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): March 24, 2017

 

 

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-35883   27-1220297

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification No.)

9205 South Park Center Loop, Suite 400

Orlando, Florida 32819

(407) 226-5011

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

 

 

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.

The information included in Item 8.01 below with respect to the Stockholders Agreement (as defined below) and Registration Rights Agreement (as defined below) is hereby incorporated by reference into this Item 1.01.

Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.

On March 24, 2017, SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (the “ Company ”) and Zhonghong Zhuoye Group Co., Ltd. (“ ZHG Group ”) issued a joint press release announcing that an affiliate of ZHG Group, Sun Wise (UK) Co., Ltd (“ ZHG ”), would acquire approximately 21% of the outstanding shares of common stock of the Company (the “ Sale ”) from funds affiliated with The Blackstone Group, L.P. (“ Blackstone ”), pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement between ZHG and Blackstone (the “ Stock Purchase Agreement ”). A copy of the joint press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Under the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, ZHG will pay to Blackstone $23.00 per share of the Company’s common stock acquired by ZHG. The Sale is expected to close, subject to customary closing conditions (including expiration of the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act), in the second quarter of 2017. Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, ZHG has deposited $50 million into an escrow account, which deposit, or a portion thereof, will be released to Blackstone if the Stock Purchase Agreement is terminated in certain circumstances. The Company is not a party to the Stock Purchase Agreement, has no obligations thereunder and did not independently verify any arrangements between Blackstone and ZHG, but as described below in Item 8.01 is a party to certain other agreements entered into in connection with the Sale. The foregoing description of the Stock Purchase Agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of such document, which is furnished as Exhibit 99.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

The information in this Item 7.01 (including Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2) shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, (the “ Exchange Act ”) or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.

Item 8.01 Other Events.

Changes to the Board . In connection with the closing of the Sale, the Company agreed to appoint two ZHG director designees to the Company’s board of directors (the “ Board ”), Mr. Yoshikazu Maruyama and Mr. Yongli Wang (the “ Initial ZHG Designees ”), pursuant to ZHG’s rights under the Stockholders Agreement described below. The Company is also increasing the size of the Board from 10 directors to 11 directors in connection with the closing of the Sale, and Mr. Peter Wallace is expected to resign as a director in connection with the closing of the Sale.

Stockholders Agreement . In connection with the Sale, the Company entered into a stockholders agreement with ZHG (and with ZHG Group for purposes of the standstill provision only) (the “ Stockholders Agreement ”) that will be effective upon the closing of the Sale. The Stockholders Agreement will terminate when ZHG and its affiliates, in the aggregate, hold less than 5% of the Company’s common stock.

Directors . Under the Stockholders Agreement, for so long as ZHG owns at least 20% of the Company’s outstanding common stock, it will have the right to designate two directors to the Company’s Board. After the resignation or other removal of either of the Initial ZHG Designees, unless otherwise determined by the Board, at least one of the two ZHG director designees will be required to (i) meet the independence standards of the New York Stock Exchange with respect to the Company and (ii) not have been, for three (3) years prior to appointment, an employee, director or officer of, or consultant to, ZHG or any of its affiliates. Each of ZHG’s director designees must be reasonably satisfactory to the Company’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. ZHG’s right to designate directors declines to one director if ZHG’s ownership falls below 20% of the Company’s common stock and such


right terminates if ZHG’s ownership falls below 10% of the Company’s common stock, in each case subject to certain exceptions. Each ZHG designee that meets the independence standards of the New York Stock Exchange will be entitled to serve on at least one standing committee of the Board, as determined by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

Voting Requirements . The Stockholders Agreement generally requires ZHG to vote all of its shares in excess of 15% of the total outstanding shares of the Company in the same proportion as the shares owned by other stockholders are voted on all matters, except as follows: (i) in elections of directors, ZHG is required to vote all of its shares, up to 15% of the total outstanding shares of the Company, in favor of each of the Board’s nominees and, in excess of 15%, can either vote affirmatively in favor of the Board’s nominees or in the same proportion as the shares owned by other stockholders are voted; (ii) for two years after the closing of the Sale, in third party acquisitions of the Company where the consideration is less than or equal to $23.00 per share, ZHG may vote all of its shares as it chooses; and (iii) in the case of any charter or bylaw amendment which adversely affects ZHG disproportionally as compared to other stockholders, an issuance of more than 20% of the Company’s outstanding shares (other than in connection with an acquisition) at a below-market price, or an acquisition of the Company by ZHG, ZHG may vote all of its shares as it chooses. In a third party tender offer approved by the Board (except for two years after the closing of the Sale, in a third party tender offer where the consideration is less than or equal to $23.00 per share), ZHG will be required to tender its shares in excess of 15% of the total outstanding shares of the Company in the same proportion as shares held by non-ZHG holders are tendered.

Transfer Restrictions and Right of First Refusal . For two years after the closing of the Sale, the Stockholders Agreement requires ZHG to not transfer any shares of the Company unless:

 

    such transfer is approved in advance by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board or a duly authorized committee thereof;

 

    such transfer is to a ZHG affiliate, provided that such ZHG affiliate agrees to be bound by the terms of the Stockholders Agreement;

 

    such transfer is in connection with an acquisition approved by the Board or a duly authorized committee thereof;

 

    such transfer constitutes a tender into a tender or exchange offer commenced by the Company or any of its affiliates; or

 

    such transfer is in connection with a bona fide pledge of capital stock to a financial institution that is not controlled by any governmental authority in connection with a bona fide loan or enforcement thereunder (or, if such financial institution is controlled by a governmental authority, then such financial institution must be included in The Banker’s most recently issued Top 1000 World Banks ranking or have common equity securities listed on a globally recognized stock exchange).

After two years, other than in an underwritten public offering, block trade or permitted transfer described above, ZHG will not be permitted to transfer shares of the Company to certain competitors of the Company or, to the knowledge of ZHG or its broker, a person or group who is a 5% stockholder or who would thereby become a 5% stockholder. In addition, in an underwritten public offering or a block trade, other than a permitted transfer described above, ZHG will instruct the underwriter or broker not to transfer any shares to a person or group who is a 5% stockholder or would become a 5% stockholder (unless the identity of the purchaser is not known to the underwriter or broker). In a block trade, other than a permitted transfer described above, ZHG will instruct its broker not to transfer shares to certain competitors of the Company (unless the identity of the purchaser is not known to ZHG or its broker). If the Company proposes to issue new equity securities in an offering that is not an underwritten public offering or an offering pursuant to Rule 144A, ZHG will have the right to purchase a pro-rata portion of such issuance, measured based on ZHG’s ownership percentage in the Company at such time (which shall initially be capped at 24.9% and decrease proportionately following sales of shares by ZHG to parties other than affiliates of ZHG (the “ Maximum Ownership Percentage ”).

Standstill . Subject to the following paragraph, the Stockholders Agreement includes a customary standstill provision that requires ZHG and its affiliates not to:

 

    acquire, offer or agree to acquire, any beneficial interest in the Company;


    make any public announcement or public offer with respect to any merger, business combination, reorganization, restructuring or other similar extraordinary transaction involving the Company (except when the Board affirmatively recommends or approves such transaction);

 

    make or in any way participate in any “solicitation” of “proxies” to vote or seek to advise or influence voting of securities in a manner inconsistent with the Board’s recommendation;

 

    seek election or removal of any director other than ZHG designees or otherwise act, alone or in concert with others, to control or influence the Company;

 

    call a meeting of stockholders or initiate any stockholder proposal;

 

    participate in a “group” regarding equity securities of the Company;

 

    act, alone or in concert with others, to seek to control or influence the management or policies of the Company;

 

    knowingly assist or encourage, or enter into any discussions or agreements with any third party, in connection with any of the foregoing;

 

    publicly disclose any intention, plan or arrangement inconsistent with the foregoing;

 

    provide any financing for a purchase of equity securities or assets of the Company, subject to certain exceptions;

 

    take any actions that ZHG knows or would reasonably be expected to know would require the Company to make a public announcement regarding the possibility of an acquisition; or

 

    contest the validity of any of the foregoing.

Notwithstanding the above, ZHG will not be prohibited from: (i) transferring shares of the Company to ZHG affiliates; (ii) purchasing shares of the Company pursuant to its right to purchase its pro-rata portion of newly issued equity securities of the Company; (iii) making a non-public, confidential acquisition proposal to the Board; or (iv) after public announcement of a definitive agreement for the acquisition of the Company by a third party, making a publicly announced alternative acquisition proposal for all of the outstanding shares of the Company (an “ Alternative Proposal ”) which, if a tender or exchange offer, must be on the same terms for all such shares and include a non-waivable condition that a majority of the shares held by non-ZHG holders are tendered into such offer. ZHG remains subject to the voting and tender requirements described above with respect to third party acquisitions and tender offers whether or not ZHG makes an Alternative Proposal. ZHG may purchase Company shares in the open market up to the Maximum Ownership Percentage.

Corporate Opportunity; DGCL Section 203 . The Delaware General Corporate Law (“ DGCL ”) 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. Under the Stockholders Agreement, the Company agreed to adopt resolutions waiving certain corporate opportunities presented to ZHG entities. In addition, although the Company has previously opted out of Section 203 of the DGCL (“ Section 203 ”), the Company’s certificate of incorporation (the “ Charter ”) contains a provision similar to Section 203 that imposes restrictions on certain business combinations involving interested stockholders unless, among other things, the Board has approved the business combination or the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder. The Company has exempted ZHG from these restrictions on certain business combinations under the relevant provisions of the Company’s Charter.

Registration Rights . The Company also entered into a registration rights agreement (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”) with ZHG that will be effective upon the closing of the Sale. The Registration Rights Agreement provides that, subject to the transfer restrictions set forth is the Stockholders Agreement, ZHG will have customary “demand” and “piggyback” registration rights. The Registration Rights Agreement also will require the Company to pay certain expenses relating to such registrations and indemnify the registration rights holder against certain liabilities under the Securities Act.


Special Committee . The Board determined that it was in the best interests of the Company’s stockholders to establish a special committee of disinterested directors (the “ Special Committee ”) in connection with the Sale and the Company’s related arrangements with ZHG and its affiliates. None of the members of the Special Committee are affiliated with Blackstone or the ZHG Group or their respective affiliates. Prior to the establishment of the Special Committee, Blackstone informed the Board that Blackstone would not proceed with the Sale during 2017 unless the ZHG Group and the Company entered into arrangements that were approved by the Special Committee. The Board delegated to the Special Committee the exclusive authority to review and approve any arrangement between the Company and the ZHG Group or its affiliates or any other agreements with respect to the Sale to which the Company is a party. The Special Committee’s process included engaging and receiving advice from independent legal and financial advisors, holding eight meetings with its advisors, extensive negotiations with the ZHG Group and its advisors relating to its governance arrangements with the Company and review of the potential benefits, including the concept development and design agreements described below and future collaboration opportunities with the ZHG Group and its affiliates in China and elsewhere.

Concept Development and Design Agreements . On March 24, 2017, Sea Holdings I, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and Zhonghong Holding Co., Ltd. (“ Zhonghong Holding ”), an affiliate of ZHG Group, entered into a Park Exclusivity and Concept Design Agreement (the “ ECDA ”) and a Center Concept and Preliminary Design Agreement (the “ CDSA ”).

Under the terms of the ECDA, the Company will work with Zhonghong Holding and a top theme park design company, the Hettema Group, to create and produce the concept designs and development analysis for theme parks, water parks and interactive parks in China. Under the terms of the CDSA, the Company will provide guidance, input, and expertise relating to the initial strategic planning, concept and preliminary design of Zhonghong Holding’s family entertainment and other similar centers. The entry into the ECDA and CDSA was approved by the Special Committee as being in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

Each of the foregoing descriptions of the Stockholders Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, the ECDA and the CDSA is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of each of such documents, which are filed as Exhibits 10.1, 10.2, 99.3 and 99.4 respectively, to this Current Report on Form 8-K and are incorporated herein by reference.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Current Report on Form 8-K contains statements that are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections. These forward-looking statements, which are identified by words such as “may,” “expects,” “future,” “believe,” and “forward,” are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this Current Report on Form 8-K, including the risk that the transactions may not be timely completed, if at all, due to the failure of any of the closing conditions, including required regulatory approvals; and other risks, uncertainties and factors set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and in subsequent reports, including Current Reports on Form 8-K, that the Company files or furnishes with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company’s filings with the SEC are available from the SEC’s EDGAR database at www.sec.gov and via the Company’s website at www.seaworldentertainment.com.


Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits.

 

Exhibit
No.

  

Description

10.1    Stockholders Agreement, dated as of March 24, 2017, by and among SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., Sun Wise (UK) Co., Ltd. and, solely for purposes of Section 4.3 thereof, Zhonghong Zhuoye Group Co., Ltd.
10.2    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 24, 2017, by and between SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. and Sun Wise (UK) Co., Ltd.
99.1    Press Release of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., dated March 24, 2017.
99.2    Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 24, 2017, by and among certain stockholders of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. and Sun Wise (UK) Co., Ltd.
99.3    Park Exclusivity and Concept Design Agreement, dated as of March 24, 2017, between Sea Holdings I, LLC and Zhonghong Holding Co., Ltd. (Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment).
99.4    Center Concept and Preliminary Design Support Agreement, dated as of March 24, 2017 between Sea Holdings I, LLC and Zhonghong Holding Co., Ltd.


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.

 

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
By:  

/ s / G. Anthony (Tony) Taylor

Name:   G. Anthony (Tony) Taylor
Title:   Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

Date: March 24, 2017


EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

No.

  

Description

10.1    Stockholders Agreement, dated as of March 24, 2017, by and among SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., Sun Wise (UK) Co., Ltd. and, solely for the purposes of Section 4.3 thereof, Zhonghong Zhuoye Group Co., Ltd.
10.2    Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of March 24, 2017, by and between SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. and Sun Wise (UK) Co., Ltd.
99.1    Press Release of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., dated March 24, 2017.
99.2    Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of March 24, 2017, by and among certain stockholders of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. and Sun Wise (UK) Co., Ltd.
99.3    Park Exclusivity and Concept Design Agreement, dated as of March 24, 2017, between Sea Holdings I, LLC and Zhonghong Holding Co., Ltd. (Portions of this exhibit have been omitted pursuant to a request for confidential treatment).
99.4    Center Concept and Preliminary Design Support Agreement, dated as of March 24, 2017, between Sea Holdings I, LLC and Zhonghong Holding Co., Ltd.

Exhibit 10.1

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

Dated as of March 24, 2017


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

ARTICLE I INTRODUCTORY MATTERS

     1  

1.1

  Defined Terms      1  

1.2

  Construction      9  

ARTICLE II CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS

     9  

2.1

  Composition of the Board      9  

2.2

  Size of the Board      11  

2.3

  Committees      11  

2.4

  Qualification of ZHG Designees      11  

2.5

  Participation of ZHG Designees in Certain Matters; Acquisition Proposals      13  

2.6

  Resignations      14  

2.7

  Other ZHG Investments      14  

ARTICLE III VOTING MATTERS

     15  

3.1

  Voting in Elections      15  

3.2

  Voting with respect to Certain Acquisitions      15  

3.3

  Voting with respect to Other Matters      16  

3.4

  Quorum      16  

ARTICLE IV ADDITIONAL COVENANTS

     16  

4.1

  Transfer Restrictions      16  

4.2

  Right of First Refusal      19  

4.3

  Standstill      20  

4.4

  Information and Access Rights      23  

4.5

  Cooperation      23  

4.6

  Tender of Shares in Certain Acquisitions      24  

4.7

  Public Announcements      24  

4.8

  Corporate Opportunities      24  

4.9

  Translator      24  

ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     25  

5.1

  Representations and Warranties of the Company      25  

5.2

  Representations and Warranties of ZHG      25  

5.3

  No Other Representations or Warranties      26  

ARTICLE VI GENERAL PROVISIONS

     26  

6.1

  Termination      26  

6.2

  Notices      26  

 

i


6.3

  Amendment; Waiver      27  

6.4

  Further Assurances      28  

6.5

  Assignment      28  

6.6

  Third Parties      28  

6.7

  Governing Law      28  

6.8

  Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial      28  

6.9

  Specific Performance      28  

6.10

  Entire Agreement      29  

6.11

  Severability      29  

6.12

  Table of Contents, Headings and Captions      29  

6.13

  Counterparts      29  

6.14

  Effectiveness of this Agreement      30  

 

ii


STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT

This Stockholders Agreement, dated as of March 24, 2017, by and among SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), Sun Wise (UK) Co., Ltd, a private limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales (“ ZHG ”), and, solely for purposes of Section 4.3 , Zhonghong Zhuoye Group Co., Ltd., a company incorporated under the laws of the People’s Republic of China (“ ZHG Group ”).

BACKGROUND:

WHEREAS, ZHG and Blackstone (as defined below), as of the date hereof, have entered into the Stock Purchase Agreement (as defined below), pursuant to which, among other things, ZHG has agreed to purchase from Blackstone, and Blackstone has agreed to sell to ZHG, shares of Common Stock (as defined below), subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Stock Purchase Agreement;

WHEREAS, the Company is entering into this Agreement as a condition to ZHG’s willingness to enter into the Stock Purchase Agreement;

WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, the Company and ZHG are entering into a Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”), providing for certain registration rights which the Company is granting to ZHG;

WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, Sea Holdings I, LLC and Zhonghong Holding Co., Ltd. (“ ZHG Holding ”), are entering into a Park Exclusivity and Concept Design Agreement, and Sea Holdings I, LLC and ZHG Holding are entering into a Center Concept & Preliminary Design Support Agreement, each dated as of the date hereof;

WHEREAS, in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company and ZHG wish to set forth certain understandings between such parties, including with respect to certain governance matters; and

WHEREAS, the Company and ZHG wish the rights and obligations set forth herein to become automatically effective simultaneously with the Closing (as defined below).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing, and the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein, and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound hereby, 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:


“5% Stockholder” means, in connection with a proposed Transfer of Equity Securities of the Company, any Person or Group that has filed or is required to file a statement of beneficial ownership report on Schedule 13D or Schedule 13G with the SEC which reports such Person’s or Group’s beneficial ownership of five percent (5%) or more of the total outstanding Common Stock at the time of such proposed Transfer.

“Acquisition” means any transaction or series of related transactions involving: (i) (a) any acquisition (whether direct or indirect, including by way of merger, share exchange, consolidation, business combination or other similar transaction) or purchase from the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that would result in any Person or Group Beneficially Owning more than fifty percent (50%) of the total outstanding Equity Securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (measured by voting power or economic interest), or (b) any tender offer, exchange offer or other secondary acquisition that would result in any Person or Group Beneficially Owning more than fifty percent (50%) of the total outstanding Equity Securities of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (measured by voting power or economic interest), or (c) any merger, consolidation, share exchange, business combination or similar transaction involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that would result in the stockholders of the Company immediately preceding such transaction Beneficially Owning less than fifty percent (50%) of the total outstanding Equity Securities in the surviving or resulting entity of such transaction (measured by voting power or economic interest); provided, that, in the case of each of clauses (a), (b) and (c), in the case such acquisition or other transaction involves only a Subsidiary or Subsidiaries of the Company, only if such acquisition or other transaction would be material to the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis; or (ii) any sale or lease or exchange, transfer, license or disposition of a business or assets that constitute more than fifty percent (50%) of the consolidated assets, business, revenues, net income, or assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis.

“Acquisition Notice” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(a) .

“Acquisition Proposal” means any proposal, offer, inquiry, indication of interest or expression of intent (whether binding or non-binding, and whether communicated to the Company, the Board or publicly announced to the Company’s stockholders or otherwise) by any Person or Group relating to an Acquisition.

“Adjusted Ownership Percentage” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3(c) .

Affiliate has the meaning set forth in Rule 12b-2 promulgated under the Exchange Act.

“Affiliated ZHG Designee means any Qualified ZHG Designee that is not an Independent ZHG Designee.

“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” (including its correlative meanings, “Beneficial Owner” and “Beneficial Ownership”) has the meaning set forth in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act; provided, however, that, notwithstanding anything in Rule 13d-3(d)(1)(i) to the

 

2


contrary, the determination of “Beneficial Ownership” of a Person shall be made after giving effect to the conversion of all options, warrants, rights and convertible or other similar securities outstanding as of any date in question that are held by such Person, irrespective of any vesting period of any such security.

Blackstone ” means, collectively, SW Delaware L.P., SW Delaware A L.P., SW Delaware B L.P., SW Delaware C L.P., SW Delaware D L.P., SW Delaware E L.P., SW Delaware F L.P., SW Delaware Co-Invest L.P. and SW Delaware (GSO) L.P.

“Board” means the board of directors of the Company.

Business Day ” means a day other than a Saturday, Sunday, holiday or other day on which commercial banks in New York, New York, Hong Kong or Beijing, PRC are authorized or required by Law to close.

Buy-Back Period ” means the period commencing on the closing date of the applicable issuance of Equity Securities of the Company or Stock Acquisition, as the case may be, and ending on the nine (9) month anniversary of such closing date; provided , that, if the Company has imposed any “blackout” period or periods that restrict the ZHG Entities’ ability to purchase shares of Common Stock during such nine (9) month period, such nine (9) month period shall be extended by the number of days of such “blackout” period or periods.

Closing ” has the meaning set forth in the Stock Purchase Agreement.

Closing Date ” means the date on which the Closing occurs.

Common Stock ” means the shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of the Company, and any other capital stock of the Company into which such common stock is reclassified or reconstituted and any other common stock of the Company.

Company ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

Company Charter ” means the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, as amended.

Confidentiality Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.4 .

“Control” (including its correlative meanings, “ Controlled ” and “ Controlled by ”) 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.

Controlled Affiliate ” means, with respect to ZHG, any Affiliate of ZHG that is controlled by ZHG, including any direct or indirect Subsidiary of ZHG.

Designee Qualifications ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a)(vi) .

Director ” means any director of the Company.

 

3


Director Confidentiality Agreement ” means a Confidentiality Agreement, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit A to this Agreement (as it may be modified from time to time by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee), which the Company will require each Director that is not an employee of the Company to execute as a condition to such Director’s election or nomination for election and any subsequent nomination for election as a Director.

Equity Securities ” means any and all (i) shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock or other Voting Securities of a corporation, any and all equivalent or analogous ownership (or profit) or voting interests in a Person (other than a corporation), (ii) securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares, interests, participations or other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock or Voting Securities of (or other ownership or profit or voting interests in) such Person, and (iii) any and all warrants, rights or options to purchase any of the foregoing, whether voting or nonvoting, and, in each case, whether or not such shares, interests, participations, equivalents, securities, warrants, options, rights or other interests are authorized or otherwise existing on any date of determination.

Exchange ” shall mean the New York Stock Exchange LLC or any other exchange on which the Common Stock is listed.

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, government, or supra-national body of competent jurisdiction, any state or other political subdivision thereof, and any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, and, other than with respect to Section 2.4(a)(iii) or Section 4.1(b)(vi) , any arbitrator or arbitral body or panel of competent jurisdiction or other entity with quasi-governmental authority.

Group ” has the meaning assigned to it in Section 13(d)(3) of the Exchange Act and Rule 13d-5 thereunder.

Hong Kong ” means the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the PRC.

Independent ZHG Designee ” means a Qualified ZHG Designee that (A) at no time during the three (3) year period prior to his or her election or appointment to the Board, nor during his or her service as a Director, has been or is an employee, director, officer of, or consultant or other service provider to, any of the ZHG Entities, or has received or is receiving compensation from any of the ZHG Entities, and (B) qualifies as an “independent” director under the rules of the Exchange and any guidelines adopted by the Board or the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee that are applicable to all Directors, as determined in good faith by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

Initial ZHG Designees ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(d) .

Issuance Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(a) .

 

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Law ” means any statute, law (including common law), regulation, ordinance, rule, injunction, order, decree, award, 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.

Market Price ” means, as of any date, the last reported trading price of the Common Stock as of the end of regular trading hours on the Exchange on such date or, if the Common Stock is not listed on an Exchange, the fair market value per share of the Common Stock as determined in good faith by the Board as of such date.

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

Maximum Ownership Percentage ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.3 .

“New Issuance” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(a) .

New Issuance Closing ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2(c) .

New Securities ” means (A) any shares of Common Stock or (B) any preferred or debt securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock, other than, in each case, any shares of Common Stock or such other securities that are: (i) issued to employees, officers or directors of, or consultants to, the Company or any of its Affiliates pursuant to any plan, agreement or arrangement approved by the Board (or a committee thereof); (ii) issued as consideration for the acquisition by the Company (or any of its Affiliates) of any business, assets or property of any third party, by merger, sale of assets, sale of stock or otherwise; (iii) issued upon conversion or exercise of convertible securities, options, warrants or other similar securities; (iv) distributed or set aside ratably to all holders of Common Stock on a per share equivalent basis; or (v) issued in connection with any debt financing from a financial institution or other equipment or real property loan or leasing arrangement.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee ” means the nominating and corporate governance committee of the Board, or another committee performing the functions of nominating or selecting Persons for election or appointment to the Board.

“Non-Votes” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.2 .

Other Specified Matter ” means (a) any amendment to the Company’s certificate of incorporation or by-laws that adversely affects ZHG or any other ZHG Party disproportionately as compared to other stockholders of the Company, or (b) any issuance of Common Stock representing twenty percent (20%) or more of the Company’s total outstanding shares of Common Stock (other than as non-cash consideration in an acquisition of the business, assets or property of a third party or parties) at a price per share below the Market Price on the last Business Day prior to the date on which the Company entered into the definitive agreement pursuant to which such Common Stock will be issued.

Permitted Transfer ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.1(b) .

 

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Person ” means an individual, a partnership, a corporation, a limited liability company, an association, a joint stock company, a trust, a joint venture, a cooperative, 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.

Per Security Offering Price ” has the meaning set forth in Section  4.2(a) .

PRC ” means the People’s Republic of China.

Private Placement ” has the meaning set forth in Section  4.2(a) .

Qualified ZHG Designee ” means any ZHG Designee that meets the Designee Qualifications.

Reduction Percentage ” has the meaning set forth in Section  4.3(c) .

Registration Rights Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the Recitals.

Related Acquisition Proposal ” has the meaning set forth in Section  2.5(b) .

Restricted Entity ” means a Person principally engaged in the business of owning, operating, managing, franchising or branding theme parks and other entertainment destinations, that, in each case, competes with the Company and is listed on Exhibit B attached hereto, as such list may be amended by the Company acting reasonably and in good faith from time to time, but not more than once every twelve (12) months, by delivery of written notice to ZHG no less than forty-five (45) days prior to such amendment.

Restricted Period ” means the period commencing on Closing Date and ending on the second (2 nd ) anniversary of the Closing Date.

SEC ” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission or any successor agency.

Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder, as the same may be amended from time to time.

Specified Acquisition ” means an Acquisition pursuant to a definitive agreement entered into, within the two (2) year period following the Closing Date in which the value of the consideration to be received per share of Common Stock is equal to or less than $23.00 per share. For all purposes of this definition, the per share value of any stock to be received as consideration shall be deemed to be equal to the final trading price of such stock on the last trading day prior to the execution of the definitive agreement providing for the Acquisition.

Standstill Commitment Period ” means, in the event a ZHG Standstill Commitment is delivered to the Company pursuant to Section  2.5 following the Company’s delivery of an Acquisition Notice to ZHG, the period commencing upon the delivery of such Acquisition Notice to ZHG and ending upon the first to occur of (i) the twelve (12) month anniversary of the termination of discussions regarding the Acquisition Proposal described in such Acquisition Notice and any Related Acquisition Proposal, and (ii) the public announcement of a definitive agreement with respect to an Acquisition entered into between the Company and any Person other than a ZHG Entity.

 

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Stock Acquisition ” means any acquisition (whether direct or indirect, including by way of merger, share exchange, consolidation, business combination or other similar transaction) by the Company of any entity or assets pursuant to which the Company issues shares of Common Stock or securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for shares of Common Stock as consideration.

Stock Purchase Agreement ” means that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, between ZHG and Blackstone.

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 (other than a corporation), a majority of the total voting power of stock (or equivalent ownership interest) of such 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 own, control or have a majority ownership interest in a limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity (other than a corporation) if such Person or Persons shall be allocated a majority of such limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity gains or losses or shall be or Control the managing director or member, or general partner, of such limited liability company, partnership, association or other business entity.

Total Number of Directors ” means the total number of authorized Directors comprising the entire Board.

Total Share Ownership ” means, as of any applicable date hereunder, and with respect to any Person, the total number of shares of Common Stock both (i) Beneficially Owned by such Person and (ii) in which such Person has the pecuniary interest. For the avoidance of doubt, a Person shall not be deemed to have ownership of a share of Common Stock, for purposes of calculating Total Share Ownership, if such Person has Beneficial Ownership of such share of Common Stock but does not also have the pecuniary interest in such share or, conversely, if such Person has the pecuniary interest in such share of Common Stock but does not also have Beneficial Ownership of such share.

Transfer ” (including its correlative meaning, “ Transferred ”) shall mean, with respect to any Equity Security, directly or indirectly, by operation of Law, contract or otherwise, (i) 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,

 

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voting or other rights in or to such Equity Security, (ii) to engage in any hedging, swap, forward contract or other similar transaction that is designed to or which reasonably could be expected to lead to or result in a sale or disposition of Beneficial Ownership of, or pecuniary interest in, such Equity Security, including any short sale or any purchase, sale or grant of any right (including without limitation any put or call option) with respect to such Equity Security, or (iii) to enter into a short sale of, or trade in, derivative securities representing the right to vote or economic benefits of, such Equity Security. When used as a noun, “ Transfer ” shall have such correlative meaning as the context may require.

Voting Percentage Limit ” means the number of Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by ZHG Entities equal to (i) fifteen percent (15%) of the Voting Securities entitled to vote at the applicable meeting of stockholders of the Company as disclosed in the proxy or information statement for such meeting; or (ii) in a tender offer or exchange offer, fifteen percent (15%) of the shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the expiration of the offer.

Voting Securities ” means shares of Common Stock and any other securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors.

ZHG ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

ZHG Acquisition ” means any Acquisition in which a ZHG Entity is the acquiror.

ZHG Designee ” has the meaning set forth in Section  2.1(b) .

ZHG Designator ” means, as of any applicable time hereunder, the individual ZHG Entity whose Total Share Ownership, in the aggregate, is greater than any other individual ZHG Entity as of such time.

ZHG Entities ” means ZHG Group, ZHG Holding, ZHG and each of their respective Controlled Affiliates.

ZHG Group ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

ZHG Holding ” has the meaning set forth in the Preamble.

ZHG Permitted Transferee ” has the meaning set forth in Section  4.1(b)(iii) .

ZHG Parties ” means (i) ZHG and (ii) any ZHG Permitted Transferee that becomes a party to this Agreement by executing a joinder agreement substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C to this Agreement.

ZHG Standstill Commitment ” means a written commitment to the Company by ZHG Group and ZHG, on behalf of themselves and all other ZHG Entities, not to, directly or indirectly, (i) make any Acquisition Proposal within the Standstill Commitment Period, or (ii) request any waiver of the restriction set forth in clause (i) of this definition prior to the date that is six (6) months after the termination of discussions regarding the Acquisition Proposal described in the Acquisition Notice in respect of which ZHG is providing such ZHG Standstill Commitment and any Related Acquisition Proposal.

 

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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, (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, (d) the word “including” and words of similar import when used in this Agreement mean “including, without limitation,” unless otherwise specified, (e) the word “extent” in the phrase “to the extent” means the degree to which a subject or other thing extends and such phrase shall not mean simply “if”, (f) references to “day” means a calendar day unless otherwise indicated as a “Business Day”, and (g) references to “$” means U.S. dollars, the lawful currency of the United States of America. Section references are to this Agreement unless otherwise specified and references to clauses without a cross-reference to a Section or subsection are references to clauses within the same Section or, if more specific, subsection. When calculating the period of time before which, within which or following which any act is to be done or step taken pursuant to this Agreement, the date that is the reference date in calculating such period is excluded. If the last day of such period is a non-Business Day, the period in question ends on the next succeeding Business Day.

ARTICLE II

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE MATTERS

2.1 Composition of the Board .

(a) From and after the Closing, subject to the terms and conditions of this Article II , the ZHG 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, two (2) individuals that meet the Designee Qualifications to serve as Directors. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.1(a) , but subject to the proviso set forth in Section 2.6 , (i) the number of individuals that the ZHG Designator shall be entitled to designate to serve as Directors pursuant to this Section 2.1(a) shall be reduced to one (1) Director if, at any time, the aggregate Total Share Ownership of the ZHG Entities is less than twenty percent (20%) of the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding, and (ii) the ZHG Designator shall not be entitled to designate any individuals to serve as Directors pursuant to this Section 2.1(a) if, at any time, (A) the aggregate Total Share Ownership of the ZHG Entities is less than ten percent (10%) of the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding or (B) any ZHG Entity breaches Article III , Section 4.1 , Section 4.3 or Section 4.6 of this Agreement (the “ Material Terms ”) in any material respect and such breach continues after written notice from the Company and a thirty (30) day opportunity to cure. From and after the date on which either of the Initial ZHG Designees ceases to serve as a Director, not more than one ZHG Designee at any time may be an Affiliated ZHG Designee, and any other ZHG Designee shall be an Independent ZHG Designee, unless otherwise determined by the Board (excluding any ZHG Designee).

 

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(b) If at any time the ZHG Designator has designated fewer than the total number of individuals that the ZHG Designator is then entitled to designate pursuant to Section 2.1(a) , the ZHG Designator shall have the right (but not the obligation) to designate such number of additional individuals who meet the Designee Qualifications that the ZHG Designator 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 or newly created directorships 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 ZHG Designator shall actually designate pursuant to this Section 2.1 and who qualifies to serve and is thereafter elected as a Director shall be referred to herein as a “ ZHG Designee ”.

(c) In the event that a vacancy is created at any time by the death, disability, retirement, removal or resignation of any ZHG Designee, any individual nominated or appointed 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 reasonable best efforts to cause such vacancy to be filled by, a new designee of the ZHG Designator who meets the Designee Qualifications, and the Company and the Board shall take, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, at any time and from time to time, all actions necessary to accomplish the same as soon as possible following such designation.

(d) The Company and the Board shall take, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, all actions necessary, including increasing the Total Number of Directors, to cause Yoshikazu Maruyama and Yongli Wang (together, the “Initial ZHG Designees” ) to be appointed to the Board immediately after the Closing, with (x) Mr. Maruyama appointed to the class of Directors up for election at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders for 2019 and (y) Mr. Wang appointed to replace Peter Wallace, who is expected to resign in connection with the Closing, and to the class of Directors up for election at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders for 2019; provided , however , that if the Closing occurs after mailing of the Company’s proxy statement relating to its annual meeting of stockholders for 2017, (i) such appointments shall occur immediately after such annual meeting, and (ii) Mr. Maruyama shall be appointed to the class of Directors up for election at the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders for 2018.

(e) For any designation pursuant to this Section 2.1 that occurs after the Closing, after the Company’s annual meeting of stockholders for 2017, and after the appointments contemplated in Section 2.1(d) , in connection with an election of Directors by the stockholders of the Company, the ZHG Designator shall identify its designees by written notice to the Company no less than ninety (90) days prior to the date of the meeting of stockholders of the Company called for the purpose of electing Directors. So long as an individual designated by the ZHG Designator pursuant to this Section 2.1 meets the Designee Qualifications, the Company shall, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, include such individual in the slate of nominees recommended by the Board at any meeting of stockholders called for the purpose of electing Directors, and use its reasonable best efforts to cause the election of such individual to the Board, including nominating such individual to be elected as a Director as provided herein, recommending such individual’s election, soliciting proxies or consents in favor thereof, and, if necessary, increasing the Total Number of Directors.

 

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(f) The Company shall at all times provide each ZHG Designee (in his or her capacity as a member of the Board) with the same rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and exculpation that it provides to other Directors.

2.2 Size of the Board . Without prejudice to the ZHG Designator’s rights pursuant to Section 2.1 , the consent of the ZHG Designator shall not be required to increase or decrease the Total Number of Directors.

2.3 Committees .

(a) Each Independent ZHG Designee serving as a Director on the Board shall be entitled to serve on at least one (1) committee of the Board (to the extent that an Independent ZHG Designee elects to serve on such committee and subject to such Independent ZHG Designee meeting the applicable eligibility requirements for membership on such committee mandated by applicable Law, the rules of the Exchange or the charter of such committee), as a full member with the same voting and other privileges as other members of such committee. The committee(s) on which any Independent ZHG Designee serves shall be determined by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

(b) Until no ZHG Designee serves as a Director on the Board (and the ZHG Designator either no longer has any rights under this Article II to designate any ZHG Designee to serve on the Board or irrevocably waives any such rights), the Company shall not amend the certificate of incorporation, bylaws or any other organizational documents of the Company, or the charter or other governing documents of any committee of the Board, in any manner that adversely and disparately affects the right of any Independent ZHG Designee to be a member of any such committee (except as otherwise required by Law or the rules of the Exchange).

(c) Each ZHG Designee may attend, upon the request of such ZHG Designee and on a non-voting basis, any meetings of the Regulatory & Governmental Affairs Committee, Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee or other standing committee of the Board that may be established, except when such attendance would present an actual or potential conflict of interest for such ZHG Designee in the good faith opinion of the applicable committee.

2.4 Qualification of ZHG Designees .

(a) Each ZHG Designee shall, at the time of his or her nomination or appointment as a Director and at all times thereafter until such individual ceases to serve as a Director:

(i) meet and comply with any and all policies, procedures, processes, codes, rules, standards and guidelines of the Company applicable to all non-employee Board members, including the Company’s code of business conduct and ethics, securities trading policies and corporate governance guidelines;

(ii) not be involved in any of the events enumerated in Item 2(d) or Item 2(e) of Schedule 13D under the Exchange Act or Item 401(f) of Regulation S-K, in each case, during the applicable time period set forth therein;

 

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(iii) not be subject to any order, decree or judgment of any Governmental Authority prohibiting service as a director of any public company;

(iv) not be an employee, officer, or director of, or consultant to, or be receiving any compensation or benefits from, any Restricted Entity (unless otherwise agreed to by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee);

(v) have demonstrated good judgment, character and integrity in his or her personal and professional dealings and have relevant financial, investment, management and/or business experience (including with respect to real estate investment and/or theme park development), qualification and background for purposes of serving as a Director, each as determined by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee acting in good faith;

(vi) have demonstrated proficiency and financial literacy in the English language for purposes of serving as a Director, including with respect to the reading, comprehension and analysis of English language materials (including financial materials) furnished in advance of and in connection with meetings of the Board (and committees thereof) and the ability to participate on a conversant basis in the English language meetings of the Board (and committees thereof) and the topics covered therein, including financial discussions, each as determined by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee acting in good faith; and

(vii) if such ZHG Designee is an Independent ZHG Designee, meets the criteria set forth in the definition of “Independent ZHG Designee” in Article I (the requirements set forth in this Section 2.4(a) , Section 2.4(b) and Section 2.4(c) being referred to, collectively, as the “ Designee Qualifications ”).

(b) As a condition to a ZHG Designee’s election or nomination for election and any subsequent nomination for election as a Director, such ZHG Designee shall have executed and delivered to the Company a Director Confidentiality Agreement.

(c) Each ZHG Designee, as a condition to his or her initial appointment or election to the Board and any re-nomination for election to the Board, must be willing to be interviewed by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee on the same basis as any other new candidate for appointment or election to the Board and must be reasonably satisfactory to the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee acting in good faith. ZHG, in its capacity as a stockholder of the Company on behalf of itself and other ZHG Entities, and each ZHG Designee, shall deliver such questionnaires and otherwise provide such information as are reasonably requested by the Company in connection with assessing qualification, independence and other criteria applicable to Directors, or required to be or customarily provided by directors, candidates for director, and their Affiliates and representatives for inclusion in a proxy statement or other filing required by applicable Law and the rules of the Exchange, in each case to substantially the same extent requested or required of other candidates for appointment or election to the Board after the date hereof.

 

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2.5 Participation of ZHG Designees in Certain Matters; Acquisition Proposals .

(a) The Company shall promptly provide ZHG with written notice (an “ Acquisition Notice ”) of any written bona fide Acquisition Proposal that is received by or presented to the Board, and such Acquisition Notice need not specify the identity of the potential acquirer or any other terms of such Acquisition Proposal. From delivery of an Acquisition Notice to ZHG until ZHG delivers a ZHG Standstill Commitment to the Company or the expiration of the ten (10) Business Day period contemplated by Section 2.5(b) , the Company shall provide ZHG with prior written notice of any meeting of the Board (or a committee thereof) scheduled to discuss, consider or vote upon such Acquisition Proposal at least twenty-four (24) hours before such meeting is convened.

(b) If (i) an Acquisition Notice has been delivered to ZHG and, within ten (10) Business Days thereafter, a ZHG Standstill Commitment is delivered to the Company, and (ii) any Acquisition Proposal previously made by a ZHG Entity has been withdrawn, then each Affiliated ZHG Designee shall be entitled, after but not before such ZHG Standstill Commitment has been delivered to the Company, to participate in all discussions, consideration and voting by the Board regarding, and shall be entitled to receive any materials provided to the Board relating to, the Acquisition Proposal described in such Acquisition Notice, revisions to such Acquisition Proposal and any other Acquisition Proposal solicited by or on behalf of the Board in connection with the consideration of such Acquisition Proposal or made by a third party in response to such Acquisition Proposal (collectively, the “ Related Acquisition Proposals ”). If a ZHG Standstill Commitment is not delivered to the Company within such ten (10) Business Day period, no Affiliated ZHG Designee shall be entitled to participate in any discussions, consideration or voting by the Board regarding, and no Affiliated ZHG Designee shall be entitled to receive any materials provided to the Board relating to, any such Acquisition Proposal or the Related Acquisition Proposals.

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 2.5(b) , no Affiliated ZHG Designee shall be entitled to participate in any discussions, consideration or voting by the Board regarding, and shall not be entitled to receive any Board (or committee) materials relating to, any transaction or matter that, in the good faith determination of the Board (other than the Affiliated ZHG Designees), presents an actual or potential conflict of interest for such Affiliated ZHG Designee, including, without limitation, any Acquisition Proposal involving a ZHG Entity.

(d) Each Independent ZHG Designee shall be permitted to participate in all discussions, consideration and voting by the Board regarding, and shall be entitled to receive any Board materials relating to, any Acquisition Proposal, except when such attendance or receipt of materials would present an actual or potential conflict of interest for such Independent ZHG Designee in the good faith determination of the Board (other than the Affiliated ZHG Designees and such Independent ZHG Designee).

(e) If the Board establishes a committee of the Board to consider any Acquisition Proposal, one (1) ZHG Designee, as determined by the ZHG Designator, shall be entitled to be a member of such committee; provided , that such ZHG Designee may be an Affiliated ZHG Designee only if (i) a ZHG Standstill Commitment has been delivered by ZHG to the Company in accordance with Section 2.5(b) , and (ii) any Acquisition Proposal previously made by a ZHG Entity has been withdrawn; provided , further , that no ZHG Designee may serve as a member of such committee if, in the good faith determination of the Board (other than the Affiliated ZHG Designee), such service presents an actual or potential conflict of interest for such ZHG Designee.

 

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2.6 Resignations . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if, at any time, (a) the number of ZHG Designees is greater than the number of Directors that the ZHG Designator has the right to designate pursuant to Section 2.1 or (b) any ZHG Entity breaches any of the Material Terms in any material respect and such breach continues after written notice from the Company and a thirty (30) day opportunity to cure, in each case, if requested by the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, the ZHG Designator shall cause, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, that certain number of ZHG Designees to promptly tender his, her or their resignations from the Board and any applicable committee of the Board, such that the number of ZHG Designees serving on the Board corresponds with the number of Directors that the ZHG Designee has the right to designate pursuant to Section 2.1 , or in the case where any ZHG Entity breaches any of the Material Terms in any material respect and such breach continues after written notice from the Company and a thirty (30) day opportunity to cure, such that there are no ZHG Designees serving on the Board; provided , however , that notwithstanding Section 2.1 and the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.6 , if the closing of an issuance of Equity Securities of the Company (other than an issuance of New Securities in which ZHG is permitted to purchase New Securities pursuant to Section 4.2 ) or a Stock Acquisition causes the aggregate Total Share Ownership of the ZHG Entities, as a percentage of the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding, to decline below a requisite percentage of the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding such that the ZHG Designator would be required by this Section 2.6 to cause, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, a ZHG Designee or ZHG Designees, as applicable, to promptly tender his, her, or their resignations from the Board, then (i) the ZHG Designator shall not be required to cause such ZHG Designee or ZHG Designees, as applicable, to promptly tender his, her, or their resignations from the Board, and (ii) the Company and the Board shall not seek or take any action to remove such ZHG Designee or ZHG Designees from the Board, in each case unless in the applicable Buy-Back Period the ZHG Entities have not made purchases of Common Stock in open market transactions, as permitted by Section 4.3(c) , such that the aggregate Total Share Ownership of the ZHG Entities, as a percentage of the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding, exceeds the applicable percentage of the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding, such that the ZHG Designator would not be required by this Section 2.6 to cause a ZHG Designee or ZHG Designees, as applicable, to promptly tender his, or her, or their resignations from the Board. If the ZHG Designator is required to cause, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, a ZHG Designee to tender his or her resignation from the Board and such ZHG Designee does not promptly tender his or her resignation from the Board, such ZHG Designee shall not thereafter be entitled to participate as a member of any committee of the Board pursuant to this Agreement.

2.7 Other ZHG Investments . For the avoidance of doubt, no investment by any ZHG Entity in any Person, including any Restricted Entity, shall, in and of itself, limit the rights of the ZHG Designator pursuant to this Article II .

 

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ARTICLE III

VOTING MATTERS

3.1 Voting in Elections . At any meeting of stockholders of the Company involving the election of Directors (or if action is taken by written consent of stockholders of the Company in lieu of a meeting in respect of an election of Directors), the ZHG Parties shall vote, or cause to be voted (including, if applicable, by written consent), all Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by ZHG Entities (a) up to the Voting Percentage Limit, affirmatively in favor of the election of each Person nominated to serve as a Director by the Board or the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, and (b) in excess of the Voting Percentage Limit, at their sole discretion, either (i) affirmatively in favor of the election of each Person nominated to serve as a Director by the Board or the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee or (ii) in the same proportion as the Voting Securities not Beneficially Owned by ZHG Entities are voted (including, if applicable, by written consent, or by voting by ballot or by submitting any alternative proxy card necessary to accomplish the proportionate voting contemplated by this subclause (ii)) affirmatively for or against, or to withhold authority with respect to, as applicable, the election of each Person nominated to serve as a Director (or, as applicable, the removal of any Director) (it being understood that the ZHG Parties must elect to vote as contemplated by subclause (i) or (ii) of this Section 3.1(b) and cannot elect not to vote or to vote in any other manner).

3.2 Voting with respect to Certain Acquisitions . At any meeting of stockholders of the Company at which an Acquisition (other than a Specified Acquisition or a ZHG Acquisition) that has been approved and recommended (and such recommendation has not been withdrawn) by the Board (and any other related matter the approval of which is required to consummate such Acquisition) is submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Company (or if action is taken with respect to such matter(s) by written consent of stockholders of the Company in lieu of a meeting), the ZHG Parties shall vote or cause to be voted (including by abstaining or, if applicable, taking action by written consent) all Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by ZHG Entities in excess of the Voting Percentage Limit in the same proportion as the Voting Securities not Beneficially Owned by ZHG Entities are voted (including by written consent) for or against, or abstain with respect to, such Acquisition (and such related matter(s)). For the avoidance of doubt, in calculating the voting requirements of the ZHG Parties under this Section 3.2 , all broker non-votes and all Voting Securities that are not present or represented at the applicable stockholder meeting shall not be considered. The ZHG Parties shall be free to vote or cause to be voted (including by abstaining or, if applicable, taking action by written consent), in their sole discretion, all Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by ZHG Entities up to and including the Voting Percentage Limit. Nothing contained in this Section 3.2 shall restrict in any manner the voting (including by written consent) of all Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by ZHG Entities at any meeting of stockholders of the Company at which a Specified Acquisition or a ZHG Acquisition is submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Company (or, if applicable, any action taken by written consent of the stockholders of the Company in lieu of a meeting) and the ZHG Parties shall be free to vote (including by written consent), at their sole discretion, all Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by ZHG Entities against any Specified Acquisition and for any ZHG Acquisition.

 

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3.3 Voting with respect to Other Matters . At any meeting of stockholders of the Company at which any matter, other than an Other Specified Matter or a matter that is subject to Section 3.1 or Section 3.2 , is submitted to a vote of the stockholders of the Company (or if action is taken with respect thereto by written consent of stockholders in lieu of a meeting), the ZHG Parties shall vote or cause to be voted (including by abstaining or, if applicable, taking action by written consent) all Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by ZHG Entities in excess of the Voting Percentage Limit in the same proportion as the Voting Securities not Beneficially Owned by ZHG Entities are voted (including by written consent) for or against, or abstain with respect to, each such matter. Each ZHG Party shall be free to vote or cause to be voted (including by abstaining or, if applicable, taking action by written consent), in their sole discretion, all Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by ZHG Entities up to and including the Voting Percentage Limit for or against, or to abstain from voting on, each such matter.

3.4 Quorum . At each meeting of stockholders, the ZHG Entities shall cause all of the Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by ZHG Entities to be present in person or by proxy for quorum purposes.

ARTICLE IV

ADDITIONAL COVENANTS

4.1 Transfer Restrictions .

(a) During the Restricted Period, no ZHG Party shall Transfer any shares of Common Stock, other than pursuant to a Permitted Transfer.

(b) “Permitted Transfer” means:

(i) a Transfer that has been approved in advance by a majority of the disinterested members of the Board or a duly-authorized committee thereof;

(ii) a Transfer to another ZHG Party;

(iii) a Transfer to any ZHG Entity that is not a Restricted Entity and not a ZHG Party (any such ZHG Entity, an “ZHG Permitted Transferee” ), if such ZHG Permitted Transferee shall have agreed in writing to be bound to the same extent as ZHG by the obligations of this Agreement by executing a joinder agreement substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C to this Agreement;

(iv) a Transfer in connection with any Acquisition approved by the Board or a duly-authorized committee thereof (including if the Board or such committee (A) recommends that the Company’s stockholders tender in response to a tender or exchange offer that, if consummated, would constitute an Acquisition, or (B) does not recommend that the Company’s stockholders reject any such tender or exchange offer within the ten (10) Business Day period specified in Rule 14e-2(a) under the Exchange Act);

 

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(v) a Transfer that constitutes a tender into a tender or exchange offer commenced by the Company or any of its Affiliates; or

(vi) a Transfer in connection with any bona fide mortgage, encumbrance or pledge to a financial institution in connection with any bona fide loan or debt transaction or enforcement thereunder; provided , that (A) such financial institution either shall not be Controlled by any Governmental Authority at the time of such Transfer or, if such financial institution is Controlled by a Governmental Authority at the time of such Transfer, such financial institution shall either (x) be included on The Banker’s most recently issued Top 1000 World Banks ranking or (y) have common equity securities listed on a globally recognized stock exchange, and (B) as a condition to such financial institution’s ability to take ownership of any shares of Common Stock in connection with enforcement under any such loan or debt transaction, such financial institution or its assignee (as applicable) shall agree to comply with the restrictions in this Section 4.1 with respect to such shares of Common Stock (it being acknowledged and agreed that such financial institution or its assignee shall inure to the rights of ZHG under the Registration Rights Agreement with respect to such shares of Common Stock).

(c) Following the Restricted Period, each ZHG Party shall be free to Transfer any shares of Common Stock; provided, that (i) with respect to any Transfer, other than a Permitted Transfer or an underwritten public offering or an underwritten block trade, the ZHG Parties shall not Transfer any shares of Common Stock to (A) any Restricted Entity or (B) any Person or Group known to such ZHG Party (or to the broker in an ordinary course brokerage transaction) to be a 5% Stockholder or that would become the Beneficial Owner of five percent (5%) or more of the total outstanding Common Stock as a result of the Transfer, (ii) with respect to any Transfer, other than a Permitted Transfer, that is an underwritten public offering or an underwritten block trade, such ZHG Party shall instruct the managing underwriter(s) or broker(s) not to Transfer any shares of Common Stock to any Person or Group that is a 5% Stockholder or that would become the Beneficial Owner of five percent (5%) or more of the total outstanding Common Stock as a result of the Transfer (unless, in each case, the identity of the Person purchasing the shares of Common Stock is not known to the managing underwriter(s) or broker(s)) and (iii) with respect to a Transfer, other than a Permitted Transfer, that is an underwritten block trade, such ZHG Party shall instruct the broker(s) not to Transfer any shares of Common Stock to a Restricted Entity (unless the identity of the Person purchasing the shares of Common Stock is not known to such ZHG Party or broker(s)). For purposes of this Section 4.1(c) , the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at any time shall be the number specified in the most recent SEC filing of the Company disclosing the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding.

(d) Any Transfer or attempted Transfer of Equity Securities of the Company in violation of this Section 4.1 shall, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, be null and void ab initio , and the Company shall not, and shall instruct its transfer agent and other third parties not to, record or recognize any such purported transaction on the books of the Company.

(e) Following any Transfer by a ZHG Party contemplated by Section 4.1(b)(vi) , ZHG shall (i) promptly notify the Company in writing upon receipt of any notice of acceleration or foreclosure from a financial institution under the applicable loan or debt transaction, and

 

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(ii) reimburse any reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the Company in connection with (x) the establishment of such mortgage, encumbrance or pledge or (y) any Transfer of shares of Common Stock to such financial institution in connection with such event of acceleration or foreclosure.

(f) The Company shall use reasonable efforts to have the shares of Common Stock purchased pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement registered directly on the books and records of the transfer agent in the name of the applicable ZHG Party and maintained in book entries directly on the books and records of the transfer agent in the name of the applicable ZHG Party. Any certificates for shares of Common Stock held by a ZHG Party as of the Closing Date shall bear a legend or legends (and appropriate comparable notations or other arrangements will be made with respect to shares maintained in the form of book entries) referencing restrictions on transfer of such shares under the Securities Act and under this Agreement which legend shall state in substance:

THESE SECURITIES AND THE SECURITIES ISSUABLE UPON THE EXCHANGE THEREOF HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “SECURITIES ACT”), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION. THE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE OFFERED, SOLD, PLEDGED, TRANSFERRED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF EXCEPT (1) PURSUANT TO AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OR (2) PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO SUCH SECURITIES UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT, IN EACH CASE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ALL APPLICABLE STATE SECURITIES LAWS AND THE SECURITIES LAWS OF OTHER JURISDICTIONS.

THESE SECURITIES ARE SUBJECT TO TRANSFER AND OTHER RESTRICTIONS SET FORTH IN THE STOCKHOLDERS AGREEMENT DATED AS OF March 24, 2017, AMONG SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC., SUN WISE (UK) CO., LTD AND, SOLELY FOR PURPOSES OF SECTION 4.3 THEREOF, ZHONGHONG ZHUOYE GROUP CO., LTD., AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, COPIES OF WHICH ARE ON FILE WITH THE SECRETARY OF THE COMPANY.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon the request of the applicable ZHG Party, (i) in connection with any Transfer of Common Stock Transferred in accordance with the terms of this Agreement (other than Section 4.1(b)(ii) and Section 4.1(b)(iii) ), the Company shall promptly cause the second paragraph of the legend (or notation) to be removed upon such Transfer if such restrictions would not be applicable following such Transfer, (ii) following receipt by the Company of an opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Company to the effect that such legend (or notation) may be lifted in connection with the Transfer of Common Stock, the Company shall promptly cause the first paragraph of the legend (or notation) to be removed from any Common Stock to be Transferred in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, and (iii) to the extent the first and second paragraph of the legend (or notation) would be removed pursuant to this paragraph in connection with any Transfer of Common Stock, the Company shall use reasonable efforts to cause such Common Stock to be registered in the name of The Depository Trust Company’s nominee.

 

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4.2 Right of First Refusal .

(a) If the Company, at any time or from time to time following the Closing, proposes to issue (a “ New Issuance ”) any New Securities, for cash in an offering that is not an underwritten public offering or an offering pursuant to Rule 144A (or a successor rule) under the Securities Act (any such offering, a “ Private Placement ”), the Company shall provide ZHG with written notice (an “ Issuance Notice ”) of such New Issuance at least thirty (30) days prior to the issuance of such New Securities. The Issuance Notice shall set forth the material terms and conditions of the New Issuance, including (i) the proposed number of New Securities if known or, if not known, an estimate thereof, (ii) a description of the New Securities and proposed manner of sale, (iii) the purchase price per New Security (or conversion price or premium in the event of an offering of convertible debt) (the “ Per Security Offering Price ”) if known or, if not known, an estimate thereof, and (iv) the proposed issuance date if known or, if not known, an estimate thereof. ZHG shall be entitled to purchase (either directly or through any other ZHG Parties or any of ZHG’s Controlled Affiliates that are ZHG Permitted Transferees), at the Per Security Offering Price and on the other terms and conditions specified in the Issuance Notice, up to the number of such New Securities that would result in the aggregate Total Share Ownership of the ZHG Entities, as a percentage of the total number of outstanding shares of Common Stock immediately following such New Issuance being equal to the aggregate Total Share Ownership of the ZHG Entities, as a percentage of the total number of outstanding shares of Common Stock immediately prior to such New Issuance, provided that for this purpose such percentage shall not exceed the Maximum Ownership Percentage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the number of New Securities that ZHG (directly or through any other ZHG Parties or their Controlled Affiliates that are ZHG Permitted Transferees) shall be entitled to purchase pursuant to this Section 4.2 with respect to any New Issuance shall be limited to the maximum amount that may be issued by the Company to ZHG (directly or through any other ZHG Parties or their Controlled Affiliates that are ZHG Permitted Transferees) without requiring approval of such issuance by the stockholders of the Company under the rules of the Exchange, as determined in good faith by the Company (which such determination shall be binding on the parties).

