt Party will (x) exercise or seek to exercise any rights or remedies (including setoff) with respect to any Shared Collateral in respect of any Second Priority Debt Obligations, or institute any action or proceeding with respect to such rights or remedies (including any action of foreclosure), (y) contest, protest or object to any foreclosure proceeding or action brought with respect to the Shared Collateral or any other Senior Collateral by any Senior Representative or any Senior Secured Party in respect of the Senior Obligations,
J-2-12
the exercise of any right by any Senior Representative or any Senior Secured Party (or any agent or sub-agent on their behalf) in respect of the Senior Obligations under any lockbox agreement, control agreement, landlord waiver or bailees letter or similar agreement or arrangement to which any Senior Representative or any Senior Secured Party either is a party or may have rights as a third party beneficiary, or any other exercise by any such party of any rights and remedies relating to the Shared Collateral under the Senior Debt Documents or otherwise in respect of the Senior Collateral or the Senior Obligations, or (z) object to the forbearance by the Senior Secured Parties from bringing or pursuing any foreclosure proceeding or action or any other exercise of any rights or remedies relating to the Shared Collateral in respect of Senior Obligations and (ii) the Senior Representatives and the Senior Secured Parties shall have the exclusive right to enforce rights, exercise remedies (including setoff and the right to credit bid their debt) and make determinations regarding the release, disposition or restrictions with respect to the Shared Collateral without any consultation with or the consent of any Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Debt Party; provided , however , that (A) in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding commenced by or against the Borrower or any other Grantor, any Second Priority Representative may file a claim or statement of interest with respect to the Second Priority Debt Obligations under its Second Priority Debt Facility, (B) any Second Priority Representative may take any action (not adverse to the prior Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Senior Obligations or the rights of the Senior Representatives or the Senior Secured Parties to exercise remedies in respect thereof) in order to create, prove, perfect, preserve or protect (but not enforce) its rights in, and perfection and priority of its Lien on, the Shared Collateral, (C) any Second Priority Representative and the Second Priority Debt Parties may exercise their rights and remedies as unsecured creditors, to the extent provided in Section 5.04, (D) the Second Priority Debt Parties may file any responsive or defensive pleadings in opposition to any motion, claim, adversary proceeding or other pleading made by any person objecting to or otherwise seeking the disallowance of the claims of the Second Priority Debt Parties or the avoidance of any Second Priority Lien to the extent not inconsistent with the terms of this Agreement, and (E) from and after the Second Priority Enforcement Date, the Designated Second Priority Representative may exercise or seek to exercise any rights or remedies (including setoff) with respect to any Shared Collateral in respect of any Second Priority Debt Obligations, or institute any action or proceeding with respect to such rights or remedies (including any action of foreclosure). In exercising rights and remedies with respect to the Senior Collateral, the Senior Representatives and the Senior Secured Parties may enforce the provisions of the Senior Debt Documents and exercise remedies thereunder, all in such order and in such manner as they may determine in the exercise of their sole discretion. Such exercise and enforcement shall include the rights of an agent appointed by them to sell or otherwise dispose of Shared Collateral upon foreclosure, to incur expenses in connection with such sale or disposition and to exercise all the rights and remedies of a secured lender under the Uniform Commercial Code of any applicable jurisdiction and of a secured creditor under Bankruptcy Laws of any applicable jurisdiction.
(b) So long as the Discharge of Senior Obligations has not occurred, except as expressly provided in the proviso in clause (ii) of Section 3.01(a), each Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, agrees that it will not, in the context of its role as secured creditor, take or receive any Shared Collateral or any Proceeds of Shared Collateral in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including setoff) with respect to any Shared Collateral in respect of Second Priority Debt Obligations. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, unless and until the Discharge of Senior Obligations has occurred, except as expressly provided in the proviso in clause (ii) of Section 3.01(a), the sole right of the Second Priority Representatives and the Second Priority Debt Parties with respect to the Shared Collateral is to hold a Lien on the Shared Collateral in respect of Second Priority Debt Obligations pursuant to the Second Priority Debt Documents for the period and to the extent granted therein and to receive a share of the Proceeds thereof, if any, after the Discharge of Senior Obligations has occurred.
J-2-13
(c) Subject to the proviso in clause (ii) of Section 3.01(a), (i) each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, agrees that neither such Second Priority Representative nor any such Second Priority Debt Party will take any action that would hinder any exercise of remedies undertaken by any Senior Representative or any Senior Secured Party with respect to the Shared Collateral under the Senior Debt Documents, including any sale, lease, exchange, transfer or other disposition of the Shared Collateral, whether by foreclosure or otherwise, and (ii) each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, hereby waives any and all rights it or any such Second Priority Debt Party may have as a junior lien creditor or otherwise to object to the manner in which the Senior Representatives or the Senior Secured Parties seek to enforce or collect the Senior Obligations or the Liens granted on any of the Senior Collateral, regardless of whether any action or failure to act by or on behalf of any Senior Representative or any other Senior Secured Party is adverse to the interests of the Second Priority Debt Parties.
(d) Each Second Priority Representative hereby acknowledges and agrees that no covenant, agreement or restriction contained in any Second Priority Debt Document shall be deemed to restrict in any way the rights and remedies of the Senior Representatives or the Senior Secured Parties with respect to the Senior Collateral as set forth in this Agreement and the Senior Debt Documents.
(e) Subject to Section 3.01(a), the Designated Senior Representative shall have the exclusive right to exercise any right or remedy with respect to the Shared Collateral and shall have the exclusive right to determine and direct the time, method and place for exercising such right or remedy or conducting any proceeding with respect thereto. Following the Discharge of Senior Obligations, the Designated Second Priority Representative who may be instructed by the Second Priority Majority Representatives shall have the exclusive right to exercise any right or remedy with respect to the Collateral, and the Designated Second Priority Representative who may be instructed by the Second Priority Majority Representatives shall have the exclusive right to direct the time, method and place of exercising or conducting any proceeding for the exercise of any right or remedy available to the Second Priority Debt Parties with respect to the Collateral, or of exercising or directing the exercise of any trust or power conferred on the Second Priority Representatives, or for the taking of any other action authorized by the Second Priority Collateral Documents; provided , however , that nothing in this Section 3.01(e) shall impair the right of any Second Priority Representative or other agent or trustee acting on behalf of the Second Priority Debt Parties to take such actions with respect to the Collateral after the Discharge of Senior Obligations as may be otherwise required or authorized pursuant to any intercreditor agreement governing the Second Priority Debt Parties or the Second Priority Debt Obligations.
SECTION 3.02. Cooperation . Subject to the proviso in clause (ii) of Section 3.01(a), each Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, agrees that, unless and until the Discharge of Senior Obligations has occurred, it will not commence, or join with any Person (other than the Senior Secured Parties and the Senior Representatives upon the request of the Designated Senior Representative) in commencing, any enforcement, collection, execution, levy or foreclosure action or proceeding with respect to any Lien held by it in the Shared Collateral under any of the Second Priority Debt Documents or otherwise in respect of the Second Priority Debt Obligations.
SECTION 3.03. Actions upon Breach . Should any Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Debt Party, contrary to this Agreement, in any way take, attempt to take or threaten to take any action with respect to the Shared Collateral (including any attempt to realize upon or enforce any remedy with respect to this Agreement) or fail to take any action required by this Agreement, any Senior Representative or other Senior Secured Party (in its or their own name or in the name of the Borrower or any other Grantor) or the Borrower may obtain relief against such Second Priority
J-2-14
Representative or such Second Priority Debt Party by injunction, specific performance or other appropriate equitable relief. Each Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Facility, hereby (i) agrees that the Senior Secured Parties damages from the actions of the Second Priority Representatives or any Second Priority Debt Party may at that time be difficult to ascertain and may be irreparable and waives any defense that the Borrower, any other Grantor or the Senior Secured Parties cannot demonstrate damage or be made whole by the awarding of damages and (ii) irrevocably waives any defense based on the adequacy of a remedy at law and any other defense that might be asserted to bar the remedy of specific performance in any action that may be brought by any Senior Representative or any other Senior Secured Party.
ARTICLE IV
Payments
SECTION 4.01. Application of Proceeds . After an event of default under any Senior Debt Document has occurred and until such event of default is cured or waived, so long as the Discharge of Senior Obligations has not occurred, the Shared Collateral or Proceeds thereof received in connection with the sale or other disposition of, or collection on, such Shared Collateral upon the exercise of remedies shall be applied to the Senior Obligations in such order as specified in the relevant Senior Debt Documents (including the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement) until the Discharge of Senior Obligations has occurred. Upon the Discharge of Senior Obligations, each applicable Senior Representative shall deliver promptly to the Designated Second Priority Representative any Shared Collateral or Proceeds thereof held by it in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct, to be applied by the Designated Second Priority Representative to the Second Priority Debt Obligations in such order as specified in the relevant Second Priority Debt Documents.
SECTION 4.02. Payments Over . Unless and until the Discharge of Senior Obligations has occurred, any Shared Collateral or Proceeds thereof received by any Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Debt Party in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy (including setoff) relating to the Shared Collateral, in contravention of this Agreement or otherwise, shall be segregated and held in trust for the benefit of and forthwith paid over to the Designated Senior Representative for the benefit of the Senior Secured Parties in the same form as received, with any necessary endorsements, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. The Designated Senior Representative is hereby authorized to make any such endorsements as agent for each of the Second Priority Representatives or any such Second Priority Debt Party. This authorization is coupled with an interest and is irrevocable.
ARTICLE V
Other Agreements
SECTION 5.01. Releases .
(a) Each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, agrees that, in the event of a sale, transfer or other disposition of any specified item of Shared Collateral (including all or substantially all of the equity interests of any subsidiary of the Borrower) other than a release granted upon or following the Discharge of Senior Obligations, the Liens granted to the Second Priority Representatives and the Second Priority Debt Parties upon such Shared Collateral to secure Second Priority Debt Obligations shall terminate and be released, automatically and without any further action, concurrently with the termination and release of
J-2-15
all Liens granted upon such Shared Collateral to secure Senior Obligations; provided that, in the case of any such sale, transfer or other disposition of Shared Collateral (other than any sale, transfer or other disposition in connection with the enforcement or exercise of any rights or remedies with respect to the Shared Collateral), the Liens granted to the Second Priority Representatives and the Second Priority Debt Parties shall not be so released if such sale, transfer or other disposition is not permitted under the terms of any Second Priority Debt Document. Upon delivery to a Second Priority Representative of an Officers Certificate stating that any such termination and release of Liens securing the Senior Obligations has become effective (or shall become effective concurrently with such termination and release of the Liens granted to the Second Priority Debt Parties and the Second Priority Representatives) and any necessary or proper instruments of termination or release prepared by the Borrower or any other Grantor, such Second Priority Representative will promptly execute, deliver or acknowledge, at the Borrowers or the other Grantors sole cost and expense, such instruments to evidence such termination and release of the Liens. Nothing in this Section 5.01(a) will be deemed to affect any agreement of a Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of the Second Priority Debt Parties under its Second Priority Debt Facility, to release the Liens on the Second Priority Collateral as set forth in the relevant Second Priority Debt Documents.
(b) Each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Designated Senior Representative and any officer or agent of the Designated Senior Representative, with full power of substitution, as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact with full irrevocable power and authority in the place and stead of such Second Priority Representative or such Second Priority Debt Party or in the Designated Senior Representatives own name, from time to time in the Designated Senior Representatives discretion, for the purpose of carrying out the terms of Section 5.01(a), to take any and all appropriate action and to execute any and all documents and instruments that may be necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of Section 5.01(a), including any termination statements, endorsements or other instruments of transfer or release.
(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Second Priority Collateral Document, in the event the terms of a Senior Collateral Document and a Second Priority Collateral Document each require any Grantor (i) to make payment in respect of any item of Shared Collateral, (ii) to deliver or afford control over any item of Shared Collateral to, or deposit any item of Shared Collateral with, (iii) to register ownership of any item of Shared Collateral in the name of or make an assignment of ownership of any Shared Collateral or the rights thereunder to, (iv) cause any securities intermediary, commodity intermediary or other Person acting in a similar capacity to agree to comply, in respect of any item of Shared Collateral, with instructions or orders from, or to treat, in respect of any item of Shared Collateral, as the entitlement holder, (v) hold any item of Shared Collateral in trust for (to the extent such item of Shared Collateral cannot be held in trust for multiple parties under applicable law), (vi) obtain the agreement of a bailee or other third party to hold any item of Shared Collateral for the benefit of or subject to the control of or, in respect of any item of Shared Collateral, to follow the instructions of or (vii) obtain the agreement of a landlord with respect to access to leased premises where any item of Shared Collateral is located or waivers or subordination of rights with respect to any item of Shared Collateral in favor of, in any case, both the Designated Senior Representative and any Second Priority Representative or Second Priority Debt Party, such Grantor may, until the applicable Discharge of Senior Obligations has occurred, comply with such requirement under the applicable Second Priority Collateral Document as it relates to such Shared Collateral by taking any of the actions set forth above only with respect to, or in favor of, the Designated Senior Representative.
SECTION 5.02. Insurance and Condemnation Awards . Unless and until the Discharge of Senior Obligations has occurred, the Designated Senior Representative and the Senior Secured Parties shall have the sole and exclusive right, subject to the rights of the Grantors under the Senior Debt
J-2-16
Documents, (a) to be named as additional insured and loss payee under any insurance policies maintained from time to time by any Grantor, (b) to adjust settlement for any insurance policy covering the Shared Collateral in the event of any loss thereunder and (c) to approve any award granted in any condemnation or similar proceeding affecting the Shared Collateral. Unless and until the Discharge of Senior Obligations has occurred, all proceeds of any such policy and any such award, if in respect of the Shared Collateral, shall be paid (i) first, prior to the occurrence of the Discharge of Senior Obligations, to the Designated Senior Representative for the benefit of Senior Secured Parties pursuant to the terms of the Senior Debt Documents, (ii) second, after the occurrence of the Discharge of Senior Obligations, to the Designated Second Priority Representative for the benefit of the Second Priority Debt Parties pursuant to the terms of the applicable Second Priority Debt Documents and (iii) third, if no Second Priority Debt Obligations are outstanding, to the owner of the subject property, such other Person as may be entitled thereto or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct. If any Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Debt Party shall, at any time, receive any proceeds of any such insurance policy or any such award in contravention of this Agreement, it shall pay such proceeds over to the Designated Senior Representative in accordance with the terms of Section 4.02.
SECTION 5.03. Amendments to Debt Documents .
(a) The Senior Debt Documents may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified in accordance with their terms, and the Indebtedness under the Senior Debt Documents may be Refinanced, in each case, without the consent of any Second Priority Debt Party; provided , however , that, without the consent of the Second Priority Majority Representatives, no such amendment, restatement, supplement, modification or Refinancing (or successive amendments, restatements, supplements, modifications or Refinancings) shall contravene any provision of this Agreement.
(b) Without the prior written consent of the Senior Representatives, no Second Priority Debt Document may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, or entered into, and no Indebtedness under the Second Priority Debt Documents may be Refinanced, to the extent such amendment, restatement, supplement or modification or Refinancing, or the terms of such new Second Priority Debt Document, would (i) contravene the provisions of this Agreement, (ii) change to earlier dates any scheduled dates for payment of principal (including the final maturity date) or of interest on Indebtedness under such Second Priority Debt Document or (iii) reduce the capacity to incur Indebtedness for borrowed money constituting Senior Obligations to an amount less than the aggregate principal amount of term loans or outstanding notes and aggregate principal amount of revolving commitments, in each case, under the Senior Debt Documents on the day of any such amendment, restatement, supplement, modification or Refinancing.
(c) Each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, agrees that each Second Priority Collateral Document under its Second Priority Debt Facility shall include the following language (or language to similar effect reasonably approved by the Designated Senior Representative):
Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) the liens and security interests granted to the [Second Priority Representative] pursuant to this Agreement are expressly subject and subordinate to the liens and security interests granted in favor of the Senior Secured Parties (as defined in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement referred to below), including liens and security interests granted to Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as collateral agent, pursuant to or in connection with the First Lien Credit Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2016, among Holdings, the Borrower, the other guarantors from time to time party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto, Deutsche Bank AG
J-2-17
New York Branch, as administrative agent, collateral agent, swing line lender and L/C issuer, and the other parties thereto, as further amended, restated, amended and restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time and (ii) the exercise of any right or remedy by the [Second Priority Representative] hereunder is subject to the limitations and provisions of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement dated as of [ ] (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement ), among Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as First Lien Credit Agreement Collateral Agent, [ ], as Initial Second Lien Collateral Agent, Holdings, the Borrower and its subsidiaries and affiliated entities party thereto. In the event of any conflict between the terms of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement and the terms of this Agreement, the terms of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall govern.
(d) In the event that each applicable Senior Representative and/or the Senior Secured Parties enter into any amendment, waiver or consent in respect of any of the Senior Collateral Documents for the purpose of adding to or deleting from, or waiving or consenting to any departures from any provisions of, any Senior Collateral Document or changing in any manner the rights of the Senior Representatives, the Senior Secured Parties, the Borrower or any other Grantor thereunder (including the release of any Liens in Senior Collateral) in a manner that is applicable to all Senior Facilities, then such amendment, waiver or consent shall apply automatically to any comparable provision of each comparable Second Priority Collateral Document without the consent of any Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Debt Party and without any action by any Second Priority Representative, the Borrower or any other Grantor; provided , however , that (i) no such amendment, waiver or consent shall (A) remove assets subject to the Second Priority Liens or release any such Liens, except to the extent that such release is permitted or required by Section 5.01(a) and provided that there is a concurrent release of the corresponding Senior Liens or (B) amend, modify or otherwise affect the rights or duties of any Second Priority Representative in its role as Second Priority Representative without its prior written consent and (ii) written notice of such amendment, waiver or consent shall have been given to each Second Priority Representative within 10 Business Days after the effectiveness of such amendment, waiver or consent.
(e) The Borrower agrees to deliver to each of the Designated Senior Representative and the Designated Second Priority Representative copies of (i) any amendments, supplements or other modifications to the Senior Debt Documents or the Second Priority Debt Documents and (ii) any new Senior Debt Documents or Second Priority Debt Documents promptly after effectiveness thereof.
SECTION 5.04. Rights as Unsecured Creditors . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Second Priority Representatives and the Second Priority Debt Parties may exercise rights and remedies as unsecured creditors against the Borrower and any other Grantor in accordance with the terms of the Second Priority Debt Documents and applicable law so long as such rights and remedies do not violate any express provision of this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit the receipt by any Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Debt Party of the required payments of principal, premium, interest, fees and other amounts due under the Second Priority Debt Documents so long as such receipt is not the direct or indirect result of the exercise in contravention of this Agreement by a Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Debt Party of rights or remedies as a secured creditor in respect of Shared Collateral. In the event any Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Debt Party becomes a judgment lien creditor in respect of Shared Collateral as a result of its enforcement of its rights as an unsecured creditor in respect of Second Priority Debt Obligations, such judgment lien shall be subordinated to the Liens securing Senior Obligations on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Second Priority Debt Obligations are so subordinated to such Liens securing Senior Obligations under this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall impair or otherwise adversely affect any rights or remedies the Senior Representatives or the Senior Secured Parties may have with respect to the Senior Collateral.
J-2-18
SECTION 5.05. Bailment for Perfection of Security Interest .
(a) The Possessory Collateral shall be delivered to the Designated Senior Representative and by accepting such Possessory Collateral such Designated Senior Representative agrees to hold any Shared Collateral constituting Possessory Collateral that is part of the Collateral in its possession or control (or in the possession or control of its agents or bailees) as gratuitous bailee for the benefit of the Second Priority Representatives and any assignee solely for the purpose of perfecting the security interest granted in such Possessory Collateral, if any, pursuant to the applicable Second Priority Collateral Documents, in each case, subject to the terms and conditions of this Section 5.05.
(b) Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, until the Discharge of Senior Obligations has occurred, the Senior Representatives and the Senior Secured Parties shall be entitled to deal with the Possessory Collateral in accordance with the terms of the Senior Debt Documents as if the Liens under the Second Priority Collateral Documents did not exist. The rights of the Second Priority Representatives and the Second Priority Debt Parties with respect to the Possessory Collateral shall at all times be subject to the terms of this Agreement.
(c) The Senior Representatives and the Senior Secured Parties shall have no obligation whatsoever to the Second Priority Representatives or any Second Priority Debt Party to assure that any of the Possessory Collateral is genuine or owned by the Grantors or to protect or preserve rights or benefits of any Person or any rights pertaining to the Shared Collateral, except as expressly set forth in this Section 5.05. The duties or responsibilities of the Senior Representatives under this Section 5.05 shall be limited solely to holding or controlling the Shared Collateral and the related Liens referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section 5.05 as sub-agent and gratuitous bailee for the relevant Second Priority Representative for purposes of perfecting the Lien held by such Second Priority Representative.
(d) The Senior Representatives shall not have by reason of the Second Priority Collateral Documents or this Agreement, or any other document, a fiduciary relationship in respect of any Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Debt Party, and each, Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, hereby waives and releases the Senior Representatives from all claims and liabilities arising pursuant to the Senior Representatives roles under this Section 5.05 as sub-agents and gratuitous bailees with respect to the Shared Collateral.
(e) Upon the Discharge of Senior Obligations, each applicable Senior Representative shall, at the Grantors sole cost and expense, (i) (A) deliver to the Designated Second Priority Representative, to the extent that it is legally permitted to do so, all Shared Collateral, including all proceeds thereof, held or controlled by such Senior Representative or any of its agents or bailees, including the transfer of possession and control, as applicable, of the Possessory Collateral, together with any necessary endorsements and notices to depositary banks, securities intermediaries and commodities intermediaries, and assign its rights under any landlord waiver or bailees letter or any similar agreement or arrangement granting it rights or access to Shared Collateral, or (B) direct and deliver such Shared Collateral as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct, (ii) notify any applicable insurance carrier that it is no longer entitled to be a loss payee or additional insured under the insurance policies of any Grantor issued by such insurance carrier and (iii) notify any governmental authority involved in any condemnation or similar proceeding involving any Grantor that the Designated Second Priority Representative is entitled to approve any awards granted in such proceeding. The Borrower and the other Grantors shall take such further action as is required to effectuate the transfer contemplated hereby and
J-2-19
shall indemnify each Senior Representative for loss or damage suffered by such Senior Representative as a result of such transfer, except for loss or damage suffered by any such Person as a result of its own willful misconduct, gross negligence or bad faith. The Senior Representatives have no obligations to follow instructions from any Second Priority Representative or any other Second Priority Debt Party in contravention of this Agreement.
(f) None of the Senior Representatives nor any of the other Senior Secured Parties shall be required to marshal any present or future collateral security for any obligations of the Borrower or any Subsidiary to any Senior Representative or any Senior Secured Party under the Senior Debt Documents or any assurance of payment in respect thereof, or to resort to such collateral security or other assurances of payment in any particular order, and all of their rights in respect of such collateral security or any assurance of payment in respect thereof shall be cumulative and in addition to all other rights, however existing or arising.
SECTION 5.06. When Discharge of Senior Obligations Deemed To Not Have Occurred . If, at any time substantially concurrently with or after the occurrence of the Discharge of Senior Obligations, the Borrower or any Subsidiary consummates any Refinancing of any Senior Obligations, then such Discharge of Senior Obligations shall automatically be deemed not to have occurred for all purposes of this Agreement (other than with respect to any actions taken prior to the date of such designation as a result of the occurrence of such first Discharge of Senior Obligations) and the applicable agreement governing such Senior Obligations shall automatically be treated as a Senior Debt Document for all purposes of this Agreement, including for purposes of the Lien priorities and rights in respect of Shared Collateral set forth herein and the agent, representative or trustee for the holders of such Senior Obligations shall be the Senior Representative for all purposes of this Agreement. Upon receipt of notice of such incurrence (including the identity of the new Senior Representative), each Second Priority Representative (including the Designated Second Priority Representative) shall promptly (a) enter into such documents and agreements, including amendments or supplements to this Agreement, as the Borrower or such new Senior Representative shall reasonably request in writing in order to provide the new Senior Representative the rights of a Senior Representative contemplated hereby, (b) deliver to such Senior Representative, to the extent that it is legally permitted to do so, all Shared Collateral, including all proceeds thereof, held or controlled by such Second Priority Representative or any of its agents or bailees, including the transfer of possession and control, as applicable, of the Possessory Collateral, together with any necessary endorsements and notices to depositary banks, securities intermediaries and commodities intermediaries, and assign its rights under any landlord waiver or bailees letter or any similar agreement or arrangement granting it rights or access to Shared Collateral, (c) notify any applicable insurance carrier that it is no longer entitled to be a loss payee or additional insured under the insurance policies of any Grantor issued by such insurance carrier and (d) notify any governmental authority involved in any condemnation or similar proceeding involving a Grantor that the new Senior Representative is entitled to approve any awards granted in such proceeding.
SECTION 5.07. Purchase Right . Without prejudice to the enforcement of the Senior Secured Parties remedies, the Senior Secured Parties agree that following (a) the acceleration of all Senior Obligations in accordance with the terms of the Senior Debt Documents or (b) the commencement of an Insolvency Proceeding (each, a Purchase Event ), within thirty (30) days of the Purchase Event, one or more of the Second Priority Debt Parties may request, and the Senior Secured Parties hereby offer the Second Priority Debt Parties the option, to purchase all, but not less than all, of the aggregate amount of outstanding Senior Obligations outstanding at the time of purchase at par, plus any premium that would be applicable upon prepayment of the Senior Obligations and accrued and unpaid interest and fees, without warranty or representation or recourse (except for representations and warranties required to be made by assigning lenders pursuant to the Assignment and Assumption (as such term is defined in the First Lien Credit Agreement)). If such right is exercised, the parties shall endeavor to close promptly
J-2-20
thereafter but in any event within ten Business Days of the request. If one or more of the Second Priority Debt Parties exercise such purchase right, it shall be exercised pursuant to documentation mutually acceptable to each of the Senior Representative and the Second Priority Representative. If none of the Second Priority Debt Parties exercise such right, the Senior Secured Parties shall have no further obligations pursuant to this Section 5.07 for such Purchase Event and may take any further actions in their sole discretion in accordance with the Senior Debt Documents and this Agreement.
ARTICLE VI
Insolvency or Liquidation Proceedings .
SECTION 6.01. Financing Issues . Until the Discharge of Senior Obligations has occurred, if the Borrower or any other Grantor shall be subject to any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding and any Senior Representative or any Senior Secured Party shall desire to consent (or not object) to the sale, use or lease of cash or other collateral or to consent (or not object) to the Borrowers or any other Grantors obtaining financing under Section 363 or Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law ( DIP Financing ), then each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, agrees that it will raise no objection to and will not otherwise contest (a) such sale, use or lease of such cash or other collateral, unless each Senior Representative or any other Senior Secured Party shall oppose or object to such use of cash collateral (in which case, no Second Priority Representative nor any other Second Priority Debt Party shall seek any relief in connection therewith that is inconsistent with the relief being sought by the Senior Secured Parties); (b) such DIP Financing, unless each Senior Representative or any other Senior Secured Party shall oppose or object to such DIP Financing ( provided that the foregoing shall not prevent the Second Priority Debt Parties from proposing any other DIP Financing to any Grantors or to a court of competent jurisdiction), and, except to the extent permitted by the proviso in clause (ii) of Section 3.01(a) and Section 6.03, will not request adequate protection or any other relief in connection therewith and, to the extent the Liens securing any Senior Obligations are subordinated or pari passu with such DIP Financing, will subordinate (and will be deemed hereunder to have subordinated) its Liens in the Shared Collateral to (x) such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) on the same basis as the Liens securing the Second Priority Debt Obligations are so subordinated to Liens securing Senior Obligations under this Agreement, (y) any adequate protection Liens provided to the Senior Secured Parties, and (z) to any carve-out for professional and United States Trustee fees agreed to by the Senior Representatives; (c) any motion for relief from the automatic stay or from any injunction against foreclosure or enforcement in respect of Senior Obligations made by any Senior Representative or any other Senior Secured Party; (d) any exercise by any Senior Secured Party of the right to credit bid Senior Obligations at any sale in foreclosure of Senior Collateral under Section 363(k) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law; (e) any other request for judicial relief made in any court by any Senior Secured Party relating to the lawful enforcement of any Lien on Senior Collateral; or (f) any order relating to a sale or other disposition of assets of any Grantor to which any Senior Representative has consented or not objected that provides, to the extent such sale or other disposition is to be free and clear of Liens, that the Liens securing the Senior Obligations and the Second Priority Debt Obligations will attach to the proceeds of the sale on the same basis of priority as the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Senior Obligations rank to the Liens on the Shared Collateral securing the Second Priority Debt Obligations pursuant to this Agreement. Each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, agrees that notice received two Business Days prior to the entry of an order approving such usage of cash or other collateral or approving such financing shall be adequate notice.
SECTION 6.02. Relief from the Automatic Stay . Until the Discharge of Senior Obligations has occurred, each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each Second
J-2-21
Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, agrees that none of them shall seek relief from the automatic stay or any other stay in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or take any action in derogation thereof, in each case in respect of any Shared Collateral, without the prior written consent of the Designated Senior Representative.
SECTION 6.03. Adequate Protection . Each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, agrees that none of them shall (A) object, contest or support any other Person objecting to or contesting (a) any request by any Senior Representative or any Senior Secured Parties for adequate protection, (b) any objection by any Senior Representative or any Senior Secured Parties to any motion, relief, action or proceeding based on any Senior Representatives or Senior Secured Partys claiming a lack of adequate protection or (c) the payment of interest, fees, expenses or other amounts of any Senior Representative or any other Senior Secured Party under Section 506(b) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law or (B) assert or support any claim for costs or expenses of preserving or disposing of any Collateral under Section 506(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Section 6.03 or in Section 6.01, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, (i) if the Senior Secured Parties (or any subset thereof) are granted adequate protection in the form of additional collateral or superpriority claims in connection with any DIP Financing or use of cash collateral under Section 363 or 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law, then each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, may seek or request adequate protection in the form of a replacement Lien or superpriority claim on such additional collateral, which (A) Lien is subordinated to the Liens securing all Senior Obligations and such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Second Priority Debt Obligations are so subordinated to the Liens securing Senior Obligations under this Agreement and (B) superpriority claim is subordinated to all superpriority claims of the Senior Secured Parties on the same basis as the other claims of the Second Priority Debt Parties are so subordinated to the claims of the Senior Secured Parties under this Agreement, (ii) in the event any Second Priority Representatives, for themselves and on behalf of the Second Priority Debt Parties under their Second Priority Debt Facilities, seek or request adequate protection and such adequate protection is granted (in each instance, to the extent such grant is otherwise permissible under the terms and conditions of this Agreement) in the form of additional or replacement collateral, then such Second Priority Representatives, for themselves and on behalf of each Second Priority Debt Party under their Second Priority Debt Facilities, agree that each Senior Representative shall also be granted a senior Lien on such additional or replacement collateral as security for the Senior Obligations and any such DIP Financing and that any Lien on such additional or replacement collateral securing the Second Priority Debt Obligations shall be subordinated to the Liens on such collateral securing the Senior Obligations and any such DIP Financing (and all obligations relating thereto) and any other Liens granted to the Senior Secured Parties as adequate protection on the same basis as the other Liens securing the Second Priority Debt Obligations are so subordinated to such Liens securing Senior Obligations under this Agreement (and, to the extent the Senior Secured Parties are not granted such adequate protection in such form, any amounts recovered by or distributed to any Second Priority Debt Party pursuant to or as a result of any Lien on such additional or replacement collateral so granted to the Second Priority Debt Parties shall be subject to Section 4.02), and (iii) in the event any Second Priority Representatives, for themselves and on behalf of the Second Priority Debt Parties under their Second Priority Debt Facilities, seek or request adequate protection and such adequate protection is granted (in each instance, to the extent such grant is otherwise permissible under the terms and conditions of this Agreement) in the form of a superpriority claim, then such Second Priority Representatives, for themselves and on behalf of each Second Priority Debt Party under their Second Priority Debt Facilities, agree that each Senior Representative shall also be granted adequate protection in the form of a superpriority claim, which superpriority claim shall be senior to the superpriority claim of the Second Priority Debt Parties (and, to the extent the Senior Secured Parties are not granted such adequate
J-2-22
protection in such form, any amounts recovered by or distributed to any Second Priority Debt Party pursuant to or as a result of any such superpriority claim so granted to the Second Priority Debt Parties shall be subject to Section 4.02).
SECTION 6.04. Preference Issues . If any Senior Secured Party is required in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to disgorge, turn over or otherwise pay any amount to the estate of the Borrower or any other Grantor (or any trustee, receiver or similar Person therefor), because the payment of such amount was declared to be fraudulent or preferential in any respect or for any other reason, any amount (a Recovery ), whether received as proceeds of security, enforcement of any right of setoff or otherwise, then the Senior Obligations shall be reinstated to the extent of such Recovery and deemed to be outstanding as if such payment had not occurred and the Senior Secured Parties shall be entitled to the benefits of this Agreement until a Discharge of Senior Obligations with respect to all such recovered amounts. If this Agreement shall have been terminated prior to such Recovery, this Agreement shall be reinstated in full force and effect, and such prior termination shall not diminish, release, discharge, impair or otherwise affect the obligations of the parties hereto. Each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, hereby agrees that none of them shall be entitled to benefit from any avoidance action affecting or otherwise relating to any distribution or allocation made in accordance with this Agreement, whether by preference or otherwise, it being understood and agreed that the benefit of such avoidance action otherwise allocable to them shall instead be allocated and turned over for application in accordance with the priorities set forth in this Agreement.
SECTION 6.05. Separate Grants of Security and Separate Classifications . Each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, acknowledges and agrees that (a) the grants of Liens pursuant to the Senior Collateral Documents and the Second Priority Collateral Documents constitute separate and distinct grants of Liens and (b) because of, among other things, their differing rights in the Shared Collateral, the Second Priority Debt Obligations are fundamentally different from the Senior Obligations and must be separately classified in any plan of reorganization proposed or adopted in an Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding. To further effectuate the intent of the parties as provided in the immediately preceding sentence, if it is held that any claims of the Senior Secured Parties and the Second Priority Debt Parties in respect of the Shared Collateral constitute a single class of claims (rather than separate classes of senior and junior secured claims), then each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, hereby acknowledges and agrees that all distributions shall be made as if there were separate classes of senior and junior secured claims against the Grantors in respect of the Shared Collateral, with the effect being that, to the extent that the aggregate value of the Shared Collateral is sufficient (for this purpose ignoring all claims held by the Second Priority Debt Parties), the Senior Secured Parties shall be entitled to receive, in addition to amounts distributed to them in respect of principal, pre-petition interest and other claims, all amounts owing in respect of post-petition interest (whether or not allowed or allowable) before any distribution is made in respect of the Second Priority Debt Obligations, and each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, hereby acknowledges and agrees to turn over to the Designated Senior Representative amounts otherwise received or receivable by them to the extent necessary to effectuate the intent of this sentence, even if such turnover has the effect of reducing the claim or recovery of the Second Priority Debt Parties.
SECTION 6.06. No Waivers of Rights of Senior Secured Parties . Nothing contained herein shall, except as expressly provided herein, prohibit or in any way limit any Senior Representative or any other Senior Secured Party from objecting in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding or otherwise to any action taken by any Second Priority Debt Party, including the seeking by any Second Priority Debt Party of adequate protection or the assertion by any Second Priority Debt Party of any of its rights and remedies under the Second Priority Debt Documents or otherwise.
J-2-23
SECTION 6.07. Application . This Agreement, which the parties hereto expressly acknowledge is a subordination agreement under Section 510(a) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law, shall be effective before, during and after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding. The relative rights as to the Shared Collateral and proceeds thereof shall continue after the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding on the same basis as prior to the date of the petition therefor, subject to any court order approving the financing of, or use of cash collateral by, any Grantor. All references herein to any Grantor shall include such Grantor as a debtor-in-possession and any receiver or trustee for such Grantor.
SECTION 6.08. Other Matters . To the extent that any Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Debt Party has or acquires rights under Section 363 or Section 364 of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law with respect to any of the Shared Collateral, such Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, or such Second Priority Debt Party agrees not to assert any such rights without the prior written consent of each Senior Representative, provided that if requested by any Senior Representative, such Second Priority Representative shall timely exercise such rights in the manner requested by the Senior Representatives (acting unanimously), including any rights to payments in respect of such rights.
SECTION 6.09. 506(c) Claims . Until the Discharge of Senior Obligations has occurred, each Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, agrees that it will not assert or enforce any claim under Section 506(c) of the Bankruptcy Code or any similar provision of any other Bankruptcy Law senior to or on a parity with the Liens securing the Senior Obligations for costs or expenses of preserving or disposing of any Shared Collateral.
SECTION 6.10. Reorganization Securities .
(a) If, in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding, debt obligations of the reorganized debtor secured by Liens upon any property of the reorganized debtor are distributed, pursuant to a plan of reorganization or similar dispositive restructuring plan, on account of both the Senior Obligations and the Second Priority Debt Obligations, then, to the extent the debt obligations distributed on account of the Senior Obligations and on account of the Second Priority Debt Obligations are secured by Liens upon the same assets or property, the provisions of this Agreement will survive the distribution of such debt obligations pursuant to such plan and will apply with like effect to the Liens securing such debt obligations.
(b) No Second Priority Debt Party (whether in the capacity of a secured creditor or an unsecured creditor) shall propose, vote in favor of, or otherwise directly or indirectly support any plan of reorganization that is inconsistent with the priorities or other provisions of this Agreement, other than with the prior written consent of the Designated Senior Representative or to the extent any such plan is proposed or supported by the number of Senior Secured Debt Parties required under Section 1126(d) of the Bankruptcy Code.
SECTION 6.11. Section 1111(b) of the Bankruptcy Code . Each Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, shall not object to, oppose, support any objection, or take any other action to impede, the right of any Senior Secured Party to make an election under Section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code. Each
J-2-24
Second Priority Representative, for itself and on behalf of each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, waives any claim it may hereafter have against any senior claimholder arising out of the election by any Senior Secured Party of the application of Section 1111(b)(2) of the Bankruptcy Code.
ARTICLE VII
Reliance; Etc .
SECTION 7.01. Reliance . All loans and other extensions of credit made or deemed made on and after the date hereof by the Senior Secured Parties to the Borrower or any Subsidiary shall be deemed to have been given and made in reliance upon this Agreement. Each Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, acknowledges that it and such Second Priority Debt Parties have, independently and without reliance on any Senior Representative or other Senior Secured Party, and based on documents and information deemed by them appropriate, made their own credit analysis and decision to enter into the Second Priority Debt Documents to which they are party or by which they are bound, this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and they will continue to make their own credit decisions in taking or not taking any action under the Second Priority Debt Documents or this Agreement.
SECTION 7.02. No Warranties or Liability . Each Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, acknowledges and agrees that neither any Senior Representative nor any other Senior Secured Party has made any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the execution, validity, legality, completeness, collectability or enforceability of any of the Senior Debt Documents, the ownership of any Shared Collateral or the perfection or priority of any Liens thereon. The Senior Secured Parties will be entitled to manage and supervise their respective loans and extensions of credit under the Senior Debt Documents in accordance with law and as they may otherwise, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, and the Senior Secured Parties may manage their loans and extensions of credit without regard to any rights or interests that the Second Priority Representatives and the Second Priority Debt Parties have in the Shared Collateral or otherwise, except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. Neither any Senior Representative nor any other Senior Secured Party shall have any duty to any Second Priority Representative or Second Priority Debt Party to act or refrain from acting in a manner that allows, or results in, the occurrence or continuance of an event of default or default under any agreement with the Borrower or any Subsidiary (including the Second Priority Debt Documents), regardless of any knowledge thereof that they may have or be charged with. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement, the Senior Representatives, the Senior Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representatives and the Second Priority Debt Parties have not otherwise made to each other, nor do they hereby make to each other, any warranties, express or implied, nor do they assume any liability to each other with respect to (a) the enforceability, validity, value or collectability of any of the Senior Obligations, the Second Priority Debt Obligations or any guarantee or security which may have been granted to any of them in connection therewith, (b) any Grantors title to or right to transfer any of the Shared Collateral or (c) any other matter except as expressly set forth in this Agreement.
SECTION 7.03. Obligations Unconditional . All rights, interests, agreements and obligations of the Senior Representatives, the Senior Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representatives and the Second Priority Debt Parties hereunder shall remain in full force and effect irrespective of:
(a) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Senior Debt Document or any Second Priority Debt Document;
J-2-25
(b) any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other terms of, all or any of the Senior Obligations or Second Priority Debt Obligations, or any amendment or waiver or other modification, including any increase in the amount thereof, whether by course of conduct or otherwise, of the terms of the First Lien Credit Agreement or any other Senior Debt Document or of the terms of the Initial Second Lien Agreement or any other Second Priority Debt Document;
(c) any exchange of any security interest in any Shared Collateral or any other collateral or any amendment, waiver or other modification, whether in writing or by course of conduct or otherwise, of all or any of the Senior Obligations or Second Priority Debt Obligations or any guarantee thereof;
(d) the commencement of any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding in respect of the Borrower or any other Grantor; or
(e) any other circumstances that otherwise might constitute a defense available to (i) the Borrower or any other Grantor in respect of the Senior Obligations (other than the Discharge of Senior Obligations subject to Sections 5.06 and 6.04) or (ii) any Second Priority Representative or Second Priority Debt Party in respect of this Agreement.
ARTICLE VIII
Miscellaneous
SECTION 8.01. Conflicts . Subject to Section 8.22, in the event of any conflict between the provisions of this Agreement and the provisions of any Senior Debt Document or any Second Priority Debt Document, the provisions of this Agreement shall govern. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the relative rights and obligations of the Senior Representatives and the Senior Secured Parties (as amongst themselves) with respect to any Senior Collateral shall be governed by the terms of the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement and in the event of any conflict between the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement and this Agreement as to such relative rights and obligations, the provisions of the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall control.
SECTION 8.02. Continuing Nature of this Agreement; Severability . Subject to Section 6.04, this Agreement shall continue to be effective until the Discharge of Senior Obligations shall have occurred. This is a continuing agreement of Lien subordination, and the Senior Secured Parties may continue, at any time and without notice to the Second Priority Representatives or any Second Priority Debt Party, to extend credit and other financial accommodations and lend monies to or for the benefit of the Borrower or any Subsidiary constituting Senior Obligations in reliance hereon. The terms of this Agreement shall survive and continue in full force and effect in any Insolvency or Liquidation Proceeding. Any provision of this Agreement that is prohibited or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate the remaining provisions hereof, and any such prohibition or unenforceability in any jurisdiction shall not invalidate or render unenforceable such provision in any other jurisdiction. 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.
J-2-26
SECTION 8.03. Amendments; Waivers .
(a) No failure or delay on the part of any party hereto in exercising any right or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The rights and remedies of the parties hereto are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have. No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by any party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given. No notice or demand on any party hereto in any case shall entitle such party to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.
(b) This Agreement may be amended in writing signed by each Representative (in each case, acting in accordance with the documents governing the applicable Debt Facility); provided that any such amendment, supplement or waiver which by the terms of this Agreement requires the Borrowers consent or which increases the obligations or reduces the rights of, or otherwise materially adversely affects, the Borrower or any Grantor, shall require the consent of the Borrower. Any such amendment, supplement or waiver shall be in writing and shall be binding upon the Senior Secured Parties and the Second Priority Debt Parties and their respective successors and assigns.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, without the consent of any Secured Party (and with respect to any amendment or modification which by the terms of this Agreement requires the Borrowers consent or which increases the obligations or reduces the rights of the Borrower or any other Grantor, with the consent of the Borrower), any Representative may become a party hereto by execution and delivery of a Joinder Agreement in accordance with Section 8.09 of this Agreement and upon such execution and delivery, such Representative and the Secured Parties and Senior Obligations or Second Priority Debt Obligations of the Debt Facility for which such Representative is acting shall be subject to the terms hereof.
SECTION 8.04. Information Concerning Financial Condition of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries . The Senior Representatives, the Senior Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representatives and the Second Priority Debt Parties shall each be responsible for keeping themselves informed of (a) the financial condition of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries and all endorsers or guarantors of the Senior Obligations or the Second Priority Debt Obligations and (b) all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Senior Obligations or the Second Priority Debt Obligations. The Senior Representatives, the Senior Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representatives and the Second Priority Debt Parties shall have no duty to advise any other party hereunder of information known to it or them regarding such condition or any such circumstances or otherwise. In the event that any Senior Representative, any Senior Secured Party, any Second Priority Representative or any Second Priority Debt Party, in its sole discretion, undertakes at any time or from time to time to provide any such information to any other party, it shall be under no obligation to (i) make, and the Senior Representatives, the Senior Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representatives and the Second Priority Debt Parties shall not make or be deemed to have made, any express or implied representation or warranty, including with respect to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or validity of any such information so provided, (ii) provide any additional information or to provide any such information on any subsequent occasion, (iii) undertake any investigation or (iv) disclose any information that, pursuant to accepted or reasonable commercial finance practices, such party wishes to maintain confidential or is otherwise required to maintain confidential.
J-2-27
SECTION 8.05. Subrogation . Each Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, hereby waives any rights of subrogation it may acquire as a result of any payment hereunder until the Discharge of Senior Obligations has occurred.
SECTION 8.06. Application of Payments . Except as otherwise provided herein, all payments received by the Senior Secured Parties may be applied, reversed and reapplied, in whole or in part, to such part of the Senior Obligations as the Senior Secured Parties, in their sole discretion, deem appropriate, consistent with the terms of the Senior Debt Documents. Except as otherwise provided herein, each Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself and each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, assents to any such extension or postponement of the time of payment of the Senior Obligations or any part thereof and to any other indulgence with respect thereto, to any substitution, exchange or release of any security that may at any time secure any part of the Senior Obligations and to the addition or release of any other Person primarily or secondarily liable therefor.
