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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 4, 2017.

Registration No. 333-221078

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

Amendment No. 3 to

FORM S-1

REGISTRATION STATEMENT

UNDER

THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

 

 

NEWMARK GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   6531   81-4467492

(State or other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

 

(Primary Standard Industrial

Classification Code Number)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification Number)

125 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10017

(212) 610-2200

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

 

 

James R. Ficarro

Chief Operating Officer

Newmark Group, Inc.

125 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10017

(212) 610-2200

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)

 

 

Copies to:

 

Stephen M. Merkel

Executive Vice President,

General Counsel and Secretary

BGC Partners, Inc.

499 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10022

(212) 610-2200

 

David K. Lam

Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz

51 West 52nd Street

New York, New York 10019

(212) 403-1000

 

Christopher T. Jensen

George G. Yearsich

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP

101 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10178

(212) 309-6000

 

Samir A. Gandhi

Robert A. Ryan

Sidley Austin LLP

787 Seventh Avenue

New York, New York 10019

(212) 839-5300

 

Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public : As soon as practicable after this registration statement becomes effective.

If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933 check the following box.  ☐

If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934:

 

Large accelerated filer        Accelerated filer  
Non-accelerated filer        Smaller reporting company  
       Emerging growth company  

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act.  ☒

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

 

 

Title of each class of

securities to be registered

 

Proposed

Maximum

Aggregate

Offering Price(1)(2)

 

Amount of

Registration Fee(3)

 

 

 

 

Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share

  $759,000,000.00   $94,495.50

 

 

(1) Includes additional shares of Class A common stock that the underwriters have an option to purchase from the registrant.
(2) Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the registration fee in accordance with Rule 457(o) of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
(3) The Registrant previously paid a registration fee of $12,450.00 in connection with the initial filing of this Registration Statement.

 

 

The Registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to such Section 8(a), may determine.

 

 

 


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The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities, and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

 

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION. PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS, DATED DECEMBER 4, 2017

Newmark Group, Inc.

30,000,000 Shares

Class A Common Stock

 

 

This is the initial public offering of Class A common stock of Newmark Group, Inc. We are offering 30,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock.

We currently intend to contribute all of the net proceeds of this offering (including the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock described below) to Newmark Partners, L.P., our principal operating subsidiary, in exchange for a number of units representing Newmark Partners, L.P. limited partnership interests equal to the number of shares issued by us in this offering. Newmark Partners, L.P. intends to use these net proceeds to partially repay certain intercompany indebtedness owed by Newmark Partners, L.P. to us, which in turn we intend to use to partially repay certain indebtedness that we will assume prior to the closing of this offering from our existing stockholder, BGC Partners, Inc. (which we refer to as “BGC Partners” or “BGC”). See “Use of Proceeds.”

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our Class A common stock. The initial public offering price of the Class A common stock is currently estimated to be between $19.00 and $22.00 per share. We have applied to list our Class A common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “NMRK.”

We have two classes of authorized common stock: the Class A common stock offered hereby and Class B common stock. The economic rights of the holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock are identical, but they differ as to voting and conversion rights. Each share of Class A common stock is entitled to one vote. Each share of Class B common stock is entitled to 10 votes and is convertible at any time into one share of Class A common stock. All of our shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock are currently held by BGC Partners. After the completion of this offering, BGC Partners will continue to hold all of our issued and outstanding shares of Class B common stock and will hold approximately 90.1% of the total voting power of our common stock (or approximately 88.8% of the total voting power of our common stock if the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering). As a result of its ownership, BGC Partners will be able to control any action requiring the general approval of our stockholders, including the election of our board of directors, the adoption of certain amendments to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, the approval of any merger or sale of substantially all of our assets, and certain provisions that affect their rights and privileges as Class B common stockholders. See “Description of Capital Stock.”

BGC Partners has advised us that it currently expects to pursue a distribution to its stockholders of all of the shares of our common stock that it then owns in a manner that is intended to qualify as generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As currently contemplated, shares of our Class A common stock held by BGC Partners would be distributed to the holders of shares of Class A common stock of BGC Partners and shares of our Class B common stock held by BGC Partners would be distributed to the holders of shares of Class B common stock of BGC Partners (which are currently Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P. and another entity controlled by Howard W. Lutnick). The determination of whether, when and how to proceed with any such distribution is entirely within the discretion of BGC Partners. See “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Separation and Distribution Agreement—The Distribution.” The shares of our common stock that BGC Partners will own upon the completion of this offering will be subject to the 180-day “lock-up” restriction contained in the underwriting agreement for this offering. See “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest).”

Following this offering, BGC Partners will control more than a majority of the total voting power of our common stock, and we will be a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NASDAQ Stock Market rules. However, we do not currently expect to rely upon the “controlled company” exemption.

We qualified as an “emerging growth company” as defined under the federal securities laws, at the time that we submitted to the SEC an initial draft of the registration statement for this offering, and, as such, have elected to comply with certain reduced disclosure requirements for this prospectus. Our revenues for 2016 exceeded $1.00 billion, however, and, as a result, we will no longer be eligible for the exemptions from disclosure provided to an emerging growth company after the earlier of the completion of this offering and December 31, 2017.

 

 

Investing in our Class A common stock involves risk. See “ Risk Factors ” beginning on page 27.

Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the adequacy or accuracy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

 

     Per
Share
     Total  

Public offering price

   $                   $               

Underwriting discounts and commissions

   $      $  

Proceeds, before expenses, to us

   $      $  

The underwriters have an option to purchase, within 30 days of the date of this prospectus, a maximum of 4,500,000 additional shares of Class A common stock from us as described in “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest).”

The underwriters expect to deliver the shares against payment in New York, New York on             , 2017.

 

 

 

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC    BofA Merrill Lynch   Citigroup     Cantor Fitzgerald & Co.  
Passive Bookrunners  
PNC Capital Markets LLC   Mizuho Securities   Capital One Securities    

 Keefe, Bruyette & Woods

A Stifel Company

 

 

Co-Managers

Sandler O’Neill + Partners, L.P.    Raymond James    Regions Securities LLC     CastleOak Securities, L.P.     Wedbush Securities

 

 

The date of this prospectus is                 , 2017.


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

     1  

RISK FACTORS

     27  

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     64  

USE OF PROCEEDS

     66  

DIVIDEND POLICY

     67  

CAPITALIZATION

     71  

DILUTION

     72  

SELECTED COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA

     74  

UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA

     76  

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     84  

STRUCTURE OF NEWMARK

     105  

BUSINESS

     114  

MANAGEMENT

     135  

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

     139  

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

     154  

PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

     170  

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     174  

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS

     208  

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

     213  

SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

     217  

MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS FOR NON-U.S. HOLDERS OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK

     220  

UNDERWRITING (CONFLICTS OF INTEREST)

     223  

LEGAL MATTERS

     229  

EXPERTS

     230  

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

     231  

INDEX TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     F-1  

 

 

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus or contained in any free writing prospectus prepared by or on behalf of us. Neither we nor the underwriters have authorized anyone to provide you with information different from, or in addition to, that contained in this prospectus or any related free writing prospectus. This prospectus is an offer to sell only the shares offered hereby and only under circumstances and in jurisdictions where it is lawful to do so. The information contained in this prospectus is current only as of its date, regardless of its delivery. Our business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and prospects may have changed since that date.

For investors outside the United States: neither we nor any of the underwriters have done anything that would permit this offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than the United States. You are required to inform yourselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to this offering and the distribution of this prospectus.

 

 

 

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Unless we otherwise indicate or unless the context requires otherwise, any reference in this prospectus to:

 

    the “ancillary agreements” refers collectively to the amended and restated limited partnership agreement of Newmark OpCo; the amended and restated limited partnership agreement of Newmark Holdings; the administrative services agreement between Newmark and Cantor; the transition services agreement between Newmark and BGC Partners; the tax matters agreement between Newmark, Newmark Holdings, Newmark OpCo, BGC Partners, BGC Holdings and BGC U.S.; the tax receivable agreement between Newmark and Cantor; the registration rights agreement between Newmark, BGC Partners and Cantor; and the exchange agreement;

 

    “Berkeley Point” refers to Berkeley Point Financial LLC and “Berkeley Point business” refers to the business conducted by Berkeley Point and its subsidiaries;

 

    “BGC Global” refers to BGC Global Holdings, L.P., which holds the non-U.S. business of the BGC group;

 

    “BGC group” refers to (1) prior to the separation, BGC Partners, BGC Holdings, BGC U.S. and BGC Global and each of their respective subsidiaries; and (2) after the separation, BGC Partners, BGC Holdings, BGC U.S. and BGC Global and each of their respective subsidiaries (other than any member of the Newmark group);

 

    “BGC Holdings” refers to BGC Holdings, L.P.;

 

    “BGC Partners” or “BGC” refers to BGC Partners, Inc.;

 

    “BGC U.S.” refers to BGC Partners, L.P., which holds the U.S. business of the BGC group;

 

    “Cantor” refers to Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P. and its managing general partner;

 

    “Cantor group” refers to Cantor and its subsidiaries (other than any member of the BGC group or the Newmark group), Howard W. Lutnick and/or any of his immediate family members as so designated by Howard W. Lutnick and any trusts or other entities controlled by Howard W. Lutnick;

 

    the “Code” refers to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended;

 

    the “contribution ratio” is the number of our shares of Newmark common stock that will be outstanding for each share of BGC common stock outstanding as of immediately prior to this offering (and shall not include any shares of our common stock that will be sold in this offering); this ratio will be set at a fraction equal to one divided by 2.2;

 

    “distribution” refers to the pro rata distribution of our Class A common stock and our Class B common stock held by BGC Partners, pursuant to which shares of our Class A common stock held by BGC Partners would be distributed to the holders of shares of Class A common stock of BGC Partners and shares of our Class B common stock held by BGC Partners would be distributed to the holders of shares of Class B common stock of BGC Partners (which are currently Cantor and another entity controlled by Mr. Lutnick) (which distribution is intended to qualify as generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes); BGC Partners has advised us that it currently expects to pursue the distribution after the expiration of the 180-day “lock-up” restriction contained in the underwriting agreement for this offering. See “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)”;

 

    the term “employees” includes both employees and those real estate brokers who qualify as statutory non-employees under Internal Revenue Code Section 3508;

 

    “eSpeed” refers to eSpeed, Inc.;

 

    the “exchange agreement” refers to the exchange agreement to be entered into prior to the completion of this offering by Newmark, BGC Partners and Cantor;

 

   

“exchangeable limited partners” or “Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partners” means (a) any member of the Cantor group that holds an exchangeable limited partnership interest in Newmark

 

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Holdings and that has not ceased to hold such exchangeable limited partnership interest (b) any person to whom a member of the Cantor group has transferred an exchangeable limited partnership interest in Newmark Holdings and, prior to or at the time of such transfer, whom Cantor has agreed will be designated as an exchangeable limited partner and (c) any person who received an exchangeable limited partnership interest in Newmark Holdings in respect of an existing exchangeable limited partnership interest in BGC Holdings pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement;

 

    the “exchange ratio” is the number of shares of Newmark common stock that a holder will receive upon exchange of one Newmark Holdings exchange right unit (the initial exchange ratio will be one, but is subject to adjustment as set forth in the separation and distribution agreement; see “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Adjustment to Exchange Ratio”);

 

    “Fannie Mae” refers to the Federal National Mortgage Association;

 

    “Fannie Mae DUS” refers to the Fannie Mae Delegated Underwriting and Servicing Program;

 

    “FHA” refers to the Federal Housing Administration;

 

    “founding partners” or “Newmark Holdings founding partners” refers to the individuals who became limited partners of Newmark Holdings in connection with the separation and who held BGC Holdings founding partner interests immediately prior to the separation (provided that members of the Cantor group, the BGC group and Howard W. Lutnick (including any entity directly or indirectly controlled by Mr. Lutnick or any trust of which he is a guarantor, trustee or beneficiary) are not founding partners); the holders of BGC Holdings founding partner interests received such founding partner interests in connection with the separation of BGC Partners from Cantor in 2008;

 

    “founding/working partners” refers to founding partners and/or working partners;

 

    “Freddie Mac” refers to the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation;

 

    “Ginnie Mae” refers to the Government National Mortgage Association;

 

    “GSEs” or “GSE” refers to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac;

 

    “HUD” refers to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development;

 

    “HUD LEAN” refers to HUD’s mortgage insurance program for senior housing;

 

    “HUD MAP” refers to HUD’s Multifamily Accelerated Processing;

 

    “limited partnership unit holders” refers to the individuals who became limited partners of Newmark Holdings in connection with the separation and who held BGC Holdings limited partnership units immediately prior to the separation and certain individuals who become limited partners of Newmark Holdings from time to time after the separation and who provide services to the Newmark group;

 

    “Nasdaq” refers to Nasdaq, Inc.;

 

    “Nasdaq shares” or “Nasdaq payment” refers to the shares of common stock of Nasdaq which remain payable by Nasdaq in connection with the Nasdaq Transaction, the right to which BGC Partners expects to transfer to Newmark in connection with the separation prior to the completion of this offering;

 

    “Nasdaq Transaction” refers to the sale on June 28, 2013 of eSpeed by BGC Partners to Nasdaq, in which the total consideration paid or payable by Nasdaq included an earn-out of up to 14,883,705 shares of common stock of Nasdaq to be paid ratably over 15 years after the closing of the Nasdaq Transaction, provided that Nasdaq produces at least $25 million in gross revenues for the applicable year;

 

    “Newmark” refers to Newmark Group, Inc.;

 

    “Newmark & Co.” refers to Newmark & Company Real Estate, Inc.;

 

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    the “Newmark business” refers to the business held by members of the BGC group contributed to us pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement, which includes the commercial real estate services business historically operated by the BGC group and the Berkeley Point business. Members of the BGC group continue to hold the BGC group’s financial services business and its interests in us following the separation;

 

    “Newmark common stock” refers collectively to our Class A common stock and our Class B common stock;

 

    “Newmark Financial Statements” and “Newmark’s combined financial statements and related notes” refer to Newmark’s combined financial statements and related notes, which include Berkeley Point for all of the periods presented herein, as the acquisition of Berkeley Point has been determined to be a combination under common control resulting in a change in the reporting entity;

 

    “Newmark group” refers to Newmark, Newmark Holdings, Newmark OpCo and their respective subsidiaries;

 

    “Newmark Holdings” refers to Newmark Holdings, L.P.;

 

    “Newmark Holdings exchange right unit” means (a) any Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interest, and (b) if and to the extent that the Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partners (by affirmative vote of a majority in interest of such partners) shall have determined that a Newmark Holdings founding partner unit, REU or working partner unit shall be exchangeable with Newmark for shares of Newmark common stock, such founding partner unit, REU or working partner unit;

 

    “Newmark OpCo” refers to Newmark Partners, L.P.;

 

    the terms “producer,” “broker,” “salesperson” and “front-office personnel” are synonymous. These terms refer to customer-facing employees that are directly compensated based wholly or in part on the revenues they contribute to generating. “Average revenue per producer” is based only on “leasing and other commissions,” “capital markets,” and “gains from mortgage banking activities, net” revenues and divided by the number of corresponding producers, which is based on a period average. The productivity figures exclude both revenues and staff in “management services, servicing fees and other”;

 

    “Qualified Class B Holder” refers to any of (1) BGC Partners, (2) Cantor, (3) any entity controlled by BGC Partners, Cantor or Mr. Lutnick and (4) Mr. Lutnick, his spouse, his estate, any of his descendants, any of his relatives, or any trust established for his benefit or for the benefit of his spouse, any of his descendants or any of his relatives;

 

    the “separation” refers to the separation by members of the BGC group of the Newmark business from the remainder of the businesses held by the members of the BGC group pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement;

 

    the “separation and distribution agreement” refers to the separation and distribution agreement to be entered into prior to the completion of this offering by Cantor, Newmark, Newmark Holdings, Newmark OpCo, BGC Partners, BGC Holdings, BGC U.S. and, for certain limited purposes described therein, BGC Global; and

 

    “working partners” or “Newmark Holdings working partners” refers to the individuals who became limited partners of Newmark Holdings in connection with the separation and who held BGC Holdings working partner interests immediately prior to the separation and certain individuals who become limited partners of Newmark Holdings from time to time from and after the separation and who provide services to the Newmark group.

Unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all references in this prospectus to the “Company,” “we,” “our,” “us,” or similar terms refer to Newmark and its consolidated subsidiaries. Further,

 

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unless otherwise indicated or unless the context requires otherwise, all figures reflect the inclusion of the Berkeley Point business.

Industry and Market Data

In this prospectus, we rely on and refer to information and statistics regarding the commercial real estate services industry. We obtained this data from independent publications or other publicly available information. Independent publications generally indicate that the information contained therein was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but do not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of such information. Although we believe these sources are reliable, neither we nor the underwriters have independently verified this information. Neither we nor the underwriters guarantee the accuracy and completeness of this information.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This prospectus contains “non-GAAP financial measures” that are financial measures that differ from the most directly comparable measures calculated and presented in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles in the United States (which we refer to as “GAAP”). Non-GAAP financial measures used by the Company include “Adjusted EBITDA,” “Adjusted EBITDA before allocation to units,” “pre-tax Adjusted Earnings” and “post-tax Adjusted Earnings.”

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Before Allocation to Units

Newmark provides a non-GAAP financial performance measure, “Adjusted EBITDA,” which the Company defines as “Newmark’s net income (loss) available to stockholders/its parent (BGC Partners)” derived in accordance with GAAP and adjusted for the addition of the following items:

 

    Provision (benefit) for income taxes.

 

    Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interest.

 

    Employee loan amortization and reserves on employee loans.

 

    Interest expense.

 

    Fixed asset depreciation and intangible asset amortization.

 

    Non-cash charges relating to grants of exchangeability to limited partnership units.

 

    Other non-cash charges related to equity-based compensation.

 

    Other non-cash income (loss).

Adjusted EBITDA also excludes non-cash GAAP gains attributable to originated mortgage servicing rights (which we refer to as “OMSRs”) and non-cash GAAP amortization of mortgage servicing rights (which we refer to as “MSRs”). Under GAAP, the Company recognizes OMSRs gains equal to the fair value of servicing rights retained on mortgage loans originated and sold. Subsequent to the initial recognition at fair value, MSRs are carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value and amortized in proportion to the net servicing revenue expected to be earned. However, it is expected that any cash received with respect to these servicing rights, net of associated expenses, will increase Adjusted EBITDA in future periods, as discussed below under “—Pre-Tax Adjusted Earnings and Post-Tax Adjusted Earnings.”

The Company also discloses “Adjusted EBITDA before allocations to units,” which is Adjusted EBITDA excluding GAAP charges with respect to allocations of net income to limited partnership units. Such allocations represent the pro-rata portion of pre-tax earnings available to such unit holders. These units are included in the fully-diluted share count, and are exchangeable on a one-to-one basis, subject to certain adjustments, into shares of our Class A common stock. As these units are exchanged into shares of our Class A common stock, unit

 

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holders will become entitled to cash dividends paid on the shares of the Class A common stock rather than cash distributions in respect of the units. The Company views such allocations as economically equivalent to dividends on common shares. Because dividends paid to common shares are not an expense under GAAP, management believes similar allocations of income to unit holders should also be excluded by investors when analyzing Newmark’s results on a fully-diluted basis with respect to Adjusted EBITDA.

The Company’s management believes that these Adjusted EBITDA measures are useful in evaluating Newmark’s operating performance, because the calculations of these measures generally eliminate the effects of financing and income taxes and the accounting effects of capital spending and acquisitions, which would include impairment charges of goodwill and intangibles created from acquisitions. Such items may vary for different companies for reasons unrelated to overall operating performance. As a result, the Company’s management uses these measures to evaluate operating performance and for other discretionary purposes. Newmark believes that these Adjusted EBITDA measures are useful to investors to assist them in achieving a more complete picture of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations.

Because these Adjusted EBITDA measures are not recognized measurements under GAAP, investors should use these measures in addition to “Newmark’s net income (loss) available to stockholders/its parent (BGC Partners)” when analyzing Newmark’s operating performance. Because not all companies use identical Adjusted EBITDA calculations, the Company’s presentation of these Adjusted EBITDA measures may not be comparable to similarly-titled measures of other companies. Furthermore, these Adjusted EBITDA measures are not intended to be measures of free cash flow or GAAP cash flow from operations, because these Adjusted EBITDA measures do not consider certain cash requirements, such as tax and debt service payments.

See the reconciliation table for Adjusted EBITDA to Newmark’s net income (loss) available to stockholders/its parent (BGC Partners) below in “Summary Historical and Pro Forma Combined Financial and Operating Data.”

Pre-Tax Adjusted Earnings and Post-Tax Adjusted Earnings

In addition to the use of Adjusted EBITDA measures, the Company intends to pay any future dividends and/or distributions and to measure its performance based on other non-GAAP financial measures defined as “pre-tax Adjusted Earnings” and “post-tax Adjusted Earnings.” See “Dividend Policy” for definitions of “pre-tax Adjusted Earnings” and “post-tax Adjusted Earnings” and how they differ from GAAP “Newmark’s net income (loss) available to stockholders/its parent (BGC Partners).”

“Pre-tax Adjusted Earnings” can also be derived from “Adjusted EBITDA before allocation to units” by starting with the latter measure and deducting GAAP charges for fixed asset depreciation, interest expense, employee loan amortization, other non-cash equity-based compensation and other non-cash compensation items. Additionally, the Company reflects earnings from the Nasdaq payment ratably over four quarters for purposes of Adjusted Earnings and other non-GAAP measures, but for GAAP the Company recognizes the Nasdaq payment in the quarter in which it is earned. See “Business—Nasdaq Transaction.” Annualized “Post-tax Adjusted Earnings” is “pre-tax Adjusted Earnings” reduced by a non-GAAP provision for taxes which, over time, is generally a similar amount that is accrued under GAAP. The difference is primarily attributable to the timing of when certain deductions are taken for Non-GAAP tax purposes versus GAAP tax purposes. See “Dividend Policy.”

 

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary highlights selected information contained in greater detail elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary is not complete and does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in our Class A common stock. You should carefully read the entire prospectus, including “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” the combined financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus and the exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, before making an investment decision. Unless otherwise specified, references in this prospectus to “Newmark Knight Frank,” “NKF,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Newmark and its consolidated subsidiaries.

Unless otherwise indicated, the information included in this prospectus assumes (1) the sale of our Class A common stock in this offering at an offering price of $20.50 per share of Class A common stock, which is the mid-point of the pricing range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and (2) that the underwriters have not exercised their option to purchase up to 4,500,000 additional shares of Class A common stock.

In this prospectus, we make certain forward-looking statements, including expectations relating to our future performance. These expectations reflect our management’s view of our prospects and are subject to the risks described under “Risk Factors” and “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in this prospectus. Our expectations of our future performance may change after the date of this prospectus and there is no guarantee that such expectations will prove to be accurate.

Our Business

Newmark is a rapidly growing, high-margin, full-service commercial real estate services business that offers a full suite of services and products for both owners and occupiers across the entire commercial real estate industry. Since 2011, the year in which we were acquired by BGC Partners, Inc. (which we refer to as “BGC Partners” or “BGC,” a leading global brokerage company servicing the financial and real estate markets and listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market), we have been the fastest growing commercial real estate services firm, with a compound annual growth rate (which we refer to as “CAGR”) of revenue of 39%. Our investor/owner services and products include capital markets, which consists of investment sales, debt and structured finance and loan sales, agency leasing, property management, valuation and advisory, diligence and underwriting and government sponsored enterprise (which we refer to as “GSE”) lending and loan servicing. Our occupier services and products include tenant representation, real estate management technology systems, workplace and occupancy strategy, global corporate services consulting, project management, lease administration and facilities management. We enhance these services and products through innovative real estate technology solutions and data analytics that enable our clients to increase their efficiency and profits by optimizing their real estate portfolio. We have relationships with many of the world’s largest commercial property owners, real estate developers and investors, as well as Fortune 500 and Forbes Global 2000 companies. For the 12-month period ended September 30, 2017, we generated revenues of $1.5 billion representing year-over-year growth of approximately 16%. Over the same timeframe, Newmark’s net income available to stockholders/its parent (BGC Partners) was $243.1 million; Adjusted EBITDA before allocation to units was $352.8 million; and average revenue per producer was $775,000. We facilitated transactions for our clients during this period with a total deal consideration in excess of $77 billion.

We believe that our high margins and leading revenue growth compared to the other publicly traded real estate services companies have resulted from the execution of our unique integrated corporate strategies:

 

    we offer a full suite of best-in-class real estate services and professionals to both investors/owners and occupiers,

 

    we deploy deeply embedded technology and use data-driven analytics to enable clients to better manage their real estate utilization and spend, enhancing the depth of our client relationships,

 



 

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    we attract and retain market-leading professionals with the benefits of our unique partnership structure and high growth platform,

 

    we actively encourage cross-selling among our diversified business lines, and

 

    we continuously build out additional products and capabilities to capitalize on our market knowledge and client relationships.

Newmark was founded in 1929 with an emphasis on New York-based investor and owner services such as tenant and agency leasing, developing a reputation for talented, knowledgeable and motivated brokers. BGC acquired Newmark in 2011, and since the acquisition Newmark has embarked on a rapid expansion throughout the United States across all critical business lines in the real estate services and product sectors. We believe our rapid growth is due to our management’s vision and direction along with a proven track record of attracting high-producing talent through accretive acquisitions and profitable hiring.

Our growth to date has been focused in North America. We have more than 4,600 employees, including approximately 1,530 revenue-generating producers in over 120 offices in 90 cities, with an additional approximately 30 licensee locations in the U.S. Since 2011, we have completed over 35 complementary and accretive acquisitions, meaningfully expanding our product and services capabilities and geographic reach. We intend to continue to aggressively and opportunistically expand into markets, including outside of North America, and products where we believe we can profitably execute our full service and integrated business model.

Bolstered by our third quarter 2017 acquisition of Berkeley Point Capital LLC (which we refer to as “Berkeley Point” or “BPF,” a leading commercial real estate finance company focused on the origination, servicing and sale of multifamily loans through government-sponsored and government-funded loan programs), we believe we are poised for continued growth and value creation. We expect the combination of Berkeley Point and ARA, our top-three multifamily investment sales business, to create significant growth across our platform and serve as a powerful margin and earnings driver.

We generate revenues from commissions on leasing and capital markets transactions, technology user and consulting fees, property and facility management fees, and mortgage origination and loan servicing fees. Our revenues are widely diversified across service lines and clients, with our top 10 clients accounting for less than 7% of revenues in 2016. We have also achieved industry-leading growth, with our revenues increasing approximately 560% for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, which represents a 39% CAGR. Over 40% of this growth was attributable to the organic growth of our business, with the remaining portion of this growth coming from accretive acquisitions. We continued to generate industry-leading growth during the first nine months of 2017, with our revenue of $1.14 billion representing an 18% increase over the same period in 2016.

We are an affiliate of Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P. (which we refer to as “Cantor”), a diversified company primarily specializing in financial and real estate services for institutional customers operating in the global financial and commercial real estate markets. Cantor is the largest controlling shareholder of BGC.

Our Services and Products

Newmark offers a diverse array of integrated services and products designed to meet the full needs of both real estate investors/owners and occupiers. Our technology advantages, industry-leading talent, deep and diverse client relationships and suite of complementary services and products allow us to actively cross-sell our services and drive industry-leading margins.

 



 

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Leading Commercial Real Estate Technology Platform and Capabilities

We offer innovative real estate technology solutions for both investors/owners and occupiers that enable our clients to increase efficiency and realize additional profits. Our differentiated, value-added and client-facing technology platforms have been utilized by clients that occupy over 3.5 billion square feet of commercial real estate space globally. For real estate occupiers, investors and owners, our N360 platform is a powerful tool that provides instant access and comprehensive commercial real estate data in one place via mobile or desktop. This technology platform makes information, such as listings, historical leasing, tenant/owner information, investment sales, procurement, research, and debt on commercial real estate properties, accessible to investors and owners. N360 also integrates a Geographic Information Systems (which we refer to as “GIS”) platform with 3D mapping powered by Newmark’s Real Estate Data Warehouse. For our occupier clients, the Newmark VISION platform provides integrated business intelligence, reporting and analytics. Our clients use VISION to reduce cost, improve speed and supplement decisionmaking in applications such as real estate transactions and asset administration, project management, building operations and facilities management, environmental and energy management, and workplace management. Our deep and growing real estate database and commitment to providing innovative technological solutions empower us to provide our clients with value-adding technology products and data-driven advice and analytics.

Real Estate Investor/Owner Services and Products

Capital Markets. We offer a broad range of real estate capital markets services, including investment sales and facilitating access to providers of capital. We provide access to a wide range of services, including asset sales, sale leasebacks, mortgage and entity-level financing, equity-raising, underwriting and due diligence. Through our mortgage bankers and brokers, we are able to offer multiple debt and equity alternatives to fund capital markets transactions through third party banks, insurance companies and other capital providers, as well as through our government sponsored enterprise lending platform, Berkeley Point. Although preliminary figures suggest U.S. commercial real estate sales volumes across the industry declined 7% year-over-year in the first nine months of 2017 and declined 9% for the full year 2016 according to Real Capital Analytics (which we refer to as “RCA”), commercial mortgage origination volumes increased 17% and decreased 3% during the same time periods, respectively, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (which we refer to as the “MBA”). In comparison, our capital markets revenues, which are more heavily weighted to investment sales than commercial mortgage brokerage, increased by 15% and 26% period-over-period in the first nine months of 2017 and full year 2016, respectively. For the 12-month period ended September 30, 2017, we completed approximately $43 billion in capital markets transactions, representing an increase of approximately 39% year-over-year. This $43 billion in transactions includes approximately $11 billion in financing and note sales.

Agency Leasing. We execute marketing and leasing programs on behalf of owners of real estate to secure tenants and negotiate leases. We understand the value of a creditworthy tenant to landlords and work to maximize the financing value of any leasing opportunity. As of September 30, 2017, we represent buildings that total approximately 350 million square feet of commercial real estate on behalf of owners in the U.S.

Valuation and Advisory. We operate a national valuation and advisory business, which has grown expansively in 2017 by approximately 160 professionals. Our appraisal team executes projects of nearly every size and type, from single properties to large portfolios, existing and proposed facilities and mixed-use developments across the spectrum of asset values. Clients include banks, pension funds, insurance companies, developers, corporations, equity funds, REITs and institutional capital sources. These institutions utilize the advisory services we provide in their loan underwriting, construction financing, portfolio analytics, feasibility determination, acquisition structures, litigation support and financial reporting.

Property Management. We provide property management services on a contractual basis to owners and investors in office, industrial and retail properties. Property management services include building operations and

 



 

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maintenance, vendor and contract negotiation, project oversight and value engineering, labor relations, property inspection/quality control, property accounting and financial reporting, cash flow analysis, financial modeling, lease administration, due diligence and exit strategies. We have an opportunity to grow our property or facilities management contracts in connection with other high margin leasing or other contracts. These businesses also give us better insight into our clients’ overall real estate needs.

Government Sponsored Enterprise (“GSE”) Lending and Loan Servicing. On September 8, 2017, BGC Partners completed the acquisition of Berkeley Point, a leading commercial real estate finance company focused on the origination and sale of multifamily and other commercial real estate loans through government-sponsored and government-funded loan programs, as well as the servicing of loans originated by it and third parties, including our affiliates. On this same date, BGC Partners, along with Cantor, also completed its investment in a commercial real estate related finance and investment business (which we refer to as “Real Estate Newco”). After these transactions were completed, Berkeley Point and BGC’s investment in Real Estate Newco became part of Newmark. See “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—BP Transaction Agreement and Real Estate Newco Limited Partnership Agreement” for more information on these transactions.

Through Berkeley Point, we are one of 25 approved lenders that participate in Fannie Mae’s Delegated Underwriting and Servicing (“DUS”) program and one of 22 lenders approved as a Freddie Mac seller/servicer. For the full year 2016 and the first nine months of 2017, Berkeley Point’s loan originations increased by 58% and 33% period-over-period, respectively, to $7.6 billion and $7.4 billion. As a low-risk intermediary, Berkeley Point originates loans guaranteed by government agencies or entities and pre-sells such loans prior to transaction closing.

In conjunction with our origination services, we sell the loans that we originate under GSE programs and retain the servicing of those loans. The servicing portfolio provides a stable, predictable recurring stream of revenue to us over the life of each loan. As of September 30, 2017, Berkeley Point’s servicing portfolio was $58.4 billion (of which less than 10% relates to special servicing) and average remaining servicing term per loan was approximately eight years. The combination of Berkeley Point and ARA brings together, respectively, a leading multifamily debt origination platform with a top-three multifamily investment sales business, which we believe will provide substantial cross-selling opportunities. In particular, we expect revenues to increase as Berkeley Point begins to capture a greater portion of the financings on ARA’s investment sales transactions.

Due Diligence and Underwriting. We provide commercial real estate due diligence consulting and advisory services to a variety of clients, including lenders, investment banks and investors. Our core competencies include underwriting, modeling, structuring, due diligence and asset management. We also offer clients cost-effective and flexible staffing solutions through both on-site and off-site teams. We believe that this business line gives us another way to cross-sell services to our clients.

Real Estate Occupier Services and Products

Tenant Representation Leasing. We represent commercial tenants in all aspects of the leasing process, including space acquisition and disposition, strategic planning, site selection, financial and market analysis, economic incentives analysis, lease negotiations, lease auditing and project management. We use innovative technology and data to provide tenants with an advantage in negotiating leases, which has contributed to our market share gains. In 2016, we completed U.S. leasing transactions (including agency leasing) covering more than 140 million square feet.

Workplace and Occupancy Strategy. We provide services to help organizations understand their current workplace standards and develop plans and policies to optimize their real estate footprint. We offer a multi-faceted consulting service underpinned by robust data and technology.

 



 

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Global Corporate Services (“GCS”) and Consulting. GCS is our consulting and services business that focuses on reducing occupancy expense and improving efficiency for corporate real estate occupiers, with large, often multi-national presence. We provide beginning-to-end corporate real estate solutions for clients. GCS makes its clients more profitable by optimizing real estate usage, reducing overall corporate footprint, and improving work flow and human capital efficiency through large scale data analysis and our industry-leading technology. We offer global enterprise optimization, asset strategy, transaction services, information management, an operational technology product and transactional and operational consulting. Our consultants provide expertise in financial integration, portfolio strategy, location strategy and optimization, workplace strategies, workflow and business process improvement, merger and acquisition integration, and industrial consulting.

Project Management. We provide a variety of services to tenants and owners of self-occupied spaces. These include conversion management, move management, construction management and strategic occupancy planning services.

Real Estate and Lease Administration. We manage leases for our clients for a fee. We also perform lease audits and certain accounting functions related to the leases. For large occupier clients, our real estate technology enables them to access and manage their complete portfolio of real estate assets. We offer clients a fully integrated user-focused technology product designed to help them efficiently manage their real estate costs and assets.

Facilities Management. We manage a broad range of properties on behalf of users of commercial real estate, including headquarters, facilities and office space, for a broad cross section of companies, including Fortune 500 and Forbes Global 2000 companies. We manage the day-to-day operations and maintenance for urban and suburban commercial properties of most types, including office, industrial, data centers, healthcare, retail, call centers, urban towers, suburban campuses, and landmark buildings. Facilities management services may also include facility audits and reviews, energy management services, janitorial services, mechanical services, bill payment, maintenance, project management, and moving management.

Industry Trends and Opportunity

We expect the following industry and macroeconomic trends to impact our market opportunity:

Large and Highly Fragmented Market . The commercial real estate services industry is a more than $200 billion global revenue market of which we believe a significant portion currently resides with smaller and regional companies. Less than 15% of the revenue in the commercial real estate market is currently serviced by the top six global firms (by revenue), leaving a large opportunity for us to reach clients serviced by the large number of fragmented smaller and regional companies. We believe that clients increasingly value full service real estate service providers with comprehensive capabilities and multi-jurisdictional reach. We believe this will provide a competitive advantage for us as we have full service capabilities to service both real estate owners and occupiers.

Trend Toward Outsourcing of Commercial Real Estate Services . Outsourcing of real estate-related services has reduced both property owner and tenant costs, which has spurred additional demand for real estate. We believe that the more than $200 billion global revenue opportunity includes a large percentage of companies and landlords that have not yet outsourced their commercial real estate functions, including many functions offered by our management services businesses. Large corporations are focused on consistency in service delivery and centralization of the real estate function and procurement to maximize cost savings and efficiencies in their real estate portfolios. This focus tends to lead them to choose full-service providers like Newmark, where customers can centralize service delivery and maximize cost reductions. Our GCS business was specifically

 



 

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designed to meet these objectives through the development of high value-add client-embedded technology, expert consultants and transaction execution. Additionally, we believe that approximately 80% of property owners and occupiers (as measured by square feet) do not outsource and we consult with them and implement software to facilitate self-management more efficiently. This technology produces licensing and consulting revenues, allows us to engage further with these clients and positions us for opportunities to provide transaction and management services to fulfill their needs.

Increasing Institutional Investor Demand in Commercial Real Estate. Institutions investing in real estate often compare their returns on investments in real estate to the underlying interest rates in order to allocate their investments. The continued low interest rate environment around the world and appealing spreads have attracted significant additional investment by the portfolios of sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, pension and mutual funds, and other institutional investors, leading to an increased percentage of direct and indirect ownership of real-estate related assets over time. The target allocation to real estate by all institutional investors globally has increased from 3.7% of their overall portfolios in 1990 to over 10% in 2017, according to figures from Preqin Real Estate Online, Cornell University’s Baker Program in Real Estate and Hodes Weill & Associates. We expect this positive allocation trend to continue to benefit our capital markets, services, and GSE lending businesses.

Significant Levels of Commercial Mortgage Debt Outstanding and Upcoming Maturities. With $3.1 trillion in U.S. mortgage debt outstanding and with approximately $1.5 trillion of maturities expected from 2018 to 2021 according to Trepp, LLC and the MBA, we see opportunities in our commercial mortgage brokerage businesses and our GSE lending units. Sustained low interest rates typically stimulate our capital markets business, where demand is often dependent on attractive all-in borrowing rates versus asset yields. Demand also depends on credit accessibility and general macroeconomic trends. We expect interest rates to slowly and steadily rise over the next three to five years. We expect our capital markets and GSE lending businesses to continue to outperform the overall industry over the coming years, and because of our diversified mix of businesses, as well as our strong track record of adding industry-leading talent and improving revenue per producer, we expect to grow faster than the overall industry in any macroeconomic environment.

Favorable Multifamily Demographics Driving Growth in GSE Lending and Multifamily Sales. Delayed marriages, an aging population and immigration to the United States are among the factors increasing demand for new apartment living, which, according to a recent study commissioned by the National Multifamily Housing Council (which we refer to as the “NMHC”) and the National Apartment Association (which we refer to as the “NAA”), is expected to reach 4.6 million new apartments by 2030. The NMHC estimates that 325,000 new apartments must be built annually through 2030 to meet new demand. Additionally, according to the MBA, multifamily loan originations by all lenders increased to $260 billion in 2016, a CAGR of over 15% from 2014 to 2016, while GSE originations increased by a 29% CAGR. We expect these trends will support continued growth for our multifamily business platform, which provides integrated investment sales capabilities through ARA and GSE lending and servicing capabilities through Berkeley Point and our mortgage brokerage business.

Our Competitive Strengths

We believe the following competitive strengths differentiate us from competitors and will help us enhance our position as a leading commercial real estate services provider:

Full Service Capabilities . We provide a fully integrated real estate services platform to meet the needs of our clients and seek to provide beginning-to-end corporate services to each client. These services include leasing, investment sales, mortgage brokerage, property management, facility management, multifamily GSE lending, loan servicing, advisory and consulting, appraisal, property and development services and embedded technological solutions to support their activities and allow them to comprehensively manage their real estate assets. Through our investment in Real Estate Newco (see “Certain Relationships and Related-Party

 



 

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Transactions—BP Transaction Agreement and Real Estate Newco Limited Partnership Agreement”), we are able to provide clients access to nonagency lending investment management and other real-estate related offerings. Today’s clients are focused on consistency of service delivery, centralization of the real estate function and procurement, resulting in savings and efficiencies by allowing them to focus on their core competencies. Our target clients increasingly award business to full-service commercial real estate services firms, a trend which benefits our business over a number of our competitors. Additionally, our full service capabilities afford us an advantage when competing for business from clients who are outsourcing real estate services for the first time, as well as clients seeking best in class technology solutions. We believe that our comprehensive, top-down approach to commercial real estate services has allowed our revenue sources to become well-diversified across services and into key markets throughout North America.

Proven Ability to Hire and Acquire. We believe we have an exceptional ability to identify, acquire or hire, and integrate high-performing companies and individuals. Since our acquisition by BGC in the fourth quarter of 2011 through September 30, 2017, we have meaningfully expanded our capabilities, become a full-service commercial real estate services firm and increased our producer headcount from approximately 400 to approximately 1,530 and our number of offices from approximately 40 to over 120. Since 2012, and through the 12-month period ended September 30, 2017, we increased our average revenue per producer by 64% from $474,000 to $775,000. See the definitions of “producer” and “average revenue per producer” at the beginning of this prospectus. This growth is underpinned by our ability to attract and retain top talent in the industry. Many high-performing professionals are attracted to our technology capabilities, entrepreneurial culture, emphasis on cross-selling and unique partnership structure. This unique partnership structure allows acquirees the ability to contribute the value of their business to, and receive earnings from, our partnership. We also have a successful track record of acquisitions, and have completed over 35 since 2011, including leading brokerage firms in such dynamic markets as San Francisco/Silicon Valley, Denver, Philadelphia, Houston, Dallas and Atlanta. Outside of the United States, we recently acquired a full-service real estate firm in Mexico City, a significant commercial real estate market. We expect our ability to make accretive acquisitions and hires to be significantly enhanced through the use of our standalone equity currency after the completion of this offering.

Deeply Embedded, Industry-Leading Technology . Our advanced technology differentiates us in the marketplace by harnessing the scale and scope of our data derived from billions of square feet of leased real estate. Our technology platform is led by our innovative VISION product. This software combines powerful business intelligence, reporting and analytics, allowing clients to more efficiently manage their real estate portfolios. Our N360 custom mobile tools provide our clients access to our research, demographics and notifications about various property related events. This allows us to facilitate more timely dissemination of critical real estate information to our clients and professionals spread throughout a diverse array of markets. In addition to generating revenue from software licenses and user agreements, we believe our technology solutions encourage customers to use Newmark to execute capital markets and leasing transactions, as well as other recurring services. To maintain our competitive advantage in the marketplace, we employ approximately 200 dedicated, in-house technology professionals and consultants who continue to improve existing software products as well as develop new innovations. We will continue to aggressively develop and invest in technology with innovations in this area, which we believe will drive the future of real estate corporate outsourcing.

Strong and Diversified Client Relationships . We have long-standing relationships with many of the world’s largest commercial property owners, real estate developers and investors, as well as Fortune 500 and Forbes Global 2000 companies. We are able to provide beginning-to-end corporate services solutions for our clients through GCS. This allows us to generate more recurring and predictable revenues as we generally have multi-year contracts to provide services, including repeatable transaction work, lease administration, project management, facilities management and consulting. In capital markets, we provide real estate investors and owners with property management and agency leasing during their ownership and assist them with maximizing their return on real estate investments through investment sales, debt and equity financing, lending and valuation and appraisal services and real estate technology solutions. We believe that the many touch points we have with

 



 

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our clients gives us a competitive advantage in terms of client-specific and overall industry knowledge, while also giving us an opportunity to cross-sell our various offerings to provide maximum value to our customers.

Strong Financial Position to Support High Growth. We generate significant earnings and strong and consistent cash flow that we expect to fuel our future growth. For the 12-month period ended September 30, 2017, we generated revenues of $1.5 billion, representing year-over-year growth of approximately 16%. We intend to maintain a strong balance sheet and our separation from BGC Partners will provide us with a “pure play” and more effective acquisition currency through our listed equity securities that will allow us to continue to grow our market share as we accretively acquire companies, develop and invest in technology and add top talent across our platform. Further, we believe that our capital position will be strengthened by our expected receipt of up to 10.9 million shares of common stock of Nasdaq, Inc. (which we refer to as “Nasdaq”) to be paid ratably over approximately 11 years in connection with the eSpeed sale (see “Business—Nasdaq Transaction”). We recognized the receipt of the first of these payments of Nasdaq shares in the quarter ended September 30, 2017, and expect to recognize the receipt of shares ratably in the third quarter of future fiscal years. We expect the Nasdaq payment to provide approximately $77 million of pre-tax earnings and cash flow annually during this period, based on the last reported sale price of one Nasdaq share as of the end of the third quarter of 2017. With our strong balance sheet and standalone equity currency, we will be well positioned to make future hires and acquisitions and to profitably grow our market share.

Partnership Structure Yields Multiple Benefits. We believe that our unique partnership structure provides us with numerous competitive advantages. Unlike our peers, virtually all of our key executives and revenue-generating employees have equity stakes. We believe this aligns our employees and management with shareholders and encourages a collaborative culture that drives cross-selling and improves revenue growth. Additionally, our partnership structure reduces recruitment costs by encouraging retention, as equity stakes are subject to redemption or forfeiture in the event that employees leave the firm to compete with Newmark. Additionally, our partnership structure is tax efficient for employees and our public shareholders. We believe that this structure, which will be enhanced by our standalone equity currency, promotes an entrepreneurial culture that, along with our strong platform, enables us to attract key producers in key markets and services.

Strong and Experienced Management Team. We have dozens of executives and senior managers who have significant experience with building and growing industry-leading businesses and creating significant value for stakeholders. Management is heavily invested in Newmark’s success, supporting strong alignment with shareholders. We believe our deep bench of talent will allow us to significantly increase the scale of Newmark as we continue to invest in our platforms. Our Chairman, Howard Lutnick, has more than 34 years of financial industry experience at BGC Partners and Cantor. He was instrumental in the founding of eSpeed in 1996, its IPO in 1999, and its merger with and into BGC Partners in 2008. In 2013, he negotiated the sale of eSpeed, which generated just under $100 million in annual revenues, to Nasdaq for over $1.2 billion. See “Business—Nasdaq Transaction.” Barry Gosin has served as Chief Executive Officer of Newmark since 1979 and has successfully guided the Company’s significant expansion since 2011. Mr. Gosin spearheaded our merger with BGC Partners in 2011, and has received the Real Estate Board of New York’s “Most Ingenious Deal of the Year” award on three separate occasions. In addition, James Ficarro, our Chief Operating Officer, and Michael Rispoli, our Chief Financial Officer, along with our other senior management, collectively have decades of experience in the financial and real estate services industries.

Our Differentiated Business Growth Strategy

Set forth below are the key components of our differentiated business growth strategy:

Profitably Hire Top Talent and Accretively Acquire Complementary Businesses. Building on our management team’s proven track record, our unique partnership structure, our high-growth platform and our standalone equity currency, we intend to opportunistically hire additional producers and acquire other firms,

 



 

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services and products to strengthen and enhance our broad suite of offerings. We expect this growth to deepen our presence in our existing markets and expand our ability to service existing and new clients.

Incentivize and Retain Top Talent Using Our Partnership Structure. Unlike our peers, virtually all of our key executives and producers have partnership or equity stakes in our company and receive deferred equity or BGC Holdings units as part of their compensation. Approximately one-third of BGC Partners’ fully diluted shares were owned by executives, partners and employees of BGC Partners as of September 30, 2017. We believe that following this offering, a similarly high percentage of Newmark’s fully diluted shares will be owned by our executives, partners and employees over time. Our unique partnership structure, and our standalone equity currency, will enable us to motivate and retain our best producers more effectively than our peers in the key markets and services that are critical to our growth. Our ownership stakes, retention tools and partnership structure, together with the creation of Newmark equity solely linked to our business, will more strongly align our employee interests with those of our stockholders, and provide effective tools to recruit, motivate and retain our key employees.

Actively Cross-Sell Services to Increase Revenue and Expand Margins. We expect the combination of our services and products to generate substantial revenue synergies across our platforms, increase revenues per producer and expand margins. To complement and drive future growth opportunities within our GCS business, we are leveraging our capabilities in providing innovative front-end real estate technology solutions to complement and cross-sell other corporate services to those clients, including leasing services, project management, facilities management and lease administration services. Furthermore, the combination of Berkeley Point as a leading multifamily origination provider with ARA, our top-three multifamily investment sales business, and Newmark’s fast growing commercial mortgage business is an opportunity for strong loan originations and cross-selling opportunities across the multifamily market. We expect revenues to increase as Berkeley Point begins to capture a greater portion of financings on ARA’s investment sales transactions.

Utilize Our Technology to Provide Value and Deepen Relationships with Clients. We believe owners and occupiers of commercial real estate are increasingly focused on improving their efficiency, cost reduction and outsourcing of non-core real estate competencies. Through the use of our innovative technology and consulting services, we help clients become more efficient in their commercial real estate activities, and thus realize additional profit. We will continue to provide technology solutions for companies that self-manage, offering them visibility into their real estate data and tools to better manage their real estate utilization and spend. For instance, we are well positioned to provide technology services for the approximately 80% of the market that we believe does not outsource their real estate functions. The deep insight into our clients that we gain through our data and technology will provide us with opportunities to cross-sell consulting and transaction services.

Maximize Recurring and Other Revenue Opportunity from Each Service Offering to Real Estate Owners. We drive growth throughout the life cycle of each commercial real estate asset by providing best-in-class investment sales, debt and equity financing, agency leasing and property management. Our product offerings often create recurring revenues from properties, in particular with respect to property management, where the average life of our properties under management exceeds five years, and our servicing portfolio of $58.4 billion (of which less than 10% relates to special servicing) that has an average life of eight years at September 30, 2017. Our multifamily investment sales business and our commercial mortgage brokerage business also drive revenue, through referrals, to our GSE lending business. And we have also begun a meaningful expansion of our valuation and appraisal business, which we expect to spur significant growth and complement our platforms supporting the buying and selling of commercial real estate.

Opportunity to Grow Global Footprint. In 2016, less than 1% of our revenues were from international sources, while our largest, full-service, U.S.-listed competitors earned approximately 40-50% of their 2016 revenues outside the U.S., excluding investment management. We believe that our successful history of acquiring businesses across the U.S. and making profitable hires across our business lines demonstrates our ability to

 



 

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increase revenues in the U.S. and grow substantially through acquisition and hiring globally. Currently, we facilitate servicing our clients’ needs outside of the Americas through our alliance with London-based Knight Frank LLP (which we refer to as “Knight Frank”). We believe that we have a substantial opportunity to grow in the U.S. and internationally across leasing, investment sales, mortgage brokerage, property management, facilities management, loan servicing, advisory and consulting, appraisal, property and development services.

Our Restructuring and Post-IPO Organizational Structure

Our Restructuring

We are Newmark Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation. We were formed as NRE Delaware, Inc. on November 18, 2016 and changed our name to Newmark Group, Inc. on October 18, 2017. We currently have nominal assets and operations. We were formed for the purpose of becoming a public company conducting the operations of BGC Partners’ Real Estate Services segment, including Newmark and Berkeley Point.

Through the following series of transactions prior to and following the completion of this offering, we will become a separate publicly traded company. Immediately following this offering, a majority of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock will be held by BGC Partners. If BGC Partners completes the distribution contemplated below under “—The Distribution,” a majority of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock will be held by the stockholders of BGC Partners as of the date of any such distribution.

The Separation and Contribution

Prior to the completion of this offering, pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement, members of the BGC group will transfer to us substantially all of the assets and liabilities of the BGC group relating to BGC Partners’ Real Estate Services segment, including Newmark, Berkeley Point and the right to receive the remainder of the Nasdaq payment. For a description of the Nasdaq payment, see “Business—Nasdaq Transaction.”

Assumption and Repayment of Indebtedness

In connection with the separation and prior to the closing of this offering, we will assume from BGC Partners a term loan that has an outstanding principal amount of $575 million, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon (which we refer to as the “Term Loan”), and we will assume from BGC Partners the full amount drawn under a revolving credit facility, which represents an aggregate principal amount of $400 million, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon, and which will be converted into a term loan prior to our assumption thereof (the “Converted Term Loan”). Newmark OpCo will also assume from BGC U.S. certain note obligations owed to BGC Partners that have an outstanding principal amount of $412.5 million, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon (which we refer to as the “BGC Notes”). See “Description of Certain Indebtedness.”

We currently intend to contribute all of the net proceeds of this offering (including the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) to Newmark OpCo in exchange for a number of units representing Newmark OpCo limited partnership interests equal to the number of shares issued by us in this offering. Newmark OpCo intends to use approximately $575.0 million of such net proceeds to repay intercompany indebtedness owed by Newmark OpCo to us in respect of the Term Loan (which intercompany indebtedness was originally issued by BGC U.S. and will be assumed by Newmark OpCo in connection with the separation) and the remainder of such net proceeds to partially repay intercompany indebtedness owed by Newmark OpCo to us in respect of the Converted Term Loan (which intercompany indebtedness was originally issued by BGC U.S. and will be assumed by Newmark OpCo in connection with the separation). We currently intend to use approximately $575.0 million of such repayment from Newmark OpCo to repay the Term Loan in full and the remainder of such repayment from Newmark OpCo to partially repay the Converted Term Loan. The Term Loan has an outstanding principal amount of $575 million, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon, with an interest rate calculated based on one-month LIBOR plus 2.25%, subject to adjustment, which was approximately

 



 

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3.5% per annum as of September 30, 2017. The Term Loan will mature on September 8, 2019. The terms of the Term Loan require that the net proceeds of this offering be used to repay the Term Loan until the Term Loan is repaid in full. The Converted Term Loan has an outstanding principal amount of $400 million, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon, with an interest rate calculated based on one-month LIBOR plus 2.25%, subject to adjustment, which was approximately 3.5% per annum as of September 30, 2017. The Converted Term Loan will mature on September 8, 2019. The terms of the Converted Term Loan require that any remaining net proceeds of this offering, after repayment of the Term Loan, be used to repay the Converted Term. Following this offering, we estimate that the Converted Term Loan will have an outstanding principal amount of $400.0 million, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon. See “Use of Proceeds.” Following this offering, in the event that any member of the Newmark group receives net proceeds from the incurrence of indebtedness for borrowed money or an equity issuance (in each case subject to certain exceptions) after this offering, Newmark OpCo will be obligated to use such net proceeds to repay the remaining intercompany indebtedness owed by Newmark OpCo to us in respect of the Converted Term Loan (which in turn we will use to repay the Converted Term Loan), and thereafter, in the case of net proceeds from the incurrence of indebtedness, to repay the BGC Notes. In addition, we will be obligated to repay any remaining amounts under the BGC Notes prior to the distribution.

The Distribution

BGC Partners has advised us that it currently expects to pursue a distribution to its stockholders of all of the shares of our common stock that it then owns in a manner that is intended to qualify as generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As currently contemplated, shares of our Class A common stock held by BGC Partners would be distributed to the holders of shares of Class A common stock of BGC Partners and shares of our Class B common stock held by BGC Partners would be distributed to the holders of shares of Class B common stock of BGC Partners (which are currently Cantor and another entity controlled by Mr. Lutnick). The determination of whether, when and how to proceed with any such distribution is entirely within the discretion of BGC Partners. See “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Separation and Distribution Agreement—The Distribution.” The shares of our common stock that BGC Partners will own upon the completion of this offering will be subject to the 180-day “lock-up” restriction contained in the underwriting agreement for this offering. See “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest).”

Our Post-IPO Organizational Structure

The number of shares of Newmark common stock that will be outstanding prior to this offering will equal the number of shares of BGC common stock outstanding as of immediately prior to the separation, divided by 2.2. Similarly, the number of units of Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests that will be outstanding prior to this offering will equal the number of units of BGC Holdings limited partnership interests that will be outstanding immediately prior to the separation, divided by 2.2.

In this offering, Newmark will be offering 30,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering, and 34,500,000 shares of our Class A common stock, assuming that the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering.

Based on the number of shares of BGC Partners common stock, units of BGC Holdings limited partnership interests and units of BGC U.S. limited partnership interests as of November 29, 2017, there will be outstanding after the offering:

 

    145,543,380 shares of our Class A common stock, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering (or 150,043,380 shares of our Class A common stock, assuming that the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering);

 

    15,840,049 shares of our Class B common stock; and

 



 

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    76,596,867 units of Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests.

Immediately after this offering, Newmark and Newmark Holdings will hold one unit of Newmark OpCo limited partnership interest for each of such share of Newmark common stock or unit of Newmark Holdings limited partnership interest, respectively.

In addition, as of November 29, 2017, BGC Partners and/or BGC Holdings have reserved a total of 6,022,461 shares of BGC Class A common stock and units of BGC Holdings limited partnership interests for issuance in respect of RSU awards, contingent share awards, contingent unit awards and other agreements that have been provided to employees in the event that certain contingent events occur. Newmark and/or Newmark Holdings will reserve a total of 2,737,482 shares of Newmark Class A common stock and/or units of Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests for issuance in respect of these RSU awards, contingent share awards, contingent unit awards and other agreements.

Following the offering, BGC Partners will hold 115,543,380 shares of our Class A common stock after this offering representing approximately 79.4% of our outstanding Class A common stock, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering and representing approximately 77.0% of our outstanding Class A common stock, assuming that the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering. BGC Partners will also hold all of the issued and outstanding shares of our Class B common stock after this offering. Each share of Class A common stock is generally entitled to one vote on matters submitted to our stockholders. Each share of Class B common stock is generally entitled to the same rights as a share of Class A common stock, except that, on matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders, each share of Class B common stock is entitled to 10 votes. The Class B common stock generally votes together with the Class A common stock on all matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders. After giving effect to this offering, our Class B common stock and our Class A common stock held by BGC Partners will represent approximately 90.1% of the total voting power of our common stock, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering, and will represent approximately 88.8% of the total voting power of our common stock, assuming that the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering. We expect to retain our dual class structure, and there are no circumstances under which the holders of Class B common stock would be required to convert their shares of Class B common stock into shares of Class A common stock. Our certificate of incorporation will not provide for automatic conversion of shares of Class B common stock into shares of Class A common stock upon the occurrence of any event.

We are a holding company with no direct operations. We conduct substantially all of our operations through our operating subsidiaries. The limited partnership interests of Newmark OpCo are held by us and Newmark Holdings, and the limited partnership interests of Newmark Holdings are currently held by Cantor and the founding partners, working partners and limited partnership unit holders. As of the completion of this offering, we expect Newmark Holdings to have 157 founding partners holding 5,536,700 founding partner units. Newmark Holdings and Newmark OpCo are variable interest entities. Virtually all of our consolidated net assets and net income are those of consolidated variable interest entities. The exchange ratio between Newmark Holdings exchange right units and our common stock is currently one, but such exchange ratio is subject to adjustment in the event that, among other things, our dividend policy differs from the distribution policy of Newmark Holdings. See “Dividend Policy” and “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Adjustment to Exchange Ratio.” We hold the Newmark Holdings general partnership interest and the Newmark Holdings special voting limited partnership interest, which entitle us to remove and appoint the general partner of Newmark Holdings, and serve as the general partner of Newmark Holdings, which entitles us to control Newmark Holdings. Newmark Holdings, in turn, holds the Newmark OpCo general partnership interest and the Newmark OpCo special voting limited partnership interest, which entitle Newmark Holdings to remove and appoint the general partner of Newmark OpCo, and serve as the general partner of Newmark OpCo, which

 



 

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entitles Newmark Holdings (and thereby us) to control Newmark OpCo. As a result of our ownership of the general partnership interest in Newmark Holdings and Newmark Holdings’ general partnership interest in Newmark OpCo, we consolidate Newmark OpCo’s results for financial reporting purposes.

As a result of the distribution of limited partnership interests of Newmark Holdings in connection with the separation, each holder of BGC Holdings limited partnership interests will hold a BGC Holdings limited partnership interest and a corresponding Newmark Holdings limited partnership interest for each BGC Holdings limited partnership interest held thereby immediately prior to the separation. The BGC Holdings limited partnership interests and Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests will each be entitled to receive cash distributions from BGC Holdings and Newmark Holdings, respectively, in accordance with the terms of such partnership’s respective limited partnership agreement. We currently expect that the combined cash distributions to a holder of one BGC Holdings limited partnership interest and one Newmark Holdings limited partnership interest following the separation will equal the cash distribution payable to a holder of one BGC Holdings limited partnership interest immediately prior to the separation, before giving effect to the dilutive impact of the shares of our common stock to be issued in this offering.

The Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests held by Cantor are generally exchangeable with us for a number of shares of Class B common stock (or, at Cantor’s option or if there are no additional authorized but unissued shares of Class B common stock, shares of Class A common stock) equal to the exchange ratio (which is currently one, but is subject to adjustments as set forth in the separation and distribution agreement). See “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Adjustment to Exchange Ratio.” Prior to the distribution, however, such exchanges are subject to the limitation as described below under “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Amended and Restated Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement—Exchanges.”

The Newmark Holdings founding partner interests (which will be issued in the separation to holders of BGC Holdings founding partner interests, who received such founding partner interests in connection with the separation of BGC Partners from Cantor in 2008) will not be exchangeable with us unless certain circumstances occur or unless Cantor has so determined. If, however, a Newmark Holdings founding partner interests is made exchangeable, then each unit of such Newmark Holdings founding partner interests will be exchangeable with us for a number of shares of Class A common stock equal to the exchange ratio (which is currently one, but is subject to adjustments as set forth in the separation and distribution agreement). See “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Adjustment to Exchange Ratio.” Prior to the distribution, however, such exchanges are subject to the limitation as described below under “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Amended and Restated Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement—Exchanges.” Further, we provide exchangeability for partnership units into shares of our Class A common stock in connection with (1) our partnership redemption, compensation and restructuring programs, (2) other incentive compensation arrangements and (3) business combination transactions. Working partner interests will not be exchangeable with us unless otherwise determined by us with the written consent of a Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interest majority in interest, in accordance with the terms of the Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement. See “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Amended and Restated Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement—Exchanges.”

The following diagram illustrates our expected ownership structure immediately after the completion of this offering, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering. The following diagram does not reflect the various subsidiaries of ours, Newmark OpCo, Newmark Holdings, BGC Partners or Cantor, or the results of any exchange of Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests or, to the extent applicable, Newmark Holdings founding partner interests, Newmark Holdings working partner interests or Newmark Holdings limited partnership units:

 



 

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Post-IPO Diagram

 

 

LOGO

 



 

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The types of interests of Newmark, Newmark Holdings and Newmark OpCo outstanding following the completion of the separation are described further under “Structure of Newmark.” You should also read “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate and Partnership Structure,” “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Separation and the Distribution,” “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions” and “Description of Capital Stock” for additional information about our corporate structure and the risks posed by this structure.

The diagram above does not show certain operating subsidiaries that are organized as corporations whose equity are either wholly owned by Newmark or whose equity are majority owned by Newmark with the remainder owned by Newmark OpCo.

 



 

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Reasons for the Separation and Distribution

We believe that the separation and distribution of Newmark and BGC Partners will provide significant benefits, including:

 

    The separation and distribution will facilitate employee hiring, retention, and motivation at each of BGC Partners and the Company by providing leadership opportunities that would not exist in the combined structure, by giving management and other employees a greater sense of control of our business, and by more closely aligning employees’ prospects with those of the businesses for which they work.

 

    The separation and distribution will allow each of BGC Partners and the Company to operate its respective business without the distractions of the other company’s business. We expect the separation and distribution will free up time and human resources and enable BGC Partners’ senior management to focus on BGC Partners’ other businesses without distraction from the responsibility to devote time and attention to the Company’s business, while permitting the Company’s management team to focus solely on the Company’s strategic initiatives and future growth.

 

    The Company’s business and BGC Partners’ business compete for capital in the current structure. After the separation and distribution, we expect the Company will be able to make investments in its future growth without regard to the goals of BGC Partners’ other businesses.

 

    As a separate entity, the Company will have a better, more focused story and a track record of growth to present to investors, thereby facilitating the Company’s ability to raise equity capital.

 

    The separation and distribution will provide Newmark with direct access to the capital markets and will facilitate our ability to effect future acquisitions utilizing our Class A common stock, which will become a more effective acquisition currency because equity markets tend to value higher, and we believe sellers prefer to receive, equity in “pure play” companies. As a result, Newmark will have more flexibility to capitalize on its unique growth opportunities.

Our Relationship with BGC Partners and Cantor

Upon completion of this offering, BGC Partners, directly through its ownership of shares of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock, and Cantor, indirectly through its control of BGC Partners, will each be able to exercise control over our management and affairs and all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of our directors and determinations with respect to acquisitions and dispositions, as well as material expansions or contractions of our business, entry into new lines of business and borrowings and issuances of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock or other securities.

In connection with the separation, we will enter into the separation and distribution agreement and other agreements with BGC Partners and/or Cantor to effect the separation and provide a framework for our relationship with BGC Partners and Cantor following the separation. These agreements will provide for the allocation between us and BGC Partners of BGC Partners’ assets, employees, liabilities and obligations (including its investments, property and employee benefits and tax-related assets and liabilities) attributable to periods prior to, at and after the separation, and will govern certain relationships between us and BGC Partners and Cantor after the separation.

The separation and distribution agreement sets forth the agreements between BGC Partners, Cantor and us regarding the principal corporate transactions required to effect the separation, this offering and the distribution, if any, and other agreements governing the relationship between us and BGC Partners and Cantor. The separation and distribution agreement will generally provide for the transfer by BGC Partners to us of the assets and liabilities related to our business, while BGC Partners will retain all of its other assets and liabilities. Each of us

 



 

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and BGC Partners will indemnify, defend and hold harmless the other parties’ (and Cantor’s) groups and each of their respective directors, officers, general partners, managers and employees from and against all liabilities to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from liabilities allocated to us or BGC Partners, as applicable, under the separation and distribution agreement or breaches by it of the separation and distribution agreement or any of the ancillary agreements (other than the transition services agreement), among other matters.

We will also enter into a tax matters agreement with BGC Partners that will govern the parties’ respective rights, responsibilities and obligations after the separation with respect to taxes, tax attributes, the preparation and filing of tax returns, the control of audits and other tax proceedings, tax elections, assistance and cooperation in respect of tax matters, procedures and restrictions relating to the distribution, if any, and certain other tax matters. We will also enter into an administrative services agreement with Cantor, which will govern the provision by Cantor of various administrative services to us, and our provision of various administrative services to Cantor, at a cost equal to (1) the direct cost that the providing party incurs in performing those services, including third-party charges incurred in providing services, plus (2) a reasonable allocation of other costs determined in a consistent and fair manner so as to cover the providing party’s appropriate costs or in such other manner as the parties agree. We will also enter into a transition services agreement with BGC Partners, which will govern the provision by BGC Partners of various administrative services to us, and our provision of various administrative services to BGC Partners, on a transitional basis (with a term of up to two years following the distribution) and at a cost equal to (1) the direct cost that the providing party incurs in performing those services, including third-party charges incurred in providing services, plus (2) a reasonable allocation of other costs determined in a consistent and fair manner so as to cover the providing party’s appropriate costs or in such other manner as the parties agree.

For additional information regarding these and other agreements we will enter with BGC Partners and Cantor in connection with the separation, see “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions” and “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Relationship with BGC Partners, Cantor and Their Respective Affiliates.”

Howard W. Lutnick, who serves as our Chairman, is also the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of our indirect parent, Cantor, President of CF Group Management, Inc. (which we refer to as “CFGM”), which is the managing general partner of Cantor, and the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of our direct parent, BGC Partners. In addition, Mr. Lutnick holds offices at various other affiliates of Cantor.

BGC Partners’ and Cantor’s ability to exercise control over us could create or appear to create potential conflicts of interest. Potential conflicts of interest could also arise if we decide to enter into any new commercial arrangements with BGC Partners or Cantor in the future or in connection with BGC Partners’ or Cantor’s desire to enter into new commercial arrangements with third parties. Moreover, Cantor has existing real estate-related businesses, and Newmark and Cantor will be partners in a real estate-related joint venture, Real Estate Newco. While these businesses do not currently compete with Newmark, it is possible that, in the future, real estate-related opportunities in which Newmark would be interested may also be pursued by Cantor and/or Real Estate Newco. In order to address potential conflicts of interest between or among BGC Partners, Cantor and their respective representatives and us, our certificate of incorporation will contain provisions regulating and defining the conduct of our affairs as they may involve BGC Partners and/or Cantor and their respective representatives, and our powers, rights, duties and liabilities and those of our representatives in connection therewith. See “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Potential Conflicts of Interest and Competition with BGC Partners and Cantor” and “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Relationship with BGC Partners, Cantor and Their Respective Affiliates.”

 



 

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Executive Offices

Our executive offices are located at 125 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017. Our telephone number is (212) 372-2000. Our website is located at www.ngkf.com. The information contained on, or that may be obtained through, our website is not part of, and is not incorporated into, this prospectus.

JOBS Act

We qualified as an “emerging growth company,” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012 (which we refer to as the “JOBS Act”), at the time that we submitted to the SEC an initial draft of the registration statement for this offering, and have elected to comply with certain reduced disclosure requirements for this prospectus in accordance with the JOBS Act. Our revenues for 2016 exceeded $1.00 billion, however, and, as a result, we will no longer be eligible for the exemptions from disclosure provided to an emerging growth company after the earlier of the completion of this offering and December 31, 2017.

The JOBS Act provides that an emerging growth company can delay adopting new or revised accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. We have irrevocably elected not to avail ourselves of this exemption and, therefore, we are subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not emerging growth companies.

 



 

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This Offering

 

Class A common stock to be sold in this offering

30,000,000 shares

 

Shares of all classes of Newmark common stock to be outstanding immediately following this offering (1) :

 

 

         Class A common stock

145,543,380 shares

 

         Class B common stock

15,840,049 shares

 

Use of Proceeds

We estimate that our net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $575.0 million ($662.2 million if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in full), assuming a public offering price of $20.50 per share (which is the midpoint of the offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions in connection with this offering and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We currently intend to contribute all of the net proceeds of this offering (including the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) to Newmark OpCo in exchange for a number of units representing Newmark OpCo limited partnership interests equal to the number of shares issued by us in this offering. Newmark OpCo intends to use approximately $575.0 million of such net proceeds to repay intercompany indebtedness owed by Newmark OpCo to us in respect of the Term Loan (which intercompany indebtedness was originally issued by BGC U.S. and will be assumed by Newmark OpCo in connection with the separation) and the remainder of such remaining net proceeds to partially repay intercompany indebtedness owed by Newmark OpCo to us in respect of the Converted Term Loan (which intercompany indebtedness was originally issued by BGC U.S. and will be assumed by Newmark OpCo in connection with the separation). We currently intend to use approximately $575.0 million of such repayment from Newmark OpCo to repay the Term Loan in full and the remainder of such repayment from Newmark OpCo to partially repay the Converted Term Loan. The Term Loan has an outstanding principal amount of $575 million, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon, with an interest rate calculated based on one-month LIBOR plus 2.25%, subject to adjustment, which was approximately 3.5% per annum as of September 30, 2017. The Term Loan will mature on September 8, 2019. The terms of the Term Loan require that the net proceeds of this offering be used to repay the Term Loan until the Term Loan is repaid in full. The Converted Term Loan has an outstanding principal amount of $400 million, plus

 

(1) The number of shares of our Class A common stock and our Class B common stock outstanding after the offering does not give effect to the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares. If the underwriters purchase all of the additional shares available pursuant to their option, 150,043,380 shares of Class A common stock will be outstanding immediately following this offering and the exercise of such option.

 



 

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accrued but unpaid interest thereon, with an interest rate calculated based on one-month LIBOR plus 2.25%, subject to adjustment, which was approximately 3.5% per annum as of September 30, 2017. The Converted Term Loan will mature on September 8, 2019. The terms of the Converted Term Loan require that any remaining net proceeds of this offering, after repayment of the Term Loan, be used to repay the Converted Term Loan. Following this offering, we estimate that the Converted Term Loan will have an outstanding principal amount of $400.0 million, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon. See “Use of Proceeds.”

 

Economic and Voting Rights

We have two classes of authorized common stock: the Class A common stock offered hereby and Class B common stock. The economic rights of the holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock are identical, but they differ as to voting and conversion rights. Each share of our Class A common stock entitles its holder to one vote per share, thereby entitling holders of our Class A common stock to 145,543,380 votes in the aggregate immediately after this offering, representing approximately 47.9% of our total voting power immediately after this offering, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering, and 150,043,380 votes in the aggregate immediately after this offering, representing approximately 48.6% of our total voting power immediately after this offering, assuming that the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering. Each share of our Class B common stock entitles its holder to 10 votes per share, thereby entitling holders of our Class B common stock to 158,400,490 votes, representing approximately 52.1% of our total voting power immediately after this offering, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering, and representing approximately 51.4% of our total voting power immediately after this offering, assuming that the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering. Our Class B common stock generally votes together with our Class A common stock on all matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders. Before the distribution, our Class B common stock will be solely held by BGC Partners. Each share of Class B common stock is convertible into one share of Class A common stock at the option of the holder thereof at any time. See “Description of Capital Stock—Common Stock.”

 

Dividend Policy

We expect our board of directors to authorize a dividend policy that reflects our intention to pay a quarterly dividend, starting with the first full fiscal quarter following this offering. Any dividends to our common stockholders are expected to be calculated based on our post-tax Adjusted Earnings, as a measure of net income, generated over the fiscal quarter ending prior to the record date for the dividend. See “Dividend Policy” for a definition of “post-tax Adjusted Earnings” per fully diluted share.

 



 

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We currently expect that our quarterly dividend will be less than 25% of our post-tax Adjusted Earnings per fully diluted share to our common stockholders. The declaration, payment, timing and amount of any future dividends payable by us will be at the discretion of our board of directors; provided that any quarterly dividend to our common stockholders that is 25% or more of our post-tax Adjusted Earnings per fully diluted share shall require the consent of the holder of a majority of the Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests. See “Dividend Policy.”

 

Risk Factors

For a discussion of factors you should consider before buying shares of our Class A common stock, see “Risk Factors.”

 

Controlled Company

Following this offering, BGC Partners will control more than a majority of the total voting power of our common stock, and we will be a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NASDAQ Stock Market rules. However, we do not currently expect to rely upon the “controlled company” exemption.

 

NASDAQ Global Market symbol

“NMRK”

 

Conflicts of Interest

Because an affiliate of each of the representatives of the underwriters, other than Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (which we refer to as “CF&Co”), is a lender under the Term Loan and the Converted Term Loan and will receive at least 5% of the net proceeds of this offering as a result of the repayment of the Term Loan and the partial repayment of the Converted Term Loan, such representatives of the underwriters are deemed to have a conflict of interest under Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (which we refer to as “FINRA”) Rule 5121. In addition, CF&Co, which is an affiliate of ours, is deemed to have a conflict of interest under FINRA Rule 5121. Accordingly, this offering will be conducted in accordance with FINRA Rule 5121, which requires, among other things, that a “qualified independent underwriter” has participated in the preparation of, and has exercised the usual standards of due diligence of an underwriter with respect to, this prospectus and the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Sandler O‘Neill & Partners, L.P. has agreed to act as the qualified independent underwriter for purposes of FINRA Rule 5121. In its role as a qualified independent underwriter, Sandler O‘Neill & Partners, L.P. has participated in due diligence and the preparation of this prospectus and the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Sandler O‘Neill & Partners, L.P. will not receive any additional fees for serving as a qualified independent underwriter in connection with this offering. We have agreed to indemnify Sandler O‘Neill & Partners, L.P. against liabilities incurred in connection with acting as a qualified independent underwriter in this offering, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Pursuant to FINRA Rule 5121, no underwriter with a conflict of interest will confirm sales to any account over which it exercises discretionary authority without the specific prior written approval of the account holder. See “Use of Proceeds” and “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest)—Conflicts of Interest.”

 



 

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Reserved Share Program

At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to 10% of the shares offered by this prospectus for sale to some of our directors, officers, employees, business associates and other persons designated by us. See “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest).”

 



 

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Summary Historical and Pro Forma Combined Financial and Operating Data

The following tables summarize our historical and pro forma combined financial and operating data. The historical and pro forma combined financial data includes the acquisition of Berkeley Point. The acquisition of Berkeley Point has been determined to be a combination under common control resulting in a change in the reporting entity. Accordingly, the financial results of Newmark for the periods shown have been retrospectively adjusted. The summary historical combined balance sheet data as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 are derived from our audited financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The summary historical combined financial data as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 are derived from our unaudited interim combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. In the opinion of management, the unaudited combined financial statements include all normal and recurring adjustments that we consider necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and the operating results for these periods. Historical operating data may not be indicative of future performance. The operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2017 or any other interim periods or any future year or period.

The summary historical combined financial data include certain expenses of BGC Partners and Cantor that were allocated to us for certain corporate functions, including treasury, legal, accounting, insurance, information technology, payroll administration, human resources, stock incentive plans and other services. Management believes the assumptions underlying the combined financial statements, including the assumptions regarding allocated expenses, reasonably reflect the utilization of services provided to or the benefit received by us during the periods presented. However, these shared expenses may not represent the amounts that we would have incurred had we operated autonomously or independently from BGC Partners and Cantor. Actual costs that would have been incurred if we had been a standalone company would depend on multiple factors, including organizational structure and strategic decisions in various areas, such as information technology and infrastructure. In addition, our summary historical combined financial data do not reflect changes that we expect to experience in the future as a result of our separation from BGC Partners, including changes in our cost structure, personnel needs, tax structure, capital structure, financing and business operations. The summary unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial data reflect the impact of certain transactions, which comprise the following:

 

    the separation, including the assumption of the Term Loan, the Converted Term Loan and the BGC Notes;

 

    the receipt of approximately $575.0 million in proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions in connection with this offering and estimated offering expenses payable by us, from the sale of shares of our Class A common stock in this offering;

 

    the repayment of the Term Loan and the partial repayment of the Converted Term Loan; and

 

    other adjustments described in the notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet reflects the separation as if it occurred on September 30, 2017, while the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations give effect to the separation as if it occurred on January 1, 2015, the beginning of the earliest period presented. The pro forma adjustments, described in “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Data,” are based on currently available information and certain assumptions that management believes are reasonable. Excluded from the pro forma adjustments to the combined statements of operations are items that are nonrecurring in nature.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the operating results or financial position that would have occurred had

 



 

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the separation from BGC Partners been completed on September 30, 2017 for the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet or on January 1, 2015 for the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements should not be relied on as indicative of the historical operating results that we would have achieved or any future operating results or financial position that we will achieve after the completion of this offering.

This summary historical and pro forma combined financial data should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Data” and Newmark’s combined financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

    Pro Forma
(as adjusted)
    Historical   
    Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
    Year Ended
December 31,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
    Year Ended
December 31,
 
    2017     2016     2017     2016     2016     2015  
    (in thousands)  

Revenues:

           

Commissions

  $ 701,724     $ 849,419     $ 701,724     $ 604,071     $ 849,419     $ 806,931  

Gains from mortgage banking activities, net

    164,263       193,387       164,263       139,009       193,387       115,304  

Management services, servicing fees and other

    269,887       307,177       269,887       219,317       307,177       278,012  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

    1,135,874       1,349,983       1,135,874       962,397       1,349,983       1,200,247  

Expenses:

           

Compensation and employee benefits

    724,606       849,975       724,606       618,065       849,975       816,268  

Allocations of net income and grant of exchangeability to limited partnership units

    68,941       78,059       52,717       40,003       72,318       142,195  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total compensation and employee benefits

    793,547       928,034       777,323       658,068       922,293       958,463  

Operating, administrative and other

    159,099       185,344       159,099       132,228       185,344       162,316  

Fees to related parties

    14,240       18,010       14,240       15,662       18,010       18,471  

Depreciation and amortization

    71,377       72,197       71,377       58,356       72,197       71,774  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

    1,038,263       1,203,585       1,022,039       864,314       1,197,843       1,211,024  

Other income, net

           

Other income (loss)

    75,956       15,279       75,956       15,963       15,279       (460
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income (losses), net

    75,956       15,279       75,956       15,963       15,279       (460

Income (loss) from operations

    173,567       161,677       189,791       114,046       167,418       (11,237

Interest income, net

    (25,761     (36,213     4,239       2,765       3,787       1,867  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests

    147,806       125,464       194,030       116,811       171,205       (9,370

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

    57,735       44,260       3,396       1,983       3,993       (6,644
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

    90,071       81,204     $ 190,634     $ 114,828     $ 167,212     $ (2,726

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

    19,007       16,400       (29     (1,120     (1,189     77  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Newmark’s net income (loss) available to stockholders/its parent (BGC Partners) (1)

  $ 71,064     $ 64,804     $ 190,663     $ 115,948     $ 168,401     $ (2,803
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 



 

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     Pro Forma
(as adjusted)
     Historical  
     September 30,
2017
     September 30,
2017
     December 31,
2016
     December 31,
2015
 
     (in thousands)  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ —        $ 137,294      $ 66,627      $ 111,430  

Marketable securities

   $ 76,969      $ 76,969        —          —    

Total current assets

   $ 1,007,748      $ 1,258,913      $ 1,482,745      $ 826,919  

Total assets

   $ 2,299,194      $ 2,539,916      $ 2,534,688      $ 1,657,930  

Total current liabilities

   $ 951,324      $ 1,097,005      $ 1,410,374      $ 726,019  

Total liabilities

   $ 1,912,815      $ 1,249,380      $ 1,550,905      $ 853,896  

Total invested equity

   $ 374,647      $ 1,290,536      $ 983,783      $ 804,034  

 

(1) Below is a reconciliation from Newmark’s GAAP net income (loss) available to stockholders/its parent (BGC Partners) to Adjusted EBITDA (in thousands):

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
    Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
    Twelve Months
Ended
September 30,
 
     2016     2015     2017     2016     2017 (10)  

Newmark’s GAAP net income (loss) available to stockholders/its parent (BGC Partners) (1)

   $ 168,401     $ (2,803   $ 190,663     $ 115,948     $ 243,114  

Provision (benefit) for income taxes (1)

     3,993       (6,644     3,396       1,983       5,406  

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests (1)

     (1,189     77       (29     (1,120     (98

OMSR revenue (2)

     (124,361     (68,001     (97,590     (90,887     (131,064

MSR amortization

     58,140       54,549       52,398       48,271       62,267  

Other Depreciation and amortization (3)

     14,057       17,225       18,979       10,085       22,951  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

     72,197       71,774       71,377       58,356       85,218  

Grant of exchangeability to limited partnership units (4)

     45,573       130,640       27,606       20,373       52,806  

Other equity based compensation (5)

     14,763       12,145       18,345       10,458       22,650  

Employee loan amortization and reserves (6)

     25,791       49,062       28,964       20,675       34,080  

Non-recurring (gains)/losses (7)

     (14,410     4,751       3,197       (15,929     4,716  

Other non-cash, non-dilutive, non-economic items (8)

     —         —         3,717       —         3,717  

Interest expense (9)

     17       62       43       15       45  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 190,775     $ 191,063     $ 249,689     $ 119,872     $ 320,590  

Allocation of net income (4)

     26,745       11,555       25,111       19,630       32,227  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA before allocation to units

   $ 217,520     $ 202,618     $ 274,800     $ 139,502     $ 352,817  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Refer to the combined statement of operations included elsewhere in this prospectus for all periods presented.
(2) See Note 10 Mortgage Servicing Rights, net (MSR), F-30, and Note 11 Mortgage Servicing Rights, net (MSR), F-71.
(3) Depreciation and amortization includes fixed asset depreciation of $9.9 million in 2016, $7.3 million in 2015, $8.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and $7.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

 



 

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          Year Ended
December 31,
     Nine Months
Ended
September 30,
     Twelve Months
Ended
September 30,
 
          2016      2015      2017      2016      2017  
(4)   

Grant of exchangeability to limited partnership units

   $ 45,573      $ 130,640      $ 27,606      $ 20,373      $ 52,806  
  

Allocation of net income

     26,745        11,555        25,111        19,630        32,227  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  

Total Allocations of net income and grant of exchangeability on combined statement of operations

   $ 72,318      $ 142,195      $ 52,717      $ 40,003      $ 85,033  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

          Year Ended
December 31,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
     Twelve Months
Ended
September 30,
 
          2016      2015      2017      2016      2017  
(5)   

Note 22 Compensation (a), F-44; Note 23 Compensation (a), F-83

   $ 13,778      $ 11,537      $ 17,455      $ 9,810      $ 21,423  
  

Note 22 Compensation (b), F-45: Note 23 Compensation (b), F-84

     985        608        890        648        1,227  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
  

Total Other equity based compensation

   $ 14,763      $ 12,145      $ 18,345      $ 10,458      $ 22,650  
     

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(6) Refer to the combined statements of cash flows included elsewhere in this prospectus for all periods presented. Includes loan amortization of $7.6 million in 2016, $3.3 million in 2015, $6.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, and $5.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

 

          Year Ended
December 31,
     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
    Twelve Months
Ended
September 30,
 
          2016     2015      2017      2016     2017  
(7)   

Change in contingent consideration—Note 3 Acquisitions, F-24; Note 3 Acquisitions, F-65

   $ (18,300   $ —        $ —        $ (18,300   $ —    
  

Represents realized losses related to the accretion of our contingent consideration

     3,021       2,956        1,958        2,337       2,642  
  

Non recurring costs associated with offering; costs related to an acquisition not consummated in 2015

     869       1,795        1,239        34       2,074  
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
  

Total Non-recurring (gains)/losses

   $ (14,410   $ 4,751      $ 3,197      $ (15,929   $ 4,716  
     

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 
(8) Included in Compensation and employee benefits; net non-cash compensation directly related to non-cash OMSR revenue.
(9) Included in Interest income, net.
(10) Twelve months ended September 30, 2017 can be derived by adding nine months ended September 2017 to year ended December 2016, then subtracting nine months ended September 2016.

 



 

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RISK FACTORS

An investment in shares of our Class A common stock involves risks and uncertainties, including the potential loss of all or a part of your investment. The following are important risks and uncertainties that could affect our business, but we do not ascribe any particular likelihood or probability to them unless specifically indicated. Before making an investment decision to purchase our common stock, you should carefully read and consider all of the risks and uncertainties described below, as well as other information included in this prospectus, including “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the combined financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. The occurrence of any of the following risks or additional risks and uncertainties that are currently immaterial or unknown could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity, result of operations, cash flows or prospects. This prospectus also contains forward-looking statements and estimates that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of specific factors, including the risks and uncertainties described below. See “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements.”

RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS

Global Economic and Market Conditions

Negative general economic conditions and commercial real estate market conditions (including perceptions of such conditions) can have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Commercial real estate markets are cyclical. They relate to the condition of the economy or, at least, to the perceptions of investors and users as to the relevant economic outlook. For example, companies may be hesitant to expand their office space or enter into long-term real estate commitments if they are concerned about the general economic environment. Companies that are under financial pressure for any reason, or are attempting to more aggressively manage their expenses, may reduce the size of their workforces, limit capital expenditures, including with respect to their office space, permit more of their staff to work from home and/or seek corresponding reductions in office space and related management or other services.

Negative general economic conditions and declines in the demand for commercial real estate brokerage and related management services in several markets or in significant markets could also have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and prospects as a result of the following factors:

 

    A general decline in acquisition and disposition activity can lead to a reduction in the commissions and fees we receive for arranging such transactions, as well as in commissions and fees we earn for arranging the financing for acquirers.

 

    A general decline in the value and performance of commercial real estate and in rental rates can lead to a reduction in management and leasing commissions and fees. Additionally, such declines can lead to a reduction in commissions and fees that are based on the value of, or revenue produced by, the properties for which we provide services. This may include commissions and fees for appraisal and valuation, sales and leasing, and property and facilities management.

 

    Cyclicality in the commercial real estate markets may lead to volatility in our earnings, and the commercial real estate business can be highly sensitive to market perception of the economy generally and our industry specifically. Real estate markets are also thought to “lag” the broader economy. This means that, even when underlying economic fundamentals improve in a given market, it may take additional time for these improvements to translate into strength in the commercial real estate markets.

 



 

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    In weaker economic environments, income-producing multifamily real estate may experience higher property vacancies, lower investor and tenant demand and reduced values. In such environments, we could experience lower transaction volumes and transaction sizes as well as fewer loan originations with lower relative principal amounts, as well as potential credit losses arising from risk-sharing arrangements with respect to certain GSE loans.

 

    Periods of economic weakness or recession, significantly rising interest rates, fiscal uncertainty, declining employment levels, declining demand for commercial real estate, falling real estate values, disruption to the global capital or credit markets, political uncertainty or the public perception that any of these events may occur, may negatively affect the performance of some or all of our business lines.

 

    Our ability to raise funding in the long-term or short-term debt capital markets or the equity capital markets, or to access secured lending markets could in the future be adversely affected by conditions in the United States and international economy and markets, with the cost and availability of funding adversely affected by illiquid credit markets and wider credit spreads and changes in interest rates.

While the U.S. commercial property market continues to display strength despite slowing growth of commercial property prices, according to CoStar Realty Information, Inc. (which we refer to as “CoStar”) as of July 28, 2017, there can be no assurances that such strength will continue. Although Deutsche Bank Markets Research as of July 5, 2017 estimates that the spreads between commercial property capitalization rates for all property types and both 10-year U.S. Treasuries and BBB-rated U.S. corporate bonds remain around their long-term average, following the U.S. elections in 2016, interest rates rose across the U.S. benchmark yield curve, due in part to expectations of increased economic growth due to potential fiscal stimulus. We would expect these expectations to fuel continued demand for commercial real estate for as long as the U.S. economy continues to expand at a moderate pace but there can be no assurances that such sentiment will continue.

Business Concentration Risks

Our business is geographically concentrated and could be significantly affected by any adverse change in the regions in which we operate.

Our current business operations are primarily located in the United States. While we are expanding our business to new geographic areas, and operate internationally through our alliance with Knight Frank, we are still highly concentrated in the United States. Because we derived substantially all of our total revenues on a consolidated basis for the year ended December 31, 2016 from our operations in the United States, we are exposed to adverse competitive changes and economic downturns and changes in political conditions domestically. If we are unable to identify and successfully manage or mitigate these risks, our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and prospects could be materially adversely affected.

The concentration of business with corporate clients can increase business risk, and our business can be adversely affected due to the loss of certain of these clients.

We value the expansion of business relationships with individual corporate clients because of the increased efficiency and economics that can result from developing recurring business from performing an increasingly broad range of services for the same client. Although our client portfolio is currently highly diversified—for the year ended December 31, 2016, our top 10 clients, collectively, accounted for less than 7% of our total revenue on a consolidated basis, and our largest client accounted for less than 1% of our total revenue on a consolidated basis—as we grow our business, relationships with certain corporate clients may increase, and our client portfolio may become increasingly concentrated. For example, part of our strategy is to increase our GCS revenues which may lead to an increase in corporate clients and therefore greater concentration of revenues. Having increasingly large and concentrated clients also can lead to greater or more concentrated risks if, among other possibilities, any such client (1) experiences its own financial problems; (2) becomes bankrupt or insolvent, which can lead to our failure to be paid for services we have previously provided or funds we have previously

 

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advanced; (3) decides to reduce its operations or its real estate facilities; (4) makes a change in its real estate strategy, such as no longer outsourcing its real estate operations; (5) decides to change its providers of real estate services; or (6) merges with another corporation or otherwise undergoes a change of control, which may result in new management taking over with a different real estate philosophy or in different relationships with other real estate providers.

Where we provide real estate services to firms in the financial services industry, including banks and investment banks, we are experiencing indirectly the increasing extent of the regulatory environment to which they are subject in the aftermath of the global financial crisis. This increases the cost of doing business with them, which we are not always able to pass on, as the result of the additional resources and processes we are required to provide as a critical supplier.

Competition

We operate in a highly competitive industry with numerous competitors, some of which may have greater financial and operational resources than we do.

We compete to provide a variety of services within the commercial real estate industry. Each of these business disciplines is highly competitive on a local, regional, national and global level. We face competition not only from other national real estate service companies, but also from global real estate services companies, boutique real estate advisory firms, and consulting and appraisal firms. Depending on the product or service, we also face competition from other real estate service providers, institutional lenders, insurance companies, investment banking firms, commercial banks, investment managers and accounting firms, some of which may have greater financial resources than we do. Although many of our competitors are local or regional firms that are substantially smaller than we are, some of our competitors are substantially larger than us on a local, regional, national or international basis and have similar service competencies to ours. Such competitors include CBRE Group, Inc., Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated, Cushman & Wakefield, Savills Studley, Inc. and Colliers International. In addition, specialized firms like Walker & Dunlop, Inc., Berkadia Commercial Mortgage, LLC, HFF, Inc., Marcus & Millichap Inc. and Eastdil Secured, LLC compete with us in certain product offerings. Our industry has continued to consolidate, and there is an inherent risk that competitive firms may be more successful than we are at growing through merger and acquisition activity. See “Business—Competition.” In general, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to compete effectively with respect to any of our commercial real estate business lines or on an overall basis, to maintain current commission and fee levels or margins, or to maintain or increase our market share.

Additionally, competitive conditions, particularly in connection with increasingly large clients, may require us to compromise on certain contract terms with respect to the extent of risk transfer, acting as principal rather than agent in connection with supplier relationships, liability limitations and other terms and conditions. Where competitive pressures result in higher levels of potential liability under our contracts, the cost of operational errors and other activities for which we have indemnified our clients will be greater and may not be fully insured.

New Opportunities/Possible Transactions and Hires

If we are unable to identify and successfully exploit new product, service and market opportunities, including through hiring new brokers, salespeople, managers and other professionals, our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and prospects could be materially adversely affected.

Because of significant competition in our market, our strategy is to broker more transactions, manage more properties, increase our share of existing markets and seek out new clients and markets. We may face enhanced risks as these efforts to expand our business result in our transacting with a broader array of clients and expose us to new products and services and markets. Pursuing this strategy may also require significant management attention and hiring expense and potential costs and liability in any litigation or arbitration that may result. We may not be able to attract new clients or brokers, salespeople, managers, or other professionals or successfully

 

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enter new markets. If we are unable to identify and successfully exploit new product, service and market opportunities, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially adversely affected.

We may pursue strategic alliances, acquisitions, joint ventures or other growth opportunities (including hiring new brokers), which could present unforeseen integration obstacles or costs and could dilute our stockholders. We may also face competition in our acquisition strategy, and such competition may limit our number of strategic alliances, acquisitions, joint ventures and other growth opportunities (including hiring new brokers).

We have explored a wide range of strategic alliances, acquisitions and joint ventures with other real estate services firms, including maintaining or developing relationships with independently owned offices, and with other companies that have interests in businesses in which there are brokerage, management or other strategic opportunities. We continue to evaluate and potentially pursue possible strategic alliances, acquisitions, joint ventures and other growth opportunities (including hiring new brokers). Such transactions may be necessary in order for us to enter into or develop new products or services or markets, as well as to strengthen our current ones.

Strategic alliances, acquisitions, joint ventures and other growth opportunities (including hiring new brokers) specifically involve a number of risks and challenges, including:

 

    potential disruption of our ongoing business and product, service and market development and distraction of management;

 

    difficulty retaining and integrating personnel and integrating administrative, operational, financial reporting, internal control. compliance, technology and other systems;

 

    the necessity of hiring additional management and other critical personnel and integrating them into current operations;

 

    increasing the scope, geographic diversity and complexity of our operations;

 

    the risks relating to integrating accounting and financial systems and accounting policies and the related risk of having to restate our historical financial statements;

 

    potential dependence upon, and exposure to liability, loss or reputational damage relating to systems, controls and personnel that are not under our control;

 

    addition of business lines in which we have not previously engaged;

 

    potential unfavorable reaction to our strategic alliance, acquisition or joint venture strategy by our clients;

 

    to the extent that we pursue opportunities outside the United States, exposure to political, economic, legal, regulatory, operational and other risks that are inherent in operating in a foreign country, including risks of possible nationalization and/or foreign ownership restrictions, expropriation, price controls, capital controls, foreign currency fluctuations, regulatory and tax requirements, economic and/or political instability, geographic, time zone, language and cultural differences among personnel in different areas of the world, exchange controls and other restrictive government actions, as well as the outbreak of hostilities;

 

    the upfront costs associated with pursuing transactions and recruiting personnel, which efforts may be unsuccessful in the increasingly competitive marketplace for the most talented producers and managers;

 

    conflicts or disagreements between any strategic alliance or joint venture partner and us;

 

   

exposure to potential unknown liabilities of any acquired business, strategic alliance or joint venture that are significantly larger than we anticipate at the time of acquisition, and unforeseen increased

 

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expenses or delays associated with acquisitions, including costs in excess of the cash transition costs that we estimate at the outset of a transaction;

 

    reduction in availability of financing due to credit rating downgrades or defaults by us in connection with strategic alliances, acquisitions, joint ventures and other growth opportunities;

 

    a significant increase in the level of our indebtedness in order to generate significant cash resources that may be required to effect acquisitions;

 

    dilution resulting from any issuances of shares of our common stock or limited partnership units in connection with strategic alliances, acquisitions, joint ventures and other growth opportunities;

 

    adverse effects on our liquidity as a result of payment of cash resources and/or issuance of shares of our common stock or limited partnership units of Newmark OpCo; and

 

    a lag in the realization of financial benefits from these transactions and arrangements.

We face competition for acquisition targets, which may limit our number of acquisitions and growth opportunities and may lead to higher acquisition prices or other less favorable terms. To the extent that we choose to grow internationally from acquisitions, strategic alliances, joint ventures or other growth opportunities, we may experience additional expenses or obstacles, including the short-term contractual restrictions contained in our agreement with Knight Frank, which such agreement could both affect and be affected by such choice. See “Business—Our Knight Frank Partnership.” There can be no assurance that we will be able to identify, acquire or profitably manage additional businesses or integrate successfully any acquired businesses without substantial costs, delays or other operational or financial difficulties.

Any future growth will be partially dependent upon the continued availability of suitable transactional candidates at favorable prices and upon advantageous terms and conditions, which may not be available to us, as well as sufficient liquidity and credit to fund these transactions. Future transactions and any necessary related financings also may involve significant transaction-related expenses, which include payment of break-up fees, assumption of liabilities, including compensation, severance and lease termination costs, and transaction and deferred financing costs, among others. In addition, there can be no assurance that such transactions will be accretive or generate favorable operating margins. The success of these transactions will also be determined in part by the ongoing performance of the acquired companies and the acceptance of acquired employees of our partnership compensation structure and other variables which may be different from the existing industry standards or practices at the acquired companies.

We will need to successfully manage the integration of recent acquisitions and future growth effectively. The integration and additional growth may place a significant strain upon our management, administrative, operational, financial reporting, internal control and compliance infrastructure. Our ability to grow depends upon our ability to successfully hire, train, supervise and manage additional employees, expand our operational, financial reporting, compliance and other control systems effectively, allocate our human resources optimally, maintain clear lines of communication between our transactional and management functions and our finance and accounting functions, and manage the pressure on our management, administrative, operational, financial reporting, internal control and compliance infrastructure. Additionally, managing future growth may be difficult due to our new geographic locations, markets and business lines. As a result of these risks and challenges, we may not realize the full benefits that we anticipate from strategic alliances, acquisitions, joint ventures or other growth opportunities. There can be no assurance that we will be able to accurately anticipate and respond to the changing demands we will face as we integrate and continue to expand our operations, and we may not be able to manage growth effectively or to achieve growth at all. Any failure to manage the integration of acquisitions and other growth opportunities effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

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Regulatory/Legal

We may have liabilities in connection with our business, including appraisal and valuation, sales and leasing and property and facilities management activities.

As a licensed real estate broker and provider of commercial real estate services, we and our licensed sales professionals and independent contractors that work for us are subject to statutory due diligence, disclosure and standard-of-care obligations. Failure to fulfill these obligations could subject us or our sales professionals or independent contractors to litigation from parties who purchased, sold or leased properties that we brokered or managed.

We could become subject to claims by participants in real estate sales and leasing transactions, as well as building owners and companies for whom we provide management services, claiming that we did not fulfill our obligations. We could also become subject to claims made by clients for whom we provided appraisal and valuation services and/or third parties who perceive themselves as having been negatively affected by our appraisals and/or valuations. We also could be subject to audits and/or fines from various local real estate authorities if they determine that we are violating licensing laws by failing to follow certain laws, rules and regulations. While these liabilities have been insignificant in the past, we have no assurance that this will continue to be the case.

In our property and facilities management business, we hire and supervise third-party contractors to provide services for our managed properties. We may be subject to claims for defects, negligent performance of work or other similar actions or omissions by third parties we do not control. Moreover, our clients may seek to hold us accountable for the actions of contractors because of our role as property or facilities manager or project manager, even if we have technically disclaimed liability as a contractual matter, in which case we may be pressured to participate in a financial settlement for purposes of preserving the client relationship. While these liabilities have been insignificant in the past, we have no assurance that this will continue to be the case.

Because we employ large numbers of building staff in facilities that we manage, we face risk in potential claims relating to employment injuries, termination and other employment matters. While these risks are generally passed back to the building owner, we have no assurance it will continue to be the case.

In connection with a limited number of our facilities management agreements, we have guaranteed that the client will achieve certain savings objectives. In the event that these objectives are not met, we are obligated to pay the shortfall amount to the client. In most instances, the obligation to pay such amount is limited to the amount of fees (or the amount of a subset of the fees) earned by us under the contract, but no assurance can be given that we will be able to mitigate against these payments or that the payments, particularly if aggregated with those required under other agreements, would not have a material adverse effect on our ongoing arrangements with particular clients or our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects. The percentage of our revenue for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 subject to such obligations under our current facilities management agreements is less than 1%. While these liabilities have been immaterial to date, we have no assurance that this will continue to be the case.

Adverse outcomes of property and facilities management disputes or litigation could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, particularly to the extent we may be liable on our contracts, or if our liabilities exceed the amounts of the insurance coverage procured and maintained by us. Some of these litigation risks may be mitigated by any commercial insurance we maintain in amounts we believe are appropriate. However, in the event of a substantial loss or certain types of claims, our insurance coverage and/or self-insurance reserve levels might not be sufficient to pay the full damages. Additionally, in the event of grossly negligent or intentionally wrongful conduct, insurance policies that we may have may not cover us at all. Further, the value of otherwise valid claims we hold under insurance policies could become uncollectible in the event of the covering insurance company’s insolvency, although we seek to limit this risk by placing our commercial insurance only with highly rated companies. Any of these events could materially

 

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negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. While these liabilities have been insignificant in the past, we have no assurance that this will continue to be the case.

If we fail to comply with laws, rules and regulations applicable to commercial real estate brokerage, valuation and appraisal and mortgage transactions and our other business lines, then we may incur significant financial penalties.

Due to the broad geographic scope of our operations throughout North America and the commercial real estate services we perform, we are subject to numerous federal, state, local and foreign laws, rules and regulations specific to our services. For example, the brokerage of real estate sales and leasing transactions and other related activities require us to maintain brokerage licenses in each state in which we conduct activities for which a real estate license is required. We also maintain certain state licenses in connection with our lending, servicing and brokerage of commercial and multifamily mortgage loans. If we fail to maintain our licenses or conduct brokerage activities without a license or violate any of the laws, rules and regulations applicable to our licenses, then we may be subject to audits, required to pay fines (including treble damages in certain states) or be prevented from collecting commissions owed, be compelled to return commissions received or have our licenses suspended or revoked.

In addition, because the size and scope of commercial real estate transactions have increased significantly during the past several years, both the difficulty of ensuring compliance with the numerous state licensing and regulatory regimes and the possible loss resulting from non-compliance have increased. Furthermore, the laws, rules and regulations applicable to our business lines also may change in ways that increase the costs of compliance. The failure to comply with federal, state, local and foreign laws, rules and regulations could result in significant financial penalties that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

The loss of relationships with the GSEs and HUD would, and changes in such relationships could, adversely affect our ability to originate commercial real estate loans through such programs. Compliance with the minimum collateral and risk-sharing requirements of such programs, as well as applicable state and local licensing agencies, could reduce our liquidity.

Currently, through Berkeley Point, we originate a significant percentage of our loans for sale through the GSEs and HUD programs. Berkeley Point is approved as a Fannie Mae DUS lender, a Freddie Mac Program Plus seller/servicer in 12 states and the District of Columbia, a Freddie Mac Targeted Affordable Housing Seller, a HUD MAP lender nationwide, and a Ginnie Mae issuer. Our status as an approved lender affords us a number of advantages, which may be terminated by the applicable GSE or HUD at any time. Although we intend to take all actions to remain in compliance with the requirements of these programs, as well as applicable state and local licensing agencies, the loss of such status would, or changes in our relationships with the GSEs and HUD could, prevent us from being able to originate commercial real estate loans for sale through the particular GSE or HUD, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. It could also result in a loss of similar approvals from the GSEs or HUD. As of September 30, 2017, we exceeded the most restrictive applicable net worth requirement of these programs by approximately $368 million. In addition, over the last 10 years, Berkeley Point has achieved better 60 day+ delinquency rates than the industry average.

We are subject to risk of loss in connection with defaults on loans sold under the Fannie Mae DUS program that could materially and adversely affect our results of operations and liquidity.

Under the Fannie Mae DUS program, we originate and service multifamily loans for Fannie Mae without having to obtain Fannie Mae’s prior approval for certain loans, as long as the loans meet the underwriting guidelines set forth by Fannie Mae. In return for the delegated authority to make loans and the commitment to purchase loans by Fannie Mae, we must maintain minimum collateral and generally are required to share risk of

 

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loss on loans sold through Fannie Mae. With respect to most loans, we are generally required to absorb approximately one-third of any losses on the unpaid principal balance of a loan at the time of loss settlement. Some of the loans that we originate under the Fannie Mae DUS program are subject to reduced levels or no risk-sharing. However, we generally receive lower servicing fees with respect to such loans. Although our Berkeley Point business’s average annual losses from such risk-sharing programs have been a minimal percentage of the aggregate principal amount of such loans to date, if loan defaults increase, actual risk-sharing obligation payments under the Fannie Mae DUS program could increase, and such defaults could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. In addition, a material failure to pay our share of losses under the Fannie Mae DUS program could result in the revocation of Berkeley Point’s license from Fannie Mae and the exercise of various remedies available to Fannie Mae under the Fannie Mae DUS program.

A change to the conservatorship of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and related actions, along with any changes in laws and regulations affecting the relationship between Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and the U.S. federal government or the existence of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Each GSE has been created under a conservatorship established by its regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, since 2008. The conservatorship is a statutory process designed to preserve and conserve the GSEs’ assets and property and put them in a sound and solvent condition. The conservatorships have no specified termination dates. There has been significant uncertainty regarding the future of the GSEs, including how long they will continue to exist in their current forms. Changes in such forms could eliminate or substantially reduce the number of loans we originate with the GSEs. Policymakers and others have focused significant attention in recent years on how to reform the nation’s housing finance system, including what role, if any, the GSEs should play. Such reforms could significantly limit the role of the GSEs in the nation’s housing finance system. Any such reduction in the loans we originate with the GSEs could lead to a reduction in fees related to the loans we originate or service. These effects could cause our Berkeley Point business to realize significantly lower revenues from its loan originations and servicing fees, and ultimately could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Environmental regulations may adversely impact our commercial real estate business and/or cause us to incur costs for cleanup of hazardous substances or wastes or other environmental liabilities.

Federal, state, local and foreign laws, rules and regulations impose various environmental zoning restrictions, use controls, and disclosure obligations which impact the management, development, use and/or sale of real estate. Such laws and regulations tend to discourage sales and leasing activities, as well as mortgage lending availability, with respect to some properties. A decrease or delay in such transactions may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. In addition, a failure by us to disclose environmental concerns in connection with a real estate transaction may subject us to liability to a buyer/seller or lessee/lessor of property. While historically we have not incurred any significant liability in connection with these types of environmental issues, there is no assurance that this will not occur.

In addition, in our role as property or facilities manager, we could incur liability under environmental laws for the investigation or remediation of hazardous or toxic substances or wastes relating to properties we currently or formerly managed. Such liability may be imposed without regard to the lawfulness of the original disposal activity, or our knowledge of, or fault for, the release or contamination. Further, liability under some of these laws may be joint and several, meaning that one liable party could be held responsible for all costs related to a contaminated site. Insurance for such matters may not be available or sufficient. While historically we have not incurred any significant liability under these laws, this may not always be the case.

Certain requirements governing the removal or encapsulation of asbestos-containing materials, as well as recently enacted local ordinances obligating property or facilities managers to inspect for and remove lead-based

 

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paint in certain buildings, could increase our costs of legal compliance and potentially subject us to violations or claims. More stringent enforcement of existing regulations could cause us to incur significant costs in the future, and/or materially and adversely impact our commercial real estate brokerage and management services business.

Our operations are affected by federal, state and/or local environmental laws in the jurisdictions in which we maintain office space for our own operations and where we manage properties for clients, and we may face liability with respect to environmental issues occurring at properties that we occupy or manage.

Various laws, rules and regulations restrict the levels of certain substances that may be discharged into the environment by properties and such laws, rules and regulations may impose liability on current or previous real estate owners or operators for the cost of investigating, cleaning up or removing contamination caused by hazardous or toxic substances at the property. We may face costs or liabilities under these laws as a result of our role as an on-site property manager. While we believe that we have taken adequate measures to prevent any such losses, no assurances can be given that these events will not occur. Within our own operations, we face additional costs from rising costs of environmental compliance, which make it more expensive to operate our corporate offices. Our operations are generally conducted within leased office building space, and, accordingly, we do not currently anticipate that regulations restricting the emissions of greenhouse gases, or taxes that may be imposed on their release, would result in material costs or capital expenditures. However, we cannot be certain about the extent to which such regulations will develop as there are higher levels of understanding and commitments by different governments in the United States and around the world regarding risks related to the climate and how they should be mitigated.

We may be adversely affected by the impact of recent income tax regulations.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (which we refer to as the “IRS”) recently released final and temporary regulations regarding the treatment of certain related-party corporate debt as equity for U.S. federal income tax purposes. These regulations include provisions that may adversely affect the tax consequences of common transactions, including intercompany obligations and/or financing, and may impact many companies in the real estate services sector, including several of our clients and competitors. These regulations could have an adverse impact on our income tax position or could possibly cause us to change the manner in which we conduct certain activities in ways that impose other costs on us. These regulations were issued recently, are highly complex and there is limited guidance regarding their application. Accordingly, we are unable to predict the extent, if any, to which such regulations would have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Intellectual Property

We may not be able to protect our intellectual property rights or may be prevented from using intellectual property used in our business.

Our success is dependent, in part, upon our intellectual property. We rely primarily on trade secret, contract, patent, copyright and trademark law in the United States and other jurisdictions as well as confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions to establish and protect our intellectual property rights to proprietary technologies, products, services or methods, and our brand.

Unauthorized use of our intellectual property could make it more expensive to do business and harm our operating results. We cannot ensure that our intellectual property rights are sufficient to protect our competitive advantages or that any particular patent, copyright or trademark is valid and enforceable, and all patents ultimately expire. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries may not protect our intellectual property rights to the same extent as the laws in the United States, or at all. Any significant impairment of our intellectual property rights could harm our business or our ability to compete.

Protecting our intellectual property rights is costly and time consuming. Although we have taken steps to protect ourselves, there can be no assurance that we will be aware of all patents, copyrights or trademarks that

 

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may pose a risk of infringement by our products and services. Generally, it is not economically practicable to determine in advance whether our products or services may infringe the present or future rights of others.

Accordingly, we may face claims of infringement or other violations of intellectual property rights that could interfere with our ability to use intellectual property or technology that is material to our business. The number of such third-party claims may grow. Our technologies may not be able to withstand such third-party claims or rights against their use.

We may have to rely on litigation to enforce our intellectual property rights, protect our trade secrets, determine the validity and scope of the rights of others or defend against claims of infringement or invalidity. For example, we recently responded to a claim by Newmark Realty Capital, Inc. (which we refer to as “Realty Capital”) against us alleging, among other things, trademark infringement under Section 32 of the Lanham Act. In connection with our answer, we filed counterclaims alleging that Realty Capital has infringed our trademarks and seeking an order cancelling Realty Capital’s registered trademarks. We also separately initiated an action before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office seeking invalidation of Realty Capital’s registration of a design mark that includes the stand-alone name “Newmark.” On November 16, 2017, a federal court in the Northern District of California issued an order denying Realty Capital’s motion to enjoin us from using the name “Newmark” generally as a trademark, which supported Newmark’s rights and longstanding goodwill in relation to the use of the “Newmark” name. The same order temporarily enjoined Newmark from using the name “Newmark” for “mortgage banking, mortgage brokerage, loan servicing, investment brokerage, and investment consulting services in the field of commercial real estate.” This order is in effect until a decision at trial, which is currently scheduled for January 2019. Newmark has moved the court for an order staying, reconsidering, and/or clarifying the injunction and may eventually file an appeal if necessary. No assurance can be given as to whether these cases will ultimately be determined in our favor or that our ability to use the “Newmark” name will be impacted by the proceedings. Any such claims or litigation, whether successful or unsuccessful, could result in substantial costs, the diversion of resources and the attention of management, any of which could materially negatively affect our business. Responding to these claims could also require us to enter into agreements with the third parties claiming infringement, stop selling or redesign affected products or services or pay damages on our own behalf or to satisfy indemnification commitments with our clients. Such agreements, if available, may not be available on terms acceptable to us, and may negatively affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects. Despite these potential risks, even if we are permanently enjoined from using the “Newmark” name in the sectors described in the preliminary injunction order, we do not believe such an order would significantly affect the Company’s long-term prospects.

If our software licenses from third parties are terminated or adversely changed or amended or contain material defects or errors, or if any of these third parties were to cease doing business, or if products or services offered by third parties were to contain material defects or errors, our ability to operate our businesses may be materially adversely affected.

We license databases and software from third parties, much of which is integral to our systems and our business. The licenses are terminable if we breach our obligations under the license agreements. If any material licenses were terminated or adversely changed or amended, if any of these third parties were to cease doing business or if any licensed software or databases licensed by these third parties were to contain material defects or errors, we may be forced to spend significant time and money to replace the licensed software and databases, and our ability to operate our business may be materially adversely affected. Further, any errors or defects in third-party services or products (including hardware, software, databases, cloud computing and other platforms and systems) or in services or products that we develop ourselves, could result in errors in, or a failure of our services or products, which could harm our business. Although we take steps to locate replacements, there can be no assurance that the necessary replacements will be available on acceptable terms, if at all. There can be no assurance that we will have an ongoing license to use all intellectual property which our systems require, the failure of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

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IT Systems and Cyber-security Risks

Defects or disruptions in our technology or services could diminish demand for our products and service and subject us to liability.

Because our technology, products and services are complex and use or incorporate a variety of computer hardware, software and databases, both developed in-house and acquired from third-party vendors, our technology, products and services may have errors or defects. Errors and defects could result in unanticipated downtime or failure, and could cause financial loss and harm to our reputation and our business. Furthermore, if we acquire companies, we may encounter difficulty in incorporating the acquired technologies and maintaining the quality standards that are consistent with our technology, products and services.

If we experience computer systems failures or capacity constraints, our ability to conduct our business operations could be materially harmed.

If we experience computer systems failures or capacity constraints, our ability to conduct our business operations could be harmed. We support and maintain many of our computer systems and networks internally. Our failure to monitor or maintain these systems and networks or, if necessary, to find a replacement for this technology in a timely and cost-effective manner, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Although all of our business critical systems have been designed and implemented with fault tolerant and/or redundant clustered hardware and diversely routed network connectivity, our redundant systems or disaster recovery plans may prove to be inadequate. We may be subject to system failures and outages that might impact our revenues and relationships with clients. In addition, we will be subject to risk in the event that systems of our clients, business partners, vendors and other third parties are subject to failures and outages.

We rely on various third parties for computer and communications systems, such as telephone companies, online service providers, data processors, and software and hardware vendors. Our systems, or those of our third-party providers, may fail or operate slowly, causing one or more of the following, which may not in all cases be covered by insurance:

 

    unanticipated disruptions in service to our clients;

 

    slower response times;

 

    financial losses;

 

    litigation or other client claims; and

 

    regulatory actions.

We may experience additional systems failures in the future from power or telecommunications failures, acts of God or war, weather-related events, terrorist attacks, human error, natural disasters, fire, power loss, sabotage, cyber-attacks, hardware or software malfunctions or defects, computer viruses, intentional acts of vandalism and similar events. Any system failure that causes an interruption in service or decreases the responsiveness of our service could damage our reputation, business and brand name.

Malicious cyber-attacks and other adverse events affecting our operational systems or infrastructure, or those of third parties, could disrupt our business, result in the disclosure of confidential information, damage our reputation and cause losses or regulatory penalties.

Developing and maintaining our operational systems and infrastructure is challenging, particularly as a result of rapidly evolving legal and regulatory requirements and technological shifts. Our financial, accounting,

 

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data processing or other operating and compliance systems and facilities may fail to operate properly or become disabled as a result of events that are wholly or partially beyond our control, such as a malicious cyber-attack or other adverse events, which may adversely affect our ability to provide services.

In addition, our operations rely on the secure processing, storage and transmission of confidential and other information on our computer systems and networks. Although we take protective measures such as software programs, firewalls and similar technology, to maintain the confidentiality, integrity and availability of our and our clients’ information, and endeavor to modify these protective measures as circumstances warrant, the nature of cyber threats continues to evolve. As a result, our computer systems, software and networks may be vulnerable to unauthorized access, loss or destruction of data (including confidential client information), account takeovers, unavailability or disruption of service, computer viruses, acts of vandalism, or other malicious code, cyber-attack and other adverse events that could have an adverse security impact. Despite the defensive measures we have taken, these threats may come from external factors such as governments, organized crime, hackers, and other third parties such as outsource or infrastructure-support providers and application developers, or may originate internally from within us.

We also face the risk of operational disruption, failure, termination or capacity constraints of any of the third parties that facilitate our business activities. Such parties could also be the source of a cyber-attack on or breach of our operational systems, data or infrastructure.

There have been an increasing number of cyber-attacks in recent years in various industries, and cyber-security risk management has been the subject of increasing focus by our regulators. If one or more cyber-attacks occur, it could potentially jeopardize the confidential, proprietary and other information processed and stored in, and transmitted through, our computer systems and networks, or otherwise cause interruptions or malfunctions in our, as well as our clients’ or other third parties’, operations, which could result in reputational damage, financial losses and/or client dissatisfaction, which may not in all cases be covered by insurance. Any such cyber incidents involving our computer systems and networks, or those of third parties important to our business, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Natural Disasters, Weather-Related Events, Terrorist Attacks and Other Disruptions to Infrastructure

Our ability to conduct our business may be materially adversely impacted by catastrophic events, including natural disasters, weather-related events, terrorist attacks and other disruptions.

We may encounter disruptions involving power, communications, transportation or other utilities or essential services depended on by us or by third parties with whom we conduct business. This could include disruptions as the result of natural disasters, pandemics or weather-related or similar events, such as fires, hurricanes, earthquakes and floods, political instability, labor strikes or turmoil or terrorist attacks. For example, during 2012, our own operations and properties we manage for clients in the northeastern United States, and in particular New York City, were impacted by Hurricane Sandy, in some cases significantly. In 2017, several parts of the United States, including Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico, sustained significant damage from hurricanes. We continue to assess the impact on our borrowers and other clients and what impact, if any, these hurricanes could have on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

These disruptions may occur, for example, as a result of events affecting only the buildings in which we operate (such as fires), or as a result of events with a broader impact on the communities where those buildings are located. If a disruption occurs in one location and persons in that location are unable to communicate with or travel to or work from other locations, our ability to service and interact with our clients and others may suffer, and we may not be able to successfully implement contingency plans that depend on communications or travel.

Such events can result in significant injuries and loss of life, which could result in material financial liabilities, loss of business and reputational harm. They can also impact the availability and/or loss of commercial insurance policies, both for our own business and for those clients whose properties we manage and who may purchase their insurance through the insurance buying programs we make available to them.

 

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There can be no assurance that the disaster recovery and crisis management procedures we employ will suffice in any particular situation to avoid a significant loss. Given that our employees are increasingly mobile and less reliant on physical presence in our offices, our disaster recovery plans increasingly rely on the availability of the Internet (including “cloud” technology) and mobile phone technology, so the disruption of those systems would likely affect our ability to recover promptly from a crisis situation. Although we maintain insurance for liability, property damage and business interruption, subject to deductibles and various exceptions, no assurance can be given that our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects will not be materially negatively affected by such events in the future.

Key Employees

Our ability to retain our key employees and the ability of certain key employees to devote adequate time to us are critical to the success of our business, and failure to do so may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Our people are our most important resource. We must retain the services of our key employees and strategically recruit and hire new talented employees to attract clients and transactions that generate most of our revenues.

Howard W. Lutnick, who serves as our Chairman, is also the Chairman of the Board, President and Chief Executive Officer of our indirect parent, Cantor, President of CFGM, which is the managing general partner of Cantor, and the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of our direct parent, BGC Partners. In addition, Mr. Lutnick holds offices at various other affiliates of Cantor. Mr. Lutnick is not subject to an employment agreement with us or any of our subsidiaries.

Currently, Mr. Lutnick spends significant amounts of his BGC Partners time on our matters, although this percentage may vary depending on business developments at Newmark or Cantor, BGC Partners or any of our or their respective affiliates. As a result, Mr. Lutnick dedicates only a portion of his professional efforts to our business and operations, and there is no contractual obligation for Mr. Lutnick to spend a specific amount of his time with us and/or BGC Partners or Cantor. Mr. Lutnick may not be able to dedicate adequate time to our business and operations, and we could experience an adverse effect on our operations due to the demands placed on our management team by other professional obligations. In addition, Mr. Lutnick’s other responsibilities could cause conflicts of interest with us. The Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement, which includes non-competition and other arrangements applicable to our key employees who are limited partners of Newmark Holdings, may not prevent certain of our key employees, including Mr. Lutnick, whose employment by Cantor and BGC Partners is not subject to these provisions in the Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement, from resigning or competing against us.

Should Mr. Lutnick leave or otherwise become unavailable to render services to us, ultimate control of us would likely pass to Cantor, and indirectly pass to the then-controlling stockholder of CFGM (which is currently Mr. Lutnick), Cantor’s managing general partner, or to such other managing general partner as CFGM would appoint, and as a result control could remain with Mr. Lutnick.

In addition, our success has largely been dependent on executive officers such as Barry M. Gosin, who serves as our Chief Executive Officer, and other key employees, including some who have been hired in connection with acquisitions. If any of our key employees were to join an existing competitor, form a competing company, offer services to BGC Partners or Cantor that compete with our services or otherwise leave us, some of our clients could choose to use the services of that competitor or another competitor instead of our services, which could adversely affect our revenues and as a result could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

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Seasonality

Our business is generally affected by seasonality, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in a given period.

Due to the strong desire of many market participants to close real estate transactions prior to the end of a calendar year, our business exhibits certain seasonality, with our revenue tending to be lowest in the first quarter and strongest in the fourth quarter. This could have a material effect on our results of operations in any given period.

The seasonality of our business makes it difficult to determine during the course of the year whether planned results will be achieved and to adjust to changes in expectations. To the extent that we are not able to identify and adjust for changes in expectations or we are confronted with negative conditions that inordinately impact seasonal norms, our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially adversely affected.

Other General Business Risks

If we experience difficulties in collecting accounts receivable or experience defaults by multiple clients, it could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

We face challenges in our ability to efficiently and/or effectively collect accounts receivable. Any of our clients or other parties obligated to make payments to us may experience a downturn in their business that may weaken their results of operations and financial condition. As a result, a client or other party obligated to make payments to us may fail to make payments when due, become insolvent or declare bankruptcy. A bankruptcy of a client or other party obligated to make payments to us would delay or preclude full collection of amounts owed to us. In addition, certain corporate services and property and facilities management agreements require that we advance payroll and other vendor costs on behalf of clients. If such a client or other party obligated to make payments to us were to file for bankruptcy, we may not be able to obtain reimbursement for those costs or for the severance obligations we would incur. Any such failure to make payments when due or the bankruptcy or insolvency of a large number of our clients (e.g., during an economic downturn) could result in disruption to our business and material losses to us. While historically we have not incurred material losses as a result of the difficulties described above, this may not always be the case.

We may not be able to replace partner offices when affiliation agreements are terminated, which may decrease our scope of services and geographic reach.

We have agreements in place to operate on a collaborative and cross-referral basis with certain offices in the United States and elsewhere in the Americas in return for contractual and referral fees paid to us and/or certain mutually beneficial co-branding and other business arrangements. These independently owned offices generally use some variation of Newmark in their names and marketing materials. These agreements are normally multi-year contracts, and generally provide for mutual referrals in their respective markets, generating additional contract and brokerage fees. Through these independently owned offices, our clients have access to additional brokers with local market research capabilities as well as other commercial real estate services in locations where we do not have a physical presence. From time to time our arrangement with these independent firms may be terminated pursuant to the terms of the individual affiliation agreements. The opening of a Company-owned office to replace an independent office requires us to invest capital, which in some cases could be material. There can be no assurance that, if we lose additional independently owned offices, we will be able to identify suitable replacement affiliates or fund the establishment or acquisition of an owned office. In addition, although we do not control the activities of these independently owned offices and are not responsible for their liabilities, we may face reputational risk if any of these independently owned offices are involved in or accused of illegal, unethical or similar behavior. Failure to maintain coverage in important geographic markets may negatively impact our operations, reputation and ability to attract and retain key employees and expand domestically and internationally and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

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Declines in or terminations of servicing engagements or breaches of servicing agreements could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

We expect that loan servicing fees will continue to constitute a significant portion of our revenues from the Berkeley Point business for the foreseeable future. Nearly all of these fees are derived from loans that Berkeley Point originates and sells through the agencies’ programs or places with institutional investors. A decline in the number or value of loans that we originate for these investors or terminations of our servicing engagements will decrease these fees. HUD has the right to terminate Berkeley Point’s current servicing engagements for cause. In addition to termination for cause, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac may terminate Berkeley Point’s servicing engagements without cause by paying a termination fee. Institutional investors typically may terminate servicing engagements with Berkeley Point at any time with or without cause, without paying a termination fee. We are also subject to losses that may arise from servicing errors, such as a failure to maintain insurance, pay taxes, or provide notices. If we breach our servicing obligations to the agencies or institutional investors, including as a result of a failure to perform by any third parties to which we have contracted certain routine back-office aspects of loan servicing, the servicing engagements may be terminated. Significant declines or terminations of servicing engagements or breaches of such obligations, in the absence of replacement revenue sources, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Reductions in loan servicing fees as a result of defaults or prepayments by borrowers could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

In addition to exposure to potential loss sharing, our loan servicing business is also subject to potential reductions in loan servicing fees if the borrower defaults on a loan originated thereby, as the generation of loan servicing fees depends upon the continued receipt and processing of periodic installments of principal, interest and other payments such as amounts held in escrow to pay property taxes and other required expenses. The loss of such loan servicing fees would reduce the amount of cash actually generated from loan servicing and from interest on amounts held in escrow. The expected loss of future loan servicing fees would also result in non-cash impairment charges to earnings. Such cash and non-cash charges could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Real Estate Newco may engage in a broad range of commercial real estate activities, and we will have limited influence over the selection or management of such activities.

In the BP Transaction, we acquired approximately 27% of the capital in Real Estate Newco. Cantor controls the remaining 73% of its capital and controls the general partner of Real Estate Newco, who will manage Real Estate Newco. Real Estate Newco collaborates with Cantor’s significant existing real estate finance business, and Real Estate Newco may conduct activities in any real estate-related business or asset-backed securities-related business or any extensions thereof and ancillary activities thereto. See “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—BP Transaction Agreement and Real Estate Newco Limited Partnership Agreement.” Accordingly, we will have limited to no influence on the selection or management of the activities conducted by Real Estate Newco, each of which may have different risks and uncertainty associated with it and that are each beyond our control. See “—Risks Related to Our Relationship with BGC Partners, Cantor and Their Respective Affiliates— Upon the completion of this offering, we will be controlled by BGC Partners (which is controlled by Cantor). Upon completion of the distribution, we will be controlled by Cantor. BGC Partners’ and Cantor’s respective interests may conflict with our interests, and BGC Partners and Cantor may exercise their control in a way that favors their respective interests to our detriment.”

 

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Liquidity, Funding and Indebtedness

Liquidity is essential to our business, and insufficient liquidity could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Liquidity is essential to our business. Our liquidity could be impaired due to circumstances that we may be unable to control, such as a general market disruption or an operational problem that affects our clients, other third parties or us.

We are a holding company with no direct operations. We conduct substantially all of our operations through our operating subsidiaries. We do not have any material assets other than our direct and indirect ownership in the equity of our subsidiaries. As a result, our operating cash flow is dependent upon the earnings of our subsidiaries. In addition, we are dependent on the distribution of earnings, loans or other payments by our subsidiaries to us. In the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or similar proceeding with respect to any of our subsidiaries, we, as an equity owner of such subsidiary, and therefore holders of our securities, including our Class A common stock, will be subject to the prior claims of such subsidiary’s creditors, including trade creditors, and any preferred equity holders. Any dividends declared by us, any payment by us of our indebtedness or other expenses, and all applicable taxes payable in respect of our net taxable income, if any, are paid from cash on hand and funds received from distributions, loans or other payments from Newmark OpCo. Regulatory, tax restrictions or elections, and other legal or contractual restrictions may limit our ability to transfer funds freely from our subsidiaries. These laws, regulations and rules may hinder our ability to access funds that we may need to meet our obligations. Certain debt and security agreements entered into by our subsidiaries contain or may contain various restrictions, including restrictions on payments by our subsidiaries to us and the transfer by our subsidiaries of assets pledged as collateral. To the extent that we need funds to pay dividends, repay indebtedness and meet other expenses, or to pay taxes on our share of Newmark OpCo’s net taxable income, and Newmark OpCo or its subsidiaries are restricted from making such distributions under applicable law, regulations, or agreements, or are otherwise unable to provide such funds, it could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, including our ability to raise additional funding, including through access to the debt and equity capital markets.

Our ability to raise funding in the long-term or short-term debt capital markets or the equity capital markets, or to access secured lending markets could in the future be adversely affected by conditions in the United States and international economy and markets, with the cost and availability of funding adversely affected by illiquid credit markets and wider credit spreads and changes in interest rates. To the extent we are not able to access the debt capital markets on acceptable terms in the future, we may seek to raise funding and capital through equity issuances or other means.

Turbulence in the U.S. and international economy and markets may adversely affect our liquidity and financial condition and the willingness of certain clients to do business with each other or with us. Acquisitions and financial reporting obligations related thereto may impact our ability to access capital markets on a timely basis and may necessitate greater short-term borrowing in the interim, which in turn may adversely affect the interest rates on our debt and our credit ratings and associated outlooks.

We generally have had limited need for short-term unsecured funding. We may, however, have need to access short-term capital sources in order to meet business needs from time to time, including financing acquisitions, conducting operations or hiring or retaining real estate brokers, salespeople, managers and other professionals. Our inability to secure such short-term capital could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

We require a significant amount of short-term funding capacity for loans we originate through Berkeley Point. As of September 30, 2017, Berkeley Point had $950 million of committed loan funding available through three commercial banks and an uncommitted $325 million Fannie Mae loan repurchase facility. Consistent with industry practice, Berkeley Point’s existing warehouse facilities are short-term, requiring annual renewal. If any

 

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of the committed facilities are terminated or are not renewed or the uncommitted facility is not honored, we would be required to obtain replacement financing, which we may be unable to find on favorable terms, or at all, and, in such event, we might not be able to originate loans, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

We are subject to the risk of failed loan deliveries, and even after a successful closing and delivery, may be required to repurchase the loan or to indemnify the investor if there is a breach of a representation or warranty made by us in connection with the sale of loans, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

We bear the risk that a borrower will not close on a loan that has been pre-sold to an investor and the amount of such borrower’s rate lock deposit and any amounts recoverable from such borrower for breach of its obligations are insufficient to cover the investor’s losses. In addition, the investor may choose not to take delivery of the loan if a catastrophic change in the condition of a property occurs after we fund the loan and prior to the investor purchase date. We also have the risk of errors in loan documentation which prevent timely delivery of the loan prior to the investor purchase date. A complete failure to deliver a loan could be a default under the warehouse line used to finance the loan. No assurance can be given that we will not experience failed deliveries in the future or that any losses will not have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.

We must make certain representations and warranties concerning each loan we originate for the GSEs’ and HUD’s programs or securitizations. The representations and warranties relate to our practices in the origination and servicing of the loans and the accuracy of the information being provided by it. In the event of a material breach of representations or warranties concerning a loan, even if the loan is not in default, investors could, among other things, require us to repurchase the full amount of the loan and seek indemnification for losses from it, or, for Fannie Mae DUS loans, increase the level of risk-sharing on the loan. Our obligation to repurchase the loan is independent of our risk-sharing obligations. Our ability to recover on a claim against the borrower or any other party may be contractually limited and would also be dependent, in part, upon the financial condition and liquidity of such party. Although these obligations have not had a significant impact on our results to date, significant repurchase or indemnification obligations imposed on us could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

We expect to have debt, which could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations and activities, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or the commercial real estate services industry, expose us to interest rate risk and prevent us from meeting our obligations under our indebtedness.

Immediately following the separation, we expect to have $1,387.5 million in aggregate principal amount of indebtedness, and we may incur additional indebtedness in the future. After application of our net proceeds from this offering, assuming a public offering price of $20.50 per share (which is the midpoint of the offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), we estimate that we will have $812.5 million in aggregate principal amount of indebtedness outstanding. See “Use of Proceeds.” The amount of debt we incur may have important, adverse consequences to us and our investors, including that:

 

    it may limit our ability to borrow money, dispose of assets or sell equity to fund our working capital, capital expenditures, dividend payments, debt service, strategic initiatives or other obligations or purposes;

 

    it may limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in the economy, the markets, regulatory requirements, our operations or our business;

 

    we may be more highly leveraged than some of our competitors, which may place us at a competitive disadvantage;

 

    it may make us more vulnerable to downturns in the economy or our business;

 

    it may require a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to make interest payments;

 

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    it may make it more difficult for us to satisfy other obligations;

 

    it may increase the risk of a future credit ratings downgrade of us, which could increase future debt costs and limit the future availability of debt financing; and

 

    we may not be able to borrow additional funds as needed or take advantage of business opportunities as they arise, pay cash dividends or repurchase common stock.

To the extent that we incur additional indebtedness, the risks described above could increase. In addition, our actual cash requirements in the future may be greater than expected. Our cash flow from operations may not be sufficient to service our outstanding debt or to repay the outstanding debt as it becomes due, and we may not be able to borrow money, sell assets or otherwise raise funds on acceptable terms, or at all, to service or refinance our debt.

We may incur substantially more debt or take other actions which would intensify the risks discussed herein.

We may incur substantial additional debt in the future, some of which may be secured debt. Under the terms of our existing debt, we are permitted under certain circumstances to incur additional debt, grant liens on our assets to secure existing or future debt, recapitalize our debt or take a number of other actions that could have the effect of diminishing our ability to make payments on our debt when due. To the extent that we borrow additional funds subsequent to this offering, the terms of such borrowings may contain more stringent financial covenants, change of control provisions, make-whole provisions or other terms that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Our debt agreements contain restrictions that may limit our flexibility in operating our business.

The Term Loan Credit Agreement (as defined below) and the Revolving Credit Agreement (as defined below), each as amended, contain covenants that could impose operating and financial restrictions on us, including restrictions on our ability to, among other things and subject to certain exceptions:

 

    create liens on certain assets;

 

    incur additional debt;

 

    make significant investments and acquisitions;

 

    consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets;

 

    sell certain assets;

 

    pay additional dividends on or make additional distributions in respect of our capital stock or make restricted payments;

 

    enter into certain transactions with our affiliates; and

 

    place restrictions on certain distributions from subsidiaries.

Indebtedness that we may enter into in the future, if any, could also potentially contain similar or additional covenants or restrictions. Any of these restrictions could limit our ability to adequately plan for or react to market conditions and could otherwise restrict certain of our corporate activities. Any material failure to comply with these covenants could result in a default under the Term Loan Credit Agreement or the Revolving Credit Agreement, each as amended, as well as instruments governing our future indebtedness. Upon a material default, unless such default were cured by us or waived by lenders in accordance with the applicable agreements, the lenders under such agreements could elect to invoke various remedies under the agreements, including potentially accelerating the payment of unpaid principal and interest, terminating their commitments or, however unlikely, potentially forcing us into bankruptcy or liquidation. In addition, a default or acceleration under any of

 

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such agreements could trigger a cross default under the other agreements, including potential future debt arrangements. As long as we are a subsidiary of BGC Partners, we will remain subject to restrictions under the Revolving Credit Agreement even if we have no outstanding indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Agreement. Although we believe that our operating results will be more than sufficient to cover all of these obligations, including potential future indebtedness, no assurance can be given that our operating results will be sufficient to service our indebtedness or to fund all of our other expenditures or to obtain additional or replacement financing on a timely basis and on reasonable terms in order to meet these requirements when due. See “Description of Certain Indebtedness.”

Credit rating downgrades or defaults by us could adversely affect us.

The credit ratings and associated outlooks of companies may be critical to their reputation and operational and financial success. A company’s credit ratings and associated outlooks are influenced by a number of factors, including: operating environment, earnings and profitability trends, the prudence of funding and liquidity management practices, balance sheet size/composition and resulting leverage, cash flow coverage of interest, composition and size of the capital base, available liquidity, outstanding borrowing levels, the company’s competitive position in the industry and its relationships in the industry. A credit rating and/or the associated outlook can be revised upward or downward at any time by a rating agency if such rating agency decides that circumstances of that company or related companies warrant such a change. Any reduction in the credit ratings of Newmark, BGC Partners, Cantor or any of their other affiliates, and/or the associated outlook could adversely affect the availability of debt financing to us on acceptable terms, as well as the cost and other terms upon which we may obtain any such financing. In addition, credit ratings and associated outlooks may be important to clients in certain markets and in certain transactions. A company’s contractual counterparties may, in certain circumstances, demand collateral in the event of a credit ratings or outlook downgrade of that company.

Our acquisitions may require significant cash resources and may lead to a significant increase in the level of our indebtedness.

Potential future acquisitions may lead to a significant increase in the level of our indebtedness. We may enter into short- or long-term financing arrangements in connection with acquisitions which may occur from time to time. In addition, we may incur substantial nonrecurring transaction costs, including break-up fees, assumption of liabilities and expenses and compensation expenses and we would likely incur similar expenses. The increased level of our consolidated indebtedness in connection with potential acquisitions may restrict our ability to raise additional capital on favorable terms, and such leverage, and any resulting liquidity or credit issues, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

We may not be able to realize the full value of the Nasdaq payment, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

On June 28, 2013, BGC Partners sold eSpeed to Nasdaq in the Nasdaq Transaction. The total consideration paid or payable by Nasdaq in the Nasdaq Transaction included an earn-out of up to 14,883,705 shares of common stock of Nasdaq to be paid ratably over 15 years after the closing of the Nasdaq Transaction, provided that Nasdaq produces at least $25 million in gross revenues for the applicable year. Up to 10,914,717 Nasdaq shares remain payable by Nasdaq under this earn-out. In connection with the separation prior to the completion of this offering, BGC will transfer to Newmark the right to receive the remainder of the Nasdaq payment. We recognized the receipt of the first of these payments of Nasdaq shares in the quarter ended September 30, 2017, and expect to recognize the receipt of shares ratably in the third quarter of future fiscal years. This earn-out presents market risk to us as the value of consideration related to the Nasdaq payment is subject to fluctuations based on the stock price of Nasdaq common stock. Therefore, if Nasdaq were to experience financial difficulties or a significant downturn, the value of the Nasdaq payment may decline and we may receive fewer or no additional Nasdaq shares pursuant to this earn-out, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

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RISKS RELATED TO OUR CORPORATE AND PARTNERSHIP STRUCTURE

We are a holding company, and accordingly we are dependent upon distributions from Newmark OpCo to pay dividends, taxes and indebtedness and other expenses and to make repurchases.

We are a holding company with no direct operations, and we will be able to pay dividends, taxes and other expenses, and to make repurchases of shares of our Class A common stock and purchases of Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests or other equity interests in our subsidiaries, only from our available cash on hand and funds received from distributions, loans or other payments from Newmark OpCo. Tax restrictions or elections and other legal or contractual restrictions may limit our ability to transfer funds freely from our subsidiaries. In addition, any unanticipated accounting, tax or other charges against net income could adversely affect our ability to pay dividends and to make repurchases. See—Liquidity, Funding and Indebtedness Liquidity is essential to our business, and insufficient liquidity could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.”

We may not pay a dividend and may not pay the same dividend paid by Newmark OpCo to its equity holders.

We currently intend to pay dividends on a quarterly basis. Our ability to pay dividends is dependent upon on our available cash on hand and funds received from distributions, loans or other payments from Newmark OpCo. Newmark OpCo intends to distribute to its limited partners, including us, on a pro rata and quarterly basis, cash in an amount that will be determined by Newmark Holdings, its general partner, of which we are the general partner. Newmark OpCo’s ability, and in turn our ability, to make such distributions will depend upon the continuing profitability and strategic and operating needs of our business. We may not pay the same dividend to our shares as the dividend paid by Newmark OpCo to its limited partners.

We may also repurchase shares of our common stock or purchase Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests or other equity interests in our subsidiaries, including from BGC Partners, Cantor or our executive officers, other employees, partners and others, or cease to make such repurchases or purchases, from time to time. In addition, from time to time, we may reinvest all or a portion of the distributions we receive in Newmark OpCo’s business. Accordingly, there can be no assurance that future dividends will be paid or that dividend amounts will be maintained at current or future levels. See “Dividend Policy.”

Because our voting control is concentrated among the holders of our Class B common stock, the market price of our Class A common stock may be materially adversely affected by its disparate voting rights.

The holders of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock will have substantially identical economic rights, but their voting rights will be different. Holders of Class A common stock will be entitled to one vote per share, while holders of Class B common stock will be entitled to 10 votes per share on all matters to be voted on by stockholders in general.

BGC Partners will hold 115,543,380 shares of our Class A common stock after this offering representing approximately 79.4% of our outstanding Class A common stock, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering, and representing approximately 77.0% of our outstanding Class A common stock, assuming that the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering. In addition, as of immediately after the offering, BGC Partners will hold 15,840,049 shares of our Class B common stock representing all of the outstanding shares of our Class B common stock. Together, the shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock held by BGC Partners after this offering will represent approximately 90.1% of our total voting power, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering, and approximately 88.8% of our total voting power, assuming that the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering. Upon the completion of the distribution, Cantor (including CFGM) will beneficially own all of the outstanding

 

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shares of our Class B common stock, representing approximately 52.1% of our total voting power, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering, and approximately 51.4% of our total voting power, assuming that the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering. In addition, Cantor will have the right to exchange exchangeable partnership interests in Newmark Holdings into additional shares of Class A or Class B common stock, and pursuant to the exchange agreement, BGC Partners, Cantor, CFGM and other Cantor affiliates entitled to hold Class B common stock under our certificate of incorporation will have the right to exchange from time to time, on a one-to-one basis, subject to adjustment, shares of our Class A common stock now owned or subsequently acquired by such persons for shares of our Class B common stock, up to the number of shares of Class B common stock that are authorized but unissued under our certificate of incorporation. Prior to the distribution, however, without the prior consent of BGC Partners, the Cantor entities may not exchange such shares of our Class A common stock into shares of our Class B common stock. We expect to retain our dual class structure, and there are no circumstances under which the holders of Class B common stock would be required to convert their shares of Class B common stock into shares of Class A common stock.

As long as BGC Partners or, after the distribution, Cantor, beneficially owns a majority of our total voting power, it will have the ability, without the consent of the other holders of our Class A common stock, to elect all of the members of our board of directors and to control our management and affairs. In addition, it will be able to in its sole discretion determine the outcome of matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders for approval and will be able to cause or prevent a change of control of us. In certain circumstances, the shares of Class B common stock issued to BGC Partners or, after the distribution, Cantor, may be transferred without conversion to Class A common stock, such as when the shares are transferred to an entity controlled by Cantor, BGC Partners or Mr. Lutnick.

The Class B common stock is controlled by BGC Partners or, after the distribution, will be controlled by Cantor, and will not be subject to conversion or redemption by us. Our certificate of incorporation will not provide for automatic conversion of shares of Class B common stock into shares of Class A common stock upon the occurrence of any event. Furthermore, the Class B common stock will only be issuable to Cantor, Mr. Lutnick or certain persons or entities controlled by them or BGC Partners. The difference in the voting rights of Class B common stock could adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock.

The dual class structure of our common stock may adversely affect the trading market for our Class A common stock.

S&P Dow Jones and FTSE Russell have recently announced changes to their eligibility criteria for inclusion of shares of public companies on certain indices, including the S&P 500, namely, to exclude companies with multiple classes of shares of common stock from being added to such indices. In addition, several shareholder advisory firms have announced their opposition to the use of multiple class structures. As a result, the dual class structure of our common stock may prevent the inclusion of our Class A common stock in such indices and may cause shareholder advisory firms to publish negative commentary about our corporate governance practices or otherwise seek to cause us to change our capital structure. Any such exclusion from indices could result in a less active trading market for our Class A common stock. Any actions or publications by shareholder advisory firms critical of our corporate governance practices or capital structure could also adversely affect the value of our Class A common stock.

Delaware law may protect decisions of our board of directors that have a different effect on holders of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock.

Stockholders may not be able to challenge decisions that have an adverse effect upon holders of our Class A common stock compared to holders of our Class B common stock if our board of directors acts in a disinterested, informed manner with respect to these decisions, in good faith and in the belief that it is acting in the best interests of our stockholders. Delaware law generally provides that a board of directors owes an equal duty to all

 

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stockholders, regardless of class or series, and does not have separate or additional duties to different groups of stockholders, subject to applicable provisions set forth in a corporation’s certificate of incorporation and general principles of corporate law and fiduciary duties.

If we or Newmark Holdings were deemed an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (which we refer to as the “Investment Company Act”), the Investment Company Act’s restrictions could make it impractical for us to continue our business and structure as contemplated and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

Generally, an entity is deemed an “investment company” under Section 3(a)(1)(A) of the Investment Company Act if it is primarily engaged in the business of investing, reinvesting, or trading in securities, and is deemed an “investment company” under Section 3(a)(1)(C) of the Investment Company Act if it owns “investment securities” having a value exceeding 40% of the value of its total assets (exclusive of U.S. Government securities and cash items) on an unconsolidated basis. We believe that neither we nor Newmark Holdings should be deemed an “investment company” as defined under Section 3(a)(1)(A) because neither of us is primarily engaged in the business of investing, reinvesting, or trading in securities. Rather, through our operating subsidiaries, we and Newmark Holdings are primarily engaged in the operation of various types of commercial real estate services businesses as described in this prospectus. Neither we nor Newmark Holdings is an “investment company” under Section 3(a)(1)(C) because more than 60% of the value of our total assets on an unconsolidated basis are interests in majority-owned subsidiaries that are not themselves “investment companies.” In particular, Berkeley Point, a significant majority-owned subsidiary, is entitled to rely on, among other things, the mortgage banker exemption in Section 3(c)(5)(C) of the Investment Company Act.

To ensure that we and Newmark Holdings are not deemed “investment companies” under the Investment Company Act, we need to be primarily engaged, directly or indirectly, in the non-investment company businesses of our operating subsidiaries. If we were to cease participation in the management of Newmark Holdings, if Newmark Holdings, in turn, were to cease participation in the management of Newmark OpCo, or if Newmark OpCo, in turn, were to cease participation in the management of our operating subsidiaries, that would increase the possibility that we and Newmark Holdings could be deemed “investment companies.” Further, if we were deemed not to have a majority of the voting power of Newmark Holdings (including through our ownership of the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest), if Newmark Holdings, in turn, were deemed not to have a majority of the voting power of Newmark OpCo (including through its ownership of the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest), or if Newmark OpCo, in turn, were deemed not to have a majority of the voting power of our operating subsidiaries, that would increase the possibility that we and Newmark Holdings could be deemed “investment companies.” Finally, if any of our operating subsidiaries were deemed “investment companies,” our interests in Newmark Holdings and Newmark OpCo, and Newmark Holdings’ interests in Newmark OpCo, could be deemed “investment securities,” and we and Newmark Holdings could be deemed “investment companies.”

We expect to take all legally permissible action to ensure that we and Newmark Holdings are not deemed investment companies under the Investment Company Act, but no assurance can be given that this will not occur.

The Investment Company Act and the rules thereunder contain detailed prescriptions for the organization and operations of investment companies. Among other things, the Investment Company Act and the rules thereunder limit or prohibit transactions with affiliates, limit the issuance of debt and equity securities, prohibit the issuance of stock options and impose certain governance requirements. If anything were to happen that would cause us or Newmark Holdings to be deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act, the Investment Company Act would limit our or its capital structure, ability to transact business with affiliates (including BGC Partners, Cantor, Newmark Holdings or Newmark OpCo, as the case may be) and ability to compensate key employees. Therefore, if we or Newmark Holdings became subject to the Investment Company Act, it could make it impractical to continue our business in this structure, impair agreements and arrangements and impair the transactions contemplated by those agreements and arrangements, between and among us, Newmark Holdings and Newmark OpCo, or any combination thereof, and materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

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RISKS RELATED TO THE SEPARATION AND THE DISTRIBUTION

We have no operating history as a separate public company, and our historical and pro forma financial information is not necessarily representative of the results that we would have achieved as a separate, publicly traded company and may not be a reliable indicator of our future results.

Our historical and pro forma financial information included in this prospectus is derived from the combined financial statements and accounting records of BGC Partners. Accordingly, the historical and pro forma financial information included herein does not necessarily reflect the results of operations, financial position and cash flows that we would have achieved as a separate, publicly traded company during the periods presented or those that we will achieve in the future primarily as a result of the following factors:

 

    Prior to the separation, our business has been operated by BGC Partners as part of its broader corporate organization, rather than as an independent company. BGC Partners or one of its affiliates has performed various corporate functions for us, including legal services, treasury, accounting, auditing, risk management, information technology, human resources, corporate affairs, tax administration, certain governance functions (including internal audit and compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act) and external reporting. Our historical and pro forma financial results reflect allocations of corporate expenses from BGC Partners for these and similar functions. These allocations are likely less than the comparable expenses we believe we would have incurred had we operated as a separate public company.

 

    Currently, our business is integrated with the other businesses of BGC Partners. Historically, we have shared economies of scale in costs, employees and vendor relationships. While we will enter into transitional arrangements that will govern certain commercial and other relationships between BGC Partners and us after the separation, those transitional arrangements may not fully capture the benefits our business has enjoyed as a result of being integrated with the other businesses of BGC Partners. The loss of these benefits could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects following the completion of the separation.

 

    Generally, our working capital requirements and capital for our general corporate purposes, including acquisitions and capital expenditures, have historically been satisfied as part of the enterprise-wide cash management policies of BGC Partners. Following the completion of the separation, we may need to obtain additional financing from banks, through public offerings or private placements of debt or equity securities, strategic relationships or other arrangements.

 

    Following the completion of the separation, the cost of capital for our business may be higher than BGC Partners’ cost of capital prior to the separation.

The pro forma financial information included in this prospectus includes adjustments based upon available information we believe to be reasonable. However, the assumptions may change and actual results may differ. In addition, we have not made pro forma adjustments to reflect many significant changes that will occur in our cost structure, funding and operations as a result of our transition to becoming a public company.

Other significant changes may occur in our cost structure, management, financing and business operations as a result of operating as a public company separate from BGC Partners. The adjustments and allocations we have made in preparing our historical and pro forma financial statements may not appropriately reflect our operations during those periods as if we had in fact operated as a stand-alone entity, or what the actual effect of our separation from BGC Partners will be. For additional information about the presentation of our historical and pro forma financial information included in this prospectus, see “Selected Combined Financial Data” and “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Data.”

 

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We may experience increased costs resulting from a decrease in the purchasing power as a result of our separation from BGC Partners.

Historically, we have been able to take advantage of BGC Partners’ size and purchasing power in procuring goods, technology and services, including insurance, employee benefit support and audit services. As a separate public company, we will be a smaller and less diversified company than BGC Partners, and we may not have access to financial and other resources comparable to those available to BGC Partners prior to this offering. As a separate, stand-alone company, we may be unable to obtain goods, technology and services at prices and on terms as favorable as those available to us prior to this offering, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

We may experience difficulty in separating our assets and resources from BGC Partners.

We may face difficulty in separating our assets from BGC Partners’ assets and integrating newly acquired assets into our business. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be harmed if we incur unexpected costs in separating our assets from BGC Partners’ assets or integrating newly acquired assets. We do not expect to face this difficulty, but there can be no assurance that we will not.

The separation may adversely affect our business, and we may not achieve some or all of the expected benefits of the separation.

We may not be able to achieve the full strategic and financial benefits expected to result from the separation, or such benefits may be delayed or not occur at all. These benefits include the following:

 

    improving strategic planning, increasing management focus and streamlining decision-making by providing the flexibility to implement our strategic plan and to respond more effectively to different client needs and the changing economic environment;

 

    allowing us to adopt the capital structure, investment policy and dividend policy best suited to our financial profile and business needs, as well as resolving the current competition for capital among BGC Partners’ businesses;

 

    creating an independent equity structure that will facilitate our ability to effect future acquisitions utilizing our Class A common stock; and

 

    facilitating incentive compensation arrangements for employees more directly tied to the performance of our business, and enhancing employee hiring and retention by, among other things, improving the alignment of management and employee incentives with performance and growth objectives.

We may not achieve the anticipated benefits for a variety of reasons. There also can be no assurance that the separation will not adversely affect our business.

There is no assurance that the distribution will occur. If the distribution does not occur, our business and common stock may suffer.

BGC Partners will hold 115,543,380 shares of our Class A common stock after this offering representing approximately 79.4% of our outstanding Class A common stock, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering, and representing approximately 77.0% of our outstanding Class A common stock, assuming that the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering. In addition, as of immediately after the offering, BGC Partners will hold 15,840,049 shares of our Class B common stock representing all of the outstanding shares of our Class B common stock. BGC Partners has advised us that it currently expects to pursue a distribution to its stockholders of all of the shares of our common stock that it then owns in a manner that is intended to qualify as generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The

 

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shares of our common stock that BGC Partners will own upon the completion of this offering will be subject to the 180-day “lock-up” restriction contained in the underwriting agreement for this offering. See “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest).” Further, there is no assurance that BGC Partners will complete the distribution. The distribution is subject to a number of conditions, and even though BGC Partners may distribute those shares in a tax-efficient manner to the stockholders of BGC Partners, BGC Partners may determine not to proceed with the distribution if the BGC Partners board of directors determines, in its sole discretion, that the distribution is not in the best interest of BGC Partners and its stockholders. Accordingly, the distribution may not occur on the expected timeframe, or at all.

If the distribution does not occur, we may not be able to obtain some of the benefits that we expect as a result of the distribution, including greater strategic focus, increased agility and speed and the other benefits. The separation and the distribution will permit us to build a management team that can focus solely on our strategic initiatives and future growth.

If, following the completion of the distribution, there is a determination that the distribution is taxable for U.S. federal income tax purposes because the facts, assumptions, representations or undertakings underlying the tax opinion with respect to the distribution are incorrect or for any other reason, then BGC Partners and its stockholders could incur significant U.S. federal income tax liabilities, and we could incur significant liabilities.

It is a condition to the distribution that BGC Partners receive an opinion of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, outside counsel to BGC Partners, to the effect that the distribution, together with certain related transactions, will qualify as a transaction that is described in Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (which we refer to as the “Code”). The opinion will rely on certain facts, assumptions, representations and undertakings from BGC Partners and us regarding the past and future conduct of the companies’ respective businesses and other matters. If any of these facts, assumptions, representations or undertakings are incorrect or not otherwise satisfied, BGC Partners and its stockholders may not be able to rely on the opinion of tax counsel. Moreover, notwithstanding this opinion of counsel, the IRS could determine on audit that the separation or the distribution is taxable if it determines that any of these facts, assumptions, representations or undertakings are not correct or have been violated or if it disagrees with the conclusions in the opinion, or for other reasons, including as a result of certain significant changes in the stock ownership of BGC Partners or us after the separation or distribution. If the separation or distribution is determined to be taxable for U.S. federal income tax purposes, BGC Partners and its stockholders could incur significant U.S. federal income tax liabilities and we may be required to indemnify BGC Partners for all or a portion of any such tax liabilities under the tax matters agreement. Any such liabilities could be substantial, and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. For a description of the sharing of such liabilities between BGC Partners and us, see “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Tax Matters Agreement.”

We may be required to pay Cantor for a significant portion of the tax benefit, if any, relating to any additional tax depreciation or amortization deductions we claim as a result of any step up in the tax basis of the assets of Newmark OpCo resulting from exchanges of interests in Newmark Holdings for our common stock (or, during the period prior to the distribution, for BGC Partners common stock).

Certain partnership interests in Newmark Holdings may be exchanged for shares of our Class A common stock or Class B common stock. In addition, prior to the distribution, certain interests in Newmark Holdings may, together with certain interests in BGC Holdings, be exchanged for shares of BGC Partners common stock. In the vast majority of cases, the Newmark Holdings units that become exchangeable for shares of Newmark common stock are Newmark Holdings units that have been granted as compensation, and, therefore, the exchange of such units will not result in an increase in Newmark’s share of the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of Newmark OpCo. However, exchanges of other Newmark Holdings units – including non-tax-free exchanges of Newmark Holdings units by Cantor – could result in an increase in Newmark’s share of the tax basis of the

 

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tangible and intangible assets of Newmark OpCo that otherwise would not have been available, although the Internal Revenue Service may challenge all or part of that tax basis increase, and a court could sustain such a challenge by the Internal Revenue Service. These increases in tax basis, if sustained, may reduce the amount of tax that we would otherwise be required to pay in the future. In such circumstances, the tax receivable agreement that we will enter into with Cantor will provide for the payment by us to Cantor of 85% of the amount of cash savings, if any, in the U.S. federal, state and local income tax or franchise tax that we actually realize as a result of these increases in tax basis and certain other tax benefits related to its entering into the tax receivable agreement, including tax benefits attributable to payments under the tax receivable agreement. It is expected that we will benefit from the remaining 15% cash savings, if any, in income tax that we realize.

We may not be able to execute transactions that are outside of Treasury Regulations safe harbors.

Under current law, a spin-off can be rendered taxable to the parent corporation and its stockholders as a result of certain post-spin-off acquisitions of shares or assets of the spun-off corporation. For example, a spin-off may result in taxable gain to the parent corporation under Section 355(e) of the Code if the spin-off were later deemed to be part of a plan (or series of related transactions) pursuant to which one or more persons acquire, directly or indirectly, shares representing a 50% or greater interest (by vote or value) in the spun-off corporation. To preserve the tax-free treatment of the separation and the distribution, and in addition to our other indemnity obligations, the tax matters agreement between us and BGC Partners will restrict us, through the end of the two-year period following the distribution, except in specific circumstances, from: (i) entering into any transaction pursuant to which all or a portion of the shares of our common stock would be acquired, whether by merger or otherwise, (ii) issuing equity securities beyond certain thresholds, (iii) repurchasing shares of our common stock other than in certain open-market transactions, and (iv) ceasing to actively conduct certain of our businesses. The tax matters agreement will also prohibit us from taking or failing to take any other action that would prevent the distribution and certain related transactions from qualifying as a transaction that is generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code. In the absence of the availability of a safe harbor under applicable Treasury Regulations, these restrictions may limit our ability to pursue strategic transactions, equity issuances or repurchases or other transactions that we may believe to be in the best interests of our stockholders or that might increase the value of our business. Current Treasury Regulations allow for a number of safe harbors. For more information, see “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Tax Matters Agreement.”

RISKS RELATED TO OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH BGC PARTNERS, CANTOR AND THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES

Upon the completion of this offering, we will be controlled by BGC Partners (which is controlled by Cantor). Upon completion of the distribution, we will be controlled by Cantor. BGC Partners’ and Cantor’s respective interests may conflict with our interests, and BGC Partners and Cantor may exercise their control in a way that favors their respective interests to our detriment.

BGC Partners will hold 115,543,380 shares of our Class A common stock after this offering representing approximately 79.4% of our outstanding Class A common stock, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering, and representing approximately 77.0% of our outstanding Class A common stock, assuming that the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering. In addition, as of immediately after the offering, BGC Partners will hold 15,840,049 shares of our Class B common stock representing all of the outstanding shares of our Class B common stock. Together, the shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock held by BGC Partners after this offering will represent approximately 90.1% of our total voting power, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering, and approximately 88.8% of our total voting power, assuming that the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering. BGC Partners is controlled by Cantor. If the distribution occurs, Cantor will beneficially own 6,671,247 shares of

 

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our Class A common stock representing approximately 4.6% of our outstanding Class A common stock, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering, and representing approximately 4.4% of our outstanding Class A common stock, assuming that the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering, and all of the outstanding shares of our Class B common stock, together representing approximately 54.3% of our total voting power, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering, and approximately 53.5% of our total voting power, assuming that the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering. We expect to retain our dual class structure, and there are no circumstances under which the holders of Class B common stock would be required to convert their shares of Class B common stock into shares of Class A common stock.

As a result, upon completion of this offering, BGC Partners, directly through its ownership of shares of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock, and Cantor, indirectly through its control of BGC Partners, will each be able to exercise control over our management and affairs and all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of our directors and determinations with respect to acquisitions and dispositions, as well as material expansions or contractions of our business, entry into new lines of business and borrowings and issuances of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock or other securities. BGC Partners’ voting power, prior to the completion of the distribution, and Cantor’s voting power, indirectly prior to the completion of the distribution and directly after the completion of the distribution, may also have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of us.

BGC Partners’ and Cantor’s ability to exercise control over us could create or appear to create potential conflicts of interest. Conflicts of interest may arise between us and each of BGC Partners and Cantor in a number of areas relating to our past and ongoing relationships, including:

 

    potential acquisitions and dispositions of businesses;

 

    the issuance or disposition of securities by us;

 

    the election of new or additional directors to our board of directors;

 

    the payment of dividends by us (if any), distribution of profits by Newmark OpCo and/or Newmark Holdings and repurchases of shares of our Class A common stock or purchases of Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests or other equity interests in our subsidiaries, including from BGC Partners, Cantor or our executive officers, other employees, partners and others;

 

    business operations or business opportunities of ours and BGC Partners’ or Cantor’s that would compete with the other party’s business opportunities;

 

    intellectual property matters;

 

    business combinations involving us; and

 

    the nature, quality and pricing of administrative services and transition services to be provided to or by BGC Partners or Cantor or their respective affiliates.

Potential conflicts of interest could also arise if we decide to enter into any new commercial arrangements with BGC Partners or Cantor in the future or in connection with BGC Partners’ or Cantor’s desire to enter into new commercial arrangements with third parties.

We also expect each of BGC Partners and Cantor to manage its respective ownership of us so that it will not be deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act, including by maintaining its voting power in us above a majority absent an applicable exemption from the Investment Company Act. This may result in conflicts with us, including those relating to acquisitions or offerings by us involving issuances of shares of our Class A common stock, or securities convertible or exchangeable into shares of Class A common stock, that would dilute BGC Partners’ or Cantor’s voting power in us.

 

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In addition, each of BGC Partners and Cantor has from time to time in the past and may in the future consider possible strategic realignments of its own businesses and/or of the relationships that exist between and among BGC Partners and/or Cantor and their other respective affiliates and us. Any future material related-party transaction or arrangement between BGC Partners and/or Cantor and their other respective affiliates and us is subject to the prior approval by our audit committee, but generally does not require the separate approval of our stockholders, and if such stockholder approval is required, BGC Partners and/or Cantor may retain sufficient voting power to provide any such requisite approval without the affirmative consent of our other stockholders. Further, our regulators may require the consolidation, for regulatory purposes, of BGC Partners, Cantor and/or their other respective affiliates and us or require other restructuring of the group. There is no assurance that such consolidation or restructuring would not result in a material expense or disruption to our business.

Cantor has existing real estate-related businesses, and Newmark and Cantor will be partners in a real estate-related joint venture, Real Estate Newco. While these businesses do not currently compete with Newmark, it is possible that, in the future, real estate-related opportunities in which Newmark would be interested may also be pursued by Cantor and/or Real Estate Newco, and Real Estate Newco may conduct activities in any real estate-related business or asset-backed securities-related business or any extensions thereof and ancillary activities thereto. For example, Cantor’s commercial lending business has historically offered conduit loans to the multifamily market. While conduit loans have certain key differences versus multifamily agency loans, such as those offered by Berkeley Point, there can be no assurance that Cantor’s and/or Real Estate Newco’s lending businesses will not seek to offer multifamily loans to our existing and potential multifamily customer base.

Moreover, the service of officers or partners of BGC Partners or Cantor as our executive officers and directors, and those persons’ ownership interests in and payments from BGC Partners or Cantor and their respective affiliates, could create conflicts of interest when we and those directors or executive officers are faced with decisions that could have different implications for us and them.

We also have entered into agreements that provide certain rights to the holder of a majority of the Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interest, which is currently Cantor. For example, the separation and distribution agreement provides that any quarterly dividend to our common stockholders that is 25% or more of our post-tax Adjusted Earnings per fully diluted share shall require the consent of the holder of a majority of the Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests. In addition, the separation and distribution agreement requires Newmark to contribute any reinvestment cash ( i.e. , any cash that Newmark retains, after the payment of taxes, as a result of distributing a smaller percentage than Newmark Holdings from the distributions they receive from Newmark OpCo), as an additional capital contribution with respect to its existing limited partnership interest in Newmark OpCo, unless Newmark and the holder of a majority of the Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests agree otherwise. See “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Adjustment to Exchange Ratio” and “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Use of Reinvestment Cash.” It is possible that Cantor, as the holder of a majority of the Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interest, will not agree to a higher dividend percentage or a different use of reinvestment cash, even if doing so might be more advantageous to the Newmark stockholders.

Our agreements and other arrangements with BGC Partners and Cantor, including the separation and distribution agreement, may be amended upon agreement of the parties to those agreements and approval of our audit committee. During the time that we are controlled by BGC Partners and/or Cantor, BGC Partners and/or Cantor may be able to require us to agree to amendments to these agreements. We may not be able to resolve any potential conflicts, and, even if we do, the resolution may be less favorable to us than if we were dealing with an unaffiliated party. Additionally, pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement, for so long as BGC Partners beneficially owns at least 50% of the total voting power of our outstanding capital stock entitled to vote in the election of directors, we will not, and will cause our subsidiaries to not (without BGC Partners’ prior written consent) take certain actions, including, without limitation, acquiring any other businesses or assets or disposing of any of our assets, in each case with an aggregate value for all such transactions in excess of $100 million, or incurring any indebtedness, other than indebtedness not in excess of $50 million in the aggregate

 

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or any indebtedness incurred to repay the Term Loan, the Converted Term Loan, the BGC Notes or other indebtedness of BGC Partners or its subsidiaries that we will assume in the separation. See “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Separation and Distribution Agreement—Operating Covenants.”

In order to address potential conflicts of interest between or among BGC Partners, Cantor and their respective representatives and us, our certificate of incorporation will contain provisions regulating and defining the conduct of our affairs as they may involve BGC Partners and/or Cantor and their respective representatives, and our powers, rights, duties and liabilities and those of our representatives in connection therewith. Our certificate of incorporation provides that, to the greatest extent permitted by law, no Cantor Company or BGC Partners Company, each as defined in our certificate of incorporation, or any of the representatives, as defined in our certificate of incorporation, of a Cantor Company or BGC Partners Company will, in its capacity as our stockholder or affiliate, owe or be liable for breach of any fiduciary duty to us or any of our stockholders. In addition, to the greatest extent permitted by law, none of any Cantor Company, BGC Partners Company or any of their respective representatives will owe any duty to refrain from engaging in the same or similar activities or lines of business as us or our representatives or doing business with any of our or our representatives’ clients or customers. If any Cantor Company, BGC Partners Company or any of their respective representatives acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter that may be a corporate opportunity (as defined in our certificate of incorporation) for any such person, on the one hand, and us or any of our representatives, on the other hand, such person will have no duty to communicate or offer such corporate opportunity to us or any of our representatives, and will not be liable to us, any of our stockholders or any of our representatives for breach of any fiduciary duty by reason of the fact that they pursue or acquire such corporate opportunity for themselves, direct such corporate opportunity to another person or do not present such corporate opportunity to us or any of our representatives, subject to the requirement described in the following sentence. If a third party presents a corporate opportunity to a person who is both our representative and a representative of a BGC Partners Company and/or a Cantor Company, expressly and solely in such person’s capacity as our representative, and such person acts in good faith in a manner consistent with the policy that such corporate opportunity belongs to us, then such person will be deemed to have fully satisfied and fulfilled any fiduciary duty that such person has to us as our representative with respect to such corporate opportunity, provided that any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any of their respective representatives may pursue such corporate opportunity if we decide not to pursue such corporate opportunity.

The corporate opportunity policy that is included in our certificate of incorporation is designed to resolve potential conflicts of interest between us and our representatives and BGC Partners, Cantor and their respective representatives. The Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement contains similar provisions with respect to us and/or BGC Partners and Cantor and each of our respective representatives, and the Newmark OpCo limited partnership agreement will contain similar provisions with respect to us and/or Newmark Holdings and each of our respective representatives. This policy, however, could make it easier for BGC Partners or Cantor to compete with us. If BGC Partners or Cantor competes with us, it could materially harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

See “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Potential Conflicts of Interest and Competition with BGC Partners and Cantor.”

Mr. Lutnick will have actual or potential conflicts of interest because of his positions with BGC Partners and/or Cantor.

Upon completion of this offering, Mr. Lutnick will continue to serve as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of BGC Partners, and as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Cantor. In addition, Mr. Lutnick will own BGC Partners common stock, options to purchase BGC Partners common stock, other BGC Partners’ equity awards or partnership interests in BGC Holdings, or equity interests in Cantor. These interests may be significant compared to his total assets. His positions at BGC Partners and/or Cantor and the ownership of any such equity or equity awards create, or may create the appearance of, conflicts of interest when

 

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he is faced with decisions that could have different implications for BGC Partners or Cantor than the decisions have for us.

Agreements between us and BGC Partners and/or Cantor are between related parties, and the terms of these agreements may be less favorable to us than those that we could negotiate with third parties and may subject us to litigation.

Our relationship with BGC Partners and/or Cantor may result in agreements with BGC Partners and/or Cantor that are between related parties. For example, we will provide to and receive from Cantor and BGC Partners and their respective affiliates various administrative services and transition services, respectively. As a result, the prices charged to us or by us for services provided under agreements with BGC Partners and Cantor may be higher or lower than prices that may be charged by third parties, and the terms of these agreements may be less favorable to us than those that we could have negotiated with third parties. Any future material related-party transaction or arrangement between us and BGC Partners and/or Cantor is subject to the prior approval by our audit committee, but generally does not require the separate approval of our stockholders, and if such stockholder approval were required, BGC Partners and/or Cantor may retain sufficient voting power to provide any such requisite approval without the affirmative consent of our other stockholders. These related-party relationships may also from time to time subject us to litigation.

We will be controlled by BGC Partners, which is controlled by Cantor. Cantor controls its wholly owned subsidiary, CF&Co, which is an underwriter of this offering and may provide us with additional investment banking services. In addition, Cantor, CF&Co and their affiliates may provide us with advice and services from time to time.

We will be controlled by BGC Partners, which is controlled by Cantor. Cantor, in turn, controls its wholly owned subsidiary, CF&Co, which is an underwriter of this offering. Pursuant to the underwriting agreement, we will pay CF&Co         % of the gross proceeds from the sale of shares of our Class A common stock. In addition, Cantor, CF&Co and their affiliates may provide investment banking services to us and our affiliates, including acting as our financial advisor in connection with business combinations, dispositions or other transactions, and placing or recommending to us various investments, stock loans or cash management vehicles. They would receive customary fees and commissions for these services. They may also receive brokerage and market data and analytics products and services from us and our respective affiliates.

We could be affected by threats, demands, actions or lawsuits from third parties or governmental authorities, including those against Cantor or BGC Partners, for matters that occurred prior to the offering.

From time to time in the ordinary course of business, we have in the past and may in the future be affected by threats, demands, actions, subpoenas, or legal actions and/or proceedings commenced or threatened against Cantor or BGC Partners for matters that occurred prior to the offering, when Newmark was a reporting segment of BGC Partners.

While not directly related to Newmark or its real estate business, for example, we recently learned from Cantor that a former manager in Cantor’s tax department, who was employed for only five months before being terminated in October 2016, had in October 2017 made allegations that BGC Partners overstated its non-GAAP post-tax distributable earnings measure. The employee sought money from Cantor. Cantor, BGC Partners and the Company each respectively undertook a review of these matters, which were assisted by external counsel. Based on these reviews, Cantor and BGC Partners have advised the Company that they believe the allegations of wrongdoing made by the former employee were false, inaccurate and without merit. While none of the claims were directed at the Company, there can be no assurance that the Company will not be subject to similar or different such threats, letters or demands and the costs of investigations, counsel and other advisers in the future.

 

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RISKS RELATED TO THIS OFFERING, OWNERSHIP OF OUR CLASS A COMMON STOCK AND OUR STATUS AS A PUBLIC COMPANY

A sufficiently active trading market for our Class A common stock may not develop or be maintained, and you may not be able to resell your shares at or above the initial public offering price.

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for shares of our Class A common stock. Although we have applied to list our Class A common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market, a sufficiently active trading market for our shares may never develop or be sustained following this offering. In addition, we cannot assure you as to the liquidity of any such market that may develop or the price that our stockholders may obtain for their shares of our Class A common stock. The initial public offering price of our Class A common stock will be determined through negotiations between us and the qualified independent underwriter. This initial public offering price may not be indicative of the market price of our Class A common stock after this offering. In the absence of a sufficiently active trading market for our Class A common stock, investors may not be able to sell their Class A common stock at or above the initial public offering price or at the time that they would like to sell. As a result, you could lose all or part of your investment.

The market price of our Class A common stock may be volatile, which could cause the value of an investment in our Class A common stock to decline.

The market price of our Class A common stock may fluctuate substantially due to a variety of factors, including:

 

    our quarterly or annual earnings, or those of other companies in our industry;

 

    actual or anticipated fluctuations in our results of operations;

 

    differences between our actual financial and operating results and those expected by investors and analysts;

 

    changes in analysts’ recommendations or estimates or our ability to meet those estimates;

 

    the prospects of our competition and of the commercial real estate market in general;

 

    changes in general valuations for companies in our industry; and

 

    changes in business, legal or regulatory conditions, or other general economic or market conditions and overall market fluctuations.

In particular, the realization of any of the risks described in these “Risk Factors” or under “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” could have a material adverse impact on the market price of our Class A common stock in the future and cause the value of your investment to decline. In addition, the stock markets in general have experienced substantial volatility that has often been unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These types of broad market fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our Class A common stock.

In the past, stockholders of other companies have sometimes instituted securities class action litigation against issuers following periods of volatility in the market price of their securities. Any similar litigation against us could result in substantial costs, divert management’s attention and our other resources and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. There is no assurance that such a suit will not be brought against us.

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or publish negative reports about our business, our share price and trading volume could decline.

The trading market for our Class A common stock will depend, in part, on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. If one or more of the analysts who cover us

 

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downgrade our stock or publish unfavorable research about our business, our stock price could decline. If one or more of these analysts ceases coverage of our company or fails to publish reports on us regularly, demand for our stock could decrease, which might cause our stock price and trading volume to decline.

The requirements of being a public company may strain our resources, divert management’s attention and affect our ability to attract and retain qualified board members.

As a public company, we will incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses, including costs associated with public company reporting requirements. We also will incur costs associated with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and related rules implemented or to be implemented by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (which we refer to as the “SEC”) and the NASDAQ Stock Market. Prior to the completion of this offering, these costs have been incurred by BGC Partners on a consolidated basis. The expenses incurred by public companies generally for reporting and corporate governance purposes have been increasing. We expect the rules and regulations associated with being a public company to result in substantial legal and financial compliance costs and to make some activities more time-consuming and costly, although we are currently unable to estimate these costs with any degree of certainty. These laws and regulations could also make it more difficult or costly for us to obtain certain types of insurance, including director and officer liability insurance, and we may be forced to accept constraints on policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain coverage. These laws and regulations could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our board of directors, our board committees or as our executive officers and may divert management’s attention.

If we fail to implement and maintain an effective internal control environment, our operations, reputation and stock price could suffer, we may need to restate our financial statements and we may be delayed in or prevented from accessing the capital markets.

As a result of becoming a public company, we will be required, under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, to furnish a report by management on, among other things, the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for the first full fiscal year beginning after the effective date of this offering. This assessment will need to include disclosure of any material weaknesses identified by our management in our internal control over financial reporting. A material weakness is a control deficiency or combination of control deficiencies that results in more than a remote likelihood that a material misstatement of annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected. To achieve compliance with Section 404 within the prescribed period, we will be engaged in a process to document and evaluate our internal control over financial reporting, which is both costly and challenging.

Internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well designed, has inherent limitations. Therefore, internal controls over financial reporting determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and may not prevent or detect all misstatements. Due to the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people or by management override of the internal controls. Moreover, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate due to changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. As such, we could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of our financial reports, which may have a material adverse effect on our reputation and stock price.

Our ability to identify and remediate any material weaknesses in our internal controls could affect our ability to prepare financial reports in a timely manner, control our policies, procedures, operations and assets, assess and manage our operational, regulatory and financial risks, and integrate our acquired businesses.

 

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Similarly, we need to effectively manage any growth that we achieve in such a way as to ensure continuing compliance with all applicable internal control, financial reporting and legal and regulatory requirements. Any failures to ensure full compliance with internal control and financial reporting requirements could result in restatement, delay or prevent us from accessing the capital markets and harm our reputation and the market price for our Class A common stock.

We qualified as an emerging growth company at the time that we submitted to the SEC an initial draft of the registration statement for this offering, and as a result have certain reduced disclosure requirements in this prospectus.

We qualified as an emerging growth company, as defined in the JOBS Act, at the time that we submitted to the SEC an initial draft of the registration statement for this offering, and, as a result, have elected to comply with certain reduced disclosure requirements for this prospectus in accordance with the JOBS Act. With the reduced disclosure requirement, we are not required to disclose certain executive compensation information in this prospectus pursuant to the JOBS Act. We also are required to present only two years of audited financial statements and related “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in this prospectus. Our revenues for 2016 exceeded $1.00 billion, however, and, as a result, we will no longer be eligible for the exemptions from disclosure provided to an emerging growth company after the earlier of the completion of this offering and December 31, 2017.

We will be a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NASDAQ Stock Market rules and we will qualify for exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements. We do not currently expect or intend to rely on any of these exemptions, but there is no assurance that we will not rely on these exemptions in the future.

Because BGC Partners will control more than a majority of the total voting power of our common stock following this offering, we will be a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NASDAQ Stock Market rules. Under these rules, a company of which more than 50% of the voting power is held by another person or group of persons acting together is a “controlled company” and may elect not to comply with certain stock exchange rules regarding corporate governance, including:

 

    the requirement that a majority of its board of directors consist of independent directors;

 

    the requirement that its director nominees be selected or recommended for the board’s selection by a majority of the board’s independent directors in a vote in which only independent directors participate or by a nominating committee comprised solely of independent directors, in either case, with a formal written charter or board resolutions, as applicable, addressing the nominations process and such related matters as may be required under the federal securities laws; and

 

    the requirement that its compensation committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities.

We do not currently expect or intend to rely on any of these exemptions, but there is no assurance that we will not rely on these exemptions in the future. If we were to utilize some or all of these exemptions, you may not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that are subject to all of the NASDAQ Stock Market rules regarding corporate governance.

Future sales of shares of Class A common stock, including in this offering, could adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock. Our stockholders could be diluted by such future sales and be further diluted upon exchange of Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests into our common stock and upon issuance of additional Newmark OpCo limited partnership interests to Newmark Holdings as a result of future issuances of Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests.

Future sales of our shares could adversely affect the market price of our Class A common stock. If our existing stockholders sell a large number of shares, or if we issue a large number of shares of our common stock

 

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in connection with future acquisitions, strategic alliances, third-party investments and private placements or otherwise, such as this offering, the market price of our Class A common stock could decline significantly. Moreover, the perception in the public market that these stockholders might sell shares could depress the market price of our Class A common stock.

BGC Partners will hold 115,543,380 shares of our Class A common stock after this offering representing approximately 79.4% of our outstanding Class A common stock, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering, and representing approximately 77.0% of our outstanding Class A common stock, assuming that the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering. In addition, as of immediately after the offering, BGC Partners will hold 15,840,049 shares of our Class B common stock representing all of the outstanding shares of our Class B common stock. Together, the shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock held by BGC Partners after this offering will represent approximately 90.1% of our total voting power, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering, and approximately 88.8% of our total voting power, assuming that the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering. BGC Partners has advised us that it currently expects to pursue a distribution to its stockholders of all of the shares of our common stock that it then owns in a manner that is intended to qualify as generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes. The determination of whether, when and how to proceed with any such distribution is entirely within the discretion of BGC Partners. The shares of our common stock that BGC Partners and our executive officers and directors will own upon the completion of this offering will be subject to the 180-day “lock-up” restriction contained in the underwriting agreement for this offering. See “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest).” If the distribution occurs, the distributed shares of Class A common stock would be eligible for immediate resale in the public market, except for those held by Cantor and other affiliates of ours, which distributed shares could be sold pursuant to a registered offering or pursuant to an exemption under the Securities Act. We are unable to predict whether significant amounts of our Class A common stock will be sold in the open market in anticipation of, or following, the distribution. Any potential sale, disposition or distribution of our Class A common stock, or the perception that such sale, disposition or distribution could occur, could adversely affect prevailing market prices for our Class A common stock.

Even if BGC Partners does not distribute the shares of our common stock that it will own upon the completion of this offering by means of the distribution, BGC Partners may sell all or a portion of such shares to the public or in one or more private transactions after the expiration of the “lock-up” restriction (which is 180 days after completion of this offering) contained in the agreement with the underwriters and described under “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest).” We have entered into a registration rights agreement with BGC Partners and Cantor that grants them registration rights to facilitate their sale of shares of our Class A common stock in the market. Any sale or distribution, or expectations in the market of a possible sale or distribution, by BGC Partners or Cantor of all or a portion of our shares of Class A common stock through the distribution, in a registered offering, pursuant to an exemption under the Securities Act or otherwise could depress or reduce the market price for our Class A common stock or cause our shares to trade below the prices at which they would otherwise trade.

Moreover, the shares of our Class A common stock sold in this offering will be freely tradable without restriction, except for any shares acquired by an affiliate of ours, which shares can be sold under Rule 144 under the Securities Act, subject to various volume and other limitations. Subject to certain limited exceptions, we, our executive officers and directors and BGC Partners have agreed with the underwriters not to directly or indirectly sell, dispose of or hedge any shares of our Class A common stock or securities convertible into or exchangeable for shares of our Class A common stock without the prior written consent of Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated for the period ending 180 days after the date of this prospectus. After the expiration of the 180-day “lock-up” restriction, our executive officers and directors and BGC Partners could dispose of all or any part of their shares of our Class A common stock through a public offering, sales under Rule 144 or other transactions. In addition, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC and Merrill Lynch,

 

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Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated may, in their sole discretion, release all or some portion of the shares subject to lock-up agreements at any time and for any reason. Sales of a substantial number of such shares upon expiration of the lock-up restriction and market stand-off agreements, the perception that such sales may occur, or early release of these agreements, could cause our market price to fall or make it more difficult for you to sell your Class A common stock at a time and price that you deem appropriate.

After the completion of this offering, we expect to register under the Securities Act, 400 million shares of Class A common stock, which are reserved for issuance upon exercise of options, restricted stock and other equity awards granted under our Long-Term Incentive Plan (which we refer to as the “Equity Plan”). These shares can be sold in the public market upon issuance, subject to restrictions under the securities laws applicable to resales by affiliates. We may in the future register additional shares of Class A common stock under the Securities Act that become reserved for issuance under other equity incentive plans.

In addition, immediately following this offering, there will be outstanding 76,596,867 limited partnership interests of Newmark Holdings. Some of those limited partnership interests will be exchangeable with us for shares of our common stock based on the exchange ratio (which is currently one, but is subject to adjustments as set forth in the separation and distribution agreement). See “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Adjustment to Exchange Ratio.” Prior to the distribution, however, such exchanges are subject to the limitation as described below under “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Amended and Restated Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement—Exchanges.” Shares of Class A common stock issued upon such exchange would be eligible for resale in the public market. See “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Amended and Restated Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement—Exchanges.”

We may register for resale the shares of our Class A common stock for which the Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests are exchangeable. In light of the number of shares of our common stock issuable in connection with the full exchange of the Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests, the price of our Class A common stock may decrease and our ability to raise capital through the issuance of equity securities may be adversely impacted as these exchanges occur and any transfer restrictions lapse.

Prior to the distribution, to the extent that BGC Partners receives any Newmark OpCo units as a result of any exchange of Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests or as a result of any contribution by BGC Partners to Newmark OpCo or purchase by BGC Partners of Newmark OpCo units, then, in each case, BGC Partners will contribute such Newmark OpCo units to Newmark in exchange for an equal number of newly issued shares of Newmark common stock, which would dilute the other stockholders of Newmark. See “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Separation and Distribution Agreement—BGC Partners Contribution of Newmark OpCo Units Prior to the Distribution.”

Any such potential sale, disposition or distribution of our common stock, or the perception that such sale, disposition or distribution could occur, could adversely affect prevailing market prices for our Class A common stock.

Delaware law, our corporate organizational documents and other requirements may impose various impediments to the ability of a third party to acquire control of us, which could deprive our investors of the opportunity to receive a premium for their shares.

We are a Delaware corporation, and the anti-takeover provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law (which we refer to as the “DGCL”), our certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws (which we refer to as our “bylaws”) impose various impediments to the ability of a third party to acquire control of us, even if a change of control would be beneficial to our Class A stockholders.

These provisions, summarized below, may discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions may also encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our

 

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board of directors. We believe that the benefits of increased protection give us the potential ability to negotiate with the initiator of an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure us and outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging those proposals because negotiation of them could result in an improvement of their terms.

Our bylaws will provide that special meetings of stockholders may be called only by the Chairman of our board of directors, or in the event the Chairman of our board of directors is unavailable, by the Chief Executive Officer or by the holders of a majority of the voting power of our Class B common stock, which will be held by BGC Partners before the distribution and by Cantor and CFGM after the distribution. In addition, our certificate of incorporation will permit us to issue “blank check” preferred stock.

Our bylaws will require advance written notice prior to a meeting of our stockholders of a proposal or director nomination which a stockholder desires to present at such a meeting, which generally must be received by our Secretary not later than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of our proxy statement for the preceding year’s annual meeting. In the event that the date of the annual meeting is more than 30 days before or more than 60 days after such anniversary date, notice by the stockholder to be timely must be so delivered not later than the close of business on the later of the 120th day prior to the date of such proxy statement or the 10th day following the day on which public announcement of the date of such meeting is first made by us. Our bylaws will provide that all amendments to our bylaws must be approved by either the holders of a majority of the voting power of all of our outstanding capital stock entitled to vote or by a majority of our board of directors.

We currently intend to elect in our certificate of incorporation not to be subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, which generally prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination, such as a merger, with a person or group owning 15% or more of the corporation’s voting stock, for a period of three years following the date on which the person became an interested stockholder, unless (with certain exceptions) the business combination or the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder is approved in accordance with Section 203. Accordingly, we are not subject to the anti-takeover effects of Section 203. However, our certificate of incorporation will contain provisions that have the same effect as Section 203, except that they provide that each of the Qualified Class B Holders and certain of their direct transferees will not be deemed to be “interested stockholders,” and accordingly will not be subject to such restrictions.

Further, our Equity Plan contains provisions pursuant to which grants that are unexercisable or unvested may automatically become exercisable or vested as of the date immediately prior to certain change of control events. Additionally, change in control and employment agreements between us and our named executive officers also provide for certain grants, payments and grants of exchangeability in the event of certain change of control events.

The foregoing factors, as well as the significant common stock ownership by BGC Partners before the distribution and Cantor after the distribution, including shares of our Class B common stock, and rights to acquire additional such shares, and the provisions of any debt agreements could impede a merger, takeover or other business combination or discourage a potential investor from making a tender offer for our Class A common stock that could result in a premium over the market price for shares of Class A common stock.

Our certificate of incorporation will provide that a state court located within the State of Delaware (or, if no state court located within the State of Delaware has jurisdiction, the federal court for the District of Delaware) shall be the sole and exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or agents.

Our certificate of incorporation will provide that, unless we consent to the selection of an alternative forum, a state court located within the State of Delaware (or, if no state court located within the State of Delaware has jurisdiction, the federal court for the District of Delaware) shall be the sole and exclusive forum for any

 

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derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; any action asserting a claim for or based on a breach of duty or obligation owed by any current or former director, officer, employee or agent of ours to us or to our stockholders, including any claim alleging the aiding and abetting of such a breach; any action asserting a claim against us or any current or former director, officer, employee or agent of ours arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or our certificate of incorporation or bylaws; any action asserting a claim related to or involving us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine; or any action asserting an “internal corporate claim” as that term is defined in Section 115 of the DGCL. This choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder’s ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers, employees or agents, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers, employees and agents. Alternatively, if a court were to find the choice of forum provision contained in our certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

 

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. For example, words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “strategy,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “expects,” “intends” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

Our actual results and the outcome and timing of certain events may differ significantly from the expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause or contribute to such a discrepancy include, but are not limited to:

 

    our relationship with Cantor, BGC Partners and their respective affiliates and any related conflicts of interest, competition for and retention of brokers and other managers and key employees;

 

    the timing of the distribution and whether the distribution will occur at all;

 

    pricing, commissions and fees, and market position with respect to any of our products and services and those of our competitors;

 

    the effect of industry concentration and reorganization, reduction of customers and consolidation;

 

    market conditions, including trading volume and volatility, potential deterioration of equity and debt capital markets for commercial real estate and related services, and our ability to access the capital markets;

 

    risks associated with the integration of acquired businesses with our other businesses;

 

    risks related to changes in our relationships with the GSEs and HUD, changes in tax laws, changes in prevailing interest rates and the risk of loss in connection with loan defaults;

 

    economic or geopolitical conditions or uncertainties, the actions of governments or central banks, and the impact of terrorist acts, acts of war or other violence or unrest, as well as natural disasters or weather-related or similar events;

 

    the effect on our business, our clients, the markets in which we operate, and the economy in general of possible shutdowns of the U.S. government, sequestrations, uncertainties regarding the debt ceiling and the federal budget, and other potential political policies and impasses;

 

    the regulation of our businesses, changes in regulation relating to commercial real estate and other industries, and risks relating to compliance matters, including our taking action to ensure that we and Newmark Holdings are not deemed investment companies under the Investment Company Act;

 

    factors related to specific transactions or series of transactions as well as counterparty failure;

 

    the costs and expenses of developing, maintaining and protecting intellectual property, including judgments or settlements paid or received in connection with intellectual property, or employment or other litigation and their related costs;

 

    certain financial risks, including the possibility of future losses and negative cash flow from operations, risks of obtaining financing and risks of the resulting leverage, as well as interest and currency rate fluctuations;

 

    the ability to enter new markets or develop new products or services and to induce customers to use these products or services and to secure and maintain market share;

 

    the ability to enter into marketing and strategic alliances, and other transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, reorganizations, partnering opportunities and joint ventures, and the integration of any completed transactions;

 

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    our estimates or determinations of potential value with respect to various assets or portions of our business, including with respect to the accuracy of the assumptions or the valuation models or multiples used;

 

    the ability to hire new personnel;

 

    the ability to effectively manage any growth that may be achieved, while ensuring compliance with all applicable financial reporting, internal control, legal compliance, and regulatory requirements;

 

    financial reporting, accounting and internal control factors, including identification of any material weaknesses in our internal controls and our ability to prepare historical and pro forma financial statements and reports in a timely manner;

 

    the effectiveness of our risk management policies and procedures, and the impact of unexpected market moves and similar events;

 

    the ability to meet expectations with respect to payment of dividends and repurchases of our common stock or purchases of Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests or other equity interests in our subsidiaries, including from BGC Partners, Cantor or our executive officers, other employees, partners and others; and

 

    other factors, including those that are discussed under “Risk Factors,” to the extent applicable.

We believe that all forward-looking statements are based upon reasonable assumptions when made. However, we caution that it is impossible to predict actual results or outcomes or the effects of risks, uncertainties or other factors on anticipated results or outcomes and that accordingly you should not place undue reliance on these statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date when made, and we undertake no obligation to update these statements in light of subsequent events or developments.