(b) ZHG may exercise its rights under this Section 4.2 by delivering written notice of its election to purchase (either directly or through any other ZHG Parties or any of ZHG’s Controlled Affiliates that are ZHG Permitted Transferees) such New Securities to the Company within ten (10) days after receipt of the Issuance Notice, which notice shall specify the number of New Securities requested to be purchased by ZHG. Delivery of such notice shall constitute a binding commitment of ZHG to purchase (either directly or through any other ZHG Parties or any of ZHG’s Controlled Affiliates that are ZHG Permitted Transferees) the amount of New Securities so specified at the Per Security Offering Price and on the terms and conditions specified in the Issuance Notice. If, at the termination of such ten (10) day period, ZHG has not exercised its right to purchase any such New Securities, ZHG shall be deemed to have waived its rights under this Section 4.2 with respect to, and only with respect to, the purchase of the New Securities specified in the applicable Issuance Notice.

(c) The closing of any sale of New Securities to ZHG, any other ZHG Parties or any of ZHG’s Controlled Affiliates that are ZHG Permitted Transferees pursuant to this Section 4.2 shall take place concurrently with the consummation of the sale of the New Securities on the terms set forth in the Issuance Notice to all other Persons purchasing such New Securities (the “ New Issuance Closing ”).

 

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(d) If the Company issues, at the New Issuance Closing, less than all of the New Securities described in the Issuance Notice, then the number of New Securities that ZHG (and any other ZHG Parties and any of ZHG’s Controlled Affiliates that are ZHG Permitted Transferees) shall be entitled to purchase in connection with such New Issuance pursuant to this Section 4.2 shall be reduced proportionately and ZHG’s notice delivered pursuant to Section 4.2(b) shall be deemed amended to reflect such reduction. If the number of New Securities is reduced as contemplated by this Section 4.2(d) , the Company shall not issue or sell the remainder of the New Securities described in the Issuance Notice without again complying with the provisions of this Section 4.2 .

(e) If the New Issuance Closing (other than any over-allotment closing) does not occur within ninety (90) days after the date of the Issuance Notice, the Company shall not issue or sell the New Securities described in the Issuance Notice without again complying with the provisions of this Section 4.2 .

(f) ZHG (or any other ZHG Parties or any of ZHG’s Controlled Affiliates that are ZHG Permitted Transferees) shall, prior to the closing of any Private Placement in which any of them has elected to purchase New Securities pursuant to this Section 4.2 , execute and deliver all such documents and instruments as are customarily required in connection with such an offering or are reasonably requested by the Company, including, without limitation, customary investment representations and representations as to its status as the type of offeree to whom a private sale may be made pursuant to the Securities Act, and any failure to deliver or enter into any such documents and instruments at or prior to such closing shall constitute a waiver of the right of first refusal set forth in this Section 4.2 with respect to such New Issuance.

(g) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 4.2 , this Section 4.2 shall not apply and the ZHG Entities shall have no rights under this Section 4.2 if, at any time, any ZHG Entity breaches any of the Material Terms in any material respect and such breach continues after written notice from the Company and a thirty (30) day opportunity to cure.

4.3 Standstill .

(a) Subject to Section 4.3(b) and Section 4.3(c) , on and after the Closing, ZHG Group and the ZHG Parties shall not, shall cause their respective Affiliates not to, and shall cause the representatives of ZHG Group, the ZHG Parties and their respective Affiliates acting at their direction not to, in any manner, directly or indirectly, without the prior written consent of, or waiver by, the Company:

(i) acquire, offer to acquire or agree to acquire, by purchase or otherwise, Beneficial Ownership of any Equity Securities of the Company (including any rights, options or other derivative securities or contracts or instruments to acquire such ownership that derives its value (in whole or in part) from such Equity Securities (whether currently, upon lapse of time, following the satisfaction of any conditions, upon the occurrence of any event or any combinations of the foregoing)) other than: (A) as a

 

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result of any stock split, stock dividend or distribution, subdivision, reorganization, reclassification or similar capital transaction involving Equity Securities of the Company; (B) pursuant to Section 4.1(b)(ii) , Section 4.1(b)(iii) , Section 4.2 or Section 4.3(c) or (C) a Transfer between ZHG Parties; provided , that no ZHG Party shall be in breach of this Section 4.3(a)(i) as a result of the acquisition by any ZHG Designee of any Equity Securities of the Company pursuant to (x) the grant or vesting of any equity compensation awards granted by the Company to any ZHG Designee, or (y) the exercise of any stock options, restricted stock units, or similar awards relating to any Equity Securities of the Company granted by the Company to any ZHG Designee;

(ii) make any public announcement or public offer with respect to any merger, business combination, recapitalization, reorganization, restructuring, liquidation, change of control or other similar extraordinary transaction involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (unless such transaction is approved or affirmatively recommended by the Board);

(iii) make, knowingly encourage or in any way participate in, any “solicitation” of “proxies” (as such terms are used in the proxy rules of the SEC promulgated pursuant to Section 14 of the Exchange Act) to vote any Voting Securities, or seek to advise or influence any Person with respect to the voting of, any Voting Securities (other than, in each case, in a manner that is consistent with the Board’s recommendation in connection with a matter);

(iv) seek election to, or seek to place a representative on, the Board or removal of any member of the Board or otherwise act, alone or in concert with others, to seek representation or to control or influence the management, the Board or policies of the Company (other than (A) with respect to the election or removal of a ZHG Designee or (B) to vote in accordance with the requirements of Article III);

(v) call, or seek to call, a meeting of the stockholders of the Company or initiate any stockholder proposal for action by stockholders of the Company;

(vi) form, join or in any way participate in a Group with respect to Equity Securities (other than a Group consisting solely of ZHG Parties);

(vii) otherwise act, alone or in concert with others, to seek to control or influence the management or the policies of the Company (for the avoidance of doubt, excluding any such act in their capacity as a commercial counterparty, customer, supplier, industry participant or the like);

(viii) advise or knowingly assist or encourage or enter into any discussions, negotiations, agreements or arrangements with any other Persons in connection with any of the foregoing activities;

(ix) publicly disclose any intention, plan or arrangement inconsistent with any of the foregoing activities;

 

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(x) arrange, or in any way provide, directly or indirectly, any financing for the purchase by any Person or Group of any Equity Securities or assets of the Company, other than financing for (A) the purchase of assets then being offered for sale by the Company and approved by the disinterested Directors, (B) the Transfer of any shares of Common Stock to a ZHG Party or a ZHG Permitted Transferee, (C) purchases of any Equity Securities of the Company by a ZHG Entity that are permitted by this Agreement and (D) a ZHG Acquisition.

(xi) take any action that ZHG Group or a ZHG Party knows, or would reasonably be expected to know, after consultation with outside legal counsel, would require the Company to make a public announcement regarding the possibility of an Acquisition; or

(xii) contest the validity of this Section 4.3(a) or initiate or participate in any judicial proceeding to amend, waive, terminate or seek a release of the restrictions contained herein, it being understood and agreed that (A) without prejudice to Section 2.5 , this Section 4.3 shall not limit (x) the activities of any ZHG Designee taken in good faith in his or her capacity as a Director or (y) the participation of any ZHG Designee in any Board (or committee of the Board, as applicable) discussions, deliberations, negotiations or determinations, and (B) ZHG and ZHG Group shall be responsible for any breach of this Section 4.3 caused by any action taken by any ZHG Entity or by a representative of a ZHG Entity acting at the direction of any ZHG Entity.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 4.3(a) , on and after the date hereof, other than during any Standstill Commitment Period, no ZHG Party shall be prohibited or restricted from: (i) initiating and engaging in private discussions with, and/or making and submitting to, the Company and/or the Board a non-public, confidential Acquisition Proposal so long as such ZHG Party does not know, and would not be reasonably expected to know, after consultation with outside legal counsel, that such actions would be reasonably likely to require ZHG, the Company or any other Person to make a public announcement regarding such Acquisition Proposal; or (ii) from and after a public announcement of a definitive agreement with respect to an Acquisition entered into between the Company and any Person other than a ZHG Entity and until the earlier of (A) the closing of such Acquisition and (B) thirty (30) days after the termination of such definitive agreement, notwithstanding any ZHG Standstill Commitment, making and submitting to the Company, the Board, and/or the Company’s stockholders, an alternative Acquisition Proposal on a publicly disclosed and announced basis for all outstanding shares of Common Stock, which, if a tender or exchange offer, shall be on the same terms for all such shares and include a non-waivable condition that a majority of outstanding shares of Common Stock not Beneficially Owned by any ZHG Entity are tendered into such offer. For the avoidance of doubt, Section 3.2 , Section 4.3(a) and Section 4.6 shall continue to apply except to the extent such provisions would prevent a ZHG Party from taking the actions expressly permitted by Section 4.3(b)(i) or Section 4.3(b)(ii) .

(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 4.3(a) , ZHG may (directly or through any other ZHG Parties or any of their respective Controlled Affiliates that are ZHG Permitted Transferees), at any time and from time to time, purchase shares of Common Stock in open market transactions in an amount that, when aggregated with the number of shares of

 

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Common Stock then Beneficially Owned by all ZHG Entities, would not then exceed a percentage of the shares of Common Stock outstanding at such time equal to the lower of (i) twenty four and nine-tenths percent (24.9%) and (ii) the Adjusted Ownership Percentage (such lower percentage, the “Maximum Ownership Percentage” ). The “Adjusted Ownership Percentage” shall initially be equal to twenty four and nine-tenths percent (24.9%) and, upon each Transfer of shares of Common Stock by a ZHG Entity that (A) is to a Person other than another ZHG Entity and (B) occurs when the aggregate Total Share Ownership of the ZHG Entities, as a percentage of the total number of outstanding shares of Common Stock is less than or equal to twenty four and nine-tenths percent (24.9%) or causes such percentage to be less than twenty four and nine-tenths percent (24.9%), shall be reduced by a percentage (the “Reduction Percentage” ) equal to the percentage of the total number of outstanding shares of Common Stock that such Transfer of shares of Common Stock constituted, but in no event shall a Reduction Percentage be greater than the difference between twenty four and nine-tenths percent (24.9%) and the aggregate Total Share Ownership of the ZHG Entities, as a percentage of the total number of outstanding shares of Common Stock, following such Transfer. For purposes of this Section 4.3(c) , the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at any time shall be the number specified in the latest of (i) the most recent SEC filing of the Company disclosing the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding or (ii) a written notice from the Company, which will be provided to ZHG as soon as reasonably practicable upon a written request therefor from ZHG following any New Issuance or Stock Acquisition.

4.4 Information and Access Rights . The books and records of the Company shall be available for inspection by the ZHG Parties at the principal place of business of the Company. The Company shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to, (i) afford the ZHG Parties and their respective agents access at all reasonable times to its officers, employees, auditors, legal counsel, properties, offices and other facilities and to all of its books and records, (ii) afford the ZHG Parties and their respective agents with the opportunity to consult with its officers from time to time as the ZHG Parties may reasonably request regarding the affairs, finances and accounts of the Company and its Subsidiaries, (iii) to the extent otherwise prepared by the Company, provide annual operating and capital expenditure budgets and periodic information packages relating to the operations and cash flows of the Company and its Subsidiaries and (iv) subject to applicable Law, provide any additional information regarding the affairs, finances and accounts of the Company and its Subsidiaries that is reasonably requested by the ZHG Parties from time to time (it being acknowledged that the Company may reasonably withhold information that constitutes a trade secret or other competitively sensitive intellectual property or is subject to attorney-client privilege). ZHG hereby agrees that, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, ZHG and its Affiliates shall be provided confidential information in accordance with and subject to the terms of a Confidentiality Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D , which such Confidentiality Agreement shall be executed and delivered concurrently with the Closing (the “ Confidentiality Agreement ”).

4.5 Cooperation . Following the Closing, the Company and ZHG shall, from time to time, engage in good faith discussions regarding strategic cooperation that may be mutually beneficial to such parties.

 

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4.6 Tender of Shares in Certain Acquisitions . If, at any time when (i) ZHG Entities Beneficially Own Voting Securities in excess of the Voting Percentage Limit, and (ii) any Acquisition (other than a Specified Acquisition) by a Person other than a ZHG Entity is to be effected by means of a tender or exchange offer that has been approved and recommended (and such recommendation has not been withdrawn) by the Board, the ZHG Parties shall tender into such offer, prior to any expiration thereof (as such offer may be extended from time to time), all the shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned by ZHG Entities in excess of the Voting Percentage Limit in the same proportion as the shares of Common Stock not Beneficially Owned by ZHG Entities are so tendered. Such tender by the ZHG Parties shall be made within twelve (12) hours of notification from any depositary for such tender or exchange offer of the percentage of Voting Securities Beneficially Owned by holders other than ZHG Entities then received by such depositary. The ZHG Parties shall be free, in their sole discretion, to tender or not tender into such offer, any and all shares of Common Stock Beneficially Owned by ZHG Entities up to and including the Voting Percentage Limit.

4.7 Public Announcements . The initial press release with respect to this Agreement shall be a joint press release to be reasonably agreed upon by ZHG and the Company. Thereafter, ZHG and the Company shall consult with each other before issuing any press release, or other public announcement with respect to this Agreement or the matters contemplated hereby and, except in respect of any such press release or other public announcement as may be required by applicable Law or any applicable rule of any securities exchange or association, shall not issue any such press release or other public announcement prior to such consultation. ZHG Group and the ZHG Parties shall not, shall cause their respective Affiliates not to, and shall cause the representatives of ZHG Group, the ZHG Parties and their respective Affiliates acting at their direction not to, in any manner, disparage or cause to be disparaged the Company or its Affiliates or any of its or their respective current or former directors or executive officers, and the Company shall not, shall cause its Affiliates not to, and shall cause its representatives and the representatives of its Affiliates acting at their direction not to, in any manner disparage or cause to be disparaged any of the ZHG Parties, the ZHG Group, or any of their respective Affiliates, or any of its or their respective current or former directors, managers or executive officers,

4.8 Corporate Opportunities . On or before the Closing, the Company and the Board (or a duly authorized committee thereof) shall, in compliance with applicable Law, take all actions necessary to duly adopt the resolutions substantially as set forth in Exhibit E to this Agreement and such resolutions shall remain in effect until the later of (i) termination of this Agreement, or (ii) no ZHG Designee is a member of the Board.

4.9 Translator . The individuals nominated by the ZHG Designator pursuant to Section 2.1(a) and any ZHG Designees who reasonably require a translator to facilitate participation in the meetings of the Board (or a committee thereof), shall be permitted to attend any meetings of the Board (or a committee thereof) or any other meetings with representatives of the Company (including, without limitation, any interviews pursuant to Section 2.4(c) ), whether in person, by telephone or otherwise, with such translator; provided , that (a) such translator shall have previously executed a standard from of confidentiality agreement with the Company, (b) such translator shall be at the sole cost and expense of the ZHG Entities, (c) such translation shall be conducted only on a simultaneous basis (also referred to as “U.N.-style”) and (d) such translation shall otherwise be conducted in a manner that is not disruptive to the proceedings of the Board (and the committees thereof), as determined by the Nominating and Governance Committee acting in good faith. For the avoidance of doubt, (i) all meetings of the Board (and

 

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the committees thereof) shall be conducted in the English language and (ii) the Nominating and Governance Committee shall have the right to exclude the translator from any and all meetings of the Board (or any committee thereof) if the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee determines, acting in good faith, that such translation is or will be disruptive to the proceedings of the Board (and the committees thereof).

ARTICLE V

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

5.1 Representations and Warranties of the Company . The Company hereby represents and warrants to ZHG as follows as of the Closing:

(a) The Company is a corporation, duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware. The Company has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations under the Agreement.

(b) The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement and the performance of the obligations of the Company under this Agreement do not and will not conflict with or violate any provision of, or require the consent or approval of any Person (except for any such consents or approvals which have been obtained) under, (x) applicable Law, (y) the organizational documents of the Company, or (z) any contract or agreement to which the Company is a party.

(c) The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement and the performance of the obligations of the Company under this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Company and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by ZHG, constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable against the Company in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency and other Laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general principles of equity.

(d) The Board (or a duly authorized committee thereof) has taken all action necessary to approve the transactions contemplated by the Stock Purchase Agreement and any other action which may be necessary, in compliance with applicable Law, to render inapplicable to ZHG and, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, any other ZHG Party the restrictions on “business combinations” set forth in the Company Charter. No “business combination”, “moratorium,” “control share,” “fair price,” “takeover,” “interested stockholder,” or similar Law is applicable to the Stock Purchase Agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby, including but not limited to Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law.

5.2 Representations and Warranties of ZHG . ZHG hereby represents and warrants to the Company as follows as of the Closing:

 

25


(a) ZHG is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization. ZHG has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform its obligations under this Agreement.

(b) The execution and delivery by ZHG of this Agreement and the performance by ZHG of its obligations under this Agreement do not and will not conflict with or violate any provision of, or require the consent or approval of any Person (except for any such consents or approvals which have been obtained) under, (x) applicable Law, (y) its organizational documents, or (z) any contract or agreement to which it is a party.

(c) The execution and delivery by ZHG of this Agreement and the performance by ZHG of its obligations under this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other analogous action on its part. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by ZHG and, assuming the due authorization, execution and delivery by the Company, constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of ZHG, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to bankruptcy, insolvency and other Laws of general applicability relating to or affecting creditors’ rights and to general principles of equity.

5.3 No Other Representations or Warranties . Each of ZHG and the Company hereby acknowledges and agrees that (a) except for the express representations and warranties set forth in this Article V, neither party hereto nor any Person acting on its behalf is making any representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, in connection with the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement or the Stock Purchase Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and (b) neither party hereto has relied on the accuracy or completeness of any information furnished by the other party hereto or any Person acting on its behalf in connection with the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement or the Stock Purchase Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby.

ARTICLE VI

GENERAL PROVISIONS

6.1 Termination . Unless otherwise specified herein, this Agreement shall automatically terminate on the earlier to occur of (a) the date on which the aggregate Total Share Ownership of the ZHG Entities is less than five percent (5%) of the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding as of such date and (b) the termination of the Stock Purchase Agreement prior to the Closing in accordance with its terms; provided, that Section 2.6 shall survive the termination of this Agreement indefinitely.

6.2 Notices . Any notice, designation, request, request for consent or consent provided for in this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed given (a) when delivered personally, (b) two (2) Business Days after being sent, if sent by internationally recognized overnight courier, or (c) when sent, if transmitted by facsimile (which such facsimile shall be confirmed within 24 hours thereafter in a manner provided in clause (a) or (b)), in each case, to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a party as shall be specified by prior written notice from such party):

 

26


if to the Company:

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.

9205 South Park Center Loop, Suite 400

Orlando, FL 32819

USA

Attention: General Counsel

Fax:          +1 (407) 226-5039

with a copy (not constituting notice) to:

Latham & Watkins LLP

330 N. Wabash Ave., Suite 2800

Chicago, IL 60611

USA

Attention: Cathy A. Birkeland

                 Bradley C. Faris

Fax:          +1 (312) 993-9767

if to ZHG:

c/o Zhonghong Zhuoye Group Co., Ltd.

Building No. 8, Eastern International, No. 1

Ciyunsi, Chaoyang District

Beijing, Peoples Republic of China 100025

Attention: Yu Ting

Fax:          +(0086) 010-85356993

with a copy (not constituting notice) to:

Paul Hastings LLP

515 South Flower Street, 25 th Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90071

Attention: Robert A. Miller, Jr.

Fax:          +1 (213) 996-3254

6.3 Amendment; Waiver . This Agreement may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified, and the observance of any term hereof may be waived, only by a written instrument executed by (i) the Company and (ii) the ZHG Designator. Neither the failure nor delay on the part of any party hereto to exercise any right, 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. Any amendment, supplement or modification to this Agreement and any waiver of any term hereof effected in accordance with this Section 6.3 shall be binding on each party hereto and all of such party’s successors and permitted assigns, whether or not such party, successor or permitted assign entered into or approved such amendment, supplement or modification.

 

27


6.4 Further Assurances . Each party hereto shall sign such further documents and do and perform and cause to be done such further acts and things as any other party hereto may reasonably request to the extent necessary to carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement.

6.5 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, except by any ZHG Party to any ZHG Permitted Transferee that has executed a joinder agreement substantially in the form attached as Exhibit C to this Agreement, without the express prior written consent of the other parties hereto, and any attempted assignment, without such consent, will be null and void.

6.6 Third Parties . This Agreement does not create any rights, claims or benefits inuring to any person that is not a party hereto nor create or establish any third party beneficiary hereto.

6.7 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.

6.8 Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial . In any judicial proceeding involving any dispute, controversy or claim between the parties hereto arising out of or relating to this Agreement, each of the parties hereto, by execution and delivery of this Agreement, unconditionally accepts and consents to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the Delaware Court of Chancery and any state appellate court to which orders and judgments thereof may be appealed within the State of Delaware (or, if the Delaware Court of Chancery declines to accept jurisdiction over a particular matter, any state or federal court within the State of Delaware), including but not limited to the in personam and subject matter jurisdiction of those courts, 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, waives any objections to such jurisdiction on the grounds of venue or forum non conveniens , the absence of in personam or subject matter jurisdiction and any similar grounds or any other manner permitted by Law, and irrevocably agrees to be bound by any judgment rendered thereby in connection with this Agreement. 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 6.2 . 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.

6.9 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

 

28


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.

6.10 Entire Agreement . This Agreement, the Confidentiality Agreement and any Director Confidentiality Agreement with a ZHG Designee set forth the entire understanding of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. There are no agreements, representations, warranties, covenants or understandings with respect to the subject matter hereof other than those expressly set forth herein or in the Confidentiality Agreement or any such Director Confidentiality Agreement. This Agreement, the Confidentiality Agreement and any such Director Confidentiality Agreement supersede all other prior agreements and understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter, other than, with respect to the confidentiality and non-use restrictions set forth in (a) that certain letter agreement regarding confidentiality, dated February 17, 2017, by and between the Company and ZHG Group with respect to information disclosed thereunder prior to the Closing, but only to the extent such information is not otherwise subject to the confidentiality and non-use restrictions set forth in the Confidentiality Agreement or Director Confidentiality Agreement, and (b) that certain confidentiality agreement, dated October 27, 2016, by and between the Company and ZHG Group with respect to information disclosed thereunder prior to the date hereof, but only to the extent such information is not otherwise subject to the confidentiality and non-use restrictions set forth in the Confidentiality Agreement or Director Confidentiality Agreement (it being understood that, in each case, such letter agreement and confidentiality agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with their respective terms with respect to the confidentiality and non-use restrictions set forth therein with respect to such information disclosed thereunder prior to the Closing or the date hereof, as applicable).

6.11 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, (a) 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, (b) 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 (c) the application of such provision to other Persons or circumstances or in other jurisdictions shall not be affected thereby.

6.12 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.

6.13 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).

 

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6.14 Effectiveness of this Agreement . This Agreement shall become automatically effective upon the Closing, without the requirement of any further action by any Person, and until the Closing (if any), this Agreement shall be of no force or effect and shall create no rights or obligations on the part of any party hereto.

[ Remainder Of Page Intentionally Left Blank ]

 

30


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

 

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
By:  

/s/ Joel K. Manby

Name:   Joel K. Manby
Title:   Chief Executive Officer and President
SUN WISE (UK) CO., LTD
By:  

/s/ Yongli Wang

Name:   Yongli Wang
Title:   Director
ZHONGHONG ZHUOYE GROUP CO., LTD.
(solely for purposes of Section 4.3 )
By:  

/s/ Yongli Wang

Name:   Yongli Wang
Title:   Director

[Signature Page to Stockholders Agreement]

Exhibit 10.2

 

 

REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

by and between

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

and

SUN WISE (UK) CO., LTD

Dated as of March 24, 2017

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

Article I DEFINITIONS

     1  

Article II DEMAND REGISTRATION RIGHTS

     4  

Section 2.1 Long-Form Registration

     4  

Section 2.2 Short-Form Registration

     5  

Section 2.3 Shelf Registration

     5  

Section 2.4 Payment of Expenses for Demand Registrations

     6  

Section 2.5 Priority

     6  

Section 2.6 Restrictions

     6  

Section 2.7 Selection of Underwriters

     7  

Section 2.8 Additional Rights

     7  

Article III PIGGYBACK REGISTRATIONS

     7  

Section 3.1 Right to Piggyback

     7  

Section 3.2 Priority on Primary Registrations

     8  

Section 3.3 Priority on Secondary Registrations

     8  

Section 3.4 Selection of Underwriters

     8  

Section 3.5 Payment of Expenses for Piggyback Registrations

     9  

Article IV ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

     9  

Section 4.1 Holders’ Agreements

     9  

Section 4.2 Company’s Agreements

     9  

Section 4.3 Suspension of Resales

     9  

Article V REGISTRATION PROCEDURES

     10  

Section 5.1 Company Obligations

     10  

Article VI REGISTRATION EXPENSES

     13  

Section 6.1 The Company’s Expenses

     13  

Section 6.2 The Stockholder’s Expenses

     14  

Article VII INDEMNIFICATION

     14  

Section 7.1 By the Company

     14  

Section 7.2 By Each Holder of Registrable Securities

     14  

Section 7.3 Procedure

     15  

Section 7.4 Survival

     16  

 

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Article VIII CONTRIBUTION

     16  

Section 8.1 Contribution

     16  

Section 8.2 Equitable Considerations; Etc.

     16  

Article IX COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 144 AND RULE 144A

     17  

Section 9.1 Compliance with Rule 144 and Rule 144A

     17  

Article X PARTICIPATION IN UNDERWRITTEN REGISTRATIONS

     17  

Section 10.1 Participation in Underwritten Registrations

     17  

Article XI MISCELLANEOUS

     17  

Section 11.1 Amendments and Waivers

     17  

Section 11.2 Successors and Assigns

     17  

Section 11.3 Descriptive Headings

     18  

Section 11.4 Notices

     18  

Section 11.5 GOVERNING LAW; MUTUAL WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

     18  

Section 11.6 Reproduction of Documents

     19  

Section 11.7 Remedies

     19  

Section 11.8 Further Assurances

     19  

Section 11.9 No Presumption Against Drafter

     19  

Section 11.10 Severability

     20  

Section 11.11 Entire Agreement

     20  

Section 11.12 Execution in Counterparts

     20  

Section 11.13 Effectiveness

     20  

Section 11.14 No Third Party Beneficiaries

     20  

Section 11.15 Waiver of Certain Damages

     20  

Section 11.16 Confidentiality

     21  

 

ii


REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

THIS REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of March 24, 2017, is by and between SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), and Sun Wise (UK) Co., LTD, (“ Purchaser ”) a private limited company incorporated under the laws of England.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, Purchaser and Blackstone Capital Partners V L.P. and certain of its affiliates (collectively, “ Blackstone ”) have, as of the date hereof, entered into the Stock Purchase Agreement (as defined below), pursuant to which, among other things, Purchaser has agreed to purchase from Blackstone, and Blackstone has agreed to sell to Purchaser, shares of the Company’s Common Stock (as defined below), subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Stock Purchase Agreement;

WHEREAS, the Company is entering into this Agreement as a condition to Purchaser’s willingness to enter into the Stock Purchase Agreement;

WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution of this Agreement, the Company and Purchaser are entering into the Stockholders Agreement (as defined below);

WHEREAS, the Company is entering into this Agreement in consideration of, and as a condition and inducement to, Purchaser’s willingness to enter into the Stockholders Agreement; and

WHEREAS, in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company and Purchaser wish to define certain registration rights granted to Purchaser on the terms and conditions set out in this Agreement.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the recitals and the mutual premises, covenants and agreements contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

In addition to capitalized terms defined elsewhere in this Agreement, the following capitalized terms shall have the following meanings when used in this Agreement:

Affiliate ” means as to any specified Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by or under common control with such specified Person. For purposes of this definition, “ control ,” as used with respect to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, by agreement or otherwise. For purposes of this definition, the terms “ controlling ,” “ controlled by ” and “ under common control with ” have correlative meanings.

 

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Agreement ” as defined in the Preamble.

Blackstone ” as defined in the Recitals.

Board ” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

Business Day ” means any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day in New York, NY on which banking institutions are authorized by law or regulations to close.

Closing ” as defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement.

Commission ” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and any successor agency performing comparable functions.

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

Company ” as defined in the Preamble.

Demand Registrations ” as defined in Section 2.3(a) .

Demand Registration Statements ” as defined in Section 2.3(a) .

Effective Date ” means the date on which the Closing (as defined in the Stock Purchase Agreement) occurs pursuant to the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement.

Exchange Act ” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or any successor federal statute, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, as the same shall be in effect from time to time.

Governmental Authority ” means any regional, federal, state or local legislative, executive or judicial body or agency, any court of competent jurisdiction, any department, political subdivision or other governmental authority or instrumentality, or any arbitral authority, in each case, whether domestic or foreign.

Indemnified Party ” as defined in Section 7.3 .

Indemnifying Party ” as defined in Section 7.3 .

Long-Form Demand Registration ” as defined in Section 2.1(b) .

Long-Form Demand Registration Statement ” as defined in Section 2.1(a) .

New Issuance ” as defined in the Stockholders Agreement.

 

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Permitted Transferee ” means (i) a ZHG Party, (ii) a ZHG Permitted Transferee that has executed a joinder agreement to the Stockholders Agreement and (iii) a pledgee (or assignee thereof) that is pledged shares of Common Stock as part of a “Permitted Transfer” in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Stockholder Agreement and that has agreed to comply with the restrictions in Section 4.1 of the Stockholders Agreement.

Person ” means an individual, a corporation, a partnership, a joint venture, a limited liability company or limited liability partnership, an association, a trust, estate or other fiduciary or any other legal entity, and any Governmental Authority.

Piggyback Registration ” as defined in Section 3.1 .

Piggyback Registration Statement ” as defined in Section 3.1 .

Purchaser ” as defined in the Preamble.

Public Offering ” means any offering by the Company of its equity securities to the public pursuant to an effective registration statement under the Securities Act or any comparable statement under any comparable federal statute then in effect (other than any registration statement on Form S-8 or Form S-4 or any successor forms thereto).

Registrable Securities ” means all shares of Common Stock held by a Stockholder, including shares of Common Stock purchased in a New Issuance in accordance with Section 4.2 of the Stockholders Agreement, and any securities into which the Common Stock may be converted or exchanged pursuant to any merger, consolidation, sale of all or any part of its assets, corporate conversion or other extraordinary transaction of the Company and any equity securities of the Company then outstanding which were issued or issuable as a dividend, stock split or other distribution with respect to or in replacement of Common Stock held by a Stockholder (whether now held or hereafter acquired, and including any such securities received by a Stockholder upon the conversion or exchange of, or pursuant to such a transaction with respect to, other securities held by such Stockholder). As to any Registrable Securities, such securities will cease to be Registrable Securities when: (i) a registration statement covering such Registrable Securities has been declared effective and such Registrable Securities have been disposed of pursuant to such effective registration statement; (ii) such Registrable Securities shall have been sold pursuant to Rule 144 (or any similar provision then in effect) under the Securities Act; (iii) such Registrable Securities may be sold pursuant to Rule 144 (or any similar provision then in effect) without limitation thereunder on volume or manner of sale; (iv) such Registrable Securities cease to be outstanding, or (v) such Registrable Securities have been sold in a private transaction in which the transferor’s rights under this Agreement are not assigned to the transferee of the securities.

Registration Expenses ” as defined in Section 6.1 .

Rule 144 ” means Rule 144 promulgated by the Commission pursuant to the Securities Act, as such rule may be amended from time to time, or any similar rule or regulation hereafter adopted by the Commission as a replacement thereto.

 

3


Securities Act ” means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any successor federal statute, and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder, as the same shall be in effect from time to time.

Shelf Demand Registration ” as defined in Section 2.3(a) .

Shelf Registration Statement ” as defined in Section 2.3(a) .

Short-Form Demand Registration ” as defined in Section 2.2 .

Short-Form Demand Registration Statement ” as defined in Section 2.2 .

Stockholder ” means Purchaser or any transferee to whom Purchaser has transferred Registrable Securities in accordance with the Stockholders Agreement and to whom registration rights are assigned pursuant to and in accordance with Section 11.2 , in each case that is a holder of Registrable Securities.

Stockholders Agreement ” means that certain Stockholders Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, by and between the Company and Purchaser.

Stock Purchase Agreement ” means that certain Stock Purchase Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among Purchaser and Blackstone.

ZHG Party ” as defined in the Stockholders Agreement.

ZHG Permitted Transferee ” as defined in the Stockholders Agreement.

ARTICLE II

DEMAND REGISTRATION RIGHTS

Section 2.1 Long-Form Registration .

(a) Subject to the terms of this Agreement and the Stockholders Agreement, a Stockholder shall be entitled to request registration under the Securities Act of the resale of all or part of the Stockholder’s Registrable Securities on Form S-1 or any similar long-form registration statement (a “ Long-Form Demand Registration Statement ”); provided, however , that with respect to any request under this Section 2.1(a) : (i) the Company shall not otherwise be eligible at the time of the request to file a registration statement on Form S-3 or any similar short form registration statement for the resale of Registrable Securities by the Stockholder; and (ii) the Stockholder shall, at the anticipated time of effectiveness of such registration statement, be permitted under the Stockholders Agreement to sell the Common Stock to be registered pursuant to the applicable registration statement.

(b) Upon receipt of any written request pursuant to this Section 2.1 , the Company will use its reasonable best efforts to effect the registration under the Securities Act. A registration requested pursuant to this Section 2.1 is referred to herein as a “ Long-Form Demand Registration .”

 

4


Section 2.2 Short-Form Registration . In addition to the Long-Form Demand Registration right provided pursuant to Section 2.1 above, at any time after the date hereof when the Company is eligible to use Form S-3, the Stockholder shall be entitled to request, and the Company shall use reasonable best efforts to cause, registration under the Securities Act of the resale of all or part of their Registrable Securities on Form S-3 or any similar short-form registration statement (a “ Short-Form Demand Registration Statement ”); provided, however , that with respect to any requests under this Section 2.2 , the Stockholder shall, at the anticipated time of effectiveness of such registration statement, be permitted under the Stockholders Agreement to sell the Common Stock to be registered pursuant to the applicable registration statement. A registration requested pursuant to this Section 2.2 is referred to herein as a “ Short-Form Demand Registration .”

Section 2.3 Shelf Registration .

(a) Subject to the terms of this Agreement and the Stockholders Agreement, commencing at any time after the date a Stockholder is permitted under the Stockholders Agreement to sell such Stockholder’s Registrable Securities and the Company is eligible to use Form S-3 or similar short-form registration statement, a Stockholder shall be entitled to request that the Company file a shelf registration statement on Form S-3, which, if the Company is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined by Securities Act Rule 405, at the time of the filing of such registration, may be an automatic shelf registration statement (and will be, if requested by the Stockholder requesting the registration), to register the resale of all or part of the Stockholder’s Registrable Securities, pursuant to Securities Act Rule 415 (including the prospectus, amendments and supplements to the shelf registration statement or prospectus, including pre- and post-effective amendments, all exhibits thereto and all material incorporated by reference or deemed incorporated by reference, if any, in such shelf registration statement) (the “ Shelf Registration Statement ” and, together with the Long-Form Demand Registration Statement and the Short-Form Demand Registration Statement, the “ Demand Registration Statements ”). A registration requested pursuant to this Section 2.3(a) , including a shelf takedown from a Shelf Registration Statement, is referred to herein as a “ Shelf Demand Registration ” (and, together with the Long-Form Demand Registration and the Short-Form Demand Registration, the “ Demand Registrations ”).

(b) The Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the Shelf Registration Statement to become or be declared effective by the Commission as soon as practicable after such filing, and shall use its reasonable best efforts to keep the Shelf Registration Statement effective, from the date such Shelf Registration Statement becomes effective until the earliest to occur (i) the first date as of which all of the shares of Registrable Securities included in the Shelf Registration Statement have been sold or (ii) a period of three (3) years.

(c) The Stockholder shall be limited to a total of six (6) Demand Registrations (including, with respect to a Shelf Demand Registration, an underwritten shelf takedown) pursuant to Section 2.1 , Section 2.2 or Section 2.3 . Other than as provided by Section 2.4 and Section 6.1 , a registration will not count as a Demand Registration until the Demand Registration Statement has become effective and, with respect to an underwritten shelf takedown, the prospectus supplement for such offer has been filed with the Commission.

 

5


Section 2.4 Payment of Expenses for Demand Registrations . The Company will pay all Registration Expenses (as defined in Section 6.1 below) for up to three (3) Demand Registrations permitted under Section 2.1 , Section 2.2 and Section 2.3 ; provided, however that if a Stockholder requests more than three (3) Demand Registrations (including any Demand Registrations forfeited by the Stockholder in accordance with this Section 2.4 and Section 6.1 ), the Stockholder will pay, in connection with such additional Demand Registrations, (i) all Registration Expenses; (ii) any underwriting discounts, commissions, transfer taxes and underwriter fees and disbursements (in connection with an underwritten Demand Registration) relating to the Registrable Securities; and (iii) the expenses and fees for listing the securities to be registered on each securities exchange. A registration will not count as a Demand Registration until the registration statement has become effective and, with respect to an underwritten shelf takedown, the prospectus supplement for such offer has been filed with the Commission; provided, however that if a Stockholder fails to reimburse the Company for reasonable and documented Registration Expenses with respect to a withdrawn Demand Registration in accordance with Section 6.1 , the Stockholder shall forfeit such withdrawn Demand Registration.

Section 2.5 Priority . In the case of an underwritten offering, if the managing underwriters with respect to a Demand Registration advise the Company in writing that, in their opinion, the inclusion of the number of Registrable Securities and other securities to be included in such underwritten offering creates a substantial risk that the price per share will be reduced, the Company will include in such registration, prior to the inclusion of any securities which are not Registrable Securities, the number of such Registrable Securities that in the opinion of such underwriters can be sold without creating such a risk. In no event will a Demand Registration pursuant to Section 2.1 , Section 2.2 or Section 2.3 count as a Demand Registration for purposes of Section 2.3(c) unless (i) all Registrable Securities requested to be registered in such Demand Registration by the Stockholder are, in fact, registered in such registration if the offering is not underwritten, or (ii) at least fifty percent (50%) of all Registrable Securities requested to be registered in such Demand Registration by the Stockholder are, in fact, registered in such registration if the offering is underwritten.

Section 2.6 Restrictions .

(a) The Company will not be obligated to effect any Demand Registration within one hundred eighty (180) days after the effective date of (i) a previous Demand Registration Statement; or (ii) a previous Piggyback Registration Statement under which the Stockholder requesting the Demand Registration had piggyback rights pursuant to Section 3.1 below wherein the Stockholder was permitted to register and sold at least 50% of the Registrable Securities included in such Piggyback Registration Statement.

 

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(b) The Company may postpone the filing of a Demand Registration Statement for a reasonable “blackout period” not in excess of ninety (90) days if (i) the Board determines that such registration or offering could materially interfere with a bona fide business, financing or business combination transaction of the Company or is reasonably likely to require premature disclosure of material non-public information, which premature disclosure could materially and adversely affect the Company, or (ii) such registration would require the Company to recast its historical financial statements or prepare pro forma financial statements, acquired business financial statements or other information, with which requirement the Company is reasonably unable to comply.

(c) Such blackout period will end upon the earlier to occur of, (i) in the case of a bona fide business, financing or business combination transaction, a date not later than ninety (90) days from the date such deferral commenced, (ii) in the case of disclosure of non-public information, the earlier to occur of (x) the filing by the Company of its next succeeding Form 10-K or Form 10-Q, or (y) the date upon which such information is otherwise disclosed, (iii) in the case of the recasting of historical financial statements, the date upon which such financial statements are filed by the Company with the Commission, provided however, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to file such statements as promptly as practicable and (iv) in the case of preparation of pro forma or acquired business financial statements, a date not later than seventy-five (75) days after the date of such acquisition. In no event shall there be more than two (2) blackout periods during any rolling period of three hundred sixty-five (365) days, and the number of days covered by any one or more blackout periods pursuant to this Section 2.6 or Section 4.3 shall not exceed one hundred eighty (180) days in the aggregate during any rolling period of three hundred sixty-five (365) days.

Section 2.7 Selection of Underwriters . In connection with any underwritten Demand Registration, the Stockholder initiating the Demand Registration shall have the right to (i) determine the plan of distribution and (ii) select the investment banker or bankers and managers to administer the offering, including the lead managing underwriter (provided that such investment banker or bankers and managers shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company).

Section 2.8 Additional Rights . The Company represents that, upon the Closing, it will have no obligation to any Person (other than the Stockholder) to register any of its securities, and agrees that it shall not enter into any agreement with respect to its securities that is inconsistent with the rights granted to the Stockholders in this Agreement or grant any additional registration rights to any person or with respect to any securities that are not Registrable Securities that adversely affect the priorities of the Stockholders pursuant to this Agreement.

ARTICLE III

PIGGYBACK REGISTRATIONS

Section 3.1 Right to Piggyback . At any time after the date on which a Stockholder is permitted under the Stockholders Agreement to sell Common Stock, whenever the Company proposes to register the issuance or sale of any of its Common Stock under the Securities Act for its own account or otherwise, and the registration form to be used may be used for the registration of the resale of Registrable Securities (each, a “ Piggyback Registration ”) (except for the registrations on Form S-8 or Form S-4 or any successor form thereto) (a “ Piggyback Registration Statement ”), the Company will give written notice, at least fifteen (15) days prior to

 

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the proposed filing of such registration statement, to the Stockholder of its intention to effect such a registration and will use reasonable best efforts to include in such registration all Registrable Securities (in accordance with the priorities set forth in Sections 3.2 and 3.3 below) with respect to which the Company has received written requests for inclusion specifying the number of Registrable Securities desired to be registered, which request shall be delivered within fifteen (15) days after the delivery of the Company’s notice. The Company may postpone or withdraw the filing or the effectiveness of a Piggyback Registration Statement at any time in its sole discretion.

Section 3.2 Priority on Primary Registrations . If a Piggyback Registration is an underwritten primary offering on behalf of the Company and the managing underwriters advise the Company in writing that in their opinion the number of Registrable Securities requested to be included in the registration creates a substantial risk that the price per share of the primary securities will be reduced or that the amount of the primary securities intended to be included on behalf of the Company will be reduced, then the managing underwriter and the Company may exclude securities (including Registrable Securities) from the registration and the underwriting, and the number of securities that may be included in such registration and underwriting shall include: (i) first, any securities that the Company proposes to sell; (ii) second, any Registrable Securities requested to be included in such registration, pro rata among the holders of such Registrable Securities on the basis of the total number of Registrable Securities which are held by such holders, and (iii) third, other securities, if any, requested to be included in such registration to be allocated pro rata among the holders thereof.

Section 3.3 Priority on Secondary Registrations . If a Piggyback Registration is an underwritten secondary offering on behalf of holders of the Company’s securities and the managing underwriters advise the Company in writing that in their opinion the number of securities requested to be included in the registration creates a substantial risk that the price per share of securities offered thereby will be reduced, the Company will include in such registration: (i) first, the Common Stock requested to be included therein by the Person requesting such registration, (ii) second, the Registrable Securities requested to be included in such registration, pro rata among the other holders of such Registrable Securities on the basis of the total number of Registrable Securities which are held by such holders; and (iii) third, other securities, if any, requested to be included in such registration to be allocated pro rata among the holders thereof.

Section 3.4 Selection of Underwriters . In connection with any underwritten Piggyback Registration initiated by the Company, the Company shall have the right to (i) determine the plan of distribution and (ii) select the investment banker or bankers and managers to administer the offering, including the lead managing underwriter. In connection with any underwritten secondary Piggyback Registration, the Person initiating the Piggyback Registration shall have the right to (i) determine the plan of distribution and (ii) select the investment banker or bankers and managers to administer the offering, including the lead managing underwriter (provided that such investment banker or bankers and managers shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Company).

 

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Section 3.5 Payment of Expenses for Piggyback Registrations . The Company will pay all Registration Expenses (as defined in Section 6.1 below) for the Piggyback Registrations under this Article III .

ARTICLE IV

ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

Section 4.1 Holders’ Agreements . To the extent not inconsistent with applicable law, each holder of Registrable Securities agrees that upon request of the Company or the underwriters managing any underwritten offering of the Company’s securities, it will (i) not offer, sell, contract to sell, loan, grant any option to purchase, make any short sale or otherwise dispose of, hedge or transfer any of the economic interest in (or offer, agree or commit to do any of the foregoing) any shares of Common Stock, or any options or warrants to purchase any shares of Common Stock, or any securities convertible into, exchangeable for or that represent the right to receive shares of Common Stock, whether now owned or hereinafter acquired by such holder, owned directly (including holding as a custodian) or with respect to which such holder has beneficial ownership within the rules and regulations of the Commission (other than those included by such holder in the offering in question, if any) without the prior written consent of the Company or such underwriters, as the case may be, for up to fourteen (14) days prior to, and during the ninety (90) day period following, the effective date of the registration statement for such underwritten offering, and (ii) enter into and be bound by such form of agreement with respect to the foregoing as the Company or such managing underwriter may reasonably request; provided that each executive officer and director of the Company also agrees to substantially similar restrictions.

Section 4.2 Company’s Agreements . The Company agrees not to effect any public sale or public distribution of its equity securities, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such securities, during the ninety (90) day period following the effective date of a registration statement of the Company for an underwritten Public Offering (except as part of any such underwritten registration or pursuant to registrations on Form S-8 or Form S-4 or any successor forms thereto), unless the underwriters managing the Public Offering otherwise agree.

Section 4.3 Suspension of Resales .

(a) The Company shall be entitled to suspend the use of the prospectus forming any part of a Demand Registration Statement or Piggyback Registration Statement for a reasonable “blackout period” not in excess of ninety (90) days if (i) the Board determines that such registration or offering could materially interfere with a bona fide business, financing or business combination transaction of the Company or is reasonably likely to require premature disclosure of material non-public information, which premature disclosure could materially and adversely affect the Company, or (ii) an offering or sale pursuant to such prospectus would require the Company to recast its historical financial statements or prepare pro forma financial statements, acquired business financial statements or other information, with which requirement the Company is reasonably unable to comply.

 

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(b) The blackout period will end upon the earlier to occur of (i) in the case of a bona fide business, financing or business combination transaction, a date not later than ninety (90) days from the date such deferral commenced, (ii) in the case of disclosure of non-public information, the earlier to occur of (x) the filing by the Company of its next succeeding Form 10-K or Form 10-Q, or (y) the date upon which such information is otherwise disclosed, (iii) in the case of the recasting of historical financial statements, the date upon which such financial statements are filed by the Company with the Commission, provided however, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to file such statements as promptly as practicable and (iv) in the case of preparation of pro forma or acquired business financial statements, a date not later than seventy-five (75) days after the date of such acquisition. In no event shall there be more than two (2) blackout periods during any rolling period of three hundred sixty-five (365) days, and the number of days covered by any one or more blackout periods under this Section 4.3 or Section 2.6 shall not exceed one hundred eighty (180) days in the aggregate during any rolling period of three-hundred sixty five (365) days.

(c) Each holder of Registrable Securities included in any such Demand Registration Statement or secondary Piggyback Registration Statement and not previously sold thereunder agrees that upon its receipt of a written certification from the Company notifying the Stockholder of such suspension, it will immediately discontinue the sale of any Registrable Securities pursuant to such registration statement or otherwise until such Stockholder has received copies of the supplemented or amended prospectus or until such holder is advised in writing that the use of the prospectus forming a part of such registration statement may be resumed and has received copies of any additional or supplemental filings that are incorporated by reference in such prospectus.

ARTICLE V

REGISTRATION PROCEDURES

Section 5.1 Company Obligations . Whenever the Company is required to file a registration statement under this Agreement or to use its reasonable best efforts to effect the registration of Registrable Securities, or whenever the holders of Registrable Securities have requested that the resale of any Registrable Securities be registered pursuant to this Agreement, the Company shall, as expeditiously as reasonably practicable:

(a) prepare and, as soon as practicable after the end of the period within which requests for registration may be given to the Company, file with the Commission a registration statement with respect to the resale of such Registrable Securities and use its reasonable best efforts to cause such registration statement to become effective (provided that before filing a registration statement or prospectus, or any amendments or supplements thereto, the Company will furnish copies of all such documents proposed to be filed to one counsel designated by holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement and to the extent practicable under the circumstances, provide such counsel an opportunity to comment on any information pertaining to the holders of Registrable Securities covered by such registration statement contained therein; and the Company shall consider in good faith any corrections reasonably requested by such counsel with respect to such information);

 

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(b) except as otherwise provided in this Agreement (including Section 2.3(b) hereof), prepare and file with the Commission such amendments and supplements to such registration statement and the prospectus(es) used in connection therewith as may be necessary to keep such registration statement effective for a period of not less than the earlier of (i) with respect to a Long Form Demand Registration Statement, one hundred eighty (180) days, and with respect to a Short Form Demand Registration Statement, two (2) years, and (ii) the date that all of the securities covered by the registration statement have been sold, and comply with the provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all securities covered by such registration statement during such period in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the sellers thereof set forth in such registration statement;

(c) in connection with any filing of any registration statement or prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto, cause such document (i) to comply in all material respects with the requirements of the Securities Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder and (ii) to not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading;

(d) furnish to each seller and underwriter of Registrable Securities, without charge, such number of copies of such registration statement, each amendment and supplement thereto, the prospectus(es) included in such registration statement (including each preliminary prospectus and summary prospectus) and such other documents as such seller or underwriter may reasonably request in order to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities owned by such seller;

(e) use its commercially reasonable efforts to register or qualify such Registrable Securities under such securities or blue sky laws of such jurisdictions as the Stockholders or underwriter reasonably request, keep each such registration or qualification effective during the period the associated registration statement is required to be kept effective, and do any and all other acts and things which may be reasonably necessary or advisable to enable such seller or underwriter to consummate the disposition in such jurisdictions of such Registrable Securities (provided that the Company will not be required to (i) qualify generally to do business in any jurisdiction where it would not otherwise be required to qualify but for this subparagraph, (ii) consent to general service of process in any such jurisdiction, or (iii) subject itself or any of its Affiliates to taxation in any material respect in any such jurisdiction in which it is not subject to taxation);

(f) promptly notify each seller and underwriter of such Registrable Securities and confirm in writing, when a registration statement has become effective and when any post-effective amendments and supplements thereto become effective;

(g) promptly notify each seller and underwriter of such Registrable Securities, at any time when a prospectus relating thereto is required to be delivered under the Securities Act, of the happening of any event as a result of which the prospectus included in such registration statement contains an untrue statement of a material fact or omits any fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, and, subject to Section 4.3 , prepare and deliver a supplement or amendment to such prospectus so that, as thereafter delivered to the purchasers of such Registrable Securities, such prospectus will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state any fact necessary to make the statements therein not misleading;

 

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(h) use commercially reasonable efforts to cause all such Registrable Securities to be listed on each securities exchange on which the same or similar securities issued by the Company are then listed or if no such securities are then listed, on a national securities exchange selected by the Company;

(i) provide a transfer agent, registrar and CUSIP number for all such Registrable Securities not later than the effective date of such registration statement;

(j) enter into such customary agreements (including underwriting agreements in customary form) and take all such other customary actions as the holders of a majority of the Registrable Securities being sold or the underwriters, if any, reasonably request in order to expedite or facilitate the disposition of such Registrable Securities;

(k) use commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with each seller and the underwriter or managing underwriter, if any, to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of certificates representing Registrable Securities to be sold and not bearing any restrictive legends; and enable such Registrable Securities to be in such denominations (consistent with the provisions of the governing documents thereof) and registered in such names as each seller or the underwriter or managing underwriter, if any, may reasonably request at least three (3) business days prior to any sale of Registrable Securities;

(l) subject to confidentiality agreements in form and substance acceptable to the Company, make available for inspection, at such place and in such manner as determined by the Company in its sole discretion, by any seller of Registrable Securities, any underwriter participating in any disposition pursuant to such registration statement, and any attorney, accountant or other agent retained by any such seller or underwriter, financial and other records, pertinent corporate documents and properties of the Company reasonably requested by any such seller, underwriter, attorney, accountant or agent in connection with such registration statement, and cause the Company’s officers, directors, employees and independent accountants to supply all information reasonably requested by any such seller, underwriter, attorney, accountant or agent in connection with such registration statement; provided, however , that any records, information or documents that are furnished by the Company and that are non-public shall be used only in connection with such registration;

(m) advise each seller and underwriter of such Registrable Securities, promptly after it shall receive notice or obtain knowledge thereof, of the issuance of any stop order by the Commission suspending the effectiveness of such registration statement or the initiation or threatening of any proceeding for such purpose and promptly use its reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order or to obtain its withdrawal if such stop order should be issued;

 

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(n) make available to its security holders, as soon as reasonably practicable, an earnings statement (which need not be audited) covering at least twelve (12) months which shall satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the Securities Act and Rule 158 thereunder;

(o) cooperate and assist in any filing required to be made with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA);

(p) obtain for delivery to any underwriter of Registrable Securities an opinion or opinions of counsel for the Company in customary form;

(q) at the request of any seller of such Registrable Securities in connection with an underwritten offering, furnish on the date or dates provided for in the underwriting agreement a letter or letters from the independent certified public accountants of the Company addressed to the underwriters and the sellers of Registrable Securities, covering such matters as such accountants, underwriters and sellers may reasonably agree upon, in which letter(s) such accountants shall state, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, that they are an independent registered public accounting firm within the meaning of the Securities Act and that in their opinion the financial statements and other financial data of the Company included in the registration statement, the prospectus(es), or any amendment or supplement thereto, comply in all material respects with the applicable accounting requirements of the Securities Act; and

(r) with respect to underwritten Demand Registrations, make senior executives of the Company reasonably available to assist the underwriters with respect to, and participate in, the so-called “road show” in connection with the marketing efforts for, and the distribution and sale of, Registrable Securities pursuant to a registration statement.

ARTICLE VI

REGISTRATION EXPENSES

Section 6.1 The Company’s Expenses . Other than as provided by Section 2.4 , the Company will pay all reasonable expenses incident to the Company’s performance of or compliance with this Agreement, including: all registration and filing fees; fees and expenses of compliance with securities or blue sky laws; fees and expenses incurred in connection with FINRA and rating agencies; costs and expenses related to analyst and investor presentations and “roadshows”; printing expenses; messenger and delivery expenses; and fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company; fees and disbursements of the Company’s registered public accounting firm (including with respect to “comfort letters”); all reasonable fees and disbursements of one counsel for all Stockholders in connection with the registration; reasonable fees and disbursements of all other Persons retained by the Company; and any other fees and disbursements customarily paid by issuers of securities (all such expenses being herein called “ Registration Expenses ”); provided, however, that, as between the Company and the Stockholder, underwriting discounts, commissions, transfer taxes and underwriter fees and disbursements (in connection with an underwritten Demand Registration) relating to the Registrable Securities will be borne by the Stockholder. In addition, the Company will pay its internal expenses (including, but not limited to, all salaries and expenses of its officers and

 

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employees performing legal or accounting duties), the expense of any annual audit or quarterly review, the expense of any liability insurance obtained by the Company and the expenses and fees for listing the securities to be registered on each securities exchange. Notwithstanding the foregoing , if a request for Demand Registration for which the Company is obligated to pay all Registration Expenses pursuant to Section 2.4 and this Section 6.1 is subsequently withdrawn at the request of the Stockholder, the Stockholder shall forfeit such Demand Registration unless the Stockholder pays (or reimburses the Company) for all reasonable and documented Registration Expenses with respect to such withdrawn Demand Registration.

Section 6.2 The Stockholder’s Expenses . To the extent that any expenses incident to any registration are not required to be paid by the Company, the Stockholder will pay all such expenses which are clearly and solely attributable to the registration of the Registrable Securities so included in such registration.

ARTICLE VII

INDEMNIFICATION

Section 7.1 By the Company . The Company shall indemnify, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the Stockholder and, as applicable, each of its trustees, stockholders, members, directors, managers, partners, officers and employees, and each Person who controls such holder (within the meaning of the Securities Act), against all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses (including, but not limited to, attorneys’ fees and expenses) or actions or proceedings in respect thereof (whether or not such indemnified Person is party thereto) arising out of or based upon (a) any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in any registration statement, prospectus or preliminary prospectus, or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto (including, in each case, all documents incorporated therein by reference), (b) any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading or (c) any violation or alleged violation by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of any federal, state, foreign or common law rule or regulation applicable to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries and relating to action or inaction in connection with any such registration, disclosure document or related document or report, except insofar as the same are caused by or contained in any information furnished in writing to the Company by the Stockholder expressly for use therein or by the Stockholder’s failure to deliver a copy of the prospectus or any amendments or supplements thereto after the Company has furnished the Stockholder with a sufficient number of copies of the same. In connection with an underwritten offering, the Company will indemnify such underwriters, their officers and directors and each Person who controls such underwriters (within the meaning of the Securities Act) to the same extent as provided above with respect to the indemnification of the Stockholder. The payments required by this Section 7.1 will be made promptly during the course of the investigation or defense, as and when bills are received or expenses incurred.

Section 7.2 By Each Holder of Registrable Securities . In connection with any registration statement in which a holder of Registrable Securities is participating, each such holder will furnish to the Company in writing such information relating to such holder as requested by the Company and is reasonably necessary for use in connection with any such

 

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registration statement, prospectus or prospectus supplement and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, will indemnify the Company and, as applicable, each of its directors, employees and officers and each Person who controls the Company (within the meaning of the Securities Act) against any losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses resulting from any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact contained in the registration statement, prospectus or preliminary prospectus, or any amendment thereof or supplement thereto (including, in each case, all documents incorporated therein by reference), or any omission or alleged omission of a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, but only to the extent that such untrue statement or omission is contained in or omitted from any information furnished in writing by such holder for the acknowledged purpose of inclusion in such registration statement, prospectus or preliminary prospectus; provided, however , that the obligation to indemnify will be several, not joint and several, among such holders of Registrable Securities and the liability of each such holder of Registrable Securities will be in proportion to and limited to the net amount received by such holder from the sale of Registrable Securities pursuant to such registration statement, unless such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense resulted from such holder’s intentionally fraudulent conduct.