SECTION 8.07. Additional Grantors . The Borrower agrees that, if any Subsidiary shall become a Grantor after the date hereof, it will promptly cause such Subsidiary to become party hereto by executing and delivering an instrument in the form of Annex I. Upon such execution and delivery, such Subsidiary will become a Grantor hereunder with the same force and effect as if originally named as a Grantor herein. The execution and delivery of such instrument shall not require the consent of any other party hereunder, and will be acknowledged by the Designated Second Priority Representative and the Designated Senior Representative. The rights and obligations of each Grantor hereunder shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the addition of any new Grantor as a party to this Agreement.
SECTION 8.08. Dealings with Grantors . Upon any application or demand by the Borrower or any Grantor to any Representative to take or permit any action under any of the provisions of this Agreement or under any Collateral Document (if such action is subject to the provisions hereof), at the request of such Representative, the Borrower or such Grantor, as appropriate, shall furnish to such Representative a certificate of an Authorized Officer (an Officers Certificate ) stating that all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this Agreement or such Collateral Document, as the case may be, relating to the proposed action have been complied with, except that in the case of any such application or demand as to which the furnishing of such documents is specifically required by any provision of this Agreement or any Collateral Document relating to such particular application or demand, no additional certificate or opinion need be furnished.
SECTION 8.09. Additional Debt Facilities . To the extent, but only to the extent, permitted by the provisions of the then extant Senior Debt Documents and Second Priority Debt Documents, the Borrower may incur or issue and sell one or more series or classes of Additional Second Priority Debt and one or more series or classes of Additional Senior Debt. Any such additional class or series of Second Priority Debt (the Second Priority Class Debt ) may be secured by a second priority, subordinated Lien on Shared Collateral, in each case under and pursuant to the relevant Second Priority Collateral Documents for such Second Priority Class Debt, if and subject to the condition that the Representative of any such Second Priority Class Debt (each, a Second Priority Class Debt Representative ), acting on behalf of the holders of such Second Priority Class Debt (such Representative and holders in respect of any Second Priority Class Debt being referred to as the Second Priority Class Debt Parties ), becomes a party to this Agreement by satisfying conditions (i) through (iii), as applicable, of the immediately succeeding paragraph. Any such additional class or series of Senior Facilities (the Senior Class Debt ; and the Senior Class Debt and Second Priority Class Debt, collectively, the Class Debt ) may be secured by a senior Lien on Shared Collateral, in each case under and pursuant to the relevant Senior Collateral Documents, if and subject to the condition that the Representative of any such
J-2-28
Senior Class Debt (each, a Senior Class Debt Representative ; and the Senior Class Debt Representatives and Second Priority Class Debt Representatives, collectively, the Class Debt Representatives ), acting on behalf of the holders of such Senior Class Debt (such Representative and holders in respect of any such Senior Class Debt being referred to as the Senior Class Debt Parties ; and the Senior Class Debt Parties and Second Priority Class Debt Parties, collectively, the Class Debt Parties ), becomes a party to (x) the First Lien Intercreditor Agreement pursuant to Article IX and (y) this Agreement by satisfying the conditions set forth in clauses (i) through (iii), as applicable, of the immediately succeeding paragraph. In order for a Class Debt Representative to become a party to this Agreement:
(A) such Class Debt Representative shall have executed and delivered a Joinder Agreement substantially in the form of Annex II (if such Representative is a Second Priority Class Debt Representative) or Annex III (if such Representative is a Senior Class Debt Representative) (with such changes as may be reasonably approved by the Designated Senior Representative and such Class Debt Representative) pursuant to which it becomes a Representative hereunder, and the Class Debt in respect of which such Class Debt Representative is the Representative constitutes Additional Senior Debt Obligations or Additional Second Priority Debt Obligations, as applicable, and the related Class Debt Parties become subject hereto and bound hereby as Additional Senior Debt Parties or Additional Second Priority Debt Parties, as applicable;
(B) the Borrower (a) shall have delivered to the Designated Senior Representative an Officers Certificate identifying the obligations to be designated as Additional Senior Debt Obligations or Additional Second Priority Debt Obligations, as applicable, and the initial aggregate principal amount or face amount thereof and certifying that such obligations are permitted to be incurred and secured (I) in the case of Additional Senior Debt Obligations, on a senior basis under each of the Senior Debt Documents and (II) in the case of Additional Second Priority Debt Obligations, on a junior basis under each of the Second Priority Debt Documents and (b) if requested, shall have delivered true and complete copies of each of the Second Priority Debt Documents or Senior Debt Documents, as applicable, relating to such Class Debt, certified as being true and correct by an authorized officer of the Borrower; and
(C) the Second Priority Debt Documents or Senior Debt Documents, as applicable, relating to such Class Debt shall provide that each Class Debt Party with respect to such Class Debt will be subject to and bound by the provisions of this Agreement in its capacity as a holder of such Class Debt.
SECTION 8.10. Refinancings . The Senior Obligations and the Second Priority Debt may be increased, refinanced or replaced, in whole or in part, in each case, without notice to, or the consent (except to the extent a consent is otherwise required to permit the refinancing transaction under any Senior Debt Document or any Second Priority Debt Document) of any Senior Representative or any Secured Party, all without affecting the Lien priorities provided for herein or the other provisions hereof, so long as permitted by the terms of each Senior Debt Document and Second Priority Debt Document. [Each Second Priority Representative][The Initial Second Lien Collateral Agent] hereby agrees that at the request of the Borrower in connection with refinancing or replacement of Senior Obligations ( Replacement Senior Obligations ) it will enter into an agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Second Priority Representative with the agent for the Replacement Senior Obligations containing terms and conditions substantially similar to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
J-2-29
SECTION 8.11. Consent to Jurisdiction; Waivers . Each Representative, on behalf of itself and the Secured Parties of the Debt Facility for which it is acting, irrevocably and unconditionally:
(a) submits for itself and its property in any legal action or proceeding relating to this Agreement and the Collateral Documents, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect thereof, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State of New York or the United States of America located in the Borough of Manhattan, City of New York, and appellate courts from any thereof;
(b) consents and agrees that any such action or proceeding shall be brought in such courts and waives any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the venue of any such action or proceeding in any such court or that such action or proceeding was brought in an inconvenient court and agrees not to plead or claim the same;
(c) agrees that service of process in any such action or proceeding may be effected by mailing a copy thereof by registered or certified mail (or any substantially similar form of mail), postage prepaid, to such Person (or its Representative) at the address referred to in Section 8.12;
(d) agrees that nothing herein shall affect the right of any other party hereto (or any Secured Party) to effect service of process in any other manner permitted by law; and
(e) waives, to the maximum extent not prohibited by law, any right it may have to claim or recover in any legal action or proceeding referred to in this Section 8.11 any special, exemplary, punitive or consequential damages.
SECTION 8.12. Notices . All notices, requests, demands and other communications provided for or permitted hereunder shall be in writing and shall be sent:
(A) if to the Borrower or any Grantor, to the Borrower, at its address at:
Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC
[ ]
Facsimile: [ ]
Attention: [ ]
With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
425 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10017-3954
Facsimile: (212) 455-2502
(B) if to the First Lien Credit Agreement Collateral Agent, to it at:
Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch
Attention: [ ]
60 Wall Street
New York, New York 10005
Telephone: [ ]
Facsimile: [ ]
J-2-30
Electronic mail: [ ]
(C) if to the Initial Second Lien Collateral Agent, to it at:
[ ]
Attention: [ ]
[ ]
Telephone: [ ]
Facsimile: [ ]
Electronic mail: [ ]
(D) if to any other Representative, to it at the address specified by it in the Joinder Agreement delivered by it pursuant to Section 8.09.
Unless otherwise specifically provided herein, any notice or other communication herein required or permitted to be given shall be in writing and, may be personally served, telecopied, electronically mailed or sent by courier service or U.S. mail and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered in person or by courier service, upon receipt of a telecopy or electronic mail or upon receipt via U.S. mail (registered or certified, with postage prepaid and properly addressed). For the purposes hereof, the addresses of the parties hereto shall be as set forth above or, as to each party, at such other address as may be designated by such party in a written notice to all of the other parties.
SECTION 8.13. Further Assurances . Each Senior Representative, on behalf of itself and each Senior Secured Party under the Senior Debt Facility for which it is acting, each Second Priority Representative, on behalf of itself, and each Second Priority Debt Party under its Second Priority Debt Facility, agrees that it will take such further action and shall execute and deliver such additional documents and instruments (in recordable form, if requested) as the other parties hereto may reasonably request to effectuate the terms of, and the Lien priorities contemplated by, this Agreement.
SECTION 8.14. GOVERNING LAW; WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL .
(A) THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES UNDER THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED AND INTERPRETED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
(B) EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL ACTION OR PROCEEDING RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT AND FOR ANY COUNTERCLAIM THEREIN.
SECTION 8.15. Binding on Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding upon the Senior Representatives, the Senior Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representatives, the Second Priority Debt Parties, the Borrower, the other Grantors party hereto and their respective successors and assigns.
SECTION 8.16. Section Titles . The section titles contained in this Agreement are and shall be without substantive meaning or content of any kind whatsoever and are not a part of this Agreement.
SECTION 8.17. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, including by means of facsimile or other electronic method, each of which shall be an
J-2-31
original and all of which shall together constitute one and the same document. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Agreement.
SECTION 8.18. Authorization . By its signature, each Person executing this Agreement on behalf of a party hereto represents and warrants to the other parties hereto that it is duly authorized to execute this Agreement.
SECTION 8.19. No Third Party Beneficiaries; Successors and Assigns . The lien priorities set forth in this Agreement and the rights and benefits hereunder in respect of such lien priorities shall inure solely to the benefit of the Senior Representatives, the Senior Secured Parties, the Second Priority Representatives and the Second Priority Debt Parties, and their respective permitted successors and assigns, and no other Person (including the Grantors, or any trustee, receiver, debtor in possession or bankruptcy estate in a bankruptcy or like proceeding) shall have or be entitled to assert such rights. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to or shall impair the obligations of the Borrower or any other Grantor, which are absolute and unconditional, to pay the Senior Obligations and the Second Priority Debt Obligations as and when the same shall become due and payable in accordance with their terms.
SECTION 8.20. Effectiveness . This Agreement shall become effective when executed and delivered by the parties hereto.
SECTION 8.21. Collateral Agent and Representative . It is understood and agreed that (a) the First Lien Credit Agreement Collateral Agent is entering into this Agreement in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement and the provisions of Article IX of the First Lien Credit Agreement applicable to the Agents (as defined therein) thereunder shall also apply to the First Lien Credit Agreement Collateral Agent hereunder and (b) the Initial Second Lien Collateral Agent is entering into this Agreement in its capacity as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Initial Second Lien Agreement and the provisions of Article [IX] of the Initial Second Lien Agreement applicable to the Agents (as defined therein) thereunder shall also apply to the Initial Second Lien Collateral Agent hereunder.
SECTION 8.22. Relative Rights . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary (except to the extent contemplated by Sections 5.01(a), 5.01(d) or 5.03(d)), nothing in this Agreement is intended to or will (a) amend, waive or otherwise modify the provisions of the First Lien Credit Agreement, any other Senior Debt Document, the Initial Second Lien Agreement or any other Second Priority Debt Documents, (b) change the relative priorities of the Senior Obligations or the Liens granted under the Senior Collateral Documents on the Shared Collateral (or any other assets) as among the Senior Secured Parties, (c) otherwise change the relative rights of the Senior Secured Parties in respect of the Shared Collateral as among such Senior Secured Parties or (d) obligate the Borrower or any Grantor to take any action, or fail to take any action, that would otherwise constitute a breach of, or default under, the First Lien Credit Agreement, any other Senior Debt Document, the Initial Second Lien Agreement or any other Second Priority Debt Document.
SECTION 8.23. Survival of Agreement . All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by any party in this Agreement shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement.
J-2-32
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
DEUTSCHE BANK AG NEW YORK BRANCH | ||
as First Lien Credit Agreement Collateral Agent | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[ ] | ||
as Initial Second Lien Collateral Agent | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER LLC | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS PARENT LLC , as a Grantor | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[EACH SUBSIDIARY GUARANTOR] , as a Grantor | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: |
||
Title: |
J-2-33
ANNEX I
SUPPLEMENT NO. [ ] dated as of , to the JUNIOR LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of [ ] (the Second Junior Intercreditor Agreement ), among Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( Holdings ), Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), certain subsidiaries and affiliates of the Borrower (each a Grantor ), Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as First Lien Credit Agreement Collateral Agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement, [ ], as Initial Second Lien Collateral Agent under the Initial Second Lien Agreement, and the additional Representatives from time to time party thereto.
A. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
B. The Grantors have entered into the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement. Pursuant to the First Lien Credit Agreement, the Initial Second Lien Agreement, certain Additional Senior Debt Documents and certain Additional Second Priority Debt Documents, certain newly acquired or organized Subsidiaries of the Borrower are required to enter into the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement. Section 8.07 of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement provides that such Subsidiaries may become party to the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement by execution and delivery of an instrument in the form of this Supplement. The undersigned Subsidiary (the New Grantor ) is executing this Supplement in accordance with the requirements of the First Lien Credit Agreement, the Initial Second Lien Agreement, the Additional Second Priority Debt Documents and Additional Senior Debt Documents.
Accordingly, the Designated Senior Representative and the New Subsidiary Grantor agree as follows:
SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 8.07 of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the New Grantor by its signature below becomes a Grantor under the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement with the same force and effect as if originally named therein as a Grantor, and the New Grantor hereby agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement applicable to it as a Grantor thereunder. Each reference to a Grantor in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Grantor. The Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. The New Grantor represents and warrants to the Designated Senior Representative and the other Secured Parties that this Supplement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by Bankruptcy Laws and by general principles of equity.
SECTION 3. This Supplement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Supplement shall become effective when the Designated Senior Representative shall have received a counterpart of this Supplement that bears the signature of the New Grantor. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Supplement by facsimile transmission or other electronic method shall be as effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Supplement.
SECTION 4. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
J-2-34
SECTION 5. THIS SUPPLEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
SECTION 6. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Supplement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, no party hereto shall be required to comply with such provision for so long as such provision is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, but the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired. The parties hereto 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 7. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 8.12 of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to the New Grantor shall be given to it in care of the Borrower as specified in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
SECTION 8. The Borrower agrees to reimburse the Designated Senior Representative for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Supplement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for the Designated Senior Representative as required by the applicable Senior Debt Documents.
J-2-35
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Grantor, and the Designated Senior Representative have duly executed this Supplement to the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF NEW SUBSIDIARY GRANTOR] | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
Acknowledged by: | ||
[ ], as Designated Senior Representative | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[ ], as Designated Second Priority Representative | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
J-2-36
ANNEX II
[FORM OF] REPRESENTATIVE SUPPLEMENT NO. [ ] dated as of [ ], 201[ ] to the JUNIOR LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of [ ] (the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement ), among Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( Holdings ), Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), certain subsidiaries and affiliates of the Borrower (each a Grantor ), Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as First Lien Credit Agreement Collateral Agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement, [ ], as Initial Second Lien Collateral Agent under the Initial Second Lien Agreement, and the additional Representatives from time to time party thereto.
A. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
B. As a condition to the ability of the Borrower to incur Second Priority Class Debt after the date of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement and to secure such Second Priority Class Debt with the Second Priority Lien and to have such Second Priority Class Debt guaranteed by the Grantors, in each case under and pursuant to the Second Priority Collateral Documents relating thereto, the Second Priority Class Debt Representative in respect of such Second Priority Class Debt is required to become a Representative under, and such Second Priority Class Debt and the Second Priority Class Debt Parties in respect thereof are required to become subject to and bound by, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement. Section 8.09 of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement provides that such Second Priority Class Debt Representative may become a Representative under, and such Second Priority Class Debt and such Second Priority Class Debt Parties may become subject to and bound by, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement as Additional Second Priority Debt Obligations and Additional Second Priority Debt Parties, respectively, pursuant to the execution and delivery by the Second Priority Class Debt Representative of an instrument in the form of this Representative Supplement and the satisfaction of the other conditions set forth in Section 8.09 of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement. The undersigned Second Priority Class Debt Representative (the New Representative ) is executing this Supplement in accordance with the requirements of the Senior Debt Documents and the Second Priority Debt Documents.
Accordingly, the Designated Senior Representative and the New Representative agree as follows:
SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 8.09 of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the New Representative by its signature below becomes a Representative under, and the related Second Priority Class Debt and Second Priority Class Debt Parties become subject to and bound by, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement as Additional Second Priority Debt Obligations and Additional Second Priority Debt Parties, respectively, with the same force and effect as if the New Representative had originally been named therein as a Representative, and the New Representative, on behalf of itself and such Second Priority Class Debt Parties, hereby agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement applicable to it as a Second Priority Representative and to the Second Priority Class Debt Parties that it represents as Second Priority Debt Parties. Each reference to a Representative or Second Priority Representative in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Representative. The Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
J-2-37
SECTION 2. The New Representative represents and warrants to the Designated Senior Representative and the other Secured Parties that (i) it has full power and authority to enter into this Representative Supplement, in its capacity as [agent] [trustee], (ii) this Representative Supplement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with the terms of such Agreement and (iii) the Second Priority Debt Documents relating to such Second Priority Class Debt provide that, upon the New Representatives entry into this Agreement, the Second Priority Class Debt Parties in respect of such Second Priority Class Debt will be subject to and bound by the provisions of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement as Second Priority Debt Parties.
SECTION 3. This Representative Supplement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Representative Supplement shall become effective when the Designated Senior Representative shall have received a counterpart of this Representative Supplement that bears the signature of the New Representative. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Representative Supplement by facsimile transmission or other electronic method shall be effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Representative Supplement.
SECTION 4. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 5. THIS REPRESENTATIVE SUPPLEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
SECTION 6. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Representative Supplement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, no party hereto shall be required to comply with such provision for so long as such provision is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, but the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired. The parties hereto 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 7. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 8.12 of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to the New Representative shall be given to it at the address set forth below its signature hereto.
SECTION 8. The Borrower agrees to reimburse the Designated Senior Representative for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Representative Supplement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for the Designated Senior Representative as required by the applicable Senior Debt Documents.
J-2-38
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Representative and the Designated Senior Representative have duly executed this Representative Supplement to the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF NEW REPRESENTATIVE], as [ ] for the holders of [ ] |
||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
Address for notices: | ||
|
||
|
Attention of: |
|
Telecopy: |
|
[ ], as Designated Senior Representative |
||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
J-2-39
Acknowledged by: | ||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER LLC | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS PARENT LLC | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[SUBSIDIARY GRANTORS] | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
J-2-40
Schedule I to the
Representative Supplement to the
Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement
Grantors
[ ]
J-2-41
ANNEX III
[FORM OF] REPRESENTATIVE SUPPLEMENT NO. [ ] dated as of [ ], 201[ ] to the JUNIOR LIEN INTERCREDITOR AGREEMENT dated as of [ ] (the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement ), among Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company ( Holdings ), Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), certain subsidiaries and affiliates of the Borrower (each a Grantor ), Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as First Lien Credit Agreement Collateral Agent under the First Lien Credit Agreement, [ ], as Initial Second Lien Collateral Agent under the Initial Second Lien Agreement, and the additional Representatives from time to time party thereto.
A. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement.
B. As a condition to the ability of the Borrower to incur Senior Class Debt after the date of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement and to secure such Senior Class Debt with the Senior Lien and to have such Senior Class Debt guaranteed by the Grantors on a senior basis, in each case under and pursuant to the Senior Collateral Documents relating thereto, the Senior Class Debt Representative in respect of such Senior Class Debt is required to become a Representative under, and such Senior Class Debt and the Senior Class Debt Parties in respect thereof are required to become subject to and bound by, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement. Section 8.09 of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement provides that such Senior Class Debt Representative may become a Representative under, and such Senior Class Debt and such Senior Class Debt Parties may become subject to and bound by, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement as Additional Senior Debt Obligations and Additional Senior Debt Parties, respectively, pursuant to the execution and delivery by the Senior Class Debt Representative of an instrument in the form of this Representative Supplement and the satisfaction of the other conditions set forth in Section 8.09 of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement. The undersigned Senior Class Debt Representative (the New Representative ) is executing this Supplement in accordance with the requirements of the Senior Debt Documents and the Second Priority Debt Documents.
Accordingly, the Designated Senior Representative and the New Representative agree as follows:
SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 8.09 of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement, the New Representative by its signature below becomes a Representative under, and the related Senior Class Debt and Senior Class Debt Parties become subject to and bound by, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement as Additional Senior Debt Obligations and Additional Senior Debt Parties, respectively, with the same force and effect as if the New Representative had originally been named therein as a Representative, and the New Representative, on behalf of itself and such Senior Class Debt Parties, hereby agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement applicable to it as a Senior Representative and to the Senior Class Debt Parties that it represents as Senior Debt Parties. Each reference to a Representative or Senior Representative in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Representative. The Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. The New Representative represents and warrants to the Designated Senior Representative and the other Secured Parties that (i) it has full power and authority to enter into this Representative Supplement, in its capacity as [agent] [trustee], (ii) this Representative Supplement has
J-2-42
been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with the terms of such Agreement and (iii) the Senior Debt Documents relating to such Senior Class Debt provide that, upon the New Representatives entry into this Agreement, the Senior Class Debt Parties in respect of such Senior Class Debt will be subject to and bound by the provisions of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement as Senior Secured Parties.
SECTION 3. This Representative Supplement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Representative Supplement shall become effective when the Designated Senior Representative shall have received a counterpart of this Representative Supplement that bears the signature of the New Representative. Delivery of an executed signature page to this Representative Supplement by facsimile transmission or other electronic method shall be effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Representative Supplement.
SECTION 4. Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 5. THIS REPRESENTATIVE SUPPLEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.
SECTION 6. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Representative Supplement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, no party hereto shall be required to comply with such provision for so long as such provision is held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, but the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein and in the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired. The parties hereto 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 7. All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 8.12 of the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement. All communications and notices hereunder to the New Representative shall be given to it at the address set forth below its signature hereto.
SECTION 8. The Borrower agrees to reimburse the Designated Senior Representative for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Representative Supplement, including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for the Designated Senior Representative as required by the applicable Senior Debt Documents.
J-2-43
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Representative and the Designated Senior Representative have duly executed this Representative Supplement to the Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement as of the day and year first above written.
[NAME OF NEW REPRESENTATIVE], as [ ] for the holders of [ ] | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
Address for notices: | ||
|
||
|
||
Attention of: |
|
Telecopy: |
|
|
[ ], as Designated Senior Representative |
||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
J-2-44
Acknowledged by: | ||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS BORROWER LLC | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS PARENT LLC | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: | ||
[SUBSIDIARY GRANTORS] | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
J-2-45
Schedule I to the
Representative Supplement to the
Junior Lien Intercreditor Agreement
Grantors
[ ]
J-2-46
EXHIBIT K-1
UNITED STATES TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(FOR FOREIGN LENDERS THAT ARE NOT PARTNERSHIPS FOR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME
TAX PURPOSES)
Reference is made to the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2016 (as amended, modified, refinanced and/or restated from time to time, the Credit Agreement ), among Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Parent ), Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), the other Guarantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meaning given to such term in the Credit Agreement.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.01(d) of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any Note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) it is not a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iii) it is not a 10-percent shareholder of the Borrower or Parent within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code, (iv) it is not a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower or Parent as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code, and (v) the interest payments on the Loan(s) are not effectively connected with the undersigneds conduct of a U.S. trade or business.
The undersigned has furnished the Administrative Agent and the Borrower with a certificate of its non-U.S. person status on Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, or if a lapse in time or change in circumstances renders the information on this certificate obsolete, expired or inaccurate in any material respect, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing and deliver promptly to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent an updated certificate or other appropriate documentation (including any new documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent) or promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing of its inability to do so, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments, or at such times are as reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent.
[NAME OF LENDER] | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
Date: , 20[ ]
K-1-1
EXHIBIT K-2
UNITED STATES TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(FOR FOREIGN PARTICIPANTS THAT ARE NOT PARTNERSHIPS FOR U.S. FEDERAL
INCOME TAX PURPOSES)
Reference is made to the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2016 (as amended, modified, refinanced and/or restated from time to time, the Credit Agreement ), among Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Parent ), Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), the other Guarantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meaning given to such term in the Credit Agreement.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.01(d) of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) it is not a bank within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iii) it is not a 10-percent shareholder of the Borrower or Parent within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code, (iv) it is not a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower or Parent as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code, and (v) the interest payments with respect to such participation are not effectively connected with the undersigneds conduct of a U.S. trade or business.
The undersigned has furnished its participating Lender with a certificate of its non-U.S. person status on an Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, or if a lapse in time or change in circumstances renders the information on this certificate obsolete, expired or inaccurate in any material respect, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Lender in writing and deliver promptly to such Lender an updated certificate or other appropriate documentation (including any new documentation reasonably requested by such Lender) or promptly notify such Lender in writing of its inability to do so, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments, or at such times are as reasonably requested by such Lender.
[NAME OF PARTICIPANT] | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
Date: , 20[ ]
K-2-1
EXHIBIT K-3
UNITED STATES TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(FOR FOREIGN LENDERS THAT ARE PARTNERSHIPS FOR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX
PURPOSES)
Reference is made to the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2016 (as amended, modified, refinanced and/or restated from time to time, the Credit Agreement ), among Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Parent ), Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), the other Guarantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meaning given to such term in the Credit Agreement.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.01(d) of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any Note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) its direct or indirect partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such Loan(s) (as well as any Note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)), (iii) with respect to the extension of credit pursuant to the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, neither the undersigned nor any of its direct or indirect partners/members that is a beneficial owner of such Loan(s) (as well as any Note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) is a bank extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iv) none of its direct or indirect partners/members that is a beneficial owner of such Loan(s) (as well as any Note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) is a 10-percent shareholder of the Borrower or Parent within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code, (v) none of its direct or indirect partners/members that is a beneficial owner of such Loan(s) (as well as any Note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) is a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower or Parent as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code, and (vi) the interest payments on the Loan(s) are not effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business by the undersigned nor any of its partners/members that is a beneficial owner of such Loan(s) (as well as any Note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)).
The undersigned has furnished the Administrative Agent and the Borrower with an Internal Revenue Service Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its direct or indirect partners/members that is claiming the portfolio interest exception: (i) an Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable, or (ii) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by an IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable, from each of such direct or indirect partners/members beneficial owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, or if a lapse in time or change in circumstances renders the information on this certificate obsolete, expired or inaccurate in any material respect, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing and deliver promptly to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent an updated certificate or other appropriate documentation (including any new documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent) or promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing of its inability to do so, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments, or at such times are as reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent.
K-3-1
[NAME OF LENDER] | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
Date: , 20[ ]
K-3-2
EXHIBIT K-4
UNITED STATES TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(FOR FOREIGN PARTICIPANTS THAT ARE PARTNERSHIPS FOR U.S. FEDERAL INCOME
TAX PURPOSES)
Reference is made to the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2016 (as amended, modified, refinanced and/or restated from time to time, the Credit Agreement ), among Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Parent ), Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), the other Guarantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer. Capitalized terms used herein but not otherwise defined shall have the meaning given to such term in the Credit Agreement.
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 3.01(d) of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) its direct or indirect partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such participation, (iii) with respect to such participation, neither the undersigned nor any of its direct or indirect partners/members that is a beneficial owner of such participation is a bank extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iv) none of its direct or indirect partners/members that is a beneficial owner of such participation is a 10-percent shareholder of the Borrower or Parent within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code, (v) none of its direct or indirect partners/members that is a beneficial owner of such participation is a controlled foreign corporation related to the Borrower or Parent as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code, and (vi) the interest payments with respect to such participation are not effectively connected with the conduct of a U.S. trade or business by the undersigned nor any of its partners/members that is a beneficial owner of such participation.
The undersigned has furnished its participating Lender with Internal Revenue Service Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its direct or indirect partners/members that is claiming the portfolio interest exception: (i) an Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E, as applicable, or (ii) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by an IRS Form W-8BEN from each of such direct or indirect partners/members beneficial owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption. By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, or if a lapse in time or change in circumstances renders the information on this certificate obsolete, expired or inaccurate in any material respect, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Lender in writing and deliver promptly to such Lender an updated certificate or other appropriate documentation (including any new documentation reasonably requested by such Lender) or promptly notify such Lender in writing of its inability to do so, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments, or at such times are as reasonably requested by such Lender.
[NAME OF PARTICIPANT] | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
Date: , 20[ ]
K-4-1
EXHIBIT L
[Form of]
ADMINISTRATIVE QUESTIONNAIRE
I. | General Information |
Deal Name: |
Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC US $[400,000,000 Senior Secured Credit Facilities] |
|
Lender Institutions Legal Name for Documentation Purposes: | ||
Name, Phone and Fax Number of Individual(s) to Receive Draft(s): | ||
Number of Signature Lines Required: |
II. | Lender Contact Information |
CREDIT CONTACT |
CLOSING CONTACT |
|||
Primary Contact Name: | ||||
Back-up Name: | ||||
Street Address (for courier purposes) | ||||
Primary Contact Phone Number: | ||||
Back-up Contact Phone Number: | ||||
Primary Contact Fax Number: | ||||
Back-up Contact Fax Number: | ||||
Primary Contact E-mail Address: | ||||
Back-up Contact E-mail Address |
* | Please list any special function contacts on a separate sheet (i.e. L/Cs, Foreign Currency, Bid Loans, etc.) |
L-1
DEAL ADMINISTRATOR |
||||
Primary Contact Name: | ||||
Back-up Name: | ||||
Street Address (for courier purposes) | ||||
Primary Contact Phone Number: | ||||
Primary Contact Fax Number: | ||||
Primary Contact E-mail Address |
III. | Financial Information, Compliance, Intralinks, Executed Closing Documents, Etc. |
Bank Name: | ||
Address: | ||
Department: | ||
Contact Name: | ||
Contact Phone: | ||
Contact Fax: | ||
Contact Email: |
IV. | Lender Fed Payment Instructions* |
Bank Name: |
||
City and State: |
||
ABA Routing Number: |
||
Account Name: |
||
Account Number: |
||
Re:: |
||
Attention: |
* | Please list any additional or non-Fed payment instructions on a separate sheet. |
V. | Tax Reporting Information 1 |
TAX ID#:
Please fill out completely and return this form to:
Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch
Attention: MaryKay Coyle
Fax: +1(212)797-5690
Email: marykay.coyle@db.com
Attention: Sara Pelton
Fax: +1(904)779-3080
Email: Agency.Transactions@DB.com
1 | Include tax form as applicable to lender. |
L-2
EXHIBIT M-3
[FORM OF]
ACCEPTANCE AND PREPAYMENT NOTICE
Date: , 20
To: [Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch], as Auction Agent
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This Acceptance and Prepayment Notice is delivered to you pursuant to (a) Section 2.05(a)(v)(D) of that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2016 (as amended, modified, refinanced and/or restated from time to time, the Credit Agreement ), among Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Parent ), Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), the other Guarantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, and (b) that certain Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice, dated , 20 , from the applicable Company Party (the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice ). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Credit Agreement.
Pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(D) of the Credit Agreement, the Company Party hereby irrevocably notifies you that it accepts offers delivered in response to the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice having an Offered Discount equal to or greater than [[ ]% in respect of the Term Loans] [[ ]% in respect of the [ , 20 ] 1 tranche[(s)] of the [ ] 2 Class of Term Loans] (the Acceptable Discount ) in an aggregate amount not to exceed the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Amount.
The Company Party expressly agrees that this Acceptance and Prepayment Notice shall be irrevocable and is subject to the provisions of Section 2.05(a)(v)(D) of the Credit Agreement.
The Company Party hereby represents and warrants to the Auction Agent and [the Term Lenders][each Term Lender of the [ , 20 ] 3 tranche[s] of the [ ] 4 Class of Term Loans] as follows:
1. [At least ten (10) Business Days have passed since the consummation of the most recent Discounted Term Loan Prepayment as a result of a prepayment made by a Company Party on the applicable Discounted Prepayment Effective Date.][At least three (3) Business Days have passed since the date the Company Party was notified that no Term Lender was willing to accept
1 | List multiple tranches if applicable. |
2 | List applicable Class(es) of Term Loans (e.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans). |
3 | List multiple tranches if applicable. |
4 |
List applicable Class(es) of Term Loans (e.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans). |
M-3-1
any prepayment of any Term Loan at the Specified Discount, within the Discount Range or at any discount to par value, as applicable, or in the case of Borrower Solicitation of Discounted Prepayment Offers, the date of any Company Partys election not to accept any Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers.] 5
2. No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
The Company Party acknowledges that the Auction Agent and the relevant Term Lenders are relying on the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representations and warranties in connection with the acceptance of any prepayment made in connection with a Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer.
The Company Party requests that the Auction Agent promptly notify each Term Lender party to the Credit Agreement of this Acceptance and Prepayment Notice.
[ The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank. ]
5 | Insert applicable representation. |
M-3-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Acceptance and Prepayment Notice as of the date first above written.
[NAME OF APPLICABLE COMPANY PARTY] | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
M-3-3
EXHIBIT M-4
[FORM OF]
DISCOUNT RANGE PREPAYMENT NOTICE
Date: , 20
To: [Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch], as Auction Agent
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This Discount Range Prepayment Notice is delivered to you pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(C) of that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2016 (as amended, modified, refinanced and/or restated from time to time, the Credit Agreement ), among Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Parent ), Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), the other Guarantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Credit Agreement.
Pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(C) of the Credit Agreement, the Company Party hereby requests that [each Term Lender] [each Term Lender of the [ , 20 ] 1 tranche[s] of the [ ] 2 Class of Term Loans] submit a Discount Range Prepayment Offer. Any Discounted Loan Term Prepayment made in connection with this solicitation shall be subject to the following terms:
1. This Borrower Solicitation of Discount Range Prepayment Offers is extended at the sole discretion of the Company Party to [each Term Lender] [each Term Lender of the [ , 20 ] 3 tranche[s] of the [ ] 4 Class of Term Loans].
2. The maximum aggregate principal amount of the Discounted Term Loan Prepayment that will be made in connection with this solicitation is [$[ ] of Term Loans] [$[ ] of the [ , 20 ] 5 tranche[(s)] of the [ ] 6 Class of Term Loans] (the Discount Range Prepayment Amount ). 7
1 | List multiple tranches if applicable. |
2 | List applicable Class(es) of Term Loans (e.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans). |
3 | List multiple tranches if applicable. |
4 | List applicable Class(es) of Term Loans (e.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans). |
5 | List multiple tranches if applicable. |
6 | List applicable Class(es) of Term Loans (e.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans). |
7 | Minimum of $10.0 million and whole increments of $1.0 million. |
M-4-1
3. The Company Party is willing to make Discount Loan Prepayments at a percentage discount to par value greater than or equal to [[ ]% but less than or equal to [ ]% in respect of the Term Loans] [[ ]% but less than or equal to [ ]% in respect of the [ , 20 ] 8 tranche[(s)] of the [ ] 9 Class of Term Loans] (the Discount Range ).
To make an offer in connection with this solicitation, you are required to deliver to the Auction Agent a Discount Range Prepayment Offer by no later than 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the date that is the third Business Day following the date of delivery of this notice pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(C) of the Credit Agreement.
The Company Party hereby represents and warrants to the Auction Agent and [the Term Lenders][each Term Lender of the [ , 20 ] 10 tranche[s] of the [ ] 11 Class of Term Loans] as follows:
1. [At least ten (10) Business Days have passed since the consummation of the most recent Discounted Term Loan Prepayment as a result of a prepayment made by a Company Party on the applicable Discounted Prepayment Effective Date.][At least three (3) Business Days have passed since the date the Company Party was notified that no Term Lender was willing to accept any prepayment of any Term Loan at the Specified Discount, within the Discount Range or at any discount to par value, as applicable, or in the case of Borrower Solicitation of Discounted Prepayment Offers, the date of any Company Partys election not to accept any Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers.] 12
2. No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
The Company Party acknowledges that the Auction Agent and the relevant Term Lenders are relying on the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representations and warranties in connection with any Discount Range Prepayment Offer made in response to this Discount Range Prepayment Notice and the acceptance of any prepayment made in connection with this Discount Range Prepayment Notice.
8 | List multiple tranches if applicable. |
9 | List applicable Class(es) of Term Loans (e.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans). |
10 | List multiple tranches if applicable. |
11 | List applicable Class(es) of Term Loans (e.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans). |
12 | Insert applicable representation. |
M-4-2
The Company Party requests that the Auction Agent promptly notify each relevant Term Lender party to the Credit Agreement of this Discount Range Prepayment Notice.
[ The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank. ]
M-4-3
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Discount Range Prepayment Notice as of the date first above written.
[NAME OF APPLICABLE COMPANY PARTY] | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
Enclosure: Form of Discount Range Prepayment Offer
M-4-4
EXHIBIT M-5
[FORM OF]
DISCOUNT RANGE PREPAYMENT OFFER
Date: , 20
To: [Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch], as Auction Agent
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to (a) the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2016 (as amended, modified, refinanced and/or restated from time to time, the Credit Agreement ), among Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Parent ), Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), the other Guarantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, and (b) the Discount Range Prepayment Notice, dated ______, 20__, from the applicable Company Party (the Discount Range Prepayment Notice ). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Discount Range Prepayment Notice or, to the extent not defined therein, in the Credit Agreement.
The undersigned Term Lender hereby gives you irrevocable notice, pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(C) of the Credit Agreement, that it is hereby offering to accept a Discounted Term Loan Prepayment on the following terms:
1. This Discount Range Prepayment Offer is available only for prepayment on [the Term Loans] [the [ , 20 ] 1 tranche[s] of the [ ] 2 Class of Term Loans] held by the undersigned.
2. The maximum aggregate principal amount of the Discounted Term Loan Prepayment that may be made in connection with this offer shall not exceed (the Submitted Amount ):
[Term Loans - $[ ]]
[[ , 20 ] 3 tranche[s] of the [ ] 4 Class of Term Loans - $[ ]]
1 | List multiple tranches if applicable. |
2 | List applicable Class(es) of Term Loans (e.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans). |
3 | List multiple tranches if applicable. |
4 | List applicable Class(es) of Term Loans (e.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans). |
M-5-1
3. The percentage discount to par value at which such Discounted Term Loan Prepayment may be made is [[ ]% in respect of the Term Loans] [[ ]% in respect of the [ , 20 ] 5 tranche[(s)] of the [ ] 6 Class of Term Loans] (the Submitted Discount ).
The undersigned Lender hereby expressly and irrevocably consents and agrees to a prepayment of its [Term Loans] [[ , 20 ] 7 tranche[s] of the [ ] 8 Class of Term Loans] indicated above pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(C) of the Credit Agreement at a price equal to the Applicable Discount and in an aggregate outstanding amount not to exceed the Submitted Amount, as such amount may be reduced in accordance with the Discount Range Proration, if any, and as otherwise determined in accordance with and subject to the requirements of the Credit Agreement.
[ The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank. ]
5 | List multiple tranches if applicable. |
6 | List applicable Class(es) of Term Loans (e.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans). |
7 | List multiple tranches if applicable. |
8 | List applicable Class(es) of Term Loans (e.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans). |
M-5-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Discount Range Prepayment Offer as of the date first above written.
[NAME OF LENDER] | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
M-5-3
EXHIBIT M-6
[FORM OF]
SOLICITED DISCOUNTED PREPAYMENT NOTICE
Date: , 20
To: [Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch], as Auction Agent
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice is delivered to you pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(D) of that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2016 (as amended, modified, refinanced and/or restated from time to time, the Credit Agreement ), among Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Parent ), Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), the other Guarantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Credit Agreement.
Pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(D) of the Credit Agreement, the Company Party hereby requests that [each Term Lender] [each Term Lender of the [ , 20 ] 1 tranche[s] of the [ ] 2 Class of Term Loans] submit a Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer. Any Discounted Term Loan Prepayment made in connection with this solicitation shall be subject to the following terms:
1. This Borrower Solicitation of Discounted Prepayment Offers is extended at the sole discretion of the Company Party to [each Term Lender] [each Term Lender of the [ , 20 ] 3 tranche[s] of the [ ] 4 Class of Term Loans].
2. The maximum aggregate amount of the Discounted Term Loan Prepayment that will be made in connection with this solicitation is (the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Amount ): 5
[Term Loans - $[ ]]
[[ , 20 ] 6 tranche[s] of the [ ] 7 Class of Term Loans - $[ ]]
1 | List multiple tranches if applicable. |
2 | List applicable Class(es) of Term Loans (e.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans). |
3 | List multiple tranches if applicable. |
4 | List applicable Class(es) of Term Loans (e.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans). |
5 | Minimum of $10.0 million and whole increments of $1.0 million. |
6 | List multiple tranches if applicable. |
7 | List applicable Class(es) of Term Loans (e.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans). |
M-6-1
To make an offer in connection with this solicitation, you are required to deliver to the Auction Agent a Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer by no later than 5:00 p.m., New York City time on the date that is the third Business Day following delivery of this notice pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(D) of the Credit Agreement.
The Company Party requests that the Auction Agent promptly notify each Term Lender party to the Credit Agreement of this Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice.
[ The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank. ]
6 | List multiple tranches if applicable. |
7 | List applicable Class(es) of Term Loans (e.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans). |
M-6-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice as of the date first above written.
[NAME OF APPLICABLE COMPANY PARTY] | ||
By: |
|
|
Name: | ||
Title: |
Enclosure: Form of Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer
M-6-3
EXHIBIT M-7
[FORM OF]
SOLICITED DISCOUNTED PREPAYMENT OFFER
Date: , 20
To: [Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch], as Auction Agent
Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to (a) the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2016 (as amended, modified, refinanced and/or restated from time to time, the Credit Agreement ), among Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Parent ), Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), the other Guarantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, and (b) the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice, dated , 20 , from the applicable Company Party (the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice ). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Solicited Discounted Prepayment Notice or, to the extent not defined therein, in the Credit Agreement.
To accept the offer set forth herein, you must submit an Acceptance and Prepayment Notice by or before no later than 5:00 p.m. New York City time on the third Business Day following your receipt of this notice.
The undersigned Term Lender hereby gives you irrevocable notice, pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(D) of the Credit Agreement, that it is hereby offering to accept a Discounted Loan Prepayment on the following terms:
1. This Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer is available only for prepayment on the [Term Loans][ [ , 20 ] 1 tranche[s] of the [ ] 2 Class of Term Loans] held by the undersigned.
2. The maximum aggregate principal amount of the Discounted Term Loan Prepayment that may be made in connection with this offer shall not exceed (the Offered Amount ):
[Term Loans - $[ ]]
[[ , 20 ] 3 tranche[s] of the [ ] 4 Class of Term Loans - $[ ]]
1 | List multiple tranches if applicable. |
2 | List applicable Class(es) of Term Loans (e.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans). |
3 | List multiple tranches if applicable. |
4 | List applicable Class(es) of Term Loans (e.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans). |
M-7-1
3. The percentage discount to par value at which such Discounted Term Loan Prepayment may be made is [[ ]% in respect of the Term Loans] [[ ]% in respect of the [ , 20 ] 5 tranche[(s)] of the [ ] 6 Class of Term Loans] (the Offered Discount ).
The undersigned Lender hereby expressly and irrevocably consents and agrees to a prepayment of its [Term Loans] [[ , 20 ] 7 tranche[s] of the [ ] 8 Class of Term Loans] pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(D) of the Credit Agreement at a price equal to the Acceptable Discount and in an aggregate outstanding amount not to exceed such Term Lenders Offered Amount as such amount may be reduced in accordance with the Solicited Discount Proration, if any, and as otherwise determined in accordance with and subject to the requirements of the Credit Agreement.
[ The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank. ]
5 | List multiple tranches if applicable. |
6 | List applicable Class(es) of Term Loans (e.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans). |
7 | List multiple tranches if applicable. |
8 | List applicable Class(es) of Term Loans (e.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans). |
M-7-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offer as of the date first above written.
[NAME OF LENDER] | ||||
By: |
|
|||
Name: | ||||
Title: |
M-7-3
EXHIBIT M-8
[FORM OF]
SPECIFIED DISCOUNT PREPAYMENT NOTICE
Date: , 20
To: [Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch], as Auction Agent
Ladies and Gentlemen:
This Specified Discount Prepayment Notice is delivered to you pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(B) of that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2016 (as amended, modified, refinanced and/or restated from time to time, the Credit Agreement ), among Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Parent ), Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), the other Guarantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer. Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Credit Agreement.
Pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(B) of the Credit Agreement, the Company Party hereby offers to make a Discounted Term Loan Prepayment [to each Term Lender] [to each Term Lender of the [ , 20 ] 1 tranche[s] of the [ ] 2 Class of Term Loans] on the following terms:
1. This Borrower Offer of Specified Discount Prepayment is available only [to each Term Lender] [to each Term Lender of the [ , 20 ] 3 tranche[s] of the [ ] 4 Class of Term Loans].
2. The aggregate principal amount of the Discounted Term Loan Prepayment that will be made in connection with this offer shall not exceed [$[ ] of Term Loans] [$[ ] of the [ , 20 ] 5 tranche[(s)] of the [ ] 6 Class of Term Loans] (the Specified Discount Prepayment Amount ). 7
1 | List multiple tranches if applicable. |
2 | List applicable Class(es) of Term Loans (e.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans). |
3 | List multiple tranches if applicable. |
4 | List applicable Class(es) of Term Loans (e.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans). |
5 | List multiple tranches if applicable. |
6 | List applicable Class(es) of Term Loans (e.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans). |
7 | Minimum of $10.0 million and whole increments of $1.0 million. |
M-8-1
3. The percentage discount to par value at which such Discounted Term Loan Prepayment will be made is [[ ]% in respect of the Term Loans] [[ ]% in respect of the [ , 20 ] 8 tranche[(s)] of the [ ] 9 Class of Term Loans] (the Specified Discount ).
To accept this offer, you are required to submit to the Auction Agent a Specified Discount Prepayment Response by no later than 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the date that is the third Business Day following the date of delivery of this notice pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(B) of the Credit Agreement.