 

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USE OF PROCEEDS

We estimate that our net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $575.0 million ($662.2 million if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in full), assuming a public offering price of $20.50 per share (which is the midpoint of the offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions in connection with this offering and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

We currently intend to contribute all of the net proceeds of this offering (including the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) to Newmark OpCo in exchange for a number of units representing Newmark OpCo limited partnership interests equal to the number of shares issued by us in this offering. Newmark OpCo intends to use approximately $575.0 million of such net proceeds to repay intercompany indebtedness owed by Newmark OpCo to us in respect of the Term Loan (which intercompany indebtedness was originally issued by BGC U.S. and will be assumed by Newmark OpCo in connection with the separation) and the remainder of such net proceeds to partially repay intercompany indebtedness owed by Newmark OpCo to us in respect of the Converted Term Loan (which intercompany indebtedness was originally issued by BGC U.S. and will be assumed by Newmark OpCo in connection with the separation). We currently intend to use approximately $575.0 million of such repayment from Newmark OpCo to repay the Term Loan in full and the remainder of such repayment from Newmark OpCo to partially repay the Converted Term Loan. The Term Loan has an outstanding principal amount of $575 million, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon, with an interest rate calculated based on one-month LIBOR plus 2.25%, subject to adjustment, which was approximately 3.5% per annum as of September 30, 2017. The Term Loan will mature on September 8, 2019. The terms of the Term Loan require that the net proceeds of this offering be used to repay the Term Loan until the Term Loan is repaid in full. The Converted Term Loan has an outstanding principal amount of $400 million, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon, with an interest rate calculated based on one-month LIBOR plus 2.25%, subject to adjustment, which was approximately 3.5% per annum as of September 30, 2017. The Converted Term Loan will mature on September 8, 2019. The terms of the Converted Term Loan require that any remaining net proceeds of this offering, after repayment of the Term Loan, be used to repay the Converted Term Loan. Following this offering, we estimate that the Converted Term Loan will have an outstanding principal amount of $400.0 million, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon.

 

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DIVIDEND POLICY

We expect our board of directors to authorize a dividend policy that reflects our intention to pay a quarterly dividend, starting with the first full fiscal quarter following this offering. Any dividends to our common stockholders are expected to be calculated based on our post-tax Adjusted Earnings, as a measure of net income, generated over the fiscal quarter ending prior to the record date for the dividend. See below for a definition of “post-tax Adjusted Earnings” per fully diluted share.

We currently expect that our quarterly dividend will be less than 25% of our post-tax Adjusted Earnings per fully diluted share to our common stockholders. The declaration, payment, timing and amount of any future dividends payable by us will be at the discretion of our board of directors; provided that any quarterly dividend to our common stockholders that is 25% or more of our post-tax Adjusted Earnings per fully diluted share shall require the consent of the holder of a majority of the Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests.

Certain Definitions

Newmark uses non-GAAP financial measures including, but not limited to, “pre-tax Adjusted Earnings” and “post-tax Adjusted Earnings,” which are supplemental measures of operating results that are used by management to evaluate the financial performance of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries. Newmark believes that Adjusted Earnings best reflect the operating earnings generated by the Company on a consolidated basis and are the earnings which management considers available for, among other things, dividends and/or distributions to Newmark’s common stockholders and holders of Newmark Holdings partnership units during any period.

As compared with items such as “Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests” and “Newmark’s net income (loss) available to stockholders/its parent (BGC Partners)” all prepared in accordance with GAAP, Adjusted Earnings calculations primarily exclude certain non-cash compensation and other expenses that generally do not involve the receipt or outlay of cash by the Company and/or which do not dilute existing stockholders, as described below. In addition, Adjusted Earnings calculations exclude certain gains and charges that management believes do not best reflect the ordinary operating results of Newmark.

Adjustments Made to Calculate Pre-Tax Adjusted Earnings

We define pre-tax Adjusted Earnings as GAAP income (loss) from operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries excluding items, such as:

 

    non-cash asset impairment charges, if any;

 

    net non-cash GAAP gains related to originated mortgage servicing right (which we refer to as “OMSR”) gains and mortgage servicing right (which we refer to as “MSR”) amortization;

 

    allocations of net income to limited partnership units;

 

    non-cash charges related to the amortization of intangibles with respect to acquisitions; and

 

    non-cash charges relating to grants of exchangeability to limited partnership units.

Virtually all of our key executives and producers have partnership or equity stakes in the Company and receive deferred equity or limited partnership units as part of their compensation. Following this offering, a significant percentage of our fully diluted shares will be owned by our executives, partners and employees. We issue limited partnership units and grant exchangeability to unit holders to provide liquidity to our employees, to align the interests of our employees and management with those of common stockholders, to help motivate and retain key employees, and to encourage a collaborative culture that drives cross-selling and revenue growth.

 

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When we issue a limited partnership unit, the shares of common stock into which the unit can be ultimately exchanged are included in our fully diluted share count for Adjusted Earnings at the beginning of the subsequent quarter after the date of grant. We include such shares in our fully diluted share count when the unit is granted because the unit holder is expected to be paid a pro-rata distribution based on our calculation of Adjusted Earnings per fully diluted share and because the holder could be granted the ability to exchange their units into shares of common stock in the future. Non-cash charges with respect to grants of exchangeability reflect the value of the shares of common stock into which the unit is exchangeable when the unit holder is granted exchangeability. The amount of non-cash charges relating to grants of exchangeability we use to calculate pre-tax Adjusted Earnings on a quarterly basis is based upon our estimate of expected grants of exchangeability to limited partnership units during the annual period, as described further below under “—Adjustments Made to Calculate Post-Tax Adjusted Earnings.”

Additionally, Adjusted Earnings calculations exclude certain unusual, one-time or non-recurring items, if any. These items are excluded from Adjusted Earnings because the Company views excluding such items as a better reflection of the ongoing, ordinary operations of Newmark. Newmark’s definition of Adjusted Earnings also excludes certain gains and charges with respect to acquisitions, dispositions, or resolutions of litigation. Management believes that excluding such gains and charges also best reflects the ongoing operating performance of Newmark.

Items related to the Nasdaq payment, including gains or losses with respect to associated mark-to-market movements and/or hedging are expected to be pro-rated over four quarters as other income for Adjusted Earnings, and recognized as “Other Income” on an annual basis for purposes of GAAP in the third quarter when Nasdaq’s revenue contingency is met. We are adopting this approach because Nasdaq is expected to pay the Company in an equal amount of stock on a regular basis for an 11-year period which began in the third quarter of 2017 and because the Company intends to pay quarterly dividends and distributions to common stockholders and/or unit holders based partly on income related to the Nasdaq payments. The Nasdaq payments largely replaced the recurring and non-seasonal quarterly earnings that BGC Partners generated from the business that it sold to Nasdaq.

Adjustments Made to Calculate Post-Tax Adjusted Earnings

Because Adjusted Earnings are calculated on a pre-tax basis, we also intend to report post-tax Adjusted Earnings to fully diluted stockholders. We define post-tax Adjusted Earnings to fully diluted stockholders as pre-tax Adjusted Earnings reduced by the non-GAAP tax provision described below.

The Company calculates its tax provision for post-tax Adjusted Earnings using an annual estimate similar to how it accounts for its income tax provision under GAAP. To calculate the quarterly tax provision under GAAP, Newmark estimates its full fiscal year GAAP income (loss) from operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries and the expected inclusions and deductions for income tax purposes, including expected grants of exchangeability to limited partnership units during the annual period. The resulting annualized tax rate is applied to our quarterly GAAP income (loss) from operations before income taxes and noncontrolling interests in subsidiaries. At the end of the annual period, the Company updates its estimate to reflect the actual tax amounts owed for the period.

To determine the non-GAAP tax provision, we first adjust pre-tax Adjusted Earnings by recognizing any, and only, amounts for which a tax deduction applies under applicable law. The amounts include non-cash charges with respect to grants of exchangeability, certain charges related to employee loan forgiveness, certain net operating loss carryforwards when taken for statutory purposes, and certain charges related to tax goodwill amortization. These adjustments may also reflect timing and measurement differences, including treatment of employee loans, changes in the value of units between the dates of grants of exchangeability and the date of actual unit exchange, variations in the value of certain deferred tax assets and liabilities and the different timing of permitted deductions for tax under GAAP and statutory tax requirements.

 

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After application of these previously described adjustments, the result is our taxable income for our pre-tax Adjusted Earnings, to which we then apply the statutory tax rates. This amount is our non-GAAP tax provision. We view the effective tax rate on pre-tax Adjusted Earnings as equal to the amount of our non-GAAP tax provision divided by the amount of pre-tax Adjusted Earnings.

Generally, the most significant factor affecting this non-GAAP tax provision is the amount of non-cash charges relating to the grants of exchangeability to limited partnership units. Because the non-cash charges relating to the grants of exchangeability are deductible in accordance with applicable tax laws, increases in exchangeability have the effect of lowering our non-GAAP effective tax rate and thereby increasing our post-tax Adjusted Earnings. On a pro forma basis giving effect to the separation, Newmark’s effective tax rate on pre-tax Adjusted Earnings was approximately 32% for the full year 2016 and 26.5% on an annualized basis for 2017. This reduction in the effective tax rate from 2016 to 2017 reflects an increase in exchangeability that is expected in the fourth quarter of 2017. Prior to the acquisition of Berkeley Point on September 8, 2017, which was accounted for as an acquisition of entities under common control, Newmark was not responsible for tax payments on Berkeley Point’s earnings. Further, adjusting for nontaxable Berkeley Point earnings in 2016 and 2017, which will not be applicable to periods after September 8, 2017, would result in an Adjusted Earnings tax rate between 18% and 19% each period. Principally because we expect grants of exchangeability to increase starting in the fourth quarter of 2017, we expect our annualized non-GAAP tax rate for 2018 and the foreseeable future to be in a range of between 17% and 20%. There is no assurance that we will be able to achieve an effective non-GAAP tax rate within this range, which may result in our post-tax Adjusted Earnings being lower than our expectations.

Management uses post-tax Adjusted Earnings in part to help it evaluate, among other things, the overall performance of the business, to make decisions with respect to the Company’s operations, and to determine the amount of dividends payable to common stockholders and distributions payable to holders of limited partnership units.

See “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Data” for additional information regarding the Company’s income taxes subsequent to the separation and future expectations for exchange charges.

Newmark incurs income tax expenses based on the location, legal structure and jurisdictional taxing authorities of each of its subsidiaries. Certain of the Company’s entities are taxed as U.S. partnerships and are subject to the Unincorporated Business Tax (“UBT”) in New York City. Any U.S. federal and state income tax liability or benefit related to the partnership income or loss, with the exception of UBT, rests with the unit holders rather than with the partnership entity. The Company’s consolidated financial statements include U.S. federal, state and local income taxes on the Company’s allocable share of the U.S. results of operations. Outside of the U.S., Newmark is expected to operate principally through subsidiary corporations subject to local income taxes. For these reasons, taxes for Adjusted Earnings are expected to be presented to show the tax provision the consolidated Company would expect to pay if 100 percent of earnings were taxed at global corporate rates.

Calculations of Pre-Tax and Post-Tax Adjusted Earnings per Share

Newmark’s Adjusted Earnings per share calculations assume either that:

 

    the fully diluted share count includes the shares related to any dilutive instruments, but excludes the associated interest expense, net of tax, when the impact would be dilutive; or

 

    the fully diluted share count excludes the shares related to these instruments, but includes the associated interest expense, net of tax.

The share count for Adjusted Earnings excludes shares expected to be issued in future periods but not yet eligible to receive dividends and/or distributions. Each quarter, the dividend payable to Newmark’s common stockholders, if any, is expected to be determined by the Company’s Board of Directors with reference to a number of factors, including post-tax Adjusted Earnings per fully diluted share. Newmark may also pay a pro-rata distribution of net income to limited partnership units, as well as to Cantor for its noncontrolling interest.

 

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The amount of this net income, and therefore of these payments per unit, would be determined using the above definition of pre-tax Adjusted Earnings using the fully diluted share count.

Other Matters with Respect to Adjusted Earnings

The term “Adjusted Earnings” should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to GAAP net income (loss). The Company views Adjusted Earnings as a metric that is not indicative of liquidity or the cash available to fund its operations, but rather as a performance measure. Pre- and post-tax Adjusted Earnings are not intended to replace the Company’s presentation of its GAAP financial results. However, management believes that these measures help provide investors with a clearer understanding of Newmark’s financial performance and offer useful information to both management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends related to the Company’s financial condition and results of operations. Management believes that Adjusted Earnings measures and the GAAP measures of financial performance should be considered together.

Newmark anticipates providing forward-looking guidance for GAAP revenues and for certain Adjusted Earnings measures from time to time. However, the Company does not anticipate providing an outlook for other GAAP results. This is because certain GAAP items, which are excluded from Adjusted Earnings, are difficult to forecast with precision before the end of each period. The Company therefore believes that it is not possible to forecast GAAP results or to quantitatively reconcile GAAP results to non-GAAP results with sufficient precision unless Newmark makes unreasonable efforts. The items that are difficult to predict on a quarterly basis with precision and which can have a material impact on the Company’s GAAP results include, but are not limited, to the following:

 

    allocations of net income and grants of exchangeability to limited partnership units, which are determined at the discretion of management throughout and up to the period-end;

 

    the impact of certain marketable securities, as well as any gains or losses related to associated mark-to- market movements and/or hedging. These items are calculated using period-end closing prices;

 

    non-cash asset impairment charges, which are calculated and analyzed based on the period-end values of the underlying assets. These amounts may not be known until after period-end; and

 

    acquisitions, dispositions and/or resolutions of litigation which are fluid and unpredictable in nature.

 

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CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our capitalization as of September 30, 2017, on (1) an actual basis and (2) a pro forma as adjusted basis to give effect to the Term Loan, the Converted Term Loan and the BGC Notes assumed by us and to the issuance by us of 30,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock in this offering, based upon the assumed initial public offering price of $20.50 per share, which is the midpoint of the estimated offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, and after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

This table should be read in conjunction with “Selected Combined Financial Data,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Newmark’s combined financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. The data assume that there has been no exercise, in whole or in part, of the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of our Class A common stock in this offering.

 

     As of September 30, 2017  
     Actual      Pro Forma
(as adjusted)
 
     (in thousands)  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 137,294      $ —    

Marketable securities

   $ 76,969        76,969  

Term Loan, Converted Term Loan and BGC Notes

        812,500  

Stockholders’ equity:

     

Class A common stock, par value of $0.01 per share: 0 shares authorized on an actual basis; 1,000,000 shares authorized, 144,664 shares issued and outstanding on a pro forma as adjusted basis, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering

     —          1,447  

Class B common stock, par value of $0.01 per share: 0 shares authorized on an actual basis; 500,000 shares authorized, 15,840 shares issued and outstanding on a pro forma as adjusted basis

     —          158  

Additional paid-in-capital

     811,172      $ (61,148

Retained earnings

     459,548        358,985  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

     1,270,720        299,442  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Noncontrolling interests

     19,816        75,205  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total equity

     1,290,536        374,647  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total capitalization

   $ 1,290,536      $ 374,647  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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DILUTION

If you invest in our Class A common stock, your ownership interest would be diluted to the extent of the difference between the initial public offering price per share of our Class A common stock and the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share of our Class A common stock immediately after completion of this offering.

Our pro forma net tangible book value represents the amount of our total tangible assets less our total liabilities, divided by the total number of pro forma shares of our common stock outstanding. As of September 30, 2017, our pro forma net tangible book value, before giving effect to this offering, the incurrence of indebtedness in connection with the separation and other pro forma adjustments set forth under “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Data,” was $790,610,000, or $6.02 per share of our common stock.

After giving effect to the sale of 30,000,000 shares of our Class A common stock at the assumed initial public offering price of $20.50 per share (which is the midpoint of the estimated offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus), after deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, the incurrence of indebtedness in connection with the separation and other pro forma adjustments set forth under “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Data,” our pro forma net tangible book value, as adjusted, as of September 30, 2017 would have been $(114,547,000), or $(0.71) per share of our common stock. This represents an immediate decrease in pro forma net tangible book value of $6.73 per share to BGC Partners, Inc., our sole stockholder before this offering, and an immediate dilution of $21.21 per share to new investors purchasing shares of Class A common stock in this offering. The following table illustrates this per share dilution:

 

Assumed initial public offering price per share of Class A common stock

     $ 20.50  

Pro forma net tangible book value per share as of September 30, 2017

   $ 6.02    

Decrease in net tangible book value per share attributable to this offering

     (6.73  
  

 

 

   

Pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share immediately after completion of this offering

       (0.71
    

 

 

 

Dilution per share to new investors purchasing shares of Class A common stock in this offering

     $ 21.21  
    

 

 

 

Each $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $20.50 per share, which is the midpoint of the estimated offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would not affect our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share immediately after the completion of this offering, based on the assumption that any additional proceeds resulting from an increase in the assumed initial public offering price per share would be used to reduce an equivalent amount of the outstanding indebtedness that we assumed in connection with the separation. However, each $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial offering price of $20.50 per share would increase or decrease, respectively, the dilution per share to new investors purchasing shares of Class A common stock in this offering by $1.00 per share.

If the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares of our Class A common stock in full, the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share of our common stock immediately after the completion of this offering would be $(0.17) per share, and the decrease in pro forma net tangible book value per share to investors purchasing shares of Class A common stock in this offering would be $20.67 per share.

The following table sets forth, on the pro forma as adjusted basis described above as of September 30, 2017, the differences between the number of shares of Class A common stock purchased from us, the total consideration and the average price per share paid by our existing stockholder, BGC Partners, Inc., and by the investors purchasing shares of Class A common stock in this offering at the assumed initial offering public offering price of $20.50 per share, which is the midpoint of the estimated offering price range set forth on the

 

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cover page of this prospectus, and prior to deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 

     Shares Purchased     Total Consideration     Weighted
Average
Price Per
 

(in millions, except percentages and per share data)

  

Number

    Percent     Amount      Percent     Share  

BGC Partners, Inc. (our sole stockholder before this offering)

     131 (1)       81.4   $  —            $ —    

Investors purchasing shares of Class A common stock in this offering

     30       18.6   $ 615        100     20.50  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

     161       100   $ 615        100   $ 20.50  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

(1) Represents the total number of our shares of Class A common stock and shares of our Class B common stock to be issued to BGC Partners, Inc. for its contribution of assets and liabilities to us in connection with the separation.

Each $1.00 increase or decrease in the assumed initial public offering price of $20.50 per share, which is the midpoint of the estimated offering price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase or decrease, as applicable, the total consideration paid by investors purchasing shares of our Class A common stock in this offering by $30 million, assuming the number of shares of our Class A common stock offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same and prior to deducting the estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

If the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full:

 

    the number of shares of common stock held by our existing stockholder will represent approximately 79.2% of the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after completion of this offering; and

 

    the number of shares held by investors purchasing shares of our Class A common stock in this offering will represent approximately 20.8% of the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding immediately after completion of this offering.

For purposes of the discussion and the tables above, the number of shares of our common stock that will be outstanding after this offering excludes 400 million shares of our Class A common stock reserved for issuance under the Equity Plan.

 

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SELECTED COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA

The following tables summarize our historical and pro forma combined financial data. For a discussion of the pro forma combined financial data, please see “Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Combined Financial Data” in this prospectus. The historical combined financial data includes the acquisition of Berkeley Point. The acquisition of Berkeley Point has been determined to be a combination under common control resulting in a change in the reporting entity. Accordingly, the financial results of Newmark have been retrospectively adjusted. The selected combined balance sheet data as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and combined statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 are derived from our audited financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected combined financial data as of and for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 are derived from our unaudited interim combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. In the opinion of management, the unaudited interim combined financial statements and unaudited interim combined financial statements include all normal and recurring adjustments that we consider necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and the operating results for these periods. Historical operating data may not be indicative of future performance. The operating results for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ended December 31, 2017 or any other interim periods or any future year or period.

The selected combined financial data include certain expenses of BGC Partners and Cantor that were allocated to us for certain corporate functions, including treasury, legal, accounting, insurance, information technology, payroll administration, human resources, stock incentive plans and other services. Management believes the assumptions underlying the combined financial statements, including the assumptions regarding allocated expenses, reasonably reflect the utilization of services provided to or the benefit received by us during the periods presented. However, these shared expenses may not represent the amounts that we would have incurred had we operated autonomously or independently from BGC Partners and Cantor. Actual costs that would have been incurred if we had been a standalone company would depend on multiple factors, including organizational structure and strategic decisions in various areas, such as information technology and infrastructure. In addition, our selected combined financial data do not reflect changes that we expect to experience in the future as a result of our separation from BGC Partners, including changes in our cost structure, personnel needs, tax structure, capital structure, financing and business operations.

 

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This selected combined financial data should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Newmark’s combined financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

   

 

Pro Forma

(as adjusted)

    Historical  
      Nine Months Ended
September 30,
    Year Ended
December 31,
 
    September 30,
2017
    December 31,
2016
    2017     2016     2016     2015  
                (in thousands)  

Revenues:

           

Commissions

  $ 701,724     $ 849,419     $ 701,724     $ 604,071     $ 849,419     $ 806,931  

Gains from mortgage banking activities, net

    164,263       193,387       164,263       139,009       193,387       115,304  

Management services, servicing fees and other

    269,887       307,177       269,887       219,317       307,177       278,012  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

    1,135,874       1,349,983       1,135,874       962,397       1,349,983       1,200,247  

Expenses:

           

Compensation and employee benefits

    724,606       849,975       724,606       618,065       849,975       816,268  

Allocations of net income and grant of exchangeability to limited partnership units

    68,941       78,059       52,717       40,003       72,318       142,195  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total compensation and employee benefits

    793,547       928,034       777,323       658,068       922,293       958,463  

Operating, administrative and other

    159,099       185,344       159,099       132,228       185,344       162,316  

Fees to related parties

    14,240       18,010       14,240       15,662       18,010       18,471  

Depreciation and amortization

    71,377       72,197       71,377       58,356       72,197       71,774  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

    1,038,263       1,203,585       1,022,039       864,314       1,197,843       1,211,024  

Other income, net

           

Other income (loss)

    75,956       15,279       75,956       15,963       15,279       (460
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income (losses), net

    75,956       15,279       75,956       15,963       15,279       (460

Income (loss) from operations

    173,567       161,677       189,791       114,046       167,418       (11,237

Interest income, net

    (25,761     (36,213     4,239       2,765       3,787       1,867  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests

    147,806       125,464       194,030       116,811       171,205       (9,370

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

    57,735       44,260       3,396       1,983       3,993       (6,644
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

  $ 90,071     $ 81,204     $ 190,634     $ 114,828     $ 167,212     $ (2,726

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

    19,007       16,400       (29     (1,120     (1,189     77  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Newmark’s net income (loss) available to stockholders/its parent (BGC Partners)

  $ 71,064     $ 64,804     $ 190,663     $ 115,948     $ 168,401     $ (2,803
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Earnings per Share, Basic and Diluted

           

Basic

  $ 0.44     $ 0.42       N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  

Diluted

  $ 0.44     $ 0.40       N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

           

Basic

    160,091,007       155,942,443       N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  

Diluted

    235,158,363       167,335,619       N/A       N/A       N/A       N/A  

Combined Balance Sheet Data:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ —         $ 137,294       $ 66,627     $ 111,430  

Marketable securities

  $ 76,969       $ 76,969       $ —       $ —    

Total current assets

  $ 1,007,748         1,258,913         1,482,745       826,919  

Total assets

  $ 2,299,194       $ 2,539,916       $ 2,534,688     $ 1,657,930  

Total current liabilities

  $ 951,324       $ 1,097,005       $ 1,410,374     $ 726,019  

Total liabilities

  $ 1,912,815         1,249,380         1,550,905       853,896  

Total invested equity

  $ 374,647       $ 1,290,536       $ 983,783     $ 804,034  

 

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED FINANCIAL DATA

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements consist of the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and for the year ended December 31, 2016 and the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet as of September 30, 2017. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements have been derived by application of pro forma adjustments to our historical combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet reflects the separation as if it occurred on September 30, 2017, while the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations give effect to the separation as if it occurred on January 1, 2016, the beginning of the earliest period presented. The pro forma adjustments, described in the related notes, are based on currently available information and certain assumptions that management believes are reasonable.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of the operating results or financial position that would have occurred had the separation from BGC Partners been completed on September 30, 2017 for the unaudited pro forma condensed combined balance sheet or on January 1, 2016 for the unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements should not be relied on as indicative of the historical operating results that we would have achieved or any future operating results or financial position that we will achieve after the completion of this offering.

In addition, the preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (which we refer to as “GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates and assumptions are preliminary and have been made solely for purposes of developing these unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements. Actual results could differ, perhaps materially, from these estimates and assumptions.

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial data reflect the impact of certain transactions, which comprise the following:

 

    the separation, including the assumption of the Term Loan, the Converted Term Loan and the BGC Notes;

 

    the receipt of approximately $575.0 million in proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions in connection with this offering and estimated offering expenses payable by us, from the sale of shares of our Class A common stock in this offering;

 

    the repayment of the Term Loan and the partial repayment of the Converted Term Loan; and

 

    other adjustments described in the notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements.

The Company’s unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial data do not reflect the following items as the pro forma adjustments are limited by the rules set forth in Article 11 of Regulation S-X:

 

    the receipt of Nasdaq shares in 2016 and 2015 because such shares were transferred to the Company in the third quarter of 2017 and such transfer was not directly related to the separation;

 

    the expected higher proportion of compensation in units and related exchange charges which are expected to occur in the first four full quarterly periods subsequent to the completion of this offering. The pro forma GAAP provision for income taxes is based on the amount of unit issuances and exchange charges reflected in the Company’s historical financial statements for the periods presented; and

 

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    the sale of Nasdaq shares to reflect the value in cash and cash equivalents in the pro forma balance sheet.

The Company’s unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial data also do not reflect any impact of the tax receivable agreement to be entered into between Newmark and Cantor because, for the periods presented, there have been no exchanges of BGC Holdings units for shares of BGC Partners common stock that have resulted in an increase in BGC Partner’s tax basis in BGC U.S. or BGC Global such that a payment would be owed by BGC Partners to Cantor as a result of such exchanges. See “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Tax Receivables Agreement.”

We have operated as a business segment of BGC Partners since 2012. As a result, BGC Partners, and its parent Cantor, provide certain corporate services to us, and costs associated with these functions have been allocated to us. These allocations include costs related to corporate services, such as executive management, information technology, legal, finance and accounting, investor relations, human resources, risk management, tax, treasury and other services. The costs of such services have been allocated to us based on the most relevant allocation method to the service provided, primarily based on relative percentage of total sales, relative percentage of headcount or specific identification. The total amount of these allocations from BGC Partners was approximately $14.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, approximately $18.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2016 and approximately $18.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2015. These cost allocations are primarily reflected within fees to related parties in our combined statements of operations. Management believes the basis on which the expenses have been allocated to be a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services provided to or the benefit received by us during the periods presented. Following the completion of this offering, we expect BGC Partners and Cantor to continue to provide some services related to these functions on a transitional basis for a fee. These services will be provided under the administrative services agreement with Cantor and the transition services agreement described in “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions.” Upon the completion of this offering, we will assume responsibility for many standalone public company costs, including the costs of certain corporate services currently provided by BGC Partners. The unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements do not include such public company costs, which we currently estimate to be approximately $2.5 million during our first fiscal year as a standalone public company.

The following unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with “Use of Proceeds,” “Capitalization,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Newmark’s combined financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

          (A)     (B)     (C)              
    Newmark
Actual
    Related
Party
Debt
Financing/
Interest
Expense
    Separation
of
Partnership
Interests
    Tax Effect     Newmark
Pro Forma

(as adjusted)
       

Revenues:

           

Commissions

  $ 701,724       —         —         —       $ 701,724    

Gain from mortgage banking activities, net

    164,263       —         —         —         164,263    

Management services, servicing fees and other

    269,887       —         —         —         269,887    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total revenues

    1,135,874       —         —         —         1,135,874    

Expenses:

           

Compensation and employee benefits

    724,606       —         —         —         724,606    

Allocations of net income and grant of exchangeability to limited partnership units

    52,717       (2,986     19,210       —         68,941    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total compensation and employee benefits

    777,323       (2,986     19,210       —         793,547    

Operating, administrative and other

    159,099       —         —         —         159,099    

Fees to related parties

    14,240       —         —         —         14,240    

Depreciation and amortization

    71,377       —         —         —         71,377    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total operating expenses

    1,022,039       (2,986     19,210       —         1,038,263    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Other income, net

           

Other income

    75,956       —         —         —         75,956    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total other income, net

    75,956       —         —         —         75,956    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Income from operations

    189,791       2,986       (19,210     —         173,567    

Interest income (expense), net

    4,239       (30,000     —         —         (25,761  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests

    194,030       (27,014     (19,210     —         147,806    

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

    3,396       —         —         54,339       57,735    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net income

    190,634       (27,014     (19,210     (54,339     90,071    

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

    (29     —         19,036       —         19,007    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net income to Common Shareholders

  $ 190,663     $ (27,014   $ (38,246   $ (54,339   $ 71,064    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Earnings per Share, Basic and Diluted

           

Basic

    N/A           $ 0.44       (D

Diluted

    N/A           $ 0.44       (D

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

           

Basic

    N/A             160,091,007       (D

Diluted

    N/A             235,158,363       (D

The accompanying notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016

(in thousands, except per share data)

 

          (A)     (B)     (C)              
    Newmark
Actual
    Related
Party
Debt

Financing/
Interest
Expense
    Separation
of
Partnership
Interests
    Tax Effect     Newmark
Pro Forma

(as adjusted)
       

Revenues:

           

Commissions

  $ 849,419     $  —       $  —       $  —         849,419    

Gain from mortgage banking activities

    193,387       —         —         —         193,387    

Management services, servicing fees and other

    307,177       —         —         —         307,177    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total revenues

    1,349,983       —         —         —         1,349,983    

Expenses:

           

Compensation and employee benefits

    849,975       —         —         —         849,975    

Allocations of net income and grant of exchangeability to limited partnership units

    72,318       (3,982     9,723       —         78,059    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total compensation and employee benefits

    922,293       (3,982     9,723       —         928,034    

Operating, administrative and other

    185,344       —         —         —         185,344    

Fees to related parties

    18,010       —         —         —         18,010    

Depreciation and amortization

    72,197       —         —         —         72,197    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total operating expenses

    1,197,844       (3,982     9,723       —         1,203,585    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Other income (losses), net

           

Other income (loss)

    15,279       —         —         —         15,279    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total other income (losses), net

    15,279       —         —         —         15,279    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Income (loss) from operations

    167,418       3,982       (9,723     —         161,677    

Interest income (expense), net

    3,787       (40,000     —           (36,213  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests

    171,205       (36,018     (9,723       125,464    

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

    3,993       —         —         40,267       44,260    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net income (loss)

    167,212       (36,018     (9,723     (40,267     81,204    

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

    (1,189     —         17,589         16,400    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Net income (loss) to Common Shareholders

  $ 168,401     $ (36,018   $ (27,312   $ (40,267   $ 64,804    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

Earnings per Share, Basic and Diluted

           

Basic

    N/A           $ 0.42       (D

Diluted

    N/A           $ 0.40       (D

Weighted Average Shares Outstanding

           

Basic

    N/A             155,942,443       (D

Diluted

    N/A             167,335,619       (D

The accompanying notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED COMBINED BALANCE SHEET

AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

(in thousands)

 

         

(E)

   

(F)

    (G)     (H)    

(I)

    (J)     (K)     (L)     (B)        
   

 

Newmark

Actual

    BGC
U.S.
Retained
Cash
    Term
Loan
    Converted
Term
Loan
    BGC
Notes
    IPO
Proceeds
    Repayment
of
Term Loan
and
Converted
Term Loan
    Deferred
Tax
Asset/
Liability
    Related
Party
Receivables
and
Payables
    Separation
of
Partnership
Interests
    Newmark
Pro
Forma

(as adjusted)
 

Assets:

                     

Current assets:

                     

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 137,294       (105,484)       —         —         —         575,000       (575,000     —         (31,810     —       $ —    

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

    52,219       —         —      

 

—  

 

    —         —         —         —         —         —         52,219  

Marketable securities

    76,969       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         76,969  

Loans held for sale

    660,332       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         660,332  

Receivables, net

    193,978       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         193,978  

Receivable from related parties

    113,871       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         (113,871     —         —    

Other current assets

    24,250       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         24,250  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
                    (113,871       —    

Total current assets

    1,258,913       (105,484     —         —         —         575,000       (575,000     —         (145,681     —         1,007,748  

Goodwill

    476,956       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         476,956  

Mortgage servicing rights, net

    386,135       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         386,135  

Loans, forgivable loans and other receivables from employees and partners, net

    188,922       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         188,922  

Fixed assets, net

    62,819       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         62,819  

Other intangible assets, net

    23,970       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         23,970  

Other assets

    142,201       —         —         —         —         —         —         10,443       —         —         152,644  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

  $ 2,539,916       (105,484     —         —         —         575,000       (575,000     10,443       (145,681     —         2,299,194  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

                     

Current portion of accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities

  $ 114,183       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         114,183  

Payable to related parties

    145,681       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         145,681       —         —    

Warehouse notes payable, net

    659,732       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         659,732  

Accrued compensation

    177,409       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         177,409  

Term Loan

    —         —         575,000       —         —         —         (575,000     —         —         —         —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

    1,097,005       —         575,000       —         —         —         (575,000     —         (145,681     —         951,324  

Other long term liabilities

    152,375       —         —         —         —         —         —         (3,384     —         —         148,991  

Long-term debt

    —         —         —         400,000       412,500       —         —         —         —         —         812,500  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities

    1,249,380         575,000       400,000       412,500         (575,000     (3,384     (145,681     —         1,912,815  

Commitments and contingencies

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —      

Redeemable partnership interest

    —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         11,732       11,732  

Invested Equity/stockholders’ equity:

                     

Stockholders’ equity:

                     

Class A common stock, par value of $0.01 per share: 144,664 shares issued and outstanding

    —         —         —         —         —         1,447       —         —         —         —         1,447  

Class B common stock, par value of $0.01 per share:15,840 shares issued and outstanding

    —         —         —         —         —         158       —         —         —         —         158  

Additional paid-in capital

    —         —         —         —         —         297,2837       —         —         —         —         297,837  

BGC’s Partners’ net investment in Newmark

    1,270,720       (105,484     (575,000     (400,000     (412,500     275,558       —         13,827       —         (67,121     —    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

    1,270,720       (105,484     (575,000     (400,000     (412,500     575,000       —         13,827       —         (67,121     299,442  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Noncontrolling interests

    19,816       —         —         —         —         —         —         —         —         55,389       75,205  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total invested equity

    1,290,536       (105,484     (575,000     (400,000     (412,500     575,000       —         13,827       —         (11,732     374,647  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

    $2,539,916       (105,484     —         —         —         575,000       (575,000     10,443       (145,681)       —         2,299,194  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying notes to the unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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Notes to unaudited pro forma condensed combined financial statements

 

( A ) Interest Expense

The unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations reflect an annual adjustment of approximately $40.0 million for the expected interest expense on the BGC Notes that will remain outstanding following this offering. Pro forma interest expense reflects interest expense based on the simulated weighted average annual interest rate of 4.92% on our indebtedness to be incurred. A 0.25% increase or decrease in annual interest rate or the weighted average annual interest rate would increase or decrease pro forma interest expense by $2.0 million annually.

 

( B ) Separation of Partnership Interests

As described in “Structure of Newmark,” immediately following the completion of this offering, Newmark will own less than 100% of the economic interest in Newmark OpCo, but will indirectly have 100% of the voting power and control the management of Newmark OpCo. Newmark Holdings owns the remaining interest in the Newmark OpCo. The founding/working partner units, limited partnership units, and limited partnership interests held by Cantor, collectively, represent all of the “limited partnership interests” in BGC Holdings. Each quarter, net income (loss) is allocated between the limited partnership interests and the common stockholders based on their respective weighted-average pro rata share of economic ownership of Newmark OpCo. The allocations of net income (loss) to FPUs and limited partnership units are reflected as a component of compensation expense under “Allocations of net income and grant of exchangeability to limited partnership units” in Newmark’s unaudited pro forma condensed combined statements of operations. The allocation of net income to Cantor units is reflected as a component of “Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest” in Newmark’s unaudited pro forma combined statements of operations.

The capital attributable to Newmark Holdings is recorded as “Redeemable partnership interest” and “Noncontrolling interests” in the Company unaudited pro forma condensed combined statement of financial condition.

 

( C ) Tax Effects

Reflects the tax effects of the pro forma adjustments at the applicable tax rates. The applicable tax rates could be different (either higher or lower) depending on activities subsequent to the separation and the effect of corporate tax rates. Additionally, represents the pro rata share of income attributable to the Company based on the economic ownership of the underlying entities resulting from the tax structure following this offering.

 

( D ) Pro Forma Earnings Per Share and Weighted-Average Shares Outstanding

Weighted average shares used to calculate EPS on a pro forma basis represents the historical weighted average shares for all periods presented immediately prior to this offering plus the number of shares expected to be issued as a part of this offering.

The following is the calculation of the Company’s basic EPS (in thousands, except per share data):

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2017
     Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 

Basic earnings per share:

     

Net income available to common stockholders

   $         —        $         —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding

     160,091        155,942  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

   $ —        $ —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Fully diluted EPS is calculated utilizing net income available to common stockholders plus net income allocations to the limited partnership interests in Newmark Holdings, as the numerator. The denominator is comprised of the Company’s weighted-average number of outstanding shares of common stock and, if dilutive, the weighted-average number of limited partnership interests and other contracts to issue shares of common stock, stock options and RSUs. The limited partnership interests generally are potentially exchangeable into shares of Class A common stock and are entitled to remaining earnings; as a result, they are included in the fully diluted EPS computation to the extent that the effect would be dilutive.

The following is the calculation of the Company’s fully diluted EPS (in thousands, except per share data):

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2017
     Year Ended
December 31, 2016
 

Fully diluted (loss) earnings per share

     

Net income (loss) available to common stockholders

   $         —        $         —    

Allocations of net income (loss) to limited partnership interests

     —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss) for fully diluted shares

   $         —        $         —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted-average shares:

     

Common stock outstanding

     160,091        155,942  

Limited partnership interest in Newmark

     74,804        7,271  

RSUs

     230        205  

Other

     84        3,917  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fully diluted weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding

     235,159        167,336  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fully diluted earnings (loss) per share

   $         —        $         —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

For the nine months ended September 30 2017, there were no potentially dilutive securities that would have had an anti-dilutive effect.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, approximately 59.6 million potentially dilutive securities were not included in the computation of fully diluted EPS because their effect would have been anti-dilutive. Anti-dilutive securities included, on a weighted-average basis, 23.0 million limited partnership interests and 36.6 million other securities or other contracts to issue shares of common stock.

 

(E) BGC U.S. Retained Cash

Represents a sum of approximately $105.5 million composed of (1) cash and cash equivalents and marketable securities retained by BGC U.S. in the separation to reflect BGC Partners’ estimate of the sum of (i) all pre-tax net income generated by the Newmark business during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2017 up to the closing date of the contribution and (ii) all after-tax net income generated by the Newmark business during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2017 after the closing date of the contribution (it being understood that, if such estimate is greater than the actual sum of the amounts described in clauses (i) and (ii) above, then an amount equal to such excess shall be deemed to be a transferred asset) and (2) other distributions by Newmark OpCo to BGC U.S. prior to the completion of this offering, which distributions represent a portion of the assets contributed by BGC to us in the separation.

 

( F ) Term Loan

The pro forma condensed combined balance sheet reflects approximately $575.0 million of debt under the Term Loan, which we will assume from BGC Partners prior to the completion of this offering.

 

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(G) Converted Term Loan

The pro forma condensed combined balance sheet reflects approximately $400.0 million of debt under the Converted Term Loan, which we will assume from BGC Partners prior to the completion of this offering.

 

( H ) BGC Notes

The pro forma condensed combined balance sheet reflects approximately $412.5 million of long-term debt payable to BGC Partners under the BGC Notes, which Newmark OpCo will assume from BGC U.S. prior to the completion of the offering.

 

( I ) Cash Received in this Offering

Represents approximately $575.0 million of cash received in this offering, net of offering costs.

 

( J ) Repayment of the Term Loan and the Converted Term Loan

Represents approximately $400.0 million paid in repayment of the Term Loan and partial repayment of the Converted Term Loan.

 

( K ) Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities

Represents changes in deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from pro forma adjustments primarily related to the difference between the inside and outside basis of the assets contributed to us.

 

( L ) Related Party Receivables and Payables

Represents related party receivables and payables, except for the $412.5 million of BGC Notes discussed in Note (H) above.

 

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MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion of Newmark’s financial condition and results of operations should be read together with Newmark’s combined financial statements and related notes, as well as the “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” and pro forma financial information included elsewhere in this prospectus. When used herein, the terms “Newmark Knight Frank,” “NKF,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our,” refer to Newmark and its consolidated subsidiaries.

This discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting our results of operations and financial condition during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 and the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. We operate in one reportable segment, real estate services.

Overview and Business Environment

Newmark is a rapidly growing, high-margin, full-service commercial real estate services business. Since 2011, the year in which we were acquired by BGC Partners, we have been the fastest growing commercial real estate services firm, with revenue CAGR of 39%. We offer a full suite of services and products for both owners and occupiers across the entire commercial real estate industry. Our investor/owner services and products include capital markets, which consists of investment sales, debt and structured finance and loan sales, agency leasing, property management, valuation and advisory, diligence and underwriting and government sponsored enterprise (which we refer to as “GSE”) lending and loan servicing. Our occupier services and products include tenant representation, real estate management technology systems, workplace and occupancy strategy, global corporate consulting, project management, lease administration and facilities management. We enhance these services and products through innovative real estate technology solutions and data analytics that enable our clients to increase their efficiency and profits. We have relationships with many of the world’s largest commercial property owners, real estate developers and investors, as well as Fortune 500 and Forbes Global 2000 companies. For the 12-month period ended September 30, 2017, we generated revenues of $1.5 billion representing year-over-year growth of approximately 16%. Over the same timeframe, Newmark’s net income available to stockholders/its parent (BGC Partners) was $243.1 million; Adjusted EBITDA before allocation to units was $352.8 million; and average revenue per producer was $775,000. We facilitated transactions for our clients during this period with a total deal consideration in excess of $77 billion.

We generate revenues from commissions on leasing and capital markets transactions, consulting and technology user fees, property and facility management fees, and mortgage origination and loan servicing fees.

Our growth to date has been focused in North America. We have more than 4,600 employees, including approximately 1,530 revenue-generating producers in over 120 offices in 90 cities, with an additional approximately 30 licensee locations in the U.S.

The discussion of our financial results reflects only those businesses owned by us and does not include the results for Knight Frank or for the independently owned offices that use some variation of the Newmark name in their branding or marketing.

We have grown at an annual rate of 16% for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2017. This growth was predominantly attributable to expansion of our existing business. Our growth has outpaced the overall market as we continue to hire high quality brokers, strategically acquire local and regional firms and enhance our cross-selling capabilities across business lines as prior acquisitions and hires become more acclimated to the platform.

We recently expanded our capital markets capabilities through the strategic addition of many prolific, accomplished capital markets brokers in key markets throughout the United States. We have access to many of

 

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the world’s largest owners of commercial real estate, and this will drive growth throughout the life cycle of each real estate asset by allowing us to provide best-in-class agency leasing and property management during the ownership period. We also provide investment sales and arrange debt and equity financing to assist owners in maximizing the return on investment in each of their real estate assets. Specifically with respect to multifamily assets, we are a leading GSE lender by loan origination volume and servicer with a servicing portfolio of $58.4 billion as of September 30, 2017 (of which less than 10% relates to special servicing). This servicing portfolio provides a steady stream of income over the life of the serviced loans. We have also begun a dramatic expansion of our valuation and appraisal business from which we expect to see significant growth, particularly in conjunction with our increasingly robust capital markets platform.

We continue to invest in the business by adding dozens of high profile and talented brokers and other revenue-generating professionals. Historically, newly hired commercial real estate brokers tend to achieve dramatically higher productivity in their second and third years with our company, although we incur related expenses immediately. As our newly hired brokers increase their production, we expect our commission revenue and earnings growth to strongly accelerate, thus reflecting our operating leverage.

We expect our overall profitability to increase as we increase the size and scale of our business. Our pre-tax margins are impacted by the mix of revenues generated. For example, real estate capital markets, which includes sales, commercial mortgage brokerage and other real estate-related financial services, generally has larger transactions that occur with less frequency and more seasonality when compared with leasing advisory. However, real estate capital markets tends to have significantly higher pre-tax margins than our business as a whole in periods of sustained low interest rates. Leasing advisory revenues are generally more predictable than revenues from real estate capital markets, while pre-tax earnings margins tend to be more similar to those of our business as a whole. Property and facilities management, along with certain of our other GCS products, generally have the most predictable and steady revenues, but with pre-tax earnings margins at the lower end of those for our business as a whole. When management services clients agree to give us exclusive rights to provide real estate services for their facilities or properties, it is for an extended period of time, which provides us with stable and foreseeable sources of revenues. Newmark’s revenues are balanced between businesses that are relatively less predictable and contractual sources that are very predictable. Approximately 41% of our revenues and other income for the trailing twelve months ended September 30, 2017 were generated by our most predictable and recurring sources, including agency leasing, valuation, GCS, management services, and loan servicing. Another approximately 22% was generated by our moderately recurring tenant representation leasing business. The remaining 37% of revenues and other income were generated by our more transactional investment sales, mortgage broking, and GSE lending platforms.

Growth Drivers

The key drivers of revenue growth for U.S. commercial real estate services companies include the overall health of the U.S. economy, including gross domestic product (which we refer to as “GDP”) and employment trends in the U.S., which drives demand for various types of commercial leases and purchases, the institutional ownership of commercial real estate as an investible asset class and the ability to attract and retain talent. In addition, in real estate sales, also known as real estate capital markets, growth is driven by the availability of credit to purchasers of and investors in commercial real estate. In our multifamily business, delayed marriages, an aging population and immigration to the U.S. are increasing a pressing need for new apartments, with an estimated 4.6 million needed by 2030, according to a recent study commissioned by the NMHC and the NAA. This should continue to drive investment sales, GSE multifamily lending and other mortgage brokerage and growth in our servicing portfolio for the foreseeable future. Berkeley Point’s origination business is impacted by the lending caps imposed by the Federal Housing Finance Agency. As of September 30, 2017, the industry-wide caps are set at $73 billion, excluding loans exempt from the caps, such as loans in the affordable and underserved market segments, or that finance water and energy efficiency improvements.

 

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Economic Growth in the United States

The U.S. economy grew by a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 3.0% during the third quarter of 2017, according to preliminary figures from the U.S. Department of Commerce. This growth compares with an increase of 3.5% during the third quarter of 2016. The consensus is for U.S. GDP to expand by 2.2% and 2.1% in 2017 and 2018, respectively, according to a recent Bloomberg survey of economists. We expect that this moderate pace of growth should help keep interest rates and inflation low by historical standards. The Federal Reserve expects inflation to remain stable at around its desired target of 2.0% over through the end of 2018. Moderate economic growth combined with low and steady inflation gives the Federal Reserve the practical ability to raise the short-term federal funds rate from the low levels of the post-recession years. Officials raised rates by a quarter point in June for the second time this year and have indicated one more increase this year, followed by three increases in 2018. Officials expect rates to settle at the equilibrium level of 2.9% by the end of 2019, a level below prior business cycles and below the Federal Reserve’s projections from just a few years ago.

Employers added a monthly average of 91,333 new jobs in the third quarter, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics report, lower than last year’s monthly average of 238,667 and above the 80,000 jobs necessary to absorb new graduates and other first-time entrants to the labor force. During the quarter, office-using jobs (for example, finance, information, and professional and business services) increased by a monthly average of 18,000. Over the past 12 months, the number of office jobs rose by 1.9%, above the overall employment growth rate of 1.2%. The solid level of hiring has helped absorb some of the long-term unemployed sidelined by the recession—called “slack” by economists. The U-6 rate, which includes labor market slack not picked up in the unemployment rate, was 8.3% in September, its lowest level since before the most recent recession began in December 2007.

The 10-year Treasury yield ended the third quarter at 2.33%, up 73 basis points from the year-earlier figure of 1.60%. However, 10-year Treasury yields have remained well below their historical average of approximately 6.50%, in large part due to market expectations that the Federal Open Market Committee (which we refer to as “FOMC”) will only moderately raise the federal funds rate over the next few years. Interest rates are also low due to even lower or negative benchmark government interest rates in much of the rest of the developed world, which makes U.S. government bonds relatively more attractive.

The combination of moderate economic growth and low interest rates prevailing since the recession has been a powerful stimulus for commercial real estate, delivering steady absorption of space and strong investor demand for the yields available through both direct ownership of assets and publicly traded funds. Construction activity has been slow to ramp up, with the exception of apartments, and has generally remained in line with demand despite temporary overbuilding in isolated locations. Vacancy rates are at or near their cyclical lows, but are trending in different directions. Apartment vacancies are edging higher due to elevated deliveries of new product in some areas; office vacancies are broadly level; industrial vacancies continue to move lower thanks to voracious demand for e-commerce facilities; and retail vacancies are trending lower due to very low construction levels, even as retailers struggle with the migration of sales online. Asking rental rates posted moderate gains across most property types during the third quarter, fueled by sustained demand for space, tight vacancies and the delivery of new product with top-of-market asking rents.

The following trends drove the commercial real estate market during the first nine months of 2017:

 

    Consistent U.S. employment growth and rising home values supported consumer spending, which comprises two-thirds of the U.S. economy.

 

    Generally high consumer and business confidence.

 

    Technology, professional and business services and healthcare continued to power demand for office space, although technology occupiers have turned more cautious, restraining demand in some formerly high-flying markets such as San Francisco and Silicon Valley.

 

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    Oil prices fell over the course of the first half of 2017 before rising in the third quarter, with a barrel of WTI crude ending the third quarter at $51.67, down slightly from $53.72 at year-end 2016. The rebound in shale oil production and increasing efficiencies by producers have restrained prices despite rising demand in the U.S. and globally. Houston and other energy-focused office markets continued to deal with excess vacancies and generous lease concessions.

 

    E-commerce and supply-chain optimization pushed industrial absorption above the 50 million-square-foot threshold for the 11th consecutive quarter, creating tenant and owner-user demand for warehouses and distribution centers.

 

    Apartment rents benefited from sustained job growth. The two largest generations: millennials and baby boomers, are supporting demand, particularly in walkable urban and suburban neighborhoods.

 

    Incremental gains in business travel, convention business and leisure travel supported the hospitality market.

Market Statistics

Although overall industry metrics are not necessarily correlated to our revenues, they do provide some indication of the industry taken as a whole. The U.S. commercial property market continues to display strength, despite slowing growth of commercial property prices, as per CoStar. U.S. commercial real estate activity and prices were impacted during the first nine months of the year primarily related to limited properties available for sale as well as moderating volume in major metros. However, spreads of U.S. commercial real estate capitalization rates over 10-year U.S. Treasuries were 395 basis points on average during the third quarter of 2017, according to Bank of America Merrill Lynch Global Research. This was well above the pre-recession low of 126 basis points and higher than the average spread of 371 basis points since 2001. If the U.S. economy continues to expand at the moderate pace envisioned by many economists, we would expect this to fuel the continued demand for commercial real estate. The spread between local 10-year benchmark government bonds and U.S. cap rates was even wider with respect to major countries including Japan, Canada, Germany, Italy, the U.K. and France during the quarter. This should continue to make U.S. commercial real estate a relatively attractive investment for non-U.S. investors.

During the first nine months of 2017, the dollar volume of U.S. commercial real estate sales totaled approximately $331.4 billion in the U.S., down by 7% from the same period in 2016 according to Real Capital Analytics (which we refer to as “RCA”), while commercial mortgage origination volumes increased 17% according to the Mortgage Bankers Association (which we refer to as the “MBA”). In comparison, our real estate capital markets business, which is more heavily weighted to investment sales than commercial mortgage brokerage, increased its revenues by 15% period-over-period for the first nine months of 2017, primarily due to organic growth.

According to Newmark Research, the combined average vacancy rate for office, industrial, and retail properties ended the third quarter of 2017 at 8.3%, versus 8.2% a year earlier. Rents for virtually all property types in the U.S. continued to improve modestly. However, Newmark Research estimates that overall U.S. leasing activity during the year was flat to down slightly from the year ago period.

In comparison, revenues from our leasing and other services business increased by 17% in the first nine months of 2017 over the first nine months of 2016 to $430.8 million.

Hiring and Acquisitions

Key drivers of our revenue are producer headcount and average revenue per producer. We believe that our strong technology platform and unique partnership structure have enabled us to use both acquisitions and recruiting to profitably increase our front-office revenue per producer.

 

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We have invested significantly to capitalize on the current business environment through acquisitions, technology spending and the hiring of new brokers, salespeople, managers and other front-office personnel. The business climate for these acquisitions has been competitive, and it is expected that these conditions will persist for the foreseeable future. We have been able to attract businesses and brokers, salespeople, managers and other front-office personnel to our platform as we believe they recognize that we have the scale, technology, experience and expertise to succeed in the current business environment. See “Business—Our History” for a description of our acquisitions since 2012.

As of September 30, 2017, our producer headcount was approximately 1,530 brokers and salespeople. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, average revenue generated per producer increased by 13% for the same period from a year ago to approximately $576,000. This growth can be attributed to the ramp up of brokers we hired over the past 12 months as well as growth in our GSE lending business.

Since 2015, our acquisitions have included Berkeley Point, a controlling interest in a commercial real estate due diligence joint venture, several companies which were affiliated under the Apartment Realty Advisors brand, Computerized Facility Integration, LLC (which we refer to as “CFI”), Excess Space, and several local and regional brokerage, property management and project management companies, including Newmark Grubb Mexico City, our first international acquisition.

On September 8, 2017, we completed our acquisition of Berkeley Point. Berkeley Point is principally engaged in the origination, funding, sale and servicing of multifamily and commercial mortgage loans.

Financial Overview

Revenues

We derive revenues from the following four sources:

 

    Leasing and Other Commissions . We offer a diverse range of commercial real estate brokerage and advisory services, including tenant and agency representation, which includes comprehensive lease negotiations, strategic planning, site selection, lease auditing, appraisal services and other financial and market analysis.

 

    Capital Markets . Our real estate capital markets business specializes in the arrangement of acquisitions and dispositions of commercial properties, as well as providing other financial services, including the arrangement of debt and equity financing, and loan sale advisory.

 

    Gains from Mortgage Banking Activities, Net. Gains from mortgage banking activities are derived from the origination of loans with borrowers and the sale of those loans to investors.

 

    Management Services, Servicing Fees and Other . We provide commercial services to tenants and landlords in several key U.S. markets. In this business, we provide property and facilities management services along with project management and other consulting services, as well as technology, to customers who may also utilize our commercial real estate brokerage services. Servicing fees are derived from the servicing of loans originated by us as well as loans originated by third parties.

Fees are generally earned when a lease is signed and/or the tenant takes occupancy of the space in leasing. In many cases, landlords are responsible for paying the fees. In capital markets, fees are earned and recognized when the sale of a property closes and title passes from seller to buyer for investment sales and when debt or equity is funded to a vehicle for debt and equity transactions. Gains from mortgage banking activities, net are recognized when a derivative asset is recorded upon the commitment to originate a loan with a borrower and sell the loan to an investor. The derivative is recorded at fair value and includes loan origination fees, sales premiums and the estimated fair value of the expected net servicing cash flows. Gains from mortgage banking activities, net are recognized net of related fees and commissions to affiliates or third-party brokers. For loans we broker,

 

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revenues are recognized when the loan is closed. Servicing fees are recognized on an accrual basis over the lives of the related mortgage loans. We typically receive monthly management fees based upon a percentage of monthly rental income generated from the property under management, or in some cases, the greater of such percentage or a minimum agreed upon fee. We are often reimbursed for our administrative and payroll costs, as well as certain out-of-pocket expenses, directly attributable to properties under management. We follow GAAP, which provides guidance when accounting for reimbursements from clients and when accounting for certain contingent events for Leasing and Capital Markets transactions. See Note 2—“Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” to our combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus for a more detailed discussion.

Expenses

Compensation and Employee Benefits

The majority of our operating costs consist of cash and non-cash compensation expenses, which include base salaries, broker and producer commissions based on production, discretionary and other bonuses and all related employee benefits and taxes. Our employees consist of brokers and other commissioned producers, executives and other administrative support. Our brokers and other producers are compensated based on the revenue they generate for the firm, keeping these costs variable in nature.

As part of our compensation plans, certain employees have been granted limited partnership units in BGC Holdings which generally receive quarterly allocations of net income, that are cash distributed on a quarterly basis and that are generally contingent upon services being provided by the unit holders. The quarterly allocations of net income on such limited partnership units are reflected as a component of compensation expense under “Allocations of net income and grant of exchangeability to limited partnership units” in our combined statements of operations.

Certain of these limited partnership units entitle the holders to receive post-termination payments. These limited partnership units are accounted for as post-termination liability awards, which requires that we record an expense for such awards based on the change in value at each reporting period and include the expense in our combined statements of operations as part of “Compensation and employee benefits.” The liability for limited partnership units with a post-termination payout amount is included in “Accrued compensation” on our combined balance sheets.

Certain limited partnership units in BGC Holdings are granted exchangeability into BGC Partners’ Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis (subject to adjustments as set forth in the BGC Holdings limited partnership agreement). At the time exchangeability is granted, we recognize an expense based on the fair value of the award on that date, which is included in “Allocations of net income and grant of exchangeability to limited partnership units” in our combined statements of operations.

We have also awarded preferred partnership units in BGC Holdings. Each quarter, the net profits of BGC Holdings are allocated to such units at a rate of either 0.6875% (which is 2.75% per calendar year) or such other amount as set forth in the award documentation, which is deducted before the calculation and distribution of the quarterly partnership distribution for the remaining partnership units in BGC Holdings. The quarterly allocations of net income on these preferred partnership units are reflected in compensation expense under “Allocations of net income and grant of exchangeability to limited partnership units” in our combined statements of operations.

We have entered into various agreements with certain of our employees and partners whereby these individuals receive loans which may be either wholly or in part repaid from the distribution earnings that the individual receives on their limited partnership interests in BGC Holdings or may be forgiven over a period of time. The repayment of these loans is derived from a cash flow source already accounted for through partnership distributions at BGC Partners. The forgivable portion of these loans is recognized as compensation expense.

 

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From time to time, we may also enter into agreements with employees and partners to grant bonus and salary advances or other types of loans. These advances and loans are repayable in the timeframes outlined in the underlying agreements. In addition, we also enter into deferred compensation agreements with employees providing services to us. The costs associated with such plans are generally amortized over the period in which they vest. See Note 22—“Compensation,” F-44, and Note 23—”Compensation,” F-83, to our combined financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.

Other Operating Expenses

We have various other operating expenses. We incur leasing, equipment and maintenance expenses. We also incur selling and promotion expenses, which include entertainment, marketing and travel-related expenses. We incur communication expenses, professional and consulting fees for legal, audit and other special projects, and interest expense related to short-term operational funding needs, and notes payable and collateralized borrowings.

We pay fees to BGC Partners and Cantor for performing certain administrative and other support, including charges for occupancy of office space, utilization of fixed assets and accounting, operations, human resources, legal services and technology infrastructure support. Management believes that these charges are a reasonable reflection of the utilization of services rendered. However, the expenses for these services are not necessarily indicative of the expenses that would have been incurred if we had not obtained these services from BGC Partners or Cantor. In addition, these charges may not reflect the costs of services we may receive from BGC Partners or Cantor in the future.

Provision for Income Taxes

We incur income tax expenses based on the location, legal structure, and jurisdictional taxing authorities of each of our subsidiaries. Certain of the Company’s entities are taxed as U.S. partnerships and are subject to the Unincorporated Business Tax (which we refer to as “UBT”) in New York City. U.S. federal and state income tax liability or benefit related to the partnership income or loss, with the exception of UBT, rests with the partners rather than the partnership entity.

Financial Highlights

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, Newmark’s total revenues increased by 18.0% as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. This improvement was led by an almost entirely organic 16.7% increase in leasing and other commissions, 15% increase in revenues from capital markets brokerage, 18.2% increase in gains from mortgage banking activities, net and a 23.1% increase in management services, servicing fees and other. We believe that we gained significant market share in capital markets and GSE multifamily lending as we outpaced relevant industry metrics. For example, Berkeley Point’s GSE origination volume increased by 58% in 2016. This increase outpaced the comparable figures reported by our publicly traded competitors. It also outpaced the 11% increase in overall multifamily GSE origination, and the 6% increase in dedicated multifamily lending in the U.S. by all lender types in 2016, both according the Mortgage Bankers Association. Newmark’s overall revenues have grown at an annual rate of 16.4% for the 12 months ended September 30, 2017. This growth was predominantly attributable to expansion of our existing business. Our growth has outpaced the overall market as we continue to hire high quality brokers, strategically acquire local and regional firms and enhance our cross-selling capabilities across business lines as prior acquisitions and hires become more acclimated to the platform.

 

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Results of Operations

The following table sets forth our combined statements of operations data expressed as a percentage of total revenues for the periods indicated (in thousands):

 

    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
    Year Ended
December 31,
 
    2017     2016     2016     2015  
   
Actual
Results
    Percentage
of Total
Revenues
   
Actual
Results
    Percentage
of Total
Revenues
   
Actual
Results
    Percentage
of Total
Revenues
   
Actual
Results
    Percentage
of Total
Revenues
 

Leasing and other commissions

  $ 430,859       37.9   $ 369,291       38.4   $ 513,812       38.1   $ 539,725       45.0

Capital markets

    270,865       23.8       234,780       24.4       335,607       24.9       267,206       22.3  

Gains from mortgage banking activities, net

    164,263       14.5       139,009       14.4       193,387       14.3       115,304       9.6  

Management services, servicing fees and other

    269,887       23.8       219,317       22.8       307,177       22.8       278,012       23.2  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Revenues

    1,135,874       100.0       962,397       100.0       1,349,983       100.0       1,200,247       100.0  

Expenses:

               

Compensation and employee benefits

    724,606       63.8       618,065       64.2       849,975       63.0       816,268       68.0  

Allocations of net income and grant of exchangeability to limited partnership units

    52,717       4.6       40,003       4.2       72,318       5.4       142,195       11.9  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total compensation and employee benefits

    777,323       68.4       658,068       68.4       922,293       68.3       958,463       79.9  

Operating, administrative and other

    159,099       14.0       132,228       13.7       185,343       13.7       162,316       13.5  

Fees to related parties

    14,240       1.3       15,662       1.6       18,010       1.3       18,471       1.5  

Depreciation and amortization

    71,377       6.3       58,356       6.1       72,197       5.3       71,774       6.0  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

    1,022,039       90.0       864,314       89.8       1,197,843       88.7       1,211,024       100.9  

Other income (losses), net

               

Other income (loss)

    75,956       6.7       15,963       1.7       15,279       1.1       (460     (0.0
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income (losses), net

    75,956       6.7       15,963       1.7       15,279       1.1       (460     (0.0

Income (loss) from operations

    189,791       16.7       114,046       11.9       167,419       12.4       (11,237     (0.9

Interest income, net

    4,239       0.4       2,765       0.3       3,786       0.3       1,867       0.2  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests

    194,030       17.1       116,811       12.1       171,205       12.7       (9,370     (0.8

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

    3,396       0.3       1,983       0.2       3,993       0.3       (6,644     (0.6
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

    190,634       16.8       114,828       11.9       167,212       12.4       (2,726     (0.2

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

    (29     (0.0     (1,120     (0.1     (1,189     (0.1     77       0.0  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) to BGC Partners

  $ 190,663       16.8     $ 115,948       12.0     $ 168,401       12.5     $ (2,803     (0.2
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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Nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016

Revenues

Leasing and Other Commissions

Leasing and other commission revenues increased by $61.5 million, or 16.7%, to $430.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase was due to organic growth.

Capital Markets

Capital markets revenue increased by $36.1 million, or 15%, to $270.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase was driven by our efforts in hiring talented real estate professionals and strength in mortgage brokerage.

Gains from Mortgage Banking Activities, Net

Gains from mortgage banking activities, net increased by $25.3 million, or 18.2%, to $164.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase was driven by an increase in GSE lending to $7.4 billion as compared to $5.6 billion in the prior annual period.

A portion of our gains from mortgage banking activities, net, relate to non-cash gains attributable to originated mortgage servicing rights (which we refer to as “OMSRs”). We recognize OMSR gains equal to the fair value of servicing rights retained on mortgage loans originated and sold. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, we recognized $97.5 million and $90.9 million of non-cash gains, respectively, related to OMSRs.

Management Services, Servicing Fees and Other

Management services, servicing fees and other revenue increased $50.6 million, or 23.1%, to $269.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. $18.5 million of the increase is related to servicing fee revenues, $9.9 million is related to interest income on loans held for sale and the remainder of the increase is due to management services of which acquisitions contributed to more than half of the growth.

Expenses

Compensation and Employee Benefits

Compensation and employee benefits expense increased by $106.5 million, or 17.2%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The main drivers of this increase were $82.1 million of additional payments directly related to the increase in revenues, and the remainder related to acquisitions and new hires.

Allocations of Net Income and Grant of Exchangeability to Limited Partnership Units

Allocations of net income and grant of exchangeability to limited partnership units increased by $12.7 million, or 31.8%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. This increase was primarily driven by an $7.2 million increase in exchangeability charges during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The remainder is related to an increase in allocation of income to partners.

 

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Operating, Administrative and Other

Operating, administrative and other expenses increased $26.9 million, or 20.3%, to $159.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. This increase was driven by a $7.4 million increase in interest expense on Berkeley Point’s warehouse line due to increased loan origination. The remainder is due to increases in occupancy, selling and promotional and other expenses associated with acquisitions and new hires and professional fees associated with the execution of new business. Additionally, we have incurred $1.4 million of expenses in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 related to costs associated with this offering.

Fees to Related Parties

Fees to related parties decreased by $1.4 million, or 9.1%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Fees to related parties are allocations paid to BGC Partners and Cantor for administrative and support services. See “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Service Agreements.”

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 increased by $13.0 million, or 22.3%, to $71.4 million as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. This increase is due to a $4.1 million increase in amortization of mortgage servicing rights due and the remainder is primarily due to leasehold improvements placed in service due to the continued expansion of our business. Additionally, in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we recorded a $6.3 million impairment of a trade name.

Because the Company recognizes OMSR gains equal to the fair value of servicing rights retained on mortgage loans originated and sold, it also amortizes mortgage servicing rights (which we refer to as “MSRs”) in proportion to the net servicing revenue expected to be earned. Subsequent to the initial recording, MSRs are amortized and carried at the lower of amortized cost or fair value. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, our expenses included $52.4 million and $48.3 million of MSR amortization, respectively.

Other Income (Losses), Net

Other income of $76.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 primarily relates to the recognition of income from the receipt of Nasdaq shares. Other income in the nine months ended September 30, 2016 primarily related to an adjustment of future earn-out payments that are no longer required.

Interest Income, Net

Interest income, net is primarily related to interest income on employee loans and escrow balances.

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

Provision for income taxes increased by $1.4 million, or 71.2%, to $3.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in pretax earnings, overall, as well as the mix of allocable earnings among legal entities taxed as corporations versus flow through.

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests was $29,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests of $1.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

 

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Year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the year ended December 31, 2015

Revenues

Leasing and Other Commissions

Leasing and other commission revenues decreased by $25.9 million, or 4.8%, to $513.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease resulted from a slow-down in leasing activity in the markets we serve.

Capital Markets

Capital markets revenue increased by $68.4 million, or 25.6%, to $335.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was driven by our efforts in hiring talented real estate professionals, and the continued strength of the multifamily investment sales and debt markets.

Gains from Mortgage Banking Activities, Net

Gains from mortgage banking activities, net increased by $78.1 million, or 67.7%, to $193.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was driven by an increase in GSE lending to $7.6 billion as compared to $4.8 billion in the prior year period. In 2016 and 2015, we recognized $124.4 million and $68.0 million of non-cash gains, respectively, related to OMSRs.

Management Services, Servicing Fees and Other

Management services, servicing fees and other revenue increased $29.2 million, or 10.5%, to $307.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. $20.6 million of the increase was due to servicing fees as the servicing portfolio grew from $50.1 billion to $55.7 billion at the end of 2016. The remainder of the increase is due to management services resulting from acquisitions.

Expenses

Compensation and Employee Benefits

Compensation and employee benefits expense increased by $33.7 million, or 4.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. The main drivers of this increase were $31.5 million of additional payments directly related to the increase in revenues, and the remainder related to acquisitions and new hires.

Allocations of Net Income and Grant of Exchangeability to Limited Partnership Units

The Allocations of net income and grant of exchangeability to limited partnership units decreased by $69.9 million, or 49.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. This decrease was primarily driven by a decrease of $83.7 million in exchangeability charges offset by a $13.8 million increase in allocations of net income to limited partnership units during the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015.

Operating, Administrative and Other

Operating, administrative and other expenses increased $23.0 million, or 14.2%, to $185.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. This increase was primarily driven by a $4.1 million increase in interest expense on Berkeley Point’s warehouse line due to increased loan origination, and increases in occupancy, selling and promotional and other expenses associated with acquisitions and new hires.

 

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Fees to Related Parties

Fees to related parties decreased by $0.5 million, or 2.5%, to $18.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. Fees to related parties are allocations paid to BGC Partners and Cantor for administrative and support services.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased by $0.4 million, or 0.6%, to $72.2 million as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015. This increase is primarily driven by an increase in mortgage servicing rights amortization of $3.6 million, offset by a decrease in the amortization of intangible assets for the ARA and Cornish & Carey acquisitions. In 2016 and 2015, our expenses included $58.1 million and $54.5 million of MSR amortization, respectively.

Other Income (Losses), Net

Other income of $15.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2016 primarily relates to an adjustment of future earn-out payments that will no longer be required.

Interest Income, Net

Interest income, net is primarily related to interest income on employee loans.

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

Provision for income taxes increased by $10.6 million to $4.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 which was a $6.6 million benefit. This change was primarily driven by pre-tax earnings in 2016 as compared to a pre-tax loss in 2015, overall, as well as the mix of allocable earnings among legal entities taxed as a corporation versus flow through.

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests was $1.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2016 due to the allocation of losses to minority partners.

Year ended December 31, 2015

Revenues

Leasing and Other Commissions Services

Leasing and other commissions brokerage revenues of $539.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 represented 45.0% of the Company’s total revenues.

Capital Markets

Capital markets revenue of $267.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 represented 22.3% of the Company’s revenues. We expect the contribution of capital markets revenues to increase in the future as a result of our efforts in hiring talented real estate professionals.

Gains from Mortgage Banking Activities, Net

Gains from mortgage banking activities, net of $115.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 represented 9.6% of the Company’s revenues.

 

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Management Services, Servicing Fees and Other

Management services, servicing fees and other revenue of $278.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2015 represented 23.1% of the Company’s revenues.

Expenses

Compensation and Employee Benefits

Compensation and employee benefits expense includes $611.8 million directly correlated to revenues, $48.6 million related to compensation expense related to loans, forgivable loans and other receivables from employees and partners and the remainder due to compensation and benefit costs for support and back office personnel.

Allocations of Net Income and Grant of Exchangeability to Limited Partnership Units

The Allocations of net income and grant of exchangeability to limited partnership units totaled $142.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Operating, Administrative and Other

Operating, administrative and other expenses consists of occupancy costs, professional and consulting, selling and promotional expense, insurance, office expenses and other expenses necessary to run our business and totaled $162.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2015.

Fees to Related Parties

Fees to related parties are allocations paid to BGC Partners and Cantor for administrative and support services and totaled $18.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation expense was $7.3 million, amortization expense was $10.0 million and mortgage servicing rights amortization was $54.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Interest Income, Net

Interest income, net is primarily related to interest income on employee loans.

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

Provision (benefit) for income taxes was a benefit of $6.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. This benefit was driven by the pretax net loss incurred, overall, as well as the mix of allocable earnings among legal entities taxed as a corporation versus flow through.

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests is related to income from entities with minority partners as of December 31, 2015.

Financial Position, Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

Historically, the primary source of liquidity for our business was the cash flow provided by our operations, which was transferred to BGC Partners to support its overall cash management strategy. Transfers of cash to and

 

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from BGC Partners’ cash management system have been reflected in related party receivables and payables in the historical combined balance sheets and in payments to and borrowings from related parties in the financing section of the combined statements of cash flows. Cash and equity issued for acquisitions have been reflected in BGC Partners’ net investment in the historical combined balance sheets and statement of changes in invested equity.

Upon the completion of this offering, we will maintain separate cash management and financing functions for operations. Additionally, our capital structure, long-term commitments and sources of liquidity will change significantly from our historical capital structure, long-term commitments and sources of liquidity. It is expected that we will have no cash balance on the date of the completion of this offering. However, that amount could fluctuate based on the outcome of several of our current assumptions.

In connection with the separation and prior to the closing of this offering, we will assume from BGC Partners the Term Loan and the Converted Term Loan. Newmark OpCo will also assume from BGC U.S. the BGC Notes. We currently intend to contribute all of the net proceeds of this offering (including the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) to Newmark OpCo in exchange for a number of units representing Newmark OpCo limited partnership interests equal to the number of shares issued by us in this offering. Newmark OpCo intends to use approximately $575.0 million of such net proceeds to repay intercompany indebtedness owed by Newmark OpCo to us in respect of the Term Loan (which intercompany indebtedness was originally issued by BGC U.S. and will be assumed by Newmark OpCo in connection with the separation) and the remainder of such net proceeds to partially repay intercompany indebtedness owed by Newmark OpCo to us in respect of the Converted Term Loan (which intercompany indebtedness was originally issued by BGC U.S. and will be assumed by Newmark OpCo in connection with the separation). We currently intend to use approximately $575.0 million of such repayment from Newmark OpCo to repay the Term Loan in full and the remainder of such repayment from Newmark OpCo to partially repay the Converted Term Loan. The Term Loan has an outstanding principal amount of $575.0 million, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon, with an interest rate calculated based on one-month LIBOR plus 2.25%, subject to adjustment, which was approximately 3.5% per annum as of September 30, 2017. The Term Loan will mature on September 8, 2019. The terms of the Term Loan require that the net proceeds of this offering be used to repay the Term Loan until the Term Loan is repaid in full. The Converted Term Loan has an outstanding principal amount of $400.0 million, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon, with an interest rate calculated based on one-month LIBOR plus 2.25%, subject to adjustment, which was approximately 3.5% per annum as of September 30, 2017. The Converted Term Loan will mature on September 8, 2019. The terms of the Converted Term Loan require that any remaining net proceeds of this offering, after repayment of the Term Loan, be used to repay the Converted Term Loan. Following this offering, we estimate that the Converted Term Loan will have an outstanding principal amount of $400.0 million, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon. See “Use of Proceeds.” Following this offering, in the event that any member of the Newmark group receives net proceeds from the incurrence of indebtedness for borrowed money or an equity issuance (in each case subject to certain exceptions) after this offering, Newmark OpCo will be obligated to use such net proceeds to repay the remaining intercompany indebtedness owed by Newmark OpCo to us in respect of the Converted Term Loan (which in turn we will use to repay the Converted Term Loan), and thereafter, in the case of net proceeds from the incurrence of indebtedness, to repay the BGC Notes. In addition, we will be obligated to repay any remaining amounts under the BGC Notes prior to the distribution. Subsequent to this offering, we intend to replace the financing provided by the BGC Notes that remain outstanding with new senior term loans (which may be secured or unsecured), new senior unsecured notes, other long- or short-term financing or a combination thereof in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $412.5 million.

We believe that our available cash and cash flows expected to be generated from operations will be adequate to satisfy our current and planned operations for at least the next 12 months. Our future capital requirements will depend on many factors, including our rate of sales growth, the expansion of our sales and marketing activities, our expansion into other markets and our results of operations. To the extent that existing cash, cash from operations and credit facilities are insufficient to fund our future activities, we may need to raise additional funds through public equity or debt financing.

 

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Balance Sheet

Total assets at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were $2,539.9 million and $2,534.7 million, respectively. Total liabilities at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were $1,249.4 million and $1,550.9 million, respectively. Total liabilities decreased $301.5 million, as compared to December 31, 2016 due to a decrease in the total net payable to related parties of $743.5 million, partially offset by an increase in warehouse notes payable of $401.8 million.

Liquidity

BGC Partners has funded our growth through contributing acquired companies and related party payables. The related party payables are net of related party receivables which were generated from our earnings as BGC Partners sweeps our excess cash to manage treasury centrally. Additionally, prior to its acquisition by BGC, Berkeley Point and its parent company, Cantor Commercial Real Estate Company, L.P. (which we refer to as “CCRE”), loaned money to each other. The total net payable to related parties at September 30, 2017 was $31.8 million as compared to a net payable at December 31, 2016 of $780.3 million. The net payable at December 31, 2016 includes $750.4 million of net borrowings from CCRE related to loans held for sale. These amounts were repaid during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and loans held for sale were financed from the warehouse notes payable, net at September 30, 2017. Fees to related parties and allocations of net income and grant of exchangeability to limited partnership units that are charged by BGC Partners and Cantor to Newmark are reflected as cash flows from operating activities in the Combined Statement of Cash Flows for each period presented. From January 1, 2015 through September 30, 2017, these fees and charges totaled $318.0 million. Additionally, prior to acquisition by BGC, Berkeley Point loaned excess cash to CCRE to fund CCRE’s lending business. These amounts are presented as investing activities on the statement of cash flows for all periods presented. All other amounts sent to or from BGC Partners are reflected as cash flows from financing activities in the Combined Statement of Cash Flows for each period presented.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, net cash provided by operating activities was $509.7 million and for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, net cash used in operating activities was $211.2 million. Cash flows from operating activities included $27.6 million and $20.4 million of cash paid to BGC Partners related to grant of exchangeability to limited partnership units, respectively. After the completion of this offering and the distribution, these charges will become non-cash in nature and therefore will be excluded from cash outflows from operating activities. We expect to generate cash flows from operations to fund our business operations and growth strategy to meet our short-term liquidity requirements, which we define as the next 12 months. We also expect that proceeds from this offering and new debt financing, combined with cash flows from operations, will be sufficient to fund our operations, growth strategy and dividends and distributions to meet our long-term liquidity requirements.

In connection with the separation, we expect to receive up to approximately 10.9 million Nasdaq shares over time, which were valued at approximately $846 million based on the closing price of a share of common stock of Nasdaq on September 29, 2017. Except for approximately $77 million, the value of the Nasdaq payment yet to be received is not reflected in our liquidity position or on our balance sheet. The receipt of the Nasdaq payment will be reflected in our earnings and is expected to result in increases in our liquidity.

Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we generated cash from operations of $509.7 million. We had net income of $190.6 million, $412.0 million of loan sales, net of loan originations and $74.7 million of other negative adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities, and $18.2 million of negative changes in operating assets and liabilities. The negative change in operating assets and liabilities were driven by a $35.2 million increase in loans and forgivable loans primarily paid to brokers. We used $11.1 million in net investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily related to purchases of fixed assets.

 

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We used $427.9 million of cash from financing activities. We borrowed $401.8 million, net of repayments on our warehouse lines to fund loans held for sale and repaid $749.5 million, net to related parties. We also distributed $66.9 million to CCRE prior to the acquisition of Berkeley Point by BGC, as contemplated by the transaction agreement dated as of July 17, 2017 governing such acquisition, and paid $12.2 million for acquisition earn-outs during the period.

Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we used $211.2 million of cash from operations. We had net income of $114.8 million, $235.8 million of loan originations in excess of loan sales and $15.8 million of other negative adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used in operating activities, and $74.4 million of negative changes in operating assets and liabilities. The negative change in operating assets and liabilities was driven by an $111.3 million increase in loans and forgivable loans primarily paid to brokers. We used $23.6 million of cash for investing activities primarily related to fixed asset purchases, and generated $199.4 million in financing activities primarily due to $381.0 million of net related party borrowing, partially offset by $169.7 million of net repayments on the warehouse line.

Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2016

For the year ended December 31, 2016, we used $646.3 million of cash from operations. We had net income of $167.2 million, $759.6 million of negative adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities, and $53.9 million of negative changes in operating assets and liabilities. $714.3 million of the negative adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities was related to loans held for sale. The negative change in operating assets and liabilities was driven by a $118.2 million increase in loans and forgivable loans primarily paid to brokers, partially offset by a $63.4 million positive change in operating assets and liabilities as a result of a reduction in our days sales outstanding while at the same time increasing our days payable. We used $34.4 million of cash for investing activities primarily related to fixed asset purchases, and generated $636.0 million in financing activities primarily due to net borrowings of $751.1 million from related parties, partially offset by $101.7 million of net repayments on the warehouse line and earn-out payments for our acquisitions.

Cash Flows for the Year Ended December 31, 2015

For the year ended December 31, 2015, we generated $387.2 million of cash from operations. We had net loss of $2.7 million, $465.1 million of positive adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities, and $75.2 million of negative changes in operating assets and liabilities. $423.6 million of the positive adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities was related to loans held for sale. The negative change in operating assets and liabilities was primarily driven by an $80.2 million increase in loans and forgivable loans primarily paid to brokers. We used $18.7 million of cash for investing activities primarily related to fixed asset purchases and purchases of mortgage servicing rights, and used $351.1 million in financing activities primarily due to net repayments of $418.5 million on the warehouse line, partially offset by net borrowings of $78.1 million from related parties.

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

The following table summarizes certain of our contractual obligations at September 30, 2017 (in thousands):

 

     Total      Less than
1 Year
     1-3
Years
     3-5
Years
     More than
5 Years
 

Operating leases obligations (1)

   $ 334,394        38,713        67,531        59,822        168,328  

Warehouse facility

   $ 659,732        659,732        —          —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total contractual obligations

   $ 994,126        698,445        67,531        59,822        168,328  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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(1) Operating leases are related to rental payments under various non-cancelable leases principally for office space, net of sublease payments to be received. The total amount of sublease payments to be received is approximately $3.2 million over the life of the agreements.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of our combined financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of the assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in our combined financial statements. We believe that of our significant accounting policies, the following policies involve a higher degree of judgment and complexity.

Revenue Recognition

We derive our revenues primarily through commissions from brokerage services, gains from mortgage banking activities, net, revenues from real estate management services, servicing fees and other revenues. We recognize revenue when four basic criteria have been met:

 

    existence of persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists;

 

    delivery has occurred or services have been rendered;

 

    the seller’s price to the buyer is fixed and determinable; and

 

    collectability is reasonably assured.

The judgments involved in revenue recognition include determining the appropriate time to recognize revenue. In particular, we evaluate our transactions to determine whether contingencies exist that may impact the timing of revenue recognition.

Equity-Based and Other Compensation

Discretionary Bonus: A portion of our compensation and employee benefits expense comprises discretionary bonuses, which may be paid in cash, equity, partnership awards or a combination thereof. We accrue expense in a period based on revenues in that period and on the expected combination of cash, equity and partnership units. Given the assumptions used in estimating discretionary bonuses, actual results may differ.

Restricted Stock Units: We account for equity-based compensation under the fair value recognition provisions of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (which we refer to as “FASB”). Restricted stock units (which we refer to as “RSUs”) provided to certain employees are accounted for as equity awards, and as per FASB guidance, we are required to record an expense for the portion of the RSUs that is ultimately expected to vest. FASB guidance requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. Because significant assumptions are used in estimating employee turnover and associated forfeiture rates, actual results may differ from our estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

The fair value of RSU awards to employees is determined on the date of grant, based on the market value of BGC Partners’ Class A common stock. Generally, RSUs granted by us as employee compensation do not receive dividend equivalents; as such, we adjust the fair value of the RSUs for the present value of expected forgone dividends, which requires us to include an estimate of expected dividends as a valuation input. This grant-date fair value is amortized to expense ratably over the awards’ vesting periods. For RSUs with graded vesting features, we have made an accounting policy election to recognize compensation cost on a straight line basis. The amortization is reflected as non-cash equity-based compensation expense in our combined statements of operations.

 

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Restricted Stock: Restricted stock provided to certain employees is accounted for as an equity award, and as per FASB guidance, we are required to record an expense for the portion of the restricted stock that is ultimately expected to vest. We have granted restricted stock that is not subject to continued employment or service; however, transferability is subject to compliance with our and our affiliates’ customary non-compete obligations. Such shares of restricted stock are generally saleable by partners in five to 10 years. Because the restricted stock is not subject to continued employment or service, the grant-date fair value of the restricted stock is expensed on the date of grant. The expense is reflected as non-cash equity-based compensation expense in our combined statements of operations.

Limited Partnership Units: Limited partnership units in BGC Holdings are generally held by employees. Generally such units receive quarterly allocations of net income, which are cash distributed on a quarterly basis and generally contingent upon services being provided by the unit holders. As discussed above, preferred units in BGC Holdings are not entitled to participate in partnership distributions other than with respect to a distribution at a rate of either 0.6875% (which is 2.75% per calendar year) or such other amount as set forth in the award documentation. The quarterly allocations of net income to such limited partnership units are reflected as a component of compensation expense under “Allocations of net income and grants of exchangeability to limited partnership units” in our combined statements of operations. Certain of these limited partnership units entitle the holders to receive post-termination payments equal to the notional amount in four equal yearly installments after the holder’s termination. These limited partnership units are accounted for as post-termination liability awards. Accordingly, we recognize a liability for these units on our combined statements of financial condition as part of “Accrued compensation” for the amortized portion of the post-termination payment amount, based on the current fair value of the expected future cash payout. We amortize the post-termination payment amount, less an expected forfeiture rate, over the vesting period, and record an expense for such awards based on the change in value at each reporting period in our combined statements of operations as part of “Compensation and employee benefits.”

Certain limited partnership units in BGC Holdings are granted exchangeability into BGC Partners Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis (subject to adjustments as set forth in the Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement). At the time exchangeability is granted, we recognize an expense based on the fair value of the award on that date, which is included in “Allocations of net income and grants of exchangeability to limited partnership units” in our combined statements of operations.

Employee Loans: We have entered into various agreements with certain of our employees and partners whereby these individuals receive loans that may be either wholly or in part repaid from distributions that the individuals receive on some or all of their limited partnership interests or may be forgiven over a period of time. Cash advance distribution loans are documented in formal agreements and are repayable in timeframes outlined in the underlying agreements. We intend for these advances to be repaid in full from the future distributions on existing and future awards granted. The distributions are treated as compensation expense when made and the proceeds are used to repay the loan. The forgivable portion of any loans is recognized as compensation expense in our combined statements of operations over the life of the loan. We review the loan balances each reporting period for collectability. If we determine that the collectability of a portion of the loan balances is not expected, we recognize a reserve against the loan balances. Actual collectability of loan balances may differ from our estimates.

Goodwill

Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination. As prescribed in FASB guidance, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, goodwill is not amortized, but instead is periodically tested for impairment. We review goodwill for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that could reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.

 

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When reviewing goodwill for impairment, we first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the results of the qualitative assessment are not conclusive, or if we choose to bypass the qualitative assessment, we perform a goodwill impairment analysis using a two-step process. Our single reporting unit for real estate services had associated goodwill balances as of September 30, 2017 of $477.0 million.

The first step of the process involves comparing each reporting unit’s estimated fair value with its carrying value, including goodwill. To estimate the fair value of the reporting units, we use a discounted cash flow model and data regarding market comparables. The valuation process requires significant judgment and involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions. These assumptions include cash flow projections, estimated cost of capital and the selection of peer companies and relevant multiples. Because significant assumptions and estimates are used in projecting future cash flows, choosing peer companies and selecting relevant multiples, actual results may differ from our estimates under different assumptions or conditions. If the estimated fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying value, goodwill is deemed not to be impaired. If the carrying value exceeds estimated fair value, there is an indication of potential impairment and the second step is performed to measure the amount of potential impairment.

The second step of the process involves the calculation of an implied fair value of goodwill for each reporting unit for which step one indicated a potential impairment may exist. The implied fair value of goodwill is determined by measuring the excess of the estimated fair value of the reporting unit as calculated in step one, over the estimated fair values of the individual assets, liabilities and identified intangibles. Events such as economic weakness, significant declines in operating results of reporting units, or significant changes to critical inputs of the goodwill impairment test (e.g., estimates of cash flows or cost of capital) could cause the estimated fair value of our reporting units to decline, which could result in an impairment of goodwill in the future.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes using the asset and liability method as prescribed in FASB guidance on Accounting for Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to basis differences between the combined financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Pursuant to FASB guidance on Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement on Accounting for Income Taxes, we provide for uncertain tax positions based upon management’s assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. Management is required to determine whether a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. Because significant assumptions are used in determining whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities, actual results may differ from our estimates under different assumptions or conditions. We recognize interest and penalties related to income tax matters in “Interest income (expense), net” and “Other income (loss),” respectively, in our combined statement of operations.

A valuation allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets if it is deemed more likely than not that those assets will not be realized. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider all available evidence, including past operating results, the existence of cumulative losses in the most recent fiscal years, estimates of future taxable income and the feasibility of tax planning strategies.

The measurement of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities is based on provisions of enacted tax laws and involves uncertainties in the application of tax regulations in the United States and other tax jurisdictions. Because our interpretation of complex tax law may impact the measurement of current and deferred income taxes, actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions regarding the application of tax law.

 

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Derivative Financial Instruments

We have loan commitments to extend credit to third parties. The commitments to extend credit are for mortgage loans at a specific rate (rate lock commitments). These commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require a fee. We are committed to extend credit to the counterparty as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the commitment contracts.

We simultaneously enter into an agreement to deliver such mortgages to third-party investors at a fixed price (forward sale contracts).

Both the commitment to extend credit and the forward sale commitment qualify as derivative financial instruments. We recognize all derivatives on the combined balance sheets as assets or liabilities measured at fair value. The change in the derivatives fair value is recognized in current period earnings.

Qualitative and Quantitative Factors about Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

In connection with the separation and prior to the closing of this offering, we will assume from BGC Partners the Term Loan and the Converted Term Loan. Newmark OpCo will also assume from BGC U.S. the BGC Notes. We currently intend to contribute all of the net proceeds of this offering (including the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) to Newmark OpCo in exchange for a number of units representing Newmark OpCo limited partnership interests equal to the number of shares issued by us in this offering. Newmark OpCo intends to use approximately $575.0 million of such net proceeds to repay intercompany indebtedness owed by Newmark OpCo to us in respect of the Term Loan (which intercompany indebtedness was originally issued by BGC U.S. and will be assumed by Newmark OpCo in connection with the separation) and the remainder of such net proceeds to partially repay intercompany indebtedness owed by Newmark OpCo to us in respect of the Converted Term Loan (which intercompany indebtedness was originally issued by BGC U.S. and will be assumed by Newmark OpCo in connection with the separation). We currently intend to use approximately $575.0 million of such repayment from Newmark OpCo to repay the Term Loan in full and the remainder of such repayment from Newmark OpCo to partially repay the Converted Term Loan. The Term Loan has an outstanding principal amount of $575.0 million, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon, with an interest rate calculated based on one-month LIBOR plus 2.25%, subject to adjustment, which was approximately 3.5% per annum as of September 30, 2017. The Term Loan will mature on September 8, 2019. The terms of the Term Loan require that the net proceeds of this offering be used to repay the Term Loan until the Term Loan is repaid in full. The Converted Term Loan has an outstanding principal amount of $400.0 million, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon, with an interest rate calculated based on one-month LIBOR plus 2.25%, subject to adjustment, which was approximately 3.5% per annum as of September 30, 2017. The Converted Term Loan will mature on September 8, 2019. The terms of the Converted Term Loan require that any remaining net proceeds of this offering, after repayment of the Term Loan, be used to repay the Converted Term Loan. Following this offering, we estimate that the Converted Term Loan will have an outstanding principal amount of $400.0 million, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon. See “Use of Proceeds.” Following this offering, in the event that any member of the Newmark group receives net proceeds from the incurrence of indebtedness for borrowed money or an equity issuance (in each case subject to certain exceptions) after this offering, Newmark OpCo will be obligated to use such net proceeds to repay the remaining intercompany indebtedness owed by Newmark OpCo to us in respect of the Converted Term Loan (which in turn we will use to repay the Converted Term Loan), and thereafter, in the case of net proceeds from the incurrence of indebtedness, to repay the BGC Notes. In addition, we will be obligated to repay any remaining amounts under the BGC Notes prior to the distribution. Subsequent to this offering, we intend to replace the financing provided by the BGC Notes that remain outstanding with new senior term loans (which may be secured or unsecured), new senior unsecured notes, other long- or short-term financing or a combination thereof in an aggregate principal amount of approximately $412.5 million. While the terms of these borrowings, including the interest rates, have not yet been determined, our interest income expense could be exposed to changes in interest rates. In that event, we may

 

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enter into interest rate swap agreements to attempt to hedge the variability of future interest payments due to changes in interest rates.

Berkeley Point is an intermediary that originates loans which are generally pre-sold prior to loan closing. Therefore, for loans held for sale to the GSEs and HUD, we are not currently exposed to unhedged interest rate risk. Prior to closing on loans with borrowers, we enter into agreements to sell the loans to investors, and originated loans are typically sold within 45 days of funding. The coupon rate for each loan is set concurrently with the establishment of the interest rate with the investor.

Some of our assets and liabilities are subject to changes in interest rates. Earnings from escrows are generally based on LIBOR. 30-day LIBOR as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 was 77 basis points and 43 basis points, respectively. A 100-basis point increase in the 30-day LIBOR would increase our annual earnings by approximately $11.4 million based on our escrow balance as of December 31, 2016 compared to $6.1 million based on our escrow balance as of December 31, 2015. A decrease in 30-day LIBOR to zero would decrease our annual earnings by approximately $8.8 million based on the escrow balance as of December 31, 2016 compared to $2.6 million based on our escrow balance as of December 31, 2015.

We use warehouse facilities, borrowings from related parties, and a repurchase agreement to fund loans we originate under our various lending programs. The borrowing costs of our warehouse facilities and the repurchase agreement is based on LIBOR. A 100-basis point increase in 30-day LIBOR would decrease our annual net interest income by approximately $9.5 million based on our outstanding balances as of December 31, 2016 compared to $9.1 million based on our outstanding balances as of December 31, 2015. A decrease in 30-day LIBOR to zero would increase our annual earnings by approximately $7.3 million based on our outstanding warehouse balance as of December 31, 2016 compared to $3.9 million as of December 31, 2015.

Foreign Currency Risk

We are exposed to risks associated with changes in foreign exchange rates. Changes in foreign exchange rates create volatility in the U.S. Dollar equivalent of our revenues and expenses. While our international results of operations, as measured in U.S. Dollars, are subject to foreign exchange fluctuations, we do not consider the related risk to be material to our results of operations. While our exposure to foreign exchange risk is not currently material to us, we expect to grow our international revenues in the future, and any future potential exposure to foreign exchange fluctuations may present a material risk to our business.

 

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STRUCTURE OF NEWMARK

Our Restructuring

We are Newmark Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation. We were formed as NRE Delaware, Inc. on November 18, 2016 and changed our name to Newmark Group, Inc. on October 18, 2017. We currently have nominal assets and operations. We were formed for the purpose of becoming a public company conducting the operations of BGC Partners’ Real Estate Services segment, including Newmark and Berkeley Point.

Through the following series of transactions prior to and following the completion of this offering, we will become a separate publicly traded company. Immediately following this offering, a majority of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock will be held by BGC Partners. If BGC Partners completes the distribution, a majority of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock will be held by the stockholders of BGC Partners as of the date of the distribution.

 

    Prior to the completion of this offering, the separation and contribution pursuant to which members of the BGC group will transfer to us substantially all of the assets and liabilities of the BGC Partners’ Real Estate Services segment, including Newmark, Berkeley Point and the right to receive the remainder of the Nasdaq payment, and various types of interests of Newmark Holdings will be issued to holders of interests of BGC Holdings in proportion to such interests of BGC Holdings held by such holders immediately prior thereto.

 

    Concurrently with the separation and contribution, we will enter into the transactions described under “—Assumption and Repayment of Indebtedness” below.

 

    Following the completion of this offering, the distribution by BGC Partners of the shares of our common stock held thereby to its stockholders described under “—The Distribution” below.

The types of interests in Newmark, Newmark Holdings and Newmark OpCo outstanding following the completion of the separation are described under “—Structure of Newmark Following the Separation” below.

The Separation and Contribution

Prior to the completion of this offering, pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement, members of the BGC group will transfer to us substantially all of the assets and liabilities of the BGC group relating to BGC Partners’ Real Estate Services segment, including Newmark, Berkeley Point and the right to receive the remainder of the Nasdaq payment. For a description of the Nasdaq payment, see “Business—Nasdaq Transaction.” Prior to the separation, the BGC group held all of the historical assets and liabilities related to our business.

In connection with the separation, Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests, Newmark Holdings founding partner interests, Newmark Holdings working partner interests and Newmark Holdings limited partnership units will be distributed to holders of BGC Holdings limited partnership interests, BGC Holdings founding partner interests, BGC Holdings working partner interests and BGC Holdings limited partnership units in proportion to such interests of BGC Holdings held by such holders immediately prior to the separation.

We will also enter into a tax matters agreement with BGC Partners that will govern the parties’ respective rights, responsibilities and obligations after the separation with respect to taxes, tax attributes, the preparation and filing of tax returns, the control of audits and other tax proceedings, tax elections, assistance and cooperation in respect of tax matters, procedures and restrictions relating to the distribution, if any, and certain other tax matters. We will also enter into an administrative services agreement with Cantor, which will govern the provision by Cantor of various administrative services to us, and our provision of various administrative services to Cantor, at a cost equal to (1) the direct cost that the providing party incurs in performing those services, including third-party charges incurred in providing services, plus (2) a reasonable allocation of other costs determined in a

 

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consistent and fair manner so as to cover the providing party’s appropriate costs or in such other manner as the parties agree. We will also enter into a transition services agreement with BGC Partners, which will govern the provision by BGC Partners of various administrative services to us, and our provision of various administrative services to BGC Partners, on a transitional basis (with a term of up to two years following the distribution) and at a cost equal to (1) the direct cost that the providing party incurs in performing those services, including third-party charges incurred in providing services, plus (2) a reasonable allocation of other costs determined in a consistent and fair manner so as to cover the providing party’s appropriate costs or in such other manner as the parties agree.

Assumption and Repayment of Indebtedness

In connection with the separation and prior to the closing of this offering, we will assume from BGC Partners the Term Loan and the Converted Term Loan. Newmark OpCo will also assume from BGC U.S. the BGC Notes. We currently intend to contribute all of the net proceeds of this offering (including the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) to Newmark OpCo in exchange for a number of units representing Newmark OpCo limited partnership interests equal to the number of shares issued by us in this offering. Newmark OpCo intends to use approximately $575.0 million of such net proceeds to repay intercompany indebtedness owed by Newmark OpCo to us in respect of the Term Loan (which intercompany indebtedness was originally issued by BGC U.S. and will be assumed by Newmark OpCo in connection with the separation) and the remainder of such net proceeds to partially repay intercompany indebtedness owed by Newmark OpCo to us in respect of the Converted Term Loan (which intercompany indebtedness was originally issued by BGC U.S. and will be assumed by Newmark OpCo in connection with the separation). We currently intend to use approximately $575.0 million of such repayment from Newmark OpCo to repay the Term Loan in full and the remainder of such repayment from Newmark OpCo to partially repay the Converted Term Loan. The Term Loan has an outstanding principal amount of $575 million, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon, with an interest rate calculated based on one-month LIBOR plus 2.25%, subject to adjustment, which was approximately 3.5% per annum as of September 30, 2017. The Term Loan will mature on September 8, 2019. The terms of the Term Loan require that the net proceeds of this offering be used to repay the Term Loan until the Term Loan is repaid in full. The Converted Term Loan has an outstanding principal amount of $400 million, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon, with an interest rate calculated based on one-month LIBOR plus 2.25%, subject to adjustment, which was approximately 3.5% per annum as of September 30, 2017. The Converted Term Loan will mature on September 8, 2019. The terms of the Converted Term Loan require that any remaining net proceeds of this offering, after repayment of the Term Loan, be used to repay the Converted Term Loan. Following this offering, we estimate that the Converted Term Loan will have an outstanding principal amount of $400.0 million, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon. See “Use of Proceeds.” Following this offering, in the event that any member of the Newmark group receives net proceeds from the incurrence of indebtedness for borrowed money or an equity issuance (in each case subject to certain exceptions) after this offering, Newmark OpCo will be obligated to use such net proceeds to repay the remaining intercompany indebtedness owed by Newmark OpCo to us in respect of the Converted Term Loan (which in turn we will use to repay the Converted Term Loan), and thereafter, in the case of net proceeds from the incurrence of indebtedness, to repay the BGC Notes. In addition, we will be obligated to repay any remaining amounts under the BGC Notes prior to the distribution.

The Distribution

BGC Partners has advised us that it currently expects to pursue a distribution to its stockholders of all of the shares of our common stock that it then owns in a manner that is intended to qualify as generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As currently contemplated, shares of our Class A common stock held by BGC Partners would be distributed to the holders of shares of Class A common stock of BGC Partners and shares of our Class B common stock held by BGC Partners would be distributed to the holders of shares of Class B common stock of BGC Partners (which are currently Cantor and another entity controlled by Mr. Lutnick). The determination of whether, when and how to proceed with any such distribution is entirely within the discretion of BGC Partners. See “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Separation and Distribution

 

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Agreement—The Distribution.” The shares of our common stock that BGC Partners will own upon the completion of this offering will be subject to the 180-day “lock-up” restriction contained in the underwriting agreement for this offering. See “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest).”

Structure of Newmark Following the Separation

As of immediately after this offering, there will be 145,543,380 shares of our Class A common stock outstanding, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering, and 150,043,380 shares of which will be issued and outstanding as of immediately after this offering, assuming that the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering. BGC Partners will hold 115,543,380 shares of our Class A common stock after this offering representing approximately 79.4% of our outstanding Class A common stock, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering, and representing approximately 77.0% of our outstanding Class A common stock, assuming that the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering. Each share of Class A common stock is generally entitled to one vote on matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders. In addition, as of immediately after the offering, BGC Partners will hold 15,840,049 shares of our Class B common stock representing all of the outstanding shares of our Class B common stock. Together, the shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock held by BGC Partners after this offering will represent approximately 90.1% of our total voting power, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering, and approximately 88.8% of our total voting power, assuming that the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering. Each share of Class B common stock is generally entitled to the same rights as a share of Class A common stock, except that, on matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders, each share of Class B common stock is entitled to 10 votes. The Class B common stock generally votes together with the Class A common stock on all matters submitted to a vote of our stockholders. We expect to retain our dual class structure, and there are no circumstances under which the holders of Class B common stock would be required to convert their shares of Class B common stock into shares of Class A common stock. Our certificate of incorporation will not provide for automatic conversion of shares of Class B common stock into shares of Class A common stock upon the occurrence of any event.

We hold the Newmark Holdings general partnership interest and the Newmark Holdings special voting limited partnership interest, which entitle us to remove and appoint the general partner of Newmark Holdings and serve as the general partner of Newmark Holdings, which entitles us to control Newmark Holdings. Newmark Holdings, in turn, holds the Newmark OpCo general partnership interest and the Newmark OpCo special voting limited partnership interest, which entitle Newmark Holdings to remove and appoint the general partner of Newmark OpCo, and serve as the general partner of Newmark OpCo, which entitles Newmark Holdings (and thereby us) to control Newmark OpCo. In addition, as of immediately after this offering, we will indirectly, through wholly owned subsidiaries, hold Newmark OpCo limited partnership interests consisting of approximately 161,383,428 units, representing approximately 67.8% of the outstanding Newmark OpCo limited partnership interests, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering, or approximately 165,883,428 units representing approximately 68.4% of the outstanding Newmark OpCo limited partnership interests, assuming that the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering. We are a holding company that will hold these interests, serve as the general partner of Newmark Holdings and, through Newmark Holdings, act as the general partner of Newmark OpCo. As a result of our ownership of the general partnership interest in Newmark Holdings and Newmark Holdings’ general partnership interest in Newmark OpCo, we will consolidate Newmark OpCo’s results for financial reporting purposes.

Cantor, founding partners, working partners and limited partnership unit holders will directly hold Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests. Newmark Holdings, in turn, will hold Newmark OpCo limited partnership interests and, as a result, Cantor, founding partners, working partners and limited partnership unit holders indirectly will have interests in Newmark OpCo limited partnership interests.

 

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The Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests held by Cantor will be designated as Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests. The Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests held by the founding partners will be designated as Newmark Holdings founding partner interests. As of the completion of this offering, we expect to have 157 founding partners holding 5,536,700 founding partner units. The Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests held by the working partners will be designated as Newmark Holdings working partner interests. The Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests held by the limited partnership unit holders will be designated as limited partnership units.

Each unit of Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests held by Cantor will be generally exchangeable with us for a number of shares of Class B common stock (or, at Cantor’s option or if there are no additional authorized but unissued shares of Class B common stock, a number of shares of Class A common stock) equal to the exchange ratio (which is currently one, but is subject to adjustments as set forth in the separation and distribution agreement). See “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Adjustment to Exchange Ratio.” Prior to the distribution, however, such exchanges are subject to the limitation as described below under “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Amended and Restated Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement—Exchanges.”

As of immediately after this offering, 5,593,335 founding partner interests will be outstanding. These founding partner interests will be issued in the separation to holders of BGC Holdings founding partner interests, who received such founding partner interests in connection with the separation of BGC Partners from Cantor in 2008. The Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests held by founding partners will not be exchangeable with us unless (1) Cantor acquires such interests from Newmark Holdings upon termination or bankruptcy of the founding partners or redemption of their units by Newmark Holdings (which it has the right to do under certain circumstances), in which case such interests will be exchangeable with us for our Class A common stock or Class B common stock as described above, or (2) Cantor determines that such interests can be exchanged by such founding partners with us for our Class A common stock, with each Newmark Holdings unit exchangeable for a number of shares of our Class A common stock equal to the exchange ratio (which is currently one, but is subject to adjustments as set forth in the separation and distribution agreement), on terms and conditions to be determined by Cantor (which exchange of certain interests Cantor expects to permit from time to time). Cantor has provided that certain founding partner interests are exchangeable with us for Class A common stock, with each Newmark Holdings unit exchangeable for a number of shares of our Class A common stock equal to the exchange ratio (which is currently one, but is subject to adjustments as set forth in the separation and distribution agreement), as described in “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Amended and Restated Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement—Exchanges” in accordance with the terms of the Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement. Once a Newmark Holdings founding partner interest becomes exchangeable, such founding partner interest is automatically exchanged upon a termination or bankruptcy (x) with BGC Partners for Class A common stock of BGC Partners (after also providing the requisite portion of BGC Holdings founding partner interests) if the termination or bankruptcy occurs prior to the distribution and (y) in all other cases, with us for our Class A common stock.

Further, we provide exchangeability for partnership units under other circumstances in connection with (1) our partnership redemption, compensation and restructuring programs, (2) other incentive compensation arrangements and (3) business combination transactions.

As of immediately after this offering, 47,202,185 working partner interests will be outstanding. Working partner interests will not be exchangeable with us unless otherwise determined by us with the written consent of a Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interest majority in interest, in accordance with the terms of the Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement.

As of immediately after this offering, 76,596,867 limited partnership units will be outstanding (including founding partner interests and working partner interests). Limited partnership units will be only exchangeable with us in accordance with the terms and conditions of the grant of such units, which terms and conditions are determined in our sole discretion, as the Newmark Holdings general partner, with the consent of the Newmark

 

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Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interest majority in interest, in accordance with the terms of the Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement.

As a result of the distribution of limited partnership interests of Newmark Holdings in connection with the separation, each holder of BGC Holdings limited partnership interests will hold a BGC Holdings limited partnership interest and a corresponding Newmark Holdings limited partnership interest for each BGC Holdings limited partnership interest held thereby immediately prior to the separation. The BGC Holdings limited partnership interests and Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests will each be entitled to receive cash distributions from BGC Holdings and Newmark Holdings, respectively, in accordance with the terms of such partnership’s respective limited partnership agreement. We currently expect that the combined cash distributions to a holder of one BGC Holdings limited partnership interest and one Newmark Holdings limited partnership interest following the separation will equal the cash distribution payable to a holder of one BGC Holdings limited partnership interest immediately prior to the separation, before giving effect to the dilutive impact of the shares of our common stock to be issued in this offering.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to the distribution, without the prior consent of BGC Partners, no Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests shall be exchangeable into our shares of Class A common stock or Class B common stock. Prior to the distribution, unless otherwise agreed by BGC Partners, in order for a partner to exchange an exchangeable limited partnership interest in BGC Holdings or Newmark Holdings into a share of common stock of BGC Partners, such partner must exchange both one BGC Holdings exchange right unit and a number of Newmark Holdings exchange right units equal to the contribution ratio (which is one divided by 2.2), divided by the exchange ratio, in order to receive one share of BGC Partners common stock. Prior to the distribution, to the extent that BGC Partners receives any Newmark OpCo units as a result of any exchange of Newmark Holdings exchange right unit as described in the immediately preceding sentence or as a result of any contribution by BGC Partners to Newmark OpCo or purchase by BGC Partners of Newmark OpCo units (see “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Reinvestments in Newmark OpCo by BGC Partners”), then, in each case, BGC Partners will contribute such Newmark OpCo units to Newmark in exchange for a number of shares of Newmark common stock equal to the number of such Newmark OpCo units multiplied by the exchange ratio (with the class of shares of our common stock corresponding to the class of shares of common stock that BGC Partners issued upon such exchange).

The current exchange ratio between Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests and our common stock is one. However, this exchange ratio will be adjusted if our dividend policy and the distribution policy of Newmark Holdings are different. See “Dividend Policy” and “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Adjustment to Exchange Ratio.”

With each exchange, our direct and indirect (and, prior to the distribution and as described above, BGC Partners’ indirect) interest in Newmark OpCo will proportionately increase because, immediately following an exchange, Newmark Holdings will redeem the Newmark Holdings unit so acquired for the Newmark OpCo limited partnership interest underlying such Newmark Holdings unit.

The profit and loss of Newmark OpCo and Newmark Holdings, as the case may be, are allocated based on the total number of Newmark OpCo units and Newmark Holdings units, as the case may be, outstanding.

The following diagram illustrates the ownership structure of Newmark immediately after the completion of this offering, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering. The following diagram does not reflect the various subsidiaries of ours, Newmark OpCo, Newmark Holdings, BGC Partners or Cantor, or the results of any exchange of Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests or, to the extent applicable, Newmark Holdings founding partner interests, Newmark Holdings working partner interests or Newmark Holdings limited partnership units:

 

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Post-IPO Diagram

 

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   Shares of Class B common stock are convertible into shares of Class A common stock at any time in the discretion of the holder on a one-for-one basis. Accordingly, if BGC Partners converted all of its Class B common stock into Class A common stock, BGC Partners would hold approximately 81.4% of the voting power and the public stockholders would hold approximately 18.6% of the voting power (and the indirect economic interests in Newmark OpCo would remain unchanged).

 

   The diagram above does not show certain operating subsidiaries that are organized as corporations whose equity are either wholly owned by Newmark or whose equity are majority-owned by Newmark with the remainder owned by Newmark OpCo.

Structure of Newmark Following the Distribution

BGC Partners has advised us that it currently expects to pursue a distribution to its stockholders of all of the shares of our common stock that it then owns in a manner that is intended to qualify as generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As currently contemplated, shares of our Class A common stock held by BGC Partners would be distributed to the holders of shares of Class A common stock of BGC Partners and shares of our Class B common stock held by BGC Partners would be distributed to the holders of shares of Class B common stock of BGC Partners (which are currently Cantor and another entity controlled by Mr. Lutnick). The determination of whether, when and how to proceed with any such distribution is entirely within the discretion of BGC Partners. See “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Separation and Distribution Agreement—The Distribution.” The shares of our common stock that BGC Partners will own upon the completion of this offering will be subject to the 180-day “lock-up” restriction contained in the underwriting agreement for this offering. See “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest).” To account for potential changes in the number of shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock of BGC Partners and Newmark between this offering and the distribution, and to ensure that the distribution (if it occurs) is pro rata to the stockholders of BGC Partners, immediately prior to the distribution, BGC Partners will convert any shares of Class B common stock of Newmark beneficially owned by BGC Partners into shares of Class A common stock of Newmark, or exchange any shares of Class A common stock of Newmark beneficially owned by BGC Partners for shares of Class B common stock of Newmark, so that the ratio of shares of Class B common stock of Newmark held by BGC Partners to the shares of Class A common stock of Newmark held by BGC Partners, in each case as of immediately prior to the distribution, equals the ratio of shares of outstanding Class B common stock of BGC Partners to the shares of outstanding Class A common stock of BGC Partners, in each case as of the record date of the distribution.

The following diagram illustrates the ownership structure of Newmark immediately after the completion of the distribution, assuming it occurs and assuming that there are no new issuances of shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock of BGC Partners and Newmark following this offering and prior to the distribution. The following diagram does not reflect the various subsidiaries of ours, Newmark OpCo, Newmark Holdings, BGC Partners or Cantor, or the results of any exchange of Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests or, to the extent applicable, Newmark Holdings founding partner interests, Newmark Holdings working partner interests or Newmark Holdings limited partnership units:

 

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Post-Distribution Diagram

 

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You should read “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate and Partnership Structure,” “Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Separation and the Distribution,” “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions” and “Description of Capital Stock,” for additional information about our corporate structure and the risks posed by this structure.

The diagram above does not show certain operating subsidiaries that are organized as corporations whose equity are either wholly owned by Newmark or whose equity are majority-owned by Newmark with the remainder owned by Newmark OpCo.

 

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BUSINESS

Our Business

Newmark is a rapidly growing, high margin, full-service commercial real estate services business that offers a full suite of services and products for both owners and occupiers across the entire commercial real estate industry. Since 2011, the year in which we were acquired by BGC Partners, a leading global brokerage company servicing the financial and real estate markets and listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, we have been the fastest growing commercial real estate services firm, with a compound annual growth rate (which we refer to as “CAGR”) of revenue of 39%. Our investor/owner services and products include capital markets, which consists of investment sales, debt and structured finance and loan sales, agency leasing, property management, valuation and advisory, diligence and underwriting and government sponsored enterprise (which we refer to as “GSE”) lending and loan servicing. Our occupier services and products include tenant representation, real estate management technology systems, workplace and occupancy strategy, global corporate services consulting, project management, lease administration and facilities management. We enhance these services and products through innovative real estate technology solutions and data analytics that enable our clients to increase their efficiency and profits by optimizing their real estate portfolio. We have relationships with many of the world’s largest commercial property owners, real estate developers and investors, as well as Fortune 500 and Forbes Global 2000 companies. For the 12-month period ended September 30, 2017, we generated revenues of $1.5 billion representing year-over-year growth of approximately 16%. Over the same timeframe, Newmark’s net income available to stockholders/its parent (BGC Partners) was $243.1 million; Adjusted EBITDA before allocation to units was $352.8 million; and average revenue per producer was $775,000. We facilitated transactions for our clients with a total deal consideration in excess of $77 billion.

We believe that our high margins and leading revenue growth compared to the other publicly traded real estate services companies have resulted from the execution of our unique integrated corporate strategies:

 

    we offer a full suite of best-in-class real estate services and professionals to both investors/owners and occupiers,

 

    we deploy deeply embedded technology and use data-driven analytics to enable clients to better manage their real estate utilization and spend, enhancing the depth of our client relationships,

 

    we attract and retain market leading professionals with the benefits of our unique partnership structure and high growth platform,

 

    we actively encourage cross-selling among our diversified business lines, and

 

    we continuously build out additional products and capabilities to capitalize on our market knowledge and client relationships.

Newmark was founded in 1929 with an emphasis on New York-based investor and owner services such as tenant and agency leasing, developing a reputation for talented, knowledgeable and motivated brokers. BGC acquired Newmark in 2011, and since the acquisition Newmark has embarked on a rapid expansion throughout the United States across all critical business lines in the real estate services and product sectors. We believe our rapid growth is due to our management’s vision and direction along with a proven track record of attracting high-producing talent through accretive acquisitions and profitable hiring.

Our growth to date has been focused in North America. We have more than 4,600 employees, including approximately 1,530 revenue-generating producers in over 120 offices in 90 cities, with an additional approximately 30 licensee locations in the U.S. Since 2011, we have completed over 35 complementary and accretive acquisitions, meaningfully expanding our product and services capabilities and geographic reach. We intend to continue to aggressively and opportunistically expand into markets, including outside of North America, and products where we believe we can profitably execute our full service and integrated business model.

 

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Bolstered by our third quarter 2017 acquisition of Berkeley Point, a leading commercial real estate finance company focused on the origination, servicing and sale of multifamily loans through government-sponsored and government-funded loan programs, we believe we are poised for continued growth and value creation. We expect the combination of Berkeley Point and ARA, our top-three multifamily investment sales business, to create significant growth across our platform and serve as a powerful margin and earnings driver.

We generate revenues from commissions on leasing and capital markets transactions, technology user and consulting fees, property and facility management fees, and mortgage origination and loan servicing fees. Our revenues are widely diversified across service lines and clients, with our top 10 clients accounting for less than 7% of revenues in 2016. We have also achieved industry-leading growth, with our revenues increasing approximately 560% for the 12-month period ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the year ended December 31, 2011, which represents a 39% CAGR. Over 40% of this growth was attributable to the organic growth of our business, with the remaining portion of this growth coming from accretive acquisitions. We continued to generate industry-leading growth during the first nine months of 2017, with our revenue of $1.14 billion representing an 18% increase over the same period in 2016.

We are an affiliate of Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P. (which we refer to as “Cantor”), a diversified company primarily specializing in financial and real estate services for institutional customers operating in the global financial and commercial real estate markets. Cantor is the largest controlling shareholder of BGC.

Our History

Newmark is a rapidly growing, high-margin, full-service commercial real estate services business that has a long history and, since its acquisition by BGC in 2011, has developed a broad reach. Founded in 1929 with an emphasis on New York-based traditional investor and owner services such as agency leasing and property and facilities management, we have operated as the real estate services segment of BGC since our acquisition in 2011. Since 2011, we have grown organically and through acquisitions as follows:

 

    acquisition of the pre-eminent commercial real estate services firm in Northern California, Cornish & Carey Commercial. We now operate in Northern California as “Newmark Cornish & Carey”;

 

    acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Grubb & Ellis Company and certain of its affiliates, a full-service national commercial real estate platform of property management, facilities management and brokerage services, which were integrated with Newmark & Co. and certain of its affiliates;

 

    acquisition of member companies affiliated under the Apartment Realty Advisors brand, a privately held, full-service investment brokerage network focusing exclusively on the multifamily industry. Collectively, ARA was a leader in multifamily investment brokerage and we now operate our multifamily investment brokerage practice as “ARA, a Newmark Company”;

 

    acquisition of Computerized Facility Integration, LLC, a real estate strategic consulting and systems integration firm that provides corporate real estate, facilities management, and enterprise asset management information consulting and technology solutions;

 

    acquisition of a commercial real estate services firm, Denver-based Frederick Ross Company;

 

    acquisition of a commercial real estate services firm, Philadelphia-based Smith Mack;

 

    acquisition of Excess Space Retail Services, Inc., a real estate advisory firm that focuses its business model around surplus real estate disposition and lease restructuring for retailers; and

 

    acquisitions of Steffner Commercial Real Estate, LLC, a full-service commercial real estate advisory practice in the metropolitan Memphis region, and Cincinnati Commercial Real Estate, Inc., which provides services in office, industrial and retail leasing and investment sales.

 

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In 2016 and 2017, we have completed the following acquisitions:

 

    acquisition of Berkeley Point, which focuses on origination, funding, sale and servicing of multifamily and commercial mortgage loans, including loans with GSEs;

 

    acquisition of Rudesill-Pera Multifamily, LLC, a multifamily brokerage firm operating in Memphis and the Mid-South region;

 

    acquisition of The CRE Group, Inc., a San Francisco-based project and development management firm;

 

    acquisition of Continental Realty, Ltd., a full service brokerage based in Columbus, Ohio;

 

    acquisition of NGKF, S.A. de C.V., a full service brokerage and former Newmark licensee based in Mexico City;

 

    acquisition of Walchle Lear Multifamily Advisors, a multifamily investment sales brokerage firm based in Florida;

 

    acquisition of the assets of Regency Capital Partners, a San Francisco-based real estate finance firm;

 

    acquisition of Spring11, a New-York based commercial real estate due diligence firm; and

 

    acquisition of six former offices of the Integra Realty Resources valuations network based in Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Wilmington, DE, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia and Atlanta.

Our Services and Products

Newmark offers a diverse array of integrated services and products designed to meet the full needs of both real estate investors/owners and occupiers. Our technology advantages, industry-leading talent, deep and diverse client relationships and suite of complementary services and products allow us to actively cross-sell our services and drive industry leading margins.

Leading Commercial Real Estate Technology Platform and Capabilities

We offer innovative real estate technology solutions for both investors/owners and occupiers that enable our clients to increase efficiency and realize additional profits. Our differentiated, value-added and client-facing technology platforms have been utilized by clients that occupy over 3.5 billion square feet of commercial real estate space globally. For real estate occupiers, investors and owners, our N360 platform is a powerful tool that provides instant access and comprehensive commercial real estate data in one place via mobile or desktop. This technology platform makes information, such as listings, historical leasing, tenant/owner information, investment sales, procurement, research, and debt on commercial real estate properties, accessible to investors and owners. N360 also integrates a Geographic Information Systems (which we refer to as “GIS”) platform with 3D mapping powered by Newmark’s Real Estate Data Warehouse. For our occupier clients, the Newmark VISION platform provides integrated business intelligence, reporting and analytics. Our clients use VISION to reduce cost, improve speed and supplement decisionmaking in applications such as real estate transactions and asset administration, project management, building operations and facilities management, environmental and energy management, and workplace management. Our deep and growing real estate database and commitment to providing innovative technological solutions empower us to provide our clients with value-adding technology products and data-driven advice and analytics.

Real Estate Investor/Owner Services and Products

Capital Markets. We provide clients with strategic solutions to their real estate capital concerns. We offer a broad range of real estate capital markets services, including investment sales and facilitating access to providers of capital. We provide access to a wide range of services, including asset sales, sale leasebacks, mortgage and entity-level financing, equity-raising, underwriting and due diligence. The transactions we broker involve vacant

 

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land, new real estate developments and existing buildings. We specialize in arranging financing for most types of value-added commercial real estate, including land, condominium conversions, subdivisions, office, retail, industrial, multifamily, student housing, hotels, data center, healthcare, self-storage and special use. Through our mortgage bankers and brokers, we are able to offer multiple debt and equity alternatives to fund capital markets transactions through third-party banks, insurance companies and other capital providers, as well as through our government sponsored enterprise lending platform, Berkeley Point. Although preliminary figures suggest U.S. commercial real estate sales volumes across the industry declined 7% year-over-year in the first nine months of 2017 and declined 9% for the full year 2016 according to RCA, commercial mortgage origination volumes increased 17% and decreased 3% during the same time periods, respectively, according to the MBA. In comparison, our capital markets revenues, which are more heavily weighted to investment sales than commercial mortgage brokerage, increased by 15% and 26% year-over-year in the first nine months of 2017 and full year 2016, respectively. For the 12-month period ended September 30, 2017, we completed approximately $43 billion in capital markets transactions, representing an increase of approximately 39% year-over-year. This $43 billion in transactions includes approximately $11 billion in financing and note sales.

Agency Leasing. We execute marketing and leasing programs on behalf of investors, developers, governments, property companies and other owners of real estate to secure tenants and negotiate leases. We understand the value of a creditworthy tenant to landlords and work to maximize the financing value of any leasing opportunity. Revenue is typically recognized when a lease is signed and/or a tenant occupies the space and is calculated as a percentage of the total revenue that the landlord is expected to derive from the lease over its term. In certain markets revenue is determined on a per square foot basis. As of September 30, 2017, we represent buildings that total approximately 350 million square feet of commercial real estate on behalf of owners in the U.S.

Valuation and Advisory. We operate a national valuation and advisory business, which has grown expansively in 2017 by approximately 160 professionals. Our appraisal team executes projects of nearly every size and type, from single properties to large portfolios, existing and proposed facilities and mixed-use developments across the spectrum of asset values. Clients include banks, pension funds, insurance companies, developers, corporations, equity funds, REITs and institutional capital sources. These institutions utilize the advisory services we provide in their loan underwriting, construction financing, portfolio analytics, feasibility determination, acquisition structures, litigation support and financial reporting.

Property Management. We provide property management services on a contractual basis to owners and investors in office, industrial and retail properties. Property management services include building operations and maintenance, vendor and contract negotiation, project oversight and value engineering, labor relations, property inspection/quality control, property accounting and financial reporting, cash flow analysis, financial modeling, lease administration, due diligence and exit strategies. We have an opportunity to grow our property or facilities management contracts in connection with other high margin leasing or other contracts. We may provide services through our own employees or through contracts with third-party providers. We focus on maintaining high levels of occupancy and tenant satisfaction while lowering property operating costs using advanced work order management systems and sustainable practices. We typically receive monthly management fees based upon a percentage of monthly rental income generated from the property under management, or in some cases, the greater of such percentage or a minimum agreed upon fee. We are often reimbursed for our administrative and payroll costs, as well as certain out-of-pocket expenses, directly attributable to properties under management. Our property management agreements may be terminated by either party with notice generally ranging between 30 to 90 days; however, we have developed long-term relationships with many of these clients and our typical contract has continued for many years. These businesses also give us better insight into our clients’ overall real estate needs.

Government Sponsored Enterprise (“GSE”) Lending and Loan Servicing. On September 8, 2017, BGC Partners completed the acquisition of Berkeley Point, a leading commercial real estate finance company focused on the origination and sale of multifamily and other commercial real estate loans through government-sponsored

 

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and government-funded loan programs, as well as the servicing of loans originated by it and third parties, including our affiliates. On this same date, BGC Partners, along with Cantor, also completed its investment in a commercial real estate related finance and investment business (which we refer to as “Real Estate Newco”). After these transactions were completed, Berkeley Point and BGC’s investment in Real Estate Newco became part of Newmark. See “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—BP Transaction Agreement and Real Estate Newco Limited Partnership Agreement” for more information on these transactions. Berkeley Point is approved to participate in loan origination, sale and servicing programs operated by the two GSEs, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Berkeley Point also originates, sells and services loans under HUD’s FHA programs, and is an approved HUD MAP and HUD LEAN lender, as well as an approved Ginnie Mae issuer. In 2016, Berkeley Point was a Top-five Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lender according to the Mortgage Bankers Association, with over $7.6 billion in loans originated.

Following our acquisition of Berkeley Point, as well as our investment in Real Estate Newco, we have the expertise, contacts and experience to compete effectively in most commercial real estate service lines. We believe that Berkeley Point will meaningfully increase our services offering and the overall scale and revenues of Newmark. The combination of Berkeley Point and Newmark is a powerful growth catalyst, bringing together our vast network across the commercial real estate industry with Berkeley Point’s significant financing experience.

Origination for GSEs. Berkeley Point originates multifamily loans distributed through the GSE programs of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, as well as through HUD programs. Through HUD’s MAP and LEAN Programs, we provide construction and permanent loans to developers and owners of multifamily housing, affordable housing, senior housing and healthcare facilities. Through Berkeley Point, we are one of 25 approved lenders that participate in the Fannie Mae DUS program and one of 22 lenders approved as a Freddie Mac seller/servicer. For the full year 2016 and the first nine months of 2017, Berkeley Point’s loan originations increased by 58% and 33% year-over-year, respectively, to $7.6 billion and $7.4 billion. For the 12-month period ended September 30, 2017, Berkeley Point’s loan originations were $9.5 billion. As a low-risk intermediary, Berkeley Point originates loans guaranteed by government agencies or entities and pre-sells such loans prior to transaction closing. Berkeley Point has established a strong credit culture over decades of originating loans and remains committed to disciplined risk management from the initial underwriting stage through loan payoff.

Servicing . In conjunction with our origination services, we sell the loans that we originate under GSE programs and retain the servicing of those loans. The servicing portfolio provides a stable, predictable recurring stream of revenue to us over the life of each loan. As of September 30, 2017, Berkeley Point’s servicing portfolio was $58.4 billion (of which less than 10% relates to special servicing) and average remaining servicing term per loan was approximately eight years as of September 30, 2017. As of September 30, 2017, Berkeley Point serviced and provided asset management for approximately $58.4 billion in unpaid principal balance of multifamily loans, representing approximately 3,331 loans in 49 states and the District of Columbia. As of September 30, 2017, Berkeley Point’s mortgage servicing rights had a book value of approximately $386.1 million. The typical multifamily loan that Berkeley Point originates and services under these programs is fixed rate, and includes significant prepayment penalties. These structural features generally offer prepayment protection and provide more stable, recurring fee income. Berkeley Point is a Fitch and S&P rated commercial loan primary and special servicer, as well as a Kroll rated commercial loan primary and GSE special servicer. It has a team of over 60 professionals throughout various locations in the United States dedicated to primary and special servicing and asset management. These professionals focus on financial performance and risk management to anticipate potential property, borrower or market issues. Portfolio management conducted by these professionals is not only a risk management tool, but also leads to deeper relationships with borrowers, resulting in continued interaction with borrowers over the term of the loan, and potential additional financing opportunities.

The combination of Berkeley Point and ARA brings together, respectively, a leading multifamily debt origination platform with a top-three multifamily investment sales business that executed approximately $20 billion of capital markets activity in the trailing twelve months ended September 30, 2017, which we believe will

 

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provide substantial cross-selling opportunities. In particular, we expect revenues to increase as Berkeley Point begins to capture a greater portion of the financings on ARA’s investment sales transactions.

Product Offerings

 

    Fannie Mae . As one of 25 lenders under the Fannie Mae DUS program, Fannie Mae has delegated to Berkeley Point responsibility for ensuring that the loans originated under the Fannie Mae DUS program satisfy the underwriting and other eligibility requirements established from time to time by Fannie Mae. In exchange for this delegation of authority, Berkeley Point shares up to one-third of the losses that may result from a borrower’s default. Most of the Fannie Mae loans that Berkeley Point originates are sold, prior to loan funding, in the form of a Fannie Mae-insured security to third-party investors. Berkeley Point services all loans that it originates under the Fannie Mae DUS program.

 

    Freddie Mac . As one of 22 Freddie Mac Program Plus lenders, Berkeley Point originates and sells to Freddie Mac multifamily, affordable and seniors loans that satisfy Freddie Mac’s underwriting and other eligibility requirements. Under the program, Berkeley Point submits the completed loan underwriting package to Freddie Mac and obtains Freddie Mac’s commitment to purchase the loan at a specified price after closing. Freddie Mac ultimately performs its own underwriting of loans that Berkeley Point sells to Freddie Mac. Freddie Mac may choose to hold, sell or, as it does in most cases, later securitize such loans. Berkeley Point does not have any material risk-sharing arrangements on loans sold to Freddie Mac under Program Plus. Berkeley Point also generally services loans that it originates under this Freddie Mac program.

 

    HUD/Ginnie Mae/FHA . As an approved HUD MAP and HUD LEAN lender and Ginnie Mae issuer, Berkeley Point provides construction and permanent loans to developers and owners of multifamily housing, affordable housing, senior housing and healthcare facilities. Berkeley Point submits a completed loan underwriting package to FHA and obtains FHA’s firm commitment to insure the loan. The loans are typically securitized into Ginnie Mae securities that are sold, prior to loan funding, to third-party investors. Ginnie Mae is a United States government corporation in HUD. Ginnie Mae securities are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States. In the event of a default on a HUD insured loan, HUD will reimburse approximately 99% of any losses of principal and interest on the loan and Ginnie Mae will reimburse the majority of remaining losses of principal and interest. The lender typically is obligated to continue to advance principal and interest payments and tax and insurance escrow amounts on Ginnie Mae securities until the HUD mortgage insurance claim has been paid and the Ginnie Mae security is fully paid. Berkeley Point generally services all loans that it originates under these programs.

Lending Transaction Process. Berkeley Point’s value driven, credit focused approach to underwriting and credit processes provides for clearly defined roles for senior management and carefully designed checks and balances to ensure appropriate quality control. Berkeley Point is subject to both its own and the GSEs’ and HUD’s rigorous underwriting requirements related to property, borrower, and market due diligence to identify risks associated with each loan and to ensure credit quality, satisfactory risk assessment and appropriate risk diversification for our portfolio. Berkeley Point believes that thorough underwriting is essential to generating and sustaining attractive risk adjusted returns for its investors.

Berkeley Point sources lending opportunities by leveraging a deep network of direct borrower and broker relationships in the real estate industry from its national origination platform. Berkeley Point benefits from its 11 offices located throughout the United States and its $58.4 billion servicing portfolio (of which less than 10% relates to special servicing), providing real time information on market performance and comparable data points.

Financing . Berkeley Point finances its loan originations through collateralized financing agreements in the form of warehouse loan agreements (which we refer to as “WHAs”) with three lenders and an aggregate commitment as of September 30, 2017 of $950 million and an uncommitted $325 million Fannie Mae loan

 

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repurchase facility. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, Berkeley Point had collateralized financing outstanding of approximately $660 million and $258 million, respectively. Collateral includes the underlying originated loans and related collateral, the commitment to purchase the loans as well as credit enhancements from the applicable GSE or HUD. Berkeley Point typically completes the distribution of the loans it originates within 30 to 60 days of closing. Proceeds from the distribution are applied to reduce borrowings under the WHAs, thus restoring borrowing capacity for further loan originations.

Intercompany Referrals. Berkeley Point, CCRE and BGC Partners have entered into arrangements in respect of intercompany referrals. Pursuant to these arrangements, the respective parties refer, for customary fees, opportunities for commercial real estate loans to CCRE, opportunities for real estate investment, broker or leasing services to our Newmark business, and opportunities for government sponsored loan originations to our Berkeley Point business.

Due Diligence and Underwriting. We provide commercial real estate due diligence consulting and advisory services to a variety of clients, including lenders, investment banks and investors. Our core competencies include underwriting, modeling, structuring, due diligence and asset management. We also offer clients cost-effective and flexible staffing solutions through both on-site and off-site teams. We believe that this business line gives us another way to cross-sell services to our clients.

Real Estate Occupier Services and Products

Tenant Representation Leasing. We represent commercial tenants in all aspects of the leasing process, including space acquisition and disposition, strategic planning, site selection, financial and market analysis, economic incentives analysis, lease negotiations, lease auditing and project management. We assist clients by defining space requirements, identifying suitable alternatives, recommending appropriate occupancy solutions, negotiating lease and ownership terms with landlords and reducing real estate costs for clients through analyzing, structuring and negotiating business and economic incentives. Fees are generally earned when a lease is signed and/or the tenant takes occupancy of the space. In many cases, landlords are responsible for paying the fees. We use innovative technology and data to provide tenants with an advantage in negotiating leases, which has contributed to our market share gains. In 2016, we completed U.S. leasing transactions (including agency leasing) covering more than 140 million square feet.

Workplace and Occupancy Strategy. We provide services to help organizations understand their current workplace standards and develop plans and policies to optimize their real estate footprint. We offer a multi-faceted consulting service underpinned by robust data and technology.

Global Corporate Services (“GCS”) and Consulting. GCS is our consulting and services business that focuses on reducing occupancy expense and improving efficiency for corporate real estate occupiers, with large, often multi-national presence. We provide beginning-to-end corporate real estate solutions for clients. GCS makes its clients more profitable by optimizing real estate usage, reducing overall corporate footprint, and improving work flow and human capital efficiency through large scale data analysis and our industry-leading technology. We offer global enterprise optimization, asset strategy, transaction services, information management, an operational technology product and transactional and operational consulting. Our consultants provide expertise in financial integration, portfolio strategy, location strategy and optimization, workplace strategies, workflow and business process improvement, merger and acquisition integration, and industrial consulting. We utilize a variety of advanced technology tools to facilitate the provision of transaction and management services to our clients. For example, our innovative VISION tool provides data integration, analysis and reporting, as well as the capability to analyze potential “what if” scenarios to support client decision making. VISION is a scalable and modular enterprise solution that serves as an integrated database and process flow tool supporting the commercial real estate cycle. Our VISION tool combines the best analytical tools available and allows the client to realize a highly accelerated implementation timeline at a reduced cost. We believe that we have achieved more than $3 billion in savings for our clients to date, including a Fortune 100 Industrial company

 

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with a global portfolio of 37 million square feet in over 1,300 locations and a $200 million total real estate and facilities spend, for which we provided $75 million in total savings.

We provide real estate strategic consulting and systems integration services to our global clients including many Fortune 500 and Forbes Global 2000 companies, owner-occupiers, government agencies, healthcare and higher education clients. We also provide enterprise asset management information consulting and technology solutions which can yield hundreds of millions of dollars in cost-savings for its client base on an annual basis. The relationships developed through the software implementation at corporate clients lead to many opportunities for us to deliver additional services. We also provide consulting services through our GCS business. These services include operations consulting related to financial integration, portfolio strategy, location strategy and optimization, workplace strategies, workflow and business process improvement, merger and acquisition integration and industrial consulting. Fees for these services are on a negotiated basis and are often part of a multi-year services agreement. Fees may be contingent on meeting certain financial or savings objectives with incentives for exceeding agreed upon targets.

Technology. GCS has upgraded and improved upon various technologies offered in the Real Estate field combining our technological specialties and our creative core of development within our GCS platform. We believe this technology to be a differentiator in the market and is in the first phase of our plan of continued innovations. This technology is currently being offered, and rolled out, to some of the world’s largest corporations. Delivering best-in-class technology solutions to occupiers of real estate will allow us an opportunity to add value to our clients and allow us to realize additional revenue growth through other GCS services such as lease administration, facilities management and tenant representation, as well as capital market transactions for owner-occupiers of real estate.

Reoccurring Revenue Streams. Today’s clients are focused on corporate governance, consistency in service delivery, centralization of the real estate function and procurement. Clients are also less focused on transaction-based outcomes and more focused on overall results, savings, efficiencies and optimization of their overall business objectives. GCS was specifically designed to meet these objectives. GCS is often hired to solve business problems, not “real estate” problems.

GCS provides a unique lens into the corporate real estate (which we refer to as “CRE”) outsourcing industry and offers a unique way to win business. Whether a client currently manages its corporate real estate function in-house (insource) or has engaged an external provider (outsource), GCS drives value by securing accounts that are first generation outsource or by gaining outsourced market share.

GCS provides a recurring revenue stream via entering into multi-year contracts that provide repeatable transaction work, as opposed to one-off engagements in specific markets.

GCS increases value for the overall organization via multiple channels:

 

    Multiplying “transactionable” revenue for the firm across all locations in a client’s total real estate portfolio (i.e., involvement in transactions for hundreds to thousands of assets versus one transaction for a single asset).

 

    Leveraging our position as a trusted advisor to route business to other non-related divisions of overall organization (e.g., capital markets).

 

    Amplifying business generation via large corporate procurement-driven efforts that involve harnessing the enterprise-wide spend for business-to-business / reciprocal business opportunities.

As a result of our GCS business, we have been named a “Leader” by The International Association of Outsourcing Professionals (which we refer to as the “IAOP”) in its prestigious annual Global Outsourcing 100 list for 2015, which identifies the world’s best outsourcing providers across all industries. In recognition of the

 

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success of our GCS platform, we have been named in the IAOP Global Outsourcing 100 six times in the past seven years. With the development of our GCS technologies, we were also ranked among InformationWeek’s 500 for “Business Technology Innovators” for five consecutive years.

In addition to the direct value that GCS creates for its clients, for our overall organization and for our brand within the industry, there is inherent value in GCS as a driver of innovation and thought leadership. GCS is comprised of subject matter experts and CRE leaders, and we generate strategic value by speaking at and hosting industry-related panels at CoreNet Global as well as the World Economic Forum and by publishing content to market. Also, the implementation of our Certified Advisor Program and internal GCS summits feature workshops, sessions and other activities designed to share key information, lessons learned and share best practices, all with the goal of improving service across all accounts.

Project Management. We provide a variety of services to tenants and owners of self-occupied spaces. These include conversion management, move management, construction management and strategic occupancy planning services. These services may be provided in connection with a discrete tenant representation lease or on a contractual basis across a corporate client’s portfolio. Fees are generally determined on a negotiated basis and earned when the project is complete.

Real Estate and Lease Administration. We manage leases for our clients for a fee, which is generally on a per lease basis. As of September 30, 2017, we have more than 20,000 leases under management. We also perform lease audits and certain accounting functions related to the leases. Our lease administration services include critical date management, rent processing and rent payments. These services provide additional insight into a client’s real estate portfolio, which allows us to deliver significant value back to the client through provision of additional services, such as tenant representation, project management and consulting assignments, to minimize leasing and occupancy costs. For large occupier clients, our real estate technology enables them to access and manage their complete portfolio of real estate assets. We offer clients a fully integrated user-focused technology product designed to help them efficiently manage their real estate costs and assets.

Facilities Management. We manage a broad range of properties on behalf of users of commercial real estate, including headquarters, facilities and office space, for a broad cross section of companies, including Fortune 500 and Forbes Global 2000 companies. We manage the day-to-day operations and maintenance for urban and suburban commercial properties of most types, including office, industrial, data centers, healthcare, retail, call centers, urban towers, suburban campuses, and landmark buildings. Facilities management services may also include facility audits and reviews, energy management services, janitorial services, mechanical services, bill payment, maintenance, project management, and moving management. While facility management contracts are typically three to five years in duration, they may be terminated on relatively short notice periods. Our facilities management services cover more than 250,000 work orders annually.

Industry Overview

According to IBISWorld and Newmark research estimates, the commercial real estate services industry presents an annual global revenue opportunity of greater than $200 billion, of which over 70% is outside the United States. Less than 15% of the global revenue opportunity is currently serviced by the top six global commercial real estate brokerage and service companies (by revenue). This more than $200 billion addressable market includes the large majority of companies and landlords that have not yet outsourced some or all of their commercial real estate functions. We believe that we will benefit from the long-term trend of owners and occupiers outsourcing their real estate-related functions to companies like ours who have the scope and scale to provide higher quality service at a lower cost. We also believe that a significant portion of the global revenue opportunity consists of smaller and regional companies. Over the last several years, Newmark and our peers have acquired a number of smaller and local commercial real estate services firms, and we believe this trend towards industry consolidation will continue as large users and owners of commercial real estate continue to see the benefits of being serviced by larger, integrated providers such as ourselves.

 

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We are also positioned to provide services for the approximately 80% of this market (as measured by square feet) that we believe does not outsource any or all of their real estate functions. We provide technology solutions for companies that self-manage, offering them visibility into their real estate data and tools to become more efficient. This embedded technology also provides the opportunity to offer consulting and execute other transactions for these occupier and landlord clients through GCS and other divisions.

As sovereign and investment grade bond yields remain near historic lows, the attractive returns on real estate are causing institutional investors of all types to further increase the percentage of their portfolios in real estate-related assets. These historically low global interest rates have driven global investors into the U.S. commercial real estate asset class, and such increase helps drive the growth of our capital markets business and drives growth from clients via our investment sales, agency lending and commercial mortgage platforms.

According to our research, the total value of global commercial real estate assets was estimated to be over $20 trillion at the end of 2016. According to CoStar’s Value-Weighted and Equal-Weighted U.S. Composite Indices, average commercial real estate prices were up by 3.5% and 16.5%, respectively, year-over-year through the end of August 2017. In addition, based on a report from RCA, property sales in the commercial real estate sector for properties priced at $2.5 million and above reached nearly $500 billion in 2016. This represents a CAGR of approximately 16% over the last five calendar years, and is the third best year on record by value of property sales. Although according to preliminary estimates by RCA sales volumes declined by 7% year-over-year in the first nine months of 2017 and were down 9% in full year 2016, commercial mortgage origination volumes increased 17% and decreased 3% during the same time periods, respectively, according to the MBA. In comparison, our capital markets revenues, which are more heavily weighted to investment sales than commercial mortgage brokerage, increased by 15% and 26% year-over-year in the first nine months of 2017 and full year 2016, respectively. Our outperformance and market share gains in investment sales were driven mainly by our continued hiring of industry-leading front office staff and strong improvement in our brokers’ productivity.

In the multifamily lending market, where we operate through our Berkeley Point platform, overall market trends have also been positive. According to the MBA, total multifamily loan originations by all lenders were approximately $260 billion in 2016, an increase of 4% over 2015. Loans eligible for purchase by GSEs and the FHA drove much of that origination growth, with GSE and FHA multifamily loan originations increasing by approximately 11% in 2016 to $122 billion from 2015. Growth has continued in 2017 as industry-wide GSE multifamily loan origination volumes, have increased 15% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. In comparison, our GSE origination volume increased by approximately 33%, and our gains from mortgage banking activities, net, increased by approximately 18% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, both compared with the prior year period. We expect to continue to gain market share as we invest in the growth of our business and leverage our relationship with the top multi-family investment sales businesses in the United States.

According to Newmark Research, the combined average vacancy rate for office, industrial, and retail properties ended the third quarter of 2017 at 8.3%, versus 8.2% a year earlier. Rents for virtually all property types in the U.S. continued to improve modestly. However, Newmark Research estimates that overall U.S. leasing activity during the year to date was flat to down slightly from the comparable prior year period.

In comparison, revenues from our leasing and other services business increased by 17% over the first nine months of 2016 to $430.9 million.

Industry Trends and Opportunity

We expect the following industry and macroeconomic trends to impact our market opportunity:

Large and Highly Fragmented Market. The commercial real estate services industry is a more than $200 billion global revenue market of which we believe a significant portion currently resides with smaller and

 

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regional companies. Less than 15% of the revenue in the commercial real estate market is currently serviced by the top six global firms (by revenue), leaving a large opportunity for us to reach clients serviced by the large number of fragmented smaller and regional companies. We believe that clients increasingly value full service real estate service providers with comprehensive capabilities and multi-jurisdictional reach. We believe this will provide a competitive advantage for us as we have full service capabilities to service both real estate owners and occupiers.

Trend Toward Outsourcing of Commercial Real Estate Services. Outsourcing of real estate-related services has reduced both property owner and tenant costs, which has spurred additional demand for real estate. We believe that the more than $200 billion global revenue opportunity includes a large percentage of companies and landlords that have not yet outsourced their commercial real estate functions, including many functions offered by our management services businesses. Large corporations are focused on consistency in service delivery and centralization of the real estate function and procurement to maximize cost savings and efficiencies in their real estate portfolios. This focus tends to lead them to choose full-service providers like Newmark, where customers can centralize service delivery and maximize cost reductions. Our GCS business was specifically designed to meet these objectives through the development of high value-add client-embedded technology, expert consultants and transaction execution. Additionally, we believe that approximately 80% of property owners and occupiers (as measured by square feet) do not outsource and we consult with them and implement software to facilitate self-management more efficiently. This technology produces licensing and consulting revenues, allows us to engage further with these clients and positions us for opportunities to provide transaction and management services to fulfill their needs.

Increasing Institutional Investor Demand in Commercial Real Estate. Institutions investing in real estate often compare their returns on investments in real estate to the underlying interest rates in order to allocate their investments. The continued low interest rate environment around the world and appealing spreads have attracted significant additional investment by the portfolios of sovereign wealth funds, insurance companies, pension and mutual funds, and other institutional investors, leading to an increased percentage of direct and indirect ownership of real-estate related assets over time. The target allocation to real estate by all institutional investors globally has increased from 3.7% of their overall portfolios in 1990 to over 10% in 2017, according to figures from Preqin Real Estate Online, Cornell University’s Baker Program in Real Estate and Hodes Weill & Associates. We expect this positive allocation trend to continue to benefit our capital markets, services, and GSE lending businesses.

Significant Levels of Commercial Mortgage Debt Outstanding and Upcoming Maturities. With $3.1 trillion in U.S. mortgage debt outstanding and with approximately $1.5 trillion of maturities expected from 2018 to 2021 according to Trepp, LLC and the MBA, we see opportunities in our commercial mortgage brokerage businesses and our GSE lending units. Sustained low interest rates typically stimulate our capital markets business, where demand is often dependent on attractive all-in borrowing rates versus asset yields. U.S. and global interest rates have remained at historically low levels for a number of years. For example, the 10-year Treasury yield ended the third quarter of 2017 at 2.33%, well below their historical average. As of September 30, 2017, 10-year government bond yields were even lower for most developed countries. We expect interest rates to slowly and steadily rise over the next three to five years. We expect our capital markets and GSE lending businesses to continue to outperform the overall industry over the coming years, and because of our diversified mix of businesses, as well as our strong track record of adding industry-leading talent and improving revenue per producer, we expect to grow faster than the overall industry in any macroeconomic environment.

Favorable Multifamily Demographics Driving Growth in GSE Lending and Multifamily Sales. Delayed marriages, an aging population and immigration to the United States are among the factors increasing demand for new apartment living, which, according to a recent study commissioned by the National Multifamily Housing Council (which we refer to as the “NMHC”) and the National Apartment Association (which we refer to as the “NAA”), is expected to reach 4.6 million new apartments by 2030, with total demand for rental housing expected to increase by nearly 10 million units by 2030. The NMHC estimates that 325,000 new apartments must be built

 

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annually through 2030 to meet new demand. Additionally, according to the MBA, multifamily loan originations by all lenders increased to $260 billion in 2016, a CAGR of over 15% from 2014 to 2016, while GSE originations increased by a 29% CAGR. We expect these trends will support continued growth for our multifamily business platform, which provides integrated investment sales capabilities through ARA and GSE lending and servicing capabilities through Berkeley Point and our mortgage brokerage business.

Our Competitive Strengths

We believe the following competitive strengths differentiate us from competitors and will help us enhance our position as a leading commercial real estate services provider:

Full Service Capabilities. We provide a fully integrated real estate services platform to meet the needs of our clients and seek to provide beginning-to-end corporate services to each client. These services include leasing, investment sales, mortgage brokerage, property management, facility management, multifamily GSE lending, loan servicing, advisory and consulting, appraisal, property and development services and embedded technological solutions to support their activities and allow them to comprehensively manage their real estate assets. Through our investment in Real Estate Newco (see “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—BP Transaction Agreement and Real Estate Newco Limited Partnership Agreement”), we are able to provide clients access to nonagency lending investment management, and other real-estate related offerings. Today’s clients are focused on consistency of service delivery, centralization of the real estate function and procurement, resulting in savings and efficiencies by allowing them to focus on their core competencies. Our target clients increasingly award business to full-service commercial real estate services firms, a trend which benefits our business over a number of our competitors. Additionally, our full service capabilities afford us an advantage when competing for business from clients who are outsourcing real estate services for the first time, as well as clients seeking best in class technology solutions. We believe that our comprehensive, top-down approach to commercial real estate services has allowed our revenue sources to become well-diversified across services and into key markets throughout North America.

Proven Ability to Hire and Acquire. We believe we have an exceptional ability to identify, acquire or hire, and integrate high-performing companies and individuals. Since our acquisition by BGC in the fourth quarter of 2011 through September 30, 2017, we have meaningfully expanded our capabilities, become a full-service commercial real estate services firm and increased our producer headcount from approximately 400 to approximately 1,530 and number of offices from approximately 40 to over 120. Since 2012, and through the 12-month period ended September 30, 2017, we increased our average revenue per producer by 64% from $474,000 to $775,000. For the year ended December 31, 2016, our average revenue per producer was $707,000. See the definitions of “producer” and “average revenue per producer” at the beginning of this prospectus. This growth is underpinned by our ability to attract and retain top talent in the industry. Many high performing professionals are attracted to our technology capabilities, entrepreneurial culture, emphasis on cross-selling and unique partnership structure. This unique partnership structure allows acquirees the ability to contribute the value of their business to, and receive earnings from, our partnership. We also have a successful track record of acquisitions, and have completed over 35 since 2011, including leading brokerage firms in such dynamic markets as San Francisco/Silicon Valley, Denver, Philadelphia, Houston, Dallas and Atlanta. Outside of the United States, we recently acquired a full-service real estate firm in Mexico City, a significant commercial real estate market. We expect our ability to make accretive acquisitions and hires to be significantly enhanced through the use of our standalone equity currency after the completion of this offering.

Deeply Embedded, Industry-Leading Technology. Our advanced technology differentiates us in the marketplace by harnessing the scale and scope of our data derived from billions of square feet of leased real estate. Our technology platform is led by our innovative VISION product. This software combines powerful business intelligence, reporting and analytics, allowing clients to more efficiently manage their real estate portfolios. Our N360 custom mobile tools provide our clients access to our research, demographics and notifications about various property related events. Our technology provides to our clients data consolidated

 

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across tenant/owner information, historical leasing data, listings data, investment sales data, procurement data, research and debt all in one place. We provide this robust real estate information platform with 3-D visualizations, enriched property market data powered by analytics engines and our powerful real estate data warehouse. This allows us to facilitate more timely dissemination of critical real estate information to our clients and professionals spread throughout a diverse array of markets. In addition to generating revenue from software licenses and user agreements, we believe our technology solutions encourage customers to use Newmark to execute capital markets and leasing transactions, as well as other recurring services. To maintain our competitive advantage in the marketplace, we employ approximately 200 dedicated, in-house technology professionals and consultants who continue to improve existing software products as well as develop new innovations. We will continue to aggressively develop and invest in technology with innovations in this area, which we believe will drive the future of real estate corporate outsourcing.

Strong and Diversified Client Relationships. We have long-standing relationships with many of the world’s largest commercial property owners, real estate developers and investors, as well as Fortune 500 and Forbes Global 2000 companies. We are able to provide beginning-to-end corporate services solutions for our clients through GCS. This allows us to generate more recurring and predictable revenues as we generally have multi-year contracts to provide services, including repeatable transaction work, lease administration, project management, facilities management and consulting. In capital markets, we provide real estate investors and owners with property management and agency leasing during their ownership and assist them with maximizing their return on real estate investments through investment sales, debt and equity financing, lending and valuation and appraisal services and real estate technology solutions. We believe that the many touch points we have with our clients gives us a competitive advantage in terms of client-specific and overall industry knowledge, while also giving us an opportunity to cross-sell our various offerings to provide maximum value to our customers.

Strong Financial Position to Support High Growth. We generate significant earnings and strong and consistent cash flow that we expect to fuel our future growth. For the 12-month period ended September 30, 2017, we generated revenues of $1.5 billion, representing year-over-year growth of approximately 16%. We intend to maintain a strong balance sheet and our separation from BGC Partners will provide us with a “pure play” and more effective acquisition currency through our listed equity securities that will allow us to continue to grow our market share as we accretively acquire companies, develop and invest in technology and add top talent across our platform. Further, we believe that our capital position will be strengthened by our expected receipt of up to 10.9 million Nasdaq shares to be paid ratably over approximately 11 years (beginning in 2017) in connection with the eSpeed sale (see “Business—Nasdaq Transaction”). We recognized the receipt of the first of these payments of Nasdaq shares in the quarter ended September 30, 2017, and expect to recognize the receipt of shares ratably in the third quarter of future fiscal years. We expect the Nasdaq payment to provide approximately $77 million of pre-tax earnings and cash flow annually during this period, based on the last reported sale price of one Nasdaq share as of the end of the third quarter of 2017. With our strong balance sheet and standalone equity currency, we will be well positioned to make future hires and acquisitions and to profitably grow our market share.

Partnership Structure Yields Multiple Benefits. We believe that our unique partnership structure provides us with numerous competitive advantages. Unlike our peers, virtually all of our key executives and revenue-generating employees have equity stakes. We believe this aligns our employees and management with shareholders and encourages a collaborative culture that drives cross-selling and improves revenue growth. Additionally, our partnership structure reduces recruitment costs by encouraging retention, as equity stakes are subject to redemption or forfeiture in the event that employees leave the firm to compete with Newmark. Additionally, our partnership structure is tax efficient for employees and our public shareholders. We believe that this structure, which will be enhanced by our standalone equity currency, promotes an entrepreneurial culture that, along with our strong platform, enables us to attract key producers in key markets and services.

Strong and Experienced Management Team. We have dozens of executives and senior managers who have significant experience with building and growing industry-leading businesses and creating significant value for

 

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stakeholders. Management is heavily invested in Newmark’s success, supporting strong alignment with shareholders. We believe our deep bench of talent will allow us to significantly increase the scale of Newmark as we continue to invest in our platforms. Our Chairman, Howard Lutnick, has more than 34 years of financial industry experience at BGC Partners and Cantor. He was instrumental in the founding of eSpeed in 1996, its IPO in 1999, and its merger with and into BGC Partners in 2008. In 2013, he negotiated the sale of eSpeed, which generated just under $100 million in annual revenues, to Nasdaq for over $1.2 billion. See “Business—Nasdaq Transaction.” Barry Gosin has served as Chief Executive Officer of Newmark since 1979 and has successfully guided the Company’s significant expansion since 2011. Mr. Gosin spearheaded our merger with BGC Partners in 2011, and has received the Real Estate Board of New York’s “Most Ingenious Deal of the Year” award on three separate occasions. In addition, James Ficarro, our Chief Operating Officer, and Michael Rispoli, our Chief Financial Officer, along with our other senior management, collectively have decades of experience in the financial and real estate services industries.

Our Differentiated Business Growth Strategy

Set forth below are the key components of our differentiated business growth strategy:

Profitably Hire Top Talent and Accretively Acquire Complementary Businesses. Building on our management team’s proven track record, our unique partnership structure, our high-growth platform and our standalone equity currency, we intend to opportunistically hire additional producers and acquire other firms, services and products to strengthen and enhance our broad suite of offerings. We expect this growth to deepen our presence in our existing markets and expand our ability to service existing and new clients.

Incentivize and Retain Top Talent Using Our Partnership Structure. Unlike our peers, virtually all of our key executives and producers have partnership or equity stakes in our company and receive deferred equity or BGC Holdings units as part of their compensation. Approximately one-third of BGC Partners’ fully diluted shares were owned by executives, partners and employees of BGC Partners as of September 30, 2017. We believe that following this offering, a similarly high percentage of Newmark’s fully diluted shares will be owned by our executives, partners and employees over time. Our unique partnership structure, and our standalone equity currency, will enable us to motivate and retain our best producers more effectively than our peers in the key markets and services that are critical to our growth. Our ownership stakes, retention tools and partnership structure, together with the creation of Newmark equity solely linked to our business, will more strongly align our employee interests with those of our stockholders, and provide effective tools to recruit, motivate and retain our key employees.

Actively Cross-Sell Services to Increase Revenue and Expand Margins. We expect the combination of our services and products to generate substantial revenue synergies across our platforms, increase revenues per producer and expand margins. We believe cross-selling opportunities contributed to our 14% increase in revenue per producer in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared with the prior year period. To complement and drive future growth opportunities within our GCS business, we are leveraging our capabilities in providing innovative front-end real estate technology solutions to complement and cross-sell other corporate services to those clients, including leasing services, project management, facilities management and lease administration services. Furthermore, the combination of Berkeley Point as a leading multifamily origination provider with ARA, our top-three multifamily investment sales business, and Newmark’s fast growing commercial mortgage business is an opportunity for strong loan originations and cross-selling opportunities across the multifamily market. We expect revenues to increase as Berkeley Point begins to capture a greater portion of financings on ARA’s investment sales transactions.

Utilize Our Technology to Provide Value and Deepen Relationships with Clients. We believe owners and occupiers of commercial real estate are increasingly focused on improving their efficiency, cost reduction and outsourcing of non-core real estate competencies. Through the use of our innovative technology and consulting services, we help clients become more efficient in their commercial real estate activities, and thus realize additional profit. We will continue to provide technology solutions for companies that self-manage, offering

 

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them visibility into their real estate data and tools to better manage their real estate utilization and spend. For instance, we are well positioned to provide technology services for the approximately 80% of the market that we believe does not outsource their real estate functions. The deep insight into our clients that we gain through our data and technology will provide us with opportunities to cross-sell consulting and transaction services.

Maximize Recurring and Other Revenue Opportunity from Each Service Offering to Real Estate Owners. We drive growth throughout the life cycle of each commercial real estate asset by providing best-in-class investment sales, debt and equity financing, agency leasing and property management. Our product offerings often create recurring revenues from properties, in particular with respect to property management, where the average life of our properties under management exceeds five years, and our servicing portfolio of $58.4 billion (of which less than 10% relates to special servicing) that has an average life of eight years at September 30, 2017. Our multifamily investment sales business and our commercial mortgage brokerage business also drive revenue, through referrals, to our GSE lending business. And we have also begun a meaningful expansion of our valuation and appraisal business, which we expect to spur significant growth and complement our platforms supporting the buying and selling of commercial real estate.

Opportunity to Grow Global Footprint. In 2016, less than 1% of our revenues were from international sources, while our largest, full-service, U.S.-listed competitors earned approximately 40-50% of their 2016 revenues outside the U.S., excluding investment management. We believe that our successful history of acquiring businesses across the U.S. and making profitable hires across our business lines demonstrates our ability to increase revenues in the U.S. and grow substantially through acquisition and hiring globally. Currently, we facilitate servicing our clients’ needs outside of the Americas through our alliance with London-based Knight Frank LLP (which we refer to as “Knight Frank”). We believe that we have a substantial opportunity to grow in the U.S. and internationally across leasing, investment sales, mortgage brokerage, property management, facilities management, loan servicing, advisory and consulting, appraisal, property and development services.

Nasdaq Transaction

On June 28, 2013, BGC Partners sold eSpeed to Nasdaq in the Nasdaq Transaction. The total consideration paid or payable by Nasdaq included an earn-out of up to 14,883,705 shares of common stock of Nasdaq to be paid ratably over 15 years after the closing of the Nasdaq Transaction, provided that Nasdaq produces at least $25 million in gross revenues for the applicable year. Nasdaq has recorded more than $2.4 billion in gross revenues for each of the last 11 calendar years and generated gross revenues of approximately $3.7 billion in 2016. As of September 30, 2017, 3,968,988 shares of common stock of Nasdaq have been received by BGC Partners. The economic impact of such shares that have already been received by BGC Partners will remain with BGC Partners following the separation. We expect that the right to receive the remainder of the Nasdaq payment will have been transferred from BGC Partners to us prior to the completion of this offering. We expect to receive up to approximately 10.9 million Nasdaq shares over time beginning in 2017, which were valued at approximately $846 million based on the last reported sale price of a share of common stock of Nasdaq on September 29, 2017. We have recorded a gain related to the 2017 Nasdaq payment of $77 million in the third quarter of 2017, and expect our future results to include the additional approximately 9.9 million Nasdaq shares to be received over time. We believe that the inclusion of the Nasdaq payment in our results will be beneficial to us because it will give us additional funds that we may use to profitably hire and make accretive acquisitions and thus profitably grow our market share.

Our Knight Frank Partnership

We offer services to clients on a global basis. In 2005, we partnered with London-based Knight Frank in order to enhance our ability to provide best-in-class local service to our clients, throughout the world. Knight Frank is a leading independent, global real estate services firm providing integrated prime and commercial real estate services and operates in over 200 key office hubs across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and Africa. Outside of the Americas, we collaborate with Knight Frank to ensure that our clients have access to local

 

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expertise and to highly-skilled professionals in the locales where they choose to transact. We expect that our cross-selling efforts with Knight Frank will lead to continued growth, particularly as our growing capital markets business increases its penetration with foreign investors.

While we have the right to expand our international operations, we may be subject to certain short-term contractual restrictions due to our existing agreement with Knight Frank, which, unless extended, expires on December 31, 2017. The agreement restricts the parties from operating a competing commercial real estate business in the other party’s areas of responsibility. Our areas of responsibility are North America and South America. Knight Frank’s areas of responsibility are the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Our Domestic and Latin American Real Estate Services Alliances

In certain smaller markets in the United States and elsewhere in the Americas in which we do not maintain owned offices, we have agreements in place to operate on a collaborative and cross-referral basis with certain independently-owned offices in return for contractual and referral fees paid to us and/or certain mutually beneficial co-branding and other business arrangements. We do not derive a significant portion of our revenue from these relationships. These independently owned offices generally use some variation of our branding in their names and marketing materials. These agreements are normally multi-year contracts, and generally provide for mutual referrals in their respective markets, generating additional contract and brokerage fees. Through these independently-owned offices, our clients have access to additional brokers with local market research capabilities as well as other commercial real estate services in locations where our business does not have a physical presence.

Industry Recognition

As a result of our experienced management team’s ability to skillfully grow the Company, we have become a nationally recognized brand. Over the past several years, we have consistently won a number of U.S. industry awards and accolades, been ranked highly by third-party sources and significantly increased our rankings, which we believe reflects recognition of our performance and achievements. For example:

 

    Ranked #4 Top Brokers in sales of Office Properties, Real Estate Alert, First Half 2017, up from #17 in 2010, the year before the Company was acquired by BGC;

 

    Ranked #3 Top Brokerage Firm, Commercial Property Executive, 2017;

 

    Ranked #4 Top Brokerage Firm, National Real Estate Investor, 2016;

 

    Ranked #4 multifamily Fannie Mae DUS lender for 2016 by the Mortgage Bankers Association, up from #9 in 2013, the year before we acquired this business;

 

    Ranked #5 multifamily Freddie Mac lender in 2016 by the Mortgage Bankers Association, up from #10 in 2013, the year before we acquired this business;

 

    Ranked #2 Top Brokers of Multihousing Properties, ARA, a Newmark Company, Real Estate Alert, First Half 2017;

 

    Ranked #3 Best Commercial Real Estate Tenant Representation Firm, New York Law Journal, 2016; also ranked #2 Best Commercial Real Estate Property Management Firm, New York Law Journal, 2016;

 

    Ranked #5 Top Brokerage Firm, Commercial Property Executive, 2016;

 

    Ranked #3 New York’s Largest Commercial Property Managers, Crain’s New York Business, 2016;

 

    Ranked Top 100 Global Outsourcing Firms, International Association of Outsourcing Professionals, 2017;

 

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    Winner of 12 REBNY Deal of the Year Awards in the last 12 Years, Real Estate Board of New York or Winner of REBNY 2015 Most Ingenious Deal of the Year Award and 2015 Most Ingenious Retail Deal of the Year Award;

 

    Ranked #2 Commercial Real Estate Firms, Newmark Cornish & Carey, Silicon Valley Business Journal, 2017; and

 

    Ranked #6 of the Top 25 in Sales Volume, Real Capital Analytics Survey, 2016, up from #21 in 2010, the year before the Company was acquired by BGC.

Clients

Our clients include a full range of real estate owners, occupiers, tenants, investors, lenders and multi-national corporations in numerous markets, including office, retail, industrial, multifamily, student housing, hotels, data center, healthcare, self-storage, land, condominium conversions, subdivisions and special use. Our clients vary greatly in size and complexity, and include for-profit and non-profit entities, governmental entities and public and private companies. For the year ended December 31, 2016, our top 10 clients, collectively, accounted for less than 7% of our total revenue on a consolidated basis, and our largest client accounted for less than 1% of our total revenue on a consolidated basis.

Sales and Marketing

We seek to develop our brand and to highlight its expansive platform while reinforcing our position as a leading commercial real estate services firm in the United States through national brand and corporate marketing, local marketing of specific product lines and targeted broker marketing efforts.

National Brand and Corporate Marketing

At a national level, we utilize media relations, industry sponsorships and sales collateral and targeted advertising in trade and business publications to develop and market our brand. We believe that our emphasis on our unique capabilities enables us to demonstrate our strengths and differentiate ourselves from our competitors. Our multi-market business groups provide customized collateral, website and technology solutions that address specific client needs.

Local Product Line Marketing and Targeted Broker Efforts

On a local level, our offices (including those owned by us and independently owned offices) have access to tools and templates that provide our sales professionals with the market knowledge we believe is necessary to educate and advise clients, and also to bring properties to market quickly and effectively. These tools and templates include proprietary research and analyses, web-based marketing systems and ongoing communications and training about our depth and breadth of services. Our sales professionals use these local and national resources to participate directly in selling to, advising and servicing clients. We provide marketing services and materials to certain independently owned offices as part of an overall agreement allowing them to use our branding. We also benefit from shared referrals and materials from local offices.

Additionally, we invest in and rely on comprehensive research to support and guide the development of real estate and investment strategy for our clients. Research plays a key role in keeping colleagues throughout the organization attuned to important trends and changing conditions in world markets. We disseminate this information internally and externally directly to prospective clients and the marketplace through the company website. We believe that our investments in research and technology are critical to establishing our brand as a thought leader and expert in real estate-related matters and provide a key sales and marketing differentiator.

 

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Intellectual Property

We regard our technology and intellectual property rights, including our brands, as a critical part of our business. We hold various trademarks, trade dress and trade names and rely on a combination of patent, copyright, trademark, service mark and trade secret laws, as well as contractual restrictions, to establish and protect our intellectual property rights. We own numerous domain names and have registered numerous trademarks and/or service marks in the United States and foreign countries. We have a number of pending patent applications relating to the product of our thought leadership. We will continue to file additional patent applications on new inventions, as appropriate, demonstrating our commitment to technology and innovation. Although we believe our intellectual property rights play a role in maintaining our competitive position in a number of the markets that we serve, we do not believe we would be materially adversely affected by the expiration or termination of our trademarks or trade names or the loss of any of our other intellectual property rights. Our trademark registrations must be renewed periodically, and, in most jurisdictions, every 10 years.

Competition

We compete across a variety of business disciplines within the commercial real estate industry, including commercial property and corporate facilities management, owner-occupier, property and agency leasing, property sales, valuation, capital markets (equity and debt) solutions, GSE lending and loan servicing and development services. Each business discipline is highly competitive on a local, regional, national and global level. Depending on the geography, property type or service, we compete with other commercial real estate service providers, including outsourcing companies that traditionally competed in limited portions of our real estate management services business and have recently expanded their offerings. These competitors include companies such as Aramark, ISS A/S and ABM Industries. We also compete with in-house corporate real estate departments, developers, institutional lenders, insurance companies, investment banking firms, investment managers and accounting and consulting firms in various parts of our business. Despite recent consolidation, the commercial real estate services industry remains highly fragmented and competitive. Although many of our competitors are local or regional firms that are smaller than us, some of these competitors are more entrenched than us on a local or regional basis. We are also subject to competition from other large multi-national firms that have similar service competencies to ours, including CBRE Group, Inc., Jones Lang LaSalle Inc., Cushman & Wakefield (majority-owned by TPG Capital), Savills Studley, Inc. and Colliers International Group, Inc. In addition, more specialized firms like HFF, Inc., Marcus & Millichap Inc., Eastdil Secured LLC (part of Wells Fargo & Company) and Walker & Dunlop compete with us in certain service lines.

Seasonality

Due to the strong desire of many market participants to close real estate transactions prior to the end of a calendar year, our business exhibits certain seasonality, with our revenue tending to be lowest in the first quarter and strongest in the fourth quarter. For the full year ended 2016, we earned 20% of our revenues in the first quarter and 29% of our revenues in the fourth quarter.

Partnership Overview

We believe that our partnership structure is one of the unique strengths of our business. We expect many of our key brokers, salespeople and other professionals to have their own capital invested in our business, aligning their interests with those of our stockholders. As of the completion of this offering, we will be the general partner of Newmark Holdings and limited partnership interests in Newmark Holdings will consist of: (i) a special voting limited partnership interest held by us; (ii) exchangeable limited partnership interests held by Cantor; (iii) founding/working partner interests held by founding/working partners; (iv) limited partnership units, which consist of a variety of units that are generally held by employees such as REUs, RPUs, PSUs, PSIs, PSEs, LPUs, APSUs, APSIs, AREUs, ARPUs and NPSUs; and (v) Preferred Units, which are working partner interests that may be awarded to holders of, or contemporaneous with, the grant of REUs, RPUs, PSUs, PSIs, PSEs, LPUs, APSUs, APSIs, AREUs, ARPUs and NPSUs. See “Structure of Newmark.”

 

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We believe that our partnership structure will be an effective tool in recruiting, motivating and retaining key employees. We expect many brokers to be attracted by the opportunity to become partners because the partnership agreement will generally entitle partners to quarterly distributions of income from the partnership. While Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests will generally entitle our partners to participate in distributions of income from the operations of our business, upon leaving Newmark Holdings (or upon any other redemption or purchase of such limited partnership interests), any such partners will only be entitled to receive over time, and provided he or she does not violate certain partner obligations, an amount for his or her Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests that reflects such partner’s capital account or compensatory grant awards, excluding any goodwill or going concern value of our business unless Cantor, in the case of the founding partners, and we, as the general partner of Newmark Holdings, otherwise determine. Our partners will be able to receive the right to exchange their Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests for shares of our Class A common stock (if, in the case of founding partners, Cantor so determines and, in the case of working partners and limited partnership unit holders, we, as the Newmark Holdings general partner, with Cantor’s consent, determine otherwise) and thereby realize any higher value associated with our Class A common stock. We believe that, having invested in us, partners feel a sense of responsibility for the health and performance of our business and have a strong incentive to maximize our revenues and profitability. See “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions” and “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Relationship with BGC Partners, Cantor and Their Respective Affiliates.”

Relationship with BGC Partners and Cantor

See “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions” and “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Relationship with BGC Partners, Cantor and Their Respective Affiliates.”

Regulation

The brokerage of real estate sales and leasing transactions, property and facilities management, conducting real estate valuation and securing debt for clients, among other business lines, also require that we comply with regulations affecting the real estate industry and maintain licenses in the various jurisdictions in which we operate. Like other market participants that operate in numerous jurisdictions and in various business lines, we must comply with numerous regulatory regimes.

We could be required to pay fines, return commissions, have a license suspended or revoked, or be subject to other adverse action if we conduct regulated activities without a license or violate applicable rules and regulations. Licensing requirements could also impact our ability to engage in certain types of transactions, change the way in which we conduct business or affect the cost of conducting business. We and our licensed associates may be subject to various obligations and we could become subject to claims by regulators and/or participants in real estate sales or other services claiming that we did not fulfill our obligations. This could include claims with respect to alleged conflicts of interest where we act, or are perceived to be acting, for two or more clients. While management has overseen highly regulated businesses before and expects us to comply with all applicable regulations in a satisfactory manner, no assurance can be given that it will always be the case. In addition, federal, state and local laws and regulations impose various environmental zoning restrictions, use controls, and disclosure obligations that impact the management, development, use and/or sale of real estate. Such laws and regulations tend to discourage sales and leasing activities, as well as mortgage lending availability, with respect to such properties. In our role as property or facilities manager, we could incur liability under environmental laws for the investigation or remediation of hazardous or toxic substances or wastes relating to properties we currently or formerly managed. Such liability may be imposed without regard for the lawfulness of the original disposal activity, or our knowledge of, or fault for, the release or contamination. Further, liability under some of these may be joint and several, meaning that one of multiple liable parties could be responsible for all costs related to a contaminated site. Certain requirements governing the removal or encapsulation of asbestos-containing materials, as well as recently enacted local ordinances obligating property or facilities managers to inspect for and remove lead-based paint in certain buildings, could increase our costs of regulatory compliance

 

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and potentially subject us to violations or claims by regulatory agencies or others. Additionally, under certain circumstances, failure by our brokers acting as agents for a seller or lessor to disclose environmental contamination at a property could result in liability to a buyer or lessee of an affected property.

We are required to meet and maintain various eligibility criteria from time to time established by the GSEs and HUD, as well as applicable state and local licensing agencies, to maintain our status as an approved lender. These criteria include minimum net worth, operational liquidity and collateral requirements, and compliance with reporting requirements. We also are required to originate our loans and perform our loan servicing functions in accordance with the applicable program requirements and guidelines from time to time established by the GSEs and HUD. For additional information, see “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—Regulatory/Legal— The loss of relationships with the GSEs and HUD would, and changes in such relationships could, adversely affect our ability to originate commercial real estate loans through such programs. Compliance with the minimum collateral and risk-sharing requirements of such programs, as well as applicable state and local licensing agencies, could reduce our liquidity .”

In order to continue our business in our current structure, the Company and Newmark Holdings must not be deemed investment companies under the Investment Company Act. We intend to take all legally permissible action to ensure that such entities not be subject to such Act. For additional information, see “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Corporate and Partnership Structure— If we or Newmark Holdings were deemed an “investment company” under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (which we refer to as the “Investment Company Act”), the Investment Company Act’s restrictions could make it impractical for us to continue our business and structure as contemplated and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects .”

Employees

As of September 30, 2017, we had more than 4,600 total employees, of which approximately 1,530 were brokers and commissioned salespeople.

As of September 30, 2017, we had 1,097 employees that are fully reimbursed by our property management or facilities management clients to whom we provide services and pass through such employee expense.

Generally, our employees are not subject to any collective bargaining agreements, except for certain employees that are reimbursed by our property management or facilities management clients.

Properties

Our principal executive offices are located at 125 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017. They consist of approximately 130,000 square feet of space under a lease that expires in 2031.

We operate out of more than 120 offices in the United States (in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia), as well as two offices in Mexico, located in Mexico City and Monterrey. In addition, we have licensed our name to 23 commercial real estate providers that operate out of 50 offices in certain locations throughout the Americas where we do not have our own offices. Our partner, Knight Frank, operates out of approximately 411 offices. We believe our facilities are sufficient for our current needs.

Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of business, various legal actions are threatened or brought and are pending against us. In some of these actions, substantial amounts are claimed. From time to time, we are involved in litigation,

 

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claims and arbitrations, relating to various employment matters, including with respect to termination of employment, hiring of employees currently or previously employed by competitors, terms and conditions of employment and other matters. In light of the competitive nature of the commercial real estate brokerage industry, litigation, claims and arbitration between competitors regarding employee hiring are not uncommon. Other than pure breach of contract claims, intentional torts and wage and hour claims, which are typically not covered by insurance, most claims brought by former employees and most claims brought by clients are covered by employment practices liability insurance and errors and omissions insurance, respectively, in each case, subject to a self-insured retention. In instances where we are acting as a property manager, the owner’s insurance is usually primary with respect to harm incurred on the premises. Occasionally, we are involved in reviews or proceedings by regulatory agencies regarding our businesses, which may result in an action by a regulator.

Legal reserves are established in accordance with FASB guidance on Accounting for Contingencies, when a material legal liability is both probable and reasonably estimable. Once established, reserves are adjusted when there is more information available or when an event occurs requiring a change. We do not believe that, based on currently available information, the final outcome of any of the pending litigations against us will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.

 

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MANAGEMENT

Directors and Executive Officers

The following table provides information regarding our directors and executive officers.

 

Name

   Age     

Title

Howard W. Lutnick

     56      Chairman

Barry M. Gosin

     67      Chief Executive Officer

James R. Ficarro

     57      Chief Operating Officer

Michael J. Rispoli

     45      Chief Financial Officer

John Dalton

     75      Director

Michael Snow

     69      Director

Each executive officer serves at the pleasure of our board of directors.

Howard W. Lutnick . Mr. Lutnick has served as our Chairman since 2016. Mr. Lutnick is the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of BGC Partners, positions in which he has served since 1999. Mr. Lutnick joined Cantor in 1983 and has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Cantor since 1992 and as Chairman since 1996. Mr. Lutnick’s company, CFGM, is the managing general partner of Cantor. Mr. Lutnick is a member of the Board of Directors of the Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation at Rockefeller University, the Board of Directors of the Horace Mann School, the Board of Directors of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum and the Board of Directors of the Partnership for New York City. Mr. Lutnick served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of GFI Group Inc. from February 26, 2015 through the closing of BGC Partners’ merger with GFI Group Inc. in January 2016.

Barry M. Gosin . Mr. Gosin has served as our Chief Executive Officer since 1979. Mr. Gosin guides our national and global expansion initiatives and oversees all facets of our day-to-day operations. Mr. Gosin spearheaded our acquisition by BGC Partners in 2011 and has since led our acquisition and hiring efforts and quadrupled our annual revenues. An active industry and community leader, Mr. Gosin serves as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Partnership for New York City, Trustee of the Citizens Budget Commission and Trustee of Pace University.

James R. Ficarro . Mr. Ficarro has served as our Chief Operating Officer since March 2015. Mr. Ficarro is responsible for overseeing the growth and coordination of all our business lines. Previously, Mr. Ficarro worked at Cantor and its affiliates for more than 22 years, overseeing all tax and financial planning functions. He served as executive managing director and global tax director of Cantor, as well as chief financial officer and chief administrative officer of BGC Real Estate. As head of financial planning and administration, he was integral in establishing processes and procedures, and creating efficiencies and productivity enhancements for Cantor’s and BGC Partners’ back office functions and departments. Prior to joining Cantor, Mr. Ficarro worked in public accounting at Coopers & Lybrand, Kenneth Leventhal & Company and Arthur Andersen. Mr. Ficarro is a New York State Certified Public Accountant (inactive).

Michael J. Rispoli . Mr. Rispoli has served as our Chief Financial Officer since 2012. As head of the finance and accounting departments, Mr. Rispoli steers the financial activities of Newmark, with a focus on managing risk and monitoring cash flow. Prior to joining Newmark, Mr. Rispoli was the chief financial officer of Grubb & Ellis from August 2010 to April 2012 and served in various capacities with the firm since May 2007. Mr. Rispoli served as executive director and corporate controller at Conexant Systems, Inc. from 2000 to 2007. Mr. Rispoli began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers as manager of business assurance. Mr. Rispoli is a licensed CPA in the State of New Jersey (inactive).

Each member of our board of directors serves a one-year term or until his successor has been elected and qualified.

 

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John H. Dalton. Mr. Dalton has been a director of BGC Partners since February 2002. From January 2005 to June 2017, Mr. Dalton served as the President of the Housing Policy Council of the Financial Services Roundtable, a trade association composed of large financial services companies. Mr. Dalton was President of IPG Photonics Corp., a company that designs, develops and manufactures a range of advanced amplifiers and lasers for the telecom and industrial markets, from September 2000 to December 2004. Mr. Dalton served as Secretary of the Navy from July 1993 to November 1998. He also serves on the Boards of Directors of Washington FirstBank and Fresh Del Monte Produce, Inc., a producer and marketer of fresh produce.

Michael Snow. Mr. Snow is the Managing Member and Chief Investment Officer of Snow Fund One, LLC founded in October 2005. Mr. Snow is a Registered Investment Advisor and founded Snow Financial Management, LLC in 1997. Prior to establishing this company, he was employed in the banking industry for over 25 Years. At the Union Bank of Switzerland, Mr. Snow was Second In Charge of the North American Region. He achieved the rank of Senior Managing Director and was Head of Fixed Income where he was responsible for: Treasury, Money Markets, Precious Metals, Foreign Exchange, Mortgage Backed Securities, Government Securities, Derivatives, Corporate bonds, Emerging Markets, High Yield Securities, and Capital Markets. In addition, since August 2013, he has served as an independent Member of the Board of Directors of BGC Derivative Markets, L.P., a subsidiary of BGC Partners, a leading global brokerage company servicing the financial and real estate markets and, since March 2014, he has served as an independent director of Remate Lince, S.A.P.I. de C.V., a BGC affiliate in Mexico. BGC Derivative Markets, L.P. launched operations as a Swap Execution Facility, which offers trading in swaps products subject to mandatory clearing, as well as swaps classified as permitted transactions. He has also served as an independent member of Cantor Clearinghouse Holdings, LLC and Cantor Futures Exchange Holdings, LLC, in each case since August 2016. Mr. Snow also previously served as an independent public director of ELX Futures, L.P. from December 2007 until February 2015, and as a member of the Board of Directors, Audit and Compensation Committees of GFI Group Inc. from February 2015 to February 2016.

Independence of Directors

Because BGC Partners will control more than a majority of the total voting power of our common stock following this offering, we will be a “controlled company” within the meaning of the NASDAQ Stock Market rules and we will be eligible to rely on certain corporate governance exemptions. We do not currently expect to rely upon these exemptions, however, we may choose to change our board or committee composition or other arrangements in the future to manage our corporate governance in accordance with these exemptions. Under the NASDAQ Stock Market rules, a “controlled company” may elect not to comply with certain corporate governance requirements, including: (1) the requirement that a majority of our board of directors consist of independent directors; (2) the requirement that our director nominees be selected or recommended for the board’s selection by a majority of the board’s independent directors in a vote in which only independent directors participate or by a nominating committee comprised solely of independent directors, in either case, with a formal written charter or board resolutions, as applicable, addressing the nominations process and such related matters as may be required under the federal securities laws; and (3) the requirement that our compensation committee be composed entirely of independent directors with a written charter addressing the committee’s purpose and responsibilities. Even as a “controlled company,” we must comply with the rules applicable to audit committees set forth in the stock exchange rules.

Our board of directors has determined that each of Messrs. Dalton and Snow qualifies as an “independent director” in accordance with the NASDAQ Stock Market rules. The NASDAQ Stock Market independence definition consists of a series of objective tests, one of which is that the director is not an officer or employee of ours and has not engaged in various types of business dealings with us. In addition, as further required by NASDAQ Stock Market rules, our board of directors has made a subjective determination with respect to each independent director that no relationships exist which, in the opinion of our board of directors, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment by each such director in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. In making these determinations, our board of directors has reviewed and discussed information provided by the individual directors and us with regard to each director’s business and personal activities as they may relate to us

 

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and our management, including participation on any boards of other organizations in which other members of our board are members.

Committees of Our Board of Directors

Upon completion of this offering, our audit committee will consist of Messrs. Dalton and Snow. Mr. Dalton will serve as chairman of our audit committee. Each member of our audit committee will qualify as “independent” in accordance with the NASDAQ Stock Market rules and under special standards established by the SEC for members of audit committees, and our audit committee will include at least one member who is determined by our board of directors to meet the qualifications of an “audit committee financial expert” in accordance with the SEC rules. Mr. Dalton will be the “audit committee financial expert.” Pursuant to the NASDAQ Stock Market rules applicable to our initial public offering, we have one year from the date of this offering to have our audit committee be composed of at least three independent members. We intend to identify one additional independent director to serve on the audit committee within one year from the date of this offering. Our audit committee will select our independent registered public accounting firm, consult with our auditors and with management with regard to the adequacy of our financial reporting, internal control over financial reporting and the audit process and consider any permitted non-audit services to be performed by our auditors. Our audit committee will also provide oversight of related party transactions, oversee the management of our enterprise risk management program, oversee compliance with our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics and administer our whistleblower policy, including the establishment of procedures with respect to the receipt, retention and treatment of complaints received by us regarding accounting, internal controls and auditing matters, and the anonymous submission by employees of complaints involving questionable accounting or auditing matters. Our audit committee will pre-approve all audit services, internal control-related services and permitted non-audit services (including the fees and other terms thereof) to be performed for us by our auditors, subject to certain minimum exceptions set forth in our audit committee charter. Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for our audit committee, a copy of which will be posted on our website after this offering.

Upon completion of this offering, our compensation committee will consist of Messrs. Dalton and Snow. Mr. Snow will serve as chairman of our compensation committee. Each member of our compensation committee will qualify as “independent” in accordance with the NASDAQ Stock Market rules. The compensation committee will be responsible for reviewing and approving all compensation arrangements for our executive officers and for administering the Participation Plan, the Equity Plan and the Incentive Plan (which are described in “Executive Compensation”). Our board of directors has adopted a written charter for our compensation committee, a copy of which will be posted on our website after this offering.

Nominating Process

Our board of directors does not have a separate nominating committee or committee performing similar functions and does not have a nominating committee charter. As a result, all directors participate in the consideration of director nominees that are recommended for selection by a majority of the independent directors in accordance with the NASDAQ Stock Market rules. Our board of directors believes that such participation of all directors is appropriate given the size of our board of directors and the level of participation of our independent directors in the nomination process. Our board of directors will also consider qualified director candidates identified by a member of senior management or by a stockholder. However, it is our general policy to re-nominate qualified incumbent directors and, absent special circumstances, our board of directors will not consider other candidates when a qualified incumbent consents to stand for re-election.

The board of directors considers the following minimum criteria when reviewing a director nominee: (1) director candidates must have the highest character and integrity, (2) director candidates must be free of any conflict of interest which would violate applicable laws or regulations or interfere with the proper performance of the responsibilities of a director, (3) director candidates must possess substantial and significant experience which would be of particular importance in the performance of the duties of a director, (4) director candidates

 

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must have sufficient time available to devote to our affairs in order to carry out the responsibilities of a director and (5) director candidates must have the capacity and desire to represent the best interests of our stockholders. In addition, our board of directors considers as one factor among many the diversity of director candidates, which may include diversity of skills and experience as well as geographic, gender, age and ethnic diversity. Our board of directors does not, however, have a formal policy with regard to the consideration of diversity in identifying director candidates. Our board of directors screens candidates, does reference checks and conducts interviews, as appropriate. Our board of directors does not evaluate nominees for director any differently because the nominee is or is not recommended by a stockholder.

Our board of directors has determined that in light of Mr. Lutnick’s control of the vote of Newmark through his control of BGC Partners and Cantor, having a separate Chairman and principal executive officer is not efficient or appropriate for Newmark. Additionally, our board of directors does not have a lead independent director.

We believe that Newmark and its stockholders are best served by having Mr. Lutnick serve as Chairman and as our principal executive officer. Mr. Lutnick’s combined role as Chairman and principal executive officer promotes unified leadership and direction for our board of directors and executive management, and it allows for a single, clear focus for the chain of command to execute our strategic initiatives and business plans. Our strong and independent board of directors effectively oversees our management and provides vigorous oversight of our business and affairs and any proposed related party transactions. Our board of directors is composed of independent, active and effective directors. Two of our three directors meet the independence requirements of the NASDAQ Stock Market rules, the SEC and our board of directors’ standards for determining director independence. Upon the completion of this offering, Mr. Lutnick is the only member of executive management who will also be a director. Requiring that the Chairman be an independent director is not necessary to ensure that our board of directors provides independent and effective oversight of our business and affairs. We expect that such oversight will be maintained through the composition of our board of directors, the strong leadership of our independent directors and board committees and our highly effective corporate governance structures and processes.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

Our board of directors has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to all of our directors, officers and employees, including our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer and persons performing similar functions. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics is publicly available on our website at www.ngkf.com under the heading “Investor Info.” Information available on our website is not incorporated herein by reference. If we amend or grant any waiver from a provision of our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics that applies to our executive officers, we will publicly disclose such amendment or waiver on our website and as required by applicable law, including by filing a Current Report on Form 8-K.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

In our fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, we did not have a compensation committee or any other committee serving a similar function. Decisions as to the compensation of those who currently serve as our executive officers were made by BGC Partners.

 

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COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Introduction

Our principal executive officer for 2016 was our current Chairman, Howard W. Lutnick. Our other two most highly compensated executive officers for 2016 were Barry M. Gosin and James R. Ficarro. Messrs. Gosin and Ficarro were officers of Newmark during 2016, during which Newmark did not have its own separate executive compensation program. Mr. Lutnick was an executive officer of our parent, BGC Partners, for 2016. Messrs. Gosin and Ficarro were executive officers of Newmark Knight Frank, which did not have its own separate executive compensation program, for 2016. References below to the executive compensation program, Board of Directors, Audit Committee, executive officers or similar references, unless otherwise indicated, refer to those of BGC Partners. References below to Class A and Class B common stock, unless otherwise indicated, refer to BGC Partners Class A and Class B common stock.

In 2016, Messrs. Lutnick and Ficarro received compensation for their services to our business and to the other businesses of BGC Partners and its affiliates. Typically, Mr. Lutnick spends significant amounts of his time on matters relating to Newmark Knight Frank (referred to herein as “Newmark matters”), Mr. Gosin spends 100% of his full business time on Newmark matters, and Mr. Ficarro spends approximately 90% of his full business time on Newmark matters. Accordingly, for purposes of this compensation discussion and analysis, Newmark has allocated an appropriate portion of Messrs. Lutnick, Gosin and Ficarro’s compensation to Newmark in a manner consistent with the allocation historically made by BGC Partners, and reflected in the financial statements of Newmark, which has resulted in, generally: (i) for Mr. Lutnick, 50% of his compensation paid by BGC Partners being allocated to his approximate time spent on Newmark matters; (ii) for Mr. Gosin, 100% of his total salary, other cash compensation and non-cash compensation being allocated to his time spent on Newmark matters; and (iii) for Mr. Ficarro, 90% of his compensation being allocated to his approximate time spent on Newmark matters. Please refer to the BGC Partners’ most recent annual report and other reports on file with the SEC for additional information regarding Mr. Lutnick’s total compensation payable by BGC Partners, which includes the amounts paid in respect of Mr. Lutnick’s approximate time spent on Newmark matters as described herein.

Following the completion of this offering, Newmark expects to continue to allocate and pay an appropriate portion of Messrs. Lutnick’s and Ficarro’s cash and equity-based compensation in respect of their approximate time spent on Newmark matters, and expects to pay 100% of Mr. Gosin’s compensation in respect of his time spent on Newmark matters.

The following compensation discussion and analysis describes the material elements of the executive compensation program for 2016, including the compensation paid to Messrs. Lutnick, Gosin and Ficarro in connection with Newmark matters. Following this offering, the Newmark executive compensation program will be designed and implemented by the Compensation Committee of the Newmark Board of Directors. Our executive compensation program following this offering may or may not be similar to the BGC Partners executive compensation program.

Compensation Philosophy

The executive compensation program, which was under the direction and control of the Compensation Committee, was designed to integrate compensation with the achievement of BGC Partners’ short- and long-term business objectives and to assist it in attracting, motivating and retaining the highest quality executive officers and rewarding them for superior performance. Different components of the executive compensation program are geared to short- and longer-term performance, with the goal of increasing stockholder value over the long term.