Section 7.3 Procedure . Each party entitled to indemnification under this Article VII (the “ Indemnified Party ”) shall give written notice to the party required to provide indemnification (the “ Indemnifying Party ”) promptly after such Indemnified Party has received written notice of any claim as to which indemnity may be sought, and shall permit the Indemnifying Party to assume the defense of any such claim or any litigation resulting therefrom, provided that the counsel for the Indemnifying Party who is to conduct the defense of such claim or litigation is reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party (whose approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). The Indemnified Party may participate in such defense at such Indemnified Party’s expense; provided, however , that the Indemnifying Party shall bear the expense of such defense of the Indemnified Party if (i) the Indemnifying Party has agreed in writing to pay such expenses, (ii) the Indemnifying Party shall have failed to assume the defense of such claim or to employ counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Indemnified Party, or (iii) in the reasonable judgment of the Indemnified Party, based upon the written advice of such Indemnified Party’s counsel, representation of both parties by the same counsel would be inappropriate due to actual or potential conflicts of interest; provided, however , that in no event shall the Indemnifying Party be liable for the fees and expenses of more than one counsel (excluding one local counsel per jurisdiction as necessary) for all Indemnified Parties in connection with any one action or separate but similar or related actions in the same jurisdiction arising out of the same event, allegations or circumstances. The Indemnified Party shall not make any settlement without the prior written consent of the Indemnifying Party, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. The failure of any Indemnified Party to give notice as provided herein shall not relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations under this Article VII except and only to the extent that such failure to give notice shall materially prejudice the Indemnifying Party in the defense of any such claim or any such litigation. No Indemnifying Party, in the defense of any such claim or litigation, shall, except with the prior written consent of each Indemnified Party, consent to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement (i) that does not include as an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such Indemnified Party of a release from all liability in respect to such claim or litigation in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnified Party or (ii) that includes an admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act, by or on behalf of any Indemnified Party.

 

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Section 7.4 Survival . The indemnification (and contribution provisions in Article VIII below) provided for under this Agreement will remain in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Indemnified Party or any officer, director or controlling Person of such Indemnified Party and will survive the transfer of securities.

ARTICLE VIII

CONTRIBUTION

Section 8.1 Contribution . If the indemnification provided for in Article VII from the Indemnifying Party is unavailable to or unenforceable by the Indemnified Party in respect to any costs, fines, penalties, losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses referred to herein, then the Indemnifying Party, in lieu of indemnifying such Indemnified Party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party as a result of such costs, fines, penalties, losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the Indemnifying Party, on the one hand, and Indemnified Parties, on the other hand, in connection with the actions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative fault of such Indemnifying Party and Indemnified Parties shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether any action in question, including any untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact, has been made by, or relates to information supplied by, such Indemnifying Party or Indemnified Parties, and the parties’ relative intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such action. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result of the costs, fines, penalties, losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses referred to above shall be deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in Article VII , any legal or other fees or expenses reasonably incurred by such party in connection with any investigation or proceeding. Notwithstanding this Article VIII , an indemnifying Stockholder shall not be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which (i) the total price at which the Registrable Securities sold by the Stockholder exceeds (ii) the amount of any damages which such indemnifying holder has otherwise been required to pay by reason of the untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission giving rise to such payments, unless such loss, claim, damage, liability or expense in respect of which contribution is required resulted from such holder’s intentionally fraudulent conduct.

Section 8.2 Equitable Considerations; Etc . The Company and the Stockholder agree that it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Article VIII were determined by pro rata allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take into account the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding paragraph. No Person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any Person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

 

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ARTICLE IX

COMPLIANCE WITH RULE 144 AND RULE 144A

Section 9.1 Compliance with Rule 144 and Rule 144A . For so long as the Company is subject to the report requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, the Company shall take such measures and file such information, documents and reports as shall be required by the Commission as a condition to the availability of Rule 144 or Rule 144A (or any successor provisions) under the Securities Act.

ARTICLE X

PARTICIPATION IN UNDERWRITTEN REGISTRATIONS

Section 10.1 Participation in Underwritten Registrations . No Person may participate in any registration hereunder which is underwritten unless such Person (i) agrees to sell its securities on the basis provided in any underwriting arrangements approved by such Person or Persons entitled hereunder to approve such arrangements and (ii) completes and executes all questionnaires, powers of attorney, custody agreements, indemnities, underwriting agreements and other documents reasonably required under the terms of such underwriting arrangements.

ARTICLE XI

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 11.1 Amendments and Waivers . Any waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind or character on the part of any such holders of any provision or condition of this Agreement must be made in writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in writing. Any amendment, modification, supplement or restatement of this Agreement must be effected by written agreement of the Company and the Purchaser. No waiver by any party of any default, misrepresentation or breach of warranty or covenant hereunder, whether intentional or not, shall be deemed to extend to any prior or subsequent default, misrepresentation or breach of warranty or covenant hereunder or affect in any way any rights arising by virtue of any prior or subsequent such occurrence. Any amendment, modification, supplement or restatement or waiver effected in accordance with this paragraph shall be binding upon the Stockholders and the Company as provided herein.

Section 11.2 Successors and Assigns . Neither the Company nor Purchaser shall assign all or any part of this Agreement without the prior written consent of the Company and Purchaser; provided, however , that any Stockholder may assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement in whole or in part to a Permitted Transferee to which Registrable Securities are transferred pursuant to, and subject to the conditions set forth in, the Stockholders Agreement, provided that such assignee executes and delivers to the Company a counterpart to this Agreement whereby it agrees to be bound by the terms of the Agreement. Except as otherwise provided herein, this Agreement will inure to the benefit of and be binding on the parties hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns.

 

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Section 11.3 Descriptive Headings . The descriptive headings of this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and do not constitute a part of and shall not be utilized in interpreting this Agreement.

Section 11.4 Notices . Any notice or communication by the Company or any Stockholder is duly given if in writing and delivered in person or by first class mail (registered or certified, return receipt requested), facsimile transmission or overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery, to the recipient’s address:

If to the Company:

9205 South Park Center Loop, Suite 400

Orlando, Florida 32819

Facsimile No.: (407) 226-5039

Attention: General Counsel

With a copy to:

Latham & Watkins LLP

330 North Wabash Avenue, Suite 2800

Chicago, IL 60611

Facsimile No.: (312) 993-9767

Attention: Cathy A. Birkeland

         Bradley C. Faris

If to the Purchaser:

c/o Zhonghong Zhuoye Group Co., Ltd.

Building No. 8, Eastern International, No. 1

Ciyunsi, Chaoyang District

Beijing, People’s Republic of China 100025

Attention: Yu Ting

Fax: (0086) 010-85356993

with a copy (not constituting notice) to:

Paul Hastings LLP

515 South Flower Street, 25th Floor

Los Angeles, CA 90071

Attention: Robert A. Miller, Jr.

Fax: +1 (213) 996-3254

The Company or any Stockholder, by notice to the other parties hereto, may designate additional or different addresses for subsequent notices or communications. All notices and communications will be deemed to have been duly given: at the time delivered by hand, if personally delivered; five (5) Business Days after being deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, if mailed; when receipt acknowledged, if transmitted by facsimile; and the next Business Day after timely delivery to the courier, if sent by overnight air courier guaranteeing next day delivery. If a notice or communication is mailed, transmitted or sent in the manner provided above within the time prescribed, it is duly given, whether or not the addressee receives it.

Section 11.5 GOVERNING LAW ; MUTUAL WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. ALL QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE CONSTRUCTION, VALIDITY AND INTERPRETATION OF THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE, WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONFLICTS OF LAW PRINCIPLES OF SUCH STATE. EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY EXPRESSLY AND IRREVOCABLY SUBMITS TO

 

18


THE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OF, AND CONSENTS TO VENUE IN, THE DELAWARE COURT OF CHANCERY AND ANY STATE APPELLATE COURT THEREFROM WITHIN THE STATE OF DELAWARE (OR, IF THE DELAWARE COURT OF CHANCERY DECLINES TO ACCEPT JURISDICTION OVER A PARTICULAR MATTER, ANY STATE OR FEDERAL COURT WITHIN THE STATE OF DELAWARE) FOR ALL PURPOSES HEREUNDER INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IN PERSONAM AND SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION OF THOSE COURTS, WAIVES ANY OBJECTIONS TO SUCH JURISDICTION ON THE GROUNDS OF VENUE OR FORUM NON CONVENIENS , THE ABSENCE OF IN PERSONAM OR SUBJECT MATTER JURISDICTION AND ANY SIMILAR GROUNDS, CONSENTS TO SERVICE OF PROCESS BY MAIL (IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NOTICE PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT) OR ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW, AND IRREVOCABLY AGREES TO BE BOUND BY ANY JUDGMENT RENDERED THEREBY IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY AND AGREE THAT ANY SUCH LEGAL PROCEEDING WILL INSTEAD BE TRIED IN A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION BY A JUDGE SITTING WITHOUT A JURY.

Section 11.6 Reproduction of Documents . This Agreement and all documents relating hereto, including, but not limited to, (i) consents, waivers, amendments and modifications which may hereafter be executed, and (ii) certificates and other information previously or hereafter furnished, may be reproduced by any photographic, photostatic, microfilm, optical disk, micro-card, miniature photographic or other similar process. The parties agree that any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as the original itself in any arbitral, judicial or administrative proceeding, whether or not the original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made by a party in the regular course of business, and that any enlargement, facsimile or further reproduction of such reproduction shall likewise be admissible in evidence.

Section 11.7 Remedies . Each of the parties hereto acknowledges and agrees that in the event of any breach of this Agreement by any of them, the non-breaching party would be irreparably harmed and could not be made whole by monetary damages. Each party accordingly agrees to waive the defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate and that the parties, in addition to any other remedy to which they may be entitled at law or in equity, shall be entitled to compel specific performance of this Agreement.

Section 11.8 Further Assurances . Each of the parties hereto will, without additional consideration, execute and deliver such further instruments and take such other action as may be reasonably requested by any other party hereto in order to carry out the purposes and intent of this Agreement.

Section 11.9 No Presumption Against Drafter . Each of the parties hereto has jointly participated in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement. In the event there arises any ambiguity or question or intent or interpretation with respect to this Agreement, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by all of the parties hereto and no presumptions or burdens of proof shall arise favoring any party by virtue of the authorship of any of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

19


Section 11.10 Severability . If any provision of this Agreement (or any portion thereof) or the application of any such provision (or any portion thereof) to any Person or circumstance shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect by a Governmental Authority, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision hereof (or the remaining portion thereof) or the application of such provision to any other persons or circumstances. Upon such determination that any provision of this Agreement (or any portion thereof) or the application of any such provision (or any portion thereof) to any Person or circumstance is invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties hereto as closely as possible in an acceptable manner to the end that the transactions contemplated hereby are fulfilled to the extent possible.

Section 11.11 Entire Agreement . This Agreement, together with the other agreements referred to herein, constitute the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede and shall supersede all prior agreements and understandings (whether written or oral) between the Company and the Stockholders, or any of them, with respect to the subject matter hereof.

Section 11.12 Execution in Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed by any one or more of the parties hereto in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all such respective counterparts shall together constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic image scan shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

Section 11.13 Effectiveness . This Agreement shall become effective automatically on the Effective Date, without further action by any party. Until the Effective Date (if any), this Agreement shall be of no force or effect and shall create no rights or obligations on the part of any party hereto.

Section 11.14 No Third Party Beneficiaries . Except as provided in Article VII and Article VIII nothing in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to give any Person, other than the parties hereto, their successors and permitted assigns, any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or in respect of this Agreement or any provision contained herein.

Section 11.15 Waiver of Certain Damages . To the extent permitted by applicable law, each party hereto agrees not to assert, and hereby waives, any claim against any other party hereto, on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of, this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

20


Section 11.16 Confidentiality . Each Stockholder agrees that all material non-public information provided pursuant to or in accordance with the terms of this Agreement shall be kept confidential by the Person to whom such information is provided, until such time as such information becomes public other than through violation of this provision. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any party may disclose the information (i) if required to do so by any law, rule, regulation, order, decree or subpoena of any governmental agency or authority or court, (ii) that (A) is or becomes available to such party on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Company or its representatives (which source was not to such party’s knowledge prohibited from disclosing such information to such party by a legal, contractual or fiduciary obligation owed to the Company), (B) is already in such party’s possession (not including information furnished by or on behalf of the Company), and (C) is independently developed or acquired by such party without reference to, or use of, any material non-public information and without violating this Section 11.16 and (iii) to its representatives who have a need to know such information in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, provided that such party shall remain liable for any breach of this Section 11.16 by its representatives.

Signature pages follow.

 

21


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

 

THE COMPANY
SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
By:  

/s/ Joel K. Manby

Name:   Joel K. Manby
Title:   Chief Executive Officer and President

 

22


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

 

PURCHASER
SUN WISE (UK) CO., LTD
By:  

/s/ Yongli Wang

Name:   Yongli Wang
Title:   Director

 

23

Exhibit 99.1

SEAWORLD ENTERTAINMENT, INC. ANNOUNCES LONG-TERM INVESTMENT BY ZHONGHONG GROUP

Zhonghong Group to Acquire an Approximately 21% Equity Interest in SeaWorld from Blackstone

SeaWorld Also Enters into Exclusive Advisory Services and Support Agreements with Zhonghong Holding

ORLANDO, Fla. and BEIJING – March  24, 2017 –  SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS) (“SeaWorld”), a leading theme park and entertainment company, today announced that a wholly owned subsidiary of Zhonghong Zhuoye Group Co., Ltd. (“Zhonghong Group”), a diversified holding company focused on strategic growth opportunities in the leisure, tourism, and culture industries, will acquire an approximately 21% equity interest in SeaWorld from certain funds affiliated with Blackstone at a price of $23.00 per share.

SeaWorld and Zhonghong Holding Co., Ltd. (“Zhonghong Holding”), an affiliate of Zhonghong Group, have also agreed to advisory services and support agreements under which SeaWorld will advise Zhonghong Holding exclusively on the concept development and design of theme parks, water parks, and family entertainment centers to be developed and operated by Zhonghong Holding, including exclusive rights in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau.

“Zhonghong Group is making a significant, long-term investment in SeaWorld, reflecting their appreciation of the strength of our brand, our potential to grow the company and a shared commitment to protect wildlife and the environment,” said Joel Manby, President and CEO of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. “Zhonghong Group has a strong track record of performance in the leisure and travel industries, and a solid management team with valuable experience in theme parks, family entertainment, and real estate development in Asia.”

“We are delighted to engage with SeaWorld to bring this iconic, world-class family entertainment brand to China. SeaWorld’s commitment to inspiring guests to protect animals and our oceans is increasingly relevant to people all around the world,” said Yoshikazu Maruyama, President of Zhonghong Group’s American operation. “Zhonghong Group hopes to contribute our experience and resources in global tourism and project development to enhance long-term value to all of SeaWorld’s shareholders. We look forward to a highly collaborative relationship and to serve as a key partner to grow its business and further its mission.”

Zhonghong Group has entered into a stockholders agreement with SeaWorld and, effective upon closing of the transaction, SeaWorld will increase the size of its Board to 11 and Zhonghong Group executives Yoshikazu Maruyama, President of Zhonghong Group’s American operation, and Yongli Wang, Chief Strategy Officer of Zhonghong Group, will join the SeaWorld Board providing long-term shareholder perspectives and substantive expertise in global themed entertainment and business development in China.

The agreement also contains certain restrictions on Zhonghong Group’s ability to sell its interest in SeaWorld for a period of two years, limitations on its ability to acquire more than 24.9% of SeaWorld’s outstanding shares without the approval of the independent directors of SeaWorld’s Board and other customary restrictions including voting and standstill to protect SeaWorld and all of its stockholders.


Upon receipt of regulatory approvals and satisfaction of other customary closing conditions, the transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2017. Following the closing contemplated by the agreements, Blackstone and its affiliates will no longer hold any interests in SeaWorld or have seats on SeaWorld’s Board.

Biographies of Zhonghong Group Board Designees

Yoshikazu Maruyama recently joined the Zhonghong Group, a leading real estate development and diversified leisure and tourism company in Asia. Prior to that, Mr. Maruyama served as Global Head of Location Based Entertainment for DreamWorks Animation SKG, where he served from August 2010 until March 2017. From June 2004 to January 2009, he served as Chief Strategy Officer and was elected to the Board of Directors of USJ Co., Ltd, owner and operator of Universal Studios Japan theme park. Mr. Maruyama held multiple positions at Universal Parks and Resorts from June 1995 to June 2004, including as Senior Vice President of International Business Development and Vice President of Strategic Planning. Mr. Maruyama took a hiatus from Universal Park & Resorts to support the startup of eToys, an online toy retailer in 1999. Mr. Maruyama also served as a Financial Analyst at J.P. Morgan & Co. from July 1992 to June 1995. Mr. Maruyama holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Operations Research from Columbia University in New York.

Yongli Wang currently serves as Chief Strategy Officer for Zhonghong Group, where he is primarily responsible for overseeing all strategic and financial planning activities, particularly with regard to major investments in the U.S. and Asia. Prior to that, Mr. Wang served as a Managing Director of Rothschild China, where he led several large cross-border merger and acquisition (“M&A”) transactions from 2015 to 2017. From 2014 to 2015, Mr. Wang served as a Vice President for Royal DSM N.V, a global health, nutrition, and materials company headquartered in the Netherlands. Previously, Mr. Wang served as a Managing Director for HSBC China, where he executed multiple scale cross-border M&A transactions and initial public offerings, from 2010 to 2014. From 2009 to 2010, Mr. Wang served as a Vice President and Head of Global Investment and M&A for Sinochem Group. Previously, Mr. Wang served in various capacities for Lanxess from 2003 to 2008, including as President and Founding CEO of Lanxess China and as Managing Director of Lanxess Hong Kong. From 1996 to 2003, Mr. Wang served as a Director and Head of Strategy for Bayer China. Mr. Wang holds a Bachelor degree in Computer Science from Fudan University and a Masters in Business Administration from the Executive program at China Europe International Business School.

About SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE: SEAS) is a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter, and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world. The company is one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal welfare, training, husbandry, and veterinary care. The company collectively cares for what it believes is one of the largest zoological collections in the world and has helped lead advances in the care of animals. The company also rescues and rehabilitates marine and terrestrial animals that are ill, injured, orphaned, or abandoned, with the goal of returning them to the wild. The SeaWorld ®  rescue team has helped more than 29,000 animals in need over the last 50 years.

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. owns or licenses a portfolio of recognized brands including SeaWorld, Busch Gardens ® , and Sea Rescue ® . Over its more than 50-year history, the company has built a diversified portfolio of 12 destination and regional theme parks that are


grouped in key markets across the United States, many of which showcase its one-of-a-kind zoological collection. The company’s theme parks feature a diverse array of rides, shows, and other attractions with broad demographic appeal which deliver memorable experiences and a strong value proposition for its guests.

About Zhonghong Group

Zhonghong Group was founded in 1993, and is a diversified holding company headquartered in Beijing, China, with investments in real estate, leisure, culture, and tourism industries. Most recently, the Zhonghong Group acquired Abercrombie & Kent, Group of Companies, S.A., a major international luxury and adventure tour operator. Zhonghong Group has over 13,500 employees globally with varied backgrounds ranging from tourism, finance, real estate, hospitality, leisure, and recreation.

Zhonghong Holding Co., Ltd. (SHE: 000979) is an affiliate of Zhonghong Group and was listed in 2010 on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange. The Company is principally focused on real estate development and management of leisure, culture, and tourism projects throughout China, with a large portfolio of land holdings in China’s most strategic tourism destinations.

Forward-Looking Statements

Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are “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, which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections. The forward-looking statements are based upon current expectations, estimates and projections, and various assumptions, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond management’s control. The company generally uses the words such as “might,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “estimates,” “expects,” “continues,” “contemplates,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “intends,” “believes,” “forecasts,” “future”, “guidance”, “targeted” and variations of such words or similar expressions or the negative of these terms or similar expressions.

These forward looking statements include statements about our plans and strategies and future events, including Zhonghong Group’s acquisition of an equity interest in the company; the anticipated timing of the closing of the transaction; the concept development and design agreements; and the company’s expectations with respect to anticipated revenue resulting from the concept development and design agreements among other things. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and other important factors, many of which are beyond management’s control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this press release, including among others: the risk that closing conditions with respect to the transaction, including the receipt of regulatory approvals, may not be satisfied; our ability to execute on our strategy; the risk that Zhonghong Holding may be unable to make the required payments under the concept development and design agreements; the possibility that the concept development and design agreements might be terminated early; the inability to protect the company’s intellectual property or the infringement on intellectual property rights of others; and other risks, uncertainties and factors set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in the company’s most recently available Annual Report on Form 10-K, as such risks, uncertainties and factors may be updated in the company’s periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Although the company believes that these statements are based upon reasonable assumptions, it cannot guarantee future results and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on


these forward-looking statements, which reflect management’s opinions only as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, the company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect new information or events or circumstances that occur after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or otherwise.

Exhibit 99.2

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

dated as of

March 24, 2017

among

SUN WISE (UK) CO., LTD

and

THE SELLERS NAMED HEREIN


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS      1  
Section 1.01   Definitions      1  
Section 1.02   Other Definitional and Interpretative Provisions      4  
ARTICLE II THE PURCHASE AND SALE      5  
Section 2.01   Purchase and Sale      5  
Section 2.02   Closing      5  
Section 2.03   Adjustments      6  
Section 2.04   Withholding Rights      6  
ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLERS      6  
Section 3.01   Corporate Existence and Power      6  
Section 3.02   Authority of Sellers      6  
Section 3.03   Governmental Authorization      7  
Section 3.04   Non-contravention      7  
Section 3.05   Title      8  
Section 3.06   Absence of Litigation      8  
Section 3.07   Finders’ Fees      8  
ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER      8  
Section 4.01   Corporate Existence and Power      8  
Section 4.02   Corporate Authorization      8  
Section 4.03   Governmental Authorization      9  
Section 4.04   Non-contravention      9  
Section 4.05   Finders’ Fees      10  
Section 4.06   Financing      10  
Section 4.07   Absence of Litigation      10  
Section 4.08   Ownership of Company Stock      11  
Section 4.09   Investment Intention      11  
Section 4.10   Anti-Money Laundering Laws, Anti-Terrorism Laws and Similar Laws      11  
ARTICLE V COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES      11  
Section 5.01   Conduct of the Parties      11  
Section 5.02   Reasonable Best Efforts      11  
Section 5.03   Public Announcements      14  
Section 5.04   Confidentiality      15  
Section 5.05   Sellers’ Representative      16  
Section 5.06   Additional Payment      16  
Section 5.07   Buyer Bank Account      18  
Section 5.08   Exclusivity      18  

 

ii


ARTICLE VI CONDITIONS TO THE CLOSING

   18
Section 6.01   Conditions to the Obligations of Each Party    18
Section 6.02   Conditions to the Obligations of Buyer    19
Section 6.03   Conditions to the Obligations of the Sellers    19
Section 6.04   Frustration of Closing Conditions    20
ARTICLE VII TERMINATION    20
Section 7.01   Termination    20
Section 7.02   Effect of Termination    22
Section 7.03   Release of Escrow Fund Following Termination    22
ARTICLE VIII MISCELLANEOUS    25
Section 8.01   Notices    25
Section 8.02   Survival    26
Section 8.03   Amendments and Waivers    26
Section 8.04   Costs and Expenses    27
Section 8.05   Binding Effect; Benefit; Assignment    27
Section 8.06   Governing Law    27
Section 8.07   Jurisdiction    27
Section 8.08   WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL    28
Section 8.09   Counterparts; Effectiveness    28
Section 8.10   Entire Agreement    28
Section 8.11   Severability    28
Section 8.12   Specific Performance; Remedies    28
Section 8.13   Controlling Language of this Agreement    29
Section 8.14   Acknowledgement of No Other Representations or Warranties    29
Exhibit A – Sellers’ Shares   

 

iii


Index of Terms

 

1933 Act      Section 1.01  
1934 Act      Section 1.01  
Affiliate      Section 1.01  
Agreement      Preamble  
Applicable Law      Section 1.01  
Bankruptcy and Equity Exception      Section 3.02  
Blackstone Agreement      Section 6.02(c)  
Blackstone Entities      Section 1.01  
Burdensome Condition      Section 5.02(f)(i)  
Business Day      Section 1.01  
Buyer      Preamble  
Buyer Bank Account      Section 4.06  
Buyer Group      Section 7.03(e)  
Buyer Provided Information      Section 8.14(b)  
CFIUS      Section 1.01  
CFIUS Approval      Section 1.01  
CFIUS Investigation      Section 1.01  
CFIUS Notice      Section 5.02(e)  
Closing      Section 2.02(a)  
Closing Date      Section 2.02(a)  
Closing Date Payment      Section 2.02(c)  
Common Stock      Recitals  
Company      Recitals  
Company Stockholders Agreement      Recitals  
Confidential Information      Section 5.04(d)  
Disclosing Party      Section 5.04(a)  
End Date      Section 7.01(b)(i)  
Escrow Agent      Recitals  
Escrow Agreement      Recitals  
Escrow Fund      Recitals  
Exon-Florio Amendment      Section 1.01  
Foreign Antitrust Laws      Section 3.03(a)  
Government List      Section 1.01  
Governmental Authority      Section 1.01  
Hong Kong      Section 1.01  
Holdback Shares      Section 2.01  
HSR Act      Section 1.01  
knowledge      Section 1.01  
Lien      Section 1.01  
MOFCOM      Section 1.01  
NDRC      Section 1.01  
NYSE      Section 1.01  
Order      Section 6.01(a)  
Organizational Documents      Section 1.01  
Parties      Preamble  

 

iv


Per Share Purchase Price      Section 2.01  
Person      Section 1.01  
PRC      Section 1.01  
Purchase Price      Section 2.01  
Receiving Party      Section 5.04(a)  
Registration Rights Agreement      Recitals  
Representatives      Section 1.01  
SAFE      Section 1.01  
Sale      Section 2.01  
SEC      Section 1.01  
Seller      Preamble  
Seller Group      Section 7.03(e)  
Seller Provided Information      Section 8.14(a)  
Sellers      Preamble  
Sellers’ Representative      Section 5.05(a)  
Shares      Recitals  
Subsidiary      Section 1.01  
Sun HK      Section 4.01  
Wire Transfer Instructions     
Section
2.02(b)
 
 

 

v


STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT

STOCK PURCHASE AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) dated as of March 24, 2017 among the entities listed on Exhibit A (each a “ Seller ”, and collectively, the “ Sellers ”) and Sun Wise (UK) Co., Ltd (“ Buyer ”). The Sellers and Buyer are each sometimes referred to herein individually as a “ Party ” and, collectively, as the “ Parties ”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS , the Sellers own shares of common stock of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”), par value $0.01 per share (the “ Common Stock ”);

WHEREAS , each Seller desires to sell the number of shares of Common Stock set forth next to such Seller’s name on Exhibit A (collectively, with respect to all Sellers, the “ Shares ”) to Buyer, and Buyer desires to acquire the Shares from the Sellers, upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement;

WHEREAS , Buyer and the Sellers’ Representative (as defined below) have entered into an Escrow Agreement as of the date hereof (the “ Escrow Agreement ”) with Citibank, N.A. as the escrow agent (the “ Escrow Agent ”) and Buyer has deposited $50,000,000 (such amount, together with all accrued interest thereon, the “ Escrow Fund ”) into the escrow account set up pursuant to the Escrow Agreement; and

WHEREAS , Buyer and the Company have entered into that certain Stockholders Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “ Company Stockholders Agreement ”) and that certain Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the “ Registration Rights Agreement ”).

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the foregoing and the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein, the Parties agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.01 Definitions . (a) As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

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

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

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person directly or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with such Person. For purposes of this Agreement, none of the Sellers shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.


Applicable Law ” means, with respect to any Person, any federal, state, provincial, local or foreign law (statutory, common or otherwise), constitution, treaty, convention, ordinance, code, rule, regulation, order, injunction, judgment, decree, ruling, writ, stipulation or other similar requirement enacted, adopted, promulgated or applied by a Governmental Authority that is binding upon or applicable to such Person, as amended unless expressly specified otherwise.

Blackstone Entities ” means the Affiliates of The Blackstone Group L.P. that comprise the private equity business of The Blackstone Group L.P.; provided, however, that the Blackstone Entities shall not include any portfolio company of The Blackstone Group L.P.

Business Day ” means a day, other than Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York, New York or Hong Kong are authorized or required by Applicable Law to close.

CFIUS ” means the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States.

CFIUS Approval ” means if, following any discussion between the Parties and CFIUS staff regarding the transaction contemplated by this Agreement, CFIUS staff formally or informally requests the Parties to submit a CFIUS Notice, or if the Parties mutually agree to submit a CFIUS Notice related to the Sale and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, or if a CFIUS Investigation has commenced for any reason, then any of the following: (a) the 30-day review period under Exon-Florio Amendment shall have expired and the Parties shall have received notice from CFIUS that such review has been concluded and that either the transactions contemplated hereby do not constitute a “covered transaction” under the Exon-Florio Amendment or there are no unresolved national security concerns, and all action under the Exon-Florio Amendment is concluded with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby, or (b) an investigation shall have been commenced after such 30-day review period and CFIUS shall have determined to conclude all action under the Exon-Florio Amendment without sending a report to the President of the United States, and the Parties shall have received notice from CFIUS that there are no unresolved national security concerns, and all action under the Exon-Florio Amendment is concluded with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby, or (c) CFIUS shall have sent a report to the President of the United States requesting the President’s decision and the President shall have announced a decision not to take any action to suspend, prohibit or place any limitations on the transactions contemplated hereby, or the time permitted by law for such action shall have lapsed.

CFIUS Investigation ” means, prior to the Closing, a CFIUS review or investigation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement under the Exon-Florio Amendment.

Exon-Florio Amendment ” means Section 721 of Title VII of the Defense Production Act of 1950, as amended (as codified at 50 U.S.C. App. § 4565) and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

Government List ” means any list maintained by any agency or department of any Governmental Authority in the United States of America of Persons, organizations or entities subject to international trade, export, import or transactions restrictions, controls or prohibitions, including (i) the Denied Persons List and Entities List maintained by the United States Department of Commerce, (ii) the List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons and the List of Sectoral Sanctions Identification maintained by the United States Department of Treasury, (iii) the Foreign Terrorist Organizations List and the Debarred Parties List maintained by the United States Department of State and (iv) those Persons, organizations and entities listed in the Annex to, or who are otherwise subject to the provisions of, Executive Order No. 13224 on Terrorist Financing (effective September 21, 2004).

 

2


Governmental Authority ” means any transnational, domestic or foreign federal, state, county, municipal or local governmental, regulatory or administrative authority, department, court, agency or official, including any political subdivision thereof, including any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, taxing or administrative functions of or pertaining to government.

Hong Kong ” means the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the PRC.

HSR Act ” means the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976.

knowledge ” means (i) with respect to the Sellers, the actual knowledge of Peter Wallace after due inquiry, and (ii) with respect to Buyer, the actual knowledge of Yoshikazu Maruyama or Yongli Wang, in each case after due inquiry.

Lien ” means, with respect to any property or asset, any mortgage, lien, pledge, charge, security interest, encumbrance or other adverse rights or claims of any kind in respect of such property or asset.

MOFCOM ” means the Ministry of Commerce of the PRC and/or its competent provincial or local counterparts.

NDRC ” means the National Development and Reform Commission of the PRC and/or its competent provincial or local counterparts.

NYSE ” means the New York Stock Exchange.

Organizational Documents ” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s certificate of incorporation or formation or organization, articles of organization, bylaws, partnership agreement, limited partnership agreement, limited liability company agreement, other operating agreement, stockholders’ agreement or other similar governing documents of such Person, each as amended through the date hereof.

Person ” means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated organization, Governmental Authority or other entity or organization, including a government or political subdivision or an agency or instrumentality thereof (including any person or group as defined in Section 13(d)(3) of the 1934 Act).

PRC ” means the People’s Republic of China.

Representatives ” mean, with respect to any Party, such Party’s directors, officers, employees, Affiliates, subsidiaries, advisors (including without limitation, financial advisors, attorneys, accountants, actuaries and consultants) and agents.

 

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SAFE ” means the State Administration of Foreign Exchange of the PRC and/or its competent provincial or local counterparts.

SEC ” means the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Subsidiary ” means, with respect to any Person, any entity of which securities or other ownership interests having ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the board of directors or other Persons performing similar functions are at any time directly or indirectly owned by such Person.

Section 1.02 Other Definitional and Interpretative Provisions . The words “hereof”, “herein” and “hereunder” and words of like import used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. The word “or” shall be inclusive and not exclusive. The captions herein are included for convenience of reference only and shall be ignored in the construction or interpretation hereof. References to Articles, Sections, Exhibits, Annexes and Schedules are to Articles, Sections, Exhibits, Annexes and Schedules of this Agreement unless otherwise specified. All Exhibits, Annexes and Schedules annexed hereto or referred to herein are hereby incorporated in and made a part of this Agreement as if set forth in full herein. Any capitalized terms used in any Exhibit, Annex or Schedule or in any certificate or other document made or delivered pursuant hereto but not otherwise defined therein, shall have the meaning as defined in this Agreement. Any singular term in this Agreement shall be deemed to include the plural, and any plural term the singular. As context requires, any masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter genders; any feminine gender shall include the masculine and neuter genders; and any neuter gender shall include masculine and feminine genders. Whenever the words “include”, “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”, whether or not they are in fact followed by those words or words of like import. “Writing”, “written” and comparable terms refer to printing, typing and other means of reproducing words (including electronic media) in a visible form. References to any statute shall be deemed to refer to such statute as amended from time to time and to any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder. References to any agreement or contract are to that agreement or contract as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms hereof and thereof. References to any Person include the successors and permitted assigns of that Person. References from or through any date mean, unless otherwise specified, from and including or through and including, respectively. References to “law”, “laws” or to a particular statute or law shall be deemed also to include any Applicable Law. The symbol “$” refers to United States Dollars, the lawful currency of the United States of America. The word “extent” in the phrase “to the extent” means the degree to which a subject or other thing extends and such phrase shall not mean simply “if.” References to “day” shall mean a calendar day unless otherwise indicated as a “Business Day.” Each Party has participated in the drafting of this Agreement, which each Party acknowledges is the result of extensive negotiations between the Parties. If an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the Parties, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any Party by virtue of the authorship of any provision.

 

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ARTICLE II

THE PURCHASE AND SALE

Section 2.01 Purchase and Sale . Upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement, at the Closing the Sellers shall sell and deliver to Buyer, and Buyer shall purchase and acquire from the Sellers, all right, title and interest in and to the Shares, free and clear of all Liens (other than transfer restrictions arising under applicable securities laws and any Liens created by Buyer) in exchange for payment to the Sellers (or their designees) pursuant to Section 2.02(c) and Section 2.02(d) in the amount of $23.00 per Share, without interest (the “Per Share Purchase Price” and the aggregate amount of $448,547,449 to be paid to the Sellers for all 19,502,063 Shares pursuant to Section 2.02(c) and Section 2.02(d), the “Purchase Price”) (such transaction, the “Sale”), subject to adjustment pursuant to Section 2.03; provided, however, that the Sellers may reduce the number of shares of Common Stock comprising the Shares by up to 80,000 shares of Common Stock (such amount, if any, the “Holdback Shares”) by delivering notice to Buyer specifying the amount of the Holdback Shares together with an updated Exhibit A not later than the earlier of (x) April 14, 2017 and (y) the date that is two Business Days prior to the Closing, and if Buyer delivers such a notice, the Purchase Price shall be reduced by the Per Share Purchase Price multiplied by the number of Holdback Shares; provided further that, any such reduction resulting in Holdback Shares shall not impede or delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. At the Closing, each Seller shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Buyer certificates representing the number of Shares set forth opposite such Seller’s name on Exhibit A (as may be updated pursuant to the proviso in the previous sentence), each such certificate to be duly endorsed in favor of Buyer or accompanied by a separate stock power duly executed by such Seller.

Section 2.02 Closing .

(a) Upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, the closing of the Sale (the “ Closing ”) shall take place at the offices of Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP, 425 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10017 at 10:00 a.m. (New York time) on a date as Buyer and the Sellers may mutually agree, but in any event no later than three Business Days after the date the conditions set forth in Article VI (other than conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or, to the extent permissible, waiver of those conditions at the Closing) have been satisfied or, to the extent permissible, waived by the Party or Parties entitled to the benefit of such conditions, or at such other place, at such other time or on such other date as Buyer and the Sellers may mutually agree (such date being the “ Closing Date ”).

(b) At least five Business Days prior to the Closing Date, the Sellers’ Representative shall deliver to Buyer wire transfer instructions (the “ Wire Transfer Instructions ”) designating the bank account(s) to which the Purchase Price shall be paid by Buyer at the Closing.

(c) At the Closing, Buyer shall cause to be paid to the Sellers (or their designees), by wire transfer of immediately available funds, at Buyer’s election, either (i) an amount equal to the Purchase Price, which shall be delivered into the bank account(s) as set forth in the Wire Transfer Instructions or (ii) an amount (the “ Closing Date Payment ”) equal to the Purchase Price less the Escrow Fund, which Closing Date Payment shall be delivered into the bank account(s) as set forth in the Wire Transfer Instructions, in each case as the Purchase Price may be adjusted by Section 2.03.

(d) At the Closing, (i) if Buyer delivers or causes to be delivered the Purchase Price in accordance with Section 2.02(c)(i), then Buyer and the Sellers’ Representative shall deliver a Joint Release Notice (as defined in the Escrow Agreement) to the Escrow Agent (pursuant to the terms of the Escrow Agreement) instructing the Escrow Agent to deliver the Escrow Fund to Buyer and (ii) if Buyer delivers or causes to be delivered the Closing Date Payment in accordance with Section 2.02(c)(ii), then Buyer and the Sellers’ Representative shall deliver a Joint Release Notice to the Escrow Agent (pursuant to the terms of the Escrow Agreement) instructing the Escrow Agent to deliver the Escrow Fund to the Sellers (or their designees), in the case of either clause (i) or (ii) above, by wire transfer of immediately available funds, to the bank accounts specified in the Joint Release Notice.

 

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Section 2.03 Adjustments . If, during the period between the date of this Agreement and the Closing, (x) the Company declares an ordinary, special or extraordinary dividend in respect of Common Stock with a record date during such period, the Per Share Purchase Price shall be decreased by an amount equal to the per share amount of such dividend or (y) the Common Stock shall have been changed into a different number of shares or a different class, including by reason of any reclassification, recapitalization, stock split, reverse stock split or combination, the Per Share Purchase Price and the amount of the Shares shall be appropriately adjusted.

Section 2.04 Withholding Rights . Buyer and its Affiliates and the Escrow Agent shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration payable hereunder such amounts as it is required to deduct and withhold under applicable U.S. federal, state, local or non-U.S. tax laws; provided, however, that if any amounts are required to be deducted or withheld under the laws of the PRC (or any jurisdiction thereof or therein), Buyer shall pay such additional amounts as may be necessary so that the amounts received by the Sellers, after such withholding or deduction (including any such withholding or deduction on such additional amounts), will not be less than the amounts provided under this Agreement. Any such amounts so withheld and paid over to the applicable taxing authority shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the Sellers.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE SELLERS

The Sellers hereby represent and warrant, jointly and severally, to Buyer that:

Section 3.01 Corporate Existence and Power . Each Seller is an entity duly organized, validly existing and, where applicable, in good standing under the Applicable Laws of the State of Delaware. Each Seller has all corporate (or other organizational) power and authority necessary to own or lease all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now conducted, except where the failure to have such power or authority would not, individually or in the aggregate, prevent or materially delay consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise have a materially adverse effect on the ability of such Seller to perform its material obligations under this Agreement.

Section 3.02 Authority of Sellers . The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by the Sellers and the consummation by the Sellers of the transactions contemplated hereby are within the organizational powers of such Sellers and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate (or other organizational) action on the part of each of the Sellers and all necessary approvals by any of the equityholders of the Sellers and their respective Affiliates necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance by Sellers of this Agreement and the consummation by the Sellers of the transactions contemplated hereby have been obtained. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by each of the Sellers and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Buyer, constitutes a legal, valid and binding agreement of each of the Sellers, enforceable against each Seller in accordance with its terms (subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer, reorganization, moratorium and other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and general principles of equity (the “ Bankruptcy and Equity Exception ”)).

 

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Section 3.03 Governmental Authorization . The execution, delivery and performance by the Sellers of this Agreement and the consummation by the Sellers of the transactions contemplated hereby require no consent, approval, authorization or permit of or other action by, or filing, declaration, registration with, or notification to any Governmental Authority other than:

(a) filings required under, and compliance with other applicable requirements of, the HSR Act and competition, merger control, antitrust or similar Applicable Law of any jurisdiction outside of the United States (“ Foreign Antitrust Laws ”);

(b) such consents, approvals, authorizations, permits, filings, declarations, actions, registrations, or notifications required as a result of the identity of Buyer or any of its Affiliates;

(c) any filings required under, and compliance with any other applicable requirements of, the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act and any other Applicable Laws concerning state or federal securities or the rules and regulations of the NYSE; or

(d) any consents, approvals, authorizations, permits, filings, declarations, actions, registrations, or notifications the absence of which would not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, prevent or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

Section 3.04 Non-contravention . The execution, delivery and performance by the Sellers of this Agreement and the consummation by the Sellers of the transactions contemplated hereby do not and will not (i) contravene, conflict with, or result in any violation or breach of any provision of the Organizational Documents of any of the Sellers, (ii) assuming that all consents, approvals, authorizations, permits, declarations, actions, or registrations described in Section 3.03 have been obtained and all filings and notifications described in Section 3.03 have been made and any waiting periods thereunder have terminated or expired, contravene, conflict with or result in a violation or breach of any provision of any Applicable Law with respect to the Sellers, (iii) assuming that all consents, approvals, authorizations, permits, declarations, actions, or registrations described in Section 3.03 have been obtained and all filings and notifications described Section 3.03 have been made and any waiting periods thereunder have terminated or expired, require any consents of, approvals of, authorizations of, permits with, filings with, declarations of, actions of, registrations with, or notifications to any Person the absence of which would cause, permit or give rise to a right of termination or cancellation, an acceleration of performance required or other change of any right or obligation or the loss of any benefit to which any Seller is entitled under any term, condition or provision of any material agreement or other instrument binding upon any Seller or (iv) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any property or other asset of any Seller, with only such exceptions, in the case of each of clauses (ii) through (iv), as would not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, prevent or materially impair or delay the ability of the Sellers to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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Section 3.05 Title . Each Seller is the owner of, and has good, valid and marketable title to, the Shares set forth next to such Seller’s name on Exhibit A , free and clear of any Liens other than transfer restrictions under applicable securities laws. Upon transfer of the Shares to Buyer at the Closing in accordance with this Agreement, Buyer will own all of the Shares free and clear of any Liens, except for transfer restrictions under applicable securities laws and any Liens created by Buyer. Other than the Shares set forth on Exhibit A and, if Buyer delivers the notice specified in Section 2.01, other than with respect to Holdback Shares, no Seller or any Blackstone Entity is an owner of any other shares of Common Stock of the Company.

Section 3.06 Absence of Litigation . As of the date of this Agreement, there is no action, suit, investigation, proceeding or claim pending against, or, to the knowledge of the Sellers, threatened against, or any order, judgment, ruling or decree imposed upon, the Sellers or any of their respective Affiliates before (or, in the case of threatened actions, suits, investigations, proceedings or claims, would be before) or by, or any settlement agreement or other similar written agreement with, or continuing investigation by, any Governmental Authority that would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially impair or delay the consummation of the Sale or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Section 3.07 Finders’ Fees . No Seller has entered into any agreement or arrangement entitling any investment banker, broker, finder or financial advisor to any fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement for which Buyer or its Affiliates would be responsible.

ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF BUYER

Buyer hereby represents and warrants to the Sellers that:

Section 4.01 Corporate Existence and Power . Buyer is duly organized, validly existing and, where applicable, in good standing under the Applicable Laws of England and Wales. Buyer has all corporate or other organizational powers and all authority necessary to own or lease all of its properties and assets and to carry on its business as now conducted, except where the failure to have such power or authority would not, individually or in the aggregate, prevent or materially delay consummation of any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or otherwise have a materially adverse effect on the ability of Buyer to perform its material obligations under this Agreement. Sun Wise Oriented (HK) Co., Limited, a company incorporated under the laws of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the PRC (“ Sun HK ”) is the sole owner of all of the share capital or other equity interests of Buyer. Zhonghong Zhuoye Group Co. Ltd., a company incorporated under the laws of the PRC, is the sole owner of all of the share capital or other equity interests of Sun HK.

Section 4.02 Corporate Authorization . The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by Buyer and the consummation by Buyer of the transactions contemplated hereby are within the organizational powers of Buyer and have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate or other organizational action on the part of Buyer and no approval by any of the equityholders of Buyer or its Affiliates is necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance by Buyer of this Agreement and the consummation by Buyer of the transactions

 

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contemplated hereby. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by Buyer and, assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by the Sellers, constitutes a legal, valid and binding agreement of Buyer, enforceable against Buyer in accordance with its terms (subject to the Bankruptcy and Equity Exception).

Section 4.03 Governmental Authorization .

(a) The execution, delivery and performance by Buyer of this Agreement and the consummation by Buyer of the transactions contemplated hereby require no consent, approval, authorization or permit of or other action by, or filing, declaration, registration with, or notification to any Governmental Authority other than:

(i) filings required under, and compliance with other applicable requirements of, the HSR Act and Foreign Antitrust Laws;

(ii) such consents, approvals, authorizations, permits, filings, declarations, actions, registrations, or notifications required as a result of the identity of the Sellers or any of their respective Affiliates;

(iii) any filings required under, and compliance with any other applicable requirements of, the 1933 Act, the 1934 Act and any other Applicable Laws concerning state or federal securities or the rules and regulations of the NYSE; or

(iv) any consents, approvals, authorizations, permits, filings, declarations, actions, registrations, or notifications the absence of which would not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, prevent or materially delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby.

(b) No consents, approvals, authorizations, permits, filings, declarations, actions, registrations, or notifications by NDRC, MOFCOM, SAFE or any other Governmental Authorities in the PRC are required in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement.

Section 4.04 Non-contravention . The execution, delivery and performance by Buyer of this Agreement and the consummation by Buyer of the transactions contemplated hereby do not and will not (i) contravene, conflict with, or result in any violation or breach of any provision of the Organizational Documents of Buyer, (ii) assuming that all consents, approvals, authorizations, permits, declarations, actions, or registrations described in Section 4.03 have been obtained and all filings and notifications described in Section 4.03 have been made and any waiting periods thereunder have terminated or expired, contravene, conflict with or result in a violation or breach of any provision of any Applicable Law with respect to Buyer, (iii) assuming that all consents, approvals, authorizations, permits, declarations, actions, or registrations described in Section 4.03 have been obtained and all filings and notifications described in Section 4.03 have been made and any waiting periods thereunder have terminated or expired, require any consents of, approvals of, authorizations of, permits with, filings with, declarations of, actions of, registrations with, or notifications to any Person the absence of which would cause, permit or give rise to a right of termination or cancellation, an acceleration of performance

 

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required or other change of any right or obligation or the loss of any benefit to which Buyer is entitled under any term, condition or provision of any material agreement or other instrument binding upon Buyer or (iv) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any property or other asset of Buyer, with only such exceptions, in the case of each of clauses (ii) through (iv), that would not reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, prevent or materially impair or delay the ability of Buyer to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Section 4.05 Finders’ Fees . Buyer has not entered into any agreement or arrangement entitling any investment banker, broker, finder or financial advisor to any fee or commission in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement for which the Sellers or their Affiliates would be responsible.

Section 4.06 Financing . As of the date of this Agreement, Buyer has (and at the Closing, Buyer will have) sufficient funds on hand in Wing Lung Bank located in Hong Kong in the name and under the control of Buyer or Sun HK (the “ Buyer Bank Account ”) to (together with the Escrow Fund) pay the Purchase Price and all fees and expenses payable by Buyer in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Buyer has provided to the Sellers and the Company an accurate bank statement showing proof of the amount of funds in the Buyer Bank Account as of the date hereof, which funds are sufficient to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. Buyer or Sun HK is the owner of, and has good, valid and marketable title to, the Buyer Bank Account and the funds deposited therein, free and clear of any Liens or other restrictions on use or transfer thereof or withdrawal of funds therefrom, including with respect to currency exchange or other restrictions or requirements under Applicable Law. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, Buyer affirms, represents and warrants that it is not a condition to the Closing or to any of its obligations under this Agreement that it obtain financing for the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Section 4.07 Absence of Litigation . As of the date of this Agreement, there is no action, suit, investigation, proceeding or claim pending against, or, to the knowledge of Buyer, threatened against, or any order, judgment, ruling or decree imposed upon, Buyer or any of its Affiliates before (or, in the case of threatened actions, suits, investigations, proceedings or claims, would be before) or by, or any settlement agreement or other similar written agreement with, or continuing investigation by, any Governmental Authority that would reasonably be expected to prevent or materially impair or delay the consummation of the Sale or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

Section 4.08 Ownership of Company Stock . None of Buyer or any of its Affiliates owns (directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record), or is a party to any agreement, arrangement or understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of, any shares of capital stock of the Company other than this Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement and the Company Stockholders Agreement.

Section 4.09 Investment Intention . Buyer has knowledge and experience in financial and business matters and it is capable of evaluating the merits and risks of acquiring the Shares. Buyer is an “accredited investor” as that term is defined in Regulation D promulgated under the 1933 Act and is a “qualified institutional buyer” as defined in Rule 144A promulgated under the

 

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1933 Act. Buyer will acquire the Shares for investment purposes, for its own account and not with a view towards distribution or for sale in violation of the 1933 Act. Buyer is acting as principal, and not as agent, in connection with the Sale and Applicable Laws concerning federal and state securities. Buyer understands that the Shares have not been registered under the 1933 Act, or any applicable state or foreign securities Law, and cannot be sold unless subsequently registered under the 1933 Act or Applicable Laws concerning foreign securities or pursuant to an applicable exemption therefrom and pursuant to Applicable Laws concerning state securities, as applicable.

Section 4.10 A nti-Money Laundering Laws, Anti-Terrorism Laws and Similar Laws .

(a) None of Buyer, any Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by Buyer, or, to Buyer’s knowledge, after reasonable review of publicly available information, any of Buyer’s beneficial owners is included on a Government List or is owned in any amount or controlled by any Person on a Government List, as amended from time to time.

(b) None of Buyer, any Person directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by Buyer, or, to Buyer’s knowledge, after reasonable review of publicly available information, any of Buyer’s beneficial owners is acting, directly or indirectly, on behalf of terrorists, terrorist organizations or narcotics traffickers, including those Persons or entities that appear on any Government List, as amended from time to time.

(c) None of the funds to be used to purchase the Shares or in connection with the transactions identified in this Agreement shall be knowingly derived from any activities that contravene any Applicable Laws concerning money laundering, terrorism, narcotics trafficking, or bribery, or from any Person, entity, country, or territory on a Government List.

ARTICLE V

COVENANTS OF THE PARTIES

Section 5.01 Conduct of the Parties . Buyer shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to from the date of this Agreement until the first to occur of the Closing Date or the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, take any action or fail to take any action that is intended to or would reasonably be expected to, individually or in the aggregate, prevent, materially delay or materially impede the ability of Buyer to consummate the Sale or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this of this Agreement.

Section 5.02 Reasonable Best Efforts .

(a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, Buyer and the Sellers shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things necessary, proper or advisable under Applicable Law to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement as promptly as practicable, including (i) preparing and filing as promptly as practicable with any Governmental Authority or other third party all documentation to effect all filings, notices, petitions, statements, registrations, submissions of information, applications and other documents necessary to

 

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consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (ii) obtaining and maintaining all approvals, consents, registrations, permits, authorizations and other confirmations required to be obtained from any Governmental Authority or other third party that are necessary, proper or advisable to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(b) In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, (i) Buyer shall make an appropriate filing of a Notification and Report Form pursuant to the HSR Act with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby within five Business Days hereof, including providing notice of such filing to the Company as required by the HSR Act, (ii) Buyer and the Sellers shall supply as promptly as reasonably practicable any additional information and documentary material that may be requested pursuant to the HSR Act and (iii) Buyer shall use its reasonable best efforts to take all other actions necessary to cause the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting periods under the HSR Act as soon as practicable; provided, that nothing herein shall prohibit Buyer or the Sellers from, in good faith, seeking to limit the scope or content of any such request.

(c) In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, each of Buyer and the Sellers shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to, and Buyer shall cause its Subsidiaries to use their reasonable best efforts to (i) cooperate in all respects with each other in connection with any filing or submission with a Governmental Authority in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby and in connection with any investigation or other inquiry by or before a Governmental Authority relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, including any proceeding initiated by a private party, including by (A) defending against all lawsuits or other legal, regulatory, administrative or other proceedings to which it or any of its Affiliates is a party challenging or affecting this Agreement or the consummation or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, in each case until the issuance of a final, non-appealable order with respect to each such lawsuit or other proceeding, (B) seeking to have lifted or rescinded any injunction or restraining order which may adversely affect the ability of the Parties to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, in each case until the issuance of a final, non-appealable order with respect thereto and (C) executing and delivering any additional instruments necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby, and (ii) keep the other Party informed in all material respects and on a reasonably timely basis of (x) any substantive communications received by such Party from, or given by such Party to, the Federal Trade Commission, the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice, CFIUS or any other Governmental Authority and of any substantive communications received or given in connection with any proceeding by a private party, in each case regarding any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and (y) the status of any request, inquiry, investigation, action or legal proceeding from, by or before any Governmental Authority or third party with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. Subject to Applicable Law relating to the exchange of information, each of Buyer and the Sellers shall have the reasonable opportunity to review in advance, and will consult the other Parties or Party on and consider in good faith the views of the other Parties or Party in connection with any filing, analysis, appearance, presentation, memorandum, brief, argument, opinion or proposal made or submitted to any Governmental Authority in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement. In addition, except as may be prohibited by any Governmental Authority or by any Applicable Law, in connection with any request, inquiry, investigation, action or legal proceeding by or from any Governmental Authority with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, each of Buyer, on the one hand, and

 

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the Sellers, on the other hand, will permit authorized Representatives of the other Parties or Party to be present at each substantive meeting or conference with a Governmental Authority relating to such request, inquiry, investigation, action or legal proceeding and to have access to and be consulted in connection with any document, opinion or proposal made or submitted to any Governmental Authority in connection with such request, inquiry, investigation, action or legal proceeding. With respect to any materials required to be given by either Party to the other Party pursuant to this Section 5.02(c), such first Party may give such materials to such second Party’s outside counsel, instead of directly to such second Party.

(d) In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, each of Buyer and the Sellers shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to resolve such objections, if any, as may be asserted by a Governmental Authority or other Person with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby.

(e) In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, if (i) a filing is formally or informally requested by CFIUS; (ii) Buyer and the Sellers mutually agree to make a CFIUS filing related to the Sale and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement; or (iii) a CFIUS Investigation is commenced for any other reason, then, in each case, Buyer and the Sellers shall as promptly as reasonably practicable submit to CFIUS a draft of a joint voluntary notice of the transaction contemplated by this Agreement (the “ CFIUS Notice ”). Each of Buyer and the Sellers shall use its reasonable best efforts to provide any requested supplemental information and other related information pursuant to the Exon-Florio Amendment, and submit a final CFIUS Notice and other related information pursuant to the Exon-Florio Amendment as promptly as reasonably practicable after receiving any comments to the draft CFIUS Notice during the pre-notice consultation process; provided, that nothing herein shall prohibit Buyer or the Sellers from, in good faith, seeking to limit the scope or content of any such request. Each of Buyer and the Sellers shall, as promptly as reasonably practicable, provide, or cause to be provided, all agreements, documents, instruments, affidavits or information that may be required or requested by CFIUS relating to such Party or its Affiliates or its or their structure, ownership, businesses, operations, regulatory and legal compliance, assets, liabilities, financing, financial condition or results of operations, or any of its or their directors, officers, employees, partners, members or shareholders; provided, that nothing herein shall prohibit Buyer or the Sellers from, in good faith, seeking to limit the scope or content of any such request.

(f) For the purposes of this Section 5.02, “ reasonable best efforts ” shall be deemed to include, subject to the proviso below, complying with any requirements of Applicable Law or order of any Governmental Entity that may be imposed in connection with seeking and obtaining any consents, approvals, authorizations, waivers or exemptions of any Governmental Entity necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided, that, for the purposes of this Section 5.02, “reasonable best efforts” shall not require, or be deemed to require:

(i) Buyer or any of its Affiliates to agree to or take any action that would result in any arrangements, conditions or restrictions imposed by any Governmental Authority that would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to have (A) a material adverse effect on the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, or (B) a material adverse effect on the

 

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businesses of Buyer and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (any such arrangements, conditions or restrictions, a “ Burdensome Condition ”); provided that any arrangements, conditions or restrictions relating to Buyer’s physical or other access to (x) the Company’s information technology systems or servers or (y) personal identifier, financial or other data pertaining to individual theme park guests, shall not contribute to or constitute, individually or in the aggregate, a Burdensome Condition; or

(ii) The Sellers to be obligated to agree to or take any action, make any commitment or incur any liability or other obligation other than to take the actions specifically described in clause (i) of Section 5.02(a), clause (ii) of Section 5.02(b), Section 5.02(c) and Section 5.02(e).

(iii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to Buyer being entitled to invoke a Burdensome Condition, Buyer and the Sellers and their respective Representatives shall meet and confer in good faith in order to (x) exchange and review their respective views and positions as to such Burdensome Condition and (y) discuss and present to, and engage with, the applicable Governmental Authority regarding any potential approaches or workarounds that would avoid such Burdensome Condition or mitigate its impact so it is no longer a Burdensome Condition.

(g) For the avoidance of doubt, no member of the Seller Group shall have any obligation under this Agreement to request or cause the Company or its Affiliates to take or refrain from taking any action pursuant to this Section 5.02 or any other provision of this Agreement and neither the Company nor any of its Affiliates shall have any obligations pursuant to this Section 5.02 or any other provision of this Agreement.

Section 5.03 Public Announcements . The initial press release with respect to the execution of this Agreement shall be a joint press release to be reasonably agreed upon by Buyer, on the one hand, and the Sellers, on the other hand. Thereafter, each of Buyer, on one hand, and the Sellers, on the other hand, shall obtain the other Parties’ or Party’s prior written consent before such Party or Parties issue(s) a press release concerning this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby; provided , that each Party may make any disclosures or filings as permitted pursuant to Section 5.04.