The Company Party hereby represents and warrants to the Auction Agent and [the Term Lenders][each Term Lender of the [ , 20 ] 10 tranche[s] of the [ ] 11 Class of Term Loans] as follows:
1. The Company Party will not use proceeds of Revolving Credit Loans or Swing Line Loans to fund this Discounted Loan Prepayment.
2. [At least ten (10) Business Days have passed since the consummation of the most recent Discounted Term Loan Prepayment as a result of a prepayment made by a Company Party on the applicable Discounted Prepayment Effective Date.][At least three (3) Business Days have passed since the date the Company Party was notified that no Term Lender was willing to accept any prepayment of any Term Loan at the Specified Discount, within the Discount Range or at any discount to par value, as applicable, or in the case of Borrower Solicitation of Discounted Prepayment Offers, the date of any Company Partys election not to accept any Solicited Discounted Prepayment Offers.] 12
3. No Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.
The Company Party acknowledges that the Auction Agent and the relevant Term Lenders are relying on the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representations and warranties in connection with their decision whether or not to accept the offer set forth in this Specified Discount Prepayment Notice and the acceptance of any prepayment made in connection with this Specified Discount Prepayment Notice.
The Company Party requests that the Auction Agent promptly notify each relevant Term Lender party to the Credit Agreement of this Specified Discount Prepayment Notice.
[ The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank. ]
8 | List multiple tranches if applicable. |
9 | List applicable Class(es) of Term Loans (e.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans). |
10 | List multiple tranches if applicable. |
11 | List applicable Class(es) of Term Loans (e.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans). |
12 | Insert applicable representation. |
M-8-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Specified Discount Prepayment Notice as of the date first above written.
[NAME OF APPLICABLE COMPANY PARTY] | ||||
By: |
|
|||
Name: | ||||
Title: |
Enclosure: Form of Specified Discount Prepayment Response
M-8-3
EXHIBIT M-9
[FORM OF]
SPECIFIED DISCOUNT PREPAYMENT RESPONSE
Date: , 20
To: [Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch], as Auction Agent
2) Ladies and Gentlemen:
Reference is made to (a) the Credit Agreement, dated as of December 27, 2016 (as amended, modified, refinanced and/or restated from time to time, the Credit Agreement ), among Hilton Grand Vacations Parent LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Parent ), Hilton Grand Vacations Borrower LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the Borrower ), the other Guarantors party thereto from time to time, the lenders party thereto from time to time and Deutsche Bank AG New York Branch, as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent, Swing Line Lender and L/C Issuer, and (b) the Specified Discount Prepayment Notice, dated , 20 , from the applicable Company Party (the Specified Discount Prepayment Notice ). Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to such terms in the Specified Discount Prepayment Notice or, to the extent not defined therein, in the Credit Agreement.
The undersigned Term Lender hereby gives you irrevocable notice, pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(B) of the Credit Agreement, that it is willing to accept a prepayment of the following [Term Loans] [[ , 20 ] 1 tranche[s] of the [ ] 2 Class of Term Loans - $[ ]] held by such Term Lender at the Specified Discount in an aggregate outstanding amount as follows:
[Term Loans - $[ ]]
[[ , 20 ] 3 tranche[s] of the [ ] 4 Class of Term Loans - $[ ]]
The undersigned Term Lender hereby expressly and irrevocably consents and agrees to a prepayment of its [Term Loans][[ , 20 ] 5 tranche[s] the [ ] 6 Class of Term Loans] pursuant to Section 2.05(a)(v)(B) of the Credit Agreement at a price equal to the [applicable] Specified Discount in
1 | List multiple tranches if applicable. |
2 | List applicable Class(es) of Term Loans (e.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans). |
3 | List multiple tranches if applicable. |
4 | List applicable Class(es) of Term Loans (e.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans). |
5 | List multiple tranches if applicable. |
6 |
List applicable Class(es) of Term Loans (e.g., Initial Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans, Refinancing Term Loans or Extended Term Loans). |
M-9-1
the aggregate outstanding amount not to exceed the amount set forth above, as such amount may be reduced in accordance with the Specified Discount Proration, and as otherwise determined in accordance with and subject to the requirements of the Credit Agreement.
[ The remainder of this page is intentionally left blank. ]
M-9-2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Specified Discount Prepayment Response as of the date first above written.
[NAME OF LENDER] | ||||
By: |
|
|||
Name: | ||||
Title: |
M-9-3
Exhibit 10.6
Execution Version
STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT
DATED AS OF JANUARY 2, 2017
AMONG
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS INC.
AND
THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO
Table of Contents
Page | ||||||
ARTICLE I. INTRODUCTORY MATTERS |
1 | |||||
1.1 |
Defined Terms | 1 | ||||
1.2 |
Construction | 3 | ||||
ARTICLE II. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS |
3 | |||||
2.1 |
Election of Directors | 3 | ||||
ARTICLE III. INFORMATION; VCOC |
5 | |||||
3.1 |
Books and Records; Access | 5 | ||||
3.2 |
Certain Reports | 5 | ||||
3.3 |
VCOC | 5 | ||||
ARTICLE IV. GENERAL PROVISIONS |
7 | |||||
4.1 |
Termination | 7 | ||||
4.2 |
Notices | 8 | ||||
4.3 |
Amendment; Waiver | 8 | ||||
4.4 |
Further Assurances | 9 | ||||
4.5 |
Assignment | 9 | ||||
4.6 |
Third Parties | 9 | ||||
4.7 |
Governing Law | 9 | ||||
4.8 |
Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial | 9 | ||||
4.9 |
Specific Performance | 9 | ||||
4.10 |
Entire Agreement | 10 | ||||
4.11 |
Severability | 10 | ||||
4.12 |
Table of Contents, Headings and Captions | 10 | ||||
4.13 |
Grant of Consent | 10 | ||||
4.14 |
Counterparts | 10 | ||||
4.15 |
Effectiveness | 10 | ||||
4.16 |
No Recourse | 10 |
i
STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT
This Stockholders Agreement is entered into as of January 2, 2017 by and among Hilton Grand Vacations Inc., a Delaware corporation (the Company ), and each of the other parties identified on the signature pages hereto (the Investor Parties ).
BACKGROUND:
WHEREAS, Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. ( Hilton ) has distributed its entire interest in the Company by way of a dividend of all outstanding shares of the Companys Common Stock (as defined below) owned by Hilton to holders of Hilton Common Stock (as defined below).
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE I.
INTRODUCTORY MATTERS
1.1 Defined Terms . In addition to the terms defined elsewhere herein, the following terms have the following meanings when used herein with initial capital letters:
Affiliate has the meaning set forth in Rule 12b-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act, as in effect on the date hereof.
Agreement means this Stockholders Agreement, as the same may be amended, supplemented, restated or otherwise modified from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof.
Beneficially Own has the meaning set forth in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act.
Blackstone Designee has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b).
Blackstone Designator means the Blackstone Party, or any group of Blackstone Parties collectively, then holding of record a majority of Common Stock held of record by all Blackstone Parties.
Blackstone Entities means the entities comprising the Blackstone Parties and their Affiliates.
Blackstone Parties means the entities listed on the signature pages hereto under the heading Blackstone Parties and any other Blackstone Entities that may from time to time become parties hereto.
Board means the board of directors of the Company.
Business Day means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday, federal or New York State holiday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by law to close.
Company has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
Common Stock means the shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company, and any other stock of the Company into which outstanding shares of such stock is reclassified or reconstituted and any other common stock of the Company.
Control (including its correlative meanings, Controlled by and under common Control with ) means possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of management or policies (whether through ownership of securities or partnership or other ownership interests, by contract or otherwise) of a Person.
Director means any director of the Company.
Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as the same may be amended from time to time.
Governmental Authority means any nation or government, any state or other political subdivision thereof, and any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government.
Hilton Common Stock means the shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Hilton, and any other stock of Hilton into which outstanding shares of such stock is reclassified or reconstituted and any other common stock of Hilton.
Investor Parties has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
IPO means the initial public offering of Hilton.
Law means any statute, law, regulation, ordinance, rule, injunction, order, decree, governmental approval, directive, requirement, or other governmental restriction or any similar form of decision of, or determination by, or any interpretation or administration of any of the foregoing by, any Governmental Authority.
Person means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization, or other form of business organization, whether or not regarded as a legal entity under applicable Law, or any Governmental Authority or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof.
Plan Asset Regulation has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.
Pre-IPO Owners means the Blackstone Entities and the other Persons who held Hilton Common Stock at the time of the IPO and any Affiliate thereof that shall become a holder of any Hilton Common Stock.
2
Subsidiary means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity of which: (i) if a corporation, a majority of the total voting power of shares of stock entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, representatives or trustees thereof is at the time owned or Controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof; or (ii) if a limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity, a majority of the total voting power of stock (or equivalent ownership interest) of the limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity is at the time owned or Controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof. For purposes hereof, a Person or Persons shall be deemed to have a majority ownership interest in a limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity if such Person or Persons shall be allocated a majority of limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity gains or losses or shall be or Control the managing member, managing director or other governing body or general partner of such limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity.
Total Number of Directors means the total number of directors comprising the Board.
Transfer (including its correlative meanings, Transferor , Transferee and Transferred ) shall mean, with respect to any security, directly or indirectly, to sell, contract to sell, give, assign, hypothecate, pledge, encumber, grant a security interest in, offer, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, lend or otherwise transfer or dispose of any economic, voting or other rights in or to such security. When used as a noun, Transfer shall have such correlative meaning as the context may require.
VCOC Investor has the meaning set forth in Section 3.3.
1.2 Construction . The language used in this Agreement will be deemed to be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and no rule of strict construction will be applied against any party. Unless the context otherwise requires: (a) or is disjunctive but not exclusive, (b) words in the singular include the plural, and in the plural include the singular, and (c) the words hereof , herein , and hereunder and words of similar import when used in this Agreement refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement, and Section references are to this Agreement unless otherwise specified.
ARTICLE II.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS
2.1 Election of Directors .
(a) Following the Closing Date, the Blackstone Designator shall have the right, but not the obligation, to designate, and the individuals nominated for election as Directors by or at the direction of the Board or a duly-authorized committee thereof shall include, a
3
number of individuals such that, upon the election of each such individual, and each other individual nominated by or at the direction of the Board or a duly-authorized committee of the Board, as a Director and taking into account any Director continuing to serve as such without the need for re-election, the number of Blackstone Designees (as defined below) serving as Directors of the Company will be equal to: (i) if the Pre-IPO Owners collectively Beneficially Own 50% or more of the total Common Stock as of the record date for such meeting, 50% of the Total Number of Directors, rounded down to the nearest whole number; (ii) if the Pre-IPO Owners collectively Beneficially Own at least 40% (but less than 50%) of the total Common Stock as of the record date for such meeting, 40% of the Total Number of Directors, rounded down to the nearest whole number; (iii) if the Pre-IPO Owners collectively Beneficially Own at least 30% (but less than 40%) of the total Common Stock as of the record date for such meeting, 30% of the Total Number of Directors, rounded down to the nearest whole number; (iv) if the Pre-IPO Owners collectively Beneficially Own at least 20% (but less than 30%) of the total Common Stock as of the record date for such meeting, either (A) 20% of the Total Number of Directors, rounded down to the nearest whole number, if the Total Number of Directors is 10 or greater, or (B) the lowest whole number that is greater than 20% of the Total Number of Directors if the Total Number of Directors is less than 10; and (v) if the Pre-IPO Owners collectively Beneficially Own at least 5% (but less than 20%) of the total Common Stock as of the record date for such meeting, the lowest whole number that is greater than 10% of the Total Number of Directors.
(b) If at any time the Blackstone Designator has designated fewer than the total number of individuals that the Blackstone Designator is then entitled to designate pursuant to Section 2.1(a), the Blackstone Designator shall have the right to designate such additional individuals which it is entitled to so designate, in which case, any individuals nominated by or at the direction of the Board or any duly-authorized committee thereof for election as Directors to fill any vacancy on the Board shall include such designees, and the Company shall use its best efforts to (x) effect the election of such additional designees, whether by increasing the size of the Board or otherwise, and (y) cause the election of such additional designees to fill any such newly-created vacancies or to fill any other existing vacancies. Each such individual whom the Blackstone Designator shall actually designate pursuant to this Section 2.1 and who is thereafter elected and qualifies to serve as a Director shall be referred to herein as a Blackstone Designee .
(c) In the event that a vacancy is created at any time by the death, disability, retirement or resignation of any Blackstone Designee, any individual nominated by or at the direction of the Board or any duly-authorized committee thereof to fill such vacancy shall be, and the Company shall use its best efforts to cause such vacancy to be filled, as soon as possible, by a new designee of the Blackstone Designator, and the Company shall take, to the fullest extent permitted by law, at any time and from time to time, all actions necessary to accomplish the same.
(d) The Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, include in the slate of nominees recommended by the Board at any meeting of stockholders called for the purpose of electing directors, the persons designated pursuant to this Section 2.1 and use its reasonable best efforts to cause the election of each such designee to the Board, including nominating each such individual to be elected as a Director as provided herein, recommending such individuals election and soliciting proxies or consents in favor thereof.
4
ARTICLE III.
INFORMATION; VCOC
3.1 Books and Records; Access . The Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, permit the Blackstone Entities and their respective designated representatives, at reasonable times and upon reasonable prior notice to the Company, to review the books and records of the Company or any of such Subsidiaries and to discuss the affairs, finances and condition of the Company or any of such Subsidiaries with the officers of the Company or any such Subsidiary; provided , however , that the Company shall not be required to disclose any privileged information of the Company so long as the Company has used commercially reasonable efforts to enter into an arrangement pursuant to which it may provide such information to the Blackstone Entities without the loss of any such privilege.
3.2 Certain Reports . The Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered to the Blackstone Entities, at their request:
(a) to the extent otherwise prepared by the Company, operating and capital expenditure budgets and periodic information packages relating to the operations and cash flows of the Company and its Subsidiaries; and
(b) to the extent otherwise prepared by the Company, such other reports and information as may be reasonably requested by the Blackstone Entities; provided , however , that the Company shall not be required to disclose any privileged information of the Company so long as the Company has used commercially reasonable efforts to enter into an arrangement pursuant to which it may provide such information to the Blackstone Entities without the loss of any such privilege.
3.3 VCOC . With respect to each Blackstone Entity that is intended to qualify its direct or indirect investment in the Company as a venture capital investment as defined in the Department of Labor regulations codified at 29 CFR Section 2510.3-101 (the Plan Asset Regulation ) (each, a VCOC Investor ), for so long as the VCOC Investor, directly or through one or more subsidiaries, continues to hold any shares of Common Stock (or other securities of the Company into which such shares of Common Stock may be converted or for which such shares of Common Stock may be exchanged), without limitation or prejudice of any the rights provided to the Blackstone Entities hereunder, the Company shall, with respect to each such VCOC Investor:
(a) provide each VCOC Investor or its designated representative with:
(i) upon reasonable notice and at mutually convenient times, the right to visit and inspect any of the offices and properties of the Company and its Subsidiaries and inspect and copy the books and records of the Company and its Subsidiaries;
5
(ii) as soon as available and in any event within 45 days after the end of each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year of the Company, consolidated balance sheets of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such period, and consolidated statements of income and cash flows of the Company and its Subsidiaries for the period then ended prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States applied on a consistent basis, except as otherwise noted therein, and subject to the absence of footnotes and to year-end adjustments;
(iii) as soon as available and in any event within 120 days after the end of each fiscal year of the Company, a consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries as of the end of such year, and consolidated statements of income and cash flows of the Company and its Subsidiaries for the year then ended prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States applied on a consistent basis, except as otherwise noted therein, together with an auditors report thereon of a firm of established national reputation;
(iv) to the extent the Company is required by law or pursuant to the terms of any outstanding indebtedness of the Company to prepare such reports, any annual reports, quarterly reports and other periodic reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, actually prepared by the Company as soon as available; and
(v) upon written request by the VCOC Investor, copies of all materials provided to the Board, subject to appropriate protections with respect to confidentiality and preservation of attorney-client privilege;
provided , that , in each case, if the Company makes the information described in clauses (ii), (iii) and (iv) of this clause (a) available through public filings on the EDGAR System or any successor or replacement system of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the delivery of such information shall be deemed satisfied;
(b) make appropriate officers and/or Directors of the Company available, and cause the officers and directors of its Subsidiaries to be made available, periodically and at such times as reasonably requested by each VCOC Investor, upon reasonable notice and at mutually convenient times, for consultation with such VCOC Investor or its designated representative with respect to matters relating to the business and affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries;
(c) to the extent that the VCOC Investor requests to receive such information and rights, and to the extent consistent with applicable law, rule, regulation or listing standards (and with respect to events which require public disclosure, only following the Companys public disclosure thereof through applicable securities law filings or otherwise), inform each VCOC Investor or its designated representative in advance with respect to any significant corporate actions, and to provide (or cause to be provided) each VCOC Investor or its designated representative with the right to consult with the Company and its Subsidiaries with respect to such actions should the VCOC Investor elect to do so, provided however, that this right to
6
consult must be exercised within five (5) days after the Company informs the VCOC Investor of the proposed corporate action and provided further that the Company shall be under no obligation to provide the VCOC Investor with any material non-public information with respect to such corporate action; and
(d) provide each VCOC Investor or its designated representative with such other rights of consultation which the VCOC Investors counsel may determine in writing to be reasonably necessary under applicable legal authorities promulgated after the date hereof to qualify its investment in the Company as a venture capital investment for purposes of the Plan Asset Regulation, provided that the parties agree that any such rights of consultation shall be of a nature consistent with those granted above and nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to require the Company to grant to the VCOC Investor any additional rights with respect to the governance or management of the Company.
The Company agrees to consider, in good faith, the recommendations of each VCOC Investor or its designated representative in connection with the matters on which it is consulted as described above in this Section 3.3, recognizing that the ultimate discretion with respect to all such matters shall be retained by the Company.
In the event a VCOC Investor or any of its Affiliates Transfers all or any portion of their investment in the Company to an Affiliated entity that is intended to qualify as a venture capital operating company (as defined in the Plan Asset Regulation), such Transferee shall be afforded the same rights with respect to the Company afforded to the VCOC Investor hereunder and shall be treated, for such purposes, as a third party beneficiary hereunder.
In the event that the Company ceases to qualify as an operating company (as defined in the first sentence of 2510.3-101(c)(1) of the Plan Asset Regulation), or the investment in the Company by a VCOC Investor does not qualify as a venture capital investment as defined in the Plan Asset Regulation, then the Company and each Blackstone Entity will cooperate in good faith to take all reasonable actions necessary, subject to applicable law, to preserve the VCOC status of each VCOC Investor or the qualification of the investment as a venture capital investment, it being understood that such reasonable actions shall not require a VCOC Investor to purchase or sell any investments.
ARTICLE IV.
GENERAL PROVISIONS
4.1 Termination . Except for Section 3.3, this Agreement shall terminate on the earlier to occur of (i) such time as the Blackstone Designator is no longer entitled to designate a Director pursuant to Section 2.1(a) and (ii) the delivery of a written notice by the Blackstone Designator to the Company requesting that this Agreement terminate. The VCOC Investors shall advise the Company when they collectively first cease to beneficially own any of the Companys Common Stock or other securities of the Company into which such shares of Common Stock may be converted or for which such shares of Common Stock may be exchanged, whereupon Section 3.3 hereof shall terminate.
7
4.2 Notices . Any notice, designation, request, request for consent or consent provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be either personally delivered, or mailed first class mail (postage prepaid) or sent by reputable overnight courier service (charges prepaid) to the Company at the address set forth below and to any other recipient at the address indicated on the Companys records, or at such address or to the attention of such other Person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party. Notices and other such documents will be deemed to have been given or made hereunder when sent by facsimile (receipt confirmed) delivered personally, five (5) days after deposit in the U.S. mail and one (1) day after deposit with a reputable overnight courier service.
The Companys address is:
Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.
6355 MetroWest Boulevard, Suite 180
Orlando, FL 32835
Attention: General Counsel
Fax: (407) 722-3776
with a copy (not constituting notice) to:
Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP
60 State Street
Boston, MA 02109
Attention: Mark G. Borden
Jay E. Bothwick
Fax: (617) 526-5000
The Blackstone Entities address is:
The Blackstone Group L.P.
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
Attention: Tyler Henritze
Fax: (212) 583-5191
with a copy (not constituting notice) to:
Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
425 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Attention: Brian M. Stadler
Christopher R. May
Fax: (212) 455-2502
4.3 Amendment; Waiver . This Agreement may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified only by a written instrument executed by the Company and the other parties hereto. Neither the failure nor delay on the part of any party hereto to exercise any right,
8
remedy, power or privilege under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege preclude any other or further exercise of the same or of any other right, remedy, power or privilege, nor shall any waiver of any right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any occurrence be construed as a waiver of such right, remedy, power or privilege with respect to any other occurrence. No waiver shall be effective unless it is in writing and is signed by the party asserted to have granted such waiver.
4.4 Further Assurances . The parties hereto will sign such further documents, cause such meetings to be held, resolutions passed, exercise their votes and do and perform and cause to be done such further acts and things necessary, proper or advisable in order to give full effect to this Agreement and every provision hereof. To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company shall not directly or indirectly take any action that is intended to, or would reasonably be expected to result in, Blackstone or any Blackstone Entity being deprived of the rights contemplated by this Agreement.
4.5 Assignment . This Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding on the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns. This Agreement may not be assigned without the express prior written consent of the other parties hereto, and any attempted assignment, without such consents, will be null and void; provided, however, that, without the prior written consent of the Company, a Blackstone Party may assign this Agreement to an Affiliate that becomes a party hereto.
4.6 Third Parties . Except as provided for in Article II and Section 3.3 with respect to any Blackstone Entity, this Agreement does not create any rights, claims or benefits inuring to any person that is not a party hereto nor create or establish any third party beneficiary hereto.
4.7 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to principles of conflicts of laws thereof.
4.8 Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial . In any judicial proceeding involving any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement, each of the parties unconditionally accepts the jurisdiction and venue of the courts of the State of Delaware or if jurisdiction over the matter is vested exclusively in federal courts, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware, and the appellate courts to which orders and judgments thereof may be appealed. In any such judicial proceeding, the parties agree that in addition to any method for the service of process permitted or required by such courts, to the fullest extent permitted by law, service of process may be made by delivery provided pursuant to the directions in Section 4.2. EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING INVOLVING ANY DISPUTE, CONTROVERSY OR CLAIM ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT.
4.9 Specific Performance . Each party hereto acknowledges and agrees that in the event of any breach of this Agreement by any of them, the other parties hereto would be irreparably harmed and could not be made whole by monetary damages. Each party accordingly
9
agrees to waive the defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate and agrees that the parties, in addition to any other remedy to which they may be entitled at law or in equity, shall be entitled to specific performance of this Agreement without the posting of bond.
4.10 Entire Agreement . This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. There are no agreements, representations, warranties, covenants or understandings with respect to the subject matter hereof or thereof other than those expressly set forth herein and therein. This Agreement supersedes all other prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter.
4.11 Severability . If any provision of this Agreement, or the application of such provision to any Person or circumstance or in any jurisdiction, shall be held to be invalid or unenforceable to any extent, (i) the remainder of this Agreement shall not be affected thereby, and each other provision hereof shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law, (ii) as to such Person or circumstance or in such jurisdiction such provision shall be reformed to be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law and (iii) the application of such provision to other Persons or circumstances or in other jurisdictions shall not be affected thereby.
4.12 Table of Contents, Headings and Captions . The table of contents, headings, subheadings and captions contained in this Agreement are included for convenience of reference only, and in no way define, limit or describe the scope of this Agreement or the intent of any provision hereof.
4.13 Grant of Consent . Any vote, consent or approval of, or designation by, or other action of, the Blackstone Designator hereunder shall be effective if notice of such vote, consent, approval, designation or action is provided in accordance with Section 4.2 by the Blackstone Party or Parties holding of record a majority of the Common Stock then held of record by Blackstone Parties as of the latest date any such notice is so provided.
4.14 Counterparts . This Agreement and any amendment hereto may be signed in any number of separate counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one Agreement (or amendment, as applicable).
4.15 Effectiveness . This Agreement shall become effective upon the Closing Date.
4.16 No Recourse . This Agreement may only be enforced against, and any claims or cause of action that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement may only be made against the entities that are expressly identified as parties hereto and no past, present or future Affiliate, director, officer, employee, incorporator, member, manager, partner, stockholder, agent, attorney or representative of any party hereto shall have any liability for any obligations or liabilities of the parties to this Agreement or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, the transactions contemplated hereby.
10
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Stockholders Agreement on the day and year first above written.
COMPANY: | ||
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS INC. | ||
By: |
/s/ Charles Corbin |
|
Name: | Charles Corbin | |
Title: | Executive Vice President |
[ Signature Page to BX-HGV Stockholders Agreement ]
BLACKSTONE PARTIES: | ||
HLT HOLD CO III LLC |
||
By: |
/s/ Tyler S. Henritze |
|
Name: | Tyler S. Henritze | |
Title: | Vice President, Secretary and Senior Managing Director |
HLT BREH VI HOLDCO LLC |
||
By: |
/s/ Tyler S. Henritze |
|
Name: | Tyler S. Henritze | |
Title: | Vice President, Secretary and Senior Managing Director | |
HLT BREP VI. TE.2 HOLDCO LLC |
||
By: |
/s/ Tyler S. Henritze |
|
Name: | Tyler S. Henritze | |
Title: | Vice President, Secretary and Senior Managing Director | |
HLT BREH INTL II HOLDCO LLC |
||
By: |
/s/ Tyler S. Henritze |
|
Name: | Tyler S. Henritze | |
Title: | Vice President, Secretary and Senior Managing Director | |
HLT A23 BREH VI HOLDCO LLC |
||
By: |
/s/ Tyler S. Henritze |
|
Name: | Tyler S. Henritze | |
Title: | Vice President, Secretary and Senior Managing Director | |
HLT A23 HOLDCO LLC |
||
By: |
/s/ Tyler S. Henritze |
|
Name: | Tyler S. Henritze | |
Title: | Vice President, Secretary and Senior Managing Director |
[ Signature Page to BX-HGV Stockholders Agreement ]
Exhibit 10.7
Execution Version
STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT
by and among
HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC.,
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS INC.,
and
the Blackstone Holders
(as defined herein)
Dated as of January 2, 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page | ||||||||
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION |
2 | |||||||
Section 1.1 |
Definitions | 2 | ||||||
Section 1.2 |
References; Interpretation | 9 | ||||||
Section 1.3 |
Effective Time | 9 | ||||||
ARTICLE II SECTION 355(e) RESTRICTIONS |
9 | |||||||
Section 2.1 |
General | 9 | ||||||
Section 2.2 |
Exceptions for Applicable Percentage, Safe Harbor VIII and Unqualified 355(e) Opinion | 10 | ||||||
Section 2.3 |
Blackstone Ownership Shift due to Issuance | 11 | ||||||
Section 2.4 |
Special Rule | 11 | ||||||
ARTICLE III DEVICE RESTRICTIONS |
11 | |||||||
Section 3.1 |
General | 11 | ||||||
Section 3.2 |
Exceptions for In Parallel and Unqualified Device Opinion | 11 | ||||||
ARTICLE IV ADDITIONAL RULES |
12 | |||||||
Section 4.1 |
Plan of Reorganization and Blackstone Restructuring | 12 | ||||||
Section 4.2 |
Representation Regarding Blackstone Restructuring | 12 | ||||||
Section 4.3 |
Joint and Several Liability | 12 | ||||||
Section 4.4 |
Margin Loan | 12 | ||||||
Section 4.5 |
Reallocation Event | 12 | ||||||
Section 4.6 |
Cooperation | 13 | ||||||
Section 4.7 |
Effect of Rulings and Opinion on Section 355(e) Calculations | 13 | ||||||
ARTICLE V MISCELLANEOUS |
13 | |||||||
Section 5.1 |
Counterparts | 13 | ||||||
Section 5.2 |
Survival | 13 | ||||||
Section 5.3 |
Notices | 14 | ||||||
Section 5.4 |
Waivers | 14 | ||||||
Section 5.5 |
Assignment | 14 | ||||||
Section 5.6 |
Successors and Assigns | 15 | ||||||
Section 5.7 |
Termination and Amendment | 15 | ||||||
Section 5.8 |
No Circumvention | 15 | ||||||
Section 5.9 |
Subsidiaries | 15 | ||||||
Section 5.10 |
Third Party Beneficiaries | 15 | ||||||
Section 5.11 |
Title and Headings | 15 | ||||||
Section 5.12 |
Schedules | 15 | ||||||
Section 5.13 |
Specific Performance | 15 |
i
Page | ||||||||
Section 5.14 |
Governing Law | 16 | ||||||
Section 5.15 |
Consent to Jurisdiction | 16 | ||||||
Section 5.16 |
Waiver of Jury Trial | 16 | ||||||
Section 5.17 |
Force Majeure | 16 | ||||||
Section 5.18 |
Interpretation | 17 | ||||||
Section 5.19 |
Changes in Law | 17 | ||||||
Section 5.20 |
Severability | 17 | ||||||
Section 5.21 |
No Waiver | 17 | ||||||
Section 5.22 |
No Duplication; No Double Recovery | 17 | ||||||
Section 5.23 |
No Recourse | 17 | ||||||
Schedules | ||||||||
Schedule I | List of Blackstone Entities |
ii
STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT
THIS STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT (this Agreement ) is made and entered into as of the day of January 2, 2017, by and among Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., a Delaware corporation ( HLT ), Hilton Grand Vacations Inc., a Delaware corporation ( HGV ), and the Blackstone Holders (as defined herein). Each of HLT, HGV and each Blackstone Holder is sometimes referred to herein as a Party and collectively, as the Parties . Each of HLT, HGV and Park Hotels & Resorts Inc., a Delaware corporation ( PK ), is sometimes referred to herein as a Spinoff Party and collectively, as the Spinoff Parties .
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of HLT (the Board ) has determined that it is appropriate, desirable and in the best interests of HLT and its stockholders to separate HLT into three separate, publicly traded companies, one for each of (i) the HLT Retained Business (as defined herein), which shall be owned and conducted, directly or indirectly, by HLT, (ii) the Ownership Business (as defined herein), which shall be owned and conducted, directly or indirectly, by PK (which will elect to be a REIT (as defined herein)), and (iii) the Timeshare Business (as defined herein), which shall be owned and conducted, directly or indirectly, by HGV;
WHEREAS, in order to effect such separation, the Board has determined that it is appropriate, desirable and in the best interests of HLT and its stockholders (i) to enter into a series of transactions after giving effect to which (A) HLT and/or one or more of its Subsidiaries (as defined herein) will, collectively, own all of the HLT Retained Assets (as defined herein) and assume (or retain) all of the HLT Retained Liabilities (as defined herein), (B) PK and/or one or more of its Subsidiaries will, collectively, own all of the Ownership Assets (as defined herein) and assume (or retain) all of the Ownership Liabilities (as defined herein) and (C) HGV and/or one or more of its Subsidiaries will, collectively, own all of the Timeshare Assets (as defined herein) and assume (or retain) all of the Timeshare Liabilities (as defined herein) and (ii) for HLT to distribute to the holders of its common stock, par value $0.01 per share ( HLT Common Stock ), on a pro rata basis (in each case without consideration being paid by such stockholders) (A) all of the outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of PK (the PK Common Stock ), and (B) all of the outstanding shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of HGV (the HGV Common Stock ) (such transactions as they may be amended or modified from time to time, collectively, the Plan of Reorganization ); and
WHEREAS, it is the intention of the Parties that each of the distributions by HLT of all of the PK Common Stock (the PK Distribution ) and HGV Common Stock (the HGV Distribution and together with the PK Distribution, the External Distributions ) qualifies as a tax-free distribution within the meaning of Section 355 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code ).
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the terms, conditions, covenants and provisions of this Agreement, each of the Parties mutually covenant and agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION
Section 1.1 Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(1) Acquisition means an acquisition for purposes of Section 355(e) of the Code of stock of the applicable Spinoff Party, or issuance by a Spinoff Party of any options or other instruments that grant the holder a right (including if such Spinoff Party has a right to settle the obligation with property other than stock of such Spinoff Party) to complete such an acquisition. The terms Acquire and Acquired have a corresponding meaning. For purposes of determining whether and to what extent a transaction shall be taken into account for purposes of this definition, any recapitalization or other action resulting in a shift of voting power or any redemption or repurchase of shares of stock shall be treated as an indirect acquisition of shares of stock by the benefitted or non-exchanging stockholders.
(2) Additional Blackstone Entity means any Blackstone Entity designated as an Additional Blackstone Entity on Schedule I hereto.
(3) Affiliate means a Person that directly, or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, or is controlled by, or is under common control with, a specified Person. A Person shall be deemed to control another Person if such first Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct, or cause the direction of, the management and policies of such other Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. For purposes hereof, none of the Spinoff Parties or their respective Subsidiaries shall be considered an Affiliate of any of the other Parties or their respective Subsidiaries (determined on the same basis). For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes hereof, neither The Blackstone Group L.P. (nor any of its Affiliates) shall be considered an Affiliate of any of the Spinoff Parties or their respective Subsidiaries.
(4) Agreement has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
(5) Ancillary Agreement has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
(6) Big Four Accounting Firm means each of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Ernst & Young LLP, KPMG LLP, and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
(7) Blackstone Acquisition has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).
(8) Blackstone Applicable Percentage means, with respect to a Spinoff Party, the percentage shift in ownership equal to the greater of (a) the percentage determined by dividing (i) the value of all shares of such Spinoff Party (as of immediately after the Distribution) transferred in one or more Dispositions of stock of such Spinoff Party occurring on or after the Distribution Date by (ii) the value of all outstanding stock of such Spinoff Party as of immediately after the Distribution, or (b) the percentage determined by dividing (i) the total combined voting power of all shares of such Spinoff Party (as of immediately after the Distribution) transferred in one or more Dispositions of stock of such Spinoff Party occurring on
2
or after the Distribution Date by (ii) the total combined voting power of all outstanding stock of such Spinoff Party as of immediately after the Distribution. The amount set forth in (a)(ii) or (b)(ii) shall be reduced by any redemption or repurchase (directly or indirectly) by a Spinoff Party (or any of its Subsidiaries) of HLT Common Stock, PK Common Stock or HGV Common Stock, as applicable, following the Distribution and prior to the last such Disposition (with such reduction calculated in the case of (a)(ii) by using the value of the applicable stock as of immediately after the Distribution). This definition and the application thereof is intended to monitor compliance with Section 355(e) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder and shall be interpreted accordingly by the Parties in good faith.
(9) Blackstone Entity means any of the entities listed on Schedule I hereto and any successors thereto.
(10) Blackstone-HGV Applicable Percentage means the Blackstone Applicable Percentage with respect to HGV.
(11) Blackstone-HGV Percentage Shift Limit means 35.08%, as adjusted from time to time by mutual written consent of the Blackstone Representative and HGV or under Section 2.3 or Section 4.5; provided , however , that the sum of the Blackstone-HGV Percentage Shift Limit and the HGV Percentage Shift Limit immediately after such adjustments must equal such sum immediately before such adjustments; provided further , that if the Blackstone Representative has actual knowledge that the HGV Applicable Percentage exceeds the HGV Percentage Shift Limit, the Blackstone-HGV Percentage Shift Limit shall be reduced by such excess (without prejudice to any rights or remedies any Blackstone Holder or any other Party may have).
(12) Blackstone-HLT Applicable Percentage means the Blackstone Applicable Percentage with respect to HLT.
(13) Blackstone-HLT Percentage Shift Limit means 35.08%, as adjusted from time to time by mutual written consent of the Blackstone Representative and HLT or under Section 2.3 or Section 4.5; provided , however , that the sum of the Blackstone-HLT Percentage Shift Limit and the HLT Percentage Shift Limit immediately after such adjustments must equal such sum immediately before such adjustments; provided further , that if the Blackstone Representative has actual knowledge that the HLT Applicable Percentage exceeds the HLT Percentage Shift Limit, the Blackstone-HLT Percentage Shift Limit shall be reduced by such excess (without prejudice to any rights or remedies any Blackstone Holder or any other Party may have).
3
(14) Blackstone Holder means any Blackstone Entity designated as a Blackstone Holder on Schedule I hereto.
(15) Blackstone-PK Applicable Percentage means the Blackstone Applicable Percentage with respect to PK.
(16) Blackstone-PK Percentage Shift Limit means 35.08%, as adjusted from time to time in connection with an adjustment to PK Applicable Percentage pursuant to the terms of the Tax Matters Agreement or under Section 5.4(f) or (g) of the Tax Matters Agreement; provided , however , that the sum of the Blackstone-PK Percentage Shift Limit and the PK Percentage Shift Limit immediately after such adjustments must equal such sum immediately before such adjustments; provided further , that if the Blackstone Representative has actual knowledge that the PK Applicable Percentage exceeds the PK Percentage Shift Limit, the Blackstone-PK Percentage Shift Limit shall be reduced by such excess.
(17) Blackstone Representative means Tyler Henritze, or such other person as the Blackstone Holders may designate.
(18) Blackstone Restructuring has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1.
(19) Board has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
(20) Code has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
(21) Delaware Courts has the meaning set forth in Section 5.15.
(22) Disposition has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a). The terms Dispose and Disposed have a corresponding meaning.
(23) Distribution or Distributions means, individually or collectively, the Internal Distributions and the External Distributions.
(24) Distribution Agreement means the Distribution Agreement by and among HLT, PK, HGV and OpCo dated as of January 2, 2017.
(25) Distribution Date means the date on which the Distributions to holders of record of shares of HLT Common Stock of the HGV Common Stock and the PK Common Stock owned by HLT are effectuated pursuant to the Distribution Agreement.
(26) Effective Time has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
(27) External Distributions has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
(28) HGV has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
4
(29) HGV Applicable Percentage means the percentage shift in ownership equal to the greater of (a) the percentage determined by dividing (i) the value of all shares of HGV stock (as of immediately after the Distribution) Acquired pursuant to one or more Issuances of HGV stock occurring on or after the Distribution Date by (ii) the value of all outstanding stock of HGV as of immediately after the Distribution, or (b) the percentage determined by dividing (i) the total combined voting power of all shares of HGV stock (as of immediately after the Distribution) Acquired pursuant to one or more Issuances of HGV stock occurring on or after the Distribution Date by (ii) the total combined voting power of all outstanding stock of HGV as of immediately after the Distribution. The amount set forth in (a)(ii) or (b)(ii) shall be reduced by any redemption or repurchase (directly or indirectly) by HGV (or its Subsidiaries) of HGV Common Stock following the Distribution and prior to the last such Issuance (with such reduction calculated in the case of (a)(ii) by using the value of the applicable stock as of immediately after the Distribution). This definition and the application thereof is intended to monitor compliance with Section 355(e) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder and shall be interpreted accordingly by the Parties in good faith.
(30) HGV Common Stock has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
(31) HGV Distribution has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
(32) HGV Group has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
(33) HGV Percentage Shift Limit means 8.34%, as adjusted from time to time by mutual written consent of the Blackstone Representative and HGV or under Section 2.3 or Section 4.5; provided , however , that the sum of the Blackstone-HGV Percentage Shift Limit and the HGV Percentage Shift Limit immediately after such adjustments must equal such sum immediately before such adjustments; provided further , that if HGV has actual knowledge that the Blackstone-HGV Applicable Percentage exceeds the Blackstone-HGV Percentage Shift Limit, the HGV Percentage Shift Limit shall be reduced by such excess (without prejudice to any rights or remedies HGV or any other Party may have).
(34) HLT has the meaning set forth in the preamble of this Agreement.
(35) HLT Applicable Percentage means the percentage shift in ownership equal to the greater of (a) the percentage determined by dividing (i) the value of all shares of HLT stock (as of immediately after the Distribution) Acquired pursuant to one or more Issuances of HLT stock occurring on or after the Distribution Date by (ii) the value of all outstanding stock of HLT as of immediately after the Distribution, or (b) the percentage determined by dividing (i) the total combined voting power of all shares of HLT stock (as of immediately after the Distribution) Acquired pursuant to one or more Issuances of HLT stock occurring on or after the Distribution Date by (ii) the total combined voting power of all outstanding stock of HLT as of immediately after the Distribution. The amount set forth in (a)(ii) or (b)(ii) shall be reduced by any redemption or repurchase (directly or indirectly) by HLT (or its Subsidiaries) of HLT Common Stock following the Distribution and prior to the last such Issuance (with such reduction calculated in the case of (a)(ii) by using the value of the applicable stock as of immediately after the Distribution). This definition and the application thereof is intended to monitor compliance with Section 355(e) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder and shall be interpreted accordingly by the Parties in good faith.
5
(36) HLT Common Stock has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
(37) HLT Group has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
(38) HLT Percentage Shift Limit means 8.34%, as adjusted from time to time by mutual written consent of the Blackstone Representative and HLT or under Section 2.3 or Section 4.5; provided , however , that the sum of the Blackstone-HLT Percentage Shift Limit and the HLT Percentage Shift Limit immediately after such adjustments must equal such sum immediately before such adjustments; provided further , that if HLT has actual knowledge that the Blackstone-HLT Applicable Percentage exceeds the Blackstone-HLT Percentage Shift Limit, the HLT Percentage Shift Limit shall be reduced by such excess (without prejudice to any rights or remedies HLT or any other Party may have).
(39) HLT Retained Assets has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
(40) HLT Retained Business has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
(41) HLT Retained Liabilities has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
(42) In Parallel describes one or more Dispositions by a Blackstone Entity if and only if such Dispositions (i) result in the disposition of proportionate or almost proportionate amounts of HLT Common Stock, PK Common Stock and HGV Common Stock (e.g., a sale by a Blackstone Entity of 5% of its HLT stock would require a sale by such Blackstone Entity (or its parallel Additional Blackstone Entity) of 5% of its (or such parallel Additional Blackstone Entitys) PK stock and 5% of its HGV stock), (ii) commenced at the same time and as part of the same plan, (iii) completed within a single taxable year of such Blackstone Entity, and (iv) all in the same form of transaction, for example, all in the form of a sale or all in the form of a distribution. The determination of whether one or more Dispositions by a Blackstone Entity are In Parallel shall be made taking into account only those shares of HLT Common Stock, PK Common Stock and HGV Common Stock owned by such Blackstone Entity on the Distribution Date. For the avoidance of doubt, one or more Dispositions shall not fail to meet the requirements of (i) solely because such Dispositions include, in addition to a proportionate or almost proportionate amount of PK Common Stock owned on the Distribution Date, an amount of PK Common Stock received in the Purging Distribution.
(43) Internal Distributions has the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.
(44) IRS means the United States Internal Revenue Service or any successor thereto, including, but not limited to its agents, representatives, and attorneys.
(45) Issuance has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b).
(46) Issuer has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b).
6
(47) Law means any U.S. or non-U.S. federal, national, supranational, state, provincial, local or similar statute, law, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, administrative pronouncement, order, requirement or rule of law (including common law), or any income tax treaty.
(48) Margin Loan Agreement means that certain Margin Loan Agreement dated as of June 30, 2014 among HLT Holdco III LLC, as borrower, the Margin Loan Lenders party thereto, and Morgan Stanley Bank International Limited, as Administrative Agent and any related security agreements, control agreements, issuer agreements and guarantees, in each case as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time.
(49) Margin Loan Collateral has the meaning given to the term Collateral in the Margin Loan Agreement.
(50) Margin Loan Event of Default has the meaning given to the term Event of Default in the Margin Loan Agreement.
(51) Margin Loan Lender has the meaning given to the term Lender in the Margin Loan Agreement.
(52) Ownership Assets has the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.
(53) Ownership Business has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
(54) Ownership Liabilities has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
(55) Party has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
(56) Person means any natural person, firm, individual, corporation, business trust, joint venture, association, company, limited liability company, partnership, or other organization or entity, whether incorporated or unincorporated, or any governmental entity.
(57) PK has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
(58) PK Applicable Percentage has the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.
(59) PK Distribution has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
(60) PK Percentage Shift Limit has the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.
(61) PK Common Stock has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
(62) Plan of Reorganization has the meaning set forth in the recitals hereto.
(63) Purging Distribution means any distribution made by PK in order to comply with the requirements of Section 857(a)(2)(B) of the Code.
7
(64) Qualified Tax Advisor means any Big Four Accounting Firm or any law firm of nationally recognized standing.
(65) Reallocation Event means any Acquisition during the Restricted Period of the stock of a Spinoff Party (other than a Disposition or an Issuance) that could reasonably be viewed as increasing the ownership shift with respect to such Spinoff Party for purposes of Section 355(e) of the Code, taking into account any available safe harbors under Treasury Regulations Section 1.355-7 (and the amount of such increase, the Reallocation Event Reduction ). This definition and the application thereof is intended to monitor compliance with Section 355(e) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder and shall be interpreted accordingly by the Parties in good faith.
(66) REIT means a real estate investment trust within the meaning of Section 856(a) of the Code.
(67) Reorganization Slide Deck has the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.
(68) Restricted Period means the two-year period beginning on the Distribution Date.
(69) Spinoff Party has the meaning set forth in the preamble hereto.
(70) Subsidiary has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
(71) Tax Matters Agreement means that certain Tax Matters Agreement by and among HLT, PK, HGV and Hilton Domestic Operating Company Inc., a Delaware corporation, dated as of January 2, 2017.
(72) Timeshare Assets has the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.
(73) Timeshare Business has the meaning set forth in the Distribution Agreement.
(74) Timeshare Liabilities has the meaning set forth in Distribution Agreement.
(75) Unqualified 355(e) Opinion means, with respect to a Disposition, Blackstone Acquisition, Issuance or Reallocation Event, an unqualified will opinion (or, with respect to Issuance or Reallocation Event, in either case with respect to which HLT delivers the opinion, a will or should opinion) of a Qualified Tax Advisor addressed to HLT and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to HLT, without substantive qualifications, to the effect that such Disposition, Blackstone Acquisition, Issuance (including any future Issuance of stock pursuant to an option or other instrument that grants the holder a right (including if the Issuer has a right to settle the obligation with property other than stock of such Issuer) to complete an Acquisition) or Reallocation Event will not be part of a plan (or series of related transactions) within the meaning of Section 355(e) of the Code involving the Distributions.