BGC Partners believes that the compensation of its executive officers should reflect their success in attaining key corporate objectives, such as growth or maintenance of market position, success in attracting and

 

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retaining qualified brokers and other professionals, increasing or maintaining revenues and/or profitability, developing new products and marketplaces, completing acquisitions, dispositions, restructurings, and other value-enhancing transactions and integrating any such transactions, as applicable, meeting established goals for operating earnings, earnings per share and increasing the total return for stockholders, including stock price and/or dividend increases, and maintaining and developing customer relationships and long-term competitive advantage. Executive compensation should also reflect achievement of individual managerial objectives established for specific executive officers. Specific significant events led by executives, including acquisitions, dispositions and other significant transactions, should also be given significant weight. The performance of its executives in managing BGC Partners, considered in light of general economic and specific company, industry and competitive conditions, should be the basis for determining their overall compensation.

BGC Partners’ policy is generally that the compensation of its executive officers should not be based on the short-term performance of its stock, whether favorable or unfavorable, since it believes that the price of its stock will, in the long term, reflect its overall performance and, ultimately, the management of BGC Partners by its executives. Long-term stock performance is reflected in executive compensation through the grant of various equity and partnership awards as described below.

The Compensation Committee is aware that certain of its executive officers, including Mr. Lutnick, also receive compensation from BGC Partners’ affiliates, including Cantor, but it generally does not specifically review the nature or amount of such compensation. None of BGC Partners’ executive officers has received any compensation for serving as a director of BGC Partners.

Overview of Compensation and Processes

For 2016, executive compensation was composed of the following principal components: (i) a base salary, which is designed to retain talented executive officers and contribute to motivating, retaining and rewarding individual performance; (ii) for Mr. Lutnick, an incentive bonus award under BGC Partners’ Incentive Bonus Compensation Plan (which we refer to as the “BGC Incentive Plan”) that is intended to tie financial rewards to the achievement of BGC Partners’ short- or longer-term performance objectives and for Messrs. Gosin and Ficarro, a discretionary bonus award based on BGC and individual performance during 2016; and (iii) an incentive program under BGC Partners’ Seventh Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan (which we refer to as the “BGC Equity Plan”) and the BGC Holdings Participation Plan (which we refer to as the “BGC Participation Plan”), which is designed to promote the achievement of short- and long-term performance goals and to align the long-term interests of executive officers with those of stockholders through the grant of awards.

From time to time, BGC Partners may also restructure the existing partnership and compensation arrangements of its executive officers as described below. BGC Partners may also adopt various policies related to or in addition to such restructurings, including with respect to the grant of exchange rights, other monetization of awards, and the acceleration of the lapse of restrictions on restricted stock.

From time to time, BGC Partners has also used employment agreements, change of control agreements, and other arrangements, including some with specified target or guaranteed bonus components, and discretionary bonuses to attract, motivate and retain talented executives. These specific arrangements with the executive officers are summarized below.

The Compensation Committee approved, and recommended to the Board of Directors that it approve, the salaries, bonuses and other compensation of Mr. Lutnick for 2016. Mr. Lutnick approved the compensation arrangements for Messrs. Gosin and Ficarro for 2016. In addition, in 2016, the Committee approved grants to executive officers under and otherwise administered the BGC Incentive Plan, the BGC Equity Plan and the BGC Participation Plan. Following the completion of this offering, the Newmark Compensation Committee will approve grants to executive officers under and otherwise administer our Incentive Plan, Equity Plan and Participation Plan.

 

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From time to time, the Compensation Committee has engaged a compensation consultant in connection with its compensation decisions. In 2016, Farient Advisors LLC (which we refer to as the “Advisor”) advised the Committee. The Committee retained the Advisor to provide surveys and other information with respect to pay practices and compensation levels at BGC Partners’ peer group and other companies, and the Committee discussed with the Advisor all compensation arrangements for Mr. Lutnick for 2016. While the Committee does take into consideration such peer data, the Committee does not attempt to benchmark executive compensation against any level, range, or percentile of compensation paid at any other companies, does not apply any specific measures of internal or external pay equity in reaching its conclusions, and does not employ tally sheets, wealth accumulation, or similar tools in its analysis. The Committee considered whether the Advisor had any conflicts of interest in advising the Committee. The Committee considered whether the Advisor had been providing services of any other nature to BGC Partners; the amount of fees received from BGC Partners by the Advisor; the policies and procedures adopted by the Advisor that have been designed to prevent conflicts of interest; whether any business or personal relationships existed between the consultants employed by the Advisor who worked on BGC Partners matters and any member of the Committee; whether any business or personal relationship existed between such consultants and any of BGC Partners’ executive officers; and whether the Advisor or such consultants hold any of its Class A common stock. Upon evaluating such considerations, the Committee found no conflicts of interest in the Advisor advising the Committee.

The policy for allocating between currently paid short- and long-term compensation is designed to ensure adequate base compensation to attract and retain talented executive officers, while providing incentives to maximize long-term value for BGC Partners and its stockholders. Cash compensation is provided in the form of base salary to meet competitive salary norms and reward superior performance on an annual basis, and in the form of bonuses and awards for achievement of specific short-term goals or in the discretion of the Compensation Committee. Equity and partnership awards reward superior performance against specific objectives and long-term strategic goals and assist in retaining executive officers and aligning their interests with those of BGC Partners and its stockholders. From time to time, BGC Partners may provide additional equity or partnership awards on a periodic basis to reward superior performance, which awards may provide further long-term retention opportunities.

Base salaries for the following year are generally set for Mr. Lutnick at the year-end meetings of the Compensation Committee or in the early part of the applicable year. At these meetings, the Committee also approves Mr. Lutnick’s incentive bonus under the BGC Incentive Plan and any discretionary bonuses for Mr. Lutnick and grants of equity and partnership awards under the BGC Equity Plan and the BGC Participation Plan to Mr. Lutnick.

At or around the year-end Compensation Committee meetings, BGC Partners’ Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Lutnick, makes recommendations with respect to his own compensation as Chief Executive Officer. The Committee deliberates separately in executive sessions with the Advisor as to all of BGC Partners’ executive officers, including Mr. Lutnick. The Committee may accept or adjust Mr. Lutnick’s recommendations and makes the sole determination of the compensation of all of BGC Partners’ executive officers. The Committee reviews and evaluates, at least annually, the performance and leadership of Mr. Lutnick as Chief Executive Officer. Based upon the results of this evaluation, and input from the Advisor, the Committee reviews and approves Mr. Lutnick’s compensation. Outside of the Committee, Mr. Lutnick makes compensation decisions, including with respect to awards under the BGC Equity Plan and BGC Participation Plan, described below, with respect to certain other employees, including Messrs. Gosin and Ficarro.

During the first quarter of each fiscal year, it has been the practice of the Compensation Committee to establish annual incentive performance goals for Mr. Lutnick under the BGC Incentive Plan, with the Committee retaining negative discretion to reduce or withhold any bonuses earned at the end of the year.

BGC Partners provides long-term incentives to its executive officers through the grants of limited partnership units under the BGC Participation Plan and exchange rights or cash settlement awards in connection

 

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with such partnership units and restricted stock and other equity grants under the BGC Equity Plan. In addition, executive officers may receive a portion of their BGC Incentive Plan bonuses in equity or partnership awards, rather than cash, with the number of awards determined by reference to the market price of a share of Class A common stock on the date that the award is granted or such other date that awards to executive officers are made generally. Historically, grants under the BGC Equity Plan and the BGC Participation Plan that have had vesting provisions have had time-based, rather than performance-based, vesting schedules, although both plans are flexible enough to provide for performance-based awards. The Compensation Committee has also established quarterly incentive performance goals as described below.

In designing and implementing the executive compensation program, the Compensation Committee considers BGC Partners’ operating and financial objectives, including its risk profile, and the effect that its executive compensation decisions will have on encouraging its executive officers to take an appropriate level of business, operational and market risk consistent with its overall goal of enhancing long-term stockholder value. In particular, the Committee considers those risks identified in BGC Partners’ risk factors and the known trends and uncertainties identified in BGC Partners’ management discussion and analysis, and considers how the executive compensation program serves to achieve its operating, financial and other strategic objectives while at the same time mitigating any incentives for executive officers to engage in excessive risk-taking to achieve short-term results that may not be sustainable in the long term.

In attempting to strike this balance, the Compensation Committee seeks to provide executive officers with an appropriately diversified mix of fixed and variable cash and non-cash compensation opportunities, time-based and performance-based awards, and short- and long-term incentives. In particular, performance-based bonuses under the BGC Incentive Plan have focused on a mix of company-wide and product-specific operating and financial metrics, in some cases based upon BGC Partners’ absolute performance and in other cases based upon its performance relative to its peer group or other companies. In addition, the BGC Incentive Plan award opportunities provide for the exercise of considerable negative discretion by the Committee to reduce, but not increase, amounts granted to executive officers under the BGC Incentive Plan, and to take individual as well as corporate performance into account in exercising that discretion. Further, the Committee retains the discretion to pay out any amounts finally awarded under the BGC Incentive Plan in equity or partnership awards, rather than cash, and to include restrictions on vesting, resale and forfeiture in any such equity or partnership awards. Finally, the Committee applies these same principles with respect to quarterly performance-based award opportunities for the grant of restricted stock, exchange rights or cash settlement awards under the BGC Equity Plan relating to outstanding non-exchangeable partnership units awarded under the BGC Participation Plan.

Discretionary and Retentive Partnership Opportunities

To incentivize executive officers and hold them accountable to stockholders, the Compensation Committee uses a variety of highly retentive partnership units under the BGC Participation Plan. These partnership awards are granted as a tax-efficient, strongly retentive, and risk-appropriate means to align the interests of the executive officers with those of BGC Partners’ long-term stockholders. For executive officers, these grants include NPSUs, along with PSUs and PPSUs, and the Compensation Committee believes that the features of the units, coupled with the discretion of the Committee to grant the right of partnership distributions, exchange into shares of Class A common stock and various liquidity opportunities, create a best-in-class form of incentive award for its executives. Until such units are made exchangeable into a share of Class A common stock or exchanged for cash at the discretion of the Committee, these partnership units may be redeemed for zero by the Committee. The Committee generally does not grant options and equity-based units such as options and RSUs to executives and emphasizes instead these flexible and retentive limited partnership units. In the Committee’s view, NPSUs, along with PSUs/PPSUs provide the most appropriate long-term incentives to executive officers, especially when coupled with performance-based grants of exchange rights and cash settlement awards.

NPSUs have no value for accounting or other purposes at the time of grant, do not participate in quarterly partnership distributions, are not allocated any items of profit or loss and may not be made exchangeable into

 

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shares of Class A common stock. NPSU awards are highly discretionary and provide additional flexibility for the Committee to determine the timing and circumstances of replacing such units with units that earn partnership distributions and any rights to exchange such units for shares of Class A common stock or cash. NPSUs have generally been granted to executives as mid-year grants or in connection with the execution of long-term employment arrangements, as further described below.

From time to time, the Compensation Committee may choose to replace an NPSU with a PSU. PSUs participate in quarterly partnership distributions, but otherwise have no value for accounting purposes and are not exchangeable into shares of Class A common stock until such exchange rights are granted by the Committee.

Executive officers may also receive PPSUs. These units are preferred limited partnership units that may be awarded to holders of, or contemporaneously with, the grant of PSUs. PPSUs are entitled to a preferred distribution of net profits of BGC Holdings but otherwise are not entitled to participate in quarterly distributions. PPSUs cannot be made exchangeable into shares of Class A common stock, can only be exchanged for cash, at the determination price on the date of grant, in connection with an exchange of the related PSUs, and therefore are not included in BGC Partners’ fully diluted share count. PPSUs are expected to provide a mechanism for issuing fewer aggregate share equivalents than traditionally issued in connection with compensation and to have a lesser overall impact on BGC Partners’ fully diluted share count. The ratio of the grant of PPSUs to traditional units (i.e., PSUs) is expected to approximate the compensatory tax rate applicable in the relevant country jurisdiction of the partner recipient. The determination price used to exchange PPSUs for cash is determined by the Committee on the date the grant of such PPSUs is approved, and is based on a closing trading price of Class A common stock identified by the Committee on such date.

Over time, as compensation goals are met and other incentives are reached by the executives, the Compensation Committee may choose, in its sole discretion, to grant an exchange right with respect to a PSU, thereby creating a potential liquidity event for the executive and creating a value for accounting purposes. The life cycle of these units, as they may evolve from NPSUs to shares of Class A common stock, provides the Committee and the Board of Directors with superior opportunities to retain and incentivize executives and employees in a tax-efficient and discretionary manner.

BGC Partners’ executive officers have much of their personal net worth in a combination of BGC Partners’ equity-based awards and non-exchangeable and exchangeable limited partnership units. Messrs. Lutnick, Gosin and Ficarro hold limited partnership units in BGC Holdings. Mr. Lutnick holds additional partnership interests in Cantor, which, through ownership of shares of both Class A and Class B common stock and exchangeable limited partnership interests in BGC Holdings, owns a 23.5% direct and indirect economic interest as of December 31, 2016 in BGC Partners’ operations. Mr. Ficarro also holds other partnership interests in Cantor.

While BGC Partners does not have a general compensation recovery or “clawback” policy, and does not require its executive officers to meet general share ownership or hold-through-retirement requirements, the Compensation Committee believes that the extremely retentive nature of the NPSUs, PSUs and similar partnership units, which may be redeemed for zero at any time by the Compensation Committee, provides extraordinary discretion and superior clawback power to the Compensation Committee.

BGC Partners generally intends that compensation paid to its Chief Executive Officer and its other named executive officers not be subject to the limitation on tax deductibility under Section 162(m) of the Code so long as this can be achieved in a manner consistent with the Compensation Committee’s other objectives. Subject to certain exceptions, Section 162(m) eliminates a corporation’s tax deduction in a given year for payments to certain executive officers in excess of $1,000,000, unless the payments are qualified “performance-based” compensation as defined in Section 162(m). BGC Partners periodically reviews the potential consequences of Section 162(m) and may structure the performance-based portion of its executive compensation to comply with certain performance-based exemptions in Section 162(m). However, the Committee retains negative discretion to reduce or withhold performance-based compensation to the executive officers, and also reserves the right to use

 

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its judgment to authorize compensation payments that do not comply with the exemptions in Section 162(m) when it believes that such payments are appropriate, including after taking into consideration changing business conditions or the executive officer’s individual performance.

BGC Partners’ management and the Compensation Committee recognize that BGC Partners is subject to certain Financial Accounting Standards Board and SEC guidance on share-based awards and other accounting charges with respect to the compensation of the executive officers and other employees. However, management and the Committee do not believe that these accounting charges should necessarily determine the appropriate types and levels of compensation to be made available. Where material to the Committee’s decisions, these accounting charges will be described in BGC Partners’ compensation discussion and analysis, compensation tables and related narratives.

The Compensation Committee may grant equity and partnership awards to executive officers in a variety of ways under the BGC Equity Plan and the BGC Participation Plan, including restricted stock, exchange rights, cash settlement awards and other equity grants under the BGC Equity Plan and non-exchangeable limited partnership unit awards under the BGC Participation Plan. Grants of such awards may have different accounting treatment and may be reported differently in the compensation tables and related narratives depending upon the type of award granted and how and when it is granted.

For GAAP purposes, a compensation charge is recorded on PSUs and similar limited partnership units if and when an exchange right is granted relating to the units, and the charge is based on the market price of Class A common stock on the date on which the exchange right is granted. Additionally, when the exchange actually occurs, a U.S. federal income tax deduction is generally allowed equal to the fair market value of a share of Class A common stock on the date of exchange.

For GAAP purposes, if shares of restricted stock granted are not subject to continued employment or service with BGC Partners or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries, even if they are subject to compliance with BGC Partners’ customary non-compete obligations, the grant-date fair value of the restricted stock will be expensed on the date of grant.

Equity Plan and Participation Plan

Following the completion of this offering, we will have established the Newmark Long-Term Incentive Plan and the Newmark Incentive Bonus Compensation Plan, under which the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors may pay compensation in the form of cash, shares of our common stock or other equity-based awards, to our directors, executive officers or other officers or employees. We will also maintain the Newmark Holdings Participation Plan, under which the Compensation Committee of our Board of Directors may award Newmark Holdings interests to our directors, executive officers or other officers or employees. Prior to the distribution (as such term is first defined on page (ii) of this offering prospectus to refer to the disposition of our common stock by BGC Partners), without the prior consent of BGC Partners, such interests will not be exchangeable into our shares of common stock. The Compensation Committee may also award BGC Holdings working partner interests to certain of our directors, executive officers or other officers or employees. If Cantor determines that such BGC Holdings working partner interests shall be exchangeable, holders of BGC Holdings working partner interests will be required to exchange such BGC Holdings working partner interests, together with corresponding Newmark Holdings working partner interests, to receive a share of BGC Partners common stock. Grants of exchangeability relating to Newmark Holdings interests and BGC Holdings interests may be made at any time in the discretion of the relevant service recipient, and future grant practices may differ from prior practices, including without limitation in connection with performance achievement, changes in incentive arrangements, accounting principles, and tax laws (including deductibility of compensation) and other applicable laws.

Base Salary

BGC Partners’ executive officers receive base salaries or similar cash payments intended to reflect their skills, expertise and responsibilities. Subject to any applicable employment or other agreements, such payments and subsequent adjustments, if any, are reviewed and approved by the Compensation Committee annually, based

 

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on a variety of factors, which may include, from time to time, a review of relevant salaries of executives at BGC Partners’ peer group of companies and others, and each executive officer’s individual performance for the prior year, including such executive officer’s experience and responsibilities.

BGC Partners generally establishes base pay at levels comparable to its peer group and other companies which employ similarly skilled personnel, including E*Trade Financial Corporation, Evercore Partners Inc., Houlihan Lokey, Inc., Interactive Brokers Group, KCG Holdings, Inc., Ladenburg Thalmann Financial Services, LPL Financial Holdings Inc., Raymond James Financial, Inc., The Charles Schwab Corporation, Stifel Financial Corp. and TP ICAP plc in its Financial Services segment and CBRE Group, Inc., Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated and Realogy Holdings Corp. in its Real Estate Services segment. While BGC Partners determines these levels by reviewing publicly available information with respect to its peer group of companies and others, it has not traditionally engaged in benchmarking.

As discussed in more detail above, Mr. Lutnick spends significant amounts of his BGC Partners time on Newmark matters, Mr. Gosin spends all of his full business time on Newmark matters, and Mr. Ficarro spends approximately 90% of his full business time on Newmark matters, although these percentages have varied based upon business developments at Newmark. Accordingly, the base salary and similar payment amounts described below represent the following: for Mr. Lutnick, 50% of the base salary paid by BGC Partners to Mr. Lutnick for his time spent on Newmark matters; for Mr. Ficarro, 90% of the total base salary paid to Mr. Ficarro; and for Mr. Gosin, the total base salary and similar payments made to Mr. Gosin, in each case, which is allocable to the executive officer’s approximate time spent on Newmark matters.

Base Salaries/Payments for 2016

Base salary and similar cash payment rates for 2016 were established in February 2016 by the Compensation Committee with respect to Mr. Lutnick, and by Mr. Lutnick with respect to Messrs. Gosin and Ficarro. In setting the base rates for 2016, the qualifications, experience and responsibilities of Messrs. Lutnick, Gosin and Ficarro were considered. The base rate for 2016 was continued at $500,000 for Mr. Lutnick. Pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Gosin’s base salary for 2016 was set at $475,000. Prior to the execution of his new employment agreement, Mr. Gosin’s base salary was paid 50% in cash and 50% in the form of 26,458 non-exchangeable APSUs. The 50% portion paid in partnership units was calculated on a monthly basis by dividing $19,792 by the closing price of Class A common stock on the last day of the month in which the cash portion of his salary was paid. Base salary for Mr. Ficarro for 2016 was continued at $450,000 and his base salary was increased to $540,000 on March 1, 2016.

Base Salaries/Payments for 2017

Base salary and similar cash payment rates for 2017 were established in January 2017 by the Compensation Committee with respect to Mr. Lutnick, and by Mr. Lutnick with respect to Messrs. Gosin and Ficarro, based on the continuing qualifications, experience and responsibilities of our executive officers. The base rate for 2017 was continued at $500,000 for Mr. Lutnick and will be $1,000,000 for the portion of 2017 beginning with the completion of this offering. The base rate for 2017 was continued at $475,000 for Mr. Gosin and will be $1,000,000 for the portion of 2017 beginning with the execution of his new employment agreement, and in each case, Mr. Gosin will be paid 50% in cash and 50% in partnership units. The 50% portion paid in partnership units will be calculated on a monthly basis by dividing 50% of his monthly base salary by the closing price of Class A common stock on the last day of the month in which the cash portion of his salary is paid. The base rate for Mr. Ficarro for 2017 was continued at $540,000.

Bonus Compensation

BGC Partners believes that compensation should vary with corporate and individual performance and that a significant portion of compensation should continue to be linked to the achievement of business goals. The BGC Incentive Plan provides a means for the payment of Section 162(m) qualified “performance-based” compensation in the form of bonuses to executive officers while preserving BGC Partners’ tax deduction.

 

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With respect to each performance period, the Compensation Committee specifies the applicable performance criteria and targets to be used under the BGC Incentive Plan for that performance period. These performance criteria, which may vary from participant to participant, will be determined by the Committee and may be based upon one or more of the financial performance measures set forth in the BGC Incentive Plan.

The actual BGC Incentive Plan bonus paid to any given participant at the end of a performance period is based upon the extent to which the applicable performance goals for such performance period are achieved, subject to the exercise of negative discretion by the Committee, and may be paid in cash or in equity or partnership awards. These awards also serve as incentives for future performance and retention.

In addition, from time to time, the Compensation Committee may provide for target or guaranteed bonuses in employment or other agreements in order to attract and retain talented executives, or may grant ad hoc discretionary bonuses when an executive officer is not eligible to participate in the BGC Incentive Plan award opportunities for that performance period or when it otherwise considers such bonuses to be appropriate. Such bonuses may also be paid in cash or in equity or partnership awards.

BGC Incentive Plan Bonus Goals for 2016

In the first quarter of 2016, the Compensation Committee determined that Mr. Lutnick would be a participating executive for 2016 in the BGC Incentive Plan.

For 2016, the Compensation Committee used the same performance criteria for all BGC executive officers (including Mr. Lutnick) and set individual bonus opportunities for 2016 equal to the maximum value allowed for each individual pursuant to the terms of the BGC Incentive Plan (i.e., $25 million), provided that (i) BGC Partners achieves any operating profits or distributable earnings for 2016, as calculated on substantially the same basis as the BGC Partners’ financial results press release for 2015, or (ii) BGC Partners achieves any improvement or percentage growth in gross revenue or total transaction volumes for any product for 2016 as compared to 2015 over any of its peer group members or industry measures, as reported in the BGC Partners’ 2016 financial results press release, in each case calculated on substantially the same basis as in the BGC Partners’ financial results press release for 2015 and compared to the most recently available peer group information or industry measures (each of which we refer to as a “Performance Goal”). The Committee determined that the payment of any such amount may be in the form of cash, shares of Class A common stock, limited partnership units, or other equity or partnership awards permitted under the BGC Equity Plan, the BGC Participation Plan or otherwise. The Committee retained the right to reduce the amount of any BGC Incentive Plan bonus payment based upon any factors it determines in its sole discretion.

BGC Incentive Plan Bonuses and Other Bonuses Awarded for 2016

As discussed above, the incentive compensation discussed below reflects only those amounts attributable to the relevant executive’s services performed for us and excludes the amounts attributable to the relevant executives’ services performed on other matters for BGC Partners and its affiliates (other than us), and represents a percentage (i.e., for Mr. Lutnick, 50% of all compensation paid to him by BGC Partners; for Mr. Gosin, 100% of all compensation; and for Mr. Ficarro, 90% of all compensation) of the compensation allocable in respect of each executive’s approximate time spent on Newmark matters.

On January 31, 2017, having determined that the Performance Goals established in the first quarter of 2016 (described above) had been met for 2016, the Compensation Committee awarded Mr. Lutnick a bonus under the BGC Incentive Plan in respect of 2016 of $6,375,000, paid $1,500,000 in cash and $4,875,000 in a partnership award represented by 317,073 non-exchangeable PSUs and 123,306 non-exchangeable PPSUs effective on January 1, 2017, which, in each case, represents the portion of his bonus award awarded by the Compensation Committee and attributable to his services performed for us. This award was also expected to incentivize Mr. Lutnick with respect to future performance and encourage ongoing contributions to the business.

 

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In making its bonus determinations for 2016, the Compensation Committee considered the pay practices of BGC Partners’ peer group and other companies, including a compensation survey prepared by, and advice from, the Advisor. In particular, it also considered BGC Partners’ record stock and earnings performance, significant transactions, including the entry into the insurance brokerage vertical, and expense reductions, integration of acquired businesses, individual contributions toward achievement of strategic goals and overall financial and operating results, including record earnings increases and overall results for the period.

In determining the 2016 BGC Incentive Plan bonus for Mr. Lutnick the Compensation Committee also focused specifically on BGC Partners’ record financial performance, performance of the real estate business, acquisitions, including GFI and related ongoing cost reductions, opportunities in a new insurance brokerage vertical and overall leadership.

Mr. Ficarro was not a participant in the BGC Incentive Plan for 2016. Mr. Lutnick awarded Mr. Ficarro a bonus in respect of 2016 of $585,000, paid in the form of a partnership award represented by 28,224 PSUs and 23,092 PPSUS at a price of $11.40 per unit. In awarding Mr. Ficarro his annual bonus in respect of 2016, Mr. Lutnick considered his overall contributions to the growth of the business, including his leadership in recent acquisitions.

Mr. Gosin was not a participant in the BGC Incentive Plan for 2016. Compensation for Mr. Gosin is generally determined in accordance with the employment agreement, as amended from time to time, which he entered into in connection with the purchase of Newmark in 2011. Mr. Gosin continued to contribute to the business in 2016, including his leadership in connection with acquisitions. However, Mr. Gosin was not a participant in the BGC Incentive Plan for 2016 and he did not receive a bonus for 2016 after the reduction of his bonus by the annual amortized portion of such bonus (described below). The grants of partnership units to Mr. Gosin in 2014 and 2015 (described below) were intended to provide him with significant incentives with respect to future performance.

Pursuant to the amendment to his existing employment agreement effective on August 4, 2014, Mr. Gosin was awarded a one-time grant of 2,305,885 non-exchangeable PSUs. In connection with the further amendment of his existing employment agreement in September of 2015, Mr. Gosin was awarded an additional one-time grant of 2,919,728 non-exchangeable PSUs. Both of the one-time grants described above were given as an advance against future incentive pool allocation payments and in consideration for Mr. Gosin’s leadership in the substantial expansion of Newmark Knight Frank since being acquired by BGC. These grants were used to establish a fixed formula by which Mr. Gosin’s annual incentive pool allocation in respect of each of fiscal years 2014, 2015 and 2016 was reduced. The advanced grants were in both cases based on Mr. Gosin’s estimated target bonus in future years.

Pursuant to Mr. Gosin’s prior employment agreement, Mr. Gosin’s annual bonus was determined pursuant to an incentive pool compensation arrangement (which we refer to as the “pool”) consisting of 10% of the Newmark segment’s pre-tax earnings (as defined in his prior employment agreement) less the sum of (i) $8,921,400 (which we refer to as the “annual amortized advance amount”) and (ii) the aggregate amount of any profit-based bonuses and certain specified employee salaries. The annual amortized advance amount is the annual amortized amount of the total grant date value of two grants of PSUs granted in 2014 and 2015 described in the immediately preceding paragraph. For any period during the term of Mr. Gosin’s prior employment agreement in which his allocation of the pool was at least $2,500,000, his salary was deducted from such allocation, and for any period during the term of his prior employment agreement in which Mr. Gosin’s allocation of the pool was less than the annual amortized advance amount, the excess of that amount was added to the next year’s annual amortized advance amount.

On April 1, 2015, pursuant to his employment agreement, Mr. Gosin was awarded an additional year-end bonus of $1,822,000 in respect of 2014 paid in the form of 105,819 non-exchangeable PSUs and 86,579 PPSUs at a price of $9.47 per unit (representing the closing price of Class A common stock on the grant date).

 

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For 2015, on July 1, 2016, Mr. Gosin was awarded a bonus in the amount of $2,436,600 in the form of 153,861 non-exchangeable PSUs and 125,887 non-exchangeable PPSUs at a price of $8.71 per unit (representing the closing price of Class A common stock on the grant date). The amount of this bonus represents the amount earned in respect of his 2015 incentive pool bonus (after reduction of such allocation by the annual amortized portion of such bonus (as described above)).

Pursuant to his prior employment agreement, Mr. Gosin also received commission payments in connection with brokerage transactions. Under the terms of his prior employment agreement, Mr. Gosin was eligible to receive equal to 60% of any commissions, net of certain costs and expenses of the Newmark segment, from the provision of real estate brokerage and consulting services for which Mr. Gosin was the sole employee who initiated, negotiated and concluded a transaction. If Mr. Gosin was not the sole employee who participated in the transaction, then the commissions were allocated as Mr. Gosin and such other employees who participated in the transaction agreed in writing or as the Newmark segment determined in the absence of such an agreement, subject to certain exceptions. Of the commissions, except for amounts payable for receivables attributable to Mr. Gosin’s activities prior to the acquisition of the Newmark segment by BGC Partners, 90% were paid in cash and 10% were paid in the form of an equity award; provided, that, Mr. Gosin was permitted to make an irrevocable election to receive all or a portion of such cash payment in the form of non-exchangeable PSUs of BGC Holdings without vesting conditions that are entitled to participate in quarterly distributions by BGC Holdings. Such PSUs become exchangeable when such exchangeability is offered to certain officers; and for 2016, Mr. Gosin received $346,617 in commissions which were paid to him in the form of, in total, 34,888 non-exchangeable PSUs and 4,347 non-exchangeable APSUs. None of Mr. Gosin’s foregoing APSUs are distribution eligible for 2016 or 2017. PSUs and APSUs issued in connection with a commission are determined based on the closing price of Class A common stock on the last trading day of the calendar month in which the cash portion of the applicable commission is paid.

BGC Incentive Plan Bonus Goals for 2017

In the first quarter of 2017, the Compensation Committee determined that Mr. Lutnick would be a participating executive for 2017 in the BGC Incentive Plan, subject to stockholder approval of the Second Amended and Restated BGCP Partners, Inc. Incentive Bonus Compensation Plan, which was obtained at BGC Partners’ 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders in June 2017. For 2017, the Committee used the same performance criteria for all executive officers and set a bonus for Mr. Lutnick, attributable to his services to both BGC Partners and Newmark, for 2017 equal to the maximum value allowed for each individual pursuant to the terms of the Incentive Plan (i.e., $25 million), provided that (i) BGC Partners achieves operating profits or distributable earnings for 2017, as calculated on substantially the same basis as in BGC Partners’ financial results press release for 2016, or (ii) BGC Partners achieves improvement or percentage growth in gross revenue or total transaction volumes for any product for 2017 as compared to 2016 over any of its peer group members or industry measures, as reported in its 2017 financial results press release, in each case calculated on substantially the same basis as in its financial results press release for 2016 and compared to the most recently available peer group information or industry measures, in each case, subject to any appropriate corporate adjustment to reflect stock splits, reverse stock splits, mergers, spin-offs or any other extraordinary corporate transactions in accordance with the BGC Incentive Plan, BGC Equity Plan and the BGC Participation Plan, as applicable.

The Compensation Committee determined that the payment of any such amount may be in the form of cash, shares of Class A common stock, limited partnership units or other equity or partnership awards permitted under the BGC Equity Plan, the BGC Participation Plan or otherwise. The Committee, in its sole and absolute discretion, retained the right to reduce the amount of any BGC Incentive Plan bonus payment based upon any factors it determines, including whether and the extent to which Bonus Performance Goals or any other corporate, as well as individual, performance objectives have been achieved.

 

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Equity Plan and Participation Plan Awards

It is the Compensation Committee’s general policy to award restricted stock, exchange rights, awards that are repurchased for cash (which we refer to as “cash settlement awards”) and other equity or partnership awards to executive officers in order to align their interests with those of BGC Partners’ long-term investors and to help attract and retain qualified individuals. The BGC Equity Plan permits the Compensation Committee to grant restricted stock, stock options, stock appreciation rights, deferred stock such as RSUs, bonus stock, performance awards, dividend equivalents and other stock-based awards, including to provide exchange rights for shares of Class A common stock and cash settlement awards relating to BGC Holdings limited partnership units. The BGC Participation Plan provides for the grant or sale of BGC Holdings limited partnership units. The total number of BGC Holdings limited partnership units issuable under the Participation Plan will be determined from time to time by the Board of Directors, provided that exchange rights or cash settlement awards relating to units may only be granted pursuant to other stock-based awards granted under the BGC Equity Plan. Partnership units in BGC Holdings (other than NPSUs) are entitled to participate in preferred or quarterly partnership distributions from BGC Holdings and (other than preferred units and NPSUs) are eligible to be made exchangeable for shares of Class A common stock. BGC Partners views these incentives as an effective tool in motivating, rewarding and retaining its executive officers.

The Compensation Committee retains the right to grant a combination of forms of such awards under the BGC Equity Plan and the BGC Participation Plan to executive officers as it considers appropriate or to differentiate among executive officers with respect to different types of awards. The Committee has also granted authority to Mr. Lutnick, the Chairman and Executive Officer of BGC, to grant awards to non-executive officer employees of BGC Partners (including Messrs. Gosin and Ficarro) under the BGC Equity Plan and BGC Participation Plan and to establish sub-plans for such persons.

In addition, executive officers and other employees may also be offered the opportunity to purchase limited partnership units. The Committee and Mr. Lutnick will have the discretion to determine the price of any purchase right for partnership units, which may be set at preferential or historical prices that are less than the prevailing market price of our Class A common stock.

The Committee has also established special quarterly award opportunities under the BGC Equity Plan for the grant of exchange rights and/or cash settlement awards under the BGC Equity Plan relating to outstanding non-exchangeable limited partnership units awarded under the BGC Participation Plan. The Committee established specified performance goals for the quarter similar to the annual opportunities under the BGC Incentive Plan. In each case, such quarterly award opportunities were subject to the Committee’s determination of whether such goals have been met and the Committee’s exercise of negative discretion. Although the quarterly performance goals were met with respect to all four quarters of 2016, the Compensation Committee elected not to grant any quarterly awards or exchange rights under the BGC Partners’ Equity Plan to Mr. Lutnick. Messrs. Gosin and Ficarro did not participate in the special quarterly award opportunities under the BGC Equity Plan for 2016. Following the completion of this offering, grants of exchangeability on BGC Holdings units outstanding as of immediately prior to the separation and Newmark Holdings units issued in the separation in respect of such BGC Holdings units will be made in accordance with the terms of the Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement, as described below under “Amended and Restated Partnership Agreement—Exchanges.”

Timing of Awards

Equity and partnership awards to executive officers that are in payment of the BGC Incentive Plan or discretionary bonuses are typically granted annually in conjunction with the Compensation Committee’s review of company and individual performance of executive officers, although interim grants may be considered and approved from time to time. The Committee’s annual review generally takes place at year-end meetings, which are generally held in January or February of each year, although the reviews may be held at any time and from time to time throughout the year. From time to time, grants to executive officers may be made on a mid-year or other basis in the event of business developments, changing compensation requirements or other factors, in the discretion of the Committee. Mr. Lutnick generally grants awards to Messrs. Gosin and Ficarro at the end of the first quarter.

 

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BGC Partners’ policy in recent years generally has been to award year-end grants to executive officer recipients by the end of the calendar year or shortly thereafter, with grants to non-executive employees occurring closer to the end of the first quarter of the following year. Grants, if any, to newly hired employees are effective on the employee’s first day of employment. In addition, from time to time BGC Partners may offer compensation enhancements or modifications to employees that it does not offer to its executive officers.

The exercise price of all stock options is set at the closing price of Class A common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market on the date of grant. As discussed above, with respect to limited partnership units and other equity or partnership awards, grants may be made based on a dollar value, with the number of units or shares determined by reference to the market price of Class A common stock on the date of grant, or based on a specified number of awards.

2016 NPSU Grants and Related Replacement and Exchange Right Grants (Mr. Lutnick)

During 2014, 2015 and 2016, the Compensation Committee made additional discretionary NPSU awards to Mr. Lutnick. The equity compensation discussed below reflects only those amounts attributable to Mr. Lutnick’s services performed for us and excludes the amounts attributable to his services performed on other matters for BGC Partners and its affiliates (other than us), and represents a percentage (i.e., 50% of his BGC Partners’ compensation) of the compensation allocable in respect of his approximate time spent on Newmark matters.

The Compensation Committee granted the following NPSUs to Mr. Lutnick and replaced such NPSUs with other partnership units in calendar 2016 and 2017:

On January 1, 2016, 1,000,000 of Mr. Lutnick’s NPSUs were replaced by 550,000 non-exchangeable PSUs and 450,000 PPSUs (with a determination price of $9.81 per PPSU), which represented 25% of his May 2014 and January 2015 NPSU awards.

2015 Year-End Compensation . On February 24, 2016, in connection with the year-end compensation process, the Compensation Committee granted 750,000 NPSUs to Mr. Lutnick. Replacement of NPSUs with non-exchangeable PSUs/PPSUs for Mr. Lutnick was determined to be (i) 25% per year with respect to NPSUs granted in 2016; and (ii) 25% of the previously awarded NPSUs currently held by Mr. Lutnick based upon the original issuance date (the first 25% having already been replaced); provided that, with respect to all of the foregoing, such future replacements were subject to the approval of the Committee (with such approval process amended in 2017 as described below). The grant of exchange rights with respect to such PSUs/PPSUs will be determined in accordance with BGC Partners’ practices when determining discretionary bonuses or awards, and any grants of exchangeability shall be subject to the approval of the Compensation Committee.

2016 Year-End Compensation. On January 31, 2017, in connection with 2016 year-end compensation, certain previous awards of NPSUs vesting on January 1, 2017 were replaced with non-exchangeable PSUs/PPSUs for Mr. Lutnick, effective January 1, 2017, with the determination price of each PPSU based on the closing price of Class A common stock on December 30, 2016, which was $10.23. As a result, effective as of January 1, 2017, certain 1,187,500 NPSUs of Mr. Lutnick were cancelled and replaced with 855,000 non-exchangeable PSUs and 332,500 non-exchangeable PPSUs.

In January 2017, the requirement of further approval of the Compensation Committee to replace Mr. Lutnick’s NPSUs as described above was amended and changed into the requirement that BGC, inclusive of its affiliates thereof, earn, in aggregate, at least $5 million in gross revenues in the calendar quarter in which the applicable award of non-exchangeable PSUs/PPSUs is to be granted, and such executive remaining an employee or member of an affiliate of BGC and having complied at all times with his applicable employment or membership agreement and the Partnership Agreement of BGC Holdings as of the applicable grant date.

With respect to all of such awards, any grant of exchange rights with respect to any of Mr. Lutnick’s PSUs/PPSUs issued in replacement of NPSUs will be determined in accordance with BGC Partners’ practices when

 

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determining discretionary bonuses or awards, and any grants of exchangeability shall be subject to the approval of the Compensation Committee. In addition, upon the signing of any agreement that would result in a “Change in Control” (as defined in the Amended and Restated Change in Control Agreement entered into by Mr. Lutnick), (1) any NPSUs held by Mr. Lutnick shall be replaced by exchangeable PSUs/PPSUs (i.e., such PSUs shall be exchangeable for shares of Class A common stock and PPSUs shall be exchangeable for cash), and (2) any non-exchangeable PSUs/PPSUs held by Mr. Lutnick shall become immediately exchangeable, which exchangeability may be exercised in connection with such “Change in Control.” See “Executive Compensation—Change in Control Agreements” for more information.

As of November 27, 2017, Mr. Lutnick has 1,900,000 NPSUs outstanding.

2016 Replacement and Exchange Right Grants (Mr. Gosin)

In 2016, certain of Mr. Gosin’s awards were replaced by an equivalent number of exchangeable awards as follows: (1) 254,250 PSUs in March 2016, (2) 11,114 APSUs and 1,079 PSUs in April 2016, (3) 69,517 PSUs and 56,877 PPSUs in May 2016, (4) 593,869 PSUs in October 2016, and (5) 33,386 APSUs in November 2016.

2016 Replacement and Exchange Right Grants (Mr. Ficarro)

The equity compensation discussed below reflects only those amounts attributable to Mr. Ficarro’s services performed for us and excludes the amounts attributable to his services performed on other matters for BGC Partners and its affiliates (other than us), and represents a percentage (i.e., 90% of all compensation) of the compensation allocable in respect of his approximate time spent on Newmark matters.

On April 1, 2016, an additional 20,454 of Mr. Ficarro’s NPSUs and 16,736 of his NPPSUs awarded in 2014 were replaced by an equivalent number of non-exchangeable PSUs and PPSUs, respectively. The distributions from such non-exchangeable PSUs and PPSUs will be payable to Mr. Ficarro and will not be used to repay his outstanding loan (as described below). On May 2, 2016, an additional 7,177 of his non-exchangeable PSUs and 4,765 of his PPSUs were replaced by an equivalent number of exchangeable PSUs and PPSUs.

As of November 27, 2017, Mr. Ficarro has 20,455 NPSUs outstanding.

Further, during 2016, BGC Partners accelerated the lapse of 10-year restrictions with respect to restricted shares held by Mr. Ficarro as follows: on December 9, 2016, 3,458 shares, representing the shares allocable to his approximate time spent on Newmark matters.

Standing Policy for Mr. Lutnick

In December 2010, as amended in 2013, the Audit Committee and the Compensation Committee approved a standing policy that gives Mr. Lutnick the same right, subject to certain conditions, to accept or waive opportunities that have previously been offered, or that may be offered in the future, to other executive officers to participate in any opportunity to monetize or otherwise provide liquidity with respect to some or all of their non-exchangeable limited partnership units or to accelerate the lapse of or eliminate any restrictions on transferability with respect to shares of restricted stock. In January 2017, the policy was further amended to include recent executive awards such as transactions that monetize and/or provide liquidity of equity or partnership awards granted to BGC Partners’ executive officers, including the right to exchange non-distribution earning units such as NPSUs into distribution-earning units such as PSUs, or convert preferred units such as PPSUs into regular, non-preferred units, such as PSUs, based upon the highest percentage of distribution earning awards and in the same proportion of regular to preferred units held by another executive.

The policy provides generally that Mr. Lutnick shall be treated no less favorably than, and in proportion to, any other BGC executive officer with respect to the change, right or modification of equity or partnership

 

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awards, which include, but are not limited, to opportunities (i) to have non-exchangeable units replaced by other non-exchangeable units; (ii) to have non-exchangeable units received upon such replacement redeemed by BGC Holdings for cash, or, with the concurrence of Cantor, granted exchange rights for shares of Class A common stock; (iii) to accelerate the lapse of or eliminate any restrictions on transferability with respect to restricted shares of Class A common stock; and (iv) to replace non-distributing units with distributing units and replace preferred units with non-preferred units.

Under the policy, Mr. Lutnick shall have the right to accept or waive in advance some or all of the foregoing offers of opportunities that BGC may offer to any other BGC executive officer. In each case, Mr. Lutnick’s right to accept or waive any opportunity offered to him to participate in any such opportunity shall be cumulative (and, accordingly, Mr. Lutnick would again have the right to accept or waive the opportunity to participate with respect to such portion previously waived if and when any additional opportunity is offered to any BGC executive officer) and shall be equal to the greatest proportion of outstanding units and the greatest percentage of shares of restricted stock with respect to which any other executive officer has been or is offered with respect to all of such opportunities. This policy may result in grants to him of exchange rights/cash settlement awards or the acceleration of the lapse of restrictions on transferability of shares restricted stock owned by him if a future triggering event under the policy occurs.

Under this policy, in February 2016, Mr. Lutnick was granted exchange rights and/or accelerated the lapse of transfer restrictions on shares of restricted stock with respect to 1,063,824 rights available to Mr. Lutnick, which amount included the grant of exchange rights for 520,380 PSUs and 425,765 PPSUs and the lapse of transfer restrictions with respect to 117,679 shares of restricted stock held by him, which represent the portion of all of such rights available to him at such time that were allocable to his approximate time spent on Newmark matters. Mr. Lutnick has not transferred or exchanged such shares or units as of the date hereof.

On January 31, 2017, under the policy, the Compensation Committee granted exchange rights with respect to rights available to Mr. Lutnick with respect to some of his non-exchangeable PSUs/PPSUs. Mr. Lutnick elected to waive such rights as a one-time waiver that is not cumulative. Also pursuant to the policy, the Compensation Committee further approved a grant of 162,500 non-exchangeable PSUs to Mr. Lutnick, in replacement of 162,500 of his NPSUs attributable to his approximate time spent on Newmark matters and a grant of 830,800 non-exchangeable PSUs in replacement of his 830,800 PPSUs attributable to his approximate time spent on Newmark matters, for an aggregate total of 993,300 PSUs attributable to his approximate time spent on Newmark matters, effective as of January 1, 2017, which were all of the rights available to him at such time.

Employee Loans

For 2015, Mr. Ficarro was provided a loan in the amount of $326,250 (representing the portion of such award attributable to his approximate time spent on Newmark matters), pursuant to which the actual amount of the loan when issued was $228,707, which is the result of $326,250 (the nominal gross amount) less $97,543 held in reserve for payment of tax liabilities. This loan was forgiven in October 2017.

Perquisites

Historically, from time to time, BGC Partners has provided certain of its executive officers with perquisites and other personal benefits that it believes are reasonable. While BGC Partners does not view perquisites as a significant element of its executive compensation program, it believes that they can be useful in attracting, motivating and retaining the executive talent for which it competes. From time to time, these perquisites might include travel, transportation and housing benefits. BGC Partners believes that these additional benefits may assist its executive officers in performing their duties and provide time efficiencies for them in appropriate circumstances, and it may consider their use in the future. All present or future practices regarding executive officer perquisites will be subject to periodic review and approval by the Compensation Committee.

 

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Mr. Gosin receives the use of a car and driver in connection with Mr. Gosin’s duties as an executive officer. In 2016, such personal benefits had an aggregate incremental cost of approximately $150,437.

BGC Partners offers medical, dental, life insurance and short-term disability to all employees on a non-discriminatory basis. Medical insurance premiums are charged to employees at varying levels based on total cash compensation. In 2016, Mr. Gosin received full payment of his health insurance premiums as was negotiated in 2011 in connection with BGC Partners’ acquisition of the Newmark business. Such benefit will be discontinued in 2017, and Mr. Gosin will participate in the offered medical insurance on the same basis as all other executive officers.

Post-Employment Compensation

Pension Benefits

BGC Partners does not currently provide pension arrangements or post-retirement health coverage for its employees, although it may consider such benefits in the future.

Retirement Benefits

BGC Partners’ executive officers in the United States are generally eligible to participate in its 401(k) contributory defined contribution plan (which we refer to as the “BGC Deferral Plan”). Pursuant to the BGC Deferral Plan, all U.S. eligible employees, including the executive officers, are provided with a means of saving for retirement. BGC Partners currently does not match any of its employees’ contributions to the BGC Deferral Plan.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

BGC Partners does not provide any nonqualified deferred compensation plans to its employees, although it may consider such benefits in the future.

 

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Summary Compensation Table

 

(a)

Name and
Principal Position

  (b)
Year
    (c)
Salary
($)
    (d)
Bonus
($) (3)
    (e)
Stock
Awards
($)
    (f)
Option
Awards
($)
    (g)
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($) (7)
    (h)
Change in
Pension
Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)
    (i)
All Other
Compensation
($)
    (j)
Total
($)
 

Howard W. Lutnick,

    2016 (1)(2)       500,000       —       —   (4)       —       6,375,000       —       —       6,875,000  

Chairman

    2015 (1)(2)       500,000       —       —   (4)       —       5,875,000       —       —       6,375,000  

Barry M. Gosin,

    2016 (2)       475,000 (8)       —       —   (5)       —       —       —       514,617 (9)(10)       989,617  

Chief Executive Officer

    2015 (2)       475,000 (8)       2,436,600       —   (5)       —       —       —       26,752,219 (9)(10)       29,663,819  

James R. Ficarro,

    2016 (2)       525,000       585,000       —   (6)       —       —       —       —       1,110,000  

Chief Operating Officer

    2015 (2)       450,000       258,750       —   (6)       —       —       —       326,250 (11)       1,035,000  

 

(1) The table does not include matters for 2015 and 2016 relating to the Global Partnership Restructuring Program because the shares granted under the program were fewer than the number of limited partnership units redeemed/exchanged, those units had been granted in partial payment of prior years’ BGC Incentive Plan bonuses that had been reported at full notional value, and the partnership unit and cash payment adjustments described as part of the program were incidental adjustments required by the terms of the partnership unit agreements and the timing of the program in relation to distributions on units.

 

(2) The amounts set forth in the table and corresponding footnotes reflect only those amounts attributable to the relevant executive’s services performed for us and exclude the amounts attributable to the relevant executives’ services performed on other matters for BGC Partners and its affiliates (other than us), and represents a percentage (i.e., for Mr. Lutnick, 50% of all compensation paid to him by BGC Partners; for Mr. Gosin, 100% of all compensation; and for Mr. Ficarro, 90% of all compensation) of the compensation allocable in respect of each executive’s approximate time spent on Newmark matters.

 

(3) Mr. Ficarro’s bonus for 2016 was paid as follows: $321,744 in the form of 28,224 PSUs and $263,249 in the form of 23,092 PPSUs. Mr. Gosin did not receive a bonus for 2016. See footnote (9) below for further information.

Mr. Gosin’s and Mr. Ficarro’s bonuses for 2015 were paid as follows: (1) Mr. Gosin: $2,436,600 in the form of 153,861 non-exchangeable PSUs and 125,887 non-exchangeable PPSUs; (2) Mr. Ficarro: $258,750 in the form of 15,691 non-exchangeable PSUs and 12,838 non-exchangeable PPSUs. Mr. Gosin’s bonus for 2015 represents the amount earned in excess of the advance allocated to his 2015 bonus, which is described further in footnote (9) below.

 

(4) For Mr. Lutnick, column (e) does not include the NPSUs granted to him in 2015 and 2016, 2,000,000 and 750,000, respectively, because NPSUs do not represent a right to acquire shares of Class A common stock and they had no grant date fair value for accounting purposes.

Of the 2,000,000 NPSUs granted to Mr. Lutnick in 2014, (i) 1,000,000 were in 2015 replaced by a total of 550,000 non-exchangeable PSUs and 450,000 non-exchangeable PPSUs; and (ii) 500,000 were in 2016 replaced by 360,000 non-exchangeable PSUs and 140,000 non-exchangeable PPSUs.

Of the 2,000,000 NPSUs granted to Mr. Lutnick in 2015, (i) in 2016, 500,000 were replaced by 275,000 non-exchangeable PSUs and 225,000 non-exchangeable PPSUs, and (ii) in 2017, 500,000 were replaced by 360,000 non-exchangeable PSUs and 140,000 non-exchangeable PPSUs.

Of the 750,000 NPSUs granted to Mr. Lutnick in 2016, in 2017, 187,500 were replaced by 135,000 non-exchangeable PSUs and 52,500 non-exchangeable PPSUs.

Column (e) also does not include the fair value of grants of exchange rights to Mr. Lutnick in February 2016 with respect to 520,380 PSUs and 425,765 PPSUs, pursuant to the standing policy because each of those PSUs and PPSUs was originally granted to Mr. Lutnick in partial payment of bonuses awarded to him under the BGC Incentive Plan for prior years and reflected in column (g) of the table for each of those prior years at their full notional dollar values.

 

(5)

For Mr. Gosin, column (e) does not include any of the following units, because these units had been previously granted in partial payment of prior years’ annual bonuses, commissions or base salary as non-exchangeable awards that would have been reported at full notional value, if we had been a reporting company at the time such bonuses were paid in the form of these units: (i) in March 2015, 16,868 APSUs and 169,811 PSUs were made exchangeable, (ii) in April 2015, 6,808 APSUs, 29,696 PSUs and 24,014 PPSUs were made exchangeable, (iii) in August 2015, 276,706 PSUs and 13,482 APSUs were made exchangeable, (iv) in December 2015, 6,927

 

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  APSUs were made exchangeable, (v) in March 2016, 254,250 PSUs were made exchangeable, (vi) in April 2016, 11,114 APSUs and 1,079 PSUs were made exchangeable, (vii) in May 2016, 69,517 PSUs and 56,877 PPSUs were made exchangeable, (viii) in October 2016, 593,869 PSUs were made exchangeable and (ix) in November 2016, 33,386 APSUs were made exchangeable.

 

(6) For Mr. Ficarro, column (e) does not include any of the following units, because these units had previously been granted in partial payment of prior years’ annual bonuses that would have been reported at full notional value, if we had been a reporting company at the time such bonuses were paid in the form of these units: (i) on April 22, 2015, 16, 736 NPPSUs were made exchangeable, (ii) on April 13, 2015, 4,163 PSUs and 3,046 PPSUs were made exchangeable, (iii) on May 2, 2016, 7,177 PSUs and 4,765 PPSUs were made exchangeable, (iv) on March 21, 2017, 15,586 PSUs and 12,752 PPSUs were made exchangeable, and (v) on April 24, 2017, 12,373 PSUs and 10,123 PPSUs were made exchangeable.

For Mr. Ficarro, of the 81,818 NPSUs granted to him in 2014, in 2015, 20,454 NPSUs were made exchangeable.

 

(7) The amounts in column (g) reflect the bonus awarded to Mr. Lutnick under the BGC Incentive Plan. For 2016, Mr. Lutnick’s BGC Incentive Plan bonus was paid $1,500,000 in cash and $4,875,000 in the form of 317,073 non-exchangeable PSUs and 123,306 non-exchangeable PPSUs. For 2015, Mr. Lutnick’s BGC Incentive Plan bonus was paid $1,500,000 in cash and $4,375,000 in the form of 375,000 non-exchangeable PSUs and 145,834 non-exchangeable PPSUs.

Because they did not participate in the BGC Incentive Plan, Mr. Gosin’s bonuses for 2015 and 2016 and Mr. Ficarro’s bonus for 2015 were reflected in column (d).

 

(8) For 2015 and 2016, Mr. Gosin’s base salary was $475,000, payable 50% in cash and 50% in non-exchangeable APSUs. The 50% portion paid in non-exchangeable APSUs was calculated on a monthly basis by dividing $19,792 by the closing price of Class A common stock on the last day of the month in which the cash portion of his salary was paid, and resulted in Mr. Gosin receiving 26,575 non-exchangeable PSUs in 2015 and 26,548 non-exchangeable PSUs in 2016.

 

(9) For 2016, Mr. Gosin received commissions in the amount of $346,617 payable in connection with brokerage transactions. This amount was paid in the form of 34,888 non-exchangeable PSUs and 4,347 non-exchangeable APSUs. Such non-exchangeable APSUs are not distribution eligible for 2016 or 2017.

For 2015, Mr. Gosin received commissions in the amount of $2,592,183 payable in connection with brokerage transactions. This amount was paid in the form of 254,250 non-exchangeable PSUs and 31,784 non-exchangeable APSUs. Such non-exchangeable APSUs are not distribution eligible for 2015 or 2016.

In connection with an amendment to his existing employment agreement, on September 30, 2015, Mr. Gosin received a one-time grant of $24,000,164. This amount was paid in the form of 2,919,728 non-exchangeable PSUs. Such grant was given as an advance against future incentive pool allocation payments which reduced his incentive pool allocation in respect of each of fiscal year 2014, 2015 and 2016 pursuant to a fixed formula. The amount of the one-time grant was based on Mr. Gosin’s estimated target bonus in future years. For further information regarding Mr. Gosin’s bonus, please see “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—BGC Incentive Plan Bonuses and Other Bonuses Awarded for 2016” above.

 

(10) Mr. Gosin receives the use of a car and driver in connection with Mr. Gosin’s duties. Such personal benefits had an aggregate incremental cost of approximately $142,389 in 2015 and $150,437 in 2016. In addition, Mr. Gosin received full payment of his health insurance premiums which had an aggregate incremental cost of approximately $17,482 in each of 2015 and 2016. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Perquisites” above.

 

(11) For 2015, Mr. Ficarro was provided a loan in the amount of $326,250, pursuant to which the actual amount of the loan was issued as $228,707, which is the result of $326,250 (the nominal gross amount) less $97,543 held in reserve for payment of tax liabilities in association with any forgiveness of the then current balance of the loan as applicable. The amount in column (i) reflects the gross amount of such loan provided to Mr. Ficarro and includes the reserve amount.

 

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Grants of Plan-Based Awards

The following table shows all grants of plan-based awards to the named executive officers in 2016:

 

(a)

  (b)     (c)     (d)     (e)     (f)     (g)     (h)     (i)     (j)     (k)     (l)  
                                                                   

Name

       

 

Estimated Possible Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards

   

 

Estimated Future Payouts
Under Equity Incentive
Plan Awards

    All Other
Grant
Awards:

Number of
Shares of
Stock or
Units
(#) (2)
    All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
(#)
    Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/Sh)
    Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock and
Option
Awards
($) (2)
 
  Grant
Date
    Threshold
($)
    Target
($)
    Allowable
Plan
Maximum
($) (1)
    Threshold
(#)
    Target
(#)
    Maximum
(#)
         

Howard W. Lutnick

    1/1/16       —       —       25,000,000     —         —       —       —       —       —       —  

Barry M. Gosin (3)

    —       —       —       —       —         —       —       —       —       —       —  

James R. Ficarro (3)

    —       —       —       —       —         —       —       —       —       —       —  

 

(1) The amount in column (e) reflects the maximum possible payment under BGC Incentive Plan in respect of Mr. Lutnick’s services to BGC Partners and Newmark. During 2016, there were no specific minimum and target levels under the BGC Incentive Plan. The $25,000,000 maximum amount was the maximum annual amount available for payment to any one executive officer under the BGC Incentive Plan for 2016, and the Compensation Committee retained negative discretion to award less than this amount even if the Performance Goals were met. The actual amount paid to Mr. Lutnick for 2016 that is attributable to his time spent on Newmark matters is set forth in column (g) of the Summary Compensation Table.

 

(2) Columns (i) and (l) do not include the NPSUs granted to Mr. Lutnick in 2016, 750,000 of which were attributable to his approximate time spent on Newmark matters, because they did not represent a right to acquire shares of Class A common stock and they had no grant date fair value for accounting purposes.

Of the 750,000 NPSUs granted to Mr. Lutnick in 2016, which represents the portion of such NPSUs allocated to his approximate time spent on Newmark matters, in 2017, 187,500 were replaced by 135,000 non-exchangeable PSUs and 52,500 non-exchangeable PPSUs.

Columns (i) and (1) also do not include the fair value of grants of exchange rights to Mr. Lutnick in February 2016 with respect to 520,380 PSUs and 425,765 PPSUs pursuant to the standing policy, which represent the portion of such awards allocated to his approximate time spent on Newmark matters, because each of those PSUs and PPSUs was originally granted to Mr. Lutnick in partial payment of bonuses awarded to him under the BGC Incentive Plan for prior years and reflected in column (g) of the Summary Compensation Table for each of those prior years at their full notional dollar values.

 

(3) Messrs. Gosin and Ficarro did not receive any grants of plan-based awards in 2016.

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End

The following table shows all unexercised options held by each of the named executive officers as of December 31, 2016:

 

    Option Awards     Grant Awards  

(a)

Name

  (b)
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Exercisable (1)
    (c)
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
Unexercisable (2)
    (d)
Equity
Incentive

Plan
Awards:

Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options
(#)
    (e)
Option
Exercise
Price
($)
    (f)
Option
Expiration
Date
    (g)
Number
of Shares
or Units
of Stock
That
Have
Not
Vested
(#) (2)
    (h)
Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock
That Have
Not
Vested (2)
    (i)
Equity
Incentive

Plan
Awards:

Number of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights
That
Have Not
Vested
(#)
    (j)
Equity
Incentive

Plan
Awards:

Market or
Payout
Value of
Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested
($)
 

Howard W. Lutnick

    500,000       —       —       10.82       12/28/2017       —       —       —       —  
    520,380       —       —       N/A       N/A       —       —       —       —  

Barry M. Gosin

    1,955,067       —       —       N/A       N/A       —       —       —       —  

James R. Ficarro

    31,794       —       —       N/A       N/A       —       —       —       —  

 

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(1) For Mr. Lutnick, column (b) represents 500,000 of his fully vested options on Class A common stock and 520,380 exchangeable PSUs. Column (b) does not include 425,765 exchangeable PPSUs held by Mr. Lutnick as of December 31, 2016 because they do not represent a right to acquire shares of Class A common stock. These PPSUs are exchangeable for cash in connection with the exchange of the related PPSUs for shares based upon the applicable determination price of each grant of PPSUs, which had a weighted average determination price of $7.03, for an aggregate of $2,993,128.

For Mr. Gosin, column (b) represents his exchangeable PSUs and APSUs held at December 31, 2016.

For Mr. Ficarro, column (b) represents his exchangeable PSUs held at December 31, 2016.

Exchangeable PSUs and APSUs may be exchanged at any time on a 1:1 basis for shares of Class A common stock. As of December 31, 2016, the closing market price of a share of Class A common stock was $10.23.

Non-exchangeable PSUs or APSUs held as of December 31, 2016 that are eligible to be granted exchange rights into Class A common stock were as follows: Mr. Lutnick, 1,497,125 units; Mr. Gosin, 5,005,674 units; and Mr. Ficarro, 64,850 units.

NPSUs held as of December 31, 2016 that are eligible to be replaced by non-exchangeable PSUs/PPSUs, which in turn would be eligible to be granted exchange rights for shares of Class A common stock or cash, were as follows: Mr. Lutnick, 3,250,000; and Mr. Ficarro, 40,910.

Unless otherwise noted, the number and value of awards in the table and this footnote reflect only those amounts attributable to the relevant executive’s services performed for us and excludes the amounts attributable to the relevant executives’ services performed on other matters for BGC Partners and its affiliates (other than us), and represents a percentage (i.e., for Mr. Lutnick, 50% of all compensation paid to him by BGC Partners; for Mr. Gosin, 100% of all compensation; for Mr. Ficarro, 90% of all compensation) of the compensation allocable in respect of each executive’s approximate time spent on Newmark matters.

 

(2) Column (c) does not include non-exchangeable PPSUs held as of December 31, 2016 because they did not represent a right to acquire Class A common stock. As of December 31, 2016, the non-exchangeable PPSUs held by the named executive officers were as follows: Mr. Lutnick, 905,722 units; Mr. Gosin, 264,985 units; and Mr. Ficarro, 48,631 units. Such number of PPSUs reflects the percentage of PPSUs attributable to each executive officer’s approximate time spent on Newmark matters.

 

(3) Columns (g) and (h) do not include the following shares of restricted stock held at December 31, 2016 because such restricted stock is not subject to a risk of forfeiture: Mr. Ficarro, 13,831 shares and Mr. Gosin, 178,232 shares. For Mr. Ficarro, such number of shares of restricted stock reflects the percentage of shares of restricted stock outstanding as of December 31, 2016 attributable to his approximate time spent on Newmark matters. As of December 31, 2016, no shares of restricted stock were held by Mr. Lutnick.

Option Exercises and Stock Vested

During 2016, Mr. Lutnick exercised options as described in the table below, no options were exercised by Mr. Ficarro and Mr. Gosin, and no stock vested for any of the named executive officers.

 

Option Awards

 

(a)

Name

   (b)
Number of
Shares
acquired on
exercise
(#) (1)
     (c)
Value Realized
on exercise
($)
Unexercisable
 

Howard W. Lutnick

     125,000        68,750  
     400,000        136,000  

 

(1) During 2016, Mr. Lutnick exercised employee stock options through net exercise as follows: (a) March 9, 2016 with respect to 120,000 shares at an exercise price of $8.42 per share; and (b) November 9, 2016, with respect to 400,000 shares at an exercise price of $8.80 per share. The closing price of a share of Class A common stock on March 9, 2016 and November 9, 2016 was $8.97 and $9.14, respectively. The net exercises of such options resulted in 8,702 shares and 25,532 shares, respectively, being issued to Mr. Lutnick. The number and value of awards in the table and this footnote reflect only those amounts attributable to Mr. Lutnick’s services performed for us and excludes the amounts attributable to his services performed on other matters for BGC Partners and its affiliates (other than us), and represents a percentage (50% of all compensation paid to him by BGC Partners) of the compensation allocable in respect of his approximate time spent on Newmark matters.

 

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Potential Payments upon Termination and Change in Control

The following table provides information regarding the estimated amounts payable to the named executive officers listed below, upon either termination or continued employment if such change in control had occurred on December 31, 2016 under their change in control and other agreements, described below, in effect on December 31, 2016 (including NPSUs granted and BGC Incentive Plan and other bonuses and commissions paid for 2016). The amounts in the table below reflect the amounts payable to Mr. Lutnick upon a change in control of BGC Partners as of December 31, 2016 that are attributable to his approximate BGC time spent on Newmark matters ( i.e. , 50% of his compensation). For Mr. Gosin, we have reflected 100% of the amounts he would be paid on a termination of his employment without “cause,” because the payments would have been the same whether or not a change in control of BGC Partners or Newmark had occurred. Mr. Ficarro is not eligible for additional benefits upon termination or a change in control. All amounts are determined, where applicable, using the $10.23 closing market price of our Class A common stock as of December 30, 2016. All amounts, including estimated tax gross-up payments, are subject to the specific terms and conditions set forth in the applicable change in control or other agreements and applicable law:

 

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Name

  Base
Salary
($)
    Bonus
($)
    Earned but
Unpaid
Commissions
    Non-Compete
Payments ($)
    Vesting of
Equity
Compensation
($)
    Welfare
Benefit
Continuation
($)
    Tax Gross-
Up
Payment
($) (6)
    Total
($)
 

Howard W. Lutnick

               

Termination of Employment in connection with a Change in Control (1)

    1,000,000       11,750,000         —       —       25,348       7,433,132       20,208,480  

Extension of Employment in connection with a Change in Control

    500,000       5,875,000         —       —       —       3,065,739       9,440,739  

Barry M. Gosin

               

Termination of Employment without Cause Prior to a Change in Control (2)

    376,096 (4)       1,928,778       113,270       2,000,000 (5)       —       —       —       4,418,144  

Termination of Employment without Cause in connection with a Change in Control (3)

    376,096 (4)       1,928,778       113,270       2,000,000 (5)       —       —       —       4,418,144  

Any Termination of Employment

    —       —         2,000,000 (5)       —       —       —       2,000,000  

 

(1) Upon a change in control at December 31, 2016, Mr. Lutnick would have had the right to receive (i) the replacement of any NPSUs with non-exchangeable PSUs/PPSUs, and such non-exchangeable PSUs/PPSUs would then be granted immediately exchangeable exchange rights in accordance with clause (ii); (ii) grants of immediately exchangeable exchange rights with respect to any non-exchangeable limited partnership units that would be eligible to be granted exchange rights held by him immediately prior to a change in control; and (iii) the immediate lapse of any restrictions on transferability of any shares of restricted stock held by him at such time.

At December 31, 2016, Mr. Lutnick held 4,747,125 of such non-exchangeable limited partnership units (including any PSUs or NPSUs which would be replaced with PSUs/PPSUs), which represents the number of such non-exchangeable units attributable to his approximate time spent on Newmark matters. Based on the closing price of Class A common stock of $10.23 on December 30, 2016, the value of the shares and cash underlying such grants would have been $48,563,089.

As of December 31, 2016, Mr. Lutnick held 905,722 non-exchangeable PPSUs, which represents the number of such non-exchangeable PPSUs attributable to his services to Newmark. Based upon the applicable determination price of each grant of PPSUs, the cash value underlying such exchange rights would have been $8,362,925.

As of December 31, 2016, Mr. Lutnick did not hold any shares of restricted stock.

In each case, the units exclude any units subject to redemption for zero or for cash in accordance with applicable agreements. See “Executive Compensation—Change in Control Agreements.”

 

(2) Upon a termination of Mr. Gosin’s employment without cause, any unvested compensatory partnership units held by Mr. Gosin would vest immediately. At December 31, 2016, Mr. Gosin had no unvested partnership units. See “Executive Compensation—Employment Agreements—Gosin Employment Agreement” below.

 

(3) Upon a change in control at December 31, 2016, any non-exchangeable PSUs and APSUs held by Mr. Gosin as of such date would have been immediately exchangeable into restricted shares of Class A common stock, transferable ratably over the first through third anniversaries of the Change in Control, subject to certain conditions. See “Executive Compensation—Change in Control Agreements” below.

At December 31, 2016, Mr. Gosin held 5,005,674 of such non-exchangeable APSUs and PSUs. Based on the closing price of Class A common stock of $10.23 on December 30, 2016, the value of the shares underlying such grants of exchange rights would have been $51,208,045.

At December 31, 2016, Mr. Gosin held 222,790 shares of restricted stock that were subject only to restrictions on transferability. Based on the closing price of Class A common stock of $10.23 on December 30, 2016, the value of the shares would have been $2,279,142.

 

(4) For 2016, Mr. Gosin’s base salary was $475,000, payable 50% in cash and 50% in partnership units, and the 50% portion in equity was calculated on a monthly basis by dividing $19,792 by the closing price of Class A common stock on the last day of the month in which the cash portion of the salary was paid.

 

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(5) Following a termination of Mr. Gosin’s employment for any reason, he would be eligible to receive a monthly cash payment equal to $83,333.33 in exchange for his non-compete for up to 24 months; provided that the Company may elect to release Mr. Gosin from his non-compete and cease making such payments at any time. If the Company elected to enforce Mr. Gosin’s non-compete for the full 24-month period, the value of such payment would be $2,000,000.

 

(6) Mr. Lutnick is also entitled to a tax gross-up for excess parachute payments, if any, that would be due in respect of the impact a change in control would have on certain of his outstanding partnership units. Based on the vesting in footnote (1), on either a termination of employment or an extension of employment, these amounts, if any, would be estimated to be $38,998,956.

Change in Control Agreements

At the closing of this offering, Mr. Lutnick will enter into a Change in Control Agreement with us (which we refer to as the “Change in Control Agreement”) providing that, upon a change in control, all stock options, RSUs, restricted stock, and other awards based on shares of our Class A common stock held by him immediately prior to such change in control shall vest in full and become immediately exercisable, and all limited partnership units in Newmark Holdings shall, if applicable, vest in full and be granted immediately exchangeable exchange rights for shares of our Class A common stock. The Change in Control Agreement will also contain provisions relating to the continuation of medical and life insurance benefits for two years following termination or extension of employment, as applicable.

Under the Change in Control Agreement, if a change in control of the Company occurs (which will occur in the event that none of Cantor or any of its affiliates has a controlling interest in us) and Mr. Lutnick elects to terminate his employment with us upon the change in control pursuant to a written notice of his resignation provided at any time prior to the change in control, he will receive in a lump sum in cash an amount equal to two times the sum of his annual base salary and his prior year’s annual bonus, and receive medical benefits for two years after the termination of his employment (provided that, if Mr. Lutnick becomes re-employed and is eligible to receive medical benefits under another employer-provided plan, the former medical benefits will be secondary to the latter). If a change in control occurs and Mr. Lutnick does not so elect to terminate his employment with us, he will receive in a lump sum in cash an amount equal to his annual base salary and his prior year’s annual bonus, and receive medical benefits, provided that in the event that, during the three-year period following the change in control, his employment is terminated by us (other than by reason of his death or disability), he will receive in a lump sum in cash an amount equal to his annual base salary and his prior year’s annual bonus. The Change in Control Agreement will further provide for certain tax gross-up payments, provide for no duty of Mr. Lutnick to mitigate amounts due by seeking other employment and provide for payment of legal fees and expenses as a result of any dispute with respect to the Change in Control Agreement. The Change in Control Agreement will further provide for indemnification of Mr. Lutnick in connection with a challenge thereof. In the event of death or disability, or termination in the absence of a change in control, Mr. Lutnick will be paid only his accrued salary to the date of death, disability, or termination. The Change in Control Agreement will be terminable by the Company upon two years’ advance notice on or after the 10-year anniversary of the closing of this offering.

As of the date hereof, Mr. Lutnick is party to a substantially similar change in control agreement with BGC Partners and the payments that may become payable to Mr. Lutnick under such agreement had Mr. Lutnick terminated employment on December 31, 2016 are quantified in the table above.

As discussed above, NPSUs were granted to Mr. Lutnick in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Upon a change in control under the Change in Control Agreement, any unvested NPSUs will vest in full into vested, exchangeable PSUs/PPSUs. See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Equity Plan and Participation Plan Awards.”

Additionally, in connection with this offering, Mr. Gosin has entered into letter agreements providing that in the event that BGC Partners or Newmark are no longer controlled by Cantor, Mr. Lutnick or one of their affiliates, any PSUs relating to BGC Holdings or Newmark Holdings, as applicable, then held by Mr. Gosin at the time of the change in control shall be exchanged into restricted shares of Class A common stock (subject to reduction for taxes and withholdings). Such shares shall be transferable ratably over the first through third anniversaries of such change in control, provided that Mr. Gosin continues to satisfy the non-compete, non-

 

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solicitation and non-disparagement conditions set forth in the share documentation through the applicable transfer date.

Mr. Gosin was party to a substantially similar letter with BGC Holdings, which was superseded by his new letter with BGC Holdings, that also applied to APSUs, and the payments that would have become payable to Mr. Gosin under such agreement had Mr. Gosin terminated employment on December 31, 2016 are quantified in the table above.

Employment Agreements

Gosin Employment Agreement

In connection with the completion of this offering, Newmark OpCo and Barry M. Gosin have entered into an Employment Agreement, which, as amended from time to time, we refer to as the “Gosin Employment Agreement,” pursuant to which Mr. Gosin will serve as Chief Executive Officer of Newmark, reporting directly to Mr. Lutnick. The Gosin Employment Agreement provides for a term commencing as of December 1, 2017 and ending on the earlier of (i) the twelve month anniversary of the date on which either party notifies the other party in writing of its intention not to terminate the agreement and (ii) the date the agreement is otherwise terminated in accordance with its terms.

The Gosin Employment Agreement provides that Mr. Gosin is entitled to receive (i) an annual base salary of $1,000,000, all of which shall be paid in cash, (ii) commissions under the terms and conditions applicable to Mr. Gosin and in accordance with Newmark’s then-current policies, provided that the payment of any such Commissions must be approved by the Compensation Committee of the Newmark Board, and (iii) a discretionary annual bonus, subject to the approval of and achievement by Mr. Gosin of any performance goals or targets as may be established by the Compensation Committee of the Newmark Board.

During the term of employment, Newmark OpCo may terminate the Gosin Employment Agreement for “Cause,” as defined therein, without further obligation, upon death or disability, or without Cause. Amounts payable upon termination for death or disability shall be determined in accordance with Newmark’s then-current policies. If Mr. Gosin is terminated without Cause, he shall be entitled to receive, subject to his execution of a customary release, (i) his salary through the remainder of the term of employment and (ii) if applicable, Mr. Gosin’s non-exchangeable BGC Holdings and Newmark Holdings units will, as determined by the applicable General Partner, be (y) redeemed for cash or stock ratably over the first four anniversaries of such termination or (z) exchanged into restricted shares of stock and become transferable ratably over the first through fourth anniversaries of such termination (provided that, with respect to clauses (x) and (y), Mr. Gosin continues to satisfy the non-compete, non-solicitation and non-disparagement conditions set forth in the share documentation through the applicable transfer date).

In addition, pursuant to the letter agreements between Mr. Gosin and each of BGC Holdings and Newmark Holdings, in the event of Mr. Gosin’s permanent retirement from Newmark and the real estate brokerage industry, it is the current intention of the General Partner of BGC Holdings and the General Partner of Newmark Holdings that Mr. Gosin’s PSUs then held at the time of retirement shall, at Mr. Gosin’s election, either be (i) redeemed for cash or BGC or Newmark Class A common stock, as applicable, ratably over the first through fourth anniversaries of such retirement or (ii) exchanged into BGC or Newmark restricted shares of Class A common stock, as applicable, upon such retirement and become transferable ratably over the first through fourth anniversaries of such retirement; provided that Mr. Gosin continues to satisfy the non-compete, non-solicitation and non-disparagement conditions set forth in the share documentation through the applicable transfer date. Mr. Gosin may also request to remain a partner in BGC Holdings.

Mr. Gosin is subject to confidentiality, non-competition, non-solicitation and non-disparagement obligations. For as long as Mr. Gosin does not compete with Newmark, subject to customary exceptions including ownership of less than 1% of the securities of a publicly traded competitor and certain investments in

 

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ownership of real property, during the 24 months after any termination, and, provided that he executes and delivers a customary release, among other requirements, Mr. Gosin is entitled to receive $83,333.33 per month during the non-compete period (unless Newmark OpCo elects not to continue to enforce the non-compete, at which time payments will cease). He also agreed not to solicit or perform services for any clients or prospective clients of Newmark for such 24-month period and not to solicit any employees, consultants or independent contractors of Newmark for a five-year period following termination of his employment.

Mr. Gosin is also entitled to certain rights in the event of a Change in Control. See “Executive Compensation—Change in Control Agreements” above.

Prior Gosin Employment Agreement

Mr. Gosin was previously party to an employment agreement (the “Prior Gosin Employment Agreement”) which was superseded in its entirety upon the execution of the Gosin Employment Agreement. If Mr. Gosin had terminated employment on December 31, 2016, the payments and benefits to which Mr. Gosin would have been entitled upon a termination of employment under the Prior Gosin Employment Agreement were substantially similar to those provided for in the Gosin Employment Agreement, except that he would have been entitled to an amount equal to his incentive pool allocation that he received for the immediately preceding calendar year of the term of employment. These amounts are quantified in the table above.

Compensation of Directors

Directors who are also our employees will not receive additional compensation for serving as director. Effective upon the completion of this offering, the compensation schedule for our non-employee directors will be as follows:

 

    an annual cash retainer of $100,000,

 

    an annual stipend for the chair of our compensation committee of $15,000, and

 

    an annual stipend for the chair of our audit committee of $25,000.

We will also pay each non-employee director $2,000 for each meeting of our board of directors and $1,000 for each meeting of a committee of our board of directors actually attended, whether in person or by telephone. Under our policy, none of our non-employee directors will be paid more than $3,000 in the aggregate for attendance at meetings held on the same date. Non-employee directors may also receive additional per diem fees for services as a director at the rate of $1,000 per day, with a limit of $5,000 per matter, for additional time spent on board or committee matters as directed from time to time by our board of directors. Non-employee directors also are reimbursed for all out-of-pocket expenses incurred in attending meetings of our board of directors or committees of our board on which they serve.

In addition to the cash compensation described above, upon the appointment or initial election of a non-employee director, we will grant to each non-employee director RSUs equal to the value of shares of our Class A common stock that could be purchased for $70,000 at the closing price of our Class A common stock on the trading date of the appointment or initial election of the non-employee director (rounded down to the next whole share). These RSUs will vest equally on each of the first two anniversaries of the grant date, provided that the non-employee director is a member of our board of directors at the opening of business on such dates.

Thereafter, we expect to annually grant to each non-employee director RSUs equal to the value of shares of our Class A common stock that could be purchased for $50,000 on the date of his or her re-election in consideration for services provided. These RSUs will vest equally on each of the first two anniversaries of the grant date, provided that the non-employee director is a member of our board of directors at the opening of business on such dates.

Long-Term Incentive Plan

Prior to the completion of this offering, we will adopt the Equity Plan to provide a means for us to attract, retain, motivate and reward present and prospective directors, officers, employees, consultants and service providers by increasing their ownership interests in us. Under the Equity Plan, individual awards may take the form of: (i) stock options, including incentive stock options (which we refer to as “ISOs”); (ii) SARs;

 

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(iii) restricted stock, consisting of shares of our Class A common stock that are subject to restrictions on transferability and other possible restrictions, including forfeiture based upon the failure to satisfy service-related or other restrictions; (iv) deferred stock, representing the right to receive shares of our stock in the future, such as RSUs; (v) bonus stock and awards in lieu of cash compensation, including in payment of bonuses under our Incentive Plan; (vi) dividend equivalents, consisting of a right to receive cash, other awards or other property equal in value to dividends paid with respect to a specified number of shares of our stock; or (vii) Other Stock-Based Awards, consisting of awards denominated or payable in, or the value of which is based in whole or in part upon the market or book value of, our Class A common stock, including in connection with Newmark Holdings limited partnership units awarded under the Participation Plan and working partner units that are exchangeable for shares of our Class A common stock or cash settled. Dividend equivalents may be paid, distributed or accrued in connection with any award issued under the Equity Plan, including RSUs, whether or not vested. Awards granted under the Equity Plan are generally not assignable or transferable, except by the laws of descent and distribution, unless permitted by our compensation committee or its designee.

Subject to adjustment, the Equity Plan authorizes the issuance of up to 400 million shares of Newmark Class A common stock (subject to adjustment) pursuant to the exercise or settlement of awards granted under the Equity Plan. During any calendar year, no participant in the Equity Plan may be granted awards (including options and stock appreciation rights) that may be settled by delivery of more than 15 million shares of Newmark Class A common stock, subject to adjustment. In addition, with respect to awards that may be settled solely in cash, no participant may be paid in any calendar year cash amounts relating to such awards that exceed the greater of the fair market value of the number of shares of stock in the immediately preceding sentence at the date of grant or the date of settlement of the award. The Equity Plan treats these limitations as two separate limitations, such that awards that may be settled solely by delivery of stock will not operate to reduce the amount of cash-only awards, and vice-versa.

The Equity Plan will be generally administered by our compensation committee, except that our board of directors will perform the Committee’s functions under the Equity Plan for purposes of grants of awards to members of the Committee and, to the extent permitted under applicable law and regulation, may perform any other function of our committee as well. Our compensation committee will have the authority, among other things, to: (i) select the present or prospective directors, officers, employees and consultants entitled to be granted awards under the Equity Plan; (ii) determine the types of awards, or combinations thereof, and whether such awards are to operate on a tandem basis or in conjunction with other awards; (iii) determine the number of shares of our Class A common stock or units or rights covered by an award; and (iv) determine the other terms and conditions of any award, including, without limitation, any restrictions or limitations on transfer, any vesting schedules or the acceleration thereof and any forfeiture provisions or waivers thereof, including forfeiture of awards, or of the cash, shares, other awards or other property received in payment or settlement of awards, in the event of termination of employment or service of the participant or his or her violation of company policies, restrictions, or other requirements. The grant price at which shares of our Class A common stock may be acquired pursuant to the grant of stock options and SARs under the Equity Plan may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of the shares covered by such grant on the date of grant, measured at the closing market price of our Class A common stock on such date. Our compensation committee’s authority with respect to awards to employees who are not directors or executive officers may be delegated to our officers or managers, including our Chief Executive Officer. This delegation may be revoked at any time.

Our present and prospective directors, officers, employees, consultants and service providers and those of our parent, subsidiaries and affiliates will be eligible for awards under the Equity Plan. Since the selection of participants and their awards under the Equity Plan are to be determined in the discretion of our compensation committee or its designee, such individuals and their awards are not presently determinable, other than with respect to automatic grants to non-employee directors, as discussed above, and the potential grant of exchange rights and cash settlement awards related to non-exchangeable PSUs and other limited partnership units (for which exchange rights may be granted) awarded under the Participation Plan, including pursuant to the

 

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committee’s special quarterly performance-based award opportunities and change in control agreements and provisions discussed above.

The flexible terms of the Equity Plan are intended to, among other things, permit our compensation committee to impose performance conditions with respect to any award, thereby requiring forfeiture of all or part of an award if performance objectives are not met, or linking the grant, exercisability or settlement of an award to the achievement of performance conditions. The performance goals, to the extent designed to meet the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code, will be based solely on one or more of the following measures: (i) pre-tax or after-tax net income; (ii) pre-tax or after-tax operating income; (iii) gross revenue; (iv) profit margin; (v) stock price, dividends and/or total stockholder return; (vi) cash flow(s); (vii) market share; (viii) pre-tax or after-tax earnings per share; (ix) pre-tax or after-tax operating earnings per share; (x) expenses; (xi) return on equity; or (xii) strategic business criteria, consisting of one or more objectives based upon meeting specified revenue, market penetration or geographic business expansion goals, cost targets or goals relating to acquisitions or divestitures or any combination thereof. The determination of whether any performance goal is satisfied will be made in accordance with GAAP, to the extent relevant. However, in connection with any goal that is based upon operating income or operating earnings, the calculation may be made on the same basis as reflected in a release of earnings for a previously completed period as specified by the Committee.

If our compensation committee determines that any recapitalization, forward or reverse split, reorganization, merger, consolidation, spin-off, combination, repurchase or exchange of shares of our Class A common stock or other securities, stock dividend or other special, large and nonrecurring dividend or distribution (whether in the form of cash, securities or other property), liquidation, dissolution, or other similar corporate transaction or event affects our shares such that an adjustment is appropriate in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights of participants under the Equity Plan, then the committee shall, in such manner as it may deem equitable, adjust any or all of (i) the number and kind of shares of stock reserved and available for awards under the Equity Plan; (ii) the number and kind of shares of stock specified in the annual per-person limitations under the Equity Plan; (iii) the number and kind of shares of outstanding restricted stock or other outstanding awards in connection with which shares have been issued; (iv) the number and kind of shares that may be issued in respect of other outstanding awards; and (v) the exercise price, grant price or purchase price relating to any award (or, if deemed appropriate, the committee may make provision for a cash payment, including, without limitation, payment based upon the intrinsic (i.e., in-the-money) value, if any, with respect to any outstanding award). In addition, the committee shall make appropriate adjustments in the terms and conditions of, and the criteria included in, awards (including, without limitation, cancellation of unexercised or outstanding awards, or substitution of awards using stock of a successor or other entity) in recognition of unusual or nonrecurring events (including, without limitation, events described in the preceding sentence and events constituting a change in control) affecting us or our financial statements, or in response to changes in applicable law, regulation, or accounting principles.

Except as otherwise provided in individual award agreements, which need not be uniform, all conditions and restrictions relating to the continued performance of services with respect to the exercisability or full enjoyment of an award will accelerate or otherwise lapse immediately prior to a “change in control” (as defined in the Equity Plan, and which, prior to the distribution, will include a “change in control” of BGC Partners). Upon the consummation of any transaction whereby we become a wholly owned subsidiary of any unaffiliated corporation, all stock options outstanding under the Equity Plan will terminate (after taking into account any accelerated vesting), with or without the payment of any consideration therefor, including, without limitation, payment of the intrinsic (i.e., in-the-money) value, if any, of such options, as determined by our compensation committee, unless such other corporation continues or assumes the Equity Plan as it relates to options then outstanding (in which case such other corporation will be treated as us for all purposes under the Equity Plan, and the compensation committee shall make appropriate adjustment in the number and kind of shares of stock subject thereto and the exercise price per share thereof to reflect consummation of such transaction). If the Equity Plan is not to be so assumed, we will notify participants at least 10 days in advance of the consummation of such transaction.

As to any award granted as a stock option or SAR, the Equity Plan includes a restriction providing that our compensation committee may not, without prior stockholder approval to the extent required under applicable

 

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law, regulation, or exchange rule, subsequently reduce the exercise price or grant price relating to such award, or take such other actions as may be considered a “repricing” of such award under GAAP. Adjustments to the exercise or grant price or number of shares of our Class A common stock subject to an option or SAR to reflect the effects of a stock split or other extraordinary corporate transaction will not constitute a “repricing.”

We may not, in connection with any award, extend, maintain, renew, guarantee or arrange for credit in the form of a personal loan to any participant who is our director or executive officer. With the consent of our compensation committee, and subject at all times to, and only to the extent, if any, permitted under, applicable law and regulation and other binding obligations or provisions applicable to us, we may extend, maintain, renew, guarantee or arrange for credit in the form of a personal loan to a participant who is not our director or executive officer in connection with any award, including, without limitation, the payment by such participant of any or all federal, state or local income or other taxes due in connection with any award.

The Equity Plan is non-exclusive, and the Plan creates no limitations on our board of directors or compensation committee from adopting other compensatory arrangements. The Equity Plan may be amended, altered, suspended, discontinued or terminated by our board of directors without stockholder approval unless such approval is required by law or regulation, including, without limitation, under the applicable rules of any stock exchange. Stockholder approval will not be deemed to be required under laws or regulations that condition favorable tax treatment on such approval, although our board of directors may, in its discretion, seek stockholder approval in any circumstances in which it deems such approval advisable. Our compensation committee may waive any conditions or rights, or amend, alter, suspend, discontinue or terminate any award, under the Equity Plan. No such change to the Equity Plan or any award may, without the participant’s consent, materially impair the rights of the participant under an outstanding award except as provided in the Equity Plan or applicable award agreement.

Material Federal Income Tax Consequences

The following is a brief description of the federal income tax consequences generally arising with respect to awards that may be granted under the Equity Plan. This discussion is intended for the information of our stockholders and not as tax guidance to individuals who may participate in the Equity Plan. The summary does not address the effects of other federal taxes or taxes imposed under state, local or foreign laws.

The grant of a stock option or SAR will create no tax consequences for the participant or us. A participant will not have taxable income upon exercising an ISO (except that the alternative minimum tax may apply), and we will receive no tax deduction at that time. Upon exercising an option other than an ISO, the participant must generally recognize ordinary income equal to the difference between the exercise price and the fair market value of the freely transferable and non-forfeitable stock received. In each case, we will generally be entitled to a tax deduction equal to the amount recognized as ordinary income by the participant.

A participant’s disposition of stock acquired upon the exercise of a stock option or SAR generally will result in capital gain or loss measured by the difference between the sale price and the participant’s tax basis in such stock (or the exercise price of the option in the case of stock acquired by exercise of an ISO and held for the applicable ISO holding periods). Generally, there will be no tax consequences to us in connection with a disposition of stock acquired upon the exercise of an option or other award, except that we will generally be entitled to a tax deduction (and the participant will recognize ordinary taxable income) if stock acquired upon exercise of an ISO is disposed of before the applicable ISO holding periods have been satisfied.

With respect to awards granted under the Equity Plan that may be settled either in cash or in stock or other property that is either not restricted as to transferability or not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, the participant generally must recognize ordinary income equal to the cash or fair market value of stock or other property received. We will generally be entitled to a tax deduction for the same amount. With respect to awards involving stock or other property that is restricted as to transferability and subject to a substantial risk of

 

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forfeiture, the participant generally must recognize ordinary income equal to the fair market value of the stock or other property received at the first time the stock or other property becomes transferable or not subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, whichever occurs earlier. We will generally be entitled to a tax deduction in an amount equal to the ordinary income recognized by the participant. A participant may elect to be taxed at the time of receipt of the stock or other property rather than upon the lapse of restrictions on transferability or substantial risk of forfeiture, but if the participant subsequently forfeits such stock or property, the participant would not be entitled to any tax deduction, including a capital loss, for the value of the stock or property on which the participant previously paid tax. Such election must be made and filed with the IRS within 30 days after the receipt of the stock or other property.

As discussed above, in certain cases the federal income tax deduction to which we otherwise are entitled may be limited by application of Section 162(m) of the Code, which generally disallows a publicly held corporation’s tax deduction for compensation paid to its chief executive officer and certain of its other most highly compensated named executive officers in excess of $1,000,000 in any year; however, compensation that qualifies as “performance-based compensation” is excluded from the $1,000,000 deductibility cap. We intend that stock options and SARs granted under the Equity Plan at the fair market value of our Class A common stock on the date of grant will qualify as performance-based compensation. Stock units, performance units, stock awards, dividend equivalents, exchange rights and other awards granted under the Equity Plan will qualify as performance-based compensation only when our compensation committee conditions the grant, exercise or settlement of such awards on the achievement of specified performance goals in accordance with the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code and the Equity Plan.

Under Section 409A of the Code, an award under the Equity Plan may be taxable to the participant at 20 percentage points above ordinary federal income tax rates at the time the award becomes vested, plus interest and penalties, even if that is prior to the delivery of cash or stock in settlement of the award, if the award constitutes “deferred compensation” under Section 409A of the Code and the requirements of Section 409A of the Code are not satisfied.

The Equity Plan provides that we have the right to require participants under the Equity Plan to pay us an amount necessary for us to satisfy our federal, state, local and foreign tax withholding obligations with respect to such awards. We may withhold from other amounts payable to such individual an amount necessary to satisfy these obligations. Unless the Compensation Committee or its designee determines otherwise, a participant may satisfy this withholding obligation by having shares acquired pursuant to the award withheld, or by transferring to us previously acquired shares of our Class A common stock.

A form of the Equity Plan is set forth as Exhibit 10.10 to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and the description of the Equity Plan above is only intended to be a summary of the key provisions thereof. Such summary is qualified in its entirety by the actual text of the Equity Plan to which reference is made.

Bonus Compensation Plan

Prior to the completion of this offering, we will adopt the Newmark Incentive Bonus Compensation Plan (which we refer to as the “Incentive Plan”).

The purpose of the Incentive Plan is to (i) attract, retain and reward key employees by providing them with the opportunity to earn bonuses that are based on the achievement of specified performance goals, and (ii) structure such bonus opportunities in a way that will qualify the payments made as “performance-based” for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Code so that we will be entitled to a federal income tax deduction for the payment of such incentive bonuses to such employees. The adoption of the Incentive Plan will not limit the power of our board of directors or of our compensation committee to adopt such other bonus or incentive arrangements as it may deem appropriate.

 

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The Incentive Plan will be administered by our compensation committee. Our compensation committee will have broad administrative authority to, among other things, designate participants, establish performance goals and performance periods, determine the timing of the payment of bonuses, and interpret and administer the Incentive Plan.

Participants in the Incentive Plan for any given performance period may include any of our key employees, including those of our subsidiaries, operating units and divisions, who is designated as a participant for such period by our compensation committee. The participants in the Plan for any given performance period will be designated by our compensation committee, in its sole discretion, before the end of the 90th day of such performance period or the date on which 25% of such performance period has been completed (which we refer to as the “Applicable Period”). This determination may vary from period to period. Bonuses paid under the Plan may be made in the form of cash, shares of our Class A common stock or other stock-based awards under our Equity Plan, or partnership unit awards under the Participation Plan.

Within the Applicable Period, our compensation committee will specify the applicable performance criteria and targets to be used under the Incentive Plan for such performance period. These performance criteria may vary from participant to participant and will be based on one or more of the following measures: (i) pre-tax or after-tax net income; (ii) pre-tax or after-tax operating income; (iii) gross revenue; (iv) profit margin; (v) stock price, dividends and/or total stockholder return; (vi) cash flow(s); (vii) market share; (viii) pre-tax or after-tax earnings per share; (ix) pre-tax or after-tax operating earnings per share; (x) expenses; (xi) return on equity; or (xii) strategic business criteria consisting of one or more objectives based upon meeting specified revenue, market penetration or geographic business expansion goals, cost targets and goals relating to acquisitions or divestitures, or any combination thereof. These performance criteria or goals may be: (a) expressed on an absolute or relative basis, including comparisons to the performance of other companies; (b) based on internal targets; (c) based on comparisons with prior performance; and (d) based on comparisons to capital, stockholders’ equity, shares outstanding, assets or net assets. The determination of whether any performance goal is satisfied will be made in accordance with GAAP, to the extent relevant, without regard to extraordinary items, changes in accounting, unless the committee determines otherwise, or nonrecurring acquisition expenses and restructuring charges, including various charges related to the merger. However, in connection with any goal that is based on operating income or operating earnings, the calculation may be made on the same basis as reflected in a release of earnings for a previously completed period, as specified by the committee. For example, an income-based performance measure could be expressed in a number of ways, such as net earnings per share or return on equity, and with reference to meeting or exceeding a specific target, or with reference to growth above a specified level, such as a prior year’s performance or current or previous peer group performance. The Incentive Plan provides that the achievement of such goals must be substantially uncertain at the time they are established, and bonus opportunities are subject to the Committee’s right to reduce the amount of any bonus payable as a result of such performance, as discussed below.

The bonus opportunity for each participant may be expressed as a dollar-denominated amount or by reference to a formula, such as a percentage share of a bonus pool to be created under the Incentive Plan or a multiple of annual base salary. If a pool approach is used, the total bonus opportunities represented by the shares designated for the participants may not exceed 100% of the pool. In all cases, our compensation committee has the sole discretion to reduce (but not to increase) the actual bonuses paid under the Plan. The actual bonus paid to any given participant at the end of a performance period will be based on the extent to which the applicable performance goals for such performance period are achieved, as determined by the committee. The maximum bonus payable under the Plan to any one individual in any one calendar year will be $25 million.

Our board of directors may at any time amend or terminate the Incentive Plan, provided that (i) without the participant’s written consent, no such amendment or termination may adversely affect the bonus rights (if any) of any already designated participant for a given performance period once the participant designations and performance goals for such performance period have been announced; and (ii) our board of directors will be authorized to make any amendments necessary to comply with applicable regulatory requirements, including,

 

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without limitation, Section 162(m) of the Code. Amendments to the Incentive Plan will require stockholder approval only if required under Section 162(m) of the Code or other applicable law or regulation.

Material Federal Income Tax Consequences

The following is a brief description of the federal income tax consequences generally arising with respect to bonuses paid under the Incentive Plan. This discussion is intended for the information of our stockholders and not as tax guidance to individuals who may participate in the Incentive Plan. This summary does not address the effects of other federal taxes or taxes imposed under state, local or foreign tax laws.

Section 162(m) of the Code generally disallows a publicly held corporation’s federal income tax deduction in excess of $1,000,000 for compensation paid to its chief executive officer and certain of its other most highly compensated named executive officers, subject to an exception for compensation paid under a stockholder-approved plan that is “performance-based” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code. The Incentive Plan provides a means for us to pay performance-based bonuses to certain of our key employees while preserving our tax deduction with respect to the payment of such bonuses.

Under present federal income tax law, a participant will generally realize ordinary income equal to the amount of the bonus received under the Incentive Plan in the year of such receipt. We will receive a tax deduction for the amount constituting ordinary income to the participant, provided that the participant’s total compensation is below the limit established by Section 162(m) of the Code or the Incentive Plan award satisfies the requirements of the performance-based exception of Section 162(m) of the Code. We intend that the Plan be adopted and administered in a manner that preserves the deductibility of Incentive Plan compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code.

Under Section 409A of the Code, an award under the Incentive Plan may be taxable to the recipient at 20 percentage points above ordinary income tax rates at the time the award becomes vested, plus interest and penalties, if the award constitutes “deferred compensation” under Section 409A of the Code and the requirements of Section 409A of the Code are not satisfied.

The Incentive Plan provides that we have the right to withhold from any bonus payable to a participant an amount necessary to satisfy our federal, state and local tax withholding obligations.

A form of the Incentive Plan is set forth as Exhibit 10.11 to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and the description of the Incentive Plan above is only intended to be a summary of the key provisions thereof. Such summary is qualified in its entirety by the actual text of the Incentive Plan to which reference is made.

Newmark Holdings Participation Plan

In connection with the spin-off, Newmark Holdings intends to adopt the Newmark Participation Plan (which we refer to as the “Participation Plan”) as a means to attract, retain, motivate and reward present or prospective officers, employees and consultants of and service providers to Newmark and its affiliates, by enabling such persons to acquire or increase their ownership interests in Newmark Holdings.

The Participation Plan will be administered by our compensation committee or its designee. The Participation Plan will provide for the grant of Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests issuable pursuant to the Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement as of the date of the Participation Plan or as may thereafter be issuable thereunder. The total number of Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests issuable under the Participation Plan will be determined from time to time by our board of directors, provided that interests exchangeable for or otherwise representing the right to acquire shares of our Class A common stock may only be granted to the extent such shares are available for issuance under the Equity Plan. The committee

 

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will have broad administrative authority to, among other things, select from among present and prospective officers, employees and consultants of and service providers to Newmark and its affiliates entitled to receive bonus or purchase awards, determine the number and type of partnership interests covered by such awards, including whether such partnership interests will be exchangeable for or otherwise represent the right to receive shares of our Class A common stock, determine the purchase period and other terms and conditions of any purchase rights, and interpret and administer the Participation Plan. The committee will have the discretion to determine the price of any purchase right, which may be set at preferential or historical prices that are less than the prevailing fair market value of our Class A common stock.

The Participation Plan will provide that our compensation committee may at any time amend or terminate the Participation Plan, provided that, without the participant’s written consent, no such amendment or termination will adversely affect any outstanding purchase rights. Amendments to the Participation Plan will require stockholder approval only if required by applicable laws or applicable regulatory requirements.

A form of the Participation Plan is set forth as Exhibit 10.9 to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and the description of the Participation Plan above is only intended to be a summary of the key provisions thereof. Such summary is qualified in its entirety by the actual text of the Participation Plan to which reference is made.

Recent Developments

On November 17, 2017, BGC Partners redeemed for cash (i) 66,393 exchangeable PSUs held by Mr. Ficarro at a price of $15.68 per PSU, which was the closing price of BGC Partners Class A common stock on such date, for an aggregate payment of $1,041,042, and (ii) 53,090 exchangeable PPSUs held by Ficarro at the average of the applicable determination prices of the PPSUs on the dates on which such PPSUs were made exchangeable, for an aggregate payment of $381,492.

On November 16, 2017, Mr. Ficarro donated an aggregate of 10,000 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock to a charitable organization.

On November 29, 2017, Mr. Lutnick exercised an option to exercise 1,000,000 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock. The closing price of a share of BGC Partners Class A common stock on November 29, 2017 was $16.25. The net exercise of such options resulted in 147,448 shares of BGC Class A common stock being issued to Mr. Lunick. This reflects 100% of Mr. Lutnick’s options exercised, which represents the amounts attributable to both his services performed for us and his services performed on other matters for BGC Partners and its affiliates (other than us).

 

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PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS

The following table sets forth certain information, as of the completion of this offering, with respect to the beneficial ownership of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock by: (1) each stockholder, or group of affiliated stockholders, that owns more than 5% of any class of our outstanding capital stock; (2) each of the named executive officers; (3) each director; and (4) the executive officers and directors as a group, in each case assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering. Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes, the principal address of each of the stockholders, executive officers and directors identified below is located at 125 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10017. Shares of our Class B common stock are convertible into shares of our Class A common stock at any time in the discretion of the holder on a one-for-one basis. Accordingly, a holder of Class B common stock is deemed to be the beneficial owner of an equal number of shares of our Class A common stock for purposes of this table.

We are currently a wholly owned subsidiary of BGC Partners. Immediately prior to the completion of this offering, we will effect the separation, resulting in the distribution of limited partnership interests in Newmark Holdings to the current holders of limited partnership interests in BGC Holdings. BGC Partners will be the sole record owner of our Class A common stock immediately prior to the completion of this offering. BGC Partners will also be the sole record owner of our Class B common stock immediately prior to, and immediately following, the completion of this offering. The following table does not reflect any shares of Class A common stock that directors, officers, employees, business associates and other persons designated by us may purchase in this offering through the reserved share program described under “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest).”

 

    Shares of Common Stock Beneficially
Owned Before this Offering
    Shares of Common Stock Beneficially
Owned After this Offering
 
    Class B Common
Stock
    Class A Common
Stock
    Class B Common
Stock
    Class A Common
Stock
 

Name

  Shares     %     Shares     %     Shares     %     Shares     %  

5% Beneficial Owners

               

BGC Partners, Inc.

    15,840,049       100.0 (1)       131,383,429 (2)       100.0 (3)       15,840,049       100.0 (1)       131,383,429 (2)       81.4 (4)  

Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P.

    15,840,049 (5)       100.0 (1)       131,383,429 (6)       100.0 (3)       15,840,049 (5)       100.0 (1)       131,383,429 (6)       81.4 (4)  

CF Group Management, Inc. (7)

    15,840,049 (5)       100.0 (1)       131,383,429 (6)       100.0 (3)       15,840,049 (5)       100.0 (1)       131,383,429 (6)       81.4 (4)  

Executive Officers and Directors

               

Named Executive Officers

               

Howard W. Lutnick (8)

    15,840,049 (5)       100.0 (1)       131,383,429 (6)       100.0 (3)       15,840,049 (5)       100.0 (1)       131,383,429 (6)       81.4 (4)  

Barry M. Gosin

    —       —       —         —         —       —       —         —    

James R. Ficarro

    —       —       —       —       —       —       —       —  

Directors

               

John H. Dalton

    —       —       —         —         —       —       —         —    

Michael Snow

    —       —       —         —         —       —       —         —    

All executive officers and directors as a group (6 persons)

    15,840,049       100.0 (1)       131,383,429 (6)       100.0 (3)       15,840,049 (5)       100.0 (1)       131,383,429 (6)       81.4 (4)  

 

* Less than 1%
(1) Percentage based on 15,840,049 shares of our Class B common stock outstanding.

 

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(2) Consists of (a) 115,543,380 shares of our Class A common stock held directly and (b) 15,840,049 shares of our Class A common stock acquirable upon conversion of 15,840,049 shares of our Class B common stock held directly.
(3) Percentage based on (a) 115,543,380 shares of our Class A common stock outstanding and (b) 15,840,049 shares of our Class A common stock acquirable upon conversion of 15,840,049 shares of our Class B common stock held by BGC Partners.
(4) Percentage based on (a) 145,543,380 shares of our Class A common stock outstanding and (b) 15,840,049 shares of our Class A common stock acquirable upon conversion of 15,840,049 shares of our Class B common stock held by BGC Partners.
(5) Consists of 15,840,049 shares of our Class B common stock held by BGC Partners, of which Cantor may be deemed the beneficial owner as a result of its ownership of a majority of the outstanding voting power of BGC Partners.
(6) Consists of (a) 115,543,380 shares of our Class A common stock held by BGC Partners and (b) 15,840,049 shares of our Class A common stock acquirable upon conversion of 15,840,049 shares of our Class B common stock held by BGC Partners, of which Cantor may be deemed the beneficial owner as a result of its ownership of a majority of the outstanding voting power of BGC Partners.
(7) CFGM is the managing general partner of Cantor.
(8) Mr. Lutnick is the President and sole stockholder of CFGM. CFGM is the managing general partner of Cantor.

 

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Beneficial Ownership of BGC Partners Common Stock

The following table sets forth certain information, as of November 29, 2017, with respect to the beneficial ownership of Class A common stock and Class B common stock of BGC Partners, by: (1) each of the named executive officers; (2) each of our directors; and (3) the executive officers and directors as a group. Shares of Class B common stock of BGC Partners are convertible into shares of Class A common stock of BGC Partners at any time in the discretion of the holder on a one-for-one basis. Accordingly, a holder of Class B common stock of BGC Partners is deemed to be the beneficial owner of an equal number of shares of Class A common stock of BGC Partners for purposes of this table.

 

     Shares of Common Stock of BGC Partners Beneficially Owned  
     Class B Common Stock     Class A Common Stock  

Name

   Shares     %     Shares     %  

Named Executive Officers

        

Howard W. Lutnick

     69,497,800 (1)       100.0 (2)       124,953,770 (3)       35.2 (4)  

Barry M. Gosin

     —       —       4,041,937 (5)       1.6 (6)  

James R. Ficarro

     —       —       199,089 (7)      

Directors

        

John H. Dalton

     —         —         140,616 (8)      

Michael Snow

     —         —         26,847 (9)      

All executive officers and directors as a group (6 persons)

     69,497,800 (1)       100.0 (2)       129,335,438       36.2 (10)  

 

* Less than 1%
(1) Consists of (i) 48,745 shares of BGC Partners Class B common stock held by CFGM, (ii) 34,799,362 shares of BGC Partners Class B common stock held by Cantor and (iii) 34,649,693 shares of BGC Partners Class B common stock acquirable upon exchange by Cantor of BGC Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests. Mr. Lutnick is the President and sole stockholder of CFGM. CFGM is the managing general partner of Cantor.
(2) Percentage based on 34,848,107 shares of BGC Partners Class B common stock outstanding; (ii) 34,649,693 shares of BGC Partners Class B common stock acquirable upon exchange of BGC Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests held by Cantor.
(3) Mr. Lutnick’s holdings consist of:
  (i) 2,489,293 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock held directly;
  (iii) 438,926 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock held in Mr. Lutnick’s 401(k) account (as of October 31, 2017);
  (iv) 4,540,001 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock held in various trust, retirement and custodial accounts ((A) 3,442,124 shares held in Mr. Lutnick’s personal asset trust, of which he is the sole trustee, (B) 288,093 shares held by a trust for the benefit of descendants of Mr. Lutnick and his immediate family (which we refer to as the “Trust”), of which Mr. Lutnick’s wife is one of two trustees and Mr. Lutnick has limited powers to remove and replace such trustees, (C) 211,226 shares held in a Keogh retirement account for Mr. Lutnick, (D) 555,478 shares held by trust accounts for the benefit of Mr. Lutnick and members of his immediate family, (E) 27,096 shares held in other retirement accounts and (F) 15,984 shares held in custodial accounts for the benefit of certain members of Mr. Lutnick’s family under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act);
  (v) 598,071 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock held by CFGM;
  (vi) 48,745 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock acquirable upon conversion of 48,745 shares of BGC Partners Class B common stock held by CFGM;
  (vii) 14,078,672 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock held by Cantor;
  (viii) 34,799,362 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock acquirable upon conversion of 34,799,362 shares of BGC Partners Class B common stock held by Cantor;
  (ix) 51,183,176 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock acquirable upon exchange of 51,183,176 BGC Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests;
  (x) 7,742,325 April 2008 distribution rights shares acquirable by Mr. Lutnick, receipt of which has been deferred;
  (xi) 1,231,396 February 2012 distribution rights shares acquirable by Mr. Lutnick, receipt of which has been deferred;
  (xii) 2,050,197 April 2008 distribution rights shares acquirable by CFGM, receipt of which has been deferred;
  (xiii) 160,675 February 2012 distribution rights shares acquirable by CFGM, receipt of which has been deferred;
  (xiv) 1,610,182 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock receivable pursuant to April 2008 distribution rights shares held by a trust for the benefit of Mr. Lutnick’s family, receipt of which has been deferred;

 

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  (xv) 2,048,000 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock receivable pursuant to April 2008 distribution rights shares held by KBCR Management Partners, LLC (which we refer to as “KBCR”), receipt of which has been deferred;
  (xvi) 287,967 February 2012 distribution rights shares acquirable by KBCR, receipt of which has been deferred;
  (xvii) 161,842 April 2008 distribution rights shares acquirable by LFA LLC (which we refer to as “LFA”), receipt of which has been deferred;
  (xviii) 16,193 February 2012 distribution rights shares acquirable by LFA, receipt of which has been deferred;
  (xix) 32,861 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock owned by LFA;
  (xx) 1,040,761 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock acquirable upon exchange of 1,040,761 BGC Holdings exchangeable limited partnership units; and
  (xxi) 395,125 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock owned by KBCR.

These amounts include an aggregate of 15,813,032 distribution rights shares consisting of (A) 14,033,084 April 2008 distribution rights shares and (B) 1,779,948 February 2012 distribution rights shares, which may generally be issued to such partners of Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P. upon request.

 

(4) Percentage based on (i) 252,261,090 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock outstanding; (ii) 34,848,107 shares of BGC Partners Class B common stock outstanding, (iii) 51,183,176 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock acquirable upon exchange of 51,183,176 BGC Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests; (iv) 7,742,325 April 2008 distribution rights shares acquirable by Mr. Lutnick, receipt of which has been deferred; (v) 1,231,396 February 2012 distribution rights shares acquirable by Mr. Lutnick, receipt of which has been deferred; (vi) 2,050,197 April 2008 distribution rights shares acquirable by CFGM, receipt of which has been deferred; (vii) 160,675 February 2012 distribution rights shares acquirable by CFGM, receipt of which has been deferred; (viii) 1,610,182 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock receivable by pursuant to April 2008 distribution rights shares held by a trust for the benefit of Mr. Lutnick’s family, receipt of which has been deferred; (ix) 2,048,000 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock receivable pursuant to April 2008 distribution rights shares held by KBCR, receipt of which has been deferred; (x) 287,967 February 2012 distribution rights shares acquirable by KBCR, receipt of which has been deferred; (xi) 161,842 April 2008 distribution rights shares acquirable by LFA, receipt of which has been deferred; (xii) 16,193 February 2012 distribution rights shares acquirable by LFA, receipt of which has been deferred; and (xiii) 1,040,761 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock acquirable upon exchange of 1,040,761 BGC Holdings exchangeable limited partnership units.
(5) Mr. Gosin’s holdings consist of (i) 1,735,649 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock held directly; (ii) 178,232 shares of BGC Partners restricted Class A common stock held directly; and (iii) 2,128,056 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock acquirable upon exchange of 2,128,056 BGC Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests.
(6) Percentage based on (i) 252,261,090 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock outstanding; and (ii) 2,128,056 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock acquirable upon exchange of 2,128,056 BGC Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests.
(7) Mr. Ficarro’s holdings consist of (i) 53,509 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock held directly; (ii) 15,368 shares of BGC Partners restricted Class A common stock held directly; (iii) 115,620 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock held in Mr. Ficarro’s 401(k) account (as of October 31, 2017); and (iv) 14,592 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock held in a joint account with his spouse.
(8) Mr. Dalton’s holdings consist of (i) 125,576 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock held directly; and (ii) 15,040 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock held in a trust for the benefit of Mr. Dalton’s family.
(9) Mr. Snow’s holdings consist of 26,847 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock held in a custodial account for the benefit of a member of his family under the Uniform Gifts to Minors Act.
(10) Percentage based on (i) 252,261,090 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock outstanding; (ii) 34,848,107 shares of BGC Partners Class B common stock outstanding; (iii) 51,183,176 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock acquirable upon exchange of 51,183,176 BGC Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests; (iv) 3,235,210 shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock acquirable upon exchange of 3,235,210 BGC Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests; and (v) 15,308,777 distribution rights shares, receipt of which has been deferred.

 

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The following is a description of certain relationships and transactions that have existed or that we have entered into with our directors, executive officers, or shareholders who are known to us to beneficially own more than five percent of our Class A common stock or Class B common stock, including BGC Partners and Cantor, and their immediate family members as well as certain other transactions. The following summary does not purport to describe all the terms of such agreements or transactions and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the complete text of these agreements, to the extent attached as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. We urge you to read the full text of these agreements.

Review, Approval and Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons

The general policy of Newmark and our audit committee is that all material transactions with a related party, including transactions with BGC Partners and Cantor, the relationships between us and BGC Partners and Cantor and agreements with related parties, as well as all material transactions in which there is an actual, or in some cases, perceived, conflict of interest, will be subject to prior review and approval by our audit committee and its independent members, which will determine whether such transactions or proposals are fair and reasonable to the Company and its stockholders. In general, potential related-party transactions will be identified by our management and discussed with our audit committee at our audit committee’s meetings. Detailed proposals, including, where applicable, financial and legal analyses, alternatives and management recommendations, will be provided to our audit committee with respect to each issue under consideration and decisions will be made by our audit committee with respect to the foregoing related-party transactions after opportunity for discussion and review of materials. When applicable, our audit committee will request further information and, from time to time, will request guidance or confirmation from internal or external counsel or auditors. Our policies and procedures regarding related-party transactions are set forth in our Audit Committee Charter and Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, both of which are publicly available on our website at www.ngkf.com under the heading “Investors.”

Separation and Distribution Agreement

The separation and distribution agreement sets forth the agreements between BGC Partners and us regarding the principal corporate transactions required to effect our separation from BGC Partners, this offering and the distribution, if any, and other agreements governing the relationship between BGC Partners and us.

The Separation and Contribution

The separation and distribution agreement identifies assets to be transferred, liabilities to be assumed and contracts to be assigned to each of us and BGC Partners as part of the separation of BGC Partners into two companies, and it provides for when and how these transfers, assumptions and assignments will occur.

At the closing of the separation, the BGC Partners group will contribute, convey, transfer, assign and deliver to us and our subsidiaries (including Newmark OpCo), and we and our subsidiaries (including Newmark OpCo) will acquire and accept from the BGC Partners group, all of the right, title and interest of the BGC Partners group to the transferred assets (which we refer to as the “contribution”), which include among others the following:

 

    all assets that are or would have been included in the Newmark pro forma balance sheet as of September 30, 2017;

 

    certain equity interests related to the Newmark business;

 

    certain contracts (or portions thereof) primarily related to the Newmark business, including employment agreements with transferred employees;

 

    all intellectual property, software and information technology primarily related to the Newmark business;

 

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    all permits or licenses issued by any governmental authority to the extent primarily related to the Newmark business and permitted by applicable law to be transferred;

 

    all non-archived information, books and records (other than tax returns) to the extent available and primarily related to the Newmark business;

 

    all rights and assets expressly allocated to us pursuant to the terms of the separation and distribution agreement or the ancillary agreements entered into in connection with the separation;

 

    all other assets that are exclusively related to the Newmark business;

 

    the right to receive the remainder of the Nasdaq payment pursuant to the Nasdaq Transaction and the related registration rights; and

 

    the rights of the members of the BGC Group under the Intercompany Term Loan Note and the Intercompany Revolver Note.

The BGC Partners group will retain ownership to all of their other assets, which include among others the following:

 

    the right to receive payment in respect of the BGC Notes;

 

    any litigation claim or recovery relating to specified matters, and any insurance policy and proceeds to the extent covering any excluded asset or any excluded liability (as defined below);

 

    specified equity interests;

 

    all cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of any member of the BGC Partners group as of the effective time, including an amount of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities equal to BGC Partners’ estimate of the sum of (1) all pre-tax net income generated by the Newmark business during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2017 up to the closing date of the contribution and (2) all after-tax net income generated by the Newmark business during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2017 after the closing date of the contribution (it being understood that, if such estimate is greater than the actual sum of the amounts described in clauses (1) and (2) above, then an amount equal to such excess shall be deemed to be a transferred asset);

 

    all intellectual property, software and information technology not primarily used in the Newmark business, including any rights (ownership, licensed or otherwise) to use the “BGC” or “BGC Partners” name or mark;

 

    all information, books and records that cannot, without unreasonable efforts or expense, be separated from the information, books and records maintained by the BGC Partners group in connection with businesses other than the Newmark business or to the extent that such information, books and records are related to excluded assets, excluded liabilities or employees who do not become Newmark employees, personnel files and records and tax returns; and

 

    all assets relating to the other businesses of BGC Partners (other than any of the transferred assets).

In the separation, we, Newmark Holdings and Newmark OpCo will assume and become liable for, and will pay, perform and discharge as they become due, the transferred liabilities, which include among others the following:

 

    all liabilities set forth that are or would have been included in the Newmark pro forma balance sheet as of September 30, 2017 (including the Term Loan, the Converted Term Loan the BGC Notes and other indebtedness of BGC Partners or its subsidiaries that we may assume in the separation, plus any accrued but unpaid interest thereon);

 

    all liabilities of the BGC Partners group or the Newmark group relating to, arising from or resulting from the actions, inactions, events, omissions, conditions, facts or circumstances occurring or existing prior to the effective time of the separation, in each case to the extent that such liabilities relate to, arise out of or result from the Newmark business or a transferred asset;

 

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    all liabilities arising out of claims made by any third party against any member of the BGC Partners group or Newmark group to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from the Newmark business or a transferred asset; and

 

    all liabilities relating to, arising from or in connection with the Newmark business’ employees and their employment, including all compensation, benefits, severance, workers’ compensation and welfare benefit claims and other employment-related liabilities arising from or relating to the conduct of the Newmark business.

The BGC Partners group will retain and become liable for, and will pay, perform and discharge as they become due, the excluded liabilities, which include:

 

    any guarantee by BGC Partners to a third party in respect of the Term Loan or the Converted Term Loan;

 

    all liabilities relating to, arising from or resulting from the actions, inactions, events, omissions, conditions, facts or circumstances occurring or existing prior to the effective time of the separation of the BGC Partners group and, as of the effective time of the separation, the Newmark group, in each case that are not transferred liabilities; and

 

    all liabilities arising out of claims made by any third party against any member of the BGC Partners group or Newmark group to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from BGC Partners’ retained businesses or an excluded asset.

The parties to the separation and distribution agreement will execute and deliver one or more agreements of assignment and assumption and/or bills of sale or such other instruments of transfer as BGC Partners may request for the purpose of effecting the separation.

No Representations and Warranties

No party to the separation and distribution agreement will make any representations or warranties of any kind concerning the transactions contemplated by the separation and distribution agreement, transferred assets, transferred liabilities or the Newmark business or any consents or approvals required in such connection. The parties agree that we will bear the economic and legal risk that the conveyance of the transferred assets is insufficient or that the title to those assets is not good, marketable and free from encumbrances.

Intercompany Agreements; Guarantee Obligations

Certain contracts, licenses, commitments or other arrangements between BGC Partners and us or any entity transferred to us in the separation will be terminated immediately prior to the distribution. Intercompany receivables outstanding under any of the terminated agreements as of the completion of this offering will be net settled in cash within 90 days thereafter.

The parties will cooperate to have the applicable members of the BGC Partners group substituted or otherwise removed as guarantor or obligor in respect of all obligations of BGC Partners under any transferred liabilities for which BGC Partners may be liable, as guarantor, original tenant, primary obligor or otherwise, except, in each case, for any excluded liability. We (1) will indemnify and hold harmless BGC Partners for any resulting identifiable losses and (2) will not renew, extend the term of, increase its obligations under, or transfer to a third party, without BGC Partners’ prior written consent, any loan, lease, contract or other obligation for which BGC Partners may be liable.

The parties will cooperate to have the applicable members of the Newmark group substituted or otherwise removed as guarantor or obligor in respect of all obligations of Newmark under any excluded liabilities for which Newmark may be liable, as guarantor, original tenant, primary obligor or otherwise, except, in each case, for any

 

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transferred liability. BGC Partners (1) will indemnify us and hold us harmless for any resulting identifiable losses and (2) will not renew, extend the term of, increase its obligations under, or transfer to a third party, without our prior written consent, any loan, lease, contract or other obligation for which we may be liable.

New Newmark

To facilitate tax-free exchanges of the Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests, Cantor has a one-time right, exercisable at any time after the second anniversary of the distribution and otherwise subject to preserving the tax-free treatment of the distribution to BGC Partners, at Newmark Holdings’ expense to (1) incorporate, or cause the incorporation of, a newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary of ours (which we refer to as “New Newmark”), (2) incorporate, or cause the incorporation of, a newly formed, wholly owned subsidiary of New Newmark (which we refer to as “New Newmark Sub”) and (3) cause the merger of New Newmark Sub with us, with the surviving corporation being a wholly owned subsidiary of New Newmark. In connection with such a merger, our Class A common stock and Class B common stock will each hold equivalent common stock in New Newmark, with identical rights to the applicable class of shares held prior to such merger. As a condition to such merger, we will have received an opinion of counsel, reasonably satisfactory to our audit committee, to the effect that such merger will qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. Cantor will indemnify us to the extent that we incur any material income taxes as a result of the transactions related to such merger.

Indemnification

Newmark OpCo will indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Cantor group, the BGC Partners group and the Newmark group (other than Newmark OpCo and its subsidiaries) and each of their respective directors, officers, general partners, managers and employees, from and against all liabilities to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from:

 

    the transferred liabilities;

 

    the failure of any member of the Newmark group or any other person to pay, perform or otherwise promptly discharge any of the transferred liabilities in accordance with their terms, whether prior to, at or after the separation;

 

    any breach by any member of the Newmark group of the separation and distribution agreement or any of the ancillary agreements, other than the transition services agreement or the administrative services agreement;

 

    except to the extent relating to an excluded liability, any guarantee, indemnification or contribution obligation, surety bond or other credit support agreement or arrangement for the benefit of any member of the Newmark group by any member of the BGC Partners group that survives following the separation; and

 

    any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact in our registration statement on Form S-1, of which this prospectus is a part, other than statements made explicitly in the name of a member of the BGC Partners group (including the reasons of the board of directors of BGC Partners for the separation) or specifically relating to the BGC Partners group or the BGC Partners business.

BGC U.S. and BGC Global will indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Cantor group, the Newmark group and the BGC Partners Group (other than BGC U.S., BGC Global and their respective subsidiaries) and each of their respective directors, officers, general partners, managers and employees from and against all liabilities to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from:

 

    the excluded liabilities;

 

    the failure of any member of the BGC Partners group or any other person to pay, perform or otherwise promptly discharge any of the excluded liabilities in accordance with their terms, whether prior to, at or after the separation;

 

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    any breach by any member of the BGC Partners group of the separation and distribution agreement or any of the ancillary agreements, other than the transition services agreement;

 

    except to the extent relating to a transferred liability, any guarantee, indemnification or contribution obligation, surety bond or other credit support agreement or arrangement for the benefit of any member of the BGC Partners group by any member of the Newmark group that survives following the separation; and

 

    any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact in our registration statement on Form S-1, of which this prospectus is a part, but only with respect to statements made explicitly in the name of a member of the BGC Partners group (including the reasons of the board of directors of BGC Partners for the separation) or specifically relating to the BGC Partners group or the BGC Partners business.

The separation and distribution agreement specifies procedures with respect to claims subject to indemnification and related matters.

Releases

As of the separation, the Newmark group will release and forever discharge the BGC Partners group from:

 

    the transferred liabilities;

 

    all liabilities existing or arising from the implementation of the separation, this offering or the distribution; and

 

    all liabilities existing or arising from any facts or conditions existing prior to this offering relating to the Newmark business, the transferred assets or the transferred liabilities.

As of the separation, the BGC Partners group will release and forever discharge the Newmark group from:

 

    the excluded liabilities;

 

    all liabilities existing or arising from the implementation of the separation, this offering or the distribution; and

 

    all liabilities existing or arising from any facts or conditions existing prior to this offering relating to the BGC Partners business, the excluded assets or the excluded liabilities.

The releases will not extend to (1) obligations or liabilities the release of which would result in the release of an unaffiliated third party or (2) obligations or liabilities under any agreements between the parties that remain in effect following the separation, including, but not limited to, the separation and distribution agreement, the administrative services agreement, the transition services agreement, the tax receivable agreement, the tax matters agreement, the registration rights agreement and the transfer documents in connection with the separation.

Employee Matters

In general, any employee of BGC Partners or its subsidiaries primarily engaged in the conduct of the Newmark business immediately prior to the separation, except those employees employed by BGC Partners primarily in corporate or executive level functions, will be transferred to us. As promptly as practicable following each fiscal quarter, our management will provide a report to our audit committee specifying all of the founding partners who have been terminated by us. Our management will also give our audit committee notice prior to such termination if the capital account underlying the Newmark Holdings founding partner interests held by a founding partner or, in the case of a series of related terminations, by a group of founding partners, exceeds $2.0 million on the date of termination.

 

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In connection with the distribution, the Compensation Committee of the board of directors of BGC Partners will have the exclusive authority to determine the treatment of restricted stock awards and restricted stock unit awards outstanding under the BGC Equity Plan. BGC Partners restricted stock awards will participate in the distribution as if such holder held unrestricted shares of BGC Partners common stock, and following the distribution, any shares of Newmark common stock issued in respect of restricted BGC Partners common stock shall remain subject to any vesting, lapse or forfeiture restrictions applicable to the restricted BGC Partners shares prior to the distribution. Restricted stock unit awards outstanding under the BGC Equity Plan will be adjusted so that each holder of a BGC restricted stock unit award shall continue to hold a BGC restricted stock unit award covering BGC Partners Class A common shares, but shall also receive a Newmark restricted stock unit award covering Newmark Class A common shares on an “as distributed basis” in order to reflect the impact of the distribution on the pre-distribution BGC Partners restricted stock unit awards. Such restricted stock units shall generally have the same terms, including vesting terms, as the pre-distribution BGC restricted stock unit awards, subject to any adjustments made by the Compensation Committee of the BGC Partners Board.

Amendment

The separation and distribution agreement may be amended and modified only by a written agreement, signed by all parties to the separation distribution agreement.

Conditions

The separation and distribution agreement provides that the separation and this offering will be subject to the satisfaction (or waiver by BGC Partners in its sole discretion) of the following conditions:

 

    the completion of the separation and the related transactions in accordance with the plan of reorganization set forth in the separation and distribution agreement;

 

    the SEC declaring effective our registration statement on Form S-1, of which this prospectus is a part, and there not being in effect any stop order with respect thereto or any proceeding instituted by the SEC for such purpose;

 

    all actions and filings necessary or appropriate under federal, state or foreign securities laws having been taken and, where applicable, becoming effective or being accepted by the applicable governmental authority;

 

    the approval for listing on the NASDAQ Global Market of the shares of our Class A common stock to be offered in this offering, subject to official notice of issuance;

 

    the ancillary agreements relating to the separation having been duly executed and delivered by the parties thereto;

 

    our having entered into the underwriting agreement and all conditions to the obligations of BGC Partners, us and the underwriters’ under the underwriting agreement having been satisfied or waived;

 

    BGC Partners being satisfied in its sole discretion that (1) following this offering, BGC Partners will own an amount of our outstanding common stock (a) representing (i) at least 82% of the total voting power with respect to the election and removal of directors of our outstanding common stock and (ii) at least 82% of the number of shares of any class of our capital stock not entitled to vote (and in any event constituting “control” (within the meaning of Section 368(c) of the Code) of Newmark) and (b) satisfying the stock ownership requirements set forth in Section 1504 of the Code; and (2) all other requirements and conditions to permit the contribution and the distribution, taken together, to qualify, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as transactions that are generally tax-free to BGC Partners, us and BGC Partners’ stockholders shall, to the extent applicable as of the time of this offering, be satisfied and there shall be no event or condition that is likely to cause any of such requirements or conditions not to be satisfied as of the time of the distribution or thereafter;

 

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    no order, injunction or decree having been issued by any court of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing consummation of the separation, this offering, the distribution or any of the related transactions being in effect;

 

    such other actions as BGC Partners or we may, based upon the advice of counsel, reasonably request to be taken prior to the separation and this offering in order to assure the successful completion of the separation and this offering and the other transactions contemplated by the separation and distribution agreement having been taken;

 

    no termination of the separation and distribution agreement having occurred; and

 

    no event or development having occurred or existing or being expected to occur that, in the judgment of the board of directors of BGC Partners, in its sole discretion, makes it inadvisable to effect the separation or this offering.

OpCo Partnership Division

Prior to the completion of this offering, in connection with the separation, BGC U.S. and its partners will take a series of steps so that its assets and liabilities will be divided between BGC U.S. and Newmark OpCo. We refer to these steps as the “OpCo Partnership Division.” Immediately following the OpCo Partnership Division, the limited partners of BGC U.S. will hold all of the outstanding Newmark OpCo limited partnership interests in the same aggregate proportions that such persons hold in BGC U.S., with the total number of Newmark OpCo limited partnership units equal to the total number of BGC U.S. limited partnership units multiplied by the contribution ratio (which is one divided by 2.2).

Holdings Partnership Division

Prior to the completion of this offering, in connection with the separation, BGC Holdings and its partners will take a series of steps so that its assets and liabilities will be divided between BGC Holdings and Newmark Holdings. We refer to these steps as the “Holdings Partnership Division.” Immediately following the Holdings Partnership Division, the limited partners of BGC Holdings will hold all of the outstanding Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests in the same aggregate proportions that such persons hold in BGC Holdings, with the total number of Newmark Holdings limited partnership units equal to the total number of BGC Holdings limited partnership units multiplied by the contribution ratio (which is one divided by 2.2).

Newmark Contribution

Prior to the completion of this offering, in connection with the separation, BGC Partners will contribute certain assets and liabilities to Newmark in exchange for: (1) a number of additional shares of Newmark Class A common stock so that the aggregate number of shares of Newmark Class A common stock held by BGC Partners immediately following such issuance equals the number of shares of BGC Partners Class A common stock outstanding immediately following such issuance multiplied by the contribution ratio (which is one divided by 2.2); and (ii) a number of additional shares of Newmark Class B common stock so that the aggregate number of shares of Newmark Class B common stock held by BGC Partners immediately following such issuance equals the number of shares of BGC Partners Class B common stock outstanding immediately following such issuance multiplied by the contribution ratio (which is one divided by 2.2).

Assumption and Repayment of Indebtedness

In connection with the separation and prior to the closing of this offering, we will assume from BGC Partners the Term Loan and the Converted Term Loan. Newmark OpCo will also assume from BGC U.S. the BGC Notes. We currently intend to contribute all of the net proceeds of this offering (including the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) to Newmark OpCo in exchange for a number of units

 

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representing Newmark OpCo limited partnership interests equal to the number of shares issued by us in this offering. Newmark OpCo intends to use approximately $575.0 million of such net proceeds to repay intercompany indebtedness owed by Newmark OpCo to us in respect of the Term Loan (which intercompany indebtedness was originally issued by BGC U.S. and will be assumed by Newmark OpCo in connection with the separation) and the remainder of such net proceeds to partially repay intercompany indebtedness owed by Newmark OpCo to us in respect of the Converted Term Loan (which intercompany indebtedness was originally issued by BGC U.S. and will be assumed by Newmark OpCo in connection with the separation). We currently intend to use approximately $575.0 million of such repayment from Newmark OpCo to repay the Term Loan in full and the remainder of such repayment from Newmark OpCo to partially repay the Converted Term Loan. The Term Loan has an outstanding principal amount of $575 million, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon, with an interest rate calculated based on one-month LIBOR plus 2.25%, subject to adjustment, which was approximately 3.5% per annum as of September 30, 2017. The Term Loan will mature on September 8, 2019. The terms of the Term Loan require that the net proceeds of this offering be used to repay the Term Loan until the Term Loan is repaid in full. The Converted Term Loan has an outstanding principal amount of $400 million, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon, with an interest rate calculated based on one-month LIBOR plus 2.25%, subject to adjustment, which was approximately 3.5% per annum as of September 30, 2017. The Converted Term Loan will mature on September 8, 2019. The terms of the Converted Term Loan require that any remaining net proceeds of this offering, after repayment of the Term Loan, be used to repay the Converted Term Loan. Following this offering, we estimate that the Converted Term Loan will have an outstanding principal amount of $400.0 million, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon. See “Use of Proceeds.” Following this offering, in the event that any member of the Newmark group receives net proceeds from the incurrence of indebtedness for borrowed money or an equity issuance (in each case subject to certain exceptions) after this offering, Newmark OpCo will be obligated to use such net proceeds to repay the remaining intercompany indebtedness owed by Newmark OpCo to us in respect of the Converted Term Loan (which in turn we will use to repay the Converted Term Loan), and thereafter, in the case of net proceeds from the incurrence of indebtedness, to repay the BGC Notes. In addition, we will be obligated to repay any remaining amounts under the BGC Notes prior to the distribution.

The Distribution

The separation and distribution agreement also governs the rights and obligations of BGC Partners and Newmark regarding the potential distribution by BGC Partners to its stockholders of the shares of our common stock held by BGC Partners following this offering. BGC Partners has advised us that it currently expects to accomplish the distribution through a spin-off, which is a pro rata distribution by BGC Partners of its shares of our common stock to holders of BGC Partners’ common stock, with our shares of Class A common stock held by it to be distributed to the holders of shares of Class A common stock of BGC Partners and our shares of Class B common stock held by it to be distributed to the holders of the shares of Class B common stock of BGC Partners.

To account for potential changes in the number of shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock of BGC Partners and Newmark between this offering and the distribution, and to ensure that the distribution (if it occurs) is pro rata to the stockholders of BGC Partners, immediately prior to the distribution, BGC Partners will convert any shares of Class B common stock of Newmark beneficially owned by BGC Partners into shares of Class A common stock of Newmark, or exchange any shares of Class A common stock of Newmark beneficially owned by BGC Partners for shares of Class B common stock of Newmark, so that the ratio of shares of Class B common stock of Newmark held by BGC Partners to the shares of Class A common stock of Newmark held by BGC Partners, in each case as of immediately prior to the distribution, equals the ratio of shares of outstanding Class B common stock of BGC Partners to the shares of outstanding Class A common stock of BGC Partners, in each case as of the record date of the distribution.

If the distribution were to occur immediately after this offering, then each share of Class A common stock of BGC Partners would receive in the distribution a number of shares of Class A common stock of Newmark equal to the contribution ratio (which is one divided by 2.2), and each share of Class B common stock of BGC Partners would receive in the distribution a number of shares of Class B common stock of Newmark equal to the

 

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contribution ratio. The precise distribution ratio, however, may change if there are changes in the number of outstanding shares of Class A or Class B common stock of BGC Partners, or the number of shares of Class A or Class B common stock of Newmark held by BGC Partners, between the date of this offering and the date of the distribution.

There are various conditions to the completion of the distribution. In addition, BGC Partners may terminate its obligation to complete the distribution at any time if the board of directors of BGC Partners, in its sole discretion, determines that the distribution is not in the best interests of BGC Partners or its stockholders. Consequently, we cannot assure you as to when or whether the distribution will occur.

The separation and distribution agreement provides that BGC Partners’ obligation to complete the distribution will be subject to several conditions that must be satisfied (or waived by BGC Partners in its sole discretion), including, among others:

 

    BGC Partners’ receipt of an opinion from Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, outside counsel to BGC Partners, satisfactory to the board of directors of BGC Partners, to the effect that the contribution and distribution, taken together, will qualify as a “reorganization” under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code;

 

    all governmental approvals necessary to consummate the distribution having been obtained and remaining in full force and effect;

 

    all actions and filings necessary or appropriate under applicable securities laws in connection with the distribution having been taken or made, and, where applicable, becoming effective or being accepted by the applicable governmental authority;

 

    the approval for listing on the NASDAQ Global Market of the shares of our Class A common stock to be distributed to the holders of BGC Partners Class A common stock in the distribution, subject to official notice of distribution;

 

    no order, injunction or decree issued by any court or agency of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing consummation of the distribution or any of the related transactions being in effect, and no other event outside the control of BGC Partners having occurred or failed to occur that prevents the consummation of the distribution or any of the related transactions;

 

    we shall have repaid in full the BGC Notes;

 

    BGC Partners’ guarantee of the obligations under the Term Loan and BGC Partners’ guarantee of the obligations under the Converted Term Loan, in each case, shall have been terminated in full;

 

    all borrowings pursuant to the Intercompany Revolving Credit Agreement shall have been repaid in full, and the Intercompany Revolving Credit Agreement shall have been terminated; and

 

    no other events or developments having occurred subsequent to the completion of this offering that, in the judgment of the board of directors of BGC Partners, would result in the distribution not being in the best interest of BGC Partners or its stockholders.

As described above, BGC Partners will have the right to terminate its obligation to complete the distribution if, at any time, the board of directors of BGC Partners determines, in its sole discretion, that the distribution is not in the best interests of BGC Partners or its stockholders. If such termination occurs after the separation, neither party will have any liability to the other party under the separation and distribution agreement in respect of the distribution.

If the board of directors of BGC Partners terminates BGC Partners’ obligation to complete the distribution or waives a material condition to the distribution after the date of this prospectus, we intend to issue a press release disclosing this waiver, if any, or file a current report on Form 8-K with the SEC.

 

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We will cooperate with BGC Partners to accomplish the distribution and will, at BGC Partners’ direction, promptly take any and all actions necessary or desirable to effect the distribution, including the registration under the Securities Act of our Class A common stock on an appropriate registration form or forms to be designated by BGC Partners.

Operating Covenants

For so long as BGC Partners beneficially owns at least 50% of the total voting power of our outstanding capital stock entitled to vote in the election of directors, we will not, and will cause our subsidiaries to not (without BGC Partners’ prior written consent):

 

    take any action that would limit the ability of BGC Partners to transfer its shares of our common stock or limit the rights of any transferee of BGC Partners as a holder of our common stock;

 

    take any actions that could reasonably result in BGC Partners being in breach of or in default under any contract or agreement;

 

    acquire any other businesses or assets or dispose of any of our assets, in each case with an aggregate value for all such transactions in excess of $100 million;

 

    acquire any equity interests in, or loan any funds to, third parties in excess of $100 million in the aggregate; or

 

    incur any indebtedness, other than indebtedness not in excess of $50 million in the aggregate or any indebtedness incurred to repay the Term Loan, the Converted Term Loan, the BGC Notes or other indebtedness of BGC Partners or its subsidiaries that we assume in the separation, or (2) incur any indebtedness that would cause BGC Partners to be in breach of or in default under any contract or that could be reasonably likely to adversely impact the credit rating of any commercial indebtedness of BGC Partners.

For so long as BGC Partners beneficially owns shares of our capital stock constituting “control” within the meaning of Section 368(c) of the Code, we will not (without BGC Partners’ prior written consent):

 

    issue any shares of our capital stock or any rights, warrants or options to acquire our capital stock (including securities convertible into or exchangeable for our capital stock) if this could cause BGC Partners, at any time prior to the distribution, to (1) beneficially own less than 82% of the total voting power of our outstanding common stock entitled to vote in the election of directors or less than 82% of the outstanding shares of any class of our capital stock not entitled to vote in the election of directors; or (2) otherwise fail to have “control” of us within the meaning of Section 368(c) of the Code;

 

    issue any shares of our capital stock in respect of any Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests; or

 

    take any action or fail to take any action that could reasonably be expected to prevent the contribution and the distribution from qualifying as a tax-free transaction to us, BGC Partners and BGC Partners’ stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

For so long as BGC Partners beneficially owns shares of our capital stock satisfying the stock ownership requirements set forth in Section 1504 of the Code, we will not (without BGC Partners’s prior written consent) issue any shares of our capital stock or any rights, warrants or options to acquire our capital stock, if this could cause BGC Partners, at any time prior to the distribution, to (1) fail to beneficially own shares of our capital stock satisfying the stock ownership requirements set forth in Section 1504 of the Code or (2) otherwise not be permitted to treat any member of the Newmark group as members of the “affiliated group” (within the meaning of Section 1504 of the Code) of which BGC Partners is the common parent.

 

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Auditors and Audits; Annual Financial Statements and Accounting

For so long as BGC Partners is required to consolidate our results of operations and financial position or account for its investment in us under the equity method of accounting, we will:

 

    not change our independent auditors without BGC Partners’ prior written consent;

 

    use our reasonable best efforts to enable our independent auditors to complete their audit of our financial statements in a timely manner so as to permit timely filing of BGC Partners’ financial statements;

 

    provide to BGC Partners and its independent auditors all information required for BGC Partners to meet its schedule for the filing and distribution of its financial statements and to make available to BGC Partners and its independent auditors all documents necessary for the annual audit of us as well as access to the responsible personnel so that BGC Partners and its independent auditors may conduct their audits relating to our financial statements;

 

    adhere to certain specified BGC Partners accounting policies and notify and consult with BGC Partners regarding any changes to our accounting principles and estimates used in the preparation of our financial statements, and any deficiencies in, or violations of law in connection with, our internal control over financial reporting; and

 

    consult with BGC Partners regarding the timing and content of our earnings releases and cooperate fully (and cause our independent auditors to cooperate fully) with BGC Partners in connection with any of its public filings.

Access to Information

Under the separation and distribution agreement, following the separation, we and BGC Partners will be obligated to provide each other access to information as follows:

 

    subject to applicable confidentiality obligations and other restrictions, we and BGC Partners will use commercially reasonable efforts to provide each other any information within each other’s possession that the requesting party reasonably needs for use in the conduct of its business in accordance with past practice, to comply with requirements imposed on the requesting party by a governmental authority, for use in any proceeding or to satisfy audit, accounting or similar requirements, or to comply with its obligations under the separation and distribution agreement or any ancillary agreement;

 

    until our first fiscal year-end occurring after the distribution (and for a reasonable period of time afterwards as required for each of BGC Partners or us to prepare consolidated financial statements or complete a financial statement audit for the fiscal year during which the distribution occurs), we will maintain in effect at our own cost and expense adequate systems and controls to the extent necessary to enable the members of the BGC Partners group to satisfy their respective reporting, accounting, audit and other obligations, and we will provide to BGC Partners in such form as BGC Partners may request, at no charge to BGC Partners, all financial and other data and information as BGC Partners determines necessary or advisable in order to prepare its financial statements and reports or filings with any governmental authorities, including copies of all quarterly and annual financial information and other reports and documents that we intend to file with the SEC prior to such filings (as well as final copies upon filing), and copies of our budgets and financial projections;

 

    subject to certain exceptions, we and BGC Partners will use reasonable best efforts to make available to each other, our past, present and future directors, officers, other employees and representatives to the extent reasonably required as witnesses in any legal, administrative or other proceedings in which the other party may become involved;

 

    the party providing information, consultant or witness services under the separation and distribution agreement will be entitled to reimbursement from the other party for reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in providing this assistance;

 

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    each party will use reasonable best efforts to retain information in its possession or control in accordance with BGC Partners’ record retention policy as of the separation; and

 

    subject to certain exceptions, we and BGC Partners will hold in confidence all information concerning or belonging to the other party, unless legally required to disclose such information.

Expenses

Under the separation and distribution agreement, we will be responsible for all third-party costs, fees and expenses relating to this offering, including the SEC registration fee, the FINRA fee, the reimbursable expenses of the underwriters pursuant to the underwriting agreement, all of the costs of producing, printing, mailing and otherwise distributing the prospectus, as well as the underwriting discounts and commissions. All third-party fees, costs and expenses paid or incurred in connection with the distribution will be paid by BGC Partners. Except as otherwise set forth above or as provided in the separation and distribution agreement or other ancillary agreements, all other costs and expenses incurred in connection with the transactions contemplated by the separation and distribution agreement will be borne by the party incurring such costs and expenses.

Termination

Prior to the completion of this offering, the separation and distribution agreement may be terminated by BGC Partners in its sole discretion. After the completion of this offering, the separation and distribution agreement may be terminated and the distribution may be amended, modified or abandoned at any time prior to the distribution by the mutual consent of BGC Partners and us. In addition, prior to the distribution, BGC Partners has the right to terminate its obligation to complete the distribution if, at any time, the board of directors of BGC Partners determines, in its sole discretion, that the distribution is not in the best interests of BGC Partners or its stockholders. If the separation and distribution agreement is terminated on or after the completion of this offering, only the provisions of the separation and distribution agreement that obligate the parties to pursue the distribution will terminate. The other provisions of the separation and distribution agreement and the other ancillary agreements that BGC Partners and we enter into will remain in full force and effect.

BGC Partners Contribution of Newmark OpCo Units Prior to the Distribution

Prior to the distribution, unless otherwise agreed by BGC Partners, in order for a partner of BGC Holdings to exchange a BGC Holdings exchange right unit into a share of common stock of BGC Partners pursuant to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of BGC Holdings, such partner must exchange both one BGC Holdings exchange right unit and a number of Newmark Holdings exchange right units equal to contribution ratio (which is one divided by 2.2), divided by the exchange ratio, in order to receive one share of BGC Partners common stock. Prior to the distribution, to the extent that BGC Partners receives any Newmark OpCo units as a result of any exchange of Newmark Holdings exchange right unit as described in the immediately preceding sentence or as a result of any contribution by BGC Partners to Newmark OpCo or purchase by BGC Partners of Newmark OpCo units (see “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Reinvestments in Newmark OpCo by BGC Partners”), then in each case, BGC Partners will contribute such Newmark OpCo units to Newmark in exchange for a number of shares of Newmark common stock equal to the number of such Newmark OpCo units multiplied by the exchange ratio (with the class of shares of our common stock corresponding to the class of shares of common stock that BGC Partners issued upon such exchange).

Exchange Agreement

In connection with the separation, we will enter into the exchange agreement, which will provide BGC Partners, Cantor, CFGM and any other Qualified Class B Holder entitled to hold Class B common stock under our certificate of incorporation with the right to exchange at any time and from time to time, on a one-to-one

 

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basis, shares of our Class A common stock now owned or subsequently acquired by such persons for shares of our Class B common stock, up to the number of shares of Class B common stock that are authorized but unissued under our certificate of incorporation. Prior to the distribution, however, without the prior consent of BGC Partners, the Cantor entities may not exchange such shares of our Class A common stock into shares of our Class B common stock. Our audit committee and our board of directors have determined that the exchange agreement is in the best interests of Newmark and its stockholders because, among other things, it will help ensure that Cantor retains its exchangeable limited partnership units in Newmark Holdings, which is the same partnership in which Newmark’s partner employees participate, thus continuing to align the interests of Cantor with those of the partner employees.

Amended and Restated Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement

Management

Newmark Holdings is managed by its general partner, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Newmark. Through our ownership of the general partner of Newmark Holdings, we hold the Newmark Holdings general partnership interest and the Newmark Holdings special voting limited partnership interest, which entitles us to control Newmark Holdings and to remove and appoint the general partner of Newmark Holdings.

Under the Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement, the Newmark Holdings general partner manages the business and affairs of Newmark Holdings. However, Cantor’s consent is required for amendments to the Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement, to decrease distributions to Newmark Holdings limited partners to less than 100% of net income received by Newmark Holdings (other than with respect to selected extraordinary items as described below), to transfer any Newmark OpCo partnership interests beneficially owned by Newmark Holdings and to take any other actions that may adversely affect Cantor’s exercise of its co-investment rights to acquire Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests, its right to purchase Newmark Holdings founding partner interests and its right to exchange the Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests. Cantor’s consent is also required in connection with transfers of Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests by other limited partners and the issuance of additional Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests outside of the Participation Plan.

The Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement also provides that Newmark Holdings, in its capacity as the general partner of Newmark OpCo, requires Cantor’s consent to amend the terms of the Newmark OpCo limited partnership agreement or take any other action that may interfere with Cantor’s exercise of its co-investment rights to acquire Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests (and the corresponding investment in Newmark OpCo by Newmark Holdings) or its rights to exchange the Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests. Founding/working partners and limited partnership unit holders do not have any voting rights with respect to their ownership of Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests, other than limited consent rights concerning amendments to the terms of the Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement.

Classes of Interests in Newmark Holdings

As of immediately following this offering, Newmark Holdings will have the following outstanding interests:

 

    a general partnership interest, which is held indirectly by us;

 

    a special voting limited partnership interest, which is held indirectly by us and which entitles us to remove and appoint the general partner of Newmark Holdings;

 

    Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests, which are held by Cantor;

 

    Newmark Holdings founding partner interests, which are limited partnership interests that will be issued in the separation in respect of BGC Holdings founding partner interests (which were issued to certain partners in connection with the 2008 separation of BGC Partners from Cantor); and

 

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    Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests and units, including REU and AREU interests and working partner interests (including RPU, ARPU, PSI, PSE, APSI, PSU, APSU, LPU and NPSU interests and Preferred Units).

Founding/working partners are divided into a number of different classes of Newmark Holdings units underlying such partner’s Newmark Holdings founding partner interests and Newmark Holdings working partner interests, respectively.

Each class of Newmark Holdings units held by founding/working partners (other than certain non-participating units) generally entitles the holder to receive a pro rata share of the distributions of income received by Newmark Holdings. See “—Distributions.” The terms of each class of limited partnership interests vary and are described in the Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement, a form of which is attached to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

The general partner of Newmark Holdings may determine the total number of authorized Newmark Holdings units.

Any authorized but unissued Newmark Holdings units may be issued:

 

    pursuant to the separation or as otherwise contemplated by the separation and distribution agreement or the Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement;

 

    to Cantor and members of the Cantor group, (1) in connection with a reinvestment in Newmark Holdings or (2) in the event of a termination or bankruptcy of a founding/working partner or limited partnership unit holder or the redemption of a founding/working partner interest or limited partnership unit pursuant to the Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement;

 

    with respect to Newmark Holdings founding/working partner interests, to an eligible recipient, which means any limited partner or member of the Cantor group or any affiliate, employee or partner thereof, in each case as directed by a Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partner majority in interest (provided that such person or entity is not primarily engaged in a business that competes with Newmark Holdings or its subsidiaries);

 

    as otherwise agreed by us, as general partner, and a Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partner interest majority in interest;

 

    pursuant to the Participation Plan (as described in “Executive Compensation—Newmark Holdings Participation Plan”);

 

    to any then-current founding/working partner or limited partnership unit holder pursuant to the Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement; or

 

    to any Newmark Holdings partner in connection with a conversion of an issued unit and interest into a different class or type of unit and interest.

In the event that Newmark Holdings redeems any of its outstanding units, our audit committee has authorized management to sell to the members of the Cantor group exchangeable units equal in number to such redeemed units at a price per exchangeable unit to be determined based on the average daily or monthly closing price of the Class A common stock.

The Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement provides that (1) where either current, terminating or terminated partners are permitted by us to exchange any portion of their founding partner units and Cantor consents to such exchangeability, we will offer to Cantor the opportunity for Cantor to purchase the same number of new exchangeable limited partnership interests in Newmark Holdings at the price that Cantor would have paid for the founding partner units had we redeemed them; and (2) the exchangeable limited partnership interests to be offered to Cantor pursuant to clause (1) above would be subject to, and granted in accordance with, applicable laws, rules and regulations then in effect.

 

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Exchanges

Each unit of the Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests held by Cantor is generally exchangeable with us for a number of shares of Class B common stock (or, at Cantor’s option or if there are no additional authorized but unissued shares of Class B common stock, a number of shares of Class A common stock) equal to the exchange ratio. Initially, the exchange ratio will equal one, so that each unit of an exchangeable Newmark Holdings limited partnership interest will be exchangeable with Newmark for one share of Newmark common stock. However, the exchange ratio is subject to adjustment as described below under “—Adjustments to Exchange Ratio.”

The Newmark Holdings founding partner interests (which will be issued in the separation to holders of BGC Holdings founding partner interests, who received such founding partner interests in connection with the separation of BGC Partners from Cantor in 2008) will not be exchangeable with us unless (1) Cantor reacquires such interests from Newmark Holdings upon termination or bankruptcy of the founding partners or redemption of their units (which it has the right to do under certain circumstances), in which case such interests will be exchangeable with us for Class A common stock or Class B common stock as described above or (2) Cantor determines that such interests can be exchanged by such founding partners with us for Class A common stock, in which case each such Newmark Holdings unit will exchangeable with us for a number of shares of our Class A common stock equal to the exchange ratio, on terms and conditions to be determined by Cantor. Once a Newmark Holdings founding partner interest becomes exchangeable, such founding partner interest is automatically exchanged upon a termination or bankruptcy (x) with BGC Partners for Class A common stock of BGC Partners (after also providing the requisite portion of BGC Holdings founding partner interests) if the termination or bankruptcy occurs prior to the distribution and (y) in all other cases, with us for our Class A common stock.

In particular, Cantor has provided that 428,177 Newmark Holdings founding partner interests will be exchangeable with us for a number of shares of Class A common stock equal to the exchange ratio, in accordance with the terms of the Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement.

We provide exchangeability for partnership units into shares of our Class A common stock in connection with (1) our partnership redemption, compensation and restructuring programs, (2) other incentive compensation arrangements and (3) business combination transactions.

Working partner interests will not be exchangeable with us unless otherwise determined by us with the written consent of a Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interest majority in interest, in accordance with the terms of the Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement.

The limited partnership units will only be exchangeable for Class A common stock in accordance with the terms and conditions of the grant of such units, which terms and conditions will be determined in our sole discretion, as the general partner of Newmark Holdings, with the written consent of the Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interest majority in interest with respect to the grant of any exchange right, in accordance with the terms of the Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to BGC Holdings units outstanding as of immediately prior to the separation and Newmark Holdings units issued in the separation in respect of such BGC Holdings units (see “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Separation and Distribution Agreement—Holdings Partnership Division”), which we refer to “legacy BGC Holdings units” and “legacy Newmark Holdings units,” to the extent that such legacy BGC Holdings units or legacy Newmark Holdings are not exchangeable as of immediately after the separation, the determination of whether to grant an exchange right with respect to such legacy BGC Holdings units and legacy Newmark Holdings units will be made as follows:

 

    If the legacy BGC Holdings units and legacy Newmark Holdings unit are held by an employee of the BGC group providing services solely to the BGC group, then BGC Partners shall make such determination;

 

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    If the legacy BGC Holdings units and legacy Newmark Holdings unit are held by an employee of the Newmark group providing services solely to the Newmark group, then Newmark shall make such determination; and

 

    If the legacy BGC Holdings units and legacy Newmark Holdings unit are held by an employee of the BGC group, the Newmark group or the Cantor group providing services to both the BGC group and the Newmark group, then BGC Partners shall make such determination to the extent that the grant of the exchange right relates to compensation for services by such employee to the BGC group, and Newmark shall make such determination to the extent that the grant of the exchange right relates to compensation for services by such employee to the Newmark group. Grants of exchangeability may be made at any time in the discretion of the relevant service recipient, and future grant practices may differ from prior practices, including without limitation in connection with performance achievement, changes in incentive arrangements, accounting principles, and tax laws (including deductibility of compensation) and other applicable laws.

As a result of the distribution of limited partnership interests of Newmark Holdings in connection with the separation, each holder of BGC Holdings limited partnership interests will hold a BGC Holdings limited partnership interest and a corresponding Newmark Holdings limited partnership interest for each BGC Holdings limited partnership interest held thereby immediately prior to the separation. The BGC Holdings limited partnership interests and Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests will each be entitled to receive cash distributions from BGC Holdings and Newmark Holdings, respectively, in accordance with the terms of such partnership’s respective limited partnership agreement. We currently expect that the combined cash distributions to a holder of one unit of BGC Holdings limited partnership interest and a number of units of Newmark Holdings limited partnership interest equal to the contribution ratio (which is one divided by 2.2) following the separation will equal the cash distribution payable to a holder of one BGC Holdings limited partnership interest immediately prior to the separation, before giving effect to the dilutive impact of the shares of our common stock to be issued in this offering.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to the distribution, without the prior consent of BGC Partners, no Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests shall be exchangeable into our shares of common stock. Prior to the distribution, unless otherwise agreed by BGC Partners, in order for a partner to exchange an exchangeable limited partnership interest in BGC Holdings or Newmark Holdings into a share of common stock of BGC Partners, such partner must exchange both one unit of a BGC Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interest and a number of units of Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interest equal to the contribution ratio (which is one divided by 2.2), divided by the exchange ratio, in order to receive one share of BGC Partners common stock. Prior to the distribution, to the extent that BGC Partners receives any Newmark OpCo units as a result of any such exchange of Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests (as described below), then BGC Partners will contribute such Newmark OpCo units to us in exchange for a number of shares of our common stock equal to the exchange ratio (with the class of shares of our common stock corresponding to the class of shares of common stock that BGC Partners issued upon such exchange).

Upon our receipt (or, prior to the distribution and as described above, BGC Partners’ receipt) of any Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interest, or Newmark Holdings founding partner interest, working partner interest or limited partnership unit that is exchangeable, pursuant to an exchange, such interest being so exchanged will cease to be outstanding and will be automatically and fully cancelled, and such interest will automatically be designated as a Newmark Holdings regular limited partnership interest, will have all rights and obligations of a holder of Newmark Holdings regular limited partnership interests and will cease to be designated as a Newmark Holdings exchangeable interest, or Newmark Holdings founding partner interest, working partner interest or limited partnership unit that is exchangeable, and will not be exchangeable.

With each exchange, our direct and indirect (and, prior to the distribution and as described above, BGC Partners’ indirect) interest in Newmark OpCo will proportionately increase, because immediately following an exchange, Newmark Holdings will redeem the Newmark Holdings unit so acquired for the Newmark OpCo limited partnership interest underlying such Newmark Holdings unit.

 

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In addition, upon a transfer of a Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interest that is not permitted by the Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement (see “—Transfers of Interests”), such interest will cease to be designated as a Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interest and will automatically be designated as a regular limited partnership interest.

In the case of an exchange of an exchangeable limited partnership interest or a founding partner interest (or portion thereof), the aggregate capital account of the Newmark Holdings unit so exchanged will equal a pro rata portion of the total aggregate capital account of all exchangeable limited partnership units and founding partner units then outstanding, reflecting the portion of all such exchangeable limited partnership units and founding partner units then outstanding represented by the unit so exchanged. The aggregate capital account of such exchanging partner in such partner’s remaining exchangeable limited partnership units and/or founding partner units will be reduced by an equivalent amount. If the aggregate capital account of such partner is insufficient to permit such a reduction without resulting in a negative capital account, the amount of such insufficiency will be satisfied by reallocating capital from the capital accounts of the exchangeable limited partners and the founding partners to the capital account of the unit so exchanged, pro rata based on the number of units underlying the outstanding exchangeable limited partnership interests and the founding partner interests or based on other factors as determined by a Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interest majority in interest.

In the case of an exchange of an REU interest or working partner interest or portion thereof, the aggregate capital account of the Newmark Holdings units so exchanged will equal the capital account of the REU interest or working partner interest (or portion thereof), as the case may be, represented by such Newmark Holdings units.

We agreed to reserve, out of our authorized but unissued Class B common stock and Class A common stock, a sufficient number of shares of Class B common stock and Class A common stock to effect the exchange of all then outstanding Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests, the Newmark Holdings founding/working partner interests, if exchangeable, and Newmark Holdings limited partnership units, if exchangeable, into shares of Class B common stock or Class A common stock pursuant to the exchanges (subject, in the case of Class B common stock, to the maximum number of shares authorized but unissued under our certificate of incorporation as then in effect) and a sufficient number of shares of Class A common stock to effect the exchange of shares of Class B common stock issued or issuable in respect of exchangeable Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests. We have agreed that all shares of Class B common stock and Class A common stock issued in an exchange will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable and will be free from pre-emptive rights and free of any encumbrances.

Partnership Enhancement Programs

We may from time to time undertake partnership redemption and compensation restructuring programs to enhance our employment arrangements by leveraging our unique partnership structure. Under these programs, participating partners generally may agree to extend the lengths of their employment agreements, to accept a larger portion of their compensation in partnership units and to other contractual modifications sought by us. As part of these programs, we may also redeem limited partnership interests for cash and/or other units and grant exchangeability to certain units.

Distributions

The profit and loss of Newmark OpCo are generally allocated based on the total number of Newmark OpCo units outstanding. The profit and loss of Newmark Holdings are generally allocated based on the total number of Newmark Holdings units outstanding. The minimum distribution for each RPU interest issued after this offering is $0.005 per quarter.

Pursuant to the terms of the Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement, distributions by Newmark Holdings to its partners may not be decreased below 100% of net income received by Newmark Holdings from

 

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Newmark OpCo (other than with respect to selected extraordinary items with respect to founding/working partners or limited partnership unit holders, such as the disposition directly or indirectly of partnership assets outside of the ordinary course of business) unless we determine otherwise, subject to Cantor’s consent (as the holder of the Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interest majority in interest).

In addition, the Newmark Holdings general partner, with the consent of Cantor, as holder of a majority of the Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests, in its sole and absolute discretion, may direct Newmark Holdings, upon a founding/working partner’s or a limited partnership unit holder’s death, retirement, withdrawal from Newmark Holdings or other full or partial redemption of Newmark Holdings units, to distribute to such partner (or to his or her personal representative, as the case may be) a number of publicly traded shares or an amount of other property that the Newmark Holdings general partner determines is appropriate in light of the goodwill associated with such partner and his, her or its Newmark Holdings units, such partner’s length of service, responsibilities and contributions to Newmark Holdings and/or other factors deemed to be relevant by the Newmark Holdings general partner.

In the discretion of the Newmark Holdings general partner, distributions with respect to selected extraordinary transactions, as described below, may be withheld from the founding/working partners and the limited partnership unit holders and distributed over time subject to the satisfaction of conditions set by us, as the general partner of Newmark Holdings, such as continued service to us. These distributions that may be withheld relate to income items from nonrecurring events, including, without limitation, items that would be considered “extraordinary items” under GAAP and recoveries with respect to claims for expenses, costs and damages (excluding any recovery that does not result in monetary payments to Newmark Holdings) attributable to extraordinary events affecting Newmark Holdings.

Cantor’s Right to Purchase Redeemed Interests

Newmark Holdings Founding Partner Interests

The terms of the Newmark Holdings founding partner interests will be substantially the same as the terms of the BGC Holdings founding partner interests. There will be no Newmark Holdings founding partner interests outstanding other than from the mathematical carryover from the BGC Holdings founding partner interests (i.e., the Newmark Holdings founding partner interests distributed in the separation in respect of the outstanding BGC Holdings founding partner interests). No holder of Newmark Holdings founding partner interests will be employed by us.

Cantor has a right to purchase any Newmark Holdings founding partner interests that have not become exchangeable that are redeemed by Newmark Holdings upon termination or bankruptcy of a founding partner or upon mutual consent of the general partner of Newmark Holdings and Cantor. Cantor has the right to purchase such Newmark Holdings founding partner interests at a price equal to the lesser of (1) the amount that Newmark Holdings would be required to pay to redeem and purchase such Newmark Holdings founding partner interests and (2) the amount equal to (a) the number of units underlying such founding partner interests, multiplied by (b) the exchange ratio as of the date of such purchase, multiplied by (c) the then current market price of our Class A common stock. Cantor may pay such price using cash, publicly traded shares or other property, or a combination of the foregoing. If Cantor (or the other member of the Cantor group acquiring such founding partner interests, as the case may be) so purchases such founding partner interests at a price equal to clause (2) above, neither Cantor nor any member of the Cantor group nor Newmark Holdings nor any other person is obligated to pay Newmark Holdings or the holder of such founding partner interests any amount in excess of the amount set forth in clause (2) above.

In addition, the Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement provides that (1) where either current, terminating or terminated partners are permitted by us to exchange any portion of their founding partner units and Cantor consents to such exchangeability, we will offer to Cantor the opportunity for Cantor to purchase the same number of new exchangeable limited partnership interests in Newmark Holdings at the price that Cantor

 

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would have paid for the founding partner units had we redeemed them; and (2) the exchangeable limited partnership interests to be offered to Cantor pursuant to clause (1) above would be subject to, and granted in accordance with, applicable laws, rules and regulations then in effect.

Any unit of a Newmark Holdings founding partner interests acquired by Cantor, while not exchangeable in the hands of the founding partner absent a determination by Cantor to the contrary, will be exchangeable by Cantor for a number of shares of our Class B common stock or, at Cantor’s election, shares of our Class A common stock, in each case, equal to the exchange ratio, on the same basis as the limited partnership interests held by Cantor, and will be designated as Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests when acquired by Cantor. The current exchange ratio is one, but is subject to adjustment as described below under “—Adjustments to Exchange Ratio.” This may permit Cantor to receive a larger share of income generated by our business at a less expensive price than through purchasing shares of our Class A common stock, which is a result of the price payable by Cantor to Newmark Holdings upon exercise of its right to purchase equivalent exchangeable interests.

Newmark Holdings Working Partner Interests and Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Units

Cantor has a right to purchase any Newmark Holdings working partner interests or Newmark Holdings limited partnership units (in each case that have not become exchangeable), as the case may be, that are redeemed by Newmark Holdings if Newmark Holdings elects to transfer the right to purchase such interests to a Newmark Holdings partner rather than redeem such interests itself. Cantor has the right to purchase such interests on the same terms that such Newmark Holdings partner would have a right to purchase such interests.

Newmark from time to time may enter into various compensatory arrangements with partners, including founding partners who hold non-exchangeable founding partner units that Cantor has not elected to make exchangeable into shares of Class A common stock. These arrangements, which may be entered into prior to or in connection with the termination of such partners, include but are not limited to the grant of shares or other awards under the Equity Plan, payments of cash or other property, or partnership awards under the Participation Plan or other partnership adjustments, which arrangements may result in the repayment by such partners of any partnership loans or other amounts payable to or guaranteed by Cantor earlier than might otherwise be the case, and for which the Company may incur compensation charges that it might not otherwise have incurred had such arrangements not been entered into.

Transfers of Interests

The Newmark Holdings partnership agreement contains restrictions on the transfer of interests in Newmark Holdings. In general, a partner may not transfer or agree or otherwise commit to transfer all or any portion of, or any rights, title and interest in and to, its interest in Newmark Holdings, except in the circumstances described in the Newmark Holdings partnership agreement.

Amendments

The Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement cannot be amended except with the approval of each of the general partner and the exchangeable limited partners (by the affirmative vote of a Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interest majority in interest) of Newmark Holdings. In addition, the Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement cannot be amended to:

 

    amend any provisions which require the consent of a specified percentage in interest of the limited partners without the consent of that specified percentage in interest of the limited partners;

 

   

alter the interest of any partner in the amount or timing of distributions or the allocation of profits, losses or credits, if such alteration would either materially adversely affect the economic interest of a partner or would materially adversely affect the value of interests, without the consent of the partners

 

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holding at least two-thirds of all units, in the case of an amendment applying in substantially similar manner to all classes of interests, or two-thirds in interest of the affected class or classes of the partners, in the case of any other amendment; or

 

    alter the special voting limited partner’s ability to remove a general partner.

The general partner of Newmark Holdings may authorize any amendment to correct any technically incorrect statement or error apparent on the face thereof in order to further the parties’ intent or to correct any formality or error or incorrect statement or defect in the execution of the Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement.

Corporate Opportunity; Fiduciary Duty

The Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement contains similar corporate opportunity provisions to those included in our certificate of incorporation with respect to Newmark, BGC Partners and/or Cantor and their respective representatives. See “—Potential Conflicts of Interest and Competition with BGC Partners and Cantor.”

Parity of Interests

The Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement provides that it is the non-binding intention of Newmark Holdings and each of the partners of Newmark Holdings that the aggregate number of Newmark OpCo units held by Newmark Holdings and its subsidiaries (other than Newmark OpCo and its subsidiaries) at a given time divided by the aggregate number of Newmark Holdings units issued and outstanding at such time is at all times equal to one, which ratio is referred to herein as the “Newmark Holdings ratio.” It is the non-binding intention of each of the partners of Newmark Holdings and of Newmark Holdings that there be a parallel issuance or repurchase transaction by Newmark Holdings in the event of any issuance or repurchase by Newmark OpCo of Newmark OpCo units to or held by Newmark Holdings so that the Newmark Holdings ratio at all times equals one.

Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Newmark OpCo

Management

Newmark OpCo is managed by its general partner, which is owned by Newmark Holdings. The Newmark OpCo general partner holds the Newmark OpCo general partnership interest and the Newmark OpCo special voting limited partnership interest, which entitles the holder thereof to remove and appoint the general partner of Newmark OpCo and serves as the general partner of Newmark OpCo, which entitles Newmark Holdings (and thereby, Newmark) to control Newmark OpCo, subject to limited consent rights of Cantor and to the rights of Newmark Holdings as the special voting limited partner. Newmark Holdings holds its Newmark OpCo general partnership interest through a Delaware limited liability company, Newmark Holdings, LLC.

Cantor’s “consent rights” means that Newmark Holdings, in its capacity as general partner of Newmark OpCo, is required to obtain Cantor’s consent to amend the terms of the Newmark OpCo limited partnership agreement or take any other action that may adversely affect Cantor’s exercise of its co-investment rights to acquire Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests (and the corresponding investment in Newmark OpCo by Newmark Holdings) or right to exchange Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests.

Classes of Interests in Newmark OpCo

As of the effective date of the separation, Newmark OpCo has the following outstanding interests:

 

    a general partnership interest, which is held indirectly by Newmark Holdings;

 

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    limited partnership interests, which are held by Newmark and Newmark Holdings; and

 

    a special voting limited partnership interest, which is held indirectly by Newmark Holdings and which entitles the holder thereof to remove and appoint the general partner of Newmark OpCo.

The general partner of Newmark OpCo determines the aggregate number of authorized units in Newmark OpCo.

Any authorized but unissued units in Newmark OpCo may be issued:

 

    pursuant to the separation;

 

    to Newmark and/or Newmark Holdings and members of their group, as the case may be, in connection with an investment in Newmark OpCo;

 

    to Newmark Holdings or members of its group in connection with a redemption pursuant to the Newmark Holdings limited partnership agreement;

 

    as otherwise agreed by each of the general partner and the limited partners (by affirmative vote of the limited partners holding a majority of the units underlying limited partnership interests outstanding of Newmark OpCo (except that if Newmark Holdings and its group holds a majority in interest and Cantor and its group holds a majority of units underlying the Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests, then majority of interest means Cantor) (which we refer to as a “Newmark OpCo majority in interest”));

 

    to Newmark or Newmark Holdings in connection with a grant of equity by Newmark or Newmark Holdings; and

 

    to any Newmark OpCo partner in connection with a conversion of an issued unit and interest into a different class or type of unit and interest.

There will be no additional classes of partnership interests in Newmark OpCo.

Distributions

The profit and loss of Newmark OpCo is generally allocated based on the total number of Newmark OpCo units outstanding.

Transfers of Interests

The Newmark OpCo partnership agreement contains restrictions on the transfer of interests in Newmark OpCo. In general, a partner may not transfer or agree or otherwise commit to transfer all or any portion of, or any rights, title and interest in and to, its interest in Newmark OpCo, except in the circumstances described in the Newmark OpCo partnership agreement.

Amendments

The Newmark OpCo limited partnership agreement cannot be amended except with the approval of each of the general partner and the limited partners (by the affirmative vote of a Newmark OpCo majority in interest) of Newmark OpCo. In addition, the Newmark OpCo limited partnership agreement cannot be amended to:

 

    amend any provisions which require the consent of a specified percentage in interest of the limited partners without the consent of that specified percentage in interest of the limited partners;

 

   

alter the interest of any partner in the amount or timing of distributions or the allocation of profits, losses or credits, if such alteration would either materially adversely affect the economic interest of a partner or would materially adversely affect the value of interests, without the consent of the partners

 

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holding at least two-thirds of all units, in the case of an amendment applying in substantially similar manner to all classes of interests, or two-thirds in interest of the affected class or classes of the partners, in the case of any other amendment; or

 

    alter the special voting limited partner’s ability to remove a general partner.

The general partner of Newmark OpCo may authorize any amendment to correct any technically incorrect statement or error in order to further the parties’ intent or to correct any formality or error or defect in the execution of the Newmark OpCo limited partnership agreement.

Corporate Opportunity; Fiduciary Duty

The Newmark OpCo limited partnership agreement contains similar corporate opportunity provisions to those included in our certificate of incorporation with respect to Newmark and/or Newmark Holdings and their respective representatives. See “—Potential Conflicts of Interest and Competition with BGC Partners and Cantor.”

Parity of Interests

The limited partnership agreement of Newmark OpCo provides that, at the election of Newmark, in connection with a repurchase of our Class A common stock or similar actions, Newmark OpCo will redeem and repurchase from Newmark a number of units in Newmark OpCo equivalent to the number of shares of Class A common stock repurchased by Newmark in exchange for cash in the amount of the gross proceeds to be paid in connection with such stock repurchase.

Adjustment to Exchange Ratio

Each unit of an exchangeable Newmark Holdings limited partnership interest will be exchangeable with Newmark for a number of shares of Newmark common stock equal to the exchange ratio. Initially, the exchange ratio will equal one, so that each unit of an exchangeable Newmark Holdings limited partnership interest will be exchangeable with Newmark for one share of Newmark common stock.

For reinvestment, acquisition or other purposes, Newmark may determine to distribute to its stockholders a smaller percentage than Newmark Holdings distributes to its equityholders (excluding tax distributions from Newmark Holdings) of cash that it receive from Newmark OpCo. In such circumstances, the separation and distribution agreement provides that the exchange ratio will be reduced to reflect the amount of additional cash retained by Newmark as a result of the distribution of such smaller percentage, after the payment of taxes (which we refer to as “reinvestment cash”).

The separation and distribution agreement provides that, if, in any fiscal quarter, there is reinvestment cash for such fiscal quarter, then, the exchange ratio will be adjusted so that, following such adjustment, but subject to any other further adjustment as a result of other anti-dilution and other equitable adjustments as set forth in the separation and distribution agreement, the exchange ratio shall equal:

 

    the number of outstanding shares of Newmark common stock as of immediately prior to such adjustment, divided by

 

    the sum of (A) the number of outstanding shares of Newmark common stock as of immediately prior to such adjustment, plus (B) the adjustment factor (as described below) for such fiscal quarter plus (C) the sum of the aggregate adjustment factors for all prior fiscal quarters following this offering.

The “adjustment factor” means, with respect to any fiscal quarter in which there is reinvestment cash, an amount (which may be a positive or a negative number) equal to: (a) the reinvestment cash for such fiscal quarter, divided by (b) the Newmark OpCo per unit price as of the day prior to the date on which the adjustment to the exchange ratio with respect to such adjustment factor is made. Newmark shall determine the particular date

 

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in which any adjustment to the exchange ratio in respect of a particular fiscal quarter shall occur, taking into account the precise timing of any distributions by Newmark Holdings and Newmark in respect of such fiscal quarter.

Use of Reinvestment Cash

We receive significant tax benefits from the partnership structure of Newmark OpCo and Newmark Holdings. Specifically, in connection with an exchange of an exchangeable Newmark Holdings limited partnership interest with Newmark for shares of Newmark common stock, Newmark OpCo receives a tax deduction. We, in turn, benefit from the majority of this tax deduction as a result of our ownership interest in Newmark OpCo. In a typical up-C structure, we would normally receive a much smaller portion of these tax benefits.

In light of these tax benefits and the fact that the exchange ratio is adjusted downward if there is any reinvestment cash, and in order to induce the holder of a majority of the Newmark exchangeable limited partnership interest to consent to the partnership structure, we have agreed in the separation and distribution agreement that, to the extent that there is any reinvestment cash, we will contribute such cash to Newmark OpCo as an additional capital contribution with respect to our existing limited partnership interest in Newmark OpCo, unless we and the holder of a majority of the Newmark exchangeable limited partnership interests agree otherwise.

Reinvestments in Newmark OpCo by Newmark; Co-Investment Rights; Distributions to Holders of Our Common Stock and to Newmark Holdings Limited Partners

In order to maintain our economic interest in Newmark OpCo, the separation and distribution agreement provides that any net proceeds received by us from any subsequent issuances of our common stock (other than upon exchange of Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests) will be, unless otherwise determined by our board of directors, contributed to Newmark OpCo in exchange for Newmark OpCo limited partnership interests consisting of a number of Newmark OpCo units that will equal the number of shares of our common stock issued divided by the exchange ratio as of immediately prior to the issuance of such shares.

In addition, we may elect to purchase from Newmark OpCo a number of Newmark OpCo units through cash or non-cash consideration. The investment price will be based on the then-applicable market price for shares of our Class A common stock. In the future, from time to time, we also may use cash on hand and funds received from distributions, loans or other payments from Newmark OpCo to purchase shares of common stock or Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests.

In the event that we acquire any additional Newmark OpCo limited partnership interests from Newmark OpCo, Cantor would have the right to cause Newmark Holdings to acquire additional Newmark OpCo limited partnership interests from Newmark OpCo up to the number of Newmark OpCo units that would preserve Cantor’s relative indirect economic percentage interest in Newmark OpCo compared to our interests immediately prior to the acquisition of such additional Newmark OpCo units by us, and Cantor would acquire an equivalent number of additional Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests to reflect such relative indirect interest. The purchase price per Newmark OpCo unit for any such Newmark OpCo limited partnership interests issued indirectly to Cantor pursuant to its co-investment rights will be equal to the price paid by us per Newmark OpCo unit. Any such Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests issued to Cantor will be designated as exchangeable limited partnership interests.

Cantor will have 10 days after the related issuance of Newmark OpCo limited partnership interests to elect such reinvestment and will have to close such election no later than 120 days following such election.

In addition, the Participation Plan provides for issuances, in the discretion of our compensation committee or its designee, of Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests to current or prospective working partners and

 

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executive officers of Newmark. Any net proceeds received by Newmark Holdings for such issuances generally will be contributed to Newmark OpCo in exchange for Newmark OpCo limited partnership interests consisting of a number of Newmark OpCo units equal to the number of Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests being issued so that the cost of such compensation award, if any, is borne pro rata by all holders of the Newmark OpCo units, including by us. Any Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests acquired by the working partners, including any such interests acquired at preferential or historical prices that are less than the prevailing fair market value of our Class A common stock, will be designated as Newmark Holdings working partner interests and will generally receive distributions from Newmark OpCo on an equal basis with all other limited partnership interests.

Newmark Holdings will not have the right to acquire limited partnership interests in Newmark OpCo other than in connection with an investment by Cantor as described above or in connection with issuances of Newmark Holdings interests to the working partners and executive officers under the Participation Plan.

Reinvestments in Newmark OpCo by BGC Partners

Pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement, any net proceeds received by BGC Partners from any subsequent issuances of BGC Partners common stock (other than upon exchange of a combination of BGC Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests and Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests) will be, unless otherwise determined by BGC Partners’ board of directors, contributed to BGC U.S., BGC Global and Newmark OpCo in exchange for (1) BGC U.S. limited partnership interests consisting of a number of BGC U.S. units that will equal the number of shares of BGC Partners common stock issued, multiplied by a number equal to (a) the aggregate number of BGC U.S. units held by BGC Partners divided by (b) the aggregate number of shares of BGC Partners common stock then outstanding (we refer to such number as the “BGC Partners ratio”). (2) BGC Global limited partnership interests consisting of a number of BGC Global units that will equal the number of shares of BGC Partners common stock issued multiplied by the BGC Partners ratio and (3) Newmark OpCo limited partnership interests consisting of a number of Newmark OpCo units that will equal the number of shares of BGC Partners common stock issued divided by the exchange ratio, and then multiplied by the quotient obtained by dividing (a) the number of shares of our common stock held by BGC Partners as of such time, by (b) the number of shares of BGC Partners Common Stock then outstanding. The amount of the net proceeds that will be contributed by BGC Partners to Newmark OpCo for each Newmark OpCo unit so issued to BGC Partners will be based on the then-applicable market price for shares of our Class A common stock. The remainder of the net proceeds will be contributed by BGC Partners to BGC U.S. and BGC Global. BGC Partners’ board of directors will have the right to make any equitable adjustment to the amounts contributed to Newmark OpCo, on the one hand, and BGC U.S. and BGC Global, on the other hand, if any events warrant such adjustment.

In addition, if BGC Partners exercises its right to purchase from BGC U.S. and BGC Global a number of BGC U.S. units and BGC Global units, unless otherwise determined by BGC Partners’ board of directors, BGC Partners will also purchase a number of Newmark OpCo units equal to the number of BGC U.S. units so purchased through cash or non-cash consideration for an investment price based on the then-applicable market price for shares of our Class A common stock.

Administrative Services Agreement

The administrative services agreement has an initial term of three years, starting on the date of the separation. Thereafter, the administrative services agreement renews automatically for successive one-year terms, unless any party provides written notice to the other parties of its desire to terminate the agreement at least 120 days before the end of any such year ending during the initial or extended term, in which event the administrative services agreement will end with respect to the terminating party on the last day of such term. In addition, any particular service provided under the administrative services agreement may be cancelled by the receiving party,

 

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with at least 90 days’ prior written notice to the providing party, with no effect on the other services. The terminating party will be charged a termination fee equal to the costs incurred by the party providing services as a result of such termination, including any severance or cancellation fees.

Cantor is entitled to continued use of hardware and equipment it used prior to the date of the administrative services agreement on the terms and conditions provided, even in the event we terminate the administrative services agreement, although there is no requirement to repair or replace such hardware or equipment.

During the term of the administrative services agreement, the parties will provide administrative and technical support services to each other, including:

 

    administration and benefits services;

 

    employee benefits, human resources and payroll services;

 

    financial and operations services;

 

    internal auditing services;

 

    legal related services;

 

    risk and credit services;

 

    accounting and general tax services;

 

    office space;

 

    personnel, hardware and equipment services

 

    communication and data facilities;

 

    facilities management services;

 

    promotional, sales and marketing services;

 

    procuring of insurance coverage; and

 

    any miscellaneous services to which the parties reasonably agree.

The administrative services agreement includes provisions for allowing a provider or affiliate to arrange for a third party to provide for the services.

In consideration for the services provided, the providing party generally charges the other party an amount (including any applicable taxes) equal to (1) the direct cost that the providing party incurs in performing those services, including third-party charges incurred in providing services, plus (2) a reasonable allocation of other costs determined in a consistent and fair manner so as to cover the providing party’s appropriate costs or in such other manner as the parties agree.

The administrative services agreement provides that the services recipient generally indemnifies the services provider for liabilities that it incurs arising from the provision of services other than liabilities arising from fraud or willful misconduct of the service provider.

Transition Services Agreement

The transition services agreement has a term of two years following the distribution, starting on the date of the separation. Any particular service provided under the transition services agreement may be cancelled by the receiving party, with at least 90 days’ prior written notice to the providing party, with no effect on the other services. The terminating party will be charged a termination fee equal to the costs incurred by the party providing services as a result of such termination, including any severance or cancellation fees.

 

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BGC Partners is entitled to continued use of hardware and equipment it used prior to the date of the transition services agreement on the terms and conditions provided until two years following the distribution, even in the event we terminate the transition services agreement, although there is no requirement to repair or replace such hardware or equipment.

During the term of the transition services agreement, the parties will provide transition services to each other, including, among others, office space, personnel, hardware and equipment services; communication and data facilities; and any miscellaneous services to which the parties reasonably agree.

The transition services agreement includes provisions for allowing a provider or affiliate to arrange for a third party to provide for the services.

In consideration for the services provided, the providing party generally charges the other party an amount (including any applicable taxes) equal to (1) the direct cost that the providing party incurs in performing those services, including third-party charges incurred in providing services, plus (2) a reasonable allocation of other costs determined in a consistent and fair manner so as to cover the providing party’s appropriate costs or in such other manner as the parties agree.

The transition services agreement provides that the services recipient generally indemnifies the services provider for liabilities that it incurs arising from the provision of services other than liabilities arising from fraud or willful misconduct of the service provider.

Tax Matters Agreement

BGC Partners and Newmark will enter into a tax matters agreement in connection with the separation that will govern the parties’ respective rights, responsibilities and obligations after the separation with respect to taxes (including taxes arising in the ordinary course of business and taxes, if any, incurred as a result of any failure of the distribution and certain related transactions to qualify as tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes), tax attributes and tax benefits, the preparation and filing of tax returns, the control of audits and other tax proceedings, tax elections, assistance and cooperation in respect of tax matters, procedures and restrictions relating to the distribution, if any, and certain other tax matters.

In addition, the tax matters agreement will impose certain restrictions on Newmark and its subsidiaries (including restrictions on share issuances, business combinations, sales of assets and similar transactions) that will be designed to preserve the tax-free status of the distribution and certain related transactions. The tax matters agreement will provide special rules to allocate tax liabilities in the event the distribution, together with certain related transactions, is not tax-free, as well as any tax liabilities incurred in connection with the separation. In general, under the tax matters agreement, each party is expected to be responsible for any taxes imposed on BGC Partners or Newmark that arise from the failure of the distribution, together with certain related transactions, to qualify as a transaction that is generally tax-free, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) and certain other relevant provisions of the Code, to the extent that the failure to so qualify is attributable to actions, events or transactions relating to such party’s respective stock, assets or business, or a breach of the relevant representations or covenants made by that party in the tax matters agreement.

Tax Receivable Agreement

Certain interests in Newmark Holdings may be exchanged in the future for a number of shares of Newmark Class A common stock or shares of Newmark Class B common stock equal to the exchange ratio (which is currently one, but is subject to adjustments as set forth in the separation and distribution agreement). See above under “—Adjustments to Exchange Ratio.” In addition, prior to the distribution, certain interests in Newmark Holdings may, together with certain interests in BGC Holdings, be exchanged for shares of BGC Partners common stock. Certain of these exchanges may result in increases to our share of the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of Newmark OpCo that otherwise would not have been available, although the IRS may

 

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challenge all or part of that tax basis increase, and a court could sustain such a challenge by the IRS. These increases in tax basis, if sustained, may reduce the amount of tax that we would otherwise be required to pay in the future.

In connection with the separation and distribution, we will enter into a tax receivable agreement with Cantor that provides for the payment by us to Cantor of 85% of the amount of cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax or franchise tax that we actually realize as a result of these increases in tax basis and of certain other tax benefits related to its entering into the tax receivable agreement, including tax benefits attributable to payments under the tax receivable agreement. It is expected that we will benefit from the remaining 15% of cash savings, if any, in income tax that we realize. Pursuant to the tax receivable agreement, we will determine, after consultation with Cantor, the extent to which we are permitted to claim any such tax benefits, and such tax benefits will be taken into account in computing any cash savings so long as our accountants agree that it is at least more likely than not that such tax benefit is available.

Pursuant to the tax receivable agreement, 20% of each payment that would otherwise be made by us will be deposited into an escrow account until the expiration of the statute of limitations for the tax year to which the payment relates. If the IRS successfully challenges the availability of any tax benefit and determines that a tax benefit is not available, we will be entitled to receive reimbursements from Cantor for amounts we previously paid under the tax receivable agreement and Cantor will indemnify us and hold us harmless with respect to any interest or penalties and any other losses in respect of the disallowance of any deductions which gave rise to the payment under the tax receivable agreement (together with reasonable attorneys’ and accountants’ fees incurred in connection with any related tax contest, but the indemnity for such reasonable attorneys’ and accountants’ fees shall only apply to the extent Cantor is permitted to control such contest). Any such reimbursement or indemnification payment will be satisfied first from the escrow account (to the extent funded in respect of such payments under the tax receivable agreement).

For purposes of the tax receivable agreement, cash savings in income and franchise tax will be computed by comparing our actual income and franchise tax liability to the amount of such taxes that we would have been required to pay had there been no depreciation or amortization deductions available to us that were attributable to an increase in tax basis (or any imputed interest) as a result of an exchange. The tax receivable agreement will continue until all such tax benefits have been utilized or expired, unless we (with the approval by a majority of our independent directors) exercise our right to terminate the tax receivable agreement for an amount based on an agreed value of payments remaining to be made under the agreement, provided that if Cantor and we cannot agree upon a value, the agreement will remain in full force and effect. The actual amount and timing of any payment under the tax receivable agreement will vary depending on a number of factors, including the nature of the interests exchanged, the timing of exchanges, the extent to which such exchanges are taxable and the amount and timing of our income.

Any amendment to the tax receivable agreement will be subject to approval by a majority of our independent directors.

Registration Rights Agreement

In connection with the separation and distribution, we will enter into a registration rights agreement with BGC Partners and Cantor which will provide Cantor, BGC Partners and their respective affiliates (prior to the distribution) and Cantor and its affiliates (after the distribution) registration rights with respect to shares of our Class A common stock, including shares issued or to be issued upon exchange of the Newmark Holdings exchangeable limited partnership interests held by Cantor, shares of our Class A common stock issued or issuable in respect of or in exchange for any shares of our Class B common stock and any other shares of our Class A common stock that may be acquired by Cantor, BGC Partners or their respective affiliates. We refer to these shares as “registrable securities,” and we refer to the holders of these registrable securities as “holders.”

 

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The registration rights agreement will provide that each holder is entitled to unlimited piggyback registration rights with respect to its registrable securities, meaning that each holder can include its registrable securities in registration statements filed by us, including registration effected by us for security holders other than holders, subject to certain limitations. The registration rights agreement will also grant Cantor and BGC Partners unlimited demand registration rights requiring that we register registrable securities held by Cantor and BGC Partners and take all actions reasonably necessary or desirable to expedite or facilitate the disposition of registrable securities. Our obligation to effect demand registration rights will not be relieved to the extent we effect piggyback registration rights.

We will pay the costs incident to our compliance with the registration rights agreement but the holders will pay for any underwriting discounts or commissions or transfer taxes associated with all such registrations.

We have agreed to indemnify the holders (and their directors, officers, agents and each other person who controls a holder under Section 15 of the Securities Act) registering shares pursuant to the registration rights agreement against certain losses, expenses and liabilities under the Securities Act, common law or otherwise. Holders will similarly indemnify us but such indemnification will be limited to an amount equal to the net proceeds received by such holder under the sale of registrable securities giving rise to the indemnification obligation.

Leases

We currently occupy concurrent computing centers in Weehawken, New Jersey and Trumbull, Connecticut, maintained by BGC Partners. Under the transition services agreement, we are obligated to BGC Partners for our pro rata portion (based on square footage used) of rental expense during the terms of the leases for such spaces.

Potential Conflicts of Interest and Competition with BGC Partners and Cantor

Various conflicts of interest between and among us, BGC Partners and Cantor may arise in the future in a number of areas relating to our past and ongoing relationships, including potential acquisitions of businesses or properties, the election of new directors, payment of dividends, incurrence of indebtedness, tax matters, financial commitments, marketing functions, indemnity arrangements, service arrangements, issuances of capital stock, sales or distributions of shares of our common stock and the exercise by BGC Partners and/or Cantor of control over our management and affairs.

BGC Partners, directly through its ownership of shares of our Class A common stock and Class B common stock, and Cantor, indirectly through its control of BGC Partners, will each be able to exercise control over our management and affairs and all matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of our directors and determinations with respect to acquisitions and dispositions, as well as material expansions or contractions of our business, entry into new lines of business and borrowings and issuances of our common stock or other securities. BGC Partners’ voting power, prior to the completion of the distribution, and Cantor’s voting power, indirectly prior to the completion of the distribution and directly after the completion of the distribution, may also have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of us. This control will also be exercised because BGC Partners is, in turn, controlled by Cantor and Cantor is, in turn, controlled by CFGM, its managing general partner, and, ultimately, by Mr. Lutnick, who serves as our Chairman. Mr. Lutnick is also the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of BGC Partners and Cantor and the President and controlling stockholder of CFGM.

Conflicts of interest may arise between and among us, BGC Partners and Cantor in a number of areas relating to our past and ongoing relationships, including:

 

    potential acquisitions and dispositions of businesses;

 

    our issuance or disposition of securities;

 

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    the election of new or additional directors to our board of directors;

 

    the payment of dividends by us (if any), distribution of profits by Newmark OpCo and/or Newmark Holdings and repurchases of shares of our common stock or purchases of Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests or other equity interests in our subsidiaries, including from BGC Partners, Cantor or our executive officers, other employees, partners and others;

 

    business operations or business opportunities of us, BGC Partners and Cantor that would compete with the other party’s business opportunities;

 

    intellectual property matters;

 

    business combinations involving us;

 

    the terms of the separation and distribution agreement and the ancillary agreements we entered into in connection with the separation;

 

    the nature, quality and pricing of administrative services and transition services to be provided by BGC Partners and/or Cantor and/or their respective affiliates; and

 

    potential and existing loan arrangements.