Section 5.04 Confidentiality .

(a) This Agreement and the terms hereof are confidential and shall be deemed to be “Confidential Information” for purposes of this Section 5.04. In connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, Buyer, on one hand, and the Sellers, on the other hand, may exchange certain Confidential Information (the Party disclosing such Confidential Information shall be referred to herein as the “ Disclosing Party ” and the Party receiving such Confidential Information shall be referred to herein as the “ Receiving Party ”). Each Receiving Party shall, and shall instruct its respective Affiliates and Representatives to, maintain in confidence and not disclose the Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information to any Person other than its Representatives who have a

 

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need to know such information in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Receiving Party shall be liable for any breach of this Section 5.04 by such Persons; provided , that (i) a Party may disclose the terms of this Agreement as required by the rules of a U.S. or foreign securities exchange, or in any filings with the SEC as required by the 1934 Act, (ii) a Party may disclose the terms of this Agreement in connection with the submissions contemplated by Section 5.02, or (iii) any Receiving Party may disclose such Confidential Information to the extent such Confidential Information is required to be disclosed by Applicable Law, as advised by outside legal counsel, in which case the Receiving Party shall promptly notify, to the extent legally permissible, the Disclosing Party so that the Disclosing Party may take reasonable steps to contest such requirement or to protect the Disclosing Party’s rights prior to disclosure, and the Receiving Party shall cooperate in a reasonable manner with the Disclosing Party in obtaining any such remedy. If such remedy is not obtained or the provisions of this Section 5.04 are otherwise waived, the Receiving Party may, without liability hereunder, disclose such Confidential Information that it is advised by its outside legal counsel that it is legally required to disclose under such Applicable Law.

(b) Promptly upon written demand by the Disclosing Party at any time, the Receiving Party agrees promptly to return or destroy (to the extent legally permissible), at the Receiving Party’s option, all Confidential Information (other than this Agreement). Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence of this Section 5.04(b), the Receiving Party and its Representatives shall each have the right to retain the Confidential Information to the extent required by applicable legal, professional or regulatory obligation, including any bona fide internal policies and procedures implemented in connection therewith, and the Receiving Party and its Representatives may retain electronic copies of Confidential Information created pursuant to standard archival/back-up procedures; provided, that notwithstanding any termination of this Agreement and subject to Section 5.04(c), so long as the Receiving Party or its Representatives retain any such Confidential Information, such Confidential Information shall continue to remain confidential pursuant to the terms of this Section 5.04 as if such Section shall have continued to remain in full force and effect.

(c) This Section 5.04 shall terminate upon the two year anniversary of the earlier of the (i) Closing Date and (ii) the termination of this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.01.

(d) For purposes of this Agreement, “ Confidential Information ” shall mean oral and written proprietary or confidential information concerning any Person; provided , that “Confidential Information” shall not include any information that any Receiving Party can demonstrate: (i) at the time of disclosure or thereafter is generally available to the public (other than as a result of a disclosure directly or indirectly by the Receiving Party or its Representatives in violation of this Section 5.04), (ii) is or becomes available to the Receiving Party or its Representatives on a non-confidential basis from a source other than the Disclosing Party or its Representatives, provided that, to the Receiving Party’s or such Representative’s knowledge, such source was not prohibited from disclosing such information to the Receiving Party by a legal, contractual or fiduciary obligation owed to the Disclosing Party, (iii) is already in the Receiving Party’s or any of

 

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its Representative’s possession on a non-confidential basis (other than information furnished by or on behalf of the Disclosing Party) or (iv) is independently developed or acquired by the Receiving Party or any of its Representatives without reference to, or use of, any Confidential Information and without otherwise violating this Section 5.04.

Section 5.05 Sellers’ Representative .

(a) Each Seller hereby designates SW Delaware L.P. as the initial representative for and on behalf of the Sellers (the “ Sellers’ Representative ”) as attorney-in-fact and agent to act on behalf of such Seller Party in this Agreement and the Escrow Agreement, including the power and authority to:

(i) enter into the Escrow Agreement and to authorize payments from the Escrow Fund to the Sellers or Buyer;

(ii) determine any adjustments to Purchase Price and the amount of Shares as provided in Section 2.03; and

(iii) take all actions necessary or appropriate or refrain from doing all such further acts and things, and to execute all such documents, as the Sellers’ Representative shall deem appropriate in conjunction for the accomplishment of any of the foregoing.

(b) The Sellers’ Representative may resign at any time upon giving notice thereof to Buyer. Prior to any such resignation, the resigning Sellers’ Representative shall, on behalf of the Sellers, appoint its successor. Upon any appointment as the Sellers’ Representative hereunder, such successor Sellers’ Representative shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Sellers’ Representative, and the retiring Sellers’ Representative shall be discharged from its duties and obligations as the Sellers’ Representative hereunder. After any retiring Sellers’ Representative’s resignation as the Sellers’ Representative, the provisions of this Section 5.05 shall continue in effect for such retiring Sellers’ Representative benefit in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by it while it was acting as the Seller’s Representative.

(c) Each Seller hereby agrees (i) that any member of the Buyer Group shall be entitled to rely on any and all statements made by and actions taken by the Sellers’ Representative without any liability to, or obligation to inquire of, any Seller, and (ii) each Seller shall be jointly and severally liable to each member of the Buyer Group for any and all losses or damages incurred by such Person arising out of any breach of this Section 5.05 by the Sellers’ Representative or any Seller.

Section 5.06 Additional Payment .

(a) If, after the date of this Agreement and prior to the one-year anniversary of the Closing, Buyer (or any group) directly or indirectly becomes the beneficial owner of shares of Common Stock that, together with any other shares beneficially owned by Buyer (or any group), constitute a majority of the then-outstanding shares of Common

 

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Stock, Buyer shall, concurrent with and as a condition to the closing of the acquisition of shares of Common Stock that results in such majority ownership, pay to the Sellers (or their designees), in respect of each Share sold to Buyer at the Closing, the excess, if any, of the highest price per share paid by Buyer (or any group) for shares of Common Stock over $23.00 (applying appropriate adjustments to any stock split, stock dividend, or other transaction that would customarily warrant an adjustment in such circumstance) (the “ Excess Payment ”).

(b) Notwithstanding Section 5.06(a), no Excess Payment shall be due or payable in the event that:

(i) Buyer (or any group) directly or indirectly becomes the beneficial owner of shares of Common Stock that, together with any other shares beneficially owned by Buyer (or any group), constitute a majority of the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock, and

(ii) Buyer (or any group) becomes such owner following either

(A) any bona fide proposal or offer (whether binding or non-binding) to acquire, directly or indirectly, shares of Common Stock which, together with any other shares beneficially owned by the Third Party (defined below), constitute a majority of the then-outstanding shares of Common Stock, or to engage in a merger or other business combination with the Company (each, an “ Acquisition Proposal ”), which Acquisition Proposal (1) specified a proposed purchase price per share of Common Stock and was made by a third party (the “ Third Party ”) that is not an Affiliate of Buyer (or any group) and is not acting in concert with Buyer (or any group) (whether at the time of such Acquisition Proposal, or at any time thereafter), and (2) following which Acquisition Proposal, the Company, the board of directors of the Company, or a committee of the board of directors of the Company, engages, participates, or becomes involved in any substantive discussions or negotiations with such Third Party regarding such Acquisition Offer, or

(B) any solicitation by the Company of an Acquisition Proposal after the date of this Agreement from a Third Party, and

(iii) the Acquisition Proposal referred to in Section 5.06(b)(ii)(A) or Section 5.06(b)(ii)(B) did not follow an inquiry, suggestion, indication of interest, offer or proposal (whether binding or non-binding) by or on behalf of Buyer (or any group) to acquire shares of Common Stock that, together with any other shares beneficially owned by Buyer (or any group), constitute a majority of the then outstanding shares of the Common Stock, or to engage in a merger or other business combination with the Company or any discussions by or on behalf of Buyer (or such group), on the one hand, and the Company or its Representatives, on the other hand, relating to any such inquiry, suggestion, indication of interest, offer or proposal.

 

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(c) For purposes of this Section 5.06, (i) the term “group” shall mean any group (with such term to have the meaning as set forth in Section 13(d)(3) of the 1934 Act) of which Buyer or an Affiliate of Buyer is a member or with respect to which Buyer or an Affiliate of Buyer has any agreement, arrangement or understanding to become a member and (ii) the term “beneficial owner” shall have the meaning set forth in Rule 13d-3 or Rule 16a-1 promulgated under the 1934 Act and it shall be presumed that beneficial ownership of shares of Common Stock shall be obtained by Buyer (or any group) upon the requisite approval of the holders of the Common Stock to a merger agreement or other business combination that provides for the acquisition of such shares of Common Stock by Buyer (or any group). Any Excess Payment shall be treated as an adjustment to the Purchase Price for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except as otherwise required pursuant to a final “determination” within the meaning of Section 1313 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

Section 5.07 Buyer Bank Account . Neither Buyer nor any of its Affiliates shall, without the prior written consent of the Sellers, reduce, transfer, withdraw, remove or otherwise decrease the amount of available funds in the Buyer Bank Account, pledge, grant, create or otherwise permit to exist any Liens on the Buyer Bank Account or the funds deposited therein or other restrictions on use or transfer thereof or withdrawal of funds therefrom, or otherwise take any action with respect to the Buyer Bank Account, in each case, that would reasonably be expected to prevent, impede or delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated herein.

Section 5.08 Exclusivity . Each Seller agrees that it will not, nor will it permit its directors, officers, employees or the Blackstone Entities to (and it will not cause its other Representatives to), between the date hereof and the earlier of the Closing and the termination of this Agreement in accordance with its terms, solicit, initiate, participate in negotiations with respect to, encourage or assist the submission of any proposal, negotiation or offer from any Person, other than Buyer and its Representatives, relating to the direct or indirect sale or any other form of disposition of the Shares; provided that the foregoing shall not restrict the activities of any such Representative that is also a member of the Company’s board of directors in his or her capacity as a director of the Company or any actions by the Sellers or any of their Representatives, but only to the extent any such action is used to prepare any such member to act in such capacity.

ARTICLE VI

CONDITIONS TO THE CLOSING

Section 6.01 Conditions to the Obligations of Each Party . The respective obligations of each of the Parties to consummate the Sale are subject to the satisfaction (or waiver, if permissible under Applicable Law) on or prior to the Closing Date of the following conditions:

(a) No restraining order, preliminary or permanent injunction or other order issued by any court of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of the Sale (an “ Order ”) shall have taken effect after the date hereof and shall still be in effect.

 

 

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(b) Any applicable waiting period (and any extension thereof) under the HSR Act relating to the Sale shall have expired or been terminated.

(c) CFIUS Approval (if applicable) shall have been obtained at or prior to the Closing.

Section 6.02 Conditions to the Obligations of Buyer . The obligations of Buyer to consummate the Sale are subject to the satisfaction (or waiver, if permissible under Applicable Law) on or prior to the Closing Date of the following further conditions:

(a) (i) each of the Sellers shall have performed in all material respects all of its obligations hereunder required to be performed by it at or prior to the Closing, (ii) (A) the representations and warranties of the Sellers contained in Section 3.05 (Title) shall be true and correct in all respects (except for de minimis inaccuracies) at and as of the date hereof and the Closing as if made at and as of such time and (B) all other representations and warranties of the Sellers contained in this Agreement or in any certificate or other writing delivered by the Sellers pursuant hereto (disregarding all materiality qualifications contained therein) shall be true and correct at and as of the date hereof and the Closing as if made at and as of such time (other than representations and warranties that by their terms address matters only as of another specified time, which shall be true and correct only as of such time), with only such exceptions as, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be likely to prevent, materially delay or materially impede the ability of the Sellers to consummate the Sale and the other transactions contemplated hereby and (iii) Buyer shall have received a certificate signed by the general partner or an authorized signatory of each of the Sellers to the foregoing effect.

(b) Each of the Sellers shall have delivered to Buyer a duly executed certificate of non-foreign status satisfying the requirements set forth in U.S. Treasury Regulations Section 1.1445-2(b)(2).

(c) The Sellers shall have delivered to Buyer written resignations, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Buyer and effective as of the Closing, from each member of the board of directors of the Company nominated by the Blackstone Group or any Blackstone Entity (as such terms are defined in that certain Stockholders Agreement, dated April 24, 2013, by and among the Company and the other parties thereto (the “ Blackstone Agreement ”)), pursuant to the Blackstone Agreement.

Section 6.03 Conditions to the Obligations of the Sellers . The obligations of the Sellers to consummate the Sale are subject to the satisfaction (or waiver, if permissible under Applicable Law) on or prior to the Closing Date of the following further conditions:

(a) (i) Buyer shall have performed in all material respects all of its obligations hereunder required to be performed by it at or prior to the Closing, (ii) the representations and warranties of Buyer contained in this Agreement or in any certificate or other writing delivered by the Sellers pursuant hereto (disregarding all materiality qualifications

 

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contained therein) shall be true and correct at and as of the date hereof and the Closing as if made at and as of such time (other than representations and warranties that by their terms address matters only as of another specified time, which shall be true and correct only as of such time), with only such exceptions as, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be likely to prevent, materially delay or materially impede the ability of Buyer to consummate the Sale and the other transactions contemplated hereby; and (iii) the Sellers shall have received a certificate signed by an executive officer of Buyer to the foregoing effect.

Section 6.04 Frustration of Closing Conditions . Prior to the End Date, none of the Sellers or Buyer may rely on the failure of any condition set forth in Article VI to be satisfied if such failure was caused by such Party’s failure to use the standard of efforts required from such Party to comply with this Agreement and to consummate the Sale and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

ARTICLE VII

TERMINATION

Section 7.01 Termination . This Agreement may be terminated and the Sale may be abandoned at any time prior to the Closing:

(a) by mutual written agreement of the Sellers and Buyer;

(b) by either Buyer or the Sellers, by written notice to the other Parties or Party, as applicable, if:

(i) The Sale has not been consummated on or before May 8, 2017 (as such date may be extended pursuant to the following proviso, the “ End Date ”); provided, that if on May 8, 2017, (x) (1) a CFIUS Investigation has been commenced but CFIUS Approval has not been obtained and/or (2) the waiting period (and any extension thereof) under the HSR Act relating to the Sale has not expired or been terminated but (y) all other conditions to the Closing set forth in Article VI shall have been satisfied or, if permissible under Applicable Law, waived by the Party entitled to waive such condition (or in the case of conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied at the Closing, shall be capable of being satisfied on such date), then the End Date may be extended to August 7, 2017 if either Buyer or the Sellers notify the other Parties or Party, as applicable, in writing on or prior to May 8, 2017 of Buyer’s or the Sellers’ election to so extend the End Date; provided , further , that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.01(b)(i) shall not be available to any Party or Parties whose breach or breaches of any provision of this Agreement results in the failure of the Sale to be consummated by such time;

(ii) There shall be any Order preventing the consummation of the Sale in effect that shall have become final and nonappealable; provided , that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.01(b)(ii) shall not be available to any Party or Parties whose breach or breaches of any provision of this Agreement results in such Order; or

 

 

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(iii) The President of the United States of America shall have made a determination under the Exon-Florio Amendment to suspend or to block the transactions contemplated by this Agreement; provided , that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.01(b)(iii) shall not be available to any Party or Parties whose breach or breaches of any provision of this Agreement results in such action by the President of the United States of America.

(c) By Buyer, by written notice to the Sellers, if a breach of any representation or warranty or failure to perform any covenant or agreement on the part of any Sellers set forth in this Agreement shall have occurred that (A) would cause the conditions set forth in clauses (i) or (ii) of Section 6.02(a) not to be satisfied, and (B) is incapable of being cured by the End Date or, if curable, is not cured by the Sellers within 30 days of receipt by the Sellers of written notice of such breach or failure (or, if the End Date is less 30 days from the date of receipt of such notice, by the End Date); provided , that Buyer shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.01(c) if, at the time of the delivery of such notice, Buyer is in material breach of its obligations under this Agreement.

(d) By the Sellers, by written notice to Buyer, if:

(i) A breach of any representation or warranty or failure to perform any covenant or agreement on the part of Buyer set forth in this Agreement shall have occurred that would (A) cause the conditions set forth in clauses (i) or (ii) of Section 6.03(a) not to be satisfied, and (B) is incapable of being cured by the End Date or, if curable, is not cured by Buyer within 30 days of receipt by Buyer of written notice of such breach or failure (or, if the End Date is less than 30 days from the date of receipt of such notice, by the End Date); provided , that the Sellers shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 7.01(d)(i) if, at the time of the delivery of such notice, the Sellers are in material breach of their obligations under this Agreement; or

(ii) (A) All of the conditions set forth in Section 6.01 and Section 6.02 (other than those conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied at the Closing) have been satisfied or waived (subject to Section 6.04), (B) the Sellers have delivered to Buyer an irrevocable written notice confirming that all of the conditions set forth in Section 6.03 have been satisfied (or that the Sellers are willing to waive any unsatisfied conditions in Section 6.03) and that the Sellers are ready, willing and able to consummate the Closing, and (C) Buyer fails to complete the Closing within three Business Days following the date on which the Closing should have occurred pursuant to Section 2.02(a).

 

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Section 7.02 Effect of Termination . If this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Section 7.01, this Agreement shall become void and of no effect and without liability of any member of the Buyer Group or Seller Group (any of their respective Representatives (including as “Representatives”, with respect to Buyer and solely for purposes of this Section 7.02, any actual debt financing sources of Buyer)) to the other Parties, in each case, relating to, based on or arising under or out of this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby or the subject matter hereof (including the negotiation and performance of this Agreement), in each case whether based on contract, tort, equity or strict liability, by the enforcement of any assessment, by any legal or equitable proceeding, by virtue of any laws or otherwise and whether by or through attempted piercing of the corporate veil; provided that the provisions of this Section 7.02, Sections 5.04 and 7.03 and Article VIII shall survive any termination hereof in accordance with Section 7.01 and, subject to Section 7.03, none of the Sellers or Buyer shall be relieved or released from any liabilities or damages arising out of its willful and intentional breach of any provision of this Agreement.

Section 7.03 Release of Escrow Fund Following Termination .

(a) Release to Sellers . Immediately following the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 7.01, each of the Sellers’ Representative and Buyer shall take all actions necessary, required or advisable (including the Sellers’ Representative executing and delivering a Sellers Release Notice (as defined in the Escrow Agreement) to the Escrow Agent) to cause the Escrow Fund to be immediately released to the Sellers (or their designee) pursuant to the terms of the Escrow Agreement in the following circumstances:

(i) (A) all of the conditions set forth in Section 6.01 and Section 6.02 have been satisfied other than (x) those conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied at the Closing and (y) Section 6.01(a) (solely as a result of an Order from a Governmental Authority in the PRC) and (B) this Agreement is terminated by either the Sellers or Buyer in accordance with Section 7.01(b)(i);

(ii) this Agreement is terminated by either the Sellers or Buyer in accordance with Section 7.01(b)(ii) or Section 7.01(b)(iii) (solely as a result of an Order from a Governmental Authority in the PRC); or

(iii) this Agreement is terminated by the Sellers in accordance with Section 7.01(d)(i) or Section 7.01(d)(ii).

(b) Release to Sellers and Buyer . Immediately following the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 7.01, each of the Sellers’ Representative and Buyer shall take all actions necessary, required or advisable (including the Sellers’ Representative executing and delivering a Sellers Release Notice to the Escrow Agent) to cause one-half of the Escrow Fund to be immediately released to the Sellers (or their designee) and one-half of the Escrow Fund to be immediately released to Buyer (or its designee) pursuant to the terms of the Escrow Agreement in the following circumstances:

(i) (A) all of the conditions set forth in Section 6.01 and Section 6.02 have been satisfied other than (x) those conditions that by their terms are to be satisfied at the Closing and (y) Section 6.01(a) (and at the time of such termination there shall be an Order in effect from a Governmental Authority in the PRC preventing the consummation of the Sale) and (B) this Agreement is terminated by either the Sellers or Buyer in accordance with Section 7.01(b)(i); or

 

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(ii) this Agreement is terminated by either the Sellers or Buyer in accordance with Section 7.01(b)(ii) (and at the time of such termination there shall be an Order in effect from a Governmental Authority in the PRC preventing the consummation of the Sale).

This Section 7.03(b) shall not be applicable if Section 7.03(a) is applicable.

(c) Release to Buyer . Immediately following the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 7.01, each of the Sellers’ Representative and Buyer shall take all actions necessary, required or advisable (including executing any joint instructions required pursuant to the Escrow Agreement) to cause the Escrow Fund to be immediately released to Buyer (or its designee) pursuant to the terms of the Escrow Agreement in the following circumstances:

(i) This agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 7.01(a);

(ii) This Agreement is terminated by either the Sellers or Buyer pursuant to Section 7.01(b)(i) in any circumstance other than the circumstances described in Section 7.03(a)(i) or Section 7.03(b)(i) above;

(iii) this Agreement is terminated by either the Sellers or Buyer (x) pursuant to Section 7.01(b)(ii) in any circumstance other than the circumstances described in Section 7.03(a)(ii) or Section 7.03(b)(ii) above or (y) pursuant to Section 7.01(b)(iii) in any circumstance other than the circumstances described in Section 7.03(b)(ii) above; or

(iv) this Agreement is terminated by Buyer pursuant to Section 7.01(c).

(d) The Parties acknowledge that the Escrow Fund or one-half of the Escrow Fund, as applicable, is a reasonable forecast of the actual damages to the Sellers and constitutes liquidated damages and not a penalty. The Parties acknowledge that the agreements contained in this Section 7.03 are an integral part of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and that, without these agreements, the Parties would not enter into this Agreement. Accordingly, if either Buyer or the Sellers’ Representative fails to cause the Escrow Fund to be released pursuant to the terms of this Section 7.03, such Party shall also pay any documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including attorney fees) incurred by the other Party in connection with a legal action to enforce this Agreement that results in a judgment against the Party failing to cause the Escrow Fund to be released pursuant to Section 7.03.

(e) Subject to the proviso in the last sentence of Section 8.12, in the event that Buyer fails to effect the Closing for any reason or no reason or it otherwise breaches this Agreement (whether willfully, intentionally, unintentionally or otherwise) or otherwise fails to perform hereunder (whether willfully, intentionally, unintentionally or otherwise), then the Sellers’ rights (i) to terminate this Agreement and receive the Escrow Fund in accordance with Section 7.03(a) or one-half of the Escrow Fund pursuant to Section 7.03(b) and (ii) to receive any amounts due to the Sellers pursuant to Section 7.03(d) shall be the sole and exclusive

 

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remedy (whether based on contract, tort, equity or strict liability, by the enforcement of any assessment, by any legal or equitable proceeding, by virtue of any laws or otherwise and whether by or through attempted piercing of the corporate veil) of the Sellers and any of their respective Affiliates against (A) Buyer, (B) the former, current and future holders of any equity, partnership or limited liability company interest, controlling Persons, directors, officers, employees, agents, attorneys, Affiliates, members, managers, general or limited partners, stockholders, or assignees of Buyer, (C) any lender or prospective lender, lead arranger, arranger, agent or representative of or to Buyer or (D) any holders or future holders of any equity, stock, partnership or limited liability company interest, controlling Persons, directors, officers, employees, agents, attorneys, Affiliates, members, managers, general or limited partners, stockholders, assignees of any of the foregoing (clauses (A) – (D), collectively, the “ Buyer Group ”), for any loss or damage suffered as a result of any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement (whether willfully, intentionally, unintentionally or otherwise) or failure to perform hereunder (whether willfully, intentionally, unintentionally or otherwise) or other failure of the Sale or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement to be consummated (whether willfully, intentionally, unintentionally or otherwise). For the avoidance of doubt, none of Buyer or any other member of the Buyer Group shall have any liability for monetary damages of any kind or nature or arising in any circumstance in connection with this Agreement, the Sale or any of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement other than pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 7.03(e), and in no event shall (X) the Sellers or the Company, (Y) the former, current and future holders of any equity, partnership or limited liability company interest, controlling Persons, directors, officers, employees, agents, attorneys, Affiliates, members, managers, general or limited partners, stockholders, or assignees of the Sellers or the Company or (Z) any holders or future holders of any equity, stock, partnership or limited liability company interest, controlling Persons, directors, officers, employees, agents, attorneys, Affiliates, members, managers, general or limited partners, stockholders, assignees of any of the foregoing (clauses (X) – (Z), collectively, the “ Seller Group ”) seek, or permit to be sought, on behalf of any member of the Seller Group, any monetary damages from any member of the Buyer Group in connection with this Agreement, the Sale or any of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, other than from Buyer pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 7.03(e).

(f) Subject to Section 8.12, in the event that the Sellers fails to effect the Closing for any reason or no reason or they otherwise breach this Agreement (whether willfully, intentionally, unintentionally or otherwise) or otherwise fail to perform hereunder (whether willfully, intentionally, unintentionally or otherwise), then Buyer’s right to (i) terminate this Agreement and receive the Escrow Fund in accordance with Section 7.03(c), (ii) to receive any amounts due to Buyer pursuant to Section 7.03(d) and (iii) in the event that the remedy of specific performance is not available, to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 7.01(c) and to seek to recover from the Sellers any damages as a court of competent jurisdiction may find Buyer to be entitled arising out of or resulting from the Sellers’ breach or breaches of any provision of this Agreement in an aggregate amount not to exceed $50,000,000, shall be the sole and exclusive remedy (whether based on contract, tort, equity or strict liability, by the enforcement of any assessment, by any legal or equitable proceeding, by virtue of any laws or otherwise and whether by or through attempted piercing of the corporate veil) of any member of the Buyer Group against any member of the Seller Group for any loss or damage suffered as a result of any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement (whether willfully,

 

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intentionally, unintentionally or otherwise) or failure to perform hereunder (whether willfully, intentionally, unintentionally or otherwise) or other failure of the Sale or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement to be consummated (whether willfully, intentionally, unintentionally or otherwise). None of the Sellers or any other member of the Seller Group shall have any liability for monetary damages of any kind or nature or arising in any circumstance in connection with this Agreement, the Sale or any of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement other than pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 7.03(f), and in no event shall Buyer or any other member of the Buyer Group seek, or permit to be sought, on behalf of any member of the Buyer Group, any monetary damages from any member of the Seller Group in connection with this Agreement, the Sale or any of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, other than from the Sellers pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 7.03(f). Notwithstanding the foregoing, this Section 7.03(f) shall not limit the ability of Buyer after the Closing to seek to recover from the Sellers any damages as a court of competent jurisdiction may find Buyer to be entitled arising out of or relating from the Sellers’ breach of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 3.05 in an aggregate amount not to exceed the Purchase Price.

ARTICLE VIII

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 8.01 Notices . All notices, requests and other communications to any Party shall be in writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally, telecopy faxed (which is confirmed), sent by electronic mail transmission (with confirmation of receipt of such electronic mail received by return electronic mail) or sent by international overnight courier (providing proof of delivery) to the parties at the addresses set forth below. Each Party agrees that notices, requests and other communications required to be given by or to any of the Sellers shall be deemed to be given if delivered by or to the Sellers’ Representative in accordance with the requirements of this Section 8.01.

if to Buyer, to:

c/o Zhonghong Zhuoye Group Co., Ltd.

Building No. 8, Eastern International, No. 1

Ciyunsi, Chaoyang District

Beijing, People’s Republic of China 1000

Facsimile:   (0086) 010-85356993

E-mail:        yuting_zh2015@163.com

Attention:    Yu Ting

with a copy to:

Paul Hastings LLP

515 South Flower Street, Floor 25

Los Angeles, CA 90071

Facsimile:  (213) 996-3254

E-mail:       RobertMiller@paulhastings.com

Attention:   Robert A. Miller, Jr.

 

25


if to the Sellers, to:

SW Delaware L.P.

c/o The Blackstone Group

345 Park Avenue

New York, NY 10154

Facsimile:     (646) 253-8712

Email:           wallace@blackstone.com

Attention:     Peter F. Wallace

with a copy to:

Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

425 Lexington Avenue

New York, NY 10017

Facsimile:     (212) 455-2502

Email:           wneely@stblaw.com

                       bstadler@stblaw.com

Attention:     Wilson S. Neely

                      Brian M. Stadler

or to such other address, facsimile number or electronic mail address as such Party may hereafter specify for the purpose by notice to the other Parties. All such notices, requests and other communications shall be deemed received on the date of receipt by the recipient thereof if received prior to 5:00 p.m. on a Business Day in the place of receipt. Otherwise, any such notice, request or communication shall be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day in the place of receipt.

Section 8.02 Survival . Other than the representations and warranties set forth in Section 3.05, which shall survive until 60 days after the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, the representations, warranties, covenants and agreements contained herein and in any certificate or other writing delivered pursuant hereto shall not survive the Closing (except for any covenant or agreement of the Parties that by its express terms contemplates performance after the Closing) and all rights, claims and causes of action (whether based on contract, tort, equity or strict liability, by the enforcement of any assessment, by any legal or equitable proceeding, by virtue of any laws or otherwise and whether by or through attempted piercing of the corporate veil) with respect to such representations, warranties, covenants and agreements shall terminate at the Closing.

Section 8.03 Amendments and Waivers .

(a) Any provision of this Agreement may be amended, supplemented or waived in any and all respects at any time prior to the Closing, if, but only if, such amendment, supplement or waiver is in writing and is signed, in the case of an amendment or supplement, by each Party or, in the case of a waiver, by each Party against whom the waiver is to be effective.

 

26


(b) At any time prior to the Closing, the Sellers, on one hand, and Buyer, on the other hand, may, by prior written notice to the other Party or Parties, and subject to Applicable Law, (i) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties of the other Party or Parties, (ii) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or acts of the other Party or Parties, (iii) waive compliance by the other Party or Parties with any of the agreements contained herein or (iv) except as otherwise provided herein, waive any of the other Party’s or Parties’ conditions. No failure or delay by any Party or Parties in exercising any right, power or privilege hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof nor shall any single or partial exercise thereof preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. The rights and remedies herein provided shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies provided by Applicable Law.

Section 8.04 Costs and Expenses . Except as otherwise provided herein, all costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement, the Sale and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall be paid by the Party incurring such cost or expense. Buyer shall bear and timely pay (i) all filing fees associated with the HSR Act and (ii) all fees and expenses of the Escrow Agent in connection with the Escrow Agreement.

Section 8.05 Binding Effect; Benefit; Assignment .

(a) The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective successors and permitted assigns. No provision of this Agreement is intended to confer any rights, benefits, remedies, obligations or liabilities hereunder upon any Person other than the Parties and their successors and permitted assigns.

(b) No Party may assign, delegate or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement without the consent of each other Party, except that with prior written notice to Buyer, any Seller may transfer or assign its right to sell Shares at the Closing to one or more other Sellers so long as the total number of Shares remains the same; provided , that , (i) any such assignment or designation shall not impede or delay the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) the representations and warranties set forth in Article III shall be true and correct with respect to such assignee or designee and (iii) such transfer or assignment shall not relieve any Seller of its obligations hereunder or enlarge, alter or change any obligation of any other Party or due to any Party. Any purported assignment, delegation or transfer not permitted by this Section 8.05(b) is null and void.

Section 8.06 Governing Law . This Agreement, the Escrow Agreement and any other document or instrument delivered pursuant hereto, and all claims or causes of action (whether in contract or tort) that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement or the negotiation, execution, termination, performance or nonperformance of this Agreement (including any claim or cause of action based upon, arising out of or related to any representation or warranty made in or in connection with this Agreement or as an inducement to enter into this Agreement) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflicts of law rules of such state.

Section 8.07 Jurisdiction . The Parties agree that any suit, action or proceeding seeking to enforce any provision of, or based on any matter arising out of or in connection with, this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby shall be brought exclusively in the Delaware Chancery Court and any state appellate court therefrom within the State of Delaware (or, if the

 

27


Delaware Chancery Court shall not have or declines to accept jurisdiction over a particular matter, any federal court located in the State of Delaware or other Delaware state court), and each of the Parties hereby irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of such courts (and of the appropriate appellate courts therefrom) in any such suit, action or proceeding and irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of the venue of any such suit, action or proceeding in any such court or that any such suit, action or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

Process in any such suit, action or proceeding may be served on any Party anywhere in the world, whether within or without the jurisdiction of any such court. Without limiting the foregoing, each Party agrees that service of process on such Party as provided in Section 8.01 shall be deemed effective service of process on such Party.

Section 8.08 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL . EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING BETWEEN THE PARTIES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.

Section 8.09 Counterparts; Effectiveness . This Agreement may be signed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be an original, with the same effect as if the signatures thereto and hereto were upon the same instrument. This Agreement shall become effective when each Party shall have received a counterpart hereof signed by all of the other Parties. Until and unless each Party has received a counterpart hereof signed by the other Parties, this Agreement shall have no effect and no Party shall have any right or obligation hereunder (whether by virtue of any other oral or written agreement or other communication).

Section 8.10 Entire Agreemen t . This Agreement and the Escrow Agreement (and all exhibits and schedules hereto and thereto) constitute the entire agreement and understanding between the Parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, whether oral and written, between the Parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement.

Section 8.11 Severability . If any term, provision, covenant or restriction of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable by any rule of law or public policy, the remainder of the terms, provisions, covenants and restrictions of this Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby are not affected in any manner materially adverse to any Party. Upon such a determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal, void or unenforceable, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law and in an acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.

Section 8.12 Specific Performance; Remedies . The Parties agree that (i) irreparable damage for which monetary damages, even if available, would not be an adequate remedy, would occur in the event that the Sellers do not perform the provisions of this Agreement (including failing to take such actions as are required of them hereunder in order to consummate

 

28


the transactions contemplated by this Agreement) in accordance with its specified terms or otherwise breach such provisions and (ii) the right of Buyer to specific enforcement is an integral part of the Sale and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and without that right, Buyer would not have entered into this Agreement. The Parties acknowledge and agree that Buyer shall be entitled to seek an injunction, specific performance and other equitable relief to prevent breaches of this Agreement by the Sellers and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof, this being in addition to any other remedy, subject to Section 7.03(f), to which Buyer is entitled at law or in equity. The Sellers agree that it will not oppose the granting of an injunction, specific performance and other equitable relief on the basis that (x) Buyer has an adequate remedy at law or (y) an award of specific performance is not an appropriate remedy for any reason at law or equity. If Buyer seeks an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement, it shall not be required to provide any bond or other security in connection with any such order or injunction. The Parties agree that the Sellers shall not be entitled to an injunction to prevent breaches of this Agreement by Buyer or to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement or any other equitable relief and that the sole and exclusive remedy of the Sellers relating to a breach of this Agreement by Buyer shall be the remedy set forth in the first sentence of Section 7.03(e); provided, that the Sellers shall be entitled to seek specific performance to prevent any breach by Buyer of Section 5.04.

Section 8.13 Controlling Language of this Agreement . This Agreement has been negotiated and executed in the English language, and this English language execution version shall govern in all respects and prevail over any translation of the same, including for the purposes of enforcing this Agreement in any court or other tribunal.

Section 8.14 Acknowledgement of No Other Representations or Warranties .

(a) Buyer acknowledges that in making the determination to proceed with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, it has relied solely on the results of its own independent investigation and the representations and warranties expressly set forth in Article III. None of the Sellers, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates or Representatives or any other Person makes any other express or implied representation or warranty, at law or in equity, with respect to the Sellers, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates or as to the accuracy or completeness of any information regarding their respective businesses, operations, assets, liabilities, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects or any other information provided to Buyer or its Affiliates or Representatives (including as “Representatives”, with respect to Buyer and solely for purposes of this Section 8.14, any actual debt financing sources of Buyer) (any such information described in this Section 8.14(a), the “ Seller Provided Information ”), notwithstanding the delivery or disclosure to Buyer or its Affiliates or Representatives of any documentation, estimates, projections, forecasts or other information by the Sellers, the Company or any of their respective Representatives or Affiliates with respect to any one or more of the foregoing, including any projections, forecasts or other estimates, plans or budgets of future revenues, expenses or expenditures, future results of operations (or any component thereof), future cash flows (or any component thereof) or future financial condition (or any component thereof) of the Sellers, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates or the future business, operations or affairs of the Sellers, the Company or any of their respective Affiliates heretofore or hereafter delivered to or made available to Buyer or its Representatives

 

29


or Affiliates. To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law and subject to Section 8.12, except with respect to the representations and warranties contained in Article III or any breach of any covenant or other agreement of the Sellers contained herein, none of the Sellers or the Company, their Affiliates or any of their respective Affiliates or Representatives shall have any liability to Buyer or its Affiliates, or any of their respective Affiliates or Representatives on any basis (whether based on contract, tort, equity or strict liability, by the enforcement of any assessment, by any legal or equitable proceeding, by virtue of any laws, including any applicable federal or state securities laws, or otherwise and whether by or through attempted piercing of the corporate veil) based upon any Seller Provided Information or statements (or any omissions therefrom) provided or made available by the Sellers or its Affiliates and Representatives to Buyer or its Affiliates and Representatives in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

(b) Each of the Sellers acknowledges that in making the determination to proceed with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, it has relied solely on the results of its own independent investigation and the representations and warranties expressly set forth in Article IV. None of Buyer or any other Person makes any other express or implied representation or warranty, at law or in equity, with respect to Buyer or its Affiliates or as to the accuracy or completeness of any information regarding their respective businesses, operations, assets, liabilities, condition (financial or otherwise) or prospects or any other information provided to the Sellers or any of their Affiliates or Representatives (any information described in this Section 8.14(b), the “ Buyer Provided Information ”), notwithstanding the delivery or disclosure to the Sellers or any of their Affiliates or Representatives of any documentation, estimates, projections, forecasts or other information by Buyer or any of its Representatives or Affiliates with respect to any one or more of the foregoing, including any projections, forecasts or other estimates, plans or budgets of future revenues, expenses or expenditures, future results of operations (or any component thereof), future cash flows (or any component thereof) or future financial condition (or any component thereof) of Buyer or its Affiliates or the future business, operations or affairs of Buyer or its Affiliates heretofore or hereafter delivered to or made available to the Sellers Parties or their Representatives or Affiliates. To the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law and subject to Section 8.12, except with respect to the representations and warranties contained in Article IV or any breach of any covenant or other agreement of Buyer contained herein, none of Buyer, its Affiliates or any of their respective Affiliates or Representatives shall have any liability to any Seller Party or its Affiliates, or any of their respective Affiliates or Representatives on any basis (whether based on contract, tort, equity or strict liability, by the enforcement of any assessment, by any legal or equitable proceeding, by virtue of any laws, including any applicable federal or state securities laws, or otherwise and whether by or through attempted piercing of the corporate veil) based upon any Buyer Provided Information or statements (or any omissions therefrom) provided or made available by Buyer or its Affiliates and Representatives to the Sellers or their Affiliates and Representatives in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

[The remainder of this page has been intentionally left blank; signature pages follow.]

 

30


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers or signatories as of the date set forth on the cover page of this Agreement.

 

SUN WISE (UK) CO., LTD
By:  

/s/ Yongli Wang

  Name: Yongli Wang
  Title: Director
SW DELAWARE L.P.
SW DELAWARE A L.P.
SW DELAWARE B L.P.
SW DELAWARE C L.P.
SW DELAWARE D L.P.
SW DELAWARE E L.P.
SW DELAWARE F L.P.
SW DELAWARE CO-INVEST L.P.
SW DELAWARE (GSO) L.P.
By:   SW Cayman Limited, its general partner
By:  

/s/ Peter Wallace

  Name: Peter Wallace
  Title: Director


EXHIBIT

Exhibit A

 

Seller

   Number of Shares  

SW DELAWARE L.P.

     15,820,811  

SW DELAWARE A L.P.

     493,827  

SW DELAWARE B L.P.

     555,394  

SW DELAWARE C L.P.

     506,711  

SW DELAWARE D L.P.

     182,040  

SW DELAWARE E L.P.

     570,487  

SW DELAWARE F L.P.

     445,853  

SW DELAWARE CO-INVEST L.P.

     679,058  

SW DELAWARE (GSO) L.P.

     247,882  
  

 

 

 

Total

     19,502,063  
  

 

 

 

Exhibit 99.3

SEA HOLDINGS I, LLC

AND

ZHONGHONG HOLDING CO., LTD.

 

 

PARK EXCLUSIVITY AND CONCEPT DESIGN AGREEMENT

 

 

 


CONTENTS

 

1.   

DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

     2  
2.   

EFFECTIVE DATE

     11  
3.   

EXCLUSIVITY

     12  
4.   

STRATEGIC PLANNING, SITE ACQUISITION AND PARK SPECIFIC AGREEMENTS

     13  
5.   

ZH OBLIGATIONS – CONCEPT DESIGN PHASE

     15  
6.   

SEAWORLD’S OBLIGATIONS – CONCEPT DESIGN PHASE

     16  
7.   

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR; SUBCONTRACTORS

     18  
8.   

SEAWORLD APPROVALS

     19  
9.   

LIAISON

     19  
10.   

VARIATIONS

     20  
11.   

COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES

     20  
12.   

INSURANCE

     23  
13.   

INDEMNITIES

     24  
14.   

LIABILITY

     26  
15.   

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

     27  
16.   

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     33  
17.   

FORCE MAJEURE

     34  
18.   

[NOT USED]

     35  
19.   

TERM, SUSPENSION AND TERMINATION

     35  
20.   

GOVERNING LAW

     39  
21.   

RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES

     39  
22.   

NOTICES

     41  
23.   

MISCELLANEOUS

     42  
24.   

AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES

     50  

SCHEDULE 1 PARK SPECIFIC AGREEMENTS - MATERIAL COMMERCIAL TERMS

     1  

SCHEDULE 2 SEAWORLD MARKS

     1  

 

 

i


CONFIDENTIAL    PARK EXCLUSIVITY AND CONCEPT DESIGN AGREEMENT
   EXECUTION VERSION

THIS PARK EXCLUSIVITY AND CONCEPT DESIGN AGREEMENT is effective as of the Effective Date.

BETWEEN :

 

(1) SEA HOLDINGS I, LLC , a Florida limited liability company formed in the United States of America with its address at 9205 South Park Center Loop, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32819, the United States of America (“ SeaWorld ”), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.; and

 

(2) ZHONGHONG HOLDING CO., LTD. , a company incorporated in the People’s Republic of China with its address at No. 271 Huishui Road, Suzhou City, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China (“ ZH ”).

WHEREAS :

 

(A) SeaWorld and Affiliates of SeaWorld have a globally recognized brand-name and family-themed entertainment suite of Theme Parks, Interactive Parks and Waterparks and products, together with the ownership/license of certain Intellectual Property and trade secrets, various animals, and the knowledge and experience to design, develop and operate Theme Parks, Interactive Parks and Waterparks, including zoological expertise to provide and care for animals, and technical expertise for the development and operation of such parks.

 

(B) SeaWorld and Affiliates of SeaWorld have a long and proud tradition of working to protect and enhance marine mammals and endangered species through, among other things, SeaWorld’s ownership of facilities in the USA in which marine mammals are publicly displayed and where, every year, millions of visitors are treated to direct educational experiences with these magnificent creatures that leave the public with a greater appreciation of the need for the protection and the conservation of these marine mammals and their habitats. Recently, SeaWorld announced the phasing out of theatrical performances featuring orcas and that the orcas in its care will be the last generation of SeaWorld orcas.

 

(C) SeaWorld’s work with marine mammals and endangered species in collaboration with some of the world’s most renowned scientists has led to breakthroughs in reproductive biology, animal husbandry, rescue, recovery and rehabilitation of marine mammals, and species conservation.

 

(D) ZH is, among other things, a leading leisure asset developer in the Territory and has experience (i) acquiring and leasing the land and obtaining all building, construction and occupancy permits and licenses to develop and operate large scale projects in the Territory, and (ii) financing large scale projects in the Territory.

 

(E) Both Parties are committed to maximizing the health and well-being of any animals housed within the Licensed Parks, including any animals housed on a temporary or long-term basis as a result of rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

[ * * * ] Portions of this agreement were omitted and a complete copy of this agreement has been provided separately to the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.’s application requesting confidential treatment under Exchange Act Rule 24b-2.


(F) The Parties wish to establish the basic framework for their collaboration in the planning, site selection, design and development of a portfolio of Theme Parks, Interactive Parks and Waterparks (or a combination thereof) under the names of “SeaWorld”, “Discovery Cove”, “Aquatica” (or other mutually agreed names) as well as research, rescue, rehabilitation and return centers (such parks and centers, the “ Licensed Parks ”) pursuant to this Agreement and any Park Specific Agreement.

 

(G) It is contemplated that SeaWorld will grant ZH certain exclusive rights in connection with the design of Interactive Parks, Theme Parks and Waterparks in the Territory under the terms and conditions set forth herein and, once agreed, the terms and conditions set forth in the relevant Park Specific Agreements.

 

(H) ZH has appointed or will appoint the Design Firm and similar parties, amongst other things, to design the Licensed Parks and wishes to contract with SeaWorld, and SeaWorld wishes to, provide certain design and Advisory and Support Services with respect to the Licensed Parks under the terms and conditions set forth herein.

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual covenants and undertakings hereinafter contained, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

 

1.1 Definitions

The following capitalized words, terms and phrases used in this Agreement, including in the preamble, recitals, schedules, appendices and exhibits hereto, shall have the meanings set forth in this Clause 1.1:

Advisory and Support Services ” is defined in Clause 6.1 ( SeaWorld’s Obligations – Concept Design Phase ).

Affiliate ” means in relation to a Person, any other entity which directly or indirectly Controls, is Controlled by, or is under direct or indirect common Control with such Person (including, with respect to ZH, Zhonghong Zhuoye Group Co. Ltd.).

Agreement ” means this agreement together with the schedules and appendices to it.

Anti-Corruption Laws ” is defined in Clause 23.23(a) ( Anti-Corruption Laws ).

Applicable Law ” means any decree, resolution, law, statute, act, ordinance, rule, directive (to the extent it has the force of law), order, treaty, code or regulation as enacted, issued or promulgated, or any interpretation thereof by a Governmental Instrumentality having jurisdiction over the matter in question, that is publicly available or of which the Party to which such Applicable Law applies has actual knowledge, including amendments, modifications, extensions, replacements and re-enactments thereof.

Applicable Legal Requirements ” means all Applicable Laws and Governmental Authorizations and any injunction (if applicable) or final non-appealable judgment of any Governmental Instrumentality having jurisdiction over the matter in question.

Attractions ” means attractions which involve the display, demonstration and interaction of the animals, shows, cinemas, theaters, plays, dramatic performances and exhibitions at a theme park, waterpark or Interactive Park.

Base Travel Stipend ” is defined in Clause 11.2(b) ( Consulting and Design Fees ).

 

2


Business Day ” means a day on which banks are generally open for business in Beijing, PRC and in New York City, New York, USA.

Change in Law ” means any of the following events occurring after the date of signature of this Agreement:

 

  (a) a change or repeal of an existing Applicable Law;

 

  (b) an enactment or making of any new Applicable Law; or

 

  (c) a change in the manner in which an Applicable Law is applied by a Governmental Instrumentality or in the application or interpretation thereof by a Governmental Instrumentality.

Commercially Reasonable Efforts ” means taking such steps and performing in such a manner as a well-managed company would undertake where such company was acting in a determined, prudent and reasonable manner to achieve the particular result for its own benefit; provided , that such efforts will not include any obligation to threaten to commence or commence litigation against, any Third Party.

Confidential Information ” is defined in Clause 23.10 ( Confidentiality ).

Concept Design ” means, for a Development, a conceptual design and master plan for the Developments which shall consist of preliminary drawings, renderings, narratives, programs and other documents including site plans, in-park and out-of-park circulation plans, massing plans and sections, elevations, thematic statements for the overall park along with each realm and individual rides and attractions contained therein, full color renderings depicting the look and feel of the overall park and realms within each park, illustrations and sketches of major rides and attractions, programmatic documentation detailing the size and capacity of the parks and all elements therein, preliminary capital and operating cost estimates including labor and utility costs; and may include some combination of study models, perspective sketches or digital modeling.

Concept Design Phase ” is defined in Clause 1.1 ( Park Specific Agreements ).

Control ” means that a Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the other Person, whether through the ownership of voting shares, by contract or otherwise, and “ Controls ” and “ Controlled ” shall be interpreted accordingly.

Day ” means the twenty-four (24) hour period beginning at 00:00:00 PRC time and ending at 23:59:59 PRC time.

Design Firm ” means:

 

  (a) The Hettema Group, with its address at 67 Valley Street, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA; or

 

  (b) such other design consultant selected by ZH and acceptable to SeaWorld.

Development ” means the Licensed Park or Licensed Parks related to a single discrete location, or multiple discrete locations within a proximity to each other such that they could reasonably be considered part of the same commercial endeavor. A Theme Park, an Interactive Park and/or a Waterpark which (a) share certain functional, operational and managerial synergies, (b) are located within a fifty (50) mile radius from each other, and (c) are designed and developed substantially concurrently, may be considered a single Development.

 

3


Development Analysis ” means, with respect to a Development:

 

  (a) market analysis;

 

  (b) detailed site evaluation and site plan development;

 

  (c) development of a preliminary development budget including estimated cost of construction;

 

  (d) development of a preliminary schedule for design and construction;

 

  (e) development of a preliminary operating and business plan/pro forma including a description of operating and staffing requirements and practices, and estimated costs and revenues; and

 

  (f) assessment and planning for required transportation and other infrastructure improvements.

Disclosing Party ” is defined in Clause 23.10 ( Confidentiality ).

Dispute ” is defined in Clause 21.1 ( Amicable Settlement ).

Dispute Notice ” is defined in Clause 21.1 ( Amicable Settlement ).

Effective Date ” is defined in Clause 2 ( Effective Date ).

Event of FM ” shall mean any event beyond the reasonable control of a Party, the occurrence of which could not have been reasonably foreseen at the date of signature of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, a Change in Law, war whether declared or not, revolution, riot, insurrection, strikes (excluding strikes by employees of the affected Party or any subcontractor thereof, unless such strike is part of a wider industrial dispute affecting other employers), civil commotion, invasion, armed conflict, hostile act of a foreign enemy, blockade, embargo, act of terrorism, sabotage, civil disturbance, radiation, biological or chemical contamination, ionizing radiation, explosion, fire, epidemic, cyclone, tidal wave, landslide, lightning, earthquake, flood, volcanic eruption, other natural disaster or calamity of any kind and any other similar event.

Event of Termination ” means:

 

  (a) the failure by a Party to make any undisputed payment under this Agreement within thirty (30) Days of the Day by which such amount should have been paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;

 

  (b) the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

  (i) any representation or warranty made or deemed to be repeated by a Party to this Agreement is not (or was not) correct in any material respect as of the date made or deemed made;

 

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  (ii) other than where the breach occurs as a consequence of a breach by the other Party which is not cured within any applicable cure period, or constitutes an Event of FM, a breach by a Party of any of its other material obligations under this Agreement;

 

  (iii) a Party experiences an event, fact, matter, circumstance, condition or change as a result of the action or inaction of which dishonesty is an element of any officer or director which materially and adversely affects, or could reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect the business, operations, assets, liabilities, condition (whether financial, trading or otherwise), prospects or results of operation of the Party and its Affiliates, taken as a whole;

 

  (iv) Insolvency of a Party;

 

  (v) SeaWorld is Controlled by a SEA Restricted Third Party or a SEA Restricted Third Party acquires all or substantially all of the assets of SeaWorld; or

 

  (vi) ZH is Controlled by a ZH Restricted Third Party or a ZH Restricted Third Party acquires all or substantially all of the assets of ZH;

provided , that, the Parties agree that this definition shall be amended concurrently with the execution of the Park Specific Agreements for the first Development to conform this definition to the termination events agreed upon in such Park Specific Agreement, to the extent applicable.

Exclusivity Extension Fee ” is defined in Clause 11.1(b) ( Exclusivity Payments ).

First Party ” is defined in Clause 23.19 ( Set-off and Double Recovery ).

FM Termination Notice ” is defined in Clause 19.4(c) ( Termination following a Prolonged Event of FM ).

Food and Beverage Outlet means a restaurant, coffee shop, outlet, stall, kiosk, concession, stand, vending machine, special event venue, retail store or other food service venue, whether temporary or permanent, that sells food or beverages at a Licensed Park.

Governmental Authorizations ” means permits, licenses, consents, authorizations, approvals, registrations, grants, acknowledgments or agreements as required by Applicable Law or as otherwise required from applicable Governmental Instrumentalities, in relation to the performance by each Party of its obligations under this Agreement.

Governmental Instrumentality ” means the decision-making legal authority or authorities of a governmental jurisdiction whether located in the USA, the Territory or otherwise that can approve or deny the ability of the Parties to fulfill their obligations under this Agreement, and shall include a federal, state, county, provincial or municipal government or political subdivision thereof, a governmental or quasi-governmental ministry, legislative body, agency, authority, board, bureau, commission, department, instrumentality, or public body, or any court, administrative tribunal, public utility or government-controlled corporation or entity, solely to the extent such corporation or entity is charged with performing governmental functions.

Indemnitee ” is defined in Clause 13.3 ( Indemnification Procedures ).

 

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Indemnitor ” is defined in Clause 13.3 ( Indemnification Procedures ).

Initial Exclusivity Period ” is defined in Clause 3.1 ( Exclusivity ).

Initial Park Development Period ” is defined in Clause 4.3(c) ( Park Specific Agreements ).

Insolvency ” means, with respect to a Party, that any of the following events occur:

 

  (a) any legal proceedings are started by a Party or a Third Party, which in either case are not frivolous or vexatious, for the winding-up, dissolution, administration, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Party or for the appointment of a liquidator, receiver, administrator, administrative receiver, conservator, custodian, trustee, bankruptcy trustee or similar officer of the Party or all or substantially all of the Party’s property, undertaking or assets, which have not been set aside or stayed within one hundred and eighty (180) Days;

 

  (b) any order or judgment is made for the winding-up, dissolution, administration, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Party or for the appointment of a liquidator, receiver, administrator, administrative receiver, conservator, custodian, trustee, bankruptcy trustee or similar officer of the Party or all or substantially all of the Party’s property, undertaking or assets, which order or judgment has not been set aside or stayed within one hundred and eighty (180) Days;

 

  (c) the Party is unable to or admits in writing its inability to pay its debts as they fall due, commences negotiations with its creditors with a view to the general readjustment or rescheduling of its indebtedness or makes a general assignment for the benefit of, or a composition with, its creditors;

 

  (d) any execution, distress or other process is levied against, sued out against or enforced upon, or an encumbrancer or creditor takes possession of, all or substantially all of the assets of the Party, which has not been set aside or stayed within one hundred and eighty (180) Days; or

 

  (e) any event analogous to the events described in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this definition.

Intellectual Property ” means any and all rights available under patent, copyright, trade mark, service mark, trade name, product configuration, industrial design, or trade secret law or any other statutory provision or common law doctrine with respect to designs, formulas, algorithms, procedures, methods, techniques, ideas, Know-How, programs, subroutines, tools, inventions, creations, improvements, works of authorship, other similar materials, and all recordings, graphs, drawings, reports, analyses, other writings, and any other embodiment of the foregoing, in any form whether or not specifically listed herein, which may subsist in any part of the world, in each case whether registered or unregistered and including all applications for, and renewals or extensions of, such rights for their full term.

Interactive Park ” means “gated” parks where close and extended interactions with marine or terrestrial animals is core to the visitor experience, including SeaWorld’s “Discovery Cove” park in Orlando, Florida and parks substantially similar thereto.

Know-How ” means know-how including knowledge, experience and technical information.

 

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Licensed Parks ” is defined in the Preamble and, for the avoidance of doubt, shall include the Attractions, Rides, Food and Beverage Outlets, Merchandise Outlets and resources inside the Theme Park, Interactive Park or Waterpark, as applicable.

Loss ” means any loss, damage, penalty, fine, liability, cost or reasonable out of pocket expense of whatsoever kind (including reasonable and documented attorneys’ fees and expenses (if recoverable at law)), court or arbitral tribunal fees or any insurance deductibles under the relevant insurance policies.

Merchandise Outlet ” means a gift shop, outlet, stall, kiosk, concession, stand, vending machine, special event venue, retail store or other merchandise venue, whether temporary or permanent, that sells products or services other than food and beverage at a Licensed Park.

Park Specific Agreement ” means those definitive park-specific documents to be agreed between the Parties which will govern the design, construction, license, operation, maintenance and animal loan and services with respect to Licensed Parks within a single Development and which may include a design and construction advisory agreement, an operations agreement, a license agreement and an animal loan and services agreement and such other agreements as the Parties may enter into from time to time in relation to such Development (including, to the extent exclusivity arrangements are not included in such agreements, exclusivity agreement(s)).

Parties ” means, collectively, ZH and SeaWorld, and “ Party ” means either of them.

Permitted Recipients ” is defined in Clause 23.10(c) ( Permitted Recipients ).

Person ” means any individual, corporation, joint stock company, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated organization, Governmental Instrumentality, or other entity.

PRC ” means the People’s Republic of China.

President ” is defined in Clause 21.2(b)(i) ( Arbitration ).

Project ” means the development of the Development Analysis and Concept Design of the Developments pursuant to this Agreement.

Project Consultants ” means the Design Firm, Specialty Consultants and such other third-party design firms, contractors, project managers and similar parties needed for the Development Analysis and the Concept Design of the Developments, and, for the avoidance of doubt, neither SeaWorld nor any of SeaWorld’s Affiliates shall be deemed to be a Project Consultant.

Project IP ” is defined in Clause 15.1(b) ( Ownership of Intellectual Property ).

Project Materials ” is defined in Clause 15.3(a) ( Provision and License of SeaWorld Know-How and other SeaWorld IPR ).

Receiving Party ” is defined in Clause 23.10(a) ( Confidential Information ).

Registration Action ” is defined in Clause 15.1(e) ( Ownership of Intellectual Property ).

 

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Rides ” means a device or combination of devices or elements that carry, convey, or direct a person(s) over or through a fixed or restricted course or within a defined area, for the primary purpose of amusement or entertainment at a theme park, waterpark or Interactive Park.

Rules ” is defined in Clause 21.2(b)(i) ( Arbitration ).