8
(76) Unqualified Device Opinion means, with respect to a Disposition, an unqualified will opinion of a Qualified Tax Advisor addressed to HLT, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to HLT, without substantive qualifications, to the effect that such Disposition will not cause any of the Distributions to be considered to be used principally as a device for the distribution of earnings and profits within the meaning of Section 355(a)(1)(B) of the Code, taking into account the facts and circumstances as they exist at that time, including the existence of prior dispositions, if any, and any planned or intended transactions as of such time.
(77) U.S. means the United States of America.
Section 1.2 References; Interpretation .
(a) Terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Distribution Agreement. 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. Unless the context otherwise requires, 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, Exhibits and Schedules shall be deemed references to Articles and Sections of, and Exhibits 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. Unless the context otherwise requires, the word stock or shares refers to any equity interests of the applicable entity for U.S. federal income tax purposes and any references to a Person include a reference to any successor to such Person.
Section 1.3 Effective Time .
(a) The agreements contained herein, including, but not limited to, the certain restrictions on the transfer and other actions with respect to HLT Common Stock, PK Common Stock and HGV Common Stock shall be effective upon the Distribution Date.
ARTICLE II
SECTION 355(e) RESTRICTIONS
Section 2.1 General .
(a) During the Restricted Period, (i) the Blackstone Holders shall not, and shall cause the other Blackstone Entities not to, permit any person to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of interests in any Blackstone Entity unless such disposition is described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.355-7(d)(7)(i) and (ii) the Blackstone Holders shall not, and shall cause the other Blackstone Entities not to, directly or indirectly dispose of any HLT Common Stock, PK Common Stock or HGV Common Stock, including through the issuance of an interest in any Blackstone Entity (any such sale, transfer or disposition described in (i) or (ii), a Disposition ); provided , however , that no transaction entered into by a Spinoff Party shall constitute a Disposition. During the Restricted Period, the Blackstone Holders shall not, and shall cause the other Blackstone Entities not to, Acquire any HLT stock, PK stock or HGV stock (such Acquisition, a Blackstone Acquisition ); provided that the foregoing shall not be applicable to any Acquisition resulting from action by a Spinoff Party or a Subsidiary thereof.
9
(b) During the Restricted Period, neither HLT nor HGV (each, an Issuer ) may issue any of its stock or take any action with respect to its stock that would cause an Acquisition (including redemptions or repurchases), or issue any options or other instruments that grant the holder a right (including if such Issuer has a right to settle the obligation with property other than stock of such Issuer) to complete an Acquisition (any such issuance or other transaction, an Issuance ); provided that , HGV shall have no right to enforce this Section 2.1(b) against HLT.
Section 2.2 Exceptions for Applicable Percentage, Safe Harbor VIII and Unqualified 355(e) Opinion .
(a) Applicable Percentage . Notwithstanding Section 2.1, but subject to Article III,
(i) a Disposition of HLT Common Stock shall be permitted if, immediately after such Disposition, the Blackstone-HLT Applicable Percentage will be less than or equal to the Blackstone-HLT Percentage Shift Limit;
(ii) a Disposition of PK Common Stock shall be permitted if, immediately after such Disposition, the Blackstone-PK Applicable Percentage will be less than or equal to the Blackstone-PK Percentage Shift Limit;
(iii) a Disposition of HGV Common Stock shall be permitted if, immediately after such Disposition, the Blackstone-HGV Applicable Percentage will be less than or equal to the Blackstone-HGV Percentage Shift Limit;
(iv) an Issuance by HLT shall be permitted if, immediately after such Issuance, the HLT Applicable Percentage will be less than or equal to the HLT Percentage Shift Limit; and
(v) an Issuance by HGV shall be permitted if, immediately after such Issuance, the HGV Applicable Percentage will be less than or equal to the HGV Percentage Shift Limit.
(b) Safe Harbor VIII . Notwithstanding Section 2.1(b), an Issuance shall be permitted where such Issuance (or the related issuance of stock in the case of an option issuance) is described in Treasury Regulations Section 1.355-7(d)(8) (other than an Issuance made in connection with a merger or other acquisition transaction by a third party of the relevant Issuers stock; provided , that no Issuance will be deemed to be connected with an acquisition pursuant to a secondary sale for cash of Issuer stock by one or more Blackstone Entities in a public offering).
(c) Unqualified 355(e) Opinion . Notwithstanding Section 2.1, but subject to Article III, a Disposition, Blackstone Acquisition or Issuance, as the case may be, shall be permitted if the Blackstone Representative (in the case of a Disposition or Blackstone Acquisition) or Issuer (in the case of an Issuance) provides an Unqualified 355(e) Opinion to HLT; provided , further , that in the case of an Issuance of stock pursuant to an exercise of an option or other instrument that grants the holder a right (including if the Issuer has a right to settle the obligation with property other than stock of such Issuer) to complete such an acquisition, such Issuance shall be permitted if the Issuer provided an Unqualified 355(e) Opinion to HLT in respect of the Issuance of such option or other instrument.
10
Section 2.3 Blackstone Ownership Shift due to Issuance . During the Restricted Period, if a proposed Issuance is a redemption or repurchase, then, immediately before such Issuance, (i) the Blackstone-HLT Percentage Shift Limit or Blackstone-HGV Percentage Shift Limit (as applicable) shall be increased or decreased (but not below the Blackstone-HLT Applicable Percentage or Blackstone-HGV Applicable Percentage, respectively, as of immediately before such Issuance) such that the number of shares permitted to be Disposed of under Section 2.2(a)(i) or (a)(iii) remains unchanged immediately after such Issuance (other than to reflect shares of the relevant Issuer actually redeemed or repurchased from the Blackstone Entities pursuant to such Issuance), and (ii) the HLT Percentage Shift Limit or HGV Percentage Shift Limit (as applicable) shall be decreased (in the case of an increase in clause (i), but not below the HLT Applicable Percentage or HGV Applicable Percentage, respectively, as of immediately before such Issuance) or increased (in the case of a decrease in clause (i)) by the amount set forth in clause (i). If clause (ii) calls for a reduction in the HLT Percentage Shift Limit or HGV Percentage Shift Limit (as applicable) and the amount of such reduction would be limited by the parenthetical therein, then, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement (including Section 2.2(c)), the relevant Issuer shall not undertake such Issuance without the written consent of the Blackstone Representative; provided that in the event the Blackstone Representative so consents, the amount of the increase set forth in (i) shall not exceed the amount of the decrease set forth in clause (ii). For the avoidance of doubt, an Issuance that satisfies the requirements of this Section 2.3 remains subject to the provisions of this Agreement, including, without limitation, Sections 2.1(b) and 2.2(a)(iv) and (a)(v). For the avoidance of doubt, if a proposed Issuance is not consummated, the Blackstone-HLT Percentage Shift Limit and HLT Percentage Shift Limit, or Blackstone-HGV Percentage Shift Limit and HGV Percentage Shift Limit, as applicable shall not be adjusted pursuant to this Section 2.3 as a result of such proposed Issuance.
Section 2.4 Special Rule . Any Disposition or Issuance which is permitted pursuant to Section 2.2(b) or (c) shall be disregarded for purposes clauses (a)(i) and (b)(i) of the definition of Blackstone-HLT Applicable Percentage, Blackstone-PK Applicable Percentage, Blackstone-HGV Applicable Percentage, HLT Applicable Percentage or HGV Applicable Percentage, as applicable.
ARTICLE III
DEVICE RESTRICTIONS
Section 3.1 General . During the Restricted Period, the Blackstone Holders shall cause the Blackstone Entities not to directly or indirectly dispose of HLT Common Stock, PK Common Stock or HGV Common Stock.
Section 3.2 Exceptions for In Parallel and Unqualified Device Opinion .
(a) In Parallel . Notwithstanding Section 3.1, but subject to Article II, one or more Dispositions shall be permitted if such Dispositions are In Parallel.
11
(b) Unqualified Device Opinion . Notwithstanding Section 3.1, but subject to Article II, a Disposition shall be permitted if the Blackstone Representative provides an Unqualified Device Opinion to HLT.
ARTICLE IV
ADDITIONAL RULES
Section 4.1 Plan of Reorganization and Blackstone Restructuring . For the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement does not impose any restrictions of any kind on the consummation of the transactions set forth in the Plan of Reorganization, the Reorganization Slide Deck or that certain series of transactions relating to the Blackstone Entities previously described by the Blackstone Holders to HLT (such series of transactions, the Blackstone Restructuring ).
Section 4.2 Representation Regarding Blackstone Restructuring . Each of the Blackstone Holders represents and warrants to HLT and HGV that (i) the ultimate indirect ownership of HLT Common Stock, PK Common Stock and HGV Common Stock held by each Blackstone Entity will remain unchanged as a result of the Blackstone Restructuring and (ii) the transactions comprising the Blackstone Restructuring are tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes.
Section 4.3 Joint and Several Liability . The Blackstone Holders shall be jointly and severally liable for all of their respective obligations pursuant to Article II and Article III of this Agreement.
Section 4.4 Margin Loan . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, this Agreement shall not impose any restrictions of any kind on a Disposition resulting from the exercise by any Margin Loan Lender of its right to foreclosure or similar enforcement action on any of the Margin Loan Collateral following the occurrence of a Margin Loan Event of Default; provided that immediately after such foreclosure or similar enforcement action, the Blackstone-HLT Applicable Percentage, Blackstone-PK Applicable Percentage and/or Blackstone-HGV Applicable Percentage, as applicable, shall be increased to reflect such foreclosure or similar enforcement action. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Blackstone Representative or a Spinoff Party provides an Unqualified 355(e) Opinion with respect to such foreclosure or similar enforcement action to HLT, such foreclosure or similar enforcement action shall not increase the relevant Blackstone Applicable Percentage.
Section 4.5 Reallocation Event . Upon a Reallocation Event with respect to HLT stock or HGV stock, the Blackstone Representative, on the one hand, and the relevant Spinoff Party, on the other, shall use reasonable efforts to allocate the Reallocation Event Reduction to and reduce the Blackstone-HLT Percentage Shift Limit and/or HLT Percentage Shift Limit, or Blackstone-HGV Percentage Shift Limit and/or HGV Percentage Shift Limit, as applicable. If the Blackstone Representative and the relevant Spinoff Party do not agree on an allocation, the Reallocation Event Reduction shall first be allocated to and reduce the relevant HLT Percentage Shift Limit or HGV Percentage Shift Limit (but not below the HLT Applicable Percentage or HGV Applicable Percentage, respectively, as of the time of the Reallocation
12
Event). Any excess Reallocation Event Reduction shall be allocated to and reduce the relevant Blackstone-HLT Percentage Shift Limit or Blackstone-HGV Percentage Shift Limit (but not below the Blackstone-HLT Applicable Percentage or Blackstone-HGV Applicable Percentage, respectively, as of the time of the Reallocation Event). For the avoidance of doubt, the sum (immediately before the Reallocation Event) of the Blackstone-HLT Percentage Shift Limit and HLT Percentage Shift Limit, or Blackstone-HGV Percentage Shift Limit and HGV Percentage Shift Limit, as applicable, shall equal the sum (immediately after the Reallocation Event), of the Reallocation Event Reduction plus the Blackstone-HLT Percentage Shift Limit and HLT Percentage Shift Limit, or Blackstone-HGV Percentage Shift Limit and HGV Percentage Shift Limit, as applicable. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 4.5, if the Blackstone Representative or the relevant Spinoff Party provides an Unqualified 355(e) Opinion with respect to a purported Reallocation Event to HLT, such purported Reallocation Event shall not constitute a Reallocation Event.
Section 4.6 Cooperation . The Parties shall reasonably cooperate (and, in the case of HLT and HGV, cause the members of the HLT Group and the HGV Group, respectively, to reasonably cooperate) in obtaining any Unqualified Device Opinion or Unqualified 355(e) Opinion (including making reasonable representations required in connection with any such opinion), including by maintaining and making available to each other all records necessary in connection with such opinions and making employees available on a mutually convenient basis to provide additional information or explanation of any material provided hereunder.
Section 4.7 Effect of Rulings and Opinion on Section 355(e) Calculations . For purposes of computing the (a) HLT Applicable Percentage, (b) HGV Applicable Percentage, (c) Blackstone-HLT Applicable Percentage, (d) Blackstone-HGV Applicable Percentage, (e) Blackstone-PK Applicable Percentage or (f) Reallocation Event Reduction, any calculation of the shift of ownership of one or more of the Spinoff Parties under Section 355(e) shall take into account (i) any IRS private letter ruling received by one or more of the Spinoff Parties and/or the Blackstone Entities and (ii) any unqualified will opinion of a Qualified Tax Advisor (or, with respect to an opinion delivered by HLT, should opinion) addressed to HLT and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to HLT, without substantive qualifications, in each case addressing the manner in which the calculation of such shift is performed.
ARTICLE V
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 5.1 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in more than one counterpart, 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.
Section 5.2 Survival . Except as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement or the Distribution Agreement, all covenants and agreements of the Parties contained in this Agreement shall survive the Distribution Date and remain in full force and effect in accordance with their applicable terms.
13
Section 5.3 Notices . All notices, requests, claims, demands, and other communications under this Agreement shall be in English, shall be in writing and shall be given or made (and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) by delivery in person, by overnight courier service, by facsimile with receipt confirmed (followed by delivery of an original via overnight courier service), or by registered or certified mail (postage prepaid, return receipt requested) to the respective Parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a Party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 5.3):
To HLT:
Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.
7930 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 1100
McLean, Virginia 22102
Attn: General Counsel
Facsimile: (703) 883-6188
To HGV:
Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.
6355 MetroWest Boulevard, Suite 180
Orlando, Florida 32835
Attn: General Counsel
Facsimile: (407) 722-3776
To the Blackstone Holders:
The Blackstone Group L.P.
345 Park Avenue
New York, New York
Attn: Tyler Henritze
Facsimile: (212) 583-5191
Section 5.4 Waivers . Any consent required or permitted to be given by any Party to the other Parties under this Agreement shall be in writing and signed by the Party giving such consent and shall be effective only against such Party.
Section 5.5 Assignment . This Agreement may not be assigned without the express prior written consent of the other parties hereto, and any attempted assignment, without such consents, will be null and void; provided , however , that , (i) without the prior written consent of HLT or HGV, a Blackstone Entity may assign this Agreement to an Affiliate that becomes a party hereto and (ii) this Agreement shall be assignable in whole in connection with a merger or consolidation or the sale of all or substantially all the assets of a Party hereto so long as the resulting, surviving or transferee entity assumes all the obligations of the relevant Party hereto by operation of law or pursuant to an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the other Parties to this Agreement.
14
Section 5.6 Successors and Assigns . The provisions of this Agreement and the obligations and rights hereunder shall be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by (and against) the Parties and their respective successors and permitted transferees and assigns.
Section 5.7 Termination and Amendment . This Agreement may not be terminated or amended except by an agreement in writing signed by a duly authorized representative of each of HLT, HGV and the Blackstone Representative (on behalf of the Blackstone Holders). HLT and HGV agree not to amend Sections 5.4, 9.3 or 13.10 of the Tax Matters Agreement (or the relevant definitions used in such Sections), or grant any waivers with respect thereto, without the written consent of the Blackstone Representative (on behalf of the Blackstone Holders).
Section 5.8 No Circumvention . The Parties agree not to directly or indirectly take any actions, act in concert with any Person who takes an action, or cause or allow any Subsidiary of such Party to take any actions (including the failure to take a reasonable action) such that the resulting effect is to materially undermine the effectiveness of any of the provisions of this Agreement, the Distribution Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement.
Section 5.9 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 Subsidiary of such Party or by any entity that becomes a Subsidiary of such Party on and after the Effective Time, to the extent such Subsidiary remains a Subsidiary of the applicable Party.
Section 5.10 Third Party Beneficiaries . This Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Parties and should not be deemed to confer upon third parties any remedy, claim, liability, reimbursement, claim of action or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement; provided that the Blackstone Holders shall be jointly and severally liable for any losses, costs, expenses, damages, claims and other liabilities (including reasonable attorneys fees) incurred by PK or any of its Affiliates arising, directly or indirectly, from or in connection with any breach by any Blackstone Holder of its obligations hereunder.
Section 5.11 Title and Headings . Titles and headings to sections herein are inserted for the convenience of reference only and are not intended to be a part of or to affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.
Section 5.12 Schedules . Any Schedules 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.
Section 5.13 Specific Performance . In the event of any actual or threatened default in, or breach of, any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement, 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, including monetary damages, may be inadequate compensation for any loss and that the Parties may be irreparably harmed as a result. Accordingly, any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate is waived. Any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond with such remedy are waived by the Parties to this Agreement.
15
Section 5.14 Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware without reference to any choice-of-law or conflicts of law principles that would result in the application of the laws of a different jurisdiction.
Section 5.15 Consent to Jurisdiction . Each of the Parties irrevocably submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of (a) the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware and any appeals court thereof or (b) if such court does not have subject matter jurisdiction, any other state or federal court located within the County of New Castle in the State of Delaware and any appeals court thereof (the courts referred to in clauses (a) and (b), the Delaware Courts ), for the purposes of any suit, action, or other proceeding to compel arbitration or for provisional relief in aid of arbitration or to prevent irreparable harm, and to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Courts for the enforcement of any award issued thereunder. Each of the Parties further agrees that service of any process, summons, notice, or document by U.S. registered mail to such Partys respective address set forth above shall be effective service of process for any action, suit, or proceeding in the Delaware Courts with respect to any matters to which it has submitted to jurisdiction in this Section 5.15. Each of the Parties irrevocably and unconditionally waives any objection to the laying of venue of any action, suit, or proceeding arising out of this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby in the Delaware Courts, and hereby further irrevocably and unconditionally waives and agrees not to plead or claim in any such court that any such action, suit or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.
Section 5.16 Waiver of Jury Trial . EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY (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 HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, AS APPLICABLE, BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 5.16.
Section 5.17 Force Majeure . No Party (or any Person acting on its behalf) shall have any liability or responsibility for failure to fulfill any obligation (other than a payment obligation) under this Agreement so long as and to the extent to which the fulfillment of such obligation is prevented, frustrated, hindered, or delayed as a consequence of circumstances of Force Majeure (as defined in the Distribution Agreement). A Party claiming the benefit of this provision shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after the occurrence of any such event: (a) notify the other applicable Parties of the nature and extent of any such Force Majeure condition and (b) use due diligence to remove any such causes and resume performance under this Agreement as soon as feasible.
16
Section 5.18 Interpretation . The Parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. This Agreement shall be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against the party drafting or causing any instrument to be drafted.
Section 5.19 Changes in Law .
(a) Any reference to a provision of the Code, Treasury Regulations, or a Law of another jurisdiction shall include a reference to any applicable successor provision or Law.
(b) If, due to any change in applicable Law or regulations or their interpretation by any court of Law or other governing body having jurisdiction subsequent to the date hereof, performance of any provision of this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby shall become impracticable or impossible, the Parties hereto shall use their commercially reasonable best efforts to find and employ an alternative means to achieve the same or substantially the same result as that contemplated by such provision.
Section 5.20 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 5.21 No Waiver . No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising, on the part of any Party, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver hereof or thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege. No waiver shall be effective unless it is in writing and is signed by the Party asserted to have granted such waiver.
Section 5.22 No Duplication; No 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.
Section 5.23 No Recourse . This Agreement may only be enforced against, and any claims or cause of action that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement may only be made against the entities that are expressly identified as parties hereto and no past, present or future Affiliate, director, officer, employee, incorporator, member, manager, partner, stockholder, agent, attorney or representative of any party hereto or any of the foregoing shall have any liability for any obligations or liabilities of the parties to this Agreement or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, the transactions contemplated hereby.
17
[ Remainder of Page Intentionally Left Blank ]
18
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed the day and year first above written.
HILTON WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS INC. | ||
/s/ W. Steven Standefer | ||
Name: | W. Steven Standefer | |
Title: | Senior Vice President |
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS INC. | ||
/s/ Mark Wang | ||
Name: | Mark Wang | |
Title: | President and CEO | |
HLT A23 BREH VI HOLDCO LLC | ||
/s/ Michael Lascher | ||
Name: | Michael Lascher | |
Title: | Managing Director | |
HLT BREH VI HOLDCO LLC | ||
/s/ Michael Lascher | ||
Name: | Michael Lascher | |
Title: | Managing Director |
HLT BREH INTL II HOLDCO LLC | ||
/s/ Michael Lascher | ||
Name: | Michael Lascher | |
Title: | Managing Director | |
HLT A23 HOLDCO LLC | ||
/s/ Michael Lascher | ||
Name: | Michael Lascher | |
Title: | Managing Director | |
HLT BREP VI.TE.2 HOLDCO LLC | ||
/s/ Michael Lascher | ||
Name: | Michael Lascher | |
Title: | Managing Director | |
HLT HOLDCO III, LLC | ||
/s/ Michael Lascher | ||
Name: | Michael Lascher | |
Title: | Managing Director |
2
HLT A23 BREH VI HOLDCO PRIME LLC | ||
/s/ Michael Lascher | ||
Name: | Michael Lascher | |
Title: | Managing Director | |
HLT BREH VI HOLDCO PRIME LLC | ||
/s/ Michael Lascher | ||
Name: | Michael Lascher | |
Title: | Managing Director | |
HLT BREH INTL II HOLDCO PRIME LLC | ||
/s/ Michael Lascher | ||
Name: | Michael Lascher | |
Title: | Managing Director |
3
HLT A23 HOLDCO PRIME LLC | ||
/s/ Michael Lascher | ||
Name: | Michael Lascher | |
Title: | Managing Director | |
HLT BREP VI.TE.2 HOLDCO PRIME LLC | ||
/s/ Michael Lascher | ||
Name: | Michael Lascher | |
Title: | Managing Director | |
HLT HOLDCO III PRIME, LLC | ||
/s/ Michael Lascher | ||
Name: | Michael Lascher | |
Title: | Managing Director |
4
Schedule I
Blackstone Entity |
Additional
Entity |
Blackstone Holder |
||
Blackstone Capital Partners V L.P. | ||||
Blackstone Capital Partners V-AC L.P. | ||||
BCP V-S L.P. | ||||
Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V L.P. | ||||
Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V - SMD L.P. | ||||
Blackstone Participation Partnership V L.P. | ||||
BCP V Co-Investors L.P. | ||||
Blackstone Real Estate Partners VI.TE.1 L.P. | ||||
Blackstone Real Estate Partners VI L.P. | ||||
Blackstone Real Estate Partners VI.F L.P. | ||||
Blackstone Real Estate Partners VI.TE.2 L.P. | ||||
Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership VI-SMD L.P. | ||||
Blackstone Real Estate Holdings VI L.P. | ||||
Blackstone Real Estate Partners VI (AIV) L.P. | ||||
Blackstone Real Estate Holdings International II-Q L.P. | ||||
Blackstone Real Estate Partners International II (AIV) L.P. | ||||
Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership International II-SMD L.P. | ||||
Blackstone HLT Principal Transaction Partners L.P. | ||||
Blackstone HLT Principal Transaction Partners-A L.P. | ||||
Blackstone HLT Principal Transaction Partners-B L.P. | ||||
HLT A23 BREH VI Holdco LLC | X | |||
HLT BREH VI Holdco LLC | X | |||
HLT BREH Intl II Holdco LLC | X | |||
HLT A23 HoldCo LLC | X | |||
HLT BREP VI.TE.2 Holdco LLC | X | |||
HLT Holdco III, LLC | X | |||
HLT Holdco II, LLC | ||||
HLT Holdco, LLC | ||||
HLT BREH Intl II Holdings Holdco LLC | ||||
HLT BREH VI-A Holdings Holdco LLC | ||||
HLT BREP VI.TE.2 Holdings Holdco, LLC | ||||
BH Hotels Holdco LLC | ||||
BX A23 Holdings LLC | ||||
HLT BREH VI Holdings Holdco LLC | ||||
Blackstone Capital Partners V Prime L.P. | X | |||
Blackstone Capital Partners V-AC Prime L.P. | X | |||
BCP V-S Prime L.P. | X | |||
Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V Prime L.P. | X | |||
Blackstone Family Investment Partnership V - SMD Prime L.P. | X | |||
Blackstone Participation Partnership V Prime L.P. | X | |||
BCP V Co-Investors Prime L.P. | X | |||
Blackstone Real Estate Partners VI.TE.1 Prime L.P. | X | |||
Blackstone Real Estate Partners VI Prime L.P. | X | |||
Blackstone Real Estate Partners VI.F Prime L.P. | X | |||
Blackstone Real Estate Partners VI.TE.2 Prime L.P. | X | |||
Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership VI-SMD Prime L.P. | X | |||
Blackstone Real Estate Holdings VI Prime L.P. | X | |||
Blackstone Real Estate Partners AIV (VI) Prime L.P. | X | |||
Blackstone Real Estate Holdings International II-Q Prime L.P. | X |
Blackstone Real Estate Partners International II (AIV) Prime L.P. | X | |||
Blackstone Family Real Estate Partnership International II-SMD Prime L.P. | X | |||
HLT A23 BREH VI Holdco Prime LLC | X | X | ||
HLT BREH VI Holdco Prime LLC | X | X | ||
HLT BREH Intl II Holdco Prime LLC | X | X | ||
HLT A23 HoldCo Prime LLC | X | X | ||
HLT BREP VI.TE.2 Holdco Prime LLC | X | X | ||
HLT Holdco III Prime, LLC | X | X | ||
HLT Holdco II Prime, LLC | X | |||
HLT Holdco Prime, LLC | X | |||
HLT BREH Intl II Holdings Holdco Prime LLC | X | |||
HLT BREH VI-A Holdings Holdco Prime LLC | X | |||
HLT BREP VI.TE.2 Holdings Holdco Prime, LLC | X | |||
BH Hotels Holdco Prime LLC | X |
Exhibit 10.8
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS INC.
2017 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN
1. Purpose . The purpose of the Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan is to provide a means through which the Company and the other members of the Company Group may attract and retain key personnel and to provide a means whereby officers, employees, consultants and advisors of the Company and the other members of the Company Group can acquire and maintain an equity interest in the Company, or be paid incentive compensation, including incentive compensation measured by reference to the value of Common Stock, thereby strengthening their commitment to the welfare of the Company Group and aligning their interests with those of the Companys stockholders.
2. Definitions . The following definitions shall be applicable throughout the Plan.
(a) Absolute Share Limit has the meaning given to such term in Section 5(b) of the Plan.
(b) Adjustment Event has the meaning given to such term in Section 12(a) of the Plan.
(c) Affiliate means any Person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Company. The term control (including, with correlative meaning, the terms controlled by and under common control with), as applied to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting or other securities, by contract or otherwise.
(d) Award means, individually or collectively, any Incentive Stock Option, Nonqualified Stock Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit, Other Equity-Based Award, Other Cash-Based Award and Performance Compensation Award granted under the Plan.
(e) Award Agreement means the document or documents by which each Award (other than an Other Cash-Based Award) is evidenced, which may be in written or electronic form.
(f) Board means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(g) Cause means, in the case of a particular Award, unless the applicable Award Agreement states otherwise, a good faith determination of the Committee or its designee that (i) there is cause to terminate a Participants employment or service, as defined in and in accordance with any employment or consulting agreement between the Participant and any member of the Company Group or an Affiliate in effect at the time of such termination or (ii) in the absence of any such employment or consulting agreement (or the absence of any definition of Cause contained therein), any of the following has occurred with respect to a Participant: (A) such Participant has failed to reasonably perform his or her duties to the Service Recipient,
or has failed to follow the lawful instructions of the Board or his or her direct superiors, in each case other than as a result of his or her incapacity due to physical or mental illness or injury, in a manner that could reasonably be expected to result in harm (whether financially, reputationally or otherwise) to any member of the Company Group or an Affiliate, following notice by the Company Group or such Affiliate of such failure, (B) such Participant has engaged or is about to engage in conduct harmful (whether financially, reputationally or otherwise) to any member of the Company Group or an Affiliate, (C) such Participant has been convicted of, or pled guilty or no contest to, a felony or any crime involving as a material element fraud or dishonesty, (D) the willful misconduct or gross neglect of such Participant that could reasonably be expected to result in harm (whether financially, reputationally or otherwise) to any member of the Company Group or an Affiliate, (E) the willful violation by such Participant of the written policies of the Service Recipient or any applicable written policies of any member of the Company Group that could reasonably be expected to result in harm (whether financially, reputationally or otherwise) to any member of the Company Group or an Affiliate; (F) such Participants fraud or misappropriation, embezzlement or misuse of funds or property belonging to the Company Group or an Affiliate (other than good faith expense account disputes); (G) such Participants act of personal dishonesty which involves personal profit in connection with such Participants employment or service with the Company Group or an Affiliate, or (H) the willful breach by such Participant of fiduciary duty owed to the Service Recipient.
(h) Change in Control means:
(i) the acquisition (whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, combination or other similar transaction) by any Person of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of more than 30% (on a fully diluted basis) of either (A) the then outstanding shares of Common Stock, taking into account as outstanding for this purpose such Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of options or warrants, the conversion of convertible stock or debt, and the exercise of any similar right to acquire such Common Stock; or (B) the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (clauses (A) and (B), the Outstanding Company Voting Securities ); provided, however , that for purposes of this Plan, the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (I) any acquisition by the Company or any Affiliate; (II) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Affiliate; (III) in respect of an Award held by a particular Participant, any acquisition by the Participant or any group of Persons including the Participant (or any entity controlled by the Participant or any group of Persons including the Participant); or (IV) any acquisition in one transaction or a series of related transactions, by any Person directly from The Blackstone Group L.P. and/or its Affiliates;
(ii) during any period of twenty-four (24) months, individuals who, at the beginning of such period, constitute the Board (the Incumbent Directors ) cease for any reason to constitute at least a majority of the Board, provided that any person becoming a director subsequent to the Effective Date, whose election or nomination for election was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Incumbent Directors then on the Board (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of the Company in which such person is named as a nominee for director, without written objection to such
2
nomination) shall be an Incumbent Director; provided, however , that no individual initially elected or nominated as a director of the Company as a result of an actual or threatened election contest, as such terms are used in Rule 14a-12 of Regulation 14A promulgated under the Exchange Act, with respect to directors or as a result of any other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of any person other than the Board shall be deemed to be an Incumbent Director;
(iii) the sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company Group (taken as a whole) to any Person that is not an Affiliate of the Company; or
(iv) the consummation of a reorganization, recapitalization, merger, consolidation, or other similar transaction involving the Company (a Business Combination ), unless immediately following such Business Combination, 50% or more of the total voting power of the entity resulting from such Business Combination (or, if applicable, the ultimate parent entity that directly or indirectly has beneficial ownership of sufficient voting securities eligible to elect a majority of the board of directors (or the analogous governing body) of such resulting entity) is held by the holders of the Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination.
(i) Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any successor thereto. Reference in the Plan to any section of the Code shall be deemed to include any regulations or other interpretative guidance under such section, and any amendments or successor provisions to such section, regulations or guidance.
(j) Committee means the Compensation Committee of the Board or any properly delegated subcommittee thereof or, if no such Compensation Committee or subcommittee thereof exists, the Board.
(k) Common Stock means the common stock of the Company, par value $0.01 per share (and any stock or other securities into which such Common Stock may be converted or into which it may be exchanged).
(l) Company means Hilton Grand Vacations Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any successor thereto.
(m) Company Group means, collectively, the Company and its Subsidiaries.
(n) Date of Grant means the date on which the granting of an Award is authorized, or such other date as may be specified in such authorization.
(o) Designated Foreign Subsidiaries means all members of the Company Group that are organized under the laws of any jurisdiction or country other than the United States of America that may be designated by the Board or the Committee from time to time.
(p) Detrimental Activity means any of the following: (i) unauthorized disclosure of any confidential or proprietary information of any member of the Company Group; (ii) any activity that would be grounds to terminate the Participants employment or service with the
3
Service Recipient for Cause; or (iii) a material breach by the Participant of any restrictive covenant by which such Participant is bound, including, without limitation, any covenant not to compete or not to solicit, in any agreement with any member of the Company Group.
(q) Disability means, unless in the case of a particular Award the applicable Award Agreement states otherwise, the Company or an Affiliate having cause to terminate a Participants employment or service on account of disability, as defined in any then-existing employment, consulting or other similar agreement between the Participant and the Company or an Affiliate or, in the absence of such an employment, consulting or other similar agreement (or the absence of any definition of Disability contained therein), a condition entitling the Participant to receive benefits under a long-term disability plan of the Company or an Affiliate, or, in the absence of such a plan, the complete and permanent inability by reason of illness or accident to perform the duties of the occupation at which a Participant was employed or served when such disability commenced. Any determination of whether Disability exists shall be made by the Committee (or its designee) in its sole discretion.
(r) Effective Date means January 3, 2017.
(s) Eligible Person means any (i) individual employed by any member of the Company Group; provided, however , that no such employee covered by a collective bargaining agreement shall be an Eligible Person unless and to the extent that such eligibility is set forth in such collective bargaining agreement or in an agreement or instrument relating thereto; or (ii) consultant or advisor to any member of the Company Group who may be offered securities registrable pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act, who, in the case of each of clauses (i) and (ii) above has entered into an Award Agreement or who has received written notification from the Committee or its designee that they have been selected to participate in the Plan.
(t) Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any successor thereto. Reference in the Plan to any section of (or rule promulgated under) the Exchange Act shall be deemed to include any rules, regulations or other interpretative guidance under such section or rule, and any amendments or successor provisions to such section, rules, regulations or guidance.
(u) Exercise Price has the meaning given to such term in Section 7(b) of the Plan.
(v) Fair Market Value means, on a given date, (i) if the Common Stock is listed on a national securities exchange, the closing sales price of the Common Stock reported on the primary exchange on which the Common Stock is listed and traded on such date, or, if there are no such sales on that date, then on the last preceding date on which such sales were reported; (ii) if the Common Stock is not listed on any national securities exchange but is quoted in an inter-dealer quotation system on a last sale basis, the average between the closing bid price and ask price reported on such date, or, if there is no such sale on that date, then on the last preceding date on which a sale was reported; or (iii) if the Common Stock is not listed on a national securities exchange or quoted in an inter-dealer quotation system on a last sale basis, the amount determined by the Committee in good faith to be the fair market value of the Common Stock.
4
(w) GAAP has the meaning given to such term in Section 7(d) of the Plan.
(x) Incentive Stock Option means an Option which is designated by the Committee as an incentive stock option as described in Section 422 of the Code and otherwise meets the requirements set forth in the Plan.
(y) Indemnifiable Person has the meaning given to such term in Section 4(e) of the Plan.
(z) Minimum Vesting Condition means, with respect to any Award, that vesting of (or lapsing of restrictions on) such Award does not occur earlier than the first anniversary of the Date of Grant (or the date of commencement of employment or service, in the case of a grant made in connection with a Participants commencement of employment or service), other than (i) in connection with a Change in Control, or (ii) as a result of a Participants death or Disability.
(aa) Negative Discretion means the discretion authorized by the Plan to be applied by the Committee to eliminate or reduce the size of an Award that is designated as a Performance Compensation Award consistent with Section 162(m) of the Code.
(bb) Nonqualified Stock Option means an Option which is not designated by the Committee as an Incentive Stock Option.
(cc) Option means an Award granted under Section 7 of the Plan.
(dd) Option Period has the meaning given to such term in Section 7(c)(i) of the Plan.
(ee) Other Cash-Based Award means an Award that is not a Stock Appreciation Right or Restricted Stock Unit granted under Section 10 of the Plan that is denominated and/or payable in cash.
(ff) Other Equity-Based Award means an Award that is not an Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit or Performance Compensation Award, that is granted under Section 10 of the Plan and is (i) payable by delivery of Common Stock, and/or (ii) measured by reference to the value of Common Stock.
(gg) Participant means an Eligible Person who has been selected by the Committee to participate in the Plan and to receive an Award pursuant to the Plan.
(hh) Performance Compensation Award means any Award designated by the Committee as a Performance Compensation Award pursuant to Section 11 of the Plan.
(ii) Performance Criteria means the criterion or criteria that the Committee shall select for purposes of establishing the Performance Goals for a Performance Period with respect to any Performance Compensation Award under the Plan.
5
(jj) Performance Formula means, for a Performance Period, the one or more objective formulae applied against the relevant Performance Goal to determine, with regard to the Performance Compensation Award of a particular Participant, whether all, some portion but less than all, or none of the Performance Compensation Award has been earned for the Performance Period.
(kk) Performance Goals means, for a Performance Period, the one or more goals established by the Committee for the Performance Period based upon the Performance Criteria.
(ll) Performance Period means the one or more periods of time of not less than 12 months, as the Committee may select, over which the attainment of one or more Performance Goals will be measured for the purpose of determining a Participants right to, and the payment of, a Performance Compensation Award.
(mm) Person means any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act).
(nn) Plan means this Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as it may be amended and restated from time to time.
(oo) Qualifying Director means a person who is (i) with respect to actions intended to obtain an exemption from Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act pursuant to Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, a non-employee director within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act; and (ii) with respect to actions intended to obtain the exception for performance-based compensation under 162(m) of the Code, an outside director within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code.
(pp) Restricted Period means the period of time determined by the Committee during which an Award is subject to restrictions, including vesting conditions.
(qq) Restricted Stock means Common Stock, subject to certain specified restrictions (which may include, without limitation, a requirement that the Participant remain continuously employed or provide continuous services for a specified period of time), granted under Section 9 of the Plan.
(rr) Restricted Stock Unit means an unfunded and unsecured promise to deliver shares of Common Stock, cash, other securities or other property, subject to certain restrictions (which may include, without limitation, a requirement that the Participant remain continuously employed or provide continuous services for a specified period of time), granted under Section 9 of the Plan.
(ss) SAR Period has the meaning given to such term in Section 8(c) of the Plan.
(tt) Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any successor thereto. Reference in the Plan to any section of (or rule promulgated under) the Securities Act shall be deemed to include any rules, regulations or other interpretative guidance under such section or rule, and any amendments or successor provisions to such section, rules, regulations or guidance.
6
(uu) Service Recipient means, with respect to a Participant holding a given Award, the member of the Company Group by which the original recipient of such Award is, or following a Termination was most recently, principally employed or to which such original recipient provides, or following a Termination was most recently providing, services, as applicable.
(vv) Stock Appreciation Right or SAR means an Award granted under Section 8 of the Plan.
(ww) Strike Price has the meaning given to such term in Section 8(b) of the Plan.
(xx) Subsidiary means, with respect to any specified Person:
(i) any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of such entitys voting securities (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency and after giving effect to any voting agreement or stockholders agreement that effectively transfers voting power) 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); and
(ii) any partnership, limited liability company or any comparable foreign entity (A) the sole general partner (or functional equivalent thereof) or the managing general partner (or functional equivalent thereof) of which is such Person or Subsidiary of such Person or (B) the only general partners (or functional equivalents thereof) of which are that Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person (or any combination thereof).
(yy) Substitute Award has the meaning given to such term in Section 5(e) of the Plan.
(zz) Sub-Plans means any sub-plan to the Plan that has been adopted by the Board or the Committee for the purpose of permitting the offering of Awards to employees of certain Designated Foreign Subsidiaries or otherwise outside the United States of America, with each such sub-plan designed to comply with local laws applicable to offerings in such foreign jurisdictions. Although any Sub-Plan may be designated a separate and independent plan from the Plan in order to comply with applicable local laws, the Absolute Share Limit and the other limits specified in Section 5(b) shall apply in the aggregate to the Plan and any Sub-Plan adopted hereunder.
(aaa) Termination means the termination of a Participants employment or service, as applicable, with the Service Recipient for any reason (including death or Disability).
3. Effective Date; Duration . The Plan shall be effective as of the Effective Date. The expiration date of the Plan, on and after which date no Awards may be granted hereunder, shall be the tenth (10 th ) anniversary of the Effective Date; provided, however , that such expiration shall not affect Awards then outstanding, and the terms and conditions of the Plan shall continue to apply to such Awards.
7
4. Administration .
(a) The Committee shall administer the Plan. To the extent required to comply with the provisions of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act (if the Board is not acting as the Committee under the Plan) or necessary to obtain the exception for performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code, as applicable, it is intended that each member of the Committee shall, at the time such member takes any action with respect to an Award under the Plan that is intended to qualify for the exemptions provided by Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act or to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code, as applicable, be a Qualifying Director. However, the fact that a Committee member shall fail to qualify as a Qualifying Director shall not invalidate any Award granted by the Committee that is otherwise validly granted under the Plan.
(b) Subject to the provisions of the Plan and applicable law, the Committee shall have the sole and plenary authority, in addition to other express powers and authorizations conferred on the Committee by the Plan, to (i) designate Participants; (ii) determine the type or types of Awards to be granted to a Participant; (iii) determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be covered by, or with respect to which payments, rights, or other matters are to be calculated in connection with, Awards; (iv) determine the terms and conditions of any Award; (v) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances Awards may be settled in, or exercised for, cash, shares of Common Stock, other securities, other Awards or other property, or canceled, forfeited, or suspended and the method or methods by which Awards may be settled, exercised, canceled, forfeited, or suspended; (vi) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances the delivery of cash, shares of Common Stock, other securities, other Awards or other property and other amounts payable with respect to an Award shall be deferred either automatically or at the election of the Participant or of the Committee; (vii) interpret, administer, reconcile any inconsistency in, correct any defect in and/or supply any omission in the Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to, or Award granted under, the Plan; (viii) establish, amend, suspend, or waive any rules and regulations and appoint such agents as the Committee shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the Plan; (ix) adopt Sub-Plans; and (x) make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan.
(c) Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law or the applicable rules and regulations of any securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system on which the securities of the Company are listed or traded, the Committee may allocate all or any portion of its responsibilities and powers to any one or more of its members and may delegate all or any part of its responsibilities and powers to any person or persons selected by it. Any such allocation or delegation may be revoked by the Committee at any time. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Committee may delegate to one or more officers of any member of the Company Group, the authority to act on behalf of the Committee with respect to any matter, right, obligation, or election which is the responsibility of, or which is allocated to, the Committee herein, and which may be so delegated as a matter of law, except with respect to grants of Awards to persons (i) who are subject to Section 16 of the Exchange Act, or (ii) who are, or could reasonably be expected to be, covered employees for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code.
8
(d) Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, all designations, determinations, interpretations, and other decisions under or with respect to the Plan, any Award or any Award Agreement shall be within the sole discretion of the Committee, may be made at any time and shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all Persons, including, without limitation, any member of the Company Group, any Participant, any holder or beneficiary of any Award, and any stockholder of the Company.
(e) No member of the Board, the Committee or any employee or agent of any member of the Company Group (each such Person, an Indemnifiable Person ) shall be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken or any determination made with respect to the Plan or any Award hereunder (unless constituting fraud or a willful criminal act or omission). Each Indemnifiable 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 Indemnifiable Person in connection with or resulting from any action, suit or proceeding to which such Indemnifiable Person may be a party or in which such Indemnifiable Person may be involved by reason of any action taken or omitted to be taken or determination made with respect to the Plan or any Award hereunder and against and from any and all amounts paid by such Indemnifiable Person with the Companys approval, in settlement thereof, or paid by such Indemnifiable Person in satisfaction of any judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding against such Indemnifiable Person, and the Company shall advance to such Indemnifiable Person any such expenses promptly upon written request (which request shall include an undertaking by the Indemnifiable Person to repay the amount of such advance if it shall ultimately be determined, as provided below, that the Indemnifiable Person is not entitled to be indemnified); 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 Companys choice. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be available to an Indemnifiable Person to the extent that a final judgment or other final adjudication (in either case not subject to further appeal) binding upon such Indemnifiable Person determines that the acts, omissions or determinations of such Indemnifiable Person giving rise to the indemnification claim resulted from such Indemnifiable Persons fraud or willful criminal act or omission or that such right of indemnification is otherwise prohibited by law or by the organizational documents of any member of the Company Group. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of or otherwise supersede any other rights of indemnification to which such Indemnifiable Persons may be entitled under the organizational documents of any member of the Company Group, as a matter of law, under an individual indemnification agreement or contract or otherwise, or any other power that the Company may have to indemnify such Indemnifiable Persons or hold such Indemnifiable Persons harmless.
(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Plan, the Board may, in its sole discretion, at any time and from time to time, grant Awards and administer the Plan with respect to such Awards. Any such actions by the Board shall be subject to the applicable rules of the securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted. In any such case, the Board shall have all the authority granted to the Committee under the Plan.
9
5. Grant of Awards; Shares Subject to the Plan; Limitations .
(a) The Committee may, from time to time, grant Awards to one or more Eligible Persons.
(b) Awards granted under the Plan shall be subject to the following limitations: (i) subject to Section 12 of the Plan, no more than 10,000,000 shares of Common Stock (the Absolute Share Limit ) shall be available for Awards under the Plan; (ii) subject to Section 12 of the Plan, grants of Options or SARs under the Plan in respect of no more than 5,000,000 shares of Common Stock may be made to any individual Participant during any single fiscal year of the Company (for this purpose, if a SAR is granted in tandem with an Option (such that the SAR expires with respect to the number of shares of Common Stock for which the Option is exercised), only the shares underlying the Option shall count against this limitation); (iii) subject to Section 12 of the Plan, no more than the number of shares of Common Stock equal to the Absolute Share Limit may be issued in the aggregate pursuant to the exercise of Incentive Stock Options granted under the Plan; (iv) subject to Section 12 of the Plan, no more than 5,000,000 shares of Common Stock may be issued in respect of Performance Compensation Awards denominated in shares of Common Stock granted pursuant to Section 11 of the Plan to any individual Participant for a single fiscal year during a Performance Period (or with respect to each single fiscal year in the event a Performance Period extends beyond a single fiscal year), or in the event such share-denominated Performance Compensation Award is paid in cash, other securities, other Awards or other property, no more than the Fair Market Value of such shares of Common Stock on the last day of the Performance Period to which such Award relates; (v) the maximum amount that can be paid to any individual Participant for a single fiscal year during a Performance Period (or with respect to each single fiscal year in the event a Performance Period extends beyond a single fiscal year) pursuant to a Performance Compensation Award denominated in cash (described in Section 11(a) of the Plan) shall be $15,000,000; and (vi) no more than 500,000 shares of Common Stock may be granted pursuant to Awards which do not satisfy the Minimum Vesting Condition (the Minimum Vesting Condition Limit ).