We also expect each of BGC Partners and Cantor to manage its respective ownership of us so that it will not be deemed to be an investment company under the Investment Company Act, including by maintaining its voting power in us above a majority absent an applicable exemption from the Investment Company Act. This may result in conflicts with us, including those relating to acquisitions or offerings by us involving issuances of shares of our Class A common stock, or securities convertible or exchangeable into shares of Class A common stock, that would dilute BGC Partners’ or Cantor’s voting power in us.

In addition, each of BGC Partners and Cantor has from time to time in the past and may in the future consider possible strategic realignments of its own businesses and/or of the relationships that exist between and among BGC Partners and/or Cantor and their other respective affiliates and us. Any future material related-party transaction or arrangement between BGC Partners and/or Cantor and their other respective affiliates and us is subject to the prior approval by our audit committee, but generally does not require the separate approval of our stockholders, and if such stockholder approval is required, BGC Partners and/or Cantor may retain sufficient voting power to provide any such requisite approval without the affirmative consent of our other stockholders.

Moreover, the service of officers or partners of BGC Partners or Cantor as our executive officers and directors, and those persons’ ownership interests in and payments from BGC Partners or Cantor and their respective affiliates, could create conflicts of interest when we and those directors or executive officers are faced with decisions that could have different implications for us and them.

Our agreements and other arrangements with BGC Partners and Cantor, including the separation and distribution agreement, may be amended upon agreement of the parties to those agreements and approval of our audit committee. During the time that we are controlled by BGC Partners and/or Cantor, BGC Partners and/or Cantor may be able to require us to agree to amendments to these agreements. We may not be able to resolve any potential conflicts, and, even if we do, the resolution may be less favorable to us than if we were dealing with an unaffiliated party. As a result, the prices charged to or by us for services provided under our agreements with BGC Partners and/or Cantor may be higher or lower than prices that may be charged to or by third parties, and the terms of these agreements may be more or less favorable to us than those that we could have negotiated with third parties. Additionally, pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement, for so long as BGC Partners beneficially owns at least 50% of the total voting power of our outstanding capital stock entitled to vote in the election of directors, we will not, and will cause our subsidiaries to not (without BGC Partners’ prior written consent) take certain actions, including, without limitation, acquiring any other businesses or assets or disposing of any of our assets, in each case with an aggregate value for all such transactions in excess of $100 million, or

 

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incurring any indebtedness, other than indebtedness not in excess of $50 million in the aggregate or any indebtedness incurred to repay the Term Loan, the Converted Term Loan, the BGC Notes or other indebtedness of BGC Partners or its subsidiaries that we will assume in the separation. See “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Separation and Distribution Agreement—Operating Covenants.”

In order to address potential conflicts of interest between or among BGC Partners, Cantor and their respective representatives and us, our certificate of incorporation will contain provisions regulating and defining the conduct of our affairs as they may involve BGC Partners and/or Cantor and their respective representatives, and our powers, rights, duties and liabilities and those of our representatives in connection therewith. Our certificate of incorporation provides that, to the greatest extent permitted by law, no Cantor Company or BGC Partners Company, each as defined below, or any of the representatives, as defined below, of a Cantor Company or BGC Partners Company will, in its capacity as our stockholder or affiliate, owe or be liable for breach of any fiduciary duty to us or any of our stockholders. In addition, to the greatest extent permitted by law, none of any Cantor Company, BGC Partners Company or any of their respective representatives will owe any duty to refrain from engaging in the same or similar activities or lines of business as us or our representatives or doing business with any of our or our representatives’ clients or customers. If any Cantor Company, BGC Partners Company or any of their respective representatives acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter that may be a corporate opportunity (as defined below) for any such person, on the one hand, and us or any of our representatives, on the other hand, such person will have no duty to communicate or offer such corporate opportunity to us or any of our representatives, and will not be liable to us, any of our stockholders or any of our representatives for breach of any fiduciary duty by reason of the fact that they pursue or acquire such corporate opportunity for themselves, direct such corporate opportunity to another person or do not present such corporate opportunity to us or any of our representatives, subject to the requirement described in the following sentence. If a third party presents a corporate opportunity to a person who is both our representative and a representative of a BGC Partners Company and/or a Cantor Company, expressly and solely in such person’s capacity as our representative, and such person acts in good faith in a manner consistent with the policy that such corporate opportunity belongs to us, then such person will be deemed to have fully satisfied and fulfilled any fiduciary duty that such person has to us as our representative with respect to such corporate opportunity, provided that any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any of their respective representatives may pursue such corporate opportunity if we decide not to pursue such corporate opportunity.

No contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction between any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any of their respective representatives, on the one hand, and us or any of our representatives, on the other hand, will be void or voidable solely because any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any of their respective representatives has a direct or indirect interest in such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction, and any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any of their respective representatives (i) shall have fully satisfied and fulfilled its duties and obligations to us and our stockholders with respect thereto; and (ii) shall not be liable to us or our stockholders for any breach of any duty or obligation by reason of the entering into, performance or consummation of any such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction, if:

 

    such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction is approved by our board of directors or any committee thereof by the affirmative vote of a majority of the disinterested directors, even if the disinterested directors constitute less than a quorum;

 

    such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction is approved by our stockholders by the affirmative vote of a majority of the voting power of all of our outstanding shares of capital stock entitled to vote thereon, excluding from such calculation shares of capital stock that are beneficially owned (as such term is defined in Rule 16a-1(a)(2) promulgated by the SEC under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (which we refer to as the “Exchange Act”)) by a BGC Partners Company or a Cantor Company, respectively; or

 

    such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction, judged according to the circumstances at the time of the commitment, is fair to us.

 

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While the satisfaction of the foregoing conditions shall be sufficient to show that any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any of their respective representatives (i) shall have fully satisfied and fulfilled its duties and obligations to us and our stockholders with respect thereto; and (ii) shall not be liable to us or our stockholders for any breach of any duty or obligation by reason of the entering into, performance or consummation of any such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction, none of the foregoing conditions shall be required to be satisfied for such showing.

Our directors who are also directors or officers of any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any of their respective representatives may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of our board of directors or of a committee that authorizes such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction. Shares of our common stock owned by any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any of their respective representatives may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of stockholders called to authorize such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction. Our directors who are also directors or officers of any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any of their respective representatives shall not owe or be liable for breach of any fiduciary duty to us or any of our stockholders for any action taken by any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or their respective representatives, in their capacity as our stockholder or affiliate.

For purposes of the above:

 

    “BGC Partners Company” means BGC Partners or any of its affiliates (other than us and our subsidiaries);

 

    “Cantor Company” means Cantor or any of its affiliates (other than us and our subsidiaries);

 

    “representatives” means, with respect to any person, the directors, officers, employees, general partners or managing member of such person.

 

    “corporate opportunity” means any business opportunity that we are financially able to undertake, that is, from its nature, in our lines of business, is of practical advantage to us and is one in which we have an interest or a reasonable expectancy, and in which, by embracing the opportunities, the self-interest of a BGC Partners Company or a Cantor Company or any of their respective representatives, as the case may be, will be brought into conflict with our self-interest.

Certain Acquisitions and Dispositions of Interests in Our Capital Stock by BGC Partners and Cantor

Our board of directors has determined that each of BGC Partners and Cantor is a “deputized” director of the Company for purposes of Rule 16b-3 under the Exchange Act with respect to the transactions contemplated by the separation and the distribution. Rule 16b-3 exempts from the short-swing profits liability provisions of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act certain transactions in an issuer’s securities between the issuer or its majority-owned subsidiaries and its officers and directors if, among other things, the transaction is approved in advance by the issuer’s board of directors or a disinterested committee of the issuer’s board of directors. The Rule 16b-3 exemption extends to any such transactions by an entity beneficially owning more than 10% of a class of an issuer’s equity securities if the entity is a “deputized” director because it has a representative on the issuer’s board of directors. Our board of directors’ intent in determining that each of BGC Partners and Cantor is a “deputized” director is that acquisitions or dispositions by BGC Partners or Cantor of shares of our common stock or interests in our common stock from or to us or their respective majority- owned subsidiaries will be eligible for the Rule 16b-3 exemption from the short-swing profits liability provisions of Section 16(b) of the Exchange Act.

Service Agreements

We have received administrative services including but not limited to, treasury, legal, accounting, information technology, payroll administration, human resources, incentive compensation plans and other

 

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support provided by Cantor and BGC Partners. Where it is possible to specifically attribute such expenses to our activities, these amounts have been expensed directly to us. Direct costs are primarily comprised of rent and equity and other incentive compensation expenses. Allocations of expenses not directly attributable to us are based on a services agreement between BGC Partners and Cantor which reflects the utilization of service provided or benefits received by us, such as headcount, square footage and revenue. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we incurred expenses of $14.2 million for these services. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, we incurred $18.0 million, $18.5 million and $11.2 million, respectively.

Transactions with Cantor Commercial Real Estate Company, L.P.

We also have a referral agreement in place with CCRE in which brokers are incentivized to refer business to CCRE through a revenue-share arrangement. In connection with this revenue-share agreement, we recognized revenues of $0.1 million and $0.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, we recognized revenues of $0.3 million, $0.0 million and $0.6 million, respectively.

We also have a revenue-share agreement with CCRE in which we pay CCRE for referrals for leasing or other services. We did not make any payments under this agreement to CCRE for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016. For the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, we paid $1.6 million, $0.8 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

In addition, we have a loan referral agreement in place with CCRE, in which either party can refer a loan to the other. Revenue from these referrals from CCRE was $3.3 million and $5.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $7.5 million, $5.0 million and $1.9 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. These referrals fees are net of the broker fees and commissions to CCRE of $0.7 million and $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $1.6 million, $0.8 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

On March 11, 2015, we and CCRE entered into a note receivable/payable that allows for advances to or from CCRE at an interest rate of 1 month LIBOR plus 1.0%. On September 8, 2017, the note receivable/payable was terminated and all outstanding advances due were paid off. As of December 31, 2016, there was $690.0 million of outstanding advances due to CCRE on the note. We recognized interest income of $0.7 million and $0.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $0.1 million, $0.1 million and $0.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively. We recognized interest expense of and $2.5 million and $1.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $2.2 million, $0.2 million and $0.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we purchased the primary servicing rights for $0.3 billion of loans originated by CCRE for $0.6 million. For the year ended December 31, 2016, we purchased the primary servicing rights for $2.8 billion of loans originated by CCRE for $3.9 million. For the year ended December 31, 2015, we purchased the primary servicing rights of $8.3 billion of loans originated by CCRE for $9.2 million. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we purchased the primary servicing rights of $8.2 billion of loans originated by CCRE for $7.4 million. We also service loans for CCRE on a “fee for service” basis, generally prior to a loan’s sale or securitization, and for which no mortgage servicing right is recognized. We recognized $2.8 million and $2.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $3.6 million, $2.7 million and $0.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively, of servicing revenue from loans purchased from CCRE on a “fee for service” basis.

 

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BP Transaction Agreement and Real Estate Newco Limited Partnership Agreement

On September 8, 2017, pursuant to a transaction agreement (which we refer to as the “BP transaction agreement”) with Cantor, CCRE, the general partner of CCRE, Real Estate Newco and CF Real Estate Holdings GP, LLC, the general partner of Real Estate Newco (which we refer to as the “Real Estate Newco general partner”), BGC Partners purchased from CCRE all of the outstanding membership interests of Berkeley Point. The total consideration for the acquisition of Berkeley Point was $875 million, subject to certain adjustments. Concurrently with the acquisition of Berkeley Point, (i) BGC Partners invested $100 million of cash in Real Estate Newco for approximately 27% of the capital of Real Estate Newco, and (ii) Cantor contributed approximately $267 million of cash for approximately 73% of the capital of Real Estate Newco. We refer to these transactions, collectively, as the “BP Transaction.” As part of the separation prior to the completion of this offering, the BGC group will contribute its interests in Berkeley Point and Real Estate Newco to Newmark. Newmark will account for its minority interest in Real Estate Newco as an equity investment, and it will not be consolidated in Newmark’s financial statements.

Berkeley Point Acquisition

Pursuant to the BP transaction agreement, BGC Partners purchased from CCRE all of the outstanding membership interests of Berkeley Point for a purchase price equal to $875 million, subject to certain adjustments, with $3.2 million of the purchase price paid in units of BGC Holdings (which we refer to as the “Berkeley Point Acquisition”). In accordance with the BP Transaction Agreement, Berkeley Point made a distribution of $69.8 million to CCRE prior to the Berkeley Point Acquisition, for the amount by which Berkeley Point’s net assets exceeded $508.6 million. Cantor is entitled to receive the profits and obligated to bear the losses of the special asset servicing business of Berkeley Point, which represents less than 10% of Berkeley Point’s servicing portfolio and generates an immaterial amount of Berkeley Point’s servicing fee revenue.

Investment in Real Estate Newco

Concurrently with the Berkeley Point Acquisition, (i) BGC Partners invested $100 million of cash in Real Estate Newco for approximately 27% of the capital of Real Estate Newco, and (ii) Cantor contributed approximately $267 million of cash for approximately 73% of the capital of Real Estate Newco. Real Estate Newco may conduct activities in any real estate-related business or asset-backed securities-related business or any extensions thereof and ancillary activities thereto. Real Estate Newco is operated and managed by Real Estate Newco General Partner, which is controlled by Cantor.

Pursuant to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Real Estate Newco (which we refer to as the “Real Estate Newco limited partnership agreement”), BGC Partners (or, following the separation, Newmark) is entitled to a cumulative annual preferred return of five percent of its capital account balance (which we refer to as the “Preferred Return”). After the Preferred Return is allocated, Cantor is then entitled to a cumulative annual preferred return of five percent of its capital account balance. Thereafter, BGC Partners (or, following the separation, Newmark) is entitled to 60% of the gross percentage return on capital of Real Estate Newco, multiplied by BGC Partners’ (or, following the separation, Newmark’s) capital account balance in Real Estate Newco (less any amounts previously allocated to BGC Partners or Newmark pursuant to the Preferred Return), with the remainder of the net income of Real Estate Newco allocated to Cantor. Cantor will bear initial net losses of Real Estate Newco, if any, up to an aggregate amount of approximately $37 million per year. These allocations of net income and net loss are subject to certain adjustments.

At the option of Newmark, and upon one-year’s written notice to Real Estate Newco delivered any time on or after the fourth anniversary of the closing of the BP Transaction, Real Estate Newco will redeem in full Newmark’s investment in Real Estate Newco in exchange for Newmark’s capital account balance in Real Estate Newco as of such time. At the option of Cantor, at any time on or after the fifth anniversary of the closing of the BP Transaction, Real Estate Newco will redeem in full Newmark’s investment in Real Estate Newco in exchange for Newmark’s capital account balance in Real Estate Newco as of such time. At the option of Cantor, at any

 

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time prior to the fifth anniversary of the closing of the BP Transaction, Real Estate Newco will redeem in full BGC Partners’ (or, following the separation, Newmark’s) investment in Real Estate Newco in exchange for (i) BGC Partners’ (or, following the separation, Newmark’s) capital account balance in Real Estate Newco as of such time plus (ii) the sum of the Preferred Return amounts for any prior taxable periods, less (iii) any net income allocated to BGC Partners or Newmark in any prior taxable periods.

Additional Terms of the BP Transaction Agreement

The BP transaction agreement includes customary representations, warranties and covenants, including covenants related to intercompany referral arrangements among Cantor, BGC Partners, Newmark and their respective subsidiaries. These referral arrangements provide for profit-sharing and fee-sharing arrangements at various rates depending on the nature of a particular referral. The parties have further agreed that, subject to limited exceptions, for so long as a member of the BGC group or a member of the Newmark group maintains an investment in Real Estate Newco, Real Estate Newco and the Cantor group will seek certain government-sponsored and government-funded loan financing exclusively through Berkeley Point.

Grubb & Ellis Transaction

On April 13, 2012, we completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of Grubb & Ellis (which we refer to as “Grubb”). Grubb filed for protection under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in February 2012 and sold most of its assets to us for a total consideration of approximately $47.1 million. This amount included the extinguishment of approximately $30.0 million (principal amount) pre-bankruptcy senior secured debt, which was purchased at a discount, and which had a fair value of approximately $25.6 million as of the acquisition date. The consideration transferred also included approximately $5.5 million under debtor-in-possession loans and $16.0 million in cash to the bankruptcy estate for the benefit of Grubb’s unsecured creditors. Our Chief Financial Officer, Michael Rispoli, was the Chief Financial Officer of Grubb during this period and joined us in April 2012.

Related Party Receivables and Payables

We have receivables and payables to and from certain affiliate entities. As of December 31, 2016, the related party receivables and payables were $108.8 million and $889.1 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, the related party receivables and payables were $125.8 million and $147.5 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2014, the related party receivables and payables were $58.7 million and $7.7 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2017, the related party receivables and payables were $113.9 million and $145.7 million, respectively. Fees to related parties and allocations of net income and grant of exchangeability to limited partnership units that are charged by BGC Partners and Cantor to Newmark are reflected as cash flows from operating activities in the Combined Statement of Cash Flows for each period presented. Related party receivables are generated from our earnings as BGC Partners sweeps our excess cash to manage treasury centrally. Related party payables reflect borrowing of cash from BGC Partners to fund our operations and growth. These borrowings from and repayments to BGC Partners are reflected as cash flows from financing activities in the Combined Statement of Cash Flows for each period presented.

Loan Arrangements

See “Compensation Discussion and Analysis—Employee Loans.”

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN INDEBTEDNESS

Term Loan and Converted Term Loan

In connection with the Berkeley Point Acquisition and BGC Partners’ investment in Real Estate Newco, on September 8, 2017, BGC Partners entered into an unsecured senior term loan credit agreement (which we refer to as the “Term Loan Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent (which we refer to as the “Administrative Agent”), and a syndicate of lenders. The Term Loan Credit Agreement provides for a term loan of up to $575.0 million (which we refer to as the “Term Loan”), and as of September 30, 2017 this entire amount remained outstanding under the Term Loan Credit Agreement. In connection with the Term Loan, BGC Partners lent the proceeds of the Term Loan to BGC U.S., and BGC U.S. issued a promissory note with an aggregate principal amount of $575.0 million to BGC Partners (which we refer to as the “Intercompany Term Loan Note”). Pursuant to the terms of the Intercompany Term Loan Note, all of the rights and obligations of BGC Partners under the Intercompany Term Loan Note are the same as the rights and obligations of the lenders with respect to payment under the Term Loan, and all of the rights and obligations of BGC U.S. under the Intercompany Term Loan Note are the same as the rights and obligations of BGC Partners with respect to payment under the Term Loan. On November 22, 2017, we entered into an amendment to the Term Loan Credit Agreement (which we refer to as the “Term Loan Amendment”), pursuant to which, in connection with the separation and prior to the closing of this offering, we will assume the obligations of BGC Partners under the Term Loan. In connection with our assumption of BGC Partners’ rights and obligations under the Term Loan, BGC Partners will assign to us, and we will assume, all of BGC Partners’ rights and obligations under the Intercompany Term Loan Note and, pursuant to the separation, Newmark OpCo will assume all of BGC U.S.’s rights and obligations under the Intercompany Term Loan Note.

Also in connection with the Berkeley Point Acquisition and BGC Partners’ investment in Real Estate Newco, on September 8, 2017, BGC Partners entered into an unsecured senior revolving credit agreement (which we refer to as the “Revolving Credit Agreement”) with the Administrative Agent and a syndicate of lenders. The Revolving Credit Agreement provides for revolving loans of up to $400.0 million (which we refer to as the “Revolving Credit Facility”). As of September 30, 2017, there were $400.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. In connection with the $400.0 million borrowings, the proceeds of which BGC Partners lent to BGC U.S., BGC U.S. issued a promissory note with an aggregate principal amount of $400.0 million to BGC Partners (which we refer to as the “Intercompany Revolver Note”). Pursuant to the terms of the Intercompany Revolver Note, all of the rights and obligations of BGC Partners under the Intercompany Revolver Note are the same as the rights and obligations of the lenders with respect to payment under the Revolving Credit Facility, and all of the rights and obligations of BGC U.S. under the Intercompany Revolver Note are the same as the rights and obligations of BGC Partners with respect to payment under the Revolving Credit Facility. On November 22, 2017, we entered into an amendment to the Revolving Credit Agreement (which we refer to as the “Revolver Amendment”), pursuant to which the then outstanding borrowings of BGC Partners under the Revolving Credit Facility were converted into a term loan (which we refer to as the “Converted Term Loan”) and thereafter, in connection with the separation and prior to the closing of this offering, we will assume the obligations of BGC Partners as borrower under the Converted Term Loan. BGC Partners will remain the borrower under the Revolving Credit Facility for any future draws and, as long as there is any principal amount outstanding under the Converted Term Loan, we will guarantee the obligations of BGC Partners under the Revolving Credit Facility. In connection with our assumption of the Converted Term Loan, BGC Partners will assign to us, and we will assume, all of BGC Partners’ rights and obligations under the Intercompany Revolver Note and, pursuant to the separation, Newmark OpCo will assume all of BGC U.S.’s rights and obligations under the Intercompany Revolver Note.

Under the Term Loan Credit Agreement and Revolving Credit Agreement, each as amended, BGC Partners will guarantee our repayment obligations under the Term Loan and the Converted Term Loan, respectively. As long as the Converted Term Loan remains unpaid in any portion, we will guarantee any draws by BGC Partners under the Revolving Credit Facility. Once the Term Loan and the Converted Term Loan have been paid in full, we will no longer

 

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have obligations as a borrower or as a guarantor under either the Term Loan Credit Agreement or the Revolving Credit Agreement. Upon repayment, no portion of the Term Loan or the Converted Term Loan may be reborrowed by us.

Pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement, (a) Newmark Group, Inc. will indemnify, defend and hold harmless the members of the BGC Partners group and each of their respective directors, officers, general partners, managers and employees from and against any and all losses of such persons to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from payments made to satisfy any guarantee by a member of the BGC Partners group to a third person in respect of the Term Loan Credit Agreement or the Acquisition Term Loan and (b) BGC Partners will indemnify, defend and hold harmless the members of the Newmark group and each of their respective directors, officers, general partners, managers and employees from and against any and all losses of such persons to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from payments made to satisfy any guarantee by a member of the Newmark group to a third person in respect of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement other than the Acquisition Term Loans. In addition, (a) Newmark OpCo will indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Cantor group, the BGC Partners group and the Newmark group (other than Newmark OpCo and its subsidiaries) and each of their respective directors, officers, general partners, managers and employees, from and against all liabilities to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from any guarantee for the benefit of any member of the Newmark group by any member of the BGC Partners group that survives following the separation and (b) BGC U.S. and BGC Global will indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Cantor group, the Newmark group and the BGC Partners Group (other than BGC U.S., BGC Global and their respective subsidiaries) and each of their respective directors, officers, general partners, managers and employees from and against all liabilities to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from any guarantee for the benefit of any member of the BGC Partners group by any member of the Newmark group that survives following the separation, including, in each case, any guarantee under the Term Loan Credit Agreement or the Revolving Credit Agreement.

Each of the Term Loan, the Converted Term Loan and the Revolving Credit Facility will mature on September 8, 2019. The outstanding amounts under the Term Loan and the Converted Term Loan will bear interest at a per annum rate equal to, at our option, either (a) LIBOR for interest periods of one, two, three or six months, as selected by us, or upon the consent of all applicable lenders, such other period that is 12 months or less (in each case, subject to availability), as selected by us, plus an applicable margin, or (b) a base rate equal to the greatest of (i) the federal funds rate plus 0.5%, (ii) the prime rate as established by the Administrative Agent, and (iii) one-month LIBOR plus 1.0%, in each case plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin will initially be 2.25% with respect to LIBOR borrowings in (a) above and 1.25% with respect to base rate borrowings in (b) above. The applicable margin with respect to LIBOR borrowings in (a) above will range from 1.5% to 3.25% depending upon BGC Partners’ credit rating, and with respect to base rate borrowings in (b) above will range from 0.5% to 2.25% depending upon BGC Partners’ credit rating. In addition, (x) if there are any amounts outstanding under the Term Loan as of December 31, 2017, the pricing shall increase by 0.50% until the Term Loan is paid in full, and (y) if there are any amounts outstanding under the Term Loan as of June 30, 2018, the pricing shall increase by an additional 0.75% (and 1.25% in the aggregate) until the Term Loan is paid in full. From and after the repayment in full of the Term Loan, to the extent pricing has increased, the pricing for the Converted Term Loan will return to the levels described above, as applicable. On September 30, 2017, the interest rate on the Term Loan and the Converted Term Loan was one-month LIBOR plus 2.25%, which was approximately 3.5% per annum.

The Term Loan Credit Agreement and the Revolving Credit Agreement contain financial covenants with respect to BGC Partners’ minimum net worth, BGC Partners’ minimum net excess capital, and BGC Partners’ minimum interest coverage, as well as a maximum leverage ratio for BGC Partners and a maximum leverage ratio for us if we incur additional debt obligations which do not fall into certain exceptions. The Term Loan Credit Agreement and the Revolving Credit Agreement also contain certain other customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default that apply to us.

Pursuant to the Term Loan Credit Agreement, the Revolving Credit Agreement and the separation and distribution agreement, both the Term Loan and the Converted Term Loan are subject to a mandatory

 

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prepayment requirement by an amount equal to 100% of net cash proceeds of this offering and all other material debt and equity issuances (and certain asset sales), in each case subject to customary exceptions. We currently intend to contribute all of the net proceeds of this offering (including the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock) to Newmark OpCo in exchange for a number of units representing Newmark OpCo limited partnership interests equal to the number of shares issued by us in this offering. Newmark OpCo intends to use approximately $575.0 million of such net proceeds to repay the Intercompany Term Loan Note and the remainder of such remaining net proceeds to partially repay the Intercompany Revolver Note. We currently intend to use approximately $575.0 million of such repayment from Newmark OpCo to repay the Term Loan in full and the remainder of such repayment from Newmark OpCo to partially repay the Converted Term Loan. Following this offering, we estimate that the Converted Term Loan will have an outstanding principal amount of $400.0 million, plus accrued but unpaid interest thereon. See “Use of Proceeds.”

The Term Loan Credit Agreement, the Revolving Credit Agreement and the separation and distribution agreement also require us to apply net cash proceeds of material debt issuances after repayment in full of the Term Loan and Converted Term Loan (and subject to certain exceptions) to repay the BGC Notes.

The foregoing descriptions of the Term Loan Credit Agreement, the Term Loan Amendment, the Revolving Credit Agreement and the Revolver Amendment do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the actual terms of the Term Loan Credit Agreement, the Term Loan Amendment, the Revolving Credit Agreement and the Revolver Amendment, which are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.17, 10.18, 10.19 and 10.20, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.

BGC Notes

2042 Promissory Note

On June 26, 2012, BGC Partners issued an aggregate of $112.5 million principal amount of its 8.125% Senior Notes due 2042 (which we refer to as the “8.125% BGC Senior Notes”). In connection with the issuance of the 8.125% BGC Senior Notes, BGC Partners lent the proceeds of the 8.125% BGC Senior Notes to BGC U.S., and BGC U.S. issued an amended and restated promissory note, effective as of June 26, 2012, with an aggregate principal amount of $112.5 million payable to BGC Partners (which we refer to as the “2042 Promissory Note”). Pursuant to the terms of the 2042 Promissory Note, all of the rights and obligations of BGC Partners under the 2042 Promissory Note are the same as the rights and obligations of the holders of the 8.125% BGC Senior Notes with respect to payment under the 8.125% BGC Senior Notes, and all of the rights and obligations of BGC U.S. under the 2042 Promissory Note are the same as the rights and obligations of BGC Partners with respect to payment under the 8.125% BGC Senior Notes. In connection with the separation and prior to the closing of this offering, Newmark OpCo will assume all of BGC U.S.’s obligations rights and obligations under the 2042 Promissory Note.

The 8.125% BGC Senior Notes are general senior unsecured obligations of BGC Partners. The 8.125% BGC Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 8.125% per year, payable in cash on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing September 15, 2012 until maturity or earlier redemption. The 8.125% Senior Notes will mature on June 26, 2042. The 8.125% BGC Senior Notes may be redeemed for cash, in whole or in part, on or after June 26, 2017, at BGC Partners’ option, at any time and from time to time, until maturity at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount to be redeemed, plus accrued but unpaid interest on the principal amount being redeemed to, but not including, the redemption date. If a “Change of Control Triggering Event” (as defined in the indenture governing the 8.125% BGC Senior Notes (which we refer to as the “8.125% BGC Indenture”)) occurs, holders may require BGC Partners to purchase all or a portion of their notes for cash at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the notes to be purchased plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the purchase date. The 8.125% BGC Indenture contains customary covenants that restrict, among other things, BGC Partners’ ability to create certain liens on capital stock of designated subsidiaries.

 

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Upon Newmark OpCo’s assumption of the 2042 Promissory Note, and pursuant to the terms of the 2042 Promissory Note, all of the rights and obligations of BGC Partners under the 2042 Promissory Note will be the same as the rights and obligations of the holders of the 8.125% BGC Senior Notes with respect to payment under the 8.125% BGC Senior Notes, and all of the rights and obligations of Newmark OpCo under the 2042 Promissory Note will be the same as the rights and obligations of BGC Partners with respect to payment under the 8.125% BGC Senior Notes. Additionally, BGC Partners has the right to demand payment in part or in full at any time from Newmark OpCo under the 2042 Promissory Note. Pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement, the 2042 Promissory Note must be repaid in full prior to the distribution.

The foregoing description of the 8.125% BGC Indenture does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual terms of the Indenture, dated as of June 26, 2012, by and between BGC Partners and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, and the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 26, 2012, by and between BGC Partners and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, which are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.21 and 10.22, respectively and are incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing description of the 2042 Promissory Note does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual terms of the 2042 Promissory Note, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.23 and is incorporated herein by reference.

2019 Promissory Note

On December 9, 2014, BGC Partners issued an aggregate of $300.0 million principal amount of its 5.375% Senior Notes due 2019 (which we refer to as the “5.375% BGC Senior Notes”). In connection with the issuance of the 5.375% BGC Senior Notes, BGC Partners lent the proceeds of the 8.125% BGC Senior Notes to BGC U.S., and BGC U.S. issued an amended and restated promissory note, effective as of December 9, 2014, with an aggregate principal amount of $300.0 million payable to BGC Partners (which we refer to as the “2019 Promissory Note” and, together with the 2042 Promissory Note, the “BGC Notes”). Pursuant to the terms of the 2019 Promissory Note, all of the rights and obligations of BGC Partners under the 2019 Promissory Note are the same as the rights and obligations of the holders of the 5.375% BGC Senior Notes with respect to payment under the 5.375% BGC Senior Notes, and all of the rights and obligations of BGC U.S. under the 2019 Promissory Note are the same as the rights and obligations of BGC Partners with respect to payment under the 5.375% BGC Senior Notes. In connection with the separation and prior to the closing of this offering, Newmark OpCo will assume all of BGC U.S.’s rights and obligations under the 2019 Promissory Note.

The 5.375% BGC Senior Notes are general senior unsecured obligations of BGC Partners. The 5.375% BGC Senior Notes bear interest at a rate of 5.375% per year, payable in cash on June 9 and December 9 of each year, commencing June 9, 2015 until maturity or earlier redemption. The interest rate payable on the 5.375% BGC Senior Notes is subject to adjustments from time to time based on the debt rating assigned by specified rating agencies to the 5.375% BGC Senior Notes, as set forth in the indenture governing the 5.375% BGC Senior Notes (which we refer to as the “5.375% BGC Indenture”). The 5.375% Senior Notes will mature on December 9, 2019. BGC Partners may redeem some or all of the notes at any time or from time to time for cash at certain “make-whole” redemption prices (as set forth in the 5.375% BGC Indenture). If a “Change of Control Triggering Event” (as defined in the 5.375% BGC Indenture) occurs, holders may require BGC Partners to purchase all or a portion of their notes for cash at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the notes to be purchased plus any accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the purchase date. The 5.375% BGC Indenture contains customary covenants that restrict, among other things, BGC Partners’ ability to create certain liens on capital stock of designated subsidiaries.

Upon Newmark OpCo’s assumption of the 2019 Promissory Note, and pursuant to the terms of the 2019 Promissory Note, all of the rights and obligations of BGC Partners under the 2019 Promissory Note will be the same as the rights and obligations of the holders of the 5.375% BGC Senior Notes with respect to payment under the 5.375% BGC Senior Notes, and all of the rights and obligations of Newmark OpCo under the 2019 Promissory Note will be the same as the rights and obligations of BGC Partners with respect to payment under

 

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the 5.375% BGC Senior Notes. Additionally, BGC Partners has the right to demand payment in part or in full at any time from Newmark OpCo under the 2019 Promissory Note.

As described above, the Term Loan Credit Agreement and the Revolving Credit Agreement require us to apply net cash proceeds of material debt issuances after repayment in full of the Term Loan and Converted Term Loan (and subject to certain exceptions) to repay the BGC Notes. Any optional redemption of the 2019 Promissory Note, including as a requirement of the prepayment obligation in the immediately preceding sentence, will be subject to the “make-whole” redemption price as set forth in the 5.375% BGC Indenture. Pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement, the 2019 Promissory Note must be repaid in full prior to the distribution.

The foregoing description of the 5.375% BGC Indenture does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual terms of the Indenture, dated as of June 26, 2012, by and between BGC Partners and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, and the Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 9, 2014, between BGC Partners and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, which are attached hereto as Exhibits 10.21 and 10.24, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference. The foregoing description of the 2019 Promissory Note does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual terms of the 2019 Promissory Note, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.25 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Intercompany Revolving Credit Facility

In connection with the separation and prior to the closing of this offering, we will enter into an unsecured senior revolving credit agreement (which we refer to as the “Intercompany Revolving Credit Agreement”) with BGC Partners. The Intercompany Revolving Credit Agreement provides for each party to issue revolving loans to the other party in the lender’s discretion (which we refer to as the “Intercompany Revolving Credit Facility”).

The Intercompany Revolving Credit Facility will mature on the earliest to occur of (a) the date that is one year after the date of the separation, after which the maturity date of the Intercompany Revolving Credit Facility will continue to be extended for successive one year periods unless prior written notice of non-extension is given by a lending party to a borrowing party at least months in advance of such renewal date, (b) the termination of the revolving credit commitment and (c) the distribution. Pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement, all amounts borrowed under the Intercompany Revolving Credit Facility must be paid in full prior to the distribution.

The outstanding amounts under the Intercompany Revolving Credit Facility will bear interest for any rate period at a per annum rate equal to (i) the higher of BGC’s or our short-term borrowing rate in effect at such time plus 1.00% or (ii) such other interest rate as may be mutually agreed between the borrower and the lender with respect to one or more loans under the Intercompany Revolving Credit Facility.

The foregoing description of the Intercompany Revolving Credit Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the actual terms of the Intercompany Revolving Credit Agreement, which is attached hereto as Exhibit 10.26 and is incorporated herein by reference.

Berkeley Point Warehouse Facilities

As of September 30, 2017, Berkeley Point had $950 million of committed loan funding available through three commercial banks and an uncommitted $325 million Fannie Mae loan repurchase facility. Consistent with industry practice, Berkeley Point’s existing warehouse facilities are short-term, requiring annual renewal. If any of the committed facilities are terminated or are not renewed or the uncommitted facility is not honored, we would be required to obtain replacement financing.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws will be amended and restated prior to this offering. The following is a summary of the material terms of our capital stock that will be contained in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws. You should refer to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws, which are included as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, along with the applicable provisions of Delaware law .

Our Capital Stock

Our authorized capital stock will consist of (1) 1,500,000,000 shares of common stock, consisting of 1,000,000,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 500,000,000 shares of Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and (2) 50,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share. Following this offering, we will have 145,543,380 shares of our Class A common stock outstanding, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering, and 150,043,380 shares of our Class A common stock outstanding, assuming that the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering. Following this offering, we will have 150,043,380 shares of our Class B common stock outstanding. In addition, upon completion of this offering, there will be no preferred stock outstanding.

Common Stock

At each annual or special meeting of stockholders, the holders of our Class A common stock will be entitled to one vote per share on all matters to be voted upon by the stockholders as a group, entitling holders of our Class A common stock to approximately 47.9% of our total voting power, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering, and approximately 48.6% of our total voting power, assuming that the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering. The holders of our Class A common stock will not have cumulative voting rights.

At each annual or special meeting of stockholders, the holders of our Class B common stock will be entitled to 10 votes per share on all matters to be voted upon by the stockholders as a group, entitling holders of our Class B common stock to approximately 52.1% of our total voting power, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering, and approximately 51.4% of our total voting power, assuming that the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering. The holders of our Class B common stock will not have cumulative voting rights.

Our certificate of incorporation will provide that shares of our Class B common stock may only be issued to Qualified Class B Holders. Our Class B common stock will generally vote together with our Class A common stock on all matters submitted to the vote of our stockholders.

Each share of Class A common stock will be equivalent to a share of Class B common stock for purposes of economic rights. Subject to preferences that may be applicable to any outstanding preferred stock, the holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock will be entitled to receive ratably such dividends, if any, as may be declared from time to time by our board of directors out of funds legally available therefor. See “Dividend Policy.” The holders of Class A common stock and Class B common stock will be deemed to have received a ratable dividend if voting securities are distributed to both the holders of Class A common stock and holders of Class B common stock, and such voting securities are identical except that the voting securities paid on the Class B common stock may have up to 10 times the number of votes per share as voting securities paid on the Class A common stock. In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or winding up, the holders of Class A common stock and holders of Class B common stock will be entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of liabilities, subject to prior distribution rights of preferred stock, if any, then outstanding.

 

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Our certificate of incorporation will provide that each share of the Class B common stock is convertible at any time, at the option of the holder, into one share of the Class A common stock. Holders of shares of Class A common stock will not have the right to convert shares of Class A common stock into shares of Class B common stock unless such right is provided for by Newmark pursuant to an agreement. We currently intend to provide such a conversion right in respect of shares of Class A common stock to certain of the Qualified Class B Holders pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement and the exchange agreement. See “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions.” Our certificate of incorporation will not provide for automatic conversion of shares of Class B common stock into shares of Class A common stock upon the occurrence of any event.

None of the Class A common stock or Class B common stock will have any preemptive or other subscription rights. There will be no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the Class A common stock or Class B common stock. All outstanding shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock will be fully paid and non-assessable.

Preferred Stock

Our board of directors will have the authority to issue preferred stock in one or more classes or series and to fix the designations, powers, preferences and rights, and the qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof including dividend rights, dividend rates, terms of redemption, redemption prices, conversion rights and liquidation preferences of the shares constituting any class or series, without further vote or action by the stockholders. The issuance of preferred stock may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of our company without further action by the stockholders and may adversely affect the voting and other rights of the holders of our common stock. At present, we have no plans to issue any preferred stock.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Our Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws and Delaware Law

Some provisions of the DGCL and our certificate of incorporation and bylaws could make the following more difficult:

 

    an acquisition of us by means of a tender offer;

 

    an acquisition of us by means of a proxy contest or otherwise; or

 

    the removal of our incumbent officers and directors.

These provisions, summarized below, are expected to discourage coercive takeover practices and inadequate takeover bids. These provisions are also designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control of us to first negotiate with our board of directors. We believe that the benefits of increased protection give us the potential ability to negotiate with the proponent of an unfriendly or unsolicited proposal to acquire or restructure us and outweigh the disadvantages of discouraging those proposals because negotiation of them could result in an improvement of their terms.

Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws

Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws will provide that special meetings of stockholders may be called only by the Chairman of our board of directors. If the Chairman is unavailable, then the Chief Executive Officer or the holders of a majority of the voting power of our Class B common stock, which is held by BGC Partners, our controlling stockholder, may call a special meeting.

In addition, our certificate of incorporation will permit us to issue “blank check” preferred stock. See “—Preferred Stock.”

Our bylaws will require advance written notice prior to a meeting of stockholders of a proposal or director nomination which a stockholder desires to present at such a meeting, which generally must be received by our

 

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Secretary not later than 120 days prior to the first anniversary of the date of our proxy statement for the preceding year’s annual meeting. Our bylaws will provide that all amendments to such bylaws must be approved by either the holders of a majority of the voting power of all outstanding capital stock of Newmark, a resolution approved by a majority of our board of directors or by a unanimous written consent of the board of directors.

Delaware Anti-Takeover Law

We currently intend to elect pursuant to our certificate of incorporation not to be subject to Section 203 of the DGCL, which generally prohibits a publicly held Delaware corporation from engaging in a business combination, such as a merger, with a person or group owning 15% or more of the corporation’s voting stock, for a period of three years following the date on which the person became an interested stockholder, unless (with certain exceptions) the business combination or the transaction in which the person became an interested stockholder is approved in accordance with Section 203. Accordingly, we are not subject to the anti-takeover effects of Section 203. However, our certificate of incorporation will contain provisions that have the same effect as Section 203, except that they provide that each of the Qualified Class B Holders and certain of their direct transferees will not be deemed to be “interested stockholders,” and accordingly will not be subject to such restrictions.

Corporate Opportunity

For a description of the corporate opportunity policy included in our certificate of incorporation, see “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Potential Conflicts of Interest and Competition with BGC Partners and Cantor.”

Registration Rights

For a description of the registration rights available to BGC Partners and Cantor, see “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Registration Rights Agreement.”

Other Exchange Rights

See “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Separation and Distribution Agreement—New Newmark.”

Limitation on Liability, Indemnification of Officers and Directors, and Insurance

The DGCL authorizes corporations to limit or eliminate the personal liability of directors to corporations and their stockholders for monetary damages for breaches of directors’ fiduciary duties as directors and our certificate of incorporation will include such an exculpation provision. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws will include provisions that indemnify, to the fullest extent allowable under the DGCL, the personal liability of directors or officers for monetary damages for actions taken as a director or officer of us, or for serving at our request as a director or officer or another position at another corporation or enterprise, as the case may be. Our certificate of incorporation and bylaws will also provide that we must indemnify and advance reasonable expenses to our directors and officers, subject to our receipt of an undertaking from the indemnified party as may be required under the DGCL. Our certificate of incorporation will expressly authorize us to carry directors’ and officers’ insurance to protect us, our directors, officers and certain employees for some liabilities. The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions in our certificate of incorporation and bylaws may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against directors for breach of their fiduciary duty. These provisions may also have the effect of reducing the likelihood of derivative litigation against our directors and officers, even though such an action, if successful, might otherwise benefit us and our stockholders. However, these provisions do not limit or eliminate our rights, or those of any stockholder, to seek non-monetary relief such as injunction or rescission in the event of a breach of a director’s duty of care. The provisions will not alter

 

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the liability of directors under the federal securities laws. In addition, your investment may be adversely affected to the extent that, in a class action or direct suit, we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers pursuant to these indemnification provisions. There is currently no pending material litigation or proceeding against any of our directors, officers or employees for which indemnification is sought.

Authorized but Unissued Shares

Our authorized but unissued shares of common stock and preferred stock will be available for future issuance without your approval. We may use additional shares for a variety of purposes, including future public offerings to raise additional capital, to fund acquisitions and as employee compensation. The existence of authorized but unissued shares of common stock and preferred stock could render more difficult or discourage an attempt to obtain control of us by means of a proxy contest, tender offer, merger or otherwise.

Exclusive Jurisdiction

Our certificate of incorporation will provide that, unless the board of directors consents to the selection of an alternative forum, a state court located within the State of Delaware (or, if no state court located within the State of Delaware has jurisdiction, the federal court for the District of Delaware) shall be the sole and exclusive forum for any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; any action asserting a claim for or based on of breach of duty or obligation owed by any current or former director, officer, employee or agent of ours to us or to our stockholders, including any claim alleging aiding and abetting of such a breach; any action asserting a claim against us or any current or former director, officer, employee or agent of ours arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or our certificate of incorporation or bylaws; any action asserting a claim related to or involving us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine; or any action asserting an “internal corporate claim” as that term is defined in Section 115 of the DGCL.

Listing

We have applied to list our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol “NMRK.”

Sale of Unregistered Securities

On November 22, 2016, we issued 100 shares of common stock to BGC Partners in a private placement pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act for one dollar. We have not otherwise sold any securities, registered or otherwise, within the past three years.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is American Stock Transfer & Trust Company.

 

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

Upon the completion of this offering, we will have 145,543,380 shares of our Class A common stock outstanding, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering, and 150,043,380 shares of our Class A common stock outstanding, assuming that the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering. Of these shares of our Class A common stock, the shares sold in this offering will be freely tradable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act unless held by an “affiliate,” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act described below, of Newmark.

Upon the completion of this offering, our affiliate, BGC Partners, will hold 115,543,380 shares of our Class A common stock, representing approximately 79.4% of our outstanding Class A common stock, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering, and representing approximately 77.0% of our outstanding Class A common stock, assuming that the underwriters exercise in full their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock in this offering. BGC Partners will also hold 15,840,049 shares of our Class B common stock, representing 100% of our outstanding Class B common stock. The shares of our Class B common stock are convertible into shares of our Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis. All of the shares of our Class A common stock outstanding or acquirable prior to the completion of this offering are “restricted securities,” as defined under Rule 144. These shares are restricted securities because the shares or rights to acquire such shares were issued in private transactions not involving a public offering and may only be sold pursuant to registration under the Securities Act or in accordance with Rule 144 or another exemption from registration under the Securities Act.

BGC Partners has advised us that it currently expects to pursue a distribution to its stockholders of all of the shares of our common stock that it then owns in a manner that is intended to qualify as generally tax-free for U.S. federal income tax purposes. As currently contemplated, shares of our Class A common stock held by BGC Partners would be distributed to the holders of shares of Class A common stock of BGC Partners and shares of our Class B common stock held by BGC Partners would be distributed to the holders of shares of Class B common stock of BGC Partners (which are currently Cantor and another entity controlled by Mr. Lutnick). The shares of our common stock that BGC Partners will own upon the completion of this offering will be subject to the 180-day “lock-up” restriction contained in the underwriting agreement for this offering. See “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest).”

To account for potential changes in the number of shares of Class A common stock and Class B common stock of BGC Partners and Newmark between this offering and the distribution, and to ensure that the distribution (if it occurs) is pro rata to the stockholders of BGC Partners, immediately prior to the distribution, BGC Partners will convert any shares of Class B common stock of Newmark beneficially owned by BGC Partners into shares of Class A common stock of Newmark, or exchange any shares of Class A common stock of Newmark beneficially owned by BGC Partners for shares of Class B common stock of Newmark, so that the ratio of shares of Class B common stock of Newmark held by BGC Partners to the shares of Class A common stock of Newmark held by BGC Partners, in each case as of immediately prior to the distribution, equals the ratio of shares of outstanding Class B common stock of BGC Partners to the shares of outstanding Class A common stock of BGC Partners, in each case as of the record date of the distribution.

The distribution is subject to a number of conditions, and BGC Partners may determine not to proceed with the distribution if the board of directors of BGC Partners determines, in its sole discretion, that the distribution is not in the best interests of BGC Partners and its stockholders. If the distribution occurs, any shares of our Class A common stock distributed by BGC Partners that are not restricted securities and are held by non-affiliates of ours will be eligible for immediate sale in the public market without restriction. Any shares of our common stock distributed by BGC Partners that are restricted securities or held by affiliates of ours may only be sold pursuant to registration under the Securities Act or in accordance with Rule 144 or another exemption from registration under the Securities Act.

 

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Cantor and other holders of limited partnership interests of BGC Holdings will acquire an aggregate of 76,596,867 limited partnership interests of Newmark Holdings in the separation prior to the completion of this offering. Certain of the limited partnership interests of Newmark Holdings will be exchangeable with us for shares of our Class A common stock or shares of our Class B common stock equal to the exchange ratio (which is currently one, but is subject to adjustments as set forth in the separation and distribution agreement). See “Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Adjustment to Exchange Ratio.” Prior to the distribution, however, without the prior consent of BGC Partners, no Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests will be exchangeable into our shares of common stock. Any shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon exchange of exchangeable limited partnership interests of Newmark Holdings held by founding and working partners of Newmark Holdings are expected to be registered under the Securities Act pursuant to the registration statement on Form S-8 described below and would be eligible for immediate sale in the public market without restriction unless held by an affiliate of ours. Any shares of our Class A common stock issuable upon exchange of exchangeable limited partnership interests of Newmark Holdings held by Cantor or any of our other affiliates could only be sold pursuant to registration under the Securities Act or in accordance with Rule 144 or another exemption from registration under the Securities Act.

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our Class A common stock. We cannot predict the timing or amount of future sales of shares of our Class A common stock, or the effect, if any, that future sales of such shares, or the availability of the shares for future sale, will have on the market price of our Class A common stock prevailing from time to time. Sales of substantial numbers of our Class A common stock (including shares issuable upon conversion of shares of our Class B common stock or exchange of exchangeable limited partnership interests of Newmark Holdings) in the public market, or the perception that such sales may occur, could materially adversely affect the prevailing market prices for our Class A common stock and our ability to raise equity capital in the future. See “Risk Factors.”

Rule 144

In general, under Rule 144 as in effect on the date of this prospectus, beginning 90 days after the date of this prospectus a person (or persons whose shares of our Class A common stock are required to be aggregated) who is an affiliate of ours is entitled to sell in any three-month period a number of shares of our Class A common stock that does not exceed the greater of:

 

    1% of the number of shares of our Class A common stock then outstanding, which will equal approximately 1,455,434 immediately after completion of this offering, assuming that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase additional shares of Class A common stock; or

 

    the average weekly trading volume in the shares of our Class A common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market during the four calendar weeks preceding the filing of a notice on Form 144 with respect to such a sale;

except that, in the case of restricted securities, at least six months have elapsed since the later of the date such shares were acquired from us or any of our affiliates.

Sales by our affiliates under Rule 144 are also subject to manner of sale provisions and notice requirements and to the availability of current public information about us. An “affiliate” of ours is a person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with us.

Under Rule 144, a person (or persons whose shares are required to be aggregated) who is not deemed to have been an affiliate of ours at any time during the 90 days preceding a sale, and who holds shares of our Class A common stock that are restricted securities, may sell such shares provided that at least six months have elapsed since the later of the date such shares were acquired from us or from any of our affiliates and subject to the availability of current information about us. If at least one year has elapsed since the later of the date such shares of our Class A common stock were acquired from us or from any of our affiliates, such non-affiliate of ours may sell such shares without restriction under Rule 144.

 

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Lock-Up Agreement

Notwithstanding the foregoing, our executive officers and directors and BGC Partners have generally agreed not to offer, sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of our Class A common stock for a lock-up period described under “Underwriting (Conflicts of Interest).” This lock-up restriction may be extended in certain circumstances. Additionally, the representative of the underwriters may release all or a portion of the shares of our Class A common stock subject to the lock-up agreement at any time prior to the end of the lock-up restriction.

After the expiration of the 180-day lock-up restriction, our executive officers and directors and BGC Partners could dispose of all or any part of their shares of our Class A common stock pursuant to registration under the Securities Act or in accordance with Rule 144 or another exemption from registration under the Securities Act.

Registrations on Form S-8

We expect to register under the Securities Act on Form S-8 an aggregate of 400 million shares of our Class A common stock, which are reserved for issuance of restricted stock or upon exercise or payment of options, restricted stock units and other equity awards granted under the Equity Plan, including exchange rights with respect to exchangeable limited partnership interests of Newmark Holdings held by founding/working partners of Newmark Holdings. These shares of our Class A common stock could be sold in the public market, subject to restrictions under the securities laws applicable to sales by our affiliates. We may in the future register additional shares of our Class A common stock under the Securities Act that become reserved for issuance under our equity incentive plans.

Registration Rights

We will enter into a registration rights agreement with Cantor and BGC Partners that grants BGC Partners, Cantor and their respective affiliates registration rights to facilitate their sale of shares of our Class A common stock in the public market. Any sale, or expectations in the public market of a possible sale, by BGC Partners, Cantor and their respective affiliates of all or a portion of their shares of our Class A common stock through a registered offering or otherwise could depress or reduce the market price for our Class A common stock or cause such shares to trade below the prices at which they would otherwise trade.

 

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS

FOR NON-U.S. HOLDERS OF CLASS A COMMON STOCK

The following is a general discussion of material U.S. federal income tax considerations with respect to the ownership and disposition of shares of our Class A common stock applicable to non-U.S. holders (as defined below) who acquire such shares in this offering and hold such shares as a capital asset within the meaning of Section 1212 of the Code (generally, property held for investment).

For purposes of this discussion, a “non-U.S. holder” means a beneficial owner of our Class A common stock (other than an entity or arrangement that is treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is not, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, any of the following:

 

    an individual citizen or resident of the United States;

 

    a corporation (or any other entity treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes) created or organized in the United States or under the laws of the United States, any state thereof or the District of Columbia;

 

    an estate, the income of which is includible in gross income for U.S. federal income tax purposes regardless of its source; or

 

    a trust if (1) a court within the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust and one or more U.S. persons have the authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust or (2) such trust has made a valid election to be treated as a U.S. person for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

This discussion is based on current provisions of the Code, the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, judicial opinions, published positions of the IRS and other applicable authorities, each as of the date hereof. All of these authorities are subject to change and differing interpretations, possibly with retroactive effect, and any such change or differing interpretation could result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those discussed below. This discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income taxation that may be relevant to a particular non-U.S. holder in light of such non-U.S. holder’s individual circumstances. This discussion may not apply, in whole or in part, to holders that are not non-U.S. holders, particular non-U.S. holders in light of their individual circumstances or to holders subject to special treatment under the U.S. federal income tax laws (such as, for example, insurance companies, tax-exempt organizations, financial institutions, brokers or dealers in securities, “controlled foreign corporations,” “passive foreign investment companies,” partnerships (or other entities or arrangements treated as partnerships) for U.S. federal income tax purposes or other “flow-through” entities or investors therein, non-U.S. holders that hold our Class A common stock as part of a straddle, hedge, conversion transaction or other integrated investment, and certain U.S. expatriates). This discussion also does not address any considerations under U.S. federal tax laws other than those pertaining to the income tax, nor does it address any considerations under any state, local or non-U.S. tax laws. In addition, this discussion does not address any considerations with respect to any withholding required pursuant to the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act of 2010 (including the Treasury regulations promulgated thereunder, any intergovernmental agreements entered in connection therewith and any laws, regulations or practices adopted in connection with any such agreement). Prospective investors should consult with their own tax advisors as to the particular tax consequences to them of the ownership and disposition of shares of our Class A common stock, including with respect to the applicability and effect of any U.S. federal, state, local or non-U.S. income tax laws or any tax treaty, and any changes (or proposed changes) in tax laws or interpretations thereof.

If a partnership (or other entity or arrangement treated as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds our Class A common stock, the tax treatment of a partner in such partnership will generally depend on the status of the partner and the activities of the partnership. Persons who are, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, treated as partners in a partnership holding our Class A common stock should consult their tax advisor as to the particular U.S. federal income tax consequences applicable to them.

 

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THIS DISCUSSION IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO CONSTITUTE A COMPLETE DESCRIPTION OF ALL TAX CONSEQUENCES FOR NON-U.S. HOLDERS RELATING TO THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR CLASS A COMMON STOCK. PROSPECTIVE HOLDERS OF OUR CLASS A COMMON STOCK SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS REGARDING THE PARTICULAR TAX CONSEQUENCES TO THEM OF THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR CLASS A COMMON STOCK, INCLUDING WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICABILITY AND EFFECT OF ANY U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL OR NON-U.S. INCOME AND OTHER TAX LAWS.

Dividends

In general, subject to the discussion below regarding “effectively connected” dividends, any distribution we make to a non-U.S. holder with respect to shares of our Class A common stock that constitutes a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes will be subject to U.S. withholding tax at a rate of 30% of the gross amount, unless the non-U.S. holder is eligible for an exemption from, or reduced rate of, such withholding tax under an applicable tax treaty and the non-U.S. holder provides proper certification of its eligibility for such exemption or reduced rate. A distribution with respect to shares of our Class A common stock will constitute a dividend for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent of our current or accumulated earnings and profits as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Any distribution not constituting a dividend will be treated first as reducing the adjusted basis in the non-U.S. holder’s shares of our Class A common stock and, to the extent it exceeds the adjusted basis in the non-U.S. holder’s shares of our Class A common stock, as gain from the sale or exchange of such stock.

Dividends we pay to a non-U.S. holder that are effectively connected with the conduct of a trade or business by such non-U.S. holder within the United States (and, if required by an applicable income tax treaty, are attributable to a permanent establishment of such non-U.S. holder in the United States) will not be subject to U.S. withholding tax, as described above, if the non-U.S. holder complies with applicable certification and disclosure requirements. Instead, such dividends generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax on a net income basis, in the same manner as if the non-U.S. holder were a United States person as defined under the Code. Any such “effectively connected” dividends received by a foreign corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes may be subject to an additional branch profits tax at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable tax treaty).

Gain on Sale or Other Disposition of Class A Common Stock

In general, a non-U.S. holder will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized upon the sale or other disposition of the non-U.S. holder’s shares of our Class A common stock unless:

 

    the gain is effectively connected with a trade or business conducted by the non-U.S. holder within the United States (and, if required by an applicable tax treaty, is attributable to a U.S. permanent establishment of such non-U.S. holder in the United States);

 

    the non-U.S. holder is an individual and is present in the United States for 183 days or more in the taxable year of disposition and certain other conditions are met; or

 

    we are or have been a U.S. real property holding corporation (which we refer to as an “USRPHC”) for U.S. federal income tax purposes at any time during the shorter of the five-year period ending on the date of such disposition or such non-U.S. holder’s holding period of such shares of our Class A common stock.

Gain described in the first bullet point above generally will be subject to U.S. federal income tax, net of certain deductions, at regular U.S. federal income tax rates, generally in the same manner as if the non-U.S. holder were a United States person as defined under the Code. If the non-U.S. holder is a foreign corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes the branch profits tax described above also may apply to such effectively connected gain.

 

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Gain described in the second bullet point above generally will be subject to a flat 30% tax, which may be offset by United States source capital losses, if any, of the non-U.S. holder.

We believe we are not, and do not anticipate becoming, a USRPHC for U.S. federal income tax purposes. However, no assurance can be given that we are not or will not become a USRPHC. If we were or were to become a USRPHC, however, any gain recognized on a sale or other disposition of our Class A common stock by a non-U.S. holder that did not own (directly, indirectly or constructively) more than 5% of our Class A common stock during the applicable period would not be subject to U.S. federal income tax, provided that our Class A common stock is “regularly traded on an established securities market” (within the meaning of Section 897(c)(3) of the Code).

Backup Withholding, Information Reporting and Other Reporting Requirements

We must report annually to the IRS and to each non-U.S. holder the amount of dividends paid to such non-U.S. holder and the tax withheld with respect to such dividends. These reporting requirements apply regardless of whether withholding was reduced or eliminated by an applicable tax treaty. Copies of any such information returns may also be made available to the tax authorities in the country in which the non-U.S. holder resides or is established under the provisions of an applicable income tax treaty or agreement.

A non-U.S. holder will generally be subject to backup withholding (currently at a rate of 28%) on dividends paid with respect to such non-U.S. holder’s shares of our Class A common stock unless such holder certifies under penalties of perjury that, among other things, it is a non-U.S. holder (and the payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that such holder is a U.S. person as defined under the Code).

Information reporting and backup withholding generally is not required with respect to any proceeds from the sale or other disposition of our Class A common stock by a non-U.S. holder outside the United States through a foreign office of a foreign broker that does not have certain specified connections to the United States. However, if a non-U.S. holder sells or otherwise disposes of its shares of our Class A common stock through a U.S. broker or the U.S. offices of a foreign broker, the broker will generally be required to report the amount of proceeds paid to the non-U.S. holder to the IRS, and may also be required to backup withhold on such proceeds unless such non-U.S. holder certifies under penalties of perjury that, among other things, it is a non-U.S. holder (and the payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that such holder is a U.S. person as defined under the Code). Information reporting will also apply if a non-U.S. holder sells its shares of our Class A common stock through a foreign broker with certain specified connections to the United States, unless such broker has documentary evidence in its records that such non-U.S. holder is a non-U.S. person and certain other conditions are met, or such non-U.S. holder otherwise establishes an exemption (and the payor does not have actual knowledge or reason to know that such holder is a U.S. person as defined under the Code).

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amounts withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a non-U.S. holder can be credited against the non-U.S. holder’s U.S. federal income tax liability, if any, or refunded, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner. Non-U.S. holders should consult their tax advisors regarding the application of the information reporting and backup withholding rules to them.

 

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UNDERWRITING (CONFLICTS OF INTEREST)

Subject to the terms and conditions of the underwriting agreement, the underwriters named below, through their representatives, Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., have severally agreed to purchase from us the following respective number of shares of Class A common stock at a public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions set forth on the cover page of this prospectus:

 

Underwriters    Number
of Shares
 

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC

  

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith

                      Incorporated

  

Citigroup Global Markets Inc.

  

Cantor Fitzgerald & Co.

  

PNC Capital Markets LLC

  

Mizuho Securities USA LLC

  

Capital One Securities, Inc.

  

Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc.

  

Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P.

  

Raymond James & Associates, Inc.

  

Regions Securities LLC

  

CastleOak Securities, L.P.

  

Wedbush Securities Inc.

  

Total

     30,000,000  
  

 

 

 

The underwriting agreement provides that the obligations of the several underwriters to purchase the shares of Class A common stock offered hereby are subject to certain conditions precedent and that the underwriters will purchase all of the shares of Class A common stock offered by this prospectus, other than those covered by the option to purchase additional shares described below, if any of these shares are purchased. The offering of the shares by the underwriters is subject to receipt and acceptance and subject to the underwriters’ right to reject any order in whole or in part.

We have been advised by the representatives of the underwriters that the underwriters propose to offer the shares of Class A common stock to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to dealers at a price that represents a concession not in excess of $         per share under the public offering price. After the public offering, the representatives of the underwriters may change the offering price and other selling terms.

We have granted to the underwriters an option, exercisable not later than 30 days after the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to 4,500,000 additional shares of Class A common stock at the public offering price less the underwriting discounts and commissions set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. To the extent that the underwriters exercise this option, each of the underwriters will become obligated, subject to conditions, to purchase approximately the same percentage of these additional shares of Class A common stock as the number of shares of Class A common stock to be purchased by it in the above table bears to the total number of shares of Class A common stock offered by this prospectus. We will be obligated, pursuant to the option, to sell these additional shares of Class A common stock to the underwriters to the extent the option is exercised. If any additional shares of Class A common stock are purchased, the underwriters will offer the additional shares on the same terms as described herein.

The underwriting discounts and commissions per share are equal to the public offering price per share of Class A common stock less the amount paid by the underwriters to us per share of Class A common stock. The

 

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underwriting discounts and commissions are     % of the public offering price. We have agreed to pay the underwriters the following discounts and commissions, assuming either no exercise or full exercise by the underwriters of the underwriters’ option:

 

     Fee per share      Total Fees  
      Without Exercise
of Option
     With Full Exercise
of Option
 

Discounts and commissions

   $                   $                   $               

We expect that we will pay all third-party costs, fees and expenses relating to the offering, including the underwriting discount, the SEC registration fee, the FINRA fee, the reimbursable expenses of the underwriters and all of the costs of producing, printing, mailing and otherwise distributing this prospectus. The estimated offering expenses payable by us, exclusive of the underwriting discounts and commissions, are approximately $8.5 million.

We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against some specified types of liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, and to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of any of these liabilities.

Each of our executive officers and directors and BGC Partners has agreed without the prior written consent of the representatives of the underwriters not to offer, sell, contract to sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of our Class A common stock or other securities (excluding Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests, BGC Holdings limited partnership interests and BGC Partners common stock) convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for our Class A common stock for a period of 180 days after the date of this prospectus. This consent may be given at any time. Transfers or dispositions can be made during the “lock-up” restriction without the consent of the representatives, among other exceptions, (1) by gift or other estate planning purposes, (2) through a charitable donation or gift, (3) to us pursuant to the cashless exercise of options otherwise expiring, (4) pledge in connection with a bona fide loan transaction (5) pursuant to repurchases of shares of Class A common stock by us or (6) pursuant to conversions or exchanges of shares of Class A common stock for shares of our Class B common stock or vice versa, as applicable, provided that in each instance any relevant conditions are satisfied, which in certain cases includes the transferee or pledgee signing a lock-up agreement. We have entered into a similar agreement with the representatives of the underwriters, except that without the consent of the representatives of the underwriters we may, among other exceptions, (a) issue shares of our common stock upon exchange of Newmark Holdings limited partnership interests; (b) issue shares of our common stock pursuant to conversions or exchanges of shares of our Class A common stock for shares of our Class B common stock, or of shares of our Class B common stock for shares of our Class A common stock; (c) issue shares of our capital stock upon the exercise or settlement of options or restricted stock units or the conversion or exchange of convertible or exchangeable securities, in each case that are outstanding as of the date of this prospectus and described in this prospectus, or issued pursuant to clause (d); (d) issue shares of our capital stock or any securities convertible into, exchangeable for or that represent the right to receive such shares, in each case pursuant to our equity, partnership or other employee, participation or incentive plans existing as of the date of this prospectus and disclosed in this prospectus; (e) issue shares of our capital stock or securities convertible into, exchangeable for or that represent the right to receive shares of our capital stock in connection with acquisitions, stock purchases, joint ventures or similar arrangements; and (f) issue shares of our capital stock or securities convertible into, exchangeable for or that represent the right to receive shares of our capital stock in connection with repurchases by us of securities held by our employees; provided that in each instance any relevant conditions are satisfied. As of the date of this prospectus, there are no agreements between the representatives and any of the parties subject to these lockup agreements releasing them from these lock-up agreements prior to the expiration of the 180-day period.

Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for the shares. The initial public offering price has been negotiated among us and the representatives. Among the factors to be considered in determining the initial public offering price of the shares, in addition to prevailing market conditions, will be our historical performance,

 

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estimates of our business potential and earnings prospects, an assessment of our management and the consideration of the above factors in relation to market valuation of companies in related businesses.

In order to meet one of the requirements for listing the Class A common stock on the NASDAQ Global Market, the underwriters have undertaken to sell lots of 100 or more shares to a minimum of 400 beneficial holders.

In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell shares of our Class A common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, purchases to cover positions created by short sales.

Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in the offering, and a short position represents the amount of such sales that have not been covered by subsequent purchases. A “covered short position” is a short position that is not greater than the amount of additional shares for which the underwriters’ option described above may be exercised. The underwriters may cover any covered short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional shares or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to cover the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase additional shares pursuant to the option described above.

“Naked” short sales are any short sales that create a short position greater than the amount of additional shares for which the option described above may be exercised. The underwriters must cover any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of our Class A common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this offering.

Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for or purchases of our Class A common stock made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of the offering.

The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the other underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased shares sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

Purchases to cover a short position and stabilizing transactions, as well as purchases by the underwriters for their own accounts, may have the effect of preventing or slowing a decline in the market price of our Class A common stock, and together with the imposition of the penalty bid, may stabilize, maintain or otherwise affect the market price of our Class A common stock. As a result, the price of our Class A common stock may be higher than the price that otherwise might exist in the open market. The underwriters are not required to engage in these activities and may end any of these activities at any time. These transactions may be effected on the NASDAQ Global Market, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

A prospectus in electronic format is being made available on Internet websites maintained by one or more of the lead underwriters of this offering and may be made available on websites maintained by other underwriters. Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on any underwriter’s website and any information contained in any other website maintained by an underwriter is not part of the prospectus or the registration statement of which the prospectus is a part.

Some of the underwriters or their affiliates have provided investment banking services to Newmark, BGC Partners, Cantor and their respective subsidiaries in the past and/or may do so in the future. They receive customary fees and commissions for these services. In addition, some of the underwriters and their affiliates also receive brokerage services or market data and analytics products from Newmark, BGC Partners, Cantor and their respective subsidiaries.

 

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The underwriters and their respective affiliates are full service financial institutions engaged in various activities, which may include sales and trading, commercial and investment banking, advisory, investment management, investment research, principal investment, hedging, market making, brokerage and other financial and non-financial activities and services. Certain of the underwriters and their respective affiliates have provided, and may in the future provide, a variety of these services to the issuer and to persons and entities with relationships with the issuer, for which they received or will receive customary fees and expenses.

In the ordinary course of their various business activities, the underwriters and their respective affiliates, officers, directors and employees may purchase, sell or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade securities, derivatives, loans, commodities, currencies, credit default swaps and other financial instruments for their own account and for the accounts of their customers, and such investment and trading activities may involve or relate to assets, securities and/or instruments of the issuer (directly, as collateral securing other obligations or otherwise) and/or persons and entities with relationships with the issuer. The underwriters and their respective affiliates may also communicate independent investment recommendations, market color or trading ideas and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such assets, securities or instruments and may at any time hold, or recommend to clients that they should acquire, long and/or short positions in such assets, securities and instruments.

Conflicts of Interest

Because an affiliate of each of the representatives of the underwriters, other than CF&Co, is a lender under the Term Loan and the Converted Term Loan and will receive at least 5% of the net proceeds of this offering as a result of the repayment of the Term Loan and the partial repayment of the Converted Term Loan out of the net proceeds of this offering, such representatives of the underwriters are deemed to have a conflict of interest under FINRA Rule 5121. In addition, CF&Co, which is an affiliate of ours, is deemed to have a conflict of interest under FINRA Rule 5121. Accordingly, this offering will be conducted in accordance with FINRA Rule 5121, which requires, among other things, that a “qualified independent underwriter” has participated in the preparation of, and has exercised the usual standards of due diligence of an underwriter with respect to, this prospectus and the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. has agreed to act as the qualified independent underwriter for purposes of FINRA Rule 5121. In its role as a qualified independent underwriter, Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. has participated in due diligence and the preparation of this prospectus and the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. will not receive any additional fees for serving as a qualified independent underwriter in connection with this offering. We have agreed to indemnify Sandler O’Neill & Partners, L.P. against liabilities incurred in connection with acting as a qualified independent underwriter in this offering, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Pursuant to FINRA Rule 5121, no underwriter with a conflict of interest will confirm sales to any account over which it exercises discretionary authority without the specific prior written approval of the account holder.

Reserved Share Program

At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to 10% of the shares offered by this prospectus for sale to some of our directors, officers, employees, business associates and other persons designated by us. If these persons purchase reserved shares it will reduce the number of shares available for sale to the general public. Any reserved shares that are not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same terms as the other shares offered by this prospectus.

European Economic Area

In relation to each Member State of the European Economic Area which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (which we refer to as a “Relevant Member State”) with effect from and including the date on which the Prospectus Directive is implemented in that Relevant Member State, no offer of shares which are the subject of the offering contemplated by this prospectus may be made to the public in that Relevant Member State other than:

 

    to any legal entity which is a “qualified investor” as defined in the Prospectus Directive;

 

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    to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons (other than “qualified investors” as defined in the Prospectus Directive), per Relevant Member State, subject to obtaining the prior consent of the underwriters; or

 

    in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive,

provided that no such offer of shares shall result in a requirement for us or any underwriter to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive or a supplemental prospectus pursuant to Article 16 of the Prospectus Directive and each person who initially acquires any shares or to whom any offer is made will be deemed to have represented, warranted, and agreed to and with each of the underwriters and us that it is a “qualified investor” within the meaning of the law in that Relevant Member State implementing Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive.

For the purposes of this provision, the expression an “offer of shares to the public” in relation to any shares in any Relevant Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe for the shares, as the same may be varied in that Relevant Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Relevant Member State. The expression “Prospectus Directive” means Directive 2003/71/EC (as amended, including by Directive 2010/73/EU), and includes any relevant implementing measure in the Relevant Member State.

United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, this prospectus in relation to the shares described herein is being directed only at persons who are “qualified investors” (as defined in the Prospectus Directive) who are (1) persons having professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (which we refer to as the “Order”), (2) high net worth entities falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order or (3) persons to whom it would otherwise be lawful to distribute it, all such persons together being referred to as “Relevant Persons.” The shares described herein are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such shares will be engaged in only with, Relevant Persons. This prospectus and its contents are confidential and should not be distributed, published or reproduced (in whole or in part), or disclosed by any recipients to any other person in the United Kingdom. Any person in the United Kingdom that is not a Relevant Person should not act or rely on this prospectus or its contents.

Hong Kong

The shares may not be offered or sold by means of any document other than (1) in circumstances which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), (2) to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder or (3) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a “prospectus” within the meaning of the Companies Ordinance (Cap.32, Laws of Hong Kong), and no advertisement, invitation or document relating to the shares may be issued or may be in the possession of any person for the purpose of issue (in each case whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere), which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public in Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to shares which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to “professional investors” within the meaning of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap.571, Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder.

Singapore

This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or

 

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invitation for subscription or purchase, of the shares may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the shares be offered or sold or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (1) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore (which we refer to as the “SFA”), (2) to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA or (3) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

Where the shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 by a relevant person which is: (1) a corporation (which is not an accredited investor) the sole business of which is to hold investments and the entire share capital of which is owned by one or more individuals, each of whom is an accredited investor; or (2) a trust (where the trustee is not an accredited investor) whose sole purpose is to hold investments and each beneficiary is an accredited investor, shares, debentures and units of shares and debentures of that corporation or the beneficiaries’ rights and interest in that trust shall not be transferable for six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the shares under Section 275, except: (a) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the SFA or to a relevant person, or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions, specified in Section 275 of the SFA; (b) where no consideration is given for the transfer; or (c) by operation of law.

Japan

The securities have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan and the securities may not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to, or for the benefit of, any resident of Japan (which term as used herein means any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan), or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to a resident of Japan, except pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of, and otherwise in compliance with, the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan and any other applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines of Japan.

Canada

The securities may be sold in Canada only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the securities must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.

Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser’s province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.

Pursuant to section 3A.3 of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.

 

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LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the securities offered pursuant to this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Stephen M. Merkel, the Executive Managing Director and General Counsel of Cantor and the Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of BGC Partners. Mr. Merkel’s address is c/o BGC Partners, Inc., 499 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10022. Certain legal matters concerning this offering will be passed upon for us by Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP. Certain legal matters concerning this offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by Sidley Austin LLP . Sidley Austin LLP has from time to time advised BGC Partners and its affiliates.

 

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EXPERTS

The combined financial statements of Newmark Knight Frank as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and for the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and the balance sheet of Newmark Group, Inc., formerly known as NRE Delaware, Inc., as of June 30, 2017, included in this prospectus have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports appearing herein and elsewhere in the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. Such reports on the combined financial statements of Newmark Knight Frank are based in part on the report of KPMG LLP, included elsewhere herein, pertaining to the financial statements of Berkeley Point Financial LLC as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and the years ended December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, which are not included herein. The combined financial statements referred to above are included in reliance upon such reports given on the authority of such firms as experts in accounting and auditing.

 

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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

We have filed with the SEC, in Washington, DC a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to the Class A common stock offered hereby. This prospectus is a part of the registration statement and, as permitted by the SEC’s rules, does not contain all of the information presented in the registration statement. For further information with respect to us and the Class A common stock offered hereby, reference is made to the registration statement and the exhibits and any schedules filed therewith. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to are not necessarily complete and, in each instance, if such contract or document is filed as an exhibit, reference is made to the copy of such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, each statement being qualified in all respects by such reference. A copy of the registration statement, including the exhibits and schedules thereto, may be read and copied at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at Room 1580, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. Information on the operation of the Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330. In addition, the SEC maintains an Internet site at http://www.sec.gov, from which interested persons can electronically access the registration statement, including the exhibits and any schedules thereto.

We will file annual and periodic reports with the SEC. You may read and copy any document we file at the SEC’s public reference room located at One Station Place, 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, DC 20549. You can also request copies of the documents, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the public reference room. These filings are also available to the public from the SEC’s web site at http://www.sec.gov.

 

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INDEX TO COMBINED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2017

  

Audited Financial Statements of Newmark Group, Inc.:

  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-2  

Balance Sheet at June 30, 2017

     F-3  

Note to the Financial Statement

     F-4  

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

  

Unaudited Financial Statements of Newmark Group, Inc.:

  

Balance Sheet at September 30, 2017

     F-5  

Note to the Financial Statement

     F-6  

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2016 and 2015

  

Audited Combined Financial Statements of Newmark Knight Frank:

  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-7  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

     F-8  

Combined Balance Sheets

     F-9  

Combined Statements of Operations

     F-10  

Combined Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

     F-11  

Combined Statements of Changes in Invested Equity

     F-12  

Combined Statements of Cash Flows

     F-13  

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

     F-14  

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 AND 2016

  

Unaudited Combined Financial Statements of Newmark Knight Frank:

  

Combined Balance Sheets

     F-49  

Combined Statements of Operations

     F-50  

Combined Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

     F-51  

Combined Statements of Changes in Invested Equity

     F-52  

Combined Statements of Cash Flows

     F-53  

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

     F-54  

 

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Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors

BGC Partners, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying balance sheet of Newmark Group, Inc., formerly NRE Delaware, Inc., as of June 30, 2017. This financial statement is the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on this financial statement based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statement is free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statement, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statement referred to above presents fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Newmark Group, Inc. as of June 30, 2017, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New York, New York

September 8, 2017

 

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NEWMARK GROUP, INC.

BALANCE SHEET

 

     June 30,
2017
 

Assets

  

Cash

   $ 1  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 1  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities and stockholder’s equity

  

Total liabilities

   $ —  

Stockholder’s equity

  

Common stock ($.01 par value per share, 1,000 shares authorized, 100 shares issued and outstanding)

     1  
  

 

 

 

Total stockholder’s equity

     1  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity

   $ 1  
  

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

NEWMARK GROUP, INC.

NOTE TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT

NOTE A—DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Newmark Group, Inc. (the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, was formed as NRE Delaware, Inc. on November 18, 2016. The Company changed its name to Newmark Group, Inc. on October 18, 2017. The Company has nominal assets, no liabilities and has conducted no operations. At June 30, 2017, the Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of BGC Partners, Inc. BGC Partners, Inc. intends to enter into agreements and take certain actions to transfer to the Company substantially all of the assets and liabilities related to Newmark Knight Frank, an unincorporated commercial unit of BGC Partners, Inc.

The accompanying financial statements of the Company are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regulations.

The Company has authorized 1,000 shares of $0.01 par value per share common stock. One hundred of these shares were issued and outstanding as of June 30, 2017.

Cash includes cash on hand, including any deposits in transit, and highly liquid investments maturing within three months after purchase.

 

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Table of Contents

NEWMARK GROUP, INC.

BALANCE SHEET (unaudited)

 

     September 30,
2017
 

Assets

  

Cash

   $ 1  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 1  
  

 

 

 

Liabilities and stockholder’s equity

  

Total liabilities

   $ —  

Stockholder’s equity

  

Common stock ($.01 par value per share, 1,000 shares authorized, 100 shares issued and outstanding)

     1  
  

 

 

 

Total stockholder’s equity

     1  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity

   $ 1  
  

 

 

 

 

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Table of Contents

NEWMARK GROUP, INC.

NOTE TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT (unaudited)

NOTE A—DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Newmark Group, Inc. (the “Company”), a Delaware corporation, was formed as NRE Delaware, Inc. on November 18, 2016. The Company changed its name to Newmark Group, Inc. on October 18, 2017. The Company has nominal assets, no liabilities and has conducted no operations. At September 30, 2017, the Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of BGC Partners, Inc. BGC Partners, Inc. intends to enter into agreements and take certain actions to transfer to the Company substantially all of the assets and liabilities related to Newmark Knight Frank, an unincorporated commercial unit of BGC Partners, Inc.

The accompanying financial statements of the Company are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regulations.

The Company has authorized 1,000 shares of $0.01 par value per share common stock. One hundred of these shares were issued and outstanding as of September 30, 2017.

Cash includes cash on hand, including any deposits in transit, and highly liquid investments maturing within three months after purchase.

 

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Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors

BGC Partners, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying combined balance sheets of Newmark Knight Frank, an unincorporated business segment of BGC Partners, Inc., as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related combined statements of operations, comprehensive income, changes in invested equity and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2016. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We did not audit the consolidated financial statements of Berkeley Point Financial LLC, included as combined affiliate of Newmark Knight Frank, which statements reflect total assets constituting 61% in 2016 and 48% in 2015 and total revenues constituting 22% in 2016 and 17% in 2015 of the related combined totals. Those statements were audited by other auditors whose report has been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to the amounts included for Berkeley Point Financial LLC, is based solely on the report of the other auditors.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the report of other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, based on our audits and the report of other auditors, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the combined financial position of Newmark Knight Frank at December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the combined results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2016, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New York, New York

September 8, 2017

 

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Independent Auditors’ Report

Member

Berkeley Point Financial LLC:

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Berkeley Point Financial LLC and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in member’s capital, and cash flows for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) and in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Berkeley Point Financial LLC and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years then ended in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

August 23, 2017

 

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Table of Contents

NEWMARK KNIGHT FRANK

COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

 

     December 31,  
     2016      2015  

Assets:

     

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 66,627      $ 111,430  

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

     50,927        48,742  

Loans held for sale

     1,071,836        359,109  

Receivables, net

     151,169        158,610  

Receivable from related parties

     108,817        125,842  

Other current assets (see Note 13)

     33,369        23,186  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

     1,482,745        826,919  

Goodwill

     412,846        393,028  

Mortgage servicing rights, net

     339,816        263,913  

Loans, forgivable loans and other receivables from employees and partners

     184,159        91,732  

Fixed assets, net

     56,450        25,792  

Other intangible assets, net

     30,312        27,104  

Other assets (see Note 13)

     28,360        29,442  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 2,534,688      $ 1,657,930  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

     

Current portion of accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities (see Note 21)

     108,226        89,461  

Payable to related parties

     889,162        147,488  

Warehouse notes payable

     257,969        359,633  

Accrued compensation

     155,017        129,437  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     1,410,374        726,019  

Other liabilities (see Note 21)

     140,531        127,877  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,550,905        853,896  

Commitments and contingencies

     

Invested Equity:

     

BGC Partners’ net investment in Newmark

     981,776        800,193  

Noncontrolling interests

     2,007        3,841  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total invested equity

     983,783        804,034  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 2,534,688      $ 1,657,930  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying Notes to the Combined Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

NEWMARK KNIGHT FRANK

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands)

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2016     2015  

Revenues:

    

Commissions

   $ 849,419     $ 806,931  

Gain from mortgage banking activities, net

     193,387       115,304  

Management services, servicing fees and other

     307,177       278,012  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     1,349,983       1,200,247  

Expenses:

    

Compensation and employee benefits

     849,975       816,268  

Allocations of net income and grant of exchangeability to limited partnership units

     72,318       142,195  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total compensation and employee benefits

     922,293       958,463  

Operating, administrative and other

     185,344       162,316  

Fees to related parties

     18,010       18,471  

Depreciation and amortization

     72,197       71,774  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     1,197,844       1,211,024  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other income (losses), net

    

Other income (loss)

     15,279       (460
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income (losses), net

     15,279       (460
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) from operations

     167,418       (11,237

Interest income, net

     3,787       1,867  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests

     171,205       (9,370

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

     3,993       (6,644
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

     167,212       (2,726

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (1,189     77  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) to BGC Partners

   $ 168,401     $ (2,803
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying Notes to the Combined Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

NEWMARK KNIGHT FRANK

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands)

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2016     2015  

Net income (loss)

   $ 167,212     $ (2,726
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss)

     167,212       (2,726
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (1,189     77  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to BGC Partners

   $ 168,401     $ (2,803
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying Notes to the Combined Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

NEWMARK KNIGHT FRANK

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN INVESTED EQUITY

(In thousands)

 

     BGC’s Net
Investment in
Newmark
    Noncontrolling
Interests
    Total  

Balance, December 31, 2014

   $ 677,219     $ 6,657     $ 683,876  

Net income/(loss)

     (2,803     77       (2,726

Distributions to noncontrolling interest

     —       (320     (320

Purchase of noncontrolling interest

     2,573       (2,573     —  

Contributions

     123,204       —       123,204  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2015

   $ 800,193     $ 3,841     $ 804,034  

Net income/(loss)

     168,401       (1,189     167,212  

Distributions to noncontrolling interest

     —       (311     (311

Purchase of noncontrolling interest

     334       (334     —  

Contributions

     12,848       —       12,848  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2016

   $ 981,776     $ 2,007     $ 983,783  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying Notes to the Combined Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

NEWMARK KNIGHT FRANK

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

 

     Year Ended
December 31,
 
     2016     2015  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

Net income (loss)

   $ 167,212     $ (2,726

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Gain on originated mortgage servicing rights

     (126,547     (71,873

Depreciation and amortization

     72,197       71,774  

Employee loan amortization and impairment

     25,791       49,062  

Change in fair value of contingent consideration

     (17,348     —    

Unrealized losses (gains) on loans held for sale

     1,537       2,458  

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     1,237       1,153  

Provision for uncollectible accounts

     (1,099     172  

Deferred tax benefit

     (1,141     (11,281

Loan originations—loans held for sale

     (7,691,573     (5,210,160

Loan sales—loans held for sale

     6,977,308       5,633,773  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

     (2,185     (335

Receivables, net

     9,462       (17,311

Loans, forgivable loans and other receivables from employees and partners

     (118,222     (80,202

Other assets

     (7,643     23,021  

Accrued compensation

     29,751       (12,847

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities

     34,925       12,473  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

     (646,338     387,151  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

    

Cash acquired, net of purchases of noncontrolling interest

     518       2,655  

Purchases of fixed assets

     (27,260     (12,133

Payments to related parties

     (175,000     (265,000

Borrowings from related parties

     175,000       265,000  

Purchase of mortgage servicing rights

     (7,676     (9,259
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (34,418     (18,737
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

    

Proceeds from warehouse notes payable

     7,691,573       5,210,160  

Principal payments on warehouse notes payable

     (7,793,238     (5,628,709

Payments to related parties

     (1,186,910     (664,540

Borrowings from related parties

     1,937,601       742,631  

Distributions to noncontrolling interest

     (311     (320

Payments on acquisition earn-outs

     (11,433     (9,507

Payment of deferred financing costs

     (1,329     (831
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     635,953       (351,116
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     (44,803     17,298  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     111,430       94,132  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

   $ 66,627     $ 111,430  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

    

Cash paid during the period for:

    

Interest

   $ 11,693     $ 8,838  

Taxes

   $ 79     $ 131  

Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing activities from acquisitions:

    

Net assets contributed by BGC Partners’ (see Note 3)

   $ 20,901     $ 116,676  

Supplemental noncash activity:

    

Total stockholders’ equity

   $ —       $ 1,130  

Noncontrolling interest

   $ —       $ (1,130

The accompanying Notes to the Combined Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

NEWMARK KNIGHT FRANK

Notes to Combined Financial Statements

December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015

(In thousands, except units)

 

(1) Organization and Basis of Presentation

Newmark Knight Frank, formerly known as Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, (which may be referred to as “Newmark” or “NKF”), is a leading commercial real estate services firm. Newmark offers commercial real estate tenants, owner-occupiers, investors and developers a wide range of services, including leasing and corporate advisory, investment sales and real estate finance, origination of and servicing of commercial mortgage loans, valuation, project and development management and property and facility management.

Newmark was formed through BGC Partners Inc.’s (“BGC Partners” or “BGC”) purchase of Newmark & Co. and certain of its affiliates in 2011. BGC Holdings, L.P. (“BGC Holdings”) is a consolidated subsidiary of BGC for which BGC is the general partner. A majority of the voting power of BGC Partners is held by Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P. and its affiliates, which we refer to as “Cantor.”

On July 17, 2017, BGC’s Board of Directors approved the acquisition of Berkeley Point Financial (“BPF”) from a Cantor controlled affiliate (“the BPF acquisition”). The transaction closed on September 8, 2017, and BPF will become part of Newmark. The acquisition of BPF by Newmark has been determined to be a combination of entities under common control that will result in a change in the reporting entity. Accordingly, financial results of NKF have been retrospectively adjusted to include the financial results of BPF in the current and prior periods presented.

BGC’s Board of Directors also approved proceeding with a plan to spin-off NKF into a separate public entity subsequent to the closing of the BPF acquisition. The spin-off is expected to be completed approximately six months after the completion of the initial public offering of NKF and subject to final board approval prior to completion.

 

  (a) Basis of Presentation

NKF’s combined financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”). The NKF combined financial statements were prepared on a stand-alone basis derived from the financial statements and accounting records of BGC. For the periods presented, NKF was an unincorporated reportable segment of BGC. These combined financial statements reflect the historical results of operations, financial position and cash flows of NKF as it was historically managed and adjusted to conform with U.S. GAAP. These combined financial statements are presented as if NKF had operated on a stand-alone basis for all periods presented. NKF’s combined financial statements include all of the BGC subsidiaries that comprise the real estate segment, all of which are controlled by BGC.

On September 8, 2017, BGC acquired from Cantor Commercial Real Estate Company, LP (“CCRE”), 100% of the equity of BPF. BPF is a leading commercial real estate finance company focused on the origination and sale of multifamily and other commercial real estate loans through government-sponsored and government-funded loan programs, as well as the servicing of commercial real estate loans. This transaction has been determined to be a combination of entities under common control that resulted in a change in the reporting entity. Accordingly, the financial results of NKF have been retrospectively adjusted to include the financial results of BPF in the current and prior periods as if BPF had always been combined.

 

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Table of Contents

The following tables summarize the impact of the transaction to NKF’s combined balance sheets and to NKF’s combined statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):

 

     December 31, 2016  
     As
Previously
Reported
     Retrospective
Adjustments
     As
Retrospectively
Adjusted
 

Total assets

   $ 995,491        1,539,197      $ 2,534,688  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     491,510        1,059,395        1,550,905  

Total invested equity

     503,981        479,802        983,783  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 995,491      $ 1,539,197      $ 2,534,688  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016  
     As
Previously
Reported
    Retrospective
Adjustments
     As
Retrospectively
Adjusted
 

Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests

   $ 45,295       125,910      $ 171,205  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

     41,382       125,830        167,212  

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (1,189     —        (1,189
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss) to BGC

   $ 42,571     $ 125,830      $ 168,401  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     December 31, 2015  
     As
Previously
Reported
     Retrospective
Adjustments
     As
Retrospectively
Adjusted
 

Total assets

   $ 857,052        800,878      $ 1,657,930  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     407,619        446,277        853,896  

Total invested equity

     449,433        354,601        804,034  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 857,052      $ 800,878      $ 1,657,930  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2015  
     As
Previously
Reported
    Retrospective
Adjustments
     As
Retrospectively
Adjusted
 

Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests

   $ (67,535     58,165      $ (9,370
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

     (60,768     58,042        (2,726

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

     77       —        77  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss) to BGC

   $ (60,845   $ 58,042      $ (2,803
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Intercompany balances and transactions within NKF have been eliminated. Transactions between Cantor and BGC with NKF pursuant to service agreements between BGC and Cantor (Note 19), represent valid receivables and liabilities of NKF, which are periodically cash settled, have been included in the Combined Financial Statements as either Receivables to or Payables from Related Parties. Additionally, certain other transactions between BGC and NKF are contributions of BGC’s net investment in NKF including acquisitions (Note 3).

NKF receives administrative services to support its operations, and in return, Cantor and BGC allocate certain of their expenses to NKF. Such expenses represent costs related, but not limited to, treasury, legal, accounting, information technology, payroll administration, human resources, incentive compensation plans and other services. These costs, together with an allocation of Cantor and BGC overhead costs, are included as

 

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expenses in the Combined Statements of Operations. Where it is possible to specifically attribute such expenses to activities of NKF, these amounts have been expensed directly to NKF. Allocation of all other such expenses is based on a services agreement between BGC and Cantor which reflects the utilization of service provided or benefits received by NKF during the periods presented on a consistent basis, such as headcount, square footage, revenue, etc. Management believes the assumptions underlying the stand-alone financial statements, including the assumptions regarding allocated expenses, reasonably reflect the utilization of services provided to or the benefit received by NKF during the periods presented. However, these shared expenses may not represent the amounts that would have been incurred had NKF operated independently from Cantor and BGC. Actual costs that would have been incurred if NKF had been a stand-alone company would depend on multiple factors, including organizational structure and strategic decisions in various areas, including information technology and infrastructure. For an additional discussion of expense allocations, see Note 19.

BGC uses a centralized approach to cash management. Accordingly, excess cash and cash equivalents are held by BGC at the corporate level and were not attributed to NKF for any of the periods presented. Transfers of cash, both to and from BGC’s centralized cash management system, are reflected as a related party receivable or payable on the Combined Balance Sheet and as part of the change in payments to and borrowings from related parties in the financing section within the accompanying Combined Statement of Cash Flows. Debt obligations of BGC have not been included in the Combined Financial Statements of NKF, because NKF is not a party to the obligation between BGC and the debt holders.

The income tax provision in the Combined Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income has been calculated as if NKF was operating on a stand-alone basis and filed separate tax returns in the jurisdiction in which it operates. NKF’s operations have historically been included in the BGC U.S. federal and state tax returns. BGC’s global tax model has been developed based on its entire portfolio of businesses. Therefore cash tax payments and items of current and deferred taxes may not be reflective of NKF’s actual tax balances prior to or subsequent to NKF operating as a stand-alone company.

The combined financial statements contain all normal and recurring adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the combined balance sheets, the combined statements of operations, the combined statements of comprehensive income, the combined statements of cash flows and the combined statements of changes in invested equity of NKF for the periods presented.

 

  (b) Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern, which relates to disclosure of uncertainties about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The ASU provides additional guidance on management’s responsibility to evaluate the condition of an entity and the required disclosures based on this assessment. The amendments in this update are effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and early application is permitted. The adoption of this FASB guidance did not impact NKF’s combined financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. The amendment eliminates the deferral of certain consolidation standards for entities considered to be investment companies and modifies the consolidation analysis performed on certain types of legal entities. The guidance was effective beginning January 1, 2016 and early adoption was permitted. The adoption of this FASB guidance did not have a material impact on NKF’s combined financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest—Imputation of Interest, which relates to simplifying the presentation of debt issuance costs. This ASU requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The amendments in this update were effective for the annual period beginning January 1, 2016 for NKF. The adoption of this FASB guidance did not have a material impact on NKF’s combined financial statements.

 

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In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. This ASU requires adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period of a business combination to be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. Acquirers are no longer required to revise comparative information for prior periods as if the accounting for the business combination had been completed as of the acquisition date. The guidance was effective beginning January 1, 2016. The adoption of this FASB guidance did not have a material impact on NKF’s combined financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification of related amounts within the statement of cash flows. The new standard was effective for NKF beginning January 1, 2017, and early adoption was permitted. The adoption of this FASB guidance did not have a material impact on NKF’s combined financial statements.

 

  (c) New Accounting Pronouncements

The FASB has recently issued five ASUs related to revenue recognition (“new revenue recognition guidance”), all of which will become effective for the company on January 1, 2018. The ASUs issued are: (1) in May 2014, ASU 2014-09, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ;” (2) in March 2016, ASU 2016-08, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) ;” (3) in April 2016, ASU 2016-10, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing ;” (4) in May 2016, ASU 2016-12, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-scope Improvements and Practical Expedients ;” and (5) in December 2016, ASU 2016-20, “ Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue From Contracts with Customers .” ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers and will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. This ASU permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. ASU 2016-08 clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. ASU 2016-10 clarifies guidance related to identifying performance obligations and licensing implementation guidance contained in ASU 2014-09. ASU 2016-12 clarifies guidance in certain narrow areas and adds some practical expedients. ASU 2016-20 also clarifies guidance in certain narrow areas and adds optional exemptions to certain disclosure requirements.

We plan to adopt the new revenue recognition guidance in the first quarter of 2018 and are evaluating the application of a transition method. We continue to evaluate the impact that adoption of these updates will have on our combined financial statements and related disclosures. Based on our initial assessment, the impact of the application of the new revenue recognition guidance will likely result in an acceleration of some revenues that are based, in part, on future contingent events. For example, some brokerage revenues from leasing commissions in various countries where we operate will get recognized earlier. Under current GAAP, a portion of these commissions are deferred until a future contingency is resolved (e.g. tenant move-in or payment of first month’s rent). Under the new revenue guidance, NKF’s performance obligation may be satisfied at lease signing and therefore the portion of the commission that is contingent on a future event would likely be recognized earlier if deemed not subject to significant reversal. We are currently evaluating the impact of principal versus agent guidance in relation to third-party costs which are billed to clients in association with facilities management services and the impact on our combined financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This ASU requires entities to measure equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income unless the investments qualify for the new practicability exception. Entities will also have to record changes in instrument-specific credit risk for financial

 

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liabilities measured under the fair value option in other comprehensive income. In addition, entities will be required to present enhanced disclosures of financial assets and financial liabilities. The guidance is effective beginning January 1, 2018, with early adoption of certain provisions of the ASU permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on NKF’s combined financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This ASU requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for all leases with terms of more than 12 months. Recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses will depend on classification as finance or operating lease. The amendments also require certain quantitative and qualitative disclosures. Accounting guidance for lessors is largely unchanged. The guidance is effective beginning January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on NKF’s combined financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230)—Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which makes changes to how cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The new standard will become effective for NKF beginning with the first quarter of 2018 and will require adoption on a retrospective basis. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on NKF’s combined financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230)—Restricted Cash, which requires that the statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The new standard will become effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018 and will require adoption on a retrospective basis. The adoption of this FASB guidance will not have a material impact on NKF’s combined financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which eliminates the requirement to determine the fair value of individual assets and liabilities of a reporting unit to measure goodwill impairment. Under the amendments in the new ASU, goodwill impairment testing will be performed by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The new standard will become effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2020 and will be applied on a prospective basis, and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this FASB guidance is not expected to have a material impact on NKF’s combined financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business, which clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of providing additional guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The new standard will become effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018 and will be applied on a prospective basis. The adoption of this FASB guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the NKF’s combined financial statements.

 

(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates:

The preparation of NKF’s combined financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of the assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in these combined financial statements. Management believes that the estimates utilized in preparing these combined financial statements are reasonable. Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgment and available information. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates included in NKF’s combined financial statements.

 

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Revenue Recognition:

Commissions:

Commission revenues from real estate transactions are recognized once performance obligations under the commission arrangement are satisfied. Terms and conditions of a commission arrangement may include execution of the lease agreement and satisfaction of future contingencies such as tenant occupancy. In most cases, a portion of the commission is earned upon execution of the lease agreement, with the remaining portion contingent on a future event, typically tenant occupancy; revenue recognition for the remaining portion is deferred until all contingencies are satisfied.

Commission revenues from sales brokerage transactions are recognized at the time the service has been provided and the commission becomes legally due, except when future contingencies exist. In most cases, close of escrow or transfer of title is a future contingency, and revenue recognition is deferred until all contingencies are satisfied.

Gains from mortgage banking activities, net:

Gains from mortgage banking activities, net are recognized when a derivative asset is recorded upon the commitment to originate a loan with a borrower and sell the loan to an investor. The derivative is recorded at fair value and includes loan origination fees, sales premiums and the estimated fair value of the expected net servicing cash flows. Gains from mortgage banking activities, net are recognized net of related fees and commissions to affiliates or third-party brokers. For loans the Company brokers, gains from mortgage banking activities are recognized when the loan is closed.

Management services, servicing fees and other:

Management services revenues include property management, facilities management and project management. Management fees are recognized at the time the related services have been performed, unless future contingencies exist. In addition, in regard to management and facility service contracts, the owner of the property will typically reimburse NKF for certain expenses that are incurred on behalf of the owner, which are comprised primarily of on-site employee salaries and related benefit costs. The amounts which are to be reimbursed per the terms of the services contract are recognized as revenue in the same period as the related expenses are incurred. In certain instances, NKF subcontracts property management services to independent property managers, in which case NKF passes a portion of its property management fee on to the subcontractor, and NKF retains the balance. Accordingly, NKF records these fees gross of the amounts paid to subcontractors and the amounts paid to subcontractors are recognized as expenses in the same period.

Servicing fees are earned for servicing mortgage loans and are recognized on an accrual basis over the lives of the related mortgage loans. Also included in servicing fees are the fees earned on prepayments, interest and placement fees on borrowers’ escrow accounts and other ancillary fees.

Fees to Related Parties:

NKF is allocated fees from Cantor and BGC for back-office services provided by Cantor and its affiliates, including occupancy of office space, utilization of fixed assets, accounting, operations, human resources and legal services and information technology. Fees are expensed as they are incurred.

Segments:

NKF has a single operating segment. NKF is a real estate services firm offering services to commercial real estate tenants, owner occupiers, investors and developers, leasing and corporate advisory, investment sales and real estate finance, consulting, origination of and servicing of commercial mortgage loans, valuation, project and

 

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development management and property and facility management. The chief operating decision maker regardless of geographic location evaluates the operating results of NKF as total real estate and allocates resources accordingly. For the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, NKF recognized revenues as follows:

 

     Year Ended December 31,  
     2016      2015  

Leasing and other commissions

   $ 513,812      $ 539,725  

Capital markets

     335,607        267,206  

Gains from mortgage banking activities, net

     193,387        115,304  

Management services, servicing fees and other

     307,177        278,012  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total revenues

   $ 1,349,983      $ 1,200,247  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fair Value:

The FASB issued guidance that defines fair value as the price received to transfer an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and further expands disclosures about such fair value measurements.

The guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

 

    Level 1 measurements—Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

 

    Level 2 measurements—Quoted prices in markets that are not active or financial instruments for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.

 

    Level 3 measurements—Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.

A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

NKF considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less at the date of acquisition to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are held with banks as deposits.

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents:

Restricted cash represents cash set aside for amounts pledged for the benefit of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to secure NKF’s financial guarantee liability.

Loans Held for Sale (LHFS):

NKF maintains commercial mortgage loans for the purpose of sale to government sponsored enterprises (“GSEs”). Prior to funding NKF enters into an agreement to sell the loans to third-party investors at a fixed price. NKF has elected the fair value option to carry LHFS at fair market value. During the period prior to sale, interest income is calculated and recognized in accordance with the terms of the individual loan.

 

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Derivative Financial Instruments:

NKF has loan commitments to extend credit to third parties. The commitments to extend credit are for mortgage loans at a specific rate (rate lock commitments). These commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require a fee. NKF is committed to extend credit to the counterparty as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the commitment contracts.

NKF simultaneously enters into an agreement to deliver such mortgages to third-party investors at a fixed price (forward sale contracts).

Both the commitment to extend credit and the forward sale commitment qualify as derivative financial instruments. NKF recognizes all derivatives on the combined balance sheet as assets or liabilities measured at fair value. The change in the derivatives fair value is recognized in current period earnings.

Mortgage Servicing Rights, net (MSR):

NKF has identified the following classes of MSRs:

 

  1. Primary servicing MSRs relating to all loans that NKF is the primary servicer.

 

  2. Limited servicing MSRs related to all loans that NKF performs limited servicing.

Primary servicing

NKF initially recognized and measures the rights to service mortgage loans at fair value and subsequently measures them using the amortization method. NKF recognizes rights to service mortgage loans as separate assets at the time the underlying originated mortgage loan is sold and the value of those rights is included in the determination of the gain on loans held for sale.

Purchased MSRs, including MSRs purchased from CCRE are initially recorded at fair value and subsequently measured using the amortization method.

NKF receives up to a 3 basis point servicing fee and/or up to 1 basis point surveillance fee on certain Freddie Mac loans after the loan is securitized in a Freddie Mac pool (Freddie Mac Strip). The Freddie Mac Strip is also recognized at fair value and subsequently measured using the amortization method, but is recognized as a MSR at the securitization date.

MSRs are assessed for impairment, at least on an annual basis, based upon the fair value of those rights as compared to the amortized cost. Fair values are estimated using a valuation model that calculates the present value of the future net servicing cash flows. In using this valuation method, NKF incorporates assumptions that management believes market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income. It is reasonably possible, such estimates may change. NKF amortizes the mortgage servicing rights in proportion to and over the period of, the projected net servicing income. For purposes of impairment evaluation and measurement, NKF stratified MSRs based on predominant risk characteristics of the underlying loans, primarily by investor type (Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, FHA/GNMA, CMGS and other). To the extent that the carrying value exceeds fair value of a specific MSR strata a valuation allowance is established, which is adjusted in the future as the fair value of MSRs increases or decreases. Reversals of valuation allowances cannot exceed the amortized costs.

Limited servicing

Limited servicing rights entitle NKF to perform certain limited serving, such as collection of borrower financial statements and/or performing property inspections, are purchased from CCRE and are initially recorded at fair value. Fair value determination and impairment evaluation for limited servicing MSRs are the same as the policies above for primary servicing rights.

 

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Receivables, Net:

NKF has accrued commission’s receivable from real estate brokerage transactions and management services and servicing fee receivables from contractual management assignments. Receivables are presented net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $11,371 and $17,866 as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The allowance is based on management’s estimate and is reviewed periodically based on the facts and circumstances of each outstanding receivable.

Fixed Assets, Net:

Fixed assets are carried at cost net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The costs of additions and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Fixed assets are depreciated over their estimated useful lives as follows:

 

Leasehold improvements and other fixed assets

   shorter of the remaining term of lease or useful life

Software, including software development costs

   3-5 years straight-line

Computer and communications equipment

   3-5 years straight line

Investments:

NKF’s combined financial statements include the accounts of NKF and its wholly owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. NKF’s policy is to consolidate all entities of which it owns more than 50% unless it does not have control over the entity.

Long-Lived Assets:

NKF periodically evaluates potential impairment of long-lived assets and amortizable intangibles, when a change in circumstances occurs, by applying the concepts of FASB guidance, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, and assessing whether the unamortized carrying amount can be recovered over the remaining life through undiscounted future expected cash flows generated by the underlying assets. If the undiscounted future cash flows were less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment charge would be recorded. The impairment charge would be measured as the excess of the carrying value of the asset over the present value of estimated expected future cash flows using a discount rate commensurate with the risks involved.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net:

Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination. As prescribed in FASB guidance, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but instead are periodically tested for impairment. NKF reviews goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that could reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. When reviewing goodwill for impairment, NKF first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. NKF performed impairment evaluations for the year ended December 31, 2016 and concluded that there was no impairment of its goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Definite-lived intangible assets arising from business combinations include trademark and trade name, contractual and non-contractual customers, non-compete agreements and brokerage backlog.

 

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Income Taxes

NKF accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method as prescribed in FASB guidance on Accounting for Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to basis differences between the combined financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Certain of NKF’s entities are taxed as U.S. partnerships and are subject to the Unincorporated Business Tax (“UBT”) in New York City. Therefore, the tax liability or benefit related to the partnership income or loss except for UBT rests with the partners, rather than the partnership entity. As such, the partners’ tax liability or benefit is not reflected in NKF’s combined financial statements. The tax-related assets, liabilities, provisions or benefits included in NKF’s combined financial statements also reflect the results of the entities that are taxed as corporations, either in the U.S. or in foreign jurisdictions.

NKF income taxes as presented are calculated on a separate return basis, although NKF’s operations have historically been included in BGC’s U.S. federal and state tax returns or non-U.S. jurisdictions tax returns. As NKF operations in many jurisdictions are unincorporated commercial units of BGC and its subsidiaries, stand-alone tax returns have not been filed for the operations in these jurisdictions. Accordingly, NKF’s tax results as presented are not necessarily reflective of the results that NKF would have generated on a stand-alone basis.

NKF provides for uncertain tax positions based upon management’s assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. NKF recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters in “operating, administrative and other” in NKF’s combined statements of operations.

A valuation allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets if it is deemed more likely than not that those assets will not be realized. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider all available evidence, including past operating results, the existence of cumulative losses in the most recent fiscal years, estimates of future taxable income and the feasibility of tax planning strategies.

The measurement of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities is based on provisions of enacted tax laws and involves uncertainties in the application of tax regulations in the U.S. and other tax jurisdictions. Because our interpretation of complex tax law may impact the measurement of current and deferred income taxes, actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions regarding the application of tax law.

Equity-Based and Other Compensation:

NKF accounts for equity-based compensation under the fair value recognition provisions of the FASB guidance. Equity-based compensation expense recognized during the period is based on the value of the portion of equity-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest. The grant-date fair value of equity-based awards is amortized to expense ratably over the awards’ vesting periods. As equity-based compensation expense recognized in NKF’s combined statements of operations is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reviewed for estimated forfeitures. Further, FASB guidance requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

Restricted Stock Units:

Restricted stock units (“RSUs”) are provided by BGC to certain employees of NKF and are accounted for by NKF as equity awards, and as per FASB guidance, NKF is required to record an expense for the portion of the RSUs that is ultimately expected to vest. The grant-date fair value of RSUs is amortized to expense ratably over the awards’ vesting periods. The amortization is reported in “compensation and employee benefits” in NKF’s combined statements of operations.

 

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Limited Partnership Units:

NKF participates in BGC’s Global Compensation plan by which employees receive limited partnership units in BGC Holdings. Employees receive quarterly allocations of net income, which are cash distributed on a quarterly basis and generally contingent upon services being provided by the unit holders. The quarterly allocations of net income on such limited partnership units are reflected as “allocations of net income and grant of exchangeability to limited partnership units” in NKF’s combined statements of operations.

Certain of these limited partnership units entitle the holders to receive post-termination payments equal to the notional amount in four equal yearly installments after the holder’s termination. These limited partnership units are accounted for as post-termination liability awards, which require that NKF record an expense for such awards based on the change in value at each reporting period and include the expense in NKF’s combined statements of operations as part of “compensation and employee benefits.” The liability for limited partnership units with a post-termination payout amount is included in “accrued compensation” on NKF’s combined balance sheet.

Certain limited partnership units are granted exchangeability into BGC Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis (subject to adjustment). At the time exchangeability is granted, NKF recognizes an expense based on the fair value of the award on that date, which is included in “Allocations of net income and grant of exchangeability to limited partnership units” in NKF’s combined statements of operations.

BGC has also awarded Preferred Units to employees of NKF. Each quarter, the net profits of BGC Holdings are allocated to such units at a rate of either 0.6875% (which is 2.75% per calendar year) or such other amount as set forth in the award documentation (the “Preferred Distribution”), which is deducted before the calculation and distribution of the quarterly partnership distribution for the remaining partnership units. The Preferred Units are not entitled to participate in partnership distributions other than with respect to the Preferred Distribution. Preferred Units may not be made exchangeable into BGC’s Class A common stock and are only entitled to the Preferred Distribution. The quarterly allocations of net income on Preferred Units are reflected in “Allocation of net income and grant of exchangeability to limited partnership units” in NKF’s combined statements of operations.

Loans, Forgivable Loans and Other Receivables from Employees and Partners:

NKF has entered into various agreements with certain of its employees and partners whereby these individuals receive loans which may be either wholly or in part repaid from the distribution earnings that the individual receives on some or all of their limited partnership units or may be forgiven over a period of time. The forgivable portion of these loans is recognized as compensation expense over the life of the loan. From time to time, NKF may also enter into agreements with employees and partners to grant bonus and salary advances or other types of loans. These advances and loans are repayable in the timeframes outlined in the underlying agreements. Management reviews the loan balances each reporting period for collectability. If a portion of the loan balances is not expected to be collectable, a reserve against the loan balance is recognized.

Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiaries:

Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries represents third-party ownership interests in NKF’s combined subsidiaries.

 

(3) Acquisitions

On September 8, 2017, BGC acquired from CCRE 100% of the equity of BPF. This transaction has been determined to be a combination of entities under common control that resulted in a change in the reporting entity.

 

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On February 26, 2016, NKF completed the acquisition of Rudesill-Pera Multifamily, LLC (“Memphis Multifamily”). Memphis Multifamily is a multifamily brokerage firm operating in Memphis and the Mid-South Region.

On June 17, 2016, NKF completed the acquisition of The CRE Group, Inc. (“CRE Group”). CRE Group is a real estate services provider focused on the project management, construction management and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (“LEED”) consulting.

On September 13, 2016, NKF acquired several management agreement contracts from John Buck Company, LLC and Buck Management Group, LLC.

On September 30, 2016, NKF completed the acquisition of Continental Realty, Ltd. (“Continental Realty”), a Columbus, Ohio-based company. Continental Realty specializes in commercial realty brokerage and property management throughout Ohio.

On October 18, 2016, the Company announced that it had completed the acquisition of Newmark Grubb Mexico City. Newmark Grubb Mexico City is a tenant advisory firm in the Mexico City area.

On December 14, 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of Walchle Lear Multifamily Advisors (“Walchle Lear”). Walchle Lear is a Jacksonville, Florida based multifamily company specializing in investment sales.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, the following tables summarize the components of the purchase consideration transferred, and the preliminary allocation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, for all other acquisitions based on the fair values of the acquisition date. NKF expects to finalize its analysis of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed within the first year of the acquisition, and therefore adjustments to assets and liabilities may occur.

 

     As of the
Acquisition
Date
 

Assets

  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 851  

Receivables, net

     922  

Goodwill

     19,818  

Intangibles assets, net

     7,265  

Other assets

     452  
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     29,308  
  

 

 

 

Current liabilities

  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     1,981  

Deferred consideration

     5,723  

Accrued compensation

     703  
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     8,407  
  

 

 

 

Net assets acquired

   $ 20,901  
  

 

 

 

The total consideration for acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2016 was approximately $26,624 in total fair value, comprised of cash, shares of BGC’s common stock and BGC Holdings limited partnership units. The total consideration included contingent consideration of approximately 166,894 restricted shares of BGC’s Class A common stock (with an acquisition date fair value of approximately $1,545), 285,354 BGC Holdings limited partnership units (with an acquisition date fair value of approximately $2,590) and $5,621 in cash that may be issued contingent on certain targets being met through 2021. The excess of the consideration

 

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over the fair value of the net assets acquired has been recorded as goodwill of approximately $19,818, of which $995 is deductible by NKF for tax purposes.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, an agreement with the sellers of a prior acquisition was entered into, whereby certain consideration was reduced, which resulted in the return to BGC of 1,600,000 partnership units (with an acquisition date fair value of $14,900), the reduction of future cash earn-outs of $17,300 and a repayment to NKF of $1,000 in cash. As a result, NKF recognized $18,300 (comprised of $17,300 earn-out reduction and $1,000 cash received) in “other income (loss)” in NKF’s combined statements of operations.

These acquisitions are accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The results of operations of these acquisitions have been included in NKF’s combined financial statements subsequent to their respective dates of acquisition, which in aggregate contributed $8,443 to our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016.

During 2015, NKF acquired nine separate companies operating under the Apartment Realty Advisors (“ARA”) brand, each a separate privately held, full-service investment brokerage network focusing exclusively on the multi-housing industry. ARA was a leader in multi-housing investment brokerage and we now operate our multi-housing investment practice as ARA, a Newmark Company.

During May 2015, NKF completed the acquisition of Computerized Facility Integration, LLC (“CFI”). CFI is a premier real estate strategic consulting and systems integration firm that provides corporate real estate, facilities management, and enterprise asset management information consulting and technology solutions.

During July 2015, NKF completed the acquisition of Excess Space. Excess Space is a full service brokerage firm that focuses its business model around surplus real estate disposition and lease restructuring for retailers.

In December 2015, NKF completed the acquisition of Steffner Commercial Real Estate, LLC and Cincinnati Commercial Real Estate, Inc., each a full service commercial real estate advisory practice operating in the Memphis and Cincinnati regions, respectively.

The following tables summarize the components of the purchase consideration transferred and the preliminary allocation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for the CFI acquisition based on the fair values as of the acquisition date. NKF expects to finalize its analysis of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed within the first year of the acquisition, and therefore adjustments to assets and liabilities may occur.

 

     May 20, 2015  

Assets:

  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 1,083  

Receivable, net

     5,028  

Fixed assets, net

     992  

Goodwill

     63,839  

Other intangible assets, net

     6,944  

Other assets

     816  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     78,702  
  

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     5,243  

Deferred consideration

     16,544  

Accrued compensation

     433  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     22,220  
  

 

 

 

Net assets acquired

   $ 56,482  
  

 

 

 

 

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The total consideration for CFI was approximately $73,026 in total fair value, comprised of cash, shares of BGC’s common stock and BGC Holdings limited partnership units. The total consideration included contingent consideration of approximately $16,544 in cash that may be issued contingent on certain targets being met through 2018. The excess of the consideration over the fair value of the net assets acquired has been recorded as goodwill of approximately $63,839, of which $6,384 is deductible by NKF for tax purposes.

The following tables summarize the components of the purchase consideration transferred, and the preliminary allocation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, for all other acquisitions based on the fair values of the acquisition date in 2015. NKF expects to finalize its analysis of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed within the first year of the acquisition, and therefore adjustments to assets and liabilities may occur.

 

     As of the
acquisition date
 

Assets:

  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 2,373  

Receivable, net

     1,112  

Fixed assets, net

     3  

Goodwill

     66,578  

Other intangible assets, net

     2,740  

Other assets

     98  
  

 

 

 

Total assets

     72,904  
  

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     119  

Deferred consideration

     9,534  

Accrued compensation

     2,767  
  

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     12,420  
  

 

 

 

Net assets acquired

   $ 60,484  
  

 

 

 

Goodwill includes the in-place workforce, which allows the Company to continue serving its existing client base, begin marketing to potential clients and avoid significant costs reproducing the workforce.

These acquisitions are accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The results of operations of CFI and all other acquisitions have been included in NKF’s combined financial statements subsequent to their respective dates of acquisition, which in aggregate contributed $14,961 and $33,906 to our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2015, respectively.

The total consideration for all other acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2015, was approximately $70,018 in total fair value, comprised of cash, shares of BGC’s common stock and BGC Holdings limited partnership units. The total consideration included contingent consideration of approximately 420,520 restricted shares of BGC’s Class A common stock (with an acquisition date fair value of approximately $3,729), 1,631,011 BGC Holdings limited partnership units (with an acquisition date fair value of approximately $14,359) and $8,133 in cash that may be issued contingent on certain targets being met through 2018. The excess of the consideration over the fair value of the net assets acquired has been recorded as goodwill of approximately $66,578, of which $3,290 is deductible by NKF for tax purposes.

Consideration for all acquisitions was paid or issued by BGC. BGC then subsequently contributed the net assets (inclusive of goodwill and intangible assets) of the acquired companies to NKF. This is reflected as a Contribution in the Combined Statement of Changes in Invested Equity.

The results of operations of NKF’s acquisitions have been included in NKF’s combined financial statements subsequent to their respective dates of acquisition. NKF has made a preliminary allocation of the consideration to

 

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the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as of the acquisition date, and expects to finalize its analysis with respect to acquisitions within the first year after the completion of the transaction. Therefore, adjustments to preliminary allocations may occur.

 

(4) Cost Method Investments

NKF acquired investments for which it does not have the ability to exert significant influence over operating and financial policies. The investments are generally accounted for using the cost method of accounting in accordance with FASB guidance, Investments—Other . As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the carrying value of the cost method investments were $2,896 and $2,596, respectively and are included in Other assets on the Combined Balance sheets.

 

(5) Capital and Liquidity Requirements

NKF is subject to various capital requirements in connection with seller/servicer agreements that NKF has entered into with the various GSEs. Failure to maintain minimum capital requirements could result in NKF’s inability to originate and service loans for the respective GSEs and could have a direct material adverse effect on NKF’s combined financial statements. Management believes that as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 that NKF has met all capital requirements. As of December 31, 2016, the most restrictive capital requirement was Fannie Mae’s net worth requirement. NKF exceeded the minimum requirement by $378.6 million.

Certain of NKF’s agreements with Fannie Mae allow NKF to originate and service loans under Fannie Mae’s DUS Program. These agreements require NKF to maintain sufficient collateral to meet Fannie Mae’s restricted and operational liquidity requirements based on a pre-established formula. Certain of NKF’s agreements with Freddie Mac allow NKF to service loans under Freddie Mac’s Targeted Affordable Housing Program (TAH). These agreements require NKF to pledge sufficient collateral to meet Freddie Mac’s liquidity requirement of 8% of the outstanding principal of TAH loans serviced by NKF. Management believes that as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 that NKF has met all liquidity requirements.

In addition, as a servicer for Fannie Mae, GNMA and FHA, NKF is required to advance to investors any uncollected principal and interest due from borrowers. At December 31, 2016 and 2015, outstanding borrower advances were approximately $106 thousand and $19 thousand, respectively, and are included in other assets in the accompanying combined balance sheet.

 

(6) Loans Held for Sale (LHFS)

ASC 825, Financial Instruments, provides entities with an option to measure financial instruments at fair value. NKF initially and subsequently measures all loans held for sale at fair value on the accompanying combined balance sheet. The fair value measurement falls within the definition of a Level 2 measurement (significant other observable inputs) within the fair value hierarchy. Loans held for sale represent originated loans that are typically sold within 45 days from the date of the mortgage loan is funded. Electing to use fair value allows a better offset of the change in the fair value of the loan and the change in fair value of the derivative instruments used as economic hedges. During the period prior to its sale, interest income on a loan held for sale is calculated in accordance with the terms of the individual loan and is recorded in management services, servicing fees and other in the combined statements of operations. Loans held for sale had a cost basis and fair value as follows (in thousands):

 

     Cost Basis      Fair Value  

December 31, 2016

   $ 1,074,429      $ 1,071,836  

December 31, 2015

     360,164        359,109  

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015 there were no loans held for sale that were 90 days or more past due or in nonaccrual status.

 

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(7) Derivatives

NKF accounts for its derivatives at fair value, and recognized all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in its combined balance sheet. In its normal course of business, NKF enters into commitments to extend credit for mortgage loans at a specific rate (rate lock commitments) and commitments to deliver these loans to third-party investors at a fixed price (forward sale contracts). These transactions are accounted for as derivatives.

The fair value and notional balances of NKF’s derivatives for rate lock commitments and forward sale contracts can be found in Note 18.

The fair value of NKFs derivatives for rate lock commitments and forward sale contracts are as follows (in thousands) and are included in gains from mortgage banking activities and compensation and employee benefits in the accompanying combined statement of operations.

 

    

Location of gain (loss) recognized
in income from derivatives

   December 31,  
        2016     2015  

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

       

Rate lock commitments

   Gains from mortgage banking activities    $ 284     $ 484  

Rate lock commitments

   Compensation and employee benefits      (724     (463

Forward sale contracts

   Gain from mortgage banking activity      8,101       5,223  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
      $ 7,661     $ 5,244  
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Derivative assets and derivative liabilities are included in other current assets and current portion of accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities, respectively.

 

(8) Credit Enhancement Receivable, Contingent Liability and Credit Enhancement Deposit

NKF is a party to a Credit Enhancement Agreement (CEA) dated March 9, 2012, with German American Capital Corporation and Deutsche Bank Americas Holding Corporation (together, DB Entities). On October 20, 2016, the CEA was assigned to Deutsche Bank AG Cayman Island Branch, a Cayman Island Branch of Deutsche Bank AG (DB Cayman). Under the terms of these agreements, DB Cayman provides NKF with varying levels of ongoing credit protection, subject to certain limits, for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans subject to loss sharing (see Note 15) in NKF’s servicing portfolio as of March 9, 2012. DB Cayman will also reimburse NKF for any losses incurred due to violation of underwriting and serving agreements that occurred prior to March 9, 2012. For the year ended December 31, 2016 there were no reimbursements under this agreement. For the year ended December 31, 2015 there were two reimbursements under this agreement for $1.2 million.

Credit enhancement receivable

At December 31, 2016, NKF had $16.9 billion of credit risk loans in its servicing portfolio with a maximum pre-credit enhancement loss exposure of $4.7 billion. NKF had a form of credit protection from DB Cayman on $5.5 billion of credit risk loans with a maximum loss exposure coverage of $1.6 billion. The amount of the maximum loss exposure without any form of credit protection from DB Cayman is $3.1 billion.

At December 31, 2015, NKF had $14.4 billion of credit risk loans in its servicing portfolio with a maximum pre-credit enhancement loss exposure of $4.1 billion. NKF had a form of credit protection from DB Cayman on $6.9 billion of credit risk loans with a maximum loss exposure coverage of $1.9 billion. The amount of the maximum loss exposure without any form of credit protection from DB Cayman is $2.2 billion.

 

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Credit enhancement receivables as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $156 and $257, respectively, and are included in other assets in the combined balance sheets.

Credit enhancement deposit

The CEA required the DB Entities to deposit $25 million into NKF’s Fannie Mae restricted liquidity account (see Note 5), which NKF is required to return to DB Cayman, less any outstanding claims, on March 5, 2021. The $25 million deposit is included in restricted cash and the offsetting liability in other long term liabilities in the accompanying combined balance sheets.

Contingent liability

Under the CEA, NKF is required to pay DB Cayman on March 9, 2021, an amount equal to 50% of the positive difference, if any, between (a) $25 million, and (b) NKF’s unreimbursed loss sharing payments from March 9, 2012 through March 9, 2021 on NKF’s servicing portfolio as of March 9, 2012.

Contingent liabilities as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $10,390 and $10,018, respectively and are included in other liabilities in the combined balance sheets.

 

(9) Gains from mortgage banking activities, net

Gains from mortgage banking activities, net consists of the following activity (in thousands):

 

     Twelve Months Ended
December 31,
 
     2016      2015  

Loan origination related fees and sales premiums, net

   $ 69,026      $ 47,303  

Fair value of expected net future cash flows from servicing recognized at commitment, net

     124,361        68,001  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gains from mortgage banking activities, net

   $ 193,387      $ 115,304  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(10) Mortgage Servicing Rights, net (MSR)

A summary of the activity in mortgage servicing rights by class for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 is as follows (in thousands):

 

     December 31, 2016  
     2016      2015  

Mortgage Servicing Rights

     

Balance at December 31

   $ 271,849      $ 240,011  

Additions

     126,547        71,873  

Purchases from an affiliate

     3,905        9,259  

Purchases from third parties

     3,771        —    

Amortization

     (58,514      (49,294
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31

   $ 347,558      $ 271,849  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Valuation Allowance

     

Balance at December 31

   $ (7,936    $ (2,657

Decrease

     194        (5,279
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31

   $ (7,742    $ (7,936
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net balance at December 31

   $ 339,816      $ 263,913  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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On July 21, 2016, NKF purchased the mortgage servicing rights to a portfolio of FHA/GNMA construction loans from an unaffiliated third party for $3.8 million.

The amount of contractually specified servicing fees (including primary, limited and special servicing fees) and ancillary fees (including yield maintenance fees) earned by NKF were as follows:

 

     For the Twelve
Months Ended
 
     2016      2015  

Contractual servicing fees

   $ 78,527      $ 66,211  

Escrow interest and placement fees

     3,771        2,508  

Ancillary fees

     5,373        5,637  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total servicing fees

   $ 87,671      $ 74,356  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company’s primary servicing portfolio at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was approximately $50.6 billion and $44.4 billion, respectively. The Company’s special servicing portfolio at December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $5.1 billion and $5.7 billion, respectively.

The estimated fair value of the MSRs at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 was $344.9 million and $267.1 million, respectively.

Fair values are estimated using a valuation model that calculates the present value of the future net servicing cash flows. The cash flows assumptions used are based on assumptions NKF believes market participants would use to value the portfolio. Significant assumptions include estimates of the cost of servicing per loan, discount rate, earnings rate on escrow deposits and prepayment speeds. An increase in discount rate of 100 bps or 200 bps would result in a decrease in fair value by $9.9 million and $19.3 million, respectively, at December 31, 2016. An increase in discount rate of 100 bps or 200 bps would result in a decrease in fair value by $7.6 million and $14.9 million, respectively, at December 31, 2015.

 

(11) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net of Accumulated Amortization

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:

 

Balance at December 31, 2014

   $ 257,864  

Acquisitions

     127,685  

Measurement period adjustments

     7,479  
  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2015

     393,028  

Acquisitions

     17,086  

Measurement period adjustments

     2,732  
  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2016

   $ 412,846  
  

 

 

 

During the year ended December 31, 2016, NKF recognized additional goodwill and measurement period adjustments of approximately $17,086 and $2,731, respectively. See Note 3—“Acquisitions” for more information.

Goodwill is not amortized and is reviewed annually for impairment or more frequently if impairment indicators arise, in accordance with FASB guidance on Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. NKF completed its annual goodwill impairment testing during the fourth quarter of 2016, which did not result in any goodwill impairment.

 

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Other intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands, except weighted average life):

 

     December 31, 2016  
     Gross
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
     Net
Carrying
Amount
     Weighted -
Average
Remaining
Life (Years)
 

Indefinite life:

           

Trademark and trade names

   $ 10,735      $ —      $ 10,735        N/A  

License agreements (GSE)

     5,390        —        5,390        N/A  

Finite life:

           

Trademark and trade names

     6,460        (4,228      2,232        0.2  

Non-contractual customers

     5,648        (878      4,770        2.7  

License agreements

     4,981        (298      4,683        1.6  

Contractual customers

     1,452        (354      1,098        0.3  

Brokerage backlog

     1,101        (245      856        0.1  

Non-compete agreements

     828        (282      546        0.2  

Below market leases

     15        (13      2        —  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 36,610      $ (6,298    $ 30,312        5.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     December 31, 2015  
     Gross
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
     Net
Carrying
Amount
     Weighted -
Average
Remaining
Life (Years)
 

Indefinite life:

           

Trademark and trade names

   $ 10,735      $ —      $ 10,735        N/A  

License agreements (GSE)

     5,390        —        5,390        N/A  

Finite life:

           

Brokerage backlog

     12,193        (11,484      709        0.1  

Trademark and trade names

     5,820        (2,172      3,648        0.6  

Non-contractual customers

     5,110        (190      4,920        3.6  

Non-compete agreements

     2,362        (1,936      426        0.2  

Contractual customers

     1,289        (80      1,209        0.5  

Below market leases

     126        (84      42        —  

License agreements

     29        (4      25        —  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 43,054      $ (15,950    $ 27,104        5.0  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Intangible amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $ 4,141 and $9,949, respectively. Intangible amortization is included as a part of “Depreciation and amortization” in NKF’s combined statement of operations.

The estimated future amortization of definite life intangible assets as of December 31, 2016 was as follows:

 

2017

   $ 4,621  

2018

     2,303  

2019

     2,127  

2020

     1,883  

2021

     1,424  

2022 and thereafter

     1,829  
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 14,187  
  

 

 

 

 

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(12) Fixed Assets, Net

Fixed assets, net consisted of the following:

 

     December 31,  
     2016      2015  

Leasehold improvements and other fixed assets

   $ 63,194      $ 36,959  

Software, including software development costs

     13,971        10,475  

Computer and communications equipment

     13,291        11,474  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     90,456        58,908  

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (34,006      (33,116
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 56,450      $ 25,792  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Depreciation expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $9,930 and $7,276. Depreciation expense is included as a part of “Depreciation and amortization” in NKF’s combined statement of operations.

For the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, $533 and $630 of software development costs were capitalized, respectively. Amortization of software development costs totaled $870 and $271 for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Amortization of software development costs is included as part of “operating, administrative and other” in NKF’s combined statement of operations.

 

(13) Other Assets

Other current assets consisted of the following:

 

     December 31,  
     2016      2015  

Derivative assets

   $ 19,924      $ 9,531  

Prepaid expenses

     10,728        10,560  

Rent and other deposits

     2,585        3,035  

Other

     132        60  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 33,369      $ 23,186  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Non-current assets consisted of the following:

 

     December 31,  
     2016      2015  

Deferred tax assets

   $ 23,074      $ 24,251  

Cost method investments

     2,896        2,596  

Other

     2,390        2,595  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 28,360      $ 29,442  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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(14) Warehouse Notes Payable

NKF uses its warehouse lines and repurchase agreements to fund mortgage loans originated under its various lending programs. Outstanding borrowings against these lines are collateralized by an assignment of the underlying mortgages and third-party purchase commitments. As of December 31, 2016, NKF had the following lines available and borrowings outstanding (in thousands):

 

    Committed
Lines
    Uncommitted
Lines
    Balance at
December 31,
2016
    Stated
Spread to
One Month
LIBOR
    Rate
Type
 

Warehouse line due April 21, 2017 (1)

  $ 450,000     $ —     $ 43,356       135 bps     Variable  

Warehouse line due September 25, 2017

    200,000       —       34,628       135 bps       Variable  

Warehouse line due October 12, 2017 (2)

    200,000       —       23,833       135 bps       Variable  

Fannie Mae repurchase agreement, open maturity

    —       325,000       156,152       120 bps       Variable  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     
  $ 850,000     $ 325,000     $ 257,969      
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

(1) On April 21, 2017, the maturity date was extended until June 9, 2017. On May 17, 2017, the maturity date was extended until August 9, 2017. On June 21, 2017, the maturity date was extended until June 20, 2018.
(2) The warehouse line was temporarily increased by $2,100,000 on April 27, 2017. The temporary increase expired on June 13, 2017. On June 23, 2017 the warehouse line was increased by $100,000 from $200,000 to $300,000.

As of December 31, 2015, NKF had the following lines available and borrowings outstanding (in thousands):

 

    Committed
Lines
    Uncommitted
Lines
    Balance at
December 31,
2015
    Stated
Spread to
One Month
LIBOR
    Rate
Type
 

Warehouse line due February 25, 2016

  $ 450,000     $ —     $ 176,553       150 bps       Variable  

Warehouse line due September 26, 2016

    200,000       —       100,274       150 bps       Variable  

Warehouse line due October 13, 2016

    200,000       —       14,743       150 bps       Variable  

Fannie Mae repurchase agreement, open maturity

    —       200,000       68,064       130 bps       Variable  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     
  $ 850,000     $ 200,000     $ 359,634      
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

NKF is required to meet a number of financial covenants, including maintaining a minimum of $15.0 million of cash and cash equivalents. NKF was in compliance with all covenants on December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.

 

(15) Financial Guarantee Liability

NKF shares risk of loss for loans originated under the Fannie Mae DUS and Freddie TAH programs and could incur losses in the event of defaults under or foreclosure of these loans. Under the guarantee, NKF’s maximum contingent liability to the extent of actual losses incurred is approximately 33% of the outstanding principal balance on Fannie Mae DUS or Freddie TAH loans. Risk sharing percentages are established on a loan by loan basis when originated with most loans at 33% and “modified” loans at lower percentages. Under certain circumstances, risk sharing percentages can be revised subsequent to origination or NKF could be required to repurchase the loan. In the event of a loss resulting from a catastrophic event that is not required to be covered by borrowers’ insurance policies, NKF can recover the loss under its mortgage impairment insurance policy. Any potential recovery is subject to the policy’s deductibles and limits.

At December 31, 2016, the credit risk loans being serviced by NKF on behalf of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac had outstanding principal balances of approximately $16.9 billion with a maximum potential loss of approximately $4.7 billion, of which $1.6 billion is covered by the Credit Enhancement Agreement (see Note 8).

 

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At December 31, 2015, the credit risk loans being serviced by NKF on behalf of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac had outstanding principal balances of approximately $14.4 billion with a maximum potential loss of approximately $4.1 billion, of which $1.9 billion is covered by the Credit Enhancement Agreement (see Note 8).

At December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the estimated liability under the guarantee liability was as follows:

 

Financial guarantee liability (in thousands)

  

Balance at December 31, 2014

   $ (2,717

Charge-offs

     1,251  

Reversal of provision

     1,178  
  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2015

   $ (288
  

 

 

 

Increase to provision

     (125
  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2016

   $ (413
  

 

 

 

In order to monitor and mitigate potential losses, NKF uses an internally developed loan rating scorecard for determining which loans meet NKF’s criteria to be placed on a watch list. NKF also calculates default probabilities based on internal ratings and expected losses on a loan by loan basis. This methodology uses a number of factors including, but not limited to, debt service coverage ratios, collateral valuation, the condition of the underlying assets, borrower strength and market conditions.

See Note 8 for further explanation of credit protection provided by DB Cayman. The provisions for risk sharing in the accompanying combined statements of operations was as follows (in thousands):

 

     For the Twelve
Months Ended
 
     2016      2015  

Increase (decrease) to financial guarantee liability

   $ 125      $ (1,178

Decrease (increase) to credit enhancement asset

     101        1,043  

Increase to contingent liability

     5        54  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expense

   $ 231      $ (81
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(16) Concentrations of Credit Risk

The lending activities of NKF create credit risk in the event that counterparties do not fulfill their contractual payment obligations. In particular, NKF is exposed to credit risk related to the Fannie Mae DUS and Freddie Mac TAH loans (see Note 15). As of December 31, 2016, 29% of $4.7 billion of the maximum loss (see Note 15) was for properties located in California. As of December 31, 2015, 33% of $4.1 billion of the maximum loss (see Note 15) was for properties located in California.

(17) Escrow and Custodial Funds

In conjunction with the servicing of multifamily and commercial loans, NKF holds escrow and other custodial funds. Escrow funds are held at unaffiliated financial institutions generally in the form of cash and cash equivalents. These funds amounted to approximately $1.1 billion and $0.6 billion, as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These funds are held for the benefit of NKF’s borrowers and are segregated in custodial bank accounts. These amounts are excluded from the assets and liabilities of NKF.

(18) Fair Value of Financial Liabilities

FASB guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for

 

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identical assets liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

 

    Level 1 measurements—Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

 

    Level 2 measurements—Quoted prices in markets that are not active or financial instruments for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.

 

    Level 3 measurements—Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.

As required by FASB guidance, assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy financial assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value under FASB guidance at December 31, 2016 and 2015 (in thousands):

 

     As of December 31, 2016  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Assets:

           

Loans held for sale

   $ —      $ 1,071,836      $ —      $ 1,071,836  

Derivative assets

     —        —        19,924        19,924  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ —      $ 1,071,836      $ 19,924      $ 1,091,760  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

           

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities—contingent consideration

   $ —      $ —      $ 38,713      $ 38,713  

Derivative liabilities

     —        —        9,670        9,670  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

   $ —      $ —      $ 48,383      $ 48,383  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     As of December 31, 2015  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Assets:

           

Loans held for sale

   $ —      $ 359,109      $ —      $ 359,109  

Derivative assets

     —        —        9,531        9,531  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ —      $ 359,109      $ 9,531      $ 368,640  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities :

           

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities—contingent consideration

   $ —      $ —      $ 58,631      $ 58,631  

Derivative liabilities

     —        —        3,231        3,231  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

   $ —      $ —      $ 61,862      $ 61,862  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

There were no transfers between level 1, 2 and level 3 for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.

 

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Derivative instruments are outstanding for short periods of time (generally less than 60 days). A roll forward of derivative instruments and contingent consideration (level 3) that require valuation based upon significant unobservable inputs, is presented below (in thousands):

 

    As of December 31, 2016  
    Opening
Balance
    Total realized
and unrealized
(gains) losses
included in Net
income (1)
    Issuances     Settlements     Closing
Balance
    Unrealized
(gains) losses
Outstanding as
of December 31,
2016
 

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities—contingent consideration

  $ 58,631     $ (14,512   $ 6,019     $ (11,425   $ 38,713     $ 2,343  

Derivative assets and liabilities, net

    6,300       10,254       —       (6,300     10,254       N/A  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
  $ 64,931     $ (4,258   $ 6,019     $ (17,725   $ 48,967    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

    As of December 31, 2015  
    Opening
Balance
    Total realized
and unrealized
(gains) losses
included in Net
income (1)
    Issuances     Settlements     Closing
Balance
    Unrealized
(gains) losses
Outstanding as
of December 31,
2015
 

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities—contingent consideration

  $ 42,349     $ 2,956     $ 22,833     $ (9,507   $ 58,631     $ 1,408  

Derivative assets and liabilities, net

    7,394       6,300       —       (7,394     6,300       N/A  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   
  $ 49,743     $ 9,256     $ 22,833     $ (16,901   $ 64,931    
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

(1) Realized losses are reported in “other income, net” in NKF’s combined statement of operations.

Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

The following tables present quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs utilized by NKF in the fair value measurement of Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

 

December 31, 2016

Level 3 assets and liabilities

   Assets      Liabilities     

Significant Unobservable Inputs

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities:

         Discount rate—4.99% weighted average rate (a)

Contingent consideration

   $ —      $ 38,713      Financial forecast information

Derivative assets and liabilities:

        

Forward sale contracts

     2,100        —      Counterparty credit risk

Rate lock commitments

     17,824        9,670      Counterparty credit risk
  

 

 

    

 

 

    
   $ 19,924      $ 48,383     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

December 31, 2015

Level 3 assets and liabilities

   Assets      Liabilities     

Significant Unobservable Inputs

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities:

         Discount rate—3.79% weighted average rate (a)

Contingent consideration

   $ —      $ 58,631      Financial forecast information

Derivative assets and liabilities:

        

Forward sale contracts

     2,401        —      Counterparty credit risk

Rate lock commitments

     7,130        3,231      Counterparty credit risk
  

 

 

    

 

 

    
   $ 9,531      $ 61,862     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

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(a) NKF’s estimate of contingent consideration as of December 31, 2016 was based on the acquired business’ projected future financial performance, including revenues.

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the present value of expected payments related to NKF’s contingent consideration was $38,713 and $58,631, respectively. Valuations for contingent consideration are conducted by NKF. Each reporting period, NKF updates unobservable inputs. NKF has a formal process to review changes in fair value for satisfactory explanation.

The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value of NKF’s contingent consideration are the discount rate and forecasted financial information. Significant increases (decreases) in the discount rate would have resulted in a lower (higher) fair value measurement. Significant increases (decreases) in the forecasted financial information would have resulted in a higher (lower) fair value measurement. The undiscounted value of the payments, assuming that all contingencies are met, would be $43,441 and $67,038 as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The carrying amount and the fair value of NKF’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 is presented below (in thousands):

 

     December 31, 2016      December 31, 2015  
     Carrying
Amount
     Fair Value      Carrying
Amount
     Fair Value  

Financial Assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 33,589      $ 33,589      $ 100,894      $ 100,894  

Restricted cash

     50,927        50,927        48,742        48,742  

Loans held for sale

     1,071,836        1,071,836        359,109        359,109  

Derivative assets

     19,924        19,924        9,531        9,531  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 1,176,276      $ 1,176,276      $ 518,276      $ 518,276  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial Liabilities:

           

Derivative liabilities

     9,670        9,670        3,231        3,231  

Warehouse notes payable

     257,969        257,969        359,634        359,634  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 267,639      $ 267,639      $ 362,865      $ 362,865  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

 

    Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents—The carrying amounts approximate fair value due to the highly liquid nature and short maturity of these instruments. (Level 1)

 

    Loans held for sale—Consists of originated loans that have been sold to third-party investors at a fixed price and are generally settled within 30 days from the date of funding. (Level 2)

 

    Derivatives—Consists of rate lock commitments and forward sale contracts. These instruments are valued using discounted cash flow models based on changes in market interest rates and other observable market data. (Level 3)

 

    Mortgage servicing rights, net—As noted in Note 2 and Note 10, MSRs are initially recorded at fair value and then are subsequently measured using the amortization method. MSRs are assessed for impairment at least annually and a valuation allowance is established if any class or strata within a class of MSRs is deemed to be impaired. At December 31, 2016, certain MSRs were deemed to be impaired by a total of $7,742 and as a result are represented on the combined balance sheets at fair value. The fair value of the MSRs measured on a nonrecurring basis at December 31, 2016 was $59,141 and are considered to be Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

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At December 31, 2015, certain MSRs were deemed to be impaired by a total of $7,936 and as a result are represented on the combined balance sheets at fair value. The fair value of the MSRs measured on a nonrecurring basis at December 31, 2015 was $44,217 and are considered to be Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

 

    Warehouse notes payable—Consists of borrowings under warehouse line agreements. The borrowing rates on the warehouse lines are based short term London Interbank Offered Rates (LIBOR) plus applicable margins. The carrying amounts approximate fair value due to the short term maturity of these instruments. (Level 2)

Fair value of derivative instruments and loans held for sale

In the normal course of business, NKF enters into contractual commitments to originate and sell loans at fixed prices with fixed expiration dates. The commitments become effective when the borrowers rate lock their interest rate within time frames established by NKF. Borrowers are evaluated for creditworthiness prior to this commitment. Market risk arises if interest rates move adversely between the time of the rate lock by the borrower and the date the loan is sold to an investor.

To mitigate the effect of the interest rate risk inherent in providing rate lock commitments to borrowers, NKF’s enters a sale commitment with an investor simultaneously with the rate lock commitment with the borrower. The sale contract with the investor locks in an interest rate and price for the sale of the loan. The terms of the contract with the investor and the rate lock with the borrower are matched in substantially all respects, with the objective of eliminating interest rate risk to the extent practical. Sale commitments with the investors have an expiration date that is longer than our related commitments to the borrower to allow, among other things, for the closing of the loan and processing of paperwork to deliver the loan into the sale commitment.

Both the rate lock commitments to borrowers and the forward sale contracts to investors are derivatives and, accordingly, are marked to fair value through the statement of income. The fair value of NKF’s rate lock commitments to borrowers and loans held for sale and the related input levels includes, as applicable:

 

    The assumed gain/loss of the expected loan sale to the investor;

 

    The expected net future cash flows associate with servicing the loan;

 

    The effects of interest rate movements between the date of the rate lock and the balance sheet date; and

 

    The nonperformance risk of both the counterparty and NKF.

The fair value of NKF’s forward sales contracts to investors considers effects of interest rate movements between the trade date and the balance sheet date. The market price changes are multiplied by the notional amount of the forward sales contracts to measure the fair value.

The gain/loss considers the amount that NKF has discounted the price to the borrower from par for competitive reasons, if at all, and the expected net cash flows from servicing to be received upon sale of the loan. The fair value of the expected net future cash flows associated with servicing the loan is calculated pursuant to the valuation techniques described in Note 10.

To calculate the effects of interest rate movements, NKF uses applicable U.S. Treasury prices, and multiplies the price movement between the rate lock date and the balance sheet date by the notional loan commitment amount.

The fair value of NKF’s forward sales contracts to investors considers the market price movement of the same type of security between the trade date and the balance sheet date. The market price changes are multiplied by the notional amount of the forward sales contracts to measure the fair value.

 

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The fair value of NKF’s rate lock commitments and forward sale contracts is adjusted to reflect the risk that the agreement will not be fulfilled. The Company’s exposure to nonperformance in rate lock and forward sale contracts is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. Given the credit quality of our counterparties, the short duration of rate lock commitments and forward sales contracts, and the Company’s historical experience with the agreements, management does not believe the risk of nonperformance by the Company’s counterparties to be significant.

The fair value of the Company’s loans held for sale include the gain/loss for pricing discounts and expected net future cash flows and the effect of interest rate movements as described above.

 

    Fair Value Adjustment Components     Balance Sheet Location  

December 31, 2016

  Notional or
Principal
Amount
    Assumed
Gain (Loss)
on Sale
    Interest Rate
Movement
Effect
    Total Fair
Value
Adjustment
    Derivative
Contract
Assets
    Derivative
Contract
Liabilities
    Fair Value
Adjustment to
Loans Held
for Sale
 

Rate lock commitments

  $ 201,603     $ 2,100     $ (9,670   $ (7,570   $ 2,100     $ (9,670   $ —  

Forward sale contracts

    1,276,032       148       17,676       17,824       17,824       —       —  

Loans held for sale

    1,074,429       5,413       (8,006     (2,593     —       —       (2,593
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    $ 7,661     $ —     $ 7,661     $ 19,924     $ (9,670   $ (2,593
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

    Fair Value Adjustment Components     Balance Sheet Location  

December 31, 2015

  Notional or
Principal
Amount
    Assumed
Gain (Loss)
on Sale
    Interest Rate
Movement
Effect
    Total Fair
Value
Adjustment
    Derivative
Contract
Assets
    Derivative
Contract
Liabilities
    Fair Value
Adjustment to
Loans Held
for Sale
 

Rate lock commitments

  $ 126,370     $ 261     $ (3,231   $ (2,970   $ 261     $ (3,231   $ —  

Forward sale contracts

    486,534       2,401       6,869       9,270       9,270       —       —  

Loans held for sale

    360,164       2,582       (3,638     (1,056     —       —       (1,056
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    $ 5,244     $ —     $ 5,244     $ 9,531     $ (3,231   $ (1,056
   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

(19) Related Party Transactions

 

  (a) Service Agreements

NKF receives administrative services including but not limited to, treasury, legal, accounting, information technology, payroll administration, human resources, incentive compensation plans and other support provided by Cantor and BGC. Where it is possible to specifically attribute such expenses to activities of NKF, these amounts have been expensed directly to NKF and have been included in the respective line item on the Combined Statement of Operations. Direct costs are primarily comprised of rent and equity and other incentive compensation expenses. Allocations of expenses not directly attributable to NKF are based on a services agreement between BGC and Cantor which reflects the utilization of service provided or benefits received by NKF during the periods presented on a consistent basis, such as headcount, square footage, revenue, etc. For the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, allocated expenses were $18,010 and $18,471, respectively. These expenses are included as part of “Fees to related parties” in NKF’s Combined Statements of Operations.

BGC uses a centralized approach to cash management. Accordingly, excess cash and cash equivalents are held by BGC at the corporate level and were not attributed to NKF for any of the periods presented. Transfers of cash, both to and from BGC’s centralized cash management system, are reflected as a related party receivable or payable on the Combined Balance Sheet and as change in related party payable and receivable in operating activities within the accompanying Combined Statement of Cash Flows. Debt obligations of BGC have not been included in the Combined Financial Statements of NKF, because NKF is not a party to the obligation between BGC and the debt holders.

 

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  (b) Loans, Forgivable Loans and Other Receivables from Employees and Partners

NKF has entered into various agreements with certain employees and partners whereby these individuals receive loans which may be either wholly or in part repaid from the distribution earnings that the individuals receive on some or all of their limited partnership interests or may be forgiven over a period of time. The forgivable portion of these loans is recognized as compensation expense over the life of the loan. From time to time, NKF may also enter into agreements with employees and partners to grant bonus and salary advances or other types of loans. These advances and loans are repayable in the timeframes outlined in the underlying agreements.

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the aggregate balance of employee loans was $184,160 and $91,730, respectively, and is included as “Loans, forgivable loans and other receivables from employees and partners” in NKF’s combined balance sheets. Compensation expense for the above mentioned employee loans for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $25,791 and $49,062, respectively. The compensation expense related to these employee loans is included as part of “Compensation and employee benefits” in NKF’s combined statements of operations.

 

  (c) Transactions with Cantor Commercial Real Estate Company, L.P.

Loans are referred to NKF by CCRE and NKF refers loans to CCRE. Revenue from these referrals were $47,953 and $17,932 for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively and were recognized in gains from mortgage activities in the combined statements of operations.

NKF also has a referral agreement in place with CCRE in which brokers are incentivized to refer business to CCRE through a revenue-share arrangement. In connection with this revenue-share agreement, NKF recognized revenues of $304 and $0 for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. This revenue was recorded as part of “commissions” in NKF’s combined statements of operations.

On March 11, 2015, NKF and CCRE entered into a note receivable/payable that allows for advances to or from CCRE at an interest rate of 1 month LIBOR plus 1.0%. As of December 31, 2016, there was $690.0 million of outstanding advances due to CCRE on the note and this balance is included in due to affiliates in the accompanying combined balance sheet. As of December 31, 2015, there were no outstanding advances on the note.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, NKF purchased the primary servicing rights of $2.9 billion of loans originated by CCRE for $3.9 million. For the year ended December 31, 2015, NKF purchased the primary servicing rights of $8.3 billion of loans originated by CCRE for $9.2 million. NKF also services loans for CCRE on a “fee for service” basis, generally prior to a loan’s sale or securitization, and for which no MSR is recognized. Servicing revenue (excludes interest and placement fees) from loans purchased from CCRE or on a “fee for service” basis for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $3.6 million and $2.7 million, respectively, and was recognized in management services, servicing fees and other in the combined statements of operations.

 

  (d) Related Party Receivables and Payables

NKF has receivables and payables to and from certain affiliate entities. As of December 31, 2016, the related party receivables and payables were $108,817 and $884,474, respectively. As of December 31, 2015, the related party receivables and payables were $125,842 and $147,488, respectively.

 

(20) Income Taxes

NKF’s combined financial statements include U.S. federal, state and local income taxes on NKF’s allocable share of the U.S. results of operations, as well as taxes payable to jurisdictions outside the U.S. In addition,

 

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certain of NKF’s entities are taxed as U.S. partnerships and are subject to the Unincorporated Business Tax (“UBT”) in New York City. Therefore, the tax liability or benefit related to the partnership income or loss except for UBT rests with the partners rather than the partnership entity. Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method, as prescribed in FASB guidance on Accounting for Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes consisted of the following:

 

     Twelve Months Ended December 31,  
         2016              2015      

Current:

     

U.S. federal

   $ 4,253      $ 3,648  

U.S. state and local

     599        975  

Foreign

     169        13  

UBT

     113        1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     5,134        4,637  

Deferred:

     

U.S. federal

     (488      (10,571

U.S. state and local

     (562      (695

UBT

     (91      (15
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     (1,141      (11,281
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Provision (benefit) for income tax

   $ 3,993      $ (6,644
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

NKF had pre-tax income/(loss) of $171,205 and $(9,370) for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Differences between NKF’s actual income tax expense and the amount calculated utilizing the U.S. federal statutory rates were as follows:

 

     Twelve Months Ended December 31,  
           2016                  2015        

Federal income tax expense at 35% statutory rate (1)

   $ 59,921      $ (3,280

(Income)/loss not subject to tax at Newmark

     (58,179      742  

Income/(loss) subject to tax at Newmark

     544        (691

Incremental impact of foreign taxes compared to the federal rate

     (36      99  

Permanent differences

     968        985  

U.S. state and local taxes, net of U.S. federal benefit

     748        (288

New York City UBT

     22        (14

Enacted rate change

     (143      30  

Uncertain tax positions

     —        208  

Amortization of intangibles

     (95      (4,786

Valuation allowance

     (2      103  

Other

     245        248  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Provision (benefit) for income tax

   $ 3,993      $ (6,644
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Included as a component of “Payables to related parties” in NKF’s combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 are $21,203 and $17,475, respectively, due to affiliates for income taxes paid on behalf of NKF.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the combined financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable

 

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income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets if it is deemed more likely than not that those assets will not be realized.

Significant components of NKF’s deferred tax asset and liability consisted of the following:

 

     Twelve Months Ended December 31,  
           2016                  2015        

Deferred tax asset

     

Depreciation and amortization

   $ 1,074      $ 1,301  

Basis difference of investments

     908        2,600  

Deferred compensation

     17,628        17,607  

Other deferred and accrued expenses

     3,334        2,746  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net operating loss and credit carry-forwards

     737        639  

Total deferred tax asset

     23,681        24,893  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Valuation allowance

     (607      (642
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax asset, net of allowance

     23,074        24,251  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax liability

     

Software capitalization

     769        1,031  

Depreciation and amortization

     1,163        1,611  

Other

     864        918  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Deferred tax liability (1)

     2,796        3,560  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net deferred tax asset

   $ 20,278      $ 20,691  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Before netting within tax jurisdictions.

NKF has net operating losses in non-U.S. jurisdictions of approximately $3,311, which has an indefinite life. Management assesses the available positive and negative evidence to determine whether existing deferred tax assets will be realized. Accordingly, a valuation allowance of $607 has been recorded against only the portion of the deferred tax asset that is more likely than not to be realized, including a decrease of $35 in 2016 against the net deferred tax asset. NKF’s deferred tax asset and liability are included in NKF’s combined balance sheets as components of “other assets” and “other liabilities”, respectively.

Pursuant to FASB guidance on Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, the Company provides for uncertain tax positions based upon management’s assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities.

A reconciliation of the beginning to the ending amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits for the year ended December 31, 2016 is as follows (in thousands):

 

Balance at December 31, 2014

   $ —  

Increase in prior year tax position

     208  
  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2015

     208  

Increase/(decrease) in prior year tax position

     —  
  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2016

   $ 208  
  

 

 

 

As of December 31, 2016, NKF’s unrecognized tax benefits, excluding related interest and penalties, were $208, of which $208, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate. NKF is currently open to examination by

 

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U.S. federal, U.S. state and local, and non-U.S. tax authorities for tax years beginning 2011, 2011 and 2015, respectively. NKF does not believe that the amounts of unrecognized tax benefits will materially change over the next 12 months.

NKF recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters in “operating, administrative and other” in the NKF’s combined statements of operations. As of December 31, 2016, NKF accrued $45 for income tax-related interest and penalties.

 

(21) Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

The current portion of accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities consisted of the following:

 

     December 31,  
     2016      2015  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 57,488      $ 48,733  

Payroll taxes payable

     2,898        2,469  

Contingent consideration

     20,458        20,536  

Outside broker payable

     17,712        14,492  

Derivative liability

     9,670        3,231  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 108,226      $ 89,461  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other liabilities consisted of the following:

 

     December 31,  
     2016      2015  

Financial Guarantee Liability

   $ 413      $ 288  

Deferred rent

     41,545        20,894  

Credit enhancement deposit

     25,000        25,000  

Accrued compensation

     23,953        19,089  

Payroll taxes payable

     28,569        20,950  

Contingent consideration

     18,255        38,096  

Deferred tax liability

     2,796        3,560  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 140,531      $ 127,877  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(22) Compensation

BGC’s Compensation Committee may grant various equity-based awards to employees of NKF, including restricted stock units, limited partnership units and exchange rights for shares of BGC’s Class A common stock upon exchange of limited partnership units.

 

  (a) Limited Partnership Units

A summary of the activity associated with limited partnership units is as follows:

 

     Number of Units  

Balance at December 31, 2015

     38,000,970  

Granted

     19,149,118  

Redeemed/exchanged units

     (3,351,944

Forfeited units

     (390,517
  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2016

     53,407,627  
  

 

 

 

 

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During the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, BGC granted exchangeability on 3,834,273 and 16,432,000 limited partnership units for which NKF incurred compensation expense, before associated income taxes of $45,573 and $130,587, respectively.

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the number of limited partnership units exchangeable into shares of BGC’s Class A common stock at the discretion of the unit holder was 8,752,862 and 4,500,000, respectively.

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the notional value of the limited partnership units with a post-termination pay-out amount held by executives and non-executive employees, awarded in lieu of cash compensation for salaries, commissions and/or discretionary or guaranteed bonuses was approximately $147,290 and $21,492, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the aggregate estimated fair value of these limited partnership units was approximately $19,626 and $5,954. The number of outstanding limited partnership units with a post-termination pay-out as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 was approximately 16,486,016 and 2,695,000, respectively, of which approximately 10,908,708 and 1,346,000 were unvested.

Certain of the limited partnership units with a post-termination pay-out have been granted in connection with NKF’s acquisitions. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the aggregate estimated fair value of these acquisition related limited partnership units was $12,834 and $7,411, respectively.

Compensation expense related to limited partnership units with a post-termination pay-out amount is recognized over the stated service period. These units generally vest between three and five years from the date of grant. NKF recognized compensation expense, before associated income taxes, related to these limited partnership units that were not redeemed of $13,778 and $11,537 for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These are included in “Compensation and employee benefits” in NKF’s combined statements of operations.

Certain limited partnership units generally receive quarterly allocations of net income, which are cash distributed on a quarterly basis and generally contingent upon services being provided by the unit holders. The allocation of income to limited partnership units was $26,476 and $11,555 for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

 

  (b) Restricted Stock Units

A summary of the activity associated with RSUs is as follows:

 

     Restricted Stock
Units
     Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
     Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
(Years)
 

Balance at December 31, 2014

     244,248      $ 4.68        1.79  

Granted

     148,061        7.93     

Delivered units

     (95,867      4.40     

Forfeited units

     (37,916      5.57     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2015

     258,526        6.52        1.56  

Granted

     196,855        7.87     

Delivered units

     (141,490      5.85     

Forfeited units

     (28,166      7.64     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2016

     285,725      $ 7.56        1.75  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The fair value of RSUs awarded to employees and directors is determined on the date of grant based on the market value of BGC’s common stock (adjusted if appropriate based upon the award’s eligibility to receive dividends), and is recognized, net of the effect of estimated forfeitures, ratably over the vesting period. NKF uses

 

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historical data, including historical forfeitures and turnover rates, to estimate expected forfeiture rates for both employee and director RSUs. Each RSU is settled in one share of BGC’s Class A common stock upon completion of the vesting period.

During the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, BGC granted 196,855 and 148,061, respectively, of RSUs with aggregate estimated grant date fair values of $1,550 and $1,174, respectively, to employees and directors. These RSUs were awarded in lieu of cash compensation for salaries, commissions and/or discretionary or guaranteed bonuses. RSUs granted to these individuals generally vest over a two- to four-year period.

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the aggregate estimated grant date fair value of outstanding RSUs was $2,193 and $1,685, respectively.

Compensation expense related to RSUs, before associated income taxes, was approximately $985 and $608 for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, there was approximately $1,859 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs.

NKF may pay certain bonuses in the form of deferred cash compensation awards, which generally vest over a future service period. The total compensation expense recognized in relation to the deferred cash compensation awards for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were $1.3 million and $2.6 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the total liability for the deferred cash compensation awards was $2.6 million and $3.8 million, respectively, and is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the combined balance sheets. As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the total notional value of deferred cash compensation was approximately $4.5 million and $6.5 million, respectively.

 

(23) Commitments and Contingencies

 

  (a) Contractual Obligations and Commitments

The following table summarizes certain of NKF’s contractual obligations at December 31, 2016:

 

     Total      Less than
1 Year
     1-3 Years      3-5 Years      More than
5 Years
 

Operating leases (1)

   $ 335,953      $ 34,591      $ 64,930      $ 59,002      $ 177,430  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total contractual obligations

   $ 335,953      $ 34,591      $ 64,930      $ 59,002      $ 177,430  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Operating leases are related to rental payments under various non-cancelable leases principally for office space, net of sublease payments to be received. The total amount of sublease payments to be received over the life of the agreements was approximately $3,704 and $890 for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

As of December 31, 2016 and 2015, NKF was committed to fund approximately $207 million and $156 million, respectively, which is the total remaining draws on construction loans originated by NKF under the HUD 221(d)4, 220 and 232 programs, rate locked loans that have not been funded, forward commitments as well as the funding for Fannie Mae Structured Transactions. NKF also has corresponding commitments to sell these loans to various investors as they are funded.

 

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  (b) Lease Commitments

NKF is obligated for minimum rental payments under various non-cancelable operating leases, principally for office space, expiring at various dates through 2031. Certain of the leases contain escalation clauses that require payment of additional rent to the extent of increases in certain operating or other costs. As of December 31, 2016, minimum lease payments under these arrangements were as follows:

 

2017

   $ 34,591  

2018

     33,879  

2019

     31,051  

2020

     30,673  

2021

     28,329  

2022 and thereafter

     177,430  
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 335,953  
  

 

 

 

Rent expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $37,261 and $33,213. Rent expense is reported in “operating, administrative and other” in NKF’s combined statement of operations.

 

  (c) Contingent Payments Related to Acquisitions

During the year ended December 31, 2016, NKF completed acquisitions, whose purchase price included approximately 166,894 shares of BGC’s Class A common stock (with an acquisition date fair value of approximately $1,545), 285,354 of BGC Holding limited partnership units (with an acquisition date fair value of approximately $2,590) and $6,018 in cash that may be issued contingent on certain targets being met through 2021. NKF completed acquisitions in 2014, 2015 and 2016 for which contingent cash consideration may be issued on certain targets being met through 2021 of $28,323. The contingent equity instruments are issued by BGC on behalf of NKF and are recorded as a payable to related party on the combined balance sheet. The contingent cash liability is recorded at fair value as deferred consideration on the combined balance sheet.

 

  (d) Contingencies

In the ordinary course of business, various legal actions are brought and are pending against NKF and its subsidiaries in the U.S. and internationally. In some of these actions, substantial amounts are claimed. NKF is also involved, from time to time, in reviews, examinations, investigations and proceedings by governmental and self-regulatory agencies (both formal and informal) regarding NKF’s businesses, which may result in judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, injunctions or other relief. The following generally does not include matters that NKF has pending against other parties which, if successful, would result in awards in favor of NKF or its subsidiaries.

 

  (e) Employment, Competitor-Related and Other Litigation

From time to time, NKF and its subsidiaries are involved in litigation, claims and arbitrations in the U.S. and internationally, relating to various employment matters, including with respect to termination of employment, hiring of employees currently or previously employed by competitors, terms and conditions of employment and other matters. In light of the competitive nature of the brokerage industry, litigation, claims and arbitration between competitors regarding employee hiring are not uncommon.

Legal reserves are established in accordance with FASB guidance on Accounting for Contingencies, when a material legal liability is both probable and reasonably estimable. Once established, reserves are adjusted when there is more information available or when an event occurs requiring a change. The outcome of such items cannot be determined with certainty. NKF is unable to estimate a possible loss or range of loss in connection with specific matters beyond its current accrual and any other amounts disclosed. Management believes that, based on currently available information, the final outcome of these current pending matters will not have a material adverse effect on NKF’s combined financial statements and disclosures taken as a whole.

 

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  (f) Risk and Uncertainties

NKF generates revenues by providing financial intermediary and brokerage activities and commercial real estate services to institutional customers. Revenues for these services are transaction-based. As a result, revenues could vary based on the transaction volume of global financial and real estate markets. Additionally, financing is sensitive to interest rate fluctuations, which could have an impact on NKF’s overall profitability.

 

(24) Subsequent Events

On July 26, 2017, NKF acquired a controlling interest in Spring11 Holdings, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“S11 LP”) and Spring11 Advisory Services Limited, a private company limited by shares registered in England and Wales (“S11 UK” and, together with S11 LP and the other Spring11 entities, “Spring11”). BGC and CCRE (both Cantor controlled affiliates agreed to purchase 75% of Spring11. BGC acquired a 50% controlling interest and CCRE acquired an additional 25%. BGC contributed the 50% controlling interest to NKF.

Spring11 provides commercial real estate consulting and advisory services to a variety of commercial real estate clients, including lenders, investment banks, and investors. Spring11’s core competencies include: underwriting, modeling, structuring, due diligence and asset management. Spring11 also offers clients cost-effective and flexible staffing solutions through both on-site and off-site teams. Spring11 has offices in the United States located in New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles and Texas, in London, United Kingdom and in Chennai, India.

Commensurate with the BPF acquisition, BGC has committed to make a $100 million investment into a newly created joint venture entity controlled and managed by Cantor. The purpose of this entity will be to invest in various other Cantor real estate business. BGC will account for the investment under the equity method of accounting and will contribute the investment to NKF upon closing of the BPF acquisition.

 

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NEWMARK KNIGHT FRANK

COMBINED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     September 30,
2017
     December 31,
2016
 

Assets:

     

Current assets:

     

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 137,294      $ 66,627  

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

     52,219        50,927  

Marketable Securities

     76,969        —    

Loans held for sale

     660,332        1,071,836  

Receivables, net

     193,978        151,169  

Receivable from related parties

     113,871        108,817  

Other current assets (see Note 14)

     24,250        33,369  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current assets

     1,258,913        1,482,745  

Goodwill

     476,956        412,846  

Mortgage servicing rights, net

     386,135        339,816  

Loans, forgivable loans and other receivables from employees and partners

     188,922        184,159  

Fixed assets, net

     62,819        56,450  

Other intangible assets, net

     23,970        30,312  

Other assets (see Note 14)

     142,201        28,360  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

     2,539,916      $ 2,534,688  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Current Liabilities:

     

Current portion of accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities (see Note 22)

     114,183        108,226  

Payable to related parties

     145,681        889,162  

Warehouse notes payable

     659,732        257,969  

Accrued compensation

     177,409        155,017  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     1,097,005        1,410,374  

Other long-term liabilities (see Note 22)

     152,375        140,531  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     1,249,380        1,550,905  

Commitments and contingencies

     

Invested Equity:

     

BGC Partners’ net investment in Newmark

     1,270,720        981,776  

Noncontrolling interests

     19,816        2,007  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total invested equity

     1,290,536        983,783  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

     2,539,916      $ 2,534,688  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The accompanying Notes to the Combined Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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NEWMARK KNIGHT FRANK

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2017     2016  

Revenues:

    

Commissions

   $ 701,724     $ 604,071  

Gain from mortgage banking activities, net

     164,263       139,009  

Management services, servicing fees and other

     269,887       219,317  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     1,135,874       962,397  

Expenses:

    

Compensation and employee benefits

     724,606       618,065  

Allocations of net income and grant of exchangeability to limited partnership units

     52,717       40,003  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total compensation and employee benefits

     777,323       658,068  

Operating, administrative and other

     159,099       132,228  

Fees to related parties

     14,240       15,662  

Depreciation and amortization

     71,377       58,356  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total operating expenses

     1,022,039       864,314  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other income, net

    

Other income

     75,956       15,963  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total other income, net

     75,956       15,963  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from operations

     189,791       114,046  

Interest income, net

     4,239       2,765  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income taxes and noncontrolling interests

     194,030       116,811  

Provision for income taxes

     3,396       1,983  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     190,634       114,828  

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (29     (1,120
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income to BGC Partners

   $ 190,663     $ 115,948  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying Notes to the Combined Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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NEWMARK KNIGHT FRANK

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2017     2016  

Net income

   $ 190,634     $ 114,828  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income

     190,634       114,828  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (29     (1,120
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Comprehensive income attributable to BGC Partners

   $ 190,663     $ 115,948  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying Notes to the Combined Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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NEWMARK KNIGHT FRANK

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN INVESTED EQUITY

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     BGC Partners’
Net Investment in

Newmark
    Noncontrolling
Interests
    Total  

Balance, December 31, 2015

   $ 800,193     $ 3,841     $ 804,034  

Net income/(loss)

     168,401       (1,189     167,212  

Distributions to noncontrolling interest

         (311     (311

Purchase of noncontrolling interest

     334       (334    

Contributions

     12,848           12,848  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, December 31, 2016

   $ 981,776     $ 2,007     $ 983,783  

Net income/(loss)

     190,663       (29     190,634  

Distributions

     (69,776     (71     (69,847

Purchase of noncontrolling interest

     1,092       (1,092     —    

Noncontrolling interests in an entity acquired

     —         19,001       19,001  

Contributions

     166,964       —         166,964  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Balance, September 30, 2017

   $ 1,270,719     $ 19,816     $ 1,290,535  
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

The accompanying Notes to the Combined Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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NEWMARK KNIGHT FRANK

COMBINED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2017     2016  

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

    

Net income

   $ 190,634     $ 114,828  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

    

Gain on originated mortgage servicing rights

     (98,814     (92,555

Depreciation and amortization

     71,377       58,356  

Nasdaq recognition

     (76,969     —    

Employee loan amortization and reserves

     28,964       20,675  

Unrealized gains on loans held for sale

     (507     (2,277

Amortization of deferred financing costs

     1,068       949  

Provision for uncollectible accounts

     1,126       (838

Income from an equity method investment

     (945     —    

Loan originations—loans held for sale

     (7,314,794     (5,503,899

Loan sales—loans held for sale

     7,726,804       5,268,088  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Restricted cash

     (1,292     (3,313

Receivables, net

     (35,709     4,603  

Loans, forgivable loans and other receivables from employees and partners

     (35,160     (111,264

Other assets

     11,380       1,006  

Accrued compensation

     18,751       19,975  

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities

     23,762       14,485  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   $ 509,676     $ (211,181
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

    

Purchases of noncontrolling interest, net of cash acquired

     2,792       364  

Purchases of fixed assets

     (13,333     (18,125

Payments to related parties

     (375,000     (175,000

Borrowings from related parties

     375,000       175,000  

Purchase of mortgage servicing rights

     (577     (5,844
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (11,118     (23,605
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

    

Proceeds from warehouse notes payable

     7,314,794       5,503,899  

Principal payments on warehouse notes payable

     (6,913,030     (5,673,614

Payments to related parties

     (1,327,295     (744,659

Borrowings from related parties

     577,812       1,125,618  

Pre-acquisition distributions relating to the BPF acquisition

     (66,782     —    

Distributions to noncontrolling interests

     (71     (310

Payments on acquisition earn-outs

     (12,211     (10,509

Payment of deferred financing costs

     (1,108     (1,066
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     (427,891     199,359  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

     70,667       (35,427

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

     66,627       111,430  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

     137,294       76,003  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

    

Cash paid during the period for:

    

Interest

   $ 17,848     $ 8,977  

Taxes

   $ 33     $ 67  

Supplemental disclosure of noncash investing activities from acquisitions:

    

Net assets contributed by BGC Partners’ (see Notes 3, 5 and 14)

   $ 166,965     $ 116,676  

Distributions relating to the BPF acquisition

   $ 2,993     $ —    

Shares received for Nasdaq earnout

     76,969       —    

The accompanying Notes to the Combined Financial Statements are an integral part of these financial statements.

 

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NEWMARK KNIGHT FRANK

Notes to Combined Financial Statements (Unaudited)

September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016

(In thousands, except units)

 

(1) Organization and Basis of Presentation

Newmark Knight Frank (which may be referred to as “Newmark” or “NKF”) is a leading full-service commercial real estate services firm. Newmark offers commercial real estate tenants, owner-occupiers, investors and developers a wide range of services, including leasing and corporate advisory, investment sales and real estate finance, origination of and servicing of commercial mortgage loans, valuation, project and development management and property and facility management.

Newmark was formed through BGC Partners Inc.’s (“BGC Partners” or “BGC”) purchase of Newmark & Company Real Estate, Inc. and certain of its affiliates in 2011. A majority of the voting power of BGC Partners is held by Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P. (which we refer to as “Cantor”).

On July 17, 2017, BGC’s Board of Directors approved the acquisition of Berkeley Point Financial (“BPF”) from a Cantor controlled affiliate, (the “BPF Acquisition”). The transaction closed on September 8, 2017 and has been determined to be a combination of entities under common control resulting in a change in the reporting entity. Accordingly, financial results of NKF have been retrospectively adjusted to include the financial results of BPF in the current and prior periods presented. The BPF Acquisition did not include the special asset servicing group of BPF; however BPF will continue to hold the special asset servicing group’s assets until the special asset servicing group is transferred to Cantor Commercial Real Estate Company, L.P. (“CCRE”) at a later date in a separate transaction. Accordingly, CCRE will continue to bear the benefits and burdens of the special asset servicing group from and after the closing of the BPF Acquisition. Simultaneously with the BPF acquisition, BGC invested $100,000 in a newly created joint venture which is controlled and managed by Cantor. BGC will contribute the investment to Newmark Group, Inc., and subsidiaries pursuant to a separation and distribution agreement. NKF will account for the investment under the equity method of accounting.

BGC’s Board of Directors approved proceeding with a plan to restructure NKF into a separate public entity. Pursuant to a separation and distribution agreement, BGC will transfer substantially all of the assets and liabilities relating to its real estate services segment, including Newmark, BPF, the $100,000 investment in a newly created joint venture and the right to receive the remainder of the Nasdaq payments, to Newmark Group, Inc.

 

  (a) Basis of Presentation

NKF’s combined financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“U.S. GAAP”). The NKF combined financial statements were prepared on a stand-alone basis derived from the financial statements and accounting records of BGC. For the periods presented, NKF was an unincorporated reportable segment of BGC. These combined financial statements reflect the historical results of operations, financial position and cash flows of NKF as it was historically managed and adjusted to conform with U.S. GAAP. These combined financial statements are presented as if NKF had operated on a stand-alone basis for all periods presented. NKF’s combined financial statements include all of the BGC subsidiaries that comprise the real estate segment, all of which are controlled by BGC.

On September 8, 2017, BGC acquired from CCRE, 100% of the equity of BPF. BPF is a leading commercial real estate finance company focused on the origination and sale of multifamily and other commercial real estate loans through government-sponsored and government-funded loan programs, as well as the servicing of commercial real estate loans. This transaction has been determined to be a combination of entities under common control that resulted in a change in the reporting entity.

On June 28, 2013, BGC sold its on-the-run, electronic benchmark U.S. Treasury platform (“eSpeed”) to Nasdaq. The total consideration received in the transaction included an earn-out of up to 14,883,705 shares of

 

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Nasdaq common stock to be paid ratably over 15 years, provided that Nasdaq, as a whole, produces at least $25,000 in consolidated gross revenues each year. The earn-out was excluded from the initial gain on the divestiture and is recognized in income when it is realized and earned, consistent with the accounting guidance for gain contingencies (the “Nasdaq Earn-out”). The remaining rights under the Nasdaq Earn-out were transferred to NKF on September 28, 2017. Any Nasdaq shares that have been received by BGC prior to September 28, 2017 were not transferred to NKF.

The following tables summarize the impact of the transaction to NKF’s combined statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and NKF’s combined balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 (in thousands):

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016  
     As
Previously
Reported
    Retrospective
Adjustments
     As
Retrospectively
Adjusted
 

Income (loss) before income taxes and noncontrolling interests

   $ 34,528       82,283      $ 116,811  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

     32,612       82,216        114,828  

Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (1,120          (1,120
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net income (loss) to BGC

   $ 33,732     $ 82,216      $ 115,948  
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     December 31, 2016  
     As
Previously
Reported
     Retrospective
Adjustments
     As
Retrospectively
Adjusted
 

Total assets

   $ 995,491        1,539,197      $ 2,534,688  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities

     491,510        1,059,395        1,550,905  

Total invested equity

     503,981        479,802        983,783  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 995,491      $ 1,539,197      $ 2,534,688  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Intercompany balances and transactions within NKF have been eliminated. Transactions between Cantor and BGC with NKF pursuant to service agreements between BGC and Cantor (Note 20), represent valid receivables and liabilities of NKF, which are periodically cash settled, have been included in the Combined Financial Statements as either Receivables to or Payables from Related Parties. Additionally, certain other transactions between BGC and NKF are contributions of BGC’s net investment in NKF including acquisitions (Note 3).

NKF receives administrative services to support its operations, and in return, Cantor and BGC allocate certain of their expenses to NKF. Such expenses represent costs related, but not limited to, treasury, legal, accounting, information technology, payroll administration, human resources, incentive compensation plans and other services. These costs, together with an allocation of Cantor and BGC overhead costs, are included as expenses in the combined statements of operations. Where it is possible to specifically attribute such expenses to activities of NKF, these amounts have been expensed directly to NKF. Allocation of all other such expenses is based on a services agreement between BGC and Cantor which reflects the utilization of service provided or benefits received by NKF during the periods presented on a consistent basis, such as headcount, square footage, revenue, etc. Management believes the assumptions underlying the stand-alone financial statements, including the assumptions regarding allocated expenses, reasonably reflect the utilization of services provided to or the benefit received by NKF during the periods presented. However, these shared expenses may not represent the amounts that would have been incurred had NKF operated independently from Cantor and BGC. Actual costs that would have been incurred if NKF had been a stand-alone company would depend on multiple factors, including organizational structure and strategic decisions in various areas, including information technology and infrastructure. For an additional discussion of expense allocations, see Note 20.

 

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BGC uses a centralized approach to cash management. Accordingly, excess cash and cash equivalents are held by BGC at the corporate level and were not attributed to NKF for any of the periods presented. Transfers of cash, both to and from BGC’s centralized cash management system, are reflected as a related party receivable or payable on the combined balance sheet and as part of the change in payments to and borrowings from related parties in the financing section within the accompanying combined statement of cash flows. Debt obligations of BGC have not been included in the combined financial statements of NKF, because NKF is not a party to the obligation between BGC and the debt holders.

The income tax provision in the combined statements of operations and comprehensive income has been calculated as if NKF was operating on a stand-alone basis and filed separate tax returns in the jurisdiction in which it operates. NKF’s operations have historically been included in the BGC U.S. federal and state tax returns. BGC’s global tax model has been developed based on its entire portfolio of businesses. Therefore cash tax payments and items of current and deferred taxes may not be reflective of NKF’s actual tax balances prior to or subsequent to NKF operating as a stand-alone company.

The combined financial statements contain all normal and recurring adjustments that, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of the combined balance sheets, the combined statements of operations, the combined statements of comprehensive income, the combined statements of cash flows and the combined statements of changes in invested equity of NKF for the periods presented.

 

  (b) Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements—Going Concern, which relates to disclosure of uncertainties about an entity’s ability to continue as a going concern. The ASU provides additional guidance on management’s responsibility to evaluate the condition of an entity and the required disclosures based on this assessment. The amendments in this update are effective for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016, and early application is permitted. The adoption of this FASB guidance did not impact NKF’s combined financial statements.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis. The amendment eliminates the deferral of certain consolidation standards for entities considered to be investment companies and modifies the consolidation analysis performed on certain types of legal entities. The guidance was effective beginning January 1, 2016 and early adoption was permitted. The adoption of this FASB guidance did not have a material impact on NKF’s combined financial statements.

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, Interest—Imputation of Interest, which relates to simplifying the presentation of debt issuance costs. This ASU requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized liability be presented in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of that debt liability, consistent with debt discounts. The amendments in this update were effective for the annual period beginning January 1, 2016 for NKF. The adoption of this FASB guidance did not have a material impact on NKF’s combined financial statements.

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. This ASU requires adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period of a business combination to be recognized in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. Acquirers are no longer required to revise comparative information for prior periods as if the accounting for the business combination had been completed as of the acquisition date. The guidance was effective beginning January 1, 2016. The adoption of this FASB guidance did not have a material impact on NKF’s combined financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting , which simplifies several aspects of the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions,

 

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including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification of related amounts within the statement of cash flows. The new standard was effective for NKF beginning January 1, 2017, and early adoption was permitted. The adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on NKF’s combined financial statements.

 

  (c) New Accounting Pronouncements

The FASB has recently issued five ASUs related to revenue recognition (“new revenue recognition guidance”), all of which will become effective for the company on January 1, 2018. The ASUs issued are: (1) in May 2014, ASU 2014-09, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ;” (2) in March 2016, ASU 2016-08, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net) ;” (3) in April 2016, ASU 2016-10, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing ;” (4) in May 2016, ASU 2016-12, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-scope Improvements and Practical Expedients ;” and (5) in December 2016, ASU 2016-20, “ Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue From Contracts with Customers .” ASU 2014-09 requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers and will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. This ASU permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. ASU 2016-08 clarifies the implementation guidance on principal versus agent considerations. ASU 2016-10 clarifies guidance related to identifying performance obligations and licensing implementation guidance contained in ASU 2014-09. ASU 2016-12 clarifies guidance in certain narrow areas and adds some practical expedients. ASU 2016-20 also clarifies guidance in certain narrow areas and adds optional exemptions to certain disclosure requirements.

We plan to adopt the new revenue recognition guidance in the first quarter of 2018 and are evaluating the application of a transition method. We continue to evaluate the impact that adoption of these updates will have on our combined financial statements and related disclosures. Based on our initial assessment, the impact of the application of the new revenue recognition guidance will likely result in an acceleration of some revenues that are based, in part, on future contingent events. For example, some brokerage revenues from leasing commissions in various countries where we operate will get recognized earlier. Under current GAAP, a portion of these commissions are deferred until a future contingency is resolved (e.g. tenant move-in or payment of first month’s rent). Under the new revenue guidance, NKF’s performance obligation may be satisfied at lease signing and therefore the portion of the commission that is contingent on a future event would likely be recognized earlier if deemed not subject to significant reversal. We are currently evaluating the impact of principal versus agent guidance in relation to third-party costs which are billed to clients in association with facilities management services and the impact on our combined financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. This ASU requires entities to measure equity investments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method at fair value and recognize any changes in fair value in net income unless the investments qualify for the new practicability exception. Entities will also have to record changes in instrument-specific credit risk for financial liabilities measured under the fair value option in other comprehensive income. In addition, entities will be required to present enhanced disclosures of financial assets and financial liabilities. The guidance is effective beginning January 1, 2018, with early adoption of certain provisions of the ASU permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on NKF’s combined financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). This ASU requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for all leases with terms of more than 12 months. Recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses will depend on classification as finance or operating lease. The amendments also require certain quantitative and qualitative disclosures. Accounting guidance for lessors is

 

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largely unchanged. The guidance is effective beginning January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on NKF’s combined financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230)—Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which makes changes to how cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows. The new standard will become effective for NKF beginning with the first quarter of 2018 and will require adoption on a retrospective basis. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on NKF’s combined financial statements.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230)—Restricted Cash, which requires that the statement of cash flows explain the change during the period in the total of cash, cash equivalents and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. The new standard will become effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2018 and will require adoption on a retrospective basis. The adoption of this FASB guidance will not have a material impact on NKF’s combined financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment, which eliminates the requirement to determine the fair value of individual assets and liabilities of a reporting unit to measure goodwill impairment. Under the amendments in the new ASU, goodwill impairment testing will be performed by comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount and recognizing an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. The new standard will become effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2020 and will be applied on a prospective basis, and early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this FASB guidance is not expected to have a material impact on NKF’s combined financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805) Clarifying the definition of Business, which clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of providing additional guidance to assist entities with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) or assets or businesses. The new standard will become effective for the company beginning January 1, 2018 and will be applied on a prospective basis. The adoption of this FASB guidance in not expected to have a material impact on NKF’s combined financial statements.

In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities. The guidance intends to better align an entity’s risk management activities and financial reporting for hedging relationships through changes to both the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge results. To meet that objective, the amendments expand and refine hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and align the recognition and presentation of the effects of the hedging instrument and the hedged item in the financial statements. The new standard will become effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted, and will be applied on a prospective basis and modified retrospective basis. Management is currently evaluating the impact of the new guidance on the NKF’s combined financial statements.

 

(2) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates:

The preparation of NKF’s combined financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of the assets and liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities in these combined financial statements. Management believes that the estimates utilized in preparing these combined financial statements are reasonable. Estimates, by their nature, are based on judgment and available information. Actual results could differ materially from the estimates included in NKF’s combined financial statements.

 

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Revenue Recognition:

Commissions:

Commission revenues from real estate transactions are recognized once performance obligations under the commission arrangement are satisfied. Terms and conditions of a commission arrangement may include execution of the lease agreement and satisfaction of future contingencies such as tenant occupancy. In most cases, a portion of the commission is earned upon execution of the lease agreement, with the remaining portion contingent on a future event, typically tenant occupancy; revenue recognition for the remaining portion is deferred until all contingencies are satisfied.

Commission revenues from sales brokerage transactions are recognized at the time the service has been provided and the commission becomes legally due, except when future contingencies exist. In most cases, close of escrow or transfer of title is a future contingency, and revenue recognition is deferred until all contingencies are satisfied.

Gains from mortgage banking activities, net:

Gains from mortgage banking activities, net are recognized when a derivative asset or liability is recorded upon the commitment to originate a loan with a borrower and sell the loan to an investor. The derivative is recorded at fair value and includes loan origination fees, sales premiums and the estimated fair value of the expected net servicing cash flows. Gains from mortgage banking activities, net are recognized net of related fees and commissions to affiliates or third-party brokers. For loans NKF brokers, gains from mortgage banking activities are recognized when the loan is closed.

Management services, servicing fees and other:

Management services revenues include property management, facilities management and project management. Management fees are recognized at the time the related services have been performed, unless future contingencies exist. In addition, in regard to management and facility service contracts, the owner of the property will typically reimburse NKF for certain expenses that are incurred on behalf of the owner, which are comprised primarily of on-site employee salaries and related benefit costs. The amounts which are to be reimbursed per the terms of the services contract are recognized as revenue in the same period as the related expenses are incurred. In certain instances, NKF subcontracts property management services to independent property managers, in which case NKF passes a portion of its property management fee on to the subcontractor, and NKF retains the balance. Accordingly, NKF records these fees gross of the amounts paid to subcontractors and the amounts paid to subcontractors are recognized as expenses in the same period.

Servicing fees are earned for servicing mortgage loans and are recognized on an accrual basis over the lives of the related mortgage loans. Also included in servicing fees are the fees earned on prepayments, interest and placement fees on borrowers’ escrow accounts and other ancillary fees.

Fees to Related Parties:

NKF is allocated fees from Cantor and BGC for back-office services provided by Cantor and its affiliates, including occupancy of office space, utilization of fixed assets, accounting, operations, human resources and legal services and information technology. Fees are expensed as they are incurred.

Other Income, Net:

Other income, net is comprised of gains or losses recorded in connection with the reduction of a future cash earnout of an entity acquired, the reacquisition of an earnout included in marketable securities (see Note 4), NKF’s pro-rata share for equity method investments which NKF has significant influence but it does not control (see Note 5), and realized losses on the accretion of contingent consideration (see Note 19).

 

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Marketable Securities:

Marketable securities are comprised of securities held for investment purposes and are accounted for in accordance with FASB guidance, Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities. Marketable securities are classified as trading securities and accordingly are measured at fair value with any changes in fair value recognized currently in earnings and included in “other income, net” in NKF’s combined statements of operations.

Investments:

NKF’s investments in which it has a significant influence but not a controlling interest and of which it is not the primary beneficiary are accounted for under the equity method. NKF’s combined financial statements include the accounts of the NKF and its wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries. NKF’s policy is to combine all entities of which it owns more than 50% unless it does not have control over the entity. In accordance with FASB guidance, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, NKF also combines any variable interest entities (“VIEs”) of which it is the primary beneficiary.

Segments:

NKF has a single operating segment. NKF is a real estate services firm offering services to commercial real estate tenants, owner occupiers, investors and developers, leasing and corporate advisory, investment sales and real estate finance, consulting, origination of and servicing of commercial mortgage loans, valuation, project and development management and property and facility management. The chief operating decision maker regardless of geographic location evaluates the operating results of NKF as total real estate and allocates resources accordingly. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, NKF recognized revenues as follows (in thousands):

 

     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
             2017                      2016          

Leasing and other commissions

   $ 430,859      $ 369,291  

Capital market commissions

     270,865        234,780  

Gains from mortgage banking activities, net

     164,263        139,009  

Management services, servicing fees and other

     269,887        219,317  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Revenues

   $ 1,135,874      $ 962,397  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Fair Value:

The FASB issued guidance that defines fair value as the price received to transfer an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date and further expands disclosures about such fair value measurements.

The guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

 

    Level 1 measurements—Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

 

    Level 2 measurements—Quoted prices in markets that are not active or financial instruments for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.

 

    Level 3 measurements—Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.

 

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A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of any input that is significant to the fair value measurement.

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

NKF considers all highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less at the date of acquisition to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents are held with banks as deposits.

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents:

Restricted cash represents cash set aside for amounts pledged for the benefit of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to secure NKF’s financial guarantee liability.

Loans Held for Sale (LHFS):

NKF maintains multifamily and commercial mortgage loans for the purpose of sale to government sponsored enterprises (“GSEs”). Prior to funding NKF enters into an agreement to sell the loans to third-party investors at a fixed price. NKF has elected the fair value option to carry LHFS at fair market value. During the period prior to sale, interest income is calculated and recognized in accordance with the terms of the individual loan.

Derivative Financial Instruments:

NKF has loan commitments to extend credit to third parties. The commitments to extend credit are for mortgage loans at a specific rate (rate lock commitments). These commitments generally have fixed expiration dates or other termination clauses and may require a fee. NKF is committed to extend credit to the counterparty as long as there is no violation of any condition established in the commitment contracts.

NKF simultaneously enters into an agreement to deliver such mortgages to third-party investors at a fixed price (forward sale contracts).

Both the commitment to extend credit and the forward sale commitment qualify as derivative financial instruments. NKF recognizes all derivatives on the combined balance sheet as assets or liabilities measured at fair value. The change in the derivatives fair value is recognized in current period earnings.

Mortgage Servicing Rights, net (MSR):

NKF initially recognizes and measures the rights to service mortgage loans at fair value and subsequently measures them using the amortization method. NKF recognizes rights to service mortgage loans as separate assets at the time the underlying originated mortgage loan is sold and the value of those rights is included in the determination of the gain on loans held for sale.

Purchased MSRs, including MSRs purchased from CCRE, are initially recorded at fair value, and subsequently measured using the amortization method.

NKF receives up to a 3 basis point servicing fee and/or up to a 1 basis point surveillance fee on certain Freddie Mac loans after the loan is securitized in a Freddie Mac pool (Freddie Mac Strip). The Freddie Mac Strip is also recognized at fair value and subsequently measured using the amortization method, but is recognized as a MSR at the securitization date.

MSRs are assessed for impairment, at least on an annual basis, based upon the fair value of those rights as compared to the amortized cost. Fair values are estimated using a valuation model that calculates the present

 

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value of the future net servicing cash flows. In using this valuation method, NKF incorporates assumptions that management believes market participants would use in estimating future net servicing income. It is reasonably possible, such estimates may change. NKF amortizes the mortgage servicing rights in proportion to and over the period of, the projected net servicing income. For purposes of impairment evaluation and measurement, NKF stratifies MSRs based on predominant risk characteristics of the underlying loans, primarily by investor type (Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac, FHA/GNMA, CMBS and other). To the extent that the carrying value exceeds fair value of a specific MSR strata a valuation allowance is established, which is adjusted in the future as the fair value of MSRs increases or decreases. Reversals of valuation allowances cannot exceed the amortized cost.

Receivables, Net:

NKF has accrued commission’s receivable from real estate brokerage transactions and management services and servicing fee receivables from contractual management assignments. Receivables are presented net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $11,763 and $11,371 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. The allowance is based on management’s estimate and is reviewed periodically based on the facts and circumstances of each outstanding receivable.