SEA Restricted Third Party ” means:

 

  (a) any international park owner, developer or operator which owns, develops or operates theme parks, Interactive Parks or waterparks and such activities form a core, or significant portion of the, business of the park owner, developer or operator;

 

  (b) any diversified Chinese company or Chinese real estate developer, which develops and operates theme parks, Interactive Parks or waterparks in the Territory; or

 

  (c) an entity that either Party cannot legally conduct business with (e.g., is listed on an official sanctions list).

SeaWorld ” means:

 

  (a) the person defined in the Preamble as SeaWorld; and

 

  (b) SeaWorld’s legal successors and permitted assigns and novatees of all of SeaWorld’s interest in the Agreement.

SeaWorld Brand Marks ” means the SeaWorld Marks and distinctive brands, marks and logos that identify Attractions, Rides and realms (i.e., themed lands within a theme park, waterpark or Interactive Park) in use by SeaWorld at its Theme Parks, Interactive Parks, and Waterparks (except for distinctive brands marks, logos publicly used by ZH prior to the public use, registration or application for registration by SeaWorld) as of the expiration or termination of this Agreement, including but not limited to any and all registrations, and applications for registrations, of the brands, marks and logos. For the purpose of this defined term, “distinctive” does not include brands, marks and logos which are generic or which are descriptive and do not have a secondary meaning.

SeaWorld Know-How ” is defined in Clause 15.3(a) ( Provision and License of SeaWorld Know-How and other SeaWorld IPR ).

SeaWorld IPR ” is defined in Clause 15.1(a) ( Ownership of Intellectual Property ).

SeaWorld Marks ” is defined in Clause 15.2(a) ( License of SeaWorld Marks ).

SeaWorld Parks ” means a Theme Park, Waterpark, Interactive Park, leisure asset, visitor attraction or entertainment venue, other than the Developments, owned or operated by SeaWorld, its Affiliates or third parties under license from SeaWorld or its Affiliates, anywhere in the world.

SeaWorld Party ” means each of SeaWorld and its Affiliates, and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and representatives.

SeaWorld Variation Confirmation ” is defined in Clause 10.2 ( Variations ).

SeaWorld Variation Request ” is defined in Clause 10.5 ( Variations ).

 

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SeaWorld Representative ” means the representative of SeaWorld appointed in accordance with Clause 24(a) ( Authorized Representatives ).

Second Party ” is defined in Clause 23.19 ( Set-off and Double Recovery ).

Specialty Consultants ” means consultants that have been retained to (a) program and design a Development that has a significant zoological component, (b) design animal habitats and support areas within a Development or (c) design structures and systems for such habitats and support areas. Such Specialty Consultants may include exhibit architects, structural engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, animal life support engineers, lighting designers and acoustical engineers that, in each case, are engaged for the purposes set forth in subclauses (a) – (c) of this definition.

Target First Theme Park Opening Date ” is defined in Clause 4.4(a)(i) ( Development Requirements ).

Term ” is defined in Clause 19.1 ( Term of Agreement ).

Territory ” means:

 

  (a) prior to the occurrence of the events in Clause 4.4(c) ( Development Requirements ), PRC, the Special Administrative Region of Macau, Taiwan and the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong; and

 

  (b) following the occurrence of the events in Clause 4.4(c) ( Development Requirements ), the area specified as the “Territory” in Clause 4.4(c) ( Development Requirements ).

Theme Park ” means any “gated” theme park which is predominantly themed to, and exhibits, live terrestrial or marine animals and whose attractions are predominantly composed of entertainment and amusement elements (e.g., amusement rides and stage shows) as opposed to solely animal displays, including SeaWorld’s “SeaWorld ® Orlando”, “SeaWorld ® San Antonio”, “SeaWorld ® San Diego”, “Busch Gardens Tampa” and “Busch Gardens Williamsburg” theme parks and theme parks substantially similar thereto.

Third Party ” means any Person other than a Party or the SeaWorld Parties and the ZH Parties.

USA ” means the United States of America.

US$ ”, “ USD ” or “ US Dollars ” means USA Dollars, the lawful currency of the USA.

Variation ” means a material increase, modification or revision to the scope of the Advisory and Support Services or any material deviation to the manner or sequence in which the Advisory and Support Services are to be performed.

Variation Costs ” is defined in Clause 10.2(c) ( Variations ).

Waterpark ” means any “gated” waterpark that includes distinguishing displays of live terrestrial or marine animals, including SeaWorld’s “Aquatica” waterparks and waterparks substantially similar thereto.

 

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ZH ” means:

 

  (a) the person defined in the Preamble as ZH; and

 

  (b) ZH’s legal successors and permitted assignees and novatees of ZH’s interest in the Agreement.

ZH Improvements means all enhancements or modifications to any technology made solely by ZH within the PRC during the Term and which are deemed to be technology improvements pursuant to the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China for Administration of the Import and Export of Technology . For the avoidance of doubt, ZH Improvements do not include any improvement or innovation to any technology: (i) made solely or jointly by SeaWorld or any Person other than ZH or its Affiliates anywhere in the world; (ii) made by any Person outside of the PRC; or (iii) not made pursuant to the license granted under Clause 15.3(b) ( Provision and License of SeaWorld Know-How and other SeaWorld IPR ). Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the purpose of this definition, the following shall be expressly excluded from ZH Improvements: improvements to, or derivative works of, (x) business methods or business operations, (y) copyrights (other than software), and (z) trade secrets other than technology trade secrets.

ZH IPR ” is defined in Clause 15.1(a) ( Ownership of Intellectual Property ).

ZH Party ” means each of ZH and its Affiliates, a Project Consultant and their directors, officers, employees, agents and representatives.

ZH Representative ” means the representative of ZH appointed in accordance with Clause 24(b) ( Authorized Representatives ).

ZH Restricted Third Party ” means:

 

  (a) any international park owner, developer or operator which owns, develops or operates theme parks, Interactive Parks or waterparks and such activities form a core, or significant portion of the, business of the park owner, developer or operator;

 

  (b) any Third Party with a reputation for (or history of) repeated disregard for the health and welfare of animals, such that a relationship with such Third Party would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse impact on SeaWorld’s or ZH’s general reputation for animal safety and welfare; or

 

  (c) an entity that either Party cannot legally conduct business with (e.g., is listed on an official sanctions list).

ZH Variation Request ” is defined in Clause 10.1 ( Variations ).

 

1.2 Rules of Interpretation

Unless the context of this Agreement otherwise requires:

 

  (a) words of any gender include each other gender;

 

  (b) references to a person include an individual, a body corporate and an unincorporated association of persons;

 

  (c) words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively;

 

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  (d) the terms “herein”, “hereby”, “hereto” and similar words refer to this entire Agreement and do not refer to any particular Clause, paragraph, or Schedule or any other subdivision of this Agreement;

 

  (e) references to “Clause”, “paragraph”, or “Schedule” are to the Clauses, paragraphs, and Schedules, respectively, of this Agreement;

 

  (f) unless otherwise defined, terms used in the theme park, Interactive Park, waterpark and leisure industry shall be interpreted in accordance with their generally understood meaning in that industry;

 

  (g) the words “include” or “including” shall be deemed to be followed by “without limitation” or “but not limited to” whether or not they are followed by such phrases or words of like import;

 

  (h) the descriptive headings in this Agreement, including the cover page and table of contents, are for convenience of reference only and not for purposes of construction or interpretation of its provisions;

 

  (i) references to “this Agreement” or any other agreement or document shall be construed as a reference to such agreement or document as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time and shall include a reference to any document which amends, modifies, supplements, or has otherwise modified it, or is entered into, made or given pursuant to or in accordance with its terms;

 

  (j) references to any Schedule shall be construed as a reference to such Schedule as may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time;

 

  (k) whenever this Agreement refers to a number of Days, such number shall refer to calendar days unless Business Days are specified;

 

  (l) where an obligation of a Party to make payment under this Agreement, as a result of the calculation of time, falls on a Day other than a Business Day, such time for performance shall be extended to the next Business Day; and

 

  (m) all periods of time shall be based on, and computed according to, the Gregorian calendar and any reference to a time of Day shall be construed as a reference to the time of Day in Beijing, the PRC.

 

2. EFFECTIVE DATE

This Agreement shall become effective as of the date (the “ Effective Date ”) upon which (a) this Agreement has been executed and delivered (in person, by electronic mail or otherwise) by both of the Parties hereto and (b) each Party confirms to the other in writing that all necessary corporate approvals have been obtained with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

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3. EXCLUSIVITY

 

3.1 Subject to Clauses 3.3 and 3.4 and without prejudice to SeaWorld’s rights pursuant to Clause 15.2 ( License of SeaWorld Marks ), SeaWorld shall not (and shall procure that its Affiliates shall not) enter into any agreement or discussions regarding the development or operation of, or license of Intellectual Property to, any theme parks, Interactive Parks or waterparks in the Territory, other than with ZH and its Affiliates until the later of:

 

  (a) 31 December 2018; and

 

  (b) 31 December 2019, if ZH has (i) notified SeaWorld in writing by a date no later than 1 July 2018 that it wishes to extend such exclusivity period and (ii) paid the Exclusivity Extension Fee to SeaWorld in accordance with Clause 11.1(b) ( Exclusivity Payments ) by a date no later than 31 December 2018

(the “ Initial Exclusivity Period ”).

 

3.2 Subject to Clause 3.3, except as contemplated by this Agreement, the Park Specific Agreements and any additional agreements executed between the Parties (or their Affiliates) in connection therewith, ZH shall not (and shall procure that its Affiliates shall not) enter into any agreement or discussions regarding the development or operation of, or license of Intellectual Property, in the Territory, with respect to any Waterparks, Interactive Parks or Theme Parks until the expiry of the Initial Exclusivity Period. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Clause 3.2 shall limit ZH’s ability to develop, operate or license Intellectual Property with respect to:

 

  (a) any waterparks that are not Waterparks;

 

  (b) any family entertainment centers;

 

  (c) any theme parks that are not Theme Parks, include theme parks themed to media-based, fictional (including fictional characters portrayed by real animals) or mythological animals (e.g., “the Monkey King”);

 

  (d) any botanical gardens of which animals are a part; or

 

  (e) zoos, safaris or aquariums whose attractions are predominantly animal displays; provided , that prior to developing any of the foregoing venues in this subclause (e), during the Initial Exclusivity Period, ZH shall first discuss with SeaWorld ways in which SeaWorld could be involved in such opportunity.

 

3.3 The Parties agree that if they have entered into the Park Specific Agreements for the first Development by the expiry of the Initial Exclusivity Period, the exclusivity arrangements between the Parties following the Initial Exclusivity Period will give effect to the terms set out in Section 4 of Schedule 1, as reflected in the terms of such Park Specific Agreements. For the purposes of this Clause 3.3, Park Specific Agreements shall mean the following agreements, or their functional equivalent: the design and construction advisory agreement, the license agreement, the operations agreement and the animal loan and services agreement.

 

3.4

Notwithstanding Clause 3.1, ZH acknowledges that SeaWorld and its Affiliates have standing business relationships with Third Parties existing as of the date of signature of this Agreement for the provision of operations support, marketing of SeaWorld Parks located outside the Territory and ongoing business matters in the Territory. SeaWorld and its Affiliates shall be permitted to continue those relationships existing as of the date of signature of this Agreement and the continuation of such relationships in accordance with their terms consistent with established practice shall not be deemed a breach or default of this Agreement; provided that SeaWorld

 

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  represents and warrants that no such relationship includes (i) a license of Intellectual Property to a Third Party to develop Theme Parks, Interactive Parks and Waterparks in the Territory or (ii) any commitment by SeaWorld or its Affiliates that could impair or interfere with SeaWorld’s performance of its obligations hereunder (including SeaWorld’s provision of the Advisory and Support Services and SeaWorld’s non-compete obligations) or, except as set forth in Schedule 2 ( SeaWorld Marks ), compete or conflict with the rights granted to ZH hereunder.

 

4. STRATEGIC PLANNING, SITE ACQUISITION AND PARK SPECIFIC AGREEMENTS

 

4.1 Overall Strategic Planning with Respect to Developments

From the Effective Date, the Parties agree that they shall work together to develop an overall strategic plan for the development and operation of the Developments, subject to and in accordance with this Agreement. The Parties will make necessary arrangements for senior executive personnel of the Parties to meet (in person, by telephone, by audio or video conference, or by any other available technology) at least twice per year for the purpose of exchanging views with respect to significant developments and trends and issues relating to any current Developments, Developments under development, and future Developments.

 

4.2 Site Acquisition

ZH agrees that it shall be responsible, in consultation with SeaWorld, for identifying potential sites for the Developments and for acquiring the necessary land use rights or site use rights with respect thereto. SeaWorld agrees that it will use its Commercially Reasonable Efforts to support ZH with respect to such efforts.

 

4.3 Park Specific Agreements

 

  (a) The Parties will work together diligently in good faith to negotiate and agree on the form of Park Specific Agreements for each Development on or before completion of the Development Analysis and Concept Design phase for such Development (the “ Concept Design Phase ”). The Park Specific Agreements will reflect the material commercial terms set forth in Schedule 1 ( Park Specific Agreements – Material Commercial Terms ) hereto, and will contain other representations, warranties, covenants and agreements consistent with international practice for transactions of comparable type and scope, provided , however, that the terms of the Park Specific Agreements with respect to any Interactive Park may differ to those set out in Schedule 1 ( Park Specific Agreements – Material Commercial Terms ).

 

  (b) ZH or an Affiliate of ZH and SeaWorld will use their Commercially Reasonable Efforts and work expeditiously to enter into the Park Specific Agreements with respect to the first Development as soon as reasonably practicable before the end of the Initial Exclusivity Period and SeaWorld will provide ZH with drafts of the Park Specific Agreements for the first Development as soon as reasonably possible following the execution of this Agreement.

[ * * * ] Portions of this agreement were omitted and a complete copy of this agreement has been provided separately to the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.’s application requesting confidential treatment under Exchange Act Rule 24b-2.

 

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  (c) ZH shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to develop at least two (2) Theme Parks as part of separate Developments within a period of [ * * * ] years from the signing date of the Park Specific Agreements for the first Development (the “ Initial Park Development Period ”).

 

4.4 Development Requirements

 

  (a) The Parties agree that if:

 

  (i) at least one Theme Park as part of a Development has been opened by the date falling [ * * * ] years after the signing date of the Park Specific Agreements for the first Development (“ Target First Theme Park Opening Date ”); provided , however, that as long as ZH continues to use its Commercially Reasonable Efforts to open such Theme Park as soon as reasonably practicable following the Target First Theme Park Opening Date, such date shall be extended by a period not to exceed one (1) year in total (including with respect to any time relief following an Event of FM); provided , further , that for the purposes of this Clause 4.4(a), Park Specific Agreements shall mean the following agreements: the design and construction advisory agreement, the license agreement, the operations agreement and the animal loan and services agreement;

 

  (ii) a second Theme Park as part of another Development is under construction substantially in accordance with its agreed construction schedule at the end of the Initial Park Development Period; provided , however, that as long as ZH continues to use its Commercially Reasonable Efforts to carry out the development of such Theme Park in accordance with its agreed development schedule, such date shall be extended by a period not to exceed one (1) year in total (including with respect to any time relief following an Event of FM); and

 

  (iii) ZH is otherwise in material compliance with the terms of the Park Specific Agreements,

ZH shall have the right to develop further Developments or Licensed Parks within a Development in accordance with this Agreement and the Park Specific Agreements; provided , however, that,

 

  (A) nothing in this Agreement shall preclude ZH from developing additional Developments or Licensed Parks within a Development during the Initial Park Development Period; and

 

  (B) SeaWorld is paid fees for any advisory and support services it provides with respect to such Developments or Licensed Parks within a Development pursuant to a Variation or on terms otherwise agreed by the Parties.

 

  (b) If ZH has failed to satisfy any of the requirements set forth in Clause 4.4(a) above, ZH shall no longer have the right to develop further Developments, Licensed Parks within a Development or other projects pursuant to this Agreement and the Park Specific Agreements, provided , that, the expiration of such development rights for future Developments or projects will not affect the license for Developments that are then in operation or have commenced construction substantially in accordance with the agreed construction schedule and the relevant Park Specific Agreements prior to the expiry of the Initial Park Development Period.

[ * * * ] Portions of this agreement were omitted and a complete copy of this agreement has been provided separately to the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.’s application requesting confidential treatment under Exchange Act Rule 24b-2.

 

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  (c) If at any time after the expiration of the Initial Park Development Period (or after completion of construction and opening of any Theme Parks as part of any Developments under construction as of expiration of the Initial Park Development Period, if applicable) less than two (2) Theme Parks remain in operation, the Territory will be reduced to an area consisting of a [ * * * ] mile radius surrounding the applicable Development then in operation, provided , however, that ZH shall be given a reasonable period of time to replace any Development that has been closed.

 

5. ZH OBLIGATIONS – CONCEPT DESIGN PHASE

 

5.1 On or before the commencement of the Concept Design Phase for each Development, ZH shall designate, at its own expense, an experienced design team led by a project manager who shall be in charge of completing the Concept Design. The project team shall be suitably qualified and shall include Project Consultants with direct knowledge and experience in developing and designing facilities similar to the type of the Development under consideration. ZH shall in a timely manner notify SeaWorld of the composition of the project team and provide the opportunity for SeaWorld to review and approve Specialty Consultants in such project team not already identified in this Agreement, the approval of which shall not be unreasonably delayed or withheld. SeaWorld hereby pre-approves Peckham Guyton Albers & Viets, Inc. as a Specialty Consultant.

 

5.2 Prior to the commencement of any site-specific Concept Design, the Parties shall discuss preliminary design, scale and scope and programming concepts. During the Concept Design Phase, ZH shall be responsible for:

 

  (a) procuring the timely and diligent completion of the Concept Design and Development Analysis for the Developments at its sole cost, provided that the Concept Design and Development Analysis for the Developments shall be subject to the approval of SeaWorld in accordance with Clause 8 ( SeaWorld Approvals ); and

 

  (b) such other preliminary planning tasks as may be necessary with respect to the applicable Development, including:

 

  (i) discussions to formalize site acquisition;

 

  (ii) discussions with all Governmental Instrumentalities regarding preliminary Governmental Authorizations applicable to its performance of its obligations under this Agreement, including Governmental Authorizations in relation to the design of the Developments; and

 

  (iii) discussions with potential debt and equity providers of debt and equity financing for the development and construction of the Development; provided , that SeaWorld and ZH mutually draft a form letter that summarizes ZH’s relationship with SeaWorld, which letter ZH shall be approved to present to Governmental Instrumentalities and financing sources.

[ * * * ] Portions of this agreement were omitted and a complete copy of this agreement has been provided separately to the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.’s application requesting confidential treatment under Exchange Act Rule 24b-2.

 

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5.3 ZH shall hire and manage, at its own cost and expense, Project Consultants to complete the Concept Design and Development Analysis. The cost for all such design and development work shall be paid by ZH.

 

5.4 Subject to the applicable license agreement for the applicable Development, the Parties agree that the design of each Licensed Park may incorporate ZH authored and Third Party creative properties, and may include Chinese entertainment or cultural elements, provided that consistency with the SeaWorld branding of the Licensed Parks is maintained.

 

5.5 ZH shall give SeaWorld reasonable access to all parts of the proposed sites of the Developments as reasonably required in order for SeaWorld to perform the Advisory and Support Services and its other obligations under this Agreement, subject to ZH’s safety and security procedures that generally apply to all Persons given access to such sites. SeaWorld acknowledges and agrees that such access shall not be exclusive to SeaWorld and that ZH shall provide such assistance as is reasonably required to coordinate SeaWorld’s access to the proposed sites of the Developments with the applicable contractors, utility providers, or other parties. SeaWorld will reasonably cooperate with ZH so as to allow ZH to manage and coordinate SeaWorld’s access to the proposed site of the Developments so that such access is minimally disruptive to the work being performed by ZH’s contractors, utility providers and other parties. SeaWorld shall provide ZH with reasonable advance written notice of its intent to access parts of the proposed sites for the Developments and its purpose for such access in accordance with this Clause 5.5.

 

5.6 ZH shall, without charge:

 

  (a) provide SeaWorld with access to Project Consultants; provided , that SeaWorld shall (i) reasonably cooperate with ZH so as to allow ZH to manage and coordinate SeaWorld’s access to Project Consultants so that such access is minimally disruptive to the work being performed by such Project Consultants, ZH’s contractors, utility providers and other parties, (ii) provide ZH with reasonable advance written notice of its intent to access Project Consultants in accordance with this Clause 5.6(a), and (iii) provide ZH with a report on any material matters discussed if ZH elects not to participate in such discussions; and

 

  (b) furnish to SeaWorld in a timely manner all such information, data, drawings and documents as are in the possession or control of ZH,

in each case, as SeaWorld may reasonably require in order to enable it to perform the Advisory and Support Services or its other obligations under this Agreement.

 

6. SEAWORLD S OBLIGATIONS – CONCEPT DESIGN PHASE

 

6.1 For the Concept Design, SeaWorld shall perform and complete the advisory and support services set forth below (the “ Advisory and Support Services ”):

 

  (a) at the reasonable request of ZH, provide “blue-sky” master planning advice and support related to a Licensed Park or a Development;

 

  (b) work with the Project Consultants and ZH to complete the Development Analysis and establish the Concept Design by providing advice based on SeaWorld’s existing parks and facilities in the USA;

 

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  (c) review and approve (in accordance with Clause 8 ( SeaWorld Approvals )) all interim and final Project Consultant work directly related to the Development Analysis and Concept Design;

 

  (d) provide access to SeaWorld’s existing facilities and attractions as may be reasonably required for completion of the Concept Design; provided that (i) such access will be subject to SeaWorld’s safety and security procedures that generally apply to all Persons given access to the such facilities and attractions, (ii) SeaWorld acknowledges and agrees that such access shall not be exclusive to ZH and that SeaWorld shall provide such assistance as is reasonably required to coordinate ZH’s access to the facilities and attractions with the applicable contractors or other parties, (iii) ZH will reasonably cooperate with SeaWorld so as to allow SeaWorld to manage and coordinate ZH’s access to the facilities and attractions so that such access is minimally disruptive to the operation of such facilities and attractions, and (iv) ZH shall provide SeaWorld with reasonable advance written notice of its intent to access the facilities and attractions for the Developments and its purpose for such access in accordance with this Clause 6.1(d);

 

  (e) provide design materials and information for pre-existing design and production elements that are to be incorporated into the Concept Design, to the extent such materials and information are necessary for the completion of such design and production elements or to the extent such design and production elements are reasonably applicable, but excluding any construction documents unless otherwise agreed by the Parties;

 

  (f) review and provide input with respect to any preliminary business plan prepared by ZH or its Project Consultants with respect to the Concept Design and the Development Analysis;

 

  (g) provide periodic management updates and public relations support with respect to the Concept Design or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement;

 

  (h) provide pre-existing marketing brochures and other marketing materials, consumer research and brand studies as may be reasonably required for the Development Analysis and Concept Design;

 

  (i) provide such zoological and aquarium expertise as may be reasonably required for the Development Analysis and Concept Design;

 

  (j) provide such brand and style guidelines as may be reasonably required for the Development Analysis and Concept Design;

 

  (k) review and provide input with respect to any preliminary operational and staffing plan prepared by ZH or their Project Consultants with respect to the Developments;

 

  (l) meet with ZH’s financiers and relevant Governmental Instrumentalities with respect to the Concept Design; and

 

  (m) such other services as may from time to time be mutually agreed between ZH and SeaWorld in accordance with Clause 10 ( Variations ),

 

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provided that, during the Initial Exclusivity Period such Advisory and Support Services (other than those set forth in paragraph (a) above) shall be limited to two (2) Licensed Parks.

 

6.2 Subject to Clause 6.3 and Clause 1 ( ZH Obligations – Concept Design Phase ) hereof, in performing the Advisory and Support Services and its other obligations under this Agreement SeaWorld shall:

 

  (a) exercise that degree of knowledge, diligence, skill and care, which would:

 

  (i) reasonably be expected from a skilled and experienced owner of theme parks, Interactive Parks or waterparks (as applicable) engaged in services similar to the Advisory and Support Services for a project of a similar size, scope and complexity to the Project; and

 

  (ii) be consistent with the manner in which SeaWorld would undertake such services for a project of a similar size, scope and complexity to the Project as if the Development were being designed for SeaWorld’s ownership,

provided , however, that SeaWorld’s undertakings are subject to receipt of reasonable and diligent cooperation from ZH and its Project Consultants;

 

  (b) provide all advice, consents, comments, approvals, instructions and certificates required from it under this Agreement in a reasonably timely manner;

 

6.3 Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything else in this Agreement, the Parties recognize that:

 

  (a) the Advisory and Support Services and SeaWorld’s other obligations shall be provided by SeaWorld based on the expertise of its personnel and contractors and SeaWorld’s Know-How related to and experience with owning and operating its parks in the USA. Without prejudice to SeaWorld’s responsibility and liability for performance of the Advisory and Support Services and SeaWorld’s other obligations and without limiting SeaWorld’s indemnification obligations pursuant to Clause 13.2(b)(iv), ZH acknowledges and agrees that SeaWorld nor any of its Affiliates shall, whether by approval, review, participation, selection, establishment of criteria, assistance or other similar action by SeaWorld under this Agreement assume any liability for:

 

  (i) the engineering or design of the Developments; or

 

  (ii) the construction or the structural integrity of the Developments,

in each case to the extent prepared for or performed by ZH, the Project Consultants or other Third Parties; or

 

  (iii) any payments or guaranty to any of the Project Consultants or any Third Parties.

 

7. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR ; SUBCONTRACTORS

 

7.1 SeaWorld will act solely as an independent contractor in performing the Advisory and Support Services and its other obligations under this Agreement, and nothing in this Agreement will at any time be construed as creating the relationship of employer and employee, principal and agent, partners or joint venturers between ZH and SeaWorld, or ZH’s and SeaWorld’s officers, directors, partners, managers, employees or agents.

 

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7.2 Save as expressly provided for in this Agreement, no Party shall have any authority whatsoever to act on the other Party’s behalf or to purport to bind the other Party to Third Parties without first obtaining the prior written consent of the other Party.

 

7.3 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, upon prior written notice to ZH, unless ZH reasonably objects after receiving written notice thereof, SeaWorld may, at SeaWorld’s sole cost, subcontract with Third Parties to provide support for discrete aspects of the Advisory and Support Services required to be performed by it under this Agreement, provided that SeaWorld shall remain responsible for the performance of the Advisory and Support Services in accordance with this Agreement.

 

8. SEAWORLD APPROVALS

SeaWorld shall have the right to approve:

 

  (a) the Development Analysis and Concept Design;

 

  (b) any submissions material to the Project or the Developments to be presented in any manner and in any form to potential debt or equity providers or any Government Instrumentalities; provided , that ZH shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to notify SeaWorld in advance of any discussions with potential debt or equity providers or any Government Instrumentalities or submissions thereto (and if it was not possible for ZH to provide such notification, ZH shall notify SeaWorld of such discussions or submissions as soon as reasonably possible thereafter), shall use pre-approved materials and talking points in any discussions and shall not make any representation, warranty or promise on SeaWorld’s behalf, except as expressly stated in the pre-approved materials and talking points;

 

  (c) any material deviation from the Concept Design as previously approved by SeaWorld to be included in the design, construction, start-up and commission or development of a Development; and

 

  (d) any other matter in this Agreement that is expressed to be subject to SeaWorld’s approval.

 

9. LIAISON

 

9.1 During the Concept Design Phase, the Parties shall liaise regularly and schedule and attend coordination, planning, scheduling, review and status update meetings, whether hosted by ZH, SeaWorld, or any Project Consultant under their direct or indirect control. Commercially Reasonable Efforts by both Parties shall be made to coordinate such meetings and communicate critical milestones in advance so each Party has reasonable opportunity to participate in meetings, review documentation, and provide input and approval so as to not delay the work.

 

9.2 English language shall be used for and in connection with all Project documentation that SeaWorld has the right or obligation to review hereunder, including correspondence, contracts, plans, specifications, standards, and notifications between all Parties, unless required otherwise by law, and in which case an English language translation shall be provided to SeaWorld.

 

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10. VARIATIONS

 

10.1 ZH may at any time, by written notice to SeaWorld, request in any reasonable respect a Variation (a “ ZH Variation Request ”).

 

10.2 SeaWorld will consider each ZH Variation Request and promptly confirm in writing (a “ SeaWorld Variation Confirmation ”):

 

  (a) whether or not it is able to perform the proposed or affected Advisory and Support Services in accordance with the ZH Variation Request;

 

  (b) if it is unable to perform the proposed or affected Advisory and Support Services, how the ZH Variation Request could be amended so that SeaWorld can comply with the ZH Variation Request; and

 

  (c) the anticipated additional cost (the “ Variation Costs ”) and any effect on the program or schedule for the performance of any Variation, if any, which will be incurred by it if ZH decides to proceed with such Variation.

 

10.3 Upon receipt of a SeaWorld Variation Confirmation issued under Clause 10.2 or a SeaWorld Variation Request issued under Clause 10.5, ZH will promptly either:

 

  (a) confirm that the ZH Variation Request or SeaWorld Variation Request (as applicable) is instructed to be performed;

 

  (b) confirm that SeaWorld is not to proceed with the ZH Variation Request or SeaWorld Variation Request (as applicable); or

 

  (c) in the case of a SeaWorld Variation Request, propose amendments to such SeaWorld Variation Request for SeaWorld to consider and, if acceptable to SeaWorld, incorporate in a revised SeaWorld Variation Request.

 

10.4 ZH shall pay to SeaWorld, for the performance of any Variation which is confirmed in accordance with Clause 10.3, the applicable Variation Costs.

 

10.5 SeaWorld may at any time by written notice to ZH inform it of any circumstances that have arisen which may require a Variation and propose a form of variation request (a “ SeaWorld Variation Request ”) for such Variation together with the information required under Clause 10.2(c) which ZH shall consider in good faith and respond to in accordance with Clause 10.3.

 

10.6 Any Variation agreed to in writing by ZH in accordance with Clause 10.3 shall form part of the Advisory and Support Services.

 

11. COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES

 

11.1 Exclusivity Payments

 

  (a) In consideration of SeaWorld agreeing to the exclusivity arrangements set out in Clause 3.1 ( Exclusivity ) until 31 December 2018, ZH shall pay SeaWorld:

 

  (i) for the period from the Effective Date until 31 December 2017, one million US Dollars (US$1,000,000) within thirty (30) Days of the Effective Date; and

 

  (ii) for the period from 1 January 2018 until 31 December 2018, one million five hundred thousand US Dollars (US$1,500,000) on or before 1 January 2018.

 

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  (b) If ZH wishes to exercise its option to extend the exclusivity arrangements set out in Clause 3.1 ( Exclusivity ) until 31 December 2019, in consideration of SeaWorld agreeing to extend the Initial Exclusivity Period until such date, it shall pay SeaWorld one million five hundred thousand US Dollars (US$1,500,000) on or before 31 December 2018 (the “ Exclusivity Extension Fee ”).

 

  (c) If the Parties mutually agree to extend the Initial Exclusivity Period beyond 31 December 2019, the consideration payable to SeaWorld in respect of SeaWorld agreeing to such extended exclusivity period shall be as mutually agreed between the Parties.

 

11.2 Consulting and Design Fees

 

  (a) In consideration of SeaWorld agreeing to provide the Advisory and Support Services during the Initial Exclusivity Period and perform its other obligations under this Agreement, ZH shall pay SeaWorld:

 

  (i) for the period from the Effective Date until 30 June 2017, seven hundred fifty thousand US Dollars (US$750,000) within thirty (30) Days of the Effective Date;

 

  (ii) for the period from 1 July 2017 until 31 December 2017, seven hundred fifty thousand US Dollars (US$750,000) on or before 1 July 2017;

 

  (iii) for the period from 1 January 2018 until 30 June 2018, seven hundred fifty thousand US Dollars (US$750,000) on or before 1 January 2018;

 

  (iv) for the period from 1 July 2018 until 31 December 2018, seven hundred fifty thousand US Dollars (US$750,000) on or before 1 July 2018;

 

  (v) for the period from 1 January 2019 until 30 June 2019, seven hundred fifty thousand US Dollars (US$750,000) on or before 1 January 2019; and

 

  (vi) for the period from 1 July 2019 until 31 December 2019, seven hundred fifty thousand US Dollars (US$750,000) on or before 1 July 2019.

 

  (b) In addition to the fees payable to SeaWorld in consideration for Advisory and Support Services as provided in Clause 11.2(a), for the Initial Exclusivity Period ZH shall pay to SeaWorld a travel stipend (“ Base Travel Stipend ”) of One Hundred Thousand United States Dollars (US$100,000) per year (to be pro-rated for periods less than a full year), payable within thirty (30) Days of the Effective Date for the first year and on or prior to January 31 for each year thereafter for international and domestic travel.

 

  (c) SeaWorld shall otherwise be responsible for all third party costs (other than travel) incurred by SeaWorld in connection with the performance of the Advisory and Support Services.

 

  (d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that SeaWorld is required to undertake more than eight (8) international manned trips per year or extraordinary travel (including, by way of example, multiple trips for the purpose of meeting with Governmental Instrumentalities or financing sources), the Parties agree to discuss in good faith reimbursement of travel expenses above and beyond the Base Travel Stipend.

 

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  (e) All travel by SeaWorld’s personnel covered by the Base Travel Stipend (including for travel over and above that covered by the Base Travel Stipend, if mutually agreed) shall take place in accordance with the following guidelines and principles:

 

  (i) business class airfare for flights longer than six (6) hours;

 

  (ii) accommodation in four (4) star or better hotels; and

 

  (iii) daily living expenses equal to the U.S. Department of State foreign per diem allowance found at https://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem.asp.

 

  (f) Any cost reimbursements (including for travel) to be provided following the Initial Exclusivity Period shall be negotiated by the Parties in good faith together with the negotiation of the scope and remuneration of the Advisory and Support Services to be provided by SeaWorld following the Initial Exclusivity Period.

 

  (g) For the avoidance of doubt, the Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that at all times the Advisory and Support Services are being performed hereunder:

 

  (i) for SeaWorld’s advice and input into the Project based on its know-how and knowledge related to its existing facilities of a similar nature; and

 

  (ii) for the Advisory and Support Services (as described in Clause 6.1 ( SeaWorld s Obligations – Concept Design Phase )) as opposed to itemizable deliverables related to each Advisory and Support Service.

 

  (h) The Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that any payments made to SeaWorld pursuant to this Agreement are in respect of SeaWorld’s time, effort and availability in providing the Advisory and Support Services and are not made on a workmen for hire or similar basis.

 

11.3 Payment Details

 

  (a) All payments made under this Agreement shall be made on the date due if it is a Business Day, and where the date for payment does not fall on a Business Day, it shall be made on the next Business Day following the due date for payment. All payments to SeaWorld shall be wire transferred to SeaWorld as follows:

Account name:             SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment International

Account number:          #############

Bank name:                  Bank of America, N.A.

Bank address:              100 West 33 rd Street, New York, NY 10001

SWIFT code:                BOFAUS3N

 

  (b)

All taxes levied on SeaWorld in connection with this Agreement by any government or taxing authority shall be borne by SeaWorld. If any taxes are required to be withheld or deducted from payments to SeaWorld in accordance with Applicable Laws, ZH shall cooperate with SeaWorld to apply the lowest withholding tax rate for which SeaWorld is eligible under Applicable Laws and/or relevant tax treaty. ZH shall pay any amounts withheld by ZH in connection with this Agreement to the relevant tax authorities in a timely manner, and shall promptly furnish to SeaWorld a copy of an official receipt evidencing the payment in full of the amount so withheld or deducted by ZH. At the

 

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  request of SeaWorld, ZH shall forward to SeaWorld a copy of any correspondence filed with government and taxing authorities directly relating to the reporting and/or payment of withholding taxes due on account of payments made to SeaWorld hereunder. ZH shall provide to SeaWorld such reasonable assistance as SeaWorld may request in connection with any claim by SeaWorld for a credit or refund of such withholding taxes. Each Party agrees to cooperate and work together with the other Party to minimize any taxes that may be payable pursuant to this Agreement, including making efforts to establish the most tax efficient and optimal transaction structures. ZH acknowledges that the terms outlined in this Clause 11.3(b) are specific to this Agreement, and both Parties will negotiate in good faith the appropriate terms related to taxation in the Park Specific Agreement.

 

  (c) In the event that any payment due under this Agreement is not paid within thirty (30) Days after the date due, and without limiting any other remedy of SeaWorld, ZH shall pay SeaWorld interest thereon at a rate equal to the United States prime rate, as reported from time to time in The Wall Street Journal or any successor publication, plus two percent (2%) per annum (or, if less, the maximum permissible by law) and calculated from the date on which such payment was due until the date on which such payment was paid.

 

  (d) ZH undertakes to (i) apply with the relevant authorities for approvals on the relevant payments in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement, (ii) ensure that no delay in payment will occur for reasons attributable to ZH, and (iii) use its best efforts to ensure that payment is made as soon as possible, including promptly signing all documents and taking all actions required by the relevant authorities for approving the relevant payments.

 

12. INSURANCE

 

12.1 Insurance Requirements

 

  (a) ZH, at its sole cost and expense, shall obtain and maintain in effect, or procure the obtaining and maintenance in effect of, at a minimum, general liability insurance with insurers rated A- by A.M. Best Company or Standard & Poor’s or higher and on terms (including limits) no worse than those obtainable in accordance with good industry practice and otherwise as required by Applicable Legal Requirements, provided that any such insurance provided by or on behalf of ZH may be changed at the annual expiry date of such policy.

 

  (b) Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to:

 

  (i) prevent ZH, at its sole cost and expense, from procuring insurance coverage in addition to the coverage required by this Agreement; or

 

  (ii) refer to insurance policies with coverage other than general liability insurance.

 

12.2 Failure to Obtain Insurance

 

  (a) Where, other than due to the act or omission of ZH, any of the insurances required to be effected in accordance with this Clause 12 ( Insurance ) cease to be available on commercially reasonable terms (or at all), within seven (7) Days of becoming aware that such policy will no longer be available on commercially reasonable terms (or at all), ZH shall inform SeaWorld and the Parties shall, in good faith, seek to agree the means by which the relevant risk should be managed (including alternative levels of cover, self-insurance and/or amendment to this Agreement) so as to try and keep the Parties in a position which is to the extent possible, no worse than the Parties were in prior to the relevant insurance ceasing to be available.

 

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  (b) The Parties shall, on a periodic basis and no less frequently than once in every five (5) years meet to discuss whether the terms and coverage of the insurances required to be taken out and maintained pursuant to this Clause 12 ( Insurance ) remain appropriate and agree, in good faith, any amendments required so as to keep the Parties in a position which is no worse than the position that the Parties were in when the insurances were first to be taken out in accordance with this Agreement.

 

12.3 Contractor Policies

For the avoidance of doubt, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Park Specific Agreement, ZH shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to require the Design Firm to name both of the Parties hereto and their relevant Affiliates as additional insureds on the Design Firm’s liability policies.

 

13. INDEMNITIES

 

13.1 Indemnification by ZH

 

  (a) Except to the extent of the negligence or willful misconduct by SeaWorld or a SeaWorld Party, ZH shall defend and indemnify SeaWorld and each SeaWorld Party from and against any and all Loss suffered or incurred by SeaWorld or a SeaWorld Party resulting from or arising out of the death or personal injury to any person in the employment of ZH or any ZH Party or the loss of or damage to any tangible property of ZH or any ZH Party.

 

  (b) Except to the extent of the negligence or willful misconduct by SeaWorld or a SeaWorld Party, ZH shall defend and indemnify SeaWorld and each SeaWorld Party from and against any and all Loss suffered or incurred by SeaWorld or a SeaWorld Party resulting from or arising out of:

 

  (i) any damage to, loss of or loss of use of any Third Party property;

 

  (ii) any personal injury to or death of any Third Party;

 

  (iii) except to the extent that SeaWorld is obligated to indemnify ZH pursuant to Clause 13.2, any claims of Third Parties against SeaWorld or a SeaWorld Party resulting from ZH’s performance of its obligations or exercise of its rights under this Agreement;

 

  (iv) any claims of Third Parties against SeaWorld or a SeaWorld Party that the use of the Project Materials and the Project IP in connection with the Developments and as authorized by ZH infringes, violates or misappropriates any Intellectual Property rights of a Third Party; or

 

  (v) any claims of Third Parties against SeaWorld or a SeaWorld Party relating to ZH’s, a ZH Party’s or Project Consultant’s unauthorized use of the SeaWorld Marks, the SeaWorld IPR or the SeaWorld Know-How, in each case, to the extent caused by ZH or a ZH Party.

 

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13.2 Indemnification by SeaWorld

 

  (a) Except to the extent of the negligence or willful misconduct of ZH or a ZH Party, SeaWorld shall defend and indemnify ZH and each ZH Party from and against any and all Loss suffered or incurred by ZH or a ZH Party resulting from or arising out of the death or personal injury to any person in the employment of SeaWorld or a SeaWorld Party or the loss of or damage to any tangible property of SeaWorld or a SeaWorld Party.

 

  (b) Except to the extent of the negligence or willful misconduct of ZH or a ZH Party, SeaWorld shall defend and indemnify ZH and each ZH Party from and against any and all Loss suffered or incurred by ZH or a ZH Party resulting from or arising out of:

 

  (i) any damage to, loss of or loss of use of any Third Party property; or

 

  (ii) any personal injury to or death of any Third Party;

 

  (iii) except to the extent that ZH is obligated to indemnify SeaWorld pursuant to Clause 13.1 and subject to Clause 6.3(a), any claims of Third Parties against ZH or a ZH Party resulting from SeaWorld’s performance of its obligations or exercise of its rights under this Agreement, including SeaWorld’s provision of the Advisory and Support Services; or

 

  (iv) any claims of Third Parties against ZH or a ZH Party relating to SeaWorld’s or a SeaWorld Party’s unauthorized use of the Project IP or ZH IPR, in each case, to the extent caused by SeaWorld or a SeaWorld Party.

 

  (c) Except to the extent of the negligence or willful misconduct of ZH or a ZH Party or where this indemnity is excluded by clause 15.1(d), SeaWorld shall defend and indemnify ZH and each ZH Party from and against any and all Loss suffered or incurred by ZH or a ZH Party resulting from or arising out of any claims of Third Parties against ZH or a ZH Party that the use of the SeaWorld Marks, the SeaWorld IPR or the SeaWorld Know-How relating to the Developments and as authorized by SeaWorld infringes, violates or misappropriates any Intellectual Property rights of a Third Party.

 

13.3 Indemnification Procedures

A Party who desires to exercise its rights to indemnification under this Agreement (an “ Indemnitee ”) shall promptly notify the other Party who is obligated under this Agreement to provide such indemnification (an “ Indemnitor ”) of any Loss or claim for Loss or other matter for which indemnification is sought and shall deliver to the Indemnitor copies of process and pleadings or other document making a claim, and shall otherwise provide such cooperation as may be reasonably requested by the Indemnitor (however, a failure to provide any such notification or cooperation shall not affect any rights to indemnification except to the extent that the Indemnitor has been prejudiced thereby). Within five (5) Days after receipt of such notice, the Indemnitor shall undertake the defense of each such claim with counsel that has been approved by the Indemnitee, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. If the Indemnitor undertakes the defense of a claim in the manner required by this Clause 13.3, the Indemnitee nonetheless may also, at its own expense, engage separate counsel and participate in the defense of any claim brought against it. If the Indemnitor fails to undertake and sustain the defense of any

 

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claim in the manner required by this Clause 13.3, the Indemnitee may engage separate counsel, pay, settle or otherwise finally resolve such claim for the account and at the risk and expense of the Indemnitor; provided , however, that any payment, settlement or final resolution otherwise received by the Indemnitee shall to the extent so received release the Indemnitor from liability for such claim. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no settlement or consent to any judgment, award or decree may be made that (i) does not unconditionally release the Indemnitee of all liability, or (ii) require the Indemnitee to make an admission of fault, in each case, without the Indemnitor’s prior written consent.

 

13.4 Required Disclosures

The Indemnitor shall keep the Indemnitee informed in reasonable detail of the progress of any claim or other matter for which indemnification is sought. Each Party hereto shall, subject to such confidentiality restrictions or other conditions as may be reasonably imposed, provide to the other Party hereto copies of such documents as are reasonably required to enable the other Party to make a reasonable determination respecting its indemnification rights and obligations hereunder. No proposed settlement agreement or other consensual resolution which could result in any liability or further claim against an Indemnitee shall be agreed to by the Indemnitor without the prior approval of the Indemnitee, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Termination of this Agreement shall not affect the continuing obligations of each of the Parties as Indemnitors hereunder.

 

13.5 Mitigation

The Indemnitee shall:

 

  (a) make all reasonable efforts to prevent and reduce to a minimum and mitigate the effect of any Loss it incurs as a result of a matter giving rise to a claim and nothing in this Clause 13 ( Indemnities ) in any way restricts or minimizes this obligation or the Indemnitee’s general obligation to mitigate a Loss which it may incur as a result of a matter giving rise to a claim; and

 

  (b) not encourage or promote any claim by any Third Party in relation to any event or occurrence.

The provisions of this Clause 13.5 ( Mitigation ) apply to the indemnified Party in respect of every indemnity under this Agreement

 

14. LIABILITY

 

14.1 Total Liability

Subject to Clause 14.3 ( Exceptions ), the total liability of each Party in relation to this Agreement, including as a result of breach of contract howsoever arising, including tort, claims in negligence and statutory duty, is limited to an amount equal to two (2) times the amount received by SeaWorld pursuant to Clauses 11.1 ( Exclusivity Payments ) and 11.2(a) ( Consulting and Design Fees ) of this Agreement.

 

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14.2 Special, Consequential or Punitive Damages

Subject to Clause 14.3 ( Exceptions ), in connection with this Agreement, neither Party shall be liable to the other Party for special, consequential, or punitive damages or indirect costs or expenses or indirect loss of profits.

 

14.3 Exceptions

The limitations on liability in this Clause 14 will not apply to:

 

  (a) any liability for gross negligence, fraud, willful default, fraudulent misrepresentation, or willful misconduct;

 

  (b) amounts required to be paid to Third Parties by the applicable Indemnitor pursuant to Clause 13 ( Indemnities );

 

  (c) death or personal injury caused by the negligence of either Party; or

 

  (d) any other liability for which a Party may not exclude or limit its liability under Applicable Laws.

 

14.4 Mitigation

Nothing in this Clause 14 shall restrict or limit either Party’s general obligation to mitigate a Loss it may suffer or incur as a result of an event that may give rise to a claim under this Agreement.

 

15. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

 

15.1 Ownership of Intellectual Property

 

  (a) Except as expressly set forth herein, nothing in this Agreement shall operate as a transfer of any Intellectual Property belonging to either Party. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, as between SeaWorld and ZH:

 

  (i) all of SeaWorld’s and its Affiliates’ Intellectual Property existing as of the date of signature of this Agreement and any derivatives or improvements, except for the ZH Improvements, of the foregoing or Intellectual Property that is created by SeaWorld or its Affiliates for projects other than the Project, or that is otherwise created by SeaWorld or its Affiliates outside the scope of work contemplated by this Agreement or any Park Specific Agreement during the Term (collectively, “ SeaWorld IPR ”) are exclusively owned by SeaWorld or its Affiliates; and

 

  (ii) all of ZH’s and its Affiliates’ Intellectual Property existing as of the date of signature of this Agreement and any derivatives or improvements of the foregoing or, subject to Clause 15.1(a)(i) above, Intellectual Property that is created by ZH or its Affiliates for projects other than the Project, or that is otherwise created by ZH or its Affiliates outside the scope of work contemplated by this Agreement or any Park Specific Agreement during the Term (collectively, “ ZH IPR ”) are exclusively owned by ZH or its Affiliates,

and under no circumstances shall either ZH acquire or assert any Intellectual Property in the SeaWorld IPR or shall SeaWorld acquire or assert any Intellectual Property in the ZH IPR, except as expressly set out in this Agreement and with respect to ZH Improvements (subject to Clause 15.1(c) below). Except with respect to ZH Improvements (subject to

 

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Clause 15.1(c) below), to the extent that any rights in the SeaWorld IPR vest in ZH, ZH hereby assigns all its right, title and interest in and to all Intellectual Property in the SeaWorld IPR to SeaWorld. To the extent that any rights in the ZH IPR vest in SeaWorld, SeaWorld hereby assigns all its right, title and interest in and to all Intellectual Property in the ZH IPR to ZH. For the avoidance of doubt, the Parties acknowledge and agree that: (A) any Intellectual Property created by SeaWorld or its Affiliates for projects other than the Project, or that is otherwise created by SeaWorld or its Affiliates outside the scope of work contemplated by this Agreement or any Park Specific Agreement, shall be owned solely by SeaWorld or its Affiliates; and (B) subject to Clause 15.1(a)(i) above, any Intellectual Property created by ZH or its Affiliates for projects other than the Project, or otherwise created by ZH or its Affiliates outside the scope of work contemplated by this Agreement or any Park Specific Agreement, shall be owned solely by ZH or its Affiliates.

 

  (b) Except for the SeaWorld IPR and ZH IPR, the Parties acknowledge that all Intellectual Property developed in the Project Materials (as defined below) or created or developed specifically for the Project (collectively the “ Project IP ”), shall be owned by ZH and to the extent that any such rights in the Project IP vest in SeaWorld or its Affiliates, SeaWorld hereby assigns, or shall procure the assignment of, all of right, title and interest in or to the Project IP to ZH. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement:

 

  (i) during the Term, ZH hereby grants to SeaWorld an exclusive, irrevocable, royalty-free, fully paid-up, sublicensable license to use, in connection with Theme Parks, Interactive Parks or Waterparks, outside the Territory:

 

  (A) the Project IP to the extent of ZH and its Affiliates’ ownership thereof (excluding any Chinese entertainment or cultural elements that the Parties agree are intended to be unique to the Territory and, for avoidance of doubt, excluding Intellectual Properties not developed specifically for the Licensed Parks (e.g., a Monkey King themed Attraction)); and

 

  (B) any ZH IPR embedded within such Project IP, upon which such Project IP is based or derived, or without which SeaWorld could not exercise the preceding license to Project IP without infringing the rights of ZH or any Third Party (excluding any Chinese entertainment or cultural elements that the Parties agree are intended to be unique to the Territory and, for avoidance of doubt, excluding Intellectual Properties not developed specifically for the Licensed Parks (e.g., a Monkey King themed Attraction)); and

 

  (ii) following the expiration or termination of this Agreement where such termination is through no fault of SeaWorld, ZH hereby grants to SeaWorld (1) an exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, fully paid-up, sublicensable license to use, in connection with Theme Parks, Interactive Parks or Waterparks, outside the Territory and (2) a nonexclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, fully paid-up, sublicensable license to use in connection with Theme Parks, Interactive Parks or Waterparks, inside the Territory:

 

  (A) the Project IP to the extent of ZH and its Affiliates’ ownership thereof (excluding any Chinese entertainment or cultural elements that the Parties agree are intended to be unique to the Territory and, for avoidance of doubt, excluding Intellectual Properties not developed specifically for the Licensed Parks (e.g., a Monkey King themed Attraction)); and

 

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  (B) any ZH IPR embedded within such Project IP, upon which such Project IP is based or derived, or without which SeaWorld could not exercise the preceding license to Project IP without infringing the rights of ZH or any Third Party (excluding any Chinese entertainment or cultural elements that the Parties agree are intended to be unique to the Territory and, for avoidance of doubt, excluding Intellectual Properties not developed specifically for the Licensed Parks (e.g., a Monkey King themed Attraction)).

ZH shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to procure that in all agreements between ZH and Third Parties involved in the development of the Project IP, ZH or one of its Affiliates shall be designated as the owner of the Project IP and have appropriate rights to grant this license to SeaWorld. SeaWorld acknowledges and agrees that license of the Project IP and ZH IPR in the immediately preceding sentence is on an “as is” basis, without any representation, warranty or covenant, express or implied, by ZH, including with respect to infringement of any Third Party Intellectual Property, and SeaWorld waives any and all claims based upon its exploitation of the Project IP and ZH IPR unless such claims are based upon ZH’s fraud or willful misconduct.

 

  (c) As between the Parties, any and all ZH Improvements shall be owned by ZH and shall be included in the ZH IPR; provided , that under no circumstances shall ZH be entitled to, or be deemed to acquire, any rights in the SeaWorld IPR on which the ZH Improvement is based, from which the ZH Improvement is derived, or without which the ZH Improvement cannot operate, function or be exploited as intended. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, ZH hereby grants to SeaWorld:

 

  (i) an exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, fully paid-up, transferable, sublicensable license to use any ZH Improvements:

 

  (A) outside of the Territory for any use or purpose during the Term or following termination due to SeaWorld’s default; and

 

  (B) anywhere in the world for any use or purpose following expiry or termination through no fault of SeaWorld; and

 

  (ii) a non-exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, fully paid-up, sublicensable license to use any ZH Improvements inside the Territory during the Term in order to provide services and information to ZH, its Affiliates and Project Consultants.

SeaWorld acknowledges and agrees that the license of ZH Improvements in the immediately preceding sentence is on an “as is” basis, without any representation, warranty or covenant, express or implied, by ZH, including with respect to infringement of any Third Party Intellectual Property, and SeaWorld waives any and all claims based upon its exploitation of the ZH Improvements unless such claims are based upon ZH’s fraud or willful misconduct.

 

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  (d) SeaWorld acknowledges that ZH, or its Affiliates, are the owners of the ZH IPR and Project IP and will not directly or indirectly challenge or contest ZH’s, and its Affiliates’, ownership of the Project IP and any ZH IPR licensed to SeaWorld under this Agreement in any jurisdiction. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, following the expiration or termination of this Agreement, where such termination is through no fault of ZH, SeaWorld hereby grants to ZH a non-exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, fully paid-up, non-sublicensable (except as to any ZH Affiliate) license to use any SeaWorld IPR and SeaWorld Know-How embedded within such Project IP, upon which such Project IP is based or derived, or without which ZH could not exercise its rights to Project IP without infringing the rights of SeaWorld or any Third Party. ZH acknowledges and agrees that the license of the SeaWorld IPR and SeaWorld Know-How in the immediately preceding sentence is on an “as is” basis, without any representation, warranty or covenant, express or implied, by SeaWorld, including with respect to infringement of any Third Party Intellectual Property, and ZH waives any and all claims based upon its exploitation of the SeaWorld IPR and SeaWorld Know-How unless such claims are based upon SeaWorld’s fraud or willful misconduct.

 

  (e) ZH shall have the sole and exclusive right to engage in any registration, prosecution, filing or maintenance action (“ Registration Action ”) with respect to any Project IP with any Governmental Instrumentality anywhere in the world; provided , that if ZH elects not to take a Registration Action outside of the Territory with respect to any Project IP (i) SeaWorld may direct ZH to take such Registration Action, so long as SeaWorld reimburses ZH for all costs in relation thereto, or (ii) ZH may elect to allow SeaWorld take such Registration Action on ZH’s behalf, in ZH’s name and at SeaWorld’s sole cost and expense, in which case ZH shall reasonably cooperate with SeaWorld at SeaWorld’s sole cost and expense.

 

15.2 License of SeaWorld Marks

 

  (a) Subject to the restrictions, limitations, reservations, terms, conditions and SeaWorld’s approval rights, each to the extent expressly set forth in this Agreement, and in consideration for the fees payable to SeaWorld under this Agreement, SeaWorld grants to ZH, or procures the grant to ZH of, and ZH hereby accepts for the Term of this Agreement an exclusive (during the Initial Exclusivity Period and subject to Clause 3 ( Exclusivity )), non-transferable (except as expressly provided herein), non-sublicensable (except as expressly provided herein), irrevocable (subject to SeaWorld’s termination and suspension rights hereunder), license in the Territory to use the trademarks set forth on Schedule 2 and any successor trademarks thereto (the “ SeaWorld Marks ”):

 

  (i) in connection with its discussions with relevant governmental authorities on matters relating to this Agreement and the projects contemplated hereby; and

 

  (ii) in connection with its discussions with potential sources of equity and debt financing for the projects contemplated by this Agreement, using a pre-approved script; and

 

  (iii) otherwise as necessary to receive the Advisory and Support Services;

provided , that, for the avoidance of doubt, the exclusive nature of this license grant shall not prevent SeaWorld from using the SeaWorld Marks in the Territory in connection with: (A) the marketing of other SeaWorld Parks located outside the Territory or (B) the cross-marketing of the Licensed Parks with SeaWorld’s other parks located outside the Territory and ZH acknowledges that Schedule 2 hereto contains a summary from SeaWorld of the current status of certain trademark registrations in the Territory by SeaWorld or its Affiliates and potential qualifications on ZH’s use of such trademarks.

 

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  (b) SeaWorld shall register, maintain, prosecute and enforce its rights in the SeaWorld Marks in a manner consistent with how it would register, maintain, prosecute, protect or enforce its rights in the Territory with respect to the SeaWorld Marks as if SeaWorld were developing a wholly-owned theme park or waterpark branded with the SeaWorld Marks in the Territory, but in any event, using no less than all Commercially Reasonable Efforts. SeaWorld shall provide ZH with regular updates on a reasonable basis regarding SeaWorld’s registration and prosecution actions with respect to the SeaWorld Marks within the Territory. ZH agrees to render all reasonable assistance, at SeaWorld’s sole cost and expense, in connection with such prosecution and enforcement. SeaWorld shall retain the sole and exclusive right to register, maintain and prosecute the SeaWorld Marks and associated trademarks in the Territory (and ZH shall agree to exclude any rights it has to register, maintain and prosecute the SeaWorld Marks under Applicable Law), however, subject to SeaWorld’s obligation in the first sentence of this Clause 15.2(b), if SeaWorld elects not to take a registration, maintenance or prosecution action within the Territory with respect to the SeaWorld Marks, ZH may direct SeaWorld to take such action, so long as ZH reimburses SeaWorld for all costs in relation thereto.