(c) Other than with respect to Substitute Awards, to the extent that an Award expires or is canceled, forfeited or terminated without issuance to the Participant of the full number of shares of Common Stock to which the Award related, the unissued shares will again be available for grant under the Plan. Shares of Common Stock shall be deemed to have been issued in settlement of Awards if the Fair Market Value equivalent of such shares is paid in cash; provided , however , that no shares shall be deemed to have been issued in settlement of a SAR or Restricted Stock Unit that only provides for settlement in cash and settles only in cash or in respect of any Other Cash-Based Award. In no event shall (i) shares tendered or withheld on the exercise of Options or other Award for the payment of the exercise or purchase price or withholding taxes, (ii) shares not issued upon the settlement of a SAR that settles in shares of Common Stock (or could settle in shares of Common Stock), or (iii) shares purchased on the open market with cash proceeds from the exercise of Options, again become available for other Awards under the Plan.
(d) Shares of Common Stock issued by the Company in settlement of Awards may be authorized and unissued shares, shares held in the treasury of the Company, shares purchased on the open market or by private purchase or a combination of the foregoing.
10
(e) Awards may, in the sole discretion of the Committee, be granted under the Plan in assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding awards previously granted by an entity directly or indirectly acquired by the Company or with which the Company combines ( Substitute Awards ). Substitute Awards shall not be counted against the Absolute Share Limit or the Minimum Vesting Condition Limit; provided , that Substitute Awards issued in connection with the assumption of, or in substitution for, outstanding options intended to qualify as incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Code shall be counted against the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock available for Awards of Incentive Stock Options under the Plan. Subject to applicable stock exchange requirements, available shares under a stockholder-approved plan of an entity directly or indirectly acquired by the Company or with which the Company combines (as appropriately adjusted to reflect the acquisition or combination transaction) may be used for Awards under the Plan and shall not reduce the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the Plan. Shares of Common Stock subject to Awards granted to Participants in connection with the adoption of the Plan or in substitution for awards of Hilton Worldwide Holdings, Inc. shall not be counted against the Minimum Vesting Condition Limit.
6. Eligibility . Participation in the Plan shall be limited to Eligible Persons.
7. Options .
(a) General . Each Option granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement, which agreement need not be the same for each Participant. Each Option so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 7, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement. All Options granted under the Plan shall be Nonqualified Stock Options unless the applicable Award Agreement expressly states that the Option is intended to be an Incentive Stock Option. Incentive Stock Options shall be granted only to Eligible Persons who are employees of a member of the Company Group, and no Incentive Stock Option shall be granted to any Eligible Person who is ineligible to receive an Incentive Stock Option under the Code. No Option shall be treated as an Incentive Stock Option unless the Plan has been approved by the stockholders of the Company in a manner intended to comply with the stockholder approval requirements of Section 422(b)(1) of the Code, provided that any Option intended to be an Incentive Stock Option shall not fail to be effective solely on account of a failure to obtain such approval, but rather such Option shall be treated as a Nonqualified Stock Option unless and until such approval is obtained. In the case of an Incentive Stock Option, the terms and conditions of such grant shall be subject to, and comply with, such rules as may be prescribed by Section 422 of the Code. If for any reason an Option intended to be an Incentive Stock Option (or any portion thereof) shall not qualify as an Incentive Stock Option, then, to the extent of such nonqualification, such Option or portion thereof shall be regarded as a Nonqualified Stock Option appropriately granted under the Plan.
(b) Exercise Price . Except as otherwise provided by the Committee in the case of Substitute Awards, the exercise price ( Exercise Price ) per share of Common Stock for each Option shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of such share (determined as of the Date of Grant); provided, however , that in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to an employee who, at the time of the grant of such Option, owns stock representing more than 10%
11
of the voting power of all classes of stock of any member of the Company Group, the Exercise Price per share shall be no less than 110% of the Fair Market Value per share on the Date of Grant.
(c) Vesting and Expiration; Termination .
(i) Options shall vest and become exercisable in such manner and on such date or dates or upon such event or events as determined by the Committee. Grants of Options that are settled in shares of Common Stock shall comply with the Minimum Vesting Condition; provided that the Minimum Vesting Condition need not be applied to such grants that, when taken together with other Awards not subject to the Minimum Vesting Condition, comprise Awards with respect to a number of shares of Common Stock that does not exceed, in the aggregate, the Minimum Vesting Condition Limit. Options shall expire upon a date determined by the Committee, not to exceed ten (10) years from the Date of Grant (the Option Period ); provided , that if the Option Period (other than in the case of an Incentive Stock Option) would expire at a time when trading in the shares of Common Stock is prohibited by the Companys insider trading policy (or Company-imposed blackout period), then the Option Period shall be automatically extended until the thirtieth (30 th ) day following the expiration of such prohibition. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall the Option Period exceed five (5) years from the Date of Grant in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a Participant who on the Date of Grant owns stock representing more than 10% of the voting power of all classes of stock of any member of the Company Group.
(ii) Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, whether in an Award Agreement or otherwise, in the event of (A) a Participants Termination by the Service Recipient other than for Cause; or (B) a Participants Termination by the Service Recipient due to death or Disability, in each case within 12 months following a Change in Control, each outstanding Option granted to such Participant shall become fully vested and immediately exercisable as of the date of such Termination; provided , that in the event the vesting or exercisability of any Option would otherwise be subject to the achievement of performance conditions, the portion of any such Option that shall become fully vested and immediately exercisable shall be based on (x) actual performance through the date of termination as determined by the Committee, or (y) if the Committee determines that measurement of actual performance cannot be reasonably assessed, the assumed achievement of target performance as determined by the Committee, in each case prorated based on the time elapsed from the date of grant to the date of Termination.
(iii) Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, whether in an Award Agreement or otherwise, in the event of (A) a Participants Termination by the Service Recipient for Cause, all outstanding Options granted to such Participant shall immediately terminate and expire; (B) a Participants Termination due to death or Disability, after taking into account any accelerated vesting under the above clause (ii), each outstanding unvested Option granted to such Participant shall immediately terminate and expire, and each outstanding vested Option shall remain exercisable for one (1) year thereafter (but in no event beyond the expiration of the Option Period); and (C) a Participants Termination for any other reason each outstanding unvested Option granted
12
to such Participant shall immediately terminate and expire, and each outstanding vested Option shall remain exercisable for ninety (90) days thereafter (but in no event beyond the expiration of the Option Period).
(d) Method of Exercise and Form of Payment . No shares of Common Stock shall be issued pursuant to any exercise of an Option until payment in full of the Exercise Price therefor is received by the Company and the Participant has paid to the Company an amount equal to any Federal, state, local and non-U.S. income, employment and any other applicable taxes required to be withheld. Options which have become exercisable may be exercised by delivery of written or electronic notice of exercise to the Company (or telephonic instructions to the extent provided by the Committee) in accordance with the terms of the Option accompanied by payment of the Exercise Price. The Exercise Price shall be payable: (i) in cash, check, cash equivalent and/or shares of Common Stock valued at the Fair Market Value at the time the Option is exercised (including, pursuant to procedures approved by the Committee, by means of attestation of ownership of a sufficient number of shares of Common Stock in lieu of actual issuance of such shares to the Company); provided , that such shares of Common Stock are not subject to any pledge or other security interest and have been held by the Participant for any period of time as established from time to time by the Committee in order to avoid adverse accounting treatment applying generally accepted accounting principles ( GAAP ); or (ii) by such other method as the Committee may permit, in its sole discretion, including, without limitation (A) in other property having a fair market value on the date of exercise equal to the Exercise Price; (B) if there is a public market for the shares of Common Stock at such time, by means of a broker-assisted cashless exercise pursuant to which the Company is delivered (including telephonically to the extent permitted by the Committee) a copy of irrevocable instructions to a stockbroker to sell the shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable upon the exercise of the Option and to deliver promptly to the Company an amount equal to the Exercise Price; or (C) a net exercise procedure effected by withholding the minimum number of shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable in respect of an Option that are needed to pay the Exercise Price. Any fractional shares of Common Stock shall be settled in cash.
(e) Notification upon Disqualifying Disposition of an Incentive Stock Option . Each Participant awarded an Incentive Stock Option under the Plan shall notify the Company in writing immediately after the date the Participant makes a disqualifying disposition of any Common Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of such Incentive Stock Option. A disqualifying disposition is any disposition (including, without limitation, any sale) of such Common Stock before the later of (i) the date that is two (2) years after the Date of Grant of the Incentive Stock Option, or (ii) the date that is one (1) year after the date of exercise of the Incentive Stock Option. The Company may, if determined by the Committee and in accordance with procedures established by the Committee, retain possession, as agent for the applicable Participant, of any Common Stock acquired pursuant to the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option until the end of the period described in the preceding sentence, subject to complying with any instructions from such Participant as to the sale of such Common Stock.
(f) Compliance With Laws, etc . Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall a Participant be permitted to exercise an Option in a manner which the Committee determines would violate the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as it may be amended from time to time, or any other applicable law or the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or the applicable rules and regulations of any securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system on which the securities of the Company are listed or traded.
13
8. Stock Appreciation Rights .
(a) General . Each SAR granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each SAR so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 8, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement. Any Option granted under the Plan may include tandem SARs. The Committee also may award SARs to Eligible Persons independent of any Option.
(b) Strike Price . Except as otherwise provided by the Committee in the case of Substitute Awards, the strike price ( Strike Price ) per share of Common Stock for each SAR shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of such share (determined as of the Date of Grant). Notwithstanding the foregoing, a SAR granted in tandem with (or in substitution for) an Option previously granted shall have a Strike Price equal to the Exercise Price of the corresponding Option.
(c) Vesting and Expiration; Termination .
(i) A SAR granted in connection with an Option shall become exercisable and shall expire according to the same vesting schedule and expiration provisions as the corresponding Option. A SAR granted independent of an Option shall vest and become exercisable in such manner and on such date or dates or upon such event or events as determined by the Committee. Grants of SARs that are settled in shares of Common Stock shall comply with the Minimum Vesting Condition; provided that the Minimum Vesting Condition need not be applied to such grants that, when taken together with other Awards not subject to the Minimum Vesting Condition, comprise Awards with respect to a number of shares of Common Stock that does not exceed, in the aggregate, the Minimum Vesting Condition Limit. SARs shall expire upon a date determined by the Committee, not to exceed ten (10) years from the Date of Grant (the SAR Period ); provided , that if the SAR Period would expire at a time when trading in the shares of Common Stock is prohibited by the Companys insider trading policy (or Company-imposed blackout period), then the SAR Period shall be automatically extended until the 30th day following the expiration of such prohibition.
(ii) Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, whether in an Award Agreement or otherwise, in the event of (A) a Participants Termination by the Service Recipient other than for Cause; or (B) a Participants Termination by the Service Recipient due to death or Disability, in each case within 12 months following a Change in Control, outstanding SARs granted to such Participant shall become fully vested and immediately exercisable as of the date of such Termination; provided , that in the event the vesting or exercisability of any SARs would otherwise be subject to the achievement of performance conditions, the portion of any such SAR that shall become fully vested and immediately exercisable shall be based on (x) actual performance through the date of termination as determined by the Committee, or (y) if the Committee determines that measurement of actual performance cannot be reasonably assessed, the assumed achievement of target performance as determined by the Committee, in each case prorated based on the time elapsed from the date of grant to the date of Termination.
14
(iii) Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, whether in an Award Agreement or otherwise, in the event of (A) a Participants Termination by the Service Recipient for Cause, all outstanding SARs granted to such Participant shall immediately terminate and expire; (B) a Participants Termination due to death or Disability, after taking into account any accelerated vesting under the above clause (ii), each outstanding unvested SAR granted to such Participant shall immediately terminate and expire, and each outstanding vested SAR shall remain exercisable for one (1) year thereafter (but in no event beyond the expiration of the SAR Period); and (C) a Participants Termination for any other reason each outstanding unvested SAR granted to such Participant shall immediately terminate and expire, and each outstanding vested SAR shall remain exercisable for ninety (90) days thereafter (but in no event beyond the expiration of the SAR Period).
(d) Method of Exercise . SARs which have become exercisable may be exercised by delivery of written or electronic notice of exercise to the Company in accordance with the terms of the Award, specifying the number of SARs to be exercised and the date on which such SARs were awarded.
(e) Payment . Upon the exercise of a SAR, the Company shall pay to the Participant an amount equal to the number of shares subject to the SAR that is being exercised multiplied by the excess of the Fair Market Value of one (1) share of Common Stock on the exercise date over the Strike Price, less an amount equal to any Federal, state, local and non-U.S. income, employment and any other applicable taxes required to be withheld. The Company shall pay such amount in cash, in shares of Common Stock valued at Fair Market Value, or any combination thereof, as determined by the Committee. Any fractional shares of Common Stock shall be settled in cash.
9. Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units .
(a) General . Each grant of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 9, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement.
(b) Stock Certificates and Book-Entry; Escrow or Similar Arrangement . Upon the grant of Restricted Stock, the Committee shall cause a stock certificate registered in the name of the Participant to be issued or shall cause share(s) of Common Stock to be registered in the name of the Participant and held in book-entry form subject to the Companys directions and, if the Committee determines that the Restricted Stock shall be held by the Company or in escrow rather than issued to the Participant pending the release of the applicable restrictions, the Committee may require the Participant to additionally execute and deliver to the Company (i) an escrow agreement satisfactory to the Committee, if applicable; and (ii) the appropriate stock power (endorsed in blank) with respect to the Restricted Stock covered by such agreement. If a Participant shall fail to execute and deliver (in a manner permitted under Section 14(a) of the
15
Plan or as otherwise determined by the Committee) an agreement evidencing an Award of Restricted Stock and, if applicable, an escrow agreement and blank stock power within the amount of time specified by the Committee, the Award shall be null and void. Subject to the restrictions set forth in this Section 9 and the applicable Award Agreement, a Participant generally shall have the rights and privileges of a stockholder as to shares of Restricted Stock, including, without limitation, the right to vote such Restricted Stock; provided , that if the lapsing of restrictions with respect to any grant of Restricted Stock is contingent on satisfaction of performance conditions (other than, or in addition to, the passage of time), any dividends payable on such shares of Restricted Stock shall be held by the Company and delivered (without interest) to the Participant within fifteen (15) days following the date on which the restrictions on such Restricted Stock lapse (and the right to any such accumulated dividends shall be forfeited upon the forfeiture of the Restricted Stock to which such dividends relate). To the extent shares of Restricted Stock are forfeited, any stock certificates issued to the Participant evidencing such shares shall be returned to the Company, and all rights of the Participant to such shares and as a stockholder with respect thereto shall terminate without further obligation on the part of the Company. A Participant shall have no rights or privileges as a stockholder as to Restricted Stock Units.
(c) Vesting; Termination .
(i) Subject to the Minimum Vesting Condition, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall vest, and any applicable Restricted Period shall lapse, in such manner and on such date or dates or upon such event or events as determined by the Committee. Grants of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units that are settled in shares of Common Stock shall comply with the Minimum Vesting Condition; provided that the Minimum Vesting Condition need not be applied to such grants that, when taken together with other Awards not subject to the Minimum Vesting Condition, comprise Awards with respect to a number of shares of Common Stock that does not exceed, in the aggregate, the Minimum Vesting Condition Limit.
(ii) Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, whether in an Award Agreement or otherwise, in the event of (A) a Participants Termination by the Company other than for Cause, or (B) a Participants Termination due to death or Disability, in each case within 12 months following a Change in Control, outstanding Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units granted to such Participant shall become fully vested and the restrictions thereon shall immediately lapse as of the date of such Termination; provided , that in the event the vesting or lapse of restrictions of any Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units would otherwise be subject to the achievement of performance conditions, the portion of any such Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units that shall become fully vested and free from such restrictions shall be based on (x) actual performance through the date of termination as determined by the Committee, or (y) if the Committee determines that measurement of actual performance cannot be reasonably assessed, the assumed achievement of target performance as determined by the Committee, in each case prorated based on the time elapsed from the date of grant to the date of Termination.
16
(d) Issuance of Restricted Stock and Settlement of Restricted Stock Units .
(i) Upon the expiration of the Restricted Period with respect to any shares of Restricted Stock, the restrictions set forth in the applicable Award Agreement shall be of no further force or effect with respect to such shares, except as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. If an escrow arrangement is used, upon such expiration, the Company shall issue to the Participant, or the Participants beneficiary, without charge, the stock certificate (or, if applicable, a notice evidencing a book-entry notation) evidencing the shares of Restricted Stock which have not then been forfeited and with respect to which the Restricted Period has expired (rounded down to the nearest full share). Dividends, if any, that may have been withheld by the Committee and attributable to any particular share of Restricted Stock shall be distributed to the Participant in cash or, in the sole discretion of the Committee, in shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value (on the date of distribution) equal to the amount of such dividends, upon the release of restrictions on such share and, if such share is forfeited, the Participant shall have no right to such dividends.
(ii) Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in an Award Agreement or otherwise, upon the expiration of the Restricted Period with respect to any outstanding Restricted Stock Units, the Company shall issue to the Participant or the Participants beneficiary, without charge, one (1) share of Common Stock (or other securities or other property, as applicable) for each such outstanding Restricted Stock Unit; provided, however , that the Committee may, in its sole discretion, elect to (A) pay cash or part cash and part shares of Common Stock in lieu of issuing only shares of Common Stock in respect of such Restricted Stock Units; or (B) defer the issuance of shares of Common Stock (or cash or part cash and part shares of Common Stock, as the case may be) beyond the expiration of the Restricted Period if such extension would not cause adverse tax consequences under Section 409A of the Code. If a cash payment is made in lieu of issuing shares of Common Stock in respect of such Restricted Stock Units, the amount of such payment shall be equal to the Fair Market Value per share of the Common Stock as of the date on which the Restricted Period lapsed with respect to such Restricted Stock Units. To the extent provided in an Award Agreement or otherwise, upon the payment by the Company of dividends on shares of Common Stock, the holder of outstanding Restricted Stock Units shall be entitled to be credited with dividend equivalent payments in cash (unless, the Committee, in its sole discretion, elects to credit such payments in shares of Common Stock or additional Restricted Stock Units having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of such dividend), and interest may, in the sole discretion of the Committee, be credited on the amount of cash dividend equivalents at a rate and subject to such terms as determined by the Committee, which accumulated dividend equivalents (and earnings or interest thereon, if applicable) shall be payable at the same time as the underlying Restricted Stock Units are settled following the date on which the Restricted Period lapses with respect to such Restricted Stock Units, and, if such Restricted Stock Units are forfeited, the Participant shall have no right to such dividend equivalent payments (or earnings or interest thereon, if applicable).
(e) Legends on Restricted Stock . Each certificate, if any, or book entry representing Restricted Stock awarded under the Plan, if any, shall bear a legend or book entry notation
17
substantially in the form of the following, in addition to any other information the Company deems appropriate, until the lapse of all restrictions with respect to such shares of Common Stock:
TRANSFER OF THIS CERTIFICATE AND THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY IS RESTRICTED PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF THE HILTON GRAND VACATIONS INC. 2017 OMNIBUS INCENTIVE PLAN AND A RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT BETWEEN HILTON GRAND VACATIONS INC. AND PARTICIPANT. A COPY OF SUCH PLAN AND AWARD AGREEMENT IS ON FILE AT THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES OF HILTON GRAND VACATIONS INC.
10. Other Equity-Based Awards and Other Cash-Based Awards . The Committee may grant Other Equity-Based Awards and Other Cash-Based Awards under the Plan to Eligible Persons, alone or in tandem with other Awards, in such amounts and dependent on such conditions as the Committee shall from time to time in its sole discretion determine. Each Other Equity-Based Award granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement and each Other Cash-Based Award granted under the Plan shall be evidenced in such form as the Committee may determine from time to time. Each Other Equity-Based Award or Other Cash-Based Award, as applicable, so granted shall be subject to such conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement or other form evidencing such Award, including, without limitation, those set forth in Section 14(a) of the Plan. Grants of Other Equity-Based Awards that are settled in shares of Common Stock shall comply with the Minimum Vesting Condition; provided that the Minimum Vesting Condition need not be applied to such grants that, when taken together with other Awards not subject to the Minimum Vesting Condition, comprise Awards with respect to a number of shares of Common Stock that does not exceed the Minimum Vesting Condition Limit.
11. Performance Compensation Awards .
(a) General . The Committee shall have the authority, at or before the time of grant of any Award, to designate such Award as a Performance Compensation Award intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, if the Company determines that a Participant who has been granted an Award designated as a Performance Compensation Award is not (or is no longer) a covered employee (within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code), the terms and conditions of such Award may be modified without regard to any restrictions or limitations set forth in this Section 11 (but subject otherwise to the provisions of Section 13 of the Plan).
(b) Discretion of Committee with Respect to Performance Compensation Awards . With regard to a particular Performance Period, the Committee shall have sole discretion to select the length of such Performance Period, the type(s) of Performance Compensation Awards to be issued, the Performance Criteria that will be used to establish the Performance Goal(s), the kind(s) and/or level(s) of the Performance Goal(s) that is (are) to apply and the Performance Formula(e). Within the first ninety (90) days of a Performance Period (or, within any other maximum period allowed under Section 162(m) of the Code), the Committee shall, with regard
18
to the Performance Compensation Awards to be issued for such Performance Period, exercise its discretion with respect to each of the matters enumerated in the immediately preceding sentence and record the same in writing.
(c) Performance Criteria . The Performance Criteria that will be used to establish the Performance Goal(s) may be based on the attainment of specific levels of performance of the Company (and/or one or more members of the Company Group, divisions or operational and/or business units, product lines, brands, business segments, administrative departments, or any combination of the foregoing) and shall be limited to the following, which may be determined in accordance with GAAP or on a non-GAAP basis: (i) net earnings or net income (before or after taxes); (ii) basic or diluted earnings per share (before or after taxes); (iii) net revenue or net revenue growth; (iv) gross revenue or gross revenue growth, gross profit or gross profit growth; (v) net operating profit (before or after taxes); (vi) return measures (including, but not limited to, return on investment, assets, capital, employed capital, invested capital, equity, or sales); (vii) cash flow measures (including, but not limited to, operating cash flow, free cash flow, and cash flow return on capital), which may but are not required to be measured on a per share basis; (viii) earnings before or after interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization (including EBIT and EBITDA); (ix) gross or net operating margins; (x) productivity ratios; (xi) share price (including, but not limited to, growth measures and total stockholder return); (xii) expense targets or cost reduction goals, general and administrative expense savings; (xiii) operating efficiency; (xiv) objective measures of customer satisfaction; (xv) working capital targets; (xvi) measures of economic value added or other value creation metrics; (xvii) inventory control; (xviii) enterprise value; (xix) sales; (xx) stockholder return; (xxi) competitive market metrics; (xxii) employee retention; (xxiii) timely completion of new product rollouts; (xxiv) timely opening of new facilities; (xxv) objective measures of personal targets, goals or completion of projects (including but not limited to succession and hiring projects, completion of specific acquisitions, dispositions, reorganizations or other corporate transactions or capital-raising transactions, expansions of specific business operations and meeting divisional or project budgets); (xxvi) system-wide revenues; (xxvii) franchise and/or royalty income; (xxviii) comparisons of continuing operations to other operations; (xxix) market share; (xxx) cost of capital, debt leverage year-end cash position or book value; (xxxi) strategic objectives, development of new product lines and related revenue, sales and margin targets; (xxxii) franchisee growth and retention, co-branding or international operation; (xxxiii) management fee or licensing fee growth; (xxxiv) capital expenditures; (xxxv) guest satisfaction; (xxxvi) RevPAR (revenue per available room); or (xxxvii) any combination of the foregoing. Any one or more of the Performance Criteria may be stated as a percentage of another Performance Criteria, or used on an absolute or relative basis to measure the performance of the Company and/or one or more members of the Company Group as a whole or any divisions or operational and/or business units, product lines, brands, business segments or administrative departments of the Company and/or one or more members of the Company Group or any combination thereof, as the Committee may deem appropriate, or any of the above Performance Criteria may be compared to the performance of a selected group of comparison companies, or a published or special index that the Committee, in its sole discretion, deems appropriate, or as compared to various stock market indices. The Committee also has the authority to provide for accelerated vesting of any Award based on the achievement of Performance Goals pursuant to the Performance Criteria specified in this paragraph. To the extent required under Section 162(m) of the Code, the Committee shall, within the first ninety (90) days of a Performance Period (or,
19
within any other maximum period allowed under Section 162(m) of the Code), define in an objective fashion the manner of calculating the Performance Criteria it selects to use for such Performance Period.
(d) Modification of Performance Goal(s) . In the event that applicable tax and/or securities laws change to permit Committee discretion to alter the governing Performance Criteria without obtaining stockholder approval of such alterations, the Committee shall have sole discretion to make such alterations without obtaining stockholder approval. Unless otherwise determined by the Committee at the time a Performance Compensation Award is granted, the Committee shall, during the first ninety (90) days of a Performance Period (or, within any other maximum period allowed under Section 162(m) of the Code), or at any time thereafter to the extent the exercise of such authority at such time would not cause the Performance Compensation Awards granted to any Participant for such Performance Period to fail to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code, specify adjustments or modifications to be made to the calculation of a Performance Goal for such Performance Period, based on and in order to appropriately reflect the following events: (i) asset write-downs; (ii) litigation or claim judgments or settlements; (iii) the effect of changes in tax laws, accounting principles, or other laws or regulatory rules affecting reported results; (iv) any reorganization and restructuring programs; (v) acquisitions or divestitures; (vi) any other specific, unusual or nonrecurring events, or objectively determinable category thereof; (vii) foreign exchange gains and losses or fluctuation in currency exchange rates; (viii) discontinued operations and nonrecurring charges; (ix) a change in the Companys fiscal year; (x) accruals for payments to be made in respect of the Plan or other specific compensation arrangements; and (xi) any other event described in Section 12.
(e) Payment of Performance Compensation Awards .
(i) Condition to Receipt of Payment . Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or otherwise determined by the Committee, a Participant must be employed by the Company on the last day of a Performance Period to be eligible for payment in respect of a Performance Compensation Award for such Performance Period.
(ii) Limitation . Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or otherwise determined by the Committee, a Participant shall be eligible to receive payment in respect of a Performance Compensation Award only to the extent that (A) the Performance Goals for such period are achieved, and (B) all or some portion of such Participants Performance Compensation Award has been earned for the Performance Period based on the application of the Performance Formula to such achieved Performance Goals; provided, however , that in the event of (x) a Participants Termination by the Company other than for Cause, or (y) a Participants Termination due to death or Disability, in each case, within twelve (12) months following a Change in Control, the Participant shall receive payment in respect of a Performance Compensation Award based on (1) actual performance through the date of Termination as determined by the Committee, or (2) if the Committee determines that measurement of actual performance cannot be reasonably assessed, the assumed achievement of target performance as determined by the Committee (but not to the extent that application of
20
this clause (2) would cause Section 162(m) of the Code to result in the loss of the deduction of the compensation payable in respect of such Performance Compensation Award for any Participant reasonably expected to be a covered employee within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code), in each case, prorated based on the time elapsed from the Date of Grant to the date of Termination.
(iii) Certification . Following the completion of a Performance Period, the Committee shall review and certify in writing whether, and to what extent, the Performance Goals for the Performance Period have been achieved and, if so, calculate and certify in writing that amount of the Performance Compensation Awards earned for the period based upon the Performance Formula. The Committee shall then determine the amount of each Participants Performance Compensation Award actually payable for the Performance Period and, in so doing, may apply Negative Discretion.
(iv) Use of Negative Discretion . In determining the actual amount of an individual Participants Performance Compensation Award for a Performance Period, the Committee may reduce or eliminate the amount of such Performance Compensation Award earned under the Performance Formula in the Performance Period through the use of Negative Discretion. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or otherwise determined by the Committee, the Committee shall not have the discretion to (A) grant or provide payment in respect of Performance Compensation Awards for a Performance Period if the Performance Goals for such Performance Period have not been attained or (B) increase a Performance Compensation Award above the applicable limitations set forth in Section 5 of the Plan.
(f) Timing of Award Payments . Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Award Agreement or otherwise determined by the Committee, Performance Compensation Awards granted for a Performance Period shall be paid to Participants as soon as administratively practicable following completion of the certifications required by this Section 11. Any Performance Compensation Award that has been deferred shall not (between the date as of which the Award is deferred and the payment date) increase (i) with respect to a Performance Compensation Award that is payable in cash, by a measuring factor for each fiscal year greater than a reasonable rate of interest set by the Committee; or (ii) with respect to a Performance Compensation Award that is payable in shares of Common Stock, by an amount greater than the appreciation of a share of Common Stock from the date such Award is deferred to the payment date. Any Performance Compensation Award that is deferred and is otherwise payable in shares of Common Stock shall be credited (during the period between the date as of which the Award is deferred and the payment date) with dividend equivalents (in a manner consistent with the methodology set forth in the last sentence of Section 9(d)(ii) of the Plan).
12. Changes in Capital Structure and Similar Events . Notwithstanding any other provision in this Plan to the contrary, the following provisions shall apply to all Awards granted hereunder (other than Other Cash-Based Awards):
(a) General . In the event of (i) any dividend (other than regular cash dividends) or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, shares of Common Stock, other securities or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger,
21
consolidation, split-up, split-off, spin-off, combination, repurchase or exchange of shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to acquire shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company, or other similar corporate transaction or event that affects the shares of Common Stock (including a Change in Control); or (ii) unusual or nonrecurring events affecting the Company, including changes in applicable rules, rulings, regulations or other requirements, that the Committee determines, in its sole discretion, could result in substantial dilution or enlargement of the rights intended to be granted to, or available for, Participants (any event in (i) or (ii), an Adjustment Event ), the Committee shall, in respect of any such Adjustment Event, make such proportionate substitution or adjustment, if any, as it deems equitable, to any or all of (A) the Absolute Share Limit, or any other limit applicable under the Plan with respect to the number of Awards which may be granted hereunder; (B) the number of shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company (or number and kind of other securities or other property) which may be issued in respect of Awards or with respect to which Awards may be granted under the Plan or any Sub-Plan; and (C) the terms of any outstanding Award, including, without limitation, (I) the number of shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company (or number and kind of other securities or other property) subject to outstanding Awards or to which outstanding Awards relate; (II) the Exercise Price or Strike Price with respect to any Award; or (III) any applicable performance measures (including, without limitation, Performance Criteria and Performance Goals); provided , that in the case of any equity restructuring (within the meaning of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (or any successor pronouncement thereto)), the Committee shall make an equitable or proportionate adjustment to outstanding Awards to reflect such equity restructuring.
(b) Adjustment Events . Without limiting the foregoing, except as may otherwise be provided in an Award Agreement, in connection with any Adjustment Event, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide for any one or more of the following:
(i) substitution or assumption of Awards (or awards of an acquiring company), acceleration of the vesting of, exercisability of, lapse of restrictions on, or termination of, Awards, or establishment of a period of time (which shall not be required to be more than ten (10) days) for Participants to exercise outstanding Awards prior to the occurrence of such event (and any such Award not so exercised shall terminate upon the occurrence of such event);
(ii) cancellation of any one or more outstanding Awards and payment to the holders of such Awards that are vested as of such cancellation (including, without limitation, any Awards that would vest as a result of the occurrence of such event but for such cancellation or for which vesting is accelerated by the Committee in connection with such event pursuant to clause (i) above), the value of such Awards, if any, as determined by the Committee (which value, if applicable, may be based upon the price per share of Common Stock received or to be received by other stockholders of the Company in such event), including, without limitation, in the case of an outstanding Option or SAR, a cash payment in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value (as of a date specified by the Committee) of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Option or SAR over the aggregate Exercise Price or Strike Price of such Option or SAR (it being understood that, in such event, any Option or SAR having a per
22
share Exercise Price or Strike Price equal to, or in excess of, the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock subject thereto may be canceled and terminated without any payment or consideration therefor), or, in the case of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Other Equity-Based Awards that are not vested as of such cancellation, a cash payment or equity subject to deferred vesting and delivery consistent with the vesting restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Other Equity-Based Awards prior to cancellation, or the underlying shares in respect thereof; and
(iii) subject to any limitations or reductions as may be necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Code, conversion or replacement of any Award that is not vested as of the occurrence of such event into or with the right to receive a payment, based on the value of the Award (as determined consistent with clause (ii) above), which is subject to continued vesting on the same basis as the vesting requirements applicable to such converted or replaced Award.
Payments to holders pursuant to clauses (ii) or (iii) above shall be made in cash or, in the sole discretion of the Committee, in the form of such other consideration necessary for a Participant to receive property, cash, or securities (or combination thereof) as such Participant would have been entitled to receive upon the occurrence of the transaction if the Participant had been, immediately prior to such transaction, the holder of the number of shares of Common Stock covered by the Award at such time (less any applicable Exercise Price or Strike Price).
(c) Other Requirements . Prior to any payment or adjustment contemplated under this Section 12, the Committee may require a Participant to (i) represent and warrant as to the unencumbered title to the Participants Awards; (ii) bear such Participants pro rata share of any post-closing indemnity obligations, and be subject to the same post-closing purchase price adjustments, escrow terms, offset rights, holdback terms, and similar conditions as the other holders of Common Stock, subject to any limitations or reductions as may be necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Code; and (iii) deliver customary transfer documentation as reasonably determined by the Committee.
(d) Fractional Shares . Any adjustment provided under this Section 12 may provide for the elimination of any fractional share that might otherwise become subject to an Award.
(e) Binding Effect . Any adjustment, substitution, determination of value or other action taken by the Committee under this Section 12 shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes.
13. Amendments and Termination .
(a) Amendment and Termination of the Plan . The Board may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue, or terminate the Plan or any portion thereof at any time; provided , that no such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance or termination shall be made without stockholder approval if (i) such approval is necessary to comply with any regulatory requirement applicable to the Plan (including, without limitation, as necessary to comply with any rules or regulations of any securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system on which the securities of the Company may be listed or quoted) or for changes in GAAP to new
23
accounting standards; (ii) it would materially increase the number of securities which may be issued under the Plan (except for increases pursuant to Section 5 or 12 of the Plan); or (iii) it would materially modify the requirements for participation in the Plan; provided, further , that any such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance or termination that would materially and adversely affect the rights of any Participant or any holder or beneficiary of any Award theretofore granted shall not to that extent be effective without the consent of the affected Participant, holder or beneficiary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amendment shall be made to the last proviso of Section 13(b) of the Plan without stockholder approval.
(b) Amendment of Award Agreements . The Committee may, to the extent consistent with the terms of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement, waive any conditions or rights under, amend any terms of, or alter, suspend, discontinue, cancel or terminate, any Award theretofore granted or the associated Award Agreement, prospectively or retroactively (including after a Participants Termination); provided , that, other than pursuant to Section 12, any such waiver, amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance, cancellation or termination that would materially and adversely affect the rights of any Participant with respect to any Award theretofore granted shall not to that extent be effective without the consent of the affected Participant; provided, further , that in no event shall any such amendment alter the Minimum Vesting Condition.
(c) No Repricing . Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, without stockholder approval, except as otherwise permitted under Section 12 of the Plan, (i) no amendment or modification may reduce the Exercise Price of any Option or the Strike Price of any SAR; (ii) the Committee may not cancel any outstanding Option or SAR and replace it with a new Option or SAR (with a lower Exercise Price or Strike Price, as the case may be) or other Award or cash payment that is greater than the intrinsic value (if any) of the cancelled Option or SAR; and (iii) the Committee may not take any other action which is considered a repricing for purposes of the stockholder approval rules of any securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system on which the securities of the Company are listed or quoted.
14. General .
(a) Award Agreements . Each Award (other than an Other Cash-Based Award) under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement, which shall be delivered to the Participant to whom such Award was granted and shall specify the terms and conditions of the Award and any rules applicable thereto, including, without limitation, the effect on such Award of the death, Disability or Termination of a Participant, or of such other events as may be determined by the Committee. For purposes of the Plan, an Award Agreement may be in any such form (written or electronic) as determined by the Committee (including, without limitation, a Board or Committee resolution, an employment agreement, a notice, a certificate or a letter) evidencing the Award. The Committee need not require an Award Agreement to be signed by the Participant or a duly authorized representative of the Company or a Subsidiary.
(b) Nontransferability . Each Award shall be exercisable only by such Participant to whom such Award was granted during the Participants lifetime, or, if permissible under applicable law, by the Participants legal guardian or representative. No Award may be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered by a
24
Participant (unless such transfer is specifically required pursuant to a domestic relations order or by applicable law) other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and any such purported assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance shall be void and unenforceable against any member of the Company Group; provided , that the designation of a beneficiary shall not constitute an assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance.
(c) Dividends and Dividend Equivalents . The Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide a Participant as part of an Award with dividends, dividend equivalents, or similar payments in respect of Awards, payable in cash, shares of Common Stock, other securities, other Awards or other property, on a current or deferred basis, on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, including, without limitation, payment directly to the Participant, withholding of such amounts by the Company subject to vesting of the Award or reinvestment in additional shares of Common Stock, Restricted Stock or other Awards; provided , that no dividends, dividend equivalents or other similar payments shall be payable in respect of outstanding (i) Options or SARs; or (ii) unearned Performance Compensation Awards or other unearned Awards subject to performance conditions (other than, or in addition to, the passage of time) (although dividends, dividend equivalents or other similar payments may be accumulated in respect of unearned Awards and paid within fifteen (15) days after such Awards are earned and become payable or distributable).
(d) Tax Withholding .
(i) A Participant shall be required to pay to the Company or one or more of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, an amount in cash (by check or wire transfer) equal to the aggregate amount of any income, employment and/or other applicable taxes that are statutorily required to be withheld in respect of an Award. Alternatively, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries may elect, in its sole discretion, to satisfy this requirement by withholding such amount from any cash compensation or other cash amounts owing to a Participant.
(ii) Without limiting the foregoing, the Committee may (but is not obligated to), in its sole discretion, permit or require a Participant to satisfy, all or any portion of the minimum income, employment and/or other applicable taxes that are statutorily required to be withheld with respect to an Award by (A) the delivery of shares of Common Stock (which are not subject to any pledge or other security interest) that have been both held by the Participant and vested for any period of time as established from time to time by the Committee in order to avoid adverse accounting treatment under GAAP) having an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to such minimum statutorily required withholding liability (or portion thereof); or (B) having the Company withhold from the shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable or deliverable to, or that would otherwise be retained by, the Participant upon the grant, exercise, vesting or settlement of the Award, as applicable, a number of shares of Common Stock with an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to an amount, subject to clause (iii) below, not in excess of such minimum statutorily required withholding liability (or portion thereof).
25
(iii) The Committee, subject to its having considered the applicable accounting impact of any such determination, has full discretion to allow Participants to satisfy, in whole or in part, any additional income, employment and/or other applicable taxes payable by them with respect to an Award by electing to have the Company withhold from the shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable or deliverable to, or that would otherwise be retained by, a Participant upon the grant, exercise, vesting or settlement of the Award, as applicable, shares of Common Stock having an aggregate Fair Market Value that is greater than the applicable minimum required statutory withholding liability (but such withholding may in no event be in excess of the maximum statutory withholding amount(s) in a Participants relevant tax jurisdictions).
(e) Data Protection . By participating in the Plan or accepting any rights granted under it, each Participant consents to the collection and processing of personal data relating to the Participant so that the Company and its Affiliates can fulfill their obligations and exercise their rights under the Plan and generally administer and manage the Plan. This data will include, but may not be limited to, data about participation in the Plan and shares offered or received, purchased, or sold under the Plan from time to time and other appropriate financial and other data (such as the date on which the Awards were granted) about the Participant and the Participants participation in the Plan.
(f) No Claim to Awards; No Rights to Continued Employment; Waiver . No employee of any member of the Company Group, or other Person, shall have any claim or right to be granted an Award under the Plan or, having been selected for the grant of an Award, to be selected for a grant of any other Award. There is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of Participants or holders or beneficiaries of Awards. The terms and conditions of Awards and the Committees determinations and interpretations with respect thereto need not be the same with respect to each Participant and may be made selectively among Participants, whether or not such Participants are similarly situated. Neither the Plan nor any action taken hereunder shall be construed as giving any Participant any right to be retained in the employ or service of the Service Recipient or any other member of the Company Group, nor shall it be construed as giving any Participant any rights to continued service on the Board. The Service Recipient or any other member of the Company Group may at any time dismiss a Participant from employment or discontinue any consulting relationship, free from any liability or any claim under the Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or any Award Agreement. By accepting an Award under the Plan, a Participant shall thereby be deemed to have waived any claim to continued exercise or vesting of an Award or to damages or severance entitlement related to non-continuation of the Award beyond the period provided under the Plan or any Award Agreement, except to the extent of any provision to the contrary in any written employment contract or other agreement between the Service Recipient and/or any member of the Company Group and the Participant, whether any such agreement is executed before, on or after the Date of Grant.
(g) International Participants . With respect to Participants who reside or work outside of the United States of America and who are not (and who are not expected to be) covered employees within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, amend the terms of the Plan and create or amend Sub-Plans or amend outstanding Awards with respect to such Participants in order to conform such terms with the requirements of local law or to obtain more favorable tax or other treatment for a Participant or any member of the Company Group.
26
(h) Designation and Change of Beneficiary . Each Participant may file with the Committee a written designation of one or more Persons as the beneficiary(ies) who shall be entitled to receive the amounts payable with respect to an Award, if any, due under the Plan upon the Participants death. A Participant may, from time to time, revoke or change the Participants beneficiary designation without the consent of any prior beneficiary by filing a new designation with the Committee. The last such designation received by the Committee shall be controlling; provided, however , that no designation, or change or revocation thereof, shall be effective unless received by the Committee prior to the Participants death, and in no event shall it be effective as of a date prior to such receipt. If no beneficiary designation is filed by a Participant, the beneficiary shall be deemed to be the Participants spouse or, if the Participant is unmarried at the time of death, the Participants estate.
(i) Termination . Except as otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, unless determined otherwise by the Committee at any point following such event: (i) neither a temporary absence from employment or service due to illness, vacation or leave of absence (including, without limitation, a call to active duty for military service through a Reserve or National Guard unit) nor a transfer from employment or service with one Service Recipient to employment or service with another Service Recipient (or vice-versa) shall be considered a Termination; and (ii) if a Participant undergoes a Termination of employment, but such Participant continues to provide services to the Company Group in a non-employee capacity, such change in status shall not be considered a Termination for purposes of the Plan. Further, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, in the event that any Service Recipient ceases to be a member of the Company Group (by reason of sale, divestiture, spin-off or other similar transaction), unless a Participants employment or service is transferred to another entity that would constitute a Service Recipient immediately following such transaction, such Participant shall be deemed to have suffered a Termination hereunder as of the date of the consummation of such transaction.
(j) No Rights as a Stockholder . Except as otherwise specifically provided in the Plan or any Award Agreement, no Person shall be entitled to the privileges of ownership in respect of shares of Common Stock which are subject to Awards hereunder until such shares have been issued or delivered to such Person.
(k) Government and Other Regulations .
(i) The obligation of the Company to settle Awards in shares of Common Stock or other consideration shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and to such approvals by governmental agencies as may be required. Notwithstanding any terms or conditions of any Award to the contrary, the Company shall be under no obligation to offer to sell or to sell, and shall be prohibited from offering to sell or selling, any shares of Common Stock pursuant to an Award unless such shares have been properly registered for sale pursuant to the Securities Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission or unless the Company has received an opinion of counsel (if the Company has requested such an opinion), satisfactory to the Company, that such shares
27
may be offered or sold without such registration pursuant to an available exemption therefrom and the terms and conditions of such exemption have been fully complied with. The Company shall be under no obligation to register for sale under the Securities Act any of the shares of Common Stock to be offered or sold under the Plan. The Committee shall have the authority to provide that all shares of Common Stock or other securities of any member of the Company Group issued under the Plan shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the Plan, the applicable Award Agreement, the Federal securities laws, or the rules, regulations and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system on which the securities of the Company are listed or quoted and any other applicable Federal, state, local or non-U.S. laws, rules, regulations and other requirements, and, without limiting the generality of Section 9 of the Plan, the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be put on certificates representing shares of Common Stock or other securities of any member of the Company Group issued under the Plan to make appropriate reference to such restrictions or may cause such Common Stock or other securities of any member of the Company Group issued under the Plan in book-entry form to be held subject to the Companys instructions or subject to appropriate stop-transfer orders. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, the Committee reserves the right to add any additional terms or provisions to any Award granted under the Plan that the Committee, in its sole discretion, deems necessary or advisable in order that such Award complies with the legal requirements of any governmental entity to whose jurisdiction the Award is subject.
(ii) The Committee may cancel an Award or any portion thereof if it determines, in its sole discretion, that legal or contractual restrictions and/or blockage and/or other market considerations would make the Companys acquisition of shares of Common Stock from the public markets, the Companys issuance of Common Stock to the Participant, the Participants acquisition of Common Stock from the Company and/or the Participants sale of Common Stock to the public markets, illegal, impracticable or inadvisable. If the Committee determines to cancel all or any portion of an Award in accordance with the foregoing, the Company shall, subject to any limitations or reductions as may be necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Code, (A) pay to the Participant an amount equal to the excess of (I) the aggregate Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Award or portion thereof canceled (determined as of the applicable exercise date, or the date that the shares would have been vested or issued, as applicable); over (II) the aggregate Exercise Price or Strike Price (in the case of an Option or SAR, respectively) or any amount payable as a condition of issuance of shares of Common Stock (in the case of any other Award). Such amount shall be delivered to the Participant as soon as practicable following the cancellation of such Award or portion thereof, or (B) in the case of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Other Equity-Based Awards, provide the Participant with a cash payment or equity subject to deferred vesting and delivery consistent with the vesting restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Other Equity-Based Awards, or the underlying shares in respect thereof.