Fixed Assets, Net:

Fixed assets are carried at cost net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is calculated on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The costs of additions and improvements are capitalized, while maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Fixed assets are depreciated over their estimated useful lives as follows:

 

Leasehold improvements and other fixed assets

   shorter of the remaining term of lease or useful life

Software, including software development costs

   3-5 years straight-line

Computer and communications equipment

   3-5 years straight line

Long-Lived Assets:

NKF periodically evaluates potential impairment of long-lived assets and amortizable intangibles, when a change in circumstances occurs, by applying the concepts of FASB guidance, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, and assessing whether the unamortized carrying amount can be recovered over the remaining life through undiscounted future expected cash flows generated by the underlying assets. If the undiscounted future cash flows were less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment charge would be recorded. The impairment charge would be measured as the excess of the carrying value of the asset over the present value of estimated expected future cash flows using a discount rate commensurate with the risks involved.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net:

Goodwill is the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of identifiable net assets acquired in a business combination. As prescribed in FASB guidance, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other, goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are not amortized, but instead are periodically tested for impairment. NKF reviews goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year or whenever an event occurs or circumstances change that could reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. When reviewing goodwill for impairment, NKF first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. NKF performed impairment evaluations for the year ended December 31, 2016 and concluded that there was no impairment of its goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets.

Intangible assets with definite lives are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives. Definite-lived intangible assets arising from business combinations include trademark and trade name, contractual and non-contractual customers, non-compete agreements and brokerage backlog.

 

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Financial Guarantee Liability

NKF recognizes a liability in connection with the guarantee provided to Fannie Mae under the Delegated Underwriting and Servicing Program (DUS) and Freddie Mac under the Targeted Affordable Housing Program (TAH). The financial guarantee liability requires NKF to make payments to the guaranteed party based on the borrower’s failure to meet its obligations. The liability is adjusted through provisions charged or reversed through operations.

Transfer of Financial Assets:

NKF distributes its commercial mortgage loans primarily through the GSEs’ distribution channel which generally involves (a) Freddie Mac purchasing the Company’s loan for cash, (b) Fannie Mae securitizing NKF’s loan into a mortgage-backed security (“MBS”) guaranteed by Fannie Mae and NKF the MBS to a third party for cash, or (c) FHA guaranteeing the credit risk of the NKF’s loan, NKF issuing a Ginnie Mae MBS collateralized by the loan, and NKF selling the MBS for cash. As part of its distribution activities, NKF accounts for the transfer of financial assets in accordance with U.S. GAAP guidance for Transfer and Servicing . In accordance with this guidance, the transfer of financial assets between two entities must meet the following criteria for derecognition and sale accounting:

 

    The transfer must involve a financial asset, group of financial assets or a participating interest;

 

    The financial assets must be isolated from the transferor and its consolidated affiliates as well as its creditors;

 

    The transferee or beneficial interest holders must have the right to pledge or exchange the transferred financial assets; and

 

    The transferor may not maintain effective control of the transferred assets.

NKF determined that all loans sold during the periods presented met these specific conditions and accounted for all transfers of loans held for sale as completed sales.

Warehouse Notes Payable:

Warehouse notes payable are borrowings under warehouse line agreements. The carrying amounts approximate fair value due to this short-term maturity of these instruments. Outstanding borrowings against these lines are collateralized by an assignment of the underlying mortgages and third party purchase commitments. The borrowing rates on the warehouse lines are based on short-term LIBOR plus applicable margins. Accordingly, warehouse notes payable are typically classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

Income Taxes

NKF accounts for income taxes using the asset and liability method as prescribed in FASB guidance on Accounting for Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to basis differences between the combined financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Certain of NKF’s entities are taxed as U.S. partnerships and are subject to the Unincorporated Business Tax (“UBT”) in New York City. Therefore, the tax liability or benefit related to the partnership income or loss except for UBT rests with the partners, rather than the partnership entity. As such, the partners’ tax liability or benefit is not reflected in NKF’s combined financial statements. The tax-related assets, liabilities, provisions or benefits included in NKF’s combined financial statements also reflect the results of the entities that are taxed as corporations, either in the U.S. or in foreign jurisdictions.

NKF income taxes as presented are calculated on a separate return basis, although NKF’s operations have historically been included in BGC’s U.S. federal and state tax returns or non-U.S. jurisdictions tax returns. As

 

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NKF operations in many jurisdictions are unincorporated commercial units of BGC and its subsidiaries, stand-alone tax returns have not been filed for the operations in these jurisdictions. Accordingly, NKF’s tax results as presented are not necessarily reflective of the results that NKF would have generated on a stand-alone basis.

NKF provides for uncertain tax positions based upon management’s assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. NKF recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters in “operating, administrative and other” in NKF’s combined statements of operations.

A valuation allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets if it is deemed more likely than not that those assets will not be realized. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider all available evidence, including past operating results, the existence of cumulative losses in the most recent fiscal years, estimates of future taxable income and the feasibility of tax planning strategies.

The measurement of current and deferred income tax assets and liabilities is based on provisions of enacted tax laws and involves uncertainties in the application of tax regulations in the U.S. and other tax jurisdictions. Because our interpretation of complex tax law may impact the measurement of current and deferred income taxes, actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions regarding the application of tax law.

Equity-Based and Other Compensation:

NKF accounts for equity-based compensation under the fair value recognition provisions of the FASB guidance. Equity-based compensation expense recognized during the period is based on the value of the portion of equity-based payment awards that is ultimately expected to vest. The grant-date fair value of equity-based awards is amortized to expense ratably over the awards’ vesting periods. As equity-based compensation expense recognized in NKF’s combined statements of operations is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reviewed for estimated forfeitures. Further, FASB guidance requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

Restricted Stock Units:

Restricted stock units (“RSUs”) are provided by BGC to certain employees of NKF and are accounted for by NKF as equity awards, and as per FASB guidance, NKF is required to record an expense for the portion of the RSUs that is ultimately expected to vest. The grant-date fair value of RSUs is amortized to expense ratably over the awards’ vesting periods. The amortization is reported in “compensation and employee benefits” in NKF’s combined statements of operations.

Limited Partnership Units:

NKF participates in BGC’s Global Compensation plan by which certain employees receive limited partnership units in BGC Holdings. Generally such units receive quarterly allocations of net income, which are cash distributed on a quarterly basis and generally contingent upon services being provided by the unit holders. The quarterly allocations of net income on such limited partnership units are reflected as “allocations of net income and grant of exchangeability to limited partnership units” in NKF’s combined statements of operations.

Certain of these limited partnership units entitle the holders to receive post-termination payments equal to the notional amount in four equal yearly installments after the holder’s termination. These limited partnership units are accounted for as post-termination liability awards, which require that NKF record an expense for such awards based on the change in value at each reporting period and include the expense in NKF’s combined statements of operations as part of “compensation and employee benefits.” The liability for limited partnership units with a post-termination payout amount is included in “accrued compensation” on NKF’s combined balance sheet.

 

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Certain limited partnership units are granted exchangeability into BGC Class A common stock on a one-for-one basis (subject to adjustment). At the time exchangeability is granted, NKF recognizes an expense based on the fair value of the award on that date, which is included in “Allocations of net income and grant of exchangeability to limited partnership units” in NKF’s combined statements of operations.

BGC has also awarded Preferred Units to employees of NKF. Each quarter, the net profits of BGC Holdings are allocated to such units at a rate of either 0.6875% (which is 2.75% per calendar year) or such other amount as set forth in the award documentation (the “Preferred Distribution”), which is deducted before the calculation and distribution of the quarterly partnership distribution for the remaining partnership units. The Preferred Units are not entitled to participate in partnership distributions other than with respect to the Preferred Distribution. Preferred Units may not be made exchangeable into BGC’s Class A common stock and are only entitled to the Preferred Distribution. The quarterly allocations of net income on Preferred Units are reflected in “allocation of net income and grant of exchangeability to limited partnership units” in NKF’s combined statements of operations.

Loans, Forgivable Loans and Other Receivables from Employees and Partners:

NKF has entered into various agreements with certain of its employees and partners whereby these individuals receive loans which may be either wholly or in part repaid from the distribution earnings that the individual receives on some or all of their limited partnership units or may be forgiven over a period of time. The forgivable portion of these loans is recognized as compensation expense over the life of the loan. From time to time, NKF may also enter into agreements with employees and partners to grant bonus and salary advances or other types of loans. These advances and loans are repayable in the timeframes outlined in the underlying agreements. Management reviews the loan balances each reporting period for collectability. If a portion of the loan balances is not expected to be collectable, a reserve against the loan balance is recognized.

Noncontrolling Interest in Subsidiaries:

Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries represents third-party and Cantor’s ownership interests in NKF’s combined subsidiaries.

 

(3) Acquisitions

On January 13, 2017, NKF acquired a San Francisco based advisory, Regency Capital Partners (“Regency”). Regency specializes in structured debt and equity for large office and multi-family developments.

On July 26, 2017, NKF acquired an approximately 50% controlling interest in a joint venture. Cantor owns a noncontrolling interest of 25% of the company, which is headquartered in New York, NY and specializes in commercial real estate due diligence.

On September 8, 2017, BGC acquired from CCRE 100% of the equity of BPF. This transaction has been determined to be a combination of entities under common control that resulted in a change in the reporting entity.

In September 2017, NKF completed the acquisition of six former Integra Realty Resources offices (Washington DC, Baltimore, Wilmington DE, New York/New Jersey, Philadelphia and Atlanta offices). These firms specialize in valuation services and the acquisition provides greater geographic coverage.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the following tables summarize the components of the purchase consideration transferred, and the preliminary allocation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, for all other acquisitions based on the fair values of the acquisition date. NKF expects to finalize its analysis of

 

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the assets acquired and liabilities assumed within the first year of the acquisition, and therefore adjustments to assets and liabilities may occur.

 

     As of the
Acquisition
Date
 

Assets

  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 3,903  

Goodwill

     64,110  

Intangibles assets, net

     3,861  

Other assets

     9,222  
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     81,096  
  

 

 

 

Current liabilities

  

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities

     7,885  

Deferred consideration

     1,262  
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     9,147  
  

 

 

 

Non-controlling interest

     19,001  
  

 

 

 

Net assets acquired

   $ 52,948  
  

 

 

 

The total consideration for acquisitions during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, was approximately $54,210 in total fair value, comprised of cash, and BGC Holdings limited partnership units. The total consideration included contingent consideration of approximately 477,169 units of BGC’s Holding partnership units (with an acquisition date fair value of approximately $5,047) and $1,262 in cash that may be issued contingent on certain targets being met through 2020. The excess of the consideration over the fair value of the net assets acquired has been recorded as goodwill of approximately $64,110, of which $6,301 is deductible by NKF for tax purposes.

These acquisitions are accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The results of operations of these acquisitions have been included in NKF’s combined financial statements subsequent to their respective dates of acquisition, which in aggregate contributed $4,788 to our revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

On February 26, 2016, NKF completed the acquisition of Rudesill-Pera Multifamily, LLC (“Memphis Multifamily”). Memphis Multifamily is a multifamily brokerage firm operating in Memphis and the Mid-South Region.

On June 17, 2016, NKF completed the acquisition of The CRE Group, Inc. (“CRE Group”). CRE Group is a real estate services provider focused on the project management, construction management and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (“LEED”) consulting.

On September 13, 2016, NKF acquired several management agreement contracts from John Buck Company, LLC and Buck Management Group, LLC.

On September 30, 2016, NKF completed the acquisition of Continental Realty, Ltd. (“Continental Realty”), a Columbus, Ohio-based company. Continental Realty specializes in commercial realty brokerage and property management throughout Ohio.

On October 18, 2016, the Company announced that it had completed the acquisition of Newmark Grubb Mexico City. Newmark Grubb Mexico City is a tenant advisory firm in the Mexico City area.

 

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On December 14, 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of Walchle Lear Multifamily Advisors (“Walchle Lear”). Walchle Lear is a Jacksonville, Florida based multifamily company specializing in investment sales.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, the following tables summarize the components of the purchase consideration transferred, and the preliminary allocation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, for all other acquisitions based on the fair values of the acquisition date. NKF expects to finalize its analysis of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed within the first year of the acquisition, and therefore adjustments to assets and liabilities may occur.

 

     As of the
Acquisition
Date
 

Assets

  

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 851  

Receivables, net

     922  

Goodwill

     19,818  

Intangibles assets, net

     7,265  

Other assets

     452  
  

 

 

 

Total Assets

     29,308  
  

 

 

 

Current liabilities

  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     1,981  

Deferred consideration

     5,723  

Accrued compensation

     703  
  

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

     8,407  
  

 

 

 

Net assets acquired

   $ 20,901  
  

 

 

 

Goodwill includes the in-place workforce, which allows the Company to continue serving its existing client base, begin marketing to potential clients and avoid significant costs reproducing the workforce

The total consideration for acquisitions during the year ended December 31, 2016 was approximately $26,624 in total fair value, comprised of cash, shares of BGC’s common stock and BGC Holdings limited partnership units. The total consideration included contingent consideration of approximately 166,894 restricted shares of BGC’s Class A common stock (with an acquisition date fair value of approximately $1,545), 285,354 BGC Holdings limited partnership units (with an acquisition date fair value of approximately $2,590) and $5,621 in cash that may be issued contingent on certain targets being met through 2021. The excess of the consideration over the fair value of the net assets acquired has been recorded as goodwill of approximately $19,818, of which $995 is deductible by NKF for tax purposes.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, an agreement with the sellers of a prior acquisition was entered into, whereby certain consideration was reduced, which resulted in the return to BGC of 1,600,000 partnership units (with an acquisition date fair value of $14,900), the reduction of future cash earn-outs of $17,300 and a repayment to NKF of $1,000 in cash. As a result, NKF recognized $18,300 (comprised of $17,300 earn-out reduction and $1,000 cash received) in “Other income (loss)” in NKF’s combined statements of operations.

These acquisitions are accounted for using the purchase method of accounting. The results of operations of these acquisitions have been included in NKF’s combined financial statements subsequent to their respective dates of acquisition, which in aggregate contributed $8,443 to our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Consideration for all acquisitions was paid or issued by BGC. BGC then subsequently contributed the net assets (inclusive of goodwill and intangible assets) of the acquired companies to NKF. This is reflected as a Contribution in the Combined Statement of Changes in Invested Equity.

 

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The results of operations of NKF’s acquisitions have been included in NKF’s combined financial statements subsequent to their respective dates of acquisition. NKF has made a preliminary allocation of the consideration to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed, as of the acquisition date, and expects to finalize its analysis with respect to acquisitions within the first year after the completion of the transaction. Therefore, adjustments to preliminary allocations may occur.

 

(4) Marketable Securities

In connection with BGC’s sale of eSpeed to Nasdaq, on June 28, 2013, NKF will receive a remaining earn-out of up to 10,914,717 shares of Nasdaq common stock ratably over the next approximately 11 years, provided that Nasdaq, as a whole, produces at least $25,000 in gross revenues each year. These remaining rights under the Nasdaq Earn-out were transferred to Newmark on September 28, 2017. For the nine month period ending September 30, 2017, in connection with the earn-out, NKF recognized a gain of $76,969 in “other income, net” in NKF’s combined statements of operations and $76,969 was included in “marketable securities” on NKF’s combined balance sheets.

 

(5) Cost and Equity Method Investments

NKF has an investment in Real Estate LP a joint venture with Cantor in which NKF has a less-than-majority ownership and has the ability to exert significant influence over the operating and financial policies. Accordingly, NKF accounts for this investment under the equity method of accounting. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, NKF recognized $945 of equity income included in “other income, net” in the combined statement of operations. As of September 30, 2017, NKF had $100,945 in equity method investments included in “other assets” on the combined balance sheets.

NKF acquired investments for which it does not have the ability to exert significant influence over operating and financial policies. The investments are generally accounted for using the cost method of accounting in accordance with FASB guidance, Investments—Other . As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the carrying value of the cost method investments were $2,896 and $2,896, respectively. These investments are included in other assets in the combined balance sheets.

 

(6) Capital and Liquidity Requirements

NKF is subject to various capital requirements in connection with seller/servicer agreements that NKF has entered into with the various GSEs. Failure to maintain minimum capital requirements could result in NKF’s inability to originate and service loans for the respective GSEs and could have a direct material effect on the Company’s combined financial statements. Management believes that as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 that NKF has met all capital requirements. As of September 30, 2017 the most restrictive capital requirement was Fannie Mae’s net worth requirement. NKF exceeded the minimum requirement by $368,000.

Certain of NKF’s agreements with Fannie Mae allow NKF to originate and service loans under Fannie Mae’s DUS Program. These agreements require NKF to maintain sufficient collateral to meet Fannie Mae’s restricted and operational liquidity requirements based on a pre-established formula. Certain of NKF’s agreements with Freddie Mac allow NKF to service loans under Freddie Mac’s TAH Program. These agreements require NKF to pledge sufficient collateral to meet Freddie Mac’s liquidity requirement of 8% of the outstanding principal of TAH loans serviced by NKF. Management believes that as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 that NKF has met all liquidity requirements.

In addition, as a servicer for Fannie Mae, GNMA and FHA, NKF is required to advance to investors any uncollected principal and interest due from borrowers. At December 31, 2016 outstanding borrower advances were approximately $106 and are included in other assets in the accompanying combined balance sheets. There were no outstanding advances at September 30, 2017.

 

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(7) Loans Held for Sale (LHFS)

ASC 825, Financial Instruments, provides entities with an option to measure financial instruments at fair value. NKF initially and subsequently measures all loans held for sale at fair value on the accompanying combined balance sheet. The fair value measurement falls within the definition of a Level 2 measurement (significant other observable inputs) within the fair value hierarchy. Loans held for sale represent originated loans that are typically sold within 30-45 days from the date of the mortgage loan is funded. Electing to use fair value allows a better offset of the change in the fair value of the loan and the change in fair value of the derivative instruments used as economic hedges. During the period prior to its sale, interest income on a loan held for sale is calculated in accordance with the terms of the individual loan and is recorded in management services, servicing fees and other in the combined statements of operations. Loans held for sale had a cost basis and fair value as follows (in thousands):

 

     Cost Basis      Fair Value  

September 30, 2017

     659,825        660,332  

December 31, 2016

     1,074,429        1,071,836  

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 there were no loans held for sale that were 90 days or more past due or in nonaccrual status.

 

(8) Derivatives

NKF accounts for its derivatives at fair value, and recognized all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in its combined balance sheets. In its normal course of business, NKF enters into commitments to extend credit for mortgage loans at a specific rate (rate lock commitments) and commitments to deliver these loans to third-party investors at a fixed price (forward sale contracts). These transactions are accounted for as derivatives.

The fair value and notional balances of NKF’s derivatives for rate lock commitments and forward sale contracts can be found in Note 19.

The fair value of NKFs derivatives for rate lock commitments and forward sale contracts are as follows (in thousands) and are included in gains from mortgage banking activities, net in the accompanying combined statements of operations.

 

   

Location of gain (loss) recognized

from derivatives

  For the nine months ended,  
      September 30,
2017
    September 30,
2016
 

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

     

Rate lock commitments

  Gains from mortgage banking activities, net   $ 5,614       2,617  

Rate lock commitments

  Compensation and employee benefits, net     (1,799     (801

Forward sales contract

  Gains from mortgage banking activities, net     6,255       3,366  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 
    $ 10,070     $ 5,182  
   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Derivative assets and derivative liabilities are included in other current assets and current portion of accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities, respectively.

 

(9) Credit Enhancement Receivable, Contingent Liability and Credit Enhancement Deposit

NKF is a party to a Credit Enhancement Agreement (CEA) dated March 9, 2012, with German American Capital Corporation and Deutsche Bank Americas Holding Corporation (together, DB Entities). On October 20, 2016, the CEA was assigned to Deutsche Bank AG Cayman Island Branch, a Cayman Island Branch of Deutsche Bank AG (DB Cayman). Under the terms of these agreements, DB Cayman provides NKF with varying levels of

 

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ongoing credit protection, subject to certain limits, for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans subject to loss sharing (see Note 16) in NKF’s servicing portfolio as of March 9, 2012. DB Cayman will also reimburse NKF for any losses incurred due to violation of underwriting and serving agreements that occurred prior to March 9, 2012. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 there were no reimbursements under this agreement.

Credit enhancement receivable

At September 30, 2017, NKF had $18,294,000 of credit risk loans in its servicing portfolio with a maximum pre-credit enhancement loss exposure of $5,167,000. NKF had a form of credit protection from DB Cayman on $4,395,000 of credit risk loans with a maximum loss exposure coverage of $1,272,000. The amount of the maximum loss exposure without any form of credit protection from DB Cayman is $3,895,000.

At December 31, 2016, NKF had $16,853,000 of credit risk loans in its servicing portfolio with a maximum pre-credit enhancement loss exposure of $4,749,000. NKF had a form of credit protection from the DB Entities on $5,451,000 of credit risk loans with a maximum loss exposure coverage of $1,572,0000. The amount of the maximum loss exposure without any form of credit protection from DB Cayman is $3,176,000.

Credit enhancement receivables as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were $11 and $156, respectively are included in other assets in the combined balance sheets.

Credit enhancement deposit

The CEA required the DB Entities to deposit $25,000 into NKF’s Fannie Mae restricted liquidity account (see Note 6), which NKF is required to return to DB Cayman, less any outstanding claims, on March 9, 2021. The $25,000 deposit is included in restricted cash and the offsetting liability in other long term liabilities in the combined balance sheets.

Contingent liability

Under the CEA, NKF is required to pay DB Cayman on March 9, 2021, an amount equal to 50% of the positive difference, if any, between (a) $25,000, and (b) NKF’s unreimbursed loss sharing payments from March 9, 2012 through March 9, 2021 on NKF’s servicing portfolio as of March 9, 2012.

Contingent liabilities as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were $10,691 and $10,390, respectively and are included in other long term liabilities in the combined balance sheets.

 

(10) Gains from mortgage banking activities, net

Gains from mortgage banking activities, net consists of the following activity (in thousands):

 

     For the Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
           2017                  2016        

Loan origination related fees and sales premiums, net

   $ 66,673      $ 48,122  

Fair value of expected net future cash flows from servicing recognized at commitment, net

     97,590        90,887  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Gains from mortgage banking activities, net

   $ 164,263      $ 139,009  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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(11) Mortgage Servicing Rights, net (MSR)

A summary of the activity in mortgage servicing rights by class for the Company is as follows (in thousands):

 

     Nine months ended
September 30,
 
           2017                  2016        

Mortgage Servicing Rights

     

Beginning Balance

   $ 347,558      $ 271,849  

Additions

     98,814        92,555  

Purchases from an affiliate

     577        2,379  

Purchases from third parties

     —          3,465  

Amortization

     (54,675      (42,761
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending Balance

   $ 392,274      $ 327,487  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Valuation Allowance

     

Beginning Balance

   $ (7,742    $ (7,936

Decrease (Increase)

     1,603        (5,622
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Ending Balance

   $ (6,139    $ (13,558
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Net Balance

   $ 386,135      $ 313,929  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

On July 21, 2016, NKF purchased the mortgage servicing rights to a portfolio of FHA/GNMA construction loans from an unaffiliated third party for $3,800.

Servicing fees are included in management services, servicing fees and other in NKF’s combined statements of operations.

 

     For the nine months ended
September 30,
 
             2017                      2016          

Servicing fees

   $ 70,505      $ 56,617  

Escrow interest and placement fees

     6,315        2,584  

Ancillary fees

     3,909        2,998  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total servicing fees

   $ 80,729      $ 62,199  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

These fees are included in management services, servicing fees and other in the combined statements of operations.

NKF’s primary servicing portfolio at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was approximately $53,436,000 and $50,605,000, respectively. NKF’s special servicing portfolio at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was $4,938,000 and $5,089,000, respectively.

The estimated fair value of the MSRs at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was $403,500 and $344,900, respectively.

Fair values are estimated using a valuation model that calculates the present value of the future net servicing cash flows. The cash flows assumptions used are based on assumptions NKF believes market participants would use to value the portfolio. Significant assumptions include estimates of the cost of servicing per loan, discount rate, earnings rate on escrow deposits and prepayment speeds. An increase in discount rate of 100 bps or 200 bps would result in a decrease in fair value by $11,500 and $22,400, respectively, at September 30, 2017 and by $9,900 and $19,300, respectively, at December 31, 2016.

 

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(12) Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net of Accumulated Amortization

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and the year ended December 31, 2016 were as follows:

 

Balance at December 31, 2015

   $ 393,028  

Acquisitions

     17,086  

Measurement period adjustments

     2,732  
  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2016

     412,846  

Acquisitions

     63,329  

Measurement period adjustments

     781  
  

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2017

     476,956  
  

 

 

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, NKF recognized additional goodwill and measurement period adjustments of approximately $63,329 and $781, respectively. See Note 3—“Acquisitions” for more information.

Goodwill is not amortized and is reviewed annually for impairment or more frequently if impairment indicators arise, in accordance with FASB guidance on Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. NKF completed its annual goodwill impairment testing during the fourth quarter of 2016, which did not result in any goodwill impairment.

Other intangible assets consisted of the following (in thousands, except weighted average life):

 

     September 30, 2017  
     Gross
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
     Net
Carrying
Amount
     Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Life (Years)
 

Indefinite life:

           

Trademark and trade names

   $ 4,400      $ —        $ 4,400        N/A  

License agreements (GSE)

     5,390        —          5,390        N/A  

Finite life:

           

Trademark and trade names

     7,582        (5,708      1,874        0.1  

Non-contractual customers

     8,089        (1,341      6,748        2.2  

License agreements

     4,981        (1,048      3,933        1.1  

Contractual customers

     1,452        (540      912        0.2  

Non-compete agreements

     1,122        (410      712        0.2  

Below market leases

     15        (14      1        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 33,031      $ (9,061    $ 23,970        3.8  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

     December 31, 2016  
     Gross
Amount
     Accumulated
Amortization
    Net
Carrying
Amount
     Weighted-
Average
Remaining
Life (Years)
 

Indefinite life:

          

Trademark and trade names

   $ 10,735      $ —       $ 10,735        N/A  

License agreements (GSE)

     5,390        —         5,390        N/A  

Finite life:

          

Trademark and trade names

     6,460        (4,228     2,232        0.2  

Non-contractual customers

     5,648        (878     4,770        2.7  

License agreements

     4,981        (298     4,683        1.6  

Contractual customers

     1,452        (354     1,098        0.3  

Brokerage backlog

     1,101        (245     856        0.1  

Non-compete agreements

     828        (282     546        0.2  

Below market leases

     15        (13     2        —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 36,610      $ (6,298   $ 30,312        5.1  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Intangible amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $10,204 and $2,759, respectively. Intangible amortization is included as a part of “depreciation and amortization” in NKF’s combined statement of operations. Included in intangible amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is an impairment charge of $6,355 related to the impairment of the Grubb tradename.

The estimated future amortization of definite life intangible assets as of September 30, 2017 was as follows:

 

2017

   $ 991  

2018

     3,205  

2019

     3,026  

2020

     2,694  

2021

     1,942  

2022 and thereafter

     2,322  
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 14,180  
  

 

 

 

 

(13) Fixed Assets, Net

Fixed assets, net consisted of the following:

 

     September 30,
2017
     December 31,
2016
 

Leasehold improvements and other fixed assets

   $ 74,068      $ 63,194  

Software, including software development costs

     15,490        13,971  

Computer and communications equipment

     15,701        13,291  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     105,259        90,456  

Accumulated depreciation and amortization

     (42,440      (34,006
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 62,819      $ 56,450  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Depreciation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $8,776 and $7,326. Depreciation expense is included as a part of “depreciation and amortization” in NKF’s combined statements of operations.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, $750 and $199 of software development costs were capitalized, respectively. Amortization of software development costs totaled $306 and $733 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Amortization of software development costs is included as part of “operating, administrative and other” in NKF’s combined statement of operations.

 

(14) Other Assets

Other current assets consisted of the following:

 

     September 30,
2017
     December 31,
2016
 

Derivative assets

   $ 11,100      $ 19,924  

Prepaid expenses

     11,434        10,728  

Rent and other deposits

     1,703        2,585  

Other

     13        132  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 24,250      $ 33,369  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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Non-current assets consisted of the following:

 

     September 30,
2017
     December 31,
2016
 

Equity method investment

   $ 100,945      $ —    

Deferred tax assets (a)

     36,077        23,074  

Cost method investments

     2,896        2,896  

Other

     2,283        2,390  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 142,201      $ 28,360  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(a) Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to basis differences between the carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Accordingly, a deferred tax asset of $14,499 has been contributed to NKF for the period ended September 30, 2017 for the basis difference between BPF’s net assets and its tax basis.

 

(15) Warehouse Notes Payable

NKF uses its warehouse lines and repurchase agreements to fund mortgage loans originated under its various lending programs. Outstanding borrowings against these lines are collateralized by an assignment of the underlying mortgages and third-party purchase commitments.

As of September 30, 2017, NKF had the following lines available and borrowings outstanding (in thousands):

 

    Committed
Lines
    Uncommitted
Lines
    Balance at
September 30,
2017
    Stated Spread
to One Month
LIBOR
    Rate Type  

Warehouse line due June 20, 2018 (1)

  $ 450,000     $ —       $ 241,764       135 bps       Variable  

Warehouse line due September 25, 2018

    200,000       —         119,779       130 bps       Variable  

Warehouse line due October 12, 2017 (2)

    300,000       —         274,789       135 bps       Variable  

Fannie Mae repurchase agreement, open maturity

    —         325,000       23,400       120 bps       Variable  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     
  $ 950,000     $ 325,000     $ 659,732      
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

(1) —On October 18, 2017, the stated spread to One Month LIBOR was reduced to 130 bps.
(2) —On October 11,2017, the maturity date was extended until October 11, 2018 and the stated spread to One Month LIBOR was reduced to 130 bps.

As of December 31, 2016, NKF had the following lines available and borrowings outstanding (in thousands):

 

    Committed
Lines
   
Uncommitted
Lines
    Balance at
December 31,
2016
    Stated Spread
to One Month
LIBOR
    Rate Type  

Warehouse line due April 21, 2017

  $ 450,000     $ —     $ 43,356       135 bps       Variable  

Warehouse line due September 25, 2017

    200,000       —       34,628       135 bps       Variable  

Warehouse line due October 12, 2017

    200,000       —       23,833       135 bps       Variable  

Fannie Mae repurchase agreement, open maturity

    —       325,000       156,152       120 bps       Variable  
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     
  $ 850,000     $ 325,000     $ 257,969      
 

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

     

NKF is required to meet a number of financial covenants, including maintaining a minimum of $15,000 of cash and cash equivalents. NKF was in compliance with all covenants on September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

 

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(16) Financial Guarantee Liability

NKF shares risk of loss for loans originated under the Fannie Mae DUS and Freddie TAH programs and could incur losses in the event of defaults under or foreclosure of these loans. Under the guarantee, NKF’s maximum contingent liability to the extent of actual losses incurred is approximately 33% of the outstanding principal balance on Fannie Mae DUS or Freddie TAH loans. Risk sharing percentages are established on a loan by loan basis when originated with most loans at 33% and “modified” loans at lower percentages. Under certain circumstances, risk sharing percentages can be revised subsequent to origination or NKF could be required to repurchase the loan. In the event of a loss resulting from a catastrophic event that is not required to be covered by borrowers’ insurance policies, NKF can recover the loss under its mortgage impairment insurance policy. Any potential recovery is subject to the policy’s deductibles and limits.

At September 30, 2017, the credit risk loans being serviced by NKF on behalf of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac had outstanding principal balances of approximately $18,294,000 with a maximum potential loss of approximately $5,167,000, of which $1,272,000 is covered by the Credit Enhancement Agreement (see Note 9).

At December 31, 2016, the credit risk loans being serviced by NKF on behalf of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac had outstanding principal balances of approximately $16,853,000 with a maximum potential loss of approximately $4,749,000, of which $1,572,000 is covered by the Credit Enhancement Agreement (see Note 9).

At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 the estimated liability under the guarantee liability was as follows:

 

Financial guarantee liability (in thousands)

  

Balance at December 31, 2015

   $ (288

Increase to provision

     (125
  

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2016

   $ (413
  

 

 

 

Reversal of provision

     347  
  

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2017

   $ (66
  

 

 

 

In order to monitor and mitigate potential losses, NKF uses an internally developed loan rating scorecard for determining which loans meet NKF’s criteria to be placed on a watch list. NKF also calculates default probabilities based on internal ratings and expected losses on a loan by loan basis. This methodology uses a number of factors including, but not limited to, debt service coverage ratios, collateral valuation, the condition of the underlying assets, borrower strength and market conditions.

See Note 9 for further explanation of credit protection provided by DB Cayman. The provisions for risk sharing in the accompanying combined statement of income was as follows (in thousands):

 

     For the nine
months ended
September 30,
 
     2017      2016  

Provisions for risk-sharing obligations from:

     

Increase (decrease) to financial guarantee liability

   $ (347    $ 98  

Decrease (increase) to credit enhancement asset

     145        95  

Increase (decrease) to contingent liability

     6        7  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total expense

   $ (196    $ 200  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(17) Concentrations of Credit Risk

The lending activities of NKF create credit risk in the event that counterparties do not fulfill their contractual payment obligations. In particular, NKF is exposed to credit risk related to the Fannie Mae DUS and

 

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Freddie Mac TAH loans (see Note 16). As of September 30, 2017, 27% of $5,167,000 of the maximum loss (see Note 16) was for properties located in California. As of December 31, 2016, 29% of $4,749,000 of the maximum loss (see Note 16) was for properties located in California.

 

(18) Escrow and Custodial Funds

In conjunction with the servicing of multi-family and commercial loans, NKF holds escrow and other custodial funds. Escrow funds are held at unaffiliated financial institutions generally in the form of cash and cash equivalents. These funds amounted to approximately $1,083,000 and $1,140,000, as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. These funds are held for the benefit of NKF’s borrowers and are segregated in custodial bank accounts. These amounts are excluded from the assets and liabilities of the Company.

 

(19) Fair Value of Financial Liabilities

FASB guidance establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets liabilities (Level 1 measurements) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3 measurements). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are as follows:

 

    Level 1 measurements—Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

 

    Level 2 measurements—Quoted prices in markets that are not active or financial instruments for which all significant inputs are observable, either directly or indirectly.

 

    Level 3 measurements—Prices or valuations that require inputs that are both significant to the fair value measurement and unobservable.

 

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As required by FASB guidance, assets and liabilities are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The following table sets forth by level within the fair value hierarchy financial assets and liabilities accounted for at fair value under FASB guidance at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (in thousands):

 

     As of September 30, 2017  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Assets:

           

Marketable securities

   $ 76,969      $ —      $ —      $ 76,969  

Loans held for sale

     —        660,332        —        660,332  

Derivative assets

     —        —        11,100        11,100  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 76,969      $ 660,332      $ 11,100      $ 748,401  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

           

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities—  contingent consideration

   $ —      $ —      $ 30,188      $ 30,188  

Derivative liabilities

     —        —        1,030        1,030  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

   $ —      $ —      $ 31,218      $ 31,218  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
     As of December 31, 2016  
     Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total  

Assets:

           

Loans held for sale

   $ —      $ 1,071,836      $ —      $ 1,071,836  

Derivative assets

     —        —        19,924        19,924  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ —      $ 1,071,836      $ 19,924      $ 1,091,760  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Liabilities:

           

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities—contingent consideration

   $ —      $ —      $ 38,713      $ 38,713  

Derivative liabilities

     —        —        9,670        9,670  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total Liabilities

   $ —      $ —      $ 48,383      $ 48,383  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

There were no transfers between level 1, 2 and level 3 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and the year ended December 31, 2016.

Derivative instruments are outstanding for short periods of time (generally less than 60 days). A roll forward of derivative instruments and contingent consideration (level 3) that require valuation based upon significant unobservable inputs, is presented below (in thousands).

 

     As of September 30, 2017  
    
Opening
Balance
     Total realized
and unrealized
losses included
in Net income
     Issuances      Settlements    
Closing
Balance
    
Unrealized
losses
Outstanding as
of September 30,
2017
 

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities—contingent consideration (1)

   $ 38,713      $ 1,449      $ 2,237      $ (12,211   $ 30,188      $ 138  

Derivative assets and liabilities, net (2)

     10,254        10,070        —          (10,254     10,070        10,070  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 48,967      $ 11,519      $ 2,237        (22,465   $ 40,258        10,208  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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     As of December 31, 2016  
    
Opening
Balance
     Total realized
and unrealized
(gains) losses
included in Net
income
    Issuances      Settlements    
Closing
Balance
    
Unrealized
(gains) losses
Outstanding as
of December 31,
2016
 

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities—contingent consideration (1)

   $ 58,631      $ (14,512   $ 6,019      $ (11,425   $ 38,713      $ 2,343  

Derivative assets and liabilities, net (2)

     6,300        10,254       —        (6,300     10,254        10,254  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 64,931      $ (4,258   $ 6,019      $ (17,725   $ 48,967        12,627  
  

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(1) Realized (gains) losses are reported in “other income, net” in NKF’s combined statement of operations.
(2) Unrealized (gains) losses are represented in “Gains from mortgage banking activities, net” in NKF’s combined statement of operations.

Quantitative Information About Level 3 Fair Value Measurements

The following tables present quantitative information about the significant unobservable inputs utilized by NKF in the fair value measurement of Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

 

September 30, 2017

Level 3 assets and liabilities

   Assets      Liabilities     

Significant Unobservable Inputs

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities:

        

Contingent consideration

   $ —        $ 30,188      Discount rate - 5.66% weighted average rate (a)
Financial forecast information

Derivative assets and liabilities:

        

Forward sale contracts

     6,422        167      Counterparty credit risk

Rate lock commitments

     4,678        863      Counterparty credit risk
  

 

 

    

 

 

    
   $ 11,100      $ 31,218     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

December 31, 2016

Level 3 assets and liabilities

   Assets      Liabilities     

Significant Unobservable Inputs

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities:

        

Contingent consideration

   $ —      $ 38,713      Discount rate - 4.99% weighted average rate (a)
Financial forecast information

Derivative assets and liabilities:

        

Forward sale contracts

     2,100        —        Counterparty credit risk

Rate lock commitments

     17,824        9,670      Counterparty credit risk
  

 

 

    

 

 

    
   $ 19,924      $ 48,383     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

(a) NKF’s estimate of contingent consideration as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was based on the acquired business’ projected future financial performance, including revenues.

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the present value of expected payments related to NKF’s contingent consideration was $30,188 and $38,713, respectively. Valuations for contingent consideration are conducted by NKF. Each reporting period, NKF updates unobservable inputs. NKF has a formal process to review changes in fair value for satisfactory explanation.

 

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The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value of NKF’s contingent consideration are the discount rate and forecasted financial information. Significant increases (decreases) in the discount rate would have resulted in a lower (higher) fair value measurement. Significant increases (decreases) in the forecasted financial information would have resulted in a higher (lower) fair value measurement. The undiscounted value of the payments, assuming that all contingencies are met, would be $34,511 and $43,441 as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

The carrying amount and the fair value of NKF’s financial instruments as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is presented below (in thousands):

 

     September 30, 2017      December 31, 2016  
     Carrying Amount      Fair Value      Carrying Amount      Fair Value  

Financial Assets:

           

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 110,720      $ 110,720      $ 33,589      $ 33,589  

Restricted cash

     52,219        52,219        50,927        50,927  

Marketable Securities

     76,969        76,969        —          —    

Loans held for sale

     660,332        660,332        1,071,836        1,071,836  

Derivative assets

     11,100        11,100        19,924        19,924  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 911,340      $ 911,340      $ 1,176,276      $ 1,176,276  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Financial Liabilities:

           

Derivative liabilities

   $ 1,030      $ 1,030      $ 9,670      $ 9,670  

Warehouse notes payable

     659,732        659,732        257,969        257,969  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 660,762      $ 660,762      $ 267,639      $ 267,639  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate that value:

 

    Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents—The carrying amounts approximate fair value due to the highly liquid nature and short maturity of these instruments. (Level 1)

 

    Loans held for sale—Consists of originated loans that have been sold to third-party investors at a fixed price and are generally settled within 30 days from the date of funding. (Level 2)

 

    Derivatives—Consists of rate lock commitments and forward sale contracts. These instruments are valued using discounted cash flow models based on changes in market interest rates and other observable market data. (Level 3)

Fair value of derivative instruments and loans held for sale

In the normal course of business, NKF enters into contractual commitments to originate and sell loans at fixed prices with fixed expiration dates. The commitments become effective when the borrowers rate lock their interest rate within time frames established by NKF. Borrowers are evaluated for creditworthiness prior to this commitment. Market risk arises if interest rates move adversely between the time of the rate lock by the borrower and the date the loan is sold to an investor.

To mitigate the effect of the interest rate risk inherent in providing rate lock commitments to borrowers, NKF’s enters a sale commitment with an investor simultaneously with the rate lock commitment with the borrower. The sale contract with the investor locks in an interest rate and price for the sale of the loan. The terms of the contract with the investor and the rate lock with the borrower are matched in substantially all respects, with the objective of eliminating interest rate risk to the extent practical. Sale commitments with the investors have an expiration date that is longer than our related commitments to the borrower to allow, among other things, for the closing of the loan and processing of paperwork to deliver the loan into the sale commitment.

 

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Both the rate lock commitments to borrowers and the forward sale contracts to investors are derivatives and, accordingly, are marked to fair value through the statement of income. The fair value of NKF’s rate lock commitments to borrowers and loans held for sale and the related input levels includes, as applicable:

 

    The assumed gain/loss of the expected loan sale to the investor;

 

    The expected net future cash flows associate with servicing the loan;

 

    The effects of interest rate movements between the date of the rate lock and the balance sheet date; and

 

    The nonperformance risk of both the counterparty and NKF.

The fair value of NKF’s forward sales contracts to investors considers effects of interest rate movements between the trade date and the balance sheet date. The market price changes are multiplied by the notional amount of the forward sales contracts to measure the fair value.

The gain/loss considers the amount that NKF has discounted the price to the borrower from par for competitive reasons, if at all, and the expected net cash flows from servicing to be received upon sale of the loan. The fair value of the expected net future cash flows associated with servicing the loan is calculated pursuant to the valuation techniques described in Note 11.

To calculate the effects of interest rate movements, NKF uses applicable U.S. Treasury prices, and multiplies the price movement between the rate lock date and the balance sheet date by the notional loan commitment amount.

The fair value of NKF’s forward sales contracts to investors considers the market price movement of the same type of security between the trade date and the balance sheet date. The market price changes are multiplied by the notional amount of the forward sales contracts to measure the fair value.

The fair value of NKF’s rate lock commitments and forward sale contracts is adjusted to reflect the risk that the agreement will not be fulfilled. NKF’s exposure to nonperformance in rate lock and forward sale contracts is represented by the contractual amount of those instruments. Given the credit quality of our counterparties, the short duration of rate lock commitments and forward sales contracts, and NKF’s historical experience with the agreements, management does not believe the risk of nonperformance by the NKF’s counterparties to be significant.

The fair value of NKF’s loans held for sale include the gain/loss for pricing discounts and expected net future cash flows and the effect of interest rate movements as described above.

 

(20) Related Party Transactions

 

  (a) Service Agreements

NKF receives administrative services including but not limited to, treasury, legal, accounting, information technology, payroll administration, human resources, incentive compensation plans and other support provided by Cantor and BGC. Where it is possible to specifically attribute such expenses to activities of NKF, these amounts have been expensed directly to NKF and have been included in the respective line item on the combined statement of operations. Direct costs are primarily comprised of rent and equity and other incentive compensation expenses. Allocations of expenses not directly attributable to NKF are based on a services agreement between BGC and Cantor which reflects the utilization of service provided or benefits received by NKF during the periods presented on a consistent basis, such as headcount, square footage, revenue, etc. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, allocated expenses were $14,240 and $15,662, respectively. These expenses are included as part of “fees to related parties” in NKF’s combined statements of operations.

 

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BGC uses a centralized approach to cash management. Accordingly, excess cash and cash equivalents are held by BGC at the corporate level and were not attributed to NKF for any of the periods presented. Transfers of cash, both to and from BGC’s centralized cash management system, are reflected as a related party receivable or payable on the combined balance sheet and as change in related party payable and receivable in operating activities within the accompanying combined statement of cash flows. Debt obligations of BGC have not been included in the combined financial statements of NKF, because NKF is not a party to the obligation between BGC and the debt holders.

 

  (b) Loans, Forgivable Loans and Other Receivables from Employees and Partners

NKF has entered into various agreements with certain employees and partners whereby these individuals receive loans which may be either wholly or in part repaid from the distribution earnings that the individuals receive on some or all of their limited partnership interests or may be forgiven over a period of time. The forgivable portion of these loans is recognized as compensation expense over the life of the loan. From time to time, NKF may also enter into agreements with employees and partners to grant bonus and salary advances or other types of loans. These advances and loans are repayable in the timeframes outlined in the underlying agreements.

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the aggregate balance of employee loans was $188,922 and $184,159, respectively, and is included as “loans, forgivable loans and other receivables from employees and partners” in NKF’s combined balance sheets. Compensation expense for the above mentioned employee loans for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $28,964 and $20,675, respectively. The compensation expense related to these employee loans is included as part of “compensation and employee benefits” in NKF’s combined statements of operations.

 

  (c) Transactions with Cantor Commercial Real Estate Company, L.P.

NKF also has a referral agreement in place with CCRE, in which NKF’s brokers are incentivized to refer business to CCRE through a revenue-share agreement. In connection with this revenue-share agreement, NKF recognized revenues of $100 and $700 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. This revenue was recorded as part of “commissions” in NKF’s combined statements of operations.

NKF also has a revenue-share agreement with CCRE, in which NKF pays CCRE for referrals for leasing or other services. NKF did not make any payments under this agreement to CCRE for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

In addition, NKF has a loan referral agreement in place with CCRE, in which either party can refer a loan to the other. Revenue from these referrals was $3,300 and $5,300 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and was recognized in Gains from mortgage banking activities, net in NKF’s combined statements of operations. These referrals fees are net of the broker fees and commissions to CCRE of $700 and $1,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

On September 8, 2017, BGC completed the BPF Acquisition, for an acquisition price of $875,000, with $3,200 of the acquisition price paid in units of BGC Holdings, pursuant to a Transaction Agreement, dated as of July 17, 2017, with Cantor and certain of Cantor’s affiliates, including CCRE and Cantor Commercial Real Estate Sponsor, L.P., the general partner of CCRE. In accordance with this Transaction Agreement, BPF made a distribution of $69,800 to CCRE prior to the BPF Acquisition, for the amount that BPF’s net assets exceeded $508,600.

On March 11, 2015, NKF and CCRE entered into a note receivable/payable that allows for advances to or from CCRE at an interest rate of 1 month LIBOR plus 1.0%. On September 8, 2017, the note receivable/payable was terminated and all outstanding advances due were paid off. As of December 31, 2016, there was $690,000 of

 

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outstanding advances due to CCRE on the note, and this balance is included in Notes payable to related parties in our combined statements of financial condition. NKF recognized interest income of $700 and $100 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. NKF recognized interest expense of and $2,500 and $1,400 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, NKF purchased the primary servicing rights for $300,000 of loans originated by CCRE for $600. For the year ended December 31, 2016, NKF purchased the primary servicing rights for $2,800,000 of loans originated by CCRE for $3,900. NKF also services loans for CCRE on a “fee for service” basis, generally prior to a loan’s sale or securitization, and for which no mortgage servicing right is recognized. NKF recognized $2,800 and $2,700 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, of servicing revenue from loans purchased from CCRE on a “fee for service” basis, which was included as part of management services, servicing fee and other in our combined statements of operations.

 

  (d) Equity Method Investment with BGC

Simultaneously with the BPF Acquisition, BGC invested $100,000 in Real Estate LP which is controlled and managed by Cantor. BGC will contribute the investment to NKF pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, NKF recognized $945 of equity income included in “other income, net” in the combined statement of operations. As of September 30, 2017, the amount of this investment is $100,945 and is included in “other assets” on the combined balance sheets.

 

  (e) Cantor’s Noncontrolling Interest in a Joint Venture

On July 26, 2017, NKF acquired approximately 50% controlling interest in a joint venture which specializes in CMBS underwriting and other commercial real estate services, and which subsequent to the transaction is a consolidated subsidiary of NKF. Cantor owns a noncontrolling interest of 25%, and earnings attributable to Cantor are reflected as non-controlling interest on the combined statement of operations.

 

  (f) Related Party Receivables and Payables

NKF has receivables and payables to and from certain affiliate entities. As of September 30, 2017, the related party receivables and payables were $113,871 and $145,681, respectively. As of December 31, 2016, the related party receivables and payables were $108,817 and $889,162, respectively.

 

(21) Income Taxes

NKF’s combined financial statements include U.S. federal, state and local income taxes on NKF’s allocable share of the U.S. results of operations, as well as taxes payable to jurisdictions outside the U.S. In addition, certain of NKF’s entities are taxed as U.S. partnerships and are subject to the Unincorporated Business Tax (“UBT”) in New York City. Therefore, the tax liability or benefit related to the partnership income or loss, except for UBT, rests with the partners, rather than the partnership entity. Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method, as prescribed in FASB guidance on Accounting for Income Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the combined financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets if it is deemed more likely than not that those assets will not be realized.

In general, it is the intention of NKF to reinvest the earnings of its non-U.S. subsidiaries in those operations. As of September 30, 2017, NKF did not have any cumulative undistributed foreign earnings.

 

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Pursuant to FASB guidance on Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, NKF provides for uncertain tax positions based upon management’s assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by tax authorities. As of September 30, 2017, NKF had $208 of unrecognized tax benefits, all of which would affect NKF’s effective tax rate if recognized. NKF recognizes interest and penalties related to income tax matters in “operating, administrative and other” in NKF’s combined statements of operations. As of September 30, 2017, NKF had approximately $45 of accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions.

 

(22) Accounts Payable, Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

The current portion of accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities consisted of the following:

 

     September 30, 2017      December 31, 2016  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 79,247      $ 57,488  

Payroll taxes payable

     2,440        2,898  

Contingent consideration

     12,328        20,458  

Outside broker payable

     19,138        17,712  

Derivative liability

     1,030        9,670  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 114,183      $ 108,226  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The long term portion of accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities consisted of the following:

 

     September 30, 2017      December 31, 2016  

Financial Guarantee Liability

   $ 66      $ 413  

Deferred rent

     43,922        41,545  

Credit enhancement deposit

     25,000        25,000  

Accrued compensation

     29,466        23,953  

Payroll taxes payable

     32,677        28,569  

Contingent consideration

     17,860        18,255  

Deferred tax liability

     3,384        2,796  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
   $ 152,375      $ 140,531  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

(23) Compensation

BGC’s Compensation Committee may grant various equity-based awards to employees of NKF, including restricted stock units, limited partnership units and exchange rights for shares of BGC’s Class A common stock upon exchange of limited partnership units.

 

  (a) Limited Partnership Units

A summary of the activity associated with limited partnership units is as follows:

 

     Number of Units  

Balance at December 31, 2016

     53,407,627  

Granted

     11,289,310  

Redeemed/exchanged units

     (1,521,441

Forfeited units

     (1,667,347
  

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2017

     61,508,149  
  

 

 

 

 

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As of September 30, 2017, BGC granted exchangeability on 2,469,190 limited partnership units for which NKF incurred compensation expense of $27,605. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compensation expense related to exchangeability was $20,373.

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the number of limited partnership units exchangeable into shares of BGC’s Class A common stock at the discretion of the unit holder was 10,823,368 and 8,752,862, respectively.

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the notional value of the limited partnership units with a post-termination pay-out amount held by executives and non-executive employees, awarded in lieu of cash compensation for salaries, commissions and/or discretionary or guaranteed bonuses was approximately $216,143 and $147,290, respectively. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the aggregate estimated fair value of these limited partnership units was approximately $35,410 and $19,626. The number of outstanding limited partnership units with a post-termination pay-out as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was approximately 22,604,377 and 16,486,016, respectively, of which approximately 13,312,128 and 10,908,708 were unvested.

Certain of the limited partnership units with a post-termination pay-out have been granted in connection with NKF’s acquisitions. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the aggregate estimated fair value of these acquisition related limited partnership units was $10,049 and $12,834, respectively.

Compensation expense related to limited partnership units with a post-termination pay-out amount is recognized over the stated service period. These units generally vest between three and five years from the date of grant. NKF recognized compensation expense, before associated income taxes, related to these limited partnership units that were not redeemed of $17,455 and $9,810 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. These are included in “ compensation and employee benefits” in NKF’s combined statements of operations.

Certain limited partnership units generally receive quarterly allocations of net income, which are cash distributed on a quarterly basis and generally contingent upon services being provided by the unit holders. The allocation of income to limited partnership units was $25,111 and $19,630 for the nine months September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

  (b) Restricted Stock Units

A summary of the activity associated with RSUs is as follows:

 

     Restricted Stock
Units
     Weighted-Average
Grant Date Fair
Value
     Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
(Years)
 

Balance at December 31, 2016

     285,725      $ 7.56        1.75  

Granted

     243,138        10.16     

Delivered units

     (134,781      7.57     

Forfeited units

     (44,523      8.58     
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Balance at September 30, 2017

     349,559      $ 9.23        2.03  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

The fair value of RSUs awarded to employees and directors is determined on the date of grant based on the market value of BGC’s common stock (adjusted if appropriate based upon the award’s eligibility to receive dividends), and is recognized, net of the effect of estimated forfeitures, ratably over the vesting period. NKF uses historical data, including historical forfeitures and turnover rates, to estimate expected forfeiture rates for both employee and director RSUs. Each RSU is settled in one share of BGC’s Class A common stock upon completion of the vesting period.

 

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During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, BGC granted 243,138 of RSUs with aggregate estimated grant date fair values of $2,470 to employees and directors. These RSUs were awarded in lieu of cash compensation for salaries, commissions and/or discretionary or guaranteed bonuses. RSUs granted to these individuals generally vest over a two- to four-year period.

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the aggregate estimated grant date fair value of outstanding RSUs was $3,227 and $2,193, respectively.

Compensation expense related to RSUs, before associated income taxes, was approximately $890 and $648 for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, there was approximately $2,943 and $1,859 of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs.

NKF may pay certain bonuses in the form of deferred cash compensation awards, which generally vest over a future service period. This expense is recognized in the compensation and employee benefits caption within the combined statements of income. NKF recognized compensation expense related to deferred cash compensation awards for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 of $100 and $1,000, respectively.

As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the total liability for the deferred cash compensation awards was $1,800 and $2,600, respectively, and is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the combined balance sheets. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the total notional value of deferred cash compensation was approximately $3,100 and $4,500, respectively.

 

(24) Commitments and Contingencies

 

  (a) Contractual Obligations and Commitments

At September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, NKF was committed to fund approximately $286,000 and $207,000, respectively, which is the total remaining draws on construction loans originated by NKF under the HUD 221(d)4, 220 and 232 programs, rate locked loans that have not been funded, forward commitments as well as the funding for credit facilities. NKF also has corresponding commitments to sell these loans to various investors as they are funded.

 

  (b) Lease Commitments

NKF is obligated for minimum rental payments under various non-cancelable operating leases, principally for office space, expiring at various dates through 2031. Certain of the leases contain escalation clauses that require payment of additional rent to the extent of increases in certain operating or other costs

Rent expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 was $28,608 and $26,592. Rent expense is reported in “operating, administrative and other” in NKF’s combined statement of operations.

 

  (c) Contingent Payments Related to Acquisitions

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, NKF completed acquisitions, whose purchase price included approximately 477,169 units of BGC’s Holding partnership units (with an acquisition date fair value of approximately $5,047). NKF completed acquisitions in 2016, whose purchase price included approximately 166,894 shares of BGC’s Class A common stock (with an acquisition date fair value of approximately $1,545), 285,354 of BGC Holding limited partnership units (with an acquisition date fair value of approximately $2,590) and $5,621 in cash that may be issued contingent on certain targets being met through 2021.

 

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  (d) Contingencies

In the ordinary course of business, various legal actions are brought and are pending against NKF and its subsidiaries in the U.S. and internationally. In some of these actions, substantial amounts are claimed. NKF is also involved, from time to time, in reviews, examinations, investigations and proceedings by governmental and self-regulatory agencies (both formal and informal) regarding NKF’s businesses, which may result in judgments, settlements, fines, penalties, injunctions or other relief. The following generally does not include matters that NKF has pending against other parties which, if successful, would result in awards in favor of NKF or its subsidiaries.

 

  (e) Employment, Competitor-Related and Other Litigation

From time to time, NKF and its subsidiaries are involved in litigation, claims and arbitrations in the U.S. and internationally, relating to various employment matters, including with respect to termination of employment, hiring of employees currently or previously employed by competitors, terms and conditions of employment and other matters. In light of the competitive nature of the brokerage industry, litigation, claims and arbitration between competitors regarding employee hiring are not uncommon.

Legal reserves are established in accordance with FASB guidance on Accounting for Contingencies, when a material legal liability is both probable and reasonably estimable. Once established, reserves are adjusted when there is more information available or when an event occurs requiring a change. The outcome of such items cannot be determined with certainty. NKF is unable to estimate a possible loss or range of loss in connection with specific matters beyond its current accrual and any other amounts disclosed. Management believes that, based on currently available information, the final outcome of these current pending matters will not have a material adverse effect on NKF’s combined financial statements and disclosures taken as a whole.

 

  (f) Risk and Uncertainties

NKF generates revenues by providing financial intermediary and brokerage activities and commercial real estate services to institutional customers. Revenues for these services are transaction-based. As a result, revenues could vary based on the transaction volume of global financial and real estate markets. Additionally, financing is sensitive to interest rate fluctuations, which could have an impact on NKF’s overall profitability.

 

(25) Subsequent Events

There were no subsequent events to be reported.

 

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Through and including             (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to a dealer’s obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.

30,000,000 Shares

Newmark Group, Inc.

Class A Common Stock

 

 

Prospectus

 

 

 

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC   BofA Merrill Lynch   Citigroup   Cantor Fitzgerald & Co.
 

Passive Bookrunners

 

 
PNC Capital Markets LLC   Mizuho Securities   Capital One Securities  

 Keefe, Bruyette & Woods

A Stifel Company

Co-Managers

 

Sandler O’Neill + Partners, L.P.    Raymond James    Regions Securities LLC     CastleOak Securities, L.P.     Wedbush Securities

 

 

 

 

                    , 2017

 

 

 


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PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

 

Item 13. Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution

The following table sets forth the costs and expenses, other than underwriting discounts and commissions, payable by Newmark Group, Inc. (the “Registrant”) in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered, all of which will be paid by the Registrant. All amounts are estimates except the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) registration, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) and the NASDAQ Global Market filing fees.

 

     Amount  

SEC registration fee

   $ 94,495.50  

NASDAQ Global Market filing fee and listing fee

     25,000  

FINRA filing fee

     114,500  

Printing and engraving expenses

     900,000  

Legal fees and expenses

     4,700,000  

Accounting fees and expenses

     2,500,000  

Transfer agent and registrar fees and expenses

     10,000  

Miscellaneous

     200,000  
  

 

 

 

Total

   $ 8,543,995.50  
  

 

 

 

 

* To be filed by amendment.

 

Item 14. Indemnification of Directors and Officers

Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law provides that a corporation may indemnify directors and officers as well as other employees and individuals against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with any threatened, pending or completed actions, suits or proceedings in which such person is made a party by reason of such person being or having been a director, officer, employee or agent to the Registrant. The Delaware General Corporation Law provides that Section 145 is not exclusive of other rights to which those seeking indemnification may be entitled under any bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or otherwise. The Registrant’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides for indemnification by the Registrant of its directors, officers and employees to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law.

Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law permits a corporation to provide in its certificate of incorporation that a director of the corporation shall not be personally liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, except for liability (1) for any breach of the director’s duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (2) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (3) for unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases, redemptions or other distributions or (4) for any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit. The Registrant’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws provide for such limitation of liability to the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law.

The Registrant maintains standard policies of insurance under which coverage is provided (1) to its directors and officers against loss rising from claims made by reason of breach of duty or other wrongful act, while acting in their capacity as directors and officers of the Registrant, and (2) to the Registrant with respect to payments which may be made by the Registrant to such officers and directors pursuant to any indemnification provision contained in the Registrant’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation or otherwise as a matter of law.

 

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The proposed form of underwriting agreement to be filed as Exhibit 1.1 to this registration statement provides for indemnification of directors and certain officers of the Registrant by the underwriters against certain liabilities.

 

Item 15. Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

On November 22, 2016, the Registrant issued 100 shares of common stock to BGC Partners, Inc. in a private placement pursuant to Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act for one dollar. The Registrant has not otherwise sold any securities, registered or otherwise, within the past three years.

 

Item 16. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a) Exhibits.

The Registrant has filed the exhibits listed on the accompanying Exhibit Index of this registration statement.

(b) Financial Statements Schedules.

All financial statement schedules are omitted because the information called for is not required or is shown either in the combined financial statements or in the notes thereto.

 

Item 17. Undertakings

The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriter at the closing specified in the underwriting agreements certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriter to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

The Registrant hereby further undertakes that:

 

  (1) For purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, the information omitted from the form of prospectus filed as part of this registration statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of prospectus filed by the Registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1) or (4) or 497(h) under the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement as of the time it was declared effective;

 

  (2) For the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof;

 

  (3)

For the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act, to any purchaser, if the Registrant is subject to Rule 430C, each prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) as part of a registration statement

 

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  relating to an offering, other than registration statements relying on Rule 430B or other than prospectuses filed in reliance on Rule 430A, shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the date it is first used after effectiveness. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such first use, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such date of first use; and

 

  (4) For the purpose of determining liability of the Registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities, the undersigned Registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned Registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned Registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:

 

  (a) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned Registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;

 

  (b) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned Registrant;

 

  (c) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned Registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned Registrant; and

 

  (d) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned Registrant to the purchaser.

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibit

Number

  

Exhibit Title

  1.1*    Form of Underwriting Agreement
  2.1    Form of Separation and Distribution Agreement, by and among Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P., BGC Partners, Inc., BGC Holdings, L.P., BGC Partners, L.P., Newmark Group, Inc., Newmark Holdings, L.P. and Newmark Partners, L.P.
  3.1†    Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Newmark Group, Inc.
  3.2†    Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of Newmark Group, Inc.
  4.1*    Specimen Class A Common Stock Certificate
  5.1    Opinion of Stephen M. Merkel as to the legality of the securities being registered
10.1    Form of Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Newmark Holdings, L.P.
10.2    Form of Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Newmark Partners, L.P.
10.3†    Form of Administrative Services Agreement, by and between Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P. and Newmark Group, Inc.
10.4†    Form of Transition Services Agreement, by and between BGC Partners, Inc. and Newmark Group, Inc.
10.5    Form of Tax Matters Agreement, by and among BGC Partners, Inc., BGC Holdings, L.P., BGC Partners, L.P., Newmark Group, Inc., Newmark Holdings, L.P. and Newmark Partners, L.P.
10.6    Form of Tax Receivable Agreement, by and between Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P. and Newmark Group, Inc.
10.7†    Form of Registration Rights Agreement, by and among Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P., BGC Partners, Inc. and Newmark Group, Inc.
10.8†    Form of Exchange Agreement, by and among Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P., BGC Partners, Inc. and Newmark Group, Inc.
10.9†^    Form of Newmark Holdings, L.P. Participation Plan
10.10†^    Form of Newmark Group, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan
10.11†^    Form of Newmark Group, Inc. Incentive Bonus Compensation Plan
10.12†^    Form of Change of Control Agreement, by and between Newmark Group, Inc. and Howard W. Lutnick
10.13^    Employment Agreement, by and between Newmark Partners, L.P. and Barry M. Gosin, dated as of December 1, 2017
10.14    Transaction Agreement, dated as of July  17, 2017, by and among BGC Partners, Inc., BGC Partners, L.P., Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P., Cantor Commercial Real Estate Company, L.P., Cantor Sponsor, L.P., CF Real Estate Finance Holdings, L.P. and CF Real Estate Finance Holdings GP, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 of BGC Partners, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on July 21, 2017)
10.15    Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of CF Real Estate Finance Holdings, L.P., dated as of September 8, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of BGC Partners, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 8, 2017)

 

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Exhibit

Number

  

Exhibit Title

10.16†    Lease, dated as of May 6, 1994, between Sutom N.V. and Newmark & Company Real Estate, Inc., as amended
10.17    Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of September 8, 2017, by and among BGC Partners, Inc., as the Borrower, certain subsidiaries of the Borrower, as Guarantors, the several financial institutions from time to time party thereto, as Lenders, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of BGC Partners, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 8, 2017)
10.18    Amendment, dated November 22, 2017, to the Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated September 8, 2017, by and among BGC Partners, Inc., as the Borrower, certain subsidiaries of the Borrower, as Guarantors, the several financial institutions from time to time party thereto, as Lenders, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of BGC Partners, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 28, 2017)
10.19    Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of September 8, 2017, by and among BGC Partners, Inc., as the Borrower, certain subsidiaries of the Borrower, as Guarantors, the several financial institutions from time to time as parties thereto, as Lenders, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of BGC Partners, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 8, 2017)
10.20    Amendment, dated November 22, 2017, to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated September 8, 2017, by and among BGC Partners, Inc., as the Borrower, certain subsidiaries of the Borrower, as Guarantors, the several financial institutions from time to time as parties thereto, as Lenders, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of BGC Partners, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 28, 2017)
10.21    Indenture, dated as of June 26, 2012, by and between BGC Partners, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of BGC Partners, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 27, 2012)
10.22    First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 26, 2012, by and between BGC Partners, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of BGC Partners, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on June 27, 2012)
10.23    Amended and Restated Promissory Note of BGC Partners, L.P., effective as of June 26, 2012
10.24    Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 9, 2014, by and between BGC Partners, Inc. and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of BGC Partners, Inc.’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 10, 2014)
10.25    Amended and Restated Promissory Note of BGC Partners, L.P., effective as of December 9, 2014
10.26    Form of Revolving Credit Agreement by and between BGC Partners, Inc. and Newmark Group, Inc.
10.27^    Letter Agreement by and between Barry Gosin and BGC Holdings, L.P., effective as of December 1, 2017
10.28^    Letter Agreement by and between Barry Gosin and Newmark Holdings, L.P., dated as of December 1, 2017
21.1†    List of Subsidiaries
23.1    Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, regarding Newmark Group, Inc.’s financial statements
23.2    Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, regarding Newmark Knight Frank’s combined financial statements
23.3    Consent of KPMG LLP, independent auditors, regarding Berkeley Point Financial LLC’s consolidated financial statements
23.4    Consent of Stephen M. Merkel (included in Exhibit 5.1 to this registration statement)

 

II-5


Table of Contents

Exhibit

Number

  

Exhibit Title

24.1†**    Power of Attorney
99.1    Consent of Director Nominee John H. Dalton
99.2    Consent of Director Nominee Michael Snow

 

Previously filed.
* To be filed by amendment.
** See the signature page of the original filing of this Registration Statement on Form S-1.
^ Indicates management contract or compensatory plan.

 

II-6


Table of Contents

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York, State of New York, on the 4th day of December, 2017.

 

NEWMARK GROUP, INC.
By:  

/s/ Howard W. Lutnick

  Name:   Howard W. Lutnick
  Title:   Chairman

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, this registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the date or dates indicated.

 

Signature

  

Title

 

Date

/s/ Howard W. Lutnick

  

Chairman

(Principal Executive Officer)

  December 4, 2017
Howard W. Lutnick     

*

Michael J. Rispoli

  

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

  December 4, 2017

*

   Chief Operating Officer and Director   December 4, 2017
James R. Ficarro     

 

*By:    /s/ Howard W. Lutnick   
   Howard W. Lutnick   
   Attorney-in-Fact   

 

II-7

Exhibit 2.1

SEPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

by and among

BGC PARTNERS, INC.,

BGC HOLDINGS, L.P.,

BGC PARTNERS, L.P.,

NEWMARK GROUP, INC.,

NEWMARK HOLDINGS, L.P.,

NEWMARK PARTNERS, L.P.,

and solely for purposes of Sections 2.09, 6.10, 6.11, 6.12, 6.13, 6.14 and 6.15, Article VIII and

Article IX,

CANTOR FITZGERALD, L.P.

and solely for purposes of Sections 6.11 and 6.12 and Article VIII,

BGC GLOBAL HOLDINGS, L.P.

Dated as of [•]

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

       Page  
ARTICLE I   
DEFINITIONS; INTERPRETATION   

Section 1.01

  Defined Terms      2  

Section 1.02

  Other Definitions      21  

Section 1.03

  Absence of Presumption      22  

Section 1.04

  Headings      22  
ARTICLE II   
SEPARATION   

Section 2.01

  Contribution of Transferred Assets      22  

Section 2.02

  Assumption of Transferred Liabilities      27  

Section 2.03

  Closing of Contribution      30  

Section 2.04

  Title; Risk of Loss      30  

Section 2.05

  Separation Steps Plan      30  

Section 2.06

  Minimum Newmark Cash      32  

Section 2.07

  Further Documentation      32  

Section 2.08

  Treatment of Shared Contracts      32  

Section 2.09

  Ancillary Agreements      33  
ARTICLE III   
THE IPO   

Section 3.01

  Preparation for the IPO      34  

Section 3.02

  Conditions Precedent to Consummation of the IPO      35  

Section 3.03

  Newmark Charter and Bylaws      36  

Section 3.04

  Use of IPO Proceeds      36  

Section 3.05

  Post-IPO Repayment of BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco Other Debt Notes      37  
ARTICLE IV   
THE DISTRIBUTION   

Section 4.01

  The Distribution      37  

Section 4.02

  Actions Prior to the Distribution      39  

Section 4.03

  Conditions to Distribution      40  

Section 4.04

  Fractional Shares      41  

 

i


ARTICLE V       
NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES       

Section 5.01

  No Representations or Warranties      41  

Section 5.02

  Newmark to Bear Risk      42  
ARTICLE VI       
COVENANTS       

Section 6.01

  Further Assurances      42  

Section 6.02

  Information      44  

Section 6.03

  Production of Witnesses and Records; Cooperation      46  

Section 6.04

  Privileged Matters      47  

Section 6.05

  Confidentiality      49  

Section 6.06

  Protective Arrangements      50  

Section 6.07

  Intercompany Agreements      50  

Section 6.08

  Guarantee Obligations      51  

Section 6.09

  Expenses      51  

Section 6.10

  New Newmark      52  

Section 6.11

  Reinvestments by Newmark in Newmark Opco; Pre-Emptive Rights      52  

Section 6.12

  Reinvestments by BGC Partners Prior to the Distribution      56  

Section 6.13

  Dividends by Newmark      57  

Section 6.14

  Adjustments to the Exchange Ratio      58  

Section 6.15

  Use of Reinvestment Cash      59  

Section 6.16

  Treatment of Payments for Tax Purposes      59  
ARTICLE VII       
INTERIM OPERATIONS AND INSURANCE       

Section 7.01

  Financial Covenants      60  

Section 7.02

  Other Covenants      63  

Section 7.03

  Auditors and Audits; Annual Financial Statements and Accounting      66  

Section 7.04

  Insurance Matters      68  
ARTICLE VIII       
MUTUAL RELEASES; INDEMNIFICATION       

Section 8.01

  Release of Pre-IPO Claims      69  

Section 8.02

  Survival of Agreements      71  

Section 8.03

  Indemnification by the BGC Opcos      71  

Section 8.04

  Indemnification by Newmark Opco      72  

Section 8.05

  Indemnification by Newmark      73  

Section 8.06

  Indemnification by BGC Partners      73  

 

ii


Section 8.07

  Direct Claims      73  

Section 8.08

  Third-Party Claims      74  

Section 8.09

  Indemnification Obligations Net of Insurance Proceeds and Other Amounts      75  

Section 8.10

  Additional Matters      76  

Section 8.11

  Right of Contribution      77  

Section 8.12

  Mitigation      78  

Section 8.13

  Covenant Not to Sue      78  

Section 8.14

  Survival of Indemnities      78  

Section 8.15

  Tax Matters Coordination      78  
ARTICLE IX       
EMPLOYEE MATTERS       

Section 9.01

  Employment of Newmark Employees      79  

Section 9.02

  Equity Compensation Matters      79  

Section 9.03

  Benefit Plan Matters      80  

Section 9.04

  401(k) Plan Matters      80  

Section 9.05

  Certain Compensation Matters      81  

Section 9.06

  Payroll Taxes      81  

Section 9.07

  Miscellaneous      81  
ARTICLE X       
TERMINATION       

Section 10.01

  Termination by Mutual Consent      83  

Section 10.02

  Other Termination      83  

Section 10.03

  Effect of Termination      83  
ARTICLE XII       
MISCELLANEOUS       

Section 11.01

  Entire Agreement      83  

Section 11.02

  Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction      83  

Section 11.03

  Amendment and Modification      84  

Section 11.04

  Successors and Assigns; Third-Party Beneficiaries      84  

Section 11.05

  Notices      85  

Section 11.06

  Counterparts      86  

Section 11.07

  Waivers of Default      86  

Section 11.08

  Specific Performance      86  

Section 11.09

  Severability      86  

Section 11.10

  Publicity      86  

Section 11.11

  Organizational Power      87  

Section 11.12

  Limitations of Liability      87  

Section 11.13

  Force Majeure      87  

 

iii


Exhibits

 

Exhibit A    Form of Administrative Services Agreement
Exhibit B    Form of Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement
Exhibit C    Form of Newmark Opco Limited Partnership Agreement
Exhibit D    Form of Registration Rights Agreement
Exhibit E    Form of Tax Matters Agreement
Exhibit F    Form of Newmark Tax Receivable Agreement
Exhibit G    Form of Newmark Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
Exhibit H    Form of Newmark Amended and Restated Bylaws
Exhibit I    Form of Transition Services Agreement
Exhibit J    Form of BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement
Exhibit K    Form of Exchange Agreement
Exhibit L    Form of BGC Tax Receivable Agreement

 

 

iv


SEPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT

This SEPARATION AND DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT, dated as of [•] (this “ Agreement ”), is by and among BGC Partners, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ BGC Partners ”), BGC Holdings, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ BGC Holdings ”), BGC Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ BGC U.S. Opco ” and together with BGC Partners and BGC Holdings, the “ BGC Entities ”), Newmark Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Newmark ”), Newmark Holdings, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ Newmark Holdings ”), Newmark Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ Newmark Opco ” and together with Newmark and Newmark Holdings, the “ Newmark Entities ”), and solely for purposes of Sections 2.09, 6.10, 6.11, 6.12, 6.13, 6.14 and 6.15 and Article XIII and Article IX, Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ Cantor ”), and solely for purposes of Sections 6.11 and 6.12 and Article VIII, BGC Global Holdings, L.P., a Cayman Islands limited partnership (“ BGC Global Opco ” and collectively, the “ Parties ” and each, a “ Party ”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS, the BGC Entities and their respective Subsidiaries are engaged in the Transferred Business;

WHEREAS, each of the board of directors of BGC Partners (the “ BGC Partners Board ”), the general partner of BGC Holdings and the general partner of BGC U.S. Opco has determined that it is in the best interests of BGC Partners, BGC Holdings and BGC U.S. Opco, respectively, and their respective equityholders to separate the Transferred Business from the other businesses of the BGC Entities and their respective Subsidiaries (such other businesses, the “ Retained Business ”) so that, as of the Closing Date, the Transferred Business is held by members of the Newmark Group and the Retained Business is held by members of the BGC Partners Group (the “ Separation ”);

WHEREAS, to effect the Separation, members of the BGC Partners Group shall contribute, convey, transfer, assign and deliver to members of the Newmark Group, and members of the Newmark Group shall accept and assume from members of the BGC Partners Group, all of the right, title and interest of the members of the BGC Partners Group in, to and under certain of the Assets and Liabilities relating to the Transferred Business, in each case on the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement;

WHEREAS, after the Separation, Newmark shall offer and sell to the public a number of shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock, to be effected pursuant to the IPO Registration Statement, as more fully described in this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements (the “ IPO ”);

WHEREAS, BGC Partners currently expects that, following the IPO, it shall pursue a pro rata distribution of any shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock and any shares of Newmark Class B Common Stock held by BGC Partners, pursuant to which the shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock held by BGC Partners would be distributed to the holders of shares of BGC Partners Class A Common Stock and the shares of Newmark Class B Common Stock held by BGC Partners would be distributed to the holders of shares of BGC Partners Class B Common Stock, as more fully described in this Agreement (the “ Distribution ”);

 


WHEREAS, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the Newmark Inc. Contribution and the Distribution, if effected, taken together, are intended to qualify as a “reorganization” under Sections 355 and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code;

WHEREAS, this Agreement (including the Separation Steps Plan) is intended to be, and is hereby adopted as, a “plan of reorganization” within the meaning of Treas. Reg. 1.368-2(g); and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate and desirable to set forth the principal corporate transactions required to effect the Separation (including the Partnership Divisions and the Newmark Inc. Contribution), the IPO and the Distribution and certain other agreements that will govern certain matters relating to the Separation (including the Partnership Divisions and the Newmark Inc. Contribution), the IPO and the Distribution and the relationship of BGC Partners, Newmark and their respective Groups following the Separation (including the Partnership Divisions and the Newmark Inc. Contribution), the IPO and the Distribution.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises hereinafter set forth and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound thereby, the Parties agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS; INTERPRETATION

Section 1.01 Defined Terms . For the purposes of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Action ” means any action, claim, suit, litigation, proceeding (including arbitral) or investigation.

Acquisition Term Loans ” has the meaning set forth in the Revolving Credit Agreement.

Adjustment Factor ” means, with respect to any fiscal quarter in which there is Reinvestment Cash, an amount (which may be a positive or a negative number) equal to: (a) the Reinvestment Cash for such fiscal quarter, divided by (b) the Newmark Per Unit Price as of the day prior to the date on which the adjustment to the Exchange Ratio with respect to such Adjustment Factor pursuant to Section 6.14(b) is made.

Administrative Services Agreement ” means the Administrative Services Agreement between Cantor and Newmark, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A .

Affiliate ” means, with respect to any Person, any other Person that directly, or through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by or is under common control with such Person; provided , however , that, for purposes of this Agreement, as of and after the

 

2


Closing, (i) no member of the Cantor Group shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of a member of the BGC Partners Group or the Newmark Group as a result of the control relationship between such members; (ii) no member of the BGC Partners Group shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of a member of the Cantor Group or the Newmark Group as a result of the control relationship between such members; and (iii) no member of the Newmark Group shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of a member of the Cantor Group or the BGC Partners Group as a result of the control relationship between such members.

Agent ” means the distribution agent to be appointed by BGC Partners to distribute to the stockholders of BGC Partners all of the shares of Newmark Common Stock held by BGC Partners pursuant to the Distribution, if any.

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Ancillary Agreements ” means, collectively, the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement, the Newmark Opco Limited Partnership Agreement, the Administrative Services Agreement, the Transition Services Agreement, the Registration Rights Agreement, the Tax Receivable Agreements, the Tax Matters Agreement and the Exchange Agreement.

Applicable Law ” means any Law applicable to any of the Parties or any of their respective Affiliates, directors, officers, employees, properties or Assets.

Asset ” means any asset, property, right, Contract and claim, whether real, personal or mixed, tangible or intangible, of any kind, nature and description, whether accrued, contingent or otherwise, and wherever situated and whether or not carried or reflected, or required to be carried or reflected, on the books of any Person.

Benefit Plan ” means, with respect to an entity or any of its Subsidiaries, (a) each “employee welfare benefit plan” (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) and all other employee benefits arrangements, policies or payroll practices (including severance pay, sick leave, vacation pay, salary continuation, disability, retirement, deferred compensation, bonus, stock option or other equity-based compensation, hospitalization, medical insurance or life insurance) sponsored or maintained by such entity or by any of its Subsidiaries (or to which such entity or any of its Subsidiaries contributes or is required to contribute) and (b) all “employee pension benefit plans” (as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA), occupational pension plan or arrangement or other pension arrangements sponsored, maintained or contributed to by such entity or any of its Subsidiaries (or to which such entity or any of its Subsidiaries contributes or is required to contribute).

BGC 401(k) Plan ” means any U.S. tax-qualified, defined contribution 401(k) plan sponsored by BGC Partners that is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code.

BGC Benefit Plan ” means any Benefit Plan sponsored, maintained or contributed to by any member of the BGC Partners Group, other than any Newmark Benefit Plan.

 

3


BGC Current Market Price ” means, as of any date: (a) if shares of BGC Class A Common Stock are listed on an internationally recognized stock exchange, the average of the closing price per share of BGC Class A Common Stock on such stock exchange on each of the ten (10) consecutive trading days ending on such date ( it being understood that such price shall be appropriately adjusted in the event that there is a stock dividend or stock split during such ten (10)-consecutive-trading-day period); or (b) if shares of BGC Class A Common Stock are not listed on an internationally recognized stock exchange, the fair value of a share of BGC Class A Common Stock as agreed in good faith by BGC Partners.

BGC Employee ” means (a) any individual who, immediately prior to the Effective Time, is actively employed by or on an approved leave of absence from any member of the BGC Partners Group and (b) any individual who becomes an employee of the BGC Partners Group after the Effective Time; provided that, in each case, no Shared Employee or Newmark Employee shall be considered a BGC Employee.

BGC Entities ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

BGC Equity Awards ” means (a) units issued representing a general unsecured promise of BGC Partners to deliver the value of shares of BGC Partners Common Stock in cash or shares of BGC Partners Common Stock and (b) shares of BGC Partners Common Stock that are subject to transfer restrictions, in each case, granted under the BGC LTIP.

BGC Global Opco ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble, including any successor to BGC Global Holdings, L.P., whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise.

BGC Global Opco Group ” means BGC Global Opco and its Subsidiaries (other than any member of the Newmark Group).

BGC Global Opco Limited Partnership Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of BGC Global Opco, as it may be amended from time to time.

BGC Global Opco Limited Partnership Interest ” means “Limited Partnership Interest” as defined in the BGC Global Opco Limited Partnership Agreement, but excluding the BGC Global Opco Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest.

BGC Global Opco Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest ” means “Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest” as defined in the BGC Global Opco Limited Partnership Agreement.

BGC Global Opco Unit ” means “Unit” as defined in the BGC Global Opco Limited Partnership Agreement.

BGC Holdings ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble, including any successor to BGC Holdings, L.P., whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise.

BGC Holdings Group ” means BGC Holdings and its Subsidiaries (other than any member of the BGC U.S. Opco Group, BGC Global Opco Group or Newmark Group).

 

4


BGC Holdings Indemnitees ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.03.

BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of BGC Holdings, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit J .

BGC Holdings Unit ” means “Unit” as defined in the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement.

BGC Incentive Plans ” means any of the annual or short term incentive plans of the members of the BGC Partners Group, all as in effect as of the time relevant to the applicable provisions of this Agreement.

BGC LTIP ” means the BGC Partners Seventh Amended and Restated Long Term Incentive Plan, as such plan may be amended from time to time.

BGC Opco Indemnitees ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.04.

BGC Opcos ” means BGC U.S. Opco and BGC Global Opco.

BGC Participation Plan ” means the BGC Holdings Participation Plan, as such plan may be amended from time to time.

BGC Partners ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble, including any successor to BGC Partners, Inc., whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise.

BGC Partners Annual Statement ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.03(b).

BGC Partners’ Auditors ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.03(b).

BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco First Term Loan Note ” means the promissory note, dated as of [•] issued by BGC U.S. Opco to BGC Partners in the face amount of $575,000,000 to support BGC Partners’ obligation under the Term Loan Credit Agreement.

BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco Acquisition Term Loan Note ” means the promissory note, dated as of [•] issued by BGC U.S. Opco to BGC Partners in the face amount of $400,000,000 to support BGC Partners’ obligation in respect of the Acquisition Term Loans under the Revolving Credit Agreement.

BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco Other Debt Notes ” means (i) the promissory note, dated as of [•], issued by BGC U.S. Opco to BGC Partners in the face amount of $300,000,000 to support BGC Partners’ obligation in respect of its Notes due 2019 and (ii) the promissory note, dated as of [•], issued by BGC U.S. Opco to BGC Partners in the face amount of $112,500,000 to support BGC Partners’ obligation in respect of its Notes due 2042.

BGC Partners Board ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

 

5


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

BGC Partners Class B Common Stock ” means the Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of BGC Partners.

BGC Partners Common Stock ” means the BGC Partners Class A Common Stock and the BGC Partners Class B Common Stock, as applicable.

BGC Partners Group ” means BGC Partners, BGC Holdings, BGC U.S. Opco and BGC Global Opco and each of their respective Subsidiaries (other than any member of the Newmark Group).

BGC Partners Inc. Group ” means BGC Partners and its Subsidiaries (other than any member of the BGC Holdings Group, BGC U.S. Opco Group, BGC Global Opco Group or Newmark Group).

BGC Partners Inc. Indemnitees ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.03.

BGC Partners Public Filings ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.01(i).

BGC Partners Ratio ” means, as of any time, the number equal to (a) the aggregate number of BGC U.S Opco Units held by the BGC Partners Inc. Group as of such time divided by (b) the aggregate number of shares of BGC Partners Common Stock issued and outstanding as of such time.

BGC Per Unit Price ” means, as of any time, the quotient obtained by dividing (a) an amount equal to (i) the BGC Current Market Price as of such time minus (ii) the Newmark Current Market Price as of such time multiplied by the Distribution Ratio as of such time, by (b) the BGC Partners Ratio as of such time (it being understood that the BGC Partners Board shall have the right to make any equitable adjustment to calculation of the BGC Per Unit Price if any events shall warrant such adjustment).

BGC Tax Receivable Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement between BGC Partners and Cantor, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit L .

BGC U.S. Opco ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble, including any successor to BGC Partners, L.P., whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise.

BGC U.S. Opco Group ” means BGC U.S. Opco and its Subsidiaries (other than any member of the Newmark Group).

BGC U.S. Opco Limited Partnership Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of BGC U.S. Opco, as it may be amended from time to time.

 

6


BGC U.S. Opco Limited Partnership Interest ” means “Limited Partnership Interest” as defined in the BGC U.S. Opco Limited Partnership Agreement, but excluding the BGC U.S. Opco Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest.

BGC U.S. Opco Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest ” means “Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest” as defined in the BGC U.S. Opco Limited Partnership Agreement.

BGC U.S. Opco Unit ” means “Unit” as defined in the BGC U.S. Opco Limited Partnership Agreement.

Business Day ” means any day excluding Saturday, Sunday and any day on which banking institutions located in New York, New York are authorized or required by Applicable Law or other governmental action to be closed.

Cantor ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble, including any successor to Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P., whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise.

Cantor Benefit Plan ” any Benefit Plan sponsored, maintained or contributed to by any member of the Cantor Group, other than any Newmark Benefit Plan.

Cantor Group ” means Cantor and its Subsidiaries (other than any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group), Howard W. Lutnick and/or any of his immediate family members as so designated by Howard W. Lutnick and any trusts or other entities controlled by Howard W. Lutnick.

Cantor Indemnitees ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.03.

Closing ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03.

Closing Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.03.

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

Contract ” means any agreement, contract, obligation, license, lease, promise or undertaking (whether written or oral and whether express or implied).

Contribution ” means the transfer of the Transferred Assets by members of the BGC Partners Group to members of the Newmark Group and the assumption of the Transferred Liabilities by members of the Newmark Group from members of the BGC Partners Group as contemplated by this Agreement, including by means of the Opco Partnership Contribution, the Holdings Partnership Contribution and the Newmark Inc. Contribution.

Contribution Ratio ” shall mean a fraction equal to one divided by 2.20. 1

 

 

1   To confirm.

 

7


Copyrights ” means any foreign or United States copyright registrations and applications for registration thereof, and any non-registered copyrights.

Covered Information ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.05(a).

Covered Subsidiaries ” means Subsidiaries that are covered under a BGC Partners Group insurance policy.

Dispute ” shall mean any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or Ancillary Agreement (including regarding whether any Assets are Transferred Assets, any Liabilities are Transferred Liabilities or the validity, interpretation, breach or termination of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement).

Distribution ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Distribution Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.03(a).

Distribution Effective Time ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(b).

Distribution Percentage Difference ” means (a) if the Newmark Holdings Distribution Percentage is greater than the Newmark Distribution Percentage, an amount, expressed as a percentage, equal to the Newmark Holdings Distribution Percentage minus the Newmark Distribution Percentage; and (b) if the Newmark Distribution Percentage is greater than the Newmark Holdings Distribution Percentage, an amount, expressed as a percentage, equal to the Newmark Distribution Percentage minus the Newmark Holdings Distribution Percentage.

Distribution Ratio ” shall mean, as of any time, the quotient obtained by dividing the number of Newmark Common Stock held by BGC Partners as of such time divided by the number of BGC Partners Common Stock outstanding as of such time.

Effective Time ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.04.

Election ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.11(b)(iii).

ERISA ” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

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

Exchange Agreement ” means the letter agreement, by and among Newmark, BGC Partners and Cantor, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit K .

Excluded Assets ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(b).

Excluded Liabilities ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(b).

 

8


Exchange Ratio ” shall mean the number of shares of Newmark Common Stock that a holder shall receive upon exchange of each Newmark Holdings Exchange Right Unit pursuant to Article VIII of the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement.

Force Majeure ” shall mean, with respect to a Party, an event beyond the control of such Party (or any Person acting on its behalf), which event (a) does not arise or result from the fault or negligence of such Party (or any Person acting on its behalf) and (b) by its nature would not reasonably have been foreseen by such Party (or such Person), or, if it would reasonably have been foreseen, was unavoidable, and includes acts of God, acts of civil or military authority, embargoes, epidemics, war, riots, insurrections, fires, explosions, earthquakes, floods, unusually severe weather conditions, labor problems or unavailability of parts, or, in the case of computer systems, any failure in electrical or air conditioning equipment. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the receipt by a Party of an unsolicited takeover offer or other acquisition proposal, even if unforeseen or unavoidable, and such Party’s response thereto shall not be deemed an event of Force Majeure .

Former BGC Employee ” means (a) any individual who as of the Effective Time is a former employee of the BGC Partners Group and (b) any individual who is a BGC Employee as of the Effective Time or thereafter who ceases to be an employee of the BGC Partners Group, in each case, excluding any Former Newmark Employee.

Former Newmark Employee ” means (a) any individual who as of the Effective Time is a former employee of the Newmark Group, (b) any individual who is a Newmark Employee as of the Effective Time or thereafter who ceases to be an employee of the Newmark Group after the Effective Time and (c) each former employee of Cantor or its Subsidiaries who was exclusively providing services to the Transferred Business as of the date of his or her termination of employment.

Governmental Approvals ” means any notices, reports or other filings to be made, or any consents, registrations, approvals, permits or authorizations to be obtained from, any Governmental Authority.

Governmental Authority ” means the government of any nation, state, city, locality or other political subdivision thereof, any entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government, including the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and any corporation or other entity owned or controlled, through stock or capital ownership or otherwise, by any of the foregoing.

Group ” means the Cantor Group, the BGC Partners Group, the Newmark Group, the BGC Partners, Inc. Group, the BGC Holdings Group, the BGC U.S. Opco Group, the BGC Global Opco Group, the Newmark Inc. Group, the Newmark Holdings Group and the Newmark Opco Group, as applicable.

Holdings Partnership Contribution ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(b)(i).

Holdings Partnership Distribution ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(b)(i).

 

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Holdings Partnership Division ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(b)(ii).

Indebtedness ” means, as to any Person, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money (including reimbursement and all other obligations with respect to surety bonds, letters of credit and bankers’ acceptances, whether or not matured), (b) all obligations of such Person to pay the deferred purchase price of property or services, except trade accounts payable and accrued commercial or trade liabilities arising in the ordinary course of business, (c) all interest rate and currency swaps, caps, collars and similar agreements or hedging devices under which payments are obligated to be made by such Person, whether periodically or upon the happening of a contingency, (d) all indebtedness created or arising under any conditional sale or other title retention agreement with respect to property acquired by such Person (even though the rights and remedies of the seller or lender under such agreement in the event of default are limited to repossession or sale of such property), (e) all obligations of such Person under leases which have been or should be, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, recorded as capital leases, (f) all indebtedness secured by any Lien (other than Liens in favor of lessors under leases other than leases included in clause (e)) on any property or asset owned or held by that Person regardless of whether the indebtedness secured thereby shall have been assumed by that Person or is non-recourse to the credit of that Person, and (g) any guarantees provided by such Person of any item described in clauses (a) through (f), regardless of whether such items are obligations of other Persons.

Indemnifiable Losses ” means all Liabilities suffered or incurred by an Indemnitee, including any reasonable fees, costs or expenses of enforcing any indemnity hereunder; provided , however , that Indemnifiable Losses shall not include any Special Damages except if and to the extent awarded in an Action involving a Third-Party Claim against such Indemnitee.

Indemnitee ” means any of the Cantor Indemnitees, the BGC Opco Indemnitees, the BGC Holdings Indemnitees, the BGC Partners Inc. Indemnitees, the Newmark Opco Indemnitees, the Newmark Holdings Indemnitees and the Newmark Inc. Indemnitees, as the case may be.

Indemnity Payment ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.09(a).

Information ” means all information, whether or not patentable or copyrightable, in written, oral, electronic or other tangible or intangible forms, stored in any medium, including studies, reports, records, books, Contracts, instruments, surveys, discoveries, ideas, concepts, know-how, techniques, designs, specifications, drawings, blueprints, diagrams, models, prototypes, samples, flow charts, data, computer data, disks, diskettes, tapes, computer programs or other software, marketing plans, customer names, communications by or to attorneys, memos and other materials prepared by attorneys or under their direction (including attorney work product), and other technical, financial, legal, employee or business information or data.

Insurance Proceeds ” means amounts (a) received by an insured from an insurance carrier; (b) paid by an insurance carrier on behalf of the insured; or (c) received (including by way of set-off) from any third Person in the nature of insurance, contribution or indemnification in respect of any Liability, in each of cases (a), (b) and (c), net of any applicable premium adjustments (including reserves and retrospectively rated premium adjustments) and net of any costs or expenses incurred in the collection thereof.

 

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Intellectual Property ” means, collectively, all Copyrights, Patents, Trade Secrets, Trademarks, Internet Assets and other proprietary rights, other than Software and Technology.

Intercompany Revolving Credit Agreement ” means the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of [•], by and between BGC Partners and Newmark.

Internet Assets ” means any Internet domain names and other computer user identifiers and any rights in and to sites on the worldwide web, including rights in and to any text, graphics, audio and video files and html or other code incorporated in such sites.

IPO ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

IPO Closing Date ” means the First Time of Delivery as defined in the Underwriting Agreement.

IPO Proceeds ” means any and all proceeds received by Newmark from the sale in the IPO of shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock under the IPO Registration Statement (including all proceeds received by Newmark from the sale of shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock as a result of the Underwriters’ exercise of their option to purchase additional shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement), in all cases, net of the Underwriters’ discount as provided in the Underwriting Agreement and other expenses borne by Newmark in connection with the IPO.

IPO Registration Statement ” means the registration statement on Form S-1 filed under the Securities Act, pursuant to which the shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock to be issued in the IPO will be registered under the Securities Act, together with all amendments thereto.

Law ” means any federal, state, local, municipal or foreign (including supranational) law, statute, ordinance, rule, regulation, judgment, order, injunction, decree, arbitration award, agency requirement, license or permit of any Governmental Authority.

Liabilities ” means any and all losses, liabilities, claims, charges, debts, demands, actions, causes of action, suits, damages, fines, penalties, offsets, obligations, payments, costs and expenses, sums of money, bonds, indemnities and similar obligations, covenants, Contracts, controversies, agreements, promises, omissions, guarantees, make whole agreements and similar obligations, and other liabilities, including all contractual obligations, whether absolute or contingent, inchoate or otherwise, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, accrued or unaccrued, known or unknown, whenever arising, and including those arising under any Law, Action or threatened or contemplated Action (including the costs and expenses of demands, assessments, judgments, settlements and compromises relating thereto and attorneys’ fees and any and all costs and expenses reasonably incurred in investigating, preparing or defending against any such Actions or threatened or contemplated Actions), order or consent decree of any Governmental Authority or any award of any arbitrator or mediator of any kind, and those arising under any Contract, commitment or undertaking, including those arising under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, in each case, whether or not recorded or reflected or required to be recorded or reflected on the books and records or financial statements of any Person.

 

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Lien ” means, whether arising under any Contract or otherwise, any debts, claims, security interests, liens, encumbrances, pledges, mortgages, retention agreements, hypothecations, rights of others, assessments, restrictions, voting trust agreements, options, rights of first offer, proxies, title defects and charges or other restrictions or limitations of any nature whatsoever.

New Newmark ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.10(a).

New Newmark Merger ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.10(c).

New Newmark Sub ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.10(b).

Newmark ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble, including any successor to Newmark Group, Inc., whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise.

Newmark 401(k) Plan ” means a U.S. tax-qualified, defined contribution plan intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the Code, as established by any member of the Newmark Group.

Newmark 401(k) Plan Trust ” means a trust relating to the Newmark 401(k) Plan intended to qualify under Section 401(a) and be exempt under Section 501(a) of the Code.

Newmark Balance Sheet ” means the pro forma combined balance sheet of the Transferred Business, including any notes and subledgers thereto, as of September 30, 2017, as presented in the final prospectus that is contained in the IPO Registration Statement.

Newmark Benefit Plan ” means (a) any Benefit Plan sponsored, maintained or contributed to by any member of the Newmark Group and (b) any other Benefit Plan that BGC Partners and Newmark agree is writing is a Newmark Benefit Plan.

Newmark Board ” means the board of directors of Newmark.

Newmark Charter ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.03.

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

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

Newmark Common Stock ” means the Newmark Class A Common Stock and the Newmark Class B Common Stock, as applicable.

 

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Newmark Current Market Price ” means, as of any date: (a) if shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock are listed on an internationally recognized stock exchange, the average of the closing price per share of Newmark Class A Common Stock on such stock exchange on each of the ten (10) consecutive trading days ending on such date ( it being understood that such price shall be appropriately adjusted in the event that there is a stock dividend or stock split during such ten (10)-consecutive-trading-day period); or (b) if shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock are not listed on an internationally recognized stock exchange, the fair value of a share of Newmark Class A Common Stock as agreed in good faith by Newmark.

Newmark Distribution Percentage ” means, with respect to any fiscal quarter, the fraction, expressed as a percentage, equal to (a) (i) the value of the aggregate dividends from Newmark to its stockholders for such fiscal quarter from the aggregate distributions from Newmark Opco to Newmark for such fiscal quarter (in each case, excluding from such distribution any amount that will be used by Newmark for the payment of Taxes in respect of Newmark’s allocated share of income for the applicable period), divided by (b) the value of the aggregate distributions from Newmark Opco to Newmark for such fiscal quarter (excluding from such distribution any amount that will be used by Newmark for the payment of Taxes in respect of Newmark’s allocated share of income for the applicable period). For purposes of this provision, the value of any non-cash assets shall be determined in good faith by the general partner of Newmark Opco, as of the date of such distribution by Newmark Opco, taking into account, if relevant, the acquisition cost thereof.

Newmark Employee ” means (a) any individual who, immediately prior to the Effective Time, is either actively employed by or on an approved leave of absence from any member of the Newmark Group, (b) any individual who, immediately prior to the Closing, is employed by, engaged directly and primarily in or, after taking into account the services to be provided under the Administrative Services Agreement and the Transition Services Agreement, provides services necessary for the conduct of the Transferred Business (including any such individual who is on an approved leave of absence from the BGC Group or Cantor Group) and (c) any individual who becomes an employee of any member of the Newmark Group after the Effective Time; provided, in each case, that no Shared Employee shall be considered a Newmark Employee.

Newmark Entities ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Newmark Equity Awards ” means (a) units issued representing a general unsecured promise of Newmark to deliver the value of shares of Newmark Common Stock in cash or shares of Newmark Common Stock, (b) options (either nonqualified or incentive) to purchase shares of Newmark Common Stock, and (c) shares of Newmark Common Stock that are subject to transfer restriction, in each case, granted under the Newmark LTIP or assumed by Newmark in connection with the Distribution.

Newmark Group ” means Newmark, Newmark Holdings, Newmark Opco and each of their respective Subsidiaries.

 

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Newmark Holdings ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble, including any successor to Newmark Holdings, L.P., whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise.

Newmark Holdings Distribution Percentage ” means, with respect to any fiscal quarter, the fraction, expressed as a percentage, equal to (a) the value of the aggregate distributions from Newmark Holdings to its equityholders for such fiscal quarter (excluding from such distribution any amount that represents Estimated Proportionate Quarterly Tax Distributions, as defined in the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement for such fiscal quarter) from the aggregate distributions from Newmark Opco to Newmark Holdings for such fiscal quarter, divided by (b) the value of the aggregate distributions from Newmark Opco to Newmark Holdings for such fiscal quarter (excluding from such distribution any amount that is used by Newmark Holdings to pay Estimated Proportionate Quarterly Tax Distributions, as defined in the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement, for such fiscal quarter). For purposes of this provision, the value of any non-cash assets shall be determined in good faith by the general partner of Newmark Opco, as of the date of such distribution by Newmark Opco, taking into account, if relevant, the acquisition cost thereof.

Newmark Holdings Exchange Right Unit ” means “Exchange Right Unit” as defined in the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement.

Newmark Holdings Exchangeable Limited Partner Unit ” means “Exchangeable Limited Partner Unit” as defined in the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement.

Newmark Holdings Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest ” means “Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest” as defined in the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement.

Newmark Holdings General Partner ” means Newmark GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the general partner of Newmark Holdings.

Newmark Holdings Group ” means Newmark Holdings and its Subsidiaries (other than any member of the Newmark Opco Group).

Newmark Holdings Indemnitees ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.03.

Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Newmark Holdings, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B .

Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Interests ” means “Limited Partnership Interests” as defined in the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement, but excluding the Newmark Holdings Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest.

Newmark Holdings Ratio ” means, as of any time, the number equal to (a) the aggregate number of Newmark Opco Units held by the Newmark Holdings Group as of such time divided by (b) the aggregate number of Newmark Holdings Units issued and outstanding as of such time.

 

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Newmark Holdings Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest ” means “Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest” as defined in the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement.

Newmark Holdings Unit ” means “Unit” as defined in the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement.

Newmark Inc. Contribution ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(c).

Newmark Inc. Group ” means Newmark and each of its Subsidiaries (other than any member of the Newmark Holdings Group or any member of the Newmark Opco Group).

Newmark Inc. Indemnitees ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.03.

Newmark IPO Payment ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.04.

Newmark LTIP ” means the Newmark Group, Inc. Long Term Incentive Plan, as such plan may be amended from time to time.

Newmark Participation Plan ” means the Newmark Participation Plan, as such plan may be amended from time to time.

Newmark Opco ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble, including any successor to Newmark Partners, L.P., whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise.

Newmark Opco General Partner ” means Newmark Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the general partner of Newmark Opco.

Newmark Opco Group ” means Newmark Opco and its Subsidiaries (including, after the Closing, any Transferred Entities that are Subsidiaries of Newmark Opco).

Newmark Opco Percentage Interest ” means the “Percentage Interest” as defined in the Newmark Opco Limited Partnership Agreement.

Newmark Opco Interest ” means “Interest” as defined in the Newmark Opco Limited Partnership Agreement.

Newmark Opco Indemnitees ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.03.

Newmark Opco Limited Partnership Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Newmark Opco, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C .

Newmark Opco Limited Partnership Interest ” means “Limited Partnership Interest” as defined in the Newmark Opco Limited Partnership Agreement, but excluding the Newmark Opco Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest.

 

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Newmark Opco Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest ” means “Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest” as defined in the Newmark Opco Limited Partnership Agreement.

Newmark Opco Unit ” means “Unit” as defined in the Newmark Opco Limited Partnership Agreement.

Newmark Per Unit Price ” means, as of any time, the product of (a) the Newmark Current Market Price as of such time, multiplied by (b) the Exchange Ratio as of such time.

Newmark Ratio ” means, as of any time, the number equal to (a) the aggregate number of Newmark Opco Units held by the Newmark Inc. Group as of such time divided by (b) the aggregate number of shares of Newmark Common Stock issued and outstanding as of such time.

Newmark Tax Receivable Agreement ” means the Tax Receivable Agreement between Cantor and Newmark, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit F .

Newmark’s Auditors ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.01(i).

Notice ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.11(b)(ii).

Opco Partnership Contribution ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a).

Opco Partnership Division ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05(a).

Parties ” and “ Party ” have the meanings set forth in the preamble.

Partnership Divisions ” means the Opco Partnership Division and the Holdings Partnership Division.

Patents ” means any foreign or United States patents and patent applications, including any divisions, continuations, continuations-in-part, substitutions or reissues thereof, whether or not patents are issued on such applications and whether or not such applications are modified, withdrawn or resubmitted.

Person ” means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, joint stock company, limited liability company, Governmental Authority or other entity of any kind, and shall include any successor (by merger or otherwise) of such entity.

Pre-Distribution BGC Equity Awards ” has the meaning set forth in Section 9.02.

Privileged Information ” means any Information, including any communications by or to attorneys (including attorney-client privileged communications), memoranda and other materials prepared by attorneys or under their direction (including attorney work product), as to which a Party or any member of its Group would be entitled to assert or have asserted a privilege, including the attorney-client and attorney work product privileges.

 

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Prospectus ” means each preliminary, final or supplemental prospectus forming a part of the IPO Registration Statement.

Purchase Consideration ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.11(b)(iii).

Purchase Right ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.11(b)(i).

Purchase Right Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.11(b)(i).

Receiving Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.11(b)(i).

Record Date ” means the close of business on the date to be determined by the BGC Partners Board as the record date for determining stockholders of BGC Partners entitled to receive shares of Newmark Common Stock in the Distribution.

Registration Rights Agreement ” means the Registration Rights Agreement among Newmark, BGC Partners and Cantor, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D .

Reinvestment Cash ” means, with respect to any fiscal quarter: (a) if the Newmark Holdings Distribution Percentage is greater than the Newmark Distribution Percentage, a number (which shall be positive) equal to (i) the value of the aggregate distributions from Newmark Opco to Newmark for such fiscal quarter (excluding from such distributions any amount that will be used by Newmark for the payment of Taxes in respect of Newmark’s allocated share of income for the applicable period), multiplied by (ii) the Distribution Percentage Difference; and (b) if the Newmark Distribution Percentage is greater than the Newmark Holdings Distribution Percentage, a number (which shall be negative) equal to (x) the product of the value of the aggregate distributions from Newmark Opco to Newmark for such fiscal quarter (excluding from such distribution any amounts that will be used by Newmark for the payment of Taxes in respect of Newmark’s allocated share of income for the applicable period), multiplied by (y) the Distribution Percentage Difference, multiplied by (z) negative one. For purposes of this provision, the value of any non-cash assets shall be determined in good faith by the general partner of Newmark Opco, as of the date of such distribution by Newmark Opco, taking into account, if relevant, the acquisition cost thereof.

Representatives ” means, with respect to a Person, such Person’s directors, officers, employees, general partners, agents, accountants, managing member, counsel and other advisors and representatives.

Required Approval ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.01(d).

Retained Business ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Revolving Credit Agreement ” means the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of September 8, 2017, among BGC Partners, as the Borrower, certain subsidiaries of BGC Partners, as Guarantors, the several financial institutions from time to time party thereto, as Lenders, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, as amended by the First Amendment to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of [•], 2017, by and among, BGC Partners, Newmark, the several financial institutions from time to time party thereto, as Lenders, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

 

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SEC ” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

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

Separation ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals.

Separation Steps Plan ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.05.

Shared Contract ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.08.

Shared Employee ” means (a) any individual who, as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, is employed by a member of the Cantor Group, BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group in a corporate function or executive level position who provides services to both the BGC Partners Group and the Newmark Group or (b) any individual who becomes an employee of any member of the Cantor Group after the Effective Time who provides services to both the BGC Partners Group and Newmark Group.

Software ” means any and all (a) computer programs, including any and all software implementation of algorithms, models and methodologies, whether in source code, object code, human readable form or other form, (b) databases and compilations, including any and all data and collections of data, whether machine readable or otherwise, (c) descriptions, flow charts and other work products used to design, plan, organize and develop any of the foregoing, (d) screens, user interfaces, report formats, firmware, development tools, templates, menus, buttons and icons and (e) documentation, including user manuals and other training documentation, relating to any of the foregoing.

Special Damages ” means any special, indirect, incidental, punitive, exemplary, remote, speculative, consequential or similar damages whatsoever, including damages for lost profits or lost business opportunities or damages calculated based upon a multiple of earnings approach or variant thereof.

Subsidiary ” of any Person means, as of the relevant date of determination, any other Person of which 50% or more of the voting power of the outstanding voting equity securities or 50% or more of the outstanding economic equity interest is owned, directly or indirectly, by such first Person.

Tax Matters Agreement ” means the Tax Matters Agreement by and among the BGC Entities and the Newmark Entities, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit E .

Tax Receivable Agreements ” means the Newmark Tax Receivable Agreement and the BGC Tax Receivable Agreement.

Tax Return ” means any report of Taxes due, any claim for refund of Taxes paid, any information return with respect to Taxes, or any other similar report, statement, declaration, or document filed or required to be filed under the Code or other Tax Law, including any attachments, exhibits, or other materials submitted with any of the foregoing, and including any amendments or supplements to any of the foregoing.

 

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Taxes ” means any income, gross income, gross receipts, profits, capital stock, franchise, withholding, payroll, social security, workers compensation, unemployment, disability, property, ad valorem, stamp, excise, severance, occupation, service, sales, use, license, lease, transfer, import, export, value added, alternative minimum, estimated or other tax (including any fee, assessment, or other charge in the nature of or in lieu of any tax) imposed by any governmental entity or political subdivision thereof, and any interest, penalties, additions to tax, or additional amounts in respect of the foregoing.

Technology ” means all technology, designs, formulae, algorithms, procedures, methods, discoveries, processes, techniques, ideas, know-how, research and development, technical data, tools, materials, specifications, processes, inventions (whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice), apparatus, creations, improvements, works of authorship in any media, confidential, proprietary or nonpublic information, and other similar materials, and all recordings, graphs, drawings, reports, analyses and other writings, and other tangible embodiments of the foregoing in any form whether or not listed herein, in each case, other than Software.

Term Loan Credit Agreement ” means the Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of September 8, 2017, by and among BGC Partners, as the Borrower, certain subsidiaries of BGC Partners, as Guarantors, the several financial institutions from time to time party thereto, as Lenders, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent, as amended by the First Amendment to the Term Loan Credit Agreement, dated as of [•], 2017, by and among, BGC Partners, Newmark, the several financial institutions from time to time party thereto, as Lenders, and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

Third Party ” means any Person other than any member of any Group.

Third-Party Claim ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.08(a).

Trademarks ” means any foreign or United States trademarks, service marks, trade dress, trade names, brand names, designs and logos, corporate names, product or service identifiers, whether registered or unregistered, and all registrations and applications for registration thereof.

Trade Secrets ” means any trade secrets, research records, business methods, processes, procedures, manufacturing formulae, technical know-how, technology, blue prints, designs, plans, inventions (whether patentable and whether reduced to practice), invention disclosures and improvements thereto.

Transfer Agent ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.01(d).

Transferred Assets ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.01(a).

 

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Transferred Business ” means (a) the business, operations and activities of the Real Estate Services segment of BGC Partners (as such segment is described in BGC Partners’ Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed prior to the Closing Date) conducted at any time prior to the Effective Time by any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group, including the business, operations and activities of Berkeley Point Financial LLC conducted at any time prior to the Effective Time by any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group, and (b) any terminated, divested or discontinued businesses, operations and activities that, at the time of termination, divestiture or discontinuation, primarily related to the business, operations or activities described in clause (a) as then conducted, including those set forth on Schedule 1.01(a) .

Transferred Contracts ” means the following Contracts (or portions thereof) to which any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group is a party or by which it or any of its Assets is bound, whether or not in writing; provided that Transferred Contracts shall not include (x) any Contract that is contemplated to be retained by BGC Partners or any member of the BGC Partners Group from and after the Effective Time pursuant to any provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement or (y) any Contract that would constitute Transferred Software or Transferred Technology:

(a) any customer, distribution, supply or vendor Contracts set forth on Schedule 1.01(b) or primarily used or held for use in the Transferred Business as of the Effective Time;

(b) any license or other Contract conferring rights to Intellectual Property to the extent primarily used or held for use in the Transferred Business as of the Effective Time;

(c) any guarantee, indemnity, representation, covenant, warranty or other Liability of any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group in respect of any other Transferred Contract, any Transferred Liability or the Transferred Business;

(d) any employment, change of control, retention, consulting, indemnification, termination, severance or other similar Contracts with any Newmark Employee or Former Newmark Employee or consultants;

(e) any Contract that is otherwise expressly contemplated pursuant to this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements to be assigned to a member of the Newmark Group;

(f) any interest rate, currency, commodity or other swap, collar, cap or other hedging or similar Contracts or arrangements related exclusively to the Transferred Business as of the Effective Time or entered into by or on behalf of any division, business unit or member of the Newmark Group; and

(g) any Contracts listed on Schedule 1.01(c) , including the right to recover any amounts under such Contracts.

Transferred Entities ” means any Person, where a majority of the equity interest of such Person is part of the Transferred Assets, and any Subsidiary of such Person.

 

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Transferred Intellectual Property ” means all Intellectual Property owned or licensed by any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group primarily used or held for use in the Transferred Business as of the Effective Time, including the Intellectual Property set forth on Schedule 1.01(d) .

Transferred Liabilities ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2.02(a).

Transferred Permits and Licenses ” means all permits or licenses issued by any Governmental Authority to any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group to the extent primarily used or held for use in the Transferred Business as of the Effective Time and permitted by Applicable Law to be transferred.

Transferred Real Property ” means the leasehold interest of any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group in the real properties (or portions thereof) set forth on Schedule 1.01(e) .

Transferred Software ” means all Software owned or licensed by any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group primarily used or held for use in the Transferred Business as of the Effective Time.

Transferred Technology ” means all Technology owned or licensed by any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group primarily used or held for use in the Transferred Business as of the Effective Time.

Transition Services Agreement ” means the Transition Services Agreement between BGC Partners and Newmark, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit I .

Underwriters ” means the managing underwriter(s) for the IPO.

Underwriting Agreement ” means the underwriting agreement to be entered into among Newmark and the Underwriters as representatives of the several underwriters named therein with respect to the IPO.

U.S. GAAP ” means United States generally accepted accounting principles in effect from time to time.

Section 1.02 Other Definitions . Wherever required by the context of this Agreement, the singular shall include the plural and vice versa, and the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter genders and vice versa, and references to any agreement, document or instrument shall be deemed to refer to such agreement, document or instrument as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time. When used herein:

(a) the word “ or ” is not exclusive unless the context clearly requires otherwise;

(b) the word “ control ” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “ controlled by ” and “ under common control with ”), as used with respect to any Person, means the direct or indirect possession 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 Contract or otherwise;

 

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

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

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

Section 1.03 Absence of Presumption . This Agreement shall be construed without regard to any presumption or rule requiring construction or interpretation against the Party drafting or causing any instrument to be drafted.

Section 1.04 Headings . The section and article headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and will not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

ARTICLE II

SEPARATION

Section 2.01 Contribution of Transferred Assets .

(a) Transferred Assets . On or prior to the Effective Time, and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, including Section 6.01(d), (i) BGC U.S. Opco shall, and shall cause the applicable members of the BGC U.S. Opco Group to, contribute, assign, transfer, convey and deliver to Newmark Opco or the applicable members of the Newmark Opco Group designated by Newmark Opco, and Newmark Opco or the applicable members of the Newmark Opco Group designated by Newmark Opco shall accept from BGC U.S. Opco and the applicable members of the BGC U.S. Opco Group, (ii) BGC Holdings shall, and shall cause the applicable members of the BGC Holdings Group to, contribute, assign, transfer, convey and deliver to Newmark Holdings or the applicable members of the Newmark Holdings Group designated by Newmark Holdings, and Newmark Holdings or the applicable members of the Newmark Holdings Group designated by Newmark Holdings shall accept from BGC Holdings and the applicable members of the BGC Holdings Group, and (iii) BGC Partners shall, and shall cause the applicable members of the BGC Partners Inc. Group to, contribute, assign, transfer, convey and deliver to Newmark or the applicable members of the Newmark Inc. Group designated by Newmark, and Newmark or the applicable members of the Newmark Inc. Group designated by Newmark shall accept from BGC Partners and the applicable members of the BGC Partners Inc. Group, in each of cases (i), (ii) and (iii), all of the transferor’s respective direct or indirect right, title and interest in and to all of the Transferred Assets ( it being understood that if any Transferred Asset shall be held by a Transferred Entity, such Transferred Asset may be

 

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contributed, conveyed, transferred, assigned and delivered to the transferee as a result of the transfer of all of the equity interests in such Transferred Entity to the transferee or its Subsidiaries). For purposes of this Agreement, “ Transferred Assets ” shall mean (without duplication):

(i) Equity Interests . The equity interests set forth on Schedule 2.01(a)(i) and the equity interests contemplated by Section 2.05 to be contributed from members of the BGC Partners Group to members of the Newmark Group pursuant to the Partnership Divisions and the Newmark Inc. Contribution;

(ii) Newmark Balance Sheet Assets . All Assets of any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group included or reflected as assets of the Newmark Group on the Newmark Balance Sheet, subject to any dispositions of such Assets subsequent to the date of the Newmark Balance Sheet; provided that the amounts set forth on the Newmark Balance Sheet with respect to any Assets shall not be treated as minimum amounts or limitations on the amount of such Assets that are included in the definition of Transferred Assets pursuant to this Section 2.01(a)(ii);

(iii) Other Balance Sheet Assets . All Assets of any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group as of the Effective Time that are of a nature or type that would have resulted in such Assets being included as Assets of the Newmark Group on a pro forma combined balance sheet of the Newmark Group or any notes or subledgers thereto as of the Effective Time (were such balance sheet, notes and subledgers to be prepared on a basis consistent with the determination of the Assets included on the Newmark Balance Sheet); it being understood that (A) the Newmark Balance Sheet shall be used to determine the types of, and methodologies used to determine, those Assets that are included in the definition of Transferred Assets pursuant to this Section 2.01(a)(iii); and (B) the amounts set forth on the Newmark Balance Sheet with respect to any Assets shall not be treated as minimum amounts or limitations on the amount of such Assets that are included in the definition of Transferred Assets pursuant to this Section 2.01(a)(iii);

(iv) Cash and Cash Equivalents. All cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities held by a member of the Newmark Group as of the Effective Time (it being understood that such cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities shall not include any amounts described in clause (ii) of Section 2.01(b));

(v) Separation Agreement Assets. All Assets of any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group as of the Effective Time that are expressly provided by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement as Assets to be transferred to a member of the Newmark Group;

(vi) Contracts. All Transferred Contracts as of the Effective Time and all rights, interests or claims of any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group thereunder as of the Effective Time;

 

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(vii) Intellectual Property, Software and Technology. All Transferred Intellectual Property, Transferred Software and Transferred Technology as of the Effective Time and all rights, interests or claims of any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group thereunder as of the Effective Time;

(viii) Information. (A) All non-archived Information (other than Intellectual Property, Software or Technology) of any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group as of the Effective Time to the extent available and primarily related to the Transferred Business; and (B) a non-exclusive right to all (x) archived Information (other than Intellectual Property, Software or Technology) of any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group as of the Effective Time to the extent available and primarily related to the Transferred Business and (y) non-archived and archived Information (other than Intellectual Property, Software or Technology) of any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group as of the Effective Time related to, but not primarily related to, the Transferred Business;

(ix) Permits and Licenses . The Transferred Permits and Licenses as of the Effective Time and all rights, interests or claims of any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group thereunder as of the Effective Time;

(x) Real and Personal Property . (A) The Contracts pursuant to which any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group leases or subleases the Transferred Real Property as of the Effective Time and all rights, interests or claims of any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group thereunder as of the Effective Time; and (B) the office equipment, fixtures, furniture and other personal property located at the Transferred Real Property as of the Effective Time that is primarily used or held for use in the Transferred Business as of the Effective Time;

(xi) Nasdaq Earnout and Related Registration Rights . The rights of the applicable member of the BGC Partners Group assigned or transferred to the applicable member of the Newmark Group pursuant to the Assignment and Transfer Agreement, effective as of September 28, 2017, by and among BGC Partners, BGC Holdings, BGC U.S. Opco and Newmark Opco;

(xii) Rights of BGC Partners under BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco First Term Loan Note and BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco Acquisition Term Loan Note. The rights of the members of the BGC Partners Inc. Group under the BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco First Term Loan Note and under the BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco Acquisition Term Loan Note.

(xiii) Exclusively Used Assets . All Assets of any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group as of the Effective Time that are exclusively used or held for use in the Transferred Business as of the Effective Time; and

(xiv) Other Specified Assets . The Assets of any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group as of the Effective Time that are set forth on Schedule 2.01(a)(xii) .

 

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Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Transferred Assets shall not in any event include any Asset referred to in clauses (i) through (viii) of Section 2.01(b).

(b) Excluded Assets . On or prior to the Effective Time, and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, including Section 6.01(d), (i) Newmark Opco shall, and shall cause the applicable members of the Newmark Opco Group to, contribute, assign, transfer, convey and deliver to BGC U.S. Opco or the applicable members of the BGC U.S. Opco Group designated by BGC U.S. Opco, and BGC U.S. Opco or the applicable members of the BGC U.S. Opco Group designated by BGC U.S. Opco shall accept from Newmark Opco and the applicable members of the Newmark Opco Group, (ii) Newmark Holdings shall, and shall cause the applicable members of the Newmark Holdings Group to, contribute, assign, transfer, convey and deliver to BGC Holdings or the applicable members of the BGC Holdings Group designated by BGC Holdings, and BGC Holdings or the applicable members of the BGC Holdings Group designated by BGC Holdings shall accept from Newmark Holdings and the applicable members of the Newmark Holdings Group, and (iii) Newmark shall, and shall cause the applicable members of the Newmark Inc. Group to, contribute, assign, transfer, convey and deliver to BGC Partners or the applicable members of the BGC Partners Inc. Group designated by BGC Partners, and BGC Partners or the applicable members of the BGC Partners Inc. Group designated by BGC Partners shall accept from Newmark and the applicable members of the Newmark Inc. Group, in each of cases (i), (ii) and (iii), all of the transferor’s respective direct or indirect right, title and interest in and to all of the Excluded Assets held by such transferor. For the purposes of this Agreement, “ Excluded Assets ” shall mean all Assets of any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group as of the Effective Time, other than the Transferred Assets, including (by way of illustration only):

(i) Equity Interests . The equity interests set forth on Schedule 2.01(b)(i) and the shares of Newmark Common Stock contemplated to be received by members of the BGC Partners Inc. Group pursuant to the Newmark Inc. Contribution;

(ii) Cash and Cash Equivalents . All cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of any member of the BGC Partners Group as of the Effective Time, including an amount of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities equal to BGC Partners’ estimate of the sum of (A) all pre-Tax net income generated by the Transferred Business during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2017 up to the Closing Date and (B) all after-Tax net income generated by the Transferred Business during the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2017 after the Closing Date (it being understood that, if such estimate is greater than the actual sum of the amounts described in clauses (A) and (B) above, then an amount equal to such excess shall be deemed to be a Transferred Asset);

(iii) Actions; Insurance Proceeds. Any Action or Insurance Proceeds relating to the matters set forth on Schedule 2.01(b)(iv) , and any insurance policy and Insurance Proceeds of any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group as of the Effective Time to the extent covering any Excluded Asset or any Excluded Liability;

 

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(iv) Separation Agreement Assets. All Assets of any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group as of the Effective Time that are expressly provided by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement as Assets to be retained by a member of the BGC Partners Group;

(v) Intellectual Property, Software and Technology . All Intellectual Property, Software and Technology of any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group as of the Effective Time (other than the Transferred Intellectual Property, the Transferred Software and the Transferred Technology), including any rights (ownership, licensed or otherwise) to use the “BGC” or “BGC Partners” name or mark and any other trademarks, service marks, brand names, Internet domain names, logos, trade dress, trade names, corporate names and other indicia of origin, and any derivatives of the foregoing, and all registrations and applications for registration of any of the foregoing, and all goodwill associated with and symbolized by the foregoing;

(vi) Information . (A) All Information of any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group as of the Effective Time that cannot, without unreasonable effort or expense, be separated from Information maintained by any member of the BGC Partners Group in connection with the Retained Business; (B) all Information of any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group as of the Effective Time to the extent related to Excluded Assets, Excluded Liabilities, and BGC Employees; and (C) all personnel files and records;

(vii) Rights of BGC Partners under BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco Other Debt Notes. The rights of the members of the BGC Partners Inc. Group under the BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco Other Debt Notes;

(viii) Other Specified Assets. The Assets of any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group as of the Effective Time that are set forth on Schedule 2.01(b)(ix) ; and

(ix) Assets Relating to the Retained Business. All Assets of any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group as of the Effective Time relating to the Retained Business as of the Effective Time (other than any Asset set forth in clauses (i) through (xiv) of Section 2.01(a)).

(c) Waiver of Bulk-Sale and Bulk-Transfer Laws . Each of the Newmark Entities (on behalf of themselves and the other members of the Newmark Group) hereby waives compliance by each and every member of the BGC Partners Group with the requirements and provisions of any “bulk-sale” or “bulk-transfer” Laws of any jurisdiction that may otherwise be applicable with respect to the transfer or sale of any or all of the Transferred Assets to any member of the Newmark Group. Each of the BGC Entities (on behalf of themselves and the other members of the BGC Partners Group) hereby waives compliance by each and every member of the Newmark Group with the requirements and provisions of any “bulk-sale” or “bulk-transfer” Laws of any jurisdiction that may otherwise be applicable with respect to the transfer or sale of any or all of the Excluded Assets to any member of the BGC Partners Group.

 

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Section 2.02 Assumption of Transferred Liabilities .

(a) On or prior to the Effective Time, and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, including Section 6.01(d), (i) Newmark Opco shall, and shall cause the applicable members of the Newmark Opco Group designated by Newmark Opco to, accept, assume and agree faithfully to perform, discharge and fulfill all of the Transferred Liabilities of each member of the BGC U.S. Opco Group in accordance with their respective terms; (ii) Newmark Holdings shall, and shall cause the applicable members of the Newmark Holdings Group designated by Newmark Holdings to, accept, assume and agree faithfully to perform, discharge and fulfill all of the Transferred Liabilities of each member of the BGC Holdings Group in accordance with their respective terms; and (iii) Newmark shall, and shall cause the applicable members of the Newmark Inc. Group to, accept, assume and agree faithfully to perform, discharge and fulfill all of the Transferred Liabilities of each member of the BGC Partners Inc. Group in accordance with their respective terms, in each of cases (i), (ii) and (iii), regardless of when or where such Transferred Liabilities arose or arise, or whether the facts on which they are based occurred prior to or subsequent to the Effective Time, regardless of where or against whom such Transferred Liabilities are asserted or determined (including any Transferred Liabilities arising out of claims made by the respective directors, officers, employees, agents or Affiliates of the BGC Partners Group or the Newmark Group against any member of the BGC Partners Group or the Newmark Group) or whether asserted or determined prior to the date hereof, and regardless of whether arising from or alleged to arise from negligence, recklessness, violation of Law, fraud or misrepresentation by any member of the BGC Partners Group or the Newmark Group, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents or Affiliates. For the purposes of this Agreement, “ Transferred Liabilities ” shall mean the following Liabilities of any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group:

(i) all Liabilities included or reflected as liabilities or obligations of the Newmark Group on the Newmark Balance Sheet, subject to any discharge of such Liabilities subsequent to the date of the Newmark Balance Sheet; provided that the amounts set forth on the Newmark Balance Sheet with respect to any Liabilities shall not be treated as minimum amounts or limitations on the amount of such Liabilities that are included in the definition of Transferred Liabilities pursuant to this Section 2.02(a)(i);

(ii) all Liabilities as of the Effective Time that are of a nature or type that would have resulted in such Liabilities being included or reflected as liabilities or obligations of the Newmark Group on a pro forma combined balance sheet of the Newmark Group or any notes or subledgers thereto as of the Effective Time (were such balance sheet, notes and subledgers to be prepared on a basis consistent with the determination of the Liabilities included on the Newmark Balance Sheet); it being understood that (A) the Newmark Balance Sheet shall be used to determine the types of, and methodologies used to determine, those Liabilities that are included in the definition of Transferred Liabilities pursuant to this Section 2.02(a)(ii); and (B) the amounts set forth on the Newmark Balance Sheet with respect to any Liabilities shall not be treated as minimum amounts or limitations on the amount of such Liabilities that are included in the definition of Transferred Liabilities pursuant to this this Section 2.02(a)(ii);

 

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(iii) all Liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from the actions, inactions, events, omissions, conditions, facts or circumstances occurring or existing prior to the Effective Time (whether or not such Liabilities cease being contingent, mature, become known, are asserted or foreseen, or accrue, in each case before, at or after the Effective Time), in each case to the extent that such Liabilities relate to, arise out of or result from the Transferred Business or a Transferred Asset;

(iv) all Liabilities that are expressly provided by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement as Liabilities to be assumed by a member of the Newmark Group, and all agreements, obligations and Liabilities of any member of the Newmark Group under this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements;

(v) all Liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from the Transferred Contracts, the Transferred Intellectual Property, the Transferred Software, the Transferred Technology, the Transferred Permits and Licenses or the Transferred Real Property;

(vi) the Indebtedness set forth on Schedule 2.02(a)(vi) , including (A) subject to Section 2.02(b)(i), the Term Loan Credit Agreement and the Acquisition Term Loans under the Revolving Credit Agreement; (B) the obligations of the members of the BGC U.S. Opco Group under the BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco First Term Loan Note and under the BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco Acquisition Term Loan Note; and (C) the obligations of the members of the BGC U.S. Opco Group under the BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco Other Debt Notes;

(vii) all Liabilities of any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group primarily relating to, arising from or in connection with the Newark Employees and Former Newmark Employees and their employment, including all compensation, benefits, severance, workers’ compensation and welfare benefit claims ( it being understood that Liabilities under insured welfare benefit arrangements maintained by the BGC Partners Group in which members of the Newmark Group participate shall be assumed (A) on the same basis as such Liabilities have historically been allocated to members of the Newmark Group in the ordinary course prior to the Closing Date and (B) otherwise to the same extent as applied to members of the Newmark Group in their capacity as participating employers under such arrangements prior to the Closing Date) and other employment-related Liabilities primarily arising from or relating to the conduct of the Transferred Business;

(viii) the Liabilities set forth on Schedule 2.02(a)(viii) ; and

(ix) all Liabilities arising out of claims made by any Person other than a member of the BGC Partners Group or the Newmark Group (including the respective directors, officers, stockholders, employees and agents of the BGC Partners Group and the Newmark Group) against any member of the BGC Partners Group or the Newmark Group to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from the Transferred Business or a Transferred Asset or the other business, operations, activities or Liabilities referred to in clauses (i) through (viii) of this Section 2.02(a);

 

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provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Parties agree that the Liabilities set forth on Schedule 2.02(b)(ii) shall not be Transferred Liabilities but instead shall be Excluded Liabilities.

(b) On or prior to the Effective Time, and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, including Section 6.01(d), (i) BGC U.S. Opco shall, and shall cause the applicable members of the BGC U.S. Opco Group designated by BGC U.S. Opco to, accept, assume and agree faithfully to perform, discharge and fulfill all of the Excluded Liabilities of each member of the Newmark Opco Group in accordance with their respective terms; (ii) BGC Holdings shall, and shall cause the applicable members of the BGC Holdings Group designated by BGC Holdings to, accept, assume and agree faithfully to perform, discharge and fulfill all of the Excluded Liabilities of each member of the Newmark Holdings Group in accordance with their respective terms; and (iii) BGC Partners shall, and shall cause the applicable members of the BGC Partners Inc. Group to, accept, assume and agree faithfully to perform, discharge and fulfill all of the Excluded Liabilities of each member of the Newmark Inc. Group in accordance with their respective terms, in each of cases (i), (ii) and (iii), regardless of when or where such Excluded Liabilities arose or arise, whether the facts on which they are based occurred prior to or subsequent to the Effective Time, where or against whom such Excluded Liabilities are asserted or determined (including any Excluded Liabilities arising out of claims made by the respective directors, officers, employees, agents or Affiliates of the BGC Partners Group or the Newmark Group against any member of the BGC Partners Group or the Newmark Group) or whether asserted or determined prior to the date hereof, and regardless of whether arising from or alleged to arise from negligence, recklessness, violation of Law, fraud or misrepresentation by any member of the BGC Partners Group or the Newmark Group, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents or Affiliates. For the purposes of this Agreement, “ Excluded Liabilities ” shall mean:

(i) any guarantee by a member of the BGC Partners Group to a third Person in respect of the Term Loan Credit Agreement or under the Revolving Credit Agreement, and any other Indebtedness under the Revolving Credit Agreement other than the Acquisition Term Loans;

(ii) all Liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from actions, inactions, events, omissions, conditions, facts or circumstances occurring or existing prior to the Effective Time (whether or not such Liabilities cease being contingent, mature, become known, are asserted or foreseen, or accrue, in each case before, at or after the Effective Time) of any member of the BGC Partners Group and, as of the Effective Time, any member of the Newmark Group, in each case that are not Transferred Liabilities, including any and all Liabilities set forth on Schedule 2.02(b)(ii) ; and

(iii) all Liabilities arising out of claims made by any Person other than a member of the BGC Partners Group or the Newmark Group (including the respective directors, officers, stockholders, employees and agents of the BGC Partners Group or the Newmark Group) against any member of the BGC Partners Group or the Newmark Group to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from the Retained Business or an Excluded Asset.

 

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Section 2.03 Closing of Contribution . The closing of the Contribution (the “ Closing ”) shall take place on a day prior to the closing of the IPO (the “ Closing Date ”), at the offices of Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, 51 West 52nd Street, New York, New York 10019.

Section 2.04 Title; Risk of Loss . Title, risk of loss and/or responsibility with respect to each Transferred Asset and Transferred Liability shall transfer from the applicable members of the BGC Partners Group to the applicable members of the Newmark Group at 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, on the Closing Date (the “ Effective Time ”).

Section 2.05 Separation Steps Plan . The Parties acknowledge and agree that the transactions contemplated by Sections 2.01 and 2.02 and the Separation shall be effected in accordance with the steps set forth on Schedule 2.05 , as such schedule may be amended from time to time by BGC Partners (the “ Separation Steps Plan ”), it being understood that the current Separation Steps Plan contemplates the following to occur:

(a) Opco Partnership Division.

(i) BGC U.S. Opco shall (w) redeem a portion of the outstanding BGC U.S. Opco Limited Partnership Interests held by BGC Partners in exchange for certain Transferred Assets held by BGC U.S. Opco, and BGC Partners shall accept and assume from BGC U.S. Opco certain Transferred Liabilities in connection with such redemption; (x) issue additional BGC U.S. Opco Limited Partnership Interests to certain of its partners that are members of the BGC Partners Inc. Group and that are not participating in the exchange described in clause (w) above or in the distributions described in clause (y) below (with such additional BGC U.S. Opco Limited Partnership Interests having a number of BGC U.S. Opco Units so that the aggregate BGC U.S. Opco Units held by such members of the BGC Partners Inc. Group immediately after such issuance reflect the increased percentage interest of such members in BGC U.S. Opco resulting from such non-participation in the exchange described in clause (w) and the distribution described in clause (y)); (y) distribute all of the Transferred Assets held by BGC U.S. Opco and not described in clause (x) above to certain of its partners (other than certain members of the BGC Partners Inc. Group not participating in such distribution), which partners shall accept and assume from BGC U.S. Opco the remaining Transferred Liabilities in connection with such distribution; and (z) distribute all of the outstanding equity interests in the Newmark Opco General Partner to BGC Holdings (the transactions described in clauses (w), (x), (y) and (z) above, the “ Opco Partnership Distribution ”).

(ii) The partners of BGC U.S. Opco that received Transferred Assets in the Opco Partnership Distribution shall transfer such Transferred Assets (other than the Newmark Opco Limited Partnership Interests and equity interests in the Newmark Opco General Partner (which shall hold the Newmark Opco Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest)) to Newmark Opco in exchange for Newmark Opco Limited Partnership Interests, and Newmark Opco shall accept and assume the Transferred Liabilities that were accepted and assumed by such partners of BGC U.S. Opco pursuant to the Opco Partnership Distribution, each as contemplated by Sections 2.01 and 2.02 (the “ Opco Partnership Contribution ,” and together with the Opco Partnership Distribution the “ Opco Partnership Division ”). Immediately following the Opco Partnership

 

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Contribution, (1) BGC Holdings shall hold all of the outstanding equity interests in the Newmark Opco General Partner (which shall hold the Newmark Opco Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest), and (2) members of the BGC Partners Inc. Group, taken as a whole, and members of the BGC Holdings Group, taken as a whole, shall hold all of the outstanding Newmark Opco Limited Partnership Interests in the same aggregate proportions that such members hold the outstanding BGC U.S. Opco Limited Partnership Interests, with the total number of Newmark Opco Units equal to the total number of BGC U.S. Opco Units multiplied by the Contribution Ratio.

(b) Holdings Partnership Division.

(i) Following the Opco Partnership Division, BGC Holdings shall transfer to Newmark Holdings (A) all of the equity interests in the Newmark Opco General Partner (which shall hold the Newmark Opco Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest), (B) the Newmark Opco Limited Partnership Interest that BGC Holdings received in the Opco Partnership Distribution and (C) any other Transferred Assets or Transferred Liabilities held by it (together, the “ Holdings Partnership Contribution ”). Immediately following the Holdings Partnership Contribution, BGC Holdings will hold all of the outstanding equity interests in the Newmark Holdings General Partner (which shall hold the Newmark Holdings Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest) and all of the outstanding Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Interests, with the total number of Newmark Holdings Units equal to the total number of BGC Holdings Units multiplied by the Contribution Ratio.

(ii) Following the Holdings Partnership Contribution, BGC Holdings shall (A) distribute to the partners of BGC Holdings all of the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Interests held by BGC Holdings and (B) distribute to BGC Partners all of the outstanding equity interests in the Newmark Holdings General Partner (which shall hold the Newmark Holdings Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest) (together, the “ Holdings Partnership Distribution ” and together with the Holdings Partnership Contribution, the “ Holdings Partnership Division ”). As a result of the Holdings Partnership Division, BGC Partners shall hold all of the equity interests of the Newmark Holdings General Partner (which shall hold the Newmark Holdings Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest), and the limited partners of BGC Holdings shall hold all of the outstanding Newmark Holdings Limited Partners Interests in the same proportion that such members hold the outstanding BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Interests, with the total number of Newmark Holdings Units equal to the total number of BGC Holdings Units multiplied by the Contribution Ratio.

(c) Newmark Inc. Contribution . Following the Holdings Partnership Division, BGC Partners shall contribute, assign and otherwise transfer to Newmark all of the outstanding equity interest held by it in Newmark Holdings General Partner (which shall hold the Newmark Holdings Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest) and in Newmark Opco, as well as any other Transferred Assets and Transferred Liabilities held by BGC Partners (the “ Newmark Inc. Contribution ”). In consideration of the Newmark Inc. Contribution, effective as of the Closing, Newmark shall take such actions (through an issuance of additional shares of Newmark Common Stock to BGC Partners, a recapitalization, stock split or otherwise) such that,

 

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after such action: (i) the aggregate number of shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock held by BGC Partners immediately following such action shall equal the number of shares of BGC Partners Class A Common Stock outstanding immediately following such action multiplied by the Contribution Ratio; and (ii) the aggregate number of shares of Newmark Class B Common Stock held by BGC Partners immediately following such action equals the number of shares of BGC Partners Class B Common Stock outstanding immediately following such action multiplied by the Contribution Ratio. In the event that, for any reason, such action would result in the Newmark Ratio not being equal to one (1) immediately following such issuance, Newmark Opco shall issue to Newmark a Newmark Opco Limited Partnership Interest in connection therewith consisting of a number of Newmark Opco Units that will cause the Newmark Ratio to equal one (1) immediately following such issuance.

(d) Amended and Restated Partnership Agreements. Concurrently with the actions described above in Sections 2.05(a) and 2.05(b), the applicable members of the BGC Group and the applicable members of the Newmark Group shall amend and restate the partnership agreements of BGC Holdings, Newmark Holdings and Newmark Opco in substantially the forms attached hereto as Exhibit J , Exhibit B and Exhibit C , respectively.

(e) Amendments to the Separation Steps Plan. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, BGC Partners may, in its sole discretion, amend the Separation Steps Plan and otherwise determine or modify the structure of any transaction(s) to effect the Separation, the IPO or the Distribution, and the parties shall (and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to) cooperate with BGC Partners, and take such actions as may be reasonably necessary or requested by BGC Partners, in connection with the foregoing.

Section 2.06 Minimum Newmark Cash . Prior to the Effective Time, BGC Partners may, and may cause the other members of the BGC Partners Group and the Newmark Group to, take such actions as BGC Partners deems advisable to minimize or reduce the amount of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities remaining in any accounts held by or in the name of a member of the Newmark Group as of the Effective Time; provided , however , that BGC Partners shall not take such actions that would cause the aggregate amount of cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of the members of the Newmark Group as of the Effective Time to be less than $25 million.

Section 2.07 Further Documentation . At the Closing, the applicable members of the BGC Partners Group and the applicable members of the Newmark Group shall execute and deliver one or more agreements of assignment and assumption and/or bills of sale or such other instruments of transfer as the BGC Entities may request for the purpose of effectuating the Separation (including the Partnership Divisions and the Newmark Inc. Contribution).

Section 2.08 Treatment of Shared Contracts .

(a) Subject to Applicable Law and without limiting the generality of the obligations set forth in Sections 2.01 and 2.02, unless the Parties otherwise agree or the benefits of any Contract described in this Section 2.08 are expressly conveyed to the applicable Party pursuant to this Agreement or an Ancillary Agreement, any Contract or a portion thereof that is a Transferred Contract, but the remainder of which is an Excluded Asset (any such Contract, a

 

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Shared Contract ”), shall be assigned or transferred in relevant part to the applicable member(s) of the applicable Group, if so assignable or transferrable, or appropriately amended prior to, on or after the Effective Time, so that each Party or the member of its Group shall, as of the Effective Time, be entitled to the rights and benefits, and shall assume the related portion of any Liabilities, inuring to its respective businesses; provided , however , that (i) in no event shall any member of any Group be required to assign or transfer (or amend) any Shared Contract in its entirety or to assign or transfer a portion of any Shared Contract that is not assignable or transferrable (or cannot be amended) by its terms (including any terms imposing consents or conditions on an assignment or transfer where such consents or conditions have not been obtained or fulfilled) and (ii) if any Shared Contract cannot be so partially assigned or transferred by its terms or otherwise, or cannot be amended or if such assignment or transfer or amendment would impair the benefit the parties thereto derive from such Shared Contract, then the Parties shall, and shall cause each of the members of their respective Groups to, take such other reasonable and permissible actions (including by providing prompt notice to the other Party with respect to any relevant claim of Liability or other relevant matters arising in connection with a Shared Contract so as to allow such other Party the ability to exercise any applicable rights under such Shared Contract) to cause a member of the Newmark Group or the BGC Group, as the case may be, to receive the rights and benefits of that portion of each Shared Contract that relates to the Transferred Business or the Retained Business, as the case may be (in each case, to the extent so related), as if such Shared Contract had been assigned or transferred to a member of the applicable Group (or amended) pursuant to this Section 2.08, and to bear the burden of the corresponding Liabilities (including any Liabilities that may arise by reason of such arrangement), as if such Liabilities had been assumed by a member of the applicable Group pursuant to this Section 2.08.

(b) Each of the BGC Entities and the Newmark Entities shall, and shall cause the members of its Group to, except to the extent otherwise required by applicable Law, (i) treat for all U.S. federal (and applicable state and local) income Tax purposes the portion of each Shared Contract inuring to its respective businesses as Assets owned by, and/or Liabilities of, as applicable, such Party, or the members of its Group, as applicable, not later than the Effective Time, and (ii) neither report nor take any Tax position (on a Tax Return or otherwise) inconsistent with such treatment.

(c) Nothing in this Section 2.08 shall require any member of any Group to make any non-de minimis payment (except to the extent advanced, assumed or agreed in advance to be reimbursed by any member of the other Group), incur any non-de minimis obligation or grant any non-de minimis concession for the benefit of any member of any other Group in order to effect any transaction contemplated by this Section 2.08.

Section 2.09 Ancillary Agreements . Concurrently with or prior to the Effective Time, the Parties will, or will cause the applicable members of their Group to, enter into and execute each of the Ancillary Agreements that has not been executed prior to the Effective Time.

 

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ARTICLE III

THE IPO

Section 3.01 Preparation for the IPO .

(a) Subject to the conditions specified in Section 3.02, BGC Partners and Newmark shall, and shall cause the members of their respective Groups to, use their reasonable best efforts to consummate the IPO. Such actions shall include those specified in this Section 3.01.

(b) Newmark shall file the IPO Registration Statement, and such amendments or supplements thereto, as may be necessary in order to cause the same to become and remain effective as required by Applicable Law or by the Underwriting Agreement, including filing such amendments to the IPO Registration Statement as may be required by the Underwriting Agreement, the SEC or applicable federal, state or foreign securities Laws. BGC Partners and Newmark shall also cooperate in preparing, filing with the SEC and causing to become effective a registration statement registering the Newmark Class A Common Stock under the Exchange Act, and any registration statements or amendments thereof which are required to reflect the establishment of, or amendments to, any employee benefit and other plans necessary or appropriate in connection with the IPO, the Separation, the Distribution or the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements.

(c) BGC Partners and Newmark shall enter into the Underwriting Agreement, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to BGC Partners and shall comply with its obligations thereunder.

(d) BGC Partners and Newmark shall consult with each other and the Underwriters regarding the timing, pricing and other material matters with respect to the IPO.

(e) Newmark shall use its reasonable best efforts to take all such action as may be necessary or appropriate under state securities and blue sky laws of the United States (and any comparable Laws under any foreign jurisdictions) in connection with the IPO.

(f) Newmark shall prepare, file and use reasonable best efforts to seek to make effective, an application for listing of the Newmark Class A Common Stock issued in the IPO on the NASDAQ Global Market, subject to official notice of issuance.

(g) Newmark shall participate in the preparation of materials and presentations as BGC Partners or the Underwriters shall deem necessary or desirable.

(h) Newmark shall pay all third-party costs, fees and expenses relating to the IPO, including the Underwriters’ discount as provided in the Underwriting Agreement, the SEC registration fee, the FINRA fee, the reimbursable expenses of the Underwriters pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement and all of the costs of producing, printing, mailing and otherwise distributing the Prospectus.

 

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Section 3.02 Conditions Precedent to Consummation of the IPO .

(a) As soon as practicable after the date of this Agreement, BGC Partners and Newmark shall use their reasonable best efforts to satisfy the following conditions to the consummation of the IPO. The obligations of BGC Partners and Newmark to consummate the IPO shall be conditioned on the satisfaction, or waiver by BGC Partners in its sole discretion, of the following conditions:

(i) The Separation shall have been completed in accordance with the provisions of Article II, including the steps set forth on the Separation Steps Plan.

(ii) The IPO Registration Statement shall have been filed and declared effective by the SEC, and there shall be no stop-order in effect with respect thereto and no proceeding for that purpose shall have been instituted by the SEC.

(iii) The actions and filings with regard to state securities and blue sky Laws of the United States (and any comparable Laws under any foreign jurisdictions) referenced in Section 3.01(e) shall have been taken and, where applicable, have become effective or been accepted by the applicable Governmental Authority.

(iv) The shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock to be issued in the IPO shall have been accepted for listing on the NASDAQ Global Market, subject to official notice of issuance.

(v) The Ancillary Agreements shall have been duly executed and delivered by the parties thereto.

(vi) Newmark shall have entered into the Underwriting Agreement and all conditions to the obligations of Newmark and the Underwriters under the Underwriting Agreement shall have been satisfied or waived.

(vii) BGC Partners shall be satisfied in its sole discretion that (1) following the IPO, BGC Partners will own an amount of Newmark Common Stock representing (x) at least 82% of the total voting power with respect to the election and removal of directors of the outstanding Newmark Common Stock following the IPO and (y) at least 82% of the number of shares of any class of capital stock of Newmark not entitled to vote (and in any event constituting “control” (within the meaning of Section 368(c) of the Code) of Newmark) and (B) satisfying the stock ownership requirements set forth in Section 1504 of the Code; and (2) all other requirements and conditions to permit the Newmark Inc. Contribution and the Distribution, taken together, to qualify, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, as transactions that are generally tax-free to BGC Partners, Newmark and BGC Partners’ stockholders and shall, to the extent applicable as of the time of the IPO, be satisfied and there shall be no event or condition that is likely to cause any of such requirements or conditions not to be satisfied as of the Distribution Effective Time or thereafter.

(viii) No order, injunction or decree issued by any court or agency of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of the Separation, the IPO, the Distribution or any of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement shall be in effect.

 

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(ix) Such other actions as BGC Partners or Newmark may, based upon the advice of counsel, reasonably request to be taken prior to the Separation and the IPO in order to assure the successful completion of the Separation and the IPO and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement shall have been taken.

(x) This Agreement shall not have been terminated.

(xi) No event or development shall have occurred or exist or be expected to occur that, in the judgment of the BGC Partners Board, in its sole discretion, makes it inadvisable to effect the Separation or the IPO.

(b) The foregoing conditions are for the sole benefit of BGC Partners and shall not give rise to or create any duty on the part of BGC Partners or the BGC Partners Board to waive or not waive such conditions or in any way limit BGC Partners’ right to terminate this Agreement as set forth in Article X or alter the consequences of any such termination from those specified in Article X. Any determination made by the BGC Partners Board prior to the IPO concerning the satisfaction or waiver of any or all of the conditions set forth in this Section 3.02 shall be conclusive.

Section 3.03 Newmark Charter and Bylaws . At or prior to the IPO Closing Date, BGC Partners and Newmark shall each take all actions that may be required to provide for the adoption by Newmark of the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Newmark substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit G (the “ Newmark Charter ”) and the Amended and Restated Bylaws of Newmark substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit H .

Section 3.04 Use of IPO Proceeds . Newmark shall use any and all IPO Proceeds as follows:

(a) First, Newmark shall contribute, directly or indirectly through its Subsidiaries, all IPO Proceeds to Newmark Opco. In exchange for such contribution, Newmark Opco shall issue to Newmark a Newmark Opco Limited Partnership Interest consisting of a number of Newmark Opco Units equal to the number of additional shares of Newmark Common Stock issued in the IPO.

(b) Second, using the IPO Proceeds that it received from Newmark pursuant to Section 3.04(a), Newmark Opco shall transfer to Newmark the lesser of (i) an amount of cash equal to the IPO Proceeds or (ii) an amount of cash required to repay all amounts owed by Newmark Opco to Newmark under the BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco First Term Loan Note, in partial or full (as the case may be) satisfaction of Newmark Opco’s obligations under the BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco First Term Loan Note, the obligations of which were assumed by Newmark Opco in the Opco Partnership Contribution and the benefits of which were transferred to Newmark in the Newmark Inc. Contribution, in each case as contemplated by Section 2.01 and 2.02. Newmark shall use such amount of cash to repay the Term Loan Credit Agreement assumed by it pursuant to Section 2.02.

 

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(c) Third, to the extent that the IPO Proceeds are in excess of the amount required to be paid by Newmark Opco to Newmark pursuant to Section 3.04(b), Newmark Opco shall transfer to Newmark the lesser of (i) an amount of cash equal to such excess or (ii) an amount of cash required to repay all amounts owed by Newmark Opco to Newmark under the BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco Acquisition Term Loan Note, in partial or full (as the case may be) satisfaction of the BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco Acquisition Term Loan Note, the obligations under which were assumed by Newmark Opco in the Opco Partnership Contribution and the benefits of which were transferred to Newmark in the Newmark Inc. Contribution, in each case as contemplated by Section 2.01 and 2.02. Newmark shall use such amount of cash to repay the Acquisition Term Loan under the Revolving Credit Agreement assumed by it pursuant to Section 2.02.

(d) Fourth, to the extent that the IPO Proceeds are in excess of the amount required to be paid by Newmark Opco to Newmark pursuant to Section 3.04(b) and 3.04(c), Newmark Opco may determine whether to retain all or a portion of such excess IPO Proceeds or to pay all or a portion of such excess amount to BGC Partners, in partial satisfaction of the BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco Other Debt Notes assumed by Newmark Opco in the Opco Partnership Contribution.

Section 3.05 Post-IPO Repayment of BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco Other Debt Notes . All amounts remaining under the BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco Other Debt Notes following the payment described in Section 3.04(d) (if any) must be paid in full by Newmark Opco prior to the Distribution. In the event that, after the IPO, any member of the Newmark Group receives net proceeds from the incurrence of indebtedness for borrowed money, Newmark Opco agrees that it shall use such net proceeds to repay amounts owed, if any, (i) first, under the BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco First Term Loan Note, (b) second, under the BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco Acquisition Term Loan Note and (c) only thereafter, under the BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco Other Debt Notes.

ARTICLE IV

THE DISTRIBUTION

Section 4.01 The Distribution .

(a) BGC Partners shall have the option, in its sole discretion, to consummate the Distribution in accordance with the terms hereof. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in no event shall BGC Partners be obligated to consummate the Distribution. If requested by BGC Partners, Newmark shall cooperate with BGC Partners to accomplish the Distribution and shall, at BGC Partners’ direction, promptly take any and all actions necessary or desirable to effect the Distribution, including the registration under the Securities Act of Newmark Common Stock on an appropriate registration form or forms to be designated by BGC Partners. BGC Partners shall select any investment bank or manager in connection with the Distribution, as well as any financial printer, solicitation and/or exchange agent and financial, legal, accounting and other advisors for BGC Partners. Newmark and BGC Partners, as the case may be, shall provide to the Agent all stock certificates and any information required in order to complete the Distribution. All third-party costs and expenses incurred in connection with the Distribution shall be paid by BGC Partners.

 

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(b) Subject to Section 4.03, in the event that BGC Partners determines to consummate the Distribution, then, on or prior to the Distribution Date, BGC Partners shall deliver to the Agent for the benefit of holders of record of BGC Partners Common Stock on the Record Date all of the outstanding shares of Newmark Common Stock then owned by BGC Partners or any other member of the BGC Partners Inc. Group (including, if such shares are represented by one or more stock certificates, such stock certificates, endorsed by BGC Partners in blank), and shall cause the Transfer Agent to instruct the Agent to distribute on the Distribution Date the appropriate number of such shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock and/or shares of Newmark Class B Common Stock, as the case may be, to each such holder or designated transferee or transferees of such holder. The Distribution shall be effective at 12:01 a.m., Eastern time, on the Distribution Date or at such other time as the Parties may agree (the “ Distribution Effective Time ”).

(c) Subject to Section 4.04, each holder of shares of BGC Partners Class A Common Stock on the Record Date (or such holder’s designated transferee or transferees) will be entitled to receive in the Distribution a number of shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock equal to the number of shares of BGC Partners Class A Common Stock held by such holder on the Record Date multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock beneficially owned by BGC Partners or any other member of the BGC Partners Inc. Group on the Record Date and the denominator of which is the number of shares of BGC Partners Class A Common Stock outstanding on the Record Date. Subject to Section 4.04, each holder of shares of BGC Partners Class B Common Stock on the Record Date (or such holder’s designated transferee or transferees) will be entitled to receive in the Distribution a number of shares of Newmark Class B Common Stock equal to the number of shares of BGC Partners Class B Common Stock held by such holder on the Record Date multiplied by a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of Newmark Class B Common Stock beneficially owned by BGC Partners or any other member of the BGC Partners Inc. Group on the Record Date and the denominator of which is the number of shares of BGC Partners Class B Common Stock outstanding on the Record Date.

(d) To enable the Distribution to be pro rata to the stockholders of BGC Partners, immediately prior to the Distribution, BGC Partners will convert or will cause the conversion (and Newmark will take all actions as may be necessary to effect such conversion) of shares of Newmark Class B Common Stock beneficially owned by BGC Partners or any other member of the BGC Partners Inc. Group into shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock on a one-for-one basis, or, in the alternative, will convert or cause the conversion (and Newmark will take all actions as may be necessary to effect such conversion) of shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock beneficially owned by BGC Partners or any other member of the BGC Partners Inc. Group into shares of Newmark Class B Common Stock on a one-for-one basis, in each case, so that the ratio of shares of Newmark Class B Common Stock to shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock, in each case beneficially owned by BGC Partners or any other member of the BGC Partners Inc. Group as of immediately prior to the Distribution, equals the ratio of shares of BGC Partners Class B Common Stock to shares of BGC Partners Class A Common Stock, in each case outstanding as of the Record Date. Any conversion of shares of Newmark Class B Common Stock into shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock or any conversion of shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock into shares of Newmark Class B Common Stock pursuant to this Section 4.01(d) shall be effected pursuant to the procedures set forth in the Newmark Charter

 

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(and, in the case of any conversion of shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock into shares of Newmark Class B Common Stock, the Exchange Agreement); provided that to the extent such conversion of shares of Newmark Class B Common Stock into shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock would result in BGC Partners not owning an amount of Newmark Common Stock (A) constituting “control” (within the meaning of Section 368(c) of the Code) of Newmark (including (x) at least 80.1% of the total voting power with respect to the election and removal of directors of the outstanding Newmark Common Stock and (y) at least 80.1% of the number of shares of any class of capital stock of Newmark not entitled to vote) or (B) satisfying the stock ownership requirements set forth in Section 1504 of the Code (provided that this clause (B) shall apply only if BGC Partners then owns an amount of Newmark Common Stock satisfying the stock ownership requirements set forth in Section 1504 of the Code), then in each case BGC Partners shall have the option, in lieu of such conversion, to purchase additional shares of Newmark Class A Stock from Newmark for a per share purchase price equal to the volume weighted average price of a share of Newmark Class A Common Stock on the principal stock exchange on which shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock are listed for the five (5) trading days immediately preceding the date of such purchase, or such other per share purchase price that may be agreed by Newmark and BGC Partners. Newmark agrees that it will cooperate with BGC Partners in the event that BGC Partners determines that any other action, including recapitalization or otherwise, is necessary or advisable so that the Distribution can be pro rata to the stockholders of BGC Partners.

Section 4.02 Actions Prior to the Distribution . In the event that BGC Partners determines to effect the Distribution:

(a) BGC Partners and Newmark shall prepare and mail, prior to any Distribution Date, to the holders of BGC Partners Common Stock, such information concerning Newmark, its business, operations and management, the Distribution and such other matters as BGC Partners shall reasonably determine and as may be required by Applicable Law. BGC Partners and Newmark shall prepare, and Newmark shall, to the extent required under Applicable Law, file with the SEC any such documentation and any requisite no-action letters which BGC Partners determines are necessary or desirable to effectuate the Distribution, and BGC Partners and Newmark shall each use its reasonable best efforts to obtain all necessary approvals from the SEC with respect thereto as soon as practicable.

(b) BGC Partners and Newmark shall take all such action as may be necessary or appropriate under the securities or blue sky Laws of the United States (and any comparable Laws under any foreign jurisdiction) in connection with the Distribution.

(c) At BGC Partners’ direction, Newmark shall take all reasonable steps necessary and appropriate to cause the conditions set forth in Section 4.03 (subject to Section 10.02(b)) to be satisfied and to effect the Distribution on the Distribution Date (and any other transactions related to the Distribution contemplated by the Separation Steps Plan) in accordance with the Separation Steps Plan.

(d) Newmark shall prepare and file, and shall use its reasonable best efforts to have approved, an application for the listing of the shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock to be distributed in the Distribution on the NASDAQ Global Market, subject to official notice of distribution.

 

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Section 4.03 Conditions to Distribution .

(a) BGC Partners shall, in its sole discretion, determine the terms of the Distribution, including the form (including whether to effect the transaction as a spin-off, a split-off or a combination of both transactions), structure and all other terms of any transaction and/or offering to effect the Distribution (and, if necessary, shall update the Separation Steps Plan accordingly). Subject to any restrictions contained in the Underwriting Agreement, BGC Partners shall have the sole discretion to determine the date of consummation of the Distribution (if any) at any time after the IPO Closing Date; and such date as so determined by BGC Partners is referred to herein as the “ Distribution Date .” The consummation of the Distribution will be subject to the satisfaction, or waiver by BGC Partners in its sole discretion, of the following conditions:

(i) BGC Partners’ receipt of an opinion from Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, outside counsel to BGC Partners, in form and substance satisfactory to the BGC Partners Board, to the effect that the Newmark Inc. Contribution and the Distribution, taken together, will qualify as a “reorganization” under Sections 355(a) and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code.

(ii) All Governmental Approvals necessary to consummate the Distribution shall have been obtained and be in full force and effect.

(iii) The actions and filings necessary or appropriate under state securities and blue sky Laws of the United States (and any comparable Laws under any foreign jurisdictions) in connection with the Distribution shall have been taken or made, and, where applicable, have become effective or been accepted by the applicable Governmental Authority.

(iv) The shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock to be distributed to the holders of BGC Partners Class A Common Stock in the Distribution shall have been accepted for listing on the NASDAQ Global Market, subject to official notice of distribution.

(v) No order, injunction or decree issued by any court or agency of competent jurisdiction or other legal restraint or prohibition preventing the consummation of the Distribution or any of the related transactions shall be in effect, and no other event outside the control of BGC Partners shall have occurred or failed to occur that prevents the consummation of the Distribution or any of the related transactions.

(vi) Newmark Opco shall have repaid in full the BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco Other Debt Notes in accordance with Section 3.05.

(vii) BGC Partners’ guarantee in respect of the Term Loan Credit Agreement and BGC Partners’ guarantee in respect of the Acquisition Term Loans under the Revolving Credit Agreement, in each case described in Section 2.02(b)(i), shall have been terminated in full.

 

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(viii) All borrowings pursuant to the Intercompany Revolving Credit Agreement shall have been repaid in full, and the Intercompany Revolving Credit Agreement shall have been terminated.

(ix) No other events or developments shall have occurred subsequent to the completion of the IPO that, in the judgment of the BGC Partners Board, would result in the Distribution not being in the best interest of BGC Partners or its stockholders.

(b) The foregoing conditions are for the sole benefit of BGC Partners and shall not give rise to or create any duty on the part of BGC Partners or the BGC Partners Board to waive or not waive such conditions or in any way limit BGC Partners’ right to terminate this Agreement as set forth in Article X or alter the consequences of any such termination from those specified in Article X. Any determination made by the BGC Partners Board prior to the Distribution concerning the satisfaction or waiver of any or all of the conditions set forth in this Section 4.03 shall be conclusive.

Section 4.04 Fractional Shares . As soon as practicable after the Distribution Date: (a) BGC Partners shall direct the Agent to determine the number of whole shares and fractional shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock and Newmark Class B Common Stock allocable to each holder of record or beneficial owner of BGC Partners Class A Common Stock and Newmark Class A Common Stock, respectively, as of the Record Date and to aggregate all such fractional shares; (b) BGC Partners shall convert or shall cause the conversion (and Newmark shall take all actions as may be necessary to effect such conversion) of all such aggregated fractional shares of Newmark Class B Common Stock into shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock; and (c) BGC Partners shall direct the Agent to sell the whole shares of Class A common stock obtained as a result of clauses (a) and (b) in open market transactions (with the Agent, in its sole discretion, determining when, how, through which broker-dealer and at what price to make such sales), and to cause to be distributed to each such holder or for the benefit of each such beneficial owner, in lieu of any fractional share of Newmark Class A Common Stock or Newmark Class B Common Stock, as the case may be, such holder’s or owner’s ratable share of the proceeds of such sale, after making appropriate deductions of the amount required to be withheld for federal income tax purposes and after deducting an amount equal to all brokerage charges, commissions and transfer taxes attributed to such sale.

ARTICLE V

NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES

Section 5.01 No Representations or Warranties . Each Newmark Entity, on behalf of itself and all of the other members of its Group and its respective Representatives, understands and agrees that no member of the BGC Partners Group or any of its respective Representatives or any other Person is, in this Agreement or in any other agreement, document or instrument, making any representation or warranty of any kind whatsoever, express or implied, to any Newmark Entity, any other member of the Newmark Group (including, after the

 

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Effective Time, the Transferred Entities) or their respective Representatives in any way with respect to any of the transactions contemplated hereby or regarding the Transferred Assets, the Transferred Liabilities or the Transferred Business or as to any consents or approvals required in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, it being understood that each Newmark Entity and each of the other members of the Newmark Group shall take all of the Transferred Assets, the Transferred Liabilities and the Transferred Business on an “AS IS, WHERE IS” basis, and all implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a specific purpose or otherwise are hereby expressly disclaimed by each BGC Entity, on behalf of itself and each other member of the BGC Partners Group and their respective Representatives.

Section 5.02 Newmark to Bear Risk . Except as expressly set forth herein, the members of the Newmark Group shall bear the economic and legal risk that conveyances of the Transferred Assets shall prove to be insufficient or that the title of any member of the BGC Partners Group to any Transferred Asset shall be other than good and marketable and free from encumbrances.

ARTICLE VI

COVENANTS

Section 6.01 Further Assurances .

(a) In addition to the actions specifically provided for in this Agreement, each BGC Entity and each Newmark Entity shall use its reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable under Applicable Law and Contracts to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated hereby. Without limiting the foregoing, each BGC Entity and each Newmark Entity shall cooperate with the other Parties, and execute and deliver, or use its reasonable best efforts to cause to be executed and delivered, all instruments, including instruments of conveyance, assignment and transfer, and take all such other actions as such Party may reasonably be requested to take by any other Party from time to time, consistent with the terms hereof, in order to effectuate the provisions and purposes of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby. Each BGC Entity and each Newmark Entity agrees that, as of the Effective Time, but subject to Section 6.01(d), (i) the Newmark Group shall be deemed to have acquired complete and sole beneficial ownership of all of the Transferred Assets, together with all rights, powers and privileges incident thereto, and shall be deemed to have assumed in accordance with the terms of this Agreement all of the Transferred Liabilities, and all duties, obligations and responsibilities incident thereto, that the Newmark Group is entitled to acquire or required to assume pursuant to the terms hereof; and (ii) the BGC Group shall be deemed to have acquired complete and sole beneficial ownership of all of the Excluded Assets, together with all rights, powers and privileges incident thereto, and shall be deemed to have assumed in accordance with the terms of this Agreement all of the Excluded Liabilities, and all duties, obligations and responsibilities incident thereto, that the BGC Group is entitled to acquire or required to assume pursuant to the terms hereof.

 

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(b) To the extent that the transfer or assignment of any Asset or the assumption of any Liability hereunder, the Separation (including the Partnership Divisions and the Newmark Inc. Contribution), the IPO or the Distribution requires any Governmental Approvals or other consents, approvals or authorizations of or notifications to any other Person under any permit, Contract or other instrument (including in connection with the amendment of and the assumption by the applicable members of the Newmark Group of the Term Loan Credit Agreement and the Acquisition Term Loans under the Revolving Credit Agreement), each BGC Entity and each Newmark Entity shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain or make such Governmental Approvals or other consents, approvals, authorizations or notifications as soon as reasonably practicable; provided , however , that, except to the extent expressly provided in this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements, or as otherwise agreed between BGC Partners and Newmark, members of the Newmark Group shall bear all of the costs, and no member of the BGC Partners Group shall be obligated to contribute capital or pay any consideration in any form (including providing any letter of credit, guaranty or other financial accommodation) to any third Person, in order to obtain or make such Governmental Approvals or other consents, approvals, authorizations or notifications.

(c) Subject to Section 6.01(d) hereof, if at any time or from time to time after the Effective Time, (i) any member of the BGC Partners Group shall possess a Transferred Asset or a Transferred Liability or (ii) any member of the Newmark Group shall possess an Excluded Asset or an Excluded Liability, then such member shall promptly transfer, or cause to be transferred, such Asset or Liability to the appropriate member of the Newmark Group or member of the BGC Partners Group, as the case may be. Prior to any such transfer, the Person possessing such Asset or Liability shall hold such Asset or Liability in trust for the use and benefit of the Person entitled thereto (at the expense of the Person entitled thereto), and shall take such other actions as may be reasonably requested by the Person to which such Asset or Liability is to be transferred in order to place such Person, insofar as reasonably possible, in the same position it would have been had such Asset or Liability been transferred at the Effective Time.

(d) Without limiting the generality of Section 6.01(a) or Section 6.01(c), if the valid, complete and perfected assignment, or transfer to or assumption by the Newmark Group of any Transferred Assets or Transferred Liabilities to be assigned, transferred or assumed under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement or if the valid, complete and perfected assignment or, transfer to or assumption by the BGC Partners Group of any Excluded Assets or Excluded Liabilities to be transferred under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, in either case requires a Governmental Approval or the consent, agreement or approval of or any filing or registration with any other Person, and such Governmental Approval, consent, agreement, approval, filing or registration is not made or obtained (a “ Required Approval ”), then, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, unless the Parties shall mutually otherwise determine, such assignment, transfer or assumption shall be automatically deemed deferred and any such purported assignment, transfer or assumption shall be null and void until such time as such Required Approval has been made or obtained. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any such Transferred Assets, Transferred Liabilities, Excluded Assets or Excluded Liabilities shall continue to constitute Transferred Assets, Transferred Liabilities, Excluded Assets or Excluded Liabilities, respectively, for all other purposes of this Agreement. If any assignment, transfer or assumption of any Transferred Assets, Transferred Liabilities, Excluded Assets or Excluded Liabilities intended to be assigned, transferred or assumed hereunder, as the case may be, is not consummated on or prior to the Effective Time whether as a result of the provisions of this Section 6.01(d) or for any other reason, then (i) the Parties shall cooperate to

 

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effect such assignment, transfer or assumption as promptly following the Closing as is practicable and (ii) until such assignment, transfer or assumption, the Party possessing such Asset or Liability shall hold such Asset or Liability in trust for the use and benefit of the Party entitled thereto or responsible therefor (at the expense of the Party entitled thereto or responsible therefor), and shall take such other action as may be reasonably requested by the Party to which such Asset or Liability is to be assigned, transferred or assumed in order to place such Party, insofar as reasonably possible, in the same position it would have been had such Asset or Liability been assigned, transferred or assumed at the Effective Time as contemplated by this Agreement.

Section 6.02 Information .

(a) Subject to Section 6.05 and any other applicable confidentiality obligations, at any time before, on or after the Effective Time, (i) BGC Partners, on behalf of each member of the BGC Partners Group, agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to provide, or cause to be provided, to the Newmark Group and its Representatives, and (ii) Newmark, on behalf of each member of the Newmark Group, agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to provide, or cause to be provided, to the BGC Partners Group and its Representatives, in each case as soon as reasonably practicable after written request therefor from such other Party, any Information in the possession or under the control of such respective Person, if applicable, that the requesting Party reasonably needs (A) to comply with reporting, disclosure, filing or other requirements imposed on the requesting Party (including under applicable securities or Tax Laws) by a Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over the requesting Party, (B) for use in any other judicial, regulatory, administrative, Tax or other proceeding or in order to satisfy audit, accounting, claims, regulatory, litigation, Tax or other similar requirements, (C) for use in the conduct of the Transferred Business (in the case of the Newmark Group) or the Retained Business (in the case of the BGC Partners Group) in accordance with past practice or (D) to comply with its obligations under this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement; provided , however , that in the event that any Party reasonably determines that any such provision of Information could be commercially detrimental to such Party or any member of its Group, if applicable, violate any Law or Contract to which such Party or any member of its Group, if applicable, is a party, or waive any attorney-client privilege applicable to such Party or any member of its Group, if applicable, the Parties shall take all reasonable measures to permit the compliance with the obligations pursuant to this Section 6.02(a) in a manner that avoids any such harm or consequence (including, if appropriate, by entering into joint defense or similar arrangements); provided , further , that if, after taking all such reasonable measures, the Party subject to such Law or Contract is unable to provide any Information without violating such Law or Contract, such Party shall not be obligated to provide such Information to the extent that it would violate such Law or Contract. The Parties intend that any transfer of Information that would otherwise be within the attorney-client privilege shall not operate as a waiver of any potentially applicable privilege. Each Party shall make its employees and facilities available and accessible during normal business hours and on reasonable prior notice to provide an explanation of any Information provided hereunder.

 

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(b) Until the first Newmark fiscal year end occurring after the Distribution Effective Time (and for a reasonable period of time afterwards as required for each of BGC Partners or Newmark to prepare consolidated financial statements or complete a financial statement audit for the fiscal year during which the Distribution Effective Time occurs), Newmark (i) shall maintain in effect at its own cost and expense adequate systems and controls to the extent necessary to enable the members of the BGC Partners Group to satisfy their respective reporting, accounting, audit and other obligations and (ii) shall provide, or cause to be provided, to BGC Partners in such form as BGC Partners shall request, at no charge to BGC Partners, all financial and other data and information as BGC Partners determines necessary or advisable in order to prepare its financial statements and reports or filings with any Governmental Authority, including copies of all quarterly and annual financial information and other reports and documents that Newmark intends to file with the SEC no less than five (5) days prior to such filings (as well as final copies upon filing), and copies of Newmark’s budgets and financial projections.

(c) Any Information owned by one Person that is provided to a requesting Party pursuant to this Section 6.02 shall be deemed to remain the property of the providing Person (or Person on whose behalf such Information is being provided). Unless specifically set forth herein, nothing contained in this Agreement shall be construed as granting or conferring rights of license or otherwise in any such Information.

(d) The Party requesting Information, consultant or witness services under this Agreement agrees to reimburse the other Party for the reasonable out-of-pocket costs, if any, of creating, gathering and copying such Information, to the extent that such costs are incurred for the benefit of the requesting Party by or on behalf of such other Party or its Representatives or members of its Group, if applicable. Except as may be otherwise specifically provided elsewhere in this Agreement or in any Ancillary Agreement, such costs shall be computed in accordance with the providing Party’s standard methodology and procedures.

(e) To facilitate the possible exchange of Information pursuant to this Section 6.02 and other provisions of this Agreement after the Effective Time, the Parties agree to use their reasonable best efforts to retain all Information in their respective possession or control at the Effective Time in accordance with the record retention policies of BGC Partners as in effect at the Effective Time or such other policies as may be adopted by BGC Partners after the Effective Time ( provided , in the case of Newmark, that BGC Partners notifies Newmark of any such change); provided , however , that in the case of any Information relating to Taxes, employee benefits, environmental Liabilities and hazardous materials, or known contingent Liabilities, such retention period shall be extended to the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations (giving effect to any extensions thereof). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Tax Matters Agreement will govern the retention of Tax Records (as defined in the Tax Matters Agreement). Notwithstanding the foregoing, for a period of three (3) years from the Closing Date, BGC Partners, on behalf of itself and the other members of its Group, agrees to retain and not destroy or dispose of Information related to the Transferred Business as of the Effective Time that is not transferred to the Newmark Group pursuant to Section 2.01(a) and, prior to destroying or disposing of such Information, to notify Newmark and, at the request of Newmark, to transfer such Information to Newmark to the extent that such Information can, without unreasonable effort or expense, be separated from Information maintained by BGC Partners or any other members of its Group in connection with businesses other than the Transferred Business (unless Newmark shall pay for the full amount of the costs and expenses associated with such separation).

 

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(f) No Party shall have any Liability to the other Party in the event that any Information exchanged or provided pursuant to this Agreement that is an estimate or forecast, or which is based on an estimate or forecast, is found to be inaccurate, in the absence of willful misconduct or fraud by the Party providing such Information. No Party shall have any Liability to the other Party if any Information is destroyed after using its reasonable best efforts in accordance with the provisions of Section 6.02(e).

(g) The rights and obligations granted under this Section 6.02 and Sections 6.03, 6.04 and 6.05 are subject to any specific limitations, qualifications or additional provisions on the sharing, exchange or confidential treatment of Information set forth in any Ancillary Agreement.

Section 6.03 Production of Witnesses and Records; Cooperation .

(a) After the Effective Time, except in the case of an adversarial Action by one Party (or a member of its Group) against another Party (or a member of its Group) (which shall be governed by such discovery rules as may be applicable thereto), each Party shall use its reasonable best efforts to make available to the other Party, upon written request, the former, current and future directors, officers, employees, other personnel and agents of its Group as witnesses and any books, records or other documents within its control or which it otherwise has the ability to make available, at the offices of such Party during normal business hours, in each case to the extent that any such Person (giving consideration to business demands of such directors, officers, employees, other personnel and agents) or books, records or other documents may reasonably be required (and, in the case of any such Person, for reasonable periods of time) in connection with any Action in which the requesting Party may from time to time be involved, regardless of whether such Action is a matter with respect to which indemnification may be sought hereunder. The requesting Party shall bear all out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including allocated costs of in-house counsel and other personnel) in connection therewith.

(b) If an indemnifying party chooses to defend or to seek to compromise or settle any Third-Party Claim, each Party shall use its reasonable best efforts to make available to the other Party, upon written request, the former, current and future directors, officers, employees, other personnel and agents of its Group as witnesses and any books, records or other documents within its control or which it otherwise has the ability to make available, at the offices of such Party during normal business hours, in each case to the extent that any such Person (giving consideration to business demands of such directors, officers, employees, other personnel and agents) or books, records or other documents may reasonably be required (and, in the case of any such Person, for reasonable periods of time) in connection with such defense, settlement or compromise, as the case may be, and shall otherwise cooperate in such defense, settlement or compromise, as the case may be, in each case at the indemnifying party’s expense. The indemnifying party shall bear all out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including allocated costs of in-house counsel and other personnel) in connection therewith.

(c) Without limiting the foregoing, the Parties shall cooperate and consult, and, if applicable, cause each other member of their respective Groups to cooperate and consult, to the extent reasonably necessary with respect to any Actions.

 

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(d) Without limiting any provision of this Section 6.03, each of the Parties agrees to cooperate, and, if applicable, to cause the other members of their respective Groups to cooperate, with each other in the defense of any infringement or similar claim with respect to any Intellectual Property and shall not claim to acknowledge, or permit any of the other members of their respective Groups to claim to acknowledge, the validity or infringing use of any Intellectual Property of a third person in a manner that would hamper or undermine the defense of such infringement or similar claim.

(e) The obligation of the Parties to provide witnesses pursuant to this Section 6.03 is intended to be interpreted in a manner so as to facilitate cooperation and shall include the obligation to provide as witnesses, directors, officers, employees, other personnel and agents without regard to whether any such individual could assert a possible business conflict (subject to the exception set forth in the first sentence of Section 6.03(a)).

Section 6.04 Privileged Matters .

(a) The Parties recognize that legal and other professional services that have been and will be provided prior to the Effective Time have been and will be rendered for the collective benefit of each of the members of the BGC Partners Group and the Newmark Group, and that each of the members of the BGC Partners Group and the Newmark Group should be deemed to be the client with respect to such services for the purposes of asserting all privileges which may be asserted under Applicable Law in connection therewith. The Parties recognize that legal and other professional services will be provided following the Effective Time, which services will be rendered solely for the benefit of members of the BGC Partners Group or the Newmark Group, as the case may be.

(b) The Parties agree as follows:

(i) The BGC Partners Group shall be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges and immunities in connection with any Privileged Information that relates solely to the Retained Business and not to the Transferred Business, whether or not the Privileged Information is in the possession or under the control of any member of the BGC Partners Group or any member of the Newmark Group. The BGC Partners Group shall also be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges and immunities in connection with any Privileged Information that relates solely to any Excluded Liabilities resulting from any Actions that are now pending or may be asserted in the future, whether or not the Privileged Information is in the possession or under the control of any member of the BGC Partners Group or any member of the Newmark Group.

(ii) The Newmark Group shall be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges and immunities in connection with any Privileged Information that relates solely to the Transferred Business and not to the Retained Business, whether or not the Privileged Information is in the possession or under the control of any member of the Newmark Group or any member of the BGC Partners Group. The Newmark Group shall also be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges and immunities in connection with any Privileged Information

 

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that relates solely to any Transferred Liabilities resulting from any Actions that are now pending or may be asserted in the future, whether or not the privileged Information is in the possession or under the control of any member of the Newmark Group or any member of the BGC Partners Group.

(iii) If the Parties do not agree as to whether certain Information is Privileged Information, then such Information shall be treated as Privileged Information, and the Party that believes that such Information is Privileged Information shall be entitled to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges and immunities in connection with any such Information unless the Parties otherwise agree.

(c) Subject to the remaining provisions of this Section 6.04, the Parties agree that they shall have a shared privilege or immunity with respect to all privileges and immunities not allocated pursuant to Section 6.04(b) and all privileges and immunities relating to any Actions or other matters that involve both Parties (or one or more members of their respective Groups) and in respect of which both Parties have Liabilities under this Agreement, and that no such shared privilege or immunity may be waived by a Party without the consent of the other Parties.

(d) If any Dispute arises between the Parties or any members of their respective Group regarding whether a privilege or immunity should be waived to protect or advance the interests of a Party and/or any member of its Group, each Party agrees that it shall (i) negotiate with the other Party in good faith; (ii) endeavor to minimize any prejudice to the rights of the other Party; and (iii) not unreasonably withhold consent to any request for waiver by the other Party. Further, each Party specifically agrees that it shall not withhold its consent to the waiver of a privilege or immunity for any purpose except in good faith to protect its own legitimate interests.

(e) In the event of any adversarial Action or Dispute between BGC Partners and Newmark, or any members of their respective Groups, either Party may waive a privilege in which the other Party or member of the other Party’s Group has a shared privilege, without obtaining consent pursuant to Section 6.04(c); provided that such waiver of a shared privilege shall be effective only as to the use of information with respect to the Action between such Parties and/or the applicable members of their respective Groups, and shall not operate as a waiver of the shared privilege with respect to any third Person.

(f) Upon receipt by a Party, or by any member of its Group, of any subpoena, discovery or other request that may reasonably be expected to result in the production or disclosure of Privileged Information subject to a shared privilege or immunity or as to which another Party has the sole right hereunder to assert a privilege or immunity, or if a Party obtains knowledge that any of its, or any member of its Group’s, current or former directors, officers, agents or employees have received any subpoena, discovery or other requests that may reasonably be expected to result in the production or disclosure of such Privileged Information, such Party shall promptly notify the other Party of the existence of the request (which notice shall be delivered to such other Party no later than five (5) Business Days following the receipt of any such subpoena, discovery or other request) and shall provide the other Party a reasonable opportunity to review the Privileged Information and to assert any rights it or they may have under this Section 6.04 or otherwise, to prevent the production or disclosure of such Privileged Information.

 

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(g) Any furnishing of, or access or transfer of, any information pursuant to this Agreement is made in reliance on the agreement of BGC Partners and Newmark set forth in this Section 6.04 and in Section 6.05 to maintain the confidentiality of Privileged Information and to assert and maintain all applicable privileges and immunities. The Parties agree that their respective rights to any access to Information, witnesses and other Persons, the furnishing of notices and documents and other cooperative efforts between the Parties and members of their respective Groups contemplated by this Agreement, and the transfer of Privileged Information between the Parties and members of their respective Groups pursuant to this Agreement, shall not be deemed a waiver of any privilege that has been or may be asserted under this Agreement or otherwise.

(h) In connection with any matter contemplated by Section 6.03 or this Section 6.04, the Parties agree to, and to cause the applicable members of their Group to, use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain their respective separate and joint privileges and immunities, including by executing joint defense and/or common interest agreements where necessary or useful for this purpose.

Section 6.05 Confidentiality .

(a) Subject to Section 6.06, and unless otherwise agreed by the Party to whom such Covered Information relates, each of BGC Partners and Newmark, on behalf of itself and each member of its respective Group, agrees to hold, and to cause its respective Representatives to hold, in strict confidence, with at least the same degree of care that applies to BGC Partners’ confidential and proprietary Information pursuant to policies in effect as of the Effective Time, all Information concerning each such other Party and the members of its Group (including such Person’s clients, transactions, business, Assets, Liabilities, performance or operations) that is either in its possession (including Information in its possession prior to the date hereof) or furnished by any such other Party or the members of its Group or their respective Representatives at any time pursuant to this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or otherwise (collectively, “ Covered Information ”), except that the following shall not be deemed to be Covered Information: Information that has been (i) in the public domain or generally available to the public, other than as a result of a disclosure by such Party or any member of such Party’s Group or any of their respective Representatives in violation of this Agreement, (ii) later lawfully acquired from other sources by such Party or any member of such Party’s Group which sources are not themselves bound by a confidentiality obligation or other contractual, legal or fiduciary obligation of confidentiality with respect to such confidential and proprietary information, or (iii) independently developed or generated without reference to or use of any proprietary or confidential information of the other Party or any member of such Party’s Group.

(b) Subject to Section 6.06 and unless otherwise agreed by the Party to whom such Covered Information relates, each Party (on behalf of itself and the other members of its Group) agrees (i) not to use any Covered Information other than for such purposes as shall be expressly permitted hereunder or under any Ancillary Agreement and (ii) not to release or disclose, or permit to be released or disclosed, any Covered Information to any other Person,

 

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except its Representatives who need to know such Covered Information (who shall be advised of their obligations hereunder with respect to such Covered Information). Without limiting the foregoing, when any Covered Information is no longer needed for the purposes contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, each Party will promptly after request of the Party that provided such Covered Information either return to such Party all such Covered Information in a tangible form (including all copies thereof and all notes, analyses, presentations, extracts or summaries based thereon) or certify in writing to the other Party that it has destroyed such Covered Information (and such copies thereof and such notes, extracts, analyses, presentations or summaries based thereon). Notwithstanding the return or destruction of the Covered Information, such Party will continue to be bound by its obligations of confidentiality and other obligations hereunder.

Section 6.06 Protective Arrangements . In the event that any Party or any member of its Group either determines on the advice of its counsel that it is required to disclose any Covered Information of any other Party (or any member of the other Party’s Group) pursuant to Applicable Law or receives any request or demand under lawful process or from any Governmental Authority to disclose or provide Covered Information of any other Party (or any member of the other Party’s Group), such Party shall, to the extent practicable and unless otherwise required by Applicable Law, notify the other Party as promptly as practicable under the circumstances prior to disclosing or providing such Covered Information and shall cooperate at the expense of the other Party in seeking any reasonable protective arrangements requested by such other Party. Subject to the foregoing, the Person that received such request or demand may thereafter disclose or provide Covered Information if and to the extent required by such Applicable Law (as so advised by its counsel) or by lawful process or such Governmental Authority; provided , however , that the Person shall only disclose such portion of the Covered Information so required to be disclosed or provided.

Section 6.07 Intercompany Agreements .

(a) Except as set forth in Section 6.07(b), in furtherance of the releases and other provisions of Section 8.01, Newmark and each member of the Newmark Group, on the one hand, and BGC Partners and each member of the BGC Partners Group, on the other hand, hereby terminate any and all Contracts, arrangements, commitments or understandings, whether or not in writing, between or among Newmark and/or any member of the Newmark Group, on the one hand, and BGC Partners and/or any member of the BGC Partners Group, on the other hand, effective as of immediately prior to the Distribution Effective Time. No such terminated Contract, arrangement, commitment or understanding (including any provision thereof which purports to survive termination) shall be of any further force or effect after the Distribution Effective Time. Each Party shall, at the reasonable request of the other Party, take, or cause to be taken, such other actions as may be necessary to effect the foregoing.

(b) The provisions of Section 6.07(a) shall not apply to any of the following Contracts, arrangements, commitments or understandings (or to any of the provisions thereof): (i) this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements (and each other agreement or instrument expressly contemplated by this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement to be entered into by any of the Parties or any of the members of their respective Groups or to be continued from and after the Distribution Effective Time); (ii) any Contracts, arrangements, commitments or understandings listed or described on Schedule 6.07(b)(ii) ; and (iii) any Contracts, arrangements, commitments or understandings to which any Person other than a member of the BGC Partners Group or the Newmark Group is a party thereto.

 

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(c) All of the intercompany accounts payable or accounts receivable between any member of the BGC Partners Group, on the one hand, and any member of the Newmark Group, on the other hand, accrued as of the IPO Closing Date that are reflected in the books and records of the Parties or otherwise documented in writing in accordance with past practices shall, as promptly as practicable after the IPO Closing Date (and in any event within ninety (90) days thereafter), be net settled in cash by means of cash payments, a dividend, capital contribution, a combination of the foregoing, or otherwise as determined by BGC Partners in its sole and absolute discretion.

Section 6.08 Guarantee Obligations .

(a) The Parties shall cooperate, and shall cause the applicable members of their respective Groups to cooperate, to terminate, or to cause Newmark or a member of the Newmark Group to be substituted in all respects for BGC Partners or a member of the BGC Partners Group in respect of, all obligations of BGC Partners or a member of the BGC Partners Group under any of the Transferred Liabilities for which BGC Partners or a member of the BGC Partners Group may be liable, as guarantor, original tenant, primary obligor or otherwise, except, in each case, for any Excluded Liability. If such a termination or substitution is not effected by the Effective Time, (i) the members of the Newmark Group shall indemnify and hold harmless the members of the BGC Partners Group for any Indemnifiable Losses arising from or relating thereto, and (ii) from and after the Effective Time, without BGC Partners’ prior written consent, Newmark shall not, and shall not permit any other member of its Group to, renew or extend the term of, increase its obligations under, or transfer to a Person other than a member of the Newmark Group, any Contract or other obligation for which BGC Partners or a member of the BGC Partners Group is or may be so liable.

(b) The Parties shall cooperate, and shall cause the applicable members of their respective Groups to cooperate, to terminate, or to cause BGC Partners or a member of the BGC Partners Group to be substituted in all respects for Newmark or a member of the Newmark Group in respect of, all obligations of Newmark or a member of the Newmark Group under any of the Excluded Liabilities for which Newmark or a member of the Newmark Group may be liable, as guarantor, original tenant, primary obligor or otherwise, except, in each case, for any Transferred Liability. If such a termination or substitution is not effected by the Effective Time, (i) the members of the BGC Partners Group shall indemnify and hold harmless the members of the Newmark Group for any Indemnifiable Losses arising from or relating thereto, and (ii) from and after the Effective Time, without Newmark’s prior written consent, BGC Partners shall not, and shall not permit any other member of its Group to, renew or extend the term of, increase its obligations under, or transfer to a Person other than a member of the BGC Partners Group , any Contract or other obligation for which Newmark or a member of the Newmark Group is or may be so liable.

Section 6.09 Expenses . All costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be paid by the Party incurring such costs and expenses, unless expressly otherwise contemplated herein or in any Ancillary Agreement.

 

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Section 6.10 New Newmark . To facilitate tax-free exchanges of the Newmark Holdings Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interests, Cantor shall have a one-time right, exercisable at any time following the second (2 nd ) anniversary of the Distribution Date, at Newmark Holdings’ sole expense, subject to preserving the tax-free treatment, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, of the Newmark Inc. Contribution and Distribution, (a) to incorporate, or cause the incorporation of, a newly formed wholly owned Subsidiary of Newmark (“ New Newmark ”), (b) to incorporate, or cause the incorporation of, a newly formed wholly owned Subsidiary of New Newmark (“ New Newmark Sub ”), and then (c) to cause the merger (the “ New Newmark Merger ”) of New Newmark Sub with Newmark, with the surviving corporation being a wholly owned Subsidiary of New Newmark. In connection with the New Newmark Merger, holders of shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock and Newmark Class B Common Stock shall each hold equivalent common stock in New Newmark, with identical rights to the applicable class of shares held prior to the New Newmark Merger. As a condition of the New Newmark Merger, (i) Newmark shall have received an opinion of counsel, reasonably satisfactory to the Audit Committee of the Newmark Board, to the effect that the New Newmark Merger will qualify as a “reorganization” within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code and (ii) Cantor shall indemnify Newmark to the extent that Newmark incurs any material income Taxes as a result of the transactions effected pursuant to this Section 6.10.

Section 6.11 Reinvestments by Newmark in Newmark Opco; Co-Investment Rights .

(a) (i) Mandatory Reinvestment by Newmark. After the Closing, in the event of any issuance of shares of Newmark Common Stock (including any issuance in connection with a merger or other acquisition by Newmark, but excluding any issuance of shares of Newmark Common Stock in connection with the IPO, which is addressed by Section 3.04, and excluding any issuance of shares of Newmark Common Stock upon exchange of Newmark Holdings Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interests), unless otherwise determined by the Newmark Board, (A) Newmark shall contribute, directly or indirectly through its Subsidiaries, the net proceeds or other property received in respect of such issuance to Newmark Opco and (B) in exchange for such contribution, Newmark Opco shall issue to Newmark a Newmark Opco Limited Partnership Interest consisting of a number of Newmark Opco Units equal to (x) the number of additional shares of Newmark Common Stock so issued divided by (y) the Exchange Ratio as of immediately prior to the issuance of such shares of Newmark Common Stock.