 

  (c) If notwithstanding the actions referred to in sub-clause (b) above, the Parties (acting reasonably) agree:

 

  (i) not to proceed with further efforts to register, maintain, prosecute and enforce SeaWorld’s rights in any of the trademarks that comprise the SeaWorld Marks in the Territory; and

 

  (ii) the absence of such rights precludes the use of such trademarks in the Development,

then the Parties shall, unless ZH exercises its rights pursuant to Clause 19.5(c) ( Other Termination Events ), as promptly as possible meet in good faith to agree on a strategy for developing and registering alternative trademarks in the Territory as closely as reasonably possible to such trademarks in order to enable ZH to proceed with the enjoyment of its rights under this Agreement.

 

  (d) ZH shall not authorize the SeaWorld Marks to be used except as expressly authorized pursuant to this Agreement. Except as expressly agreed upon in writing or pursuant to Clause 23.5 ( Assignment ), ZH shall have no right to sell, assign or in any way dispose of or encumber the right or license to use the SeaWorld Marks, or to grant any sublicenses with respect to any right, license or use of the SeaWorld Marks. Any attempt to transfer such rights shall be deemed null and void and shall entitle SeaWorld, in its sole discretion, to seek any and all legal or equitable remedies available to it.

 

  (e) ZH acknowledges that SeaWorld, or its Affiliates, are the owners of the SeaWorld IPR and SeaWorld Brand Marks and will not:

 

  (i) directly or indirectly challenge or contest:

 

  (A) SeaWorld’s, and its Affiliates’, ownership of:

 

  (I) the SeaWorld Brand Marks; and

 

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  (II) SeaWorld IPR related to the subject matter of, and in existence as of the termination or expiration of, this Agreement; or

 

  (B) the validity of any trade mark registration covering the SeaWorld Brand Marks in any jurisdiction;

 

  (ii) unless expressly authorized pursuant to a Park Specific Agreement, apply for registration of a SeaWorld Brand Mark in any country or apply for, or obtain, registration of any trade or service mark or domain name in any country which consists of, or comprises, or is confusingly similar to, a SeaWorld Brand Mark; or

 

  (iii) use any trademark which consists of, or comprises, or is confusingly similar to, a SeaWorld Brand Mark or which it is aware that is the subject of a subsisting US trade mark registration or application owned by SeaWorld or its Affiliates without the express written permission of SeaWorld pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or a Park Specific Agreement.

 

  (f) Prior to any meeting with any Government Instrumentality or the issuance of any press release or public announcement for the purpose of disclosing a Development for the first time, the Parties will coordinate the registration of domain names and social media accounts incorporating the SeaWorld Marks and any other trademarks included in the SeaWorld IPR.

 

15.3 Provision and License of SeaWorld Know-How and other SeaWorld IPR

 

  (a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and in consideration for the fees payable to SeaWorld under this Agreement:

 

  (i) SeaWorld shall make available to ZH Know-How owned by SeaWorld and its Affiliates that is relevant to the Project (“ SeaWorld Know-How ”) and other SeaWorld IPR, acting in accordance with that degree of knowledge, diligence, skill and care which would:

 

  (A) reasonably be expected from a skilled and experienced owner of theme parks, waterparks or Interactive Parks, as applicable, engaged in services similar to the services to be provided under the Agreements for a project of a similar size, scope and complexity to the Project; and

 

  (B) be consistent with the manner in which SeaWorld would undertake such services for a project of a similar size, scope and complexity to the Project, as if such Developments were being developed for SeaWorld’s ownership; and

 

  (ii) ZH, its Affiliates and Project Consultants may make use of the SeaWorld Know-How solely to prepare materials in relation to the Project, including the Concept Design and Development Analysis (the “ Project Materials ”).

 

  (b) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and in consideration for the fees payable to SeaWorld under this Agreement, SeaWorld hereby grants to ZH:

 

  (i) subject to Clause 15.3(c) below, an exclusive (during the Initial Exclusivity Period and subject to Clause 3), irrevocable (subject to SeaWorld’s termination and suspension rights hereunder) non-transferable (except as expressly set forth herein), and non-sublicensable (except as otherwise provided for in paragraph (ii)) license in the Territory; and

 

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  (ii) the right to sublicense the rights granted in Clause 15.3(b) to its Affiliates and Project Consultants to the extent necessary to enable such Affiliates and Product Consultants to provide goods and services back to ZH solely for the purpose of enabling the ZH to exercise its rights in Clause 15.3(b),

to copy, adapt, translate, modify, enhance, maintain, further develop, prepare derivative works or otherwise alter, use and exploit the SeaWorld Know-How, and any other SeaWorld IPR, solely for the purposes of creating the Project Materials and as necessary for receiving the Advisory and Support Services.

 

  (c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Clause 15.3, as an exception to the exclusivity of the foregoing license, SeaWorld shall be permitted to share SeaWorld Know-How in the Territory with Third Parties, to the extent such Know-How relates to animal health, safety or care or guest health or safety; provided , further , that (x) SeaWorld shall not operate or promote such sharing of Know-How as a for-profit business in the Territory, and (y) SeaWorld shall keep ZH reasonably informed of such activities.

 

  (d) Neither SeaWorld nor any of its Affiliates has granted any license to any other Person to use the SeaWorld IPR, SeaWorld Marks or SeaWorld Know-How for the development of theme parks, Interactive Parks or water parks in the Territory (other than joint marketing arrangements or agreements for the provision of know-how or as described in Clause 15.3(c) above), and except as disclosed on Schedule 2 none of SeaWorld or its Affiliates has exercised any right or taken any other action which could reasonably be expected to derogate, impair, compete or conflict with the rights granted to ZH hereunder in any material respect.

 

15.4 Miscellaneous

 

  (a) Each Party will ensure that their agreements with their employees, consultants and contractors contain appropriate assignments and licenses of Intellectual Property to give full effect to this Clause 15 and shall promptly procure, execute and deliver, at its own expense, such documents and perform such acts as may be required for the purpose of giving full effect to this Clause 15.

 

  (b) The Parties agree that the Know-How shared from SeaWorld to ZH, and the Know-How developed as Project IP shall each be subject to the provisions of Clause 23.10 ( Confidentiality ).

 

16. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

16.1 Each Party hereby represents and warrants to the other that, as of both the date of signature of this Agreement (but excluding any corporate approvals referred to in Clause 2 ( Effective Date )) and the Effective Date, the execution, delivery and performance by it of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and this Agreement constitutes and, upon execution and delivery thereof, will constitute, the valid, binding and enforceable obligation of such Party, except as the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, other similar laws now or hereafter in effect relating to or affecting creditor’s rights or the relief of debtors generally and by general principles of equity and public policy and the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought, whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding in law or equity.

 

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16.2 Each Party hereby represents and warrants to the other that, as of both the date of signature of this Agreement and the Effective Date, except as disclosed on Schedule 2, there is no pending or, to the best of their knowledge after making due inquiries, threatened, action, suit, investigation, arbitration or other proceeding that would impair the ability of either Party or their respective Affiliates to perform their obligations under this Agreement.

 

16.3 Schedule 2 (as may be updated by mutual agreement from time to time after the Effective Date) sets forth a true and correct list of certain trademarks related to the “SeaWorld” name that have been registered or applied for by SeaWorld and its Affiliates in the Territory as of the date of signature of this Agreement and, to the extent any change has occurred to such Schedule 2, as of the Effective Date.

 

17. FORCE MAJEURE

 

17.1 Notice of an Event of FM

If any Party hereto is affected by an Event of FM, it shall give written notice as soon as reasonably practicable after becoming aware thereof to the other Party. The affected Party shall likewise immediately notify the other Party in writing and, in any event, within seven (7) Business Days, when the Event of FM has ceased.

 

17.2 Consequences of an Event of FM

 

  (a) If an Event of FM shall prevent the total or partial performance of any of the obligations of either Party under this Agreement, then the Party claiming the Event of FM shall be excused from whatever performance is prevented thereby to the extent so affected and the other Party shall not be entitled to terminate this Agreement except as otherwise provided herein. Notwithstanding the Event of FM, the Party claiming the Event of FM shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to continue to perform its obligations under this Agreement and to minimize any adverse effects of such Event of FM.

 

  (b) Paragraph (a) above shall not, however, excuse or release

 

  (i) the Party claiming the Event of FM from obligations due or performable, or compliance required, under this Agreement prior to the above-mentioned failures or delays in performance due to the occurrence of the Event of FM or obligations not affected by the Event of FM; or

 

  (ii) either Party from any payment obligation that has become due and payable in accordance with this Agreement, unless the Event of FM suspends or prevents all practical means of payment, in which case the paying Party shall deposit any such blocked funds to the credit of the other Party in a bank or banks or other depository within the PRC as may be designated in writing by the other Party, or pay them promptly to such Persons or entities as the other Party may designate in writing (provided such payment is not also restricted).

 

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  (c) Unless this Agreement shall have been terminated pursuant to Clause 19.4 ( Termination following a Prolonged Event of FM ), a Party excused from performance by the occurrence of an Event of FM shall continue its performance under this Agreement when the effects of the Event of FM are removed.

 

18. [NOT USED]

 

19. TERM, SUSPENSION AND TERMINATION

 

19.1 Term of Agreement

The term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall remain in full force and effect:

 

  (a) until the expiry of the Initial Exclusivity Period (as it may be extended as mutually agreed to by both Parties); or

 

  (b) to the extent the Parties agree to enter into Park Specific Agreements, the date upon which the last Park Specific Agreement expires or terminates,

in each case, unless terminated earlier in accordance with the provisions of Clause 19 (the “ Term ”).

 

19.2 Suspension

Without prejudice to SeaWorld’s rights under Clause 19.3 ( Termination following an Event of Termination ), in the event that ZH fails to pay SeaWorld any amount due and payable to SeaWorld pursuant to this Agreement within thirty (30) Days of the Day on which such amount should be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, SeaWorld shall have the right, upon written notice to ZH, to suspend the performance of the Advisory and Support Services under this Agreement until such amount has been paid to SeaWorld.

 

19.3 Termination following an Event of Termination

 

  (a) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination stated under paragraphs (a)(i) or (b)(ii) of the definition of Event of Termination, the non-defaulting Party may give a default notice to the other Party specifying in reasonable detail the Event of Termination and requiring the defaulting Party to remedy the Event of Termination referred to in such default notice within ninety (90) Days of such notice (or such longer period as may be agreed by the non-defaulting Party in its absolute discretion). If the defaulting Party has failed to cure the Event of Termination to the satisfaction of the non-defaulting Party by the end of such ninety (90) Day period (or such longer period as may have been agreed by the non-defaulting Party in its absolute discretion), the non-defaulting Party shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement forthwith on written notice with effect from such date as specified in the notice.

 

  (b) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination stated under paragraphs (a), (a)(iii), (a)(iv), (a)(v) or (b)(vi) of the definition of Event of Termination, the Party that did not experience the Event of Termination shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement upon notice and with immediate effect.

 

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19.4 Termination following a Prolonged Event of FM

 

  (a) Subject to paragraph (b) below, either Party may terminate this Agreement if an Event of FM prevents it or the other Party from performing its obligations for an aggregate period of one (1) year.

 

  (b) The period provided for in paragraph (a) above shall be reduced to one hundred and twenty (120) Days if the Party seeking to terminate the Agreement can demonstrate that there is no reasonable prospect of the relevant Event of FM being cured.

 

  (c) If a Party has the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to paragraph (a) above (subject to paragraph (b) above), it may give notice (the “ FM Termination Notice ”) to the other Party, specifying in reasonable detail the Event of FM giving rise to the FM Termination Notice and the date on which the Party giving the FM Termination Notice proposes to terminate this Agreement, which date shall be fourteen (14) Days after the date of such FM Termination Notice. Upon the occurrence of the termination date set out in the FM Termination Notice, this Agreement shall, subject to Clause 1.1 ( Termination for Convenience ), terminate unless the Parties have agreed to extend such date.

 

19.5 Other Termination Events

 

  (a) If the Parties have not entered into the Park Specific Agreements for the first Development by the end of the Initial Exclusivity Period, either Party may terminate this Agreement upon ninety (90) Days’ written notice; provided , however, the period to enter into the Park Specific Agreements for the first Development may be extended by consent of both Parties. For the purposes of this Clause 19.5(a), Park Specific Agreements shall mean the following agreements, or their functional equivalents: the design and construction advisory agreement, the license agreement, the operations agreement and the animal loan and services agreement.

 

  (b) If the Effective Date has not occurred by March 31, 2017, either Party may terminate this Agreement immediately upon written notice. For the avoidance of doubt, following such termination none of the rights and obligations of the Parties under this Agreement shall survive such termination and neither Party shall be liable to the other Party for any Loss in any respect whatsoever.

 

  (c) ZH may terminate this Agreement at any time between [ * * * ], at ZH’s option, by giving at least thirty (30) Days’ advance written notice in the event that ZH determines, acting reasonably, that SeaWorld will be unable to obtain trademark registration in China in class 41 for the mark “SEA WORLD,” unless SeaWorld is diligently pursuing the registration of such trademarks and can demonstrate a reasonable likelihood of success.

 

  (d) The Parties acknowledge that termination by either Party pursuant to this Clause 19.5 shall not be interpreted or construed as termination due to the other Party’s fault.

 

19.6 Termination for Convenience

ZH may terminate this Agreement at any time on or prior to 31 December, 2019, at ZH’s option and for any reason, by giving at least six (6) months’ advance notice of termination to SeaWorld specifying an effective date of termination that is no later than 31 December, 2019.

 

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19.7 Consequences of Early Termination

Subject to Clauses 19.8 ( Payments on Termination ) and 19.9 ( Return of the Parties IPR ), in the case of termination of the Agreement prior to expiry of the Term both Parties shall immediately cease all further performance of their respective obligations to be performed under this Agreement.

 

19.8 Payments on Termination

 

  (a) If at any time this Agreement is terminated:

 

  (i) by:

 

  (A) ZH pursuant to Clause 19.3 ( Termination following an Event of Termination );

 

  (B) SeaWorld pursuant to Clause 19.3 ( Termination following an Event of Termination ) following the occurrence of an Event of Termination stated under paragraphs (b)(iv) to b(vi) of the definition of Event of Termination; or

 

  (C) either Party pursuant to Clauses 19.4 ( Termination following a Prolonged Event of FM ) or 19.5 ( Other Termination Events ),

ZH shall pay SeaWorld an amount equal to SeaWorld’s due and unpaid fees and costs incurred with respect to this Agreement at the date of termination; and

 

  (ii) by:

 

  (A) ZH pursuant to Clause 1.1 ( Termination for Convenience ); or

 

  (B) by SeaWorld pursuant to Clause 19.3 ( Termination following an Event of Termination ) following the occurrence of an Event of Termination stated under paragraphs (a), (b)(i), (b)(ii) or (b)(iii) of the definition of Event of Termination,

ZH shall pay SeaWorld an amount equal to SeaWorld’s due and unpaid fees and costs incurred with respect to this Agreement at the date of termination, plus (A) if the Agreement is terminated on or prior to 31 December 2018, all fees that would have been due and payable to SeaWorld pursuant to Clauses 11.1 ( Exclusivity Payments ) and 11.2 ( Consulting and Design Fees ) as of 31 December 2018 had the Agreement not been terminated early, or (B) if the Agreement is terminated at any time after 31 December 2018, all fees that would have been due and payable to SeaWorld pursuant to Clauses 11.1 ( Exclusivity Payments ) and 11.2 ( Consulting and Design Fees ) as of 31 December 2019 had the Agreement not been terminated early.

 

  (b) Any amounts payable under Clause 19.8(a) above shall be payable by the date falling (30) Days after the date upon which the Party responsible for paying the applicable termination payment has received an invoice from the other Party setting out the termination payment that is due and payable.

 

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  (c) For the avoidance of doubt:

 

  (i) termination of this Agreement shall be without prejudice to each Party’s entitlements to payments under this Agreement which:

 

  (A) become due and payable; or

 

  (B) otherwise accrue for obligations performed in accordance with this Agreement, prior to the termination of this Agreement, and

 

  (ii) the payment of any termination payments in accordance with this Clause 19.8 shall be without prejudice to a Party’s rights under Clauses 13 ( Indemnities ) and 14 ( Liability ).

 

19.9 Return of the Parties IPR

 

  (a) Upon termination or expiration of this Agreement:

 

  (i) both Parties may continue to use the Project IP (including Intellectual Property, Know-How, Confidential Information and ZH Improvements embedded in the Project IP) pursuant to the licenses granted to each Party in Clauses 15.1(b) and 15.1(d) and SeaWorld may continue to use the ZH Improvements pursuant to the license granted to SeaWorld in Clause 15.1(c);

 

  (ii) subject to the license granted to ZH with respect to Project IP (including embedded SeaWorld IPR, SeaWorld Know-How, SeaWorld Confidential Information and ZH Improvements embedded in the Project IP) in Clause 15.1(d), ZH shall cease all use or exploitation of all other SeaWorld IPR, SeaWorld Know-How and SeaWorld Confidential Information provided to ZH under this Agreement; and

 

  (iii) subject the license granted to SeaWorld with respect to Project IP (including embedded ZH IPR, ZH Know-How, ZH Confidential Information and ZH Improvements embedded in the Project IP) in Clause 15.1(b) and with respect to ZH Improvements in Clause 15.1(c), SeaWorld shall cease all use or exploitation of all other ZH IPR, ZH Confidential Information and any Chinese entertainment or cultural elements that the Parties agree are intended to be unique to the Territory and Intellectual Properties not developed specifically for the Licensed Parks (e.g., a Monkey King themed Attraction); and

 

  (iv) each Party may require the other Party to destroy (to such Party’s satisfaction), or permit such Party and its representatives to enter the other Party’s facilities to destroy or to remove, Intellectual Property and Confidential Information (subject to any continuing rights of the other Party) that may not be used or exploited following termination or expiration of this Agreement pursuant to Clauses 19.9(a)(ii) and 19.9(a)(iii).

 

  (b)

The Parties shall have a right to engage an independent third party audit firm to conduct an audit of the other Party, its Affiliates and, in the case of ZH, to the extent commercially reasonable, the Project Consultants’ premises, archival facilities and systems and IT systems (including servers, storage media, end-user devices, third-party cloud storage solutions and the personal electronic devices and storage media of the employees or individual contractors of the other Party, its Affiliates and, in the case of ZH, the Project Consultants), during normal business hours and in a manner that is

 

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  minimally disruptive to the other Party, its Affiliates or the Project Consultants’, as applicable, business operations, at any time in the two (2) years following expiry or termination of this Agreement (but no more than once per year and upon at least fifteen (15) Days’ prior written notice) to confirm the other Party’s compliance with this Clause 19.9 and in the event that such audit uncovers any material non-compliance with this Clause 19.9, the other Party shall reimburse the auditing Party all costs incurred in conducting such audit. All persons conducting such audits shall comply with the other Party’s confidentiality and security policies and shall agree in writing to confidentiality restrictions no less restrictive than those set forth herein.

 

20. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong.

 

21. RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES

 

21.1 Amicable Settlement

In the event of a dispute, controversy or claim arising out of, relating to or having any connection with this Agreement, including a dispute relating to its existence, breach, performance, termination, validity, interpretation or the consequences of its nullity and any dispute relating to any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it (a “ Dispute ”), either Party may give a written notice to the other Party that a Dispute has arisen (a “ Dispute Notice ”). The Parties shall have thirty (30) Days from the date of receipt of the Dispute Notice to settle the Dispute amicably. In this connection, the ZH Representative and the SeaWorld Representative and any other of the Parties’ respective duly authorized representatives shall attempt to meet in person or by way of teleconference for the purpose of discussing the Dispute and any potential settlement. The Parties agree that the ZH Representative and the SeaWorld Representative may, when mutually agreed by the Parties, establish working group(s) comprising of their duly authorized representatives to assist in any settlement of the Dispute. Any such settlement shall take effect only if reduced to writing and signed on behalf of the Parties.

 

21.2 Arbitration

 

  (a) Any Dispute which has not been resolved pursuant to Clause 21.1 ( Amicable Settlement ) shall be finally resolved in accordance with paragraph (b) below; provided , however, that the rights granted and obligations incurred by the Parties herein are unique in character and value such that the loss thereof could not be reasonably compensable in damages in an action at law. Accordingly, if either Party breaches or threatens to breach any of its material obligations under this Agreement, the other Party shall be entitled to all available equitable relief, including but not limited to injunctive relief or specific performance, in addition to any other remedies available at law.

 

  (b) Any Dispute shall be finally resolved solely and exclusively by arbitration in accordance with the following:

 

  (i) Arbitration

Unless otherwise resolved in accordance with Clauses 21.1 ( Amicable Settlement ), all Disputes, including the arbitrability of any Dispute, shall be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration under the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre Rules (the “ Rules ”), which Rules are deemed to be incorporated by reference into this paragraph (b). Capitalized terms used in this Clause which are not otherwise defined in this Agreement have the meaning given to them in the Rules.

 

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The arbitral tribunal shall consist of three (3) arbitrators. Each Party shall nominate one (1) arbitrator. The Party-nominated arbitrators shall have thirty (30) Days from the confirmation of the appointment of the second arbitrator to nominate the president of the tribunal (the President ”). Failing agreement on the nomination for President, the court will select and appoint the President. The President shall not be a citizen of either the USA or a country within the Territory. In the event of a conflict between the Rules and the provisions of this paragraph (b), the provisions of this paragraph (b) shall govern. The language to be used in the arbitral proceedings shall be English. The seat, or legal place, of arbitration shall be Hong Kong.

 

  (ii) Confidentiality

The Parties undertake to keep confidential all awards in any arbitration, together with all materials in the proceedings created for the purpose of the arbitration and all other documents produced by a Party in the proceedings not otherwise in the public domain, except and to the extent that disclosure may be required of a Party by legal duty, to protect or pursue a legal right or to enforce or challenge an award in bona fide legal proceedings before any competent court having jurisdiction thereof.

 

  (iii) Enforceability

Subject to Clause 21.1 ( Amicable Settlement ) and the rights of the Parties to seek interim equitable relief as provided in this Agreement, each Party acknowledges and agrees that arbitration pursuant to this Clause 21.2 shall be the sole and exclusive binding procedure for resolving any Dispute arising out of or in connection with the Agreement, and that any award rendered by the arbitral tribunal shall be final and binding upon the Parties. The prevailing Party in any action instituted under this Agreement will be entitled to recover all costs, expenses and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred in such action. Judgment upon the award may be entered, and application for judicial confirmation or enforcement of the award may be made, in any competent court having jurisdiction thereof, and the Parties hereto submit to the jurisdiction of such court for purposes of enforcement of any award rendered hereunder.

 

  (iv) Consolidation

 

  (A) Each Party agrees that:

 

  (I) for the purposes of the Rules, the arbitration agreement set out in this Clause 21 and the arbitration agreement contained in each other Park Specific Agreement shall together be deemed to be an arbitration agreement that binds each party to this Agreement and to each other Park Specific Agreement; and

 

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  (II) in accordance with the Rules, Disputes in arbitration under this Agreement may be resolved in a single arbitration together with Disputes (as defined in any Park Specific Agreement) in arbitration arising out of such other Park Specific Agreement.

 

  (B) Pursuant to the Rules, the Parties agree to consolidation of any two (2) or more arbitrations commenced pursuant to this Clause 21 and/or the arbitration agreement contained in any Park Specific Agreement into a single arbitration as provided for in the Rules.

 

  (v) Each Party waives any objection, on the basis that a Dispute in arbitration has been resolved in a manner contemplated at paragraphs (A) or (B) above, to the validity and/or enforcement of any arbitral award by an arbitral tribunal following such Dispute being resolved in that manner.

 

  (vi) Governing Law

This Clause 21.2 ( Arbitration ) shall be governed by the laws of Hong Kong.

 

21.3 Continued Performance

Without prejudice to SeaWorld’s rights under Clause 19.2 ( Suspension ), in the event of any Dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, the Parties shall continue to perform their respective obligations under this Agreement during any negotiations, or arbitration proceedings or any other discussions between the Parties relating to a Dispute in accordance with this Clause 21 ( Resolution of Disputes ).

 

21.4 Survival

This Clause 21 ( Resolution of Disputes ) shall survive termination or expiration of this Agreement.

 

22. NOTICES

Any notice to be given hereunder by either Party shall be in writing and served either personally, by prepaid courier or by email transmission to the respective addresses set forth below, or to such other addresses of either Party which such Party may from time to time designate in writing to the other Party. Such notice shall be deemed given and effective upon actual receipt, provided that if a notice is received on a Day which is not a Business Day, or after 17:00:00 (local time) on any Business Day, it shall be deemed to be received on the next following Business Day.

 

  If to SeaWorld: SEA Holdings I, LLC
       9205 South Park Center Loop, Suite 400
       Orlando, Florida 32819, USA
       Attention: Matt Rearden
       Email: ########

 

  With a copy to: SEA Holdings I, LLC
       9205 South Park Center Loop, Suite 400
       Orlando, Florida 32819, USA
       Attention: General Counsel
       Email: ########
       Telephone: + ########

 

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  If to ZH: Zhonghong Americas LLC
       23901 Calabasas Road, Suite 1068
       Calabasas, CA 91302
       Attention: Yoshikazu Maruyama, President
       E-mail: ############

 

  With a copy to: Zhonghong Holding Co., Ltd.
       No 8. Building, Dongqv International,
       Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
       Attention: Yu Ting
       Telephone: ############
       Fax: ############
       E-mail: ############

 

23. MISCELLANEOUS

 

23.1 Entire Agreement

This Agreement contains the entire agreement among the Parties in relation to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any previous understanding, commitment or agreement, oral or written. It supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications, representations or agreements, whether oral or written, relating to the rights and obligations set forth in this Agreement.

 

23.2 Waivers

No waiver or failure to insist upon strict compliance with any obligations, covenant, agreement or condition of this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of, or an estoppel with respect to, any subsequent or other failure.

 

23.3 Modification

No modification or amendment to this Agreement may be made other than through a written instrument signed by both Parties.

 

23.4 No Third Party Beneficiary

Unless expressly provided to the contrary in this Agreement, a person who is not a Party has no right to enforce or to enjoy the benefit of any term of this Agreement.

 

23.5 Assignment

 

  (a) Other than sublicenses as contemplated herein, ZH may not assign any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement (whether by operation of law or otherwise), or encumber or otherwise dispose of or transfer all or any part of this Agreement, except: (i) in connection with a sale (including by way of merger, operation of law or otherwise) of all or substantially all of the assets and businesses of ZH; (ii) to its lenders as part of the overall credit facility for the ZH group of companies; (iii) in connection with a sale (including by way of merger, operation of law or otherwise) of all or substantially all of ZH’s assets and business related to the Developments or the assets or business of one or more individual Developments, provided , that ZH retains more than a fifty percent (50%) equity interest in and Control of the entity that will own the assets and business related to the Developments; (iv) to financing parties in connection with any financing for the design, development, construction or operation of any of the Developments; or (v) otherwise with the prior written consent of SeaWorld.

 

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  (b) SeaWorld may not assign any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement (whether by operation of law or otherwise), or encumber or otherwise dispose of or transfer all or any part of this Agreement, except: (i) in connection with a sale (including by way of merger, operation of law or otherwise) of all or substantially all of the assets and businesses of SeaWorld; (ii) to its lenders as part of the overall credit facility for the SeaWorld group of companies; or (iii) otherwise with the prior written consent of ZH.

 

  (c) Notwithstanding Clauses 23.5(a) and 23.5(b) above, either Party may assign this Agreement or any of its rights and obligations hereunder, in whole or in part, to any Affiliate of such Party, provided that such Affiliate has the capacity and resources reasonably necessary to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement.

 

  (d) Nothing in this Agreement is intended to restrict any acquisition of equity interests of either Party (including any change in equity ownership that may result in a change of Control of such Party) or any acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets and businesses of either Party or its Affiliates by a Third Party; provided , however, that where:

 

  (i) SeaWorld is Controlled by a SEA Restricted Third Party or a SEA Restricted Third Party acquires all or substantially all of the assets of SeaWorld, ZH shall have the right to terminate the Agreement pursuant to Clause 19.3 ( Termination following an Event of Termination ); and

 

  (ii) ZH is Controlled by a ZH Restricted Third Party or a ZH Restricted Third Party acquires all or substantially all of the assets of ZH, SeaWorld shall have the right to terminate the Agreement pursuant to Clause 19.3 ( Termination following an Event of Termination );

 

  (e) For avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Agreement is intended to prevent or restrict ZH or any Affiliate of ZH from effectuating a public offering pursuant from effecting a public offering or its shares or other securities under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any similar successor statute and the rules and regulations thereunder or any similar law in the Territory or any other jurisdiction or from consummating a reorganization in connection with a securitization or structured financing, so long as ZH retains at least a twenty five percent (25)% equity interest in and Control of the entity that will own the assets and business related to the Developments.

 

  (f) Any attempted assignment, sublicense, encumbrance or other disposal or transfer by a party in contravention of the requirements of this Clause 23.5 shall be void and shall constitute a material default and breach of this Agreement by the assigning Party.

 

23.6 Severability

If any provision of this Agreement or its application is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of all other applications of that provision, and of all provisions and applications hereof, will not be affected or impaired. If any arbitration panel or court shall determine that any provision of this Agreement is in any way unenforceable, that provision shall be reinterpreted to the extent necessary to make the provision enforceable.

 

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23.7 Further Assurances

Each Party agrees that it will, at any time, and from time to time, do and perform such other acts and execute, acknowledge and deliver all such further agreements, documents, and instruments as may be reasonably required by the other Party in order to carry out fully and effectuate the transactions herein contemplated in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

 

23.8 Counterparts

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the Parties on separate counterparts, and each counterpart when executed and delivered (in person, by electronic mail or otherwise) shall constitute an original of this Agreement, but which together constitute one and the same agreement.    

 

23.9 No Raiding

It is expressly agreed and understood that, absent the prior written approval of the other Party, neither Party will employ or attempt to employ employees of the other Party, either as an employee or as a contractor, during the Term of this Agreement and for a period of six (6) years thereafter, unless otherwise expressly agreed upon in writing by the Parties. For purposes of this Clause 23.9, an employee is any person who was an employee of the other party at any time during the six (6) months preceding such solicitation.

 

23.10 Confidentiality

 

  (a) Confidential Information

The term “ Confidential Information ” means any trade secrets, Know-How or other confidential or proprietary information that is disclosed by the Disclosing Party to the Receiving Party under this Agreement, and that is either: (i) conspicuously marked or otherwise identified as confidential or proprietary at the time of disclosure; or (ii) should reasonably be understood by the receiving party to be confidential based upon the nature of the information disclosed or the circumstances of the disclosure, whether tangible or intangible, and in whatever form or medium provided , including, without limitation, all information generated by the Receiving Party that contains, reflects or is derived from the furnished information; provided that Confidential Information shall not include any information which:

 

  (i) is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by the Receiving Party or its Permitted Recipients, as defined below, in breach of the terms hereof;

 

  (ii) becomes available to the Receiving Party on a non-confidential basis from a source (other than the Disclosing Party, its agents, representatives, consultants or employees) not known by the Receiving Party to be under a duty of confidentiality to the Disclosing Party; or

 

  (iii) is already known to the Receiving Party at the time of disclosure.

 

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The Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information is and shall at all times remain the property of the Disclosing Party. No use of such Confidential Information is permitted except as otherwise expressly provided herein. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement or a Park Specific Agreement, the Disclosing Party grants to the Receiving Party no ownership, license or other right, title, or interest in, to, or under any Intellectual Property, trade secret, or other rights of the Disclosing Party. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Disclosing Party represents and warrants that it may rightfully disclose or make available the Confidential Information to the Receiving Party without the violation of any contractual, fiduciary, or other obligation to any person, and the Disclosing Party agrees to indemnify in full the Receiving Party and the Permitted Recipients against any and all Loss incurred by the Receiving Party or by any such person in connection with the untruth of such representation or the Disclosing Party’s breach of such warranty.

The term “ Disclosing Party ” shall mean the Party disclosing Confidential Information to the other Party, also known as the Receiving Party, defined below.

The term “ Receiving Party ” shall mean the Party receiving Confidential Information from the Disclosing Party.

 

  (b) Strict Confidence

In consideration of the Disclosing Party’s disclosure to the Receiving Party of the Confidential Information, the Receiving Party shall retain in strict confidence, and not disclose in any manner whatsoever, in whole or in part, to any person other than the Permitted Recipients or use for any purpose other than as contemplated by this Agreement, any Confidential Information by taking all reasonable measures to avoid disclosure, dissemination or unauthorized use of the Confidential Information, including, at a minimum, those measures that it takes to protect its own confidential information (provided that such measures are consistent with at least a reasonable degree of care) and shall not, without the prior written consent of the Disclosing Party, use or disclose the Confidential Information or any part thereof except as contemplated by this Agreement. Each Party hereby confirms that it is aware and that its Permitted Recipients have been or will be advised that applicable securities laws prohibit any person who has material non-public information about SeaWorld from purchasing or selling securities of SeaWorld on the basis of such information or from communicating such information to any other person under circumstances in which it is reasonably foreseeable that such person may purchase or sell such securities. Each Party hereby confirms that it will take any action necessary or appropriate to prevent the use by the Receiving Party and its Permitted Recipients of any information in a way which might violate any securities law.

 

  (c) Permitted Recipients

The Receiving Party may disclose the Confidential Information to its direct and indirect parents, subsidiaries and Affiliates and its and their respective directors, officers, employees, consultants and professional advisors and potential investors (provided that the Receiving Party shall not disclose the fees under this Agreement, the License Fee and the Animal Loan and Services Fee set forth in Scheduled 1 hereto without Disclosing Party’s prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) (collectively, the “ Permitted Recipients ”) who need to know the Confidential Information for the purposes of this Agreement or to perform their duties on behalf of a Party pertaining to the Project and provided that such Permitted Recipients are legally obligated to the Receiving Party:

 

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  (i) to hold such information in confidence; and

 

  (ii) to use such information only for the purposes expressed herein.

The Receiving Party shall be liable to the Disclosing Party if any of the Receiving Party’s Permitted Recipients breach any of the foregoing obligations, whether or not, at the time of such breach, the individual is employed by the Receiving Party, and the Receiving Party hereby agrees to indemnify in full the Disclosing Party against any and all Losses incurred by the Disclosing Party as a result of any Permitted Recipient breaching this warranty. The Receiving Party agrees, at its sole expense, to take all reasonable measures to prohibit any unauthorized disclosure or use of the Confidential Information.

 

  (d) Required Disclosures

Nothing in this Agreement shall obligate either Party to refrain from disclosure of Confidential Information to the extent such disclosure is required by law, regulation, judicial process or the rules of any securities exchange. In the event that any Confidential Information is required to be disclosed by law, including, pursuant to the terms of a subpoena or similar document or in connection with litigation or other legal proceedings, or in connection with an arbitration proceeding under this Agreement or a Park Specific Agreement, the Receiving Party agrees to: (i) notify the Disclosing Party immediately of the existence, terms and circumstances surrounding such request; (ii) consult with the Disclosing Party on the advisability of taking legally available steps to narrow such request; and (iii) exercise its Commercially Reasonable Efforts to obtain an order or other reliable assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded to the disclosed Confidential Information. If disclosure of the Confidential Information is required to prevent the Receiving Party from being held in contempt or subject to other penalty, the Receiving Party shall furnish only such portion of the Confidential Information as, in the written opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Disclosing Party, the Receiving Party is legally compelled to disclose. In addition, the Receiving Party shall allow the Disclosing Party, in its sole discretion and at its sole expense, to contest the disclosure of Confidential Information on the Disclosing Party’s behalf, and the Receiving Party will exercise its Commercially Reasonable Efforts to cooperate with the Disclosing Party in such efforts to contest such disclosure.

 

  (e) Term and Termination

This Agreement is intended to cover any Confidential Information exchanged by the Parties during the Term and for a period of five (5) years after the termination or expiry of the other Park Specific Agreements. Any termination or expiration of the Term of this Agreement shall not affect the restrictions on disclosure of any Confidential Information disclosed hereunder, and the other terms hereof which by their nature are intended to survive such termination or expiration.

 

  (f) Injunctive Relief

Notwithstanding the agreement to conduct discussions with respect to a Dispute in accordance with this Agreement or to arbitrate Disputes as set forth in this Agreement or in any other agreement between the Parties, each Party in its sole discretion may take appropriate action to have the confidentiality terms of this Agreement enforced by obtaining injunctive or other appropriate relief including, but not limited to, temporary relief before a time at which a preliminary hearing may be held by a court of competent

 

46


jurisdiction to prevent continuance of such breach in an appropriate court of law, in addition to any other remedies which may be available. It is understood and agreed that monetary damages might be an insufficient remedy for any breach of this Agreement by either Party and that without prejudice to the rights and remedies otherwise available to it, a Party shall be entitled to seek equitable relief by way of injunction, specific performance or otherwise if the other Party breaches or threatens to breach any of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

  (g) Intellectual Property Use

Nothing in this Clause 23.10 ( Confidentiality ) shall operate to limit or restrict each Party’s permitted use of the other Party’s Intellectual Property, materials or know-how pursuant to Clause 15 ( Intellectual Property ) or any license agreement entered into with respect to the Developments unless such right has been rescinded in accordance with Clause 19.9 ( Return of the Parties’ IPR ).

 

23.11 Necessary Actions

The Parties hereby agree to cooperate and use all Commercially Reasonable Efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all appropriate actions necessary, proper, or advisable, and to obtain all permits, consents, approvals, authorizations, qualifications, and orders as are necessary under the laws of the PRC and each other applicable jurisdiction in the Territory, to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

23.12 English Language

This Agreement is executed in both English and Chinese. The English version of this Agreement shall be executed first and the Parties shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to cooperate in the prompt production of a mutually approved Chinese translation of the Agreement. Both versions shall have equal validity and legal effect. If there is any discrepancy between the English and Chinese language versions of this Agreement, the English version shall prevail.

 

23.13 Binding Effect

Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, every covenant, term and provision of this Agreement shall, in accordance with its terms, be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and permitted transferees and assigns.

 

23.14 Publicity

Other than as ordered or required by a Governmental Authorization or in the course of administrative or judicial proceedings, or in accordance with the requirements of any applicable stock exchange, neither Party shall issue any press release or make any other public announcement relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement without the prior written approval of the other Party (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) as to the contents and the manner of presentation and publication of such press release or public announcement.

 

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23.15 No Partnership

During the term of this Agreement, no Party shall be deemed to be a representative, agent or employee of the other Party for any purpose whatsoever and shall not hold itself out as having the authority or right to assume, create, or undertake any obligation on behalf of the other Party without the express written consent of the other Party. This Agreement is not a commercial agency agreement and shall not be registered with any Governmental Instrumentality.

 

23.16 Waiver of Immunity

To the extent either Party may in any jurisdiction claim for itself or its assets immunity from suit, execution, attachment (whether in aid of execution, before judgment or otherwise) or other legal process and to the extent than in any such jurisdiction there may be attributed to itself or its assets such immunity (whether or not claimed), each Party hereby irrevocable waives such immunity to the full extent permitted by the laws of such jurisdiction.

 

23.17 Survival

Save in the case of Clause 19.5(b) ( Other Termination Events ), without prejudice to any rights or obligations accrued at the date of termination or expiry of this Agreement:

 

  (a) the covenants and agreements of the Parties contained in Clauses 7 ( Independent Contractor; Subcontractors ), 13 ( Indemnities ), 14 ( Liability ), 15.1(b) and (c) ( Ownership of Intellectual Property ), 15.2(d) and (e) ( License of SeaWorld Marks ), 20 ( Governing Law ), 21 ( Resolution of Disputes ), 22 ( Notices ), Clauses 23.1 ( Entire Agreement ) to 23.7 ( Further Assurances ) and Clauses 23.11 ( Necessary Actions ) to 23.23 ( Anti-Corruption ) shall perpetually survive the expiration or the earlier termination of this Agreement;

 

  (b) the covenants and agreements of the Parties contained in Clause 19 ( Term, Suspension and Termination ) shall survive the expiration or the earlier termination of this Agreement until the later of the date upon which the rights of the Parties under such Clause are stated to expire and the obligations of the Parties under such Clause have been fully and finally discharged;

 

  (c) the covenants and agreements of the Parties contained in Clause 23.9 ( No Raiding ) shall survive the expiration or the earlier termination of this Agreement for a period of six (6) years;

 

  (d) the covenants and agreements of the Parties contained in Clause 23.10 ( Confidentiality ) shall survive the expiration or the earlier termination of this Agreement for a period of five (5) years from the termination or expiry of each of the other Park Specific Agreements; and

 

  (e) the definitions of any defined terms used in any of the provisions referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d) shall survive the expiration or the earlier termination of this Agreement in accordance with their terms, along with any other provisions that are intended, by their terms to survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

23.18 Costs

Except as expressly provided otherwise in this Agreement, each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses in connection with the negotiation, finalization and signing of this Agreement.

 

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23.19 Set-off and Double Recovery

 

  (a) Subject to paragraph (b) below, if any undisputed sum of money is payable by one Party (the “ First Party ”) to the other Party (the “ Second Party ”) under this Agreement or any of the other Park Specific Agreements, that sum, together with any relevant late payment fee applicable to the undisputed sum of money pursuant to this Agreement or any of the other Park Specific Agreements, may be offset by the Second Party against any amount payable by the Second Party to the First Party as a credit against any subsequent amount payable by the Second Party to the First Party under this Agreement or any of the other Park Specific Agreements. If the liabilities to be set off are expressed in different currencies, any liability which is not expressed to be in US Dollars shall be converted to US Dollars at a market rate of exchange. Any exercise by either Party of its rights under this Clause 23.19 ( Set-off and Double Recovery) shall not limit or affect any other rights or remedies available to it under this Agreement or any of the other Project Agreements or otherwise.

 

  (b) Nothing under this Agreement shall permit either Party to recover or withhold monies in respect of any Loss, which is otherwise due and payable under this Agreement or any other Park Specific Agreement from the other Party to the extent that such monies or compensation have been recovered or withheld under any of the other Park Specific Agreements or received under any insurance policy.

 

23.20 Reliance

Each Party confirms on behalf of itself and its Affiliates that, in entering into this Agreement, it has not relied on any representation, warranty, assurance, covenant, indemnity, undertaking, or commitment that is not expressly set out or referred to in this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall exclude or limit any liability or remedy arising as a result of fraud.

 

23.21 Prohibited Payments

 

  (a) No Party, nor its employees, agents or any other representatives shall make any payment or give or take anything of value in relation to the Project, to or from any:

 

  (i) Government official (including any officer or employee of any department, agency, or Governmental Instrumentality);

 

  (ii) political party (including any candidate for political office); or

 

  (iii) any other Person,

to influence his or its decision, or to gain any other advantage for itself, including obtaining, retaining or directing business.

 

  (b) A Party becoming aware of a potential breach of this Clause 23.21 by one of its Affiliates, employees, agents, consultants, contractors, subcontractors or any Third Party acting on behalf of a Party, or their employees, agents or authorized representatives, shall immediately notify the other Party of the potential breach of this Clause 23.21 and shall indemnify the other Party in respect of all Loss suffered or incurred by that Party arising out of such breach.

 

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23.22 Brokers

The Parties represent and warrant to each other that they have not dealt with any broker or finder in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and, insofar as they know, no broker or other Person is entitled to a commission or finder’s fee in connection with these transactions. Each Party shall indemnify the other Party from and against any claim by any agent or broker claiming by or through it for any fee or other compensation due or allegedly due to that broker or agent. The terms of this Clause 23.22 shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement.

 

23.23 Anti -Corruption

 

  (a) Anti-Corruption Laws

To the extent applicable to its operations, each Party is aware of those laws, regulations or governmental orders which prohibit the provision of financial or other advantage for a corrupt purpose, including, and to the extent applicable the USA Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act 2010, and similar laws, regulations and governmental orders (“ Anti-Corruption Laws ”). Each of the Parties is committed to strict compliance with applicable Anti-Corruption Laws in connection with all activities under this Agreement and the other Park Specific Agreements. Each of the Parties represents and warrants that it is familiar with the Anti-Corruption Laws applicable to its operations, including with respect to prohibitions against acceptance, solicitation, offering, or giving, whether directly or through a Third Party, any commission, gift of financial benefit or inducement for the purpose of securing an improper advantage, whether by a foreign official or otherwise, in connection with this Agreement.

 

  (b) Anti-Corruption Mutual Representation

Each of the Parties represents and warrants that to the best of its knowledge and belief it has not undertaken any action in contravention of any applicable Anti-Corruption Laws in connection with this Agreement to the extent it is subject to such law as of the date hereof and will use its best efforts to ensure that it remains in compliance during the Term of this Agreement.

 

24. AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES

 

  (a) SeaWorld hereby nominates John Linn as SeaWorld Representative with overall responsibility for carrying out the Advisory and Support Services and Matt Rearden as SeaWorld Representative with respect to the rest of this Agreement. SeaWorld Representative shall have full authority to act on behalf of SeaWorld under this Agreement, except in relation to matters which SeaWorld may from time to time by written notice to ZH reserve to itself. SeaWorld Representative may from time to time, in writing, delegate any of the duties and authorities vested in him to another person and may from time to time revoke any such delegation in either case advising ZH in writing. SeaWorld may replace SeaWorld Representative from time to time by notice in writing to ZH.

 

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  (b) ZH hereby nominates Yoshikazu Maruyama as ZH Representative with respect to this Agreement. ZH Representative shall have full authority to act on behalf of ZH under this Agreement, except in relation to matters which ZH may from time to time by written notice to SeaWorld reserve to itself. ZH Representative may from time to time, in writing, delegate any of the duties and authorities vested in him to another person and may from time to time revoke any such delegation, in either case advising SeaWorld in writing. ZH may replace ZH Representative from time to time by notice in writing to SeaWorld.

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CONFIDENTIAL    PARK EXCLUSIVITY AND CONCEPT DESIGN AGREEMENT
   EXECUTION VERSION

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective duly authorized officers or representatives on the applicable date set forth below.

 

SIGNATORIES
SEA HOLDINGS I, LLC
By:  

/s/ Joel K. Manby

  Name: Joel K. Manby
  Title: Chief Executive Officer and President
  Date: March 24, 2017
ZHONGHONG HOLDING CO., LTD.
By:  

/s/ Wang Jihong

  Name: Wang Jihong
  Title: Chairman
  Date: March 24, 2017

 

[ Signature Page to Park Exlusivity and Concept Design Agreement ]


SCHEDULE 1

PARK SPECIFIC AGREEMENTS - MATERIAL COMMERCIAL TERMS

 

1. LICENSE GRANT

 

1.1 SeaWorld will grant ZH a license to use the licensed intellectual properties (as specified in the Park Specific Agreements) in connection with the design, development, construction, operation and marketing of select SeaWorld-branded Theme Parks, Interactive Parks, and Waterparks in the Territory.

 

1.2 The Licensed Parks will be operated under the “SeaWorld” name or other SeaWorld brands to be selected by mutual agreement. The Licensed Park branding will be further discussed and agreed by the Parties.

 

1.3 Licensed Intellectual Property will include all SeaWorld creative works, indicia, trademarks and technology elements specified in the Park Specific Agreements as to be incorporated or used in the designs and operation of the Licensed Parks, including the design, development and operation of Attractions and experiences, as well as in connection with Merchandise and food & beverage operations (including the development of themed merchandise and food & beverage products) and agreed marketing activities.

 

2. RECURRING ROYALTIES

 

2.1 License Fee:

 

  (a) Waterparks and Theme Parks – five percent (5%) to seven and one half percent (7.5%) of gross revenues (net of travel agency commissions, credit card commissions, sales taxes and other exclusions to be mutually agreed).

 

  (b) Actual rate within the five percent (5%) to seven and one half percent (7.5%) range to be determined based on metrics to be negotiated, e.g., pre- and post-recoupment of investment.

 

  (c) Interactive Parks – to be negotiated as part of the Park Specific Agreement

 

2.2 Animal Loan and Services Fee:

 

  (a) Theme Parks / Waterparks / Interactive Parks – to be negotiated upon agreement on concepts.

 

2.3 “Gross revenues” to include all revenue streams from Development operations including admission, sale of merchandise and food & beverage products, special and group events, parking fees, and sponsorships.

 

3. TERM

The Parties will mutually agree upon an appropriate development term timetable for the development and construction of a Development. Thereafter, from the execution of each park-specific license until twenty (20) years from the opening of each individual Development,

 

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extendable at ZH’s option for up to five (5) additional terms of five (5) years each. The option is conditional upon (a) the applicable Development achieving mutually agreed upon financial targets and (b) ZH’s compliance with other terms of this Agreement and Park Specific Agreements. The aggregate license term (including any extensions) is to be in the range of fifty (50) to seventy-five (75) years from the date of execution of the Park Specific Agreements for the first Development, unless further extended by mutual agreement of the Parties.

 

4. EXCLUSIVITY

 

4.1 During the term of the Park Specific Agreements, SeaWorld and its Affiliates will not enter into any agreement or discussions regarding the development or operation of, or license of intellectual properties to, any theme parks, water parks and, to the extent applicable, Interactive Parks, in the Territory, other than with ZH and its Affiliates. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, ZH understands that:

 

  (a) the Parties will agree to the customary reservation of rights by SeaWorld in the Territory; and

 

  (b) SeaWorld and its Affiliates have standing business relationships with Third Parties for the provision of operations support, marketing of SeaWorld parks outside the Territory and ongoing business matters and marketing in the Territory and continuation of such relationships in accordance with their terms consistent with established practice shall not be deemed a breach or default of the Park Specific Agreements.

 

4.2 However, if (a) at least one theme park as part of a Development is not open by the Target First Theme Park Opening Date (subject to any extension thereof) and one theme park as part of a Development is not under construction substantially in accordance with its agreed construction schedule by the end of the Initial Park Development Period; or (b) at any time after the expiration of the Initial Park Development Period (or after completion of construction and opening of any theme parks as part of any Developments under construction as of expiration of the Initial Park Development Period, if applicable) less than two (2) such theme parks remain in operation, the exclusive Territory will be reduced to an area consisting of a [ * * * ] mile radius surrounding the applicable Development then in operation. However, ZH will be given a reasonable period of time to replace any Development that has been closed.

 

5. ATTRACTION EXPLOITATION

 

5.1 SeaWorld will not exploit any Attractions or Rides that are newly created in connection with the planning and development of a new Licensed Park and opened contemporaneously with the opening of such Licensed Park until the second (2 nd ) anniversary of the date on which ZH first opens such Attraction or Ride in a public facing manner.

 

5.2 SeaWorld will not exploit any Attractions or Rides that are newly created for use in a Licensed Park (other than those Attractions and Rides covered in Section 5.1 above) until the earlier of (a) the second (2 nd ) anniversary of the date on which ZH first opens such Attraction or Ride in a public facing manner or (b) the fifth (5 th ) anniversary of the date on which the design for the Attraction or Ride was completed; provided , that, with regards to any Attractions or Rides that are newly created in connection with the planning and development of a new Licensed Park but not opened contemporaneously with the opening of such Licensed Park, the earliest SeaWorld may exploit such Attractions or Rides is the third (3 rd ) anniversary of the opening of such Licensed Park.

[ * * * ] Portions of this agreement were omitted and a complete copy of this agreement has been provided separately to the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.’s application requesting confidential treatment under Exchange Act Rule 24b-2.

 

2


6. ZH’S RESPONSIBILITIES

 

6.1 Government approvals, including animal permitting in the Territory

 

6.2 Site acquisition

 

6.3 Site preparation, infrastructure development, preparation of detailed design, fabrication and production of all ride and show elements and detailed design and construction of all facilities (design and construction liability will vest in ZH or its contractors)

 

6.4 Arranging the debt and equity financing and otherwise paying for the design, development, construction, operation and maintenance of the Licensed Parks

 

6.5 Development and implementation of business plans and budgets and operating plans

 

6.6 Management of park operations (pre-and post-opening)

 

6.7 SeaWorld design, construction advisory, permitting support and lender support costs (direct and indirect) (to be mutually agreed and previously approved, without markup)

 

6.8 Park design, construction, and pre-opening costs

 

6.9 Park operating and maintenance costs (including reinvestment capital and insurance)

 

6.10 Animal acquisition costs, including staging and relocation

 

7. SEAWORLD RESPONSIBILITIES

 

7.1 During the design, construction and operations phases, for an agreed upon fee SeaWorld will provide ZH and ZH’s principal design consultant and construction and operations personnel and vendors with materials, resources, expertise and knowledge based on or derived from SeaWorld’s global experience in all aspects of the design, construction and operation of its visitor attractions and entertainment venues. The support to be provided under the Park Specific Agreements and the remuneration therefor will be mutually agreed in the Park Specific Agreements, taking into account the support to be provided by SEA and the fees payable by ZH under this Agreement.

 

7.2 SeaWorld support to include:

 

  (a) Access to existing facilities/attractions as pertain to the specific project

 

  (b) Design guidance and design review

 

  (c) Construction input and review

 

  (d) Business planning and budget input and review

 

  (e) Zoological and aquarium expertise, permitting, handling, life support system planning and procurement advisory

 

  (f) Animal sourcing and acquisition support

 

  (g) Brand and style guidelines

 

3


  (h) Review and consultation regarding park operator

 

  (i) Operational planning and staffing input

 

  (j) Periodic management update

 

  (k) Marketing brochures, materials, consumer research, brand studies, etc.

 

  (l) Advice on developing operating manuals and handbooks

 

  (m) Permitting support, meeting with lenders, government officials, etc.

 

  (n) Responsibility for management of zoological operations and related matters (pre-and post-opening)

 

  (o) PR support

 

7.3 Relocation of SeaWorld staff to be discussed.

 

8. CREATIVE AND QUALITY CONTROLS; ENFORCEMENT, MAINTENANCE AND REGISTRATION

 

8.1 ZH will design and operate the Licensed Parks to a standard of design, quality and guest experience consistent with visitor attractions and entertainment venues of comparable scale and scope that are owned and operated by SeaWorld and its Affiliates.

 

8.2 The Park Specific License Agreements will include customary license provisions including:

 

  (a) SeaWorld approval over form and manner of exploitation of licensed properties;

 

  (b) ZH obligation to comply with brand and style guidelines;

 

  (c) SeaWorld input on business plans/budgets and annual operating plans from the perspective of quality control and guest experience;

 

  (d) SeaWorld input on operations procedures and training programs from the perspective of quality control and guest experience;

 

  (e) Provisions restricting participation of persons who are inappropriate for association with each Party’s brands; and

 

  (f) Reasonable inspection and audit rights.

 

8.3

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, SeaWorld shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to register, maintain, prosecute and enforce its rights in the SeaWorld IPR in the Territory in a manner consistent with how it registers, maintains, prosecutes, protects or enforces its rights in other territories in which it owns or operates theme parks or waterparks. SeaWorld shall provide ZH with regular updates on a reasonable basis regarding SeaWorld’s registration and prosecution actions with respect to the SeaWorld IPR within the Territory. SeaWorld shall have the sole and exclusive right to register, maintain and prosecute the SeaWorld IPR in the Territory (and ZH shall agree to exclude any rights it has to register, maintain and prosecute the SeaWorld IPR under Applicable Law), however, if SeaWorld elects not to take a registration, maintenance or prosecution action within the Territory with respect to any SeaWorld IPR used in a

 

4


  Development, ZH may direct SeaWorld to take such action, so long as ZH reimburses SeaWorld for all costs in relation thereto. Each Party shall use reasonable efforts to notify the other Party of any trademark infringement related to a Development in the Territory of which such Party has knowledge. SeaWorld may elect to enforce its rights directly in any SeaWorld IPR infringement related to a Development in the Territory (at SeaWorld’s sole cost), but SeaWorld shall notify ZH of any intention not to enforce such rights, and in such event, ZH may elect to direct SeaWorld’s enforcement of such rights; provided , that ZH be responsible for all costs incurred by SeaWorld in connection with such enforcement. ZH agrees to render all reasonable assistance in connection with such enforcement at the SeaWorld’s sole cost, unless SeaWorld is taking such action at ZH’s behest, in which case, such assistance shall be at ZH’s cost. Money awards or settlements resulting from enforcement activities hereunder will be applied: (a) first, to reimburse SeaWorld or ZH, as applicable, for its costs incurred in connection with the enforcement activities; and (b) the remainder of any such recovery shall be allocated between the Parties in an equitable manner, unless a judgment or arbitration award expressly stipulates the allocation amounts between the Parties.

 

8.4 Each Party shall be solely responsible, in its sole discretion, both practically and financially, for the maintenance, prosecution and registration of its respective Intellectual Property rights in the Territory; provided , that prior to SeaWorld filing for any trademark registration in the Territory, if such trademark registration uses Chinese characters, SeaWorld shall first consult with ZH and obtain ZH’s guidance to ensure that there has been no mistranslation.

 

8.5 SeaWorld will have reasonable consultation/approval rights (to be further defined and mutually agreed) over the following matters:

 

  (a) Selection of ZH’s principal design consultant and specialty consultants

 

  (b) Design of each Development including any future expansion or material modifications, and the construction of each Development

 

  (c) Selection of park operator, if other than ZH or its Affiliates

 

  (d) Business plans and budgets

 

  (e) Other customary and reasonable matters

 

9. TERMINATION EVENTS

Customary termination trigger events to be discussed (material breach having certain material impacts after reasonable opportunity to cure, insolvency or dissolution, cross-termination, failure by ZH, subject to extensions of not more than one (1) year in total for unavoidable delays, to open at least one (1) Development by the date falling five (5) years after the signing date of the Park Specific Agreements for the first Development, etc.). Termination for convenience by ZH to be discussed. Upon termination not due to the default of ZH, ZH will be given a reasonable period of time to repurpose any Development. Parties to agree on force majeure and government action or inaction events and their consequences. For the purposes of this Section 9, Park Specific Agreements shall mean the following agreements: the design and construction advisory agreement, the license agreement, the operations agreement and the animal loan and services agreement.

 

5


10. INDEMNIFICATION AND LIABILITY

 

10.1 Parties to agree to mutual indemnification and liability limits.

 

11. ASSIGNMENT

 

11.1 Consistent with the principles applicable to the ECDA, subject to further refinement by mutual agreement.

 

11.2 Sublicensing may be permitted for agreements with sponsors and for normal course operations (e.g., sublicenses to tenants, concessions, merchandise and food & beverage manufacturers, etc.) subject to mutual agreement on the sub-licensee and material terms.