28
(l) No Section 83(b) Elections Without Consent of Company . No election under Section 83(b) of the Code or under a similar provision of law may be made unless expressly permitted by the terms of the applicable Award Agreement or by action of the Committee in writing prior to the making of such election. If a Participant, in connection with the acquisition of shares of Common Stock under the Plan or otherwise, is expressly permitted to make such election and the Participant makes the election, the Participant shall notify the Company of such election within ten (10) days of filing notice of the election with the Internal Revenue Service or other governmental authority, in addition to any filing and notification required pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code or other applicable provision.
(m) Payments to Persons Other Than Participants . If the Committee shall find that any Person to whom any amount is payable under the Plan is unable to care for the Participants affairs because of illness or accident, or is a minor, or has died, then any payment due to such Person or the Participants estate (unless a prior claim therefor has been made by a duly appointed legal representative) may, if the Committee so directs the Company, be paid to the Participants spouse, child, relative, an institution maintaining or having custody of such Person, or any other Person deemed by the Committee to be a proper recipient on behalf of such Person otherwise entitled to payment. Any such payment shall be a complete discharge of the liability of the Committee and the Company therefor.
(n) Nonexclusivity of the Plan . Neither the adoption of the Plan by the Board nor the submission of the Plan to the stockholders of the Company for approval shall be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the Board to adopt such other incentive arrangements as it may deem desirable, including, without limitation, the granting of equity-based awards otherwise than under the Plan, and such arrangements may be either applicable generally or only in specific cases.
(o) No Trust or Fund Created . Neither the Plan nor any Award shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between any member of the Company Group, on the one hand, and a Participant or other Person, on the other hand. No provision of the Plan or any Award shall require the Company, for the purpose of satisfying any obligations under the Plan, to purchase assets or place any assets in a trust or other entity to which contributions are made or otherwise to segregate any assets, nor shall the Company be obligated to maintain separate bank accounts, books, records or other evidence of the existence of a segregated or separately maintained or administered fund for such purposes. Participants shall have no rights under the Plan other than as unsecured general creditors of the Company, except that insofar as they may have become entitled to payment of additional compensation by performance of services, they shall have the same rights as other service providers under general law.
(p) Reliance on Reports . Each member of the Committee and each member of the Board shall be fully justified in acting or failing to act, as the case may be, and shall not be liable for having so acted or failed to act in good faith, in reliance upon any report made by the independent public accountant of any member of the Company Group and/or any other information furnished in connection with the Plan by any agent of the Company or the Committee or the Board, other than himself or herself.
29
(q) Relationship to Other Benefits . No payment under the Plan shall be taken into account in determining any benefits under any pension, retirement, profit sharing, group insurance or other benefit plan of the Company except as otherwise specifically provided in such other plan or as required by applicable law.
(r) Governing Law . The Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts made and performed wholly within the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflict of laws provisions thereof. EACH PARTICIPANT WHO ACCEPTS AN AWARD IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY SUIT, ACTION, OR OTHER PROCEEDING INSTITUTED BY OR AGAINST SUCH PARTICIPANT IN RESPECT OF THE PARTICIPANTS RIGHTS OR OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER.
(s) Severability . If any provision of the Plan or any Award or Award Agreement is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction or as to any Person or Award, or would disqualify the Plan or any Award under any law deemed applicable by the Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to the applicable laws, or if it cannot be construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of the Committee, materially altering the intent of the Plan or the Award, such provision shall be construed or deemed stricken as to such jurisdiction, Person or Award and the remainder of the Plan and any such Award shall remain in full force and effect.
(t) Obligations Binding on Successors . The obligations of the Company under the Plan shall be binding upon any successor corporation or organization resulting from the merger, consolidation or other reorganization of the Company, or upon any successor corporation or organization succeeding to substantially all of the assets and business of the Company.
(u) Section 409A of the Code .
(i) Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, it is intended that the provisions of the Plan comply with Section 409A of the Code, and all provisions of the Plan shall be construed and interpreted in a manner consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Section 409A of the Code. Each Participant is solely responsible and liable for the satisfaction of all taxes and penalties that may be imposed on or in respect of such Participant in connection with the Plan (including any taxes and penalties under Section 409A of the Code), and neither the Service Recipient nor any other member of the Company Group shall have any obligation to indemnify or otherwise hold such Participant (or any beneficiary) harmless from any or all of such taxes or penalties. With respect to any Award that is considered deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code, references in the Plan to termination of employment (and substantially similar phrases) shall mean separation from service within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code. For purposes of Section 409A of the Code, each of the payments that may be made in respect of any Award granted under the Plan is designated as separate payments.
(ii) Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, if a Participant is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, no
30
payments in respect of any Awards that are deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code and which would otherwise be payable upon the Participants separation from service (as defined in Section 409A of the Code) shall be made to such Participant prior to the date that is six (6) months after the date of such Participants separation from service or, if earlier, the date of the Participants death. Following any applicable six (6) month delay, all such delayed payments will be paid in a single lump sum on the earliest date permitted under Section 409A of the Code that is also a business day.
(iii) Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in an Award Agreement or otherwise, in the event that the timing of payments in respect of any Award (that would otherwise be considered deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code) would be accelerated upon the occurrence of (A) a Change in Control, no such acceleration shall be permitted unless the event giving rise to the Change in Control satisfies the definition of a change in the ownership or effective control of a corporation, or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of a corporation pursuant to Section 409A of the Code; or (B) a Disability, no such acceleration shall be permitted unless the Disability also satisfies the definition of Disability pursuant to Section 409A of the Code.
(v) Clawback/Repayment . All Awards shall be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment to the extent necessary to comply with (i) any clawback, forfeiture or other similar policy adopted by the Board or the Committee and as in effect from time to time; and (ii) applicable law. Further, to the extent that the Participant receives any amount in excess of the amount that the Participant should otherwise have received under the terms of the Award for any reason (including, without limitation, by reason of a financial restatement, mistake in calculations or other administrative error), the Participant shall be required to repay any such excess amount to the Company.
(w) Detrimental Activity . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, if a Participant has engaged in any Detrimental Activity, as determined by the Committee, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide for one or more of the following:
(i) cancellation of any or all of such Participants outstanding Awards; or
(ii) forfeiture by the Participant of any gain realized on the vesting or exercise of Awards, and to repay any such gain promptly to the Company.
(x) Right of Offset . The Company will have the right to offset against its obligation to deliver shares of Common Stock (or other property or cash) under the Plan or any Award Agreement any outstanding amounts (including, without limitation, travel and entertainment or advance account balances, loans, repayment obligations under any Awards, or amounts repayable to the Company pursuant to tax equalization, housing, automobile or other employee programs) that the Participant then owes to any member of the Company Group and any amounts the Committee otherwise deems appropriate pursuant to any tax equalization policy or agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Award is deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Committee will have no right to offset against its obligation to
31
deliver shares of Common Stock (or other property or cash) under the Plan or any Award Agreement if such offset could subject the Participant to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A of the Code in respect of an outstanding Award.
(y) Expenses; Titles and Headings . The expenses of administering the Plan shall be borne by the Company Group. The titles and headings of the sections in the Plan are for convenience of reference only, and in the event of any conflict, the text of the Plan, rather than such titles or headings, shall control.
32
Exhibit 10.9
HILTON GRAND VACATIONS INC.
2017 STOCK PLAN FOR NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS
1. Purpose . The purpose of the Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. 2017 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors is to provide a means through which the Company and the other members of the Company Group may attract and retain members of the board of directors of the Company and to provide a means whereby members of the board of directors of the Company can acquire and maintain an equity interest in the Company, thereby strengthening their commitment to the welfare of the Company Group and aligning their interests with those of the Companys stockholders.
2. Definitions . The following definitions shall be applicable throughout the Plan.
(a) Absolute Share Limit has the meaning given to such term in Section 5(b) of the Plan.
(b) Adjustment Event has the meaning given to such term in Section 11(a) of the Plan.
(c) Affiliate means any Person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by or is under common control with the Company. The term control (including, with correlative meaning, the terms controlled by and under common control with), as applied to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting or other securities, by contract or otherwise.
(d) Award means, individually or collectively, any Option, Stock Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit, and Other Equity-Based Award.
(e) Award Agreement means the document or documents by which each Award is evidenced, which may be in written or electronic form.
(f) Board means the Board of Directors of the Company.
(g) Cause means, in the case of a particular Award, unless the applicable Award Agreement states otherwise, a good faith determination of the Committee or its designee that (i) there is cause to terminate a Participants service as a non-employee director of the Board, as defined in and in accordance with any consulting or other agreement between the Participant and any member of the Company Group or an Affiliate in effect at the time of such termination or (ii) in the absence of any such agreement (or the absence of any definition of Cause contained therein), any of the following has occurred with respect to a Participant: (A) such Participant has failed to reasonably perform his or her duties to any member of the Company Group, or has failed to follow the lawful instructions of the Board, in each case other than as a result of his or her incapacity due to physical or mental illness or injury, in a manner that could reasonably be expected to result in harm (whether financially, reputationally or otherwise) to any member of the Company Group or an Affiliate, following notice by the Company Group or
such Affiliate of such failure, (B) such Participant has engaged or is about to engage in conduct harmful (whether financially, reputationally or otherwise) to any member of the Company Group or an Affiliate, (C) such Participant has been convicted of, or pled guilty or no contest to, a felony or any crime involving as a material element fraud or dishonesty, (D) the willful misconduct or gross neglect of such Participant that could reasonably be expected to result in harm (whether financially, reputationally or otherwise) to any member of the Company Group or an Affiliate, (E) the willful violation by such Participant of the written policies of any member of the Company Group or any applicable written policies of any member of the Company Group that could reasonably be expected to result in harm (whether financially, reputationally or otherwise) to any member of the Company Group or an Affiliate; (F) such Participants fraud or misappropriation, embezzlement or misuse of funds or property belonging to the Company Group or an Affiliate (other than good faith expense account disputes); (G) such Participants act of personal dishonesty which involves personal profit in connection with such Participants service as a non-employee director of the Board, or (H) the willful breach by such Participant of fiduciary duty owed to any member of the Company Group.
(h) Change in Control shall have the meaning set forth in the Companys 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan (as amended, modified, or supplemented from time to time).
(i) Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and any successor thereto. Reference in the Plan to any section of the Code shall be deemed to include any regulations or other interpretative guidance under such section, and any amendments or successor provisions to such section, regulations or guidance.
(j) Committee means the Board or any properly delegated subcommittee thereof.
(k) Common Stock means the common stock of the Company, par value $0.01 per share (and any stock or other securities into which such Common Stock may be converted or into which it may be exchanged).
(l) Company means Hilton Grand Vacations Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any successor thereto.
(m) Company Group means, collectively, the Company and its Subsidiaries.
(n) Date of Grant means the date on which the granting of an Award is authorized, or such other date as may be specified in such authorization.
(o) Disability means, unless in the case of a particular Award the applicable Award Agreement states otherwise, the Company or an Affiliate having cause to terminate a Participants service on account of disability, as defined in any then-existing consulting or other similar agreement between the Participant and the Company or an Affiliate or, in the absence of such an agreement (or the absence of any definition of Disability contained therein), the complete and permanent inability by reason of illness or accident to perform the duties of the occupation at which a Participant was employed or served when such disability commenced. Any determination of whether Disability exists shall be made by the Committee (or its designee) in its sole discretion.
2
(p) Effective Date means January 3, 2017.
(q) Eligible Director means a member of the Board, elected or appointed, who is not also an employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates. An individual who is elected to the Board at an annual meeting of the shareholders of the Company shall be deemed to be a member of the Board as of the date of such meeting.
(r) Exchange Act means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and any successor thereto. Reference in the Plan to any section of (or rule promulgated under) the Exchange Act shall be deemed to include any rules, regulations or other interpretative guidance under such section or rule, and any amendments or successor provisions to such section, rules, regulations or guidance.
(s) Exercise Price has the meaning given to such term in Section 7(b) of the Plan.
(t) Fair Market Value means, on a given date, (i) if the Common Stock is listed on a national securities exchange, the closing sales price of the Common Stock reported on the primary exchange on which the Common Stock is listed and traded on such date, or, if there are no such sales on that date, then on the last preceding date on which such sales were reported; (ii) if the Common Stock is not listed on any national securities exchange but is quoted in an inter-dealer quotation system on a last sale basis, the average between the closing bid price and ask price reported on such date, or, if there is no such sale on that date, then on the last preceding date on which a sale was reported; or (iii) if the Common Stock is not listed on a national securities exchange or quoted in an inter-dealer quotation system on a last sale basis, the amount determined by the Committee in good faith to be the fair market value of the Common Stock.
(u) GAAP has the meaning given to such term in Section 7(d) of the Plan.
(v) Indemnifiable Person has the meaning given to such term in Section 4(e) of the Plan.
(w) Option means an Award granted under Section 7 of the Plan.
(x) Option Period has the meaning given to such term in Section 7(c)(i) of the Plan.
(y) Other Equity-Based Award means an Award that is not an Option, Stock Appreciation Right, share of Restricted Stock, or Restricted Stock Unit, that is granted under Section 10 of the Plan and is (i) payable by delivery of Common Stock, and/or (ii) measured by reference to the value of Common Stock.
(z) Participant means an Eligible Director who accepts an Award pursuant to the Plan.
(aa) Person means any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act).
3
(bb) Plan means this Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. 2017 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors, as it may be amended and restated from time to time.
(cc) Qualifying Director means a person who is, with respect to actions intended to obtain an exemption from Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act pursuant to Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act, a non-employee director within the meaning of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act.
(dd) Restricted Period means the period of time determined by the Committee during which an Award is subject to restrictions, including vesting conditions.
(ee) Restricted Stock means Common Stock, subject to certain specified restrictions (which may include, without limitation, a requirement that the Participant provide continuous services as a non-employee director of the Board for a specified period of time), granted under Section 9 of the Plan.
(ff) Restricted Stock Unit means an unfunded and unsecured promise to deliver shares of Common Stock, cash, other securities or other property, subject to certain restrictions (which may include, without limitation, a requirement that the Participant provide continuous services as a non-employee director of the Board for a specified period of time), granted under Section 9 of the Plan.
(gg) SAR Period has the meaning given to such term in Section 8(c) of the Plan.
(hh) Securities Act means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and any successor thereto. Reference in the Plan to any section of (or rule promulgated under) the Securities Act shall be deemed to include any rules, regulations or other interpretative guidance under such section or rule, and any amendments or successor provisions to such section, rules, regulations or guidance.
(ii) Stock Appreciation Right or SAR means an Award granted under Section 8 of the Plan.
(jj) Strike Price has the meaning given to such term in Section 8(b) of the Plan.
(kk) Subsidiary means, with respect to any specified Person:
(i) any corporation, association or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of such entitys voting securities (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency and after giving effect to any voting agreement or stockholders agreement that effectively transfers voting power) 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); and
(ii) any partnership, limited liability company or any comparable foreign entity (A) the sole general partner (or functional equivalent thereof) or the managing general partner (or functional equivalent thereof) of which is such Person or Subsidiary of such Person or (B) the only general partners (or functional equivalents thereof) of which are that Person or one or more Subsidiaries of that Person (or any combination thereof).
4
(ll) Termination means the cessation of a Participants service as a member of the Board for any reason.
3. Effective Date; Duration . The Plan shall be effective as of the Effective Date. The expiration date of the Plan, on and after which date no Awards may be granted hereunder, shall be the tenth (10 th ) anniversary of the Effective Date; provided, however , that such expiration shall not affect Awards then outstanding, and the terms and conditions of the Plan shall continue to apply to such Awards.
4. Administration .
(a) The Committee shall administer the Plan. To the extent required to comply with the provisions of Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act (if the Board is not acting as the Committee under the Plan), it is intended that each member of the Committee shall, at the time such member takes any action with respect to an Award under the Plan that is intended to qualify for the exemptions provided by Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act be a Qualifying Director. However, the fact that a Committee member shall fail to qualify as a Qualifying Director shall not invalidate any Award granted by the Committee that is otherwise validly granted under the Plan.
(b) Subject to the provisions of the Plan and applicable law, the Committee shall have the sole and plenary authority, in addition to other express powers and authorizations conferred on the Committee by the Plan to (i) designate Participants; (ii) determine the type or types of Awards to be granted to a Participant; (iii) determine the number of shares of Common Stock to be covered by, or with respect to which payments, rights, or other matters are to be calculated in connection with, Awards; (iv) determine the terms and conditions of any Award; (v) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances Awards may be settled in, or exercised for, cash, shares of Common Stock, other securities, other Awards or other property, or canceled, forfeited, or suspended and the method or methods by which Awards may be settled, exercised, canceled, forfeited, or suspended; (vi) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances the delivery of cash, shares of Common Stock, other securities, other Awards or other property and other amounts payable with respect to an Award shall be deferred either automatically or at the election of the Participant or of the Committee; (vii) interpret, administer, reconcile any inconsistency in, correct any defect in and/or supply any omission in the Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to, or Award granted under, the Plan; (viii) establish, amend, suspend, or waive any rules and regulations and appoint such agents as the Committee shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of the Plan; and (ix) make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration of the Plan.
(c) Except to the extent prohibited by applicable law or the applicable rules and regulations of any securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system on which the securities of the Company are listed or traded, the Committee may allocate all or any portion of its responsibilities and powers to any one or more of its members and may delegate all or any part of its responsibilities and powers to any person or persons selected by it. Any such allocation or delegation may be revoked by the Committee at any time.
5
(d) Unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan, all designations, determinations, interpretations, and other decisions under or with respect to the Plan, any Award or any Award Agreement shall be within the sole discretion of the Committee, may be made at any time and shall be final, conclusive and binding upon all Persons, including, without limitation, any member of the Company Group, any Participant, any holder or beneficiary of any Award, and any stockholder of the Company.
(e) No member of the Board, the Committee or any employee or agent of any member of the Company Group (each such Person, an Indemnifiable Person ) shall be liable for any action taken or omitted to be taken or any determination made with respect to the Plan or any Award hereunder (unless constituting fraud or a willful criminal act or omission). Each Indemnifiable 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 Indemnifiable Person in connection with or resulting from any action, suit or proceeding to which such Indemnifiable Person may be a party or in which such Indemnifiable Person may be involved by reason of any action taken or omitted to be taken or determination made with respect to the Plan or any Award hereunder and against and from any and all amounts paid by such Indemnifiable Person with the Companys approval, in settlement thereof, or paid by such Indemnifiable Person in satisfaction of any judgment in any such action, suit or proceeding against such Indemnifiable Person, and the Company shall advance to such Indemnifiable Person any such expenses promptly upon written request (which request shall include an undertaking by the Indemnifiable Person to repay the amount of such advance if it shall ultimately be determined, as provided below, that the Indemnifiable Person is not entitled to be indemnified); 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 Companys choice. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be available to an Indemnifiable Person to the extent that a final judgment or other final adjudication (in either case not subject to further appeal) binding upon such Indemnifiable Person determines that the acts, omissions or determinations of such Indemnifiable Person giving rise to the indemnification claim resulted from such Indemnifiable Persons fraud or willful criminal act or omission or that such right of indemnification is otherwise prohibited by law or by the organizational documents of any member of the Company Group. The foregoing right of indemnification shall not be exclusive of or otherwise supersede any other rights of indemnification to which such Indemnifiable Persons may be entitled under the organizational documents of any member of the Company Group, as a matter of law, under an individual indemnification agreement or contract or otherwise, or any other power that the Company may have to indemnify such Indemnifiable Persons or hold such Indemnifiable Persons harmless.
(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Plan, the Board may, in its sole discretion, at any time and from time to time, grant Awards and administer the Plan with respect to such Awards. Any such actions by the Board shall be subject to the applicable rules of the securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system on which the Common Stock is listed or quoted. In any such case, the Board shall have all the authority granted to the Committee under the Plan.
6
5. Grant of Awards; Shares Subject to the Plan; Limitations .
(a) The Committee may, from time to time, grant Awards to one or more Eligible Directors.
(b) Awards granted under the Plan shall be subject to the following limitations: (i) subject to Section 11 of the Plan, no more than 325,000 shares of Common Stock (the Absolute Share Limit ) shall be available for Awards under the Plan; and (ii) the maximum number of shares of Common Stock subject to Awards granted during a single fiscal year to any Participant, taken together with any cash fees paid during the fiscal year to such Participant in respect of service as a member of the Board, shall not exceed $1,000,000 in total value (calculating the value of any such Awards based on the grant date fair value of such Awards for financial reporting purposes).
(c) To the extent that an Award expires or is canceled, forfeited or terminated without issuance to the Participant of the full number of shares of Common Stock to which the Award related, the unissued shares will again be available for grant under the Plan. Shares of Common Stock shall be deemed to have been issued in settlement of Awards if the Fair Market Value equivalent of such shares is paid in cash; provided , however , that no shares shall be deemed to have been issued in settlement of a SAR or Restricted Stock Unit that only provides for settlement in cash and settles only in cash. In no event shall (i) shares tendered or withheld on the exercise of Options or other Award for the payment of the exercise or purchase price, (ii) shares not issued upon the settlement of a SAR that settles in shares of Common Stock (or could settle in shares of Common Stock), or (iii) shares purchased on the open market with cash proceeds from the exercise of Options, again become available for other Awards under the Plan.
(d) Shares of Common Stock issued by the Company in settlement of Awards may be authorized and unissued shares, shares held in the treasury of the Company, shares purchased on the open market or by private purchase or a combination of the foregoing.
6. Eligibility . Participation in the Plan shall be limited to Eligible Directors.
7. Options .
(a) General . Each Option granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement, which agreement need not be the same for each Participant. Each Option so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 7, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement. All Options granted under the Plan shall be nonqualified stock options.
(b) Exercise Price . The exercise price ( Exercise Price ) per share of Common Stock for each Option shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of such share (determined as of the Date of Grant).
7
(c) Vesting and Expiration; Termination .
(i) Options shall vest and become exercisable in such manner and on such date or dates or upon such event or events as determined by the Committee. Options shall expire upon a date determined by the Committee, not to exceed ten (10) years from the Date of Grant (the Option Period ); provided , that if the Option Period would expire at a time when trading in the shares of Common Stock is prohibited by the Companys insider trading policy (or Company-imposed blackout period), then the Option Period shall be automatically extended until the thirtieth (30 th ) day following the expiration of such prohibition.
(ii) Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, whether in an Award Agreement or otherwise, in the event of a Participants Termination due to death or Disability, each outstanding Option granted to such Participant shall become fully vested and immediately exercisable as of the date of such Termination.
(iii) Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, whether in an Award Agreement or otherwise, (A) in the event of a Participants Termination by any member of the Company Group for Cause, all outstanding Options granted to such Participant shall immediately terminate and expire, and (B) in the event of a Participants Termination due to death or Disability, after taking into account any accelerated vesting under the above clause (ii), each outstanding vested Option shall remain exercisable for one (1) year thereafter (but in no event beyond the expiration of the Option Period).
(d) Method of Exercise and Form of Payment . No shares of Common Stock shall be issued pursuant to any exercise of an Option until payment in full of the Exercise Price therefor is received by the Company and the Participant has paid to the Company an amount equal to any Federal, state, local and non-U.S. income, employment and any other applicable taxes required to be withheld. Options which have become exercisable may be exercised by delivery of written or electronic notice of exercise to the Company (or telephonic instructions to the extent provided by the Committee) in accordance with the terms of the Option accompanied by payment of the Exercise Price. The Exercise Price shall be payable: (i) in cash, check, cash equivalent and/or shares of Common Stock valued at the Fair Market Value at the time the Option is exercised (including, pursuant to procedures approved by the Committee, by means of attestation of ownership of a sufficient number of shares of Common Stock in lieu of actual issuance of such shares to the Company); provided , that such shares of Common Stock are not subject to any pledge or other security interest and have been held by the Participant for any period of time as established from time to time by the Committee in order to avoid adverse accounting treatment applying generally accepted accounting principles ( GAAP ); or (ii) by such other method as the Committee may permit, in its sole discretion, including, without limitation (A) in other property having a fair market value on the date of exercise equal to the Exercise Price; (B) if there is a public market for the shares of Common Stock at such time, by means of a broker-assisted cashless exercise pursuant to which the Company is delivered (including telephonically to the extent permitted by the Committee) a copy of irrevocable instructions to a stockbroker to sell the shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable upon the exercise of the Option and to deliver promptly to the Company an amount equal to the Exercise Price; or (C) a net exercise procedure effected by withholding the minimum number of shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable in respect of an Option that are needed to pay the Exercise Price. Any fractional shares of Common Stock shall be settled in cash.
8
(e) Compliance With Laws, etc . Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall a Participant be permitted to exercise an Option in a manner which the Committee determines would violate the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as it may be amended from time to time, or any other applicable law or the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission or the applicable rules and regulations of any securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system on which the securities of the Company are listed or traded.
8. Stock Appreciation Rights .
(a) General . Each SAR granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each SAR so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 8, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement. Any Option granted under the Plan may include tandem SARs. The Committee also may award SARs to Eligible Directors independent of any Option.
(b) Strike Price . The strike price ( Strike Price ) per share of Common Stock for each SAR shall not be less than 100% of the Fair Market Value of such share (determined as of the Date of Grant). Notwithstanding the foregoing, a SAR granted in tandem with (or in substitution for) an Option previously granted shall have a Strike Price equal to the Exercise Price of the corresponding Option.
(c) Vesting and Expiration; Termination .
(i) A SAR granted in connection with an Option shall become exercisable and shall expire according to the same vesting schedule and expiration provisions as the corresponding Option. A SAR granted independent of an Option shall vest and become exercisable in such a manner and on such date or dates or upon such event or events as determined by the Committee. SARs shall expire upon a date determined by the Committee, not to exceed ten (10) years from the Date of Grant (the SAR Period ); provided , that if the SAR Period would expire at a time when trading in the shares of Common Stock is prohibited by the Companys insider trading policy (or Company-imposed blackout period), then the SAR Period shall be automatically extended until the 30th day following the expiration of such prohibition.
(ii) Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, whether in an Award Agreement or otherwise, in the event of a Participants Termination due to death or Disability, outstanding SARs granted to such Participant shall become fully vested and immediately exercisable as of the date of such Termination.
(iii) Unless otherwise provided by the Committee, whether in an Award Agreement or otherwise, (A) in the event of a Participants Termination by any member of the Company Group for Cause, all outstanding SARs granted to such Participant shall immediately terminate and expire, and (B) in the event of a Participants Termination due to death or Disability, each outstanding vested SAR granted to such Participant shall remain exercisable for one (1) year thereafter (but in no event beyond the expiration of the SAR Period).
9
(d) Method of Exercise . SARs which have become exercisable may be exercised by delivery of written or electronic notice of exercise to the Company in accordance with the terms of the Award, specifying the number of SARs to be exercised and the date on which such SARs were awarded.
(e) Payment . Upon the exercise of a SAR, the Company shall pay to the Participant an amount equal to the number of shares subject to the SAR that is being exercised multiplied by the excess of the Fair Market Value of one (1) share of Common Stock on the exercise date over the Strike Price, less an amount equal to any Federal, state, local and non-U.S. income, employment and any other applicable taxes required to be withheld. The Company shall pay such amount in cash, in shares of Common Stock valued at Fair Market Value, or any combination thereof, as determined by the Committee. Any fractional shares of Common Stock shall be settled in cash.
9. Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units .
(a) General . Each grant of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit so granted shall be subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 9, and to such other conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement.
(b) Stock Certificates and Book-Entry; Escrow or Similar Arrangement . Upon the grant of Restricted Stock, the Committee shall cause a stock certificate registered in the name of the Participant to be issued or shall cause share(s) of Common Stock to be registered in the name of the Participant and held in book-entry form subject to the Companys directions and, if the Committee determines that the Restricted Stock shall be held by the Company or in escrow rather than issued to the Participant pending the release of the applicable restrictions, the Committee may require the Participant to additionally execute and deliver to the Company (i) an escrow agreement satisfactory to the Committee, if applicable; and (ii) the appropriate stock power (endorsed in blank) with respect to the Restricted Stock covered by such agreement. If a Participant shall fail to execute and deliver (in a manner permitted under Section 13(a) of the Plan or as otherwise determined by the Committee) an agreement evidencing an Award of Restricted Stock and, if applicable, an escrow agreement and blank stock power within the amount of time specified by the Committee, the Award shall be null and void. Subject to the restrictions set forth in this Section 9 and the applicable Award Agreement, a Participant generally shall have the rights and privileges of a stockholder as to shares of Restricted Stock, including, without limitation, the right to vote such Restricted Stock. To the extent shares of Restricted Stock are forfeited, any stock certificates issued to the Participant evidencing such shares shall be returned to the Company, and all rights of the Participant to such shares and as a stockholder with respect thereto shall terminate without further obligation on the part of the Company. A Participant shall have no rights or privileges as a stockholder as to Restricted Stock Units.
10
(c) Vesting; Termination . Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units shall vest, and any applicable Restricted Period shall lapse, in such manner and on such date or dates or upon such event or events as determined by the Committee.
(d) Issuance of Restricted Stock and Settlement of Restricted Stock Units .
(i) Upon the expiration of the Restricted Period with respect to any shares of Restricted Stock, the restrictions set forth in the applicable Award Agreement shall be of no further force or effect with respect to such shares, except as set forth in the applicable Award Agreement. If an escrow arrangement is used, upon such expiration, the Company shall issue to the Participant, or the Participants beneficiary, without charge, the stock certificate (or, if applicable, a notice evidencing a book-entry notation) evidencing the shares of Restricted Stock which have not then been forfeited and with respect to which the Restricted Period has expired (rounded down to the nearest full share). Dividends, if any, that may have been withheld by the Committee and attributable to any particular share of Restricted Stock shall be distributed to the Participant in cash or, in the sole discretion of the Committee, in shares of Common Stock having a Fair Market Value (on the date of distribution) equal to the amount of such dividends, upon the release of restrictions on such share and, if such share is forfeited, the Participant shall have no right to such dividends.
(ii) Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in an Award Agreement or otherwise, upon the expiration of the Restricted Period with respect to any outstanding Restricted Stock Units, the Company shall issue to the Participant or the Participants beneficiary, without charge, one (1) share of Common Stock (or other securities or other property, as applicable) for each such outstanding Restricted Stock Unit; provided, however , that the Committee may, in its sole discretion, elect to (A) pay cash or part cash and part shares of Common Stock in lieu of issuing only shares of Common Stock in respect of such Restricted Stock Units; or (B) defer the issuance of shares of Common Stock (or cash or part cash and part shares of Common Stock, as the case may be) beyond the expiration of the Restricted Period if such extension would not cause adverse tax consequences under Section 409A of the Code. If a cash payment is made in lieu of issuing shares of Common Stock in respect of such Restricted Stock Units, the amount of such payment shall be equal to the Fair Market Value per share of the Common Stock as of the date on which the Restricted Period lapsed with respect to such Restricted Stock Units. To the extent provided in an Award Agreement or otherwise, upon the payment by the Company of dividends on shares of Common Stock, the holder of outstanding Restricted Stock Units shall be entitled to be credited with dividend equivalent payments in cash (unless, the Committee, in its sole discretion, elects to credit such payments in shares of Common Stock or additional Restricted Stock Units having a Fair Market Value equal to the amount of such dividend), and interest may, in the sole discretion of the Committee, be credited on the amount of cash dividend equivalents at a rate and subject to such terms as determined by the Committee, which accumulated dividend equivalents (and earnings or interest thereon, if applicable) shall be payable at the same time as the underlying Restricted Stock Units are settled following the date on which the Restricted Period lapses with respect to such Restricted Stock Units, and, if such Restricted Stock Units are forfeited, the Participant shall have no right to such dividend equivalent payments (or earnings or interest thereon, if applicable).
11
(e) Legends on Restricted Stock . Each certificate, if any, or book entry representing Restricted Stock awarded under the Plan, if any, shall bear a legend or book entry notation substantially in the form of the following, in addition to any other information the Company deems appropriate, until the lapse of all restrictions with respect to such shares of Common Stock:
TRANSFER OF THIS CERTIFICATE AND THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY IS RESTRICTED PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF THE HILTON GRAND VACATIONS INC. 2017 STOCK PLAN FOR NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS AND A RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT BETWEEN HILTON GRAND VACATIONS INC. AND PARTICIPANT. A COPY OF SUCH PLAN AND AWARD AGREEMENT IS ON FILE AT THE PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES OF HILTON GRAND VACATIONS INC.
10. Other Equity-Based Awards . The Committee may grant Other Equity-Based Awards under the Plan to Eligible Directors, alone or in tandem with other Awards, in such amounts and dependent on such conditions as the Committee shall from time to time in its sole discretion determine. Each Other Equity-Based Award granted under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement. Each Other Equity-Based Award so granted shall be subject to such conditions not inconsistent with the Plan as may be reflected in the applicable Award Agreement or other form evidencing such Award, including, without limitation, those set forth in Section 13(a) of the Plan.
11. Changes in Capital Structure and Similar Events . Notwithstanding any other provision in this Plan to the contrary, the following provisions shall apply to all Awards granted hereunder:
(a) General . In the event of (i) any dividend (other than regular cash dividends) or other distribution (whether in the form of cash, shares of Common Stock, other securities or other property), recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, split-up, split-off, spin-off, combination, repurchase or exchange of shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company, issuance of warrants or other rights to acquire shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company, or other similar corporate transaction or event that affects the shares of Common Stock (including a Change in Control); or (ii) unusual or nonrecurring events affecting the Company, including changes in applicable rules, rulings, regulations or other requirements, that the Committee determines, in its sole discretion, could result in substantial dilution or enlargement of the rights intended to be granted to, or available for, Participants (any event in (i) or (ii), an Adjustment Event ), the Committee shall, in respect of any such Adjustment Event, make such proportionate substitution or adjustment, if any, as it deems equitable, to any or all of (A) the Absolute Share Limit, or any other limit applicable under the Plan with respect to the number of Awards which may be granted hereunder; (B) the number of shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company (or number and kind of other securities or other property) which may be issued in respect of Awards or with respect to which Awards may be granted under the Plan; and (C) the
12
terms of any outstanding Award, including, without limitation, (I) the number of shares of Common Stock or other securities of the Company (or number and kind of other securities or other property) subject to outstanding Awards or to which outstanding Awards relate; or (II) the Exercise Price or Strike Price with respect to any Award; provided , that in the case of any equity restructuring (within the meaning of the Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 (or any successor pronouncement thereto)), the Committee shall make an equitable or proportionate adjustment to outstanding Awards to reflect such equity restructuring.
(b) Adjustment Events . Without limiting the foregoing, except as may otherwise be provided in an Award Agreement, in connection with any Adjustment Event, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide for any one or more of the following:
(i) substitution or assumption of Awards (or awards of an acquiring company), acceleration of the vesting of, exercisability of, lapse of restrictions on, or termination of, Awards, or establishment of a period of time (which shall not be required to be more than ten (10) days) for Participants to exercise outstanding Awards prior to the occurrence of such event (and any such Award not so exercised shall terminate upon the occurrence of such event);
(ii) cancellation of any one or more outstanding Awards and payment to the holders of such Awards that are vested as of such cancellation (including, without limitation, any Awards that would vest as a result of the occurrence of such event but for such cancellation or for which vesting is accelerated by the Committee in connection with such event pursuant to clause (i) above), the value of such Awards, if any, as determined by the Committee (which value, if applicable, may be based upon the price per share of Common Stock received or to be received by other stockholders of the Company in such event), including, without limitation, in the case of an outstanding Option or SAR, a cash payment in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value (as of a date specified by the Committee) of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Option or SAR over the aggregate Exercise Price or Strike Price of such Option or SAR (it being understood that, in such event, any Option or SAR having a per share Exercise Price or Strike Price equal to, or in excess of, the Fair Market Value of a share of Common Stock subject thereto may be canceled and terminated without any payment or consideration therefor), or, in the case of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Other Equity-Based Awards that are not vested as of such cancellation, a cash payment or equity subject to deferred vesting and delivery consistent with the vesting restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Other Equity-Based Awards prior to cancellation, or the underlying shares in respect thereof; and
(iii) subject to any limitations or reductions as may be necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Code, conversion or replacement of any Award that is not vested as of the occurrence of such event into or with the right to receive a payment, based on the value of the Award (as determined consistent with clause (ii) above), which is subject to continued vesting on the same basis as the vesting requirements applicable to such converted or replaced Award.
13
Payments to holders pursuant to clauses (ii) or (iii) above shall be made in cash or, in the sole discretion of the Committee, in the form of such other consideration necessary for a Participant to receive property, cash, or securities (or combination thereof) as such Participant would have been entitled to receive upon the occurrence of the transaction if the Participant had been, immediately prior to such transaction, the holder of the number of shares of Common Stock covered by the Award at such time (less any applicable Exercise Price or Strike Price).
(c) Other Requirements . Prior to any payment or adjustment contemplated under this Section 11, the Committee may require a Participant to (i) represent and warrant as to the unencumbered title to the Participants Awards; (ii) bear such Participants pro rata share of any post-closing indemnity obligations, and be subject to the same post-closing purchase price adjustments, escrow terms, offset rights, holdback terms, and similar conditions as the other holders of Common Stock, subject to any limitations or reductions as may be necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Code; and (iii) deliver customary transfer documentation as reasonably determined by the Committee.
(d) Fractional Shares . Any adjustment provided under this Section 11 may provide for the elimination of any fractional share that might otherwise become subject to an Award.
(e) Binding Effect . Any adjustment, substitution, determination of value or other action taken by the Committee under this Section 11 shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes.
12. Amendments and Termination .
(a) Amendment and Termination of the Plan . The Board may amend, alter, suspend, discontinue, or terminate the Plan or any portion thereof at any time; provided , that no such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance or termination shall be made without stockholder approval if (i) such approval is necessary to comply with any regulatory requirement applicable to the Plan (including, without limitation, as necessary to comply with any rules or regulations of any securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system on which the securities of the Company may be listed or quoted) or for changes in GAAP to new accounting standards; (ii) it would materially increase the number of securities which may be issued under the Plan (except for increases pursuant to Section 5 or 11 of the Plan); or (iii) it would materially modify the requirements for participation in the Plan; provided, further , that any such amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance or termination that would materially and adversely affect the rights of any Participant or any holder or beneficiary of any Award theretofore granted shall not to that extent be effective without the consent of the affected Participant, holder or beneficiary. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no amendment shall be made to the last proviso of Section 12(b) of the Plan without stockholder approval.
(b) Amendment of Award Agreements . The Committee may, to the extent consistent with the terms of the Plan and any applicable Award Agreement, waive any conditions or rights under, amend any terms of, or alter, suspend, discontinue, cancel or terminate, any Award theretofore granted or the associated Award Agreement, prospectively or retroactively (including after a Participants Termination); provided , that, other than pursuant to Section 11, any such waiver, amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance, cancellation or
14
termination that would materially and adversely affect the rights of any Participant with respect to any Award theretofore granted shall not to that extent be effective without the consent of the affected Participant.
(c) No Repricing . Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, without stockholder approval, except as otherwise permitted under Section 11 of the Plan, (i) no amendment or modification may reduce the Exercise Price of any Option or the Strike Price of any SAR; (ii) the Committee may not cancel any outstanding Option or SAR and replace it with a new Option or SAR (with a lower Exercise Price or Strike Price, as the case may be) or other Award or cash payment that is greater than the intrinsic value (if any) of the cancelled Option or SAR; and (iii) the Committee may not take any other action which is considered a repricing for purposes of the stockholder approval rules of any securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system on which the securities of the Company are listed or quoted.
13. General .
(a) Award Agreements . Each Award under the Plan shall be evidenced by an Award Agreement, which shall be delivered to the Participant to whom such Award was granted and shall specify the terms and conditions of the Award and any rules applicable thereto, including, without limitation, the effect on such Award of a Termination of a Participant, or of such other events as may be determined by the Committee. For purposes of the Plan, an Award Agreement may be in any such form (written or electronic) as determined by the Committee (including, without limitation, a Board or Committee resolution, a notice, a certificate or a letter) evidencing the Award. The Committee need not require an Award Agreement to be signed by the Participant or a duly authorized representative of the Company or a Subsidiary.
(b) Nontransferability . Each Award shall be exercisable only by such Participant to whom such Award was granted during the Participants lifetime, or, if permissible under applicable law, by the Participants legal guardian or representative. No Award may be assigned, alienated, pledged, attached, sold or otherwise transferred or encumbered by a Participant (unless such transfer is specifically required pursuant to a domestic relations order or by applicable law) other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution and any such purported assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance shall be void and unenforceable against any member of the Company Group; provided , that the designation of a beneficiary shall not constitute an assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or encumbrance.
(c) Dividends and Dividend Equivalents . The Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide a Participant as part of an Award with dividends, dividend equivalents, or similar payments in respect of Awards, payable in cash, shares of Common Stock, other securities, other Awards or other property, on a current or deferred basis, on such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Committee in its sole discretion, including, without limitation, payment directly to the Participant, withholding of such amounts by the Company subject to vesting of the Award or reinvestment in additional shares of Common Stock, Restricted Stock or other Awards; provided , that no dividends, dividend equivalents or other similar payments shall be payable in respect of outstanding Options or SARs.
15
(d) Tax Withholding .
(i) A Participant shall be required to pay to the Company or one or more of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, an amount in cash (by check or wire transfer) equal to the aggregate amount of any income, employment and/or other applicable taxes that are statutorily required to be withheld in respect of an Award. Alternatively, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries may elect, in its sole discretion, to satisfy this requirement by withholding such amount from any cash compensation or other cash amounts owing to a Participant.
(ii) Without limiting the foregoing, the Committee may (but is not obligated to), in its sole discretion, permit or require a Participant to satisfy, all or any portion of the minimum income, employment and/or other applicable taxes that are statutorily required to be withheld with respect to an Award by (A) the delivery of shares of Common Stock (which are not subject to any pledge or other security interest) that have been both held by the Participant and vested for any period of time as established from time to time by the Committee in order to avoid adverse accounting treatment under GAAP) having an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to such minimum statutorily required withholding liability (or portion thereof); or (B) having the Company withhold from the shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable or deliverable to, or that would otherwise be retained by, the Participant upon the grant, exercise, vesting or settlement of the Award, as applicable, a number of shares of Common Stock with an aggregate Fair Market Value equal to an amount, subject to clause (iii) below, not in excess of such minimum statutorily required withholding liability (or portion thereof).
(iii) The Committee, subject to its having considered the applicable accounting impact of any such determination, has full discretion to allow Participants to satisfy, in whole or in part, any additional income, employment and/or other applicable taxes payable by them with respect to an Award by electing to have the Company withhold from the shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable or deliverable to, or that would otherwise be retained by, a Participant upon the grant, exercise, vesting or settlement of the Award, as applicable, shares of Common Stock having an aggregate Fair Market Value that is greater than the applicable minimum required statutory withholding liability (but such withholding may in no event be in excess of the maximum statutory withholding amount(s) in a Participants relevant tax jurisdictions).
(e) Data Protection . By participating in the Plan or accepting any rights granted under it, each Participant consents to the collection and processing of personal data relating to the Participant so that the Company and its Affiliates can fulfill their obligations and exercise their rights under the Plan and generally administer and manage the Plan. This data will include, but may not be limited to, data about participation in the Plan and shares offered or received, purchased, or sold under the Plan from time to time and other appropriate financial and other data (such as the date on which the Awards were granted) about the Participant and the Participants participation in the Plan.
(f) No Claim to Awards; No Rights to Continued Service; Waiver . No employee of any member of the Company Group, member of the Board, or other Person, shall have any
16
claim or right to be granted an Award under the Plan or, having been selected for the grant of an Award, to be selected for a grant of any other Award. There is no obligation for uniformity of treatment of Participants or holders or beneficiaries of Awards. The terms and conditions of Awards and the Committees determinations and interpretations with respect thereto need not be the same with respect to each Participant and may be made selectively among Participants, whether or not such Participants are similarly situated. Neither the Plan nor any action taken hereunder shall be construed as giving any Participant any right to be retained in the employ or service of any other member of the Company Group, nor shall it be construed as giving any Participant any rights to continued service on the Board. The Participants service as a member of the Board may be terminated free from any liability or any claim under the Plan, unless otherwise expressly provided in the Plan or any Award Agreement. By accepting an Award under the Plan, a Participant shall thereby be deemed to have waived any claim to continued exercise or vesting of an Award or to damages or severance entitlement related to non-continuation of the Award beyond the period provided under the Plan or any Award Agreement, except to the extent of any provision to the contrary in any written services contract or other agreement between any member of the Company Group and the Participant, whether any such agreement is executed before, on or after the Date of Grant.
(g) Designation and Change of Beneficiary . Each Participant may file with the Committee a written designation of one or more Persons as the beneficiary(ies) who shall be entitled to receive the amounts payable with respect to an Award, if any, due under the Plan upon the Participants death. A Participant may, from time to time, revoke or change the Participants beneficiary designation without the consent of any prior beneficiary by filing a new designation with the Committee. The last such designation received by the Committee shall be controlling; provided, however , that no designation, or change or revocation thereof, shall be effective unless received by the Committee prior to the Participants death, and in no event shall it be effective as of a date prior to such receipt. If no beneficiary designation is filed by a Participant, the beneficiary shall be deemed to be the Participants spouse or, if the Participant is unmarried at the time of death, the Participants estate.
(h) Termination . Except as otherwise provided in an Award Agreement, if a Participant undergoes a Termination of service as a member of the Board, but such Participant continues to provide services to the Company Group in a non-employee capacity, such change in status shall not be considered a Termination for purposes of the Plan.