(ii) Mandatory Reinvestment by Newmark Holdings. After the Closing, in the event of any issuances of Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Interests pursuant to the participation plan of Newmark Holdings, as such plan is amended from time to time, unless otherwise determined by the Newmark Board, (A) Newmark Holdings shall contribute, directly or indirectly through its Subsidiaries, the net proceeds, if any, received in respect of such issuance to Newmark Opco and (B) Newmark Opco shall issue to Newmark Holdings a Newmark Opco Limited Partnership Interest consisting of a number of Newmark Opco Units equal to (x) the number of additional Newmark Holdings Units underlying such Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Interests so issued multiplied by (y) the Newmark Holdings Ratio as of immediately prior to the issuance of such Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Interests.

 

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(iii) Voluntary Reinvestment by Newmark. After the Closing, Newmark may elect to have a member of the Newmark Inc. Group purchase from Newmark Opco a number of Newmark Opco Units for a price equal to the Newmark Per Unit Price for each Newmark Opco Unit. Such member of the Newmark Inc. Group may use cash and/or other assets to make such purchases. In the event that non-cash consideration is used to make such purchases, the value of the aggregate non-cash consideration shall be determined in good faith by the general partner of Newmark Opco taking into account, if relevant, the acquisition cost thereof.

(iv) Voluntary Reinvestment by Newmark Holdings. After the Closing, Newmark Holdings may elect to have a member of the Newmark Holdings Group purchase from Newmark Opco a number of Newmark Opco Units for a price equal to the Newmark Per Unit Price for each Newmark Opco Unit. Such member of the Newmark Holdings Group may use cash and/or other assets to make such purchases. In the event that non-cash consideration is used to make such purchases, the value of the aggregate non-cash consideration shall be determined in good faith by the general partner of Newmark Opco taking into account, if relevant, the acquisition cost thereof.

(b) Co-Investment Rights. (i) In the event of any issuance of Newmark Opco Units to any member of the Newmark Inc. Group pursuant to Section 6.11(a)(i) or Section 6.11(a)(iii) or to any member of the BGC Partners Inc. Group pursuant to Section 6.12(a) (the member of the Newmark Group or BGC Partners Inc. Group receiving such Newmark Opco Units, the “ Receiving Party ”), Cantor shall have the right (the “ Purchase Right ”) to cause any member of the Newmark Holdings Group (such Person designated by Cantor, the “ Purchase Right Party ”) to acquire and be issued, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Section 6.11(b), an aggregate number of additional Newmark Opco Units that would restore the Newmark Opco Percentage Interest that the Cantor Group indirectly holds through the Newmark Holdings Group to that which it held immediately prior to such issuance to the Receiving Party (assuming for purposes of this calculation that (A) the Purchase Right were exercised and the related sale were closed immediately after the related issuance of the applicable Newmark Opco Units to the Receiving Party and (B) the Purchase Right Party shall have been issued any Newmark Opco Units for which such Purchase Right Party shall be entitled to receive pursuant to any exercised, but not yet closed, outstanding Election; provided , however , that, if such other Election shall not close in accordance with this Section 6.11(b) prior to the closing of this Purchase Right, the calculation shall be re-calculated excluding such Election). In any exercise of a Purchase Right, the Purchase Right Party may elect to acquire less than the aggregate number of additional Newmark Opco Units that such Purchase Right Party shall be entitled to purchase pursuant to such Purchase Right (in which case, the Purchase Right with respect to the unexercised portion of the additional Newmark Opco Units shall survive and continue in effect on the terms contemplated by this Section 6.11(b)).

 

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(ii) In the event of the approval or authorization of any issuance of Newmark Opco Units to the Receiving Party that shall give rise to the Purchase Right in accordance with this Section 6.11(b), the general partner of Newmark Opco shall promptly provide separate written notice thereof (but in any event no later than three (3) Business Days prior to the issuance thereof unless waived by the applicable Purchase Right Party), to Newmark Holdings, which notice shall state the number of Newmark Opco Units issuable to such Purchase Right Party, the date of issuance and the Newmark Per Unit Price payable by the Purchase Right Party (which shall equal the Newmark Per Unit Price paid by the Receiving Party) (the “ Notice ”).

(iii) In the event that Cantor elects to exercise its Purchase Right (an “ Election ”), Cantor shall deliver a written notice of exercise to Newmark Opco on or prior to ten (10) days after the related issuance of Newmark Opco Units to the Receiving Party, which notice of exercise shall include (A) an irrevocable commitment by the Purchase Right Party to purchase as promptly as practicable an amount of Newmark Opco Units equal to the amount specified in the Notice (or, if Cantor shall so elect, an irrevocable commitment to purchase an amount of Newmark Opco Units less than that amount specified in the Notice) at the Newmark Per Unit Price specified in the Notice; (B) a statement detailing which Purchase Right Party member(s) will purchase the Newmark Opco Units (and, if more than one Purchase Right Party member shall purchase such Newmark Opco Units, a statement including the amounts that each such Purchase Right Party member shall purchase); and (C) a guarantee by Newmark Holdings of the obligations of the Purchase Right Party to complete the purchase and pay the Purchase Consideration therefor. The irrevocable commitment and the issuance of the additional Newmark Opco Units pursuant to the Purchase Right will be conditioned upon the closing of the related issuance of Newmark Opco Units to the Receiving Party, the absence of any injunction, order, law, regulation or similar matter that prohibits the consummation of such issuance and the receipt of all Governmental Approvals (including any self-regulatory approvals) that shall be required for the applicable Purchase Right Party to acquire the Newmark Opco Units; provided , however , that any such purchase shall close no later than one hundred twenty (120) days following the Election to exercise the Purchase Right. At the closing of the Purchase Right, (x) the Purchase Right Party shall pay to Newmark Opco an amount in cash and/or other assets equal to the product of the Newmark Per Unit Price specified in the Notice and the number of Newmark Opco Units being issued to such Purchase Right Party’s Group pursuant to the exercise of such Purchase Right (the “ Purchase Consideration ”) and (y) in exchange therefor Newmark Opco shall issue the applicable number of Newmark Opco Units. In the event that non-cash consideration is used to make such purchases, the value of the aggregate non-cash consideration shall be determined in good faith by the Audit Committee of the Newmark Board, taking into account, if relevant, the acquisition cost thereof.

(iv) In the event that Newmark Opco shall: (A) pay a dividend on Newmark Opco Interests in the form of Newmark Opco Units or make a distribution on Newmark Opco Interests in the form of Newmark Opco Units; (B) subdivide the outstanding Newmark Opco Units into a greater number of Newmark Opco Units; (C) combine the outstanding Newmark Opco Units into a smaller number of Newmark Opco Units; (D) make a distribution on Newmark Opco Interests in limited partnership interests other than Newmark Opco Units; or (E) issue by reclassification of the outstanding Newmark Opco Units any limited partnership interests, then the Newmark

 

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Opco Units issuable pursuant to each outstanding and unexercised Purchase Right immediately prior to such action (including any Purchase Right for which a notice of exercise shall have been delivered but shall not close prior to such action) shall be adjusted so that the applicable Purchase Right Party that thereafter elects to exercise, or closes, such Purchase Right in accordance with this Section 6.11 shall receive the number of Newmark Opco Units or other limited partnership interests that it would have owned immediately following such action if it had exercised such Purchase Right in full, and been issued the Newmark Opco Units underlying the Purchase Right, immediately prior to such action.

(c) Concurrent Issuance of Newmark Holdings Exchangeable Limited Partner Units upon Reinvestment by the Newmark Holdings Group. Concurrently with the issuance of Newmark Opco Units to the Purchase Right Party pursuant to Section 6.11(b), Cantor or any member of the Cantor Group designated by Cantor shall contribute to Newmark Holdings the Purchase Consideration, and in exchange therefor, subject to Section 6.11(d), simultaneously with the issuance of Newmark Opco Units to the Purchase Right Party pursuant to Section 6.11(b), Newmark Holdings shall issue to Cantor or the designated member of the Cantor Group, a Newmark Holdings Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest consisting of a number of Newmark Holdings Exchangeable Limited Partner Units equal to (i) the number of Newmark Opco Units issued to the Purchase Right Party divided by (ii) the Newmark Holdings Ratio as of immediately prior to the issuance of such Newmark Opco Units; provided , however , that no fractional Newmark Holdings Unit shall be issued in connection with such issuance and, in lieu thereof, Newmark Holdings shall pay cash to Cantor or the designated member of the Cantor Group who otherwise would have received such fractional Newmark Holdings Unit based on the Newmark Per Unit Price.

(d) No Fractional Units or Shares. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Newmark Opco, Newmark Holdings and Newmark shall not transfer or issue any fractional Newmark Opco Units, Newmark Holdings Units or Newmark Common Stock, as the case may be, and, except as set forth in Section 4.04 or otherwise determined by Newmark Opco, Newmark Holdings or Newmark, as the case may be, shall deliver in lieu thereof cash to the Person who otherwise would have received such fractional Newmark Opco Unit, Newmark Holdings Unit, or Newmark Common Stock, as the case may be, based on the Newmark Per Unit Price or Newmark Current Market Price, as the case may be.

(e) BGC Partners Contribution of Newmark Opco Units Prior to the Distribution. Prior to the Distribution, to the extent that BGC Partners receives any Newmark Opco Units as a result of any exchange of Newmark Holdings Units pursuant to the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement or as a result of any contribution or purchase by BGC Partners pursuant to Section 6.12(a), then, in each case, BGC Partners will contribute such Newmark Opco Units to Newmark in exchange for a number of newly issued shares of Newmark Common Stock equal to the number of Newmark Opco Units being contributed multiplied by the Exchange Ratio.

 

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Section 6.12 Reinvestments by BGC Partners Prior to the Distribution .

(a) In light of the fact that, after the Closing and prior to the Distribution, the Partnership Divisions shall have occurred but the Distribution shall not have occurred, the Parties agree that Section 4.11(a)(i) and Section 4.11(a)(iii) of the Separation Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2008, by and among Cantor, BGC Partners, BGC U.S. Opco, BGC Global Opco and BGC Holdings, shall be amended to provide as follows solely for the period of time following the Closing and prior to the Distribution (and any capitalized terms used but not defined in such Section 4.11(a)(i) and Section 4.11(a)(iii), as hereby amended, shall have the meanings set forth in this Agreement):

(i) Mandatory Reinvestment by BGC Partners . In the event of any issuance of shares of BGC Partners Common Stock (including any issuance in connection with a merger or other acquisition by BGC Partners, but excluding any issuance of shares of BGC Partners Common Stock upon exchange of a combination of BGC Holdings Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interests and Newmark Holdings Exchangeable Limited Partner Interests as set forth in the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement), unless otherwise determined by the BGC Partners Board, BGC Partners shall contribute, directly or indirectly through its Subsidiaries, the net proceeds or other property received in respect of such issuance to the BGC Opcos and to Newmark Opco. In exchange for such contributions: (A) BGC U.S. Opco shall issue to BGC Partners a BGC U.S. Opco Limited Partnership Interest consisting of a number of BGC U.S. Opco Units equal to (1) the number of additional shares of BGC Partners Common Stock so issued multiplied by (2) the BGC Partners Ratio as of immediately prior to the issuance of such shares of BGC Partners Common Stock; (B) BGC Global Opco shall issue to BGC Partners a BGC Global Opco Limited Partnership Interest consisting of a number of BGC Global Opco Units equal to (1) the number of additional shares of BGC Partners Common Stock so issued multiplied by (2) the BGC Partners Ratio as of immediately prior to the issuance of such shares of BGC Partners Common Stock; and (C) Newmark Opco shall issue to BGC Partners a Newmark Opco Limited Partnership Interest consisting of a number of Newmark Opco Units equal to (x) the number of additional shares of BGC Partners Common Stock so issued divided by (y) the Exchange Ratio as of immediately prior to the issuance of such shares of BGC Partners Common Stock multiplied by (z) the Distribution Ratio as of immediately prior to the issuance of such shares of BGC Partners Common Stock. The amount of the net proceeds or other property that shall be contributed by BGC Partners to Newmark Opco pursuant to the foregoing shall be equal to the Newmark Per Unit Price multiplied by the number of Newmark Opco Units issued to BGC Partners (it being understood that the BGC Partners Board shall have the right to make any equitable adjustment to the amount contributed to Newmark Opco, on the one hand, and the BGC Opcos, on the other hand, if any event shall occur that shall warrant such adjustment). The remainder of the net proceeds or other property shall be contributed by BGC Partners to the BGC Opcos, with the proportion contributed to BGC U.S. Opco, on the one hand, and BGC Global Opco, on the other hand, based on BGC Partners’ reasonable judgment as to the proportion of the total fair value, as of the date of issuance of the BGC U.S. Opco Limited Partnership Interest and the BGC Global Opco Limited Partnership Interest pursuant to this Section 6.12(a)(i), represented by BGC U.S. Opco, on the one hand, and BGC Global Opco, on the other hand, as of such date.

 

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(ii) Voluntary Reinvestment by BGC Partners. BGC Partners (with the consent of the BGC Partners Board) may elect to have a member of the BGC Partners Inc. Group purchase from the BGC Opcos an equal number of BGC U.S. Opco Units and BGC Global Opco Units for a price equal to the BGC Per Unit Price for each set of one BGC U.S. Opco Unit and one BGC Global Opco Unit. If BGC Partners or any member of the BGC Partners Inc. Group exercises such right, unless otherwise determined by the BGC Partners Board, BGC Partners or the member of the BGC Partners Inc. Group exercising such right shall also purchase a number of Newmark Opco Units equal to (A) the number of BGC U.S. Opco Units that it purchased pursuant to the prior sentence multiplied by (B) the Distribution Ratio as of immediately prior to such purchase, divided by (C) the Exchange Ratio, for a price per Newmark Opco Unit equal to the Newmark Per Unit Price. Such member of the BGC Partners Inc. Group may use cash and/or other assets to make such purchases. In the event that non-cash consideration is used to make such purchases, the value of the aggregate non-cash consideration shall be determined in good faith by the general partner of BGC U.S. Opco, the general partner of BGC Global Opco and the general partner of Newmark Opco, as the case may be, taking into account, if relevant, the acquisition cost thereof. BGC Partners shall determine the proportion of the amount that it receives for such purchase that shall be paid to BGC U.S. Opco, on the one hand, and BGC Global Opco, on the other hand. Such determination shall be based on BGC Partners’ reasonable judgment as to the proportion of the total fair value, as of the date of issuance of the BGC U.S. Opco Limited Partnership Interest and BGC Global Opco Limited Partnership Interest pursuant to this Section 6.12(a)(ii), represented by BGC U.S. Opco or BGC Global Opco, respectively, as of such date.

(b) In light of the fact that, after the Closing and prior to the Distribution, the Partnership Divisions shall have occurred but the Distribution shall not have occurred, the Parties agree that all references to “Per Unit Price” set forth in the Separation Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2008, by and among Cantor, BGC Partners, BGC U.S. Opco, BGC Global Opco and BGC Holdings, shall refer to the BGC Per Unit Price as defined in this Agreement solely for the period of time following the Closing and prior to the Distribution.

Section 6.13 Dividends by Newmark .

(a) It is currently expected that the Newmark Board will authorize a dividend policy that will provide that Newmark will pay a dividend to the holders of Newmark Common Stock on a quarterly basis, with such dividend to be calculated based on the “post-tax Adjusted Earnings per fully diluted share” as determined by Newmark and as described in the IPO Registration Statement.

(b) It is currently expected that Newmark’s quarterly dividend to the holders of Newmark Common Stock will be less than 25% of Newmark’s post-tax Adjusted Earnings per fully diluted share, as described in the IPO Registration Statement. The declaration, payment, timing and amount of any dividend payable by Newmark will be at the discretion of the Newmark Board; provided that any dividend by Newmark to the holders of Newmark Common Stock that would be equal to 25% or more of Newmark’s post-tax Adjusted Earnings per fully diluted share shall require the consent of the holder of a majority of the Newmark Holdings Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interests.

 

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Section 6.14 Adjustments to the Exchange Ratio .

(a) Initial Exchange Ratio . The initial Exchange Ratio as of immediately following the IPO shall be one.

(b) Adjustment for Reinvestment Cash. If, in any fiscal quarter, there is Reinvestment Cash for such fiscal quarter, then, the Exchange Ratio will be adjusted so that, following such adjustment, but subject to any other further adjustment as a result of Section 6.14(c), the Exchange Ratio shall equal (i) the number of outstanding shares of Newmark Common Stock as of immediately prior to such adjustment, divided by (ii) the sum of (A) the number of outstanding shares of Newmark Common Stock as of immediately prior to such adjustment, plus (B) the Adjustment Factor for such fiscal quarter plus (C) the sum of the aggregate Adjustment Factors for all prior fiscal quarters following the IPO. Newmark shall determine the particular date in which any adjustment to the Exchange Ratio in respect of a particular fiscal quarter shall occur, taking into account the precise timing of any distributions by Newmark Holdings and Newmark in respect of such fiscal quarter.

(c) Anti-Dilution and Other Equitable Adjustments.

(i) If Newmark shall: (A) pay a dividend in the form of shares of Newmark Common Stock or make a distribution on shares of Newmark Common Stock in the form of shares of Newmark Common Stock; (B) subdivide the outstanding shares of Newmark Common Stock into a greater number of shares; (C) combine the outstanding shares of Newmark Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, or (D) take any other action such that the Newmark Ratio shall change in such a manner that is disproportionate from the change, if any, in the Newmark Holdings Ratio that shall occur at the same time, then the Exchange Ratio shall be equitably adjusted in such manner as determined by Newmark so as to preserve the economic value of the exchange of the Newmark Holdings Exchange Right following such action.

(ii) If Newmark shall (A) make a distribution on shares of Newmark Common Stock in shares of its share capital (other than Newmark Common Stock) or in shares of a Subsidiary; or (B) issue by reclassification of the outstanding shares of Newmark Common Stock any shares of its share capital (other than Newmark Common Stock) or in shares of a Subsidiary, then in each case, the Exchange Ratio in effect immediately prior to such action shall be equitably adjusted in such manner as determined by Newmark so as to preserve the economic value of the exchange of the Newmark Holdings Exchange Right following such action.

(iii) In the event of (A) any reclassification or change of shares of Newmark Common Stock issuable upon exchange of the Exchange Right Units (other than a change in par value, or from par value to no par value, or from no par value to par value, or as a result of a subdivision or combination, or any other change for which an adjustment is provided in Section 6.14(c)(i) or 6.14(c)(ii)); (B) any consolidation or merger or combination to which Newmark is a party other than a merger in which Newmark is the continuing corporation and which does not result in any reclassification of, or change (other than in par value, or from par value to no par value, or from no par

 

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value to par value, or as a result of a subdivision or combination) in, outstanding shares of Newmark Common Stock; or (C) any sale, transfer or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of Newmark, directly or indirectly, to any Person as a result of which holders of Newmark Common Stock shall be entitled to receive stock, securities or other property or assets (including cash) with respect to or in exchange for Newmark Common Stock, then Newmark shall take all necessary action such that the Newmark Holdings Exchange Right Units then outstanding shall be exchangeable into the kind and amount of shares of stock and other securities and property (including cash) receivable upon such reclassification, change, combination, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or other disposition by a holder of the number of shares of Newmark Common Stock deliverable upon exchange of such Newmark Holdings Exchange Right Units immediately prior to such reclassification, change, combination, consolidation, merger, sale, transfer or other disposition. The provisions of this Section 6.14(c)(iii) shall similarly apply to successive reclassifications, changes, combinations, consolidations, mergers, sales or conveyances.

(iv) If Newmark Holdings shall: (A) pay a distribution in the form of Newmark Holdings Exchange Right Units or make a distribution on Newmark Holdings Exchange Right Units in the form of Newmark Holdings Exchange Right Units; (B) subdivide the outstanding Newmark Holdings Exchange Right Units into a greater number of Newmark Holdings Exchange Right Units; (C) combine the outstanding Newmark Holdings Exchange Right Units into a smaller number of Newmark Holdings Exchange Right Units or (D) take any other action such that the Newmark Holdings Ratio shall change in such a manner that is disproportionate from the change, if any, in the Newmark Ratio that shall occur at the same time, then the Exchange Ratio in effect immediately prior to such action shall be equitably adjusted in such manner as determined by Newmark so as to preserve the economic value of the exchange of the Newmark Holdings Exchange Right following such action.

(v) If Newmark Holdings shall make a distribution on Newmark Holdings Exchange Right Units in equity of Newmark Opco or other subsidiary of Newmark Opco, then the Exchange Ratio in effect immediately prior to such action shall be equitably adjusted in such manner as determined by Newmark so as to preserve the economic value of the exchange of the Newmark Holdings Exchange Right following such action.

Section 6.15 Use of Reinvestment Cash . Unless otherwise agreed by the holder of a majority of the Newmark Holdings Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interests, in the event that there shall be any positive Reinvestment Cash in any fiscal quarter, Newmark shall contribute such Reinvestment Cash as a capital contribution with respect to its then-existing Limited Partnership Interest in Newmark Opco.

Section 6.16 Treatment of Payments for Tax Purposes . For all Tax purposes, the Parties agree to treat (a) any indemnity payment required by this Agreement to the extent relating to or arising out of the Separation (including the Partnership Divisions and the Newmark Inc. Contribution) or the Distribution (other than payments with respect to interest accruing after the relevant transaction) as either, as applicable, (i) a distribution by BGC U.S. Opco to its

 

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partners pursuant to the Opco Partnership Distribution, followed by a contribution by such partners to Newmark Opco pursuant to the Opco Partnership Contribution, (ii) a contribution by BGC Holdings to Newmark Holdings, (iii) a contribution by BGC Partners to Newmark Opco, (iv) a distribution by Newmark Opco to the partners of BGC U.S. Opco, followed by a contribution by such partners to BGC U.S. Opco, (v) a distribution by Newmark Holdings to BGC Holdings or (vi) a distribution by Newmark to BGC Partners, as the case may be, in each case, to the extent such payment is made after the Opco Partnership Contribution, the Holdings Partnership Distribution or the Distribution, as applicable, and such payment shall be treated as occurring immediately prior to the Opco Partnership Contribution, the Holdings Partnership Distribution or the Distribution, as applicable, or as a payment of an assumed or retained Liability; and (b) any payment of interest as taxable or deductible, as the case may be, to the Party entitled under this Agreement to retain such payment or required under this Agreement to make such payment, in either case except as otherwise required by Applicable Law.

ARTICLE VII

INTERIM OPERATIONS AND INSURANCE

Section 7.01 Financial Covenants . Newmark agrees that, for so long as BGC Partners is required to consolidate the results of operations and financial position of Newmark and any other members of the Newmark Group or to account for its investment in Newmark or any other member of the Newmark Group under the equity method of accounting (determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP consistently applied and consistent with SEC reporting requirements):

(a) Disclosure and Financial Controls . Newmark will, and will cause each other member of the Newmark Group to, maintain, as of and after the IPO Closing Date, disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15 promulgated under the Exchange Act; Newmark will, and will cause each other member of the Newmark Group to maintain, as of and after the IPO Closing Date internal systems and procedures that will provide reasonable assurance that (A) Newmark’s annual and quarterly financial statements are reliable and timely prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and Applicable Law, (B) all transactions of members of the Newmark Group are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of Newmark’s annual and quarterly financial statements, (C) the receipts and expenditures of members of the Newmark Group are authorized at the appropriate level within Newmark and (D) unauthorized use or disposition of the assets of any member of the Newmark Group that could have material effect on Newmark’s annual and quarterly financial statements is prevented or detected in a timely manner.

(b) Fiscal Year . Newmark will, and will cause each member of the Newmark Group organized in the United States to, maintain a fiscal year that commences and ends on the same calendar days as BGC Partners’ fiscal year commences and ends, and to maintain monthly accounting periods that commence and end on the same calendar days as BGC Partners’ monthly accounting periods commence and end.

 

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(c) Monthly Financial Reports . No later than eight (8) Business Days after the end of each month (including the last month of BGC Partners’ fiscal year), Newmark will deliver to BGC Partners a consolidated income statement and, if requested by BGC Partners, income statements for each Affiliate of Newmark which is consolidated with Newmark, for such period. Newmark will also deliver to BGC Partners a consolidated balance sheet and statement of cash flows for Newmark for such period and, if requested, balance sheets and statements of cash flow for each Affiliate of Newmark which is consolidated with Newmark, no later than ten (10) Business Days after the end of each monthly accounting period of Newmark (including the last monthly accounting period of Newmark of each fiscal year). The income statements, balance sheets and statements of cash flows will be in such format and detail as BGC Partners may request. As long as BGC Partners is required to consolidate the results of operations and financial position of Newmark in its financial statements, the information supporting such statements shall be submitted electronically for inclusion in BGC Partners’ financial reporting systems by such date to permit timely preparation of BGC Partners’ consolidated financial statements. In addition, if Newmark makes adjustments or other corrections to such financial information, adjustments or other corrections will be delivered by Newmark to BGC Partners as soon as practicable, and in any event within eight (8) hours thereafter.

(d) Quarterly and Annual Financial Statements . Newmark shall establish a disclosure committee for the purposes of review and approval of Newmark’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Reports on Form 10-K and other significant filings with the SEC prior to the filing of such documents. BGC Partners will have sole discretion to select up to three (3) of its employees to participate in all meetings of such committee for the purpose of reviewing the consistency of such documents with similar documents or other disclosures of BGC Partners. Distribution of documents by Newmark for review by BGC Partners should be made at the time such documents are distributed to the Newmark participants and should provide a reasonable period for review prior to the applicable meeting. The management of Newmark shall be solely liable for the completeness and accuracy of any such filings, including any financial statements included therein. Newmark will cause each of its principal executive and principal financial officers to sign and deliver to BGC Partners the certifications required by Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and will include the certifications in Newmark’s periodic reports, as and when required pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14 and Item 601 of Regulation S-K.

(e) Conformance with BGC Partners Financial Presentation . All information provided by any Newmark Group member to BGC Partners or filed with the SEC pursuant to Section 7.01(c) and Section 7.01(d) will be consistent in terms of format and detail and otherwise with BGC Partners’ policies with respect to the application of U.S. GAAP and practices in effect on the IPO Closing Date with respect to the provision of such financial information by such Newmark Group member to BGC Partners, with such changes therein as may be required by U.S. GAAP or requested by BGC Partners from time to time consistent with changes in such accounting principles and practices.

(f) Budgets and Financial Projections . Newmark will, as promptly as practicable, deliver to BGC Partners copies of all annual budgets and periodic financial projections (consistent in terms of format and detail and otherwise required by BGC Partners) relating to Newmark on a consolidated basis and will provide BGC Partners an opportunity to meet with management of Newmark to discuss such budgets and projections. Newmark will continue

 

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to provide to BGC Partners projections on a monthly basis consistent with past practices, including income, cash flow and operating indicators, as well as capital expenditure detail on a quarterly basis. Such projections will be submitted electronically for inclusion in BGC Partners’ management reporting systems.

(g) Other Information . With reasonable promptness, Newmark will deliver to BGC Partners such additional financial and other information and data with respect to the Newmark Group and its business, properties, financial positions, results of operations and prospects as from time to time may be reasonably requested by BGC Partners.

(h) Press Releases and Similar Information . Newmark will consult with BGC Partners as to the timing of Newmark’ s quarterly earnings releases and any interim financial guidance for a current or future period and will give BGC Partners the opportunity to review the information therein relating to the Newmark Group and to comment thereon. BGC Partners and Newmark will make reasonable efforts to coordinate the issuance of their respective quarterly earnings releases, which are generally expected to occur within one (1) Business Day of each other. No later than five (5) days prior to the time and date that Newmark intends to publish its regular quarterly earnings release or any financial guidance for a current or future period, Newmark will deliver to BGC Partners copies of drafts of all press releases and other statements to be made available by any member of the Newmark Group to its employees or to the public concerning any matters that could be reasonably likely to have a material financial impact on the earnings, results of operations, financial condition or prospects of any Newmark Group member. No later than four (4) hours prior to the time and date that Newmark intends to publish its regular quarterly earnings release or any financial guidance for a current or future period, Newmark will deliver to BGC Partners copies of substantially final drafts of all press releases and other statements to be made available by any member of the Newmark Group to its employees or to the public concerning any matters that could be reasonably likely to have a material financial impact on the earnings, results of operations, financial condition or prospects of any Newmark Group member. In addition, prior to the issuance of any such press release or public statement that meets the criteria set forth in the preceding two sentences, Newmark will consult with BGC Partners regarding any changes (other than typographical or other similar minor changes) to such substantially final drafts. Immediately following the issuance thereof, Newmark will deliver to BGC Partners copies of final drafts of all press releases and other public statements.

(i) Cooperation on BGC Partners Filings . Newmark will cooperate fully, and cause Newmark’s independent certified public accountants (“ Newmark’s Auditors ”) to cooperate fully, with BGC Partners to the extent requested by BGC Partners in the preparation of BGC Partners’ public earnings or other press releases, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Annual Reports to Stockholders, Annual Reports on Form 10-K, any Current Reports on Form 8-K and any other proxy, information and registration statements, reports, notices, prospectuses and any other filings made by BGC Partners with the SEC, any national securities exchange or otherwise made publicly available (collectively, the “ BGC Partners Public Filings ”). Newmark is responsible for the preparation of its financial statements in accordance with BGC Partners’ policies with respect to the application of U.S. GAAP and shall indemnify BGC Partners for any liabilities it shall incur with respect to inaccuracy of such statements. As long as BGC Partners is required to consolidate the results of operations and financial position of Newmark in its financial statements, Newmark will continue to prepare the quarterly and annual financial

 

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reporting analysis and provide support for financial statement footnotes and other information included in BGC Partners’ filings with the SEC. Such information and the timing thereof will be consistent with the BGC Partners financial statement processes in place prior to the Closing. Newmark also agrees to provide to BGC Partners all other information that BGC Partners reasonably requests in connection with any BGC Partners Public Filings or that, in the judgment of BGC Partners’ legal department, is required to be disclosed or incorporated by reference therein under any Applicable Law. Newmark will provide such information in a timely manner on the dates requested by BGC Partners (which may be earlier than the dates on which Newmark otherwise would be required hereunder to have such information available) to enable BGC Partners to prepare, print and release all BGC Partners Public Filings on such dates as BGC Partners will determine but in no event later than as required by Applicable Law. Newmark will use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause Newmark’s Auditors to consent to any reference to them as experts in any BGC Partners Public Filings required under any Applicable Law. If and to the extent requested by BGC Partners, Newmark will diligently and promptly review all drafts of such BGC Partners Public Filings and prepare in a diligent and timely fashion any portion of such BGC Partners Public Filing pertaining to Newmark. Newmark management’s responsibility for reviewing such disclosures shall include a determination that such disclosures are complete and accurate and consistent with other public filings or other disclosures which have been made by Newmark. Prior to any printing or public release of any BGC Partners Public Filing, an appropriate executive officer of Newmark will, if requested by BGC Partners, certify that the information relating to any Newmark Group member in such BGC Partners Public Filing is accurate, true, complete and correct in all material respects. Unless required by Applicable Law, Newmark will not publicly release any financial or other information which conflicts with the information with respect to any Newmark Group member that is included in any BGC Partners Public Filing without BGC Partners’ prior written consent. Prior to the release or filing thereof, BGC Partners will provide Newmark with a draft of any portion of a BGC Partners Public Filing containing information relating to the Newmark Group and will give Newmark an opportunity to review such information and comment thereon; provided that BGC Partners will determine in its sole discretion the final form and content of all BGC Partners Public Filings.

(j) Newmark’s requirements under this Section 7.01 will continue until the reporting for all financial statement periods during which BGC Partners was required to consolidate the results of operations and financial position of Newmark and any other members of the Newmark Group or to account for its investment in Newmark or any other member of the Newmark Group under the equity method of accounting (determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP consistently applied and consistent with SEC reporting requirements) has been completed. For example, if Newmark ceases to be a consolidated subsidiary or equity method affiliate of BGC Partners on September 30, Newmark’s obligations with regard to information required for BGC Partners’ Annual Report Form 10-K for the year ended December 31 will remain in effect until such Annual Report Form 10-K has been filed.

Section 7.02 Other Covenants .

(a) For so long as BGC Partners beneficially owns at least 50% of the total voting power of Newmark’s outstanding capital stock entitled to vote in the election of the Newmark Board:

 

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(i) Newmark will not (and will cause the other members of the Newmark Group to not), without the prior written consent of BGC Partners (which BGC Partners may withhold in its sole discretion), take, or cause to be taken, directly or indirectly, any action, including making or failing to make any election under the Law of any state, which has the effect, directly or indirectly, of restricting or limiting the ability of BGC Partners to freely sell, transfer, assign, pledge or otherwise dispose of shares of Newmark Common Stock or would restrict or limit the rights of any transferee of BGC Partners as a holder of Newmark Common Stock. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Newmark will not (and will cause the other members of the Newmark Group to not), without the prior written consent of BGC Partners (which BGC Partners may withhold in its sole discretion), take any action, or take any action to recommend to its stockholders any action, which would among other things, limit the legal rights of, or deny any benefit to, BGC Partners as a Newmark stockholder either (A) solely as a result of the amount of Newmark Common Stock owned by BGC Partners or (B) in a manner not applicable to Newmark stockholders generally.

(ii) To the extent that BGC Partners is a party to any Contract that provides that certain actions or inactions of Affiliates of BGC Partners (which for purposes of such Contract includes any member of the Newmark Group) may result in BGC Partners being in breach of or in default under such Contract and BGC Partners has advised Newmark of the existence, and has furnished Newmark with copies, of such Contract (or the relevant portions thereof), Newmark will not take or fail to take, as applicable, and Newmark will cause the other members of the Newmark Group not to take or fail to take, as applicable, any actions that reasonably could result in BGC Partners being in breach of or in default under any such Contract. The Parties acknowledge and agree that from time to time BGC Partners may in good faith (and not solely with the intention of imposing restrictions on Newmark pursuant to this covenant) enter into additional Contracts or amendments to existing Contracts that provide that certain actions or inactions of Affiliates of BGC Partners (which may include members of the Newmark Group) may result in BGC Partners being in breach of or in default under such Contracts. In such event, provided BGC Partners has notified Newmark of such additional Contracts or amendments to existing Contracts, Newmark will not thereafter take or fail to take, as applicable, and Newmark will cause the other members of the Newmark Group not to take or fail to take, as applicable, any actions that reasonably could result in BGC Partners being in breach of or in default under any such additional Contracts or amendments to existing Contracts. BGC Partners acknowledges and agrees that Newmark will not be deemed in breach of this Section 7.02(a)(ii) to the extent that, prior to being notified by BGC Partners of an additional Contract or an amendment to an existing Contract pursuant to this Section 7.02(a)(ii), a Newmark Group member already has taken or failed to take one or more actions that would otherwise constitute a breach of this Section 7.02(a)(ii) had such action(s) or inaction(s) occurred after such notification, provided that Newmark does not, after notification by BGC Partners, take any further action or fail to take any action that contributes further to such breach or default. Newmark agrees that any Information provided to it pursuant to this Section 7.02(a)(ii) will constitute Covered Information of BGC Partners that is subject to Newmark’s obligations under Section 6.05.

 

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(iii) Newmark will not (and will cause the other members of the Newmark Group to not), without the prior written consent of BGC Partners (which BGC Partners may withhold in its sole discretion),, directly or indirectly, (A) acquire any other businesses or assets or dispose of any of its own assets, in each case with an aggregate value for all such transactions in excess of $100 million, or (B) acquire or agree to acquire any share, shares or other interest in any Person, whether by way of a purchase of stock or securities, contributions to capital or otherwise, or the loaning of any funds to third parties, in each case, in excess of $100 million in the aggregate.

(iv) Newmark will not (and will cause the other members of the Newmark Group to not), without the prior written consent of BGC Partners (which BGC Partners may withhold in its sole discretion), directly or indirectly, (A) incur any Indebtedness , other than, subject to clause (B) below, any Indebtedness in excess of $50 million in the aggregate, other than any Indebtedness incurred by Newmark or any member of the Newmark Group, some or all of the proceeds of which are used to repay the BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco Other Debt Notes pursuant to Section 3.05, repay the Term Loan Credit Agreement or repay the Acquisition Term Loans under the Revolving Credit Agreement; or (B) incur any Indebtedness if the incurrence of such Indebtedness would cause BGC Partners to be in breach of or in default under any Contract the existence of which BGC Partners has advised Newmark, or if the incurrence of such Indebtedness could be reasonably likely to adversely impact the credit rating of any commercial BGC Partners Indebtedness.

(b) For so long as BGC Partners beneficially owns shares of Newmark capital stock constituting “control” within the meaning of Section 368(c) of the Code, without the prior written consent of BGC Partners (which it may withhold in its sole discretion):

(i) Newmark will not issue any shares of Newmark capital stock or any rights, warrants or options to acquire Newmark capital stock (including securities convertible into or exchangeable for Newmark capital stock), if after giving effect to such issuances and considering all of the shares of Newmark capital stock acquirable pursuant to such rights, warrants and options to be outstanding on the date of such issuance (whether or not then exercisable), BGC Partners could, at any time prior to the Distribution, (A) beneficially own (x) less than 82% of the total voting power of the outstanding shares of Newmark Common Stock entitled to vote in the election of the Newmark Board or (y) less than 82% of the outstanding shares of any class of Newmark capital stock not entitled to vote in the election of the Newmark Board, or (B) otherwise fail to have “control” of Newmark within the meaning of Section 368(c) of the Code;

(ii) Newmark will not issue any shares of Newmark capital stock in respect of any Newmark Holdings Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interests;

(iii) Newmark will not, and will not permit any other member of the Newmark Group to, take any action or fail to take any action that could reasonably be expected to prevent the Newmark Inc. Contribution and the Distribution from qualifying as a tax-free transaction to Newmark, BGC Partners and BGC Partners’ stockholders for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

 

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(c) For so long as BGC Partners beneficially owns shares of Newmark capital stock satisfying the stock ownership requirements set forth in Section 1504 of the Code, without the prior written consent of BGC Partners (which it may withhold in its sole discretion), Newmark will not issue any shares of Newmark capital stock or any rights, warrants or options to acquire Newmark capital stock (including securities convertible into or exchangeable for Newmark capital stock), if after giving effect to such issuances and considering all of the shares of Newmark capital stock acquirable pursuant to such rights, warrants and options to be outstanding on the date of such issuance (whether or not then exercisable), BGC Partners could, at any time prior to the Distribution, (i) fail to beneficially own shares of Newmark capital stock satisfying the stock ownership requirements set forth in Section 1504 of the Code or (ii) otherwise not be permitted to treat any member of the Newmark Group as members of the “affiliated group” (within the meaning of Section 1504 of the Code) of which BGC Partners is the common parent.

Section 7.03 Auditors and Audits; Annual Financial Statements and Accounting . Newmark agrees that, for so long as BGC Partners is required to consolidate the results of operations and financial position of Newmark and any other members of the Newmark Group or to account for its investment in Newmark or any other member of the Newmark Group under the equity method of accounting (determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP consistently applied and consistent with SEC reporting requirements):

(a) Auditor . No member of the Newmark Group shall change its independent auditors without BGC Partners’ prior written consent.

(b) Audit Timing . Newmark shall use its reasonable best efforts to enable Newmark’s Auditors to complete their audit such that they will date their opinion on Newmark’s audited annual financial statements on the same date that BGC Partners’ independent certified public accountants (“ BGC Partners’ Auditors ”) date their opinion on BGC Partners’ audited annual financial statements (the “ BGC Partners Annual Statements ”), and to enable BGC Partners to meet its timetable for the printing, filing and public dissemination of the BGC Partners Annual Statements, all in accordance with Section 7.01 and as required by Applicable Law.

(c) Information Needed by BGC Partners . Newmark shall provide to BGC Partners and the BGC Partners’ Auditors on a timely basis all information that BGC Partners reasonably requires to meet its schedule for the preparation, printing, filing, and public dissemination of the BGC Partners Annual Statements in accordance with Section 7.01 and as required by Applicable Law. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Newmark will provide all required financial information with respect to the Newmark Group to Newmark’s Auditors in a sufficient and reasonable time and in sufficient detail to permit Newmark’s Auditors to take all steps and perform all reviews necessary to provide sufficient assistance to BGC Partners’ Auditors with respect to information to be included or contained in the BGC Partners Annual Statements.

(d) Access to Newmark Auditors . Newmark shall authorize Newmark’s Auditors to make available to BGC Partners’ Auditors both the personnel who performed, or are performing, the annual audit of Newmark and work papers related to the annual audit of Newmark, in all cases within a reasonable time prior to Newmark’s Auditors’ opinion date, so

 

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that BGC Partners’ Auditors are able to perform the procedures they consider necessary to take responsibility for the work of Newmark’s Auditors as it relates to BGC Partners’ Auditors’ report on BGC Partners’ statements, all within sufficient time to enable BGC Partners to meet its timetable for the printing, filing and public dissemination of the BGC Partners Annual Statements.

(e) Access to Records . If BGC Partners determines in good faith that there may be some inaccuracy in a Newmark Group member’s financial statements or deficiency in a Newmark Group member’s internal accounting controls or operations that could materially impact BGC Partners’ financial statements, at BGC Partners’ request, Newmark will provide BGC Partners’ internal auditors with access to the Newmark Group’s books and records so that BGC Partners may conduct reasonable audits relating to the financial statements provided by Newmark under this Agreement as well as to the internal accounting controls and operations of the Newmark Group.

(f) Notice of Changes . Subject to Section 7.01(g), Newmark will give BGC Partners as much prior notice as reasonably practicable of any proposed determination of, or any significant changes in, Newmark’s accounting estimates or accounting principles from those in effect on the IPO Closing Date. Newmark will consult with BGC Partners and, if requested by BGC Partners, Newmark will consult with BGC Partners’ Auditors with respect thereto. Newmark will not make any such determination or changes without BGC Partners’ prior written consent if such a determination or a change would be sufficiently material to be required to be disclosed in Newmark’s or BGC Partners’ financial statements as filed with the SEC or otherwise publicly disclosed therein.

(g) Accounting Changes Requested by BGC Partners . Notwithstanding Section 7.01(f), Newmark will make any changes in its accounting estimates or accounting principles that are requested by BGC Partners in order for Newmark’ s accounting practices and principles to be consistent with those of BGC Partners.

(h) Special Reports of Deficiencies or Violations . Newmark will report in reasonable detail to BGC Partners the following events or circumstances promptly after any executive officer of Newmark or any member of the Newmark Board becomes aware of such matter: (i) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect Newmark’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in Newmark’s internal control over financial reporting; (iii) any illegal act within the meaning of Section 10A(b) and (f) of the Exchange Act; and (iv) any report of a material violation of Law that an attorney representing any member of the Newmark Group has formally made to any officers or directors of Newmark pursuant to the SEC’s attorney conduct rules (17 C.F.R. Part 205).

(i) Newmark’s requirements under this Section 7.03 will continue until the reporting for all financial statement periods during which BGC Partners was required to consolidate the results of operations and financial position of Newmark and any other members of the Newmark Group or to account for its investment in Newmark or any other member of the Newmark Group under the equity method of accounting (determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP consistently applied and consistent with SEC reporting requirements) has been completed.

 

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Section 7.04 Insurance Matters .

(a) During the period from the IPO Closing Date through the Distribution Date, BGC Partners will, subject to insurance market conditions and other factors beyond BGC Partners’ control, maintain, for the protection of Newmark and the other members of the Newmark Group, policies of insurance that are comparable to those maintained generally for BGC Partners and its Covered Subsidiaries during the same period. Newmark will promptly pay or reimburse BGC Partners, as the case may be, for all costs and expenses associated therewith that are allocated by BGC Partners to Newmark and its Covered Subsidiaries in accordance with BGC Partners’ practice with respect to the Transferred Business as of the IPO Closing Date. To the extent BGC Partners purchases a new type of insurance, or an amount or level of insurance not previously purchased by BGC Partners in order to protect, at least in part, Newmark or any of its Covered Subsidiaries, that portion of the costs and expenses of such insurance attributable to Newmark or any of its Covered Subsidiaries, as determined in BGC Partners’ sole discretion, shall be reimbursed by Newmark.

(b) BGC Partners and Newmark agree to cooperate in good faith to provide for an orderly transition of insurance coverage from the date hereof through the Distribution Date. In no event shall any member of the BGC Partners Group or any BGC Partners Inc. Indemnitee, BGC Holdings Indemnitee, BGC Opco Indemnitee have liability or obligation whatsoever to any member of the Newmark Group in the event that any insurance policy or other contract or policy of insurance shall be terminated or otherwise cease to be in effect for any reason, shall be unavailable or inadequate to cover any Liability of any member of the Newmark Group for any reason whatsoever or shall not be renewed or extended beyond the current expiration date.

(c) From and after the Distribution Date, except as otherwise agreed between BGC Partners and Newmark, neither Newmark nor any member of the Newmark Group shall have any rights to or under any of BGC Partners’ or its Affiliates’ insurance policies.

(d) BGC Partners shall retain the exclusive right to control its insurance policies and programs, including the right to exhaust, settle, release, commute, buy-back or otherwise resolve disputes with respect to any of its insurance policies and programs and to amend, modify or waive any rights under any such insurance policies and programs, notwithstanding whether any such policies or programs apply to any Transferred Liabilities and/or claims Newmark or any member of the Newmark Group has made or could make in the future, and no member of the Newmark Group shall, without the prior written consent of BGC Partners, erode, exhaust, settle, release, commute, buyback or otherwise resolve disputes with BGC Partners’ insurers with respect to any of BGC Partners’ insurance policies and programs, or amend, modify or waive any rights under any such insurance policies and programs. Newmark shall cooperate with BGC Partners and share such information as is reasonably necessary in order to permit BGC Partners to manage and conduct its insurance matters as it deems appropriate. Neither BGC Partners nor any of the members of the BGC Partners Group shall have any obligation to secure extended reporting for any claims under any Liability policies of BGC Partners or any member of the BGC Partners Group for any acts or omissions by any member of the Newmark Group incurred prior to the Distribution Date.

 

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(e) This Agreement shall not be considered as an attempted assignment of any policy of insurance or as a contract of insurance and shall not be construed to waive any right or remedy of any member of the BGC Partners Group in respect of any insurance policy or any other contract or policy of insurance.

(f) Newmark does hereby, for itself and each other member of the Newmark Group, agree that no member of the BGC Partners Group shall have any Liability whatsoever as a result of the insurance policies and practices of BGC Partners and the members of the BGC Partners Group as in effect at any time, including as a result of the level or scope of any such insurance, the creditworthiness of any insurance carrier, the terms and conditions of any policy, the adequacy or timeliness of any notice to any insurance carrier with respect to any claim or potential claim or otherwise.

ARTICLE VIII

MUTUAL RELEASES; INDEMNIFICATION

Section 8.01 Release of Pre-IPO Claims .

(a) Newmark Group Release of BGC Partners Group. Except as provided in Sections 8.01(c) and 8.01(d), effective as of the IPO Closing Date, Newmark does hereby, for itself and each other member of the Newmark Group, and their respective successors and assigns, remise, release and forever discharge (i) BGC Partners and the members of the BGC Partners Group, and their respective successors and assigns, (ii) all Persons who at any time prior to the IPO Closing Date have been stockholders, directors, officers, agents, employees or leased employees of any member of the BGC Partners Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, and (iii) all Persons who at any time prior to the IPO Closing Date are or have been stockholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of a Transferred Entity and who are not, as of immediately following the IPO Closing Date, directors, officers or employees of Newmark or a member of the Newmark Group, in each case from: (A) all Transferred Liabilities, (B) all Liabilities arising from or in connection with the transactions and all other activities to implement the Separation, the IPO or the Distribution and (C) all Liabilities arising from or in connection with actions, inactions, events, omissions, conditions, facts or circumstances occurring or existing on or before the IPO Closing Date (whether or not such Liabilities cease being contingent, mature, become known, are asserted or foreseen, or accrue, in each case before, on or before the IPO Closing Date), in each case to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from the Transferred Business, the Transferred Assets or the Transferred Liabilities.

 

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(b) BGC Partners Group Release of Newmark Group . Except as provided in Sections 8.01(c) and 8.01(d), effective as of the IPO Closing Date, BGC Partners does hereby, for itself and each other member of the BGC Partners Group and their respective successors and assigns, remise, release and forever discharge (i) Newmark and the members of the Newmark Group, and their respective successors and assigns, and (ii) all Persons who at any time prior to the IPO Closing Date have been stockholders, directors, officers, agents, employees or leased employees of any member of the Newmark Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, in each case from: (A) all Excluded Liabilities, (B) all Liabilities arising from or in connection with the transactions and all other activities to implement the Separation, the IPO or the Distribution and (C) all Liabilities arising from or in connection with actions, inactions, events, omissions, conditions, facts or circumstances occurring or existing on or before the IPO Closing Date (whether or not such Liabilities cease being contingent, mature, become known, are asserted or foreseen, or accrue, in each case before, or before the IPO Closing Date), in each case to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from the Retained Business, the Excluded Assets or the Excluded Liabilities.

(c) Obligations Not Affected. Nothing contained in Section 8.01(a) or 8.01(b) shall impair any right of any Person to enforce this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or any Contracts, arrangements, commitments or understandings that are specified in Section 6.07(b) or the applicable Schedules thereto as not to terminate as of the IPO Closing Date, in each case in accordance with its terms. Nothing contained in Section 8.01(a) or 8.01(b) shall release any Person from:

(i) any Liability provided in or resulting from any agreement among any members of the BGC Partners Group or the Newmark Group that is specified in Section 6.07(b) or the applicable Schedules thereto as not to terminate as of the IPO Closing Date, or any other Liability specified in Section 6.07(b) as not to terminate as of the IPO Closing Date;

(ii) any Liability assumed, transferred, assigned or allocated to the Group of which such Person is a member in accordance with, or any other Liability of any member of any Group under, this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement;

(iii) any Liability for the sale, lease, construction or receipt of goods, property or services purchased, obtained or used in the ordinary course of business by a member of one Group from a member of the other Group prior to the IPO Closing Date;

(iv) any Liability that the Parties may have with respect to indemnification or contribution pursuant to this Agreement, any Ancillary Agreement or otherwise for claims brought against the Parties by Third Parties, which Liability shall be governed by the provisions of this Article VIII and, if applicable, the appropriate provisions of the Ancillary Agreements; or

(v) any Liability the release of which would result in the release of any Person other than a Person released pursuant to this Section 8.01.

 

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In addition, nothing contained in Section 8.01(a) shall release any member of the BGC Partners Group from honoring its existing obligations to indemnify any director, officer or employee of any member of the Newmark Group who was a director, officer or employee of any member of the BGC Partners Group on or prior to the IPO Closing Date, to the extent such director, officer or employee becomes a named defendant in any Action with respect to which such director, officer or employee was entitled to such indemnification pursuant to such existing obligations; it being understood that, if the underlying obligation giving rise to such Action is a Transferred Liability, the Newmark Group shall indemnify the BGC Partners Group for such Liability (including BGC Partners’ costs to indemnify the director, officer or employee) in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Article VIII.

(d) No Claims . Newmark shall not make, and shall not permit any member of the Newmark Group to make, any claim or demand, or commence any Action asserting any claim or demand, including any claim of contribution or any indemnification, against BGC Partners or any other member of the BGC Partners Group, or any other Person released pursuant to Section 8.01(a), with respect to any Liabilities released pursuant to Section 8.01(a). BGC Partners shall not make, and shall not permit any other member of the BGC Partners Group to make, any claim or demand, or commence any Action asserting any claim or demand, including any claim of contribution or any indemnification against Newmark or any other member of the Newmark Group, or any other Person released pursuant to Section 8.01(b), with respect to any Liabilities released pursuant to Section 8.01(b).

(e) Execution of Further Releases . At any time at or after the IPO Closing Date, at the request of any Party, the other Parties shall cause each member of its respective Group to execute and deliver releases reflecting the provisions of this Section 8.01.

Section 8.02 Survival of Agreements . Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, the covenants, representations and warranties contained in this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement, and Liability for the breach of any obligations contained herein or therein, shall survive the Separation, the IPO and the Distribution and shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 8.03 Indemnification by the BGC Opcos . From and after the Closing Date, the BGC Opcos shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless (a) the members of the Newmark Opco Group and each of their respective directors, officers, general partners, managers and employees (in their capacity as directors, officers, general partners, managers and employees of the members of the Newmark Opco Group), and each of the heirs, executors, successors and permitted assigns of any of the foregoing (collectively, the “ Newmark Opco Indemnitees ”), (b) the members of the Newmark Holdings Group and each of their respective directors, officers, general partners, managers and employees (in their capacity as directors, officers, general partners, managers and employees of the members of the Newmark Holdings Group), and each of the heirs, executors, successors and permitted assigns of any of the foregoing (collectively, the “ Newmark Holdings Indemnitees ”), (c) the members of the Newmark Inc. Group and each of their respective directors, officers, general partners, managers and employees (in their capacity as directors, officers, general partners, managers and employees of the members of the Newmark Inc. Group), and each of the heirs, executors, successors and permitted assigns of any of the foregoing (collectively, the “ Newmark Inc. Indemnitees ”), (d) the members of the BGC Holdings Group and each of their respective directors, officers, general partners, managers and employees (in their capacity as directors, officers, general partners, managers and employees of

 

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the members of the BGC Holdings Group), and each of the heirs, executors, successors, permitted assigns of any of the foregoing (collectively, the “ BGC Holdings Indemnitees ”), (e) the members of the BGC Partners Inc. Group and each of their respective directors, officers, general partners, managers and employees (in their capacity as directors, officers, general partners, managers and employees of the members of the BGC Partners Inc. Group), and each of the heirs, executors, successors and permitted assigns of any of the foregoing (collectively, the “ BGC Partners Inc. Indemnitees ”) and (f) the members of the Cantor Group and each of their respective directors, officers, general partners, managers and employees (in their capacity as directors, officers, general partners, managers and employees of the members of the Cantor Group), and each of the heirs, executors, successors and permitted assigns of any of the foregoing (collectively, the “ Cantor Indemnitees ”), from and against any and all Indemnifiable Losses of such Persons to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from (without duplication):

(i) any Excluded Liability;

(ii) any failure of any member of the BGC Partners Group or any other Person to pay, perform or otherwise promptly discharge any Excluded Liabilities in accordance with their terms, whether prior to, at or after the Effective Time;

(iii) any breach by any member of the BGC Partners Group of its covenants, obligations or agreements set forth in this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements, other than the Transition Services Agreement;

(iv) except to the extent it relates to a Transferred Liability, any guarantee, indemnification or contribution obligation, surety bond or other credit support agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding for the benefit of any member of the BGC Partners Group by any member of the Newmark Group that survives following the Effective Time; and

(v) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the IPO Registration Statement or any Prospectus (including any amendments or supplements thereto), but only with respect to statements made explicitly in the name of a member of the BGC Partners Group (which shall include the BGC Partners Board’s reasons for the Separation) or specifically relating to the BGC Partners Group or the Retained Business.

Section 8.04 Indemnification by Newmark Opco . From and after the Closing Date, Newmark Opco shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless (a) the members of the BGC U.S. Opco Group and the members of the BGC Global Opco Group and each of their respective directors, officers, general partners, managers and employees (in their capacity as directors, officers, general partners, managers and employees of the members of the BGC U.S. Opco Group and BGC Global Opco Group), and each of the heirs, executors, successors and permitted assigns of any of the foregoing (collectively, the “ BGC Opco Indemnitees ”), (b) the BGC Holdings Indemnitees, (c) the BGC Partners Inc. Indemnitees, (d) the Newmark Holdings Indemnitees, (e) the Newmark Inc. Indemnitees and (f) the Cantor Indemnitees, from and against any and all Indemnifiable Losses of such Persons to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from (without duplication):

 

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(i) any Transferred Liability;

(ii) any failure of any member of the Newmark Group or any other Person to pay, perform or otherwise promptly discharge any Transferred Liabilities in accordance with their terms, whether prior to, at or after the Effective Time;

(iii) any breach by any member of the Newmark Group of its covenants, obligations or agreements set forth in this Agreement or any of the Ancillary Agreements, other than the Transition Services Agreement and the Administrative Services Agreement;

(iv) except to the extent it relates to an Excluded Liability, any guarantee, indemnification or contribution obligation, surety bond or other credit support agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding for the benefit of any member of the Newmark Group by any member of the BGC Partners Group that survives following the Effective Time; and

(v) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading in the IPO Registration Statement or any Prospectus (including any amendments or supplements thereto), other than with respect to statements made explicitly in the name of a member of the BGC Partners Group (which shall include the BGC Partners Board’s reasons for the Separation) or specifically relating to the BGC Partners Group or the Retained Business.

Section 8.05 Indemnification by Newmark . From and after the Closing Date, Newmark shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the BGC Partners Inc. Indemnitees from and against any and all Indemnifiable Losses of such Persons to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from payments made to satisfy any guarantee by a member of the BGC Partners Group to a third Person in respect of the Term Loan Credit Agreement or the Acquisition Term Loans under the Revolving Credit Agreement.

Section 8.06 Indemnification by BGC Partners . From and after the Closing Date, BGC Partners shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Newmark Inc. Indemnitees from and against any and all Indemnifiable Losses of such Persons to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from payments made to satisfy any guarantee by a member of the Newmark Group to a third Person in respect of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Agreement other than the Acquisition Term Loans.

Section 8.07 Direct Claims . Any Indemnitee entitled to indemnification under this Agreement may seek indemnification for any Indemnifiable Loss that does not result from a Third-Party Claim by giving written notice to the indemnifying party, specifying the basis for and, if known, the aggregate amount of Indemnifiable Loss or a good faith estimate thereof for which a claim is being made under this Article VIII. Written notice to such indemnifying party of the existence of such claim shall be given by the Indemnitee as promptly as practicable after

 

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the Indemnitee first receives notice of the potential claim; provided , however , that any failure to provide such prompt notice of the event giving rise to such claim to the indemnifying party shall not affect the Indemnitee’s right to indemnification pursuant to this Article VIII or relieve the indemnifying party of its obligations under this Article VIII except to the extent that such failure results in a lack of actual notice of the event giving rise to such claim to the indemnifying party and the indemnifying party actually incurs an incremental expense or otherwise has been materially prejudiced as a result of such delay. Such indemnifying party shall have a period of thirty (30) days after the receipt of such notice within which to respond thereto. If such indemnifying party does not respond within such thirty (30)-day period, such specified claim shall be conclusively deemed a Liability of such indemnifying party under this Section 8.07 or, in the case of any written notice in which the amount of the claim (or any portion thereof) is estimated, on such later date when the amount of the claim (or such portion thereof) becomes finally determined. If such indemnifying party rejects such claim in whole or in part, such Indemnitee shall, subject to the provisions of Article X, be free to pursue such remedies as may be available to such party as contemplated by this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, as applicable, without prejudice to its continuing rights to pursue indemnification or contribution hereunder.

Section 8.08 Third-Party Claims .

(a) If an Indemnitee shall receive notice of the assertion by a Third Party of any claim, or of the commencement by any Third Party of any Action, with respect to which an indemnifying party may be obligated to provide indemnification to such Indemnitee pursuant to this Article VIII (collectively, a “ Third-Party Claim ”), such Indemnitee shall give such indemnifying party written notice thereof as promptly as practicable thereafter; provided , however , that any failure to provide such prompt notice of the event giving rise to such claim to the indemnifying party shall not affect the Indemnitee’s right to indemnification pursuant to this Article VIII or relieve the indemnifying party of its obligations under this Article VIII except to the extent that such failure results in a lack of actual notice of the event giving rise to such claim to the indemnifying party and the indemnifying party actually incurs an incremental expense or otherwise has been materially prejudiced as a result of such delay. Any such notice shall describe the Third-Party Claim in reasonable detail, including, if known, the amount of the Indemnifiable Loss for which indemnification may be available or a good faith estimate thereof.

(b) An indemnifying party may elect (but is not required) to assume the defense of and defend, at such indemnifying party’s own expense and by such indemnifying party’s own counsel, any Third-Party Claim. Within 30 days after the receipt of notice from an Indemnitee in accordance with Section 8.08(a), the indemnifying party shall notify the Indemnitee of its election whether the indemnifying party will assume responsibility for defending such Third-Party Claim, which election shall specify any reservations or exceptions. After notice from an indemnifying party to an Indemnitee of its election to assume the defense of a Third-Party Claim, such Indemnitee shall have the right to participate in the defense, compromise or settlement thereof, but, as long as the indemnifying party pursues such defense, compromise or settlement with reasonable diligence, the fees and expenses of such Indemnitee incurred in participating in such defense shall be paid by the Indemnitee. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Indemnitee shall be entitled to engage one separate counsel of its own choosing to participate in such defense, compromise or settlement.

 

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(c) If an indemnifying party elects not to assume responsibility for defending a Third-Party Claim, or fails to notify an Indemnitee of its election as provided in Section 8.08(b), such Indemnitee may defend such Third-Party Claim at the cost and expense of the indemnifying party; provided , however , that the indemnifying party may thereafter assume the defense of and defend such Third-Party Claim upon notice to the Indemnitee (but the cost and expense of such Indemnitee in defending such Third-Party Claim incurred from the last day of the notice period under Section 8.08(b) until such date as the indemnifying party shall assume the defense of such Third-Party Claim shall be paid by the indemnifying party).

(d) If an indemnifying party elects not to assume responsibility for defending a Third-Party Claim, or fails to notify an Indemnitee of its election as provided in Section 8.08(b), and has not thereafter assumed such defense as provided in Section 8.08(c), such Indemnitee shall have the right to settle or compromise such Third-Party Claim, and any such settlement or compromise made or caused to be made of such Third-Party Claim in accordance with this Article VIII shall be binding on the indemnifying party, in the same manner as if a final judgment or decree had been entered by a court of competent jurisdiction in the amount of such settlement or compromise. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the Indemnitee shall not have the right to admit Liability on behalf of the indemnifying party and shall not compromise or settle a Third-Party Claim without the express prior consent of the indemnifying party (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); provided , however , that such prior consent shall not be required in the case of any such compromise or settlement if and only if the compromise or settlement includes, as part thereof, a full and unconditional release by the plaintiff or claimant of the Indemnitee and the indemnifying party from all Liability with respect to such Third-Party Claim and does not require the indemnifying party to be subject to any non-monetary remedy.

(e) The indemnifying party shall have the right to compromise or settle a Third-Party Claim the defense of which it shall have assumed pursuant to Section 8.08(b) or Section 8.08(c) and any such settlement or compromise made or caused to be made of such Third-Party Claim in accordance with this Article VIII shall be binding on the Indemnitee, in the same manner as if a final judgment or decree had been entered by a court of competent jurisdiction in the amount of such settlement or compromise. Notwithstanding the foregoing sentence, the indemnifying party shall not have the right to admit Liability on behalf of the Indemnitee and shall not compromise or settle a Third-Party Claim in each case without the express prior consent of the Indemnitee (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed); provided , however , that such prior consent shall not be required in the case of any such compromise or settlement if and only if the compromise or settlement includes, as a part thereof, a full and unconditional release by the plaintiff or claimant of the Indemnitee from all Liability with respect to such Third-Party Claim and does not require the Indemnitee to make any payment that is not fully indemnified under this Agreement or to be subject to any non-monetary remedy.

Section 8.09 Indemnification Obligations Net of Insurance Proceeds and Other Amounts .

(a) The Parties intend that any Liability subject to indemnification or contribution pursuant to this Article VIII will be net of Insurance Proceeds or other amounts actually recovered (net of any out-of-pocket costs or expenses incurred in the collection thereof) from any Person by or on behalf of the Indemnitee in respect of any Indemnifiable Loss.

 

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Accordingly, the amount which an indemnifying party is required to pay to any Indemnitee will be reduced by any Insurance Proceeds or other amounts actually recovered (net of any out-of-pocket costs or expenses incurred in the collection thereof) from any Person by or on behalf of the Indemnitee in respect of the related Liability. If an Indemnitee receives a payment (an “ Indemnity Payment ”) required by this Agreement from an indemnifying party in respect of any Liability and subsequently receives Insurance Proceeds or any other amounts in respect of the related Liability, then the Indemnitee will pay to the indemnifying party an amount equal to the excess of the Indemnity Payment received over the amount of the Indemnity Payment that would have been due if the Insurance Proceeds or such other amounts (net of any out-of-pocket costs or expenses incurred in the collection thereof) had been received, realized or recovered before the Indemnity Payment was made.

(b) The Parties agree that an insurer that would otherwise be obligated to pay any claim shall not be relieved of the responsibility with respect thereto or, solely by virtue of any provision contained in this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, have any subrogation rights with respect thereto; it being understood that no insurer or any other third Person shall be entitled to a “windfall” ( i.e. , a benefit they would not be entitled to receive in the absence of the indemnification and contribution provisions hereof) by virtue of the indemnification and contribution provisions hereof. Each Party shall, and shall cause the members of its Group to, use commercially reasonable efforts (taking into account the probability of success on the merits and the cost of expending such efforts, including attorneys’ fees and expenses) to collect or recover any Insurance Proceeds that may be collectible or recoverable respecting the Liabilities for which indemnification or contribution may be available under this Article VIII. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an indemnifying party may not delay making any indemnification payment required under the terms of this Agreement, or otherwise satisfying any indemnification obligation, pending the outcome of any Action to collect or recover Insurance Proceeds, and an Indemnitee need not attempt to collect any Insurance Proceeds prior to making a claim for indemnification or contribution or receiving any Indemnity Payment otherwise owed to it under this Agreement.

(c) The Parties intend that any Liability subject to indemnification or contribution pursuant to this Article VIII shall be (i) reduced to take into account the amount of any Tax benefit actually realized by the Indemnitee (or any of its Affiliates) as a result of incurring such Liability and (ii) increased to take into account any net Taxes imposed on the receipt or accrual of an Indemnity Payment in respect of such Liability.

Section 8.10 Additional Matters .

(a) Timing of Payments. Indemnification or contribution payments in respect of any Liabilities for which an Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification or contribution under this Article VIII shall be paid reasonably promptly (but in any event within thirty (30) days of the final determination of the amount that the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification or contribution under this Article VIII) by the indemnifying party to the Indemnitee as such Liabilities are incurred upon demand by the Indemnitee, including reasonably satisfactory documentation setting forth the basis for the amount of such indemnification or contribution payment, including documentation with respect to calculations made and consideration of any Insurance Proceeds that actually reduce the amount of such Liabilities. The indemnification and

 

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contribution provisions contained in this Article VIII shall remain operative and in full force and effect, regardless of (i) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Indemnitee and (ii) the knowledge by the Indemnitee of Liabilities for which it might be entitled to indemnification hereunder.

(b) Pursuit of Claims Against Third Parties. If (i) a Party incurs any Liability arising out of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement; (ii) an adequate legal or equitable remedy is not available for any reason against the other Parties to satisfy the Liability incurred by the incurring Party; and (iii) a legal or equitable remedy may be available to the other Parties against a Third Party for such Liability, then the other Parties shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the incurring Party, at the incurring Party’s expense, to permit the incurring Party to obtain the benefits of such legal or equitable remedy against the Third Party.

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

(d) Substitution . In the event of an Action in which the indemnifying party is not a named defendant, if either the Indemnitee or indemnifying party shall so request, the Parties shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to substitute the indemnifying party for the named defendant. If such substitution or addition cannot be achieved for any reason or is not requested, the named defendant shall allow the indemnifying party to manage the Action as set forth in Section 8.08 and this Section 8.10, and the indemnifying party shall fully indemnify the named defendant against all costs of defending the Action (including court costs, sanctions imposed by a court, attorneys’ fees, experts fees and all other external expenses), the costs of any judgment or settlement and the cost of any interest or penalties relating to any judgment or settlement.

Section 8.11 Right of Contribution .

(a) Contribution . If any right of indemnification contained in this Article VIII is held unenforceable or is unavailable for any reason, or is insufficient to hold harmless an Indemnitee in respect of any Liability for which such Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification hereunder, then the indemnifying party shall contribute to the amounts paid or payable by the Indemnitees as a result of such Liability (or Actions in respect thereof) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the indemnifying party and the members of its Group, on the one hand, and the Indemnitees entitled to contribution, on the other hand, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.

 

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(b) Allocation of Relative Fault . Solely for purposes of determining relative fault pursuant to this Section 8.11: (i) any fault associated with the business conducted with the Transferred Assets or Transferred Liabilities the transfer of which to the Newmark Group is delayed in accordance with Section 6.01(d) (except for the gross negligence or intentional misconduct of a member of the BGC Partners Group), or with the ownership, operation or activities of the Transferred Business prior to the Effective Time, shall be deemed to be the fault of Newmark and the other members of the Newmark Group, and no such fault shall be deemed to be the fault of BGC Partners or any other member of the BGC Partners Group; and (ii) any fault associated with the business conducted with Excluded Assets or Excluded Liabilities the transfer of which to the BGC Partners Group is delayed in accordance with Section 6.01(d) (except for the gross negligence or intentional misconduct of a member of the Newmark Group), or with the ownership, operation or activities of the Retained Business prior to the Effective Time, shall be deemed to be the fault of BGC Partners and the other members of the BGC Partners Group, and no such fault shall be deemed to be the fault of Newmark or any other member of the Newmark Group.

Section 8.12 Mitigation . Each Indemnitee claiming a right to indemnification shall make commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate any claim or liability that such Indemnitee asserts under this Article VIII.

Section 8.13 Covenant Not to Sue . Each Party hereby covenants and agrees that none of it, the members of its Group or any Person claiming through it shall bring suit or otherwise assert any claim against any Indemnitee, or assert a defense against any claim asserted by any Indemnitee, before any court, arbitrator, mediator or administrative agency anywhere in the world, alleging that: (a) the assumption of any Transferred Liabilities by a member of the Newmark Group on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements is void or unenforceable for any reason; (b) the retention or assumption of any Excluded Liabilities by a member of the BGC Partners Group on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements is void or unenforceable for any reason; or (c) the provisions of this Article VIII are void or unenforceable for any reason.

Section 8.14 Survival of Indemnities . The rights and obligations of each Party and their respective Indemnitees under this Article VIII shall survive (a) the sale or other transfer by any Party or any member of its Group of any Assets or businesses or the assignment by it of any Liabilities; or (b) any merger, consolidation, business combination, sale of all or substantially all of its Assets, restructuring, recapitalization, reorganization or similar transaction involving any Party or any member of its Group.

Section 8.15 Tax Matters Coordination; Change in Indemnitors . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, indemnification with respect to Taxes and Tax matters and the procedures relating thereto shall be governed by the Tax Matters Agreement and this Article VIII (other than Section 8.08(c) ) shall not apply with respect thereto. In the case and to the extent of any conflict between the Tax Matters Agreement and this Agreement (whether under this Article VIII or otherwise) in relation to any matters addressed by the Tax Matters Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement shall control. In the event that any Indemnity Payment by an indemnifying party (or an obligation of an indemnifying party to make an Indemnity Payment) would result in adverse tax consequences to the Indemnitee (or any of its Affiliates) that could be mitigated if an Affiliate of the indemnifying party were to pay (or were to be obligated to pay) such Indemnity Payment instead, the indemnifying party and the Indemnitee shall reasonably cooperate to substitute such Affiliate as the indemnifying party.

 

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ARTICLE IX

EMPLOYEE MATTERS

Section 9.01 Employment of Newmark Employees .

(a) Newmark Employees. On or prior to the Distribution Effective Time, BGC Partners and Newmark will take all actions reasonably required to ensure that each Newmark Employee is employed by a member of the Newmark Group. From and after the Distribution Effective Time, each Newmark Employee shall continue to be an employee of a member of the Newmark Group, unless such Newmark Employee’s employment with the applicable member of the Newmark Group terminates for any reason prior to such date.

(b) Shared Employees. On or prior to the Distribution Date, unless otherwise required by one or both Administrative Services Agreements, Cantor and BGC Partners will take all actions reasonably required to ensure that each Shared Employee is employed by a member of the Cantor Group. On and following the date on which such Shared Employee is transferred to a member of the Cantor Group, for so long as the applicable Shared Employees continue to provide services to the BGC Partners Group and/or Newmark Group, as applicable, unless otherwise required by one or both Administrative Services Agreements, (i) BGC Partners shall be responsible for the cost of services provided by Shared Employees to the BGC Partners Group and (ii) Newmark shall be responsible for the cost of services provided by Shared Employees to the Newmark Group, and in each case, the amount of such costs shall be determined on the same basis as such Liabilities have historically been allocated to members of the BGC Partners Group and Newmark Group, as applicable, in the ordinary course prior to the Distribution Date.

(c) Separation from Service. A Newmark Employee shall not be deemed to have terminated employment as of the Effective Time or the Distribution Effective Time for purposes of (i) determining eligibility for severance or any other termination payments or benefits in connection with or in anticipation of the consummation of any transaction contemplated by this Agreement, except as may be required by applicable Law or (ii) the BGC LTIP, the BGC Participation Plan, the Newmark LTIP or the Newmark Participation Plan.

Section 9.02 Equity Compensation Matters . Upon the Distribution, BGC Equity Awards that are outstanding under the BGC LTIP immediately prior to the Distribution (“ Pre-Distribution BGC Equity Awards ”) shall be adjusted in accordance with the terms of the BGC LTIP, as follows: (a) such Pre-Distribution BGC Equity Awards will be adjusted such that each holder of a Pre-Distribution BGC Equity Award shall continue to hold a BGC Equity Award covering BGC Class A Common Shares, but shall also receive a Newmark Equity Award covering Newmark Class A Common Shares on an “as distributed basis” in order to reflect the impact of the Distribution on the Pre-Spin BGC Equity Awards and (b) generally, the vesting and excercisability terms of such BGC Equity Awards will remain the same, although certain adjustments may be made as the Compensation Committee of the BGC Partners Board shall approve. Newmark agrees to assume any portion of the Pre-Spin BGC Equity Awards that are adjusted into Newmark Equity Awards by BGC Partners as described in this Section 9.02.

 

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Section 9.03 Benefit Plan Matters .

(a) Between the Effective Time and the Distribution Effective Time, the members of the Newmark Group shall continue to be participating companies in the Cantor Benefit Plans and BGC Benefit Plans in which Newmark Employees and Former Newmark Employees participated immediately prior to the Effective Time. Newmark shall be responsible for the cost of the participation of Newmark Employees and Former Newmark Employees in such Cantor Benefit Plans and BGC Benefit Plans, and such costs shall be determined and allocated to the Newmark Group (i) on the same basis as such costs were allocated to members of the Newmark Group in the ordinary course of business prior to the Effective Time and (ii) otherwise to the same extent as applied to members of the Newmark Group in their capacity as participating employers under such arrangements prior to the Effective Time.

(b) Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Article IX or as mutually agreed in writing between Newmark and BGC Partners or Cantor, as of the Distribution Effective Time:

(i) The members of the Newmark Group shall each cease to be participating companies in the BGC Benefit Plans and BGC Partners and Newmark shall take all necessary action to effectuate such cessation as a participating company.

(ii) The BGC Partners Group shall retain sponsorship of the BGC Benefit Plans and any trust or other funding arrangement maintained with respect to such plans, including any assets held as of the Distribution Effective Time with respect to such plans.

(iii) The BGC Partners Group shall retain all Liabilities under the BGC Benefit Plans, subject to the obligations of Newmark described in Section 9.03(a).

(iv) The members of the Newmark Group shall assume sponsorship of the Newmark Benefit Plans any trust or funding arrangement maintained with respect to such plans, including any assets held as of the Effective Time with respect to such plans.

(v) The members of the Newmark Group shall assume all Liabilities under any Newmark Benefit Plans.

Section 9.04 401(k) Plan Matters .

(a) From the Effective Time and continuing until the Distribution Date, Newmark shall adopt, and shall participate in as an adopting employer, the BGC 401(k) Plan for the benefit of Newmark Employees and Former Newmark Employees, and BGC Partners consents to such adoption and maintenance. Each of the Parties agrees and acknowledges that until the Distribution Date, Newmark shall make timely direct contributions (including matching contributions) to the BGC 401(k) Plan on behalf of such Newmark Employees in accordance with the terms of the BGC 401(k) Plan and in accordance with (and no less promptly than) the timing of contributions made by BGC Partners prior to the Effective Time.

 

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(b) On or prior to the Distribution Date, Newmark shall, subject to BGC Partners’ consent, either (i) establish the Newmark 401(k) Plan and the Newmark 401(k) Plan Trust or (ii) affirm that Newmark shall continue to participate in the BGC 401(k) Plan as an adopting employer. If Newmark establishes the Newmark 401(k) Plan and Newmark 401(k) Plan Trust, as soon as practical following the establishment of the Newmark 401(k) Plan and the Newmark 401(k) Plan Trust, BGC Partners shall cause the accounts of the Newmark Employees and Former Newmark Employees in the BGC 401(k) Plan to be transferred to the Newmark 401(k) Plan and the Newmark 401(k) Plan Trust in cash or such other assets as mutually agreed by BGC Partners and Newmark, and Newmark shall cause the Newmark 401(k) Plan to assume and be solely responsible for all Liabilities under the Newmark 401(k) Plan relating to Newmark Employees and Former Newmark Employees whose accounts are transferred from the BGC 401(k) Plan. BGC Partners and Newmark shall assume sole responsibility for ensuring that their respective 401(k) savings plans are maintained in compliance with applicable laws. If Newmark continues to participate in the BGC 401(k) Plan as an adopting employer, Section 9.04(a) shall remain in effect until the Parties agree that Newmark shall cease participation in the BGC 401(k) Plan as an adopting employer.

Section 9.05 Certain Compensation Matters . The BGC Partners Group, on the one hand, and the Newmark Group, on the other hand, shall be responsible for all Liabilities with respect to any compensation and awards payable to BGC Employees, Former BGC Employees, Newmark Employees, Former Newmark Employees and Shared Employees, as applicable, for the performance period in which the Effective Time occurs up until the Effective Time, with such Liabilities to be allocated between the BGC Partners Group, on the one hand, and the Newmark Group, on the other hand, in a proportion that is materially consistent with the practices applied by the BGC Partners Group and Newmark Group with respect to such Persons prior to the Effective Time, all as previously disclosed in the BGC Partners Public Filings. On and following the Effective Time, the BGC Partners Group and Newmark Group (as well as the Cantor Group, as applicable) shall determine, and be responsible for, their respective employees’ compensation, including short-term and long-term incentive awards.

Section 9.06 Payroll Taxes . The BGC Partners Group and the Newmark Group shall take such actions as may be reasonably necessary or appropriate in order to minimize Liabilities related to payroll taxes after the Effective Time. The BGC Partners Group and the Newmark Group shall, respectively, each bear their responsibility for payroll tax obligations and for the proper reporting to the appropriate Governmental Authorities of compensation earned by their respective employees after the Effective Time, including compensation related to equity awards and compensatory partnership units.

Section 9.07 Miscellaneous .

(a) Sharing of Participant Information. The Cantor Group, BGC Partners Group and Newmark Group shall share with each other and their respective agents and vendors (without obtaining releases) all participant information necessary for the efficient and accurate administration of each of the Cantor Benefit Plans, Newmark Benefit Plans and BGC Benefit

 

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Plans. The Parties and their respective authorized agents shall, subject to applicable laws, be given reasonable and timely access to, and may make copies of, all information relating to the subjects of this Agreement in the custody of the other Party, to the extent necessary for such administration. Until the Distribution Date, all participant information shall be provided in the manner and medium applicable to participating companies in the Cantor Benefit Plans and BGC Benefit Plans generally, and following the Distribution Date, all participant information shall be provided in a manner and medium as may be mutually agreed to by the Parties.

(b) Regulatory Compliance. The parties shall, in connection with the actions taken pursuant to this Article IX, cooperate in making any and all appropriate filings required under the Code, ERISA and any applicable securities laws, implementing all appropriate communications with participants, transferring appropriate records and taking all such other actions as may be necessary and appropriate to implement the provisions of this Article IX in a timely manner.

(c) Third Party Beneficiaries. Without limiting Section 11.04, this Article IX is solely for the benefit of the Parties and is not intended to confer upon any other Persons any rights or remedies hereunder. Except as expressly provided in this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement shall preclude any member of the Cantor Group, BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group, at any time, from amending, merging, modifying, terminating, eliminating, reducing, or otherwise altering in any respect any Cantor Benefit Plan, BGC Benefit Plan, or Newmark Benefit Plan, as applicable, or any benefit under any such plans or any trust, insurance policy or funding vehicle related to any such plans. This Article IX is not intended to confer on any individual any right to continued employment with any member of the Cantor Group, BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group.

(d) Fiduciary Matters. It is acknowledged that actions required to be taken pursuant to this Agreement may be subject to fiduciary duties or standards of conduct under ERISA or other applicable law, and no Party shall be deemed to be in violation of this Agreement if it fails to comply with any provisions hereof based upon its good faith determination that to do so would violate such a fiduciary duty or standard. Each Party shall be responsible for taking such actions as are deemed necessary and appropriate to comply with its own fiduciary responsibilities and shall fully release and indemnify the other Party for any Liabilities caused by the failure to satisfy any such responsibility.

(e) Consents. If any provision of this Article IX is dependent on the consent of any third party (such as a vendor) and such consent is withheld, the Parties hereto shall use commercially reasonable efforts to implement the applicable provisions of this Agreement to the full extent practicable. If any provision of this Agreement cannot be implemented due to the failure of such third party to consent, the Parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to implement the provision in a mutually satisfactory manner. The phrase “commercially reasonable efforts” as used herein shall not be construed to require any Party to incur any non-routine or unreasonable expense or Liability or to waive any right.

(f) Affiliates . Each of Cantor, BGC Partners and Newmark shall cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth in this Agreement to be performed by another member of the Cantor Group, BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group, respectively.

 

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ARTICLE X

TERMINATION

Section 10.01 Termination by Mutual Consent . This Agreement may be terminated and the terms and conditions of the Distribution may be amended, modified or abandoned at any time prior to the Distribution Date by the mutual consent of BGC Partners and Newmark.

Section 10.02 Other Termination .

(a) This Agreement may be terminated by BGC Partners at any time, in its sole discretion, prior to the IPO Closing Date.

(b) The obligations of the Parties under Article IV (including the obligation to pursue or effect the Distribution) may be terminated by BGC Partners if at any time the BGC Partners Board determines, in its sole discretion, that the Distribution is not in the best interests of BGC Partners or its stockholders.

Section 10.03 Effect of Termination .

(a) In the event of any termination of this Agreement prior to the IPO Closing Date, no Party (or any of its directors or officers) shall have any Liability or further obligation to any other Party.

(b) In the event of any termination of this Agreement on or after the IPO Closing Date, only the provisions of Article IV shall terminate, and the other provisions of this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

ARTICLE XI

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 11.01 Entire Agreement . This Agreement, together with the Ancillary Agreements, shall constitute the entire agreement among the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all previous negotiations, commitments and writings with respect to such subject matter.

Section 11.02 Governing Law; Consent to Jurisdiction .

(a) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflicts-of-law principles of such State.

 

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(b) Each of the Parties hereto irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court of Chancery (and if the Delaware Court of Chancery shall be unavailable, any Delaware State court and the Federal court of the United States of America sitting in the State of Delaware) for the purposes of any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby (and agrees that no such action, suit or proceeding relating to this Agreement shall be brought by it or any member of its Group except in such courts). Each of the Parties further agrees that, to the fullest extent permitted by Applicable Law, service of any process, summons, notice or document by U.S. registered mail to such Person’s respective address set forth in Section 11.05 shall be effective service of process for any action, suit or proceeding in Delaware with respect to any matters to which it has submitted to jurisdiction as set forth above in the immediately preceding sentence. Each of the Parties hereto irrevocably and unconditionally waives (and agrees not to plead or claim) any objection to the laying of venue of any action, suit or proceeding arising out of this Agreement in the Delaware Court of Chancery (and if the Delaware Court of Chancery shall be unavailable, in any Delaware State court or the Federal court of the United States of America sitting in the State of Delaware) or that any such action, suit or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

Section 11.03 Amendment and Modification . This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented only by a written agreement signed by all of the Parties.

Section 11.04 Successors and Assigns; Third-Party Beneficiaries .

(a) Except as set forth in any Ancillary Agreement, this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and the parties thereto, respectively, and their respective successors, assigns and transferees, including binding upon any Person that will be a successor to a Party or party thereto, whether by merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of its assets. Except as set forth in any Ancillary Agreement, this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement and any rights or obligations hereunder or thereunder may not be assigned or transferred without the written consent of the other Parties hereto or other parties thereto, as applicable; provided that (a) Cantor may assign any of its rights or obligations hereunder or thereunder to another member of the Cantor Group or any Person that will be a successor to any member of the Cantor Group, whether by merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of its assets, and (b) BGC Partners may assign any of its rights or obligations hereunder or thereunder to another member of the BGC Partners Group or any Person that will be a successor to any member of the BGC Partners Group, whether by merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of its assets, in each of cases (a) and (b), without the written consent of the other Parties hereto or other parties thereto, as applicable. Nothing herein is intended to, or shall be construed to, prohibit any Party or any member of its Group from being party to or undertaking a change of control.

(b) This Agreement is solely for the benefit of the Parties (including, for purposes of this Section 11.04, Cantor) and is not intended to confer upon any other Persons any rights or remedies hereunder, except as expressly set forth herein (including the rights of the Indemnitees under Article VIII).

 

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Section 11.05 Notices . All notices and other communications to be given to any Party hereunder shall be sufficiently given for all purposes hereunder if in writing and delivered by hand, courier, overnight delivery service or mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, with appropriate postage prepaid, or when received in the form of a facsimile and shall be directed to the address set forth below (or at such other address or facsimile number as such Party shall designate by like notice):

 

  (a) If to BGC Partners, BGC Holdings or BGC U.S. Opco, to:

BGC Partners, Inc.

499 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Attention: General Counsel

Fax No:    (212) 829-4708

and, if prior to the Effective Time, with a copy to:

Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz

51 West 52nd Street

New York, New York 10019

Attention: David K. Lam, Esq.

Fax No:    (212) 403-2000

 

  (b) If to Newmark, Newmark Holdings or Newmark Opco, to:

Newmark Group, Inc.

125 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10017

Attention: General Counsel

Fax No:    (312) 276-8715

and, if prior to the Effective Time, with a copy to:

Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz

51 West 52nd Street

New York, New York 10019

Attention: David K. Lam, Esq.

Fax No:    (212) 403-2000

 

  (c) If to Cantor, to:

Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P.

110 East 59th Street

New York, New York 10022

Attention: General Counsel

Fax No:    (212) 829-4708

 

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and, if prior to the Effective Time, with a copy to:

Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz

51 West 52nd Street

New York, New York 10019

Attention: David K. Lam, Esq.

Fax No:    (212) 403-2000

All such notices, demands and other communications shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered by hand; when delivered by courier or overnight delivery service; five (5) Business Days after being deposited in the certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, with appropriate postage prepaid; and when receipt is acknowledged or confirmed, if delivered by facsimile.

Section 11.06 Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

Section 11.07 Waivers of Default . Waiver by any Party of any default by any other Party of any provision hereof or of any Ancillary Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver by the waiving Party of any subsequent or other default, nor shall it prejudice the rights of such other Party.

Section 11.08 Specific Performance . Subject to the provisions of Article VIII, in the event of any actual or threatened default in, or breach of, any of the terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, the Party or Parties that are, or are to be, thereby aggrieved shall have the right to specific performance and injunctive or other equitable relief in respect of its or their rights under this Agreement or such Ancillary Agreement, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies at law or in equity, and all such rights and remedies shall be cumulative. The Parties agree that the remedies at law for any breach or threatened breach, including monetary damages, are inadequate compensation for any loss and that any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate is waived. Any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond with such remedy are waived by each of the Parties.

Section 11.09 Severability . If any provision of this Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement or the application thereof to any Person or circumstance is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions hereof or thereof, or the application of such provision to Persons or circumstances or in jurisdictions other than those as to which it has been held invalid or unenforceable, shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated thereby. Upon such determination, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith in an effort to agree upon such a suitable and equitable provision to effect the original intent of the Parties.

Section 11.10 Publicity . Prior to the Distribution Effective Time, each of Newmark and BGC Partners shall consult with each other prior to issuing any press releases or otherwise making public statements with respect to the Separation, the IPO, the Distribution or any of the other transactions contemplated hereby or under any Ancillary Agreement and prior to making any filings with any Governmental Authority with respect thereto.

 

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Section 11.11 Organizational Power . Each BGC Entity represents, and each Newmark Entity represents, as follows:

(a) each such Person has the requisite corporate or other entity power and authority and has taken all corporate or other entity action necessary in order to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to which it is a party and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby; and

(b) this Agreement and each Ancillary Agreement to which it is a party has been duly executed and delivered by it and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of it enforceable in accordance with the terms thereof, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity.

Section 11.12 Limitations of Liability . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, but without limiting any recovery expressly provided by Section 8.02, no Party or any of its Affiliates shall be liable under this Agreement to any other Party for any Special Damages arising in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby (other than to the extent awarded in an Action involving a Third-Party Claim).

Section 11.13 Force Majeure . No Party shall be deemed in default of this Agreement or, unless otherwise expressly provided therein, any Ancillary Agreement for any delay or failure to fulfill any obligation (other than a payment obligation) hereunder or thereunder so long as and to the extent to which any delay or failure in the fulfillment of such obligation is prevented, frustrated, hindered or delayed as a consequence of circumstances of Force Majeure. In the event of any such excused delay, the time for performance of such obligations (other than a payment obligation) shall be extended for a period equal to the time lost by reason of the delay. A Party claiming the benefit of this provision shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after the occurrence of any such event, (a) provide written notice to the other Parties of the nature and extent of any such Force Majeure condition; and (b) use commercially reasonable efforts to remove any such causes and resume performance under this Agreement and the Ancillary Agreements, as applicable, as soon as reasonably practicable.

[Remainder of page left intentionally blank]

 

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

 

BGC PARTNERS, INC.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
BGC HOLDINGS, L.P.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
BGC PARTNERS, L.P.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
NEWMARK GROUP, INC.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
NEWMARK HOLDINGS, L.P.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
NEWMARK PARTNERS, L.P.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

[Signature Page to Separation and Distribution Agreement]


Solely for purposes of Sections 2.09, 6.10, 6.11, 6.12, 6.13, 6.14 and 6.15 and Article XIII and Article IX:
CANTOR FITZGERALD, L.P.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
Solely for purposes of Sections 6.11 and 6.12 and Article VIII:
BGC GLOBAL HOLDINGS, L.P.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

[Signature Page to Separation and Distribution Agreement]

Exhibit 5.1

NEWMARK GROUP, INC.

December 4, 2017

Newmark Group, Inc.

125 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10017

Ladies and Gentlemen:

I am the Executive Managing Director and General Counsel of Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership, and the Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of BGC Partners, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and have acted as counsel to Newmark Group, Inc. (the “ Company ”) in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-1, File No. 333-221078 (the “ Registration Statement ,” which term does not include any other document or agreement whether or not specifically referred to therein or attached as an exhibit or schedule thereto), initially filed by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “ SEC ”) on October 23, 2017, relating to the registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ Securities Act ”), of up to 34,500,000 shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the “ Shares ”). In connection with the foregoing, you have requested my opinion with respect to the following matters.

This opinion letter is being delivered in accordance with the requirements of Item 601(b)(5) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act.

For the purposes of giving this opinion, I, or attorneys working under my direction (collectively, “ we ”), have examined the Registration Statement and the form of Underwriting Agreement, filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement, to be entered into by and among the Company and the underwriters named therein (the “ Underwriting Agreement ”). We have also examined the originals, or duplicates or certified or conformed copies, of such corporate records, agreements, documents and other instruments, including the certificate of incorporation and bylaws of the Company, and have made such other investigations as we have deemed relevant and necessary in connection with the opinion set forth below. As to questions of fact material to this opinion, we have relied, with your approval, upon oral and written representations of officers and representatives of the Company and certificates or comparable documents of public officials and of officers and representatives of the Company.

In making such examination and rendering the opinion set forth below, we have assumed without verification the genuineness of all signatures, the authenticity of all documents submitted to me as originals, the authenticity of the originals of such documents submitted to me as certified copies, the conformity to originals of all documents submitted to me as copies, the authenticity of the originals of such documents, that all documents submitted to me as certified copies are true and correct copies of such originals and the legal capacity of all individuals executing any of the foregoing documents.

In rendering the opinion set forth below, we have assumed that the Shares will be sold in all events for cash consideration per Share equal to or greater than the par value of the Class A common stock. We have also assumed that the Shares will be duly authenticated by the transfer agent and registrar for the Shares.


Based upon the foregoing, and subject to the qualifications, assumptions and limitations stated herein, I am of the opinion that when the Registration Statement has been declared effective by order of the SEC and the Shares have been issued, delivered and paid for in the manner contemplated by and upon the terms and conditions set forth in the Registration Statement and the Underwriting Agreement, the Shares will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

I am a member of the bar of the State of New York and I do not express any opinion herein concerning any law other than the Delaware General Corporation Law (including the statutory provisions, all applicable provisions of the Delaware Constitution and reported judicial decisions interpreting the foregoing).

I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion letter as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement and to the use of my name under the caption “Legal Matters” in the prospectus included in the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, I do not hereby admit that I am in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Securities Act, and the rules and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder.

 

Very truly yours,
/s/ Stephen M. Merkel

Stephen M. Merkel

Counsel to Newmark Group, Inc.

Exhibit 10.1

THE PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS (INCLUDING ASSOCIATED UNITS AND CAPITAL) DESCRIBED IN THIS AGREEMENT HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ SECURITIES ACT ”), OR REGISTERED OR QUALIFIED UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR FOREIGN JURISDICTION, AND SUCH PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, EXCEPT (A) EITHER (1) WHILE A REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND SUCH OTHER APPLICABLE REGISTRATIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS ARE IN EFFECT OR (2) PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND SUCH OTHER APPLICABLE LAWS AND (B) IF PERMITTED BY THIS AGREEMENT, AS IT MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME.

AMENDED AND RESTATED

AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

OF

NEWMARK HOLDINGS, L.P.

Amended and Restated as of [•], 2017


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  
ARTICLE I   
DEFINITIONS   
SECTION 1.01.   Definitions      2  
SECTION 1.02.   Other Definitional Provisions      28  
SECTION 1.03.   References to Schedules      29  
ARTICLE II   
FORMATION, CONTINUATION AND POWERS   
SECTION 2.01.   Formation      29  
SECTION 2.02.   Name      29  
SECTION 2.03.   Purpose and Scope of Activity      29  
SECTION 2.04.   Principal Place of Business      30  
SECTION 2.05.   Registered Agent and Office      30  
SECTION 2.06.   Authorized Persons      30  
SECTION 2.07.   Term      30  
SECTION 2.08.   Treatment as Partnership      30  
SECTION 2.09.   Compliance with Law; Offset Rights      30  
ARTICLE III   
MANAGEMENT   
SECTION 3.01.   Management by the General Partner      31  
SECTION 3.02.   Role and Voting Rights of Limited Partners; Authority of Partners      32  
SECTION 3.03.   Partner Obligations      34  
ARTICLE IV   
PARTNERS; CLASSES OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS   
SECTION 4.01.   Partners      36  
SECTION 4.02.   Interests      36  
SECTION 4.03.   Admission and Withdrawal of Partners      39  
SECTION 4.04.   Liability to Third Parties; Capital Account Deficits      41  
SECTION 4.05.   Classes      41  
SECTION 4.06.   Certificates      42  
SECTION 4.07.   Uniform Commercial Code Treatment of Units      42  
SECTION 4.08.   Priority Among Partners      42  

 

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ARTICLE V   
CAPITAL AND ACCOUNTING MATTERS   
SECTION 5.01.   Capital      42  
SECTION 5.02.   Withdrawals; Return on Capital      44  
SECTION 5.03.   Maintenance of Capital Accounts      44  
SECTION 5.04.   Allocations and Tax Matters      44  
SECTION 5.05.   General Partner Determinations      47  
SECTION 5.06.   Books and Accounts      47  
SECTION 5.07.   Tax Matters Partner      48  
SECTION 5.08.   Tax Information      48  
SECTION 5.09.   Withholding      48  
ARTICLE VI   
DISTRIBUTIONS   
SECTION 6.01.   Distributions in Respect of Partnership Interests      49  
SECTION 6.02.   Limitation on Distributions      50  
ARTICLE VII   
TRANSFERS OF INTERESTS   
SECTION 7.01.   Transfers Generally Prohibited      52  
SECTION 7.02.   Permitted Transfers      52  
SECTION 7.03.   Admission as a Partner Upon Transfer      54  
SECTION 7.04.   Transfer of Units and Capital with the Transfer of an Interest      54  
SECTION 7.05.   Encumbrances      54  
SECTION 7.06.   Legend      55  
SECTION 7.07.   Effect of Transfer Not in Compliance with this Article      55  
ARTICLE VIII   
EXCHANGE RIGHTS   
SECTION 8.01   Exchange Rights      55  
SECTION 8.02.   No Fractional Shares of Newmark Common Stock      61  
SECTION 8.03.   Taxes in Respect of a Newmark Exchange      61  
SECTION 8.04.   Reservation of Newmark Common Stock      61  
SECTION 8.05.   Compliance with Applicable Laws in the Exchange      62  
SECTION 8.06.   Adjustments to Exchange Ratio      62  
SECTION 8.07.   Redemption for Opco Units      62  
SECTION 8.08   Purchase Rights      63  

 

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ARTICLE IX   
DISSOLUTION   
SECTION 9.01.   Dissolution      63  
SECTION 9.02.   Liquidation      64  
SECTION 9.03.   Distributions      64  
SECTION 9.04.   Reconstitution      65  
SECTION 9.05.   Deficit Restoration      65  
ARTICLE X   
INDEMNIFICATION AND EXCULPATION   
SECTION 10.01.   Exculpation      65  
SECTION 10.02.   Indemnification      66  
SECTION 10.03.   Insurance      69  
SECTION 10.04.   Subrogation      69  
SECTION 10.05.   No Duplication of Payments      69  
SECTION 10.06.   Survival      69  
ARTICLE XI   
EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS   
SECTION 11.01.   Certain Arrangements Regarding Extraordinary Items      69  
ARTICLE XII   
FOUNDING PARTNERS, WORKING PARTNERS AND REU PARTNERS   
SECTION 12.01.   Units      72  
SECTION 12.02.   Transfers of Founding Partner Interests, Working Partner Interests and REU Interests      79  
SECTION 12.03.   Redemption of a Founding/Working Partner Interest      96  
SECTION 12.04.   Purchase Price for Redemption; Other Redemption Provisions      98  
SECTION 12.05.   Redemption of Opco Units Following a Redemption of Founding/Working Partner Interests or REU Interest      99  
SECTION 12.06.   Section 7704 of the Code      100  
SECTION 12.07.   Provisions Relating to Issuances of Shares of Newmark Common Stock and Distributions      100  
SECTION 12.08.   Application of Proceeds From Sale of Shares of Newmark Common Stock by a Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner      101  
SECTION 12.09.   Exercise of Discretion with Respect to Legacy Units Held by Employees of BGC Holdings, the BGC Opcos or their Respective Subsidiaries      101  

 

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ARTICLE XIII   
MISCELLANEOUS   
SECTION 13.01.   Amendments      102  
SECTION 13.02.   Benefits of Agreement      104  
SECTION 13.03.   Waiver of Notice      104  
SECTION 13.04.   Jurisdiction and Forum; Waiver of Jury Trial      104  
SECTION 13.05.   Successors and Assigns      105  
SECTION 13.06.   Confidentiality      105  
SECTION 13.07.   Notices      106  
SECTION 13.08.   No Waiver of Rights      107  
SECTION 13.09.   Power of Attorney      107  
SECTION 13.10.   Severability      107  
SECTION 13.11.   Headings      107  
SECTION 13.12.   Entire Agreement      107  
SECTION 13.13.   Governing Law      108  
SECTION 13.14.   Counterparts      108  
SECTION 13.15.   Opportunity; Fiduciary Duty      108  
SECTION 13.16.   Reimbursement of Expenses      111  
SECTION 13.17.   Effectiveness      111  
SECTION 13.18.   Parity of Units      111  
SECTION 13.19.   Limitation on Challenge Period and Exclusive Remedies Available to Partners with Respect to any Redemption of Units      112  

 

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This AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (together with all exhibits, annexes and schedules hereto, this “ Agreement ”) of Newmark Holdings, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Partnership ”), dated as of [•], 2017, is by and among Newmark GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Newmark GP, LLC ”), as the general partner; Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ Cantor ”), as a limited partner; Newmark Group, Inc. a Delaware corporation (“ Newmark ”), as a limited partner; the Persons to be admitted as Partners (as defined below) or otherwise parties hereto as set forth herein; and for the limited purposes set forth in Article VIII and Section 12.09, BGC Partners, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ BGC Partners ”), and BGC Holdings, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ BGC Holdings ”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Partnership was formed as a limited partnership under the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, Del. Code Ann. tit. 6, §17-101, et seq ., as amended from time to time (the “ Act ”), pursuant to an Agreement of Limited Partnership, dated as of [•], 2017, by and among Newmark GP, LLC, as the general partner, and BGC Holdings, as the sole limited partner (the “ Original Limited Partnership Agreement ”);

WHEREAS, BGC Partners, BGC Holdings, BGC Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ BGC U.S. Opco ” and together with BGC Partners and BGC Holdings, the “ BGC Entities ”), Newmark, the Partnership, Newmark Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ Opco ”), and, solely for the limited purposes set forth therein, Cantor and BGC Global Holdings, L.P., a Cayman Island limited partnership (“ BGC Global Opco ”), have entered into that certain Separation Agreement, dated as of [•], 2017 (as it may be amended from time to time, the “ Separation Agreement ”), pursuant to which, among other things, the BGC Entities agreed to separate the Transferred Business from the Retained Business so that, as of the Closing Date (as defined in the Separation Agreement), the Transferred Business is held by members of the Newmark Group and the Retained Business is held by members of the BGC Partners Group (the “ Separation ”);

WHEREAS, to effect the Separation, pursuant to the terms of the Separation Agreement and in furtherance of the Separation, BGC U.S. Opco distributed certain Transferred Assets to its partners, and its partners assumed certain Transferred Liabilities, and, thereafter, such partners of BGC U.S. Opco transferred certain Transferred Assets and Transferred Liabilities to Newmark Opco (together, the “ Opco Partnership Division ”);

WHEREAS, immediately following the Opco Partnership Division, (a) BGC Holdings held all of the outstanding equity interests in the Opco General Partner (which held the Opco Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest), and (b) members of the BGC Partners Inc. Group, taken as a whole, and members of the BGC Holdings Group, taken as a whole, held all of the outstanding Opco Limited Partnership Interests in the same aggregate proportions that such members held the outstanding BGC U.S. Opco Limited Partnership Interests, with the total number of Opco Units equal to the total number of BGC U.S. Opco Units multiplied by the Contribution Ratio;


WHEREAS, following the Opco Partnership Division, pursuant to the terms of the Separation Agreement and in furtherance of the Separation, BGC Holdings transferred to the Partnership (a) all of the equity interests in the Opco General Partner (which held the Opco Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest), (b) the Opco Limited Partnership Interest that BGC Holdings held following the Opco Partnership Division and (c) any other Transferred Assets or Transferred Liabilities held by it (together, the “ Holdings Partnership Contribution ”);

WHEREAS immediately following the Holdings Partnership Contribution, BGC Holdings held all of the outstanding equity interests in the General Partner (which held the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest) and all of the outstanding Limited Partnership Interests, with the total number of Units equal to the total number of BGC Holdings Units multiplied by the Contribution Ratio;

WHEREAS, following the Holdings Partnership Contribution, pursuant to the terms of the Separation Agreement and in furtherance of the Separation, BGC Holdings (a) distributed to the partners of BGC Holdings all of the Limited Partnership Interests held by BGC Holdings and (b) distributed to BGC Partners all of the outstanding equity interests in the General Partner (which held the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest) (together, the “ Holdings Partnership Distribution ” and together with the Holdings Partnership Contribution, the “ Holdings Partnership Division ”);

WHEREAS, immediately following the Holdings Partnership Division, BGC Partners held all of the equity interests of the General Partner (which held the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest), and the limited partners of BGC Holdings held all of the outstanding Limited Partnership Interests in the same proportion that such members held the outstanding BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Interests, with the total number of Units equal to the total number of BGC Holdings Units multiplied by the Contribution Ratio; and

WHEREAS, the Partners are amending and restating the Original Limited Partnership Agreement in order to, among other things, provide for or attest to the foregoing transactions contemplated by the Separation Agreement and set forth other agreements with respect to the Partnership as of immediately following the Separation.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto hereby adopt the following as the amended and restated “partnership agreement” of the Partnership within the meaning of the Act:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

SECTION 1.01. Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:

Accounting Period ” means (a) in the case of the first Accounting Period, the period commencing on the date of this Agreement and ending at the next Closing of the Books Event, and (b) in the case of each subsequent Accounting Period, the period commencing immediately after a Closing of the Books Event and ending at the next Closing of the Books Event.

 

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Act ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Action ” means any action, claim, suit, litigation, proceeding (including arbitral) or investigation.

Acquired Opco Interest ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.07.

Additional Amounts ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 12.02(c)(ii).

Adjusted Capital Account ” means, with respect to the Founding/Working Partner Interest of a Founding/Working Partner or the REU Interest of an REU Partner, as the case may be, and subject to Section 6.01(c) and (d), the Capital Account balance with respect to such Interest determined without regard to (a) any adjustment pursuant to the penultimate sentence of Section 5.03, or, unless and to the extent otherwise deemed appropriate by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion, any adjustment to the Book Value of the assets of the Partnership made in connection with the Holdings Partnership Division (or any other items described in Section 5.01(b)(ii)) or the provisions of Exhibit  C or (b) the balance of any Extraordinary Account and adjusted to reflect, to the extent deemed appropriate by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion, any special allocations to such Interest pursuant to Section 5.04(b) not otherwise reflected in the Capital Account of such Interest. Any gain recognized or deemed recognized as a result of such distribution shall not affect any Adjusted Capital Account unless otherwise deemed appropriate by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion. The Adjusted Capital Account is used for calculating amounts payable to certain Founding/Working Partners or REU Partners, as the case may be, upon termination or redemption of their Founding/Working Partner Interest or the REU Interest, as the case may be.

Adjusted Capital Account Surplus ” means, with respect to the Working Partner Interest of a Working Partner, the Adjusted Capital Account with respect to such Working Partner Interest less the Capital Return Account with respect to such Working Partner Interest.

Adjustment Amount ” means, with respect to the Founding/Working Partner Interest of a Founding/Working Partner or the REU Interest of an REU Partner, the sum of (i) the amounts of all distributions, if any, paid to any such Partner with respect to such Partner’s Founding/Working Partner Interest or REU Interest, as the case may be, subsequent to the Calculation Date or such other date as is provided herein for calculating the amount payable to such Partner (provided that, with respect to any Legacy Unit, the amounts of all such distributions shall be apportioned between the BGC Holdings Unit for which such Legacy Unit was issued in the Separation, on the one hand, and such Legacy Unit, on the other hand, based on the Relative Value of BGC and Newmark, such that the sum of such amounts of distributions for such BGC Holdings Unit and Legacy Unit immediately following the Separation shall equal the amount of all such distributions for such BGC Holding Unit immediately prior to the Separation), and (ii) the outstanding principal of any loan and accrued and unpaid interest thereon or any other indebtedness (including negative participations, if any) of such Partner owed to the Partnership or any Affiliated Entity, whether or not actually reflected on the books of the Partnership or any Affiliated Entity.

 

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Administrative Services Agreements ” means (a) the Administrative Services Agreement, dated as of March 6, 2008, by and between Cantor and BGC Partners; and (b) the Administrative Services Agreement, dated as of [•], by and between Cantor and Newmark.

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

Affiliated Entities ” means the limited and general partnerships, corporations or other entities controlling, controlled by or under common control with the Partnership.

AFR ” means the applicable federal rate pursuant to Section 1274 of the Code as in effect from time to time. Unless otherwise determined by the General Partner, AFR shall mean the short term AFR.

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Allocable Items ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.04(a).

Allocation Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.04(a)(ii)b.

Ancillary Agreements ” means “Ancillary Agreements” as defined in the Separation Agreement.

any employer or secondary contributor ” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.07.

Applicable Tax Rate ” means the estimated highest aggregate marginal statutory U.S. federal, state and local income, franchise and branch profits tax rates (determined taking into account the deductibility of state and local income taxes for federal income tax purposes and the creditability or deductibility of foreign income taxes for federal income tax purposes) (“ Tax Rate ”) applicable to any Partner on income of the same character and source as the income allocated to such Partner pursuant to Sections 5.04(a) and (b) for such fiscal year, fiscal quarter or other period, as determined by the Tax Matters Partner in its discretion; provided that, in the case of a Partner that is a partnership, grantor trust or other pass-through entity under U.S. federal income tax law, the Tax Rate applicable to such Partner for purposes of determining the Applicable Tax Rate shall be the weighted average of the Tax Rates of such Partner’s members, grantor-owners or other beneficial owners (weighted in proportion to their relative economic interests in such Partner), as determined by the Tax Matters Partner in its discretion; provided , further , that if any such member, grantor-owner or other beneficial owner of such Partner is itself a partnership, grantor trust or other pass-through entity similar principles shall be applied by the Tax Matters Partner in its discretion to determine the Tax Rate of such member, grantor-owner or other beneficial owner.

APREU ” means a Working Partner Unit that can only be awarded to holders of, or contemporaneous with the issuance of, AREUs, and is otherwise identical in all respects to the AREU for all purposes under this Agreement, except that : (i) it shall not be eligible to be designated as an Exchange Right Interest; (ii) it cannot be made exchangeable for, or exchanged

 

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into, Newmark Common Stock; (iii) to the extent any payment (other than a distribution relating to the Preferred Allocation) is made with respect to it, any payment shall be subject to the then current policies and procedures of the Partnership applicable to APREUs; and (iv) any terms of the Agreement that are specific to APREUs shall apply (including Section 5.04).

APSU ” means a Working Partner Unit that is identical in all respects to the PSU for all purposes under this Agreement, except that , for as long as, and until, the Distribution Conditions (as such term is defined in the applicable APSU award documentation for the applicable APSU holder) are met, if ever: (i) only net losses as are determined by the General Partner shall be allocable with respect to such Working Partner Unit pursuant to Section 5.04; (ii) the definition of “Percentage Interest” shall exclude such Working Partner Unit solely for purposes of calculating net profits as determined by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.04; and (iii) Section 6.01 shall not apply to such Working Partner Unit. If the Distribution Conditions (as such term is defined in the applicable APSU award documentation for the applicable APSU holder) are met, the applicable APSU shall automatically convert into an PSU hereunder.

AREU ” means a Working Partner Unit that is identical in all respects to the REU for all purposes under this Agreement, except that , for as long as, and until, the Distribution Conditions (as such term is defined in the applicable AREU award documentation for the applicable AREU holder) are met, if ever: (i) only net losses as are determined by the General Partner shall be allocable with respect to such Working Partner Unit pursuant to Section 5.04; (ii) the definition of “Percentage Interest” shall exclude such Working Partner Unit solely for purposes of calculating net profits as determined by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.04; and (iii) Section 6.01 shall not apply to such Working Partner Unit. If the Distribution Conditions (as such term is defined in the applicable AREU award documentation for the applicable AREU holder) are met, the applicable AREU shall automatically convert into an REU hereunder.

ARPU ” means a Working Partner Unit that is identical in all respects to the RPU for all purposes under this Agreement, except that , for as long as, and until, the Distribution Conditions (as such term is defined in the applicable ARPU award documentation for the applicable ARPU holder) are met, if ever: (i) only net losses as are determined by the General Partner shall be allocable with respect to such Working Partner Unit pursuant to Section 5.04; (ii) the definition of “Percentage Interest” shall exclude such Working Partner Unit solely for purposes of calculating net profits as determined by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.04; and (iii) Section 6.01 shall not apply to such Working Partner Unit. If the Distribution Conditions (as such term is defined in the applicable ARPU award documentation for the applicable ARPU holder) are met, the applicable ARPU shall automatically convert into an RPU hereunder.

Article XI Term ” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(b).

Assumed Tax Amount ” means, with respect to any Units held by a Partner, the product of all items of income or gain allocated to a Partner with respect to such Units (reduced, but not below zero (0), by all items of loss or deduction allocated to such Partner with respect to such Units) times the Assumed Tax Rate.

 

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Assumed Tax Rate ” means 50%.

Available Cash ” for any Accounting Period means all cash or other current funds of the Partnership available for distribution, as determined by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion, reduced by any amounts that the Partnership is prohibited from distributing to the Partners pursuant to applicable law.

Bankruptcy ” (including the form “ Bankrupt ”) means, with respect to a Founding/Working Partner or an REU Partner, as the case may be, (a) the making of an assignment for the benefit of creditors by such Partner, (b) the filing of a voluntary petition in bankruptcy by such Partner, (c) the adjudication of such Partner as a bankrupt or insolvent, or the entry against such Partner of an order for relief in any bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding; provided that such order for relief or involuntary proceeding is not stayed or dismissed within 120 days, (d) the filing by such Partner of a petition or answer seeking for itself or any reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation, dissolution or similar relief under any bankruptcy statute, law or regulation, or (e) the filing by such Partner of an answer or other pleading admitting or failing to contest the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any proceeding of that nature. With respect to a Founding/Working Partner or an REU Partner, as the case may be, “ Bankruptcy ” shall also include the appointment of or the seeking of the appointment of (in each case by any person), a trustee, receiver or liquidator of it or of all or any substantial part of the properties of such Partner. With respect to a corporate Founding/Working Partner or an REU Partner, as the case may be, Bankruptcy shall also include the occurrence of any of the aforementioned events with respect to the beneficial owner of a majority of the stock of such Partner. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no event shall constitute the “ Bankruptcy ” of any Partner with respect to a Unit, as the case may be, unless the General Partner so determines in its sole and absolute discretion; except that an event shall constitute a “ Bankruptcy ,” solely with respect to any Unit held by a Partner for which a Post-Termination Payment would be subject to United States income tax, if such event is described above and also accompanied by a severe financial hardship to such Partner resulting from (i) illness or accident to such Partner or his or her family, (ii) loss of such Partner’s property due to casualty, or (iii) other extraordinary and unforeseeable circumstances beyond the control of such Partner.”

Base Amount ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 12.02(b)(iii).

BGC Affiliated Entities ” means the limited and general partnerships, corporations or other entities controlling, controlled by or under common control with BGC Holdings.

BGC Current Market Price ” means, as of any date: (a) if shares of BGC Partners Class A Common Stock are listed on an internationally recognized stock exchange, the average of the closing price per share of BGC Partners Class A Common Stock on such stock exchange on each of the ten (10) consecutive trading days ending on such date ( it being understood that such price shall be appropriately adjusted in the event that there is a stock dividend or stock split during such ten (10)-consecutive-trading-day period); or (b) if shares of BGC Partners Class A Common Stock are not listed on an internationally recognized stock exchange, the fair value of a share of BGC Partners Class A Common Stock as agreed in good faith by BGC Partners.

 

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BGC Employee ” means, as of any time, any individual who as of such time is actively employed by or on an approved leave of absence from any member of the BGC Partners Group; provided that no Shared Services Employee shall be considered a BGC Employee.

BGC Entities ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

BGC Exchange ” has the meaning set forth in Section Section 8.01(a).

BGC Executive Officer ” means any BGC Employee who is an executive officer of BGC Partners.

BGC Global Opco ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement, including any successor to BGC Global Holdings, L.P., whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise.

BGC Global Opco Group ” means BGC Global Opco and its Subsidiaries (other than any member of the Newmark Group).

BGC Holdings ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement, including any successor to BGC Holdings, L.P., whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise.

BGC Holdings Exchange Right Unit ” means an “Exchange Right Unit” as defined in the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement.

BGC Holdings Group ” means BGC Holdings and its Subsidiaries (other than any member of the BGC U.S. Opco Group, BGC Global Opco Group or Newmark Group).

BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of BGC Holdings, dated as of the date hereof, as such agreement may be amended from time to time.

BGC Holdings Unit ” means a “Unit” as defined in the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement.

BGC Holdings Working Partner Unit ” means a “Working Partner Unit” as defined in the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement.

BGC Holdings Legacy Unit ” means a BGC Holdings Unit that was outstanding as of immediately prior to the Holdings Partnership Division and in respect of which a Unit was issued in the Holdings Partnership Division.

BGC Holdings Non-Exchangeable Legacy Unit ” means a BGC Holdings Legacy Unit that, as of immediately prior to the Holdings Partnership Division, was not a BGC Holdings Exchange Right Unit.

BGC Opco ” means BGC Global Opco or BGC U.S. Opco.

 

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BGC Partners ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement, including any successor to BGC Partners, Inc., whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise.

BGC Partners Class  A Common Stock ” means the Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of BGC Partners (it being understood that if the BGC Partners Class A Common Stock, as a class, shall be reclassified, exchanged or converted into another security (including as a result of a merger, consolidation or otherwise) or the right to receive such security, each reference to BGC Partners Class A Common Stock in this Agreement shall refer to such other security into which the BGC Partners Class A Common Stock was reclassified, exchanged or converted).

BGC Partners Class  B Common Stock ” means the Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of BGC Partners (it being understood that if the BGC Partners Class B Common Stock, as a class, shall be reclassified, exchanged or converted into another security (including as a result of a merger, consolidation or otherwise) or the right to receive such security, each reference to BGC Partners Class B Common Stock in this Agreement shall refer to such other security into which the BGC Partners Class B Common Stock was reclassified, exchanged or converted).

BGC Partners Common Stock ” means the BGC Partners Class A Common Stock or the BGC Partners Class B Common Stock, as applicable.

BGC Partners Company ” means any member of the BGC Partners Group.

BGC Partners Group ” means BGC Partners, BGC Holdings, BGC U.S. Opco and BGC Global Opco and each of their respective Subsidiaries (other than any member of the Newmark Group).

BGC Partners Inc. Group ” means BGC Partners and its Subsidiaries (other than any member of the BGC Holdings Group, BGC U.S. Opco Group, BGC Global Opco Group or Newmark Group). “ BGC U.S. Opco ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement, including any successor to BGC Partners, L.P., whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise.

BGC U.S. Opco Group ” means BGC U.S. Opco and its Subsidiaries (other than any member of the Newmark Group).

BGC U.S. Opco Limited Partnership Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of BGC U.S. Opco, as it may be amended from time to time.

BGC U.S. Opco Limited Partnership Interest ” means “Limited Partnership Interest” as defined in the BGC U.S. Opco Limited Partnership Agreement, but excluding the BGC U.S. Opco Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest.

 

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BGC U.S. Opco Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest ” means “Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest” as defined in the BGC U.S. Opco Limited Partnership Agreement.

Book Value ” of an asset means the value of an asset on the books and records of the Partnership (as adjusted pursuant to the penultimate sentence of Section 5.03), except that the initial Book Value of an asset contributed to the Partnership shall be the amount credited to the Capital Account of the contributing Partner with respect to such contribution.

Business Day ” means any day excluding Saturday, Sunday and any day on which banking institutions located in New York, New York are authorized or required by applicable law or other governmental action to be closed.

Calculation Date ” means, at the election of the General Partner, (a) the date on which a Founding/Working Partner or an REU Partner, as the case may be, becomes a Terminated or Bankrupt Founding/Working Partner or a Terminated or Bankrupt REU Partner, as the case may be (the “ termination date ”); or (b) any date selected by the General Partner between the termination date and the 120th day preceding the date on which a Founding/Working Partner or an REU Partner, as the case may be, becomes a Terminated or Bankrupt Founding/Working Partner or a Terminated or Bankrupt REU Partner, as the case may be ( provided , however , that if such 120th day is not the last day of a calendar month, the General Partner may select as the Calculation Date the last day of the month preceding the month in which such 120th preceding day occurs).

Cantor ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble, including any successor to Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P., whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise.

Cantor Company ” means any member of the Cantor Group.

Cantor Group ” means Cantor and its Subsidiaries (other than any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group), Howard W. Lutnick and/or any of his immediate family members as so designated by Howard W. Lutnick and any trusts or other entities controlled by Howard W. Lutnick.

Cantor Partnership Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Cantor, as it may be amended from time to time.

Capital ” means, with respect to any Partner, such Partner’s capital in the Partnership as reflected in such Partner’s Capital Account.

Capital Account ” means, with respect to any Partner, such Partner’s capital account established on the books and records of the Partnership.

Capital Return Account ” means, with respect to any Partner’s Interest, the excess, if any, of (i) the initial Capital Account with respect to such Interest (determined without taking into account, unless and to the extent otherwise deemed appropriate by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion, any adjustment to the Book Value of the assets of the

 

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Partnership made in connection with the Holdings Partnership Division or any other items described in Section 5.01(b)(ii)), increased by any subsequent capital contributions with respect to such Interest and reduced by the amount of any losses or deductions (or items thereof) allocated to such Partner with respect to such Interest in excess of income or gain allocated to such Partner with respect to such Interest, over (ii) the aggregate of all distributions made to such Partner with respect to such Interest pursuant to Section 6.01 less the Assumed Tax Amount with respect to such Interest; provided that in no event shall a Capital Return Account be negative.

Catch-Up Allocation ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.04(a)(ii)c.

Certificate of Limited Partnership ” means the certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership filed with the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on September 27, 2017.

Challenge ” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.19(a).

Challenge Deadline ” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.19(a).

Closing of the Books Event ” means any of (a) the close of the last day of each calendar year and each calendar quarter, (b) the dissolution of the Partnership, (c) the acquisition of an additional interest in the Partnership by any new or existing Partner in exchange for more than a de minimis amount of property, (d) the distribution by the Partnership to a Partner of more than a de minimis amount of Partnership property as consideration for an interest in the Partnership, or (e) any other time that the General Partner determines to be appropriate for an interim closing of the Partnership’s books.

Code ” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any successor statute thereto.

Competing Business ” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.02(c)(iii).

Competing Owner ” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.02(c)(vi).

Competitive Activities ” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.02(c)(iii).

Contribution Ratio ” means a fraction equal to one divided by 2.20.

Corporate Opportunity ” means any business opportunity that the Partnership is financially able to undertake, that is, from its nature, in the Partnership’s lines of business, of practical advantage to the Partnership and one in which the Partnership has an interest or a reasonable expectancy, and in which, by embracing the opportunities, the self-interest of a Newmark Company, a BGC Partners Company or a Cantor Company or any of their respective Representatives, as the case may be, will be brought into conflict with the Partnership’s self-interest.

Current Market Price ” means, as of any date: (a) if shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock are listed on an internationally recognized stock exchange, the average of the closing price per share of Newmark Class A Common Stock on each of the 10 consecutive

 

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trading days ending on such date (it being understood that such price shall be appropriately adjusted in the event that there is a stock dividend or stock split during such 10-consecutive-trading-day period), or (b) if shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock are not listed on an internationally recognized stock exchange, the fair value of a share of Newmark Class A Common Stock as agreed in good faith by Cantor and the Audit Committee of Newmark.

DGCL ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.02(a).

Disinterested Director ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.02(i)(i).

Effective Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.19(a).

Effective Time ” has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.

Electing Partner ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.01(f).

Eligible Recipient ” means (a) any Limited Partner, (b) any Cantor Company or any Affiliate, employee or partner of a Cantor Company, or (c) any other Person selected by the Exchangeable Limited Partners (by Majority in Interest); provided that such Person in this clause (c) shall not be primarily engaged in any business that competes with any business conducted directly by the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries in each case at the time of issuance of the Founding/Working Partner Units or REUs, as the case may be, to such Person.

Encumbrance ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.05.

Estimated Proportionate Quarterly Tax Distribution ” means the Proportionate Quarterly Tax Distribution calculated using the Tax Matters Partner’s estimate of the aggregate amount of taxable income or gain to be allocated to the Partners pursuant to Section 5.04(a) for the applicable period.

Estimated Tax Due Date ” means (a) in the case of a Partner that is not an individual, the 15th day of each April, June, September and December or (b) in the case of a Partner that is an individual, the 15th day of each April, June, September and January.

Excess Prior Distributions ” means, with respect to any Working Partner Interest of a Working Partner, the excess, if any, of (a) the aggregate of all distributions made to such Working Partner with respect to such Working Partner Interest pursuant to Section 6.01 less the Assumed Tax Amount with respect to such Working Partner Interest, over (b) such Working Partner’s initial Capital Account (determined without taking into account, unless and to the extent otherwise deemed appropriate by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion, any adjustment to the Book Value of the assets of the Partnership made in connection with the Holdings Partnership Division or any other items described in Section 5.01(b)(ii)) with respect to such Working Partner Interest, increased by any Capital contributions with respect to such Working Partner Interest and reduced by the amount of any net loss or deduction (or items thereof) allocated pursuant to Section 5.04 to such Working Partner with respect to such Working Partner Interest in excess of net income or gain allocated pursuant to Section 5.04 to such Working Partner in respect of such Working Partner Interest. In no event shall Excess Prior Distributions be negative.

 

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Exchange ” means a Newmark Exchange or a BGC Exchange.

Exchange Effective Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.01(f).

Exchange Effective Time ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.01(g).

Exchange Ratio ” means, as of any time, the number of shares of Newmark Common Stock that a holder shall receive upon exchange of each Newmark Holdings Exchange Right Unit pursuant to Article VIII.

Exchange Request ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.01(f).

Exchange Right ” means the right of a holder of an Exchange Right Interest to exchange all or a portion of such Exchange Right Interest in a Newmark Exchange or BGC Exchange, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement and, in the case of a BGC Exchange, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement.

Exchange Right Interest ” means any of (a) an Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest, (b) if and to the extent that the Exchangeable Limited Partners (by affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest) shall so determine with respect to all or a portion of a Founding Partner Interest pursuant to Section 8.01(b)(ii), such Founding Partner Interest or portion thereof, (c) if and to the extent that Newmark shall so determine (with the consent of a Majority in Interest) with respect to all or a portion of an REU Interest pursuant to Section 8.01(b)(iii), such REU Interest or portion thereof and (d) if and to the extent that Newmark shall so determine (with the consent of a Majority in Interest) with respect to all or a portion of a Working Partner Interest pursuant to Section 8.01(b)(iv), such Working Partner Interest or portion thereof.

Exchange Right Unit ” means (a) any Unit designated as an Exchangeable Limited Partner Unit, (b) if and to the extent that the Exchangeable Limited Partners (by affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest) shall have determined that a Founding Partner Unit shall be exchangeable pursuant to Section 8.01(b)(ii), such Founding Partner Unit, (c) if and to the extent that Newmark shall have determined (with the consent of a Majority in Interest) that an REU shall be exchangeable pursuant to Section 8.01(b)(iii), such REU or (d) if and to the extent that Newmark shall have determined (with the consent of a Majority in Interest) that a Working Partner Unit shall be exchangeable pursuant to Section 8.01(b)(iv), such Working Partner Unit.

Exchangeable Limited Partner ” means (a) any Person that receives an Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest in connection with the Separation until such time as such Person ceases to hold such Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest, (b) any Cantor Company that holds an Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest and that has not ceased to hold such Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest and (c) any Person to whom a Cantor Company has Transferred an Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest and, prior to or at the time of such Transfer, who Cantor has agreed shall be designated as an Exchangeable Limited Partner for purposes of this Agreement.

 

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Exchangeable Limited Partner Unit ” means any Unit designated as an Exchangeable Limited Partner Unit.

Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest ” means, with respect to any Exchangeable Limited Partner, such Partner’s Exchangeable Limited Partner Units and Capital designated as an “Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest” on Schedule  4.02 and Schedule  5.01 in accordance with this Agreement and rights and obligations with respect to the Partnership pursuant to this Agreement and applicable law by virtue of such Partner holding such Exchangeable Limited Partner Units and having such Capital. For the avoidance of doubt, except as otherwise set forth on Schedule  4.02 and Schedule  5.01 or in Section 4.03(c)(iii), Founding/Working Partner Interests, Working Partner Interests and REU Interests shall be deemed not to be Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interests.

Exempt Organization ” means a charitable organization, private foundation or other similar organization that is exempt from federal income tax under Section 501 of the Code.

Extraordinary Account ” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a).

Extraordinary Expenditures ” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a).

Extraordinary Income Items ” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(a).

Extraordinary Percentage Interest ” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(d)(ii).

Final Adjudication ” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.19(b).

Final Adjudication Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.19(b).

Five Year Units ” means, with respect to a Working Partner who becomes a Terminated or Bankrupt Partner, all Working Partner Units that such Working Partner acquired from the Partnership at least 60 months prior to, but not more than 120 months prior to, the date on which such Working Partner became a Terminated or Bankrupt Partner; provided that, in the event that such Working Partner Unit is a Legacy Unit, the relevant date for determining when such Working Partner Unit was acquired by such Working Partner is the date on which such Working Partner acquired from BGC Holdings the related BGC Holdings Legacy Unit.

Former BGC Employee ” has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.

Former Newmark Employee ” has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.

Founding Partner ” means a holder of Founding Partner Interests; provided that no member of the Cantor Group nor Howard W. Lutnick (including any entity directly or indirectly controlled by Howard W. Lutnick or any trust of which he is a grantor, trustee or beneficiary) shall be a Founding Partner.

 

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Founding Partner Interest ” means, with respect to any Founding Partner, such Partner’s Founding Partner Units and Capital designated as “Founding Partner Interest” on Schedule  4.02 and Schedule  5.01 (such Schedule to include the Adjusted Capital Account and Capital Account of such Founding Partner) in accordance with this Agreement and rights and obligations with respect to the Partnership pursuant to this Agreement and applicable law by virtue of such Partner holding such Units and having such Capital.

Founding Partner Unit ” means any Unit (High Distribution Units, High Distribution II Units, High Distribution III Units, High Distribution IV Units or Grant Units) that is received by such Partner in the Separation and designated as a Founding Partner Unit in accordance with this Agreement.

Founding/Working Partner ” means any holder of a Founding Partner Interest and/or a Working Partner Interest. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, (a) in the case of a Founding/Working Partner that is a trust, “Founding/Working Partner” means any one or more grantor(s), trustee(s) and/or beneficiar(ies) of such trust, as determined by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion, consistent with the purposes of this Agreement; and (b) in the case of a Founding/Working Partner that is a corporation or other entity, “Founding/Working Partner” means any one or more shareholder(s) or owner(s) of such entity, as determined by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion, consistent with the purposes of this Agreement.

Founding/Working Partner Interest ” means a Founding Partner Interest or a Working Partner Interest.

Founding/Working Partner Unit ” means any Unit underlying a Founding/Working Partner Interest.

General Partner ” means Newmark GP, LLC or any Person who has been admitted, as herein provided, as an additional or substitute general partner, and who has not ceased to be a general partner, each in its capacity as a general partner of the Partnership.

General Partnership Interest ” means, with respect to the General Partner, such Partner’s Non-Participating Unit and Capital designated as the “General Partnership Interest” on Schedule  4.02 and Schedule  5.01 in accordance with this Agreement and rights and obligations with respect to the Partnership pursuant to this Agreement and applicable law by virtue of such Partner being a General Partner and having such Non-Participating Unit and Capital.

Grant Tax Payment Account ” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.02(g)(i).

Grant Unit ” means any Unit designated as a Grant Unit in accordance with this Agreement.

Group ” means the Cantor Group, the BGC Partners Group, the BGC Partners, Inc. Group, the BGC Holdings Group, the BGC Global Opco Group, the BGC U.S. Opco Group, the Newmark Group, the Newmark Inc. Group, the Holdings Group or the Opco Group, as applicable.

 

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HDII Account ” means, with respect to any Founding/Working Partner holding High Distribution II Units, such Founding/Working Partner’s HDII account established on the books and records of the Partnership.

HDII Account Reduction Obligation ” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.01(a)(iii)(F).

HDII Contributions ” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.01(a)(iii)(C).

HDII Special Allocation ” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.01(a)(iii)(E).

HDII Special Allocation Rate ” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.01(a)(iii)(E).

HDIII Account ” means, with respect to any Founding/Working Partner holding High Distribution III Units, such Founding/Working Partner’s HDIII account established on the books and records of the Partnership.

HDIII Account Reduction Obligation ” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.01(a)(iv).

HDIV Tax Payment Account ” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.01(a)(v).

High Distribution Unit ” means any Unit designated as a High Distribution Unit in accordance with this Agreement.

High Distribution II Unit ” means any Unit designated as a High Distribution II Unit in accordance with this Agreement.

High Distribution III Unit ” means any Unit designated as a High Distribution III Unit in accordance with this Agreement.

High Distribution IV Unit ” means any Unit designated as a High Distribution IV Unit in accordance with this Agreement.

Holdings Group ” means the Partnership and its Subsidiaries (other than any member of the Opco Group).

Holdings Partnership Contribution ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Holdings Partnership Distribution ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Holdings Partnership Division ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

 

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Holdings Ratio ” means, as of any time, the number equal to (a) the aggregate number of Opco Units held by the Holdings Group as of such time divided by (b) the aggregate number of Units issued and outstanding as of such time.

Hypothetical Unit ” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(d)(iii).

Independent Counsel ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.02(i)(ii).

Initial Vesting Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(d)(i).

Interest ” means the General Partnership Interest and any Limited Partnership Interest.

Interim Period ” means the time following the Separation and prior to the Spin-Off.

IPO ” has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.

Legacy Unit ” means a Unit that was issued in connection with the Holdings Partnership Division in respect of a BGC Holdings Legacy Unit.

Limited Partner ” means a Regular Limited Partner (including, for the avoidance of doubt, an Exchangeable Limited Partner and the Special Voting Limited Partners), a Founding Partner, an REU Partner or a Working Partner, each in its capacity as a limited partner of the Partnership.

Limited Partnership Interests ” means the Regular Limited Partnership Interests (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interests and the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest), the Founding Partner Interests, the REU Interests and the Working Partner Interests.

LPU ” means a Working Partner Unit awarded only to members of UK Services Entities that are otherwise identical in all respects to a PSU for purposes under this Agreement.

Majority in Interest ” means the Exchangeable Limited Partner(s) holding a majority of the Units underlying the Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interests outstanding as of the applicable record date.

Maximum Distribution ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.04(a)(ii)a.

Minimum Distribution Amount ” or “ MDA ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.03.

Net Profits ” means, for any period, (a) if the sum of the aggregate Allocable Items for such period is zero or a positive number, then such sum of the aggregate Allocable Items for such period, and (b) if the sum of the aggregate Allocable Items for such period is a negative number, then zero.

 

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Newmark ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement, including any successor to Newmark Group, Inc., whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise.

Newmark Class  A Common Stock ” means the Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Newmark (it being understood that if the Newmark Class A Common Stock, as a class, shall be reclassified, exchanged or converted into another security (including as a result of a merger, consolidation or otherwise) or the right to receive such security, each reference to Newmark Class A Common Stock in this Agreement shall refer to such other security into which the Newmark Class A Common Stock was reclassified, exchanged or converted).

Newmark Class  B Common Stock ” means the Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Newmark (it being understood that if the Newmark Class B Common Stock, as a class, shall be reclassified, exchanged or converted into another security (including as a result of a merger, consolidation or otherwise) or the right to receive such security, each reference to Newmark Class B Common Stock in this Agreement shall refer to such other security into which the Newmark Class B Common Stock was reclassified, exchanged or converted).

Newmark Common Stock ” means the Newmark Class A Common Stock or the Newmark Class B Common Stock, as applicable.

Newmark Company ” means any member of the Newmark Group.

Newmark Current Market Price ” means, as of any date: (a) if shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock are listed on an internationally recognized stock exchange, the average of the closing price per share of Newmark Class A Common Stock on such stock exchange on each of the ten (10) consecutive trading days ending on such date ( it being understood that such price shall be appropriately adjusted in the event that there is a stock dividend or stock split during such ten (10)-consecutive-trading-day period); or (b) if shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock are not listed on an internationally recognized stock exchange, the fair value of a share of Newmark Class A Common Stock as agreed in good faith by Newmark.

Newmark Employee ” means, as of any time, any individual who as of such time is actively employed by or on an approved leave of absence from any member of the Newmark Group; provided that no Shared Services Employee shall be considered a Newmark Employee.

Newmark Exchange ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.01(a).

Newmark Executive Officer ” means any Newmark Employee who is an executive officer of Newmark.

Newmark GP, LLC ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement, including any successor to Newmark GP, LLC, whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise.

 

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Newmark Group ” means Newmark, the Partnership, Opco and each of their respective Subsidiaries.

Newmark Inc. Group ” means Newmark and its Subsidiaries (other than any member of the Holdings Group or Opco Group).

NIC Liability ” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.07.“ NLPU ” means a Working Partner Unit that can only be awarded to members of UK Services Entities and that is otherwise identical in all respects to the LPU for all purposes under this Agreement, except that : (i) it shall not be eligible to be designated as an Exchange Right Interest; (ii) it cannot be made exchangeable for, or exchanged into, Newmark Common Stock; (iii) it shall not be eligible for the allocation of any items of income, gain, loss or deductions of the Partnership, and Section 5.04 shall not apply to it; and (iv) Section 6.01 shall not apply to it. On terms and conditions determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion or as otherwise set forth in the written documentation applicable to such units, an NLPU may be converted into an LPU, which conversion may be set forth in a written vesting schedule. Upon, and subsequent to, any such conversion of an NLPU, such unit shall be treated for all purposes under this Agreement as an LPU.

Non-Exchangeable Legacy Unit ” means a Legacy Unit that, as of the Closing, was not an Exchange Right Unit.

Non-Participating Unit ” means the NLPUs, NPLPUs, NPPSUs, NPREUs, NPSUs, NREUs, APSUs, AREUs, ARPUs, Preferred Units, the Unit held by the Special Voting Limited Partner in respect of the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest and the Unit held by the General Partner in respect of the General Partnership Interest, none of which shall entitle its holder to a share in the Partnership’s profits, losses and operating distributions except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement.

NPLPU ” means a Working Partner Unit that can only be awarded to members of UK Services Entities and that is otherwise identical in all respects to the PLPU for all purposes under this Agreement, except that : (i) it shall not be eligible to be designated as an Exchange Right Interest; (ii) it cannot be made exchangeable for, or exchanged into, Newmark Common Stock; (iii) it shall not be eligible for the allocation of any items of income, gain, loss or deductions of the Partnership and Section 5.04 shall not apply to it; and (iv) Section 6.01 shall not apply to it. On terms and conditions determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion or as otherwise set forth in the written documentation applicable to such units, an NPLPU may be converted into a PLPU, which conversion may be set forth in a written vesting schedule. Upon, and subsequent to, any such conversion of an NPLPU, such unit shall be treated for all purposes under this Agreement as a PLPU.

NPPSU ” means a Working Partner Unit that is identical in all respects to the PPSU for all purposes under this Agreement, except that : (i) it shall not be eligible to be designated as an Exchange Right Interest; (ii) it cannot be made exchangeable for, or exchanged into, Newmark Common Stock; (iii) it shall not be eligible for the allocation of any items of income, gain, loss or deductions of the Partnership and Section 5.04 shall not apply to it; and (iv) Section 6.01 shall not apply to it. On terms and conditions determined by the General

 

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Partner in its sole discretion or as otherwise set forth in the written documentation applicable to such units, an NPPSU may be converted into a PPSU, which conversion may be set forth in a written vesting schedule. Upon, and subsequent to, any such conversion of an NPPSU, such unit shall be treated for all purposes under this Agreement as a PPSU.

NPREU ” means a Working Partner Unit that is identical in all respects to the PREU for all purposes under this Agreement, except that : (i) it shall not be eligible to be designated as an Exchange Right Interest; (ii) it cannot be made exchangeable for, or exchanged into, Newmark Common Stock; (iii) it shall not be eligible for the allocation of any items of income, gain, loss or deductions of the Partnership and Section 5.04 shall not apply to it; and (iv) Section 6.01 shall not apply to it. On terms and conditions determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion or as otherwise set forth in the written documentation applicable to such units, an NPREU may be converted into a PREU, which conversion may be set forth in a written vesting schedule. Upon, and subsequent to, any such conversion of an NPREU, such unit shall be treated for all purposes under this Agreement as a PREU.

NPSU ” means a Working Partner Unit that is identical in all respects to the PSU for all purposes under this Agreement, except that : (i) it shall not be eligible to be designated as an Exchange Right Interest; (ii) it cannot be made exchangeable for, or exchanged into, Newmark Common Stock; (iii) it shall not be eligible for the allocation of any items of income, gain, loss or deductions of the Partnership and Section 5.04 shall not apply to it; and (iv) Section 6.01 shall not apply to it. On terms and conditions determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion, an NPSU may be converted into a PSU and/or a PPSU, which conversion may be set forth in a written vesting schedule. Upon, and subsequent to, any such conversion of an NPSU, such unit shall be treated for all purposes under this Agreement as a PSU and/or a PPSU, as applicable.

NREU ” means a Working Partner Unit that is identical in all respects to the REU for all purposes under this Agreement, except that : (i) it shall not be eligible to be designated as an Exchange Right Interest; (ii) it cannot be made exchangeable for, or exchanged into, Newmark Common Stock; (iii) it shall not be eligible for the allocation of any items of income, gain, loss or deductions of the Partnership and Section 5.04 shall not apply to it; and (iv) Section 6.01 shall not apply to it. On terms and conditions determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion or as otherwise set forth in the written documentation applicable to such units, an NREU may be converted into an REU, which conversion may be set forth in a written vesting schedule. Upon, and subsequent to, any such conversion of an NREU such unit shall be treated for all purposes under this Agreement as an REU.

Opco ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement, including any successor to Newmark Partners, L.P., whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise.

Opco Capital ” means “Capital” as defined in the Opco Limited Partnership Agreement.

Opco General Partner ” means the “General Partner” as defined in the Opco Limited Partnership Agreement.

 

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Opco General Partnership Interest ” means the “General Partnership Interest” as defined in the Opco Limited Partnership Agreement.

Opco Group ” means Opco and its Subsidiaries.

Opco Interest ” means an “Interest” as defined in the Opco Limited Partnership Agreement.

Opco Limited Partnership Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Opco, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A .

Opco Limited Partnership Interest ” means the “Limited Partnership Interest” as defined in the Opco Limited Partnership Agreement.

Opco Partnership Contribution ” has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.

Opco Partnership Division ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Opco Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest ” means the “Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest” as defined in the Opco Limited Partnership Agreement.

Opco Units ” means “Units” as defined in the Opco Limited Partnership Agreement.

Original Limited Partnership Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Participation Plan ” means the participation plan of the Partnership, as amended from time to time, in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B .

Partner Obligations ” has the meaning set forth in Section 3.03(a).

Partners ” means the Limited Partners (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Regular Limited Partners (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Exchangeable Limited Partners and the Special Voting Limited Partner), the Founding Partners, the REU Partners and the Working Partners) and the General Partner, and “ Partner ” means any of the foregoing.

Partnership ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement, including any successor to Newmark Holdings, L.P., whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise.

PAYE ” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.07.

Payment Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.02(b)(ii).

 

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Percentage Interest ” means, as of the applicable calculation time, with respect to a Partner, the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the number of Units held by such Partner over the number of Units held by all Partners.

Person ” means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, joint stock company, limited liability company, governmental entity or other entity of any kind, and shall include any successor (by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise) of such entity.

Personal Representative ” means the executor, administrator or other personal representative of any deceased or disabled Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, or any trustee of the estate of any bankrupt or deceased Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be.

PLPU ” means a Working Partner Unit that can only be awarded to holders of, or contemporaneous with the issuance of, the LPU, and is otherwise identical in all respects to the LPU for all purposes under this Agreement, except that : (i) it shall not be eligible to be designated as an Exchange Right Interest; (ii) it cannot be made exchangeable for, or exchanged into, Newmark Common Stock; (iii) notwithstanding that it can be redeemed by the General Partner at any time for zero, to the extent any payment (other than a distribution relating to the Preferred Allocation) is made with respect to it, such payment shall be subject to the then current policies and procedures of the Partnership applicable to it; and (iv) any terms of this Agreement that are specific to it shall apply (including Section 5.04).

Post-Termination Payment ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section 12.02(f)(i).

PPSE ” means a Working Partner Unit that can only be awarded to holders of, or contemporaneous with the issuance of, the PSE, and is otherwise identical in all respects to the PSE for all purposes under this Agreement, except that : (i) it shall not be eligible to be designated as an Exchange Right Interest; (ii) it cannot be made exchangeable for, or exchanged into, Newmark Common Stock; (iii) notwithstanding that it can be redeemed by the General Partner at any time for zero, to the extent any payment (other than a distribution relating to the Preferred Allocation) is made with respect to it, such payment shall be subject to the then current policies and procedures of the Partnership applicable to it; and (iv) any terms of this Agreement that are specific to it shall apply (including Section 5.04).

PPSI ” means a Working Partner Unit that can only be awarded to holders of, or contemporaneous with the issuance of, the PSI, and is otherwise identical in all respects to the PSI for all purposes under this Agreement, except that : (i) it shall not be eligible to be designated as an Exchange Right Interest; (ii) it cannot be made exchangeable for, or exchanged into, Newmark Common Stock; (iii) notwithstanding that it can be redeemed by the General Partner at any time for zero, to the extent any payment (other than a distribution relating to the Preferred Allocation) is made with respect to it, such payment shall be subject to the then current policies and procedures of the Partnership applicable to it; and (iv) any terms of this Agreement that are specific to it shall apply (including Section 5.04).

 

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PPSU ” means a Working Partner Unit that can only be awarded to holders of, or contemporaneous with the issuance of, the PSU, and is otherwise identical in all respects to the PSU for all purposes under this Agreement, except that : (i) it shall not be eligible to be designated as an Exchange Right Interest; (ii) it cannot be made exchangeable for, or exchanged into, Newmark Common Stock; (iii) notwithstanding that it can be redeemed by the General Partner at any time for zero, to the extent any payment (other than a distribution relating to the Preferred Allocation) is made with respect to it, such payment shall be subject to the then current policies and procedures of the Partnership applicable to it; and (iv) any terms of this Agreement that are specific to it shall apply (including Section 5.04).

Preferred Allocation ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.04(a)(i).

Preferred Unit ” means the following Unit types: PPSUs, PPSIs, PPSEs, PLPUs, PREUs, PRPUs, and APREUs.

Pre-Five Year Units ” means, with respect to a Working Partner who becomes a Terminated or Bankrupt Partner, all Working Partner Units that such Working Partner acquired from the Partnership not more than 60 months prior to the date on which such Working Partner became a Terminated or Bankrupt Partner; provided that, in the event that such Working Partner Unit is a Legacy Unit, the relevant date for determining when such Working Partner Unit was acquired by such Working Partner is the date on which such Working Partner acquired from BGC Holdings the related BGC Holdings Legacy Unit.

PREU ” means a Working Partner Unit that can only be awarded to holders of, or contemporaneous with the issuance of, the REU, and is otherwise identical in all respects to the REU for all purposes under this Agreement, except that : (i) it shall not be eligible to be designated as an Exchange Right Interest; (ii) it cannot be made exchangeable for, or exchanged into, Newmark Common Stock; (iii) to the extent any payment (other than a distribution relating to the Preferred Allocation) is made with respect to it, such payment shall be subject to the then current policies and procedures of the Partnership applicable to it; and (iv) any terms of this Agreement that are specific to it shall apply (including Section 5.04).

proceeding ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.02(a).

Proportionate Quarterly Tax Distribution ” means, for each Partner for each fiscal quarter or other applicable period, such Partner’s Proportionate Tax Share for such fiscal quarter or other applicable period.

Proportionate Tax Share ” means, with respect to a Partner, the product of (a) the Tax Distribution for the fiscal year, fiscal quarter or other period, as applicable, and (b) the Percentage Interest of such Partner for such fiscal year, fiscal quarter, or other period. In the event that the Percentage Interest of a Partner changes during any fiscal year, fiscal quarter or other period, the Proportionate Tax Share of such Partner and the other Partners, as the case may be, for such fiscal year, fiscal quarter or other period shall be appropriately adjusted to take into account the Partners’ varying interests.

 

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PRPU ” means a Working Partner Unit that can only be awarded to holders of, or contemporaneous with the issuance of, the RPU, and is otherwise identical in all respects to the RPU for all purposes under this Agreement, except that : (i) it shall not be eligible to be designated as an Exchange Right Interest; (ii) it cannot be made exchangeable for, or exchanged into, Newmark Common Stock; (iii) to the extent any payment (other than a distribution relating to the Preferred Allocation) is made with respect to it, such payment shall be subject to the then current policies and procedures of the Partnership applicable to it; and (iv) any terms of this Agreement that are specific to it shall apply (including Section 5.04).

PSE ” means a Working Partner Unit that is identical in all respects to a PSU for all purposes under the Agreement; except that , the provisions of Section 6.03(b) shall apply to the PSE. The PSE shall be counted in the calculation of a Partner’s Percentage Interest in the event of dissolution of the Partnership (as opposed to the RPUs, ARPUs, and PSIs).

PSE Minimum Distribution Amount ” or “ PSE MDA ” has the meaning set forth in Section 6.03(b).

PSI ” means a Working Partner Unit that is identical in all respects to a Restricted Partnership Unit for all purposes under this Agreement; provided that PSIs shall have no Post-Termination Amount.

PSU ” means a Working Partner Unit that is identical in all respects to an REU for purposes under the Agreement; provided that PSUs shall have no Post-Termination Amount.

Publicly Traded Shares ” means shares of Newmark Common Stock (if listed on any national securities exchange or included for quotation in any quotation system in the United States (even if such shares are restricted securities under the Securities Act) and any shares of capital stock of any other entity, if such shares are of a class that is listed on any national securities exchange or included for quotation in any quotation system in the United States (even if such shares are restricted securities under the Securities Act).

Quarter ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.04(a)(i).

Redemption Consideration ” has the meaning set forth in Section 13.19(a).

Reduction Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.01(a)(iv).

Regular Limited Partner ” means any Person who has acquired a Regular Limited Partnership Interest pursuant to and in compliance with this Agreement and who shall have been admitted to the Partnership as a Regular Limited Partner in accordance with this Agreement and shall not have ceased to be a Regular Limited Partner under the terms of this Agreement.

Regular Limited Partnership Interest ” means, with respect to any Regular Limited Partner, such Partner’s Units (including any Units designated as Exchange Right Units) and Capital designated as a “Regular Limited Partnership Interest” (including, for the avoidance of doubt, designation as an “Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest” and the “Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest”) on Schedule  4.02 and Schedule  5.01 in accordance with this Agreement and rights and obligations with respect to the Partnership pursuant to this Agreement and applicable law by virtue of such Partner holding such Unit and having such Capital.

 

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Relative Value of BGC and Newmark ” means the value of the BGC Opcos relative to the value of Opco as of following the Separation, as determined by the General Partner of BGC Holdings and the General Partner using the BGC Current Market Price and the Newmark Current Market Price as of 10 trading days commencing on the date of the closing of the IPO.

Representatives ” means, with respect to any Person, the Affiliates, directors, managers, officers, employees, general partners, agents, accountants, managing members, employees, counsel and other advisors and representatives of such Person.

Requested Exchange Effective Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section 8.01(f).

Restricted Partnership Unit ” or “ RPU ” means any Unit designated as Restricted Partnership Unit in accordance with this Agreement.

Restricted Partnership Unit Post-Termination Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.01(a)(vi)(B).

Restricted Partnership Unit Post-Termination Payment ” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.02(j)(i).

Restricted Period ” means (a) with respect to the obligations described in clauses (i) and (v) of Section 3.03(a), the period from the date on which a Person first becomes a Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, through the date on which such Person ceases, for any reason, to be a Partner, (b) with respect to the obligations described in clause (iii) of Section 3.03(a), the period from the date on which a Person first becomes a Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, through the one-year period immediately following the date on which such Person ceases, for any reason, to be a Partner, (c) with respect to the obligations described in clause (ii) of Section 3.03(a), the period from the date on which a Person first becomes a Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner through the two-year period immediately following the date on which such Person ceases, for any reason, to be a Partner, and (d) with respect to the obligations described in clauses (iv) and (vi) of Section 3.03(a), the period from the date on which a Person first becomes a Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner through the four-year period immediately following the date on which such Person ceases, for any reason, to be a Partner.

Retained Business ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Separation Agreement.

REU ” means any Unit designated as an REU in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

REU Interest ” means, with respect to any REU Partner, such Partner’s REUs and Capital designated as “REU Interest” on Schedule  4.02 and Schedule  5.01 in accordance with this Agreement and rights and obligations with respect to the Partnership pursuant to this Agreement and applicable law by virtue of such Partner holding such REUs and having such Capital.

 

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REU Partner ” means a holder of REU Interests. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, (a) in the case of an REU Partner that is a trust, “REU Partner” shall mean any one or more grantor(s), trustee(s) and/or beneficiar(ies) of such trust, as determined by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion, consistent with the purposes of this Agreement; and (b) in the case of a REU Partner that is a corporation or other entity, “REU Partner” shall mean any one or more shareholder(s) or owner(s) of such entity, as determined by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion, consistent with the purposes of this Agreement.

REU Post-Termination Amount ” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.01(b)(iii).

REU Post-Termination Payment ” has the meaning set forth in Section 12.02(h)(i).

Securities Act ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.06 of this Agreement.

Separation ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Separation Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Shared Services Employee ” means, as of any time, any individual who as of such time is actively employed by or on an approved leave of absence from any member of the Cantor Group, BGC Partners Group or the Newmark Group and provides services to both members of the BGC Partners Group and members of the Newmark Group, including pursuant to one or both of the Administrative Services Agreements.

Shortfall ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.04(a)(ii).

Special Voting Limited Partner ” means the Regular Limited Partner holding the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest pursuant to and in compliance with this Agreement and who shall have been admitted to the Partnership as a Regular Limited Partner designated as the Special Voting Limited Partner in accordance with this Agreement and shall not have ceased to be a Regular Limited Partner designated as the Special Voting Limited Partner under the terms of this Agreement.

Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest ” means, with respect to the Special Voting Limited Partner, such Partner’s Non-Participating Unit and Capital designated as the “Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest” on Schedule  4.02 and Schedule  5.01 in accordance with this Agreement and rights and obligations with respect to the Partnership pursuant to this Agreement and applicable law by virtue of such Partner holding such Non-Participating Unit and having such Capital.

Spin-Off ” means the distribution of shares of Newmark Common Stock constituting “control” (within the meaning of Section 368(c) of the Code) held by BGC Partners to the stockholders and/or securityholders of BGC Partners.

 

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Spin-Off Date ” means the date, if any, on which the Spin-Off occurs.

Subsidiary ” means, as of the relevant date of determination, with respect to any Person, any corporation or other Person of which 50% or more of the voting power of the outstanding voting equity securities or 50% or more of the outstanding economic equity interest is held, directly or indirectly, by such Person.

Tax Distribution ” means, for any fiscal quarter or fiscal year or other period of the Partnership during the term of the Partnership, the product of (a) the aggregate amount of taxable income or gain allocated to the Partners pursuant to Section 5.04(a) for such period and (b) the Applicable Tax Rate for such period.

Tax Matters Partner ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.07.

Ten Year Units ” means, with respect to a Working Partner who becomes a Terminated or Bankrupt Partner, all Working Partner Units that such Working Partner acquired from the Partnership more than 120 months prior to the date on which such Working Partner became a Terminated or Bankrupt Partner; provided that, in the event that such Working Partner Unit is a Legacy Unit, the relevant date for determining when such Working Partner Unit was acquired by such Working Partner is the date on which such Working Partner acquired from BGC Holdings the related BGC Holdings Legacy Unit.

Termination ” (including the form “ Terminated ”) means, with respect to any Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, (a) any Person that was a Terminated Founding/Working Partner or Terminated REU Partner under the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement as of the Separation; (b) in the case of any Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner that is employed by any of the BGC Opcos or any of the BGC Affiliated Entities (other than this Partnership, Opco or any of their respective Subsidiaries) as of immediately after the Separation, any Person that becomes a Terminated Founding/Working Partner or Terminated REU Partner under the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement, and (c) in the case of any Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner that is employed by this Partnership, Opco or any of their respective Subsidiaries as of immediately after the Separation, (i) the actual termination of the employment of such Partner, such that such Partner is no longer an employee of Opco or any Affiliated Entities, for any reason whatsoever, including termination by the employer with or without cause, by such Partner or by reason of death, or (ii) in the sole and absolute discretion of the General Partner, the termination by the General Partner, which may occur without termination of a Partner’s employment, of the Partner’s status as a Partner by reason of the determination by the General Partner that such Partner has breached this Agreement or the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement or that such Partner has otherwise ceased to provide substantial services to the Partnership or any Affiliated Entity (such as by going or being placed on “garden leave” or entering into a similar type of arrangement), even if such cessation is at the direction of the Partnership or any Affiliated Entity. For purposes of clause (c) above, Termination shall also include the date on which a Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner ceases to be a Partner for any other reason, including the date on which all of a Partner’s Units and Non-Participating Units are redeemed pursuant to Section 12.03. With respect to a corporate or other entity Partner, Termination shall also include the Termination of the beneficial owner, grantor, beneficiary or trustee of such Partner. A Partner shall be considered to be Terminated

 

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immediately upon the occurrence of the events described above (or, in the sole and absolute discretion of the General Partner, as of the first day of the fiscal quarter in which the event giving rise to such Termination occurs); provided , however , that such Partner (or in the case of a deceased Partner, the Personal Representative of such Partner) and the General Partner may agree in writing that such Partner shall not become a Terminated Partner until such later time as selected at any time by the General Partner or as is set forth in such written agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, solely with respect to any Unit or Non-Participating Unit held by a Partner for which a Post-Termination Payment would be subject to United States income tax, a “Termination” (including the form “Terminated”) under clause (c) above shall mean the date upon which the facts and circumstances indicate it is reasonably anticipated, as determined by the General Partner, that (i) no further services will be performed by the Partner, or (ii) the level of services that the Partner will perform for the Partnership or any Affiliate in any capacity would permanently decrease to 20% or less of the average level of services performed by such Partner in the immediately preceding 36-month period.

Transfer ” means any transfer, sale, conveyance, assignment, gift, hypothecation, pledge or other disposition, whether voluntary or by operation of law, of all or any part of an Interest or any right, title or interest therein.

Transferee ” means the transferee in a Transfer or proposed Transfer.

Transferor ” means the transferor in a Transfer or proposed Transfer.

Transferred Assets ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Separation Agreement.

Transferred Business ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Separation Agreement.

Transferred Liabilities ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Separation Agreement.

UCC ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.07.

UK Services Entities ” means BGC Services (Holdings) LLP or such other equivalent partnerships or entities to which partnership or similar awards are made to financial services, real estate or other employees, brokers or consultants employed by BGC Partners, Newmark or their respective Affiliates or their Affiliates from time to time.

Under Three-Year Units ” means, with respect to a Working Partner who becomes a Terminated or Bankrupt Partner, all Working Partner Units that such Working Partner acquired from the Partnership not more than 36 months prior to the date on which such Working Partner became a Terminated or Bankrupt Partner; provided that, in the event that such Working Partner Unit is a Legacy Unit, the relevant date for determining when such Working Partner Unit was acquired by such Working Partner is the date on which such Working Partner acquired from BGC Holdings the related BGC Holdings Legacy Unit.

 

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Unit ” means, with respect to any Partner, such Partner’s partnership interest in the Partnership entitling the holder to a share in the Partnership’s profits, losses and operating distributions as provided in this Agreement (including any Unit designated as an Exchange Right Unit, a Founding Partner Unit, an REU or a Working Partner Unit, but excluding any Non-Participating Unit).

Vested Percentage ” has the meaning set forth in Section 11.01(d)(i).

Working Partner ” means a holder of Working Partner Interests. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, (a) in the case of a Working Partner that is a trust, “Working Partner” shall mean any one or more grantor(s), trustee(s) and/or beneficiar(ies) of such trust, as determined by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion, consistent with the purposes of this Agreement; and (b) in the case of a Working Partner that is a corporation or other entity, “Working Partner” shall mean any one or more shareholder(s) or owner(s) of such entity, as determined by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion, consistent with the purposes of this Agreement.

Working Partner Interest ” means, with respect to any Working Partner, such Partner’s Working Partner Units, Non-Participating Units and Capital designated as “Working Partner Interest” on Schedule  4.02 and Schedule  5.01 in accordance with this Agreement and rights and obligations with respect to the Partnership pursuant to this Agreement and applicable law by virtue of such Partner holding such Working Partner Units and/or Non-Participating Units and having such Capital.

Working Partner Unit ” means any Unit (including High Distribution Units, High Distribution II Units, High Distribution III Units, High Distribution IV Units, Grant Units, Restricted Partnership Units, PSUs, PSIs, PSEs and, LPUs) or Non-Participating Unit (including NPSUs, NPPSUs, NREUs, NPREUs, NLPUs, NPLPUs, APSUs, AREUs, ARPUs and Preferred Units) designated as a Working Partner Unit in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

SECTION 1.02. Other Definitional Provisions . Wherever required by the context of this Agreement, the singular shall include the plural and vice versa, and the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter genders and vice versa, and references to any agreement, document or instrument shall be deemed to refer to such agreement, document or instrument as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time. When used herein:

(a) the word “ or ” is not exclusive unless the context clearly requires otherwise;

(b) the word “ control ” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “ controlled by ” and “ under common control with ”), as used with respect to any Person, means the direct or indirect possession 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 contract or otherwise;

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

 

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

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

SECTION 1.03. References to Schedules . The General Partner shall maintain and revise from time to time all schedules referred to in this Agreement in accordance with this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything in Section 13.01 to the contrary, any such revision shall not be deemed an amendment to this Agreement, and shall not require any further act, vote or approval of any Person.

ARTICLE II

FORMATION, CONTINUATION AND POWERS

SECTION 2.01. Formation . On September 27, 2017, the Partnership was formed pursuant to the laws of the State of Delaware pursuant to a Certificate of Limited Partnership. The Original Limited Partnership Agreement was entered into on [•], 2017 and, prior to the effectiveness of this Agreement, constituted the partnership agreement (as defined in the Act) of the parties thereto. The Original Limited Partnership Agreement was amended and restated in its entirety to be this Agreement effective as of the date hereof, and this Agreement constitutes the partnership agreement (as defined in the Act) of the parties hereto.

SECTION 2.02. Name . The name of the Partnership is “Newmark Holdings, L.P.”

SECTION 2.03. Purpose and Scope of Activity . The purposes of the Partnership shall be to perform its obligations under the Ancillary Agreements; to hold, directly or indirectly, the Opco General Partnership Interest, the Opco Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest and Opco Limited Partnership Interests; to administer the exchanges of Exchange Right Units in accordance with this Agreement, the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement and the Separation Agreement; to administer and manage the Partnership’s relationship with Cantor, the Founding/Working Partners, the REU Partners, Newmark and Opco and its rights and obligations under the Ancillary Agreements to which it is a party (including by exercising its rights thereunder); and to engage in any activity, and to take any action, necessary, appropriate, proper, advisable, convenient, or incidental to carrying out the foregoing purposes to the extent consistent with applicable laws (including entering into agreements, opening bank accounts, making filings, applications and reports, consenting to service of process, appointing an attorney to receive service of process, and executing any other papers and instruments which may be necessary, convenient, or incidental thereto).

 

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SECTION 2.04. Principal Place of Business . For purposes of the Act, the principal place of business of the Partnership shall be located in New York, New York or at such other place as may hereafter be designated from time to time by the General Partner. The Partnership, committee, and officer meetings shall take place at the Partnership’s principal place of business unless decided otherwise for any particular meeting.

The Partnership may qualify to transact business in such other states and under such assumed business names (for which all applicable assumed business name certificates or filings shall be made) as the General Partner shall determine. Each Partner shall execute, acknowledge, swear to, and deliver all certificates or other documents necessary or appropriate to qualify, continue, and terminate the Partnership as a foreign limited partnership in such jurisdictions in which the Partnership may conduct or cease to conduct business, as applicable.

SECTION 2.05. Registered Agent and Office . The registered agent for service of process is, and the mailing address of the registered office of the Partnership in the State of Delaware is in care of, Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, Delaware 19808. At any time, the Partnership may designate another registered agent and/or registered office.

SECTION 2.06. Authorized Persons . The execution and causing to be filed of the Certificate of Limited Partnership by the applicable authorized Persons on behalf of the General Partner are hereby specifically ratified, adopted, and confirmed. The officers of the Partnership and the General Partner are hereby designated as authorized Persons to act in connection with executing and causing to be filed, when approved by the appropriate governing body or bodies hereunder, any certificates required or permitted to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and any certificates (and any amendments and/or restatements thereof) necessary for the Partnership to file in any jurisdiction in which the Partnership is required to make a filing.

SECTION 2.07. Term . The term of the Partnership began on the date the Certificate of Limited Partnership of the Partnership became effective, and the Partnership shall have perpetual existence unless sooner dissolved as provided in Article IX.

SECTION 2.08. Treatment as Partnership . Except as otherwise required pursuant to a “determination” within the meaning of Section 1313(a)(1) of the Code, the parties shall treat the Partnership as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes and agree not to take any action or fail to take any action which action or inaction would be inconsistent with such treatment.

SECTION 2.09. Compliance with Law; Offset Rights . (a) The Partnership shall use its best efforts to comply with any and all governmental requirements applicable to it, including the making of any and all necessary or advisable governmental registrations.

(b) Each Founding/Working Partner and each REU Partner agrees to use his, her, or its best efforts to comply with any and all governmental requirements applicable to the Partnership and the Affiliated Entities. Each Founding/Working Partner and each REU Partner agrees to indemnify the Partnership and the Affiliated Entities against any loss, claim, damage, or cost, including attorneys’ fees and expenses resulting from a failure to comply with any such requirement due to such Partner’s willful misconduct or gross negligence.

 

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(c) Upon a breach of this Agreement by, or the Termination or Bankruptcy of, a Founding/Working Partner or an REU Partner that is subject to the Partner Obligations, or in the event that any such Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, owes any amount to the Partnership or to any Affiliated Entity or fails to pay any amount to any other Person with respect to which amount the Partnership or any Affiliated Entity is a guarantor or surety or is similarly liable (in each case whether or not such amount is then due and payable), the Partnership shall have the right to set off the amount that such Partner owes to the Partnership or any Affiliated Entity or any such other Person under any agreement or otherwise and the amount of any cost or expense incurred or projected to be incurred by the Partnership in connection with such breach, such Termination or Bankruptcy or such indebtedness (including attorneys’ fees and expenses and any diminution in value of any Partnership assets and including in each case both monetary obligations and the fair market value of any non-cash item and amounts not yet due or incurred) against any amounts that it owes to such Partner under this Agreement or otherwise, or to reduce the Capital Account, the Base Amount and/or the distributions (quarterly or otherwise) of such Partner by any such amount.

ARTICLE III

MANAGEMENT

SECTION 3.01. Management by the General Partner . (a) Subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement, the management and control of the business and affairs of the Partnership shall be vested solely in, and directed and exercised solely by, the General Partner. In furtherance of the activities of the Partnership, subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement, the General Partner shall have all rights and powers, statutory or otherwise, possessed by general partners of limited partnerships under the laws of the State of Delaware.

(b) Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the General Partner has full and exclusive power and authority to do, on behalf of the Partnership, all things that are deemed necessary, appropriate or desirable by the General Partner to conduct, direct, and manage the business and other affairs of the Partnership and is authorized and empowered, on behalf and in the name of the Partnership, to carry out and implement, directly or through such agents as the General Partner may appoint, such actions and execute such documents as the General Partner may deem necessary or advisable, or as may be incidental to or necessary for the conduct of the business of the Partnership. Without limiting the foregoing, and notwithstanding other provisions contained in this Agreement, the General Partner shall have the authority to waive the application of any provision of this Agreement with respect to a Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner or all or a portion of a Founding/Working Partner’s or REU Partner’s Units or Non-Participating Units; provided that no waiver shall be enforceable as against the General Partner and the Partnership unless in writing and signed by the General Partner. Unless expressly otherwise provided in this Agreement, all determinations, judgments, and/or actions that may be made or taken, or not made or not taken, with respect to the

 

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Founding/Working Partners or the REU Partners by the General Partner in its discretion pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement, shall be in the sole and absolute discretion of the General Partner. All determinations and judgments made by the General Partner with respect to the Founding/Working Partners or the REU Partners, as the case may be, in good faith and not in violation of the terms of the Agreement shall be conclusive and binding on all Founding/Working Partners or the REU Partners, as the case may be.

(c) The General Partner agrees to use its best efforts to meet all requirements of the Code and currently applicable regulations, rulings, and other procedures of the Internal Revenue Service to ensure that the Partnership will be classified for United States federal income tax purposes as a partnership.

(d) The General Partner may appoint officers, managers, or agents of the Partnership and may delegate to such officers, managers, or agents all or part of the powers, authorities, duties or responsibilities possessed by or imposed on the General Partner pursuant to this Agreement (without limitation on the General Partner’s ability to exercise such powers, authorities, or responsibilities directly at any time); provided that, notwithstanding anything herein or in any other agreement to the contrary, the General Partner may remove any such officer, manager, or agent, and may revoke any or all such powers, authorities, and responsibilities so delegated to any such person, in each case at any time with or without cause. The officers of the Partnership shall consist of such positions and titles that the General Partner may in its discretion designate or create, including a Chairman, a Chief Executive Officer, a President, a Chief Financial Officer, one or more Vice Presidents, a Treasurer, one or more Assistant Treasurers, a Secretary, or one or more Assistant Secretaries. A single person may hold more than one office. Each officer shall hold office until his successor is chosen, or until his death, resignation, or removal from office.

Each of such officers shall have such powers and duties with respect to the business and other affairs of the Partnership, and shall be subject to such restrictions and limitations, as are prescribed from time to time by the General Partner; provided , however , that each officer shall at all times be subject to the direction and control of the General Partner in the performance of such powers and duties.

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, without the prior written consent of Cantor, the General Partner shall not take any action that may adversely affect Cantor’s Purchase Rights (as defined in the Separation Agreement) in Section 6.11 of the Separation Agreement.

SECTION 3.02. Role and Voting Rights of Limited Partners; Authority of Partners . (a)  Limitation on Role of Limited Partners . No Limited Partner shall have any right of control or management power over the business or other affairs of the Partnership as a result of its status as a Limited Partner except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. No Limited Partner shall participate in the control of the Partnership’s business in any manner that would, under the Act, subject such Limited Partner to any liability beyond those liabilities expressly contemplated hereunder, including holding himself, herself, or itself out to third parties as a

 

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general partner of the Partnership; provided that any Limited Partner may be an employee of the Partnership or of any Affiliated Entities and perform such duties and do all such acts required or appropriate in such role, and no such performance or acts shall subject such Limited Partner to any liability beyond those liabilities expressly contemplated hereunder. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in accordance with, and to the fullest extent permitted by the Act (including Section 17-303 thereof), Limited Partners (directly or through an Affiliate) (i) may consult with and advise the General Partner or any other Person (including any Affiliated Entity) with respect to any matter, including the business of the Partnership, (ii) may, or may cause the General Partner or any other Person (including any Affiliated Entity) to, take or refrain from taking any action, including by proposing, approving, consenting, or disapproving, by voting or otherwise, with respect to any matter, including the business of the Partnership, (iii) may transact business with the General Partner or any other Person (including any Affiliated Entity) or the Partnership, and (iv) may be an officer, director, partner or stockholder of the General Partner or any other Person (including any Affiliated Entity) or have its Representatives serve as officers or directors of the General Partner or any other Person (including any Affiliated Entity) without incurring additional liabilities to third parties.

(b) No Limited Partner Voting Rights . To the fullest extent permitted by Section 17-302(f) of the Act, the Limited Partners shall not have any voting rights under the Act, this Agreement, or otherwise, and shall not be entitled to consent to, approve, or authorize any actions by the Partnership or the General Partner, except in each case as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement.

(c) Authority of Partners . Except as set forth herein with respect to the General Partner, no Limited Partner shall have any power or authority, in such Partner’s capacity as a Limited Partner, to act for or bind the Partnership except to the extent that such Limited Partner is so authorized in writing prior thereto by the General Partner. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as set forth herein with respect to the General Partner, no Limited Partner, as such, shall, except as so authorized, have any power or authority to incur any liability or execute any instrument, agreement, or other document for or on behalf of the Partnership, whether in the Partnership’s name or otherwise. Persons dealing with the Partnership are entitled to rely conclusively upon the power and authority of the General Partner. Each Limited Partner hereby agrees that, except to the extent provided in this Agreement and except to the extent that such Limited Partner shall be the General Partner, it will not participate in the management or control of the business and other affairs of the Partnership, will not transact any business for the Partnership, and will not attempt to act for or bind the Partnership.

(d) Consent Rights . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the General Partner shall not take any of the following actions without the written consent of a Majority in Interest:

(i) decreasing the amount distributed to Partners pursuant to Article VI or Section 12.03 with respect to any fiscal quarter or other period;

 

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(ii) amending this Agreement pursuant to Section 13.01, or directing the Partnership in its capacity as the owner of the Opco General Partner to amend or consent to an amendment of the Opco Limited Partnership Agreement;

(iii) taking any other action, or directing the Partnership in its capacity as the owner of the Opco General Partner to take any other action, that may adversely affect any member of the Cantor Group’s exercise of its rights under Article XII or its right to exchange certain Exchange Right Units, together with Limited Partnership Interests and related Capital, for shares of Newmark Common Stock or shares of BGC Common Stock under Article VIII or the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement; and/or

(iv) Transferring any Opco Units beneficially owned, directly or indirectly, by the Partnership or its Subsidiaries, except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement.

(e) Founding/Working Partners . Each of the Founding/Working Partners shall have the rights and obligations set forth in this Agreement, including Article XII, and each of the Founding/Working Partners shall remain a Founding/Working Partner until he, she, or it ceases to be a Limited Partner pursuant to this Agreement.

(f) REU Partners . Each of the REU Partners shall have the rights and obligations set forth in this Agreement, including Article XII, and each of the REU Partners shall remain an REU Partner until he, she, or it ceases to be a Limited Partner pursuant to this Agreement.

SECTION 3.03. Partner Obligations . (a) Each Regular Limited Partner, Founding/Working Partner and REU Partner agrees that, in addition to any other obligations that he, she, or it may have under this Agreement, he, she, or it shall have a duty of loyalty to the Partnership and further agrees during the Restricted Period, not to, either directly or indirectly (including by or through an Affiliate) (collectively, clauses (i) through (vi), the “ Partner Obligations ”):

(i) breach such Limited Partner’s duty of loyalty to the Partnership;

(ii) engage in any activity of the nature set forth in clause (A) of the definition of Competitive Activity;

(iii) engage in any activity of the nature set forth in clauses (B) through (E) of the definition of Competitive Activity or take any action that results directly or indirectly in revenues or other benefit for such Limited Partner or any third party that is or could be considered to be engaged in any activity of the nature set forth in clauses (B) through (E) of the definition of Competitive Activity, except as otherwise agreed to in writing by the General Partner, in its sole and absolute discretion;

 

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(iv) make or participate in the making of (including through the applicable Partner’s or any of his, her or its Affiliates’ respective Representatives) any comments to the media (print, broadcast, electronic or otherwise) that are disparaging regarding (A) Newmark, any of the Affiliated Entities or any of their Affiliates, or (B) the senior executive officers of Newmark, any Affiliated Entity, or any of their Affiliates, or are otherwise contrary to the interests of Newmark, any Affiliated Entity or any of their Affiliates, as determined by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion;

(v) except as otherwise permitted in Section 13.15, take advantage of, or provide another person with the opportunity to take advantage of, a “corporate opportunity” (as such term would apply to the Partnership if it were a corporation) including opportunities related to intellectual property, which for this purpose shall require granting Newmark a right of first refusal for Newmark to acquire any assets, stock, or other ownership interest in a business being sold by any Partner or Affiliate of such Partner, if an investment in such business would constitute a “corporate opportunity” (as such term would apply to the Partnership if it were a corporation) that has not been presented to and rejected by Newmark, or that Newmark rejects but reserves for possible further action by Newmark in writing, unless otherwise consented to by the General Partner in writing in its sole and absolute discretion; or

(vi) otherwise take any action to harm, that harms, or that reasonably could be expected to harm Newmark, any of the Affiliated Entities, or any of their Affiliates, including any breach of the provisions of Section 13.06.

The determination of whether a Regular Limited Partner, Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner has breached its Partner Obligations will be made in good faith by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion, which determination will be final and binding.

(b) If a Regular Limited Partner, Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner breaches his, her, or its Partner Obligations as determined by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion, then, in addition to any other rights or remedies that the General Partner may have, and unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion, the Partnership shall redeem all of the Units and Non-Participating Units held by such Partner for a redemption price equal to their Base Amount, and such Partner shall have no right to receive any further distributions, including any Additional Amounts, or any other distributions or payments of cash, stock, or property, to which such Partner otherwise might be entitled.

(c) Without limiting any of the foregoing, for all purposes of this Agreement, any Regular Limited Partner, Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner that breaches any Partner Obligation shall be subject to all of the consequences (including the consequences provided for in Sections 12.02 and 12.03) applicable to a Regular Limited Partner, Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner that engages in a Competitive Activity.

 

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(d) Any Regular Limited Partner, Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner that breaches his, her, or its Partner Obligations shall indemnify the Partnership for and pay any resulting attorneys’ fees and expenses of the Partnership, as well as any and all damages resulting from such breach.

(e) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, and unless Cantor shall determine otherwise, none of the obligations, limitations, restrictions or other provisions set forth in Sections 3.03(a), 3.03(b), 3.03(c) or 3.03(d) shall apply to any Regular Limited Partner, Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner that is also a Cantor Company.

ARTICLE IV

PARTNERS; CLASSES OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS

SECTION 4.01. Partners . The Partnership shall have (a) a General Partner; (b) one or more Regular Limited Partners (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Exchangeable Limited Partners and the Special Voting Limited Partner); (c) one or more Founding/Working Partners; and (d) one or more REU Partners. Schedule  4.01 sets forth the name and address of the Partners. Schedule  4.01 shall be amended pursuant to Section 1.03 to reflect any change in the identity or address of the Partners in accordance with this Agreement. Each Person admitted to the Partnership as a Partner pursuant to this Agreement shall be a Partner of the Partnership until such Person ceases to be a Partner in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

SECTION 4.02. Interests . (a)  Generally . (i)  Types of Interests . Interests in the Partnership shall be divided into: (A) a General Partnership Interest, and (B) Limited Partnership Interests (including for the avoidance of doubt, the Regular Limited Partnership Interests (including the Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interests and the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest), the Founding Partner Interests, the REU Interests and the Working Partner Interests (which shall not constitute separate classes or groups of partnership interests within the meaning of the Act; provided that Restricted Partnership Units shall be a separate class of Working Partner Interests and shall constitute a separate class or group of partnership interests within the meaning of Section 12(g) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended)). The General Partner may determine the total number of authorized Units and Non-Participating Units. Any Units or Non-Participating Units repurchased by or otherwise transferred to the Partnership or otherwise forfeited or cancelled shall be cancelled and thereafter deemed to be authorized but unissued, and may be subsequently issued as Units or Non-Participating Units for all purposes hereunder in accordance with this Agreement.

(ii) Issuances of Additional Units and Non-Participating Units . Any authorized but unissued Units or Non-Participating Units may be issued:

(1) pursuant to the Separation or as otherwise contemplated by the Separation Agreement or this Agreement;

(2) to Cantor (or any member of the Cantor Group) pursuant to Section 8.08, 12.02 or 12.03 or pursuant to Section 6.11 of the Separation Agreement;

 

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(3) with respect to Founding/Working Partner Units, to an Eligible Recipient, in each case as directed by the Exchangeable Limited Partners (by affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest);

(4) as otherwise agreed by each of the General Partner and the Exchangeable Limited Partners (by affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest);

(5) pursuant to the Participation Plan;

(6) to any Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner pursuant to Section 5.01(c); or

(7) to any Partner in connection with a conversion of an issued Unit or Non-Participating Unit and Interest into a different class or type of Unit or Non-Participating Unit and Interest in accordance with this Agreement;

provided that each Person to be issued additional Units or Non-Participating Units pursuant to the foregoing shall, as a condition to such issuance, execute and deliver to the Partnership an agreement in which such Person agrees to be admitted as a Partner with respect to such Units or Non-Participating Units and bound by this Agreement and any other agreements, documents or instruments specified by the General Partner; provided , however , that if such Person (A) is at the time of such issuance a Partner of the applicable class of Interests being issued or (B) has previously entered into an agreement pursuant to which such Person shall have agreed to become a Partner and be bound by this Agreement with respect to the applicable class of Interests being issued (which agreement is in effect at the time of such issuance), such Person shall not be required to enter into any such agreements unless otherwise determined by the General Partner. Upon any such issuance, any such Person not already a Partner shall be admitted as a limited partner with respect to the issued Interests.

(b) General Partnership Interest . The Partnership shall have one General Partnership Interest. The Non-Participating Unit issued to the General Partner in respect of such Partner’s General Partnership Interest is set forth on Schedule  4.02 . Schedule  4.02 shall be amended pursuant to Section 1.03 to reflect any change in the number or the issuance or allocation of the Non-Participating Unit in respect of such Partner’s General Partnership Interest in accordance with this Agreement.

(c) Regular Limited Partnership Interests . (i)  Generally . The Partnership may have one or more Regular Limited Partnership Interests. The number of Units and/or Non-Participating Units issued to each Regular Limited Partner in respect of such Partner’s Regular Limited Partnership Interest is set forth on Schedule  4.02 . Schedule  4.02 shall be amended pursuant to Section 1.03 to reflect any change in the number or the issuance or allocation of the Units and/or Non-Participating Units in respect of such Partner’s Regular Limited Partnership Interest in accordance with this Agreement.

 

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(ii) Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest . The Partnership shall have one Regular Limited Partnership Interest designated as the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest. There shall only be one Non-Participating Unit associated with the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest.

(iii) Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interests . The Partnership may have one or more Regular Limited Partnership Interests designated as Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interests. The number of Exchangeable Limited Partner Units issued to each Exchangeable Limited Partner in respect of such Partner’s Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest is set forth on Schedule  4.02 . Schedule  4.02 shall be amended pursuant to Section 1.03 to reflect any change in the number or the issuance or allocation of the Exchangeable Limited Partner Units in respect of such Partner’s Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest in accordance with this Agreement.

(d) Founding Partners . The Partnership may have one or more Founding Partner Interests. The Founding Partner Interests shall be sub-divided into a number of classes as determined by the General Partner, including: (1) Grant Units, (2) High Distribution Units, (3) High Distribution II Units, (4) High Distribution III Units, and (5) High Distribution IV Units. Each class shall be governed by the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including Article XII. The number and class of Founding Partner Units Transferred or issued to each Founding Partner in respect of such Partner’s Founding Partner Interest are set forth on Schedule  4.02 . Schedule  4.02 shall be amended pursuant to Section 1.03 to reflect any change in the number or the issuance or allocation of the Founding Partner Units in respect of such Partner’s Founding Partner Interest in accordance with this Agreement.

(e) Working Partners . The Partnership may have one or more Working Partner Interests. The Working Partner Interests shall be sub-divided into a number of classes as determined by the General Partner, including: (1) Grant Units, (2) High Distribution Units, (3) High Distribution II Units, (4) High Distribution III Units, (5) High Distribution IV Units, (6) Restricted Partnership Units, (7) PSUs, (8) PSIs, (9) PSEs, (10) LPUs, (11) NPSUs, (12) NPPSUs, (13) NREUs, (14) NPREUs, (15) NLPUs, (16) NPLPUs, (17) APSUs, (18) AREUs, (19) ARPUs and (20) Preferred Units (including PPSUs, PPSIs, PPSEs, PLPUs, PREUs, PRPUs, and APREUs). Each class shall be governed by the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including Article XII. The number and class of Working Partner Units Transferred or issued to each Working Partner in respect of such Partner’s Working Partner Interest are set forth on Schedule  4.02 . Schedule  4.02 shall be amended pursuant to Section 1.03 to reflect any change in the number or the issuance or allocation of the Working Partner Units in respect of such Partner’s Working Partner Interest in accordance with this Agreement.

(f) REU Partners . The Partnership may have one or more REU Interests. Each REU Interest shall be governed by the terms and conditions of this Agreement, including Article XII, and the terms and conditions of the grant of such REU Interest, which terms and conditions shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion. The number and class of REUs Transferred or issued to each REU Partner in respect of such Partner’s REU Interest are set forth on Schedule  4.02 . Schedule  4.02 shall be amended pursuant to Section 1.03 to reflect any change in the number or the issuance or allocation of the REUs in respect of such Partner’s REU Interest in accordance with this Agreement.

 

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SECTION 4.03. Admission and Withdrawal of Partners . (a)  General Partner . (i) The General Partner is Newmark GP, LLC. On the date of this Agreement, Newmark GP, LLC shall hold the General Partnership Interest, which shall have the Non-Participating Unit and the Capital set forth on Schedule  4.02 and Schedule  5.01 , respectively.

(ii) The admission of a Transferee as a General Partner, and resignation or withdrawal of any General Partner, shall be governed by Section 7.02.

(iii) Effective immediately upon the Transfer of the General Partner’s entire General Partnership Interest as provided in Section 7.02(e), such Partner shall cease to be the General Partner.

(b) Regular Limited Partners . (i) The initial Special Voting Limited Partner is Newmark GP, LLC, and the other initial Regular Limited Partners are set forth on Schedule  4.02 . On the date of this Agreement, immediately following the Separation, the Regular Limited Partners shall hold the Regular Limited Partnership Interests (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest), which shall have the Units (including those designated as Exchangeable Limited Partner Units), the Non-Participating Units (in the case of the Special Voting Limited Partner) and the Capital set forth on Schedule  4.02 and Schedule  5.01 , respectively. Upon the Transfer of such Regular Limited Partnership Interests to the Regular Limited Partners in the Separation, the Regular Limited Partners are hereby deemed automatically admitted as Limited Partners with respect to such Interests and bound by this Agreement.

(ii) The admission of a Transferee as a Regular Limited Partner pursuant to any Transfer permitted by Section 7.02(a), 7.02(b), 7.02(c), or 7.02(d), as applicable, shall be governed by Section 7.02, and the admission of a Person as a Regular Limited Partner in connection with the issuance of additional Regular Limited Partnership Interests and Units or Non-Participating Units pursuant to Section 4.02(a)(ii) shall be governed by such applicable Section.

(iii) Effective immediately upon the Transfer of a Regular Limited Partner’s entire Regular Limited Partnership Interest as provided in Section 7.02(a), 7.02(b), 7.02(c), or 7.02(d), as applicable, such Partner shall cease to have any interest in the profits, losses, assets, properties, or capital of the Partnership with respect to such Regular Limited Partnership Interest and shall cease to be a Regular Limited Partner.

(c) Founding Partners . (i) On the date of this Agreement, immediately following the Separation, the Founding Partners shall hold the Founding Partner Interests, which shall have the Units (including the class designation) and the Capital and Adjusted Capital Account set forth on Schedule  4.02 and Schedule  5.01 , respectively. Upon the Transfer of such Founding Partner Interests to the Founding Partners in the Separation, the Founding Partners are hereby deemed automatically admitted as Limited Partners with respect to such Interests and bound by this Agreement.

 

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(ii) Effective immediately upon the Transfer of the Founding Partner’s entire Founding Partner Interest as provided in Section 7.02(c) or Article XII, as applicable, such Partner shall cease to have any interest in the profits, losses, assets, properties or capital of the Partnership with respect to such Founding Partner Interest, and shall cease to be a Founding Partner.

(iii) Any Founding Partner Interest Transferred to any Cantor Company, pursuant to Section 12.02 or 12.03 or otherwise, shall cause such Founding Partner Interest and related Units (or portion thereof) to automatically be designated as an Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest and the related Units (or portion thereof) shall automatically be designated as Exchangeable Limited Partner Units, and the Cantor Company acquiring such Interest shall have all rights and obligations of a holder of Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interests with respect to such Interest.

(d) Working Partners . (i) On the date of this Agreement, immediately following the Separation, the Working Partners shall hold the Working Partner Interests, which shall have the Units and/or Non-Participating Units (in each case, including the class designation) and the Capital set forth on Schedule  4.02 and Schedule  5.01 , respectively. Upon the Transfer of such Working Partner Interests to the Working Partners in the Separation, the Working Partners are hereby deemed automatically admitted as Limited Partners with respect to such Interests and bound by this Agreement.

(ii) The admission of a Person as a Working Partner after the date of this Agreement in accordance with the issuance of additional Working Partner Units shall be governed by Section 4.02 and Article XII.

(iii) Effective immediately upon the Transfer of the Working Partner’s entire Working Partner Interest as provided in Section 7.02(d) or Article XII, as applicable, such Partner shall cease to have any interest in the profits, losses, assets, properties or capital of the Partnership with respect to such Working Partner Interest, and shall cease to be a Working Partner.

(e) REU Partners . (i) On the date of this Agreement, immediately following the Separation, the REU Partners shall hold the REU Interests, which shall have the Units set forth on Schedule  4.02 and Schedule  5.01 , respectively. Upon the Transfer of such REU Interests to the REU Partners in the Separation, the REU Partners are hereby deemed automatically admitted as Limited Partners with respect to such Interests and bound by this Agreement.

 

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(ii) The admission of a Person as an REU Partner after the date of this Agreement in accordance with the issuance of additional REUs shall be governed by Section 4.02 and Article XII and the terms and conditions of the grant of such additional REUs, which shall be determined by the General Partner in its sole discretion.

(iii) Effective immediately upon the Transfer of the REU Partner’s entire REU Interest as provided in Section 7.02(f) or Article XII, as applicable, or upon an REU Redemption as provided in Section 12.03(c), such Partner shall cease to have any interest in the profits, losses, assets, properties or capital of the Partnership with respect to such REU Interest, and shall cease to be an REU Partner.

(f) No Additional Partners . No additional Partners shall be admitted to the Partnership except in accordance with this Article IV; provided that additional Working Partners and additional REU Partners shall be admitted in accordance with this Article IV or Article XII.

SECTION 4.04. Liability to Third Parties; Capital Account Deficits . (a) Except as may otherwise be expressly provided by the Act, the General Partner shall have unlimited personal liability for the satisfaction and discharge of all debts, liabilities, contracts and other obligations of the Partnership. The General Partner shall not be personally liable for the return of any portion of the capital contribution of any Limited Partner, the return of which shall be made solely from the Partnership’s assets.

(b) Except as may otherwise be expressly provided by the Act or this Agreement, no Limited Partner shall be liable for the debts, liabilities, contracts or other obligations of the Partnership. Each Limited Partner shall be liable only to make its capital contributions as provided in this Agreement or the Separation Agreement or as otherwise agreed by such Limited Partner and the Partnership in writing after the date of this Agreement and shall not be required, after its capital contribution shall have been paid, to make any further capital contribution to the Partnership or to lend any funds to the Partnership except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or the Separation Agreement or as otherwise agreed by such Limited Partner and the Partnership in writing after the date of this Agreement. No Limited Partner shall be required to repay to the Partnership, any Partner or any creditor of the Partnership any negative balance in such Limited Partner’s Capital, except as otherwise provided in Section 12.01(a)(iii)(L). No Limited Partner shall be liable to make up any deficit in its Capital Account; provided that nothing in this Section 4.04(b) shall relieve a Partner of any liability it may otherwise have, either pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or pursuant to the terms of any agreement to which the Partnership or such Partner may be a party (including Section 12.01(a)(iii)(L)).

SECTION 4.05. Classes . Any Person may own one or more classes of Interests. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the ownership of any class of Interests shall not affect the rights or obligations of a Partner with respect to any other class of Interests. As used in this Agreement, the General Partner and the Limited Partners shall be deemed to be separate Partners even if any Partner holds more than one class of Interest. References to a certain class of Interest with respect to any Partner shall refer solely to that class of Interest of such Partner and not to any other class of Interest, if any, held by such Partner.

 

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SECTION 4.06. Certificates . The Partnership may, in the discretion of the General Partner, issue any or all Units or Non-Participating Units in certificated form, which certificates shall be held by the Partnership as custodian for the applicable Partners. The form of any such certificates shall be approved by the General Partner and include the legend required by Section 7.06. If certificates are issued, a transfer of Units or Non-Participating Units will require delivery of an endorsed certificate.

SECTION 4.07. Uniform Commercial Code Treatment of Units . Each Unit and Non-Participating Unit in the Partnership shall constitute a “security” within the meaning of, and governed by, (i) Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code (including Section 8-102(a)(15) thereof) as in effect from time to time in the State of Delaware (6 Del. C. § 8-101, et seq .) (the “ UCC ”), and (ii) Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code of any other applicable jurisdiction that now or hereafter substantially includes the 1994 revisions to Article 8 thereof as adopted by the American Law Institute and the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws and approved by the American Bar Association on February 14, 1995. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent that any provision of this Agreement is inconsistent with any non-waivable provision of Article 8 of the UCC, such provision of Article 8 of the UCC shall control. The Partnership shall maintain books for the purpose of registering the Transfer of Units and Non-Participating Units. Any Transfer of Units and Non-Participating Units shall be effective as of the registration of the Transfer of such Units and Non-Participating Units in the books and records of the Partnership.

SECTION 4.08. Priority Among Partners . No Partner shall be entitled to any priority or preference over any other Partner either as to return of capital contributions or as to profits, losses or distributions, except to the extent that this Agreement establishes or may be deemed to establish such a priority or preference.

ARTICLE V

CAPITAL AND ACCOUNTING MATTERS

SECTION 5.01. Capital . (a)  Capital Accounts . There shall be established on the books and records of the Partnership a Capital Account for each Partner. Schedule  5.01 sets forth the names and the Capital Account of the Partners as of the date of this Agreement immediately following the Separation. Schedule  5.01 shall be amended pursuant to Section 1.03 to reflect any change in the identity or Capital Accounts in accordance with this Agreement.