 

11.3 No restriction on change of control or acquisition of substantially all of the assets of a Party by a Third Party, provided that the other Party may terminate where the Third Party (a) is a “competitor” of the other party, as such term will be defined in the Park Specific Agreements; or (b) is an entity that the other party cannot legally conduct business with (e.g. it is listed on an official sanctions list) or (c) is otherwise restricted as agreed in the definitive agreements.

 

12. GOVERNING LAW

Hong Kong law.

 

13. DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Arbitration in Hong Kong administered by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre under the HKIAC Arbitration Rules.

 

6


SCHEDULE 2

SEAWORLD MARKS

 

Trademark

  

Status

  

Application #
Registration #

  

Application Date
Registration Date

  

Owner

  

Class(es)

China
SEA WORLD    Pending    14527425    May 13 2014    Sea World LLC    39, 41
   Notes: Approved with respect to Class 41 services, but opposed by [ * * * ] Opposition pending. Partially refused with respect to Class 39. Appeal of partial refusal pending.
SEA WORLD    Registered    93092480    Sep 29 1993    Sea World LLC    41
      777623    Feb 14 1995      
   Notes: Subject of cancellation action filed by Sea World Management Pty Limited 1 . Currently on appeal to the Beijing IP Court.

SEA WORLD & Design (Whale)

 

LOGO

   Registered   

1653077

1653077

  

Aug 29 1997

Oct 20 2001

   Sea World LLC    28

SEA WORLD & Design (Whale)

 

LOGO

   Registered   

1657445

1657445

  

Aug 29 1997

Oct 28 2011

   Sea World LLC    25

Sea World

(Chinese characters)

LOGO

   Pending    20501393    Jul 1 2016    Sea World LLC    41

SeaWorld & Design (Fin)

 

LOGO

   Pending    14527426    May 13 2014    Sea World LLC    39, 41
   Notes: Class 41 was approved but opposed by [ * * * ] Opposition pending. Partially refused with respect to Class 39 services. Appeal of partial refusal pending.

 

1 Details of the Cancellation Action: Sea World Management Pty Limited (SWA) filed a non-use cancellation against Sea World LLC’s (SW LLC) registration (8/3/09). SW LLC filed defense and evidence showing use of SEA WORLD in China (10/5/09). [ * * * ] decision received from CTMO (1/2013). SeaWorld appealed decision to TRAB (2/2013). SWA filed a response (12/2013). SW LLC filed rebuttal brief (1/2014). [ * * * ] decision received from TRAB (3/2015). SW LLC appealed to the Beijing IP Court, and appeal is pending. Judge presiding over case left the court, so as of 1/2017, case is being reassigned. [ * * * ]

[ * * * ] Portions of this agreement were omitted and a complete copy of this agreement has been provided separately to the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.’s application requesting confidential treatment under Exchange Act Rule 24b-2.

 

1


Trademark

  

Status

  

Application #
Registration #

  

Application Date
Registration Date

  

Owner

  

Class(es)

SeaWorld ADVENTURE PARKS & Design (Fin)

 

LOGO

   Registered   

9800041453

1370438

  

Apr 28 1998

Mar 6 2000

   Sea World LLC    16

SeaWorld ADVENTURE PARKS & Design (Fin)

 

LOGO

   Registered    9800041455 1314942   

Apr 28 1998

Sep 13 1999

   Sea World LLC    41
   Notes: Subject of non-use cancellation filed by Sea World Management Pty Limited. Currently on appeal to the TRAB (Trademark Review & Adjudication Board).
Hong Kong

FIN Logo

 

LOGO

   Registered   

301993320

301993320

  

Aug 3 2011

Aug 3 2011

   Sea World LLC    41
LOGO    Pending/Suspended    301993348    Aug 3 2011    Sea World LLC    41
   Notes: Suspended pending Sea World LLC’s opposition to Sea World Management Pty Limited’s Hong Kong trademark application 199605169.

SEA WORLD & Design (Whale)

 

LOGO

   Pending/Suspended    199209807    Apr 6 1992    Sea World LLC    41
   Notes: Opposed by Sea World Management Pty Limited. Opposition suspended [ * * * ]

SEAWORLD & Design

 

LOGO

   Pending/Suspended    301993339    Aug 3 2011    Sea World LLC    41
   Notes: Suspended pending Sea World LLC’s opposition to Sea World Management Pty Limited’s Hong Kong trademark application 199605169.
Macau
SEA WORLD    Registered    N28112    Apr 4 2007    Sea World LLC    39
      N28112    Oct 5 2007      

SeaWorld ADVENTURE PARKS & Design (Fin)

 

LOGO

   Registered   

N28113

N28113

  

Apr 4 2007

Oct 30 2008

   Sea World LLC    41

[ * * * ] Portions of this agreement were omitted and a complete copy of this agreement has been provided separately to the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.’s application requesting confidential treatment under Exchange Act Rule 24b-2.

 

2


Taiwan
SEA WORLD    Registered    68019100    Oct 11 1979    Sea World LLC    16
      00132431    May 1 1980      
SEA WORLD    Registered    068023714    Dec 17 1979    Sea World LLC    14
      00132479    May 1 1980      
SEA WORLD    Registered    68019101    Oct 11 1979    Sea World LLC    28
      00129561    Mar 1 1980      
SEA WORLD    Registered    N/A       Sea World LLC    25
      129292    May 1 1980      
SEA WORLD    Registered    7856067    Dec 14 1989    Sea World LLC    25
      496237    Sep 1 1990      

SEA WORLD & Design (Whale)

 

LOGO

   Registered    84019304

100496

  

Apr 25 1995

Jun 1 1998

   Sea World LLC    41

SeaWorld ADVENTURE PARKS & Design (Fin)

 

LOGO

   Registered    87018510

873834

  

Dec 2 1998

Nov 1 1999

   Sea World LLC    16
              

SeaWorld ADVENTURE PARKS & Design (Fin)

 

LOGO

   Registered    87018511    Apr 22 1998    Sea World LLC    41
      120150    Jan 16 2000      

[ * * * ] Portions of this agreement were omitted and a complete copy of this agreement has been provided separately to the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.’s application requesting confidential treatment under Exchange Act Rule 24b-2.

 

3

Exhibit 99.4

SEA HOLDINGS I, LLC

AND

ZHONGHONG HOLDING CO., LTD.

 

 

CENTER CONCEPT & PRELIMINARY DESIGN SUPPORT

AGREEMENT

 

 


CONTENTS

 

1.

 

DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

     2  

2.

 

EFFECTIVE DATE

     11  

3.

 

EXCLUSIVITY

     11  

4.

 

SEAWORLD’S OBLIGATIONS

     12  

5.

 

ZH OBLIGATIONS

     13  

6.

 

INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

     15  

7.

 

LIAISON

     15  

8.

 

SEAWORLD OPTION

     15  

9.

 

VARIATIONS

     16  

10.

 

COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES

     17  

11.

 

INSURANCE

     19  

12.

 

INDEMNITIES

     20  

13.

 

LIABILITY

     22  

14.

 

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

     23  

15.

 

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     26  

16.

 

FORCE MAJEURE

     26  

17.

 

TERM, SUSPENSION AND TERMINATION

     27  

18.

 

GOVERNING LAW

     30  

19.

 

RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES

     31  

20.

 

NOTICES

     32  

21.

 

MISCELLANEOUS

     33  

22.    

 

AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES

     41  
SCHEDULE 1 CENTER LICENSE AGREEMENT – MATERIAL TERMS      2  

 

i


CONFIDENTIAL        CENTER CONCEPT & PRELIMINARY DESIGN SUPPORT AGREEMENT EXECUTION VERSION

THIS CENTER CONCEPT  & PRELIMINARY DESIGN SUPPORT AGREEMENT is effective as of the Effective Date.

BETWEEN :

 

(1) SEA HOLDINGS I, LLC , a Florida limited liability company formed in the United States of America with its address at 9205 South Park Center Loop, Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32819, the United States of America (“ SeaWorld ”), which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc.; and

 

(2) ZHONGHONG HOLDING CO., LTD. , a company incorporated in the People’s Republic of China with its address at No. 271 Huishui Road, Suzhou City, Anhui Province, People’s Republic of China (“ ZH ”).

WHEREAS :

 

(A) SeaWorld and Affiliates of SeaWorld have a globally recognized brand-name and family-themed entertainment suite of Theme Parks, Interactive Parks, Waterparks and products, together with the ownership/license of certain intellectual property and trade secrets, various animals, and the knowledge and experience to design, develop and operate Theme Parks, Interactive Parks and Waterparks, including zoological expertise to provide and care for animals, and technical expertise for the development and operation of such parks.

 

(B) SeaWorld and Affiliates of SeaWorld have a long and proud tradition of working to protect and enhance marine mammals and endangered species through, among other things, SeaWorld’s ownership of facilities in the USA in which marine mammals are publicly displayed and where, every year, millions of visitors are treated to direct educational experiences with these magnificent creatures that leave the public with a greater appreciation of the need for the protection and the conservation of these marine mammals and their habitats. Recently, SeaWorld announced the phasing out of theatrical performances featuring orcas and that the orcas in its care will be the last generation of SeaWorld orcas.

 

(C) SeaWorld’s work with marine mammals and endangered species in collaboration with some of the world’s most renowned scientists has led to breakthroughs in reproductive biology, animal husbandry, rescue, recovery and rehabilitation of marine mammals, and species conservation.

 

(D) ZH is, among other things, a leading leisure asset developer in the Territory and wishes to design, develop, own and operate certain Centers within the Territory.

 

(E) The Parties have simultaneously entered into a Park Exclusivity and Concept Design Agreement which establishes the basic framework for their collaboration in the planning, site selection, design and development of certain Theme Parks, Interactive Parks, Waterparks and includes certain exclusivity arrangements with respect to the development of theme parks, Interactive Parks and waterparks in the Territory upon the terms set out therein.

 

(F) The Parties wish to establish the basic framework pursuant to which SeaWorld shall provide certain Services with respect to the design of Centers that ZH is initially planning to design, develop and operate inside the Territory.

 

(G) Both Parties are committed to maximizing the health and well-being of any animals housed within the Centers.


(H) It is contemplated that during the Term and subject to certain conditions, SeaWorld shall have the option to apply its brand to such Centers on terms to be agreed between the Parties.

NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual covenants and undertakings hereinafter contained, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

 

1. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

 

1.1 Definitions

The following capitalized words, terms and phrases used in this Agreement, including in the preamble, recitals, schedules, appendices and exhibits hereto, shall have the meanings set forth in this Clause 1.1:

Affiliate ” means in relation to a Person, any other entity which directly or indirectly Controls, is Controlled by, or is under direct or indirect common Control with such Person (including, with respect to ZH, Zhonghong Zhuoye Group Co. Ltd.).

Agreement ” means this agreement together with the schedules and appendices to it.

Anti-Corruption Laws ” is defined in Clause 21.23(a) ( Anti-Corruption Laws ).

Applicable Law ” means any decree, resolution, law, statute, act, ordinance, rule, directive (to the extent it has the force of law), order, treaty, code or regulation as enacted, issued or promulgated, or any interpretation thereof by a Governmental Instrumentality having jurisdiction over the matter in question, that is publicly available or of which the Party to which such Applicable Law applies has actual knowledge, including amendments, modifications, extensions, replacements and re-enactments thereof.

Applicable Legal Requirements ” means all Applicable Laws and Governmental Authorizations and any injunction (if applicable) or final non-appealable judgment of any Governmental Instrumentality having jurisdiction over the matter in question.

Base Travel Stipend ” is defined in Clause 10.1(b) ( Consulting Fees ).

Brand Option ” is defined in Clause 8.1 ( SeaWorld Option ).

Business Day ” means a day on which banks are generally open for business in Beijing, PRC and in New York City, New York, USA.

Center ” means a primarily terrestrial or marine animal based indoor “gated” family entertainment facility center that:

 

  (a) includes themed attractions as well as retail and food and beverage venues;

 

  (b) has a target annual attendance level of approximately two-hundred thousand (200,000) to one million two-hundred thousand (1,200,000) visitors; and

 

  (c) is sized between five thousand squared meters (5,000m 2 ) and twenty-five thousand squared meters (25,000m 2 ).

 

2


For the avoidance of doubt, this does not include indoor gated family entertainment facility centers primarily based on fictional (including fictional characters portrayed by real animals) or mythological animals (e.g., “the Monkey King”).

Center License Agreement ” means, with respect to a Development, the license agreement that may be entered into with respect thereto in accordance with Clause 8.1 ( SeaWorld Option ).

Change in Law ” means any of the following events occurring after the date of signature of this Agreement:

 

  (a) a change or repeal of an existing Applicable Law;

 

  (b) an enactment or making of any new Applicable Law; or

 

  (c) a change in the manner in which an Applicable Law is applied by a Governmental Instrumentality or in the application or interpretation thereof by a Governmental Instrumentality.

Commercially Reasonable Efforts ” means taking such steps and performing in such a manner as a well-managed company would undertake where such company was acting in a determined, prudent and reasonable manner to achieve the particular result for its own benefit; provided , that such efforts will not include any obligation to threaten to commence or commence litigation against, any Third Party.

Concept and Preliminary Design ” means, for a Development, a conceptual design and master plan for the Development which shall consist of preliminary drawings, renderings, narratives, programs and other documents including site plans, in-center and out-of-center circulation plans, massing plans and sections, elevations, thematic statements for the overall center along with each realm and individual rides and attractions contained therein, full color renderings depicting the look and feel of the overall center and realms within each center, illustrations and sketches of major rides and attractions, programmatic documentation detailing the size and capacity of the center and all elements therein, preliminary capital and operating cost estimates including labor and utility costs; and may include some combination of study models, perspective sketches or digital modeling.

Confidential Information ” is defined in Clause 21.10 ( Confidentiality ).

Construction Commencement Notification ” is defined in Clause 8.1 ( SeaWorld Option ).

Control ” means that a Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of the other Person, whether through the ownership of voting shares, by contract or otherwise, and “ Controls ” and “ Controlled ” shall be interpreted accordingly.

Day ” means the twenty-four (24) hour period beginning at 00:00:00 PRC time and ending at 23:59:59 PRC time.

Design Firm ” means:

 

  (a) The Hettema Group, with its address at 67 Valley Street, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA; or

 

  (b) such other design consultant as selected by ZH.

 

3


Development Analysis ” means, with respect to each Development:

 

  (a) market analysis;

 

  (b) detailed site evaluation and site plan development;

 

  (c) development of a preliminary development budget including estimated cost of construction;

 

  (d) development of a preliminary schedule for design and construction;

 

  (e) development of a preliminary operating and business plan/pro forma including a description of operating and staffing requirements and practices, and estimated costs and revenues; and

 

  (f) assessment and planning for required transportation and other infrastructure improvements.

Developments ” means:

 

  (a) the Primary Center; and

 

  (b) each Qualifying Center,

and each individually a “ Development ”.

Disclosing Party ” is defined in Clause 21.10 ( Confidentiality ).

Dispute ” is defined in Clause 19.1 ( Amicable Settlement ).

Dispute Notice ” is defined in Clause 19.1 ( Amicable Settlement ).

Effective Date ” is defined in Clause 2 ( Effective Date ).

Event of Termination ” means:

 

  (a) the failure by a Party to make any undisputed payment under this Agreement within thirty (30) Days of the Day by which such amount should have been paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement;

 

  (b) the occurrence of any of the following events:

 

  (i) any representation or warranty made or deemed to be repeated by a Party to this Agreement is not (or was not) correct in any material respect as of the date made or deemed made;

 

  (ii) other than where the breach occurs as a consequence of a breach by the other Party which is not cured within any applicable cure period, or constitutes an Event of FM, a breach by a Party of any of its other material obligations under this Agreement;

 

4


  (iii) a Party experiences an event, fact, matter, circumstance, condition or change as a result of the action or inaction of, which dishonesty is an element, of any officer or director which materially and adversely affects, or could reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect the business, operations, assets, liabilities, condition (whether financial, trading or otherwise), prospects or results of operation of the Party and its Affiliates, taken as a whole;

 

  (iv) Insolvency of a Party;

 

  (v) SeaWorld is Controlled by a SEA Restricted Third Party or a SEA Restricted Third Party acquires all or substantially all of the assets of SeaWorld; or

 

  (vi) ZH is Controlled by a ZH Restricted Third Party or a ZH Restricted Third Party acquires all or substantially all of the assets of ZH.

Event of FM ” shall mean any event beyond the reasonable control of a Party, the occurrence of which could not have been reasonably foreseen at the date of signature of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, a Change in Law, war whether declared or not, revolution, riot, insurrection, strikes (excluding strikes by employees of the affected Party or any subcontractor thereof, unless such strike is part of a wider industrial dispute affecting other employers), civil commotion, invasion, armed conflict, hostile act of a foreign enemy, blockade, embargo, act of terrorism, sabotage, civil disturbance, radiation, biological or chemical contamination, ionizing radiation, explosion, fire, epidemic, cyclone, tidal wave, landslide, lightning, earthquake, flood, volcanic eruption, other natural disaster or calamity of any kind and any other similar event.

First Party ” is defined in Clause 21.19 ( Set-off and Double Recovery ).

FM Termination Notice ” is defined in Clause 17.4(c) ( Termination following a Prolonged Event of FM ).

Governmental Authorizations ” means permits, licenses, consents, authorizations, approvals, registrations, grants, acknowledgments or agreements as required by Applicable Law or as otherwise required from applicable Governmental Instrumentalities, in relation to the performance by each Party of its obligations under this Agreement.

Governmental Instrumentality ” means the decision-making legal authority or authorities of a governmental jurisdiction whether located in the USA, the Territory or otherwise that can approve or deny the ability of the Parties to fulfill their obligations under this Agreement, and shall include a federal, state, county, provincial or municipal government or political subdivision thereof, a governmental or quasi-governmental ministry, legislative body, agency, authority, board, bureau, commission, department, instrumentality, or public body, or any court, administrative tribunal, public utility or government-controlled corporation or entity, solely to the extent such corporation or entity is charged with performing governmental functions.

Indemnitee ” is defined in Clause 12.3 ( Indemnification Procedures ).

Indemnitor ” is defined in Clause 12.3 ( Indemnification Procedures ).

Insolvency ” means, with respect to a Party, that any of the following events occur:

 

  (a) any legal proceedings are started by a Party or a Third Party, which in either case are not frivolous or vexatious, for the winding-up, dissolution, administration, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Party or for the appointment of a liquidator, receiver, administrator, administrative receiver, conservator, custodian, trustee, bankruptcy trustee or similar officer of the Party or all or substantially all of the Party’s property, undertaking or assets, which have not been set aside or stayed within one hundred and eighty (180) Days;

 

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  (b) any order or judgment is made for the winding-up, dissolution, administration, bankruptcy or reorganization of the Party or for the appointment of a liquidator, receiver, administrator, administrative receiver, conservator, custodian, trustee, bankruptcy trustee or similar officer of the Party or all or substantially all of the Party’s property, undertaking or assets, which order or judgment has not been set aside or stayed within one hundred and eighty (180) Days;

 

  (c) the Party is unable to or admits in writing its inability to pay its debts as they fall due, commences negotiations with its creditors with a view to the general readjustment or rescheduling of its indebtedness or makes a general assignment for the benefit of, or a composition with, its creditors;

 

  (d) any execution, distress or other process is levied against, sued out against or enforced upon, or an encumbrancer or creditor takes possession of, all or substantially all of the assets of the Party, which has not been set aside or stayed within one hundred and eighty (180) Days; or

 

  (e) any event analogous to the events described in paragraphs (a) through (d) of this definition;

Intellectual Property ” means any and all rights available under patent, copyright, trade mark, service mark, trade name, product configuration, industrial design, or trade secret law or any other statutory provision or common law doctrine with respect to designs, formulas, algorithms, procedures, methods, techniques, ideas, Know-How, programs, subroutines, tools, inventions, creations, improvements, works of authorship, other similar materials, and all recordings, graphs, drawings, reports, analyses, other writings, and any other embodiment of the foregoing, in any form whether or not specifically listed herein, which may subsist in any part of the world, in each case whether registered or unregistered and including all applications for, and renewals or extensions of, such rights for their full term.

Interactive Park ” means “gated” parks where close and extended interactions with marine or terrestrial animals is core to the visitor experience, including SeaWorld’s “Discovery Cove” park in Orlando, Florida and parks substantially similar thereto.

Know-How ” means know-how including knowledge, experience and technical information.

Loss ” means any loss, damage, penalty, fine, liability, cost or reasonable out of pocket expense of whatsoever kind (including reasonable and documented attorneys’ fees and expenses (if recoverable at law)), court or arbitral tribunal fees or any insurance deductibles under the relevant insurance policies.

Middle East ” means Algeria, Bahrain, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.

North America ” means the United States of America, Canada, Mexico and the countries of the Caribbean and Central America.

Option Election Notice ” is defined in Clause 8.1 ( SeaWorld Option ).

 

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Parties ” means, collectively, ZH and SeaWorld, and “ Party ” means either of them.

Permitted Recipients ” is defined in Clause 21.10(c) ( Permitted Recipients ).

Person ” means any individual, corporation, joint stock company, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, association, trust, unincorporated organization, Governmental Instrumentality, or other entity.

PRC ” means the People’s Republic of China.

President ” is defined in Clause 19.2(b)(i) ( Arbitration ).

Primary Center ” means the first Center for which ZH has engaged Project Consultants to develop a Concept and Preliminary Design.

Project ” means the development of the Development Analysis and Concept and Preliminary Design of the Developments pursuant to this Agreement.

Project Consultants ” means the Design Firm, Specialty Consultants and such other third-party design firms, contractors, project managers and similar parties needed for the Development Analysis and the Concept and Preliminary Design of the Developments, and, for the avoidance of doubt, neither SeaWorld nor any of SeaWorld’s Affiliates shall be deemed to be a Project Consultant.

Project IP ” is defined in Clause 14.1 ( Ownership of Intellectual Property ).

Project Materials ” is defined in Clause 14.2(a) ( Provision and License of SeaWorld Know-How and other SeaWorld IPR ).

Qualifying Center ” means a Center, the Concept and Preliminary Design and Development Analysis for which is substantially similar to the Primary Center.

Receiving Party ” is defined in Clause 21.10(a) ( Confidential Information ).

Registration Action ” is defined in Clause 14.1(e) ( Ownership of Intellectual Property ).

Rules ” is defined in Clause 19.2(b)(i) ( Arbitration ).

SEA Restricted Third Party ” means:

 

  (a) any international park owner, developer or operator which owns, develops or operates theme parks, Interactive Parks or waterparks and such activities form a core, or significant portion of the, business of the park owner, developer or operator;

 

  (b) any diversified Chinese company or Chinese real estate developer, which develops and operates theme parks, Interactive Parks or waterparks in the Territory;

 

  (c) an entity that either Party cannot legally conduct business with (e.g., is listed on an official sanctions list).

SeaWorld ” means:

 

  (a) the person defined in the Preamble as SeaWorld; and

 

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  (b) SeaWorld’s legal successors and permitted assigns and novatees of all of SeaWorld’s interest in the Agreement.

SeaWorld Know-How ” is defined in Clause 14.2(a) ( Provision and License of SeaWorld Know-How and other SeaWorld IPR ).

SeaWorld IPR ” is defined in Clause 14.1(a) ( Ownership of Intellectual Property ).

SeaWorld Parks ” means a Theme Park, Waterpark, Interactive Park, leisure asset, visitor attraction or entertainment venue, other than the Licensed Centers, owned or operated by SeaWorld, its Affiliates or third parties under license from SeaWorld or its Affiliates, anywhere in the world.

SeaWorld Party ” means each of SeaWorld and its Affiliates, and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents and representatives.

SeaWorld Variation Confirmation ” is defined in Clause 9.2 ( Variations ).

SeaWorld Variation Request ” is defined in Clause 9.5 ( Variations ).

SeaWorld Representative ” means the representative of SeaWorld appointed in accordance with Clause 22(a) ( Authorized Representatives ).

Second Party ” is defined in Clause 21.19 ( Set-off and Double Recovery ).

Services ” is defined in Clause 4.2 ( SeaWorld’s Obligations ).

Specialty Consultants ” means consultants that have been retained to (a) program and design a Development that has a significant zoological component, (b) design animal habitats and support areas within a Development or (c) design structures and systems for such habitats and support areas. Such Specialty Consultants may include exhibit architects, structural engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, animal life support engineers, lighting designers and acoustical engineers that, in each case, are engaged for the purposes set forth in subclauses (a) – (c) of this definition.

Term ” is defined in Clause 17.1 ( Term of Agreement ).

Territory ” means PRC, the Special Administrative Region of Macau, Taiwan and the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong.

Theme Park ” means any “gated” theme park which is predominantly themed to, and exhibits, live terrestrial or marine animals and whose attractions are predominantly composed of entertainment and amusement elements ( e.g. , amusement rides and stage shows) as opposed to solely animal displays, including SeaWorld’s “SeaWorld ® Orlando”, “SeaWorld ® San Antonio”, “SeaWorld ® San Diego”, “Busch Gardens Tampa” and “Busch Gardens Williamsburg” theme parks and theme parks substantially similar thereto.

Third Party ” means any Person other than a Party or the SeaWorld Parties and the ZH Parties.

USA ” means the United States of America.

US$ ”, “ USD ” or “ US Dollars ” means USA Dollars, the lawful currency of the USA.

 

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Variation ” means a material increase, modification or revision to the scope of the Services or any material deviation to the manner or sequence in which the Services are to be performed.

Variation Costs ” is defined in Clause 9.2(c) ( Variations ).

Waterpark ” means any “gated” waterpark that includes distinguishing displays of live terrestrial or marine animals, including SeaWorld’s “Aquatica” waterparks and waterparks substantially similar thereto.

ZH ” means:

 

  (a) the person defined in the Preamble as ZH; and

 

  (b) ZH’s legal successors and permitted assigns and novatees of ZH’s interest in the Agreement.

ZH Improvements means all enhancements or modifications to any technology made solely by ZH within the PRC during the Term and which are deemed to be technology improvements pursuant to the Regulations of the People’s Republic of China for Administration of the Import and Export of Technology . For the avoidance of doubt, ZH Improvements do not include any improvement or innovation to any technology: (i) made solely or jointly by SeaWorld or any Person other than ZH or its Affiliates anywhere in the world; (ii) made by any Person outside of the PRC; or (iii) not made pursuant to the license granted under Clauses 14.2(b) or 14.2(c) ( Provision and License of SeaWorld Know-How and other SeaWorld IPR ). Notwithstanding the foregoing, for the purpose of this definition, the following shall be expressly excluded from ZH Improvements: improvements to, or derivative works of, (x) business methods or business operations, (y) copyrights (other than software), and (z) trade secrets other than technology trade secrets.

ZH IPR ” is defined in Clause 14.1(a) ( Ownership of Intellectual Property ).

ZH Party ” means each of ZH and its Affiliates, a Project Consultant, and their directors, officers, employees, agents and representatives.

ZH Representative ” means the representative of ZH appointed in accordance with Clause 22(b) ( Authorized Representatives ).

ZH Restricted Third Party ” means:

 

  (a) any international park owner, developer or operator which owns, develops or operates theme parks, Interactive Parks or waterparks and such activities form a core, or significant portion of the, business of the park owner, developer or operator;

 

  (b) any Third Party with a reputation for (or history of) repeated disregard for the health and welfare of animals, such that a relationship with such Third Party would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse impact of SeaWorld’s or ZH’s general reputation for animal safety and welfare; or

 

  (c) an entity that either Party cannot legally conduct business with (e.g., is listed on an official sanctions list).

ZH Variation Request ” is defined in Clause 9.1 ( Variations ).

 

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1.2 Rules of Interpretation

Unless the context of this Agreement otherwise requires:

 

  (a) words of any gender include each other gender;

 

  (b) references to a person include an individual, a body corporate and an unincorporated association of persons;

 

  (c) words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively;

 

  (d) the terms “herein”, “hereby”, “hereto” and similar words refer to this entire Agreement and do not refer to any particular Clause, paragraph, or Schedule or any other subdivision of this Agreement;

 

  (e) references to “Clause”, “paragraph”, or “Schedule” are to the Clauses, paragraphs, and Schedules, respectively, of this Agreement;

 

  (f) unless otherwise defined, terms used in the theme park, waterpark and leisure industry shall be interpreted in accordance with their generally understood meaning in that industry;

 

  (g) the words “include” or “including” shall be deemed to be followed by “without limitation” or “but not limited to” whether or not they are followed by such phrases or words of like import;

 

  (h) the descriptive headings in this Agreement, including the cover page and table of contents, are for convenience of reference only and not for purposes of construction or interpretation of its provisions;

 

  (i) references to “this Agreement” or any other agreement or document shall be construed as a reference to such agreement or document as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified and in effect from time to time and shall include a reference to any document which amends, modifies, supplements, or has otherwise modified it, or is entered into, made or given pursuant to or in accordance with its terms;

 

  (j) references to any Schedule shall be construed as a reference to such Schedule as may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time;

 

  (k) whenever this Agreement refers to a number of Days, such number shall refer to calendar days unless Business Days are specified;

 

  (l) where an obligation of a Party to make payment under this Agreement, as a result of the calculation of time, falls on a Day other than a Business Day, such time for performance shall be extended to the next Business Day; and

 

  (m) all periods of time shall be based on, and computed according to, the Gregorian calendar and any reference to a time of Day shall be construed as a reference to the time of Day in Beijing, the PRC.

 

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2. EFFECTIVE DATE

 

2.1 This Agreement shall become effective as of the date (the “ Effective Date ”) upon which:

 

  (a) this Agreement has been executed and delivered (in person, by electronic mail or otherwise) by both of the Parties hereto; and

 

  (b) each Party confirms to the other in writing that all necessary corporate approvals have been obtained with respect to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

3. EXCLUSIVITY

 

3.1 Subject to Clause 3.4, SeaWorld shall not (and shall procure that its Affiliates shall not) enter into any agreement or discussions regarding the development or operation of, or license of intellectual property to, any Centers in the Territory, other than with ZH and its Affiliates during the Term.

 

3.2 Except as contemplated by this Agreement, ZH shall not (and shall procure that its Affiliates shall not) enter into any agreement or discussions regarding the development of any Centers in the Territory, other than with SeaWorld and its Affiliates during the Term. For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Clause 3.1 shall limit ZH’s ability to develop, operate or license Intellectual Property with respect to:

 

  (a) any theme park, Interactive Park or water park;

 

  (b) any botanical gardens of which animals are a part; or

 

  (c) zoos, safaris or aquariums whose attractions are predominantly animal displays and; provided , that prior to developing any of the foregoing venues in this subclause, during the Term, ZH shall first discuss with SeaWorld ways in which SeaWorld could be involved in such opportunity.

 

3.3 The Parties agree that following the end of the Term, the exclusivity arrangements between the Parties shall be on such terms set out in the Center License Agreement.

 

3.4 Notwithstanding Clause 3.1, ZH acknowledges that SeaWorld and its Affiliates have standing business relationships with Third Parties existing as of the date of signature of this Agreement for the provision of operations support, marketing of SeaWorld Parks located outside the Territory and ongoing business matters in the Territory. SeaWorld and its Affiliates shall be permitted to continue those relationships existing as of the date of signature of this Agreement and the continuation of such relationships in accordance with their terms consistent with established practice shall not be deemed a breach or default of this Agreement; provided that SeaWorld represents and warrants that no such relationship includes:

 

  (a) a license of Intellectual Property to a Third Party to develop Centers in the Territory; or

 

  (b) any commitment by SeaWorld or its Affiliates that could impair or interfere with SeaWorld’s performance of its obligations hereunder (including SeaWorld’s provision of the Services and SeaWorld’s non-compete obligations) or compete or conflict with the rights granted to ZH hereunder.

 

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4. SEAWORLD’S OBLIGATIONS

 

4.1 The Parties agree that SeaWorld shall only be obliged to provide the Services set forth in Clause 4.2 below with respect to the Primary Center and not more than two (2) Qualifying Centers during the Term. ZH further agrees that the Concept and Preliminary Design and Development Analysis for each Qualifying Centers shall be substantially similar to that for the Primary Center and therefore the Services that SeaWorld shall be required to provide with respect to such Qualifying Centers shall be limited to discrete consulting advice related to unique additional modular elements of such Qualifying Centers that are not materially different to the modular elements of the Primary Center.

 

4.2 Subject to Clause 4.1 above, SeaWorld shall perform and complete the Services set forth below (the “ Services ”):

 

  (a) provide support and advice with respect to the initial strategic planning stages of a Development or potential Developments;

 

  (b) review all interim and final Project Consultant work directly related to the Development Analysis and Concept and Preliminary Design for the Developments;

 

  (c) provide access to SeaWorld’s existing facilities and attractions as may be reasonably required for completion of the Concept and Preliminary Design for the Developments; provided that:

 

  (i) such access will be subject to SeaWorld’s safety and security procedures that generally apply to all Persons given access to the such facilities and attractions;

 

  (ii) SeaWorld acknowledges and agrees that such access shall not be exclusive to ZH and that SeaWorld shall provide such assistance as is reasonably required to coordinate ZH’s access to the facilities and attractions with any applicable contractors or other parties;

 

  (iii) ZH will reasonably cooperate with SeaWorld so as to allow SeaWorld to manage and coordinate ZH’s access to the facilities and attractions so that such access is minimally disruptive to the operation of such facilities and attractions; and

 

  (iv) ZH shall provide SeaWorld with reasonable advance written notice of its intent to access the facilities and attractions for the Developments and its purpose for such access in accordance with this Clause 4.2(c);

 

  (d) review and provide input with respect to any preliminary business plan prepared by ZH or its Project Consultants with respect to the Concept and Preliminary Design and the Development Analysis for the Developments;

 

  (e) provide such zoological and aquarium expertise as may be reasonably required for the Development Analysis and Concept and Preliminary Design for the Developments;

 

  (f) review and provide input with respect to any preliminary operational and staffing plan prepared by ZH or their Project Consultants with respect to the Developments; and

 

  (g) such other services as may from time to time be mutually agreed between ZH and SeaWorld in accordance with Clause 8.3 ( Variations ).

 

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4.3 Subject to Clause 4.4 and Clause 5 ( ZH Obligations ) hereof, in performing the Services and its other obligations under this Agreement SeaWorld shall:

 

  (a) exercise that degree of knowledge, diligence, skill and care, which would:

 

  (i) reasonably be expected from a skilled and experienced owner of theme parks, Interactive Parks or waterparks engaged in services similar to the Services for a project of a similar size, scope and complexity to the Project; and

 

  (ii) be consistent with the manner in which SeaWorld would undertake such services for a project of a similar size, scope and complexity to the Project as if the Development were being designed for SeaWorld’s ownership,

provided, however, that SeaWorld’s undertakings are subject to receipt of reasonable and diligent cooperation from ZH and its Project Consultants; and

 

  (b) provide all advice, consents, comments, approvals, instructions and certificates required from it under this Agreement in a reasonably timely manner.

 

4.4 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Parties recognize that the Services and SeaWorld’s other obligations shall be provided by SeaWorld based on the expertise of its personnel and contractors and SeaWorld’s Know-How related to and experience with owning and operating its parks in the USA. Without prejudice to SeaWorld’s responsibility and liability for performance of the Services and SeaWorld’s other obligations, ZH acknowledges and agrees that neither SeaWorld nor any of its Affiliates shall, whether by approval, review, participation, selection, establishment of criteria, assistance or other similar action by SeaWorld under this Agreement assume any liability for:

 

  (a) the engineering or design of the Developments;

 

  (b) the construction or the structural integrity of the Developments; or

 

  (c) any payments or guaranty to any of the Project Consultants or any Third Parties.

 

5. ZH OBLIGATIONS

 

5.1 ZH agrees that it shall designate, at its own expense, an experienced design team led by a project manager who shall be in charge of completing the design. The project team shall be suitably qualified and shall include Project Consultants with direct knowledge and experience in developing and designing facilities similar to the type of Development under consideration. ZH shall in a timely manner notify SeaWorld of the composition of the project team.

 

5.2 For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Parties acknowledge and agree that ZH shall be responsible for:

 

  (a) procuring the timely and diligent completion of the Concept and Preliminary Design and Development Analysis for the Developments at its sole cost; and

 

  (b) such other preliminary planning tasks as may be necessary with respect to the applicable Development, including:

 

  (i) discussions to formalize site acquisition;

 

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  (ii) discussions with all Governmental Instrumentalities regarding preliminary Governmental Authorizations applicable to its performance of its obligations under this Agreement, including Governmental Authorizations in relation to the design of the Developments;

 

  (iii) discussions with potential debt and equity providers of debt and equity financing for the development and construction of the Development; and

 

  (iv) with assistance from SeaWorld, drafting a form letter that summarizes ZH’s relationship with SeaWorld, which letter ZH may present to Governmental Instrumentalities and financing sources.

 

5.3 ZH shall hire and manage, at its own cost and expense, Project Consultants to complete the design and Development Analysis. The cost for all such design and development work shall be paid by ZH.

 

5.4 ZH shall give SeaWorld reasonable access to all parts of the proposed sites of the Developments as reasonably required in order for SeaWorld to perform the Services and its other obligations under this Agreement, subject to ZH’s safety and security procedures that generally apply to all Persons given access to such sites. SeaWorld acknowledges and agrees that such access shall not be exclusive to SeaWorld and that ZH shall provide such assistance as is reasonably required to coordinate SeaWorld’s access to the proposed sites of the Developments with the applicable contractors, utility providers, or other parties. SeaWorld will reasonably cooperate with ZH so as to allow ZH to manage and coordinate SeaWorld’s access to the proposed site of the Developments so that such access is minimally disruptive to the work being performed by ZH’s contractors, utility providers and other parties. SeaWorld shall provide ZH with reasonable advance written notice of its intent to access parts of the proposed sites for the Developments and its purpose for such access in accordance with this Clause 5.4.

 

5.5 ZH shall, without charge:

 

  (a) provide SeaWorld with access to Project Consultants; provided , that SeaWorld shall:

 

  (i) reasonably cooperate with ZH so as to allow ZH to manage and coordinate SeaWorld’s access to Project Consultants so that such access is minimally disruptive to the work being performed by such Project Consultants, ZH’s contractors, utility providers and other parties

 

  (ii) provide ZH with reasonable advance written notice of its intent to access Project Consultants in accordance with this Clause 5.5(a); and

 

  (iii) provide ZH with a report on any material matters discussed if ZH elects not to participate in such discussions; and

 

  (b) furnish to SeaWorld in a timely manner all such information, data, drawings and documents as are in the possession or control of ZH;

in each case, as SeaWorld may reasonably require in order to enable it to perform the Services or its other obligations under this Agreement.

 

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6. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR

 

6.1 SeaWorld will act solely as an independent contractor in performing the Services and its other obligations under this Agreement, and nothing in this Agreement will at any time be construed as creating the relationship of employer and employee, principal and agent, partners or joint venturers between ZH and SeaWorld, or ZH’s and SeaWorld’s officers, directors, partners, managers, employees or agents.

 

6.2 Save as expressly provided for in this Agreement, no Party shall have any authority whatsoever to act on the other Party’s behalf or to purport to bind the other Party to Third Parties without first obtaining the prior written consent of the other Party.

 

6.3 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, upon prior written notice to ZH, unless ZH reasonably objects after receiving written notice thereof, SeaWorld may, at SeaWorld’s sole cost, subcontract with Third Parties to provide support for discrete aspects of the Services required to be performed by it under this Agreement, provided that SeaWorld shall remain responsible for the performance of the Services in accordance with this Agreement.

 

7. LIAISON

 

7.1 The Parties shall liaise regularly and schedule and attend coordination, planning, scheduling, review and status update meetings, whether hosted by ZH, SeaWorld, or any Project Consultant under their direct or indirect control. Commercially Reasonable Efforts by both Parties shall be made to coordinate such meetings and communicate critical milestones in advance so each Party has reasonable opportunity to participate in meetings, review documentation, and provide input.

 

7.2 The Parties will use their Commercially Reasonable Efforts to make necessary arrangements for senior executive personnel of the Parties to meet (in person, by telephone, by audio or video conference, or by any other available technology) periodically for the purpose of exchanging views with respect to significant developments and trends and issues relating to any Developments and for ZH to update SeaWorld on any material discussions with Governmental Instrumentalities regarding Governmental Authorizations in relation to the design of the Developments.

 

7.3 English language shall be used for and in connection with all Project documentation that SeaWorld has the right or obligation to review hereunder, including correspondence, contracts, plans, specifications, standards, and notifications between all Parties, unless required otherwise by law, and in which case an English language translation shall be provided to SeaWorld.

 

8. SEAWORLD OPTION

 

8.1 Subject to Clause 8.3, with respect to each Development during the Term:

 

  (a) no later than ninety (90) Days prior to the commencement of construction of such Development, ZH shall issue a notice to SeaWorld in writing informing SeaWorld of the expected commencement date of the construction of such Development together with a complete copy of the Development Analysis with respect to such Development (a “ Construction Commencement Notification ”); and

 

  (b) at any time up until one-hundred and eighty (180) Days prior to the end of the Term, SeaWorld shall have the right to notify ZH in writing (the “ Option Election Notice ”) that it wishes to apply the “SeaWorld” brand to the Development(s) (the “ Brand Option ”).

 

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8.2 To the extent that SeaWorld exercises the Brand Option pursuant to Clause 8.1, ZH or an Affiliate of ZH and SeaWorld will use their Commercially Reasonable Efforts to enter into the Center License Agreement by the date falling one hundred and eighty (180) Days from the date of issuance of the Option Election Notice. The Center License Agreement shall reflect the material terms set forth in Schedule 1 ( Center License Agreement – Material Terms ).

 

8.3 If SeaWorld elects to exercise the Brand Option with respect to a Development:

 

  (a) SeaWorld shall be deemed to have exercised the Brand Option in respect of all future Developments and the Parties will work together diligently to structure the Center License Agreement to accommodate such future Developments;

 

  (b) to the extent that SeaWorld has any approval rights in the Center License Agreement, any planning or construction activities relating to the Project or any Center performed prior to entering such Center License Agreement shall be deemed to have SeaWorld’s approval in all respects; and

 

  (c) to the extent that ZH has commenced or completed the construction of a Development (including the process of obtaining any necessary permits from Governmental Instrumentalities) prior to the date the Parties enter into the Center License Agreement, ZH will use its Commercially Reasonable Efforts to (i) repurpose such Development as a SeaWorld branded Development and (ii) structure the Center License Agreement to accommodate such Development.

 

9. VARIATIONS

 

9.1 ZH may at any time, by written notice to SeaWorld, request in any reasonable respect a Variation (a “ ZH Variation Request ”).

 

9.2 SeaWorld will consider each ZH Variation Request and promptly confirm in writing (a “ SeaWorld Variation Confirmation ”):

 

  (a) whether or not it is able to perform the proposed or affected Services in accordance with the ZH Variation Request;

 

  (b) if it is unable to perform the proposed or affected Services, how the ZH Variation Request could be amended so that SeaWorld is able to comply with the ZH Variation Request; and

 

  (c) the anticipated additional cost (the “ Variation Costs ”) and any effect on the program or schedule for the performance of any Variation, if any, which will be incurred by it if ZH decides to proceed with such Variation.

 

9.3 Upon receipt of a SeaWorld Variation Confirmation issued under Clause 9.2 or a SeaWorld Variation Request issued under Clause 9.5, ZH will promptly either:

 

  (a) confirm that the ZH Variation Request or SeaWorld Variation Request (as applicable) is instructed to be performed;

 

  (b) confirm that SeaWorld is not to proceed with the ZH Variation Request or SeaWorld Variation Request (as applicable); or

 

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  (c) in the case of a SeaWorld Variation Request, propose amendments to such SeaWorld Variation Request for SeaWorld to consider and, if acceptable to SeaWorld, incorporate in a revised SeaWorld Variation Request.

 

9.4 ZH shall pay to SeaWorld, for the performance of any Variation which is confirmed in accordance with Clause 9.3, the applicable Variation Costs.

 

9.5 SeaWorld may at any time by written notice to ZH inform it of any circumstances that have arisen which may require a Variation and propose a form of variation request (a “ SeaWorld Variation Request ”) for such Variation together with the information required under Clause 9.2(c) which ZH shall consider in good faith and respond to in accordance with Clause 9.3.

 

9.6 Any Variation agreed to in writing by ZH in accordance with Clause 9.3 shall form part of the Services.

 

10. COMPENSATION AND EXPENSES

 

10.1 Consulting Fees

 

  (a) In consideration of SeaWorld agreeing to the exclusivity arrangements herein and provide the Services and perform its other obligations under this Agreement until 31 December 2019, ZH shall pay SeaWorld:

 

  (i) for the period from the Effective Date until 30 June 2017, seven hundred fifty thousand US Dollars (US$750,000) within thirty (30) Days of the Effective Date;

 

  (ii) for the period from 1 July 2017 until 31 December 2017, seven hundred fifty thousand US Dollars (US$750,000) on or before 1 July 2017;

 

  (iii) for the period from 1 January 2018 until 30 June 2018, seven hundred fifty thousand US Dollars (US$750,000) on or before 1 January 2018;

 

  (iv) for the period from 1 July 2018 until 31 December 2018, seven hundred fifty thousand US Dollars (US$750,000) on or before 1 July 2018;

 

  (v) for the period from 1 January 2019 until 30 June 2019, five hundred thousand US Dollars (US$500,000) on or before 1 January 2019; and

 

  (vi) for the period from 1 July 2019 until 31 December 2019, five hundred thousand US Dollars (US$500,000) on or before 1 July 2019.

 

  (b) In addition to the fees payable to SeaWorld pursuant to Clause 10.1(a), ZH shall pay to SeaWorld a travel stipend (“ Base Travel Stipend ”) of one hundred thousand United States Dollars (US$100,000) per year (to be pro-rated for periods less than a full year), payable within thirty (30) Days of the Effective Date for the first year and on or prior to January 31 for each year thereafter for international and domestic travel.

 

  (c) SeaWorld shall otherwise be responsible for all third party costs (other than travel) incurred by SeaWorld in connection with the performance of the Services.

 

  (d) Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that SeaWorld is required to undertake more than eight (8) international manned trips per year or extraordinary travel (including, by way of example, multiple trips for the purpose of meeting with Governmental Instrumentalities or financing sources), the Parties agree to discuss in good faith reimbursement of travel expenses above and beyond the Base Travel Stipend.

 

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All travel by SeaWorld’s personnel covered by the Base Travel Stipend (including for travel over and above that covered by the Base Travel Stipend, if mutually agreed) shall take place in accordance with the following guidelines and principles:    

 

  (i) business class airfare for flights longer than six (6) hours;

 

  (ii) accommodation in four (4) star or better hotels; and

 

  (iii) daily living expenses equal to the U.S. Department of State foreign per diem allowance found at https://aoprals.state.gov/web920/per_diem.asp.

 

  (e) For the avoidance of doubt, the Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that at all times the Services are being performed hereunder:

 

  (i) for SeaWorld’s consulting advice and input into the Project based on its Know-How and knowledge related to its existing facilities of a similar nature; and

 

  (ii) for the Services (as described in Clause 4.1 ( SeaWorld s Obligations )) as opposed to itemizable deliverables related to each Service.

 

  (f) The Parties hereby acknowledge and agree that any payments made to SeaWorld pursuant to this Agreement are in respect of SeaWorld’s time, effort and availability in providing the Services and are made on a work for hire or similar basis.

 

10.2 Payment Details

 

  (a) All payments made under this Agreement shall be made on the date due if it is a Business Day, and where the date for payment does not fall on a Business Day, it shall be made on the next Business Day following the due date for payment. All payments to SeaWorld shall be wire transferred to SeaWorld as follows:

 

Account name:

  

SEA Parks & Entertainment International

Account number:

  

##############

Bank name:

  

Bank of America, N.A.

Bank address:

  

100 West 33 rd Street, New York, NY 10001

SWIFT code:    BOFAUS3N

 

  (b)

All taxes levied on SeaWorld in connection with this Agreement by any government or taxing authority shall be borne by SeaWorld. If any taxes are required to be withheld or deducted from payments to SeaWorld in accordance with Applicable Laws, ZH shall cooperate with SeaWorld to apply the lowest withholding tax rate for which SeaWorld is eligible under Applicable Laws and/or relevant tax treaty. ZH shall pay any amounts withheld by ZH in connection with this Agreement to the relevant tax authorities in a timely manner, and shall promptly furnish to SeaWorld a copy of an official receipt evidencing the payment in full of the amount so withheld or deducted by ZH. At the request of SeaWorld, ZH shall forward to SeaWorld a copy of any correspondence filed with government and taxing authorities directly relating to the reporting and/or payment of withholding taxes due on account of payments made to SeaWorld hereunder. ZH shall provide to SeaWorld such reasonable assistance as SeaWorld may request in connection

 

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  with any claim by SeaWorld for a credit or refund of such withholding taxes. Each Party agrees to cooperate and work together with the other Party to minimize any taxes that may be payable pursuant to this Agreement, including making efforts to establish the most tax efficient and optimal transaction structures. ZH acknowledges that the terms set out in this paragraph (b) are specific to this Agreement and both Parties shall negotiate in good faith the appropriate terms related to taxation in the Center License Agreement(s).

 

  (c) In the event that any payment due under this Agreement is not paid within thirty (30) Days after the date due, and without limiting any other remedy of SeaWorld, ZH shall pay SeaWorld interest thereon at a rate equal to the United States prime rate, as reported from time to time in The Wall Street Journal or any successor publication, plus two percent (2%) per annum (or, if less, the maximum permissible by law) and calculated from the date on which such payment was due until the date on which such payment was paid.

 

  (d) ZH undertakes to:

 

  (i) apply for approvals to the relevant authorities for the relevant payments in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement;

 

  (ii) ensure that no delay in payment will occur for reasons attributable to ZH; and

 

  (iii) use its best efforts to ensure that payment is made as soon as possible, including promptly signing all documents and taking all actions required by the relevant authorities for approving the relevant payments.

 

11. INSURANCE

 

11.1 Insurance Requirements

 

  (a) ZH, at its sole cost and expense, shall obtain and maintain in effect, or procure the obtaining and maintenance in effect of, at a minimum, general liability insurance in accordance with good industry practice with insurers rated A- by A.M. Best Company or Standard & Poor’s or higher and on terms (including limits) no worse than those obtainable in accordance with good industry practice and otherwise as required by Applicable Legal Requirements, provided that any such insurance provided by or on behalf of ZH may be changed at the annual expiry date of such policy.

 

  (b) Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to:

 

  (i) prevent ZH, at its sole cost and expense, from procuring insurance coverage in addition to the coverage required by this Agreement; or

 

  (ii) refer to insurance policies with coverage other than general liability insurance.

 

11.2 Failure to Obtain Insurance

Where, other than due to the act or omission of ZH, any of the insurances required to be effected in accordance with this Clause 11 ( Insurance ) cease to be available on commercially reasonable terms (or at all), within seven (7) Days of becoming aware that such policy will no longer be available on commercially reasonable terms (or at all), ZH shall inform SeaWorld and the Parties shall, in good faith, seek to agree the means by which the relevant risk should be managed (including alternative levels of cover, self-insurance and/or amendment to this Agreement) so as to try and keep the Parties in a position which is to the extent possible, no worse than the Parties were in prior to the relevant insurance ceasing to be available.

 

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11.3 Contractor Policies

ZH shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to require the Design Firm to name both of the Parties hereto and their relevant Affiliates as additional insureds on the Design Firm’s liability policies.

 

12. INDEMNITIES

 

12.1 Indemnification by ZH

 

  (a) Except to the extent of the negligence or willful misconduct by SeaWorld or a SeaWorld Party, ZH shall defend and indemnify SeaWorld and each SeaWorld Party from and against any and all Loss suffered or incurred by SeaWorld or a SeaWorld Party resulting from or arising out of the death or personal injury to any person in the employment of ZH or any ZH Party or the loss of or damage to any tangible property of ZH or any ZH Party.

 

  (b) Except to the extent of the negligence or willful misconduct by SeaWorld or a SeaWorld Party, ZH shall defend and indemnify SeaWorld and each SeaWorld Party from and against any and all Loss suffered or incurred by SeaWorld or a SeaWorld Party resulting from or arising out of:

 

  (i) any damage to, loss of or loss of use of any Third Party property;

 

  (ii) any personal injury to or death of any Third Party;

 

  (iii) except to the extent that SeaWorld is obligated to indemnify ZH pursuant to Clause 12.2, any claims of Third Parties against SeaWorld or a SeaWorld Party resulting from ZH’s performance of its obligations or exercise of its rights under this Agreement;

 

  (iv) except to the extent that SeaWorld is obligated to indemnify ZH pursuant to Clause 12.2(c), any claims of Third Parties against SeaWorld or a SeaWorld Party that the use of the Project Materials and the Project IP in connection with the Developments and as authorized by ZH infringes, violates or misappropriates any Intellectual Property rights of a Third Party; or

 

  (v) any claims of Third Parties against SeaWorld or a SeaWorld Party relating to ZH’s, a ZH Party’s or Project Consultant’s unauthorized use of the SeaWorld IPR or the SeaWorld Know-How,

in each case, to the extent caused by ZH or a ZH Party.

 

12.2 Indemnification by SeaWorld

 

  (a) Except to the extent of the negligence or willful misconduct of ZH or a ZH Party, SeaWorld shall defend and indemnify ZH and each ZH Party from and against any and all Loss suffered or incurred by ZH or a ZH Party resulting from or arising out of the death or personal injury to any person in the employment of SeaWorld or a SeaWorld Party or the loss of or damage to any tangible property of SeaWorld or a SeaWorld Party.

 

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  (b) Except to the extent of the negligence or willful misconduct of ZH or a ZH Party, SeaWorld shall defend and indemnify ZH and each ZH Party from and against any and all Loss suffered or incurred by ZH or a ZH Party resulting from or arising out of:

 

  (i) any damage to, loss of or loss of use of any Third Party property;

 

  (ii) any personal injury to or death of any Third Party;

 

  (iii) except to the extent that ZH is obligated to indemnify SeaWorld pursuant to Clause 12.1 and subject to Clause 4.4 ( SeaWorld’s Obligations ), any claims of Third Parties against ZH or a ZH Party resulting from SeaWorld’s performance of its obligations or exercise of its rights under this Agreement, including SeaWorld’s provision of the Services; or

 

  (iv) any claims of Third Parties against ZH or a ZH Party relating to SeaWorld’s or a SeaWorld Party’s unauthorized use of the Project IP or ZH IPR,

in each case, to the extent caused by SeaWorld or a SeaWorld Party.

 

  (c) Except to the extent of the negligence or willful misconduct of ZH or a ZH Party or where this indemnity is excluded by Clause 14.2(c), SeaWorld shall defend and indemnify ZH and each ZH Party from and against any and all Loss suffered or incurred by ZH or a ZH Party resulting from or arising out of any claims of Third Parties against ZH or a ZH Party that the use of the SeaWorld IPR or the SeaWorld Know-How following the Effective Date relating to the Developments and as authorized by SeaWorld infringes, violates or misappropriates any Intellectual Property rights of a Third Party.

 

12.3 Indemnification Procedures

A Party who desires to exercise its rights to indemnification under this Agreement (an “ Indemnitee ”) shall promptly notify the other Party who is obligated under this Agreement to provide such indemnification (an “ Indemnitor ”) of any Loss or claim for Loss or other matter for which indemnification is sought and shall deliver to the Indemnitor copies of process and pleadings or other document making a claim, and shall otherwise provide such cooperation as may be reasonably requested by the Indemnitor (however, a failure to provide any such notification or cooperation shall not affect any rights to indemnification except to the extent that the Indemnitor has been prejudiced thereby). Within five (5) Days after receipt of such notice, the Indemnitor shall undertake the defense of each such claim with counsel that has been approved by the Indemnitee, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. If the Indemnitor undertakes the defense of a claim in the manner required by this Clause 12.3, the Indemnitee nonetheless may also, at its own expense, engage separate counsel and participate in the defense of any claim brought against it. If the Indemnitor fails to undertake and sustain the defense of any claim in the manner required by this Clause 12.3, the Indemnitee may engage separate counsel, pay, settle or otherwise finally resolve such claim for the account and at the risk and expense of the Indemnitor; provided, however, that any payment, settlement or final resolution otherwise received by the Indemnitee shall to the extent so received release the Indemnitor from liability for such claim. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no settlement or consent to any judgment, award or decree may be made that (i) does not unconditionally release the Indemnitee of all liability, or (ii) require the Indemnitee to make an admission of fault, in each case, without the Indemnitor’s prior written consent.

 

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12.4 Required Disclosures

The Indemnitor shall keep the Indemnitee informed in reasonable detail of the progress of any claim or other matter for which indemnification is sought. Each Party hereto shall, subject to such confidentiality restrictions or other conditions as may be reasonably imposed, provide to the other Party hereto copies of such documents as are reasonably required to enable the other Party to make a reasonable determination respecting its indemnification rights and obligations hereunder. No proposed settlement agreement or other consensual resolution which could result in any liability or further claim against an Indemnitee shall be agreed to by the Indemnitor without the prior approval of the Indemnitee, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Termination of this Agreement shall not affect the continuing obligations of each of the Parties as Indemnitors hereunder.

 

12.5 Mitigation

The Indemnitee shall:

 

  (a) make all reasonable efforts to prevent and reduce to a minimum and mitigate the effect of any Loss it incurs as a result of a matter giving rise to a claim and nothing in this Clause 12 ( Indemnities ) in any way restricts or minimizes this obligation or the Indemnitee’s general obligation to mitigate a Loss which it may incur as a result of a matter giving rise to a claim; and

 

  (b) not encourage or promote any claim by any Third Party in relation to any event or occurrence.

The provisions of this Clause 12.5 ( Mitigation ) shall apply to the indemnified Party in respect of every indemnity under this Agreement.

 

13. LIABILITY

 

13.1 Total Liability

Subject to Clause 13.3 ( Exceptions ), the total liability of each Party in relation to this Agreement, including as a result of breach of contract howsoever arising, including tort, claims in negligence and statutory duty, is limited to an amount equal to two (2) times the amount received by SeaWorld pursuant to Clause 10.1(a) ( Consulting Fees ).

 

13.2 Special, Consequential or Punitive Damages

Subject to Clause 13.3 ( Exceptions ), in connection with this Agreement, neither Party shall be liable to the other Party for special, consequential, or punitive damages or indirect costs or expenses or indirect loss of profits.