(i) No Rights as a Stockholder . Except as otherwise specifically provided in the Plan or any Award Agreement, no Person shall be entitled to the privileges of ownership in respect of shares of Common Stock which are subject to Awards hereunder until such shares have been issued or delivered to such Person.
(j) Government and Other Regulations .
(i) The obligation of the Company to settle Awards in shares of Common Stock or other consideration shall be subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, and to such approvals by governmental agencies as may be required. Notwithstanding any terms or conditions of any Award to the contrary, the Company shall be under no obligation to offer to sell or to sell, and shall be prohibited from offering to sell or selling,
17
any shares of Common Stock pursuant to an Award unless such shares have been properly registered for sale pursuant to the Securities Act with the Securities and Exchange Commission or unless the Company has received an opinion of counsel (if the Company has requested such an opinion), satisfactory to the Company, that such shares may be offered or sold without such registration pursuant to an available exemption therefrom and the terms and conditions of such exemption have been fully complied with. The Company shall be under no obligation to register for sale under the Securities Act any of the shares of Common Stock to be offered or sold under the Plan. The Committee shall have the authority to provide that all shares of Common Stock or other securities of any member of the Company Group issued under the Plan shall be subject to such stop transfer orders and other restrictions as the Committee may deem advisable under the Plan, the applicable Award Agreement, the Federal securities laws, or the rules, regulations and other requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission, any securities exchange or inter-dealer quotation system on which the securities of the Company are listed or quoted and any other applicable Federal, state, local or non-U.S. laws, rules, regulations and other requirements, and, without limiting the generality of Section 9 of the Plan, the Committee may cause a legend or legends to be put on certificates representing shares of Common Stock or other securities of any member of the Company Group issued under the Plan to make appropriate reference to such restrictions or may cause such Common Stock or other securities of any member of the Company Group issued under the Plan in book-entry form to be held subject to the Companys instructions or subject to appropriate stop-transfer orders. Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan to the contrary, the Committee reserves the right to add any additional terms or provisions to any Award granted under the Plan that the Committee, in its sole discretion, deems necessary or advisable in order that such Award complies with the legal requirements of any governmental entity to whose jurisdiction the Award is subject.
(ii) The Committee may cancel an Award or any portion thereof if it determines, in its sole discretion, that legal or contractual restrictions and/or blockage and/or other market considerations would make the Companys acquisition of shares of Common Stock from the public markets, the Companys issuance of Common Stock to the Participant, the Participants acquisition of Common Stock from the Company and/or the Participants sale of Common Stock to the public markets, illegal, impracticable or inadvisable. If the Committee determines to cancel all or any portion of an Award in accordance with the foregoing, the Company shall, subject to any limitations or reductions as may be necessary to comply with Section 409A of the Code, (A) pay to the Participant an amount equal to the excess of (I) the aggregate Fair Market Value of the shares of Common Stock subject to such Award or portion thereof canceled (determined as of the applicable exercise date, or the date that the shares would have been vested or issued, as applicable); over (II) the aggregate Exercise Price or Strike Price (in the case of an Option or SAR, respectively) or any amount payable as a condition of issuance of shares of Common Stock (in the case of any other Award). Such amount shall be delivered to the Participant as soon as practicable following the cancellation of such Award or portion thereof, or (B) in the case of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Other Equity-Based Awards, provide the Participant with a cash payment or equity subject to deferred vesting and delivery consistent with the vesting restrictions applicable to such Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or Other Equity-Based Awards, or the underlying shares in respect thereof.
18
(k) No Section 83(b) Elections Without Consent of Company . No election under Section 83(b) of the Code or under a similar provision of law may be made unless expressly permitted by the terms of the applicable Award Agreement or by action of the Committee in writing prior to the making of such election. If a Participant, in connection with the acquisition of shares of Common Stock under the Plan or otherwise, is expressly permitted to make such election and the Participant makes the election, the Participant shall notify the Company of such election within ten (10) days of filing notice of the election with the Internal Revenue Service or other governmental authority, in addition to any filing and notification required pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code or other applicable provision.
(l) Payments to Persons Other Than Participants . If the Committee shall find that any Person to whom any amount is payable under the Plan is unable to care for the Participants affairs because of illness or accident, or is a minor, or has died, then any payment due to such Person or the Participants estate (unless a prior claim therefor has been made by a duly appointed legal representative) may, if the Committee so directs the Company, be paid to the Participants spouse, child, relative, an institution maintaining or having custody of such Person, or any other Person deemed by the Committee to be a proper recipient on behalf of such Person otherwise entitled to payment. Any such payment shall be a complete discharge of the liability of the Committee and the Company therefor.
(m) Nonexclusivity of the Plan . Neither the adoption of the Plan by the Board nor the submission of the Plan to the stockholders of the Company for approval shall be construed as creating any limitations on the power of the Board to adopt such other incentive arrangements as it may deem desirable, including, without limitation, the granting of equity-based awards otherwise than under the Plan, and such arrangements may be either applicable generally or only in specific cases.
(n) No Trust or Fund Created . Neither the Plan nor any Award shall create or be construed to create a trust or separate fund of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between any member of the Company Group, on the one hand, and a Participant or other Person, on the other hand. No provision of the Plan or any Award shall require the Company, for the purpose of satisfying any obligations under the Plan, to purchase assets or place any assets in a trust or other entity to which contributions are made or otherwise to segregate any assets, nor shall the Company be obligated to maintain separate bank accounts, books, records or other evidence of the existence of a segregated or separately maintained or administered fund for such purposes. Participants shall have no rights under the Plan other than as unsecured general creditors of the Company, except that insofar as they may have become entitled to payment of additional compensation by performance of services, they shall have the same rights as other service providers under general law.
(o) Reliance on Reports . Each member of the Committee and each member of the Board shall be fully justified in acting or failing to act, as the case may be, and shall not be liable for having so acted or failed to act in good faith, in reliance upon any report made by the independent public accountant of any member of the Company Group and/or any other information furnished in connection with the Plan by any agent of the Company or the Committee or the Board, other than himself or herself.
19
(p) Governing Law . The Plan shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware applicable to contracts made and performed wholly within the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the conflict of laws provisions thereof. EACH PARTICIPANT WHO ACCEPTS AN AWARD IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ALL RIGHT TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY SUIT, ACTION, OR OTHER PROCEEDING INSTITUTED BY OR AGAINST SUCH PARTICIPANT IN RESPECT OF THE PARTICIPANTS RIGHTS OR OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER.
(q) Severability . If any provision of the Plan or any Award or Award Agreement is or becomes or is deemed to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any jurisdiction or as to any Person or Award, or would disqualify the Plan or any Award under any law deemed applicable by the Committee, such provision shall be construed or deemed amended to conform to the applicable laws, or if it cannot be construed or deemed amended without, in the determination of the Committee, materially altering the intent of the Plan or the Award, such provision shall be construed or deemed stricken as to such jurisdiction, Person or Award and the remainder of the Plan and any such Award shall remain in full force and effect.
(r) Obligations Binding on Successors . The obligations of the Company under the Plan shall be binding upon any successor corporation or organization resulting from the merger, consolidation or other reorganization of the Company, or upon any successor corporation or organization succeeding to substantially all of the assets and business of the Company.
(s) Section 409A of the Code .
(i) Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, it is intended that the provisions of the Plan comply with Section 409A of the Code, and all provisions of the Plan shall be construed and interpreted in a manner consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Section 409A of the Code. Each Participant is solely responsible and liable for the satisfaction of all taxes and penalties that may be imposed on or in respect of such Participant in connection with the Plan (including any taxes and penalties under Section 409A of the Code), and no member of the Company Group shall have any obligation to indemnify or otherwise hold such Participant (or any beneficiary) harmless from any or all of such taxes or penalties. With respect to any Award that is considered deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code, references in the Plan to termination of employment or termination of service (and substantially similar phrases) shall mean separation from service within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code. For purposes of Section 409A of the Code, each of the payments that may be made in respect of any Award granted under the Plan is designated as separate payments.
(ii) Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, if a Participant is a specified employee within the meaning of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, no payments in respect of any Awards that are deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code and which would otherwise be payable upon the Participants
20
separation from service (as defined in Section 409A of the Code) shall be made to such Participant prior to the date that is six (6) months after the date of such Participants separation from service or, if earlier, the date of the Participants death. Following any applicable six (6) month delay, all such delayed payments will be paid in a single lump sum on the earliest date permitted under Section 409A of the Code that is also a business day.
(iii) Unless otherwise provided by the Committee in an Award Agreement or otherwise, in the event that the timing of payments in respect of any Award (that would otherwise be considered deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code) would be accelerated upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, no such acceleration shall be permitted unless the event giving rise to the Change in Control satisfies the definition of a change in the ownership or effective control of a corporation, or a change in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets of a corporation pursuant to Section 409A of the Code.
(t) Clawback/Repayment . All Awards shall be subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment to the extent necessary to comply with (i) any clawback, forfeiture or other similar policy adopted by the Board or the Committee and as in effect from time to time; and (ii) applicable law. Further, to the extent that the Participant receives any amount in excess of the amount that the Participant should otherwise have received under the terms of the Award for any reason (including, without limitation, by reason of a financial restatement, mistake in calculations or other administrative error), the Participant shall be required to repay any such excess amount to the Company.
(u) Right of Offset . The Company will have the right to offset against its obligation to deliver shares of Common Stock (or other property or cash) under the Plan or any Award Agreement any outstanding amounts that the Participant then owes to any member of the Company Group and any amounts the Committee otherwise deems appropriate pursuant to any tax equalization policy or agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if an Award is deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code, the Committee will have no right to offset against its obligation to deliver shares of Common Stock (or other property or cash) under the Plan or any Award Agreement if such offset could subject the Participant to the additional tax imposed under Section 409A of the Code in respect of an outstanding Award.
(v) Expenses; Titles and Headings . The expenses of administering the Plan shall be borne by the Company Group. The titles and headings of the sections in the Plan are for convenience of reference only, and in the event of any conflict, the text of the Plan, rather than such titles or headings, shall control.
21
Exhibit 10.10
HILTON RESORTS CORPORATION
2017 EXECUTIVE DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
(Effective as of January 3, 2017)
HILTON RESORTS CORPORATION
EXECUTIVE DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE I TITLE AND DEFINITIONS |
1 | |||||
Section 1.1 |
Title |
1 | ||||
Section 1.2 |
Definitions |
1 | ||||
ARTICLE II PARTICIPATION |
5 | |||||
ARTICLE III DEFERRAL ELECTIONS |
5 | |||||
Section 3.1 |
Elections to Defer Compensation |
5 | ||||
Section 3.2 |
Distribution Elections |
7 | ||||
Section 3.3 |
Investment Elections |
8 | ||||
Section 3.4 |
Subsequent Elections |
9 | ||||
ARTICLE IV DISTRIBUTION OPTION ACCOUNTS |
9 | |||||
Section 4.1 |
Compensation Deferrals |
9 | ||||
Section 4.2 |
Company Contribution |
10 | ||||
Section 4.3 |
Investment Return |
10 | ||||
ARTICLE V VESTING |
10 | |||||
Section 5.1 |
Compensation Deferral |
10 | ||||
Section 5.2 |
Company Contribution |
10 | ||||
ARTICLE VI DISTRIBUTIONS |
11 | |||||
Section 6.1 |
Form and Timing of Distribution |
11 | ||||
Section 6.2 |
Small Benefit Cashout |
12 | ||||
Section 6.3 |
Payout |
12 | ||||
Section 6.4 |
Financial Hardship of Participant |
12 | ||||
Section 6.5 |
Permissible Distribution Event |
13 | ||||
Section 6.6 |
Payment by Trust |
13 | ||||
Section 6.7 |
Inability to Locate Participant |
13 | ||||
ARTICLE VII CHANGE IN CONTROL |
14 | |||||
ARTICLE VIII DEATH BENEFITS |
14 | |||||
ARTICLE IX CLAIMS PROCEDURES |
14 | |||||
Section 9.1 |
Claims |
14 | ||||
Section 9.2 |
Appeal |
14 | ||||
Section 9.3 |
Authority |
15 |
i
ARTICLE X ADMINISTRATION |
15 | |||||
Section 10.1 |
Administrator |
15 | ||||
Section 10.2 |
Administrator Action |
15 | ||||
Section 10.3 |
Powers and Duties of the Administrator |
16 | ||||
Section 10.4 |
Construction and Interpretation |
16 | ||||
Section 10.5 |
Information |
17 | ||||
Section 10.6 |
Compensation, Expenses and Indemnity |
17 | ||||
Section 10.7 |
Quarterly Statements |
17 | ||||
ARTICLE XI MISCELLANEOUS |
17 | |||||
Section 11.1 |
Unsecured General Creditor |
17 | ||||
Section 11.2 |
Restriction Against Assignment |
18 | ||||
Section 11.3 |
Withholding |
18 | ||||
Section 11.4 |
Amendment, Modification, Suspension or Termination |
18 | ||||
Section 11.5 |
Governing Law |
18 | ||||
Section 11.6 |
Receipt or Release |
18 | ||||
Section 11.7 |
Payments on Behalf of Persons Under Incapacity |
19 | ||||
Section 11.8 |
Headings |
19 |
ii
HILTON RESORTS CORPORATION
2017 EXECUTIVE DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN
WHEREAS, Hilton Resorts Corporation hereby establishes a deferred compensation plan (the Plan), effective as of the Effective Date, for deferrals with respect to Compensation to be earned or to be otherwise paid on or after the Effective Date, to provide supplemental retirement income benefits for a select group of management and highly compensated employees through deferrals of base salary and bonus compensation and, to the extent applicable, Company contributions; and
WHEREAS, as of the Effective Date, the account balances of certain participants in the Prior Plan were transferred to an Account under this Plan (the Transferred Balances). The Transferred Balances are balances deferred by HGV Employees under the Prior Plan, and the time and form of payment of the Transferred Balances shall be the same under this Plan as under the Prior Plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, the Plan is hereby established, on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth:
ARTICLE I
TITLE AND DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1 Title .
This Plan shall be known as the Hilton Resorts Corporation 2017 Executive Deferred Compensation Plan.
Section 1.2 Definitions .
Whenever the following words and phrases are used in this Plan, with the first letter capitalized, they shall have the meanings specified below.
Administrator shall mean the Person or Persons appointed by the Committee to administer the Plan in accordance with Article X, or such Person or Persons delegate.
Base Salary Deferral shall mean that portion of Base Salary as to which an Eligible Employee has made an irrevocable election to defer receipt of until the date specified under the In-Service Distribution Option, the Separation Distribution Option, and/or as otherwise specified under this Plan.
Beneficiary or Beneficiaries shall mean the Person or Persons, including a trustee, personal representative or other fiduciary, last designated in writing by a Participant in accordance with procedures established by the Administrator to receive all of the benefits specified hereunder in the event of the Participants death. No Beneficiary designation shall become effective until it is filed with the Administrator. If there is no Beneficiary designation in effect, or if there is no surviving designated Beneficiary, then the Participants surviving spouse shall be the Beneficiary. If there is no surviving spouse to receive any benefits payable in accordance with the preceding sentence, the duly appointed and currently acting personal
1
representative of the Participants estate (which shall include either the Participants probate estate or living trust) shall be the Beneficiary. In any case where there is no such personal representative of the Participants estate duly appointed and acting in that capacity within 90 days after the Participants death (or such extended period as the Administrator determines is reasonably necessary to allow such personal representative to be appointed, but not to exceed 180 days after the Participants death), then Beneficiary shall mean the Person or Persons who can verify by affidavit or court order to the satisfaction of the Administrator that they are legally entitled to receive the benefits specified hereunder. In the event any amount is payable under the Plan to a minor, payment shall not be made to the minor, but instead be paid (i) to that Persons living parent(s) to act as custodian, (ii) if that Persons parents are then divorced, and one parent is the sole custodial parent, to such custodial parent, or (iii) if no parent of that Person is then living, to a custodian selected by the Administrator to hold the funds for the minor under the Uniform Transfers or Gifts to Minors Act in effect in the jurisdiction in which the minor resides. If no parent is living and the Administrator decides not to select another custodian to hold the funds for the minor, then payment shall be made to the duly appointed and currently acting guardian of the estate for the minor or, if no guardian of the estate for the minor is duly appointed and currently acting within 60 days after the date the amount becomes payable, payment shall be deposited with the court having jurisdiction over the estate of the minor.
Bonus Compensation Deferral shall mean that portion of Bonus Compensation as to which an Eligible Employee has made an irrevocable election to defer receipt of until the date specified under the In-Service Distribution Option and/or as otherwise specified under this Plan.
Change in Control shall mean a Change in Control under the Companys 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan, as amended from time to time, which also constitutes a change in control event under Section 409A.
Code shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Committee shall mean the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of the Company, or if no such committee exists, the full Board of Directors of the Company.
Company shall mean Hilton Resorts Corporation, any successor corporation and each corporation which is a member of a controlled group of corporations (within the meaning of Section 414(b) or (c) of the Code) of which Hilton Resorts Corporation is a component member.
Company Contribution shall equal the amount described in Section 4.2, if any.
Compensation shall mean the total salary paid to the Eligible Employee, including cash bonuses, in a Plan Year. An Eligible Employees Compensation shall consist of the Eligible Employees Base Salary as in effect from time to time during a Plan Year and the Eligible Employees Bonus Compensation which shall equal the amount of any cash incentive to be paid to an Eligible Employee under an incentive plan maintained by the Company and any other cash bonus of any kind.
Compensation Deferral means that portion of Compensation as to which a Participant has made an irrevocable election to defer receipt until the date specified under the In-Service Distribution Option, the Separation Distribution Option, and/or as otherwise specified under this Plan.
2
Disabled or Disability shall mean that a Participant is disabled due to sickness or injury which qualifies the Participant for disability payments under the Companys long term disability plan. A Participant shall be considered totally and permanently disabled on the date the Participant qualifies for such long term disability payments.
Distribution Option shall mean the two distribution options which are available under the Plan, consisting of the Separation Distribution Option and the In-Service Distribution Option.
Distribution Option Account or Accounts shall mean, with respect to a Participant, the Separation Distribution Account and/or the In-Service Distribution Account(s) established on the books of account of the Company, pursuant to Article IV, for each Participant.
Effective Date shall mean the Distribution Date as defined in the Distribution Agreement by and among Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., Park Hotels & Resorts Inc., and the Company, dated as of January 3, 2017.
Eligible Employee shall mean (i) officers of the Company at the Vice President level or higher, or (ii) Highly Compensated Employees who are selected by the Administrator to participate in the Plan pursuant to Article II.
Enrollment Agreement shall mean the authorization form which an Eligible Employee files with the Administrator to participate in the Plan and, with respect to the Plan Year in which the Effective Date occurs, the authorization form as in effect under the Prior Plan.
ERISA shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.
Fund or Funds shall mean one or more of the investments selected by the Administrator pursuant to Section 3.3(a).
HGV Employees shall mean (i) any individual designated as an HGV Employee in the Employee Matters Agreement by and between Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc., Park Hotels & Resorts Inc., and the Company, dated as of January 3, 2017, and (ii) any individual who is an Eligible Employee and who commences employment with the Company upon or following the date hereof.
Highly Compensated Employee shall mean an employee of the Company who the Administrator, in its discretion, anticipates will receive Compensation in excess of the salary limitation contained in Section 401(a)(17) of the Code for the applicable Plan Year or who the Administrator otherwise determines to be a highly compensated employee or member of a select group of management within the meaning of Sections 201(2), 301(a)(3) and 401(a)(1) of ERISA.
In-Service Distribution Account or Accounts shall mean the Account(s) maintained for a Participant to which Compensation Deferrals and Company Contributions are credited pursuant to the In-Service Distribution Option.
3
In-Service Distribution Option shall mean the Distribution Option pursuant to which benefits are payable in accordance with Article VI.
Investment Return shall mean, for each Fund, an amount equal to the net investment performance of such Fund on a given day, as determined by the Administrator.
Participant shall mean any Eligible Employee who elects to defer Compensation in accordance with Section 3.1.
Person shall mean any individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, joint stock company, trust (charitable or non-charitable), unincorporated organization, or other form of business entity.
Plan shall mean the Hilton Resorts Corporation 2017 Executive Deferred Compensation Plan set forth herein, in effect as of the Effective Date, or as amended from time to time.
Plan Year shall mean the 12 consecutive month period beginning on a January 1.
Prior Plan shall mean the Hilton Hotels 2005 Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, as amended.
Retirement shall mean a Participants Separation from Service (for reasons other than death) on or after the combination of the Participants age and Years of Vesting Service equals at least 55.
Section 409A means Section 409A of the Code and the treasury regulations promulgated thereunder.
Separation Date shall mean the date a Participant incurs a Separation from Service.
Separation Distribution Account shall mean the Account maintained for a Participant to which Compensation Deferrals and Company Contributions are credited pursuant to the Separation Distribution Option.
Separation Distribution Option shall mean the Distribution Option pursuant to which benefits are payable in accordance with Article VI.
Separation from Service shall mean a Participants separation from service with the Company within the meaning of Section 409A.
Unforeseeable Financial Emergency shall mean: (i) a severe financial hardship to the Participant resulting from an illness or accident of the Participant, the Participants spouse, beneficiary, or a dependent (as defined in Code Section 152(a)) of the Participant, loss of the Participants property due to casualty, the imminent foreclosure of or eviction from the Participants primary residence, the need to pay medical expenses (including nonrefundable deductibles) or prescription drug medications, the need to pay for funeral expenses of a spouse, beneficiary, or dependent, or other similar extraordinary and unforeseeable circumstances arising as a result of events beyond the control of the Participant; or (ii) such other definition of unforeseeable emergency within the meaning of Code Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(ii).
4
Year of Vesting Service shall mean a Year of Vesting Service as determined for purposes of the 401(k) defined contribution savings plan in which such Participant participates or most recently participated.
ARTICLE II
PARTICIPATION
Except as otherwise expressly provided for herein, prior to December 31 of each Plan Year, the Administrator shall designate which Highly Compensated Employees shall become Eligible Employees for the following Plan Year. An Eligible Employee designated as a Participant shall thereafter, unless otherwise determined by the Administrator, be eligible to make a Compensation Deferral for each Plan Year. Participation in the Plan shall be made conditional upon an Eligible Employees acknowledgement, in writing or by making a deferral election under the Plan, that all decisions and determinations of the Administrator shall be final and binding on the Participant, the Participants beneficiaries and any other Person having or claiming an interest under the Plan.
As of the Effective Date, each HGV Employee with respect to whom a Transferred Balance is transferred to the Plan shall become a Participant in the Plan.
ARTICLE III
DEFERRAL ELECTIONS
Section 3.1 Elections to Defer Compensation .
(a) Each Eligible Employee may elect to make a Compensation Deferral by filing with the Administrator an election that conforms to the requirements set forth in this Article III, on an Enrollment Agreement provided by the Administrator, no later than December 31 of the Plan Year preceding the Plan Year for which the Compensation is to be earned and specifying whether the Participant elects a Base Salary Deferral or a Bonus Compensation Deferral or a combination, the Distribution Option Accounts to which such amounts will be credited, the form and timing of distribution and such other information as the Administrator shall require; provided, however, that for the Plan Year in which the Effective Date occurs, a deferral election under the Prior Plan shall be treated as a deferral election under this Section 3.1(a) and be given continuing effect under this Plan after the Effective Date for the remainder of such Plan Year.
(i) Notwithstanding (a) above, if an Eligible Employees Bonus Compensation is performance-based compensation as contemplated by Section 409A, the Administrator may allow the Eligible Employee to elect to defer all or a portion of such Eligible Employees Bonus Compensation for a Plan Year at a time determined by the Administrator, which may be no less than six months before the end of the applicable Plan Year in which such Bonus Compensation is to be earned.
5
(ii) The Eligible Employee shall elect to allocate such Eligible Employees Compensation Deferrals (and any Company Contributions that may be credited with respect thereto) between the Distribution Options in whole percentage increments; provided that one hundred percent (100%) of such Deferrals (and Company Contributions) may be allocated to one or the other of the Distribution Options.
(iii) The Administrator may establish minimum or maximum amounts that may be deferred under this Section and may change such standards from time to time. Any such limits shall be communicated by the Administrator to the Participants prior to the commencement of a Plan Year. No Participant may have more than one Separation Distribution Account.
(b) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no Eligible Employee shall be permitted to defer Compensation which the Administrator reasonably determines is required to pay the Eligible Employees portion of payroll and other taxes and contributions towards benefits (including, but not limited to, medical, life, dental and disability) provided to the Eligible Employee and such Eligible Employees dependents.
(c) Any Compensation Deferral made under Section 3.1(a) above shall remain in effect and be irrevocable, notwithstanding any change in a Participants Compensation, for the entire Plan Year for which it is effective. A new Compensation Deferral election must be made for each Plan Year during which a Participant wishes to defer Compensation. If a Participant elects to allocate all or a portion of such Participants Compensation Deferrals to an In-Service Distribution Account, that election will remain effective only for the Plan Year to which the Enrollment Agreement relates. If the Participant does not elect an in-service distribution date for deferrals to the In-Service Distribution Account in a subsequent Plan Year, such deferrals shall automatically be allocated to the Participants Separation Distribution Account. Compensation Deferral elections shall be made on an Enrollment Agreement filed with the Administrator by December 31 of a Plan Year (or such earlier date as may be designated by the Administrator) to make a Compensation Deferral for Compensation to be earned on or after January 1 of the immediately following Plan Year.
(d) The Administrator may, in its discretion, permit Eligible Employees who first become Eligible Employees after the beginning of a Plan Year, including Eligible Employees who become Eligible Employees because they are promoted or hired by the Company on or after January 1 of a Plan Year to a position which has been designated by the Administrator as an Eligible Employee, to enroll in the Plan for that Plan Year by filing a completed and fully executed Enrollment Agreement as soon as practicable following the date the Employee is notified that of such Employees eligibility but, in any event, within 30 days after such date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, any Enrollment Agreement executed by an Eligible Employee, pursuant to this Section, to make a Compensation Deferral shall apply only to Compensation earned by the Eligible Employee after the date on which such Enrollment Agreement is filed.
(e) All deferral elections under the Plan shall be made in accordance with Section 409A.
6
Section 3.2 Distribution Elections .
Subject to Section 3.4, in the Enrollment Agreement, each Eligible Employee shall select the form and the timing of payment with respect to the Eligible Employees Compensation Deferral. An Eligible Employees deferral election under this Article III shall not be effective unless and until the Eligible Employee makes the required distribution elections under this Section 3.2. Each Eligible Employee shall make the following form and timing of payment elections:
(a) Retirement . An Eligible Employee shall elect the form of payment in which amounts credited to the Eligible Employees Distribution Option Accounts shall be paid where (i) the Eligible Employees Separation Date occurs on or after eligibility for Retirement and (ii) the amount to be distributed from all of the Eligible Employees Distribution Option Accounts exceeds $100,000 (taking into account all deferrals made to all of the Eligible Employees Distribution Option Accounts). The Eligible Employee may elect a lump sum, or quarterly, semi-annual or annual installments payable over 5, 10, 15 or 20 years. This form of payment election shall apply to all Compensation Deferrals credited on behalf of the Eligible Employee to such Eligible Employees Separation Distribution Account in any Plan Year in which the Eligible Employee makes Compensation Deferrals under this Plan, subject to change only in accordance with Section 3.4 below. In the event the amount to be distributed from a Participants Distribution Option Accounts upon a Separation from Service after eligibility for Retirement does not exceed $100,000 (taking into account all deferrals made to all of the Eligible Employees Distribution Option Accounts) as determined under Section 6.2, the Participants Distribution Option Accounts shall be paid in a lump sum in accordance with Section 6.2 without regard to the Participants actual form of payment election.
(b) In-Service Distribution . An Eligible Employee shall elect (i) the form of payment in which amounts credited to the Eligible Employees In-Service Distribution Account, if applicable, shall be paid where the amount to be distributed exceeds $25,000 and (ii) the Plan Year in which such payment shall commence; provided that the Plan Year selected in (ii) may not be prior to either of (A) the third Plan Year following the Plan Year in which the Compensation Deferral is made or (B) the Plan Year in which any such amount will become vested. The Eligible Employee may elect a lump sum, or quarterly, semi-annual or annual installments payable over 2, 3, 4 or 5 years. This election shall apply only to the Compensation Deferrals credited on behalf of the Eligible Employee to the In-Service Distribution Account created pursuant to the Enrollment Form to which such Compensation Deferrals relate, except to the extent changed pursuant to a subsequent election in accordance with Section 3.4 below. In the event the amount to be distributed from a Participants In-Service Distribution Account does not exceed $25,000 as of the applicable distribution date, the Participants In-Service Distribution Account shall be paid in a lump sum in accordance with Section 6.2 without regard to the Participants actual form of payment election(s). If a Participant incurs a Separation from Service prior to the in-service distribution date elected by the Participant with respect to the Participants In-Service Distribution Account, the Participants distribution election with respect to such In-Service Distribution Account shall become invalid and distribution shall instead be made in accordance with the Participants elections under Section 3.2(a), 3.2(c) or 3.4, as applicable.
7
(c) Separation from Service .
An Eligible Employee shall elect the form of payment in which amounts credited to the Eligible Employees Separation Distribution Account, if applicable, shall be paid where (i) the Eligible Employees Separation Date occurs prior to eligibility for Retirement, and (ii) the amount to be distributed from all of the Eligible Employees Distribution Option Accounts exceeds $100,000 (taking into account all deferrals made to all of the Eligible Employees Distribution Option Accounts). The Eligible Employee may elect a lump sum or annual installments payable over 5 years. This election shall apply to all Compensation Deferrals credited on behalf of the Eligible Employee to such Eligible Employees Separation Distribution Account in any Plan Year in which Compensation Deferrals are made under this Plan, subject to change only in accordance with Section 3.4 below. In the event the amount to be distributed from a Participants Distribution Option Accounts upon a Separation from Service before eligibility for Retirement does not exceed $100,000 (taking into account all deferrals made to all of the Eligible Employees Distribution Option Accounts) as determined under Section 6.2, the Participants Distribution Option Accounts shall be paid in a lump sum in accordance with Section 6.2 without regard to the Participants actual form of payment election.
Section 3.3 Investment Elections .
(a) At the time of making the deferral elections described in Section 3.1 and the distribution elections described in Section 3.2, the Participant shall designate, in a manner prescribed by the Administrator, which Funds the Participants Accounts will be deemed to be invested in for purposes of determining the Investment Return to be credited to those Accounts. The Funds shall be as selected by the Administrator from time to time and the Administrator may add, change, or delete Funds at any time. In making the designation pursuant to this Section 3.3, the Participant may specify that all or any whole percentage of the Participants Accounts be deemed to be invested in one or more of the Funds. A Participant may change the designation made under this Section 3.3, in a manner prescribed by the Administrator, on any business day. Such change shall be effective as soon as administratively feasible after it is received.
(b) If a Participant fails to elect a type of Fund under this Section 3.3, he or she shall be deemed to have elected the Fund designated by the Administrator.
(c) Although the Participant may designate the Funds according to Section 3.3(a) above, the Administrator shall select, from time to time, in its sole discretion, for each of the Funds described in Section 3.3(a) above, a commercially available mutual fund or contract or an investment fund established with and administered by an investment manager selected by the Administrator. The Investment Return of each such commercially available mutual fund, contract or investment fund shall be used to determine the amount of earnings to be credited to Participants Accounts under Article IV although nothing set forth in this Plan shall require an actual investment of monies in any such mutual fund or in any other Fund designated as a deemed investment vehicle for Compensation Deferrals.
8
Section 3.4 Subsequent Elections .
The Administrator may establish rules allowing a Participant to make a subsequent election to postpone payment of Compensation Deferrals under the Participants In-Service Distribution Account(s) and/or such Participants Separation Distribution Account, in accordance with the rules in this Section 3.4; provided that any such subsequent election shall be made in accordance with the requirements of Section 409A and that no subsequent election may result in an impermissible acceleration of payment as described in Section 409A. The following rules shall apply to subsequent elections under the Plan:
(a) With respect to Compensation Deferrals under an In-Service Distribution Account, a Participant may make a subsequent election to defer the payment to a later Plan Year or to change the form of payment applicable to such In-Service Distribution Account; provided that (i) the subsequent election must be made at least 12 months prior to the January in which the first scheduled payment was to occur, (ii) the subsequent election may not take effect until at least 12 months after the date on which the election is made, and (iii) except with respect to an election related to payment upon an Unforeseeable Financial Emergency, the first payment with respect to which such election is made must be deferred for a period of not less than five years from the date such payment would otherwise have been made.
(b) A Participant may make a subsequent election to change the form or time at which Compensation Deferrals credited to a Participants Separation Distribution Account will be paid; provided that (i) the subsequent election may not take effect until at least 12 months after the date on which the election is made, and (ii) except with respect to an election related to payment upon an Unforeseeable Financial Emergency or death, the first payment with respect to which such election is made must be deferred for a period of five years from the date such payment would have otherwise have been made. Participants shall be permitted to make only one subsequent election to change the form or time of payment of their Separation Distribution Account.
ARTICLE IV
DISTRIBUTION OPTION ACCOUNTS
Section 4.1 Compensation Deferrals .
(a) The Administrator shall establish and maintain separate Distribution Option Accounts with respect to a Participant. A Participants Distribution Option Accounts may consist of a Separation Distribution Account and/or one or more In-Service Distribution Account(s), as elected by the Participant. Each Participants Distribution Option Accounts shall be further divided into separate subaccounts (subaccounts), each of which corresponds to a Fund elected by the Participant pursuant to Section 3.3(a).
(b) As soon as practicable after the end of each calendar month, the Administrator shall credit the subaccounts of the Participants Distribution Option Account with an amount equal to the Base Salary and/or Bonus Compensation that would otherwise have been earned for such calendar month in accordance with the Distribution Option irrevocably elected by the Participant in the Enrollment Agreement and in accordance with the Participants investment elections under Section 3.3(a). Any amount once taken into account as Base Salary and/or Bonus Compensation for purposes of this Plan shall not be taken into account thereafter. The Participants Distribution Option Accounts shall be reduced by the amount of payments made by the Company to the Participant or the Participants Beneficiary pursuant to this Plan.
9
(c) Transferred Balances . As of the Effective Date, a Participants account balances, if any, under the Prior Plan shall be transferred to this Plan as follows:
(i) A Transferred Balance attributable to amounts credited to the Participant under the Prior Plan shall be transferred to the Participants Account under this Plan, and credited to a Separation Distribution Account and/or In-Service Distribution Account (or other subaccount), as previously credited under the Prior Plan. Following the transfer of a Transferred Balance, the Company shall be responsible under this Plan for the payment of all Transferred Balances.
(ii) The Participants investment elections with respect to any Transferred Balance shall be mapped to the available investment options as directed by the Administrator.
Section 4.2 Company Contribution .
From time-to-time and in its sole discretion, the Committee may provide that Company Contributions be credited to some or all Participants, according to the terms and conditions determined by the Committee.
Section 4.3 Investment Return .
Each subaccount of a Participants Distribution Option Account shall, as of each business day, be credited with earnings and debited with losses in an amount equal to that determined by multiplying the balance credited to such subaccount as of the previous day by the Investment Return for the corresponding Fund pursuant to Section 3.3(a).
ARTICLE V
VESTING
Section 5.1 Compensation Deferral .
A Participants Compensation Deferral credited to the Participants Distribution Option Account shall be 100% vested at all times.
Section 5.2 Company Contribution .
(a) Unless otherwise specified by the Committee, Company Contributions credited to a Participants Distribution Option Account, if any, will vest and become non-forfeitable in the following increments: (i) 25% upon the Participants completion of two Years of Vesting Service; (ii) an additional 25% (50% total) upon completion of three Years of Vesting Service; (iii) an additional 25% (75% total) upon completion of four Years of Vesting Service; and (iv) the Distribution Option Account balance shall be fully vested and nonforfeitable in its entirety on and after the Participants completion of five Years of Vesting Service.
(b) Notwithstanding Section 5.2(a) above, a Participants Distribution Option Account balance shall be fully vested and nonforfeitable in its entirety should: (i) the Participant die while providing service to the Company, (ii) the Participant become Disabled while providing service to the Company, or (iii) there occur a Change in Control.
(c) When a Participant incurs a Separation Date, the portion of the Company Contribution credited to such Participants Distribution Option Account which is not vested shall immediately be forever forfeited to the Company, and the Company shall have no obligation to the Participant (or Beneficiary) with respect to such forfeited amount.
10
ARTICLE VI
DISTRIBUTIONS
Section 6.1 Form and Timing of Distribution .
(a) Subject to Section 6.2, in the case of a Participant whose Separation Date occurs on or after eligibility for Retirement and the vested portion of the Participants Separation Distribution Account exceeds $100,000 (taking into account all deferrals made to the Participants Separation Distribution Account), the Participants Separation Distribution Account shall be distributed in the form elected by the Participant pursuant to Sections 3.2 and 3.4, as applicable, and shall be paid, or commence to be paid, within 30 days following the end of the twelfth full calendar month after the Participant has a Separation from Service, unless payment is deferred pursuant to Section 3.4.
(b) If a Participant has not incurred a Separation from Service as of the date an In-Service Distribution Account is to be distributed, and the Participants In-Service Distribution Account exceeds $25,000 (applied on an Account by Account basis), the Participants In-Service Distribution Account shall be paid to the Participant within 30 days following the date elected by the Participant pursuant to Sections 3.2 and 3.4, as applicable; provided that if the amount to be distributed does not exceed $25,000, distribution shall be made in a lump sum in accordance with Section 6.2.
(c) If the Participant incurs a Separation from Service after distribution has commenced in accordance with this Section 6.1(c) but prior to the date on which the Participants In-Service Distribution Account(s) is fully distributed, distribution of the remaining amounts held in the Participants In-Service Distribution Account(s) shall continue to be distributed in accordance with the Participants election for such Participants In-Service Distribution Account.
(d) In the case of a Participant whose Separation Date occurs prior to the earliest date on which the Participant is eligible for Retirement, other than by reason of death, and the vested portion of the Participants Distribution Option Accounts exceeds $100,000 (taking into account all deferrals made to the Participants Distribution Option Accounts), the vested portion of a Participants Distribution Option Accounts shall be distributed in the form elected by the Participant pursuant to Sections 3.2 and 3.4, as applicable, and shall be paid or commence to be paid within 30 days following the end of the twelfth full calendar month after the Participant has a Separation from Service, unless payment is deferred pursuant to Section 3.4. Any unvested portion of any Distribution Option Account shall be forfeited in accordance with Section 5.2.
11
Section 6.2 Small Benefit Cashout .
(a) Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan or election by a Participant to the contrary, in the event the value of the vested portion of a Participants Separation Distribution Account does not exceed $100,000 (taking into account all deferrals made to the Eligible Employees Separation Distribution Account) as of the date the Participants Account becomes distributable in accordance with the terms of the Plan, then the vested portion of the Participants Account shall be paid in a lump sum within 30 days following the date the Participants Account becomes distributable. For purposes of the foregoing, the Participants Account shall be valued as of the last business day of the month following the month in which the Participants Separation Date occurs. If the value at such time does not exceed $100,000, the Participants Account shall be distributed in a lump sum within 30 days thereafter.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan or election by a Participant to the contrary, in the event the value of the vested portion of a Participants In-Service Distribution Account does not exceed $25,000 (applied on an Account by Account basis) as of the date the Participants Account becomes distributable, then the vested portion of the Participants Account shall be paid in a lump sum within 30 days following the date the Participants Account becomes distributable.
Section 6.3 Payout .
(a) Unless otherwise specified in Section 6.1 or Section 6.2 hereof, any lump sum benefit payable under this Article VI shall be paid in January of the Plan Year elected by the Participant pursuant to Sections 3.2(b) and 3.4, as applicable, in an amount equal to the vested value of the portion of such Distribution Option Account being distributed as of the business day the Funds are deemed to be liquidated to make the payment.
(b) Installment payments, if any, payable under this Article VI shall commence in January of the Plan Year elected by the Participant pursuant to Sections 3.2(b) and 3.4, as applicable, or otherwise at the time specified for payment under Sections 6.1(a) or 6.1(c), as applicable, in an amount equal to (i) the vested value of such portion of such Distribution Option Account being distributed as of the business day the Funds are deemed to be liquidated to make the payment, divided by (ii) the number of installment payments elected by the Participant in the applicable Enrollment Agreement with respect to an In-Service Distribution Account or in the distribution election form filed pursuant to Section 3.2 or 4.2(d) with respect to the Separation Distribution Account. The remaining installments shall be paid in an amount equal to (x) the vested value of such portion of the Distribution Option Account being distributed as of the business day the Funds are deemed to be liquidated to make the payment divided by (y) the number of installments remaining.
Section 6.4 Financial Hardship of Participant .
(a) At any time prior to commencement of payment pursuant to this Article VI, a Participant may request payment to the Participant of all or a portion of the amounts that the Participant has deferred under the Plan. The decision to approve or deny such a request shall be in the absolute discretion of the Administrator. However, such a request shall be approved
12
only upon a finding that the Participant has suffered an Unforeseeable Financial Emergency, and then only in an amount necessary to eliminate such Unforeseeable Financial Emergency plus amounts necessary to pay taxes reasonably anticipated as a result of the distribution, after taking into account the extent to which such hardship is or may be relieved through reimbursement or compensation by insurance or by liquidation of the Participants assets (to the extent the liquidation of such assets would not itself cause severe financial hardship). In the event such a request is approved, payment of all or a portion of the amounts previously deferred by the Participant, with credited interest, to the extent approved by the Administrator, shall be made as soon as practicable to the Participant. Amounts otherwise payable to a Participant hereunder shall be adjusted (as determined by the Administrator in its absolute discretion) to take into account such Unforeseeable Financial Emergency payment. The Administrator shall administer hardship distribution requests consistently with Section 409A.
(b) If a Participant elects to take an Unforeseeable Financial Emergency distribution prior to June 30 of any Plan Year, the Participants deferral election shall be cancelled for the Plan Year in which the distribution occurs with respect to all Base Salary and Bonus Compensation not yet earned. If a Participant elects to take an Unforeseeable Financial Emergency distribution on or after June 30 of any Plan Year, the Participants deferral election shall be cancelled for the Plan Year in which such distribution occurs with respect to all salary and bonuses not yet earned, and the Participant shall be suspended from participation in the Plan for the following Plan Year. If the Participant wishes to commence making a Compensation Deferral after the period during which the Participants deferral election is cancelled pursuant to this Section 6.4(b), the Participant may make a new deferral election in accordance with the requirements of Section 3.1.
Section 6.5 Permissible Distribution Event .
Notwithstanding any provision of the Plan to the contrary, no distributions shall be made except upon a specified date or event as permitted pursuant to Section 409A.
Section 6.6 Payment by Trust .
The Company may cause the payment of benefits under this Plan to be made in whole or in part by the trustee of a trust designated by the Committee (the Trust). The Administrator may direct the Trustee to pay the Participants or Beneficiarys benefit at the time and in the amount described herein. In the event the amounts allocated to the Participant under the Trust are not sufficient to provide the full amount of benefit payable to the Participant, the Company shall pay the remainder of such benefit.
Section 6.7 Inability to Locate Participant .
In the event that the Administrator is unable to locate a Participant or Beneficiary within two years following the date the Participant was to commence receiving payment, the entire amount allocated to the Participants Deferral Account and Company Contribution Account shall be forfeited. If, after such forfeiture, the Participant or Beneficiary later claims such benefit, such benefit shall be reinstated without interest or earnings from the date payment was to commence pursuant to the Participants elections under Sections 3.2 and 3.4, as applicable.
13
ARTICLE VII
CHANGE IN CONTROL
In the event of a Change in Control, all Participants shall receive a distribution of 100% of the Participants Distribution Option Accounts at the time of the distribution. Such distribution shall be made in a lump sum within 30 days following the date the Change in Control is consummated, in an amount equal to the value of such Distribution Option Accounts as of the business day the Funds are deemed to be liquidated to make the payment.
ARTICLE VIII
DEATH BENEFITS
Upon the death of a Participant before the Participants Distribution Option Account(s) has been paid in full (either in a lump sum or installment payments), the Participants Beneficiary shall receive the balance of the Participants vested Account as of the date of death, as adjusted by subsequent gains or losses prior to distribution, in the form of a lump sum payment as soon as reasonably practicable following the date of the Participants death (but in no event after December 31 of the calendar year following the calendar year in which death occurs).
ARTICLE IX
CLAIMS PROCEDURES
Section 9.1 Claims .
A Participant or, following the Participants death, a Beneficiary (collectively referred to in this section as Claimant) may submit a claim for benefits under the Plan. Any claim for benefits under this Plan shall be made in writing to the Administrator. If such claim for benefits is wholly or partially denied, the Administrator shall, within 90 days after receipt of the claim, notify the Claimant of the denial of the claim unless special circumstances require an extension of time for processing the claim, which extension shall not exceed 180 days from receipt of the claim. If such extension is required, written notice of the extension shall be furnished to the Claimant prior to the termination of the initial 90-day period and shall indicate the special circumstances requiring an extension of time and the date by which the Administrator expects to render a final decision. A notice of denial shall be in writing, shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant, and shall contain the specific reason or reasons for denial of the claim, a specific reference to the pertinent Plan provisions upon which the denial is based, a description of the additional material or information (if any) necessary to perfect the claim, together with an explanation of why such material or information is necessary, and an explanation of the claims review procedure set forth below, including a statement of the Claimants right to bring a civil action under section 502(a) of ERISA following an adverse benefit determination on review.
Section 9.2 Appeal .
Within 60 days after the receipt by a Claimant of a written notice of denial of a claim, the Claimant may file a written request with the Administrator that it conduct a full and fair review
14
of the denial of the claim for benefits. The Claimant, or duly authorized representative, shall receive, upon request and free of charge, reasonable access to, and copies of, all documents, records and other information relevant to the Claimants claim for benefits. The Claimant, or duly authorized representative may also submit written comments, documents, records and other information relating to the claim for benefits, and the review will take into account such items whether or not they were considered in the initial benefit determination.