(b) Initial Capital Account Balances .

(i) Subject to the requirements of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, the initial Capital Account balance with respect to each Legacy Unit shall have been determined by apportioning the Capital Account balance for the BGC Holdings Unit for which such Legacy Unit was issued in the Separation between such BGC Holding Unit, on the one hand,

 

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and such Legacy Unit, on the other hand, based on the Relative Value of BGC and Newmark, such that the sum of the Capital Account balances for such BGC Holdings Unit and Legacy Unit immediately following the Separation shall equal the Capital Account balance for such BGC Holding Unit immediately prior to the Separation.

(ii) Notwithstanding Section 5.01(b)(i), where relevant for purposes of applying the provisions of this Agreement (other than provisions solely relating to the maintenance of Capital Accounts in accordance with Treasury Regulation section 1.704-1(b)), the General Partner may make such adjustments to the initial Capital Account balance with respect to each Legacy Unit in respect of any amounts attributable to (A) adjustments to the Book Value of the assets of the Partnership made (x) prior to the Holdings Partnership Division pursuant to Treasury Regulations section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f) or (y) in connection with the Holdings Partnership Division, or (B) to the extent made or existing prior to the Holdings Partnership Division, (x) allocations pursuant to Exhibit D of the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement, (y) the balance of any “Extraordinary Account” under the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement or (z) other adjustments relevant to the determination of “Adjusted Capital Account” under the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement, in each case of clause (A) or (B), as the General Partner may deem necessary or appropriate in its sole and absolute discretion to carry out the intent of this Agreement and the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement (as in effect immediately prior to the Holdings Partnership Division).

(iii) Except with respect to the Founding/Working Partners or REU Partners, as the case may be, only, in Section 5.01(c) and Article XII, no capital contributions shall be required (A) unless otherwise determined by the General Partner and agreed to by the contributing Partner, or (B) unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in connection with the admission of a new Partner or the issuance of additional Interests to a Partner.

(iv) The Partnership may invest or cause to be invested all amounts received by the Partnership as capital contributions in its sole and absolute discretion.

(c) Additional Contributions . Subject to Section 4.02(a)(ii) and Article XII, at any time and from time to time, subject to the prior written consent of the compensation committee of Newmark (or its designee), the Partnership may offer and grant additional Working Partner Units or REUs in the Partnership to existing or new Working Partners or REU Partners, in each case, at a price per Working Partner Unit or REU, as the case may be, determined by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion and for such other consideration or for no consideration determined by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion; provided that no offeree shall be obligated to accept such offer; provided , further , that solely for the purposes of this Section 5.01(c), the price per Working Partner Unit of a High Distribution II Unit or High Distribution III Unit shall be deemed to include the associated HDII Account or HDIII Account, respectively. Any

 

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payment for Working Partner Units or REUs purchased by a new or existing Partner pursuant to this Section 5.01(c) may be made, in the General Partner’s sole and absolute discretion, in the form of Publicly Traded Shares, valued at the average of the closing prices of such shares (as reported by the Nasdaq Global Market or any other national securities exchange or quotation system on which such shares are then listed or quoted) during the ten (10)-trading-day period immediately preceding each payment (or such other fair and reasonable pricing method as may be reasonably selected by the General Partner), or in the form of other property valued at its then-fair market value, as reasonably determined by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion. The Partnership shall contribute, directly or indirectly through its Subsidiaries, the net proceeds, if any, received for any such Working Partner Units or REUs purchased by a new or existing Partner pursuant to this Section 5.01(c) to Opco in exchange for an Opco Limited Partnership Interest consisting of (A) a number of Opco Units equal to the number of such Working Partner Units or REUs purchased pursuant to this Section 5.01(c) multiplied by (B) the Holdings Ratio as of immediately prior to the purchase of such Working Partner Units or REUs pursuant to this Section 5.01(c).

SECTION 5.02. Withdrawals; Return on Capital . No Partner shall be entitled to withdraw or otherwise receive any distributions in respect of any Interest (including the associated Units, Non-Participating Units or Capital), except as provided in Section 6.01 or 9.03. The Partners shall not be entitled to any return on their Capital.

SECTION 5.03. Maintenance of Capital Accounts . As of the end of each Accounting Period, the balance in each Partner’s Capital Account shall be adjusted by (a) increasing such balance by (i) such Partner’s allocable share of each item of the Partnership’s income and gain for such Accounting Period (allocated in accordance with Section 5.04(a)) and (ii) the amount of cash or the fair market value (or book value, if so agreed by the applicable Partner and the General Partner) of other property (determined in accordance with Section 5.05) contributed to the Partnership by such Partner in respect of such Partner’s related Interest during such Accounting Period, net of liabilities assumed by the Partnership with respect to such other property, and (b) decreasing such balance by (i) the amount of cash or the fair market value (or book value, if so agreed by the applicable Partner and the General Partner) of other property (determined in accordance with Section 5.05) distributed to such Partner in respect of such class of Interest associated with such Capital Account pursuant to this Agreement, net of liabilities (if any) assumed by such Partner with respect to such other property, and (ii) such Partner’s allocable share of each item of the Partnership’s deduction and loss for such Accounting Period (allocated in accordance with Section 5.04(a)). The balances in each Partner’s Capital Account may also be adjusted by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion and with the consent of a Majority in Interest at the time and in the manner permitted by the capital accounting rules of the Treasury Regulation section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f). The foregoing and the other provisions of this Agreement relating to the maintenance of Capital Accounts are intended to comply with Treasury Regulation section 1.704-1(b), and shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent therewith.

SECTION 5.04. Allocations and Tax Matters . (a)  Book Allocations . Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, after giving effect to the allocations set forth in Section 2 of Exhibit C hereto and Section 6.01(d), for purposes of computing Capital Accounts and allocating any items of income, gain, loss or deduction thereto, with respect to each Accounting Period, all items of income, gain, loss or deduction of the Partnership as determined by the General Partner (the “ Allocable Items ”) shall be allocated as follows:

 

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(i) First, to each Partner holding any Preferred Units for the entire applicable calendar quarter Accounting Period (a “ Quarter ”) with a Shortfall, a preferred allocation of items of income or gain until the amounts allocated pursuant to this Section 5.04(a)(i) equal such Partner’s Catch-Up Allocations; provided that the aggregate amounts allocated in any Quarter pursuant to this Section 5.04(a)(i) for all Partners shall not exceed the Available Cash for such Quarter.

(ii) Second, to each Partner holding any Preferred Units for an entire Quarter, a preferred allocation of items of income or gain until the amounts allocated pursuant to this Section 5.04(a)(ii) equal the Maximum Distribution applicable to such Preferred Units (such allocation, the “ Preferred Allocation ”); provided that no Preferred Allocation shall be made in respect of any such Preferred Unit that is an APREU unless the Distribution Conditions (as such term is defined in the applicable award documentation for the applicable holder) for such Preferred Unit have been met; no Preferred Allocation for a Quarter shall be made with respect to Preferred Units that were outstanding for less than the full duration of such Quarter; and the aggregate amounts allocated in any Quarter pursuant to Section 5.04(a)(i) and this Section 5.04(a)(ii) for all Partners shall not exceed the Available Cash for such Quarter.

 

  a. The “ Maximum Distribution ” per Quarter shall be (x) 0.6875% (which is equivalent to two and three-fourths percent (2.75%) per calendar year) or as otherwise set forth in the Partner’s applicable award documentation multiplied by (y) the Allocation Amount.

 

  b. For purposes of this Section only, the “ Allocation Amount ” shall be the sum of: (i) the result of summing the number of outstanding PPSUs, PPSIs, PPSEs and PLPUs, in each case multiplied by the applicable price used by the General Partner to determine the award of such Unit (provided that, with respect to any PPSU, PPSI, PPSE, or PLPU that is a Legacy Unit, the applicable price used by the General Partner of BGC Holdings to determine the award of the BGC Holdings Unit for which such Legacy Unit was issued in the Separation shall be apportioned between such BGC Holding Unit, on the one hand, and such Legacy Unit, on the other hand, based on the Relative Value of BGC and Newmark, such that the sum of such applicable prices for such BGC Holdings Unit and such Legacy Unit immediately following the Separation shall equal the applicable price for such BGC Holding Unit immediately prior to the Separation); and (ii) the result from summing the Restricted Partnership Unit Post-Termination Amount or REU Post-Termination Amount, as applicable, associated with each outstanding PREU, PRPU, and APREU.

 

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  c. In the event the Available Cash for any Quarter is less than the Maximum Distribution for such Quarter (a Preferred Unit’s share of any such difference, the “ Shortfall ”), then, in the succeeding Quarter(s) of the same calendar year, a catch-up allocation shall be made pursuant to Section 5.04(a)(i) in an amount equal to the Shortfall until such Shortfall is met (the “ Catch-Up Allocation ”); provided that (x) such Catch-Up Allocation may be made only to the extent of Net Profits; and (y) no Catch-Up Allocation may be made with respect to prior calendar years.

 

  d. The Preferred Units do not participate in distributions pursuant to Section 6.01 other than with respect to, as applicable, the Preferred Allocation and the Catch-Up Allocation.

(iii) Third, the balance of the Allocable Items, if any, shall be allocated to the Capital Accounts of the Partners in proportion to their Percentage Interest as of the end of the applicable Accounting Period; provided that for so long as, and until, the Distribution Conditions (as such term is defined in the applicable award documentation for the applicable holder of any AREU, ARPU and APSU) are met, if ever, (A) only net losses are as determined by the General Partner shall be allocable with respect to such Unit pursuant to Section 5.04 and (B) the definition of “Percentage Interest” shall exclude such Unit solely for purposes of calculating net profits as determined by the General Partner pursuant to Section 5.04.

For purposes of the foregoing, except as may be otherwise agreed by the General Partner and the holders of a Majority in Interest, items of income, gain, loss and deductions of the Partnership allocable to the Partners shall be calculated in the same manner in which such items are calculated for federal income tax purposes with the following adjustments: (i) items of gain, loss and deduction shall be computed based on the Book Values of the Partnership’s assets rather than upon the assets’ adjusted bases for federal income tax purposes; (ii) the amount of any adjustment to the Book Value of any assets of the Partnership pursuant to Section 743 of the Code shall not be taken into account; (iii) any tax exempt income received by the Partnership shall be taken into account as an item of income; and (iv) any expenditure of the Partnership described in Section 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code and any expenditure considered to be an expenditure described in Section 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code pursuant to Treasury Regulations under Section 704(b) of the Code shall be treated as a deductible expense. The General Partner may, with the consent of a Majority in Interest, make such other adjustments to the calculation of items of income, gain, loss and deduction as it deems appropriate to more properly reflect the income or loss of the Partnership.

 

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(b) Tax Allocations . Except as otherwise required under Section 704(c) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, the Partnership shall cause each item of income, gain, loss or deduction recognized by the Partnership to be allocated among the Partners for U.S. federal, state and local income and, where relevant, non-U.S. tax purposes in the same manner that each such item is allocated to the Partners’ Capital Accounts or as otherwise provided herein. Allocations required by Section 704(c) of the Code shall be made using the “traditional method” described in Treasury Regulation section 1.704-3(b).

SECTION 5.05. General Partner Determinations . All determinations, valuations and other matters of judgment required to be made for purposes of this Article V, including with respect to allocations to Capital Accounts and accounting procedures and tax matters not expressly provided for by the terms of this Agreement, or for determining the value of any type or form of proceeds, contribution or distributions hereunder shall be made by the General Partner in good faith. In the event that an additional Partner is admitted to the Partnership and contributes property to the Partnership, or an existing Partner contributes additional property to the Partnership, pursuant to this Agreement, the value of such contributed property shall be the fair market value (or book value, if so agreed by the applicable Partner and the General Partner) of such property as reasonably determined by the General Partner.

SECTION 5.06. Books and Accounts . (a) The Partnership shall at all times keep or cause to be kept true and complete records and books of account, which records and books shall be maintained in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Such records and books of account shall be kept at the principal place of business of the Partnership by the General Partner. The Limited Partners shall have the right to gain access to all such records and books of account (including schedules thereto) for inspection and view (at such reasonable times as the General Partner shall determine) for any purpose reasonably related to their Interests. The Partnership’s accounts shall be maintained in U.S. dollars.

(b) The Partnership’s fiscal year shall begin on January 1 and end on December 31 of each year, or shall be such other period designated by the General Partner. At the end of each fiscal year, the Partnership’s accounts shall be prepared, presented to the General Partner and submitted to the Partnership’s auditors for examination.

(c) The Partnership’s auditors shall be an independent accounting firm of international reputation to be appointed from time to time by the General Partner. The Partnership’s auditors shall be entitled to receive promptly such information, accounts and explanations from the General Partner and each Partner that they deem reasonably necessary to carry out their duties. The Partners shall provide such financial, tax and other information to the Partnership as may be reasonably necessary and appropriate to carry out the purposes of the Partnership.

 

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SECTION 5.07. Tax Matters Partner . The General Partner is hereby designated as the “tax matters partner” of the Partnership within the meaning of Section 6231(a)(7) of the Code prior to amendment by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 and any similar provisions under any other state or local or non-U.S. tax laws and the “partnership representative” within the meaning of 6223(a) of the Code and any similar provisions under any other state or local or non-U.S. tax laws (the tax matters partner or partnership representative, as applicable, the “ Tax Matters Partner ”). The Tax Matters Partner shall have all requisite power and authority to carry out the responsibilities of the Tax Matters Partner described in the Code and shall represent the Partnership (at the Partnership’s expense) in connection with all examinations of the Partnership’s affairs by tax authorities, including resulting judicial and administrative proceedings. The Partnership shall bear all costs and expenses incurred by the Tax Matters Partner in connection with the performance of its duties hereunder or otherwise acting in such capacity (including taking any action contemplated by this Section 5.07 and engaging an independent accounting firm or other tax professional(s) in connection therewith). The General Partner shall have the authority, in its sole and absolute discretion, to (a) make an election under Section 754 of the Code on behalf of the Partnership, and each Partner agrees to provide such information and documentation as the General Partner may reasonably request in connection with any such election, (b) determine the manner in which “excess nonrecourse liabilities” (within the meaning of Treasury Regulation section 1.752-3(a)(3)) are allocated among the Partners and (c) make any other election or determination with respect to taxes (including with respect to depreciation, amortization and accounting methods).

SECTION 5.08. Tax Information . The Partnership shall use commercially reasonable efforts to prepare and mail as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of each taxable year of the Partnership, to each Partner (and each other Person that was such a Partner during such taxable year or its legal representatives), U.S. Internal Revenue Service Schedule K-1, “Partner’s Share of Income, Credits, Deductions, Etc.,” or any successor schedule or form, for such Person.

SECTION 5.09. Withholding . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Partnership is authorized to withhold from distributions and allocations to the Partners, and to pay over to any federal, state, local or foreign governmental authority any amounts believed in good faith to be required to be so withheld or paid over pursuant to the Code or any provision of any other federal, state, local or foreign law and, for all purposes under this Agreement, shall treat such amounts (together with any amounts that are withheld from payments to the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries attributable to a direct or indirect Partner of the Partnership) as distributed to those Partners with respect to which such amounts were withheld. If the Partnership is obligated to pay any amount to a taxing authority on behalf of (or in respect of an obligation of) a Partner (including, federal, state and local or other withholding taxes), then such Partner shall indemnify the Partnership in full for the entire amount of any Tax (but not any interest, penalties and expenses associated with such payment). If the Partnership elects to withhold or make any payment to any federal, state, local or foreign governmental authority in respect of a payment that otherwise would be made to any Partner, such Partner shall cooperate with the General Partner by providing such information or forms as are reasonably requested by the General Partner in connection with such withholding or the making of such payments. Each Partner who is an employee of the Partnership, Opco, their Subsidiaries or of an Affiliated Entity (or whose stock or other beneficial interest is owned by such an employee) authorizes the Partnership to withhold additional amounts for payment on behalf of such Partner of federal, state and local income tax from the compensation paid to such Partner (or owner of stock or other beneficial interest of a corporate or other entity Partner).

 

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ARTICLE VI

DISTRIBUTIONS

SECTION 6.01. Distributions in Respect of Partnership Interests . (a) Subject to the remaining sentence of this Section 6.01(a), the Partnership shall distribute to each Partner from such Partner’s Capital Account (i) on or prior to each Estimated Tax Due Date such Partner’s Estimated Proportionate Quarterly Tax Distribution for such fiscal quarter and (ii) as promptly as practicable after the end of each fiscal quarter of the Partnership (or on such other date and time as determined by the General Partner), an amount equal to all amounts allocated to such Partner’s Capital Account with respect to such quarter (reduced, but not below zero, by the amount of any prior distributions pursuant to this Section 6.01(a) or any amounts treated as distributed pursuant to Section 5.09), with such distribution to occur on such date and time as determined by the General Partner; provided that distributions pursuant to this clause (ii) shall be made to a Partner only to the extent of the positive balance in such Partner’s Capital Account unless otherwise determined by the General Partner; provided , further , that, with the prior written consent of the General Partner and the holders of a Majority in Interest, the Partnership may decrease the amount distributed from such Partners’ Capital Accounts; provided , further , that the Partnership shall not be obligated to make distributions in excess of Available Cash; provided , further , that this Section 6.01 shall not apply to APSUs, AREUs, ARPUs, NLPUs, NPLPUs, NPPSUs, NPREUs, NPSUs and NREUs. No distributions shall be made by the Partnership except as expressly contemplated by this Article VI, Section 5.04, Section 9.03(a) and Article XII, and certain Unit classes are excluded from this Section 6.01 in accordance with the other terms of this Agreement.

(b) In accordance with Article XI, the General Partner may determine to withhold from distributions pursuant to this Section 6.01 amounts reflected in an Extraordinary Account.

(c) The General Partner, with the consent of a Majority in Interest, may direct the Partnership to distribute all or part of any amount that is otherwise distributable to a Regular Limited Partner, Founding/Working Partner or an REU Partner, as the case may be, under this Section 6.01 in the form of a distribution of Publicly Traded Shares, valued at the average of the closing prices of such shares, as reported by the national securities exchange or quotation system upon which such shares are then listed or quoted, during the ten (10)-trading-day period immediately preceding the distribution (or such other fair and reasonable pricing method as may be selected by the General Partner), or in other property valued at its then-fair market value, as determined by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion. The distribution of Publicly Traded Shares or other property to a Partner pursuant to this Section 6.01(c) shall result in a reduction in such Partner’s Capital Account and Adjusted Capital Account by an amount equal to the value of such distributed shares or property determined as provided in this Section 6.01(c). Any gain recognized or deemed recognized as a result of such distribution shall not affect any Adjusted Capital Account unless otherwise deemed appropriate by mutual agreement of the General Partner and a Majority in Interest.

 

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(d) The General Partner, with the consent of a Majority in Interest, may direct the Partnership, upon a Regular Limited Partner’s, Founding/Working Partner’s or REU Partner’s death, retirement, withdrawal from the Partnership or other full or partial redemption of Units and/or Non-Participating Units, to distribute to such Partner (or to his or her Personal Representative, as the case may be) a number of Publicly Traded Shares or an amount of other property that the General Partner determines is appropriate in light of the goodwill associated with such Partner and his, her or its Units and/or Non-Participating Units, such Partner’s length of service, responsibilities and contributions to the Partnership and/or other factors deemed to be relevant by the General Partner. Notwithstanding Sections 5.01 and 5.04, the distribution of Publicly Traded Shares or other property to a Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, pursuant to this Section 6.01(d) shall result in a net reduction in such Partner’s Capital Account and Adjusted Capital Account, unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion. To the extent necessary or appropriate to give effect to the intent of this provision, as determined by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion, the Partnership shall make a special allocation to the distributee Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, of gain, if any, that arises on any such distribution of the Publicly Traded Shares or other property.

(e) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, no amount shall be distributed to any Partner (other than a member of the Cantor Group) in respect of income or gain allocable to such Partner pursuant to Section 2 of Exhibit C to this Agreement, any adjustment pursuant to the penultimate sentence of Section 5.03, any adjustment to the Book Value of the assets of the Partnership made in connection with the Holdings Partnership Division (or any other items described in Section 5.01(b)(ii)), or the balance of any Extraordinary Account, in each case, except to the extent the General Partner determines in its sole and absolute discretion that such a distribution is consistent with the intent of this Agreement.

SECTION 6.02. Limitation on Distributions . Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Partnership and the General Partner, on behalf of the Partnership, shall not be required to make a distribution to a Partner on account of its interest in the Partnership if such distribution would violate the Act or any other applicable law.

SECTION 6.03. Minimum Distributions in Respect of Restricted Partnership Units and PSEs . (a) Notwithstanding Section 6.01, in no event shall the amount distributed with respect to each Restricted Partnership Unit be less than one-half of a cent ($0.005) with respect to each fiscal quarter (the “ Minimum Distribution Amount ” or “ MDA ”); provided that, with respect to a Restricted Partnership Unit that is a Legacy Unit, the MDA for the BGC Holdings Unit for which such Legacy Unit was issued in the Separation shall be apportioned in the Separation between such BGC Holding Unit, on the one hand, and such Legacy Unit, on the other hand, based on the Relative Value of BGC and Newmark, such that the sum of the MDA for such BGC Holdings Unit and Legacy Unit immediately following the Separation shall equal one-half of a cent ($0.005) with respect to each fiscal quarter. In the event that the amount that

 

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otherwise would have been distributable pursuant to Section 6.01(a) in respect of such Restricted Partnership Unit (had no MDA applied to such Restricted Partnership Unit) is less than the applicable MDA for any fiscal quarter or consecutive fiscal quarters, or is negative, then the amount distributed pursuant to Section 6.01(a)(ii) to the Working Partner in respect of such Restricted Partnership Unit for the next applicable quarter and any future quarters during which such distributable amount exceeds the applicable MDA shall be reduced to the fullest extent possible (but not below the applicable MDA for any such quarter) by an amount equal to such shortfall, until the shortfall has been reduced to zero (0); provided that, in the event there remains a cumulative shortfall between the aggregate amount of shortfall and the amount by which distributions pursuant to Section 6.01(a)(ii) have been reduced pursuant to this Section 6.03, with respect to Restricted Partnership Units at the time such person becomes a Terminated Partner, the cumulative shortfall shall be applied to reduce (but not below zero (0)) first the Adjusted Capital Account of any Units held by the holder of such Units, then the Post-Termination Payment applicable to any Units, and thereafter, any other payments in respect of any other Units owed by the Partnership to such Terminated Partner.

(b) Notwithstanding Section 6.01, in no event shall the amount distributed with respect to each PSE be less than one and one-half of a cent ($0.015) with respect to each fiscal quarter (the “ PSE Minimum Distribution Amount ” or “ PSE MDA ”); provided that, with respect to a PSE that is a Legacy Unit, the PSE MDA for the BGC Holdings Unit for which such Legacy Unit was issued in the Separation shall be apportioned in the Separation between such BGC Holding Unit, on the one hand, and such Legacy Unit, on the other hand, based on the Relative Value of BGC and Newmark, such that the sum of the PSE MDA for such BGC Holdings Unit and Legacy Unit immediately following the Separation shall equal one and one-half of a cent ($0.015) with respect to each fiscal quarter . In the event that the amount that otherwise would have been distributable in respect of such PSE (had no PSE MDA applied to such PSE) pursuant to Section 6.01(a) is less than the applicable PSE MDA for any fiscal quarter or consecutive quarters, or is negative, then the amount distributed pursuant to Section 6.01(a)(ii) to the Working Partner in respect of such PSE for the next applicable quarter and any future quarters during which such distributable amount exceeds the applicable PSE MDA shall be reduced to the fullest extent possible (but not below the applicable PSE MDA for any such quarter) by an amount equal to such shortfall, until the shortfall has been reduced to zero (0); provided that, in the event there remains a cumulative shortfall between the aggregate amount of shortfall and the amount by which distributions pursuant to Section 6.01(a)(ii) have been reduced pursuant to this Section 6.03, with respect to PSEs at the time such person becomes a Terminated Partner, the cumulative shortfall shall be applied to reduce (but not below zero (0)) first the Adjusted Capital Account of any Units held by the holder of such Units, and thereafter, any other payments in respect of any other Units owed by the Partnership to such Terminated Partner; provided , further , that the General Partner may determine in its sole and absolute discretion to postpone the payment of any PSE MDA for such PSE for up to four (4) fiscal quarters.

(c) The General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion shall determine the characterization for tax purposes of any distribution to a Partner or Terminated Partner pursuant to this Section 6.03 and the impact of such payment, if any, on amounts allocable and distributable to all Partners under this Agreement.

 

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(d) A Partner must not be a Terminated Partner on the date of payment (whether such payment is a current payment or postponed payment) to be eligible to receive any distribution in respect of any Unit held by such Partner.

ARTICLE VII

TRANSFERS OF INTERESTS

SECTION 7.01. Transfers Generally Prohibited . No Partner may Transfer or agree or otherwise commit to Transfer all or any portion of, or any of rights, title and interest in and to, its Interest, except as permitted by the terms and conditions set forth in this Article VII (and, with respect to the Founding/Working Partners and the REU Partners only, Article XII). The Schedules shall be revised pursuant to Section 1.03 from time to time to reflect any change in the Partners or Interests to reflect any Transfer permitted by this Article VII.

SECTION 7.02. Permitted Transfers . (a)  Regular Limited Partnership Interests . No Regular Limited Partner (other than the Special Voting Limited Partner, which shall be governed by Section 7.02(b)) may Transfer or agree or otherwise commit to Transfer all or any portion of, or any right, title and interest in and to, its Regular Limited Partnership Interest (other than the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest, which shall be governed by Section 7.02(b)), except any such Transfer (i) in connection with the Separation; (ii) pursuant to Article VIII; (iii) to any Cantor Company; (iv) if such transferring Regular Limited Partner shall be a member of the Cantor Group, to any Person; or (v) for which the General Partner and the Exchangeable Limited Partners (with such consent to require the affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest) shall have provided their respective prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed). With respect to any Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest Transferred by a Cantor Company to another Person, Cantor may elect, prior to or at the time of such Transfer, either (1) that such Person shall receive such Interest in the form of an Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest and that such Person shall thereafter be an Exchangeable Limited Partner for purposes of this Agreement so long as such Person continues to hold such Interest or (2) that such Person shall receive such Interest in the form of a Regular Limited Partnership Interest (other than an Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest or a Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest), and that such Person shall not be an Exchangeable Limited Partner for purposes of this Agreement as a result of holding such Interest. For the avoidance of doubt, if Cantor shall not so elect, such Transferred Interest shall not be designated as an Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest.

(b) Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest . The Special Voting Limited Partner may not Transfer or agree or otherwise commit to Transfer all or any portion of, or any right, title and interest in and to, its Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest, except any such Transfer (i) to a wholly owned Subsidiary of Newmark; provided that, in the event that such transferee shall cease to be a wholly owned Subsidiary of Newmark, the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest shall automatically be Transferred to Newmark, without the requirement of any further action on the part of the Partnership, Newmark or any other Person; or (ii) in connection with the Separation. Upon removal of any Special Voting Limited Partner, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest shall be transferred to the Person being admitted as the new Special Voting Limited Partner, simultaneously with admission and without the requirement of any action on the part of the Special Voting Limited Partner being removed or any other Person.

 

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(c) Founding Partner Interest . No Founding Partner may Transfer or agree or otherwise commit to Transfer all or any portion of, or any right, title and interest in and to, its Founding Partner Interest, except any such Transfer (i) pursuant to a redemption as set forth in Section 12.03; (ii) in connection with the Separation; (iii) pursuant to Article VIII (iv) to any Cantor Company; provided that in the event that such transferee shall cease to be a Cantor Company, such Founding Partner Interest (or other Interest into which it is converted) shall automatically Transfer to Cantor; (v) with the consent of a Majority in Interest, to any other Founding Partner; or (vi) with the mutual consent of the General Partner and a Majority in Interest (which consent may be withheld for any reason or for no reason whatsoever), to any other Person.

(d) Working Partner Interest . No Working Partner may Transfer or agree or otherwise commit to Transfer all or any portion of, or any right, title and interest in and to, its Working Partner Interest, except any such Transfer (i) pursuant to a redemption as set forth in Section 12.03; (ii) in connection with the Separation; (iii) pursuant to Article VIII; (iv) to any Cantor Company; provided that in the event that such transferee shall cease to be a Cantor Company, such Working Partner Interest (or other Interest into which it is converted) shall automatically Transfer to Cantor; or (v) with the mutual consent of the General Partner and a Majority in Interest (which consent may be withheld for any reason or for no reason whatsoever), to any other Person.

(e) General Partnership Interest . The General Partner may not Transfer or agree or otherwise commit to Transfer all or any portion of, or any right, title and interest in and to, its General Partnership Interest, except any such Transfer (i) to a new General Partner in accordance with this Section 7.02, (ii) with the prior written consent (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) of the Special Voting Limited Partner, to any other Person, or (iii) in connection with the Separation. Any General Partner may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by the Special Voting Limited Partner in its sole and absolute discretion, and the General Partner may resign from the Partnership for any reason or for no reason whatsoever; provided , however , that, as a condition to any such removal or resignation, (A) the Special Voting Limited Partner shall first appoint another Person as the new General Partner; (B) such Person shall be admitted to the Partnership as the new General Partner (upon the execution and delivery of an agreement to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and such other agreements, documents or instruments requested by the resigning General Partner); and (C) such resigning or removed General Partner shall Transfer its entire General Partnership Interest to the new General Partner. The admission of the new General Partner shall be deemed effective immediately prior to the effectiveness of the resignation of the resigning General Partner, and shall otherwise have the effects set forth in Section 4.03(a)(iii). Upon removal of any General Partner, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the General Partnership Interest shall be transferred to the Person being admitted as the new General Partner, simultaneously with admission and without the requirement of any action on the part of the General Partner being removed or any other Person.

 

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(f) REU Interest . No REU Partner may Transfer or agree or otherwise commit to Transfer all or any portion of, or any right, title and interest in and to, its REU Interest, except any such Transfer (i) pursuant to a redemption as set forth in Section 12.03; (ii) in connection with the Separation; (iii) pursuant to Article VIII; (iv) to any Cantor Company; provided that in the event that such transferee shall cease to be a Cantor Company, such REU Interest (or other Interest into which it is converted) shall automatically Transfer to Cantor; or (v) with the mutual consent of the General Partner and a Majority in Interest (which consent may be withheld for any reason or for no reason whatsoever), to any other Person.

SECTION 7.03. Admission as a Partner upon Transfer . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, a Transferee who has otherwise satisfied the requirements of Section 7.02 shall become a Partner, and shall be listed as a “Regular Limited Partner” (including, for the avoidance of doubt, an “Exchangeable Limited Partner” or a “Special Voting Limited Partner”), “Founding Partner,” “REU Partner,” “Working Partner” or “General Partner” as applicable, on Schedule  4.01 , and shall be deemed to receive the Interest being Transferred, in each case only at such time as such Transferee executes and delivers to the Partnership an agreement in which the Transferee agrees to be admitted as a Partner and bound by this Agreement and any other agreements, documents or instruments specified by the General Partner and such agreements (when applicable) shall have been duly executed by the General Partner; provided , however , that if such Transferee (a) is at the time of such Transfer a Partner of the applicable class of Interests being Transferred, or (b) has previously entered into an agreement pursuant to which the Transferee shall have agreed to become a Partner and be bound by this Agreement (which agreement is in effect at the time of such Transfer), such Transferee shall not be required to enter into any such agreements unless otherwise determined by the General Partner; provided , further , that the Transfers, admissions to and withdrawals from the Partnership as Partners in connection with the Separation shall not require the execution or delivery of any further agreements or other documentation hereunder.

SECTION 7.04. Transfer of Units and Capital with the Transfer of an Interest . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, each Partner who Transfers an Interest shall be deemed to have Transferred the entire Interest, including the associated Units, Non-Participating Units and Capital of such Interest, or, if a portion of an Interest is being Transferred, each Partner who Transfers a portion of an Interest shall specify the number of Units and/or Non-Participating Units being so Transferred and such Transfer shall include a proportionate amount of Capital of such Interest, to the Transferee.

SECTION 7.05. Encumbrances . No Partner may charge or encumber its Interest or otherwise subject its Interest to a lien, pledge, security interest, right of first refusal, option or other similar limitation (an “ Encumbrance ”), except in each case for those created by this Agreement; provided , however , that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, an Exchangeable Limited Partner may Encumber its Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest in connection with any bona fide bank financing transaction.

 

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SECTION 7.06. Legend . Each Partner agrees that any certificate issued to it to evidence its Interests shall have inscribed conspicuously on its front or back the following legend:

THE PARTNERSHIP INTEREST IN NEWMARK HOLDINGS, L.P. REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE (INCLUDING ASSOCIATED UNITS AND CAPITAL) HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ SECURITIES ACT ”), OR REGISTERED OR QUALIFIED UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR FOREIGN JURISDICTION, AND THIS PARTNERSHIP INTEREST MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, EXCEPT (A) EITHER (1) WHILE A REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND SUCH OTHER APPLICABLE REGISTRATIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS ARE IN EFFECT OR (2) PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (INCLUDING, IF APPLICABLE, REGULATION S THEREUNDER) AND SUCH OTHER APPLICABLE LAWS AND (B) IF PERMITTED BY THE AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP OF NEWMARK HOLDINGS, L.P., AS IT MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, WHICH CONTAINS STRICT PROHIBITIONS ON TRANSFERS, SALES, ASSIGNMENTS, PLEDGES, HYPOTHECATIONS, ENCUMBRANCES OR OTHER DISPOSITIONS OF THIS PARTNERSHIP INTEREST OR ANY INTEREST THEREIN (INCLUDING ASSOCIATED UNITS AND CAPITAL).

SECTION 7.07. Effect of Transfer Not in Compliance with this Article . Any purported Transfer of all or any part of a Partner’s Interest, or any interest therein, that is not in compliance with this Article VII (and, in the case of the Founding/Working Partner Interests or REU Interests, Article XII), or that would cause the Partnership to be a “publicly traded partnership” (within the meaning of Section 7704 of the Code), shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be void ab initio and shall be of no effect.

ARTICLE VIII

EXCHANGE RIGHTS

SECTION 8.01. Exchange Rights . (a) An Exchange Right Interest shall be exchangeable, at the option of the Limited Partner holding such Interest, with Newmark for Newmark Common Stock, on the terms, and subject to the conditions, set forth in this Article VIII (a “ Newmark Exchange ”). In addition, prior to the Spin-Off, an Exchange Right Interest, together with a BGC Holdings Exchange Right Interest, shall be exchangeable, at the option of such Limited Holder holding such interests, with BGC Partners for BGC Partners Common Stock, on the terms, and subject to the conditions set forth in this Article VIII and in Article VIII of the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement (a “ BGC Exchange ”). The terms and conditions set forth in the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement relating to a BGC Exchange involving an Exchange Right Interest are incorporated in this Agreement as if restated in full.

 

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(b) (i) Subject to Sections 8.01(c) , an Exchangeable Limited Partner shall be entitled to exchange all or a portion of its Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest in a Newmark Exchange.

(ii) A Founding Partner shall not be entitled to exchange any portion of its Founding Partner Interest in a Newmark Exchange; provided , however , that, subject to Section 8.01(c), the Exchangeable Limited Partners (by affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest) may, in their sole discretion, cause all or a portion of the outstanding Founding Partner Units to be exchangeable (including mandatorily exchangeable) in a Newmark Exchange; provided , however , that Newmark shall not be required to effectuate such an exchange if such Founding Partner Interest shall be subject to any Encumbrance. The terms and conditions on which such Founding Partner Units shall become exchangeable in a Newmark Exchange (including the circumstances in which such Founding Partner Units shall be mandatorily exchangeable and/or cease to be exchangeable) shall be determined by the Exchangeable Limited Partners (by affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest).

(iii) An REU Partner shall not be entitled to exchange any portion of its REU Interest in a Newmark Exchange; provided , however , that, subject to Section 8.01(c), Newmark may, with the written consent of a Majority in Interest, cause all or a portion of the outstanding REUs to be exchangeable (including mandatorily exchangeable) in a Newmark Exchange; provided , however , that Newmark shall not be required to effectuate such an exchange if such REU Interest shall be subject to any Encumbrance. The terms and conditions on which such REUs shall become exchangeable in a Newmark Exchange (including the circumstances in which such REUs shall cease to be mandatorily exchangeable and/or exchangeable) shall be determined by Newmark, with the written consent of a Majority in Interest.

(iv) A Working Partner shall not be entitled to exchange any portion of its Working Partner Interest in a Newmark Exchange; provided , however , that, subject to Section 8.01(c) , Newmark may, with the written consent of a Majority in Interest, cause all or a portion of the outstanding Working Partner Units to be exchangeable (including mandatorily exchangeable) in a Newmark Exchange; provided , however , that Newmark shall not be required to effectuate such an exchange if such Working Partner Interest shall be subject to any Encumbrance; provided , further , that in the case of any exchange of High Distribution II Units or High Distribution III Units by a Working Partner, Newmark shall not be required to effectuate such exchange unless and until such Partner shall have paid in full any then outstanding HDII Account or HDIII Account with respect to such Units. The terms and conditions on which such Working Partner Units shall become exchangeable in a Newmark Exchange (including the circumstances in which such Working Partner Units shall be mandatorily exchangeable and/or cease to be exchangeable) shall be determined by Newmark, with the written consent of a Majority in Interest.

 

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(v) Provisions of this Article VIII that apply to the exchange of an entire Exchange Right Interest shall also apply to an exchange of a portion of an Exchange Right Interest. Each Exchange shall be expressed in terms of a number of Units underlying the Exchange Right Interest being exchanged. Cantor may, on one occasion, at any time following the second (2nd) anniversary of the Spin-Off Date, designate any Exchange or Exchanges made as of a single date or as part of a series of related transactions as being intended to qualify for tax-deferred treatment for U.S. federal income tax purposes, in which case Newmark shall take such actions, at Newmark’s expense, as may be reasonably requested by Cantor to achieve such tax treatment. Subject to Section 6.10 of the Separation Agreement, Newmark acknowledges that for purposes of the foregoing, a request by Cantor to form a new parent holding company to which all of the holders of Newmark Common Stock are required to transfer their shares in connection with the consummation of an Exchange shall be a reasonable request.

(vi) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, BGC Partners, BGC Holdings, Newmark and this Partnership agree that if, after the Closing: Newmark or the General Partner has a right to determine whether a Non-Exchangeable Legacy Unit becomes an Exchange Right Unit, then (A) with respect to any such Non-Exchangeable Legacy Unit held by a BGC Employee or Former BGC Employee, Newmark or the General Partner shall follow the instructions of BGC Partners and the general partner of BGC Holdings with respect to such determination, including whether to make all or any portion of such Non-Exchangeable Legacy Unit exchangeable pursuant to a Newmark Exchange and/or a BGC Exchange and the terms and conditions for such grant of exchangeability, (B) with respect to any such Non-Exchangeable Legacy Unit held by a Newmark Employee or Former Newmark Employee, Newmark or the General Partner shall make its own determination, including whether to make all or any portion of such Non-Exchangeable Legacy Unit exchangeable pursuant to a Newmark Exchange and/or a BGC Exchange and the terms and conditions for such grant of exchangeability, and (C) with respect to any such Non-Exchangeable Legacy Unit held by an Shared Services Employee, (x) Newmark or the General Partner shall follow the instructions of BGC Partners and the general partner of BGC Holdings as to whether to make all or any portion of such Non-Exchangeable Legacy Unit exchangeable pursuant to a BGC Exchange and the terms and conditions for such grant of exchangeability to the extent that the grant of exchangeability relates to compensation for services by such Shared Service Employee to members of the BGC Partners Group and (y) Newmark shall make its own determination as to whether to make all or any portion of such Non-Exchangeable Legacy Unit exchangeable pursuant to a Newmark Exchange and the terms and conditions for such grant of exchangeability to the extent that the grant of exchangeability relates to compensation for services by such Shared Service Employee to members of the Newmark Group; provided that, in each of the above cases, (1) any such grant of exchangeability pursuant to a BGC Exchange for a BGC Executive Officer shall be subject to the approval of the Board or Compensation Committee of BGC Partners, and (2) any such grant of exchangeability pursuant to a Newmark Exchange for a Newmark Executive Officer shall be subject to the approval of the Board or Compensation Committee of Newmark.

 

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(c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the parties acknowledge that (i) pursuant to the Separation Agreement, Newmark has agreed that it will not issue any shares of Newmark capital stock in respect of any Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interests for so long as BGC Partners beneficially owns shares of Newmark capital stock constituting “control” within the meaning of Section 368(c) of the Code or satisfying the stock ownership requirements set forth in Section 1504 of the Code, without the prior written consent of BGC Partners (which BGC Partners may withhold in its sole discretion) and (ii) pursuant to the Tax Matters Agreement, Newmark has agreed to certain restrictions with respect to issuances of shares of Newmark capital stock during the two-year period following the Spin-Off Date. Accordingly, notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, (x) prior to the Spin-Off Date, any Exchange Right Interest shall only be exchangeable for Newmark Common Stock with the prior written consent of BGC Partners and Newmark, which they may each withhold in their sole discretion and (y) during the two-year period following the Spin-Off Date, any Exchange Right Interest shall only be exchangeable for Newmark Common Stock with the prior written consent of Newmark, which it may withhold in its sole discretion.

(d) (i) Subject to Section 8.01(c) , an Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest shall be exchangeable for a number of shares of Newmark Class B Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio multiplied by the Units so exchanged; provided that, in the event that (A) the Electing Partner elects to receive Newmark Class A Common Stock and/or (B) there shall be not be sufficient authorized and unissued shares of Newmark Class B Common Stock, then in either case, such Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest shall be exchangeable for a number of shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio multiplied by the Units so exchanged.

(ii) If a Founding Partner Interest shall have become exchangeable pursuant to Section 8.01(b)(ii), then, subject to Section 8.01(c) , such Founding Partner Interest shall be exchangeable for a number of shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio multiplied by the Units so exchanged.

(iii) If an REU Interest shall have become exchangeable pursuant to Section 8.01(b)(iii), then, subject to Section 8.01(c) , such REU Interest shall be exchangeable for a number of shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio multiplied by the Units so exchanged.

(iv) If a Working Partner Interest shall have become exchangeable pursuant to Section 8.01(b)(iv), then, subject to Section 8.01(c) , such Working Partner Interest shall be exchangeable for a number of shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio multiplied by the Units so exchanged.

 

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(e) A holder of an Exchange Right Interest is not entitled to any rights of a holder of Newmark Common Stock with respect to such Exchange Right Interest until such Interest shall have been exchanged therefor in accordance with this Article VIII and is not entitled to any rights of a holder of BGC Partners Common Stock with respect to such Exchange Right Interest until such Interest shall have been exchanged therefor in accordance with Article VIII of the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement.

(f) To exercise the Exchange Right in a Newmark Exchange, a holder of an Exchange Right Interest who elects to exercise its Exchange Right (an “ Electing Partner ”) shall prepare and deliver to Newmark and the Partnership a written request signed by such Electing Partner (i) stating the amount of Exchange Right Units, together with the Exchange Right Interests and a proportionate amount of Capital (or portion thereof), that such Electing Partner desires to exchange, (ii) stating the earliest Business Day on which the Electing Partner desires to have such Exchange consummated in accordance with this Article VIII, which Business Day shall be no earlier than sixty (60) days following such written request (the date so selected by the Electing Partner, the “ Requested Exchange Effective Date ”), (iii) solely in the case of Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interests, stating whether such Electing Partner desires to receive Newmark Class A Common Stock in lieu of all or a portion of the Newmark Class B Common Stock otherwise issuable (and if so, the number of shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock such Electing Partner desires to receive in lieu thereof), and (iv) representing, warranting and certifying to each of Newmark and the Partnership that, as of the date of such notice and as of the Exchange Effective Date, (A) such Electing Partner is entitled to exchange the portion of the Exchange Right Units that the Electing Partner desires to exchange pursuant to this Article VIII, (B) such Electing Partner is the record and beneficial owner of such Exchange Right Units, together with Exchange Right Interests and a proportionate amount of Capital, free and clear of all Encumbrances other than those created by this Agreement, (C) upon consummation of the Newmark Exchange, Newmark will have all right, title and interest in and to the Exchange Right Interest and related Unit received in such Newmark Exchange, free and clear of all Encumbrances (other than any created by this Agreement or under any agreement, contract, law or order to which Newmark is a party or otherwise subject), and (D) in the case of any Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner exercising an Exchange Right in a Newmark Exchange, an acknowledgement of such Partner’s responsibility for certain tax and tax-related liabilities as provided in Section 12.07 (each such request, an “ Exchange Request ”). The General Partner shall effectuate such Newmark Exchange on or after the Requested Exchange Effective Date unless otherwise determined by the General Partner (such date of a Newmark Exchange, the “ Exchange Effective Date ”). Each of Newmark and (if different) the General Partner shall have the right to determine whether any Exchange Request with respect to a Newmark Exchange is proper or to waive any impropriety, or any requirement, of these procedures. Once delivered, an Exchange Request for a Newmark Exchange shall be irrevocable.

 

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(g) Each Newmark Exchange shall be consummated effective as of the close of Newmark’s business on the applicable Exchange Effective Date (such time, the “ Exchange Effective Time ”), and the Electing Partner shall be deemed to have become the holder of record of the applicable number of shares of Newmark Common Stock at such Exchange Effective Time (unless Newmark elects to deliver cash in such Newmark Exchange pursuant to Section 8.01(j)), and all rights of the Electing Partner in respect of the portion of the Exchange Right Units, together with the Exchange Right Interest, and a proportionate amount of Capital as determined pursuant to Section 8.01(i) so exchanged shall terminate at such Exchange Effective Time; provided , however , that the obligation of Newmark to consummate any Newmark Exchange shall be conditioned upon (i) the absence of any injunction, order, law or regulation of any governmental or regulatory authority of competent jurisdiction that prohibits the consummation of such Newmark Exchange or the redemption contemplated by Section 8.07 in accordance with its terms, (ii) the receipt of all material regulatory and governmental approvals (including registration under the Securities Act, or the availability of an exemption from the requirements for such registration and self-regulatory approvals) that are required to consummate such Newmark Exchange and the redemption contemplated by Section 8.07 in accordance with its terms (and each of the parties involved in such Newmark Exchange shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain all such approvals), (iii) the certifications set forth in Section 8.01(f) shall be true and correct when made and as of the Exchange Effective Time, and (iv) the redemption contemplated by Section 8.07 shall be capable of being consummated in accordance with the terms thereof.

(h) Upon receipt by Newmark or BGC Partners of an Exchange Right Interest and related Exchange Right Units (or portion thereof) pursuant to any Exchange, the Exchange Right Interest and related Exchange Rights Units (or portion thereof) being so exchanged shall automatically be designated as a Regular Limited Partnership Interest and related Units (or portion thereof), shall have all rights and obligations of a holder of Regular Limited Partnership Interests and shall cease to be designated as an Exchange Right Interest (and for the avoidance of doubt, shall not be exchangeable pursuant to this Section 8.01 or Section 8.01 of the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement).

(i) (i) In the case of an Exchange of an Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest (or portion thereof) or a Founding Partner Interest (or portion thereof), the aggregate Capital Account associated with the Units so exchanged shall equal a pro rata portion of the total aggregate Capital Account of all Exchangeable Limited Partner Units and Founding Partner Units then outstanding, reflecting the portion of all such Exchangeable Limited Partner Units and Founding Partner Units then outstanding represented by the Units so exchanged. The aggregate Capital Account of the Electing Partner in such Partner’s remaining Units shall be reduced by an equivalent amount. If the aggregate Capital Account of such Electing Partner is insufficient to permit such a reduction without resulting in a negative Capital Account, the amount of such insufficiency shall be satisfied by reallocating Capital from the Capital Accounts of the Exchangeable Limited Partners and the Founding Partners to the Capital Account of the Units so exchanged, pro rata based on the number of Units underlying the outstanding Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interests and the Founding Partner Interests or based on other factors as determined by a Majority in Interest.

 

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(ii) In the case of an Exchange of an REU Interest (or portion thereof) or a Working Partner Interest (or portion thereof), the aggregate Capital Account of the Units so exchanged shall equal the Capital Account of the REU Interest (or portion thereof) or Working Partner Interest (or portion thereof), as the case may be, represented by such Units.

(j) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, upon any Newmark Exchange with respect to an Exchange Right Interest, Newmark shall have the option to deliver to the holder of such Exchange Right Interest, in lieu of shares of Newmark Common Stock, an amount of cash with a value equal to the number of shares of Newmark Common Stock that would have been issued if such Exchange Right Interest was exchanged for Newmark Common Stock in accordance with this Article VIII, with such amount of cash determined by the General Partner using (i) any reasonably methodology, including taking into account the timing of the sale by Newmark of any shares of Newmark Common Stock that would have been issued if such Exchange Right Interest was exchanged for Newmark Common Stock in accordance with this Article VIII and/or the net proceeds of any sale by Newmark of any shares of Newmark Common Stock underlying Exchange Right Interests of other Partners, or (ii) any other methodology agreed upon by the General Partner and the holder of such Exchange Right Interest.

SECTION 8.02. No Fractional Shares of Newmark Common Stock . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Newmark will not transfer any fractional shares of Newmark Common Stock in any Newmark Exchange. In lieu thereof, in each Newmark Exchange, Newmark will provide cash representing such fractional share.

SECTION 8.03. Taxes in Respect of a Newmark Exchange . In any Newmark Exchange for shares of Newmark Common Stock or cash, Newmark shall pay any documentary, stamp or similar issue or transfer tax due on the issue of the Newmark Common Stock upon such Newmark Exchange; provided that the Electing Partner shall pay any such tax that is due because such Electing Partner requests the shares of Newmark Common Stock to be issued in a name other than the holder’s name or cash to be paid to a Person other than the holder. Newmark may refuse to deliver the certificate representing Newmark Common Stock being transferred to a Person other than the Electing Partner until Newmark receives a sum sufficient to pay any such tax that will be due because the shares or cash are to be transferred to a Person other than the Electing Partner. Nothing herein shall preclude any tax withholding required by law or regulation. In addition, each Founding/Working Partner and REU Partner shall be responsible for all tax liabilities arising in connection with a Newmark Exchange as provided in Section 12.07.

SECTION 8.04. Reservation of Newmark Common Stock . Newmark covenants and agrees that it shall from time to time as may be necessary reserve, out of its authorized but unissued Newmark Class B Common Stock and Newmark Class A Common Stock, a sufficient number of shares of Newmark Class B Common Stock and Newmark Class A Common Stock to effect the exchange of all then outstanding Exchange Right Units together with the Exchange Right Interests and a proportionate amount of Capital into shares of Newmark Class B Common Stock or Newmark Class A Common Stock pursuant to the Newmark Exchanges and a sufficient

 

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number of shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock to effect the exchange of shares of Newmark Class B Common Stock issued or issuable in respect of Exchange Right Units together with the Exchange Right Interests and a proportionate amount of Capital (subject in each case to the maximum number of shares of Class B Common Stock or Class A Common Stock authorized but unissued under the Certificate of Incorporation of Newmark as then in effect). Newmark covenants and agrees that all shares of Newmark Class B Common Stock and Newmark Class A Common Stock issued in an Exchange will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and will be free from preemptive rights and free of any Encumbrances. Newmark acknowledges and agrees that each additional issuance of Exchange Right Interests in accordance with this Agreement will be entitled to Exchange Right Units under this Article VIII.

SECTION 8.05. Compliance with Applicable Laws in the Exchange . Newmark shall use its reasonable best efforts to promptly comply with all federal and state securities laws regulating the offer and delivery of shares of Newmark Class B Common Stock or Newmark Class A Common Stock, as applicable, upon each Newmark Exchange and to list or cause to have quoted such shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock (including Newmark Class A Common Stock issuable in exchange for any shares of Newmark Class B Common Stock to be issued hereunder) on each national securities exchange, Nasdaq Global Market, over-the-counter market or other market on which the Newmark Class A Common Stock may be listed or quoted (if any); provided , however , that if rules of such exchange or market permit Newmark to defer the listing of such Newmark Class A Common Stock until the first Exchange, Newmark shall use its reasonable best efforts to list such Newmark Class A Common Stock in accordance with such rules at such time.

SECTION 8.06. Adjustments to Exchange Ratio . The initial Exchange Ratio as of immediately following the IPO shall be one. The Exchange Ratio shall thereafter be subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 6.14 of the Separation Agreement.

SECTION 8.07. Redemption for Opco Units . (a) Immediately following an Exchange of an Exchange Right Interest, the Partnership shall redeem the Exchange Right Interest and related Exchange Right Units received in the Newmark Exchange by Newmark (or any member of the Newmark Inc. Group to whom Newmark Transfers such Interests and related Units) or received in the BGC Exchange by BGC Partners (or any member of the BGC Partners Inc. Group to whom BGC Partners Transfers such Interests and related Units), in exchange for an Opco Limited Partnership Interest (the “ Acquired Opco Interest ”) consisting of a number of Opco Units equal to (1) the number of Exchange Right Units redeemed multiplied by (2) the Holdings Ratio as of immediately prior to the redemption of such Exchange Right Units, together with:

(b) in the case of an Exchange of an Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest or a Founding Partner Interest, Opco Capital equal to (1) the total Opco Capital as of immediately prior to the applicable Exchange for all issued and outstanding Opco Units that were issued in connection with the issuance of any outstanding Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest or Founding Partner Interest, divided by (2) the total number of issued and outstanding Opco Units as of immediately prior to the applicable Exchange that were issued in connection with the issuance of any outstanding Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest or Founding Partner Interest, multiplied by (3) the number of Opco Units underlying such Acquired Opco Interest.

 

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(c) in the case of an Exchange of an REU Interest, Opco Capital equal to (1) the total Opco Capital as of immediately prior to the applicable Exchange for all issued and outstanding Opco Units that were issued in connection with the issuance of any outstanding REU Interest, divided by (2) the total number of issued and outstanding Opco Units as of immediately prior to the applicable Exchange that were issued in connection with the issuance of any outstanding REU Interest, multiplied by (3) the number of Opco Units underlying such Acquired Opco Interest.

(d) in the case of an Exchange of a Working Partner Interest, Opco Capital equal to (1) the total Opco Capital as of immediately prior to the applicable Exchange for all issued and outstanding Opco Units that were issued in connection with the issuance of any outstanding Working Partner Interest, divided by (2) the total number of issued and outstanding Opco Units as of immediately prior to the applicable Exchange that were issued in connection with the issuance of any outstanding Working Partner Interest, multiplied by (3) the number of Opco Units underlying such Acquired Opco Interest.

SECTION 8.08. Purchase Rights . Where the Exchangeable Limited Partners (by affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest) cause all or any portion of the outstanding Founding Partner Units of a Founding Partner, either before, upon, or after the Termination of such Founding Partner, to be exchangeable (including mandatorily exchangeable) with Newmark for shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock pursuant to Section 8.01, the General Partner shall provide Cantor, as soon as practicable after such Units are exchanged, the right to purchase Exchangeable Limited Partner Units in an amount equal to the number of such Founding Partner’s Founding Partner Units that the Exchangeable Limited Partners (by affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest) caused to be exchangeable pursuant to Section 8.01 at the same price that Cantor would have been able to purchase such Founding Partner’s Founding Partner Interest (or any portion thereof) if it had been purchased pursuant to Sections 12.02(a)(i)(B) or 12.03(a)(ii) rather than made exchangeable; provided that the Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest right granted hereunder shall be subject to, and granted in accordance with, applicable laws, rules, and regulations then in effect.

ARTICLE IX

DISSOLUTION

SECTION 9.01. Dissolution . The Partnership shall be dissolved and its affairs wound up upon the first to occur of the following:

(a) an election to dissolve the Partnership made by the General Partner; provided that such dissolution shall require the prior approval of the Exchangeable Limited Partners (by affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest);

(b) at any time there are no limited partners of the Partnership, unless the business of the Partnership is continued in accordance with the Act;

 

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(c) any event that results in the General Partner ceasing to be a general partner of the Partnership under the Act; provided that the Partnership shall not be dissolved and required to be wound up in connection with any such event if (A) at the time of the occurrence of such event there is at least one remaining general partner of the Partnership who is hereby authorized to and does carry on the business of the Partnership, or (B) within ninety (90) days after the occurrence of such event, a majority of the Limited Partners agree in writing or vote to continue the business of the Partnership and to the appointment, effective as of the date of such event, if required, of one or more additional general partners of the Partnership; or

(d) the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution under Section 17-802 of the Act.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, none of the Partners shall have any right to terminate, dissolve or have redeemed their class of Interests or, except for the General Partner in accordance with this Section 9.01, to terminate, windup or dissolve the Partnership. Each Partner shall use its reasonable best efforts to prevent the dissolution of the Partnership, except in the case of a dissolution pursuant to this Section 9.01.

SECTION 9.02. Liquidation . Upon a dissolution pursuant to Section 9.01, the Partnership’s business and assets shall be wound up promptly in an orderly manner. The General Partner shall be the liquidator to wind up the affairs of the Partnership. In performing its duties, the General Partner is authorized to sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of the Partnership’s business and assets in accordance with the Act in any reasonable manner that the General Partner determines to be in the best interests of the Partners. Upon completion of the winding-up of the Partnership, the General Partner shall prepare and submit to each Limited Partner a final statement with respect thereto.

SECTION 9.03. Distributions . (a) In the event of a dissolution of the Partnership pursuant to Section 9.01, the Partnership shall apply and distribute the proceeds of the dissolution as provided below:

(i) first , to the creditors of the Partnership, including Partners that are creditors of the Partnership to the extent permitted by law, in satisfaction of the liabilities of the Partnership (by payment or by the making of reasonable provision for payment thereof, including the setting up of any reserves which the General Partner determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, are necessary therefor);

(ii) second , to the repayment of any loans or advances that may have been made by any of the Partners to the Partnership;

(iii) third , to the Partners in proportion to (and to the extent of) the positive balances in their respective Capital Accounts; and

(iv) fourth , to the Partners (other than with respect to Restricted Partnership Units) in proportion to their respective Percentage Interests ( provided that for purposes of this subclause (iv), the number of Restricted Partnership Units shall not be counted in the calculation of a Partner’s Percentage Interest).

 

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(b) Cancellation of Certificate of Limited Partnership . Upon completion of a liquidation and distribution pursuant to Section 9.03(a) following a dissolution of the Partnership pursuant to Section 9.01, the General Partner shall execute, acknowledge and cause to be filed a certificate of cancellation of the Certificate of Limited Partnership of the Partnership in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. The Partnership’s existence as a separate legal entity shall continue until cancellation of the Certificate of Limited Partnership as provided in the Act.

SECTION 9.04. Reconstitution . Nothing contained in this Agreement shall impair, restrict or limit the rights and powers of the Partners under the laws of the State of Delaware and any other jurisdiction in which the Partnership is doing business to reform and reconstitute themselves as a limited partnership following dissolution of the Partnership either under provisions identical to those set forth herein or any others which they may deem appropriate.

SECTION 9.05. Deficit Restoration . Upon the termination of the Partnership, no Limited Partner shall be required to restore any negative balance in his, her or its Capital Account to the Partnership except that any Founding/Working Partner holding High Distribution II Units or High Distribution III Units shall be required to restore any negative balance in his, her or its Capital Account but only to the extent of such Founding/Working Partner’s HDII Account or HDIII Account, respectively. Any amount contributed by a Founding/Working Partner holding High Distribution II Units or High Distribution III Units pursuant to this Section 9.05 shall be considered an HDII Contribution for purposes of Section 12.01(a)(iii)(C) or a reduction of the relevant HDIII Account for purposes of Section 12.01(a)(iv), as applicable. The General Partner shall be required to contribute to the Partnership an amount equal to its deficit Capital Account balance within the period prescribed by Treasury Regulation section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(c).

ARTICLE X

INDEMNIFICATION AND EXCULPATION

SECTION 10.01. Exculpation . Neither a General Partner nor any Affiliate or director or officer of a General Partner or any such Affiliate shall be personally liable to the Partnership or the Limited Partners for a breach of this Agreement or any fiduciary duty as a General Partner or as an Affiliate or director or officer of a General Partner or any such Affiliate, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the Act as the same exists or may hereafter be amended. Any repeal or modification of the immediately preceding sentence shall not adversely affect any right or protection of such Person existing hereunder with respect to any act or omission occurring prior to such repeal or modification. A General Partner may consult with legal counsel, accountants, appraisers, management consultants, investment bankers and other consultants and advisors selected by it and the opinion of any such Person as to matters which the General Partner reasonably believes to be within such Person’s professional or expert competence shall be full and complete

 

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authorization and protection in respect of any action taken or suffered or omitted by the General Partner in good faith and in accordance with such opinion. A General Partner may exercise any of the powers granted to it by this Agreement and perform any of the obligations imposed on it hereunder either directly or by or through one or more agents, and the General Partner shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any such agent appointed by the General Partner with due care.

SECTION 10.02. Indemnification . (a) Each Person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (hereinafter a “ proceeding ”), by reason of the fact that he or she, or a Person of whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was a or has agreed to become a General Partner, or any director or officer of the General Partner or of the Partnership, or is or was serving at the request of the Partnership as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent or in any other capacity while surviving as a director, officer, employee or agent, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Partnership to the fullest extent authorized by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “ DGCL ”) as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, to the fullest extent permitted by law, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Partnership to provide broader indemnification rights than the DGCL permitted the Partnership to provide prior to such amendment), as if the Partnership were a corporation organized under the DGCL, against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys’ fees and expenses, judgments, fines, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement, and excise taxes or penalties arising under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) reasonably incurred or suffered by such Person in connection therewith and such indemnification shall continue as to a Person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators; provided , however , that except as provided in Section 10.02(c), the Partnership shall indemnify any such Person seeking indemnification in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such Person only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the General Partner. The right to indemnification conferred in this Section 10.02 shall be a contract right and shall include the right to be paid by the Partnership the expenses, including attorneys’ fees and expenses, incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its financial disposition; provided , however , that if the applicable law requires that the payment of such expenses incurred by a director or officer in his or her capacity as a director or officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such Person while a director or officer, including service to an employee benefit plan) in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding shall be made only upon delivery to the Partnership of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified under this Section 10.02 or otherwise, then such advancement of expenses shall be conditioned upon the delivery of such an undertaking by such director or officer to the Partnership.

 

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(b) To obtain indemnification under this Section 10.02, a claimant shall submit to the Partnership a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to the claimant and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent the claimant is entitled to indemnification. Upon written request by a claimant for indemnification pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 10.02(b), a determination, if required by applicable law, with respect to the claimant’s entitlement thereto shall be made as follows: (i) if requested by the claimant, by Independent Counsel (as hereinafter defined), or (ii) if no request is made by the claimant for a determination by Independent Counsel, (x) by the Board of Directors of Newmark by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of Disinterested Directors (as hereinafter defined) or (y) if a quorum of the Board of Directors of Newmark consisting of Disinterested Directors is not obtainable or, even if obtainable, such quorum of Disinterested Directors so directs, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board of Directors of Newmark, a copy of which shall be delivered to the claimant, or (z) if a quorum of Disinterested Directors so directs, by the affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest. In the event that the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel at the request of the claimant, the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Board of Directors of Newmark unless there shall have occurred within two years prior to the date of the commencement of the action, suit or proceeding for which indemnification is claimed a “Change of Control” as defined in Newmark Group, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan, in which case the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the claimant unless the claimant shall request that such selection be made by the Board of Directors of Newmark. If it is so determined that the claimant is entitled to indemnification, payment to the claimant shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination.

(c) If a claim under Section 10.02(a) is not paid in full by the Partnership within thirty (30) days after a written claim pursuant to Section 10.02(b) has been received by the Partnership, the claimant may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Partnership to recover the unpaid amount of the claim and, if successful in whole or in part, the claimant shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting such claim. It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition where the undertaking required by Section 10.02, if any, has been tendered to the Partnership) that the claimant has not met the standards of conduct which make it permissible under the DGCL as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Partnership to provide broader indemnification rights than it permitted the Partnership to provide prior to such amendment) for the Partnership to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed if the Partnership were a corporation organized under the DGCL, but the burden of proving such defense shall be on the Partnership. Neither the failure of the Partnership (including the Board of Directors of Newmark, Independent Counsel or a Majority in Interest) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL, nor an actual determination by the Partnership (including the Board of Directors of Newmark, Independent Counsel or a Majority in Interest) that the claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to such action or create a presumption that the claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

 

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(d) If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 10.02(b) that the claimant is entitled to indemnification, the Partnership shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to Section 10.02(c).

(e) The Partnership shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to Section 10.02(c) that the procedures and presumptions of this Section 10.02 are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in such proceeding that the Partnership is bound by all the provisions of this Section 10.02.

(f) The right to indemnification and the payment of expenses incurred in defending a proceeding in advance of its final disposition conferred in this Section 10.02 shall not be exclusive of any other right that any Person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of this Agreement, agreement, vote of the Exchangeable Limited Partners (by affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest) or Disinterested Directors or otherwise. No amendment or other modification of this Section 10.02 shall in any way diminish or adversely affect the rights of a General Partner, a Limited Partner or any directors, officers, employees or agents of the General Partner in respect of any occurrence or matter arising prior to any such amendment or other modification.

(g) The Partnership may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the General Partner, grant rights to indemnification, and rights to be paid by the Partnership the expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition, to any employee or agent of the Partnership to the fullest extent of the provisions of this Section 10.02 with respect to the indemnification and advancement of expenses of a General Partner, or any director or officer of the General Partner or of the Partnership.

(h) If any provision or provisions of this Section 10.02 shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (i) the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Section 10.02 (including each portion of this Section 10.02 containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby; and (ii) to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Section 10.02 (including each such portion of this Section 10.02 containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable.

(i) For purposes of this Article X:

(i) “ Disinterested Director ” means a director of Newmark who is not and was not a party to the matter in respect of which indemnification is sought by the claimant.

(ii) “ Independent Counsel ” means a law firm, a member of a law firm, or an independent practitioner, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and shall include any Person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would not have a conflict of interest in representing either the Partnership or the claimant in an action to determine the claimant’s rights under this Section 10.02.

 

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(j) Any notice, request or other communication required or permitted to be given to the Partnership under this Section 10.02 shall be in writing and either delivered in person or sent by facsimile, overnight mail or courier service, or certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to the General Partner and shall be effective only upon receipt by the General Partner.

SECTION 10.03. Insurance . The Partnership may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Partnership or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Partnership would have the power to indemnify such Person against such expense, liability or loss under the DGCL if the Partnership were a corporation organized under the DGCL. To the extent that the Partnership maintains any policy or policies providing such insurance, each such director or officer, and each such agent or employee to which rights of indemnification have been granted as provided in Section 10.02 shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage thereunder for any such director, officer, employee or agent.

SECTION 10.04. Subrogation . In the event of payment of indemnification to a Person described in Section 10.02, the Partnership shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to any right of recovery such person may have and such person, as a condition of receiving indemnification from the Partnership, shall execute all documents and do all things that the Partnership may deem necessary or desirable to perfect such right of recovery, including the execution of such documents necessary to enable the Partnership effectively to enforce any such recovery.

SECTION 10.05. No Duplication of Payments . The Partnership shall not be liable under this Article X to make any payment in connection with any claim made against a Person described in Section 10.02 to the extent such Person has otherwise received payment (under any insurance policy or otherwise) of the amounts otherwise payable as indemnity hereunder.

SECTION 10.06. Survival . This Article X shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

ARTICLE XI

EXTRAORDINARY ITEMS

SECTION 11.01. Certain Arrangements Regarding Extraordinary Items . (a) The Partnership may, from time to time, receive extraordinary income items from non-recurring events (as determined by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion), including (i) items that would be considered “extraordinary items” under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and (ii) recoveries, by settlement, judgment, insurance reimbursement or otherwise,

 

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with respect to claims for expenses, costs and damages (including lost profits, but not including any recovery that does not result in monetary payments to the Partnership) attributable to extraordinary events affecting the Partnership (collectively, “ Extraordinary Income Items ”). In addition, except as otherwise determined by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion, all after-tax income to the Partnership resulting from any transaction relating to shares of capital stock of any Affiliate owned by the Partnership, whether or not recurring in nature and whether hereafter arising or occurring prior to the date of this Agreement, including gains from the Partnership’s sale or deemed sale of such stock, may be treated by the General Partner as an Extraordinary Income Item (except to the extent that the transaction results in an offsetting item of expense or deduction to the Partnership or in items that are specially allocated pursuant to Sections 6.01(c) and 6.01(d)). The General Partner may determine, in its sole and absolute discretion, that all or a portion of any extraordinary expenditures from non-recurring events are to be treated for purposes of this Article XI as extraordinary expenditures (the “ Extraordinary Expenditures ”), including: (A) any distribution or other payment (including a redemption payment) to a Partner, (B) the purchase price or other cost of acquiring any asset, (C) any other non-recurring expenditure of the Partnership, (D) items that would be considered “extraordinary items” under U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and (E) expenses, damages or costs attributable to extraordinary events affecting the Partnership (including actual, pending or threatened litigation). The General Partner may, in its sole and absolute discretion, establish one or more separate accounts for part or all of the after-tax portion of Extraordinary Income Items and Extraordinary Expenditures (each, an “ Extraordinary Account ”), which shall be maintained separately from the Capital Account of each Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner; provided , however , that the General Partner shall not deduct any Extraordinary Expenditure from any Extraordinary Account to the extent that doing so would result in a negative balance in such Extraordinary Account. With respect to any Founding/Working Partner Unit or REU that is a Legacy Unit, the Extraordinary Account for the BGC Holdings Unit for which such Legacy Unit was issued in the Separation shall not be apportioned in the Separation between such BGC Holding Unit, on the one hand, and such Legacy Unit, on the other hand, based on the Relative Value of BGC and Newmark. To the extent that an item is treated as an Extraordinary Income Item or Extraordinary Expenditure, that item shall not directly or indirectly be included in the computation of the Partnership’s net income, gain, loss or deduction.

(b) Each Founding/Working Partner and each REU Partner shall have an Article XI term (the “ Article XI Term ”) with respect to each Unit held by such Partner and each Extraordinary Account. An Article XI Term of a Partner for any Extraordinary Account with respect to such Unit shall commence on the later of the date on which such Partner acquired such Unit and the date on which an Extraordinary Account is first created for such Unit, and ending on the date such Partner becomes a Terminated or Bankrupt Partner.

(c) A Terminated or Bankrupt Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner will receive a payment from each Extraordinary Account for each Unit held by such Partner on the date such Partner becomes a Terminated or Bankrupt Partner equal to the product of: (i) the balance in each Extraordinary Account, multiplied by (ii) the Extraordinary Percentage Interest in the Partnership represented by such Unit at the time such Partner becomes a Terminated or Bankrupt Partner, multiplied by (iii) such Partner’s Vested Percentage with respect to such Extraordinary Account for such Unit.

 

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(d) For purposes of this Article XI:

(i) “ Vested Percentage ” shall mean the amount equal to, with respect to any Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, (i) 0% until (A) such Partner’s Article XI Term with respect to such Extraordinary Account for such Unit equals three (3) years or (B) with respect to a Founding/Working Partner holder of Grant Units only, the later of clause (A) or the continuous employment of such Founding/Working Partner for his, her or its term of employment (as set forth in such Founding/Working Partner’s employment agreement, services agreement or similar agreement with such Person, if any, entered into in connection with the issuance of the Grant Units but excluding any automatic renewals thereof) (the date determined in clause (A) or (B) as applicable, being the “ Initial Vesting Date ”), and (ii) 30% as of the Initial Vesting Date and increasing by 10% on each yearly anniversary of such date until such Partner’s Vested Percentage for such Extraordinary Account for such Unit equals 100%; provided that the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion may accelerate the vesting of a Founding/Working Partner’s or REU Partner’s Extraordinary Account and may accelerate the distribution of such vested amounts.

(ii) At any time of determination, “ Extraordinary Percentage Interest ” shall mean the amount equal to, with respect to any Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, the percentage calculated by dividing the number of Units (including Hypothetical Units treated as being outstanding) held by such Partner by the number of Units (including Hypothetical Units treated as being outstanding) of the Partnership then outstanding. Such payments will be made in up to five (5) equal annual installments, as determined by the General Partner, commencing within one (1) year of the date on which a Founding/Working Partner or an REU Partner, as the case may be, becomes a Terminated or Bankrupt Partner; provided that (A) the Terminated or Bankrupt Partner has not violated its Partner Obligations or engaged in any Competitive Activity prior to the date such payments are completed, and (B) such payments shall be subject to prepayment (including payment prior to the Termination of a Partner) at the sole and absolute discretion of the General Partner at any time.

(iii) Upon the Termination of any Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, for purposes of this Section 11.01(d) only, there shall be treated as issued to Cantor a number of Founding/Working Partner Units or REU Partner Units, as the case may be (the “ Hypothetical Units ”), equal to the product of (1) the number of Units held by such Partner immediately prior to such Termination and (2) 100% minus such Partner’s Vested Percentage at the time of such Termination; provided that such Partner’s Vested Percentage shall be adjusted (but not below zero (0)) to reflect the portion of the Vested Percentage that is actually paid to such Partner in connection with its Termination.

(e) Nothing in this Article XI shall affect the amount of money or property distributable to a Partner upon the liquidation of the Partnership.

 

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(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or otherwise, the General Partner is authorized (upon the approval of the Exchangeable Limited Partners (by affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest)) to amend this Agreement without the consent of the Limited Partners to the extent reasonably necessary to carry out the purposes of this Article XI.

ARTICLE XII

FOUNDING PARTNERS, WORKING PARTNERS AND REU PARTNERS

SECTION 12.01. Units . (a)  Founding/Working Partner Units .

(i) Grant Units . Grant Units shall represent Founding/Working Partner Interests in the Partnership. Except as specifically provided to the contrary herein or in the agreements or other written materials executed by the General Partner relating to the grant of any Grant Units, it is intended that, for all purposes under this Agreement, Grant Units and the holders thereof shall have the same rights, privileges and obligations, and shall be subject to the same restrictions, as High Distribution Units and the holders thereof; provided , however , that subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, the Partnership may issue Grant Units and create a Grant Tax Payment Account with other rights and limitations (including performance criteria, earnings limitations, and vesting requirements), upon the written consent of the General Partner and the holders of such Units. Any such rights and limitations shall be taken into account in applying the provisions of this Agreement.

(ii) High Distribution Units . High Distribution Units shall represent Founding/Working Partner Interests in the Partnership.

(iii) High Distribution II Units .

(A) Except as otherwise provided in this Section 12.01(a)(iii) or elsewhere in this Agreement, holders of High Distribution II Units shall have the same rights, privileges, and obligations as, and shall be subject to the same restrictions as, High Distribution Units.

(B) The Partnership shall maintain an HDII Account with respect to each holder of High Distribution II Units. With respect to any High Distribution II Unit issued after the Separation, the HDII Account for such Unit shall initially be equal to the amount per Unit mutually agreed by the Founding/Working Partner and the General Partner upon the issuance of such Unit, and shall be adjusted as hereinafter provided. With respect to any High Distribution II Unit that is a Legacy Unit (if any), the HDII Account for the BGC Holdings Unit for which such Legacy Unit was issued in the Separation shall be apportioned in the Separation between such BGC Holding Unit, on the one hand, and such Legacy Unit, on the other hand, based on the Relative Value of BGC and Newmark,

 

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such that the sum of the HDII Account for such BGC Holdings Unit and Legacy Unit immediately following the Separation shall equal the HDII Account for such BGC Holding Unit immediately prior to the Separation. High Distribution II Units held as a result of modification of High Distribution Units shall, solely for purposes of this Section 12.01(a)(iii), be treated as issued on the date of such modification, except that such Units shall be treated as having been held by such Founding/Working Partner since the date the High Distribution Units were originally acquired (or, in the case of any Legacy Unit, the date on which the BGC Holdings Unit for which such Legacy Unit was issued in the Separation was originally acquired) for purposes of determining the amount distributable to a holder of High Distribution II Units pursuant to Section 12.01(a)(iii)(J).

(C) Each HDII Account shall be reduced, but not below zero (0), by (x) any cash contributed to the Partnership by a holder of High Distribution II Units and designated as an HDII Contribution, (y) any reduction in distributions to such Founding/Working Partner pursuant to Section 12.01(a)(iii)(G), 12.01(a)(iii)(H) or 12.01(a)(iii)(J), and (z) any amount contributed by a holder of High Distribution II Units pursuant to Section 9.05 to restore any negative balance in his, her or its Capital Account (all amounts referred to in (x), (y) and (z) shall be defined as “ HDII Contributions ”).

(D) In the event that a Loss is allocated with respect to a Founding/Working Partner’s High Distribution II Units during any period, such Founding/Working Partner’s HDII Account shall be increased by the smaller of (x) the amount of such Loss and (y) the amount of such Founding/Working Partner’s HDII Special Allocation.

(E) Pursuant to Section 2(k) of Exhibit C to this Agreement, a portion of the items of loss or deduction of the Partnership for each period shall specifically be allocated to each Founding/Working Partner holding High Distribution II Units with a positive HDII Account. Such portion (the “ HDII Special Allocation ”) shall be equal to the product of (x) the balance of such HDII Account and (y) the rate mutually agreed by the Founding/Working Partner and the General Partner from time to time (the “ HDII Special Allocation Rate ”). Such HDII Special Allocation Rate may be fixed or established by formula.

(F) A Founding/Working Partner’s HDII Account for each Unit must periodically be reduced to the level specified in a schedule mutually agreed by the Founding/Working Partner and the General Partner. If no schedule is agreed, the HDII Account shall be reduced by an amount sufficient so that the HDII Account is (w) no greater than 75% of its original value on the first December 15th after such Unit’s issuance; (x) no greater than 50% of its original value on the second December 15th

 

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after such Unit’s issuance; (y) no greater than 25% of its original value on the third December 15th after such Unit’s issuance; and (z) zero (0) on the fourth December 15th after such Unit’s issuance; provided , however , that any such December 15th date may be extended at the sole and absolute discretion of the General Partner to any later date in December of such year. To the extent that any HDII Account exceeds the relevant level set forth in the schedule or, if no schedule is agreed upon, the relevant level specified in the preceding sentence, such Founding/Working Partner’s HDII Account shall be reduced through adjustments to distributions pursuant to Section 12.01(a)(iii)(G) or 12.01(a)(iii)(H). Reductions required to be made pursuant to this Section 12.01(a)(iii)(F) shall be referred to as an “ HDII Account Reduction Obligation .” With respect to any such Unit that is a Legacy Unit, each relevant level set forth in the schedule contemplated by the first sentence of this Section 12.01(a)(iii)(F) or, if no schedule is agreed upon, each relevant level specified in the preceding sentence for the BGC Holdings Unit for which such Legacy Unit was issued in the Separation, shall be apportioned in the Separation between such BGC Holding Unit, on the one hand, and such Legacy Unit, on the other hand, based on the Relative Value of BGC and Newmark, such that the sum of the applicable levels for such BGC Holdings Unit and Legacy Unit immediately following the Separation shall equal the applicable level for such BGC Holding Unit immediately prior to the Separation.

(G) Amounts distributable to any Founding/Working Partner holding High Distribution II Units for any period shall be reduced, but not below zero (0), by the amount of any HDII Account Reduction Obligation that has not previously been satisfied. To the extent that any HDII Account Reduction Obligation for any date exceeds the amount, if any, that would otherwise be distributed to such Founding/Working Partner within five (5) days of such date, after application of any withholding tax or other payments on behalf of such Founding/Working Partner pursuant to Section 5.09, such Founding/Working Partner shall be required to make additional HDII Contributions to the Partnership pursuant to Section 12.01(a)(iii)(C) in an amount equal to such excess.

(H) The General Partner may reduce any distribution otherwise payable to any holder of High Distribution II Units by an amount not to exceed the HDII Account Reduction Obligation for any date during the fiscal year that includes such distribution. Such reduction shall be made after application of Section 12.01(a)(iii)(F). In applying this Section 12.01(a)(iii)(H), the General Partner may deem such Founding/Working Partner to have elected to receive a distribution equal to 100% of the General Partner’s estimate of the Partnership’s income and gain allocable to such Founding/Working Partner for such period.

 

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(I) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, no additional Units shall be issued to a Founding/Working Partner holding High Distribution II Units as a result of any HDII Contribution occurring by way of cash contributions or reductions in amounts distributable to such Founding/Working Partner under Section 12.01(a)(iii)(G), 12.01(a)(iii)(H) or 12.01(a)(iii)(J).

(J) In the event of the redemption of all or a portion of a Founding/Working Partner’s High Distribution II Units pursuant to Section 3.03, 9.02 or 12.05 or otherwise in accordance with this Agreement, the amount distributable to a Founding/Working Partner shall be reduced, but not below zero (0), by the HDII Account. In the event of the redemption of all of a Founding/Working Partner’s High Distribution II Units, the Founding/Working Partner’s HDII Account shall become immediately payable to the Partnership in full.

(K) [Reserved].

(L) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, any Founding/Working Partner holding High Distribution II Units shall be required to make additional HDII Contributions to the Partnership by way of cash contributions and by reductions in amounts distributable to such Partner as provided in Sections 12.01(a)(iii)(G), 12.01(a)(iii)(H) and 12.01(a)(iii)(J). Such contributions must be made within five days of the General Partner notifying such holder of High Distribution II Units of its obligation hereunder. In the event that the required contribution is not made, the General Partner may, in its sole and absolute discretion, redeem all or a portion of such Founding/Working Partner’s High Distribution II Units, declare the High Distribution Unit II Unitholder to be in default under this Agreement, or take any other action available to it at law or in equity to enforce the obligation described in this Section 12.01(a)(iii)(L), including seeking enforcement of such obligation in any forum and in any jurisdiction (and each holder of High Distribution II Units hereby irrevocably submits to the jurisdiction of any such forum or jurisdiction), notwithstanding the jurisdictional provisions contained in Section 13.04, including the payment of legal fees and expenses related thereto. Any Partner not making a required contribution shall pay interest to the Partnership at a rate determined by the General Partner, and such interest payments shall not be treated as capital contributions hereunder or as part of such Partner’s Capital Account.

(iv) High Distribution III Units . High Distribution III Units and holders of High Distribution III Units shall have the same rights, privileges and obligations as, and shall be subject to the same restrictions as, High Distribution II Units and holders of High Distribution II Units, and High Distribution III Units that are Founding Partner Units shall be treated in the same manner as High Distribution II Units that are Founding Partner Units (including the obligation of a

 

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holder of High Distribution III Units to Cantor pursuant to Section 12.01(a)(iii)(J)); provided that High Distribution III Units shall always have a Base Amount of zero (0) and shall have an HDIII Account in lieu of an HDII Account. With respect to any High Distribution IIII Unit, the HDIII Account shall be subject to mandatory annual reduction on each anniversary of the date of issuance of the applicable High Distribution III Unit (or, with respect to any High Distribution III Unit that is a Legacy Unit, the anniversary date of the issuance of the BGC Holdings Unit for which such Legacy Unit was issued in the Separation) (or on such other date as the General Partner, acting in its sole and absolute discretion, in writing shall establish) (any such date, a “ Reduction Date ”) to such amount as specified on a schedule mutually agreed by the Founding/Working Partner and the General Partner (or, with respect to any High Distribution III Unit that is a Legacy Unit, a schedule mutually agreed by the Founding/Working Partner and the general partner of BGC Holdings with respect to the BGC Holdings Unit for which such Legacy Unit was issued in the Separation), acting in its sole and absolute discretion, or if no schedule shall be agreed upon, to not greater than 5/6 of the original HDIII Account on the first Reduction Date; not greater than 2/3 of the original HDIII Account on the second Reduction Date; not greater than 1/2 of the original HDIII Account on the third Reduction Date; not greater than 1/3 of the original HDIII Account on the fourth Reduction Date; not greater than 1/6 of the original HDIII Account on the fifth Reduction Date; and zero (0) on the sixth Reduction Date. Reductions required to be made pursuant to this Section 12.01(a)(iv) shall be referred to as an “ HDIII Account Reduction Obligation .” With respect to any High Distribution III Unit that is a Legacy Unit, the HDIII Account for the BGC Holdings Unit for which such Legacy Unit was issued in the Separation shall be apportioned in the Separation between such BGC Holding Unit, on the one hand, and such Legacy Unit, on the other hand, based on the Relative Value of BGC and Newmark, such that the sum of the HDIII Account for such BGC Holdings Unit and Legacy Unit immediately following the Separation shall equal the HDIII Account for such BGC Holding Unit immediately prior to the Separation, and the Reduction Dates for such High Distribution III Units shall be the Reduction Dates applicable to the BGC Holdings Unit for which such Legacy Unit was issued in the Separation. With respect to any High Distribution III Unit that is a Legacy Unit, the “original HDIII Account” for the BGC Holdings Unit for which such Legacy Unit was issued in the Separation shall be apportioned in the Separation between such BGC Holding Unit, on the one hand, and such Legacy Unit, on the other hand, based on the Relative Value of BGC and Newmark, such that the sum of the “original HDIII Account” for such BGC Holdings Unit and Legacy Unit immediately following the Separation shall equal the “original HDIII Account” for such BGC Holding Unit immediately prior to the Separation. Each High Distribution III Unit shall have a HDIII Special Allocation Rate and HDIII Account Reduction Obligation in lieu of a HDII Special Allocation Rate and HDII Account Reduction Obligation. Until such time as a holder of High Distribution III Units shall have reduced his, her or its HDIII Account to zero (0), the High Distribution III Units held by such Founding/Working Partner shall not have any of the voting rights provided to Limited Partners in this Agreement.

 

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(v) High Distribution IV Units . Holders of High Distribution IV Units shall have the same rights, privileges and obligations as, and shall be subject to the same restrictions as, holders of High Distribution Units; provided that High Distribution IV Units shall always have a Base Amount of zero (0); provided , further , that High Distribution IV Units that are designated as Founding Partner Units shall have a “ HDIV Tax Payment Account .” With respect to any High Distribution IV Unit that is a Legacy Unit, the HDIV Tax Payment Account (if any) for the BGC Holdings Unit for which such Legacy Unit was issued in the Separation shall be apportioned in the Separation between such BGC Holding Unit, on the one hand, and such Legacy Unit, on the other hand, based on the Relative Value of BGC and Newmark, such that the sum of the HDIV Tax Payment Account for such BGC Holdings Unit and Legacy Unit immediately following the Separation shall equal the HDIV Tax Payment Account for such BGC Holding Unit immediately prior to the Separation. A holder of such High Distribution IV Units shall be entitled to receive payments from the Partnership with respect to such HDIV Tax Payment Account at times and on terms equivalent to what would have applied to the BGC Holdings Unit for which such Legacy Unit was issued in the Separation.

(vi) Restricted Partnership Units .

(A) Restricted Partnership Units shall represent Working Partner Interests in the Partnership, and shall be treated as a separate class of Working Partner Interests in the Partnership.

(B) Each Restricted Partnership Unit issued after the date of this Agreement shall initially have zero (0) dollars in Capital.

(C) Each grant of a Restricted Partnership Unit after the Separation shall set forth an amount (the “ Restricted Partnership Unit Post-Termination Amount ”) potentially payable to the holder of such Restricted Partnership Unit following the redemption of such Restricted Partnership Unit in accordance with Section 12.03(b), as well as a vesting schedule setting forth the portion of the Restricted Partnership Unit Post-Termination Amount that shall become payable in such circumstances and the terms and conditions of such vesting; 1 provided that if a vesting schedule is not set forth in the documentation relating to such grant or is not otherwise specified in writing, then the Restricted Partnership Unit Post-Termination Amount shall vest annually over three (3) years on a pro rata basis.

 

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(D) With respect to each Restricted Partnership Unit that is a Legacy Unit, the Restricted Partnership Unit Post-Termination Amount for the BGC Holdings Unit for which such Legacy Unit was issued in the Separation shall be apportioned in the Separation between such BGC Holding Unit, on the one hand, and such Legacy Unit, on the other hand, based on the Relative Value of BGC and Newmark, such that the sum of the Restricted Partnership Unit Post-Termination Amount for such BGC Holdings Unit and Legacy Unit immediately following the Separation shall equal the Restricted Partnership Unit Post-Termination Amount for such BGC Holding Unit immediately prior to the Separation. Any Restricted Partnership Unit Post-Termination Amount apportioned to a Legacy Unit shall vest at the same time that the remaining Restricted Partnership Unit Post-Termination Amount apportioned to the BGC Holding Unit would vest.

(vii) Other Working Partner Units . Each of PSUs, PSIs, PSEs, LPUs, NPSUs, NPPSUs, NREUs, NPREUs, NLPUs, NPLPUs and Preferred Units shall represent Working Partner Interests in the Partnership.

(b) REUs .

(i) REUs shall represent REU Interests in the Partnership.

(ii) Each REU Interest issued after the date of this Agreement shall initially have zero (0) dollars in Capital.

(iii) Each grant of an REU after the Separation shall set forth an amount (the “ REU Post-Termination Amount ”) potentially payable to the holder of such REU following the redemption of such REU in accordance with Section 12.03(c), as well as a vesting schedule setting forth the portion of the REU Post-Termination Amount that shall become payable in such circumstances and the terms and conditions of such vesting; provided that if no vesting schedule is set forth in the documentation relating to such grant or is otherwise specified in writing, then the REU Post-Termination Amount shall vest annually over three (3) years on a pro rata basis.

(iv) With respect to each REU that is a Legacy Units, the REU Post-Termination Amount for the BGC Holdings Unit for which such Legacy Unit was issued in the Separation shall be apportioned in the Separation between such BGC Holding Unit, on the one hand, and such Legacy Unit, on the other hand, based on the Relative Value of BGC and Newmark, such that the sum of the REU Post-Termination Amount for such BGC Holdings Unit and Legacy Unit immediately following the Separation shall equal the REU Post-Termination Amount for such BGC Holding Unit immediately prior to the Separation. Any REU Post-Termination Amount apportioned to a Legacy Unit shall vest at the same time that the remaining REU Post-Termination Amount apportioned to the BGC Holding Unit would vest.

 

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SECTION 12.02. Transfers of Founding Partner Interests, Working Partner Interests and REU Interests . (a)  Effect of Termination or Bankruptcy of Founding/Working Partners or REU Partners . (i)  Termination and Bankruptcy of Founding Partners .

(A) Except as otherwise agreed to by each of the General Partner, the Exchangeable Limited Partners (by Majority in Interest) and the applicable Founding Partner or as otherwise expressly provided herein, upon any Termination or Bankruptcy of a Founding Partner (or the Termination or Bankruptcy of the beneficial owner of the stock or other ownership interest of any such Founding Partner that is a corporation or other entity), (1) the portion of the Founding Partner Interest held by such Partner that shall have become exchangeable pursuant to Article VIII, if any, shall automatically be Exchanged (x) if the Termination or Bankruptcy occurs prior to the Spin-Off, with BGC Partners (after also providing the requisite portion of the BGC Holdings Founding Partner Interest) for BGC Class A Common Stock on terms set forth in the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement; and (y) in all other cases, with Newmark for Newmark Class A Common Stock on the terms set forth in Article VIII; provided that the general partner of BGC Holdings (in the case of clause (x) above) or the General Partner (in the case of clause (y) above) shall determine the Exchange Effective Date (which date shall be on the date of such Termination or Bankruptcy or as promptly as practicable thereafter and which may be later than the Calculation Date); and (2) the portion of the Founding Partner Interest that shall not have become exchangeable pursuant to Section 8.01(b)(ii) shall be purchased or redeemed from such Founding Partner or his, her or its Personal Representative by the Partnership, and such Founding Partner or his, her or its Personal Representative shall sell to the Partnership all of such portion of the Founding Partner Interest on the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 12.02. With the consent of Cantor and the General Partner, the Partnership may assign by written instrument its right to purchase such Founding Partner Interest pursuant to this Section 12.02 to another Partner.

(B) At the time of purchase of a Founding Partner Interest by the Partnership pursuant to this Article XII, including Section 12.02(a)(i)(A), the Partnership shall provide written notice to Cantor of such purchase as promptly as practicable, and Cantor shall have a right to purchase (or to assign to any member of the Cantor Group the right to purchase) all or a portion of such Founding Partner Interest from the Partnership (it being understood that such purchase price shall be proportionately reduced to the extent that only a portion of the Founding Partner Interest is being acquired). The price to be paid by Cantor (or the other member of the Cantor Group acquiring such Founding Partner Interest, as the case may be) for the purchase of a Founding Partner Interest pursuant to this Section 12.02(a)(i)(B) shall be equal to the lesser of (1) the amount that the Partnership would be required to pay to redeem or purchase such Founding Partner Interest were the Partnership to redeem or purchase such Founding Partner Interest pursuant to the provisions of this Section 12.02 (assuming such Founding Partner Interest were a Working Partner Interest) and (2) the amount equal to (x) the number of Units underlying such Founding Partner Interest,

 

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multiplied by (y) the Exchange Ratio as of the date of such purchase, multiplied by (z) the Current Market Price as of the date of such purchase. Cantor (or the other member of the Cantor Group acquiring such Founding Partner Interest, as the case may be) may pay such price using cash, Publicly Traded Shares (valued at the average of the closing prices of such shares (as reported by the Nasdaq Global Market or any other national securities exchange or quotation system on which such shares are then listed or quoted) during the 10-trading-day period immediately preceding each payment (or by such other fair and reasonable pricing method as may be selected by Cantor)), or other property valued at its then-fair market value, as determined by Cantor in its sole and absolute discretion, or a combination of the foregoing. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, the Parties agree that, if Cantor (or the other member of the Cantor Group acquiring such Founding Partner Interest, as the case may be) shall purchase a Founding Partner Interest pursuant to this Section 12.02(a)(i)(B) at a price equal to clause (2) above, neither Cantor, any member of the Cantor Group nor the Partnership or any other Person shall be obligated to pay the holder of such Founding Partner Interest any amount in excess of the amount set forth in clause (2) above. Cantor shall respond as promptly as practicable to the Partnership after receipt of the written notice provided by the Partnership as to whether it is electing to exercise its rights pursuant to this Section 12.02(a)(i)(B) with respect to a Founding Partner Interest. Pursuant to Section 4.03(c)(iii), any Founding Partner Interest acquired by a Cantor Company pursuant to this Section 12.02(a)(i)(B) shall cause such Founding Partner Interest and related Units (or portion thereof) to automatically be designated as an Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest and the related Units (or portion thereof) shall automatically be designated as Exchangeable Limited Partner Units. The Cantor Company acquiring such Interest shall have all rights and obligations of a holder of Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest with respect to such Interest, and such Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest shall not be subject to the redemption provisions of this Article XII.

(ii) Termination and Bankruptcy of Working Partners .

(A) Except as otherwise agreed to by each of the General Partner and the applicable Working Partner or as otherwise expressly provided herein, and except with respect to Restricted Partnership Units, upon any Termination or Bankruptcy of a Working Partner (or the Termination or Bankruptcy of the beneficial owner of the stock or other ownership interest of any such Working Partner that is a corporation or other entity), (1) the portion of the Working Partner Interest held by such Partner that shall have become exchangeable pursuant to Article VIII, if any, shall automatically be Exchanged (x) if the Termination or Bankruptcy occurs prior to the Spin-Off, with BGC Partners (after also providing the requisite portion of the BGC Holdings Working Partner Interest) for BGC Class A Common Stock on terms set forth in the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement; and (y) in all other cases, with Newmark for Newmark Class A Common Stock on the terms set forth in Article VIII; provided that the general partner of BGC Holdings (in the case of clause (x)

 

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above) or the General Partner (in the case of clause (y) above) shall determine the Exchange Effective Date (which date shall be on the date of such Termination or Bankruptcy or as promptly as practicable thereafter and which may be later than the Calculation Date); and (2) the portion of the Working Partner Interest that shall not have become exchangeable pursuant to Article VIII shall be purchased or redeemed from such Working Partner by the Partnership, or his, her or its Personal Representative, and such Working Partner, or his, her or its Personal Representative shall sell to the Partnership, all of the Working Partner Interest held by such Working Partner at the time of Termination or Bankruptcy on the terms and conditions set forth in Section 12.02. With the consent of the General Partner, the Partnership may assign by written instrument its right to purchase such Working Partner Interest pursuant to this Section 12.02 to another Partner.

(B) If the Partnership elects to assign its purchase rights with respect to any Working Partner Interest to another Partner pursuant to Section 12.02(a)(ii)(A), the Partnership shall provide written notice to Cantor of such election as promptly as practicable, and Cantor shall have a right to purchase (or to assign to any member of the Cantor Group the right to purchase) all or a portion of such Interest from the Partnership, on the same terms that such Partner would have a right to purchase such Interest. Cantor shall respond as promptly as practicable to the Partnership after receipt of the written notice provided by the Partnership as to whether it is electing to exercise its right to purchase provided in this Section 12.02(a)(ii)(B) with respect to such Working Partner Interest.

(iii) Termination and Bankruptcy of REU Partners .

(A) Except as otherwise agreed to by each of the General Partner and the applicable REU Partner or as otherwise expressly provided herein, upon any Termination or Bankruptcy of an REU Partner (or the Termination or Bankruptcy of the beneficial owner of the stock or other ownership interest of any such REU Partner that is a corporation or other entity), (1) the portion of the REU Interest held by such Partner that shall have become exchangeable pursuant to Article VIII shall automatically be Exchanged (x) if the Termination or Bankruptcy occurs prior to the Spin-Off, with BGC Partners (after also providing the requisite portion of the BGC Holdings REU Interest) for BGC Class A Common Stock on terms set forth in the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement; and (y) in all other cases, with Newmark for Newmark Class A Common Stock on the terms set forth in Article VIII; provided that the general partner of BGC Holdings (in the case of clause (x) above) or the General Partner (in the case of clause (y) above) shall determine the Exchange Effective Date (which date shall be on the date of such Termination or Bankruptcy or as promptly as practicable thereafter and which may be later than the Calculation Date); and (2) the portion of the REU Interest held by such Partner that shall not have become exchangeable pursuant to Section 8.01(b)(iii) shall be purchased and redeemed by the Partnership, and such REU Partner, or his, her or its Personal Representative shall sell to the Partnership, all of such portion of the REU Interest on the terms and conditions set forth in Section 12.02. With the consent of the General Partner, the Partnership may assign by written instrument its right to purchase such portion of the REU Interest pursuant to this Section 12.02 to another Partner.

 

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(B) If the Partnership elects to assign its purchase rights with respect to any REU Interest to another Partner pursuant to Section 12.02(a)(iii)(A), the Partnership shall provide written notice to Cantor of such election as promptly as practicable, and Cantor shall have a right to purchase (or to assign to any member of the Cantor Group the right to purchase) all or a portion of such Interest from the Partnership, on the same terms that such Partner would have a right to purchase such Interest. Cantor shall respond as promptly as practicable to the Partnership after receipt of the written notice provided by the Partnership as to whether it is electing to exercise its right to purchase provided in this Section 12.02(a)(iii)(B) with respect to such REU Interest.

(iv) Other .

(A) Solely for purposes of this Section 12.02, all references to Founding Partners, Working Partners, Founding/Working Partners or REU Partners shall include any Terminated or Bankrupt former Founding Partners, Working Partners, Founding/Working Partners or REU Partners, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(B) Each Founding/Working Partner and each REU Partner acknowledges and recognizes that, during the period that such Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, is a Partner, he, she or it (or their beneficial owner) will be privy to trade secrets, client secrets and confidential proprietary information critical to the success of the business of the Partnership and the Affiliated Entities and will have an extraordinary opportunity to participate in the growth of the business of the Partnership. Each Founding/Working Partner and each REU Partner also agrees that certain actions taken by the Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, including, violating its Partner Obligations or engaging in a Competitive Activity while a Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, is a Partner or otherwise during the four (4)-year period immediately following the date on which such Person ceases, for any reason, to be a Partner would harm the Partnership or the Affiliated Entities. Accordingly, in consideration of being afforded the opportunity to become a Partner, each Founding/Working Partner and each REU Partner agrees to the economic terms set forth in this Section 12.02.

(C) Each Founding/Working Partner and each REU Partner acknowledges that this Section 12.02 is intended solely to reflect the economic agreement between the Founding/Working Partners and the REU Partners, as the case may be, with respect to amounts payable upon such Partner’s Bankruptcy or Termination. Nothing in this Section 12.02 shall be considered or interpreted as restricting the ability of a former Partner in any way from engaging in any

 

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Competitive Activity, or in other employment of any nature whatsoever, subject in either case to the restrictions elsewhere in this Agreement (including Sections 3.03 and 13.06). The provisions of this Section 12.02 shall be in addition to, and not in substitution for, any other provision of this Agreement or any agreement to which the Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, is subject pursuant to the terms of any other agreement with the Partnership or any Affiliated Entity and shall not abrogate any provisions contained in this Agreement or any other such agreement.

(D) Each Founding/Working Partner and each REU Partner consents to the economic terms of this Section 12.02 and agrees that, subject to Section 2.09(c), a Founding/Working Partner and an REU Partner, as the case may be, who does not engage in a Competitive Activity or otherwise breach a Partner Obligation during the four (4)-year period immediately following the date such Person ceases, for any reason, to be a Partner, shall be entitled, subject to any other provision of this Agreement (including Section 2.09(c)) and any other remedies at law or in equity for a breach by such Partner of any other provision of this Agreement, to all amounts payable pursuant to Sections 12.02(b) and 12.02(c). Subject to Sections 2.09(c) and 3.03, a Founding/Working Partner or an REU Partner, as the case may be, who chooses to engage, or engages, in a Competitive Activity or otherwise breaches a Partner Obligation shall be entitled to receive all amounts payable pursuant to Section 12.02(b) and shall be entitled to receive Additional Amounts as are provided in Section 12.02(c) to the extent that such amounts are payable prior to the date on which such Partner first participates in a Competitive Activity or otherwise breaches a Partner Obligation. Each Founding/Working Partner and each REU Partner agrees that the amounts that such a Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, will receive upon withdrawing from the Partnership represent full and complete payment in liquidation of such Partner’s interest in the property of the Partnership, taking into account such Partner’s share of Partnership liabilities. Such amount will not include any payment for a Founding/Working Partner’s interest or an REU Partner’s interest, as the case may be, in the unrealized receivables or goodwill of the Partnership.

(b) Payment of Base Amount . (i) Except as otherwise expressly set forth herein, the purchase price to be paid by the Partnership (or the Partner to which the purchase right had been assigned, as applicable) for the Founding/Working Partner Interest or the REU Interest, as the case may be, purchased or redeemed pursuant to Section 12.02(a) shall equal the Base Amount of such Founding/Working Partner Interest or REU Interest, as the case may be, as of the Calculation Date; provided that the Partnership may, in the sole and absolute discretion of the General Partner, deduct therefrom the Adjustment Amount in whole or in part.

(ii) If (A) a Founding/Working Partner (other than a holder of Grant Units) or REU Partner, as the case may be, shall become a Terminated or Bankrupt Partner, or (B) a Founding/Working Partner holding Grant Units shall become a Terminated Founding/Working Partner, in each case of clause (A) or

 

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(B), such Partner shall receive the applicable Base Amount at such time as the Partnership shall elect to tender payment, but in no event later than ninety (90) days after the date of Termination or Bankruptcy of such Partner, as applicable, or at such later date as may soonest be practicable in view of the administration of the estate of a deceased or Bankrupt Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be (such date referred to herein as the “ Payment Date ”).

(iii) The “ Base Amount ” means: (1) with respect to any Founding Partner Unit or any REU Interest or Restricted Partnership Unit, an amount equal to zero (0); and (2) with respect to all of the Working Partner Interests (other than Restricted Partnership Units) issued after the Separation and held by a Terminated or Bankrupt Working Partner on the date such Working Partner becomes a Terminated or Bankrupt Working Partner, an amount equal to the smallest of:

(A) the Working Partner’s Adjusted Capital Account for the entire Interest held by such Working Partner less $50,000;

(B) three quarters (3/4) of the Working Partner’s Adjusted Capital Account for all Units held by such Working Partner (one third (1/3) with respect to Units which are Under Three-Year Units); and

(C) the amount equal to: (A) with respect to all Pre Five Year Units held by such Working Partner, the Capital Return Account; plus (B) with respect to all Five Year Units held by such Working Partner, the Capital Return Account plus one quarter (1/4) of the Adjusted Capital Account Surplus with respect to such Units, less any Excess Prior Distributions with respect to such Units (but not in excess of the Adjusted Capital Account with respect to such Units); plus (C) with respect to all Ten Year Units held by such Working Partner, the Capital Return Account plus one third (1/3) of the Adjusted Capital Account Surplus with respect to such Units, less any Excess Prior Distributions with respect to such Units (but not in excess of the Adjusted Capital Account with respect to such Units).

In no event shall the Base Amount be negative. For purposes of the calculation of all amounts under this Section 12.02(b)(iii), all adjustments and allocations pursuant to any other section of this Agreement shall be deemed made pro rata with respect to all Units held by a Partner.

With respect to Working Partner Interests (other than Restricted Partnership Units) that are Legacy Units and held by a Terminated or Bankrupt Working Partner on the date such Working Partner becomes a Terminated or Bankrupt Working Partner, the Base Amount for each BGC Holdings Unit for which such Legacy Unit was issued in the Separation shall be apportioned in the Separation between such BGC Holding Unit, on the one hand, and such Legacy Unit, on the other hand, based on the Relative Value of BGC and Newmark, such that the sum of the Base Amount for such BGC Holdings Unit and Legacy Unit immediately following the Separation shall equal the Base Amount for such BGC Holding Unit immediately prior to the Separation.

 

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(iv) Any Adjusted Capital Account with respect to the Founding Partner Units, REUs, Grant Units, High Distribution III Units and High Distribution IV Units as of the Calculation Date (after any reduction for any Adjustment Amount) shall be paid as Additional Amounts in accordance with and subject to the terms of Section 12.02(c).

(v) Solely for purposes of making the calculation required by this Section 12.02, the General Partner may to the extent it deems appropriate include a Founding/Working Partner’s HDII Account in its Adjusted Capital Account.

(c) Payment of Additional Amounts . (i) On each of the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the Payment Date (or at such earlier time as is determined by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion), a Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, will be entitled to receive payment of one fourth (1/4) of such Partner’s Additional Amounts plus an amount equal to interest determined pursuant to Section 12.02(c)(iv); provided that such Partner (or in the case of a corporate or other entity Partner, the majority owner of such Partner) has not engaged in any Competitive Activity or otherwise breached a Partner Obligation prior to the date such payment is due.

(ii) A Partner’s “ Additional Amounts ” shall mean the amount equal to the excess, if any, of (A) such Partner’s Adjusted Capital Account with respect to such Partner’s entire Interest held by such Partner (which may be reduced in whole or in part, in the sole and absolute discretion of the General Partner, by the Adjustment Amount), minus (B) the amount, if any, payable to such Partner pursuant to Section 12.02(b)(i).

(iii) For purposes of this Agreement, a Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, shall be considered to have engaged in a competitive activity if such Partner (including by or through his, her or its Affiliates) during the four (4)-year period immediately following the date such Person ceases, for any reason, to be a Partner (collectively, clauses (A) through (E), the “ Competitive Activities ”):

(A) directly or indirectly, or by action in concert with others, solicits, induces, or influences, or attempts to solicit, induce or influence, any other partner, employee or consultant of any member of the Cantor Group, the BGC Partners Group or the Newmark Group to terminate their employment or other business arrangements with any member of the Cantor Group, the BGC Partners Group or the Newmark Group, or to engage in any Competing Business, or hires, employs, engages (including as a consultant or partner) or otherwise enters into a Competing Business with any such Person;

 

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(B) solicits any of the customers of any member of the Cantor Group, the BGC Partners Group or the Newmark Group (or any of their employees), induces such customers or their employees to reduce their volume of business with, terminate their relationship with or otherwise adversely affect their relationship with any member of the Cantor Group, the BGC Partners Group or the Newmark Group;

(C) does business with any person who was a customer of any member of the Cantor Group, the BGC Partners Group or the Newmark Group during the twelve (12)-month period prior to such Partner becoming a Terminated or Bankrupt Partner if such business would constitute a Competing Business;

(D) directly or indirectly engages in, represents in any way, or is connected with, any Competing Business, directly competing with the business of any member of the Cantor Group, the BGC Partners Group or the Newmark Group, whether such engagement shall be as an officer, director, owner, employee, partner, consultant, affiliate or other participant in any Competing Business; or

(E) assists others in engaging in any Competing Business in the manner described in the foregoing clause (D).

Competing Business ” shall mean an activity that (w) is in the commercial real estate industry, including, but not limited to, (i) real estate management services, (ii) real estate advisory services, or (iii) owner-occupier, property and agency leasing, (x) involves the conduct of the wholesale or institutional brokerage business, or (y) competes with any other business conducted by any member of the Cantor Group, the BGC Partners Group or the Newmark Group if such business was first engaged in by any member of the Cantor Group, the BGC Partners Group or the Newmark Group, or any member of the Cantor Group, the BGC Partners Group or the Newmark Group took substantial steps in anticipation of commencing such business and prior to the date on which such Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, ceases to be a Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be.

(iv) Each payment of the Additional Amounts pursuant to this Section 12.02(c) shall bear interest at the AFR from the Payment Date until paid.

(v) The General Partner may revise the terms of this Section 12.02(c) with respect to any or all Founding/Working Partner Units or REUs, as the case may be; provided , however , that no such amendment may (i) lengthen the term of the Restricted Period or the payout period or (ii) otherwise expand the scope of this Section 12.02(c), unless, in each such case, it is effected by an amendment to this Agreement made pursuant to Section 13.01 or by the terms of another agreement between the Partnership and the holder of the affected Founding/Working Partner Units or REUs, as the case may be. The Partnership and the Partners agree that the provisions of this Section 12.02(c) are reasonable in scope and duration and are necessary to protect the interests of the Partnership and the Affiliated Entities.

 

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(vi) If any beneficial owner of the stock of a corporate Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, any partner of any general or limited partnership that is a Founding/Working Partner or an REU Partner, as the case may be, any member of a limited liability company that is a Founding/Working Partner or an REU Partner, as the case may be, or the grantor, trustee or beneficiary of any trust that is a Founding/Working Partner or an REU Partner, as the case may be (such beneficial owner, partner, member, grantor, trustee or beneficiary, a “ Competing Owner ”), directly or indirectly engages in any Competitive Activity or otherwise breaches a Partner Obligation (or takes action that would constitute a Competitive Activity or other breach of a Partner Obligation if such person were a Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be), the Partnership shall have the right to redeem a number of the Founding/Working Partner Units or REUs, as the case may be, of such Partner equal to the product of the maximum percentage of the ownership of such Partner (by vote or value in the case of a corporation, by profits or capital interest in the case of a partnership or limited liability company or by the greater of the portion of such trust as to which the Competing Owner is a grantor or beneficiary as reasonably determined by the General Partner) held by the Competing Owner at any time during the twelve (12)-month period preceding the breach and the number of Founding/Working Partner Units or REUs, as the case may be, held by such entity Partner at the time the Competitive Activity or other breach of a Partner Obligation commences. The foregoing shall apply with such changes as the General Partner deems appropriate to reflect the intent of the foregoing with respect to any Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, that is an entity not specifically identified above. Anything to the contrary in Section 9.02 notwithstanding, the General Partner shall have the right to redeem such Founding/Working Partner Units or REUs, as the case may be, for a price equal to the Base Amount (which may be $0.00) attributable to such Founding/Working Partner Units or REUs, as the case may be, or, if less, the amount, if any, payable in respect of such Founding/Working Partner Units or REUs, as the case may be, under Section 3.03.

(vii) The General Partner may condition the receipt of any amount payable to a Terminated or Bankrupt Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, upon the receipt of a certification, in form and substance acceptable to the General Partner, that such former Partner has not engaged in any Competitive Activity or otherwise breached a Partner Obligation. A former Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, shall be liable for all damages (including any payments of Base Amount or Additional Amounts made as a result of a false certification) resulting from the inaccuracy of any such certification including attorneys’ fees and expenses incurred by the Partnership and shall also be liable for interest at the lesser of nine (9) percentage points above the prime rate as published in the Wall Street Journal , Eastern Edition in effect from time to time or the highest rate permitted by law on the amount of any damages owed to the Partnership.

 

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(viii) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Personal Representative of a Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, who has become a Terminated Partner on account of death shall receive payment of his or her Additional Amounts at the same time such Personal Representative receives payment of such deceased Partner’s Base Amount pursuant to Section 4.03; provided , however , that the Personal Representative of a deceased Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, shall not be entitled to receive payment of such Additional Amounts if such deceased Partner engaged in a Competitive Activity or otherwise breached a Partner Obligation prior to his or her death.

(d) Administrative Provisions Regarding this Section  12.02 . (i) Any purchase and sale made pursuant to this Section 12.02 shall be deemed to have occurred automatically and immediately at the time Termination or Bankruptcy occurs with respect to the applicable Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be.

(ii) Immediately upon the Termination or Bankruptcy of (A) a Founding/Working Partner (or the owner of the equity of an entity owning such Founding/Working Partner Units) or (B) an REU Partner holding REUs (or the owner of the equity of an entity owning such REUs): (x) the entire legal and beneficial ownership of such Units owned by such Partner shall be automatically vested in the Partnership and such Partner shall cease to be entitled to claim, and hereby waives any such claim effective immediately upon such Termination or Bankruptcy, any status or rights as a Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, including any right to vote such Units or receive any distribution thereon, and (ii) such former Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, shall have the status solely of a creditor of the Partnership for payment of the price for such Units so purchased by the Partnership at the price established pursuant to this Agreement.

(iii) In the event that the Partnership shall default in the payment due at the time and in the amount provided for by this Agreement, the former Founding/Working Partner or former REU Partner, as the case may be, to whom such payment is due shall be entitled solely to claim against the Partnership as a creditor and hereby waives any claim for rescission of the subject Founding/Working Partner Unit or REU, as the case may be, sale transaction or any other beneficial or equitable recognition as a Partner of the Partnership.

(iv) All amounts payable for such purchase of Founding/Working Partner Units or REUs, as the case may be, pursuant to Section 12.02 shall be made by the Partnership at its principal office.

 

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(v) Upon tender of all payments due to such Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, pursuant to this Section 12.02, the Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, or his, her or its Personal Representative shall deliver to the Partnership the certificate or certificates, if any, for the Founding/Working Partner Units or REUs, as the case may be, purchased by the Partnership in form constituting good delivery (including any reasonably requested form of instrument of conveyance or partnership power to the extent not previously supplied pursuant to this Agreement), with all requisite transfer tax stamps, if any, affixed thereto, and such probate, estate or tax certificates or other documents as may be reasonably required by the Partnership to evidence the authority of a Personal Representative and the compliance with any applicable estate and inheritance tax requirements, and any other agreements, documents or instruments specified by the General Partner.

(vi) In no event shall any distribution or payment otherwise payable pursuant to this Section 12.02 be due if and to the extent that the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion determines in accordance with Section 6.02, that such payment would violate the Act or any other applicable law. If at the time of any payment by the Partnership for Founding/Working Partner Units or REUs, as the case may be, the provision contained in the immediately preceding sentence shall have effect, then the Partnership shall make such payment in the maximum amount that would not violate the Act or any other applicable law, and shall make such further payments, if any, on each ninety (90)-day anniversary thereof to the extent that such payments do not violate the Act or any other applicable law, until all obligations for the payment of all amounts due hereunder shall have been paid in full. Any such deferred payments shall bear interest at the AFR.

(e) Admission of Additional Working Partners and REU Partners . (i) Additional Working Partners and additional REU Partners may be admitted to the Partnership in accordance with the terms of this Agreement in the sole and absolute discretion of the General Partner.

(ii) The admission of an additional Working Partner or REU Partner pursuant to this Section 12.02(e) shall be effective when the requirements of Section 7.03 are satisfied; provided that such additional Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, shall have made a capital contribution to the Partnership, if any, as determined by the General Partner in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and, if required by the Act, an amendment of the Certificate of Limited Partnership shall have been duly filed.

(f) Post-Termination Payments for Grant Units . (i) Subject to Sections 12.02(f)(ii) and 12.02(f)(vi), following the Termination of a holder of Grant Units, the Partnership (or the appropriate Affiliated Entity) shall pay to such Founding/Working Partner (or his, her or its Personal Representative in the event of the death of such Founding/Working Partner) an amount (the “ Post-Termination Payment ”). With respect to Grant Units issued after the Separation, the Post-Termination Payment

 

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shall equal (A) the number of Grant Units issued to such Founding/Working Partner, multiplied by (B) the grant price for such Grant Units on the date of issuance as determined by the General Partner in its discretion and set forth on a schedule. With respect to Grant Units that are Legacy Units, the Post-Termination Payment for the BGC Holdings Unit for which such Legacy Unit was issued in the Separation shall be apportioned in the Separation between such BGC Holding Unit, on the one hand, and such Legacy Unit, on the other hand, based on the Relative Value of BGC and Newmark, such that the sum of the Post-Termination Payment for such BGC Holdings Unit and Legacy Unit immediately following the Separation shall equal the Post-Termination Payment for such BGC Holding Unit immediately prior to the Separation. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the obligation to make any Post-Termination Payment shall be cancelled and no such payment shall be made in the event the Partnership is dissolved without reconstitution prior to the date that such Founding/Working Partner holding Grant Units becomes a Terminated Founding/Working Partner.

(ii) The Post-Termination Payment provided in Section 12.02(f)(i) shall be paid in four (4) equal installments on each of the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the Payment Date (subject to any delay caused by the administration of the estate of a deceased or Bankrupt Founding/Working Partner); provided that (A) such Founding/Working Partner has not violated its Partner Obligations (including engaging in any Competitive Activity) prior to the date such payments are due and the Partnership may condition the receipt of any Post-Termination Payment upon receipt of a certification, in form and substance acceptable to the General Partner, that such former Founding/Working Partner (or in the case of any Grant Units held by a corporate Founding/Working Partner, the majority owner of such Founding/Working Partner) has not violated its Partner Obligations (including engaging in any Competitive Activity) prior to the date such payments are due and (B) except as otherwise determined by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion, such Founding/Working Partner shall have been continuously employed by the BGC Opcos, Opco or any of their respective Subsidiaries or any of the BGC Affiliated Entities or Affiliated Entities for the full term of such Founding/Working Partner’s term of employment (as set forth in such Founding/Working Partner’s employment agreement, services agreement or similar agreement with such Person, if any, entered into in connection with the issuance of the Grant Units but excluding any automatic renewals thereof); provided that in the event of the death of such Founding/Working Partner such Founding/Working Partner’s Personal Representative shall be entitled to a prorated amount of the Post-Termination Payment based on the number of years (or portion thereof) that such Founding/Working Partner was employed by the BGC Opcos, Opco or any of their respective Subsidiaries or any of the BGC Affiliated Entities or Affiliated Entities.

(iii) Payments of the Post-Termination Payment shall not bear interest.

 

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(iv) The provisions of Sections 12.02(d)(ii), 12.02(d)(iii), 12.02(d)(iv), 12.02(d)(v) and 12.02(d)(vi) shall apply to Grant Units with such modifications as may be required (as determined by the General Partner) to reflect the purpose of this Section 12.02(f); provided that the Bankruptcy of a Founding/Working Partner holding Grant Units shall have no effect.

(v) Each Founding/Working Partner holding Grant Units acknowledges and agrees that payments pursuant to this Section 12.02(f) represent a right to a fixed payment and do not represent a payment with respect to any Partnership asset of any nature.

(vi) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event a Founding/Working Partner is not allocated an amount of losses with respect to a Grant Unit where such losses are allocated generally to other Units in the Partnership, the amounts payable with respect to and/or in connection with such Unit pursuant to Sections 12.02(f) and 12.02(g) shall be reduced, in the aggregate and in such proportion as the General Partner shall determine in its sole and absolute discretion, by the amount of any such loss not so allocated.

(g) Grant Tax Payment Accounts . (i) In connection with the issuance of Grant Units, the Partnership may, at the election of the General Partner, establish for a holder of any Grant Units an account (the “ Grant Tax Payment Account ”) in an amount established by the General Partner, to be paid upon the terms and conditions provided in this Section 12.02(g). With respect to Grant Units that are Legacy Units, the Grant Tax Payment Account for the BGC Holdings Unit for which such Legacy Unit was issued in the Separation shall be apportioned in the Separation between such BGC Holding Unit, on the one hand, and such Legacy Unit, on the other hand, based on the Relative Value of BGC and Newmark, such that the sum of the Grant Tax Payment Account for such BGC Holdings Unit and Legacy Unit immediately following the Separation shall equal the Grant Tax Payment Account for such BGC Holding Unit immediately prior to the Separation. No interest or other earnings shall be credited to any Grant Tax Payment Account. Each Grant Tax Payment Account and the obligations of the Partnership with respect to the payment thereof shall be an unfunded unsecured obligation of the Partnership. Each holder of Grant Units acknowledges and agrees that payments pursuant to this Section 12.02(g) represent a right to a fixed payment and do not represent a payment with respect to any Partnership asset of any nature.

(ii) If a Founding/Working Partner for whom a Grant Tax Payment Account has been established shall become a Terminated Founding/Working Partner, such Founding/Working Partner shall be entitled to be paid the amount of such Founding/Working Partner’s Grant Tax Payment Account in four (4) equal annual installments within ninety (90) days of each of the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the date Payment Date; provided that (A) such Founding/Working Partner has not violated its Partner Obligations (including engaging in any Competitive Activity) prior to the date any such payment is due and the Partnership may condition the receipt of any payment from the Grant Tax Payment Account upon receipt of a certification, in form and substance acceptable

 

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to the General Partner, that such former Founding/Working Partner (or in the case of any Grant Units held by a corporate Founding/Working Partner, the majority owner of such Founding/Working Partner) has not violated its Partner Obligations (including engaging in any Competitive Activity) prior to the date such payments are due and (B) except as otherwise determined by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion, such Founding/Working Partner shall have been continuously employed by the BGC Opcos, Opco or any of their respective Subsidiaries or any of the BGC Affiliated Entities or Affiliated Entities for the full term of such Founding/Working Partner’s term of employment (as set forth in such Founding/Working Partner’s employment agreement, services agreement or similar agreement with such Person, if any, entered into in connection with the issuance of the Grant Units but excluding any automatic renewals thereof); provided that in the event of the death of such Founding/Working Partner such Founding/Working Partner’s Personal Representative shall be entitled to a prorated amount of the Post-Termination Payment based on the number of years (or portion thereof) that such Founding/Working Partner was employed by the BGC Opcos, Opco or any of their respective Subsidiaries or any of the BGC Affiliated Entities or Affiliated Entities.

(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the obligation to pay any amount of any Grant Tax Payment Account shall be canceled and no amount shall be paid with respect to such account in the event the Partnership is dissolved without reconstitution prior to the date on which the person for whom such account was established becomes a Terminated Partner. In the event of the death of a Founding/Working Partner entitled to any payment pursuant to this Section 12.02(g), the Personal Representative of such Founding/Working Partner shall receive payment of his or her Grant Tax Payment Account pursuant to this Section 12.02(g); provided , however , that the Personal Representative of a deceased Founding/Working Partner shall not be entitled to receive any payment pursuant to this Section 12.02(g) if the deceased Founding/Working Partner violated its Partner Obligations (including engaging in a Competitive Activity prior to his, her or its death).

(iv) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event a Founding/Working Partner is not allocated an amount of losses with respect to a Grant Unit where such losses are allocated generally to other Units in the Partnership, the amounts payable with respect to and/or in connection with such Unit pursuant to Sections 12.02(f) and 12.02(g) shall be reduced, in the aggregate and in such proportion as the General Partner shall determine in its sole and absolute discretion, by the amount of any such loss not so allocated.

(h) Post-Termination Payments for REU Interests . (i) Subject to Sections 12.02(h)(ii) and 12.02(h)(vi), following the Termination of an REU Partner, the Partnership shall redeem the REUs held by such REU Partner, and in exchange therefor, shall deliver to such REU Partner (or his, her or its Personal Representative in the event of the death of such REU Partner) an amount of cash equal to the portion, if any, of the REU Post-Termination Amount associated with such REUs that has vested in accordance

 

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with the vesting schedule set forth in the grant of such REUs; provided , however , that, in lieu of such cash payment for an REU or REUs, the Partnership may cause such REU or REUs held by such Partner to become exchangeable pursuant to Article VIII and to automatically be Exchanged (x) if the Termination occurs prior to the Spin-Off, with BGC Partners (after also providing the requisite portion of the BGC Holdings REUs) for BGC Class A Common Stock on terms set forth in the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement; and (y) in all other cases, with Newmark for Newmark Class A Common Stock on the terms set forth in Article VIII; provided that the general partner of BGC Holdings (in the case of clause (x) above) or the General Partner (in the case of clause (y) above) shall determine the Exchange Effective Date (which date shall be on the date of such Termination or as promptly as practicable thereafter and which may be later than the Calculation Date), it being understood that the aggregate value of the shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock and/or BGC Class A Common Stock may be more or less than the vested REU Post-Termination Amount of such REUs. The total amount of cash and/or shares payable pursuant to this Section 12.02(h)(i) is referred to herein as the “ REU Post-Termination Payment .” A Terminated REU Partner’s eligibility to receive the REU Post-Termination Payment shall be subject to the vesting schedule set forth in the award of such REUs. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the obligation to make any REU Post-Termination Payment shall be cancelled and no such payment shall be made in the event the Partnership is dissolved without reconstitution prior to the date such REU Partner holding REUs becomes a Terminated REU Partner.

(ii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the payment of an REU Post-Termination Payment shall be paid in four (4) equal installments on each of the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the Payment Date (subject to any delay caused by the administration of the estate of a deceased or Bankrupt REU Partner) as set forth in the grant of the applicable REU Interest, and such payment shall be subject to the following: the applicable REU Partner shall not have violated its Partner Obligations (including engaging in any Competitive Activity) prior to the date each such payment is due, and the Partnership may condition the receipt of any REU Post-Termination Payment upon receipt of a certification, in form and substance acceptable to the General Partner, that such former REU Partner (or in the case of any REUs held by a corporate REU Partner, the majority owner of such REU Partner) has not violated its Partner Obligations (including engaging in any Competitive Activity) prior to the date such payments are due; provided , however , that the Personal Representative of a deceased REU Partner shall not be entitled to receive any payment pursuant to this Section 12.02(h) if the deceased REU Partner violated its Partner Obligations (including engaging in a Competitive Activity prior to his, her or its death).

(iii) Payments of the REU Post-Termination Payment shall not bear interest.

(iv) The provisions of Sections 12.02(d)(ii), 12.02(d)(iii), 12.02(d)(iv), 12.02(d)(v) and 12.02(d)(vi) shall apply to REUs with such modifications as may be required (as determined by the General Partner) to reflect the purpose of this Section 12.02(h).

 

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(v) Each REU Partner acknowledges and agrees that payments pursuant to this Section 12.02(h) represent a right to a fixed payment and do not represent a payment with respect to any Partnership asset of any nature.

(vi) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event a Founding/Working Partner is not allocated an amount of losses with respect to an REU where such losses are allocated generally to other Units in the Partnership, the amounts payable with respect to and/or in connection with such Unit pursuant to Section 12.02(h) shall be reduced, in the aggregate and in such proportion as the General Partner shall determine in its sole and absolute discretion, by the amount of any such loss not so allocated.

(i) Release . The General Partner, in its sole and absolute discretion, may condition the payment of any amounts due to a Founding/Working Partner or an REU Partner, as the case may be, under this Section 12.02 upon obtaining a release from such Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, and its Affiliates in form and substance satisfactory to the General Partner from all claims against the Partnership other than claims for payment pursuant to and in accordance with the terms of this Section 12.02.

(j) Post-Termination Payments for Restricted Partnership Units . (i) Subject to Sections 12.02(j)(ii) and 12.02(j)(vi), following the Termination of a holder of Restricted Partnership Units, the Partnership shall redeem the Restricted Partnership Units, and in exchange therefor, shall deliver to such holder (or his, her or its Personal Representative in the event of the death of such holder) an amount of cash equal to the portion, if any, of the Restricted Partnership Unit Post-Termination Amount associated with such Restricted Partnership Units that has vested in accordance with the vesting schedule set forth in the grant of such Restricted Partnership Units; provided , however , that, in lieu of such cash payment for a Restricted Partnership Unit or Restricted Partnership Units, the Partnership may cause such Restricted Partnership Unit or Restricted Partnership Units held by such Partner to become exchangeable pursuant to Article VIII and to automatically be Exchanged (x) if the Termination occurs prior to the Spin-Off, with BGC Partners (after also providing the requisite portion of the BGC Holdings Restricted Partnership Units) for BGC Class A Common Stock on terms set forth in the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement; and (y) in all other cases, with Newmark for Newmark Class A Common Stock on the terms set forth in Article VIII; provided that the general partner of BGC Holdings (in the case of clause (x) above) or the General Partner (in the case of clause (y) above) shall determine the Exchange Effective Date (which date shall be on the date of such Termination or as promptly as practicable thereafter and which may be later than the Calculation Date), it being understood that the aggregate value of the shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock and/or BGC Class A Common Stock may be more or less than the vested Restricted Partnership Unit Post-Termination Amount of such Restricted Partnership Units. The total amount of cash and/or shares payable pursuant to this Section 12.02(j)(i) is referred to herein as the “ Restricted Partnership Unit Post-Termination Payment .” A Terminated Restricted Partnership Unit holder’s eligibility to receive the Restricted Partnership Unit Post-Termination Payment shall be subject to the vesting schedule set forth in the award

 

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of such Restricted Partnership Units. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the obligation to make any Restricted Partnership Unit Post-Termination Payment shall be cancelled and no such payment shall be made in the event the Partnership is dissolved without reconstitution prior to the date such holder of Restricted Partnership Units becomes a Terminated Restricted Partnership Partner.

(ii) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the payment of a Restricted Partnership Unit Post-Termination Payment shall be paid in four (4) equal installments on each of the first, second, third and fourth anniversaries of the Payment Date (subject to any delay caused by the administration of the estate of a deceased or Bankrupt Working Partner) as set forth in the grant of the applicable Restricted Partnership Unit, and such payment shall be subject to the following: the applicable Working Partner shall not have violated his, her, or its Partner Obligations (including engaging in any Competitive Activity) prior to the date each such payment is due, and the Partnership may condition the receipt of any Restricted Partnership Unit Post-Termination Payment upon receipt of a certification, in form and substance acceptable to the General Partner, that such former Working Partner (or in the case of any Restricted Partnership Units held by a corporate Working Partner, the majority owner of such Working Partner) has not violated his, her or its Partner Obligations (including engaging in any Competitive Activity) prior to the date such payment is due; provided , however , that the Personal Representative of a deceased Working Partner shall not be entitled to receive any payment pursuant to this Section 12.02(l) if the deceased Working Partner violated his, her, or its Partner Obligations (including engaging in a Competitive Activity) prior to his, her or its death.

(iii) Payments of the Restricted Partnership Unit Post-Termination Payment shall not bear interest.

(iv) The provisions of Sections 12.02(d)(ii), 12.02(d)(iii), 12.02(d)(iv), 12.02(d)(v) and 12.02(d)(vi) shall apply to Restricted Partnership Units with such modifications as may be required (as determined by the General Partner) to reflect the purpose of this Section 12.02(j).

(v) Each Working Partner holding Restricted Partnership Units acknowledges and agrees that payments pursuant to this Section 12.02(j) represent a right to a fixed payment and do not represent a payment with respect to any Partnership asset of any nature.

(vi) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event a Founding/Working Partner is not allocated an amount of losses with respect to a Restricted Partnership Unit where such losses are allocated generally to other Units in the Partnership, the amounts payable with respect to and/or in connection with such Unit pursuant to this Section 12.02(j) shall be reduced, in the aggregate and in such proportion as the General Partner shall determine in its sole and absolute discretion, by the amount of any such loss not so allocated.

 

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(vii) Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement, the obligation to make any Restricted Partnership Unit Post-Termination Payment shall be cancelled in the event the Partnership is dissolved without reconstitution after the date such holder of Restricted Partnership Units becomes a Terminated Partner.

SECTION 12.03. Redemption of a Founding/Working Partner Interest and an REU Interest . (a)  Redemption of a Founding Partner Interest . (i) Upon mutual agreement of Cantor and the General Partner, the General Partner, may, at any time and from time to time for any reason or for no reason whatsoever, cause the Partnership to purchase and redeem from any Founding Partner or his, her or its Personal Representative, and any Founding Partner or his, her or its Personal Representative shall sell to the Partnership, all or a portion of that portion of the Founding Partner Interest held by such Founding Partner that has not become exchangeable pursuant to Section 8.01(b)(ii). The amount that shall be paid by the Partnership to acquire such Founding Partner Interest is as set forth in Section 12.04. With the consent of Cantor and the General Partner, the Partnership may assign by written instrument its right to purchase such portion of the Founding Partner Interest that has not become exchangeable pursuant to Section 8.01(b)(ii) pursuant to this Section 12.03 to another Partner.

(ii) At the time of purchase of a Founding Partner Interest by the Partnership pursuant to this Article XII, including Section 12.03(a)(i), the Partnership shall provide written notice to Cantor of such purchase as promptly as practicable, and Cantor shall have a right to purchase (or to assign to any member of the Cantor Group the right to purchase), all or a portion of such Founding Partner Interest from the Partnership. The price to be paid by Cantor (or the other member of the Cantor Group acquiring such Founding Partner Interest, as the case may be) shall be equal to the lesser of (1) the amount that the Partnership would be required to pay to redeem or purchase such Founding Partner Interest were the Partnership to redeem or purchase such Founding Partner Interest pursuant to the provisions of this Section 12.03 (assuming such Founding Partner Interest were a Working Partner Interest) and (2) the amount equal to (x) the number of Units underlying the portion of the Founding Partner Interest so acquired, multiplied by (y) the Exchange Ratio as of the date of such purchase, multiplied by (z) the Current Market Price as of the date of such purchase. Cantor (or the other member of the Cantor Group acquiring such Founding Partner Interest, as the case may be) may pay for such price using cash, Publicly Traded Shares (valued at the average of the closing prices of such shares (as reported by the Nasdaq Global Market or any other national securities exchange or quotation system on which such shares are then listed or quoted) during the ten (10)-trading-day period immediately preceding each payment (or by such other fair and reasonable pricing method as may be selected by Cantor)), or other property valued at its then-fair market value, as determined by Cantor in its sole and absolute discretion, or a combination of the foregoing. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in this Agreement, the Parties agree that, if Cantor (or the other member of the Cantor Group acquiring such Founding Partner Interest, as the case may be) shall purchase a Founding Partner Interest pursuant to this Section 12.03(a)(ii) at a price equal to clause (2) above, neither Cantor, any member of the Cantor Group

 

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nor the Partnership or any other Person shall be obligated to pay the holder of such Founding Partner Interest any amount in excess of the amount set forth in clause (2) above. Cantor shall respond as promptly as practicable to the Partnership after receipt of the written notice provided by the Partnership as to whether it is electing to exercise its rights pursuant to this Section 12.03(a)(ii) with respect to a Founding Partner Interest. Pursuant to Section 4.03(c)(iii), any Founding Partner Interest acquired by a Cantor Company pursuant to this Section 12.03(a)(ii) shall cause such Founding Partner Interest and related Units (or portion thereof) to automatically be designated as an Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest and the related Units (or portion thereof) shall automatically be designated as Exchangeable Limited Partner Units. The Cantor Company acquiring such Interest shall have all rights and obligations of a holder of Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest with respect to such Interest, and such Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interest shall not be subject to the redemption provisions of this Article XII.

(b) Redemption of Working Partner Interests . (i) The General Partner may, at any time and from time to time for any reason or for no reason whatsoever, cause the Partnership to purchase and redeem (or in the sole and absolute discretion of the General Partner, assign by written instrument executed by the General Partner to another Partner the right to purchase from such Working Partner or his, her or its Personal Representative), and such Working Partner or his, her or its Personal Representative shall sell to such other Partner or the Partnership, as the case may be, all or a portion of that portion of the Working Partner Interest held by such Working Partner that has not become exchangeable pursuant to Section 8.01(b)(iv). The amount that shall be paid by the Partnership to acquire such Working Partner Interest is as set forth in Section 12.04.

(ii) If the Partnership elects to assign its purchase rights with respect to any Working Partner Interest to another Partner pursuant to Section 12.03(b)(i), the Partnership shall provide written notice to Cantor of such election as promptly as practicable, and Cantor shall have a right to purchase (or to assign to any member of the Cantor Group the right to purchase), in lieu of a purchase by such other Partner, all or a portion of such Interest from the Partnership (following the purchase by the Partnership of such Interest), on the same terms that such Partner would have a right to purchase such Interest. Cantor shall respond as promptly as practicable to the Partnership after receipt of the written notice provided by the Partnership as to whether it is electing to exercise its rights provided in this Section 12.03(b)(ii) with respect to such Working Partner Interest.

(c) Redemption of REU Interests . (i) The General Partner may, at any time and from time to time for any reason or for no reason whatsoever, cause the Partnership to purchase and redeem (or in the sole and absolute discretion of the General Partner, assign by written instrument executed by the General Partner to another Partner the right to purchase from such REU Partner or his, her or its Personal Representative, and such REU Partner or his, her or its Personal Representative shall sell to such other Partner or the Partnership, as the case may be, that portion of the REU Interest held by such REU Partner that has not become exchangeable pursuant to Section 8.01(b)(iii). The amount that shall be paid by the Partnership to acquire such portion of REU Interest is as set forth in Section 12.04.

 

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(ii) If the Partnership elects to assign its purchase rights with respect to any REU Interest to another Partner pursuant to Section 12.03(c)(i), the Partnership shall provide written notice to Cantor of such election as promptly as practicable, and Cantor shall have a right to purchase (or to assign to any member of the Cantor Group the right to purchase), in lieu of a purchase by such other Partner, all or a portion of such Interest from the Partnership (following the purchase by the Partnership of such Interest), on the same terms that such Partner would have a right to purchase such Interest. Cantor shall respond as promptly as practicable to the Partnership after receipt of the written notice provided by the Partnership as to whether it is electing to exercise its rights provided in this Section 12.03(c)(ii) with respect to such REU Interest.

SECTION 12.04. Purchase Price for Redemption; Other Redemption Provisions . (a)  Purchase of Entire Founding/Working Partner Interest or Entire REU Interest . Subject to Section 3.03, and provided that Cantor has not exercised its right to purchase, upon a redemption or purchase by the Partnership of all, but not less than all, of a Founding/Working Partner Interest or REU Interest, as the case may be, held by a Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be (or its, his or her Personal Representatives), pursuant to Section 12.02 or 12.03, the Partnership shall pay to such Partner or its, his or her Personal Representative the amount to be paid pursuant to, and at the times provided in, Section 12.02 (and, in the case of High Distribution II Units, pursuant to Section 12.01(a)(iii)).

(b) Redemption or Purchase of Partial Founding/Working Partner Interest or REU Interest . Subject to Section 3.03, upon a redemption or purchase by the Partnership of less than all of a Founding/Working Partner Interest or REU Interest, as the case may be, held by a Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be (or its, his or her Personal Representatives), pursuant to Section 12.02 or 12.03, the Partnership shall pay to such Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be (or its, his or her Personal Representative), an amount equal to the Adjusted Capital Account attributable to the portion of such Founding/Working Partner Interest or REU Interest, as the case may be, so redeemed or purchased (reduced in whole or in part in the sole and absolute discretion of the General Partner by the applicable Adjustment Amount and determined as of the end of the immediately preceding fiscal quarter); provided that (i) the Partnership shall be deemed to have redeemed Founding/Working Partner Units or REUs, as the case may be, in the inverse order in which they were acquired and (ii) in no event shall the amount paid for any redeemed Founding/Working Partner Unit or REU, as the case may be, be less than the price initially paid for such Unit (equitably adjusted to reflect any losses or deductions incurred by the Partnership or any Subsidiary subsequent to the acquisition of such Unit or any distributions of capital by the Partnership in respect of such Units) (it being understood that this clause (ii) shall not apply in respect of a purchase of such Units by Cantor pursuant to the exercise of a right to purchase or otherwise); provided that, with respect to any Founding/Working Partner Unit or REU that is a Legacy Unit, the applicable price initially paid for the BGC Holdings Unit for which such Legacy Unit was issued in the Separation shall be apportioned in the

 

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Separation between such BGC Holding Unit, on the one hand, and such Legacy Unit, on the other hand, based on the Relative Value of BGC and Newmark, such that the sum of such applicable prices initially paid for such BGC Holdings Unit and Legacy Unit immediately following the Separation shall equal the applicable price initially paid for such BGC Holding Unit immediately prior to the Separation. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Sections 12.02 and 12.03 shall also apply to the redemption of Units held by an Exempt Organization that were received from a Transfer by a Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner.

(c) Substitution of Non-Cash Consideration . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the Partnership shall have the right, in the sole and absolute discretion of the General Partner, subject to Section 3.02(d), upon any redemption of Units pursuant to Section 12.02 or 12.03 to pay all or part of any amounts due in respect of such redemption (including Post-Termination Payments and payments in respect of the Grant Tax Payment Account) in Publicly Traded Shares, in lieu of cash, valued at the average of the closing prices of such shares (as reported by the Nasdaq Global Market or any other national securities exchange or quotation system on which such shares are then listed or quoted) during the ten (10)-trading-day period immediately preceding each payment (or by such other fair and reasonable pricing method as may be selected by the General Partner), or other property valued at its then-fair market value, as determined by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion, or a combination of the foregoing.

SECTION 12.05. Redemption of Opco Units Following a Redemption of Founding/Working Partner Interests or REU Interest . (a)  Founding Partner Interests . Upon any redemption or purchase by the Partnership of any Founding Partner Interest pursuant to Section 12.03 or 12.04, the Partnership shall cause Opco to redeem and purchase from the Partnership a number of Opco Units (and the associated Opco Capital) equal to (A) the number of Units underlying the redeemed or purchased Founding Partner Interest, multiplied by (B) the Holdings Ratio as of immediately prior to the redemption or purchase of such Founding Partner Interest. The aggregate purchase price that Opco shall pay to the Partnership in such redemption shall be an amount of cash equal to (x) the number of Opco Units so redeemed multiplied by (y) the Current Market Price multiplied by (z) the Exchange Ratio; provided that, upon mutual agreement of the General Partner and the general partner of Opco, Opco may, in lieu of cash, pay all or a portion of this amount in Publicly Traded Shares, valued at the average of the closing prices of such shares (as reported by the Nasdaq Global Market or any other national securities exchange or quotation system on which such shares are then listed or quoted) during the ten (10)-trading-day period immediately preceding each payment (or by such other fair and reasonable pricing method as they may agree), or other property, valued at its then-fair market value, as determined by them.

(b) Working Partner Interests . Upon any redemption or purchase by the Partnership of any Working Partner Interest pursuant to Section 12.03 or 12.04, the Partnership shall cause Opco to redeem and purchase from the Partnership a number of Opco Units (and the associated Opco Capital) equal to (A) the number of Units underlying the redeemed or purchased Working Partner Interest, multiplied by (B) the Holdings Ratio as of immediately prior to the redemption or purchase of such Working Partner Interest. The aggregate purchase price that Opco shall pay to the Partnership in

 

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such redemption shall be an amount of cash equal to the amount required by the Partnership to redeem or purchase such Working Partner Interest; provided that, upon mutual agreement of the General Partner and the general partner of Opco, Opco may, in lieu of cash, pay all or a portion of this amount in Publicly Traded Shares, valued at the average of the closing prices of such shares (as reported by the Nasdaq Global Market or any other national securities exchange or quotation system on which such shares are then listed or quoted) during the ten (10)-trading-day period immediately preceding each payment (or by such other fair and reasonable pricing method as they may agree), or other property valued at its then-fair market value, as determined by them.

(c) REU Interests . Upon any redemption or purchase by the Partnership of any REU Interest pursuant to Section 12.03 or 12.04, the Partnership shall cause Opco to redeem and purchase from the Partnership a number of Opco Units (and the associated Opco Capital) equal to (A) the number of Units underlying the redeemed or purchased REU Interest, multiplied by (B) the Holdings Ratio as of immediately prior to the redemption or purchase of such REU Interest. The aggregate purchase price that Opco shall pay to the Partnership in such redemption shall be an amount of cash equal to the amount required by the Partnership to redeem or purchase such REU Interest (including the REU Post-Termination Payment, if any); provided that, upon mutual agreement of the General Partner and the general partner of Opco, Opco may, in lieu of cash, pay all or a portion of this amount in Publicly Traded Shares, valued at the average of the closing prices of such shares (as reported by the Nasdaq Global Market or any other national securities exchange or quotation system on which such shares are then listed or quoted) during the ten (10)-trading-day period immediately preceding each payment (or by such other fair and reasonable pricing method as they may agree), or other property valued at its then-fair market value, as determined by them.

SECTION 12.06. Section 7704 of the Code . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, no Units may be Transferred or redeemed to the extent that such Transfer or redemption would cause the Partnership to be treated as a “publicly traded partnership” within the meaning of Section 7704 of the Code or any successor thereto, and the General Partner is expressly authorized to modify the operation of the transfer and redemption provisions of this Agreement to the extent reasonably necessary to implement the purposes of this Section 12.06.

SECTION 12.07. Provisions Relating to Issuances of Shares of Newmark Common Stock and Distributions . Each Founding/Working Partner and REU Partner agrees to pay, and to indemnify and hold harmless the Partnership and its Affiliates from and against, any tax, or any other liability relating to a tax, of any kind whatsoever (including, withholding, payroll or similar taxes) imposed on such Partner, the Partnership or any Affiliate in connection with or as a result of (a) such Partner’s acquisition of (or right to acquire) shares of Newmark Common Stock, including any acquisition of shares of Newmark Common Stock pursuant to Section 8.01(b), or (b) distributions payable in respect of such Partner’s Units and/or Non-Participating Units. In particular, and without limitation, the General Partner (for itself and/or on behalf of any employer or secondary contributor connected with the General Partner) and each such Partner hereby agrees that to the extent that any such acquisition or distribution constitutes the receipt of employment income or earnings for the purposes of United Kingdom Pay As You Earn (“ PAYE ”) or National Insurance Contributions legislation or is subject to similar rules under the laws of any other jurisdiction, the General Partner (for itself and/or on behalf of any such employer or secondary contributor or Affiliate) shall have the right either to:

 

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(i) recover from such Partner the amount of any PAYE liability, NIC Liability or other liability for which the General Partner or any such employer or secondary contributor or Affiliate is liable in connection with such acquisition; or

(ii) withhold from any cash distributed or from the number of any shares of Newmark Common Stock to be acquired by such Partner, such amount or such number of shares of Newmark Common Stock as have a market value equal to any PAYE liability, NIC Liability or other liability for which the General Partner (or any such employer or secondary contributor or Affiliate) is liable in connection with such acquisition (rounded up to the nearest whole share of Newmark Common Stock) or with such distribution.

The Partnership shall have the authority to require a Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, to enter into such agreements as may be necessary or desirable in the sole and absolute discretion of the General Partner to give effect to the foregoing or to enter into a Section 431 UK Income Tax (Earnings and Pensions) Act 2003 election with their employer, and the distribution of shares of Newmark Common Stock, or the consummation of any Exchange pursuant to Section 8.01(b) may be conditioned upon such Partner entering into such agreement or election. “ NIC Liability ” shall mean any liability to make primary and/or (to the extent recovery or withholding in respect of such is permissible by applicable law) secondary U.K. national insurance contributions and the phrase “ any employer or secondary contributor ” shall include any person to whom a U.K. PAYE liability or NIC Liability arises in connection with any cash distribution or with any entitlement to receive and/or distribution of Newmark Common Stock.

SECTION 12.08. Application of Proceeds From Sale of Shares of Newmark Common Stock by a Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner . Cantor, in its sole and absolute discretion, may require that any Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner who receives any cash proceeds in connection with an Exchange (including as a result of the sale of shares of Newmark Common Stock received in connection with an Exchange) apply all or a portion of such net after-tax proceeds to the payment of any indebtedness or obligation to or guaranteed by Cantor or any Affiliate of Cantor (whether or not such indebtedness or obligation is otherwise then due and payable).

SECTION 12.09. Exercise of Discretion with Respect to Legacy Units Held by Employees of BGC Holdings, the BGC Opcos or their Respective Subsidiaries . If (a) the Partnership or the General Partner is entitled to exercise discretion hereunder in respect of a Legacy Unit that is held by a Partner that, as of immediately after the Separation, was employed by BGC Holdings, the BGC Opcos or their respective Subsidiaries and (b) BGC Holdings or the general partner of BGC Holdings is entitled to exercise corresponding discretion under the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement in respect of the related BGC Holdings Legacy Unit, then the Partnership or the General Partner, as the case may be, shall exercise such discretion in a manner that the same as the discretion exercised by BGC Holdings or the general partner of BGC Holdings, as the case may be, with respect to such BGC Holdings Legacy Unit. The Partnership and BGC Holdings shall (and BGC Partners shall cause BGC Holdings to) reasonably cooperate to give effect to this Section 12.09.

 

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ARTICLE XIII

MISCELLANEOUS

SECTION 13.01. Amendments . (a) Except as provided in Section 1.03 with respect to this Agreement, the Certificate of Limited Partnership and this Agreement may not be amended except with (and any such amendment shall be authorized upon obtaining) the approval of each of the General Partner and the Exchangeable Limited Partners (by the affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest); provided that this Agreement shall not be amended to (i) amend any provisions which require the consent of a specified percentage in interest of the Limited Partners without the consent of that specified percentage in interest of the Limited Partners; (ii) alter the interest of any Partner in the amount or timing of distributions or the allocation of profits, losses or credits (other than any such alteration caused by the acquisition of additional Units and/or Non-Participating Units by any Partner or the issuance of additional Units and/or Non-Participating Units to any Person pursuant to this Agreement or as otherwise expressly provided herein), if such alteration would either (A) materially adversely affect the economic interest of a Partner in the Partnership or (B) materially adversely affect the value of Interests, in each case without the consent of (x) the Partners holding at least two-thirds of all Units and Non-Participating Units in the case of an amendment applying in a substantially similar manner to all classes of Interests or (y) two-thirds in interest of the affected class or classes of the Partners in the case of any other amendment; or (iii) amend this Agreement to alter the Special Voting Limited Partner’s ability to remove a General Partner; provided , however , that the General Partner may authorize, without further approval of any other Person or group, (1) any amendment to this Agreement to correct any technicality, incorrect statement or error apparent on the face hereof in order to further the intent of the parties hereto or (2) correction of any formality or error apparent on the face hereof or incorrect statement or defect in the execution hereof. Any merger or consolidation of the Partnership with any third party that shall amend or otherwise modify the terms of this Agreement shall require the approval of the Persons referred to above to the extent the approval of such Persons would have been required had such amendment or modification been effected by an amendment to this Agreement.

(b) In the event of the approval pursuant to this Section 13.01 or otherwise of a material amendment to this Agreement that materially adversely affects the economic interest of a Founding/Working Partner or an REU Partner, as the case may be, in the Partnership or the value of Founding/Working Partner Units or REUs, as the case may be, by materially altering the interest of any such Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, in the amount or timing of distributions or the allocation of profits, losses or distributions or the allocation of profits, losses or credit, other than any such alteration caused by the acquisition of Units and/or Non-Participating Units by any Partner, then each Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be (including the controlling stockholder of any corporate Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be), who does not vote in favor of such amendment shall have the right, subject to the conditions of this Section 13.01, to elect to become a

 

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Terminated Partner (regardless of whether there is an actual termination of the employment of such Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be) as of the date of such amendment to this Agreement, on the terms and conditions of this Agreement as in effect immediately prior to such amendment to this Agreement; provided , however , that (i) solely for purposes of determining the timing of payments of the Additional Amounts pursuant to Section 12.02(c) (but not the determination of interest) to any Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, who becomes a Terminated Partner pursuant to an election pursuant to this Section 13.01(b), the Payment Date shall not be deemed to occur until the date such Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, shall cease to be employed by the BGC Opcos, Opco or any of their respective Subsidiaries or any of the BGC Affiliated Entities or Affiliated Entities in any capacity, and (ii) no payment of any amount on account of any Extraordinary Account pursuant to Article XII shall be made prior to such date, unless the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion shall designate an earlier date. Such election shall be made by written notice to the General Partner, delivered within thirty (30) days of notice to the electing Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, of the proposed amendment, specifically stating that such Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, elects to withdraw under the terms and conditions of this Section 13.01(b). As a condition to any such election, any Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, electing to become a Terminated Partner pursuant to this Section 13.01(b) must, if requested by the General Partner, provide his or her written consent stating that such Partner agrees that the termination date (or any similar date relating to the cessation of such Partner’s obligations of the Partnership and the Affiliated Entities) of such Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, under any employment agreement with Opco or its Subsidiaries or any Affiliated Entity, shall be accelerated to the effective date of such election, and such electing Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, shall have no future right to any compensation, benefits, termination payments or other emoluments from Opco or its Subsidiaries or an Affiliated Entity, pursuant to any such agreement, and such Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, shall be entitled to future payments from the Partnership only as provided in this Agreement and as may be determined by the General Partner. The General Partner shall have the right, in the event any Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, of the Partnership seeks to exercise his, her or its withdrawal rights pursuant to this Section 13.01(b), to revoke and terminate any proposed amendment to this Agreement, in which event all approvals, elections and terminations pursuant hereto shall be of no force and effect, and all agreements shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with their terms prior to the proposed amendments. For this purpose, any proposed amendment of this Agreement subject to this Section 13.01(b) shall not become effective until the later of (A) receipt of sufficient approval by the Partners pursuant to this Section 13.01 or (B) thirty (30) days after written notice to the Partners of the proposed amendment to this Agreement (unless revoked by the General Partner), and shall become effective no later than sixty (60) days after written notice to the Partners of the proposed amendment to this Agreement.

 

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(c) Notwithstanding this Section 13.01 or any other provision in this Agreement, the Restricted Partnership Units shall have no voting rights except as required by the Act.

SECTION 13.02. Benefits of Agreement . None of the provisions of this Agreement shall be for the benefit of or enforceable by any creditor of the Partnership or by any creditor of any of the Partners. Except as provided in Article X with respect to Persons entitled to indemnification pursuant to such Article, nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to create any right in any Person not a party hereto, and this instrument shall not be construed in any respect to be a contract in whole or in part for the benefit of any third person.

SECTION 13.03. Waiver of Notice . Whenever any notice is required to be given to any Partner or other Person under the provisions of the Act or this Agreement, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the Person or Persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any meeting of the Partners (if any shall be called) or the General Partner need be specified in any waiver of notice of such meeting.

SECTION 13.04. Jurisdiction and Forum; Waiver of Jury Trial . (a) Each of the Partners agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that all Actions arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, the Partnership’s affairs, the rights or interests of the Partners or the estate of any deceased Partner (to the extent that they are related to any of the foregoing), or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or any breach or termination or alleged breach or termination of this Agreement, shall be tried and determined exclusively in the state or federal courts in the State of Delaware, and each of the Partners hereby irrevocably submits with regard to any such Action for itself and in respect to its property, generally and unconditionally, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts. Each of the Partners hereby expressly waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any right it may have to assert, and agrees not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense, counterclaim or otherwise, in any such Action: (i) any claim that it is not subject to personal jurisdiction in the aforesaid courts for any reason; (ii) that it or its property is exempt or immune from jurisdiction of any such court or from any legal process commenced in such courts; (iii) that (A) any of the aforesaid courts is an inconvenient or inappropriate forum for such Action, or (B) venue is not proper in any of the aforesaid courts; and (iv) this Agreement, or the subject matter hereof or thereof, may not be enforced in or by any of the aforesaid courts. With respect to any action arising out of or relating to this agreement or any obligation hereunder, each Partner irrevocably and unconditionally, to the fullest extent permitted by law, (x) agrees to appoint promptly upon request from the Partnership authorized agents for the purpose of receiving service of process in any suit, action or proceeding in Wilmington, Delaware; (y) consents to service of process in any suit, action or proceeding in such jurisdictions; and (z) consents to service of process by mailing a copy thereof to the address of the Partner determined under Section 13.07 by U.S. registered or certified mail, by the closest foreign equivalent of registered or certified mail, by a recognized overnight delivery service, by service upon any agent specified pursuant to clause (x) above, or by any other manner permitted by applicable law.

 

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(b) EACH PARTNER WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO REQUEST OR OBTAIN A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING GOVERNED BY THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT OR PERTAINING TO THE MATTERS GOVERNED BY THIS AGREEMENT. “MATTERS GOVERNED BY THIS AGREEMENT” SHALL INCLUDE ANY AND ALL MATTERS AND AGREEMENTS REFERRED TO IN THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY DISPUTES ARISING WITH RESPECT TO ANY SUCH MATTERS AND AGREEMENTS.

(c) The Partners acknowledge and agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement was not performed in accordance with its specific terms or was otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the Partnership shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions or other equitable relief to prevent or cure breaches of the provisions of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof and thereof, this being in addition to any other remedy to which the Partnership may be entitled by law or equity. Each Partner agrees not to oppose the granting of such relief and agrees to waive any requirement for the securing or posting of any bond in connection with such remedy.

SECTION 13.05. Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their respective estates, heirs, legal representatives, successors and permitted assigns, any additional Partner admitted in accordance with the provisions hereof and any successor to a trustee of a trust that is or becomes a party hereto.

SECTION 13.06. Confidentiality . (a) In addition to any other obligations set forth in this Agreement, each Partner recognizes that confidential information has been and will be disclosed to such Partner by the Partnership and its Subsidiaries. Each Partner (other than the Cantor Group, the BGC Partners Group and the Newmark Group) expressly agrees, whether or not at the time a Partner of the Partnership or providing services to the Partnership and/or any of its Subsidiaries, to (i) maintain the confidentiality of, and not disclose to any Person without the prior written consent of the Partnership, any financial, legal or other advisor to the Partnership, any information relating to the business, clients, affairs or financial structure, position or results of the Partnership or its affiliates (including any Affiliate) or any dispute that shall not be generally known to the public or the securities industry and (ii) not to use such confidential information other than for the purpose of evaluating such Partner’s investment in the Partnership or in connection with the discharge of any duties to the Partnership or an Affiliated Entity such Partner may have in such Partner’s capacity as an officer, director, employee or agent of the Partnership or an Affiliated Entity. Notwithstanding Section 13.04 or any other provision herein to the contrary, each Partner agrees that money damages would not be a sufficient remedy for any breach of this Section 13.06 by such Partner, and that in addition to all other remedies, the Partnership shall be entitled to injunctive or other equitable relief to prevent or cure breaches of this Section 13.06 and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Section 13.06, this being in addition to any other remedy to which the Partnership may be entitled by law or equity. Each Partner agrees not to oppose the granting of such relief and agrees to waive any requirement for the securing or posting of any bond in connection with such remedy.

 

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(b) In the event that any third party requests information from a Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be (whether during the period he, she or it is a Partner or during the four (4)-year period following Termination of such Partner), regarding any matter related to such Partner’s employment by the Partnership or any Affiliated Entity or his, her or its role as a Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, he, she or it will contact and notify the General Counsel of the Partnership before responding to such requests for information, so that the Partnership may take appropriate action to protect its interests. However, neither a Founding/Working Partner nor an REU Partner shall have any obligation to contact and notify the General Counsel of the Partnership prior to any such discussions between such Partner and such Partner’s legal counsel or certified public accountant.

(c) In the event that a Founding/Working Partner or an REU Partner is subpoenaed, or requested, to testify as a witness or to produce documents in any legal or administrative or other proceeding related to the Partnership (whether during the period in which he, she or it is a Partner or during the Restricted Period applicable to such Partner), or otherwise required by law to disclose confidential information, he, she or it will promptly notify the Partnership of such subpoena or request and meet with Partnership representatives for a reasonable period of time prior to any such appearance or production.

(d) Each of the current and any former beneficial owners of any corporate or other entity Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, and each trustee or beneficiary of any trust that is a Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, shall also be subject to the provisions of this Section 13.06 and each corporate or other entity Founding/Working Partner or REU Partner, as the case may be, and each such trustee or beneficiary agrees to take such action as is requested by the General Partner to ensure the enforcement of this Section 13.06.

(e) Each Founding/Working Partner and each REU Partner agrees to indemnify and hold the Partnership harmless from any loss, cost, damage or claim suffered by the Partnership, including attorneys’ fees and expenses, resulting from a breach by such Partner (including by its beneficial owner or by any trustee of any trust beneficial owner) of this Section 13.06.

SECTION 13.07. Notices . All notices and other communications required or permitted by this Agreement shall be made in writing and any such notice or communication shall be deemed delivered when delivered in Person, properly transmitted by facsimile, e-mail or any other electronic communication or posting or one (1) Business Day after it has been sent by an internationally recognized overnight courier to the address for notices shown in the Partnership’s records (or any other address provided to the Partnership in writing for this purpose) or, if given to the Partnership, to the principal place of business of the Partnership. Each Partner may from time to time change its address for notices under this Section 13.07 by giving at least five (5) days’ prior written notice of such changed address to the Partnership.

 

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SECTION 13.08. No Waiver of Rights . No failure or delay on the part of any Partner in the exercise of any power or right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such power or right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or of any other right or power. The waiver by any Partner of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other or subsequent breach hereunder. All rights and remedies existing under this Agreement are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies otherwise available.

SECTION 13.09. Power of Attorney . Each Partner agrees that, by its execution of this Agreement, such Partner irrevocably constitutes and appoints the General Partner as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact coupled with an interest, with full power and authority, in its name, place and stead to make, execute, acknowledge and record (a) all certificates, instruments or documents, including fictitious name or assumed name certificates, as may be required by, or may be appropriate under, the laws of any state or jurisdiction in which the Partnership is doing or intends to do business and (b) all agreements, documents, certificates or other instruments amending this Agreement or the Certificate of Limited Partnership that may be necessary or appropriate to reflect or accomplish (i) a change in the name or location of the principal place of business of the Partnership or a change of name or address of a Partner, (ii) the disposal or increase by a Partner of his Interest in the Partnership or any part thereof, (iii) a distribution and reduction of the capital contribution of a Partner or any other changes in the capital of the Partnership, (iv) the dissolution or termination of the Partnership, (v) the addition or substitution of a Person becoming a Partner of the Partnership and (vi) any amendment to this Agreement, in each case only to the extent expressly authorized and conducted in accordance with the other sections of this Agreement. The power granted hereby is coupled with an interest and shall survive the subsequent disability or incapacity of the principal.

SECTION 13.10. Severability . If any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law, such provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to cause it to be enforceable, and the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein shall not in any way be affected or impaired.

SECTION 13.11. Headings . The section and article headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and will not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. All references to Sections, Articles, Schedules or Exhibits contained herein mean Sections, Articles, Schedules or Exhibits of this Agreement unless otherwise stated.

SECTION 13.12. Entire Agreement . This Agreement amends and restates in its entirety the Original Limited Partnership Agreement. This Agreement, including the exhibits, annexes and schedules hereto, the Separation Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements and any other instruments and agreements referenced herein constitute the entire agreement among the parties hereto and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof. Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, in the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the terms of Article XII and the rest of this Agreement, the terms of the rest of this Agreement shall prevail and Article XII shall be appropriately amended by the General Partner (with the prior written consent of the Exchangeable Limited Partners (by Majority in Interest)) to remove such conflict or inconsistency (without the requirement of any further consent, approval or action of any other Persons).

 

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SECTION 13.13. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflicts of law principles.

SECTION 13.14. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement.

SECTION 13.15. Opportunity; Fiduciary Duty . To the greatest extent permitted by law and except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, but notwithstanding any duty otherwise existing at law or in equity:

(a) None of any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any of their respective Representatives shall, in its capacity as a holder of Interests or Affiliate of the Partnership, owe or be liable for breach of any fiduciary duty to the Partnership or any holders of Interests. In taking any action, making any decision or exercising any discretion with respect to the Partnership, each Newmark Company, BGC Partners Company, Cantor Company and their respective Representatives shall, in its capacity as a holder of Interests or Affiliate of the Partnership, be entitled to consider such interests and factors as it desires, including its own interests and those of its Representatives, and shall have no duty or obligation to give any consideration to the interests of or factors affecting the Partnership, the holders of Interests or any other Person. Each Newmark Company, BGC Partners Company, Cantor Company and their respective Representatives shall have no duty or obligation to abstain from participating in any vote or other action of the Partnership, or any board, committee or similar body of any of the foregoing. None of any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any of their respective Representatives shall violate a duty or obligation to the Partnership or the holders of Interest merely because such Person’s conduct furthers such Person’s own interest. Any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any of their respective Representatives may lend money to, and transact other business with, the Partnership and its Representatives. The rights and obligations of any such Person who lends money to, contracts with, borrows from or transacts business with the Partnership or any of its Representatives are the same as those of a Person who is not involved with the Partnership or any of its Representatives, subject to other applicable law. No contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction between any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any of their respective Representatives, on the one hand, and the Partnership or any of its Representatives, on the other hand, shall be void or voidable solely because any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any of their respective Representatives has a direct or indirect interest in such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction, and any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any of their respective Representatives (i) shall have fully satisfied and fulfilled its duties and obligations to the Partnership and the holders of Interests with respect thereto; and (ii) shall not be liable to the Partnership or the holders of Interests for any breach of any duty or obligation by reason of the entering into, performance or consummation of any such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction, if:

 

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(1) such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction is approved by the Board of Directors of Newmark or any committee thereof by the affirmative vote of a majority of the disinterested directors, even if the disinterested directors constitute less than a quorum;

(2) such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction is approved by a Majority in Interest, excluding from such calculation Interests that are beneficially owned (as such term is defined in Rule 16a-1(a)(2) promulgated by the SEC under the U.S. Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) by a Newmark Company, a BGC Partners Company or a Cantor Company, respectively; or

(3) such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction, judged according to the circumstances at the time of the commitment, is fair to the Partnership;

it being understood that, although each of (1), (2) and (3) above shall be sufficient to show that any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any of their respective Representatives (i) shall have fully satisfied and fulfilled its duties and obligations to the Partnership and the holders of Interests with respect thereto; and (ii) shall not be liable to the Partnership or the holders of Interests for any breach of any duty or obligation by reason of the entering into, performance or consummation of any such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction, none of (1), (2) or (3) above shall be required to be satisfied for such showing.

All directors of Newmark may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board of Directors of Newmark or of a committee thereof that authorizes such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction. Interests owned by any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any of their respective Representatives may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of holders of Interests called to authorize such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction.

Directors of the General Partner who are also directors or officers of any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any of their respective Representatives shall not owe or be liable for breach of any fiduciary duty to the Partnership or any of holders of Interests for any action taken by any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or their respective Representatives, in their capacity as a holder of Interests or Affiliate of the Partnership.

Nothing herein contained shall prevent any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any of their respective Representatives from conducting any other business, including serving as an officer, director, employee, or stockholder of any corporation, partnership or limited liability company, a trustee of any trust, an executor or administrator of any estate, or an administrative official of any other business or not-for-profit entity, or from receiving any compensation in connection therewith.

 

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(b) None of any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any of their respective Representatives shall owe any duty to refrain from (i) engaging in the same or similar activities or lines of business as the Partnership and its Representatives or (ii) doing business with any of the Partnership’s or its Representatives’ clients or customers, in each case regardless of whether such Newmark Company, BGC Partners Company, Cantor Company or Representative is also a Representative of the Partnership. In the event that any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any of their respective Representatives acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter that may be a Corporate Opportunity for any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any of their respective Representatives, on the one hand, and the Partnership or any of its Representatives, on the other hand, such Newmark Company, BGC Partners Company, Cantor Company or Representatives, as the case may be, shall have no duty to communicate or offer such Corporate Opportunity to the Partnership or any of its Representatives, regardless of whether such Newmark Company, BGC Partners Company, Cantor Company or Representative is also a Representative of the Partnership, subject to Section 13.15(c). None of any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any of their respective Representatives shall be liable to the Partnership, the holders of Interests or any of the Partnership’s Representatives for breach of any fiduciary duty by reason of the fact that any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any of their respective Representatives pursues or acquires such Corporate Opportunity for itself, directs such Corporate Opportunity to another Person or does not present such Corporate Opportunity to the Partnership or any of its Representatives, regardless of whether such Newmark Company, BGC Partners Company, Cantor Company or Representative is also a Representative of the Partnership, subject to Section 13.15(c).

(c) If a third party presents a Corporate Opportunity to a person who is both a Representative of the Partnership and a Representative of a Newmark Company, a BGC Partners Company and/or a Cantor Company, expressly and solely in such Person’s capacity as a Representative of the Partnership, and such Person acts in good faith in a manner consistent with the policy that such Corporate Opportunity belongs to the Partnership, then such Person (i) shall be deemed to have fully satisfied and fulfilled any fiduciary duty that such Person has to the Partnership as a Representative of the Partnership with respect to such Corporate Opportunity, (ii) shall not be liable to the Partnership, the holders of Interests or any of the Partnership’s Representatives for breach of fiduciary duty by reason of such Person’s action or inaction with respect to such Corporate Opportunity, (iii) shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner that such Person reasonably believed to be in, and not opposed to, the Partnership’s best interests, and (iv) shall be deemed not to have breached such Person’s duty of loyalty to the Partnership and the holders of Interests and not to have derived an improper personal benefit therefrom; provided that any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any of their respective Representatives may pursue such

 

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Corporate Opportunity if the Partnership shall decide not to pursue such Corporate Opportunity. If a Corporate Opportunity is either (1) presented to a Person who is not both a Representative of the Partnership and a Representative of a Newmark Company, a BGC Partners Company and/or a Cantor Company, or (2) presented to such Person not expressly and solely in such Person’s capacity as a Representative of the Partnership, then, in each case, such Person shall not be obligated to present such Corporate Opportunity to the Partnership or to act as if such Corporate Opportunity belongs to the Partnership, and such Person (i) shall be deemed to have fully satisfied and fulfilled any fiduciary duty that such Person has to the Partnership as a Representative of the Partnership with respect to such Corporate Opportunity, (ii) shall not be liable to the Partnership, any of the holders of Interests or any of the Partnership’s Representatives for breach of fiduciary duty by reason of such Person’s action or inaction with respect to such Corporate Opportunity, (iii) shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner that such person reasonably believed to be in, and not opposed to, the Partnership’s best interests, and (iv) shall be deemed not to have breached such Person’s duty of loyalty to the Partnership and the holders of Interests and not to have derived an improper personal benefit therefrom.

(d) Any Person purchasing or otherwise acquiring any Interest shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Section 13.15.

(e) Except to the extent otherwise modified herein, each officer of the Partnership shall have fiduciary duties identical to those of officers of business corporations organized under the DGCL. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they restrict or eliminate the duties (including fiduciary duties) of a director, officer or other Person otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the parties hereto to replace such other duties of such Person.

(f) Neither the alteration, amendment, termination, expiration or repeal of this Section 13.15 nor the adoption of any provision of this Agreement inconsistent with this Section 13.15 shall eliminate or reduce the effect of this Section 13.15 in respect of any matter occurring, or any cause of Action that, but for this Section 13.15, would accrue or arise, prior to such alteration, amendment, termination, expiration, repeal or adoption.

SECTION 13.16. Reimbursement of Expenses . All costs and expenses incurred in connection with the ongoing operation or management of the business of the Partnership or its Subsidiaries shall be borne by the Partnership or its Subsidiaries, as the case may be.

SECTION 13.17. Effectiveness . The Original Limited Partnership Agreement was effective for all financial and accounting purposes as of [•], 2017. This Agreement shall be effective as of the date hereof.

SECTION 13.18. Parity of Units . It is the non-binding intention of each of the Partners and the Partnership that the Holdings Ratio shall at all times equal one. Accordingly, in the event of any issuance of Opco Units to, or repurchase by Opco of Opco Units held by, the Partnership, it is the non-binding intention of each of the Partners and the Partnership that there be a parallel issuance or repurchase transaction by the Partnership so that the Holdings Ratio shall at all times equal one, and the parties to this Agreement agree to cooperate to effect the intent of this Section 13.18.

 

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SECTION 13.19. Limitation on Challenge Period and Exclusive Remedies Available to Partners with Respect to any Redemption of Units . (a) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or in law or equity to the contrary, no Founding/Working Partner and no REU Partner may institute any action challenging, directly or indirectly, the terms, conditions or validity or any other matter related to or arising out of any redemption by the Partnership of Units and/or Non-Participating Units held by such Partner, whether such action is based (in whole or in part) in contract, tort and/or any duty otherwise existing in law or equity (a “ Challenge ”) unless such Challenge is instituted on or prior to the first anniversary (the “ Challenge Deadline ”) of the later of (i) the effective date of the challenged redemption (the “ Effective Date ”) and (ii) the giving of notice by the Partnership with respect to such challenged redemption. If a Challenge is not instituted by such Partner on or prior to the Challenge Deadline, such Partner shall be thereafter foreclosed from instituting any Challenge. It shall be a condition to a Partner instituting any Challenge, that (i) such Partner shall have retained the consideration paid to such Partner in the challenged redemption (the “ Redemption Consideration ”) in the same form as paid by the Partnership and free from any liens or other encumbrances and (ii) such Partner shall make a binding offer to return such Redemption Consideration to the Partnership on the Final Adjudication Date of any successful Challenge in the same form as paid by the Partnership and free from any liens or other encumbrances.

(b) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or in law or equity to the contrary, any such Partner that institutes a Challenge agrees that, in the event such Partner is successful in whole or in part in such Challenge as finally determined in accordance with this Article XIII in a judgment or arbitration award not subject to further appeal (a “ Final Adjudication ”), the exclusive remedy available to such Partner in such Challenge shall be, as elected by the General Partner in its sole and absolute discretion within ten (10) days after the date of the Final Adjudication (the “ Final Adjudication Date ”), as follows: either (i) promptly following the Partner’s return to the Partnership of the Redemption Consideration paid in respect of the challenged redemption in accordance with the binding offer referred to in the last sentence of Section 13.19(a), the Partnership shall restore for the account of such Partner all Units and/or Non-Participating Units held by such Partner redeemed in the challenged redemption and the Adjusted Capital Account related thereto as both existed on the Effective Date immediately prior to the challenged redemption, without regard or entitlement to any statutory interest on the Adjusted Capital Account with respect to such Units between the Effective Date and the date such Units are restored pursuant to this Section 13.19(b)(i), or (ii) promptly following the Partner’s return to the Partnership of the Redemption Consideration paid in respect of the challenged redemption in accordance with the binding offer referred to in the last sentence of Section 13.19(a), the Partnership shall first restore for the account of such Partner all Units and/or Non-Participating Units held by such Partner redeemed in the challenged redemption and then redeem all of the redeemed Units and/or Non-Participating Units so restored for the amount of the Adjusted Capital Account attributable to the restored Units and/or Non-Participating Units as of the Effective Date immediately prior to the challenged redemption, without regard or entitlement to any statutory interest on such Adjusted Capital Account between the

 

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Effective Date and the date such Units and/or Non-Participating Units are restored pursuant to this Section 13.19(b)(ii), such payment to be made at the times, in the amounts and subject to the conditions provided for payments as if the Partner were a Terminated Partner under Article XI in respect of the restored Units and/or Non-Participating Units so redeemed and subject to all of the other provisions of the Agreement, including Section 3.03. In addition, the Partnership shall pay to the Partner, or the Partner shall pay to the Partnership, as the case may be, without regard or entitlement to any statutory interest, the difference between the amounts of distributions or other payments the Partner received in respect of the challenged Redemption Consideration on and after the Effective Date and the amount of distributions such Partner would have received during such period in respect of his, her or its Units and/or Non-Participating Units redeemed in the challenged redemption had the challenged redemption not occurred. Any and all returns by a Partner of challenged Redemption Consideration in accordance with the binding offer referred to in the last sentence of Section 13.19(a) shall be made within 20 days of the Final Adjudication Date.

(c) This Section 13.19 shall not limit or restrict any remedies that the Partnership or the General Partner may have under this Agreement, at law or equity, against a Partner that institutes any Challenge to any redemption that is subject to this Section 13.19, and the matters described herein shall be subject to all of the other provisions of the Agreement, including Section 3.03 and Section 2.09(c).

[signature pages follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed by the general partner and limited partners as of the day and year first written above.

 

NEWMARK GP, LLC
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
CANTOR FITZGERALD, L.P.
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  
NEWMARK GROUP, INC.
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  

[Signature Page to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Newmark

Holdings, L.P., dated as of ___, 2017, by and among Newmark GP, LLC, Cantor, Newmark and

the Persons admitted as Partners or otherwise parties hereto]


For the limited purposes of Article VIII and Section 12.09:
BGC PARTNERS, INC.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
BGC HOLDINGS, L.P.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

[Signature Page to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Newmark

Holdings, L.P., dated as of ___, 2017, by and among Newmark GP, LLC, Cantor, Newmark and

the Persons admitted as Partners or otherwise parties hereto]


AGREEMENT TO TERMS

The undersigned hereby acknowledges and agrees to the terms of this Agreement (including as it may be amended from time to time in accordance its terms) and agrees to abide by its obligations and duties hereunder (including the provisions of Article VIII).

 

NEWMARK PARTNERS, L.P.

By:  

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

[Signature Page to the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Newmark

Holdings, L.P., dated as of ___, 2017, by and among Newmark GP, LLC, Cantor, Newmark and

the Persons admitted as Partners or otherwise parties hereto]


EXHIBIT A

Form of Opco Limited Partnership Agreement


EXHIBIT B

Form of Participation Plan


EXHIBIT C

Certain Tax-Related Matters

Section 1. Definitions Relating to Allocations and Capital Account Maintenance .

a. “ Adjusted Capital Account Deficit ” shall mean, with respect to any Partner, the deficit balance, if any, in such Partner’s Capital Account as of the end of the relevant fiscal year, after giving effect to the following adjustments:

(i) Credit to such Capital Account any amounts that such Partner is deemed to be obligated to restore pursuant to the penultimate sentences in Treasury Regulation sections 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5), and

(ii) Debit to such Capital Account the items described in Treasury Regulation sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(5) and 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(6).

The foregoing definition of “Adjusted Capital Account Deficit” is intended to comply with the “alternate test of economic effect” provisions of Treasury Regulation section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

b. “ Partnership Minimum Gain ” shall have the meaning attributed to the term “partnership minimum gain” set forth in Treasury Regulation sections 1.704-2(b)(2) and 1.704-2(d).

c. “ Issuance Items ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(h) of this Exhibit C .

d. “ Partner Nonrecourse Debt ” has the meaning attributed to the term “partner nonrecourse debt” in Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(b)(4).

e. “ Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain ” shall mean an amount, with respect to each Partner Nonrecourse Debt, equal to the Partnership Minimum Gain that would result if such Partner Nonrecourse Debt were treated as a Nonrecourse Liability, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(i)(3).

f. “ Partner Nonrecourse Deductions ” has the meaning attributed to the term “partner nonrecourse deductions” in Treasury Regulation sections 1.704-2(i)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(2).

g. “ Nonrecourse Deductions ” has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(b)(1).

h. “ Nonrecourse Liability ” has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(b)(3).


i. “ Regulatory Allocations ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(i) of this Exhibit C .

j. “ Treasury Regulations ” shall mean the Income Tax Regulations, including temporary regulations, promulgated under the Code, as such regulations may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time (including corresponding provisions of succeeding regulations).

Section 2. Special Allocations .

The following special allocations shall be made in the following order, prior to the allocations specified in Section 5.04(a) of this Agreement:

a. Minimum Gain Chargeback . Except as otherwise provided in Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(f), notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if there is a net decrease in Partnership Minimum Gain during any fiscal year, each Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such fiscal year (and, if necessary, subsequent fiscal years) in an amount equal to such Partner’s share of the net decrease in Partnership Minimum Gain, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(g). Allocations pursuant to the previous sentence shall be made in proportion to the respective amounts required to be allocated to each Partner pursuant thereto. The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation sections 1.704-2(f)(6) and 1.704-2(j)(2). This provision is intended to comply with the minimum gain chargeback requirement in Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(f) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

b. Partner Minimum Gain Chargeback . Except as otherwise provided in Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(i)(4), notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if there is a net decrease in Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain attributable to a Partner Nonrecourse Debt during any fiscal year, each Partner who has a share of the Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain attributable to such Partner Nonrecourse Debt, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(i)(5), shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such fiscal year (and, if necessary, subsequent fiscal years) in an amount equal to such Partner’s share of the net decrease in Partner Nonrecourse Debt, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(i)(4). Allocations pursuant to the previous sentence shall be made in proportion to the respective amounts required to be allocated to each Partner pursuant thereto. The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation sections 1.704-2(i)(4) and 1.704-2(j)(2). This provision is intended to comply with the minimum gain chargeback requirement in Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(i)(4) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

c. Qualified Income Offset . In the event any Partner unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations, or distributions described in Treasury Regulation section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(5) or 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(6), items of Partnership income and gain shall be specially allocated to such Partner in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate, to the extent required by the Treasury Regulations, the Adjusted Capital Account Deficit of the Partner as promptly as possible; provided, that, an allocation pursuant to this provision shall be made only if and to the extent that the Partner would have an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit after all other allocations provided for in this Agreement have been tentatively made as if this provision were not in the Agreement.

 

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d. Gross Income Allocation . In the event any Partner has a deficit Capital Account at the end of any fiscal year that is in excess of the sum of (i) the amount such Partner is obligated to restore pursuant to the penultimate sentences of Treasury Regulation sections 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5) (including for this purpose any HDII Account balance or HDIII Account balance), each such Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain in the amount of such excess, as promptly as possible; provided, that, an allocation pursuant to this provision shall be made only if and to the extent that such Partner would have a deficit Capital Account in excess of such sum after all other allocations provided for in this Agreement have been made as if Section 2(c) and this Section 2(d) of this Exhibit C were not in the Agreement.

e. Nonrecourse Deductions . Nonrecourse Deductions for any fiscal year shall be specially allocated among the Partners in proportion to their respective Percentage Interests.

f. Partner Nonrecourse Deductions . Any Partner Nonrecourse Deductions for any fiscal year shall be specially allocated to the Partner that bears the economic risk of loss with respect to the Partner Nonrecourse Debt to which such Partner Nonrecourse Deductions are attributable in accordance with Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(i)(1).

g. Section  754 Adjustments . To the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Partnership asset, pursuant to Section 734(b) of the Code or Section 743(b) of the Code is required, pursuant to Treasury Regulation section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(2) or 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(4), to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts as the result of a distribution to a Partner in complete liquidation of such Partner’s Interest in the Partnership, the amount of such adjustment to Capital Accounts shall be treated as an item of gain or loss and such gain or loss shall be specially allocated to the Partners in accordance with their Percentage Interests in the event Treasury Regulation section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(2) applies, or to the Partner to whom such distribution was made in the event Treasury Regulation section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(4) applies.

h. Allocations Relating to Taxable Issuance of Interests in the Partnership . Any income, gain, loss or deduction realized as a direct or indirect result of the issuance of an Interest in the Partnership (the “ Issuance Items ”) shall be allocated among the Partners so that, to the extent possible, the net amount of such Issuance Items, together with all other allocations under this Agreement to each Partner, shall be equal to the net amount that would have been allocated to each such Partner if the Issuance Items had not been realized.

i. Curative Allocations . The allocations set forth in Sections 2(a) through 2(h) of this Exhibit C and Section 3 of this Exhibit C (the “ Regulatory Allocations ”) are intended to comply with certain requirements of the Treasury Regulations. It is the intent of the Partners that, to the extent possible, all Regulatory Allocations shall be offset either with other Regulatory Allocations or with special allocations of other items of Partnership

 

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income, gain, loss or deduction. Therefore, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement (other than the Regulatory Allocations), the Tax Matters Partner shall make such offsetting special allocations of Partnership income, gain, loss or deduction in whatever manner it determines appropriate so that, after such offsetting allocations are made, each Partner’s Capital Account balance is, to the extent possible, equal to the Capital Account balance such Partner would have had if the Regulatory Allocations were not part of the Agreement and all Partnership items were allocated pursuant to Section 5.04 of this Agreement and Section 2(h) of this Exhibit C . In exercising discretion with respect to such offsetting special allocations, the Tax Matters Partner shall take into account future Regulatory Allocations under Sections 2(a) and 2(b) of this Exhibit C that, although not yet made, are likely to offset other Regulatory Allocations previously made under Sections 2(e) and 2(f) of this Exhibit C .

j. The amount of any employment tax (including, U.K. national insurance contributions) paid with respect to any payment to any Partner may, in the sole and absolute discretion of the General Partner, be allocated to such Partner.

k. As described in Section 12.01(a)(iii)(E) and Section 12.01(a)(iv) of this Agreement, a portion of the items of loss or deduction of the Partnership shall be specially allocated to each holder of High Distribution II Units or High Distribution III Units in an amount equal to such Partner’s HDII Special Allocation or HDIII Special Allocation, as applicable. To the extent possible, the items of loss or deduction specially allocated under this Section 2(k) of this Exhibit C shall consist of items of a character that would be deductible for purposes of determining United States taxable income.

l. The amount of any charitable contribution made by the Partnership, and the resulting item of deduction, may, in the sole and absolute discretion of the General Partner, be allocated among the Partners in a manner that reflects geographic or other relevant business considerations of the Partnership. For example, charitable contributions may be made by the Partnership, with respect to its United Kingdom operations, to organizations that qualify for treatment as charities under United Kingdom law, and the resulting items of deduction may be allocated specially to the Partners that are engaged in those United Kingdom operations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such special allocation shall be made if it would materially adversely affect either the economic interest of a Partner in the Partnership or the value of Units.

Section 3. Limitation on Loss Allocation to Partners Based on Adjusted Capital Account . Losses allocated pursuant to Section 5.04(a)(ii) of this Agreement shall not exceed the maximum amount of losses that can be allocated without causing any Partner to have an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit at the end of any fiscal year (or increase any existing Adjusted Capital Account Deficit). In the event some but not all of the Partners would have Adjusted Capital Account Deficits as a consequence of an allocation of losses pursuant to Section 5.04(a) of this Agreement, the limitation set forth in this Section 3 of this Exhibit C shall be applied on a Partner-by-Partner basis and losses not allocable to any Partner as a result of such limitation shall be allocated to the other Partners in accordance with the positive balances in such Partner’s Capital Accounts so as to allocate the maximum permissible losses to each Partner under Treasury Regulation section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d).

 

C-4

Exhibit 10.2

THE PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS (INCLUDING ASSOCIATED UNITS AND CAPITAL) DESCRIBED IN THIS AGREEMENT HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ SECURITIES ACT ”), OR REGISTERED OR QUALIFIED UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR FOREIGN JURISDICTION, AND “SUCH PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, EXCEPT (A) EITHER (1) WHILE A REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND SUCH OTHER APPLICABLE REGISTRATIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS ARE IN EFFECT OR (2) PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND SUCH OTHER APPLICABLE LAWS AND (B) IF PERMITTED BY THIS AGREEMENT, AS IT MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME.

 

 

 

AMENDED AND RESTATED

AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

OF

NEWMARK PARTNERS, L.P.

Amended and Restated as of [●], 2017

 

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  
ARTICLE I  
DEFINITIONS  

Section 1.01.

  Definitions      2  

Section 1.02.

  Other Definitional Provisions      10  

Section 1.03.

  References to Schedules      11  
ARTICLE II  
FORMATION, CONTINUATION AND POWERS  

Section 2.01.

  Formation      11  

Section 2.02.

  Name      11  

Section 2.03.

  Purpose and Scope of Activity      11  

Section 2.04.

  Principal Place of Business      11  

Section 2.05.

  Registered Agent and Office      12  

Section 2.06.

  Authorized Persons      12  

Section 2.07.

  Term      12  

Section 2.08.

  Treatment as Partnership      12  

Section 2.09.

  Compliance with Law      12  
ARTICLE III  
MANAGEMENT  

Section 3.01.

  Management by the General Partner      12  

Section 3.02.

  Role and Voting Rights of Limited Partners; Authority of Partners      13  
ARTICLE IV  
PARTNERS; CLASSES OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS  

Section 4.01.

  Partners      14  

Section 4.02.

  Interests      15  

Section 4.03.

  Admission and Withdrawal of Partners      16  

Section 4.04.

  Liability to Third Parties; Capital Account Deficits      17  

Section 4.05.

  Classes      18  

Section 4.06.

  Certificates      18  

Section 4.07.

  Uniform Commercial Code Treatment of Units      18  

Section 4.08.

  Priority Among Partners      18  
ARTICLE V  
CAPITAL AND ACCOUNTING MATTERS  

Section 5.01.

  Capital      19  

Section 5.02.

  Withdrawals; Return on Capital      20  

Section 5.03.

  Maintenance of Capital Accounts      20  

 

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Section 5.04.

  Allocations and Tax Matters      20  

Section 5.05.

  General Partner Determinations      21  

Section 5.06.

  Books and Accounts      22  

Section 5.07.

  Tax Matters Partner      22  

Section 5.08.

  Tax Information      23  

Section 5.09.

  Withholding      23  
ARTICLE VI  
DISTRIBUTIONS  
Section 6.01.   Distributions in Respect of Partnership Interests      23  
Section 6.02.   Limitation on Distributions      23  
ARTICLE VII  
TRANSFERS OF INTERESTS  

Section 7.01.

  Transfers Generally Prohibited      24  

Section 7.02.

  Permitted Transfers      24  

Section 7.03.

  Admission as a Partner upon Transfer      25  

Section 7.04.

  Transfer of Units, Non-Participating Units and Capital with the Transfer of an Interest      25  

Section 7.05.

  Encumbrances      25  

Section 7.06.

  Legend      26  

Section 7.07.

  Effect of Transfer Not in Compliance with this Article      26  
ARTICLE VIII  
REDEMPTION  
Section 8.01.   Redemption of Units Following a Redemption of Founding/Working Partner Interests or REU Interest      26  
Section 8.02.   Optional Redemption of Units in Connection with a Repurchase of Newmark Common Stock      28  
ARTICLE IX  
DISSOLUTION  

Section 9.01.

  Dissolution      28  

Section 9.02.

  Liquidation      28  

Section 9.03.

  Distributions      29  

Section 9.04.

  Reconstitution      29  

Section 9.05.

  Deficit Restoration      29  
ARTICLE X  
INDEMNIFICATION AND EXCULPATION  

Section 10.01.

  Exculpation      30  

Section 10.02.

  Indemnification      30  

Section 10.03.

  Insurance      33  

 

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Section 10.04.

  Subrogation      33  

Section 10.05.

  No Duplication of Payments      33  

Section 10.06.

  Survival      33  
ARTICLE XI  
MISCELLANEOUS  

Section 11.01.

  Amendments      34  

Section 11.02.

  Benefits of Agreement      34  

Section 11.03.

  Waiver of Notice      34  

Section 11.04.

  Jurisdiction and Forum; Waiver of Jury Trial      35  

Section 11.05.

  Successors and Assigns      36  

Section 11.06.

  Confidentiality      36  

Section 11.07.

  Notices      36  

Section 11.08.

  No Waiver of Rights      36  

Section 11.09.

  Power of Attorney      36  

Section 11.10.

  Severability      37  

Section 11.11.

  Headings      37  

Section 11.12.

  Entire Agreement      37  

Section 11.13.

  Governing Law      37  

Section 11.14.

  Counterparts      37  

Section 11.15.

  Opportunity; Fiduciary Duty      37  

Section 11.16.

  Reimbursement of Expenses      41  

Section 11.17.

  Obligations with Respect to BGC Holdings Non-Participating Units      41  

Section 11.18.

  Effectiveness      41  

 

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EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit A    Certain Tax Related Matters

 

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This AMENDED AND RESTATED AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP (together with all exhibits, annexes and schedules hereto, this “ Agreement ”) of Newmark Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Partnership ”), dated as of [●], 2017, is by and among Newmark Holdings, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“ Newmark Holdings, LLC ”), as the general partner; Newmark Holdings, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ Newmark Holdings ”), as a limited partner; Newmark Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Newmark ”), as a limited partner; and the Persons to be admitted as Partners (as defined below) or otherwise parties hereto as set forth herein.