 

13.3 Exceptions

The limitations on liability in this Clause 13 will not apply to:

 

  (a) any liability for gross negligence, fraud, willful default, fraudulent misrepresentation, or willful misconduct;

 

  (b) amounts required to be paid to Third Parties by the applicable Indemnitor pursuant to Clause 12;

 

  (c) death or personal injury caused by the negligence of either Party; or

 

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  (d) any other liability for which a Party may not exclude or limit its liability under Applicable Laws.

 

13.4 Mitigation

Nothing in this Clause 13 shall restrict or limit either Party’s general obligation to mitigate a Loss it may suffer or incur as a result of an event that may give rise to a claim under this Agreement.

 

14. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

 

14.1 Ownership of Intellectual Property

 

  (a) Except as expressly set forth herein, nothing in this Agreement shall operate as a transfer of any Intellectual Property belonging to either Party. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, as between SeaWorld and ZH:

 

  (i) all of SeaWorld’s and its Affiliates’ Intellectual Property existing as of the date of signature of this Agreement and any derivatives or improvements, except for the ZH Improvements, of the foregoing or Intellectual Property that is created by SeaWorld or its Affiliates for projects other than the Project, or that is otherwise created by SeaWorld or its Affiliates outside the scope of work contemplated by this Agreement or the Center License Agreement during the Term (collectively, “ SeaWorld IPR ”) are exclusively owned by SeaWorld or its Affiliates; and

 

  (ii) all of ZH’s and its Affiliates’ Intellectual Property existing as of the date of signature of this Agreement and any derivatives or improvements of the foregoing or, subject to Clause 14.1(a)(i) above, Intellectual Property that is created by ZH or its Affiliates for projects other than the Project, or that is otherwise created by ZH or its Affiliates outside the scope of work contemplated by this Agreement or the Center License Agreement during the Term (collectively, “ ZH IPR ”) are exclusively owned by ZH or its Affiliates,

and under no circumstances shall either ZH acquire or assert any Intellectual Property in the SeaWorld IPR or SeaWorld acquire or assert any Intellectual Property in the ZH IPR, except as expressly set out in this Agreement and with respect to ZH Improvements (subject to Clause 14.1(c) below). Except with respect to ZH Improvements (subject to Clause 14.1(c) below), to the extent that any rights in the SeaWorld IPR vest in ZH, ZH hereby assigns all its right, title and interest in and to all Intellectual Property in the SeaWorld IPR to SeaWorld. To the extent that any rights in the ZH IPR vest in SeaWorld, SeaWorld hereby assigns all its right, title and interest in and to all Intellectual Property in the ZH IPR to ZH. For the avoidance of doubt, the Parties acknowledge and agree that: (A) any Intellectual Property created by SeaWorld or its Affiliates for projects other than the Project, or that is otherwise created by SeaWorld or its Affiliates outside the scope of work contemplated by this Agreement (if any) or the Center License Agreement, shall be owned solely by SeaWorld or its Affiliates; and (B) subject to Clause 14.1(a)(i) above, any Intellectual Property created by ZH or its Affiliates for projects other than the Project, or otherwise created by ZH or its Affiliates outside the scope of work contemplated by this Agreement (if any) or the Center License Agreement, shall be owned solely by ZH or its Affiliates.

 

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  (b) Except for the SeaWorld IPR and ZH IPR, the Parties acknowledge that all Intellectual Property developed in the Project Materials (as defined below) or created or developed specifically for the Project (collectively the “ Project IP ”), shall be owned by ZH and to the extent that any such rights in the Project IP vest in SeaWorld or its Affiliates, SeaWorld hereby assigns, or shall procure the assignment of, all of right, title and interest in or to the Project IP to ZH. In the event that SeaWorld wishes to use the Project IP it may request a license to do so from ZH and following such request the Parties shall negotiate the terms of such license in good faith, including fair and reasonable compensation to be provided to ZH in consideration for granting SeaWorld a license to use Project IP.

 

  (c) As between the Parties, any and all ZH Improvements shall be owned by ZH and shall be included in the ZH IPR; provided , that under no circumstances shall ZH be entitled to, or be deemed to acquire, any rights in the SeaWorld IPR on which the ZH Improvement is based, from which the ZH Improvement is derived, or without which the ZH Improvement cannot operate, function or be exploited as intended. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, ZH hereby grants to SeaWorld (subject to ZH retaining the right to continue using ZH Improvements to the extent they are incorporated into the Project IP):

 

  (i) an exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, fully paid-up, transferable, sublicensable license to use any ZH Improvements:

 

  (A) outside of the Territory for any use or purpose during the Term or following termination due to SeaWorld’s default; and

 

  (B) anywhere in the world for any use or purpose following expiry or termination through no fault of SeaWorld; and

 

  (ii) a non-exclusive, irrevocable, royalty-free, fully paid-up, sublicensable license to use any ZH Improvements inside the Territory during the Term in order to provide services and information to ZH, its Affiliates and Project Consultants.

SeaWorld acknowledges and agrees that the license of ZH Improvements in the immediately preceding sentence is on an “as is” basis, without any representation, warranty or covenant, express or implied, by ZH, including with respect to infringement of any Third Party Intellectual Property, and SeaWorld waives any and all claims based upon its exploitation of the ZH Improvements unless such claims are based upon ZH’s fraud or willful misconduct.

 

  (d) SeaWorld acknowledges that ZH, or its Affiliates, are the owners of the ZH IPR and Project IP and will not directly or indirectly challenge or contest ZH’s, and its Affiliates’, ownership of the Project IP and any ZH IPR licensed to SeaWorld under this Agreement in any jurisdiction.

 

  (e) ZH shall have the sole and exclusive right to engage in any registration, prosecution, filing or maintenance action (“ Registration Action ”) with respect to any Project IP with any Governmental Instrumentality anywhere in the world; provided , that if ZH elects not to take a Registration Action outside of the Territory with respect to any Project IP (i) SeaWorld may direct ZH to take such Registration Action, so long as SeaWorld reimburses ZH for all costs in relation thereto, or (ii) ZH may elect to allow SeaWorld take such Registration Action on ZH’s behalf, in ZH’s name and at SeaWorld’s sole cost and expense, in which case ZH shall reasonably cooperate with SeaWorld at SeaWorld’s sole cost and expense.

 

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14.2 Provision and License of SeaWorld Know-How and other SeaWorld IPR

 

  (a) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement and in consideration for the fees payable to SeaWorld under this Agreement:

 

  (i) SeaWorld shall make available to ZH, Know-How owned by SeaWorld and its Affiliates that is relevant to the Project (“ SeaWorld Know-How ”) and other SeaWorld IPR, acting in accordance with that degree of knowledge, diligence, skill and care which would:

 

  (A) reasonably be expected from a skilled and experienced owner of theme parks, waterparks or Interactive Parks engaged in services similar to the services to be provided under the Agreements for a project of a similar size, scope and complexity to the Project; and

 

  (B) be consistent with the manner in which SeaWorld would undertake such services for a project of a similar size, scope and complexity to the Project, as if such Developments were being developed for SeaWorld’s ownership; and

 

  (ii) ZH, its Affiliates and Project Consultants may make use of the SeaWorld Know-How solely to prepare and use materials in relation to the Project, including the Concept and Preliminary Design and Development Analysis (the “ Project Materials ”).

 

  (b) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and in consideration for the fees payable to SeaWorld under this Agreement, SeaWorld hereby grants to ZH:

 

  (i) a worldwide (except for North America, the Middle East and the Republic of India), non-exclusive, irrevocable (subject to SeaWorld’s termination and suspension rights hereunder), non-transferable (except as expressly set forth herein), and non-sublicensable (except as otherwise provided for in paragraph (ii)) license; and

 

  (ii) the right to sublicense the rights granted in Clause 14.2(b) to its Affiliates and Project Consultants to the extent necessary to enable such Affiliates and Project Consultants to provide goods and services back to ZH solely for the purpose of enabling ZH to exercise its rights under this Clause 14.2(b),

to copy, adapt, translate, modify, enhance, maintain, further develop, prepare derivative works or otherwise alter, use and exploit the SeaWorld Know-How, and any other SeaWorld IPR, solely for the purposes of creating and using the Project Materials.

 

  (c) Subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and in consideration for the fees payable to SeaWorld under this Agreement, SeaWorld hereby grants to ZH a worldwide (except for North America, the Middle East and the Republic of India), non-exclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, royalty-free, fully paid-up, sublicensable license to use, any SeaWorld IPR and SeaWorld Know-How embedded within Project IP, upon which such Project IP is based or derived, or without which ZH could not exercise its rights to Project IP without infringing the rights of SeaWorld or any Third Party. ZH acknowledges and agrees that:

 

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  (i) outside the Territory, the license of SeaWorld IPR and SeaWorld Know-How in the immediately preceding sentence is on an “as is” basis, without any representation, warranty or covenant, express or implied, by SeaWorld, including with respect to infringement of any Third Party Intellectual Property, and ZH waives any and all claims based upon its exploitation of the SeaWorld IPR and SeaWorld Know-How unless such claims are based upon SeaWorld’s fraud or willful misconduct; and

 

  (ii) in addition to not using any SeaWorld IPR and SeaWorld Know-How in North America, the Middle East or the Republic of India pursuant to this Clause, ZH shall also not use the Project IP in in connection with any Center in North America, the Middle East or the Republic of India.

 

14.3 Miscellaneous

 

  (a) Each Party will ensure that their agreements with their employees and contractors contain appropriate assignments and licenses of Intellectual Property to give full effect to this Clause 14 and shall promptly procure, execute and deliver, at its own expense, such documents and perform such acts as may be required for the purpose of giving full effect to this Clause 14.

 

  (b) The Parties agree that the Know-How shared from SeaWorld to ZH, and the Know-How developed as Project IP shall each be subject to the provisions of Clause 21.10 ( Confidentiality ).

 

15. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

 

15.1 Each Party hereby represents and warrants to the other that, as of both the date of signature of this Agreement (but excluding any corporate approvals referred to in Clause 2.1(b) ( Effective Date )) and the Effective Date, the execution, delivery and performance by it of this Agreement have been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action, and this Agreement constitutes and, upon execution and delivery thereof, will constitute, the valid, binding and enforceable obligation of such Party, except as the enforceability thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium, other similar laws now or hereafter in effect relating to or affecting creditor’s rights or the relief of debtors generally and by general principles of equity and public policy and the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought, whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding in law or equity.

 

15.2 Each Party hereby represents and warrants to the other that, as of both the date of signature of this Agreement and the Effective Date there is no pending or, to the best of their knowledge after making due inquiries, threatened action, suit, investigation, arbitration or other proceeding that would impair the ability of either Party or their respective Affiliates to perform their obligations under this Agreement.

 

16. FORCE MAJEURE

 

16.1 Notice of an Event of FM

If any Party hereto is affected by an Event of FM, it shall give written notice as soon as reasonably practicable after becoming aware thereof to the other Party. The affected Party shall likewise immediately notify the other Party in writing and, in any event, within seven (7) Business Days, when the Event of FM has ceased.

 

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16.2 Consequences of an Event of FM

 

  (a) If an Event of FM shall prevent the total or partial performance of any of the obligations of either Party under this Agreement, then the Party claiming the Event of FM shall be excused from whatever performance is prevented thereby to the extent so affected and the other Party shall not be entitled to terminate this Agreement except as otherwise provided herein. Notwithstanding the Event of FM, the Party claiming the Event of FM shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to continue to perform its obligations under this Agreement and to minimize any adverse effects of such Event of FM.

 

  (b) Paragraph 16.2 above shall not, however, excuse or release:

 

  (i) the Party claiming the Event of FM from obligations due or performable, or compliance required, under this Agreement prior to the above-mentioned failures or delays in performance due to the occurrence of the Event of FM or obligations not affected by the Event of FM; or

 

  (ii) either Party from any payment obligation that has become due and payable in accordance with this Agreement, unless the Event of FM suspends or prevents all practical means of payment, in which case the paying Party shall deposit any such blocked funds to the credit of the other Party in a bank or banks or other depository within the PRC as may be designated in writing by the other Party, or pay them promptly to such Persons or entities as the other Party may designate in writing (provided such payment is not also restricted).

 

  (c) Unless this Agreement shall have been terminated pursuant to Clause 17.4 ( Termination following a Prolonged Event of FM ), a Party excused from performance by the occurrence of an Event of FM shall continue its performance under this Agreement when the effects of the Event of FM are removed.

 

17. TERM, SUSPENSION AND TERMINATION

 

17.1 Term of Agreement

Unless terminated earlier in accordance with the provisions of Clause 17, the term of this Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date and shall remain in full force and effect until 31 December 2019 (the “ Term ”).

 

17.2 Suspension

Without prejudice to SeaWorld’s rights under Clause 17.3 ( Termination following an Event of Termination ), in the event that ZH fails to pay SeaWorld any amount due and payable to SeaWorld pursuant to this Agreement within thirty (30) Days of the Day on which such amount should be paid in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, SeaWorld shall have the right, upon written notice to ZH, to suspend the performance of the Services under this Agreement until such amount has been paid to SeaWorld.

 

17.3 Termination following an Event of Termination

 

  (a)

Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination stated under paragraphs (b)(i) or (b)(ii) of the definition of Event of Termination, the non-defaulting Party may give a default notice to the other Party specifying in reasonable detail the Event of Termination and

 

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  requiring the defaulting Party to remedy the Event of Termination referred to in such default notice within ninety (90) Days of such notice (or such longer period as may be agreed by the non-defaulting Party in its absolute discretion). If the defaulting Party has failed to cure the Event of Termination to the satisfaction of the non-defaulting Party by the end of such ninety (90) Day period (or such longer period as may have been agreed by the non-defaulting Party in its absolute discretion), the non-defaulting Party shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement forthwith on written notice with effect from such date as specified in the notice.

 

  (b) Upon the occurrence of an Event of Termination stated under paragraphs (a), (b)(iii), (b)(iv), (b)(v) or (b)(vi) of the definition of Event of Termination, the Party that did not experience the Event of Termination shall be entitled to terminate this Agreement upon notice and with immediate effect.

 

17.4 Termination following a Prolonged Event of FM

 

  (a) Subject to paragraph (b) below, either Party may terminate this Agreement if an Event of FM prevents it or the other Party from performing its obligations for an aggregate period of one (1) year.

 

  (b) The period provided for in paragraph (a) above shall be reduced to one hundred and twenty (120) Days if the Party seeking to terminate the Agreement can demonstrate that there is no reasonable prospect of the relevant Event of FM being cured.

 

  (c) If a Party has the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to paragraph (a) above (subject to paragraph (b) above), it may give notice (the “ FM Termination Notice ”) to the other Party, specifying in reasonable detail the Event of FM giving rise to the FM Termination Notice and the date on which the Party giving the FM Termination Notice proposes to terminate this Agreement, which date shall be fourteen (14) Days after the date of such FM Termination Notice. Upon the occurrence of the termination date set out in the FM Termination Notice, this Agreement shall, subject to Clause 17.6 ( Termination for Convenience ), terminate unless the Parties have agreed to extend such date.

 

17.5 Other Termination Events

 

  (a) If the Effective Date has not occurred by March 31, 2017, either Party may terminate this Agreement immediately upon written notice.

 

  (b) The Parties acknowledge that termination by either Party pursuant to this Clause 17.5 shall not be interpreted or construed as termination due to the other Party’s fault.

 

17.6 Termination for Convenience

ZH may terminate this Agreement for any reason, by giving at least six (6) months’ advance notice of termination to SeaWorld specifying an effective date of termination.

 

17.7 Consequences of Early Termination

Subject to Clauses 17.8 ( Payments on Termination ) and 17.9 ( Return of the Parties IPR ), in the case of termination of the Agreement prior to expiry of the Term, both Parties shall immediately cease all further performance of their respective obligations to be performed under this Agreement.

 

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17.8 Payments on Termination

 

  (a) If at any time this Agreement is terminated:

 

  (i) by:

 

  (A) ZH pursuant to Clause 17.3 ( Termination following an Event of Termination );

 

  (B) SeaWorld pursuant to Clause 17.3 ( Termination following an Event of Termination ) following the occurrence of an Event of Termination stated under paragraphs (b)(iv) to b(vi) of the definition of Event of Termination; or

 

  (C) either Party pursuant to Clauses 17.4 ( Termination following a Prolonged Event of FM ) or 17.5 ( Other Termination Events ),

ZH shall pay SeaWorld an amount equal to SeaWorld’s due and unpaid fees and costs incurred with respect to this Agreement at the date of termination; and

 

  (ii) by:

 

  (A) ZH pursuant to Clause 17.6 ( Termination for Convenience ); or

 

  (B) by SeaWorld pursuant to Clause 17.3 ( Termination following an Event of Termination ) following the occurrence of an Event of Termination stated under paragraphs (a), (b)(i), (b)(ii) or (b)(iii) of the definition of Event of Termination,

ZH shall pay SeaWorld an amount equal to SeaWorld’s due and unpaid fees and costs incurred with respect to this Agreement at the date of termination, plus all fees that would have been due and payable to SeaWorld pursuant to Clauses 10.1(a) and (b) ( Consulting Fees ) as of 31 December 2019 had the Agreement not been terminated early.

 

  (b) Any amounts payable under Clause 17.8(a) above shall be payable by the date falling (30) Days after the date upon which the Party responsible for paying the applicable termination payment has received an invoice from the other Party setting out the termination payment that is due and payable.

 

  (c) For the avoidance of doubt:

 

  (i) termination of this Agreement shall be without prejudice to each Party’s entitlements to payments under this Agreement which:

 

  (A) become due and payable; or

 

  (B) otherwise accrue for obligations performed in accordance with this Agreement, prior to the termination of this Agreement, and

 

  (ii) the payment of any termination payments in accordance with this Clause 17.8 shall be without prejudice to a Party’s rights under Clauses 12 ( Indemnities ) and 13 ( Liability ).

 

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17.9 Return of the Parties’ IPR

 

  (a) Upon termination or expiration of this Agreement:

 

  (i) ZH may continue to use the Project IP (including SeaWorld IPR, SeaWorld Know-How, SeaWorld Confidential Information and ZH Improvements embedded in the Project IP) pursuant to the license granted to ZH in Clause 14.2(c) and SeaWorld may continue to use the ZH Improvements pursuant to the license granted to SeaWorld in Clause 14.1(c);

 

  (ii) subject to the license granted to ZH with respect to Project IP (including SeaWorld IPR, SeaWorld Know-How, SeaWorld Confidential Information and ZH Improvements embedded in the Project IP) in Clause 14.2(c), ZH shall cease all use or exploitation of all other SeaWorld IPR, SeaWorld Know-How and SeaWorld Confidential Information provided under this Agreement;

 

  (iii) subject to the license granted to SeaWorld with respect to ZH Improvements in Clause 14.1(c),SeaWorld shall cease all use or exploitation of all other ZH IPR, ZH Confidential Information and any Chinese entertainment or cultural elements that the Parties agree are intended to be unique to the Territory and, for the avoidance of doubt, Intellectual Properties not developed specifically for the Developments ( e.g. , a Monkey King themed Attraction); and

 

  (iv) each Party may require the other Party to destroy (to such Party’s satisfaction), or permit such Party and its representatives to enter the other Party’s facilities to destroy or to remove, Intellectual Property and Confidential Information (subject to any continuing rights of the other Party) that may not be used or exploited following termination or expiration of this Agreement pursuant to Clauses 17.9(a)(ii) and 17.9(a)(iii).

 

  (b) The Parties shall have a right to engage an independent third party audit firm to conduct an audit of the other Party, its Affiliates and, in the case of ZH, to the extent commercially reasonable, the Project Consultants’ premises, archival facilities and systems and IT systems (including servers, storage media, end-user devices, third-party cloud storage solutions and the personal electronic devices and storage media of the employees or individual contractors of the other Party, its Affiliates and, in the case of ZH, the Project Consultants), during normal business hours and in a manner that is minimally disruptive to the other Party, its Affiliates or the Project Consultants’, as applicable, business operations, at any time in the two (2) years following expiry or termination of this Agreement (but no more than once per year and upon at least fifteen (15) Days’ prior written notice) to confirm the other Party’s compliance with this Clause 17.9 and in the event that such audit uncovers any material non-compliance with this Clause 17.9, the other Party shall reimburse the auditing Party all costs incurred in conducting such audit. All persons conducting such audits shall comply with the other Party’s confidentiality and security policies and shall agree in writing to confidentiality restrictions no less restrictive than those set forth herein.

 

18. GOVERNING LAW

This Agreement and any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Hong Kong.

 

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19. RESOLUTION OF DISPUTES

 

19.1 Amicable Settlement

In the event of a dispute, controversy or claim arising out of, relating to or having any connection with this Agreement, including a dispute relating to its existence, breach, performance, termination, validity, interpretation or the consequences of its nullity and any dispute relating to any non-contractual obligations arising out of or in connection with it (a “ Dispute ”), either Party may give a written notice to the other Party that a Dispute has arisen (a “ Dispute Notice ”). The Parties shall have thirty (30) Days from the date of receipt of the Dispute Notice to settle the Dispute amicably. In this connection, the ZH Representative and the SeaWorld Representative and any other of the Parties’ respective duly authorized representatives shall attempt to meet in person or by way of teleconference for the purpose of discussing the Dispute and any potential settlement. The Parties agree that the ZH Representative and the SeaWorld Representative may, when mutually agreed by the Parties, establish working group(s) comprising of their duly authorized representatives to assist in any settlement of the Dispute. Any such settlement shall take effect only if reduced to writing and signed on behalf of the Parties.

 

19.2 Arbitration

 

  (a) Any Dispute which has not been resolved pursuant to Clause 19.1 ( Amicable Settlement ) shall be finally resolved in accordance with paragraph (b) below; provided, however, that the rights granted and obligations incurred by the Parties herein are unique in character and value such that the loss thereof could not be reasonably compensable in damages in an action at law. Accordingly, if either Party breaches or threatens to breach any of its material obligations under this Agreement, the other Party shall be entitled to all available equitable relief, including but not limited to injunctive relief or specific performance, in addition to any other remedies available at law.

 

  (b) Any Dispute shall be finally resolved solely and exclusively by arbitration in accordance with the following:

 

  (i) Arbitration

Unless otherwise resolved in accordance with Clauses 19.1 ( Amicable Settlement ), all Disputes, including the arbitrability of any Dispute, shall be referred to and finally resolved by arbitration under the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre Rules (the “ Rules ”), which Rules are deemed to be incorporated by reference into this paragraph (b). Capitalized terms used in this Clause which are not otherwise defined in this Agreement have the meaning given to them in the Rules.

The arbitral tribunal shall consist of three (3) arbitrators. Each Party shall nominate one (1) arbitrator. The Party-nominated arbitrators shall have thirty (30) Days from the confirmation of the appointment of the second arbitrator to nominate the president of the tribunal (the President ”). Failing agreement on the nomination for President, the court will select and appoint the President. The President shall not be a citizen of either the USA or a country within the Territory. In the event of a conflict between the Rules and the provisions of this paragraph (b), the provisions of this paragraph (b) shall govern. The language to be used in the arbitral proceedings shall be English. The seat, or legal place, of arbitration shall be Hong Kong.

 

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  (ii) Confidentiality

The Parties undertake to keep confidential all awards in any arbitration, together with all materials in the proceedings created for the purpose of the arbitration and all other documents produced by a Party in the proceedings not otherwise in the public domain, except and to the extent that disclosure may be required of a Party by legal duty, to protect or pursue a legal right or to enforce or challenge an award in bona fide legal proceedings before any competent court having jurisdiction thereof.

 

  (iii) Enforceability

Subject to Clause 19.1 ( Amicable Settlement ) and the rights of the Parties to seek interim equitable relief as provided in this Agreement, each Party acknowledges and agrees that arbitration pursuant to this Clause 19.2 shall be the sole and exclusive binding procedure for resolving any Dispute arising out of or in connection with the Agreement, and that any award rendered by the arbitral tribunal shall be final and binding upon the Parties. The prevailing Party in any action instituted under this Agreement will be entitled to recover all costs, expenses and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred in such action. Judgment upon the award may be entered, and application for judicial confirmation or enforcement of the award may be made, in any competent court having jurisdiction thereof, and the Parties hereto submit to the jurisdiction of such court for purposes of enforcement of any award rendered hereunder.

 

  (iv) Governing Law

This Clause 19.2 ( Arbitration ) shall be governed by the laws of Hong Kong.

 

19.3 Continued Performance

Without prejudice to SeaWorld’s rights under Clause 17.2 ( Suspension ), in the event of any Dispute arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, the Parties shall continue to perform their respective obligations under this Agreement during any negotiations, or arbitration proceedings or any other discussions between the Parties relating to a Dispute in accordance with this Clause 19 ( Resolution of Disputes ).

 

19.4 Survival

This Clause 19 ( Resolution of Disputes ) shall survive termination or expiration of this Agreement.

 

20. NOTICES

Any notice to be given hereunder by either Party shall be in writing and served either personally, by prepaid courier or by email transmission to the respective addresses set forth below, or to such other addresses of either Party which such Party may from time to time designate in writing to the other Party. Such notice shall be deemed given and effective upon actual receipt, provided that if a notice is received on a Day which is not a Business Day, or after 17:00:00 (local time) on any Business Day, it shall be deemed to be received on the next following Business Day.

 

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If to SeaWorld:    SEA Holdings I, LLC
   9205 South Park Center Loop, Suite 400
   Orlando, Florida 32819, USA
   Attention: Matt Rearden
   Email: #######
With a copy to:    SEA Holdings I, LLC
   9205 South Park Center Loop, Suite 400
   Orlando, Florida 32819, USA
   Attention: General Counsel
   Email: #######
   Telephone: #######
If to ZH:    Zhonghong Americas LLC
   23901 Calabasas Road, Suite 1068
   Calabasas, CA 91302
   Attention: Yoshikazu Maruyama, President
   E-mail: #######
With a copy to:    Zhonghong Holding Co., Ltd.
   No 8 Building, Dongqu International,
   Chaoyang District, Beijing China
   Attention: Yu Ting
   Telephone: #######
   E-mail: #######

 

21. MISCELLANEOUS

 

21.1 Entire Agreement

This Agreement contains the entire agreement among the Parties in relation to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any previous understanding, commitment or agreement, oral or written. It supersedes all prior or contemporaneous communications, representations or agreements, whether oral or written, relating to the rights and obligations set forth in this Agreement.

 

21.2 Waivers

No waiver or failure to insist upon strict compliance with any obligations, covenant, agreement or condition of this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of, or an estoppel with respect to, any subsequent or other failure.

 

21.3 Modification

No modification or amendment to this Agreement may be made other than through a written instrument signed by both Parties.

 

21.4 No Third Party Beneficiary

Unless expressly provided to the contrary in this Agreement, a person who is not a Party has no right to enforce or to enjoy the benefit of any term of this Agreement.

 

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21.5 Assignment

 

  (a) Other than sublicenses as contemplated herein, ZH may not assign any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement (whether by operation of law or otherwise), or encumber or otherwise dispose of or transfer all or any part of this Agreement, except: (i) in connection with a sale (including by way of merger, operation of law or otherwise) of all or substantially all of the assets and businesses of ZH; (ii) to its lenders as part of the overall credit facility for the ZH group of companies; (iii) in connection with a sale (including by way of merger, operation of law or otherwise) of all or substantially all of ZH’s assets and business related to the Developments or the assets or business of one or more individual Developments, provided, that ZH retains more than a fifty percent (50%) equity interest in and Control of the entity that will own the assets and business related to the Developments; (iv) to financing parties in connection with any financing for the design, development, construction or operation of any of the Developments; or (v) otherwise with the prior written consent of SeaWorld.

 

  (b) SeaWorld may not assign any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement (whether by operation of law or otherwise), or encumber or otherwise dispose of or transfer all or any part of this Agreement, except: (i) in connection with a sale (including by way of merger, operation of law or otherwise) of all or substantially all of the assets and businesses of SeaWorld; (ii) to its lenders as part of the overall credit facility for the SeaWorld group of companies; or (iii) otherwise with the prior written consent of ZH.

 

  (c) Notwithstanding Clauses 21.5(a), 21.5(b) and 21.5(e), either Party may assign this Agreement or any of its rights and obligations hereunder, in whole or in part, to any Affiliate of such Party, provided that such Affiliate has the capacity and resources reasonably necessary to fulfill its obligations under this Agreement.

 

  (d) Nothing in this Agreement is intended to restrict any acquisition of equity interests of either Party (including any change in equity ownership that may result in a change of Control of such Party) or any acquisition of all or substantially all of the assets and businesses of either Party or its Affiliates by a Third Party; provided, however, that where:

 

  (i) SeaWorld is Controlled by a SEA Restricted Third Party or a SEA Restricted Third Party acquires all or substantially all of the assets of SeaWorld, ZH shall have the right to terminate the Agreement pursuant to Clause 17.3; and

 

  (ii) ZH is Controlled by a ZH Restricted Third Party or a ZH Restricted Third Party acquires all or substantially all of the assets of ZH, SeaWorld shall have the right to terminate the Agreement pursuant to Clause 17.3;

 

  (e) For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Agreement is intended to prevent or restrict ZH or any Affiliate of ZH from effectuating a public offering pursuant from effecting a public offering of its shares or other securities under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or any similar successor statute and the rules and regulations thereunder or any similar law in the Territory or any other jurisdiction or from consummating a reorganization in connection with a securitization or structured financing, so long as ZH retains at least a twenty five percent (25)% equity interest in and Control of the entity that will own the assets and business related to the Developments.

 

  (f) Any attempted assignment, sublicense, encumbrance or other disposal or transfer by a party in contravention of the requirements of this Clause 21.5 shall be void and shall constitute a material default and breach of this Agreement by the assigning Party.

 

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21.6 Severability

If any provision of this Agreement or its application is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of all other applications of that provision, and of all provisions and applications hereof, will not be affected or impaired. If any arbitration panel or court shall determine that any provision of this Agreement is in any way unenforceable, that provision shall be reinterpreted to the extent necessary to make the provision enforceable.

 

21.7 Further Assurances

Each Party agrees that it will, at any time, and from time to time, do and perform such other acts and execute, acknowledge and deliver all such further agreements, documents, and instruments as may be reasonably required by the other Party in order to carry out fully and effectuate the transactions herein contemplated in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

 

21.8 Counterparts

This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the Parties on separate counterparts, and each counterpart when executed and delivered (in person, by electronic mail or otherwise) shall constitute an original of this Agreement, but which together constitute one and the same agreement.    

 

21.9 No Raiding

It is expressly agreed and understood that, absent the prior written approval of the other Party, neither Party will employ or attempt to employ employees of the other Party, either as an employee or as a contractor, during the Term of this Agreement and for a period of six (6) years thereafter, unless otherwise expressly agreed upon in writing by the Parties. For purposes of this Clause 21.9, an employee is any person who was an employee of the other party at any time during the six (6) months preceding such solicitation.

 

21.10 Confidentiality

 

  (a) Confidential Information

The term “ Confidential Information ” means any trade secrets, Know-How or other confidential or proprietary information that is disclosed by the Disclosing Party to the Receiving Party under this Agreement, and that is either: (i) conspicuously marked or otherwise identified as confidential or proprietary at the time of disclosure; or (ii) should reasonably be understood by the receiving party to be confidential based upon the nature of the information disclosed or the circumstances of the disclosure, whether tangible or intangible, and in whatever form or medium provided, including, without limitation, all information generated by the Receiving Party that contains, reflects or is derived from the furnished information; provided that Confidential Information shall not include any information which:

 

  (i) is or becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by the Receiving Party or its Permitted Recipients, as defined below, in breach of the terms hereof;

 

  (ii) becomes available to the Receiving Party on a non-confidential basis from a source (other than the Disclosing Party, its agents, representatives, consultants or employees) not known by the Receiving Party to be under a duty of confidentiality to the Disclosing Party; or

 

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  (iii) is already known to the Receiving Party at the time of disclosure.

The Disclosing Party’s Confidential Information is and shall at all times remain the property of the Disclosing Party. No use of such Confidential Information is permitted except as otherwise expressly provided herein. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement or a Center License Agreement, the Disclosing Party grants to the Receiving Party no ownership, license or other right, title, or interest in, to, or under any intellectual property, trade secret, or other rights of the Disclosing Party. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Disclosing Party represents and warrants that it may rightfully disclose or make available the Confidential Information to the Receiving Party without the violation of any contractual, fiduciary, or other obligation to any person, and the Disclosing Party agrees to indemnify in full the Receiving Party and the Permitted Recipients against any and all Loss incurred by the Receiving Party or by any such person in connection with the untruth of such representation or the Disclosing Party’s breach of such warranty.

The term “ Disclosing Party ” shall mean the Party disclosing Confidential Information to the other Party, also known as the Receiving Party, defined below.

The term “ Receiving Party ” shall mean the Party receiving Confidential Information from the Disclosing Party.

 

  (b) Strict Confidence

In consideration of the Disclosing Party’s disclosure to the Receiving Party of the Confidential Information, the Receiving Party shall retain in strict confidence, and not disclose in any manner whatsoever, in whole or in part, to any person other than the Permitted Recipients or use for any purpose other than as contemplated by this Agreement, any Confidential Information by taking all reasonable measures to avoid disclosure, dissemination or unauthorized use of the Confidential Information, including, at a minimum, those measures that it takes to protect its own confidential information (provided that such measures are consistent with at least a reasonable degree of care) and shall not, without the prior written consent of the Disclosing Party, use or disclose the Confidential Information or any part thereof except as contemplated by this Agreement. Each Party hereby confirms that it is aware and that its Permitted Recipients have been or will be advised that applicable securities laws prohibit any person who has material non-public information about SeaWorld from purchasing or selling securities of SeaWorld on the basis of such information or from communicating such information to any other person under circumstances in which it is reasonably foreseeable that such person may purchase or sell such securities. Each Party hereby confirms that it will take any action necessary or appropriate to prevent the use by the Receiving Party and its Permitted Recipients of any information in a way which might violate any securities law.

 

  (c) Permitted Recipients

The Receiving Party may disclose the Confidential Information to its direct and indirect parents, subsidiaries and Affiliates and its and their respective directors, officers, employees, consultants and professional advisors and potential investors (provided that the Receiving Party shall not disclose the fees under this Agreement without the Disclosing Party’s prior written consent, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) (collectively, the “ Permitted Recipients ”) who need to know the Confidential Information for the purposes of this Agreement or to perform their duties on behalf of a Party pertaining to the Project and provided that such Permitted Recipients are legally obligated to the Receiving Party:

 

 

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  (i) to hold such information in confidence; and

 

  (ii) to use such information only for the purposes expressed herein.

The Receiving Party shall be liable to the Disclosing Party if any of the Receiving Party’s Permitted Recipients breach any of the foregoing obligations, whether or not, at the time of such breach, the individual is employed by the Receiving Party, and the Receiving Party hereby agrees to indemnify in full the Disclosing Party against any and all Losses incurred by the Disclosing Party as a result of any Permitted Recipient breaching this warranty. The Receiving Party agrees, at its sole expense, to take all reasonable measures to prohibit any unauthorized disclosure or use of the Confidential Information.

 

  (d) Required Disclosures

Nothing in this Agreement shall obligate either Party to refrain from disclosure of Confidential Information to the extent such disclosure is required by law, regulation, judicial process or the rules of any securities exchange. In the event that any Confidential Information is required to be disclosed by law, including, pursuant to the terms of a subpoena or similar document or in connection with litigation or other legal proceedings, or in connection with an arbitration proceeding under this Agreement or a Center License Agreement, the Receiving Party agrees to: (i) notify the Disclosing Party immediately of the existence, terms and circumstances surrounding such request; (ii) consult with the Disclosing Party on the advisability of taking legally available steps to narrow such request; and (iii) exercise its Commercially Reasonable Efforts to obtain an order or other reliable assurance that confidential treatment will be accorded to the disclosed Confidential Information. If disclosure of the Confidential Information is required to prevent the Receiving Party from being held in contempt or subject to other penalty, the Receiving Party shall furnish only such portion of the Confidential Information as, in the written opinion of counsel reasonably satisfactory to the Disclosing Party, the Receiving Party is legally compelled to disclose. In addition, the Receiving Party shall allow the Disclosing Party, in its sole discretion and at its sole expense, to contest the disclosure of Confidential Information on the Disclosing Party’s behalf, and the Receiving Party will exercise its Commercially Reasonable Efforts to cooperate with the Disclosing Party in such efforts to contest such disclosure.

 

  (e) Term and Termination

This Agreement is intended to cover any Confidential Information exchanged by the Parties during the Term and for a period of five (5) years after the termination or expiry of this Agreement or, to the extent any Center License Agreement is entered into, for a period of five (5) years after the termination or expiry of the Center License Agreement. Any termination or expiration of the Term of this Agreement shall not affect the restrictions on disclosure of any Confidential Information disclosed hereunder, and the other terms hereof which by their nature are intended to survive such termination or expiration.

 

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  (f) Injunctive Relief

Notwithstanding the agreement to conduct discussions with respect to a Dispute in accordance with this Agreement or to arbitrate Disputes as set forth in this Agreement or in any other agreement between the Parties, each Party in its sole discretion may take appropriate action to have the confidentiality terms of this Agreement enforced by obtaining injunctive or other appropriate relief including, but not limited to, temporary relief before a time at which a preliminary hearing may be held by a court of competent jurisdiction to prevent continuance of such breach in an appropriate court of law, in addition to any other remedies which may be available. It is understood and agreed that monetary damages might be an insufficient remedy for any breach of this Agreement by either Party and that without prejudice to the rights and remedies otherwise available to it, a Party shall be entitled to seek equitable relief by way of injunction, specific performance or otherwise if the other Party breaches or threatens to breach any of the provisions of this Agreement.

 

  (g) Intellectual Property Use

Nothing in this Clause 21.10 ( Confidentiality ) shall operate to limit or restrict each Party’s permitted use of the other Party’s intellectual property, materials or know-how pursuant to 14 (Intellectual Property ) or any license agreement entered into by the Parties with respect to the Centers.

 

21.11 Necessary Actions

The Parties hereby agree to cooperate and use all Commercially Reasonable Efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all appropriate actions necessary, proper, or advisable, and to obtain all permits, consents, approvals, authorizations, qualifications, and orders as are necessary under the laws of PRC and each other applicable jurisdiction in the Territory, to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

 

21.12 English Language

This Agreement is executed in both English and Chinese. The English version of this Agreement shall be executed first and the Parties shall use Commercially Reasonable Efforts to cooperate in the prompt production of a mutually approved Chinese translation of the Agreement. Both versions shall have equal validity and legal effect. If there is any discrepancy between the English and Chinese language versions of this Agreement, the English version shall prevail.

 

21.13 Binding Effect

Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, every covenant, term and provision of this Agreement shall, in accordance with its terms, be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective heirs, legatees, legal representatives, successors and permitted transferees and assigns.

 

21.14 Publicity

Other than as ordered or required by a Governmental Authorization or in the course of administrative or judicial proceedings, or in accordance with the requirements of any applicable stock exchange, neither Party shall issue any press release or make any other public announcement relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement without the prior written approval of the other Party (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) as to the contents and the manner of presentation and publication of such press release or public announcement.

 

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21.15 No Partnership

During the term of this Agreement, no Party shall be deemed to be a representative, agent or employee of the other Party for any purpose whatsoever and shall not hold itself out as having the authority or right to assume, create, or undertake any obligation on behalf of the other Party without the express written consent of the other Party. This Agreement is not a commercial agency agreement and shall not be registered with any Governmental Instrumentality.

 

21.16 Waiver of Immunity

To the extent either Party may in any jurisdiction claim for itself or its assets immunity from suit, execution, attachment (whether in aid of execution, before judgment or otherwise) or other legal process and to the extent than in any such jurisdiction there may be attributed to itself or its assets such immunity (whether or not claimed), each Party hereby irrevocable waives such immunity to the full extent permitted by the laws of such jurisdiction.

 

21.17 Survival

Without prejudice to any rights or obligations accrued at the date of termination or expiry of this Agreement:

 

  (a) the covenants and agreements of the Parties contained in Clauses 6 ( Independent Contractor; Subcontractors ), 12 ( Indemnities ), 13 ( Liability ), 14.1 ( Ownership of Intellectual Property ), 14.2(c) ( Provision and License of SeaWorld Know-How and other SeaWorld IPR ) , 18 ( Governing Law ), 19 ( Resolution of Disputes ), 20 ( Notices ), Clauses 21.1 ( Entire Agreement ) to 21.7 ( Further Assurances ) and Clauses 21.11 ( Necessary Actions ) to 21.23 ( Anti-Corruption ) shall perpetually survive the expiration or the earlier termination of this Agreement;

 

  (b) the covenants and agreements of the Parties contained in Clause 17 ( Term, Suspension and Termination ) shall survive the expiration or the earlier termination of this Agreement until the later of the date upon which the rights of the Parties under such Clause are stated to expire and the obligations of the Parties under such Clause have been fully and finally discharged;

 

  (c) the covenants and agreements of the Parties contained in Clause 21.9 ( No Raiding ) shall survive the expiration or the earlier termination of this Agreement for a period of six (6) years;

 

  (d) the covenants and agreements of the Parties contained in Clause 21.10 ( Confidentiality ) shall survive the expiration or the earlier termination of this Agreement for a period of five (5) years from the termination or expiry of the last Center License Agreement to expire or terminate; and

 

  (e) the definitions of any defined terms used in any of the provisions referred to in paragraphs (a) to (d) shall survive the expiration or the earlier termination of this Agreement in accordance with their terms, along with any other provisions that are intended, by their terms to survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

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21.18 Costs

Except as expressly provided otherwise in this Agreement, each Party shall bear its own costs and expenses in connection with the negotiation, finalization and signing of this Agreement.

 

21.19 Set-off and Double Recovery

 

  (a) Subject to paragraph (b) below, if any undisputed sum of money is payable by one Party (the “ First Party ”) to the other Party (the “ Second Party ”) under this Agreement or any Center License Agreement, that sum, together with any relevant late payment fee applicable to the undisputed sum of money pursuant to this Agreement or any Center License Agreement, may be offset by the Second Party against any amount payable by the Second Party to the First Party as a credit against any subsequent amount payable by the Second Party to the First Party under this Agreement or any Center License Agreement. If the liabilities to be set off are expressed in different currencies, any liability which is not expressed to be in US Dollars shall be converted to US Dollars at a market rate of exchange. Any exercise by either Party of its rights under this Clause 21.19 ( Set-off and Double Recovery) shall not limit or affect any other rights or remedies available to it under this Agreement or any Center License Agreement or otherwise.

 

  (b) Nothing under this Agreement shall permit either Party to recover or withhold monies in respect of any Loss, which is otherwise due and payable under this Agreement or any Center License Agreement from the other Party to the extent that such monies or compensation have been recovered or withheld under any Center License Agreement or received under any insurance policy.

 

21.20 Reliance

Each Party confirms on behalf of itself and its Affiliates that, in entering into this Agreement, it has not relied on any representation, warranty, assurance, covenant, indemnity, undertaking, or commitment that is not expressly set out or referred to in this Agreement. Nothing in this Agreement shall exclude or limit any liability or remedy arising as a result of fraud.

 

21.21 Prohibited Payments

 

  (a) No Party, nor its employees, agents or any other representatives shall make any payment or give or take anything of value in relation to the Project, to or from any:

 

  (i) Government official (including any officer or employee of any department, agency, or Governmental Instrumentality);

 

  (ii) political party (including any candidate for political office); or

 

  (iii) any other Person,

to influence his or its decision, or to gain any other advantage for itself, including obtaining, retaining or directing business.

 

  (b) A Party becoming aware of a potential breach of this Clause 21.21 by one of its Affiliates, employees, agents, consultants, contractors, subcontractors or any Third Party acting on behalf of a Party, or their employees, agents or authorized representatives, shall immediately notify the other Party of the potential breach of this Clause 21.21 and shall indemnify the other Party in respect of all Loss suffered or incurred by that Party arising out of such breach.

 

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21.22 Brokers

The Parties represent and warrant to each other that they have not dealt with any broker or finder in connection with any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and, insofar as they know, no broker or other Person is entitled to a commission or finder’s fee in connection with these transactions. Each Party shall indemnify the other Party from and against any claim by any agent or broker claiming by or through it for any fee or other compensation due or allegedly due to that broker or agent. The terms of this Clause 21.22 shall survive the termination or expiration of this Agreement.

 

21.23 Anti -Corruption

 

  (a) Anti-Corruption Laws

To the extent applicable to its operations, each Party is aware of those laws, regulations or governmental orders which prohibit the provision of financial or other advantage for a corrupt purpose, including, and to the extent applicable the USA Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act 2010, and similar laws, regulations and governmental orders (“ Anti-Corruption Laws ”). Each of the Parties is committed to strict compliance with applicable Anti-Corruption Laws in connection with all activities under this Agreement and each Center License Agreement. Each of the Parties represents and warrants that it is familiar with the Anti-Corruption Laws applicable to its operations, including with respect to prohibitions against acceptance, solicitation, offering, or giving, whether directly or through a Third Party, any commission, gift of financial benefit or inducement for the purpose of securing an improper advantage, whether by a foreign official or otherwise, in connection with this Agreement.

 

  (b) Anti-Corruption Mutual Representation

Each of the Parties represents and warrants that to the best of its knowledge and belief it has not undertaken any action in contravention of any applicable Anti-Corruption Laws in connection with this Agreement to the extent it is subject to such law as of the date hereof and will use its best efforts to ensure that it remains in compliance during the Term of this Agreement.

 

22. AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES

 

  (a) SeaWorld hereby nominates John Linn as SeaWorld Representative with overall responsibility for carrying out the Services and Matt Rearden as SeaWorld Representative with respect to the rest of this Agreement. SeaWorld Representative shall have full authority to act on behalf of SeaWorld under this Agreement, except in relation to matters which SeaWorld may from time to time by written notice to ZH reserve to itself. SeaWorld Representative may from time to time, in writing, delegate any of the duties and authorities vested in him to another person and may from time to time revoke any such delegation in either case advising ZH in writing. SeaWorld may replace SeaWorld Representative from time to time by notice in writing to ZH.

 

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  (b) ZH hereby nominates Yoshikazu Maruyama as ZH Representative with respect to this Agreement. ZH Representative shall have full authority to act on behalf of ZH under this Agreement, except in relation to matters which ZH may from time to time by written notice to SeaWorld reserve to itself. ZH Representative may from time to time, in writing, delegate any of the duties and authorities vested in him to another person and may from time to time revoke any such delegation, in either case advising SeaWorld in writing. ZH may replace ZH Representative from time to time by notice in writing to SeaWorld.

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CONFIDENTIAL   

CENTER CONCEPT & PRELIMINARY DESIGN SUPPORT AGREEMENT

EXECUTION VERSION

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be executed by their respective duly authorized officers or representatives on the applicable date set forth below.

SIGNATORIES

 

SEA HOLDINGS I, LLC
By:  

/s/ Joel K. Manby

  Name: Joel K. Manby
  Title: Chief Executive Officer and President
  Date: March 24, 2017
ZHONGHONG HOLDING CO., LTD.
By:  

/s/ Wang Jihong

  Name: Wang Jihong
  Title: Chairman
  Date: March 24, 2017

[ Signature Page to Center Concept & Preliminary Design Support Agreement ]

 


CONFIDENTIAL   

CENTER CONCEPT & PRELIMINARY DESIGN SUPPORT AGREEMENT

EXECUTION VERSION

 

SCHEDULE 1

CENTER LICENSE AGREEMENT – MATERIAL TERMS

 

1.    Overview    The Center License Agreement is a comprehensive license agreement for the development and operation of branded Centers (“ Licensed Centers ”) in China, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan (the “ Territory ”).
2.    Overall Planning   

Following execution of the Center License Agreement, the Parties will work together to develop an overall strategic plan for the development and operation of the Licensed Center(s).

 

The Parties will develop a mutually acceptable framework for periodic strategic reviews and development milestones.

3.    License Grant   

SeaWorld will grant ZH a license to use the licensed intellectual properties (as specified in the Center License Agreement) in connection with the design, development, construction, operation or promotion of the Licensed Centers and to design, develop, construct, operate, manage, market, publicize and promote the Licensed Centers in the Territory.

 

ZH’s rights are subject to compliance with SeaWorld’s quality control requirements, SeaWorld’s approval and a number of reservations by SeaWorld, including rights permitting SeaWorld to continue to market other in parks operated or licensed by SeaWorld in the Territory and to share SeaWorld know-how to the extent such know-how relates to animal health, safety or care, or guest or employee health or safety; provided , that any work commenced or completed with respect to the Project or any Centers that was commenced or completed prior to the effective date of this Center License Agreement shall be deemed to have received all applicable approvals from SeaWorld in all respects.

4.    Future Licensed Centers   

The Agreement will incorporate mechanisms to accommodate:

 

(a)    future Licensed Centers which are developed after the date of the Center License Agreement; and

 

(b)    to the extent reasonable, Centers completed or in construction prior to ZH receiving the Brand Option pursuant to the CC&PDSA.

5.    Term of the License    From execution of the Center License Agreement until 10 years from the opening of each individual Licensed Center, extendable at ZH’s option for up to 2 additional terms of 5-years. The option is conditional upon (a) ZH’s compliance with other terms of the Center License Agreement and (b) the license term (including any extensions) not exceeding 40 years from the date of execution, unless further extended by mutual agreement of the parties.

 

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CONFIDENTIAL   

CENTER CONCEPT & PRELIMINARY DESIGN SUPPORT AGREEMENT

EXECUTION VERSION

 

6.    Design Parameters   

Design work will be led by ZH’s principal design consultant (currently The Hettema Group or such other consultant approved by SeaWorld).

 

The Licensed Centers may incorporate ZH-authored and third party creative properties, and may include Chinese entertainment or cultural elements, provided that consistency with the SeaWorld branding of the Licensed Centers is maintained.

7.    Development Milestones    The parties agree that the right to develop Licensed Centers in the Territory will be conditioned on ZH achieving certain milestones to be determined by the parties in the Center License Agreement. The current expectation is for at least five (5) Licensed Centers to be developed within a ten (10) year period from the date of the Center License Agreement, provided that, the Parties shall mutually agree on how to account for any Centers that are not Licensed Centers to the date they entered in the Center License Agreement.
8.    Exclusivity   

During the term of the Center License Agreement, SeaWorld and its affiliates will not enter into any agreement or discussions regarding the development or operation of, or license of intellectual properties to, any Centers in the Territory, other than with ZH and its affiliates. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, ZH understands that:

 

•       the parties will agree to the customary reservation of rights by SeaWorld in the Territory; and

 

•       SeaWorld has standing business relationships with third parties for the provision of operations support and ongoing business matters in the Territory and continuation of such relationships in accordance with their terms consistent with established practice shall not be deemed a breach or default of the Center License Agreement,

 

provided, that, such exclusivity arrangements will be subject to ZH maintaining a minimum number of Licensed Centers in the territory, as determined by the Parties in the Center License Agreement.

9.    ZH Responsibilities   

ZH shall be responsible for the design and construction, management and operation (other than with respect to zoological operations responsibility for which is to be determined) of the Licensed Centers as well as funding thereof. ZH shall be responsible for site selection although SeaWorld shall have the right to review and consult upon such location . ZH is responsible for all governmental approvals related to the Licensed Centers.

 

ZH will design and operate the Licensed Centers to a standard of design and guest experience consistent with good industry practice and is obliged to maintain, renew and update the facilities and elements of the entertainment and digital content.

 

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CONFIDENTIAL   

CENTER CONCEPT & PRELIMINARY DESIGN SUPPORT AGREEMENT

EXECUTION VERSION

 

10.    Sea World Responsibilities    SeaWorld is obliged to provide ZH and its design consultants with material resources and knowledge required for the Licensed Centers or operational phase to be determined in the Agreement. In providing such services SeaWorld shall exercise the level of skill and care that would be expected from a skilled and experienced owner of theme parks, water parks or interactive parks engaged in similar activities for a similar project and in a manner consistent with the way SeaWorld would undertake such activities if it was a SeaWorld project.
11.    Zoological Responsibility    If agreed by the parties, the Center License Agreement may include live animal displays that require SeaWorld’s zoological support. Any support obligations to be provided by SeaWorld will be pursuant to an animal loan and services agreement to be agreed by the parties.
12.    Creative and Quality Controls   

The Center License Agreement will include customary license provisions including:

 

•       SeaWorld approval over form and manner of exploitation of licensed properties

 

•       ZH obligation to comply with brand and style guidelines

 

•       SeaWorld input on business plans/budgets and annual operating and marketing plans from the perspective of conformance with established SeaWorld quality and other standards

 

•       SeaWorld input on operations procedures and training programs from the perspective of conformance with established SeaWorld quality and other standards

 

•       Provisions restricting participation of persons who are inappropriate for association with SeaWorld’s brands

 

•       Reasonable inspection and audit rights

 

•       Provisions for enforcement actions against third party infringers.

 

•       Where either party becomes aware of an infringement of SeaWorld’s brand or trademarks in the Territory, SeaWorld may elect in its sole discretion to either enforce its rights directly and/or allow ZH to do so on SeaWorld’s behalf.

 

SeaWorld will have reasonable consultation/approval rights (to be further defined and mutually agreed) over the following matters:

 

•       Selection of ZH’s principal design consultant and specialty consultants

 

•       Selection of the Licensed Center operator, if other than ZH or its affiliates

 

•       Design of the Licensed Center including any future expansion or material modifications, and the construction of the Licensed Center

 

•       Business plans and budgets

 

•       Other reasonable and customary matters.

13.    Marketing   

Parties shall explore and actively consider opportunities for co-branding of the Licensed Centers with trademarks, tradenames, logos or other indicia of SeaWorld and its Affiliates in a manner that will fairly present SeaWorld’s association with the Licensed Centers.

 

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CONFIDENTIAL   

CENTER CONCEPT & PRELIMINARY DESIGN SUPPORT AGREEMENT

EXECUTION VERSION

 

      Where SeaWorld or a third party operating under license from SeaWorld seeks to market in other parks operated or licensed by SeaWorld in the Territory, the Parties shall to work together in good faith to coordinate their respective marketing activities in the Territory.
14.    Sponsorship    Subject to SeaWorld’s prior written approval, ZH may seek sponsors for the Licensed Centers or experiences in the Licensed Centers.
15.    Intellectual Property Ownership and Licensing Back from ZH   

Each party retains ownership of background IP, IP developed independently of the Agreement and all improvements thereto, with the exception of “ZH Improvements”, i.e. improvements to SeaWorld “technology” made solely by ZH in the PRC, which ZH automatically owns under PRC law.

 

ZH owns foreground IP in materials created or developed specifically for the development or design of the Licensed Centers (“ Project IP ”) and in ZH Improvements.

 

SeaWorld receives:

 

(a)    during the term or following termination for SeaWorld’s default:

 

(i)     an exclusive license in North America, the Middle East and India to use the Project IP and ZH Improvements for any purpose;

 

(ii)    subject to (a)(i),a non-exclusive license outside the Territory (subject to restrictions on usage for centers similar to the Licensed Center in Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines) to use the Project IP and ZH Improvements for any purpose;

 

         and

 

(iii)  a non-exclusive License within the Territory to use the Project IP and ZH Improvements to provide services back to ZH; and

 

(b)    following expiry or termination through no fault of SeaWorld:

 

(i)     an exclusive license in North America, the Middle East and India to use the Project IP and ZH Improvements for any purpose; and

 

(ii)    subject to (b)(i), a non-exclusive license outside the Territory (with no restrictions on usage for centers similar to the Licensed Center in Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines) to use the Project IP and ZH Improvements for any purpose.

 

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CONFIDENTIAL   

CENTER CONCEPT & PRELIMINARY DESIGN SUPPORT AGREEMENT

EXECUTION VERSION

 

16.    Royalties   

Standard royalty rate of 5% of the applicable Revenues. This will increase to 6% commencing on the year occurring after the seventh anniversary of the date the applicable Licensed Center opens to the public.

 

Exceptions to standard royalty:

 

•       where SeaWorld Licensed Merchandise bears or incorporates elements of third party licensed properties, the standard royalty rate shall be pro-rated to reflect the ratio of co-branding, but in any event shall be no less than 50% of the standard royalty rate; and

 

•       where revenue is derived from a sponsorship, if a portion of the sponsorship revenue from such sponsorship is to be used for capital expenditures in the Licensed Center, then 30% of the total relevant sponsorship revenue from such sponsorship, shall be excluded from the calculation of Revenues. The Parties acknowledge that further discussion is required as to whether all of such 30% must be utilized for capital expenditure.

 

Minimum royalty amount of $150,000 per Licensed Center per year from date the Licensed Center is open.

17.    Consulting / Design Fee   

Fees payable in consideration for the support to be provided by SeaWorld and in respect of SeaWorld’s grant of exclusivity rights shall be discussed at the time the Parties enter into the Center License Agreement.

 

SeaWorld shall receive an annual travel stipend (as agreed between the Parties) to cover international and domestic travel with respect to the Licensed Centers. To the extent agreed, SeaWorld shall be reimbursed for travel costs over and above the travel stipend (including if SeaWorld is required to make more than 8 international trips per year). ZH is otherwise responsible for all other third party costs incurred by SeaWorld.

18.    Termination, etc.   

Customary termination trigger events to be included (material breach after reasonable opportunity to cure, insolvency or dissolution, failure of IP protection, cross-termination, etc.). Upon termination not due to the default of ZH, ZH will be given a reasonable period of time to repurpose the Licensed Center.

 

Upon termination or expiry, ZH shall cease all use or exploitation of the SeaWorld’s IPR and confidential information any Licensed Center name (to the extent SeaWorld owns all or part of such name or ZH has agreed to abandon such name such name) provided that in no event shall ZH be obligated to remove any facility or structural items, or any machinery or equipment, as long as such facility, structure item, machinery or equipment is not itself a SeaWorld IPR.

 

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CONFIDENTIAL   

CENTER CONCEPT & PRELIMINARY DESIGN SUPPORT AGREEMENT

EXECUTION VERSION

 

19.    Assignment; Change of Control    Assignment and change of control consistent with the principles applicable to the CC&PDSA, subject to further refinement by mutual agreement.
20.    Governing Law    Hong Kong law.
21.    Dispute Resolution    Arbitration in Hong Kong administered by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre under the HKIAC Arbitration Rules.

 

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