The Administrator shall deliver to the Claimant, or authorized representative, a written decision on the claim within 60 days after the receipt of the request for review, except that if there are special circumstances that require an extension of time, the 60-day period may be extended to 120 days. If such extension is required, written notice shall be furnished to the Claimant, or authorized representative, prior to the termination of the initial 60-day period and shall indicate the special circumstances requiring an extension of time and the date by which the final decision will be rendered. The decision shall be written in a manner calculated to be understood by the Claimant, include the specific reason or reasons for the decision, include a statement that the Claimant is entitled to receive upon request and free of charge, access to and copies of all documents and other information relevant to the claim, contain a specific reference to the pertinent Plan provisions upon which the decision is based, and include a statement describing any voluntary appeal procedures offered by the Plan and a statement of the Claimants right to bring an action under section 502(a) of ERISA.
Section 9.3 Authority .
The Administrator, in determining claims for benefits, shall have the complete discretion to review and determine related factual questions, to construe the terms of the Plan, and to bind the Company with respect to the Plan.
ARTICLE X
ADMINISTRATION
Section 10.1 Administrator .
The Plan shall be administered by the Administrator. The Administrator shall be appointed by, and serve at the pleasure of, the Committee, provided that if no Administrator is designated, the Plan shall be administered by the Committee. The number of members comprising the Administrator shall be determined by the Committee which may from time to time vary the number of members. A member of the Administrator may resign by delivering a written notice of resignation to the Committee. The Committee may remove any member by delivering a certified copy of its resolution of removal to such member. Vacancies in the membership of the Administrator shall be filled promptly by the Committee.
Section 10.2 Administrator Action .
The Administrator shall act at meetings by affirmative vote of a majority of the members of the Administrator. Any action permitted to be taken at a meeting may be taken without a meeting if, prior to such action, a written consent to the action is signed by all members of the Administrator and such written consent is filed with the minutes of the proceedings of the Administrator. A member of the Administrator shall not vote or act upon any matter which relates solely to such member as a Participant. Any member or members of the Administrator may execute any certificate or other written direction on behalf of the Administrator.
15
Section 10.3 Powers and Duties of the Administrator .
(a) The Administrator, on behalf of the Participants and their Beneficiaries, shall enforce the Plan in accordance with its terms, shall be charged with the general administration of the Plan, and shall have all powers necessary to accomplish its purposes, including, but not by way of limitation, the following:
(i) To select the mutual funds, contracts or investment funds to be the Funds in accordance with Section 3.3(a) and (b) hereof;
(ii) To construe and interpret the terms and provisions of this Plan; reconcile any inconsistency in, correct any defect in and/or supply any omission in the Plan; and to make factual determinations;
(iii) To compute and certify to the amount and kinds of benefits payable to Participants and their Beneficiaries;
(iv) To maintain all records that may be necessary for the administration of the Plan;
(v) To provide for the disclosure of all information and the filing or provision of all reports and statements to Participants, Beneficiaries or governmental agencies as shall be required by law;
(vi) To make and publish such rules for the regulation of the Plan and procedures for the administration of the Plan as are not inconsistent with the terms hereof; and
(vii) To appoint a plan administrator or any other agent, and to delegate to them such powers and duties in connection with the administration of the Plan as the Administrator may from time to time prescribe.
(viii) On behalf of the Company, to select those Highly Compensated Employees who shall be Eligible Employees.
Section 10.4 Construction and Interpretation .
(a) The Administrator shall have full discretion to construe and interpret the terms and provisions of this Plan, which interpretation or construction shall be final and binding on all parties, including but not limited to, the Company and any Participant or Beneficiary. The Administrator shall administer such terms and provisions in a uniform and nondiscriminatory manner and in full accordance with any and all laws applicable to the Plan.
(b) Nothing contained in the Plan shall be construed to prevent the Company from taking any action which is deemed by it to be appropriate or in its best interest. No Participant, Beneficiary, or other Person shall have any claim against the Company as a result of
16
such action. Any decisions, actions or interpretations to be made under the Plan by the Company or the Committee, or the Administrator acting on behalf of the Company, shall be made in its respective sole discretion, not as a fiduciary, need not be uniformly applied to similarly situated individuals and shall be final, binding and conclusive on all Persons interested in the Plan.
Section 10.5 Information .
To enable the Administrator to perform its functions, the Company shall supply full and timely information to the Administrator on all matters relating to the Compensation of all Participants, their death, Disability, or other cause of termination, and such other pertinent facts as the Administrator may require.
Section 10.6 Compensation, Expenses and Indemnity .
(a) The Administrator is authorized at the expense of the Company to employ such legal counsel as it may deem advisable to assist in the performance of its duties hereunder. Expenses and fees in connection with the administration of the Plan shall be paid by the Company.
(b) To the extent permitted by applicable state law, the Company shall indemnify and save harmless the Administrator and each member thereof, the Committee and any delegate of the Administrator who is an employee of the Company against any and all expenses, liabilities and claims, including legal fees to defend against such liabilities and claims arising out of their discharge in good faith of responsibilities under or incident to the Plan, other than expenses and liabilities arising out of willful misconduct. This indemnity shall not preclude such further indemnities as may be available under insurance purchased by the Company or provided by the Company under any bylaw, agreement or otherwise, as such indemnities are permitted under state law.
Section 10.7 Quarterly Statements .
Under procedures established by the Administrator, a Participant shall receive a statement with respect to such Participants Accounts on a quarterly basis as of each March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31.
ARTICLE XI
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 11.1 Unsecured General Creditor .
Participants and their Beneficiaries, heirs, successors, and assigns shall have no legal or equitable rights, claims, or interest in any specific property or assets of the Company. No assets of the Company shall be held under any trust, or held in any way as collateral security for the fulfilling of the obligations of the Company under this Plan. Any and all of the Companys assets shall be, and remain, the general unpledged, unrestricted assets of the Company. The Companys obligation under the Plan shall be merely that of an unfunded and unsecured promise of the Company to pay money in the future, and the rights of the Participants and Beneficiaries shall be no greater than those of unsecured general creditors.
17
Section 11.2 Restriction Against Assignment .
The Company shall pay all amounts payable hereunder only to the Persons designated by the Plan and not to any other Persons. No part of a Participants Accounts shall be liable for the debts, contracts, or engagements of any Participant, the Participants Beneficiary, or successors in interest, nor shall a Participants Accounts be subject to execution by levy, attachment, or garnishment or by any other legal or equitable proceeding, nor shall any such Person have any right to alienate, anticipate, commute, pledge, encumber, or assign any benefits or payments hereunder in any manner whatsoever. If any Participant, Beneficiary or successor in interest is adjudicated bankrupt or purports to anticipate, alienate, sell, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber or charge any distribution or payment from the Plan, voluntarily or involuntarily, the Administrator, in its discretion, may cancel such distribution or payment (or any part thereof) to or for the benefit of such Participant, Beneficiary or successor in interest in such mariner as the Administrator shall direct.
Section 11.3 Withholding .
There shall be deducted from each payment made under the Plan or any other compensation payable to the Participant (or Beneficiary) all taxes which are required to be withheld by the Company in respect to such payment or this Plan. The Company shall have the right to reduce any payment (or compensation) by the amount of cash sufficient to provide the amount of said taxes.
Section 11.4 Amendment, Modification, Suspension or Termination .
The Committee or the Board of Directors of the Company may at any time, or from time to time, in its sole discretion amend or terminate the Plan in any manner that the Committee or the Board of Directors of the Company deems appropriate, including amending or terminating outstanding deferral elections, if necessary or appropriate to comply with changes to applicable law, without the consent of any Participant; provided, however, that no amendment shall reduce any benefits accrued under the terms of the Plan as of the date of amendment. In the event the Committee or the Board of Directors of the Company acts to terminate and liquidate the Plan in accordance with Treasury regulations Section 1.409A-3(j)(4)(ix), distribution to Participant shall be made in accordance with Article 6, unless otherwise required in order to comply with Section 409A.
Section 11.5 Governing Law .
This Plan shall be construed, governed and administered in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware (including its statute of limitations and all substantive and procedural law, and without regard to its conflict of laws provisions), except as to matters of federal law.
Section 11.6 Receipt or Release .
Any payment to a Participant or the Participants Beneficiary in accordance with the provisions of the Plan shall, to the extent thereof, be in full satisfaction of all claims against the Administrator, the Company and the Trustee. The Administrator may require such Participant or Beneficiary, as a condition precedent to such payment, to execute a receipt and release to such effect.
18
Section 11.7 Payments on Behalf of Persons Under Incapacity .
In the event that any amount becomes payable under the Plan to a Person who, in the sole judgement of the Committee, is considered by reason of physical or mental condition to be unable to give a valid receipt therefore, the Administrator may direct that such payment be made to any Person found by the Administrator, in its sole judgement, to have assumed the care of such Person. Any payment made pursuant to such determination shall constitute a full release and discharge of the Administrator and the Company.
Section 11.8 Headings .
Headings and subheadings in this Plan are inserted for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in the construction of the provisions hereof.
19
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this document to be executed by its duly authorized officer to be effective on this January 3, 2017.
HILTON RESORTS CORPORATION | ||
By: |
/s/ Mark Wang |
|
Its: |
President |
Exhibit 99.1
Stockholders Agreements
Blackstone Stockholders Agreement
We intend to enter into a stockholders agreement with Blackstone that will be substantially the same as Blackstones stockholders agreement currently in effect with Hilton Parent.
Directors. Under the Blackstone stockholders agreement, Blackstone may designate a number of directors equal to: (i) if Blackstone and the other owners of Hilton Parent prior to its December 2013 initial public offering (collectively, pre-IPO owners) beneficially own at least 50% of our outstanding common stock, 50% of the total number of directors comprising our board of directors, rounded down to the nearest whole number; (ii) if the pre-IPO owners beneficially own at least 40% (but less than 50%) of our outstanding common stock, 40% of the total number of directors comprising the board of directors, rounded down to the nearest whole number; (iii) if the pre-IPO owners beneficially own at least 30% (but less than 40%) of our outstanding common stock, 30% of the total number of directors comprising the board of directors, rounded down to the nearest whole number; (iv) if the pre-IPO owners beneficially own at least 20% (but less than 30%) of our outstanding common stock, either (x) 20% of the total number of directors comprising the board of directors, rounded down to the nearest whole number, if the total number of directors is 10 or more or (y) the lowest whole number that is greater than 20% of the total number of directors comprising the board of directors if the total number of directors is less than 10; and (v) if the pre-IPO owners beneficially own at least 5% (but less than 20%) of our outstanding common stock, the lowest whole number that is greater than 10% of the total number of directors comprising the board of directors. The above-described provisions of the Blackstone stockholders agreement will remain in effect until Blackstone is no longer entitled to nominate a director pursuant to the Blackstone stockholders agreement, unless Blackstone requests that they terminate at an earlier date.
Following the consummation of the Sale, we expect to increase the size of our board of directors to ten members. HNA would be entitled to designate two of the ten directors, only one of which may be affiliated with HNA (but not its hospitality business) and the other of which must meet the independence standards of the NYSE with respect to our company and not have been, for two years, an employee, director or officer of, or consultant to, HNA or any of its affiliates. Assuming no change in its current beneficial ownership other than as a result of the Sale, one of the members of the board of directors would continue to be a designee of Blackstone. Additionally, assuming no change in its current beneficial ownership other than as a result of the Sale, Blackstone will be entitled to designate an additional board member.
Tax Stockholders Agreement
We intend to enter into a stockholders agreement with Hilton Parent and certain entities affiliated with Blackstone intended to preserve the tax-free status of the distributions (the tax stockholders agreement). The tax stockholders agreement will provide for certain covenants that may limit issuances or repurchases of our stock in excess of specified percentages, dispositions of our common stock by Blackstone, and transfers of interests in certain Blackstone entities that directly or indirectly own our common stock or the common stock of Hilton Parent or Park Parent. Additionally, the tax stockholders agreement may limit issuances or repurchases of stock by Hilton Parent in excess of specified percentages.
1
Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. 2017 Omnibus Incentive Plan
In connection with the spin-off, we intend to adopt a new omnibus incentive plan (the Omnibus Incentive Plan), as a means to attract and retain key personnel, and to provide a means for key personnel to receive shares and other forms of incentive compensation. The Omnibus Incentive Plan will be administered by the compensation committee of our board of directors (the Board), or any other committee designated by the Board (the Committee). The Committee will have the sole authority to administer the Omnibus Incentive Plan, including determining the terms and conditions of all awards, and the authority to interpret any provision of the Omnibus Incentive Plan or any award agreement, and to make any other determinations necessary or desirable for the administration of the Omnibus Incentive Plan.
Shares Subject to the Omnibus Incentive Plan
The total number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the Omnibus Incentive Plan is 10,000,000 (of which 10,000,000 may be granted as incentive stock options). The Omnibus Incentive Plan also contains limits on the size of awards to individuals in a single fiscal year, as follows:
| The maximum number of shares that may be granted as options or stock appreciation rights to one person in a fiscal year is 5,000,000; |
| With respect to share-based performance compensation awards granted to an individual in a single fiscal year, the maximum number of shares is 5,000,000 (and, if the award is settled in cash, the maximum amount may not exceed the fair market value of 5,000,000 shares on the last day of the performance period); and |
| With respect to cash-based performance compensation awards granted to an individual in a fiscal year, the maximum amount is $15,000,000. |
In general, if awards are forfeited, settled in cash, or otherwise settled without delivery of shares, the undelivered shares will again be available for grant under the Omnibus Incentive Plan (unless stockholder approval would be required under any stock exchange rules). In connection with an acquisition of or combination with another entity, we may grant substitute awards under the Omnibus Incentive Plan, which will not be counted against the limits described above (other than any substitute awards granted in the form of incentive stock options). The Omnibus Incentive Plan will expire on the tenth anniversary of its effective date, although awards granted prior to that date may continue after that date. Stock options and stock appreciation rights granted under the Omnibus Incentive Plan will expire on the date determined by the Committee, which will not be later than the tenth anniversary of the date of grant.
2
Types of Awards
We may grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, restricted shares, and other cash and stock-based awards under the Omnibus Incentive Plan on such terms as may be determined by the Committee consistent with the terms of the Omnibus Incentive Plan. Unless otherwise specified by the Committee, if a participants employment is terminated by us without cause or due to death or disability during the 12-month period following a Change in Control (as defined in the Omnibus Incentive Plan), all outstanding time-vesting stock-based awards will become fully vested as of that date, and all outstanding performance-vesting awards will vest based on actual performance through the date of termination (unless actual performance cannot be reasonably assessed, in which case performance-vesting awards will vest at target). The Committee may also provide for the payment of dividends, dividend equivalents or similar payments in respect of awards, on such terms and conditions determined by the Committee.
The exercise price applicable to stock options and stock appreciation rights must be at least equal to the fair market value of our stock on the date of grant (other than in the case of substitute awards granted in connection with an acquisition or business combination), and stock options and stock appreciation rights may not be repriced or replaced with new awards without stockholder consent.
The Committee may designate any award as a performance compensation award intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code. The performance criteria, performance levels, and performance periods will be established by the Committee in its sole discretion, except that eligible performance criteria are limited to those set forth in the Omnibus Incentive Plan, and performance criteria must be established and may only be modified in accordance with Section 162(m) of the Code and the terms of the Omnibus Incentive Plan.
Awards granted under the Omnibus Incentive Plan are not transferable or assignable by a participant other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution (unless specifically required pursuant to a domestic relations order or by applicable law).
Effect of Certain Events on Omnibus Incentive Plan and Awards
In the event of a Change in Control (as defined in the Omnibus Incentive Plan) or a dividend, stock split, merger, or other corporate transaction affecting our shares, if the Committee, in its sole discretion, determines an adjustment is necessary or appropriate (such event, an adjustment event), the Committee must make any such adjustments in such manner as it deems equitable, including adjustments to:
| any limit to the number of shares that may be granted under the Omnibus Incentive Plan; |
| the number and kind (if applicable) of shares of common stock or other of our securities that may be issued in respect of awards under the Omnibus Incentive Plan; and |
| the terms of any outstanding award, including (i) the number and kind of shares of common stock or other of our securities subject to outstanding awards, (ii) the applicable exercise or strike price, or (iii) any applicable performance measures. |
In addition, except as may otherwise be provided in an award agreement, in connection with an adjustment event, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide for any one or more of the following:
| substitution, assumption, accelerated vesting or exercisability, or termination of, or lapse of restrictions on, awards, or providing for a period of exercisability prior to the occurrence of such event; |
| cancellation of outstanding awards and the payment of the value of such awards, if any, to holders of any such awards, as determined by the Committee; and |
| conversion or replacement of any unvested awards as of the occurrence of such event, into awards subject to continued vesting on the same terms as those applicable to the award prior to conversion or replacement. |
3
Amendment and Termination of Omnibus Incentive Plan or Awards
The Board may amend or terminate the Omnibus Incentive Plan or any portion thereof at any time in its discretion. The Committee may also amend, terminate, or waive any conditions or rights under any particular award, both prospectively and retroactively, to the extent consistent with the terms of any applicable award agreement. Any amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance or termination of the Omnibus Incentive Plan or any award that would materially and adversely affect the rights of any participant or any holder or beneficiary of any award will not be effective without such individuals consent.
However, we will need to receive stockholder approval in the event that any such amendment or termination would materially (i) modify the eligibility requirements for participation in the Omnibus Incentive Plan, or (ii) increase the number of securities that can be issued under the Omnibus Incentive Plan (with exceptions for certain adjustments laid out in the Omnibus Incentive Plan), or to the extent that stockholder approval is required for the amendment or termination by any regulatory or accounting rules.
Clawback/Repayment
All awards are subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment to the extent necessary to comply with both applicable law, as well as any clawback-related policy adopted by the Board or the Committee. If a participant engages in activity that is detrimental to us (including a material breach of any restrictive covenant or confidentiality obligation), the Committee may provide for the cancellation of any or all of such participants outstanding awards, and/or the forfeiture of any gain realized on the vesting or exercise of awards, and prompt repayment to us of any such gain. In the event that any participant receives an amount in excess of that which he or she should otherwise have received under the terms of such award for any reason, he or she will be required to repay to us any such excess amount.
Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. 2017 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors
In connection with the spin-off, we intend to adopt a new non-employee director stock plan (the Non-Employee Director Stock Plan), as a means to attract and retain non-employee directors (Non-Employee Directors) to serve as members of our Board, and to provide a means for Non-Employee Directors to receive shares and other forms of incentive compensation.
The Non-Employee Director Stock Plan will be administered by the Committee. The Committee will have the authority to administer the Non-Employee Director Stock Plan, including determining the terms and conditions of all awards, and the authority to interpret any provision of the Non-Employee Director Stock Plan or any award agreement, and to make any other determinations necessary or desirable for the administration of the Non-Employee Director Stock Plan.
Shares Subject to the Non-Employee Director Stock Plan
The total number of shares of common stock that may be issued under the Non-Employee Director Stock Plan is 325,000, and the maximum number of shares of common stock that may be granted to a Non-Employee Director, together with any cash fees paid to such Non-Employee Director, during a single fiscal year may not exceed $1,000,000 in value.
In general, if awards are forfeited, settled in cash, or otherwise settled without delivery of shares, the undelivered shares will again be available for grant under the Non-Employee Director Stock Plan (unless stockholder approval would be required under any stock exchange rules). The Non-Employee Director Stock Plan will expire on the tenth anniversary of its effective date, although awards granted prior to that date may continue after that date. Stock options and stock appreciation rights granted under the Non-Employee Director Stock Plan will expire on the date determined by the Committee, which will not be later than the tenth anniversary of the date of grant.
4
Types of Awards
We may grant non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, restricted shares, and other stock-based awards under the Non-Employee Director Stock Plan consistent with the terms of the Non-Employee Director Stock Plan. In the event of a termination of a Non-Employee Directors service for Cause (as defined in the Non-Employee Director Stock Plan), all outstanding vested and unvested stock options and stock appreciation rights will immediately expire. With respect to stock options and stock appreciation rights only, in the event of a termination due to death or Disability (as defined in the Non-Employee Director Stock Plan), all such awards will immediately become fully vested and exercisable, and remain as such for one year following such termination (but in no event longer than the end of the ten year period following the grant date of the award). The Committee may also provide for the payment of dividends, dividend equivalents or similar payments in respect of awards, on such terms and conditions determined by the Committee.
The exercise price applicable to stock options and stock appreciation rights must be at least equal to the fair market value of our stock on the date of grant (other than in the case of substitute awards granted in connection with an acquisition or business combination), and stock options and stock appreciation rights may not be repriced or replaced with new awards without shareholder approval.
Awards granted under the Non-Employee Director Stock Plan are not transferable or assignable by a participant other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution (unless specifically required pursuant to a domestic relations order or by applicable law).
Effect of Certain Events on Non-Employee Director Stock Plan and Awards
In the event of a Change in Control or a dividend, stock split, merger, or other corporate transaction affecting our shares, if the Committee, in its sole discretion, determines an adjustment is necessary or appropriate (such event, an adjustment event), the Committee must make any such adjustments in such manner as it deems equitable, including adjustments to:
| any limit to the number of shares that may be granted under the Non-Employee Director Stock Plan; |
| the number and kind (if applicable) of shares of common stock or other of our securities that may be issued in respect of awards under the Non-Employee Director Stock Plan; and |
| the terms of any outstanding award, including (i) the number and kind of shares of common stock or other of our securities subject to outstanding awards, or (ii) the applicable exercise or strike price. |
In addition, except as may otherwise be provided in an award agreement, in connection with an adjustment event, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, provide for any one or more of the following:
| substitution, assumption, accelerated vesting or exercisability, or termination of, or lapse of restrictions on, awards, or providing for a period of exercisability prior to the occurrence of such event; |
| cancellation of outstanding awards and the payment of the value of such awards, if any, to holders of any such awards, as determined by the Committee; and |
| conversion or replacement of any unvested awards as of the occurrence of such event, into awards subject to continued vesting on the same terms as those applicable to the award prior to conversion or replacement. |
Amendment and Termination of Non-Employee Director Stock Plan or Awards
The Board may amend or terminate the Non-Employee Director Stock Plan or any portion thereof at any time in its discretion. The Committee may also amend, terminate, or waive any conditions or rights under any particular award, both prospectively and retroactively, to the extent consistent with the terms of any applicable award agreement. Any amendment, alteration, suspension, discontinuance or termination of the Non-Employee Director Stock Plan or any award that would materially and adversely affect the rights of any participant or any holder or beneficiary of any award will not be effective without such individuals consent.
5
However, we will need to receive stockholder approval in the event that any such amendment or termination would materially (i) modify the eligibility requirements for participation in the Non-Employee Director Stock Plan, or (ii) increase the number of securities that can be issued under the Non-Employee Director Stock Plan (with exceptions for certain adjustments laid out in the Non-Employee Director Stock Plan), or to the extent that stockholder approval is required for the amendment or termination by any regulatory or accounting rules.
Clawback/Repayment
All awards are subject to reduction, cancellation, forfeiture or recoupment to the extent necessary to comply with both applicable law, as well as any clawback-related policy adopted by the Board or the Committee. In the event that any Non-Employee Director receives an amount in excess of that which he or she should otherwise have received under the terms of such award for any reason, he or she will be required to repay to us any such excess amount.
Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation
In connection with the spin-off, we expect one of our subsidiaries to adopt a new deferred compensation plan. Pursuant to our Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (EDCP), specified eligible employees, including our NEOs, may defer up to 100% of such employees annual salary and bonus. Deferral elections are made by eligible employees in each calendar year preceding the year compensation is otherwise payable. Contributions to the EDCP will consist of participants elective deferral contributions, and discretionary employer contributions as credited to certain participants accounts from time to time in the Boards discretion. Eligible employees are permitted to make individual investment elections in notional funds selected by the plan administrator that will determine the rate of return on their deferral amounts. Participants may change their investment elections at any time, in accordance with the procedures adopted by the plan administrator. The EDCP does not provide any above-market returns or preferential earnings to participants, and the deferrals and their earnings are always 100% vested.
Generally, account balances will be distributed in accordance with the deferral election made by the participant. The participant must make two payout elections, one in the case of termination and one in the case of retirement. Participants may also elect to receive in-service distributions of such amounts at the time they make their deferral elections. In addition, upon a showing of financial hardship due to death, illness, accident or similar extraordinary or unforeseeable circumstances, an executive may be allowed to access funds in his or her deferred compensation account before he otherwise would have been eligible. Benefits can generally be received either as a lump sum payment or in installments over a period not to exceed 20 years in the case of retirement, 5 years in the case of termination and 5 years for in-service distributions. In the event of a Change in Control (as defined in the Omnibus Incentive Plan), 100% of the value of the eligible employees deferred compensation account will be distributed.
6
The following description of certain terms of our common stock as it will be in effect upon completion of the spin-off is a summary and is qualified in its entirety by reference to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws, as they will be in effect upon completion of the spin-off, forms of which are filed as exhibits to the registration statement of which this information statement forms a part, and by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the DGCL). See Where You Can Find More Information.
Under Description of Capital Stock, we, us, our and our company refer to HGV Parent and not to any of its subsidiaries.
General
Our purpose is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may now or hereafter be organized under the DGCL. Our authorized capital stock consists of 3,000,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 300,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. Unless our board of directors determines otherwise, we will issue all shares of our capital stock in uncertificated form.
Common Stock
Holders of shares of our common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters on which stockholders are entitled to vote generally, including the election or removal of directors elected by our stockholders generally. The holders of our common stock do not have cumulative voting rights in the election of directors.
Upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up and after payment in full of all amounts required to be paid to creditors and to the holders of our preferred stock having liquidation preferences, if any, the holders of our common stock will be entitled to receive pro rata our remaining assets available for distribution. All shares of our common stock that will be outstanding at the time of the completion of the spin-off will be fully paid and non-assessable. The common stock will not be subject to further calls or assessment by us. Holders of our common stock do not have preemptive, subscription, redemption or conversion rights. There will be no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock. The rights, powers, preferences and privileges of holders of our common stock will be subject to those of the holders of any shares of our preferred stock we may authorize and issue in the future.
Preferred Stock
No shares of preferred stock will be issued or outstanding at the time of the completion of the spin-off. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes our board of directors to establish one or more series of preferred stock (including convertible preferred stock). Unless required by law or any stock exchange, the authorized shares of preferred stock will be available for issuance without further action by the holders of our common stock. Our board of directors is able to determine, with respect to any series of preferred stock, the powers (including voting powers), preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, including, without limitation:
| the designation of the series; |
| the number of shares of the series, which our board of directors may, except where otherwise provided in the preferred stock designation, increase (but not above the total number of authorized shares of the class) or decrease (but not below the number of shares then outstanding); |
| whether dividends, if any, will be cumulative or non-cumulative and the dividend rate of the series; |
| the dates at which dividends, if any, will be payable; |
7
| the redemption or repurchase rights and price or prices, if any, for shares of the series; |
| the terms and amounts of any sinking fund provided for the purchase or redemption of shares of the series; |
| the amounts payable on shares of the series in the event of any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the affairs of the Company; |
| whether the shares of the series will be convertible into shares of any other class or series, or any other security, of the Company or any other entity, and, if so, the specification of the other class or series or other security, the conversion price or prices or rate or rates, any rate adjustments, the date or dates as of which the shares will be convertible and all other terms and conditions upon which the conversion may be made; |
| restrictions on the issuance of shares of the same series or of any other class or series; and |
| the voting rights, if any, of the holders of the series. |
We could issue a series of preferred stock that could, depending on the terms of the series, impede or discourage an acquisition attempt or other transaction that some, or a majority, of the holders of our common stock might believe to be in their best interests or in which the holders of our common stock might receive a premium over the market price of the common stock. Additionally, the issuance of preferred stock may adversely affect the rights of holders of our common stock by restricting dividends on the common stock, diluting the voting power of the common stock or subordinating the liquidation rights of the common stock. As a result of these or other factors, the issuance of preferred stock could have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.
Dividends
The DGCL permits a corporation to declare and pay dividends out of surplus or, if there is no surplus, out of its net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year. Surplus is defined as the excess of the net assets of the corporation over the amount determined to be the capital of the corporation by its board of directors. The capital of the corporation is typically calculated to be (and cannot be less than) the aggregate par value of all issued shares of capital stock. Net assets equals the fair value of the total assets minus total liabilities. The DGCL also provides that dividends may not be paid out of net profits if, after the payment of the dividend, remaining capital would be less than the capital represented by the outstanding stock of all classes having a preference upon the distribution of assets. Declaration and payment of any dividend will be subject to the discretion of our board of directors.
Stockholder Meetings
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that annual stockholder meetings will be held at a date, time and place, if any, as exclusively selected by our board of directors. Our amended and restated bylaws provide that special meetings of the stockholders may be called only by or at the direction of the board of directors, the chairman of our board or our chief executive officer, upon the request of holders of not less than a majority of the total voting power of all the then outstanding shares of our capital stock, or, for so long as Blackstone and its affiliates continue to beneficially own at least 40 percent of the total voting power of all the then outstanding shares of our stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, Blackstone. For so long as Blackstone and its affiliates continue to beneficially own at least 40 percent of the total voting power of all the then outstanding shares of stock of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, Blackstones consent is required for any amendment to this provision of our amended and restated bylaws. Upon the consummation of the Sale, we will amend and restate our charter to remove all provisions referencing Blackstones ownership of at least 40 percent of the total voting power of the then outstanding shares of our stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors because Blackstone will then own less than 40 percent of
8
such shares of our stock. This amended and restated charter will have been approved prior to the spin-off by the board of directors of HGV Parent and its sole stockholder, and following the spin-off no further board, stockholder or other corporate action will be required to approve the amended and restated charter to be adopted in connection with the Sale.
To the extent permitted under applicable law, we may conduct meetings by remote communications, including by webcast.
9
Anti-Takeover Effects of Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and Certain Provisions of Delaware Law
Undesignated Preferred Stock
The ability to authorize undesignated preferred stock will make it possible for our board of directors to issue preferred stock with super-majority voting, special approval, dividend or other rights or preferences that could impede the success of any attempt to acquire us or otherwise effect a change in control of us. These and other provisions may have the effect of deferring, delaying or discouraging hostile takeovers, or changes in control or management of our company.
We do not have a stockholder rights plan or any series of preferred stock designated in connection with such a plan, and if our board of directors were ever to adopt a stockholder rights plan in the future without prior stockholder approval, our board of directors would either submit the plan to stockholders for ratification or cause the rights plan to expire within one year.
Requirements for Advance Notification of Stockholder Meetings, Nominations and Proposals
Our amended and restated bylaws establish advance notice procedures with respect to stockholder proposals and the nomination of candidates for election as directors, other than nominations made by or at the direction of the board of directors or a committee of the board of directors. For any matter to be properly brought before a meeting, a stockholder will have to comply with advance notice requirements and provide us with certain information specified by our bylaws about the stockholder, its affiliates and any proposed business or nominee for election as a director, including information about the economic interest of the stockholder, its affiliates and any proposed nominee in us. Additionally, vacancies and newly created directorships may be filled only by a vote of a majority of the directors then in office, even though less than a quorum, and not by the stockholders. Our amended and restated bylaws provide for certain procedures with respect to the resignation of any director who does not receive a majority of the votes cast in an uncontested election. Our amended and restated bylaws allow the presiding officer at a meeting of the stockholders to adopt rules and regulations for the conduct of meetings which may have the effect of precluding the conduct of certain business at a meeting if the rules and regulations are not followed. These provisions may also defer, delay or discourage a potential acquirer from conducting a solicitation of proxies to elect the acquirers own slate of directors or otherwise attempting to influence or obtain control of our company.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the board of directors is expressly authorized to make, alter or repeal our bylaws and that our stockholders may only amend our bylaws with the approval of 80 percent or more of all of the outstanding shares of our capital stock entitled to vote.
No Cumulative Voting
The DGCL provides that stockholders are not entitled to the right to cumulate votes in the election of directors unless our certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation does not provide for cumulative voting.
10
Stockholder Action by Written Consent
Pursuant to Section 228 of the DGCL, any action required to be taken at any annual or special meeting of the stockholders may be taken without a meeting, without prior notice and without a vote if a consent or consents in writing, setting forth the action so taken, is or are signed by the holders of outstanding stock having not less than the minimum number of votes that would be necessary to authorize or take such action at a meeting at which all shares of our stock entitled to vote thereon were present and voted, unless the companys certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that from and after the date on which Blackstone and its affiliates cease to beneficially own at least 40 percent of the total voting power of all the then outstanding shares of our stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, any action required or permitted to be taken by our stockholders may not be effected by consent in writing by stockholders unless such action is recommended by all directors then in office. For so long as Blackstone and its affiliates continue to beneficially own at least 40 percent of the total voting power of all the then outstanding shares of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, Blackstones consent is required for any amendment to this provision of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation. Upon the consummation of the Sale, we will amend and restate our charter to remove all provisions referencing Blackstones ownership of at least 40 percent of the total voting power of the then outstanding shares of our stock entitled to vote generally in the election of directors because Blackstone will then own less than 40 percent of such shares of our stock. This amended and restated charter will have been approved prior to the spin-off by the board of directors of HGV Parent and its sole stockholder, and following the spin-off no further board, stockholder or other corporate action will be required to approve the amended and restated charter to be adopted in connection with the Sale.
Delaware Anti-Takeover Statute
We have opted out of Section 203 of the DGCL. Section 203 provides that, subject to certain exceptions specified in the law, a publicly held Delaware corporation shall not engage in certain business combinations with any interested stockholder for a three-year period after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder. These provisions generally prohibit or delay the accomplishment of mergers, assets or stock sales or other takeover or change-in-control attempts that are not approved by a companys board of directors.
However, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws provide that in the event Blackstone and its affiliates (or, following the Sale, either Blackstone and its affiliates or HNA) cease to beneficially own at least 5 percent of the then outstanding shares of our common stock, we will automatically become subject to Section 203 of the DGCL. In general, Section 203 prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging, under certain circumstances, in a business combination with an interested stockholder for a period of three years following the date the person became an interested stockholder unless:
| prior to the date of the transaction, the board of directors of the corporation approved either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder; |
| upon completion of the transaction that resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the stockholder owned at least 85 percent of the voting stock of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced, excluding for purposes of determining the number of shares outstanding (1) shares owned by persons who are directors and also officers and (2) shares owned by employee stock plans in which employee participants do not have the right to determine confidentially whether shares held subject to the plan will be tendered in a tender or exchange offer; or |
| on or subsequent to the date of the transaction, the business combination is approved by the board and authorized at an annual or special meeting of stockholders, and not by written consent, by the affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3 percent of the outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder. |
11
Generally, a business combination includes a merger, asset or stock sale, or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. An interested stockholder is a person who, together with affiliates and associates, owns or, within three years prior to the determination of interested stockholder status, did own 15 percent or more of a corporations outstanding voting stock.
Under certain circumstances, Section 203 makes it more difficult for a person who would be an interested stockholder to effect various business combinations with a corporation for a three-year period. Accordingly, Section 203 could have an anti-takeover effect with respect to certain transactions our board of directors does not approve in advance. The provisions of Section 203 may encourage companies interested in acquiring the Company to negotiate in advance with our board of directors because the stockholder approval requirement would be avoided if our board of directors approves either the business combination or the transaction that results in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder. However, Section 203 also could discourage attempts that might result in a premium over the market price for the shares of common stock held by stockholders. These provisions also may make it more difficult to accomplish transactions that stockholders may otherwise deem to be in their best interests.
Dissenters Rights of Appraisal and Payment
Under the DGCL, with certain exceptions, our stockholders will have appraisal rights in connection with a merger or consolidation of our company. Pursuant to the DGCL, stockholders who properly request and perfect appraisal rights in connection with such merger or consolidation will have the right to receive payment of the fair value of their shares as determined by the Delaware Court of Chancery.
Stockholders Derivative Actions
Under the DGCL, any of our stockholders may bring an action in our name to procure a judgment in our favor, also known as a derivative action, provided that the stockholder bringing the action is a holder of our shares at the time of the transaction to which the action relates or such stockholders stock thereafter devolved by operation of law.
Exclusive Forum
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that unless we consent to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for any (i) derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of our company, (ii) action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer or other employee of our company to our company or our companys stockholders, (iii) action asserting a claim against our company or any director or officer of our company arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or our amended and restated bylaws or (iv) action asserting a claim against our company or any director or officer of our company governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in each such case subject to said Court of Chancery having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants therein. Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring any interest in shares of capital stock of our company shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the forum provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation.
Conflicts of Interest
Delaware law permits corporations to adopt provisions renouncing any interest or expectancy in certain opportunities that are presented to the corporation or its officers, directors or stockholders. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, to the maximum extent permitted from time to time by Delaware law, renounces any interest or expectancy that we have in, or right to be offered an opportunity to participate in, specified business opportunities that are from time to time presented to our officers, directors or stockholders or their respective affiliates, other than those officers, directors, stockholders or affiliates who are our or our subsidiaries employees. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that, to the fullest extent
12
permitted by law, none of Blackstone or any of its affiliates or any director who is not employed by us (including any non-employee director who serves as one of our officers in both his director and officer capacities) or his or her affiliates will have any duty to refrain from (i) engaging in a corporate opportunity in the same or similar lines of business in which we or our affiliates now engage or propose to engage or (ii) otherwise competing with us or our affiliates. In addition, to the fullest extent permitted by law, in the event that Blackstone or any non-employee director acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or other business opportunity which may be a corporate opportunity for itself, himself or herself or its, his or her affiliates or for us or our affiliates, such person will have no duty to communicate or offer such transaction or business opportunity to us or any of our affiliates and they may take any such opportunity for themselves or offer it to another person or entity. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation does not renounce our interest in any business opportunity that is expressly offered to a non-employee director solely in his or her capacity as a director or officer of the Company. To the fullest extent permitted by law, no business opportunity will be deemed to be a potential corporate opportunity for us unless we would be permitted to undertake the opportunity under our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, we have sufficient financial resources to undertake the opportunity and the opportunity would be in line with our business. Upon the consummation of the Sale, we will amend and restate our charter to contain a similar provision with respect to HNA. This amended and restated charter will have been approved prior to the spin-off by the board of directors of HGV Parent and its sole stockholder, and following the spin-off no further board, stockholder or other corporate action will be required to approve the amended and restated charter to be adopted in connection with the Sale.
Limitations on Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors
The DGCL authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors to corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of directors fiduciary duties, subject to certain exceptions. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation includes a provision that eliminates the personal liability of directors for monetary damages to the corporation or its stockholders for any breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the DGCL. The effect of these provisions is to eliminate the rights of us and our stockholders, through stockholders derivative suits on our behalf, to recover monetary damages from a director for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, including breaches resulting from grossly negligent behavior. However, exculpation does not apply to any director if the director has acted in bad faith, knowingly or intentionally violated the law, authorized illegal dividends or redemptions or derived an improper benefit from his or her actions as a director.
Our amended and restated bylaws provide that we must indemnify and advance expenses to our directors and officers to the fullest extent authorized by the DGCL. We also are expressly authorized to carry directors and officers liability insurance providing indemnification for our directors, officers and certain employees for some liabilities. We believe that these indemnification and advancement provisions and insurance are useful to attract and retain qualified directors and executive officers.
The limitation of liability, indemnification and advancement provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions also may have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders.
There is currently no pending material litigation or proceeding involving any of our directors, officers or employees for which indemnification is sought.
Indemnification Agreements
We intend to enter into an indemnification agreement with each of our directors and executive officers as described in Certain Relationships and Related Person TransactionsIndemnification Agreements. Insofar as
13
indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors or executive officers, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy and is therefore unenforceable.
Transfer Agent and Registrar
We intend for the transfer agent and registrar for our common stock to be Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.
Listing
Following the spin-off, we expect to have our common stock listed on the NYSE under the ticker symbol HGV.
14
Exhibit 99.2
|
|
|
Hilton Completes Spin-off of Park Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Grand Vacations
Park Hotels & Resorts and Hilton Grand Vacations to begin regular way trading on the New York Stock Exchange
MCLEAN, Va. and ORLANDO, Fl. Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE: HLT) (Hilton) today announced the completion of the spin-offs of Park Hotels & Resorts Inc. (Park) and Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. (HGV), resulting in three independent, publicly traded companies.
Park and HGV will begin regular way trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) today, January 4, 2017, under the ticker symbols PK and HGV, respectively. Hilton also effected a previously-announced 1-for-3 reverse stock split, and will continue to trade on the NYSE under the ticker symbol HLT.
Hilton will continue to be led by Christopher J. Nassetta, president and chief executive officer (CEO). Kevin J. Jacobs will continue to serve as Hiltons executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO) and Michael W. Duffy will continue to serve as Hiltons senior vice president and chief accounting officer. Its portfolio of 13 distinct brands leads the industry in market share premiums, resulting in leading rates of organic net unit growth with very low capital requirements.
Park, headquartered in McLean, Virginia, is led by Thomas J. Baltimore, Jr., chairman, president & CEO. Sean M. DellOrto serves as Parks executive vice president and CFO and Treasurer, and Darren W. Robb serves as Parks senior vice president and chief accounting officer. Park is now one of the largest lodging real estate investment trusts (REIT), with 67 premium-branded hotels and resorts with more than 35,000 rooms located in prime U.S. locations and international markets with high barriers to entry.
HGV, headquartered in Orlando, Florida, is led by Mark Wang, president & CEO. James E. Mikolaichik serves as HGVs executive vice president and CFO and Allen Klingsick serves as senior vice president and chief accounting officer. HGV is a timeshare company that markets and sells vacation ownership intervals, and manages resorts in top leisure and urban destinations. HGVs 46 resorts are located in premier markets, including the Hawaiian Islands, New York City, Orlando and Las Vegas.
These spin-offs are an important milestone in Hiltons continued evolution as the worlds most hospitable company, said Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO, Hilton. The new Hilton is a fee-based, capital efficient, and resilient business with tremendous growth potential around the world. We believe this will result in opportunities for our team members and meaningful returns for our hotel owners and shareholders.
Todays transaction positions Park Hotels & Resorts as the second largest lodging REIT and a key player in the market, said Thomas J. Baltimore, Jr., chairman, president & CEO, Park Hotels & Resorts. We believe our size, scale, and high-quality portfolio will enable us to capitalize on meaningful growth opportunities.
Hilton Grand Vacations is a premier operator and rapidly growing company in the timeshare industry, said Mark Wang, president & CEO, Hilton Grand Vacations. We are focused on adding value for our members, continued net owner growth, and delivering a strong return on our capital efficient business.
The companies were provided financial advice by Deutsche Bank Securities, Goldman Sachs & Co. and BofA Merrill Lynch, legal advice by Simpson Thacher, Hogan Lovells and Womble Carlyle, and tax advice by Ernst & Young and KPMG.
###
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. You can identify these forward-looking statements by the use of words such as outlook, believes, expects, potential, continues, may, will, should, could, seeks, projects, predicts, intends, plans, estimates, anticipates or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including, among others, risks inherent to the hospitality industry, macroeconomic factors beyond Hiltons, Parks or HGVs control, competition for hotel guests, management and franchise agreements and timeshare sales, risks related to doing business with third-party hotel owners, significant investments in owned and leased real estate, performance of information technology systems, growth of reservation channels outside of Hiltons system, risks of doing business outside of the United States, and indebtedness. Additional factors that could cause Hiltons, Parks or HGVs results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found under Part I-Item 1A. Risk Factors of Hiltons Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, Risk Factors in Parks Registration Statement on Form 10, and Risk Factors in HGVs Registration Statement on Form 10, each as filed with the SEC, as such factors may be updated from time to time in periodic filings with the SEC, which are accessible on the SECs website at www.sec.gov. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this release and in Hiltons, Parks and HGVs filings with the SEC. Each of Hilton, Park and HGV undertakes no obligation to publicly update or review any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.
About Hilton
Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company, comprising more than 4,800 managed, franchised, owned and leased hotels and timeshare properties with nearly 789,000 rooms in 104 countries and territories. For 97 years, Hilton has been dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences. The companys portfolio of 13 world-class global brands includes Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, CurioA Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages an award-winning customer loyalty program, Hilton HHonors ® . Hilton HHonors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to benefits including an exclusive member discount, free standard Wi-Fi, as well as digital amenities that are available exclusively through the industry-leading Hilton HHonors app, where Hilton HHonors
members can check-in, choose their room, and access their room using a Digital Key. Visit news.hiltonworldwide.com for more information and connect with Hilton on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, LinkedIn and Instagram.
About Park Hotels & Resorts Inc.
Park Hotels & Resorts Inc. (NYSE: PK) is one of the largest publicly traded lodging real estate investment trusts with a diverse portfolio of market-leading hotels and resorts with significant underlying real estate value. The Companys portfolio currently consists of 67 premium-branded hotels and resorts with over 35,000 rooms located in prime U.S. and international markets with high barriers to entry. For additional information, please visit the Companys website at www.pkhotelsandresorts.com .
About Hilton Grand Vacations Inc.
Hilton Grand Vacations Inc. (NYSE:HGV) is recognized as a leading global timeshare company. With headquarters in Orlando, Fla., Hilton Grand Vacations develops, markets and operates a system of brand-name, high-quality vacation ownership resorts in select vacation destinations. The company also manages and operates two innovative club membership programs: Hilton Grand Vacations Club ® and The Hilton Club ® , providing exclusive exchange, leisure travel and reservation services for more than 260,000 Club Members. For more information, visit www.hgv.com and www.hiltongrandvacations.com .
Hilton Contacts:
Christian Charnaux
Investor Contact
1-703-883-5205
christian.charnaux@hilton.com
Nigel Glennie
Media Contact
1-415-298-4424
nigel.glennie@hilton.com
Park Hotels & Resorts Contact:
Ian Weissman
Investor Contact
1-703-584-7441
iweissman@pkhotelsandresorts.com
Hilton Grand Vacations Contact:
Robert LaFleur
Investor Contact
1-407-722-3327
rlafleur@hgvc.com
Erin Pagán
Media Contact
1-407-722-3771
epagan@hgvc.com