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Partnership was formed as a limited partnership under the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited Partnership Act, Del. Code Ann. tit. 6, § 17-101, et. seq. , as amended from time to time (the “ Act ”), pursuant to an Agreement of Limited Partnership, dated as of September [●], 2017, by and among Newmark Holdings, LLC, as the general partner, and BGC Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ BGC U.S. Opco ”), as the sole limited partner (the “ Original Limited Partnership Agreement ”);

WHEREAS, BGC Partners, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ BGC Partners ”), BGC Holdings, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ BGC Holdings ”), BGC U.S. Opco (together with BGC Partners and BGC Holdings, the “ BGC Entities ”), Newmark, Newmark Holdings, the Partnership and, solely for the limited purposes set forth therein, Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ Cantor ”), and BGC Global Holdings, L.P. a Cayman Island limited partnership (“ BGC Global Opco ”), have entered into that certain Separation Agreement, dated as of [●], 2017 (at it may be amended from time to time, the “ Separation Agreement ”), pursuant to which, among other things, the BGC Entities agreed to separate the Transferred Business (as defined in the Separation Agreement) from the Retained Business (as defined in the Separation Agreement) so that, as of the Closing Date (as defined in the Separation Agreement), the Transferred Business is held by members of the Newmark Group and the Retained Business is held by members of the BGC Partners Group (the “ Separation ”);

WHEREAS, to effect the Separation, pursuant to the terms of the Separation Agreement and in furtherance of the Separation, BGC U.S. Opco distributed certain Transferred Assets to certain of its partners, and such partners assumed certain Transferred Liabilities, and, thereafter, such partners of BGC U.S. Opco transferred such Transferred Assets and Transferred Liabilities to the Partnership in exchange for Units (together, the “ Opco Partnership Division” );

WHEREAS, immediately following the Opco Partnership Division, (a) BGC Holdings held all of the outstanding equity interests in the General Partner (which held the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest), and (b) members of the BGC Partners Inc. Group, taken as a whole, and members of the BGC Holdings Group, taken as a whole, held all of the outstanding limited partnership interests in the Partnership in the same aggregate proportions that such members held the outstanding limited partnership interests in BGC U.S. Opco, with the total number of Units equal to the total number of units of BGC U.S. Opco Units multiplied by the Contribution Ratio;


WHEREAS, following the Opco Partnership Division, pursuant to the terms of the Separation Agreement and in furtherance of the Separation, BGC Holdings transferred to Newmark Holdings (a) all of the equity interests in the General Partner (which held the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest), (b) the Limited Partnership Interest that BGC Holdings held following the Opco Partnership Division and (c) any other Transferred Assets or Transferred Liabilities held by it (together, the “ Holdings Partnership Contribution ”); and

WHEREAS, the Partners are amending and restating the Original Limited Partnership Agreement in order to, among other things, provide for or attest to the foregoing transactions contemplated by the Separation Agreement and set forth other agreements with respect to the Partnership as of immediately following the Separation.

NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto hereby adopt the following as the amended and restated “partnership agreement” of the Partnership within the meaning of the Act:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS

Section 1.01.     Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings set forth below:

Accounting Period ” means (a) in the case of the first Accounting Period, the period commencing on the date of this Agreement and ending at the next Closing of the Books Event, and (b) in the case of each subsequent Accounting Period, the period commencing immediately after a Closing of the Books Event and ending at the next Closing of the Books Event.

Act ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Action ” means any action, claim, suit, litigation, proceeding (including arbitral) or investigation.

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

Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement.

Ancillary Agreements ” means “Ancillary Agreements” as defined in the Separation Agreement.

Applicable Tax Rate ” means the estimated highest aggregate marginal statutory U.S. federal, state and local income, franchise and branch profits tax rates (determined taking into account the deductibility of state and local income taxes for federal income tax purposes and the creditability or deductibility of foreign income taxes for federal income tax purposes) (“ Tax Rate ”) applicable to any Partner on income of the same character and source as the income allocated to such Partner pursuant to Section 5.04(a) and (b) for such fiscal year, fiscal quarter or other period, as determined by the Tax Matters Partner in its discretion; provided that, in the case

 

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of a Partner that is a partnership, grantor trust or other pass-through entity under U.S. federal income tax law, the Tax Rate applicable to such Partner for purposes of determining the Applicable Tax Rate shall be the weighted average of the Tax Rates of such Partner’s members, grantor-owners or other beneficial owners (weighted in proportion to their relative economic interests in such Partner), as determined by the Tax Matters Partner in its discretion; provided , further , that if any such member, grantor-owner or other beneficial owner of such Partner is itself a partnership, grantor trust or other-pass through entity, similar principles shall be applied by the Tax Matters Partner in its discretion to determine the Tax Rate of such member, grantor-owner or other beneficial owner.

Available Cash ” means, for any period, all cash or other current funds of the Partnership available for distribution, reduced by any amounts that the Partnership is prohibited from distributing to the Partners pursuant to applicable law.

BGC Entities ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

BGC Global Opco ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement, including any successor to BGC Global Holdings, L.P., whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise.

BGC Global Opco Group ” means BGC Global Opco and its Subsidiaries (other than any member of the Newmark Group).

BGC Holdings ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement, including any successor to BGC Holdings, L.P., whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise.

BGC Holdings Group ” means BGC Holdings and its Subsidiaries (other than any member of the BGC U.S. Opco Group, BGC Global Opco Group or Newmark Group).

BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of BGC Holdings, L.P., as amended from time to time.

BGC Partners ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement, including any successor to BGC Partners, Inc., whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise.

BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco Other Debt Notes ” means “BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco Other Debt Notes” as defined in the Separation Agreement.

BGC Partners Company ” means any member of the BGC Partners Group.

BGC Partners Group ” means BGC Partners, BGC Holdings, BGC U.S. Opco and BGC Global Opco and each of their respective Subsidiaries (other than any member of the Newmark Group).

 

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BGC Partners Inc. Group ” means BGC Partners and its Subsidiaries (other than any member of the BGC Holdings Group, BGC U.S. Opco Group, BGC Global Opco Group or Newmark Group).

BGC U.S. Opco ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement, including any successor to BGC Partners, L.P., whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise.

BGC U.S. Opco Group ” means BGC U.S. Opco and its Subsidiaries (other than any member of the Newmark Group).

Business Day ” means any day excluding Saturday, Sunday and any day on which banking institutions located in New York, New York are authorized or required by applicable law or other governmental action to be closed.

Cantor ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement, including any successor to Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P., whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise.

Cantor Company ” means any member of the Cantor Group.

Cantor Group ” means Cantor and its Subsidiaries (other than any member of the BGC Partners Group or Newmark Group), Howard W. Lutnick and/or any of his immediate family members as so designated by Howard W. Lutnick and any trusts or other entities controlled by Howard W. Lutnick.

Capital ” means, with respect to any Partner, such Partner’s capital in the Partnership as reflected in such Partner’s Capital Account.

Capital Account ” means, with respect to any Partner, such Partner’s capital account established on the books and records of the Partnership.

Certificate of Limited Partnership ” means the certificate of limited partnership of the Partnership filed with the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on September 27, 2017.

Closing of the Books Event ” means any of (a) the close of the last day of each calendar year and each calendar quarter, (b) the dissolution of the Partnership, (c) the acquisition of an additional interest in the Partnership by any new or existing Partner in exchange for more than a de minimis amount of property, (d) the distribution by the Partnership to a Partner of more than a de minimis amount of Partnership property as consideration for an interest in the Partnership, or (e) any other time that the General Partner determines to be appropriate for an interim closing of the Partnership’s books.

Code ” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or any successor statute thereto.

Contribution Ratio ” means a fraction equal to one divided by 2.2.

 

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Corporate Opportunity ” means any business opportunity that the Partnership is financially able to undertake, that is, from its nature, in the Partnership’s lines of business, of practical advantage to the Partnership and one in which the Partnership has an interest or a reasonable expectancy, and in which, by embracing the opportunities, the self-interest of a Newmark Company, a BGC Partners Company, a Cantor Company or a Newmark Holdings Company or any of their respective Representatives, as the case may be, will be brought into conflict with the Partnership’s self-interest.

Current Market Price ” means, as of any date: (a) if shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock are listed on an internationally recognized stock exchange, the average of the closing price per share of Newmark Class A Common Stock on each of the 10 consecutive trading days ending on such date (it being understood that such price shall be appropriately adjusted in the event that there is a stock dividend or stock split during such 10-consecutive-trading-day period), or (b) if shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock are not listed on an internationally recognized stock exchange, the fair value of a share of Newmark Class A Common Stock as agreed in good faith by Cantor and the Audit Committee of Newmark.

DGCL ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.02(a).

Disinterested Director ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.02(i)(i).

Estimated Proportionate Quarterly Tax Distribution ” means the Proportionate Quarterly Tax Distribution calculated using the Tax Matters Partner’s estimate of the aggregate amount of taxable income or gain to be allocated to the Partners pursuant to Section 5.04(a) for the applicable period.

Estimated Tax Due Date ” means (a) in the case of a Partner that is not an individual, the 15th day of each April, June, September and December or (b) in the case of a Partner that is an individual, the 15th day of each April, June, September and January or, in each of cases (a) and (b), if earlier with respect to any quarter, the date on which Newmark is required to make an estimated tax payment.

Exchange Ratio ” has the meaning set forth in the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement.

Founding Partner Interest ” or “ Working Partner Interest ” means a Founding Partner Interest or a Working Partner Interest as defined in the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement.

General Partner ” means Newmark Holdings, LLC or any Person who has been admitted, as herein provided, as an additional or substitute general partner, and who has not ceased to be a general partner, each in its capacity as a general partner of the Partnership.

General Partnership Interest ” means, with respect to the General Partner, such Partner’s Non-Participating Unit and Capital designated as the “General Partnership Interest” on Schedule  4.02 and Schedule  5.01 in accordance with this Agreement and rights and obligations with respect to the Partnership pursuant to this Agreement and applicable law by virtue of such Partner being a General Partner and having such Non-Participating Unit and Capital.

 

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Group ” means the Cantor Group, the BGC Partners Group, the BGC Partners Inc. Group, the BGC Holdings Group, the BGC Global Opco Group, the BGC U.S. Opco Group, the Newmark Group, the Newmark Inc. Group, the Newmark Holdings Group or the Partnership Group, as applicable.

Group Transferee ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.02(a)(ii).

Group Transferor ” has the meaning set forth in Section 7.02(a)(ii).

Holdings Partnership Contribution ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Independent Counsel ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.02(i)(ii).

Interest ” means the General Partnership Interest and any Limited Partnership Interest (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest).

Limited Partner ” means any Person who has acquired a Limited Partnership Interest pursuant to and in compliance with this Agreement and who shall have been admitted to the Partnership as a Limited Partner in accordance with this Agreement and shall not have ceased to be a Limited Partner under the terms of this Agreement, each in its capacity as a limited partner of the Partnership.

Limited Partnership Interest ” means, with respect to any Limited Partner, such Partner’s Units and Capital designated as a “Limited Partnership Interest” (including, for the avoidance of doubt, designation as a “Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest”) on Schedule  4.02 and Schedule  5.01 in accordance with this Agreement and rights and obligations with respect to the Partnership pursuant to this Agreement and applicable law by virtue of such Partner holding such Units and having such Capital.

Majority in Interest ” means Limited Partner(s) holding a majority of the Units underlying the Limited Partnership Interests outstanding as of the applicable record date; provided , however , that, so long as members of the Cantor Group shall hold a majority of the Exchangeable Limited Partnership Interests of Newmark Holdings, then any action or approval by a “Majority in Interest” for purposes of this Agreement shall also require the consent of Cantor.

Newmark ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement, including any successor to Newmark Group, Inc., whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise.

Newmark Class  A Common Stock ” means the Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Newmark (it being understood that if the Newmark Class A Common Stock, as a class, shall be reclassified, exchanged or converted into another security (including as a result of a merger, consolidation or otherwise) or the right to receive such security, each reference to Newmark Class A Common Stock in this Agreement shall refer to such other security into which the Newmark Class A Common Stock was reclassified, exchanged or converted).

 

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Newmark Class  B Common Stock ” means the Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Newmark (it being understood that if the Newmark Class B Common Stock, as a class, shall be reclassified, exchanged or converted into another security (including as a result of a merger, consolidation or otherwise) or the right to receive such security, each reference to Newmark Class B Common Stock in this Agreement shall refer to such other security into which the Newmark Class B Common Stock was reclassified, exchanged or converted).

Newmark Common Stock ” means the Newmark Class A Common Stock or the Newmark Class B Common Stock, as applicable.

Newmark Company ” means any member of the Newmark Inc. Group.

Newmark Group ” means Newmark, Newmark Holdings, the Partnership and each of their respective Subsidiaries.

Newmark Holdings ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement, including any successor to Newmark Holdings, L.P., whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise.

Newmark Holdings Company ” means any member of the Newmark Holdings Group.

Newmark Holdings Group ” means Newmark Holdings and its Subsidiaries (other than any member of the Partnership Group).

Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Newmark Holdings, L.P., as amended from time to time.

Newmark Holdings Non-Participating Units ” has the meaning ascribed to “Non-Participating Units” in the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement.

Newmark Holdings Ratio ” means, as of any time, the number equal to (a) the aggregate number of Units held by the Newmark Holdings Group as of such time divided by (b) the aggregate number of Newmark Holdings Units issued and outstanding as of such time.

Newmark Holdings Units ” means “Units” as defined in the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement.

Newmark Holdings, LLC ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement, including any successor to Newmark Holdings, LLC, whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise.

Newmark Inc. Group ” means Newmark Group, Inc. and its Subsidiaries (other than any member of the Newmark Holdings Group or Partnership Group).

Newmark Opco Debt Repayment ” means the amount paid by the Partnership in satisfaction of the obligations of the Partnership under the BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco Other Debt Notes.

 

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Newmark Ratio ” means, as of any time, the number equal to (a) the aggregate number of Units held by the Newmark Inc. Group as of such time divided by (b) the aggregate number of shares of Newmark Common Stock issued and outstanding as of such time.

Newmark SAE Agreement ” means the [●], dated as of [●], entered into by the Partnership, BGC Holdings, Newmark Holdings, BGC Partners, Newmark and the SAE Entities.

Non-Participating Unit ” means the Unit held by the Special Voting Limited Partner in respect of the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest and the Unit held by the General Partner in respect of the General Partnership Interest, none of which shall entitle its holder to a share in the Partnership’s profits, losses and operating distributions except as otherwise expressly set forth in this Agreement.

Opco Partnership Contribution ” means “Opco Partnership Contribution” as defined in the Separation Agreement.

Original Limited Partnership Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Original SAE Agreement ” means, collectively, the Agreements, entered into prior to the date hereof by and between BGC Holdings, BGC Partners and the SAE Entities in respect of the allocation of the economic benefits and risks of the businesses of the SAE Entities among BGC Partners and BGC Holdings in proportion to their respective direct and indirect ownership interests in BGC U.S. Opco.

Partners ” means the Limited Partners (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Special Voting Limited Partner) and the General Partner, and “ Partner ” means any of the foregoing.

Partnership ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Agreement, including any successor to Newmark Partners, L.P., whether by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise.

Partnership Group ” means the Partnership and its Subsidiaries.

Percentage Interest ” means, as of the applicable calculation time, with respect to a Partner, the ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the number of Units held by such Partner over the number of Units held by all Partners.

Person ” means any individual, firm, corporation, partnership, trust, incorporated or unincorporated association, joint venture, joint stock company, limited liability company, governmental entity or other entity of any kind, and shall include any successor (by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all of its assets or otherwise) of such entity.

proceeding ” has the meaning set forth in Section 10.02(a).

Proportionate Quarterly Tax Distribution ” means, for each Partner for each fiscal quarter or other applicable period, such Partner’s Proportionate Tax Share for such fiscal quarter or other applicable period.

 

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Proportionate Tax Share ” means, with respect to a Partner, the product of (a) the Tax Distribution for the fiscal year, fiscal quarter or other period, as applicable, and (b) the Percentage Interest of such Partner for such fiscal year, fiscal quarter or other period. In the event that the Percentage Interest of a Partner changes during any fiscal year, fiscal quarter or other period, the Proportionate Tax Share of such Partner and the other Partners, as the case may be, for such fiscal year, fiscal quarter or other period shall be appropriately adjusted to take into account the Partners’ varying interests.

Publicly Traded Shares ” means shares of Newmark Common Stock (if listed on any national securities exchange or included for quotation in any quotation system in the United States (even if such shares are restricted securities under the Securities Act) and any shares of capital stock of any other entity, if such shares are of a class that is listed on any national securities exchange or included for quotation in any quotation system in the United States (even if such shares are restricted securities under the Securities Act).

Representatives ” means, with respect to any Person, the Affiliates, directors, officers, employees, general partners, agents, accountants, managing member, employees, counsel and other advisors and representatives of such Person.

REU Interest ” means an REU Interest as defined in the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement.

SAE Entities ” means the entities set forth on Schedule I .

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

Separation ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Separation Agreement ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Special Voting Limited Partner ” means the Limited Partner holding the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest pursuant to and in compliance with this Agreement and who shall have been admitted to the Partnership as a Limited Partner designated as the Special Voting Limited Partner in accordance with this Agreement and shall not have ceased to be a Limited Partner designated as the Special Voting Limited Partner under the terms of this Agreement.

Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest ” means, with respect to the Special Voting Limited Partner, such Partner’s Non-Participating Unit and Capital designated as the “Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest” on Schedule  4.02 and Schedule  5.01 in accordance with this Agreement and rights and obligations with respect to the Partnership pursuant to this Agreement and applicable law by virtue of such Partner holding such Non-Participating Units and having such Capital.

Subsidiary ” means, as of the relevant date of determination, with respect to any Person, any corporation or other Person of which 50% or more of the voting power of the outstanding voting equity securities or 50% or more of the outstanding economic equity interest is held, directly or indirectly, by such Person.

 

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Tax Distribution ” means, for any fiscal quarter or fiscal year or other period of the Partnership during the term of the Partnership, the product of (a) the aggregate amount of taxable income or gain allocated to the Partners pursuant to Section 5.04(a) for such period and (b) the Applicable Tax Rate for such period.

Tax Matters Partner ” has the meaning set forth in Section 5.07.

Transfer ” means any transfer, sale, conveyance, assignment, gift, hypothecation, pledge or other disposition, whether voluntary or by operation of law, of all or any part of an Interest or any right, title or interest therein.

Transferee ” means the transferee in a Transfer or proposed Transfer.

Transferor ” means the transferor in a Transfer or proposed Transfer.

Transferred Assets ” has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.

Transferred Liabilities ” has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.

UCC ” has the meaning set forth in Section 4.07.

Unit ” means, with respect to any Partner, such Partner’s partnership interest in the Partnership entitling the holder to a share in the Partnership’s profits, losses and operating distributions as provided in this Agreement, but excluding any Non-Participating Unit.

Section 1.02.     Other Definitional Provisions . Wherever required by the context of this Agreement, the singular shall include the plural and vice versa, and the masculine gender shall include the feminine and neuter genders and vice versa, and references to any agreement, document or instrument shall be deemed to refer to such agreement, document or instrument as amended, supplemented or modified from time to time. When used herein:

(a)     the word “ or ” is not exclusive unless the context clearly requires otherwise;

(b)    the word “ control ” (including, with correlative meanings, the terms “ controlled by ” and “ under common control with ”), as used with respect to any Person, means the direct or indirect possession 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 contract or otherwise;

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

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

 

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

Section 1.03.     References to Schedules . The General Partner shall maintain and revise from time to time all schedules referred to in this Agreement in accordance with this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything in Section 11.02 to the contrary, any such revision shall not be deemed an amendment to this Agreement, and shall not require any further act, vote or approval of any Person.

ARTICLE II

FORMATION, CONTINUATION AND POWERS

Section 2.01.     Formation . On September 27, 2017, the Partnership was formed pursuant to the laws of the State of Delaware pursuant to a Certificate of Limited Partnership. The Original Limited Partnership Agreement was entered into on [●], 2017 and, prior to the effectiveness of this Agreement, constituted the partnership agreement (as defined in the Act) of the parties thereto. The Original Limited Partnership Agreement was amended and restated in its entirety to be this Agreement effective as of the date hereof, and this Agreement constitutes the partnership agreement (as defined in the Act) of the parties hereto.

Section 2.02.     Name . The name of the Partnership is “Newmark Partners, L.P.”

Section 2.03.     Purpose and Scope of Activity . The purpose of the Partnership shall be to conduct any and all activities permitted under the Act. The Partnership shall possess and may exercise all the powers and privileges granted by the Act or by any other law or by this Agreement, together with any powers incidental thereto, that are necessary or convenient to the conduct, promotion or attainment of the business, purposes or activities of the Partnership.

Section 2.04.     Principal Place of Business . For purposes of the Act, the principal place of business of the Partnership shall be located in New York, New York or at such other place as may hereafter be designated from time to time by the General Partner. The Partnership, committee and officer meetings shall take place at the Partnership’s principal place of business unless decided otherwise for any particular meeting.

The Partnership may qualify to transact business in such other states and under such assumed business names (for which all applicable assumed business name certificates or filings shall be made) as the General Partner shall determine. Each Partner shall execute, acknowledge, swear to and deliver all certificates or other documents necessary or appropriate to qualify, continue and terminate the Partnership as a foreign limited partnership in such jurisdictions in which the Partnership may conduct or cease to conduct business, as applicable.

 

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Section 2.05.     Registered Agent and Office . The registered agent for service of process is, and the mailing address of the registered office of the Partnership in the State of Delaware is in care of, Corporation Service Company, 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, Delaware 19808. At any time, the Partnership may designate another registered agent and/or registered office.

Section 2.06.     Authorized Persons . The execution and causing to be filed of the Certificate of Limited Partnership by the applicable authorized Persons on behalf of the General Partner are hereby specifically ratified, adopted and confirmed. The officers of the Partnership and the General Partner are hereby designated as authorized Persons to act in connection with executing and causing to be filed, when approved by the appropriate governing body or bodies hereunder, any certificates required or permitted to be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware and any certificates (and any amendments and/or restatements thereof) necessary for the Partnership to file in any jurisdiction in which the Partnership is required to make a filing.

Section 2.07.     Term . The term of the Partnership began on the date the Certificate of Limited Partnership of the Partnership became effective, and the Partnership shall have perpetual existence unless sooner dissolved as provided in Article IX.

Section 2.08.     Treatment as Partnership . Except as otherwise required pursuant to a “determination” within the meaning of Section 1313(a)(1) of the Code, the parties shall treat the Partnership as a partnership for United States federal income tax purposes and agree not to take any action or fail to take any action which action or inaction would be inconsistent with such treatment.

Section 2.09.     Compliance with Law . The Partnership shall use its best efforts to comply with any and all governmental requirements applicable to it, including the making of any and all necessary or advisable governmental registrations.

ARTICLE III

MANAGEMENT

Section 3.01.     Management by the General Partner .

(a)    Subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement, the management and control of the business and affairs of the Partnership shall be vested solely in, and directed and exercised solely by, the General Partner. In furtherance of the activities of the Partnership, subject to the terms and provisions of this Agreement, the General Partner shall have all rights and powers, statutory or otherwise, possessed by general partners of limited partnerships under the laws of the State of Delaware.

(b)    Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, the General Partner has full and exclusive power and authority to do, on behalf of the Partnership, all things that are deemed necessary, appropriate or desirable by the General Partner to conduct, direct and manage the business and other affairs of the Partnership and is authorized and empowered, on behalf and in the name of the Partnership, to carry out and implement, directly or through such agents as the General Partner may appoint, such actions and execute such documents as the General Partner may deem necessary or advisable, or as may be incidental to or necessary for the conduct of the business of the Partnership.

 

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(c)    The General Partner agrees to use its best efforts to meet all requirements of the Code and currently applicable regulations, rulings and other procedures of the Internal Revenue Service to ensure that the Partnership will be classified for United States federal income tax purposes as a partnership.

(d)    The General Partner may appoint officers, managers or agents of the Partnership and may delegate to such officers, managers or agents all or part of the powers, authorities, duties or responsibilities possessed by or imposed on the General Partner pursuant to this Agreement (without limitation on the General Partner’s ability to exercise such powers, authorities or responsibilities directly at any time); provided that, notwithstanding anything herein or in any other agreement to the contrary, the General Partner may remove any such officer, manager or agent, and may revoke any or all such powers, authorities and responsibilities so delegated to any such person, in each case at any time with or without cause. The officers of the Partnership shall consist of such positions and titles that the General Partner may in its discretion designate or create, including a Chairman, a Chief Executive Officer, a President, a Chief Financial Officer, one or more Vice Presidents, a Treasurer, one or more Assistant Treasurers, a Secretary or one or more Assistant Secretaries. A single person may hold more than one office. Each officer shall hold office until his successor is chosen, or until his death, resignation or removal from office.

Each of such officers shall have such powers and duties with respect to the business and other affairs of the Partnership, and shall be subject to such restrictions and limitations, as are prescribed from time to time by the General Partner; provided , however , that each officer shall at all times be subject to the direction and control of the General Partner in the performance of such powers and duties.

(e)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, without the prior written consent of the Limited Partners (by affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest), the General Partner shall not take any action that may adversely affect Cantor’s Purchase Right (as defined in the Separation Agreement) in Section 6.11 of the Separation Agreement.

Section 3.02.     Role and Voting Rights of Limited Partners; Authority of Partners .

(a)     Limitation on Role of Limited Partners . No Limited Partner shall have any right of control or management power over the business or other affairs of the Partnership as a result of its status as a Limited Partner except as otherwise provided in this Agreement. No Limited Partner shall participate in the control of the Partnership’s business in any manner that would, under the Act, subject such Limited Partner to any liability beyond those liabilities expressly contemplated hereunder, including holding himself, herself or itself out to third parties as a general partner of the Partnership; provided that any Limited Partner may be an employee of the Partnership or any of its Affiliates and perform such duties and do all such acts required or appropriate in such role, and no such performance or acts shall subject such Limited Partner to any liability beyond those liabilities expressly contemplated hereunder. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in accordance with, and to the fullest extent permitted by the Act

 

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(including Section 17-303 thereof), Limited Partners (directly or through an Affiliate) (i) may consult with and advise the General Partner or any other Person (including, if applicable, the general partner of the General Partner) with respect to any matter, including the business of the Partnership, (ii) may, or may cause the General Partner or any other Person (including, if applicable, the general partner of the General Partner) to, take or to refrain from taking any action, including by proposing, approving, consenting or disapproving, by voting or otherwise, with respect to any matter, including the business of the Partnership, subject to Section  11.15, (iii)  may transact business with the General Partner (including, if applicable, the general partner of the General Partner) or the Partnership, and (iv)  may be an officer, director, partner or stockholder of the General Partner (including, if applicable, the general partner of the General Partner) or have its Representatives serve as officers or directors of the General Partner (including, if applicable, of the general partner of the General Partner) without incurring additional liabilities to third parties.

(b)    No Limited Partner Voting Rights . To the fullest extent permitted by Section 17-302(f) of the Act, the Limited Partners shall not have any voting rights under the Act, this Agreement or otherwise, and shall not be entitled to consent to, approve or authorize any actions by the Partnership or the General Partner, except in each case as otherwise specifically provided in this Agreement.

(c)     Authority of Partners . Except as set forth herein with respect to the General Partner, no Limited Partner shall have any power or authority, in such Partner’s capacity as a Limited Partner, to act for or bind the Partnership except to the extent that such Limited Partner is so authorized in writing prior thereto by the General Partner. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as set forth herein with respect to the General Partner, no Limited Partner, as such, shall, except as so authorized, have any power or authority to incur any liability or execute any instrument, agreement or other document for or on behalf of the Partnership, whether in the Partnership’s name or otherwise. Persons dealing with the Partnership are entitled to rely conclusively upon the power and authority of the General Partner. Each Limited Partner hereby agrees that, except to the extent provided in this Agreement and except to the extent that such Limited Partner shall be the General Partner, it will not participate in the management or control of the business and other affairs of the Partnership, will not transact any business for the Partnership and will not attempt to act for or bind the Partnership.

ARTICLE IV

PARTNERS; CLASSES OF PARTNERSHIP INTERESTS

Section 4.01.     Partners . The Partnership shall have (a) a General Partner and (b) one or more Limited Partners (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Special Voting Limited Partner). Schedule  4.01 sets forth the name and address of the Partners. Schedule  4.01 shall be amended pursuant to Section 1.03 to reflect any change in the identity or address of the Partners in accordance with this Agreement. Each Person admitted to the Partnership as a Partner pursuant to this Agreement shall be a partner of the Partnership until such Person ceases to be a Partner in accordance with the provisions of this Agreement.

 

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Section 4.02.     Interests .

(a)     Generally .

(i)     Classes of Interests . Interests in the Partnership shall be divided into two classes: (A) a General Partnership Interest; and (B)  Limited Partnership Interests (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest). The General Partnership Interest and the Limited Partnership Interests shall consist of, and be issued as, Units, Non-Participating Units and Capital. The General Partner shall determine the aggregate number of authorized Units. Any Units repurchased by or otherwise transferred to the Partnership or otherwise forfeited or cancelled shall be cancelled and thereafter deemed to be authorized but unissued, and may be subsequently issued as Units for all purposes hereunder in accordance with this Agreement.

(ii)      Issuances of Additional Units . Any authorized but unissued Units may be issued:

 

  (1) pursuant to the Separation or as otherwise contemplated by the Separation Agreement or this Agreement;

 

  (2) to members of the Newmark Inc. Group and/or Newmark Holdings Group, as the case may be, in connection with an investment in the Partnership by the members of the Newmark Inc. Group and/or Newmark Holdings Group, as the case may be, in each case as provided in the Separation Agreement;

 

  (3) to members of the Newmark Inc. Group and/or members of the BGC Partners Inc. Group, in connection with a redemption pursuant to Article VIII of the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement or Article VIII of the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement;

 

  (4) as otherwise agreed by each of the General Partner and the Limited Partners (by affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest);

 

  (5) to Newmark or Newmark Holdings in connection with a grant of equity by Newmark or Newmark Holdings, respectively, pursuant to the Newmark Holdings, L.P. Participation Plan; and

 

  (6) to any Partner in connection with a conversion of an issued Unit and Interest into a different class or type of Unit and Interest in accordance with this Agreement;

provided that each Person to be issued additional Units pursuant to clause (1), (2), (3), (4) or (5) of this sentence shall, as a condition to such issuance, execute and deliver to the Partnership an

 

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agreement in which such Person agrees to be admitted as a Partner with respect to such Units and bound by this Agreement and any other agreements, documents or instruments specified by the General Partner; provided , however , that if such Person (A) is at the time of such issuance a Partner of the applicable class of Interests being issued or (B) has previously entered into an agreement pursuant to which such Person shall have agreed to become a Partner and be bound by this Agreement with respect to the applicable class of Interests being issued (which agreement is in effect at the time of such issuance), such Person shall not be required to enter into any such agreements unless otherwise determined by the General Partner. Upon any such issuance, any such Person not already a Partner shall be admitted as a limited partner with respect to the issued Interests.

(b)     General Partnership Interest . The Partnership shall have one General Partnership Interest. The Non-Participating Unit issued to the General Partner in respect of such Partner’s General Partnership Interest is set forth on Schedule 4.02 . Schedule 4.02 shall be amended pursuant to Section 1.03 to reflect any change in the number or the issuance or allocation of the Non-Participating Unit in respect of such Partner’s General Partnership Interest in accordance with this Agreement.

(c)     Limited Partnership Interests .

(i)    The Partnership shall have one or more Limited Partnership Interests. The number of Units or Non-Participating Units (in the case of the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest) issued to each Limited Partner in respect of such Partner’s Limited Partnership Interest is set forth on Schedule 4.02 . Schedule 4.02 shall be amended pursuant to Section 1.03 to reflect any change in the number or the issuance or allocation of the Units or Non-Participating Units (in the case of the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest) in respect of such Partner’s Limited Partnership Interest in accordance with this Agreement.

(ii)    The Partnership shall have one Limited Partnership Interest designated as the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest, as provided in Section 4.03(b). There shall only be one Non-Participating Unit associated with the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest. All other Limited Partnership Interests shall be designated as Limited Partnership Interests.

(d)     No Additional Classes of Interests . There shall be no additional classes of partnership interests in the Partnership.

Section 4.03.     Admission and Withdrawal of Partners .

(a)     General Partner .

(i)    The General Partner is Newmark Holdings, LLC. On the date of this Agreement, Newmark Holdings, LLC shall have the General Partnership Interest, which shall have the Non-Participating Unit and the Capital set forth on Schedule 4.02 and Schedule 5.01 , respectively.

(ii)    The admission of a Transferee as a General Partner, and resignation or withdrawal of any General Partner, shall be governed by Section 7.02.

 

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(iii)    Effective immediately upon the Transfer of the General Partner’s entire General Partnership Interest as provided in Section 7.02(c), such Partner shall cease to be the General Partner.

(b)     Limited Partners .

(i)    On the date of this Agreement, immediately following the Opco Partnership Division (and, with respect to Newmark Holdings, the Holdings Partnership Contribution), the Limited Partners shall have the Limited Partnership Interests (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest), which shall have the Units, Non-Participating Units (in the case of the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest) and the Capital set forth on Schedule 4.02 and Schedule 5.01 , respectively.

(ii)    The admission of a Transferee as a Limited Partner pursuant to any Transfer permitted by Section 7.02(a) or 7.02(b), as applicable, shall be governed by Section 7.02, and the admission of a Person as a Limited Partner in connection with the issuance of additional Units pursuant to Section 4.02(a)(ii) shall be governed by such applicable Section.

(iii)    Effective immediately upon the Transfer of a Limited Partner’s entire Limited Partnership Interest as provided in Section 7.02(a) or 7.02(b), as applicable, such Partner shall cease to have any interest in the profits, losses, assets, properties or capital of the Partnership with respect to such Limited Partnership Interest, and shall cease to be a Limited Partner.

(c)     No Additional Partners . No additional Partners shall be admitted to the Partnership except in accordance with this Article IV.

Section 4.04.     Liability to Third Parties; Capital Account Deficits .

(a)    Except as may otherwise be expressly provided by the Act, the General Partner shall have unlimited personal liability for the satisfaction and discharge of all debts, liabilities, contracts and other obligations of the Partnership. The General Partner shall not be personally liable for the return of any portion of the capital contribution of any Limited Partner, the return of which shall be made solely from the Partnership’s assets.

(b)    Except as may otherwise be expressly provided by the Act or this Agreement, no Limited Partner shall be liable for the debts, liabilities, contracts or other obligations of the Partnership. Each Limited Partner shall be liable only to make its capital contributions as provided in this Agreement or the Separation Agreement or as otherwise agreed by such Limited Partner and the Partnership in writing after the date of this Agreement and shall not be required, after its capital contribution shall have been paid, to make any further capital contribution to the Partnership or to lend any funds to the Partnership except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement or the Separation Agreement or as otherwise agreed by such Limited Partner and the Partnership in writing after the date of this Agreement. No Limited Partner shall be required to repay the Partnership, any Partner or any creditor of the Partnership any negative balance in such Limited Partner’s Capital Account.

 

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(c)    No Limited Partner shall be liable to make up any deficit in its Capital Account; provided that nothing in this Section  4.04(c) shall relieve a Partner of any liability it may otherwise have, either pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or pursuant to the terms of any agreement to which the Partnership or such Partner may be a party.

Section 4.05.     Classes . Any Person may own one or more classes of Interests. Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, the ownership of any class of Interests shall not affect the rights or obligations of a Partner with respect to any other class of Interests. As used in this Agreement, the General Partner and the Limited Partners (including the Special Voting Limited Partner) shall be deemed to be separate Partners even if any Partner holds more than one class of Interest. References to a certain class of Interest with respect to any Partner shall refer solely to that class of Interest of such Partner and not to any other class of Interest, if any, held by such Partner.

Section 4.06.     Certificates . The Partnership may, in the discretion of the General Partner, issue any or all Units in certificated form, which certificates shall be held by the Partnership as custodian for the applicable Partners. The form of any such certificates shall be approved by the General Partner and include the legend required by Section 7.06. If certificates are issued, a transfer of Units will require delivery of an endorsed certificate.

Section 4.07.     Uniform Commercial Code Treatment of Units . Each Unit and Non-Participating Unit in the Partnership shall constitute a “security” within the meaning of, and governed by, (a) Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code (including Section 8-102(a)(15) thereof) as in effect from time to time in the State of Delaware (6 Del. C. § 8-101, et. seq. ) (the “ UCC ”), and (b) Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code of any other applicable jurisdiction that now or hereafter substantially includes the 1994 revisions to Article 8 thereof as adopted by the American Law Institute and the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws and approved by the American Bar Association on February 14, 1995. Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent that any provision of this Agreement is inconsistent with any non-waivable provision of Article 8 of the UCC, such provision of Article 8 of the UCC shall control. The Partnership shall maintain books for the purpose of registering the transfer of Units and Non-Participating Units. Any transfer of Units and Non-Participating Units shall be effective as of the registration of the transfer of such Units and Non-Participating Units in the books and records of the Partnership.

Section 4.08.     Priority Among Partners . No Partner shall be entitled to any priority or preference over any other Partner either as to return of capital contributions or as to profits, losses or distributions, except to the extent that this Agreement may be deemed to establish such a priority or preference.

 

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ARTICLE V

CAPITAL AND ACCOUNTING MATTERS

Section 5.01.     Capital .

(a)     Capital Accounts . There shall be established on the books and records of the Partnership a Capital Account for each Partner. Schedule 5.01 sets forth the names and the Capital Accounts of the Partners as of the date of this Agreement immediately following the Opco Partnership Division (and, with respect to Newmark Holdings, the Holdings Partnership Contribution). Schedule 5.01 shall be amended pursuant to Section 1.03 to reflect any change in the identity or Capital Accounts in accordance with this Agreement.

(b)     Capital Contributions .

(i)    On the date of this Agreement, contributions of assets, property and/or cash shall be or have been made by or on behalf of the Partners listed on Schedule 4.01 in connection with the Opco Partnership Contribution, pursuant to the terms set forth in the Separation Agreement.

(ii)    In return for such initial contributions, Interests shall be or have been issued or Transferred to the Partners as provided on Schedule 5.01 .

(iii)    On the date of this Agreement, pursuant to the terms as set forth in the Separation Agreement (including the Separation Step Plan) and the Newmark SAE Agreement, (A) pursuant to the Opco Partnership Distribution, (1) BGC U.S. Opco transferred certain Transferred Assets and assigned certain Transferred Liabilities to BGC Holdings and BGC Partners in a distribution in respect of, or partial redemption of, as applicable, of their limited partnership interests in BGC U.S. Opco and (2) BGC U.S. Opco transferred beneficial ownership of all of the Transferred Assets legally owned by the SAE Entities but beneficially owned by BGC U.S. Opco pursuant to the Original SAE Agreements (including beneficial ownership of all Transferred Assets previously contributed by the SAE Entities to BGC U.S. Opco pursuant to the Original SAE Agreements, and together with any Transferred Assets and Transferred Liabilities transferred and assigned, respectively, to the SAE Entities pursuant to the Opco Partnership Distribution) in complete redemption of the interests of the SAE Entities in BGC U.S. Opco under the Original SAE Agreements and (B) pursuant to the Opco Partnership Contribution, (1) BGC Holdings and BGC Partners transferred and assigned all of the Transferred Assets and Transferred Liabilities, respectively, described in clause (A)(1) to the Partnership in exchange for Interests and (2) the SAE Entities transferred and assigned beneficial ownership of all of the Transferred Assets and Transferred Liabilities, respectively, described in clause (A)(2) to the Partnership in exchange for interests in the Partnership under the Newmark SAE Agreement.

(iv)    The parties shall treat the transactions described in Section 5.01(b)(iii), taken together, as a “division under the assets-up form” of BGC U.S. Opco pursuant to Treasury Regulations Section 1.708-1(d)(3)(ii) in which no gain or loss, other than any gain required to be recognized by any partner of BGC U.S. Opco or BGC Holdings, pursuant to

 

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Sections 704(c)(1)(B) or Section 737 of the Code or with respect to any cash received or deemed received (other than the Newmark Opco Debt Repayment), is recognized to any extent, except as otherwise required pursuant to a “determination” within the meaning of Section 1313(a)(1) of the Code.

(v)    Except as otherwise provided in Section 5.01(b)(i), no capital contributions shall be required (A) unless otherwise determined by the General Partner and agreed to by the contributing Partner, or (B) unless otherwise determined by the General Partner in connection with the admission of a new Partner or the issuance of additional Interests to a Partner.

(vi)    The Partnership may invest or cause to be invested all amounts received by the Partnership as capital contributions in its sole and absolute discretion.

Section 5.02.     Withdrawals; Return on Capital . No Partner shall be entitled to withdraw or otherwise receive any distributions in respect of any Interest (including the associated Units, Non-Participating Units or Capital), except as provided in Section 6.01 or Section 8.02. The Partners shall not be entitled to any return on their Capital.

Section 5.03.     Maintenance of Capital Accounts . As of the end of each Accounting Period, the balance in each Partner’s Capital Account shall be adjusted by (a) increasing such balance by (i) such Partner’s allocable share of each item of the Partnership’s income and gain for such Accounting Period (allocated in accordance with Section 5.04(a)) and (ii) the amount of cash or the fair market value of other property (determined in accordance with Section 5.05) contributed to the Partnership by such Partner in respect of such Partner’s related Interest during such Accounting Period, net of liabilities assumed by the Partnership with respect to such other property, and (b) decreasing such balance by (i) such Partner’s allocable share of each item of the Partnership’s deduction and loss for such Accounting Period (allocated in accordance with Section 5.04(a)) and (ii) the amount of cash or the fair market value of other property (determined in accordance with Section 5.05) distributed to such Partner in respect of such class of Interest associated with such Capital Account pursuant to this Agreement, net of liabilities (if any) assumed by such Partner with respect to such other property. The balances in each Partners’ Capital Account shall be adjusted at the time and in the manner permitted by the capital accounting rules of the Treasury Regulation section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f). The foregoing and the other provisions of this Agreement relating to the maintenance of Capital Accounts are intended to comply with Treasury Regulation section 1.704-1(b), and shall be interpreted and applied in a manner consistent therewith.

Section 5.04.     Allocations and Tax Matters .

(a)     Book Allocations . After giving effect to the allocations set forth in Section 2 of Exhibit A hereto and Section 5.04(c), for purposes of computing Capital Accounts and allocating any items of income, gain, loss or deduction thereto, with respect to each Accounting Period, all remaining items of income, gain, loss or deduction of the Partnership (calculated in the manner contemplated by the capital accounting rules of the Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 704(b) of the Code, and regardless of whether the Partnership has net income) shall be allocated among the Capital Accounts of the Interests in

 

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proportion to their Percentage Interest as of the end of such Accounting Period; provided , however , that upon any Closing of the Books Event (other than an event described in clause (a) of such definition), the value of each asset on the books of the Partnership shall be adjusted to equal its gross fair market value (as reasonably determined by the General Partner) at such time, and the amount of such adjustment shall be taken into account as gain (if such adjustment is positive) or loss (if such adjustment is negative) from the disposition of such asset for purposes of this Section 5.04(a).

(b)     Tax Allocations . Except as otherwise required under Section 704(c) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder, the Partnership shall cause each item of income, gain, loss or deduction recognized by the Partnership to be allocated among the Partners for U.S. federal, state and local income and, where relevant, non-U.S. tax purposes in the same manner that each such item is allocated to the Partners’ Capital Accounts or as otherwise provided herein. In the event the value of any Partnership assets is adjusted pursuant to the proviso of Section 5.04(a), subsequent allocations of income, gain, loss, and deduction with respect to such asset shall take account of any variation between the adjusted basis of such asset for U.S. federal income tax purposes and its adjusted value in the same manner as under Section 704(c) of the Code and the Regulations thereunder. Allocations required by Section 704(c) of the Code shall be made using the “traditional method” described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.704-3(b).

(c)     Separation Allocations . Any allocations with respect to the transactions contemplated by the Separation Agreement and/or the Ancillary Agreements shall be made in a manner consistent therewith and, except to the extent otherwise required by applicable law, (x) any item of loss or deduction in respect of any indemnification payment or obligation of the Partnership in respect of any loss attributable to a Partner shall be allocated to such Partner (or otherwise charged to the Capital Account of such Partner) and (y) any item of income or gain in respect of any indemnification payment accrued or received by the Partnership in respect of any loss incurred by a Partner shall be allocated to such Partner (or otherwise credited to the Capital Account of such Partner). In the event that any item of income, gain, loss or deduction is specially allocated to the Capital Account of a Partner pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence, the General Partner may make such other adjustments in respect of the Capital Accounts of the Partners (including in connection with any transfer of Limited Partnership Interests pursuant to Article VIII of the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement or Article VIII of the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement in connection with a redemption of an Exchange Right Interest (as defined in the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement) and related Exchange Right Units (as defined in the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement)) as may be necessary or appropriate (as determined by the General Partner) to carry out the intent of this Section 5.04(c) and the Separation Agreement and/or the Ancillary Agreements.

Section 5.05.     General Partner Determinations . All determinations, valuations and other matters of judgment required to be made for purposes of this Article V, including with respect to allocations to Capital Accounts and accounting procedures and tax matters not expressly provided for by the terms of this Agreement, or for determining the value of any type or form of proceeds, contribution or distributions hereunder shall be made by the General Partner in good faith. In the event that an additional Partner is admitted to the Partnership and

 

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contributes property to the Partnership, or an existing Partner contributes additional property to the Partnership, pursuant to this Agreement, the value of such contributed property shall be the fair market value of such property as reasonably determined by the General Partner.

Section 5.06.     Books and Accounts .

(a)    The Partnership shall at all times keep or cause to be kept true and complete records and books of account, which records and books shall be maintained in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Such records and books of account shall be kept at the principal place of business of the Partnership by the General Partner. The Limited Partners shall have the right to gain access to all such records and books of account (including schedules thereto) for inspection and view (at such reasonable times as the General Partner shall determine) for any purpose reasonably related to their Interests. The Partnership’s accounts shall be maintained in U.S. dollars.

(b)    The Partnership’s fiscal year shall begin on the first day of January and end on the thirty-first day of December of each year, or shall be such other period designated by the General Partner (subject to compliance with the terms of the Separation Agreement). At the end of each fiscal year, the Partnership’s accounts shall be prepared, presented to the General Partner and submitted to the Partnership’s auditors for examination.

(c)    The Partnership’s auditors shall be an independent accounting firm of international reputation to be appointed from time to time by the General Partner (subject to compliance with the terms of the Separation Agreement). The Partnership’s auditors shall be entitled to receive promptly such information, accounts and explanations from the General Partner and each Partner that they deem reasonably necessary to carry out their duties. The Partners shall provide such financial, tax and other information to the Partnership as may be reasonably necessary and appropriate to carry out the purposes of the Partnership.

Section 5.07.     Tax Matters Partner . The General Partner is hereby designated as the “tax matters partner” of the Partnership within the meaning of Section 6231(a)(7) of the Code prior to amendment by the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 and any similar provisions under any other state or local or non-U.S. tax laws and the “partnership representative” within the meaning of 6223(a) of the Code and any similar provisions under any other state or local or non-U.S. tax laws (the tax matters partner or partnership representative, as applicable, the “ Tax Matters Partner ”). The Tax Matters Partner shall have all requisite power and authority to carry out the responsibilities of the Tax Matters Partner described in the Code and shall represent the Partnership (at the Partnership’s expense) in connection with all examinations of the Partnership’s affairs by tax authorities, including resulting judicial and administrative proceedings. The Partnership shall bear all costs and expenses incurred by the Tax Matters Partner in connection with the performance of its duties hereunder or otherwise acting in such capacity (including taking any action contemplated by this Section 5.07 and engaging an independent accounting firm or other tax professional(s) in connection therewith). The General Partner shall have the authority, in its sole and absolute discretion, to (a) make an election under Section 754 of the Code on behalf of the Partnership, and each Partner agrees to provide such information and documentation as the General Partner may reasonably request in connection with any such election, (b) determine the manner in which “excess nonrecourse liabilities”

 

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(within the meaning of Treasury Regulation Section 1.752-3(a)(3)) are allocated among the Partners and (c) make any other election or determination with respect to taxes (including with respect to depreciation, amortization and accounting methods).

Section 5.08.     Tax Information . The Partnership shall use commercially reasonable efforts to prepare and mail as soon as reasonably practicable after the end of each taxable year of the Partnership, to each Partner (and each other Person that was such a Partner during such taxable year or its legal representatives), U.S. Internal Revenue Service Schedule K-1, “Partner’s Share of Income, Credits, Deductions, Etc.,” or any successor schedule or form, for such Person.

Section 5.09.     Withholding . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Partnership is authorized to withhold from distributions and allocations to the Partners, and to pay over to any federal, state, local or foreign governmental authority any amounts believed in good faith to be required to be so withheld or paid over pursuant to the Code or any provision of any other federal, state, local or foreign law and, for all purposes under this Agreement, shall treat such amounts (together with any amounts that are withheld from payments to the Partnership or any of its Subsidiaries attributable to a direct or indirect Partner of the Partnership) as distributed to those Partners with respect to which such amounts were withheld. If the Partnership is obligated to pay any amount to a taxing authority on behalf of (or in respect of an obligation of) a Partner (including, federal, state and local or other withholding taxes), then such Partner shall indemnify the Partnership in full for the entire amount of any Tax (but not any interest, penalties and expenses associated with such payment).

ARTICLE VI

DISTRIBUTIONS

Section 6.01.     Distributions in Respect of Partnership Interests . Subject to the remaining sentence of this Section 6.01, the Partnership shall distribute to each Partner from such Partner’s Capital Account (a) on or prior to each Estimated Tax Due Date such Partner’s Estimated Proportionate Quarterly Tax Distribution for such fiscal quarter, and (b) as promptly as practicable after the end of each fiscal quarter of the Partnership (or on such other date and time as determined by the General Partner) an amount equal to all amounts allocated to such Partner’s Capital Account with respect to such quarter (reduced, but not below zero, by the amount of any prior distributions to such Partner pursuant to this Section 6.01 or any amounts treated as distributed pursuant to Section 5.09), with such distribution to occur on such date and time as determined by the General Partner; provided that (i) in no event shall such distributions exceed the Available Cash; and (ii) with the prior written consent of the holders of a Majority in Interest of the Limited Partnership Interests, the Partnership may decrease the total amount distributed by the Partnership from such Partners’ Capital Accounts. No distributions shall be made by the Partnership except as expressly contemplated by this Section 6.01 and Section 9.03.

Section 6.02.     Limitation on Distributions . Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained in this Agreement, the Partnership and the General Partner, on behalf of the Partnership, shall not be required to make a distribution to a Partner on account of its interest in the Partnership if such distribution would violate the Act or any other applicable law.

 

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ARTICLE VII

TRANSFERS OF INTERESTS

Section 7.01.     Transfers Generally Prohibited . No Partner may Transfer or agree or otherwise commit to Transfer all or any portion of, or any of rights, title and interest in and to, its Interest, except as permitted by the terms and conditions set forth in this Article VII. The Schedules shall be revised pursuant to Section 1.03 from time to time to reflect any change in the Partners or Interests to reflect any Transfer permitted by this Article VII.

Section 7.02.     Permitted Transfers .

(a)     Limited Partnership Interests . No Limited Partner (other than the Special Voting Limited Partner, which shall be governed by Section 7.02(b)) may Transfer or agree or otherwise commit to Transfer all or any portion of, or any right, title and interest in and to, its Limited Partnership Interest (other than the Special Voting Limited Partner, which shall be governed by Section  7.02(b)), except any such Transfer (i)  pursuant to Section  4.02(a)(ii) or the Separation; (ii)  if such Limited Partner shall be a member of the Newmark Inc. Group or the Newmark Holdings Group (the “ Group Transferor ”), to any member of the Newmark Inc. Group or the Newmark Holdings Group (the “ Group Transferee ”), including in connection with the exchange of Newmark Holdings Units for Newmark Common Stock pursuant to the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement or the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement; or (iii) for which the General Partner and the Limited Partners (with such consent to require the affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest) shall have provided their respective prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided that if such Transfer could reasonably be expected to result in the Partnership being classified or treated as a publicly traded partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes, the withholding of consent to such Transfer shall not be deemed unreasonable) (including any Transfer to the Partnership).

(b)     Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest . The Special Voting Limited Partner may not Transfer or agree or otherwise commit to Transfer all or any portion of, or any right, title and interest in and to, its Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest, except any such Transfer (i) to a wholly owned Subsidiary of Newmark Holdings; provided that, in the event that such transferee shall cease to be a wholly owned Subsidiary of Newmark Holdings, the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest shall automatically be Transferred to Newmark Holdings, without the requirement of any further action on the part of the Partnership, Newmark Holdings or any other Person; or (ii)  in connection with the Separation. Upon removal of any Special Voting Limited Partner, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Special Voting Limited Partnership Interest shall be transferred to the Person being admitted as the new Special Voting Limited Partner, simultaneously with admission and without the requirement of any action on the part of the Special Voting Limited Partner being removed or any other Person.

(c)     General Partnership Interest . The General Partner may not Transfer or agree or otherwise commit to Transfer all or any portion of, or any right, title and interest in and to, its General Partnership Interest, except any such Transfer (i) to a new General Partner in accordance with this Section 7.02 , (ii)  with the prior written consent (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) of the Special Voting Limited Partner, to any other Person or (iii)  in

 

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connection with the Separation. Any General Partner may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by the Special Voting Limited Partner in its sole and absolute discretion, and the General Partner may resign from the Partnership for any reason or for no reason whatsoever; provided , however , that, as a condition to any such removal or resignation, (A) the Special Voting Limited Partner shall first appoint another Person as the new General Partner; (B)  such Person shall be admitted to the Partnership as the new General Partner (upon the execution and delivery of an agreement to be bound by the terms of this Agreement and such other agreements, documents or instruments requested by the resigning General Partner); and (C)  such resigning or removed General Partner shall Transfer its entire General Partnership Interest to the new General Partner. The admission of the new General Partner shall be deemed effective immediately prior to the effectiveness of the resignation of the resigning General Partner, and shall otherwise have the effects set forth in Section  4.03(a)(iii). Upon removal of any General Partner, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the General Partnership Interest shall be transferred to the Person being admitted as the new General Partner, simultaneously with admission and without the requirement of any action on the part of the General Partner being removed or any other Person.

Section 7.03.     Admission as a Partner upon Transfer . Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth herein, a Transferee who has otherwise satisfied the requirements of Section 7.02 shall become a Partner, and shall be listed as a “Limited Partner,” “Special Voting Limited Partner” or “General Partner” as applicable, on Schedule  4.01 , and shall be deemed to receive the Interest being Transferred, in each case only at such time as such Transferee executes and delivers to the Partnership an agreement in which the Transferee agrees to be admitted as a Partner and bound by this Agreement and any other agreements, documents or instruments specified by the General Partner and such agreements (when applicable) shall have been duly executed by the General Partner; provided , however , that if such Transferee is (a) at the time of such Transfer a Partner of the applicable class of Interests being Transferred or (b) has previously entered into an agreement pursuant to which the Transferee shall have agreed to become a Partner and be bound by this Agreement (which agreement is in effect at the time of such Transfer), such Transferee shall not be required to enter into any such agreements unless otherwise determined by the General Partner; provided , further , that the Transfers, admissions to and withdrawals from the Partnership as Partners in connection with the Separation shall not require the execution or delivery of any further agreements or other documentation hereunder.

Section 7.04.     Transfer of Units, Non-Participating Units and Capital with the Transfer of an Interest . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary but subject to Article VIII of the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement and Article VIII of the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement, each Partner who Transfers an Interest shall be deemed to have Transferred the entire Interest, including the associated Units, Non-Participating Units and Capital with respect to such Interest, or, if a portion of an Interest is being Transferred, each Partner who Transfers a portion of an Interest shall specify the number of Units being so Transferred and such Transfer shall include a proportionate amount of Capital with respect to such Interest, to the Transferee.

Section 7.05.     Encumbrances . No Partner may charge or encumber its Interest or otherwise subject its Interest to a lien, pledge, security interest, right of first refusal, option or other similar limitation except in each case for those created by this Agreement.

 

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Section 7.06.     Legend . Each Partner agrees that any certificate issued to it to evidence its Interests shall have inscribed conspicuously on its front or back the following legend:

THE PARTNERSHIP INTEREST IN NEWMARK PARTNERS, L.P. REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE (INCLUDING ASSOCIATED UNITS AND CAPITAL) HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE U.S. SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ SECURITIES ACT ”), OR REGISTERED OR QUALIFIED UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE OR FOREIGN JURISDICTION, AND THIS PARTNERSHIP INTEREST MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED, SOLD, ASSIGNED, PLEDGED, HYPOTHECATED, ENCUMBERED OR OTHERWISE DISPOSED OF, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, EXCEPT (A) EITHER (1) WHILE A REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT AND SUCH OTHER APPLICABLE REGISTRATIONS AND QUALIFICATIONS ARE IN EFFECT OR (2) PURSUANT TO AN AVAILABLE EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT (INCLUDING, IF APPLICABLE, REGULATION S THEREUNDER) AND SUCH OTHER APPLICABLE LAWS AND (B) IF PERMITTED BY THE AGREEMENT OF LIMITED PARTNERSHIP OF NEWMARK PARTNERS, L.P., AS IT MAY BE AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME, WHICH CONTAINS STRICT PROHIBITIONS ON TRANSFERS, SALES, ASSIGNMENTS, PLEDGES, HYPOTHECATIONS, ENCUMBRANCES OR OTHER DISPOSITIONS OF THIS PARTNERSHIP INTEREST OR ANY INTEREST THEREIN (INCLUDING ASSOCIATED UNITS AND CAPITAL).

Section 7.07.     Effect of Transfer Not in Compliance with this Article . Any purported Transfer of all or any part of a Partner’s Interest, or any interest therein, that is not in compliance with this Article VII, or that would cause the Partnership to be a “publicly traded partnership” (wihin the meaning of Section 7704 of the Code), shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be void ab initio and shall be of no effect.

ARTICLE VIII

REDEMPTION

Section 8.01.     Redemption of Units Following a Redemption of Founding/Working Partner Interests or REU Interest .

(a)     Founding Partner Interests . Upon any redemption or purchase by Newmark Holdings of any Founding Partner Interest pursuant to Section  12.03 or 12.04 of the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement, Newmark Holdings shall cause the Partnership to redeem and purchase from Newmark Holdings a number of Units (and the associated Capital) equal to (A)  the number of Newmark Holdings Units underlying the redeemed or purchased Founding Partner Interest, multiplied by (B)  the Newmark Holdings Ratio as of immediately prior to the redemption or purchase of such Founding Partner Interest. The aggregate purchase price that the Partnership shall pay to Newmark Holdings in such redemption shall be an amount of cash equal to (x)  the number of Units so redeemed multiplied

 

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by (y) the Current Market Price multiplied by (z) the Exchange Ratio; provided that, upon mutual agreement of the general partner of Newmark Holdings and the General Partner, the Partnership may, in lieu of cash, pay all or a portion of this amount in Publicly Traded Shares, valued at the average of the closing prices of such shares (as reported by the Nasdaq Global Market or any other national securities exchange or quotation system on which such shares are then listed or quoted) during the 10-trading-day period immediately preceding each payment (or by such other fair and reasonable pricing method as they may agree), or other property, valued at its then-fair market value, as determined by them.

(b)     Working Partner Interests . Upon any redemption or purchase by Newmark Holdings of any Working Partner Interest pursuant to Section 12.03 or 12.04 of the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement, Newmark Holdings shall cause the Partnership to redeem and purchase from Newmark Holdings a number Units (and the associated Capital) equal to (A) the number of Newmark Holdings Units underlying the redeemed or purchased Working Partner Interest, multiplied by (B) the Newmark Holdings Ratio as of immediately prior to the redemption or purchase of such Working Partner Interest. The aggregate purchase price that the Partnership shall pay to Newmark Holdings in such redemption shall be an amount of cash equal to the amount required by Newmark Holdings to redeem or purchase such Working Partner Interest; provided that, upon mutual agreement of the general partner of Newmark Holdings and the General Partner, the Partnership may, in lieu of cash, pay all or a portion of this amount in Publicly Traded Shares, valued at the average of the closing prices of such shares (as reported by the Nasdaq Global Market or any other national securities exchange or quotation system on which such shares are then listed or quoted) during the 10-trading-day period immediately preceding each payment (or by such other fair and reasonable pricing method as they may agree), or other property valued at its then-fair market value, as determined by them.

(c)     REU Interests . Upon any redemption or purchase by Newmark Holdings of any REU Interest pursuant to Section 12.03 or 12.04 of the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement, Newmark Holdings shall cause the Partnership to redeem and purchase from Newmark Holdings a number of Units (and the associated Capital) equal to (A) the number of Newmark Holdings Units underlying the redeemed or purchased REU Interest, multiplied by (B) the Newmark Holdings Ratio as of immediately prior to the redemption or purchase of such REU Interest. The aggregate purchase price that the Partnership shall pay to Newmark Holdings in such redemption shall be an amount of cash equal to the amount required by Newmark Holdings to redeem or purchase such REU Interest (including the REU Post-Termination Payment (as defined in the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement), if any); provided that, upon mutual agreement of the general partner of Newmark Holdings and the General Partner, the Partnership may, in lieu of cash, pay all or a portion of this amount in Publicly Traded Shares, valued at the average of the closing prices of such shares (as reported by the Nasdaq Global Market or any other national securities exchange or quotation system on which such shares are then listed or quoted) during the 10-trading-day period immediately preceding each payment (or by such other fair and reasonable pricing method as they may agree), or other property valued at its then-fair market value, as determined by them.

 

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Section 8.02.     Optional Redemption of Units in Connection with a Repurchase of Newmark Common Stock . At the election of Newmark, in connection with a repurchase by Newmark of its Class A Common Stock or a similar action, the Partnership, directly or indirectly through its Subsidiaries, shall redeem and purchase from Newmark a number of Units (and the associated Capital) equal to (a) the number of shares of Newmark Common Stock repurchased or expected to be repurchased multiplied by (b) the Newmark Ratio as of immediately prior to the such repurchase or expected repurchase or similar action. The aggregate purchase price that the Partnership shall pay to Newmark in such redemption shall be an amount of cash equal to the gross amount paid or expected to be paid by Newmark to repurchase its stock or take similar action, including any commissions paid.

ARTICLE IX

DISSOLUTION

Section 9.01.     Dissolution . The Partnership shall be dissolved and its affairs wound up upon the first to occur of the following:

(a)    an election to dissolve the Partnership made by the General Partner; provided that such dissolution shall require the prior approval of the Limited Partners (by affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest);

(b)    at any time there are no limited partners of the Partnership, unless the business of the Partnership is continued in accordance with the Act;

(c)    any event that results in the General Partner ceasing to be a general partner of the Partnership under the Act; provided that the Partnership shall not be dissolved and required to be wound up in connection with any such event if (i)  at the time of the occurrence of such event there is at least one remaining general partner of the Partnership who is hereby authorized to and does carry on the business of the Partnership, or (ii) within 90 days after the occurrence of such event, a majority of the Limited Partners agree in writing or vote to continue the business of the Partnership and to the appointment, effective as of the date of such event, if required, of one or more additional general partners of the Partnership; or

(d)    the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution under Section 17-802 of the Act.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, none of the Partners shall have any right to terminate, dissolve or have redeemed their class of Interests or, except for the General Partner in accordance with this Section  9.01 , to terminate, windup or dissolve the Partnership. Each Partner shall use its reasonable best efforts to prevent the dissolution of the Partnership, except in the case of a dissolution pursuant to this Section  9.01 .

Section 9.02.     Liquidation . Upon a dissolution pursuant to Section 9.01, the Partnership’s business and assets shall be wound up promptly in an orderly manner. The General Partner shall be the liquidator to wind up the affairs of the Partnership. In performing its duties, the General Partner is authorized to sell, exchange or otherwise dispose of the Partnership’s business and assets in accordance with the Act in any reasonable manner that the General Partner determines to be in the best interests of the Partners. Upon completion of the winding-up of the Partnership, the General Partner shall prepare and submit to each Limited Partner a final statement with respect thereto.

 

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Section 9.03.     Distributions .

(a)    In the event of a dissolution of the Partnership pursuant to Section  9.01, the Partnership shall apply and distribute the proceeds of the dissolution as provided below:

(i)     first , to the creditors of the Partnership, including Partners that are creditors of the Partnership to the extent permitted by law, in satisfaction of the liabilities of the Partnership (by payment or by the making of reasonable provision for payment thereof, including the setting up of any reserves which the General Partner determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, are necessary therefor);

(ii)     second , to the repayment of any loans or advances that may have been made by any of the Partners to the Partnership;

(iii)     third , to the Partners in proportion to (and to the extent of) the positive balances in their respective Capital Accounts; and

(iv)     thereafter , to the Partners in proportion to their respective Percentage Interests.

(b)     Cancellation of Certificate of Limited Partnership . Upon completion of a liquidation and distribution pursuant to Section 9.03(a) following a dissolution of the Partnership pursuant to Section  9.01, the General Partner shall execute, acknowledge and cause to be filed a certificate of cancellation of the Certificate of Limited Partnership of the Partnership in the office of the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware. The Partnership’s existence as a separate legal entity shall continue until cancellation of the Certificate of Limited Partnership as provided in the Act.

Section 9.04.     Reconstitution . Nothing contained in this Agreement shall impair, restrict or limit the rights and powers of the Partners under the laws of the State of Delaware and any other jurisdiction in which the Partnership is doing business to reform and reconstitute themselves as a limited partnership following dissolution of the Partnership either under provisions identical to those set forth herein or any others which they may deem appropriate.

Section 9.05.     Deficit Restoration . Upon the termination of the Partnership, no Limited Partner shall be required to restore any negative balance in his, her or its Capital Account to the Partnership. The General Partner shall be required to contribute to the Partnership an amount equal to its respective deficit Capital Account balances within the period prescribed by Treasury Regulation section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(c).

 

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ARTICLE X

INDEMNIFICATION AND EXCULPATION

Section 10.01.     Exculpation . Neither a General Partner nor any Affiliate or director or officer of a General Partner or any such Affiliate shall be personally liable to the Partnership or the Limited Partners for a breach of this Agreement or any fiduciary duty as a General Partner or as an Affiliate or director or officer of a General Partner or any such Affiliate, except to the extent such exemption from liability or limitation thereof is not permitted under the Act as the same exists or may hereafter be amended. Any repeal or modification of the immediately preceding sentence shall not adversely affect any right or protection of such Person existing hereunder with respect to any act or omission occurring prior to such repeal or modification. A General Partner may consult with legal counsel, accountants, appraisers, management consultants, investment bankers and other consultants and advisors selected by it and the opinion of any such Person as to matters which the General Partner reasonably believes to be within such Person’s professional or expert competence shall be full and complete authorization and protection in respect of any action taken or suffered or omitted by the General Partner in good faith and in accordance with such opinion. A General Partner may exercise any of the powers granted to it by this Agreement and perform any of the obligations imposed on it hereunder either directly or by or through one or more agents, and the General Partner shall not be responsible for any misconduct or negligence on the part of any such agent appointed by the General Partner with due care.

Section 10.02.     Indemnification .

(a)    Each Person who was or is made a party or is threatened to be made a party to or is involved in any action, suit, or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (hereinafter a “ proceeding ”), by reason of the fact that he or she, or a Person of whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was a or has agreed to become a General Partner, or any director or officer of the General Partner or of the Partnership, or is or was serving at the request of the Partnership as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, whether the basis of such proceeding is alleged action in an official capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent or in any other capacity while surviving as a director, officer, employee or agent, shall be indemnified and held harmless by the Partnership to the fullest extent authorized by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “ DGCL ”) as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, to the fullest extent permitted by law, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Partnership to provide broader indemnification rights than the DGCL permitted the Partnership to provide prior to such amendment), as if the Partnership were a corporation organized under the DGCL, against all expense, liability and loss (including attorneys’ fees and expenses, judgments, fines, amounts paid or to be paid in settlement, and excise taxes or penalties arising under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974) reasonably incurred or suffered by such Person in connection therewith and such indemnification shall continue as to a Person who has ceased to be a director, officer, employee or agent and shall inure to the benefit of his or her heirs, executors and administrators; provided , however , that except as provided in Section 10.02(c), the Partnership shall indemnify any such Person seeking

 

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indemnification in connection with a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such Person only if such proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the General Partner. The right to indemnification conferred in this Section  10.02 shall be a contract right and shall include the right to be paid by the Partnership the expenses, including attorneys’ fees and expenses, incurred in defending any such proceeding in advance of its financial disposition; provided , however , that if the applicable law requires that the payment of such expenses incurred by a director or officer in his or her capacity as a director or officer (and not in any other capacity in which service was or is rendered by such Person while a director or officer, including service to an employee benefit plan) in advance of the final disposition of a proceeding shall be made only upon delivery to the Partnership of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay all amounts so advanced if it shall ultimately be determined that such director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified under this Section  10.02 or otherwise, then such advancement of expenses shall be conditioned upon the delivery of such an undertaking by such director or officer to the Partnership.

(b)    To obtain indemnification under this Section 10.02, a claimant shall submit to the Partnership a written request, including therein or therewith such documentation and information as is reasonably available to the claimant and is reasonably necessary to determine whether and to what extent the claimant is entitled to indemnification. Upon written request by a claimant for indemnification pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 10.02(b), a determination, if required by applicable law, with respect to the claimant’s entitlement thereto shall be made as follows: (i) if requested by the claimant, by Independent Counsel (as hereinafter defined), or (ii) if no request is made by the claimant for a determination by Independent Counsel, (x) by the Board of Directors of Newmark by a majority vote of a quorum consisting of Disinterested Directors (as hereinafter defined) or (y) if a quorum of the Board of Directors of Newmark consisting of Disinterested Directors is not obtainable or, even if obtainable, such quorum of Disinterested Directors so directs, by Independent Counsel in a written opinion to the Board of Directors of Newmark, a copy of which shall be delivered to the claimant, or (z) if a quorum of Disinterested Directors so directs, by the affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest. In the event that the determination of entitlement to indemnification is to be made by Independent Counsel at the request of the claimant, the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the Board of Directors of Newmark unless there shall have occurred within two years prior to the date of the commencement of the action, suit or proceeding for which indemnification is claimed a “Change of Control” as defined in the Newmark Group, Inc. Long-Term Incentive Plan, in which case the Independent Counsel shall be selected by the claimant unless the claimant shall request that such selection be made by the Board of Directors of Newmark. If it is so determined that the claimant is entitled to indemnification, payment to the claimant shall be made within ten (10) days after such determination.

(c)    If a claim under Section 10.02(a) is not paid in full by the Partnership within thirty (30)  days after a written claim pursuant to Section  10.02(b) has been received by the Partnership, the claimant may at any time thereafter bring suit against the Partnership to recover the unpaid amount of the claim and, if successful in whole or in part, the claimant shall be entitled to be paid also the expense of prosecuting such claim. It shall be a defense to any such action (other than an action brought to enforce a claim for expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition where the undertaking required by Section  10.02, if any, has been tendered to the Partnership) that the claimant has not met the

 

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standards of conduct which make it permissible under the DGCL as the same exists or may hereafter be amended (but, in the case of any such amendment, only to the extent that such amendment permits the Partnership to provide broader indemnification rights than it permitted the Partnership to provide prior to such amendment) for the Partnership to indemnify the claimant for the amount claimed if the Partnership were a corporation organized under the DGCL, but the burden of proving such defense shall be on the Partnership. Neither the failure of the Partnership (including the Board of Directors of Newmark, Independent Counsel or a Majority in Interest) to have made a determination prior to the commencement of such action that indemnification of the claimant is proper in the circumstances because he or she has met the applicable standard of conduct set forth in the DGCL, nor an actual determination by the Partnership (including the Board of Directors of Newmark, Independent Counsel or a Majority in Interest) that the claimant has not met such applicable standard of conduct, shall be a defense to such action or create a presumption that the claimant has not met the applicable standard of conduct.

(d)    If a determination shall have been made pursuant to Section 10.02(b) that the claimant is entitled to indemnification, the Partnership shall be bound by such determination in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to Section  10.02(c).

(e)    The Partnership shall be precluded from asserting in any judicial proceeding commenced pursuant to Section 10.02(c) that the procedures and presumptions of this Section  10.02 are not valid, binding and enforceable and shall stipulate in such proceeding that the Partnership is bound by all the provisions of this Section 10.02.

(f)    The right to indemnification and the payment of expenses incurred in defending a proceeding in advance of its final disposition conferred in this Section 10.02 shall not be exclusive of any other right that any Person may have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of this Agreement, agreement, vote of the Limited Partners (by affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest) or Disinterested Directors or otherwise. No amendment or other modification of this Section  10.02 shall in any way diminish or adversely affect the rights of a General Partner, a Limited Partner or any directors, officers, employees or agents of the General Partner in respect of any occurrence or matter arising prior to any such amendment or other modification.

(g)    The Partnership may, to the extent authorized from time to time by the General Partner, grant rights to indemnification, and rights to be paid by the Partnership the expenses incurred in defending any proceeding in advance of its final disposition, to any employee or agent of the Partnership to the fullest extent of the provisions of this Section 10.02 with respect to the indemnification and advancement of expenses of a General Partner, or any director or officer of the General Partner or of the Partnership.

(h)    If any provision or provisions of this Section 10.02 shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable for any reason whatsoever: (i)  the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions of this Section  10.02 (including

 

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each portion of this Section 10.02 containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, that is not itself held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby; and (ii)  to the fullest extent possible, the provisions of this Section  10.02 (including each such portion of this Section  10.02 containing any such provision held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable) shall be construed so as to give effect to the intent manifested by the provision held invalid, illegal or unenforceable.

(i)    For purposes of this Article X:

(i)    “ Disinterested Director ” means a director of Newmark who is not and was not a party to the matter in respect of which indemnification is sought by the claimant.

(ii)    “ Independent Counsel ” means a law firm, a member of a law firm, or an independent practitioner, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and shall include any Person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would not have a conflict of interest in representing either the Partnership or the claimant in an action to determine the claimant’s rights under this Section 10.02.

(j)    Any notice, request or other communication required or permitted to be given to the Partnership under this Section 10.02 shall be in writing and either delivered in person or sent by facsimile, overnight mail or courier service, or certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, to the General Partner and shall be effective only upon receipt by the General Partner.

Section 10.03.     Insurance . The Partnership may maintain insurance, at its expense, to protect itself and any director, officer, employee or agent of the Partnership or another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise against any expense, liability or loss, whether or not the Partnership would have the power to indemnify such Person against such expense, liability or loss under the DGCL if the Partnership were a corporation organized under the DGCL. To the extent that the Partnership maintains any policy or policies providing such insurance, each such director or officer, and each such agent or employee to which rights of indemnification have been granted as provided in Section 10.02 shall be covered by such policy or policies in accordance with its or their terms to the maximum extent of the coverage thereunder for any such director, officer, employee or agent.

Section 10.04.     Subrogation . In the event of payment of indemnification to a Person described in Section 10.02, the Partnership shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to any right of recovery such person may have and such person, as a condition of receiving indemnification from the Partnership, shall execute all documents and do all things that the Partnership may deem necessary or desirable to perfect such right of recovery, including the execution of such documents necessary to enable the Partnership effectively to enforce any such recovery.

Section 10.05.     No Duplication of Payments . The Partnership shall not be liable under this Article X to make any payment in connection with any claim made against a Person described in Section 10.02 to the extent such Person has otherwise received payment (under any insurance policy or otherwise) of the amounts otherwise payable as indemnity hereunder.

Section 10.06.     Survival . This Article X shall survive any termination of this Agreement.

 

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ARTICLE XI

MISCELLANEOUS

Section 11.01.     Amendments . Except as provided in Section 1.03 with respect to this Agreement, the Certificate of Limited Partnership and this Agreement may not be amended except with (and any such amendment shall be authorized upon obtaining) the approval of each of the General Partner and the Limited Partners (by the affirmative vote of a Majority in Interest); provided that this Agreement shall not be amended to (i) amend any provisions which require the consent of a specified percentage in interest of the Limited Partners without the consent of that specified percentage in interest of the Limited Partners; (ii) alter the interest of any Partner in the amount or timing of distributions or the allocation of profits, losses or credits (other than any such alteration caused by the acquisition of additional Units by any Partner or the issuance of additional Units to any Person pursuant to this Agreement or as otherwise expressly provided herein), if such alteration would either (A) materially adversely affect the economic interest of a Partner in the Partnership or (B) materially adversely affect the value of Interests, in each case without the consent of (x) the Partners holding at least two-thirds of all Units in the case of an amendment applying in a substantially similar manner to all classes of Interests or (y) two-thirds in interest of the affected class or classes of the Partners in the case of any other amendment; or (iii) amend this Agreement to alter the Special Voting Limited Partner’s ability to remove a General Partner; provided , however , that the General Partner may authorize, without further approval of any other Person or group, (1) any amendment to this Agreement to correct any technicality, incorrect statement or error apparent on the face hereof in order to further the intent of the parties hereto or (2) correction of any formality or error apparent on the face hereof or incorrect statement or defect in the execution hereof. Any merger or consolidation of the Partnership with any third party that shall amend or otherwise modify the terms of this Agreement shall require the approval of the Persons referred to above to the extent the approval of such Persons would have been required had such amendment or modification been effected by an amendment to this Agreement.

Section 11.02.     Benefits of Agreement . None of the provisions of this Agreement shall be for the benefit of or enforceable by any creditor of the Partnership or by any creditor of any of the Partners. Except as provided in Article X with respect to Persons entitled to indemnification pursuant to such Article and except for any consent right provided to Cantor as set forth in this Agreement, nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed to create any right in any Person not a party hereto, and this instrument shall not be construed in any respect to be a contract in whole or in part for the benefit of any third person.

Section 11.03.     Waiver of Notice . Whenever any notice is required to be given to any Partner or other Person under the provisions of the Act or this Agreement, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the Person or Persons entitled to such notice, whether before or after the time stated therein, shall be deemed equivalent to the giving of such notice. Neither the business to be transacted at, nor the purpose of, any meeting of the Partners (if any shall be called) or the General Partner need be specified in any waiver of notice of such meeting.

 

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Section 11.04.     Jurisdiction and Forum; Waiver of Jury Trial .

(a)    Each of the Partners agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that all Actions arising out of or in connection with this Agreement, the Partnership’s affairs, the rights or interests of the Partners or the estate of any deceased Partner (to the extent that they are related to any of the foregoing), or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment arising out of or in connection with this Agreement or any breach or termination or alleged breach or termination of this Agreement, shall be tried and determined exclusively in the state or federal courts in the State of Delaware, and each of the Partners hereby irrevocably submits with regard to any such Action for itself and in respect to its property, generally and unconditionally, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts. Each of the Partners hereby expressly waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any right it may have to assert, and agrees not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense, counterclaim or otherwise, in any such Action: (i)  any claim that it is not subject to personal jurisdiction in the aforesaid courts for any reason; (ii)  that it or its property is exempt or immune from jurisdiction of any such court or from any legal process commenced in such courts; (iii)  that (A)  any of the aforesaid courts is an inconvenient or inappropriate forum for such Action, or (B)  venue is not proper in any of the aforesaid courts; and (iv)  this Agreement, or the subject matter hereof or thereof, may not be enforced in or by any of the aforesaid courts. With respect to any action arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any obligation hereunder, each Partner irrevocably and unconditionally, to the fullest extent permitted by law, (x)  agrees to appoint promptly upon request from the Partnership authorized agents for the purpose of receiving service of process in any suit, action or proceeding in Wilmington, Delaware; (y)  consents to service of process in any suit, action or proceeding in such jurisdictions; and (z)  consents to service of process by mailing a copy thereof to the address of the Partner determined under Section  11.07 by U.S. registered or certified mail, by the closest foreign equivalent of registered or certified mail, by a recognized overnight delivery service, by service upon any agent specified pursuant to clause (x) above, or by any other manner permitted by applicable law.

(b)    EACH PARTNER WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO REQUEST OR OBTAIN A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING GOVERNED BY THE TERMS OF THIS AGREEMENT OR PERTAINING TO THE MATTERS GOVERNED BY THIS AGREEMENT. “MATTERS GOVERNED BY THIS AGREEMENT” SHALL INCLUDE ANY AND ALL MATTERS AND AGREEMENTS REFERRED TO IN THIS AGREEMENT AND ANY DISPUTES ARISING WITH RESPECT TO ANY SUCH MATTERS AND AGREEMENTS.

(c)    The Partners acknowledge and agree that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement was not performed in accordance with its specific terms or was otherwise breached. It is accordingly agreed that the Partnership shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions or other equitable relief to prevent or cure breaches of the provisions of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof and thereof, this being in addition to any other remedy to which the Partnership may be entitled by law or equity. Each Partner agrees not to oppose the granting of such relief and agrees to waive any requirement for the securing or posting of any bond in connection with such remedy.

 

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Section 11.05.     Successors and Assigns . This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their respective estates, heirs, legal representatives, successors and permitted assigns, any additional Partner admitted in accordance with the provisions hereof and any successor to a trustee of a trust that is or becomes a party hereto.

Section 11.06.     Confidentiality . In addition to any other obligations set forth in this Agreement, each Partner recognizes that confidential information has been and will be disclosed to such Partner by the Partnership and its Subsidiaries. Each Partner (other than the Cantor Group, the BGC Partners Group and the Newmark Group) expressly agrees, whether or not at the time a Partner of the Partnership or providing services to the Partnership and/or any of its Subsidiaries, to (a) maintain the confidentiality of, and not disclose to any Person without the prior written consent of the Partnership, any financial, legal or other advisor to the Partnership, any information relating to the business, clients, affairs or financial structure, position or results of the Partnership or its affiliates (including any Affiliate) or any dispute that shall not be generally known to the public or the securities industry and (b) not to use such confidential information other than for the purpose of evaluating such Partner’s investment in the Partnership or in connection with the discharge of any duties to the Partnership or its affiliates such Partner may have in such Partner’s capacity as an officer, director, employee or agent of the Partnership or its affiliates. Notwithstanding Section 11.04 or any other provision herein to the contrary, each Partner agrees that money damages would not be a sufficient remedy for any breach of this Section 11.06 by such Partner, and that in addition to all other remedies, the Partnership shall be entitled to injunctive or other equitable relief to prevent or cure breaches of this Section 11.06 and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Section 11.06, this being in addition to any other remedy to which the Partnership may be entitled by law or equity. Each Partner agrees not to oppose the granting of such relief and agrees to waive any requirement for the securing or posting of any bond in connection with such remedy.

Section 11.07.     Notices . All notices and other communications required or permitted by this Agreement shall be made in writing and any such notice or communication shall be deemed delivered when delivered in Person, properly transmitted by facsimile, e-mail or any other electronic communication or posting or one (1) Business Day after it has been sent by an internationally recognized overnight courier to the address for notices shown in the Partnership’s records (or any other address provided to the Partnership in writing for this purpose) or, if given to the Partnership, to the principal place of business of the Partnership. Each Partner may from time to time change its address for notices under this Section 11.07 by giving at least five (5) days’ prior written notice of such changed address to the Partnership.

Section 11.08.     No Waiver of Rights . No failure or delay on the part of any Partner in the exercise of any power or right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such power or right preclude any other or further exercise thereof or of any other right or power. The waiver by any Partner of a breach of any provision of this Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other or subsequent breach hereunder. All rights and remedies existing under this Agreement are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies otherwise available.

Section 11.09.     Power of Attorney . Each Partner agrees that, by its execution of this Agreement, such Partner irrevocably constitutes and appoints the General Partner as its true and

 

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lawful attorney-in-fact coupled with an interest, with full power and authority, in its name, place and stead to make, execute, acknowledge and record (a) all certificates, instruments or documents, including fictitious name or assumed name certificates, as may be required by, or may be appropriate under, the laws of any state or jurisdiction in which the Partnership is doing or intends to do business and (b) all agreements, documents, certificates or other instruments amending this Agreement or the Certificate of Limited Partnership that may be necessary or appropriate to reflect or accomplish (i) a change in the name or location of the principal place of business of the Partnership or a change of name or address of a Partner, (ii) the disposal or increase by a Partner of his Interest in the Partnership or any part thereof, (iii) a distribution and reduction of the capital contribution of a Partner or any other changes in the capital of the Partnership, (iv) the dissolution or termination of the Partnership, (v) the addition or substitution of a Person becoming a Partner of the Partnership and (vi) any amendment to this Agreement, in each case only to the extent expressly authorized and conducted in accordance with the other sections of this Agreement. The power granted hereby is coupled with an interest and shall survive the subsequent disability or incapacity of the principal.

Section 11.10.     Severability . If any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect under any applicable law, such provision shall be modified to the minimum extent necessary to cause it to be enforceable, and the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein shall not in any way be affected or impaired.

Section 11.11.     Headings . The section and article headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only and will not affect the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. All references to Sections, Articles, Schedules or Exhibits contained herein mean Sections, Articles, Schedules or Exhibits of this Agreement unless otherwise stated.

Section 11.12.     Entire Agreement . This Agreement amends and restates in its entirety the Original Limited Partnership Agreement. This Agreement, including the exhibits, annexes and schedules hereto, the Separation Agreement, the Ancillary Agreements and any other instruments and agreements referenced herein, constitute the entire agreement among the parties hereto and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof.

Section 11.13.     Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to its conflicts of law principles.

Section 11.14.     Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement.

Section 11.15.     Opportunity; Fiduciary Duty . To the greatest extent permitted by law and except as otherwise set forth in this Agreement, but notwithstanding any duty otherwise existing at law or in equity:

(a)    None of any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or Newmark Holdings Company or any of their respective Representatives

 

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shall, in its capacity as a holder of Interests or Affiliate of the Partnership, owe or be liable for breach of any fiduciary duty to the Partnership or any holders of Interests. In taking any action, making any decision or exercising any discretion with respect to the Partnership, each Newmark Company, BGC Partners Company, Cantor Company, Newmark Holdings Company and their respective Representatives shall, in its capacity as a holder of Interests or Affiliate of the Partnership, be entitled to consider such interests and factors as it desires, including its own interests and those of its Representatives, and shall have no duty or obligation to give any consideration to the interests of or factors affecting the Partnership, the holders of Interests or any other Person. Each Newmark Company, BGC Partners Company, Cantor Company, Newmark Holdings Company and their respective Representatives shall have no duty or obligation to abstain from participating in any vote or other action of the Partnership, or any board, committee or similar body of any of the foregoing. None of any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any Newmark Holdings Company or any of their respective Representatives shall violate a duty or obligation to the Partnership or the holders of Interests merely because such Person’s conduct furthers such Person’s own interest. Any Newmark Company, BGC Partners Company, Cantor Company, any Newmark Holdings Company or any of their respective Representatives may lend money to, and transact other business with, the Partnership and its Representatives. The rights and obligations of any such Person who lends money to, contracts with, borrows from or transacts business with the Partnership or any of its Representatives are the same as those of a Person who is not involved with the Partnership or any of its Representatives, subject to other applicable law. No contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction between any Newmark Company, BGC Partners Company, Cantor Company, Newmark Holdings Company or any of their respective Representatives, on the one hand, and the Partnership or any of its Representatives, on the other hand, shall be void or voidable solely because any Newmark Company, BGC Partners Company, Cantor Company, Newmark Holdings Company or any of their respective Representatives has a direct or indirect interest in such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction, and any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company, any Newmark Holdings Company or any of their respective Representatives (i) shall have fully satisfied and fulfilled its duties and obligations to the Partnership and the holders of Interests with respect thereto; and (ii)  shall not be liable to the Partnership or the holders of Interests for any breach of any duty or obligation by reason of the entering into, performance or consummation of any such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction, if:

(1)    such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction is approved by the Board of Directors of Newmark or any committee thereof by the affirmative vote of a majority of the disinterested directors, even if the disinterested directors constitute less than a quorum; or

(2)    such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction, judged according to the circumstances at the time of the commitment, is fair to the Partnership;

it being understood that, although each of (1) and (2) above shall be sufficient to show that any Newmark Company, BGC Partners Company, Cantor Company or any Newmark Holdings Company or any of their respective Representatives (i) shall have fully satisfied and fulfilled its duties and obligations to the Partnership and the holders of Interests with respect thereto; and (ii)

 

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shall not be liable to the Partnership or the holders of Interests for any breach of any duty or obligation by reason of the entering into, performance or consummation of any such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction, none of (1) or (2) above shall be required to be satisfied for such showing.

All directors of Newmark may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum at a meeting of the Board of Directors of Newmark or of a committee thereof that authorizes such contract, agreement, arrangement or transaction.

Directors of the General Partner who are also directors or officers of any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any Newmark Holdings Company or any of their respective Representatives shall not owe or be liable for breach of any fiduciary duty to the Partnership or any of holders of Interests for any action taken by any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company or any Newmark Holdings Company or their respective Representatives, in their capacity as a holder of Interests or Affiliate of the Partnership.

Nothing herein contained shall prevent any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company, any Newmark Holdings Company or any of their respective Representatives from conducting any other business, including serving as an officer, director, employee, or stockholder of any corporation, partnership or limited liability company, a trustee of any trust, an executor or administrator of any estate, or an administrative official of any other business or not-for-profit entity, or from receiving any compensation in connection therewith.

(b)    None of any Newmark Company, BGC Partners Company, Cantor Company, any Newmark Holdings Company or any of their respective Representatives shall owe any duty to refrain from (i) engaging in the same or similar activities or lines of business as the Partnership and its Representatives or (ii) doing business with any of the Partnership’s or its Representatives’ clients or customers, in each case regardless of whether such Newmark Company, BGC Partners Company, Cantor Company, Newmark Holdings Company or Representative is also a Representative of the Partnership. In the event that any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company, any Newmark Holdings Company or any of their respective Representatives acquires knowledge of a potential transaction or matter that may be a Corporate Opportunity for any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company, any Newmark Holdings Company or any of their respective Representatives, on the one hand, and the Partnership or any of its Representatives, on the other hand, such Newmark Company, BGC Partners Company, Cantor Company, Newmark Holdings Company or Representatives, as the case may be, shall have no duty to communicate or offer such Corporate Opportunity to the Partnership or its Representatives, regardless of whether such Newmark Company, BGC Partners Company, Cantor Company, Newmark Holdings Company or Representative is also a Representative of the Partnership, subject to Section 11.15(c). None of any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company, any Newmark Holdings Company or any of their respective Representatives shall be liable to the Partnership, the holders of Interests or any of the Partnership’s Representatives for breach of any fiduciary duty by reason of the fact that any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company, any Newmark Holdings Company or any of their respective Representatives pursues or acquires such Corporate Opportunity for itself, directs such

 

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Corporate Opportunity to another Person or does not present such Corporate Opportunity to the Partnership or any of its Representatives, regardless of whether such Newmark Company, BGC Partners Company, Cantor Company, Newmark Holdings Company or Representative is also a Representative of the Partnership, subject to Section  11.15(c).

(c)    If a third party presents a Corporate Opportunity to a person who is both a Representative of the Partnership and a Representative of a Newmark Company, BGC Partners Company, Cantor Company and/or a Newmark Holdings Company, expressly and solely in such Person’s capacity as a Representative of the Partnership, and such Person acts in good faith in a manner consistent with the policy that such Corporate Opportunity belongs to the Partnership, then such Person (i) shall be deemed to have fully satisfied and fulfilled any fiduciary duty that such Person has to the Partnership as a Representative of the Partnership with respect to such Corporate Opportunity, (ii)  shall not be liable to the Partnership, the holders of Interests or any of the Partnership’s Representatives for breach of fiduciary duty by reason of such Person’s action or inaction with respect to such Corporate Opportunity, (iii)  shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner that such Person reasonably believed to be in, and not opposed to, the Partnership’s best interests, and (iv)  shall be deemed not to have breached such Person’s duty of loyalty to the Partnership and the holders of Interests and not to have derived an improper personal benefit therefrom; provided that any Newmark Company, any BGC Partners Company, any Cantor Company, and/or any Newmark Holdings Company or any of their respective Representatives may pursue such Corporate Opportunity if the Partnership shall decide not to pursue such Corporate Opportunity. If a Corporate Opportunity is either (1)  presented to a Person who is not both a Representative of the Partnership and a Representative of a Newmark Company, BGC Partners Company, Cantor Company and/or a Newmark Holdings Company, or (2)  presented to such person not expressly and solely in such Person’s capacity as a Representative of the Partnership, then, in each case, such Person shall not be obligated to present such Corporate Opportunity to the Partnership or to act as if such Corporate Opportunity belongs to the Partnership, and such Person (i)  shall be deemed to have fully satisfied and fulfilled any fiduciary duty that such Person has to the Partnership as a Representative of the Partnership with respect to such Corporate Opportunity, (ii)  shall not be liable to the Partnership, any of the holders of Interests or any of the Partnership’s Representatives for breach of fiduciary duty by reason of such Person’s action or inaction with respect to such Corporate Opportunity, (iii)  shall be deemed to have acted in good faith and in a manner that such person reasonably believed to be in, and not opposed to, the Partnership’s best interests, and (iv)  shall be deemed not to have breached such Person’s duty of loyalty to the Partnership and the holders of Interests and not to have derived an improper personal benefit therefrom.

(d)    Any Person purchasing or otherwise acquiring any Interest shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Section 11.15.

(e)    Except to the extent otherwise modified herein, each officer of the Partnership shall have fiduciary duties identical to those of officers of business corporations organized under the DGCL. The provisions of this Agreement, to the extent that they restrict or eliminate the duties (including fiduciary duties) of a director, officer or other Person otherwise existing at law or in equity, are agreed by the parties hereto to replace such other duties of such Person.

 

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(f)    Neither the alteration, amendment, termination, expiration or repeal of this Section 11.15 nor the adoption of any provision of this Agreement inconsistent with this Section  11.15 shall eliminate or reduce the effect of this Section  11.15 in respect of any matter occurring, or any cause of Action that, but for this Section  11.15, would accrue or arise, prior to such alteration, amendment, termination, expiration, repeal or adoption.

Section 11.16.     Reimbursement of Expenses . All costs and expenses incurred in connection with the ongoing operation or management of the business of the Partnership or its Subsidiaries shall be borne by the Partnership or its Subsidiaries, as the case may be.

Section 11.17.     Obligations with Respect to BGC Holdings Non-Participating Units . The Partnership shall indemnify and reimburse Newmark Holdings for any payment made by Newmark Holdings in respect of any BGC Holdings Non-Participating Unit.

Section 11.18.     Effectiveness . The Original Limited Partnership Agreement was effective for all financial and accounting purposes as of [●], 2017. This Agreement shall be effective as of the date hereof.

[signature page follows]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement has been duly executed by the general partner and the limited partners as of the day and year first written above.

 

NEWMARK HOLDINGS, LLC, as general partner

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

NEWMARK HOLDINGS, L.P., as a limited partner

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

NEWMARK GROUP, INC., as a limited partner

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

[Signature Page to the Amended and Restated Agreement of

Limited Partnership of Newmark Partners, L.P., dated as of [ ]]


EXHIBIT A

Certain Tax Related Matters

Section  1.   Definitions Relating to Allocations and Capital Account Maintenance .

(a)    “ Adjusted Capital Account Deficit ” shall mean, with respect to any Partner, the deficit balance, if any, in such Partner’s Capital Account as of the end of the relevant fiscal year, after giving effect to the following adjustments:

(i)    Credit to such Capital Account any amounts that such Partner is deemed to be obligated to restore pursuant to the penultimate sentences in Treasury Regulation sections 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5), and

(ii)    Debit to such Capital Account the items described in Treasury Regulation sections 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(5) and 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(6).

The foregoing definition of “Adjusted Capital Account Deficit” is intended to comply with the “alternate test of economic effect” provisions of Treasury Regulation section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

(b)    “ Partnership Minimum Gain ” shall have the meaning attributed to the term “partnership minimum gain” set forth in Treasury Regulation sections 1.704-2(b)(2) and 1.704-2(d).

(c)    “ Partner Nonrecourse Debt ” has the meaning attributed to the term “partner nonrecourse debt” in Treasury Regulation section  1.704-2(b)(4).

(d)    “ Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain ” shall mean an amount, with respect to each Partner Nonrecourse Debt, equal to the Partnership Minimum Gain that would result if such Partner Nonrecourse Debt were treated as a Nonrecourse Liability, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation section  1.704-2(i)(3).

(e)    “ Partner Nonrecourse Deductions ” has the meaning attributed to the term “partner nonrecourse deductions” in Treasury Regulation sections 1.704-2(i)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(2).

(f)    “ Nonrecourse Deductions ” has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(b)(1).

(g)    “ Nonrecourse Liability ” has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(b)(3).

(h)    “ Regulatory Allocations ” has the meaning set forth in Section 2(h) of this Exhibit  A.

(i)    “ Treasury Regulations ” shall mean the Income Tax Regulations, including temporary regulations, promulgated under the Code, as such regulations may be amended, modified or supplemented from time to time (including corresponding provisions of succeeding regulations).


Section 2. Special Allocations .

The following special allocations shall be made in the following order, prior to the allocations specified in Section 5.04(a) of this Agreement:

(a)     Minimum Gain Chargeback . Except as otherwise provided in Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(f), notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if there is a net decrease in Partnership Minimum Gain during any fiscal year, each Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such fiscal year (and, if necessary, subsequent fiscal years) in an amount equal to such Partner’s share of the net decrease in Partnership Minimum Gain, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(g). Allocations pursuant to the previous sentence shall be made in proportion to the respective amounts required to be allocated to each Partner pursuant thereto. The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation sections 1.704-2(f)(6) and 1.704-2(j)(2). This provision is intended to comply with the minimum gain chargeback requirement in Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(f) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

(b)     Partner Minimum Gain Chargeback . Except as otherwise provided in Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(i)(4), notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, if there is a net decrease in Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain attributable to a Partner Nonrecourse Debt during any fiscal year, each Partner who has a share of the Partner Nonrecourse Debt Minimum Gain attributable to such Partner Nonrecourse Debt, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation section  1.704-2(i)(5), shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain for such fiscal year (and, if necessary, subsequent fiscal years) in an amount equal to such Partner’s share of the net decrease in Partner Nonrecourse Debt, determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation section 1.704-2(i)(4). Allocations pursuant to the previous sentence shall be made in proportion to the respective amounts required to be allocated to each Partner pursuant thereto. The items to be so allocated shall be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation sections  1.704-2(i)(4) and 1.704-2(j)(2). This provision is intended to comply with the minimum gain chargeback requirement in Treasury Regulation section  1.704-2(i)(4) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

(c)     Qualified Income Offset . In the event any Partner unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations, or distributions described in Treasury Regulation section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(5) or 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(6), items of Partnership income and gain shall be specially allocated to such Partner in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate, to the extent required by the Treasury Regulations, the Adjusted Capital Account Deficit of the Partner as promptly as possible; provided, that, an allocation pursuant to this provision shall be made only if and to the extent that the Partner would have an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit after all other allocations provided for in this Agreement have been tentatively made as if this provision were not in the Agreement.


(d)     Gross Income Allocation . In the event any Partner has a deficit Capital Account at the end of any fiscal year that is in excess of the sum of (i) the amount such Partner is obligated to restore pursuant to the penultimate sentences of Treasury Regulation sections 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5), each such Partner shall be specially allocated items of Partnership income and gain in the amount of such excess, as promptly as possible; provided, that, an allocation pursuant to this provision shall be made only if and to the extent that such Partner would have a deficit Capital Account in excess of such sum after all other allocations provided for in this Agreement have been made as if Section 2(c) and this Section 2(d) of this Exhibit A were not in the Agreement.

(e)     Nonrecourse Deductions . Nonrecourse Deductions for any fiscal year shall be specially allocated among the Partners in proportion to their respective Percentage Interests.

(f)     Partner Nonrecourse Deductions . Any Partner Nonrecourse Deductions for any fiscal year shall be specially allocated to the Partner that bears the economic risk of loss with respect to the Partner Nonrecourse Debt to which such Partner Nonrecourse Deductions are attributable in accordance with Treasury Regulation section  1.704-2(i)(1).

(g)     Section 754 Adjustments . To the extent an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Partnership asset, pursuant to Section  734(b) of the Code or Section  743(b) of the Code is required, pursuant to Treasury Regulation section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(2) or 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(4), to be taken into account in determining Capital Accounts as the result of a distribution to a Partner in complete liquidation of such Partner’s Interest in the Partnership, the amount of such adjustment to Capital Accounts shall be treated as an item of gain or loss and such gain or loss shall be specially allocated to the Partners in accordance with their Percentage Interests in the event Treasury Regulation section  1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(2) applies, or to the Partner to whom such distribution was made in the event Treasury Regulation section 1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(4) applies.

(h)     Curative Allocations . The allocations set forth in Section  2(a) through 2(h) of this Exhibit  A and Section  3 of this Exhibit  A (the “ Regulatory Allocations ”) are intended to comply with certain requirements of the Treasury Regulations. It is the intent of the Partners that, to the extent possible, all Regulatory Allocations shall be offset either with other Regulatory Allocations or with special allocations of other items of Partnership income, gain, loss or deduction. Therefore, notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement (other than the Regulatory Allocations), the Tax Matters Partner shall make such offsetting special allocations of Partnership income, gain, loss or deduction in whatever manner it determines appropriate so that, after such offsetting allocations are made, each Partner’s Capital Account balance (and the amount distributable to each Partner pursuant to Section 6.01 of this Agreement) is, to the extent possible, equal to the Capital Account balance such Partner would have had (and the amount that would have been distributable to such Partner pursuant to Section  6.01 of this Agreement) if the Regulatory Allocations were not part of the Agreement and all Partnership items were allocated pursuant to Section 5.04(a) of this Agreement. In exercising discretion with respect to such offsetting special allocations, the tax matter partner shall take into account future Regulatory Allocations under Section 2(a) and 2(b) of this Exhibit  A that, although not yet made, are likely to offset other Regulatory Allocations previously made under Section  2(e) and 2(f) of this Exhibit  A.


Section 3. L imitation on Loss Allocation to Partners Based on Adjusted Capital Accounts .

Losses allocated pursuant to Section 5.04(a) of this Agreement shall not exceed the maximum amount of losses that can be allocated without causing any Partner to have an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit at the end of any fiscal year (or increase any existing Adjusted Capital Account Deficit). In the event some but not all of the Partners would have Adjusted Capital Account Deficits as a consequence of an allocation of losses pursuant to Section 5.04(a) of this Agreement, the limitation set forth in this Section 3 of this Exhibit A shall be applied on a Partner-by-Partner basis and losses not allocable to any Partner as a result of such limitation shall be allocated to the other Partners in accordance with the positive balances in such Partner’s Capital Accounts so as to allocate the maximum permissible losses to each Partner under Treasury Regulation section 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d).

Exhibit 10.5

TAX MATTERS AGREEMENT

by and among

BGC PARTNERS, INC.,

BGC HOLDINGS, L.P.,

BGC PARTNERS, L.P.,

NEWMARK GROUP, INC.,

NEWMARK HOLDINGS, L.P. and

NEWMARK PARTNERS, L.P.

Dated as of [•]


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

Section 1.

 

Definition of Terms

     2  

Section 2.

 

Allocation of Tax Liabilities

     15  

Section 2.01

 

General Rule

     15  

Section 2.02

 

Allocation of United States Federal Income Tax and Federal Other Tax

     15  

Section 2.03

 

Allocation of State Income and State Other Taxes

     16  

Section 2.04

 

Allocation of Foreign Taxes

     18  

Section 2.05

 

Certain Transaction and Other Taxes

     19  

Section 3.

 

Attribution of Taxes; Proration of Taxes for Straddle Periods

     20  

Section 4.

 

Preparation and Filing of Tax Returns

     22  

Section 4.01

 

General

     22  

Section 4.02

 

BGC Responsibility

     22  

Section 4.03

 

Newmark’s Responsibility

     22  

Section 4.04

 

Tax Accounting Practices

     23  

Section 4.05

 

Consolidated or Combined Tax Returns

     24  

Section 4.06

 

Right to Review Tax Returns

     24  

Section 4.07

 

Newmark Carrybacks and Claims for Refund

     25  

Section 4.08

 

Apportionment of Earnings and Profits and Tax Attributes

     25  

Section 5.

 

Tax Payments

     26  

Section 5.01

 

Payment of Taxes With Respect to Joint Returns and Mixed Returns

     26  

Section 5.02

 

Payment of Separate Single Business Company Taxes

     26  

Section 5.03

 

Indemnification Payments

     27  

Section 6.

 

Tax Benefits

     27  

Section 6.01

 

Tax Benefits

     27  

Section 6.02

 

BGC Partners and Newmark Income Tax Deductions in Respect of Certain Equity Awards and Incentive Compensation

     29  

Section 6.03

 

Payment Obligations Under BGC Partners TRA

     29  

Section 7.

 

Tax-Free Status

     30  

Section 7.01

 

Representations

     30  

Section 7.02

 

Restrictions on Newmark

     30  

Section 7.03

 

Restrictions on BGC Partners

     32  

Section 7.04

 

Procedures Regarding Opinions and Rulings

     33  

Section 7.05

 

Liability for Tax-Related Losses

     34  

Section 7.06

 

Section 336(e) Election

     35  

 

- i -


Section 8.

 

Assistance and Cooperation

     36  

Section 8.01

 

Assistance and Cooperation

     36  

Section 8.02

 

Income Tax Return Information

     36  

Section 8.03

 

Reliance by BGC Partners

     37  

Section 8.04

 

Reliance by Newmark

     37  

Section 9.

 

Tax Records

     37  

Section 9.01

 

Retention of Tax Records

     37  

Section 9.02

 

Access to Tax Records

     38  

Section 10.

 

Tax Contests

     38  

Section 10.01

 

Notice

     38  

Section 10.02

 

Control of Tax Contests

     38  

Section 11.

 

Effective Date; Termination of Prior Intercompany Tax Allocation Agreements

     40  

Section 12.

 

Survival of Obligations

     40  

Section 13.

 

Treatment of Payments; Tax Gross Up

     40  

Section 13.01

 

Treatment of Tax Indemnity Payments

     40  

Section 13.02

 

Tax Gross Up

     41  

Section 13.03

 

Interest

     41  

Section 14.

 

Disagreements

     41  

Section 15.

 

Expenses

     42  

Section 16.

 

General Provisions

     42  

Section 16.01

 

Entire Agreement

     42  

Section 16.02

 

Addresses and Notices

     42  

Section 16.03

 

Further Action

     43  

Section 16.04

 

Headings

     43  

Section 16.05

 

No Double Recovery

     44  

Section 16.06

 

Counterparts

     44  

Section 16.07

 

Governing Law, Consent to Jurisdiction

     44  

Section 16.08

 

Amendment and Modification

     44  

Section 16.09

 

Newmark Subsidiaries

     44  

Section 16.10

 

Successors

     44  

Section 16.11

 

Injunctions

     45  

 

- ii -


TAX MATTERS AGREEMENT

This TAX MATTERS AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”) is entered into as of [•], 2017, by and among BGC Partners, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ BGC Partners ”), BGC Holdings, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ BGC Holdings ”), BGC Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ BGC U.S. Opco ” and together with BGC Partners and BGC Holdings, the “ BGC Entities ”), Newmark Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Newmark ” and collectively with BGC Partners, the “ Companies ” and each a “ Company ”), Newmark Holdings, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ Newmark Holdings ”), Newmark Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ Newmark Opco ” and together with Newmark and Newmark Holdings, the “ Newmark Entities ”).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the BGC Entities and the Newmark Entities and the other parties thereto have entered into a Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated as of [•] (the “ Separation and Distribution Agreement ”), providing for the separation of the BGC Business from the Newmark Business (the “ Separation ”);

WHEREAS, pursuant to the terms of the Separation and Distribution Agreement, in furtherance of the Separation, BGC U.S. Opco shall transfer certain Newmark Assets to its partners, and its partners shall assume certain Newmark Liabilities in connection therewith (the “ Opco Partnership Distribution ”), and, thereafter, such partners of BGC U.S. Opco shall contribute such Newmark Assets to Newmark Opco, and Newmark Opco shall assume such Newmark Liabilities in connection therewith (the “ Opco Partnership Contribution ,” and, together with the Opco Partnership Distribution, the “ Opco Partnership Division ”), and, immediately following the Opco Partnership Contribution, members of the BGC Group shall hold, directly or indirectly, all of the outstanding equity interests in Newmark Opco;

WHEREAS, following the Opco Partnership Division and pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement, BGC Holdings shall contribute, assign and otherwise transfer to Newmark Holdings the Newmark Assets held by BGC Holdings (including all of its equity interests in Newmark Opco) and Newmark Holdings shall assume the Newmark Liabilities for which BGC Holdings is liable (together, the “ Holdings Partnership Contribution ”) and immediately following the Holdings Partnership Contribution, BGC Holdings shall hold, directly or indirectly, all of the outstanding equity interests Newmark Holdings;

WHEREAS, following the Holdings Partnership Contribution and pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement, BGC Holdings shall effect the Holdings Partnership Distribution (together with the Holdings Partnership Contribution, the “ Holdings Partnership Division ”);

WHEREAS, following the Holdings Partnership Division and pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement, BGC Partners shall contribute, assign and otherwise transfer to Newmark the Newmark Assets held by BGC Partners (including all of its equity interests in Newmark Opco) in actual or constructive exchange for shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock and Newmark Class B Common Stock and the assumption by Newmark of any Newmark Liabilities (including the Term Loan) for which BGC Partners is liable (the “ Contribution ”);


WHEREAS, following the Contribution, Newmark shall offer and sell a number of shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock in accordance with the Separation and Distribution Agreement (the “ IPO ”);

WHEREAS, following the IPO, BGC Partners currently intends to distribute its shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock and Newmark Class B Common Stock to the shareholders of BGC Partners pursuant to the Distribution;

WHEREAS, for Federal Income Tax purposes, it is intended that the Opco Partnership Division be treated as a “division under the assets-up form” of BGC U.S. Opco under Treasury Regulations Section 1.708-1(d)(3)(ii);

WHEREAS, for Federal Income Tax purposes, it is intended that the Holdings Partnership Division be treated as a “division under the assets-over form” of BGC Holdings under Treasury Regulations Section 1.708-1(d)(3)(i);

WHEREAS, for Federal Income Tax purposes, it is intended that the Contribution and, if effected, the Distribution, taken together, shall qualify as a transaction that is generally described in Sections 355(a) and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code;

WHEREAS, as of the date hereof, BGC Partners is the common parent of an affiliated group (as defined in Section 1504 of the Code) of corporations, including Newmark, which has elected to file consolidated Federal Income Tax Returns;

WHEREAS, as a result of either the IPO or the Distribution, Newmark and its subsidiaries will cease to be members of the affiliated group (as defined in Section 1504 of the Code) of which BGC Partners is the common parent (the “ Deconsolidation ”);

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

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

Section 1. Definition of Terms. For purposes of this Agreement (including the recitals hereof), the following terms have the following meanings, and capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Separation and Distribution Agreement:

Accounting Cutoff Date ” means, with respect to Newmark, any date as of the end of which there is a closing of the financial accounting records for such entity.

 

2


Actually Realized ” or “ Actually Realizes ” means, for purposes of determining the timing of the incurrence of any Tax Liability, Distribution Tax-Related Losses, or the realization of a Refund or other Tax Benefit (or any related Tax cost or benefit), whether by receipt or as a credit or other offset to Taxes payable, by a Person in respect of any payment, transaction, occurrence or event, the time at which the amount of Taxes paid (or Refund realized) by such Person is increased above (or reduced below) the amount of Taxes that such Person would have been required to pay (or Refund that such Person would have realized) but for such payment, transaction, occurrence or event.

Adjustment Request ” means any formal or informal claim or request filed with any Tax Authority, or with any administrative agency or court, for the adjustment, refund, or credit of Taxes, including (a) any amended Tax Return claiming adjustment to the Taxes as reported on the Tax Return or, if applicable, as previously adjusted, (b) any claim for equitable recoupment or other offset, and (c) any claim for refund or credit of Taxes previously paid.

Affiliate means any entity that is directly or indirectly “controlled” by either the Person in question or an Affiliate of such Person. “Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of a Person, whether through ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise. The term Affiliate shall refer to Affiliates of a Person as would be determined immediately after the IPO. Notwithstanding the foregoing, for purposes of this Agreement, as of and after the IPO, (i) no member of the Cantor Group shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of a member of the BGC Group or the Newmark Group as a result of the control relationship between such members; (ii) no member of the BGC Group shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of a member of the Cantor Group or the Newmark Group as a result of the control relationship between such members; and (iii) no member of the Newmark Group shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of a member of the Cantor Group or the BGC Group as a result of the control relationship between such members.

Agreement has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Ancillary Agreements has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

BGC Active Trade or Business ” means the active conduct (as defined in Section 355(b)(2) of the Code and the regulations thereunder) by BGC Partners (including (x) its “separate affiliated group” (as defined in Section 355(b)(3)(B) of the Code) and (y) BGC U.S. Opco (and any other partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes the business of which is attributed to BGC Partners pursuant to Revenue Ruling 2007-42, 2007-2 C.B. 44)) of the BGC Business as conducted immediately prior to the Distribution.

BGC Adjustment ” means any adjustment pursuant to a Final Determination of any Tax Item for a Pre-2017 Period attributable to any member of the BGC Group or the BGC Business.

BGC Adjustment Tax Benefit means any Tax Benefit Actually Realized with respect to any Joint Return or Mixed Business Return for a Pre-2017 Period that is attributable to a BGC Adjustment.

BGC Adjustment Taxes ” means any additional Taxes (or reduction in Refund) Actually Realized with respect to any Joint Return or Mixed Business Return for a Pre-2017 Period that is attributable to a BGC Adjustment.

 

3


BGC Affiliated Group ” has the meaning set forth in the definition of “BGC Federal Consolidated Income Tax Return.”

BGC Business ” has the meaning ascribed to the term “Retained Business” in the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

BGC Employee ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

BGC Entities ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

BGC Equity Awards ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

BGC Federal Consolidated Income Tax Return ” means any Federal Income Tax Return for the affiliated group (as defined in Section 1504 of the Code and the regulations thereunder) of which BGC Partners is the common parent (the “ BGC Affiliated Group ”).

BGC Foreign Combined Income Tax Return ” means a consolidated, combined or unitary or other similar Foreign Income Tax Return or any Foreign Income Tax Return with respect to any profit and/or loss sharing group, group payment or similar group or fiscal unity that actually includes, by election or otherwise, one or more members of the BGC Group together with one or more members of the Newmark Group.

BGC Global Opco ” means BGC Global Holdings, L.P. a Cayman Islands limited partnership.

BGC Group means BGC Partners, BGC Holdings, BGC U.S. Opco and BGC Global Opco and each of their respective Subsidiaries (other than any member of the Newmark Group).

BGC Holdings ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

BGC Partners ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco Other Debt Notes ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

BGC Partners Class  A Common Stock ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

BGC Partners Class  B Common Stock ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

BGC Partners TRA ” means the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of [•], by and between Cantor and BGC Partners, as may be amended following such date.

 

4


BGC Separate Return means any Separate Return of BGC Partners or any member of the BGC Group.

BGC Single Business Return means any Single Business Return that relates to assets or activities of only the BGC Business.

BGC State Combined Income Tax Return ” means a consolidated, combined or unitary State Income Tax Return that actually includes, by election or otherwise, one or more members of the BGC Group and one or more members of the Newmark Group.

BGC U.S. Opco ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Business Day ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

Cantor ” means Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership.

Cantor Group means Cantor and its Subsidiaries (other than any member of the BGC Group or any member of the Newmark Group).

CFO Certificate ” has the meaning set forth in Section  7.02(d) of this Agreement.

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

Company ” and “ Companies have the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Compensatory Equity Interests ” has the meaning set forth in Section  6.02(a) of this Agreement.

Contribution has the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals of this Agreement.

Covered Tax Benefit has the meaning ascribed to such term in the BGC Partners TRA.

Deconsolidation ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals of this Agreement.

Deconsolidation Date ” means the last date on which Newmark qualifies as a member of the affiliated group (as defined in Section 1504 of the Code) of which BGC Partners is the common parent.

DGCL ” means the Delaware General Corporation Law.

Distribution means the pro rata distribution by BGC Partners of all the common stock of Newmark held by BGC Partners, pursuant to which shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock held by BGC Partners are distributed to the holders of shares of BGC Partners Class A Common Stock and shares of Newmark Class B Common Stock are distributed to holders of BGC Partners Class B Common Stock.

Distribution Date ” means the date on which the Distribution is consummated.

 

5


Distribution-Related Tax Contest ” means any Tax Contest in which the IRS, another Tax Authority or any other party asserts a position that could reasonably be expected to adversely affect the Tax-Free Status of the Contribution or the Distribution, or the Partnership Division Treatment of any of the Partnership Divisions.

Distribution Ruling ” has the meaning set forth in Section  7.02(c) of this Agreement.

Distribution Tax-Related Losses ” means (i) all federal, state, local and foreign Taxes (including, for the absence of doubt, interest and penalties thereon) imposed pursuant to any settlement, Final Determination, judgment or otherwise; (ii) all accounting, legal and other professional fees, and court costs incurred in connection with such Taxes; and (iii) all costs, expenses and damages associated with stockholder litigation or controversies and any amount paid by BGC Partners (or any Affiliate of BGC Partners) or Newmark (or any Affiliate of Newmark) in respect of the liability of shareholders, whether paid to shareholders or to the IRS or any other Tax Authority, in each case, resulting from the failure of (a) the Contribution and the Distribution to have Tax-Free Status or (b) any of the Partnership Divisions to have the Partnership Division Treatment.

Federal Income Tax ” means any Tax imposed by Subtitle A of the Code (and, for the absence of doubt, any interest, penalties, additions to tax, or additional amounts in respect of the foregoing).

Federal Other Tax ” means any Tax imposed by the federal government of the United States of America other than any Federal Income Taxes (and, for the absence of doubt, any interest, penalties, additions to tax, or additional amounts in respect of the foregoing).

Fifty-Percent or Greater Interest ” has the meaning ascribed to such term for purposes of Sections 355(d) and (e) of the Code.

Filing Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section  7.05(d) of this Agreement.

Final Determination ” means the final resolution of liability for any Tax, which resolution may be for a specific issue or adjustment or for a taxable period, (a) by IRS Form 870 or 870-AD (or any successor forms thereto), on the date of acceptance by or on behalf of the taxpayer, or by a comparable form under the Laws of a State, local, or foreign taxing jurisdiction, except that a Form 870 or 870-AD or comparable form shall not constitute a Final Determination to the extent that it reserves (whether by its terms or by operation of law) the right of the taxpayer to file a claim for refund or the right of the Tax Authority to assert a further deficiency in respect of such issue or adjustment or for such taxable period (as the case may be); (b) by a decision, judgment, decree, or other order by a court of competent jurisdiction, which has become final and unappealable; (c) by a closing agreement or accepted offer in compromise under Sections 7121 or 7122 of the Code, or a comparable agreement under the Laws of a State, local, or foreign taxing jurisdiction; (d) by any allowance of a refund or credit in respect of an overpayment of Tax, but only after the expiration of all periods during which such refund may be recovered (including by way of offset) by the jurisdiction imposing such Tax; or (e) by any other final disposition, including by reason of the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations or by mutual agreement of the parties.

 

6


Foreign Income Tax ” means any Tax imposed by any foreign country or any possession of the United States, or by any political subdivision of any foreign country or possession of the United States, which is an income tax as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.901-2 (and, for the absence of doubt, any interest, penalties, additions to tax, or additional amounts in respect of the foregoing).

Foreign Other Tax ” means any Tax imposed by any foreign country or any possession of the United States, or by any political subdivision of any foreign country or possession of the United States, other than any Foreign Income Taxes (and, for the absence of doubt, any interest, penalties, additions to tax, or additional amounts in respect of the foregoing).

Foreign Tax ” means any Foreign Income Taxes or Foreign Other Taxes.

Group ” means the BGC Group or the Newmark Group, or both, as the context requires.

High-Level Dispute ” means any dispute or disagreement (a) relating to liability under Section  7.05 of this Agreement or (b) in which the amount of liability in dispute exceeds $2,000,000.

Holdings Partnership Contribution ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Holdings Partnership Distribution ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

Holdings Partnership Division ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

Hypothetical Newmark Refund ” has the meaning set forth in Section  3.02(f) of this Agreement.

Income Tax ” means any Federal Income Tax, State Income Tax or Foreign Income Tax.

Indemnitee ” has the meaning set forth in Section  13.03 of this Agreement.

Indemnitor ” has the meaning set forth in Section  13.03 of this Agreement.

Interim Exchange has the meaning ascribed to such term in the BGC Partners TRA.

IPO ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals to this Agreement.

IPO Closing Date has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

IRS ” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

Joint Income Tax Return ” means any Joint Return with respect to Income Taxes.

 

7


Joint Return ” means any Tax Return of a member of the BGC Group or the Newmark Group that is not a Separate Return.

Law ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

Mixed Business Return means any Separate Return (including any consolidated, combined, unitary or other similar Return) that relates to at least one asset or activity that is part of the BGC Business, on the one hand, and at least one asset or activity that is part of the Newmark Business, on the other hand.

Newmark ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Newmark Active Trade or Business ” means the active conduct (as defined in Section 355(b)(2) of the Code and the regulations thereunder) by Newmark (including (x) its “separate affiliated group” (as defined in Section 355(b)(3)(B) of the Code) and (y) Newmark Opco (and any other partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes the business of which is attributed to Newmark pursuant to Revenue Ruling 2007-42, 2007-2 C.B. 44)) of the Newmark Business as conducted immediately prior to the Distribution.

Newmark Adjustment ” means any adjustment pursuant to a Final Determination of any Tax Item for a Pre-2017 Period attributable to any member of the Newmark Group or the Newmark Business.

Newmark Adjustment Tax Benefit means any Tax Benefit Actually Realized with respect to any Joint Return or Mixed Business Return for a Pre-2017 Period and attributable to a Newmark Adjustment.

Newmark Adjustment Taxes ” means any additional Taxes (or reduction in Refund) Actually Realized with respect to any Joint Return or Mixed Business Return for a Pre-2017 Period and attributable to a Newmark Adjustment.

Newmark Assets ” has the meaning ascribed to the term “Transferred Assets” in the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

Newmark Business ” has the meaning ascribed to the term “Transferred Business” in the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

Newmark Capital Stock ” means all classes or series of capital stock of Newmark, including (i) the Newmark Common Stock, (ii) all options, warrants and other rights to acquire such capital stock and (iii) all instruments properly treated as stock in Newmark for U.S. federal income tax purposes.

Newmark Carryback means the carryback permitted under the Code or other applicable Tax Law of any net operating loss, net capital loss, excess tax credit, or other similar Tax Attribute of any member of the Newmark Group from a Post-Deconsolidation Period to a Pre-Deconsolidation Period during which such member of the Newmark Group was included in a Joint Return filed for such Pre-Deconsolidation Period.

 

8


Newmark Class  A Common Stock has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

Newmark Class  B Common Stock has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

Newmark Common Stock has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

Newmark Employee ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

Newmark Entities ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Newmark Equity Awards ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

Newmark Federal Consolidated Income Tax Return ” means any Federal Income Tax Return for the affiliated group (as defined in Section 1504 of the Code) of which Newmark is the common parent.

Newmark Group ” means Newmark, Newmark Holdings, Newmark Opco and each of their respective Subsidiaries.

Newmark Holdings ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Newmark Liabilities ” has the meaning ascribed to the term “Transferred Liabilities” in the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

Newmark Opco ” has the meaning set forth in the preamble.

Newmark Opco Debt Repayment ” means the amount paid by Newmark Opco in satisfaction of the obligations of Newmark Opco under the BGC Partners-BGC U.S. Opco Other Debt Notes.

Newmark Separate Return means any Separate Return of Newmark or any member of the Newmark Group.

Newmark Single Business Return means any Single Business Return that relates to assets or activities of only the Newmark Business.

Newmark TRA Tax Benefit ” has the meaning set forth in Section  6.03 of this Agreement.

New York City Unincorporated Business Tax ” means the provisions of Title 11, Chapter 5 of the New York City Administrative Code (or any successor statute or provision).

Notified Action ” shall have the meaning set forth in Section  7.04(a) of this Agreement.

 

9


Opco Partnership Contribution ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals of this Agreement.

Opco Partnership Distribution ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the recitals of this Agreement.

Opco Partnership Division ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals of this Agreement.

Other Tax ” means any Federal Other Tax, State Other Tax, or Foreign Other Tax.

Partnership Division Treatment ” means (a) the qualification of the Opco Partnership Division as a “division under the assets-up form” of BGC U.S. Opco under Treasury Regulations Section 1.708-1(d)(3)(ii), (b) the qualification of the Holdings Partnership Division as a “division under the assets-over form” of BGC Holdings under Treasury Regulations Section 1.708-1(d)(3)(i), (c) the qualification of each of the Opco Partnership Contribution and Holdings Partnership Contribution as a transaction described in Section 721(a) of the Code and (d) the qualification of each of the Opco Partnership Distribution and the Holdings Partnership Distribution as a transaction described in Section 731(a) of the Code, in each case, in which no gain or income is recognized by BGC U.S. Opco or Newmark Opco and BGC Holdings or Newmark Holdings, respectively, or any of their respective partners, other than any gain or income required to be recognized by any partner of BGC U.S. Opco or BGC Holdings, pursuant to Sections 704(c)(1)(B) or Section 737 of the Code or with respect to any cash received or deemed received (other than the Newmark Opco Debt Repayment).

Past Practices ” has the meaning set forth in Section  4.04(a) of this Agreement.

Payment Date ” means (i) with respect to any BGC Federal Consolidated Income Tax Return, the due date for any required installment of estimated taxes determined under Section 6655 of the Code, the due date (determined without regard to extensions) for filing the return determined under Section 6072 of the Code, and the date the return is filed, and (ii) with respect to any other Tax Return, the corresponding dates determined under the applicable Tax Law.

Payor ” has the meaning set forth in Section  5.03(a) of this Agreement.

Person means any individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, association, joint stock company, trust, joint venture, unincorporated organization or a governmental entity or any department, agency or political subdivision thereof, without regard to whether any entity is treated as disregarded for Federal Income Tax purposes.

Post-2016 Period ” means any Tax Period beginning after December 31, 2016, and, in the case of any Straddle Period, the portion of such Straddle Period beginning on and including January 1, 2017.

Post-Deconsolidation Period ” means any Tax Period beginning after the Deconsolidation Date, and, in the case of any Straddle Period, the portion of such Straddle Period beginning on the day after the Deconsolidation Date. For the avoidance of doubt, if the IPO results in Deconsolidation, the “Post-Deconsolidation Period” and the “Post-IPO Period” shall have the same meaning.

 

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Post-IPO Period means any Tax Period beginning after the IPO Closing Date, and, in the case of any Straddle Period, the portion of such Straddle Period beginning on the day after the IPO Closing Date. For the avoidance of doubt, if the IPO results in Deconsolidation, the “Post-Deconsolidation Period” and the “Post-IPO Period” shall have the same meaning.

Pre-2017 Period ” means any Tax Period ending on or before December 31, 2016, and, in the case of any Straddle Period, the portion of such Straddle Period ending on and including December 31, 2016.

Pre-Deconsolidation Period ” means any Tax Period ending on or before the Deconsolidation Date, and, in the case of any Straddle Period, the portion of such Straddle Period ending on and including the Deconsolidation Date. For the avoidance of doubt, if the IPO results in Deconsolidation, the “Pre-Deconsolidation Period” and the “Pre-IPO Period” shall have the same meaning.

Pre-IPO Period ” means any Tax Period ending on or before the IPO Closing Date, and, in the case of any Straddle Period, the portion of such Straddle Period ending on and including the IPO Closing Date. For the avoidance of doubt, if the IPO results in Deconsolidation, the “Pre-Deconsolidation Period” and the “Pre-IPO Period” shall have the same meaning.

Privilege means any privilege that may be asserted under applicable Law, including, any privilege arising under or relating to the attorney-client relationship (including the attorney-client and work product privileges), the accountant-client privilege and any privilege relating to internal evaluation processes.

Proposed Acquisition Transaction ” means a transaction or series of transactions (or any agreement, understanding or arrangement, within the meaning of Section 355(e) of the Code and Treasury Regulation Section 1.355-7, or any other regulations promulgated thereunder, to enter into a transaction or series of transactions), whether such transaction is supported by Newmark management or shareholders, is a hostile acquisition, or otherwise, as a result of which Newmark would merge or consolidate with any other Person or as a result of which any Person or Persons would (directly or indirectly) acquire, or have the right to acquire, from Newmark and/or one or more holders of outstanding shares of Newmark Capital Stock, a number of shares of Newmark Capital Stock that would, when combined with any other changes in ownership of Newmark Capital Stock pertinent for purposes of Section 355(e) of the Code, comprise 40% or more of (A) the value of all outstanding shares of stock of Newmark as of the date of such transaction, or in the case of a series of transactions, the date of the last transaction of such series, or (B) the total combined voting power of all outstanding shares of voting stock of Newmark as of the date of such transaction, or in the case of a series of transactions, the date of the last transaction of such series. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Proposed Acquisition Transaction shall not include (A) the adoption by Newmark of a shareholder rights plan or (B) issuances by Newmark that satisfy Safe Harbor VIII (relating to acquisitions in connection with a person’s performance of services) or Safe Harbor IX (relating to acquisitions by a retirement plan of an employer) of Treasury Regulation Section 1.355-7(d). For purposes of

 

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determining whether a transaction constitutes an indirect acquisition, any recapitalization resulting in a shift of voting power or any redemption of shares of stock shall be treated as an indirect acquisition of shares of stock by the non-exchanging shareholders. This definition and the application thereof is intended to monitor compliance with Section 355(e) of the Code and shall be interpreted accordingly. Any clarification of, or change in, the statute or regulations promulgated under Section 355(e) of the Code shall be incorporated into this definition and its interpretation.

Refund means any refund (or credit in lieu thereof) of Taxes (including any overpayment of Taxes that can be refunded or, alternatively, applied to or against other Taxes payable), including any interest paid on or with respect to such refund (or credit or overpayment); provided , however , that for purposes of this Agreement, the amount of any Refund required to be paid to another Party shall be reduced by the net amount of any Income Taxes imposed on, related to, or attributable to, the receipt or accrual of such Refund.

Representation Letters ” means the representation letters and any other materials delivered by, or on behalf of, BGC Partners, Newmark or others to a Tax Advisor in connection with the issuance by such Tax Advisor of a Tax Opinion.

Required Party ” has the meaning set forth in Section  5.03(a) of this Agreement.

Responsible Company ” means, with respect to any Tax Return, the Company having responsibility for preparing and filing such Tax Return under this Agreement.

Restriction Period ” means the period beginning on the date hereof and ending on the twenty-five (25) month anniversary of the Distribution Date.

Retention Date ” has the meaning set forth in Section  9.01 of this Agreement.

Section  336(e) Election ” has the meaning set forth in Section  7.06 of this Agreement.

Section  368(c) Control ” means “control” as defined in Section 368(c) of the Code (or in any successor statute or provision), as such definition may be amended from time to time.

Section  7.02(d) Acquisition Transaction ” means any transaction or series of transactions that is not a Proposed Acquisition Transaction but would be a Proposed Acquisition Transaction if the percentage reflected in the definition of Proposed Acquisition Transaction were 25% instead of 40%.

Separate Return ” means (a) in the case of any Tax Return of any member of the Newmark Group (including any consolidated, combined, unitary or other similar Return), any such Tax Return that does not include any member of the BGC Group and (b) in the case of any Tax Return of any member of the BGC Group (including any consolidated, combined, unitary or other similar Return), any such Tax Return that does not include any member of the Newmark Group.

Separation ” has the meaning set forth in the recitals of this Agreement.

 

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Separation and Distribution Agreement has the meaning set forth in the recitals of this Agreement.

Separation Transactions ” means the Contribution, the Distribution, the Opco Partnership Division, the Holdings Partnership Division and the other transactions contemplated by the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

Single Business Return means any Separate Return (including any consolidated, combined, unitary or other similar Return) that relates to assets or activities of only the BGC Business, on the one hand, or the Newmark Business, on the other hand (but not both).

State Income Tax ” means any Tax imposed by any State of the United States (or by any political subdivision of any such State) or the District of Columbia, or any city or municipality located therein, which is imposed on or measured by net income, including state and local franchise or similar Taxes measured by net income (and, for the absence of doubt, any interest, penalties, additions to tax, or additional amounts in respect of the foregoing).

State Income Tax Return ” means any Tax Return with respect to State Income Taxes.

State Other Tax ” means any Tax imposed by any State of the United States (or by any political subdivision of any such State) or the District of Columbia, or any city or municipality located therein, other than any State Income Taxes (and, for the absence of doubt, any interest, penalties, additions to tax, or additional amounts in respect of the foregoing).

State Tax means any State Income Taxes or State Other Taxes.

Straddle Period ” means any Tax Period that begins on or before and ends after the IPO Closing Date, December 31, 2016 or the Deconsolidation Date, as applicable.

Tax ” or “ Taxes ” means any income, gross income, gross receipts, profits, capital stock, franchise, withholding, payroll, social security, workers compensation, unemployment, disability, property, ad valorem , stamp, excise, severance, occupation, service, sales, use, license, lease, transfer, import, export, value added, alternative minimum, estimated or other tax (including any fee, assessment, or other charge in the nature of or in lieu of any tax) imposed by any governmental entity or political subdivision thereof (and, for the absence of doubt, any interest, penalties, additions to tax, or additional amounts in respect of the foregoing).

Tax Advisor means a United States tax counsel or accountant of recognized national standing.

Tax Advisor Dispute has the meaning set forth in Section  14 of this Agreement.

Tax Attribute means a net operating loss, net capital loss, unused investment credit, unused foreign tax credit, excess charitable contribution, general business credit or any other Tax Item that could reduce a Tax.

 

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Tax Authority ” means, with respect to any Tax, the governmental entity or political subdivision thereof that imposes such Tax, and the agency (if any) charged with the collection of such Tax for such entity or subdivision.

Tax Benefit ” means any Refund, credit, or other reduction in Taxes paid or payable.

Tax Contest ” means an audit, review, examination, or any other administrative or judicial proceeding with the purpose or effect of redetermining Taxes (including any administrative or judicial review of any claim for Refund).

Tax-Free Status means, with respect to the Contribution and the Distribution, taken together, the qualification thereof (a) as a transaction described in Section 368(a)(1)(D) and Section 355(a) of the Code, (b) as a transaction in which the stock distributed thereby is “qualified property” for purposes of Sections 355(c)(2), 355(d), 355(e) and 361(c)(2) of the Code and (c) as a transaction in which BGC Partners, Newmark, the members of their respective Groups and the shareholders of BGC Partners recognize no income or gain for U.S. federal income tax purposes pursuant to Sections 355, 361 and 1032 of the Code, other than (1) gain recognized pursuant to Section 361(b) of the Code with respect to any “other property or money” within the meaning of Section 361(b) of the Code received by BGC Partners from Newmark as part of the Contribution (if any) that is not transferred to creditors or shareholders of BGC Partners in connection with the Contribution and the Distribution, or (2) intercompany items or excess loss accounts taken into account pursuant to the Treasury Regulations promulgated pursuant to Section 1502 of the Code.

Tax Item ” means, with respect to any Income Tax, any item of income, gain, loss, deduction, credit, or any other item which increases or decreases Taxes paid or payable.

Tax Law ” means the Law of any governmental entity or political subdivision thereof relating to any Tax.

Tax Opinion ” means an opinion of a Tax Advisor delivered to BGC Partners in connection with, and regarding the Federal Income Tax treatment of, the Contribution and the Distribution.

Tax Period ” means, with respect to any Tax, the period for which the Tax is reported as provided under the Code or other applicable Tax Law.

Tax Records ” means any Tax Returns, Tax Return workpapers, documentation relating to any Tax Contests, and any other books of account or records (whether or not in written, electronic or other tangible or intangible forms and whether or not stored on electronic or any other medium) required to be maintained under the Code or other applicable Tax Laws or under any record retention agreement with any Tax Authority.

Tax Return ” or “ Return means any report of Taxes due, any claim for refund of Taxes paid, any information return with respect to Taxes, or any other similar report, statement, declaration, or document filed or required to be filed under the Code or other Tax Law, including any attachments, exhibits, or other materials submitted with any of the foregoing, and including any amendments or supplements to any of the foregoing.

 

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Term Loan ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

TRA Tax Benefit Payment has the meaning ascribed to such term in the BGC Partners TRA.

Treasury Regulations ” means the regulations promulgated from time to time under the Code as in effect for the relevant Tax Period.

Unqualified Tax Opinion means an unqualified “will” opinion of a Tax Advisor (which Tax Advisor is acceptable to BGC Partners) on which BGC Partners may rely to the effect that a transaction will not affect the Tax-Free Status of the Contribution or the Distribution. Any such opinion must assume that the Contribution and Distribution, taken together, would have qualified for Tax-Free Status if the transaction in question did not occur.

Waiver ” has the meaning set forth in Section  7.02(c) of this Agreement.

Section 2. Allocation of Tax Liabilities.

Section 2.01 General Rule.

(a) BGC Liability . The BGC Entities shall be liable for, and shall indemnify and hold harmless the Newmark Group from and against any liability for, Taxes which are allocated to the BGC Entities under this Section  2 .

(b) Newmark Liability . The Newmark Entities shall be liable for, and shall indemnify and hold harmless the BGC Group from and against any liability for, Taxes which are allocated to the Newmark Entities under this Section  2 .

Section 2.02 Allocation of United States Federal Income Tax and Federal Other Tax. Except as otherwise provided in Section  2.05 , Federal Income Tax and Federal Other Tax shall be allocated as follows:

(a) Allocation of Tax Relating to BGC Federal Consolidated Income Tax Returns. With respect to any Federal Income Taxes due with respect to, or required to be reported on, a BGC Federal Consolidated Income Tax Return (including any increase in such Tax (or a reduction in Refund) as a result of a Final Determination):

(i) Pre-2017 Periods . The BGC Entities shall be responsible for any such Federal Income Taxes for a Pre-2017 Period; provided , that the Newmark Entities shall be responsible for any such Federal Income Taxes that are Newmark Adjustment Taxes.

(ii) Post-2016 Periods .

(A) The Newmark Entities shall be responsible for any such Federal Income Taxes for a Post-2016 Period that are attributable to the Newmark Business (as determined pursuant to Section  3.02 ).

 

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(B) The BGC Entities shall be responsible for any such Federal Income Taxes for a Post-2016 Period other than Taxes for which the Newmark Entities are responsible pursuant to Section  2.02(a)(ii)(A) .

(b) Allocation of Tax Relating to Federal Separate Income Tax Returns. With respect to any Federal Income Taxes due with respect to, or required to be reported on, a Separate Return (including any increase in such Tax (or a reduction in Refund) as a result of a Final Determination):

(i) The BGC Entities shall be responsible for any such Federal Income Taxes due with respect to, or required to be reported on, any BGC Separate Return.

(ii) The Newmark Entities shall be responsible for any and all Federal Income Taxes due with respect to, or required to be reported on, any Newmark Separate Return.

(c) Allocation of Federal Other Tax . With respect to any Federal Other Taxes (including any increase in such Tax (or a reduction in Refund) as a result of a Final Determination):

(i) The BGC Entities shall be responsible for any such Federal Other Taxes that are attributable to the BGC Business (as determined pursuant to Section  3.03 ).

(ii) The Newmark Entities shall be responsible for any such Federal Other Taxes that are attributable to the Newmark Business (as determined pursuant to Section  3.03 ).

Section 2.03 Allocation of State Income and State Other Taxes . Except as otherwise provided in Section 2.05 , State Income Tax and State Other Tax shall be allocated as follows:

(a) Allocation of Tax Relating to BGC State Combined Income Tax Returns. With respect to any State Income Taxes due with respect to, or required to be reported on, a BGC State Combined Income Tax Return or other Joint Return (including any increase in such Tax (or a reduction in Refund) as a result of a Final Determination):

(i) Pre-2017 Periods . The BGC Entities shall be responsible for any such State Income Taxes for a Pre-2017 Period; provided , that the Newmark Entities shall be responsible for any such State Income Taxes that are Newmark Adjustment Taxes.

(ii) Post-2016 Periods .

(A) The Newmark Entities shall be responsible for any such State Income Taxes for a Post-2016 Period that are attributable to the Newmark Business (as determined pursuant to Section  3.02 ).

 

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(B) The BGC Entities shall be responsible for any such State Income Taxes for a Post-2016 Period other than Taxes for which the Newmark Entities are responsible pursuant to Section  2.03(a)(ii)(A) .

(b) Allocation of Tax Relating to State Separate Income Tax Returns . With respect to any State Income Taxes due with respect to, or required to be reported on, a Separate Return (including any increase in such Tax (or a reduction in Refund) as a result of a Final Determination):

(i) Mixed Business Returns . In the case of any such State Income Taxes due with respect to, or required to be reported on, a Mixed Business Return:

(A) If such Mixed Business Return is a BGC Separate Return, the BGC Entities shall be responsible for any such State Income Taxes; provided , that the Newmark Entities shall be responsible for any such State Income Taxes that are Newmark Adjustment Taxes.

(B) If such Mixed Business Return is a Newmark Separate Return, the Newmark Entities shall be responsible for any such State Income Taxes; provided , that the BGC Entities shall be responsible for any such State Income Taxes that are BGC Adjustment Taxes.

(ii) Single Business Returns . In the case of any such State Income Taxes due with respect to, or required to be reported, on a Single Business Return:

(A) The BGC Entities shall be responsible for any such State Income Taxes due with respect to, or required to be reported on, any BGC Single Business Return.

(B) The Newmark Entities shall be responsible for any such State Income Taxes due with respect to, or required to be reported on, any Newmark Single Business Return.

(c) Allocation of State Other Tax . With respect to any State Other Taxes (including any increase in such Tax (or a reduction in Refund) as a result of a Final Determination):

(i) The BGC Entities shall be responsible for any such State Other Taxes that are attributable to the BGC Business (as determined pursuant to Section  3.03 ).

(ii) The Newmark Entities shall be responsible for any such State Other Taxes that are attributable to the Newmark Business (as determined pursuant to Section  3.03 ).

 

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Section 2.04 Allocation of Foreign Taxes. Except as otherwise provided in Section  2.05 , Foreign Income Tax and Foreign Other Tax shall be allocated as follows:

(a) Allocation of Tax Relating to Foreign Combined Income Tax Returns. With respect to any Foreign Income Taxes due with respect to, or required to be reported on, a Foreign Combined Income Tax Return or other Joint Return (including any increase in such Tax (or reduction in Refund) as a result of a Final Determination):

(i) Pre-2017 Periods . The BGC Entities shall be responsible for any such Foreign Income Taxes for a Pre-2017 Period; provided , that the Newmark Entities shall be responsible for any such Foreign Income Taxes that are Newmark Adjustment Taxes.

(ii) Post-2016 Periods .

(A) The Newmark Entities shall be responsible for any such Foreign Income Taxes for a Post-2016 Period that are attributable to the Newmark Business (as determined pursuant to Section  3.02 ).

(B) The BGC Entities shall be responsible for any such Foreign Income Taxes for a Post-2016 Period other than Taxes for which the Newmark Entities are responsible pursuant to Section  2.04(a)(ii)(A) .

(b) Allocation of Tax Relating to Foreign Separate Income Tax Returns . With respect to any Foreign Income Taxes due with respect to, or required to be reported on, a Separate Return (including any increase in such Tax (or a reduction in Refund) as a result of a Final Determination):

(i) Mixed Business Returns . In the case of any such Foreign Income Taxes due with respect to, or required to be reported on, a Mixed Business Return:

(A) If such Mixed Business Return is a BGC Separate Return, the BGC Entities shall be responsible for any such Foreign Income Taxes; provided , that the Newmark Entities shall be responsible for any such Foreign Income Taxes that are Newmark Adjustment Taxes.

(B) If such Mixed Business Return is a Newmark Separate Return, the Newmark Entities shall be responsible for any such Foreign Income Taxes; provided , that the BGC Entities shall be responsible for any such Foreign Income Taxes that are BGC Adjustment Taxes

(ii) Single Business Returns . In the case of any such Foreign Income Taxes due with respect to, or required to be reported on, a Single Business Return:

(iii) The BGC Entities shall be responsible for any such Foreign Income Taxes due with respect to, or required to be reported on, any BGC Single Business Return.

(iv) The Newmark Entities shall be responsible for any such Foreign Income Taxes due with respect to, or required to be reported on, any Newmark Single Business Return.

 

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(c) Allocation of Foreign Other Tax. With respect to any Foreign Other Taxes (including any increase in such Tax (or a reduction in Refund) as a result of a Final Determination):

(i) The BGC Entities shall be responsible for any such Foreign Other Taxes that are attributable to the BGC Business (as determined pursuant to Section  3.03 ).

(ii) The Newmark Entities shall be responsible for any such Foreign Other Taxes that are attributable to the Newmark Business (as determined pursuant to Section  3.03 ).

Section 2.05 Certain Transaction and Other Taxes.

(a) Newmark Liability . The Newmark Entities shall be liable for, and shall indemnify and hold harmless the BGC Group from and against any liability for:

(i) Any stamp, sales and use, gross receipts, value-added or other transfer Taxes imposed by any Tax Authority on any member of the Newmark Group (if such member is primarily liable for such Tax) on the transfers occurring pursuant to the Separation Transactions;

(ii) any Tax resulting from a breach by the Newmark Entities of any representation or covenant in this Agreement, the Separation and Distribution Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement; and

(iii) any Distribution Tax-Related Losses for which the Newmark Entities are responsible pursuant to Section  7.05 of this Agreement.

The amounts for which the Newmark Entities are liable pursuant to Section  2.05(a)(i) and (ii)  shall include all accounting, legal and other professional fees, and court costs incurred in connection with the relevant Taxes.

(b) BGC Partners Liability . The BGC Entities shall be liable for, and shall indemnify and hold harmless the Newmark Group from and against any liability for:

(i) Any stamp, sales and use, gross receipts, value-added or other transfer Taxes imposed by any Tax Authority on any member of the BGC Group (if such member is primarily liable for such Tax) on the transfers occurring pursuant to the Separation Transactions;

(ii) any Tax resulting from a breach by the BGC Entities of any representation or covenant in this Agreement, the Separation and Distribution Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement; and

(iii) any Distribution Tax-Related Losses for which the BGC Entities are responsible pursuant to Section  7.05 of this Agreement.

 

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The amounts for which the BGC Entities are liable pursuant to Section  2.05(b)(i) and (ii)  shall include all accounting, legal and other professional fees, and court costs incurred in connection with the relevant Taxes.

Section 3. Attribution of Taxes; Proration of Taxes for Straddle Periods.

Section  3.01 Income Taxes in Respect of Joint Returns and Mixed Business Returns for Pre-2017 Periods . For purposes of this Agreement, in the case of any Final Determination with respect to any Income Tax Return for any Pre-2017 Period that is a Joint Return or Mixed Business Return, the existence and amount of any Newmark Adjustment Taxes, BGC Adjustment Taxes, Newmark Adjustment Tax Benefit or BGC Adjustment Tax Benefit shall be determined on a “with and without” basis by reference solely to such Final Determination and the Tax Periods affected thereby, which determination shall be made by BGC Partners in its sole good faith discretion.

Section  3.02 Income Taxes in Respect of Joint Returns for Post-2017, Pre-Deconsolidation Periods . For purposes of this Agreement, with respect to any Joint Income Tax Return for any Post-2016 Period that ends on or before the Deconsolidation Date, Income Taxes that are attributable to the Newmark Business shall be the hypothetical stand-alone Tax Liability of the Newmark Group (and/or any of its members) for such Tax Period with respect to a pro forma Tax Return of members of the Newmark Group that takes into account only the relevant operations, assets and liabilities (and relevant Tax Items (including, for the avoidance of doubt, deductions pursuant to the New York City Unincorporated Business Tax) attributable to or arising out of such relevant operations, assets and liabilities) of the Newmark Business and prepared on the following basis, as determined by BGC Partners in its sole good faith discretion:

(a) the Separation (including the Partnership Divisions and the Contribution) shall be assumed to have occurred immediately before January 1, 2017, such that all of the operations, assets and liabilities of the Newmark Business held by members of the Newmark Group as of immediately before the IPO are deemed to have been held by such members of the Newmark Group (and that all such members of the Newmark Group had been in existence) during the period beginning on (and including) January 1, 2017 and ending at the IPO;

(b) to the extent that members of the Newmark Group would be (or would have been (x) but for their inclusion in a Joint Return or (y) had they been in existence) entitled to file the relevant Tax Return on a consolidated, combined, unitary or similar basis, as applicable, solely with other members of the Newmark Group, such Tax Liability shall be determined as though such members of the Newmark Group filed on a consolidated, combined, unitary or similar basis, as applicable, solely with such other members of the Newmark Group;

(c) except as provided in Section  3.02(d) , the same elections, accounting methods and conventions used on the relevant Joint Income Tax Return, to the extent applicable, shall be used;

(d) taxable income of the Newmark Group and/or any of its members shall be calculated by taking into account losses, credits, and other Tax Attributes of Newmark and the relevant members of the Newmark Group, in each case, solely to the extent arising after

 

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December 31, 2016 and on or before the Deconsolidation Date, and treating all such Tax Attributes as being subject to the limitations under applicable Tax Law (including limitations on carrybacks and carryforwards) that would apply if the relevant members of the Newmark Group had filed Tax Returns on the basis set forth in this Section  3.02 for all Tax Periods (or portions thereof) relevant to the computation; provided , that the Newmark Group and/or its members shall be deemed to have relinquished, waived or otherwise foregone any carrybacks to any taxable period (or portion thereof) beginning prior to January 1, 2017, and if any such Tax Attribute would, under applicable Tax Law be required to be carried back to such a period (or portion thereof), such Tax Attribute shall be deemed to be available to the Newmark Group on a carryforward basis (subject to the limitations under applicable Tax Law on such carryforwards). For the avoidance of doubt, for purposes of calculating any available carryforward or carryback of Tax Attributes pursuant to this clause (d), the utilization of any such Tax Attributes by members of the BGC Group shall be disregarded;

(e) any Income Tax deductions in respect of Compensatory Equity Interests shall be allocated in accordance with the principles set forth in Section  6.02(a) ; and

(f) calculations pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section  3.02 shall not be deemed to result in a Refund to the Newmark Group (and/or any of its members) unless the Newmark Group or the Newmark Business generates a Tax Attribute for a Post-2016 Period determined under the principles of this Section  3.02 and a member of the BGC Group Actually Realizes a Tax Benefit as a result of the utilization of such Tax Attribute, as determined by BGC Partners in its sole good faith discretion (any Refund to the Newmark Group (and/or any of its members) determined pursuant to this Section  3.02 (after application of the limitations set forth in this Section  3.02(f) ), a “ Hypothetical Newmark Refund ”). For the avoidance of doubt, the BGC Entities shall not be required to pay any amounts to Newmark or any member of the Newmark Group except as required under Section  6 .

Section  3.03 Attribution of Other Taxes in Respect of Joint Returns and Mixed Returns . For purposes of this Agreement, with respect to any Other Tax Return that is a Joint Return or Mixed Business Return, Other Taxes that are attributable to the Newmark Business or the BGC Business, as applicable, shall be determined by reference to all relevant facts and circumstances ( e.g. , in the case of a property Tax imposed on shared real estate, such Tax may be apportioned between the Newmark Business and the BGC Business by reference to the portion of such shared real estate that is used by the Newmark Business relative to the BGC Business), which determination shall be made by BGC Partners in its sole good faith discretion.

Section  3.04 General Method of Proration for Straddle Periods . In the case of any Straddle Period, Tax Items shall be apportioned between Pre-Deconsolidation Periods and Post-Deconsolidation Periods (and, to the extent relevant, Pre-2017 Periods and Post-2016 Periods or Pre-IPO Periods and Post-IPO Periods, as applicable) in accordance with the principles of Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-76(b) and any other applicable Tax Law as reasonably interpreted and applied by BGC Partners. With respect to the BGC Federal Consolidated Income Tax Return for the taxable year that includes the Deconsolidation, no election shall be made under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-76(b)(2)(ii). If the Deconsolidation Date is not an Accounting Cutoff Date, the provisions of Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-76(b)(2)(iii) will be applied to ratably allocate the items (other than extraordinary items) for the month which includes the Deconsolidation Date.

 

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Section  3.05 Transactions Treated as Extraordinary Item . In determining the apportionment of Tax Items between Pre-Deconsolidation Periods and Post-Deconsolidation Periods, any Tax Items relating to the Separation Transactions shall be treated as extraordinary items described in Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-76(b)(2)(ii)(C) and shall (to the extent occurring on or prior to the Deconsolidation Date) be allocated to Pre-Deconsolidation Periods, and any Taxes related to such items shall be treated under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-76(b)(2)(iv) as relating to such extraordinary item and shall (to the extent occurring on or prior to the Deconsolidation Date) be allocated to Pre-Deconsolidation Periods. To the extent relevant for purposes of this Agreement, similar principles shall apply for purposes of apportioning Tax Items between Pre-2016 Periods and Post-2017 Periods and Pre-IPO Periods and Post-IPO Periods, as applicable.

Section 4. Preparation and Filing of Tax Returns.

Section 4.01 General. Except as otherwise provided in this Section  4 , Tax Returns shall be prepared and filed when due (taking into account extensions) by the Person obligated to file such Tax Returns under the Code or applicable Tax Law. The Companies shall provide, and shall cause their Affiliates to provide, assistance and cooperation to one another in accordance with Section  8 with respect to the preparation and filing of Tax Returns, including by providing information required to be provided pursuant to Section  8 .

Section 4.02 BGC Partners Responsibility . BGC Partners has the exclusive obligation and right to prepare and file, or to cause to be prepared and filed:

(a) BGC Federal Consolidated Income Tax Returns, BGC State Combined Income Tax Returns, BGC Foreign Combined Income Tax Returns and any other Joint Returns which BGC Partners reasonably determines are required to be filed (or which BGC Partners chooses to be filed) by the Companies or any of their Affiliates;

(b) BGC Separate Returns;

(c) Newmark Separate Returns that are Mixed Business Returns and Newmark Separate Returns that are BGC Single Business Returns, in each case, which BGC Partners reasonably determines are required to be filed by the Companies or any of their Affiliates (limited, in the case of Newmark Separate Returns, to such Returns as BGC Partners reasonably determines are required to be filed for Tax Periods beginning before the Deconsolidation Date).

Section 4.03 Newmark Responsibility. Newmark shall prepare and file, or shall cause to be prepared and filed, all Tax Returns required to be filed by or with respect to members of the Newmark Group other than those Tax Returns which BGC Partners is required or entitled to prepare and file under Section  4.02 (it being agreed and understood that Newmark shall not file, or cause to be filed, any Tax Return if the filing of such Tax Return would be inconsistent with any Tax Return that BGC Partners files or chooses to file pursuant to Section  4.02 (such as, for example, the filing of any Newmark Separate Return for a Tax Period (or portion thereof) in a

 

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jurisdiction and for a type of Tax where BGC Partners files a Joint Return for the same Tax Period (or portion thereof))). The Tax Returns required to be prepared and filed by Newmark under this Section  4.03 shall include (a) any Newmark Federal Consolidated Income Tax Return for Tax Periods ending after the Deconsolidation Date and (b) Newmark Separate Returns that are Newmark Single Business Returns.

Section 4.04 Tax Accounting Practices.

(a) General Rule . Except as otherwise provided in Section  4.04(b) , (i) with respect to any Tax Return that Newmark has the obligation and right to prepare and file, or cause to be prepared and filed, under Section  4.03 , for any Tax Period ending on or before the Deconsolidation Date or any Straddle Period that includes the Deconsolidation Date (or any Tax Period beginning after the Deconsolidation Date to the extent Tax Items reported on such Tax Return could reasonably be expected to affect Tax Items reported on any Tax Return that BGC Partners has the obligation or right to prepare and file, or cause to be prepared and filed, for any taxable period ending on or before the Deconsolidation Date or any Straddle Period that includes the Deconsolidation Date), such Tax Return shall be prepared in accordance with past practices, accounting methods, elections and conventions (“ Past Practices ”) used with respect to the Tax Returns in question (unless there is no reasonable basis for the use of such Past Practices or unless there is no adverse effect to BGC Partners or any of its Affiliates), and to the extent any such Tax Items are not covered by Past Practices (or in the event that there is no reasonable basis for the use of such Past Practices or there is no adverse effect to BGC Partners or any of its Affiliates), in accordance with reasonable Tax accounting practices selected by Newmark and reasonably acceptable to BGC Partners, and (ii) notwithstanding anything to the contrary in clause (i), Newmark shall not, and shall not permit or cause any member of the Newmark Group to, take any position with respect to any Tax Item on a Tax Return, or otherwise treat a Tax Item, in a manner that is inconsistent with the manner in which such Tax Item (or related Tax Items) is (or are) reported on a Tax Return which BGC Partners has the obligation and right to prepare and file, or cause to be prepared and filed, under Section  4.02 (unless there is no reasonable basis for such reporting). Except as otherwise provided in Section  4.04(b) , with respect to any Tax Return that BGC Partners has the obligation and right to prepare and file, or cause to be prepared and filed, under Section  4.02 , such Tax Return shall be prepared in accordance with reasonable Tax accounting practices selected by BGC Partners.

(b) Reporting of Transactions . Except to the extent otherwise required by a change in applicable Tax Law or as a result of a Final Determination, neither BGC Partners nor Newmark shall, and shall not permit or cause any member of its respective Group to, take any position that is inconsistent with the treatment of (i) the Contribution and Distribution, taken together, as having Tax-Free Status (or analogous status under state, local or foreign Law), (ii) any of the Partnership Divisions as having Partnership Division Treatment (or analogous treatment under state, local or foreign Law), or (iii) any Separation Transaction in the relevant Tax Opinion(s) (to the extent still valid and in effect); provided , that in any case or with respect to any item where there is no relevant Tax Opinion, the Tax treatment of the Separation Transactions shall be as determined by BGC Partners in its sole good faith discretion.

 

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Section 4.05 Consolidated or Combined Tax Returns . BGC Partners shall determine in its sole discretion whether to file a Tax Return for any Tax Period as a Joint Return and the entities to be included in any Joint Return, and BGC Partners shall (and shall be entitled to), in its sole discretion, make or revoke any Tax elections, adopt or change any Tax accounting methods, and determine any other position taken on or in respect of any Joint Return. Newmark shall elect to join (and take any other action necessary to give effect to such election), and shall cause its respective Affiliates to elect to join (and take any other action necessary to give effect to such election), in filing any BGC Federal Consolidated Income Tax Returns, BGC State Combined Income Tax Returns, BGC Foreign Combined Income Tax Returns and any other Joint Returns that BGC Partners determines are required to be filed or that BGC Partners chooses to file pursuant to Section  4.02 . With respect to any Newmark Separate Returns relating to any Tax Period (or portion thereof) ending on or prior to the Deconsolidation Date, Newmark shall elect to join, and shall cause its respective Affiliates to elect to join, in filing consolidated, unitary, combined, or other similar joint Tax Returns, to the extent each entity is eligible to join in such Tax Returns, if BGC Partners reasonably determines that the filing of such Tax Returns is consistent with past reporting practices, or, in the absence of applicable past practices, will result in the minimization of the net present value of the aggregate Tax to the entities eligible to join in such Tax Returns.

Section 4.06 Right to Review Tax Returns.

(a) General . The Responsible Company with respect to any Tax Return shall make such Tax Return (or the relevant portions thereof) and related workpapers and other supporting documents available for review by the other Company, if requested, to the extent (i) such Tax Return relates to Taxes for which such other Company (or any of its Affiliates) is or would reasonably be expected to be liable, (ii) such other Company (or any of its Affiliates) is or would reasonably be expected to be liable in whole or in part for any additional Taxes owing as a result of adjustments to the amount of such Taxes reported on such Tax Return, (iii) such Tax Return relates to Taxes for which such other Company would reasonably be expected to have a claim for Refunds or other Tax Benefits under this Agreement, or (iv) reasonably necessary for the other Company to confirm compliance with the terms of this Agreement. The Responsible Company shall use reasonable efforts to make such Tax Return, workpapers and other supporting documents available for review as required under this paragraph sufficiently in advance of the due date for filing of such Tax Return to provide the other Company with a meaningful opportunity to review and comment on such Tax Return. The Companies shall attempt in good faith to resolve any disagreement arising out of the review of such Tax Return and, failing such resolution, any disagreement shall be resolved in accordance with the disagreement resolution provisions of Section  14 as promptly as practicable.

(b) Execution of Returns Prepared by Other Party . In the case of any Tax Return which is required to be prepared and filed by one Company under this Agreement and which is required by law to be signed by the other Company (or by its authorized representative), the Company which is legally required to sign such Tax Return shall not be required to sign such Tax Return under this Agreement unless there is at least a reasonable basis (or comparable standard under state, local or foreign Law) for the Tax treatment of each material item reported on the Tax Return.

 

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Section 4.07 Newmark Carrybacks and Claims for Refund . Unless BGC Partners consents in writing, Newmark shall (i) not file any Adjustment Request with respect to any Joint Return, Mixed Business Return or BGC Single Business Return, (ii) make any and all available elections to waive the right to claim any Newmark Carryback, and (iii) not claim or make any affirmative election to claim any Newmark Carryback.

Section 4.08 Apportionment of Earnings and Profits and Tax Attributes.

(a) If the BGC Affiliated Group has a Tax Attribute, the portion, if any, of such Tax Attribute apportioned to Newmark or the members of the Newmark Group and treated as a carryover to the first Post-Deconsolidation Taxable Period of Newmark (or such member) shall be determined by BGC Partners in accordance with Treasury Regulation Sections 1.1502-21, 1.1502-21T, 1.1502-22, 1.1502-79 and, if applicable, 1.1502-79A.

(b) No Tax Attribute with respect to consolidated Federal Income Tax of the BGC Affiliated Group, other than those described in Section  4.08(a) , and no Tax Attribute with respect to consolidated, combined, unitary or similar state, local, or foreign Income Tax, in each case, arising in respect of a Joint Return shall be apportioned to Newmark or any member of the Newmark Group, except as BGC Partners (or such member of the BGC Group as BGC Partners shall designate) determines is otherwise required under applicable Tax Law.

(c) BGC Partners (or its designee) shall determine the portion, if any, of any Tax Attribute which must (absent a Final Determination to the contrary) be apportioned to Newmark or any member of the Newmark Group in accordance with this Section  4.08 and applicable Tax Law and the amount of tax basis and earnings and profits to be apportioned to Newmark or any member of the Newmark Group in accordance with this Section  4.08 and applicable Tax Law, and shall provide written notice of the calculation thereof to Newmark as soon as reasonably practicable after the information necessary to make such calculation becomes available to BGC Partners. For the absence of doubt, BGC Partners shall not be liable to Newmark or any member of the Newmark Group for any failure of any determination under this Section  4.08 to be accurate under applicable Tax Law.

(d) The written notice delivered by BGC Partners pursuant to Section  4.08(c) shall be binding on Newmark and each member of the Newmark Group and shall not be subject to dispute resolution. Except to the extent otherwise required by a change in applicable Tax Law or pursuant to a Final Determination, Newmark shall not take any position (whether on a Tax Return or otherwise) that is inconsistent with the information contained in such written notice.

(e) Notwithstanding any of the above, the foregoing provisions of this Section  4.08 shall not be construed as obligating BGC Partners to undertake any determination described therein. In the event that Newmark requests that BGC Partners undertakes any such determination and BGC Partners determines, in its sole and absolute discretion, not to undertake such determination and so advises Newmark, Newmark shall be permitted to undertake such determination at its own cost and expense and shall notify BGC Partners of its determination (which determination shall not be binding on BGC Partners).

 

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Section 5. Tax Payments.

Section 5.01 Payment of Taxes With Respect to Joint Returns and Mixed Returns . In the case of any Joint Return, Mixed Business Return or any other Tax Return reflecting Taxes for which the Company that is not the Responsible Company is responsible under Section  2 :

(a) Computation and Payment of Tax Due. The Responsible Company shall pay any Tax with respect to any such Tax Return required to be paid to the applicable Tax Authority on or before the relevant Payment Date (and provide notice and proof of payment to the other Company).

(b) Computation and Payment of Liability With Respect to Tax Due . The Responsible Company shall compute the amount of Taxes with respect to such Tax Return for which the other Company is liable (or deemed liable) under the provisions of Section  2 and shall provide written notice and demand for payment of such amount, accompanied by a statement detailing the Taxes paid and the calculation of the amount payable by the other Company and describing in reasonable detail the particulars relating thereto, to the other Company. The other Company shall pay to the Responsible Company the amount of Taxes with respect to such Tax Return for which the other Company is liable under the provisions of Section  2 within twenty (20) Business Days of the date of receipt of such written notice and demand from the Responsible Company; provided , that no such payment shall be required to be made any earlier than five (5) Business Days prior to the relevant Payment Date.

(c) Adjustments Resulting in Underpayments . In the case of any adjustment pursuant to a Final Determination with respect to any such Tax Return, the Responsible Company shall pay to the applicable Tax Authority when due any additional Tax due with respect to such Tax Return required to be paid as a result of such adjustment. The Responsible Company shall compute the amount of Taxes with respect to such Final Determination for which the other Company is liable (or deemed liable) under the provisions of Section  2 and shall provide written notice and demand for payment of such amount, accompanied by a statement detailing the Taxes paid and the calculation of the amount payable by the other Company and describing in reasonable detail the particulars relating thereto, to the other Company. The other Company shall pay to the Responsible Company the amount for which the other Company is liable with respect to such adjustment under the provisions of Section  2 within twenty (20) Business Days of the date of receipt of such written notice and demand from the Responsible Company; provided , that no such payment shall be required to be made any earlier than five (5) Business Days prior to the date the additional Tax is required to be paid to the applicable Tax Authority.

Section 5.02 Payment of Single Business Taxes . Each Company shall pay, or shall cause to be paid, to the applicable Tax Authority when due all Taxes owed by such Company or a member of such Company’s Group with respect to such Company’s Single Business Return.

 

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Section 5.03 Indemnification Payments.

(a) If any Company (the “ Payor ”) is required to pay to a Tax Authority or other party any amounts in respect of Taxes that another Company (the “ Required Party ”) is liable for under this Agreement, the Required Party shall reimburse the Payor (and/or pay any other amounts payable by the Required Party in respect of such Taxes under Section  2 ) within ten (10) Business Days of the of delivery by the Payor to the Required Party of a written notice and demand for payment of such amount, accompanied by evidence of payment and a statement detailing the Taxes paid and the calculation of the amount payable by the Required Party and describing in reasonable detail the particulars relating thereto.

(b) All indemnification payments under this Agreement shall be made by BGC U.S. Opco directly to Newmark Opco and by Newmark Opco directly to BGC U.S. Opco (whether the indemnification payment in question is being made on behalf of the payor or another member of its Group and whether the indemnification payment is for the benefit of the payee or another member of its Group); provided , however , that if the Companies mutually agree with respect to any such indemnification payment, any member of the BGC Group, on the one hand, may make such indemnification payment to any member of the Newmark Group, on the other hand, and vice versa.

Section 6. Tax Benefits.

Section 6.01 Tax Benefits.

(a) Except as set forth below, the BGC Entities shall be entitled to, without duplication, (i) any Refund of Income Taxes and Other Taxes for which the BGC Entities are liable hereunder, (ii) any Refund of Income Taxes with respect to any Joint Return for a Post-2016 Period, (iii) any Refund or other Tax Benefit to the extent such Refund or other Tax Benefit is, or is attributable to, a BGC Adjustment Tax Benefit. The Newmark Entities shall be entitled to, without duplication, (i) any Refund of Income Taxes and Other Taxes for which the Newmark Entities are liable hereunder, (ii) any Refund or other Tax Benefit to the extent such Refund or Tax Benefit is, or is attributable to, a Newmark Adjustment Tax Benefit (other than, in the case of each of clauses (i) and (ii), (x) any Refund or other Tax Benefit to the extent such Refund or other Tax Benefit is, or is attributable to, a BGC Adjustment Tax Benefit and (y) any Refund of Income Taxes with respect to any Joint Return for a Post-2016 Period) and (iii) any Refund received or other Tax Benefit Actually Realized by the BGC Group to the extent attributable to, or in respect, of a Hypothetical Newmark Refund (determined in accordance with Section  3.02 ). A Company receiving a Refund or Actually Realizing any Tax Benefit to which another Company is entitled pursuant to the this Section  6.01(a) in whole or in part shall pay over the amount of such Refund or other Tax Benefit (or portion thereof) to such other Company within ten (10) Business Days after such Refund is received or such other Tax Benefit is Actually Realized. To the extent that any Refund or other Tax Benefit (or portion thereof) in respect of which any amounts were paid over by a Company to the other Company pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Section  6.01(a) is subsequently disallowed or otherwise reversed by the applicable Tax Authority, the Company that received such amounts shall promptly repay such amounts (together with any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Tax Authority) to the other Company. Any payment of a Hypothetical Newmark Refund made by the BGC Entities to Newmark pursuant to this Section  6.01(a) shall be recalculated as appropriate in light of any Final Determination (or any other facts that may arise or come to light after such payment is made) that would affect the amount to which Newmark is entitled, and an appropriate adjusting payment shall be made by the Newmark Entities to the BGC Entities or by the BGC Entities to the Newmark Entities, as applicable, such that the aggregate amount paid pursuant to this Section  6.01(a) equals such recalculated amount.

 

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(b) Without duplication of any Tax Items or amounts governed by or taken into account pursuant to Section  6.01(a) , (c) or (d) , Section  2 or Section  3.02 , if a member of the Newmark Group Actually Realizes any Tax Benefit as a result of any indemnification obligation hereunder of a member of the BGC Group (or an adjustment giving rise to such indemnification obligation), and such Tax Benefit would not, but for the indemnification obligation (or the adjustment giving rise to such indemnification obligation), be allowable, or if a member of the BGC Group Actually Realizes any Tax Benefit as a result of any indemnification obligation hereunder of a member of the Newmark Group (or an adjustment giving rise to such indemnification obligation), and such Tax Benefit would not, but for the indemnification obligation (or the adjustment giving rise to such indemnification obligation), be allowable, Newmark or BGC Partners, as the case may be, shall make a payment to the other Company in an amount equal to such Tax Benefit Actually Realized (including any Tax Benefit Actually Realized as a result of the payment), no later than ten (10) Business Days after such Tax Benefit is Actually Realized.

(c) No later than ten (10) Business Days after a Tax Benefit described in Section  6.01(a) or (b)  is Actually Realized by a member of the BGC Group or a member of the Newmark Group, BGC Partners (if a member of the BGC Group Actually Realizes such Tax Benefit) or Newmark (if a member of the Newmark Group Actually Realizes such Tax Benefit) shall provide the other Company with a written calculation of the amount payable to such other Company pursuant to this Section  6 . In the event that BGC Partners or Newmark disagrees with any such calculation described in this Section  6.01(c) , BGC Partners or Newmark shall so notify the other Company in writing within thirty (30) days of receiving the written calculation set forth above in this Section  6.01(c) . BGC Partners and Newmark shall endeavor in good faith to resolve such disagreement, and, failing that, the amount payable under this Section  6 shall be determined in accordance with the disagreement resolution provisions of Section  14 as promptly as practicable.

(d) Newmark shall be entitled to any Refund Actually Realized by a member of the BGC Group that is attributable to, and would not have arisen but for, a Newmark Carryback that is required under applicable Tax Law and is not effected in violation of Section  4.07 ; provided , however , that Newmark shall indemnify and hold the members of the BGC Group harmless from and against any and all collateral Tax consequences resulting from, attributable to or caused by any such Newmark Carryback, including (but not limited to) the loss or postponement of any benefit from the use of Tax Attributes generated by a member of the BGC Group or an Affiliate thereof if (x) such Tax Attributes expire unutilized, but would have been utilized but for such Newmark Carryback, or (y) the use of such Tax Attributes is postponed to a later taxable period than the taxable period in which such Tax Attributes would have been utilized but for such Newmark Carryback. Any such payment of such Refund made by the BGC Entities to Newmark pursuant to this Section  6.01(d) shall be recalculated as appropriate in light of any Final Determination (or any other facts that may arise or come to light after such payment is made, such as a carryback of a Tax Attribute of the BGC Group to a Tax Period in respect of which such Refund is received) that would affect the amount to which Newmark is entitled, and an appropriate adjusting payment shall be made by Newmark to the BGC Entities such that the aggregate amount paid pursuant to this Section  6.01(d) equals such recalculated amount.

 

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(e) Any determinations with respect to any Refund or other Tax Benefit to which a member of a Group may be entitled pursuant to any of the foregoing provisions of Section  6.01 shall be made without duplication of any Refund, Tax Benefit or Tax Item governed by or already taken into account in determining any entitlement to any amounts pursuant to any other provision of this Section  6.01 or any Liability for Taxes pursuant to Section  2 .

Section 6.02 BGC Partners and Newmark Income Tax Deductions in Respect of Certain Equity Awards and Incentive Compensation.

(a) Allocation of Deductions . To the extent permitted by applicable Tax Law, Income Tax deductions arising by reason of the settlement, exercise or vesting of any BGC Equity Awards or Newmark Equity Awards with respect to BGC Partners stock or Newmark stock, grant of exchangeability, redemption or exchange for BGC Partners stock or Newmark stock of any equity interests in BGC Holdings or Newmark Holdings, or any other compensatory equity or equity-based award, in each case, following the Deconsolidation (such equity or equity-based awards, collectively, “ Compensatory Equity Interests ”) held by any Person shall be claimed (i) in the case of an active or former BGC Employee, solely by the BGC Group, (ii) in the case of an active or former Newmark Employee, solely by the Newmark Group, and (iii) in the case of a non-employee director, by the Company for which the director serves a director following the Effective Time; provided , that in the case of any executive officer or director who is to be assigned to both BGC Partners and Newmark, each Company and the members of its Group shall be entitled only to the deductions arising in respect of the stock, equity interests or equity awards of such Company or members of its Group.

(b) Withholding and Reporting . Tax reporting and withholding with respect to Compensatory Equity Interests shall be governed by Section 9.06 (Payroll Taxes) of the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

Section 6.03 Payment Obligations Under BGC Partners TRA. The Newmark Entities shall be liable for, and shall indemnify and hold harmless the BGC Group from and against any liability for, any payments required to be made by BGC Partners pursuant to the BGC Partners TRA, to the extent such payments relate to Covered Tax Benefits attributable to any adjustment to the tax basis of Newmark Opco’s tangible or intangible assets with respect to BGC Partners and/or Newmark, as applicable, under Sections 743(b) and 754 of the Code and the comparable sections of U.S. state and local income and franchise Tax law as a result of any Interim Exchange, as determined by BGC Partners in good faith (such benefits, “ Newmark TRA Tax Benefits ”). If Newmark has made a payment pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence that relates to a Newmark TRA Tax Benefit and a Tax Benefit Payment of BGC Partners is decreased pursuant to Section 3.01(b)(iii) or (iv) of the BGC Partners TRA or BGC Partners receives a reimbursement or indemnification payment pursuant to Section 3.02 of the BGC Partners TRA, in each case, in respect of such Newmark TRA Tax Benefit, BGC shall promptly pay over to Newmark the amount of such reimbursement, indemnification or decrease.

 

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Section 7. Tax-Free Status.

Section 7.01 Representations.

(a) Each of BGC Partners and Newmark hereby represents and warrants that (i) it has reviewed the Representation Letters and (ii) all information, representations and covenants contained in such Representation Letters that relate to such Company or any member of its Group are true, correct and complete.

(b) Newmark hereby represents and warrants that it has no plan or intention of taking any action, or failing to take any action (or causing or permitting any member of its Group to take or fail to take any action), or knows of any circumstance that would or could reasonably be expected to (i) cause any representation or factual statement made in this Agreement, the Separation and Distribution Agreement, any of the Representation Letters or any of the Ancillary Agreements to be untrue or (ii) adversely affect, jeopardize or prevent the Tax-Free Status of the Contribution and Distribution or the Partnership Division Treatment of the Partnership Divisions.

(c) Newmark hereby represents and warrants that, during the two-year period ending on the Distribution Date, there was no (and there will not be any) “agreement, understanding, arrangement, substantial negotiations or discussions” (as such terms are defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.355-7(h)) by any one or more officers or directors of any member of the Newmark Group or by any other person or persons with the implicit or explicit permission of one or more of such officers or directors regarding an acquisition of all or a significant portion of the Newmark Capital Stock (or any predecessor); provided , however , that no representation is made regarding any “agreement, understanding, arrangement, substantial negotiations or discussions” (as such terms are defined in Treasury Regulation 1.355-7(h)) by any one or more officers or directors of BGC Partners.

Section 7.02 Restrictions on Newmark.

(a) Inconsistent Actions. Newmark shall not take or fail to take, or cause or permit any of its Affiliates to take or fail to take, any action where such action or failure to act would be inconsistent with or cause to be untrue any statement, information, covenant or representation in this Agreement, the Separation and Distribution Agreement, any of the Ancillary Agreements or any Representation Letter. Newmark shall not take or fail to take, or cause or permit any of its Affiliates to take or fail to take, any action if such action or failure to act would or could reasonably be expected to adversely affect, jeopardize or prevent the Tax-Free Status of the Contribution and Distribution or the Partnership Division Treatment of the Partnership Divisions.

(b) Active Trade or Business. From the date hereof until the first day after the Restriction Period, Newmark shall (i) maintain its status as a company engaged in the Newmark Active Trade or Business for purposes of Section 355(b)(2) of the Code and (ii) not engage in any transaction that would result in it ceasing to be a company engaged in the Newmark Active Trade or Business for purposes of Section 355(b)(2) of the Code.

 

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(c) Additional Newmark Restrictions. From the date hereof until the first day after the Restriction Period, Newmark shall not:

(i) enter into any Proposed Acquisition Transaction or, to the extent Newmark has the right to prohibit any Proposed Acquisition Transaction, permit any Proposed Acquisition Transaction to occur (whether by (A) redeeming rights under a shareholder rights plan, (B) finding a tender offer to be a “permitted offer” under any such plan or otherwise causing any such plan to be inapplicable or neutralized with respect to any Proposed Acquisition Transaction, or (C) approving any Proposed Acquisition Transaction, whether for purposes of Section 203 of the DGCL or any similar corporate statute, any “fair price” or other provision of Newmark’s charter or bylaws or otherwise),

(ii) merge or consolidate with any other Person or liquidate or partially liquidate (including any transaction treated as a liquidation or partial liquidation for U.S. federal income tax purposes),

(iii) in a single transaction or series of transactions (A) sell or transfer (other than sales or transfers of inventory in the ordinary course of business) all or substantially all of (x) the assets that were transferred to Newmark pursuant to the Contribution or (y) the assets that were transferred to Newmark Opco pursuant to the Opco Partnership Contribution, (B) sell or transfer, directly or indirectly, 50% or more of the gross assets of the Newmark Active Trade or Business or (C) sell or transfer, directly or indirectly, 30% or more of the consolidated gross assets of Newmark and its Affiliates (in each case, (x) such percentages to be measured based on fair market value as of the Distribution Date and (y) for this purpose, a sale or transfer of assets includes any transaction treated as a sale or transfer of such assets for U.S. federal income tax purposes),

(iv) redeem or otherwise repurchase (directly or through an Affiliate of Newmark) any Newmark stock, or rights to acquire stock, except to the extent such repurchases satisfy Section 4.05(1)(b) of Revenue Procedure 96-30 (as in effect prior to the amendment by Revenue Procedure 2003-48),

(v) amend its certificate of incorporation (or other organizational documents), or take any other action, whether through a stockholder vote or otherwise, affecting the voting rights of Newmark Capital Stock (including, without limitation, through the conversion of one class of Newmark Capital Stock into another class of Newmark Capital Stock), or

(vi) take any other action or actions (including any action or transaction that would be reasonably likely to be inconsistent with any representation or covenant made in the Representation Letters) which in the aggregate (and taking into account any other transactions described in this Section  7.02(c) ) would or be reasonably likely to have the effect of causing or permitting one or more Persons to acquire, directly or indirectly, stock representing a Fifty-Percent or Greater Interest in Newmark or otherwise jeopardize the Tax-Free Status of the Contribution or the Distribution,

 

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unless, in each case, prior to taking any such action set forth in the foregoing clauses (i) through (vi), (A) Newmark shall have requested that BGC Partners obtain a private letter ruling (or, if applicable, a supplemental private letter ruling) from the IRS and/or any other applicable Tax Authority in accordance with Section  7.04(b) and (d)  of this Agreement (a “ Distribution Ruling ”) to the effect that such transaction will not affect the Tax-Free Status of the Contribution and Distribution and BGC Partners shall have received such a Distribution Ruling in form and substance satisfactory to BGC Partners in its sole and absolute discretion (and in determining whether a Distribution Ruling is satisfactory, BGC Partners may consider, among other factors, the appropriateness of any underlying assumptions and management’s representations made in connection with such Distribution Ruling), or (B) Newmark shall have provided BGC Partners with an Unqualified Tax Opinion in form and substance satisfactory to BGC Partners in its sole and absolute discretion (and in determining whether an opinion is satisfactory, BGC Partners may consider, among other factors, the appropriateness of any underlying assumptions and management’s representations if used as a basis for the opinion) or (C) BGC Partners shall have waived the requirement to obtain such a Distribution Ruling or Unqualified Tax Opinion (a “ Waiver ”).

(d) Certain Issuances of Newmark Capital Stock . If Newmark proposes to enter into any Section 7.02(d) Acquisition Transaction or, to the extent Newmark has the right to prohibit any Section 7.02(d) Acquisition Transaction, proposes to permit any Section 7.02(d) Acquisition Transaction to occur, in each case, during the period from the date hereof until the first day after the Restriction Period, Newmark shall provide BGC Partners, no later than ten (10) days following the signing of any written agreement with respect to the Section 7.02(d) Acquisition Transaction, with a written description of such transaction (including the type and amount of Newmark Capital Stock to be issued in such transaction) and a certificate of the Chief Financial Officer of Newmark to the effect that the Section 7.02(d) Acquisition Transaction is not a Proposed Acquisition Transaction or any other transaction to which the requirements of this Section  7.02(d) apply (a “ CFO Certificate ”).

(e) Pre-Distribution Period . Notwithstanding the foregoing, During the period from the date hereof until the completion of the Distribution, (i) Newmark shall not, and shall cause its Affiliates not to, take any action (including the issuance of Newmark Capital Stock) or fail to take any action if such action or failure to act would or could result in (x) BGC Partners ceasing to have Section 368(c) Control of Newmark or (y) Deconsolidation, provided , however , that this clause (y) shall not apply if the IPO results in Deconsolidation, (ii) Newmark shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, take any action requested by BGC Partners in furtherance of, or in order to consummate, the Distribution, (iii) Newmark shall not, and shall cause its Affiliates not to, take any action or fail to take any action which action or failure to act could reasonably be expected to adversely affect, jeopardize or prevent the consummation of the Distribution or the Tax-Free Status of the Contribution and Distribution or the Partnership Division Treatment of the Partnership Divisions and (iv) Newmark shall not take any action set forth in clauses (i) through (vi) of Section  7.02(c) without the prior consent of BGC Partners (which BGC Partners may withhold in its sole and absolute discretion).

Section 7.03 Restrictions on BGC Partners. BGC Partners agrees that it will not take or fail to take, or cause or permit any member of the BGC Group to take or fail to take, any action where such action or failure to act would be inconsistent with or cause to be untrue any statement, information, covenant or representation in this Agreement, the Separation and Distribution Agreement, any of the Ancillary Agreements or any Representation Letters. BGC

 

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Partners agrees that it will not take or fail to take, or cause or permit any member of the BGC Group to take or fail to take, any action if such action or failure to act would or could reasonably be expected to adversely affect, jeopardize or prevent the Tax-Free Status of the Contribution and Distribution or the Partnership Division Treatment of the Partnership Divisions.

Section 7.04 Procedures Regarding Opinions and Rulings.

(a) Notified Actions. If Newmark notifies BGC Partners that it desires to take one of the actions described in clauses (i) through (vi) of Section  7.02(c) (a “ Notified Action ”), BGC Partners and Newmark shall reasonably cooperate to attempt to obtain the Distribution Ruling or Unqualified Tax Opinion referred to in Section  7.02(c) , unless BGC Partners shall have waived the requirement to obtain such Distribution Ruling or Unqualified Tax Opinion.

(b) Rulings or Unqualified Tax Opinions at Newmark s Request. Unless BGC Partners shall have waived the requirement to obtain such Distribution Ruling or Unqualified Tax Opinion, upon the reasonable request of Newmark pursuant to Section  7.02(c) , BGC Partners shall cooperate with Newmark and use its commercially reasonable efforts to seek to obtain, as expeditiously as possible, a Distribution Ruling or an Unqualified Tax Opinion for the purpose of permitting Newmark to take the Notified Action. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall BGC Partners be required to file or cooperate in the filing of any request for a Distribution Ruling under this Section  7.04(b) unless Newmark represents that (A) it has reviewed the request for such Distribution Ruling, and (B) all statements, information and representations, if any, relating to any member of the Newmark Group, contained in such request and related private letter ruling documents are (subject to any qualifications therein) true, correct and complete. Newmark shall reimburse BGC Partners for all reasonable costs and expenses incurred by the BGC Group in obtaining a Distribution Ruling or Unqualified Tax Opinion requested by Newmark within ten (10) Business Days after receiving an invoice from BGC Partners therefor.

(c) Rulings or Unqualified Tax Opinions at BGC Partners’ Request . BGC Partners shall have the right to obtain a Distribution Ruling or an Unqualified Tax Opinion at any time in its sole and absolute discretion. If BGC Partners determines to obtain a Distribution Ruling or an Unqualified Tax Opinion, Newmark shall (and shall cause its Affiliates to) cooperate with BGC Partners and take any and all actions reasonably requested by BGC Partners in connection with obtaining the Distribution Ruling or Unqualified Tax Opinion (including, without limitation, by making any representation or covenant or providing any materials or information requested by the IRS, any other applicable Tax Authority or a Tax Advisor; provided , that Newmark shall not be required to make (or cause any of its Affiliate to make) any representation or covenant that is inconsistent with historical facts or as to future matters or events over which it has no control). BGC Partners and Newmark shall each bear its own costs and expenses in obtaining a Distribution Ruling or an Unqualified Tax Opinion requested by BGC Partners.

(d) Ruling Process Control. BGC Partners shall have sole and exclusive control over the process of obtaining any Distribution Ruling, and only BGC Partners shall be permitted to apply for a Distribution Ruling. In connection with obtaining a Distribution Ruling pursuant to Section  7.04(b) , (A) BGC Partners shall keep Newmark informed in a timely manner

 

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of all material actions taken or proposed to be taken by BGC Partners in connection therewith; (B) BGC Partners shall (1) reasonably in advance of the submission of any related private letter ruling documents provide Newmark with a draft copy thereof, (2) reasonably consider Newmark’s comments on such draft copy, and (3) provide Newmark with a final copy; and (C) BGC Partners shall provide Newmark with notice reasonably in advance of, and Newmark shall have the right to attend, any formally scheduled meetings with the IRS or other applicable Tax Authority (subject to the approval of the IRS or such Tax Authority) that relate to such Distribution Ruling. Neither Newmark nor any of its Affiliates shall seek any guidance from the IRS or any other Tax Authority (whether written, verbal or otherwise) at any time concerning the Contribution and the Distribution, the Partnership Divisions or any of the other Separation Transactions (including the impact of any transaction on any of the foregoing).

Section 7.05 Liability for Distribution Tax-Related Losses.

(a) Newmark Liability for Distribution Tax-Related Losses. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or the Separation and Distribution Agreement to the contrary, subject to Section  7.05(c) , and in each case regardless of whether a Distribution Ruling, Unqualified Tax Opinion or a Waiver described in Section  7.02(c) or a CFO Certificate described in Section  7.02(d) may have been obtained or provided, Newmark shall be responsible for, and shall indemnify and hold harmless BGC Partners and its Affiliates from and against, any Distribution Tax-Related Losses that are attributable to or result from any one or more of the following: (i) the acquisition (other than pursuant to the Contribution or the Distribution or the IPO) of all or a portion of Newmark’s Capital Stock or all or of a portion of Newmark’s and/or its Affiliates’ stock and/or assets by any means whatsoever by any Person, (ii) any “agreement, understanding, arrangement, substantial negotiations or discussions” (as such terms are defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.355-7(h)) by Newmark, any of its Affiliates, or any one or more officers or directors of Newmark or any other member of the Newmark Group or by any other person or persons with the implicit or explicit permission of one or more of such officers or directors regarding transactions or events (including, without limitation, stock issuances (pursuant to the exercise of stock options, exchanges of equity interests of Newmark Holdings or otherwise), grants of options, equity interests of Newmark Holdings or other compensatory interests, capital contributions or acquisitions, or a series of any transactions or events) that cause the Distribution to be treated as part of a plan pursuant to which one or more Persons acquire, directly or indirectly, a Fifty-Percent or Greater Interest in Newmark (or any successor thereof), (iii) any action or failure to act by Newmark or any of its Affiliates after the Distribution (including, without limitation, any amendment to Newmark’s certificate of incorporation (or other organizational documents), whether through a stockholder vote or otherwise) affecting the voting rights of Newmark stock (including, without limitation, through the conversion of one class of Newmark Capital Stock into another class of Newmark Capital Stock), (iv) any act or failure to act by Newmark or any of its Affiliates described in Section  7.02 (regardless whether such act or failure to act is covered by a Distribution Ruling, Unqualified Tax Opinion or Waiver described in Section  7.02(c) , or a CFO Certificate described in Section  7.02(d) ) or (v) any breach by Newmark of its agreement and representations set forth in Section  7.01 .

 

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(b) BGC Partners Liability for Distribution Tax-Related Losses . Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement or the Separation and Distribution Agreement to the contrary, subject to Section  7.05(c) , BGC Partners shall be responsible for, and shall indemnify and hold harmless Newmark and its Affiliates from and against any Distribution Tax-Related Losses that are attributable to, or result from any one or more of the following: (i) the acquisition (other than pursuant to the Contribution or the Distribution or the IPO) of all or a portion of BGC Partners’ stock or all or a portion of BGC Partners’ and/or its or its subsidiaries’ stock and/or assets by any means whatsoever by any Person, (ii) any “agreement, understanding, arrangement, substantial negotiations or discussions” (as such terms are defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.355-7(h)) by BGC Partners, any of its Affiliates, or any one or more officers or directors of any member of the BGC Partners or any other member of the BGC Partners’ Group or by any other person or persons with the implicit or explicit permission of one or more of such officers or directors regarding transactions or events (including, without limitation, stock issuances (pursuant to the exercise of stock options, exchanges of equity interests of BGC Holdings or otherwise), grants of options, equity interests of BGC Holdings or other compensatory interests, capital contributions or acquisitions, or a series of any transactions or events) that cause the Distribution to be treated as part of a plan pursuant to which one or more Persons acquire, directly or indirectly, a Fifty-Percent or Greater Interest in BGC Partners (or any successor thereof), (iii) any action or failure to act by BGC Partners or any of its Affiliates described in Section  7.03 or (iv) any breach by BGC Partners of its agreement and representations set forth in Section  7.01(a) .

(c) Shared Liability for Distribution Tax-Related Losses. To the extent that any Distribution Tax-Related Loss is subject to indemnity under both Section  7.05(a) and (b) , responsibility for such Distribution Tax-Related Loss shall be shared by BGC Partners and Newmark according to relative fault as determined by BGC Partners in good faith.

(d) Payment of Distribution Tax-Related Losses Owed. Newmark shall pay BGC Partners the amount of any Distribution Tax-Related Losses for which Newmark is responsible under this Section  7.05 : (i) in the case of Distribution Tax-Related Losses described in clause (i) of the definition of Distribution Tax-Related Losses no later than two (2) Business Days prior to the date BGC Partners files, or causes to be filed, the applicable Tax Return (the “ Filing Date ”), or, if such Distribution Tax-Related Losses arise pursuant to a Final Determination described in clause (a), (b) or (c) of the definition of “Final Determination,” no later than two (2) Business Days prior to the due date for making payment with respect to such Final Determination and (ii) in the case of Distribution Tax-Related Losses described in clause (ii) or (iii) of the definition of Distribution Tax-Related Losses, no later than two (2) Business Days after the date BGC Partners pays such Distribution Tax-Related Losses. BGC Partners shall pay Newmark the amount of any Distribution Tax-Related Losses described in clause (ii) or (iii) of the definition of Tax-Related Losses for which BGC Partners is responsible under this Section  7.05 no later than two (2) Business Days after the date Newmark pays such Distribution Tax-Related Losses. Each Company shall have the right to review the calculation of Distribution Tax-Related Losses prepared by the other Company, including any related workpapers and other supporting documentation.

Section 7.06 Section 336(e) Election. If BGC Partners determines, in its sole discretion, that a protective election under Section 336(e) of the Code (a “ Section  336(e) Election ”) shall be made with respect to the Distribution, Newmark shall (and shall cause the relevant member of the Newmark Group to) join with BGC Partners or the relevant member of the BGC Group in the making of such election and shall take any action reasonably requested by BGC Partners or that

 

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is otherwise necessary to give effect to such election (including making any other related election). If a Section 336(e) Election is made with respect to the Distribution, then this Agreement shall be amended in such a manner as is determined by BGC Partners in good faith to take into account such Section 336(e) Election (including by requiring that, in the event the Contribution and Distribution fail to have Tax-Free Status and BGC Partners is not entitled to indemnification for the Distribution Tax-Related Losses arising from such failure, Newmark shall pay over to BGC Partners any Tax Benefits Actually Realized by the Newmark Group or any member of the Newmark Group arising from the step-up in Tax basis resulting from the Section 336(e) Election).

Section 8. Assistance and Cooperation.

Section 8.01 Assistance and Cooperation.

(a) Each of the Companies shall provide (and cause its Affiliates to provide) the other and its agents, including accounting firms and legal counsel, with such cooperation or information as such other Company reasonably requests in connection with (i) preparing and filing Tax Returns, (ii) determining the liability for and amount of any Taxes due (including estimated Taxes) or the right to and amount of any refund of Taxes, (iii) examinations of Tax Returns, and (iv) any administrative or judicial proceeding in respect of Taxes assessed or proposed to be assessed. Such cooperation shall include making available, upon reasonable notice, all information and documents in their possession relating to the other Company and its Affiliates as provided in Section  9 . Each of the Companies shall also make available to the other, as reasonably requested and available, personnel (including employees and agents of the Companies or their respective Affiliates) responsible for preparing, maintaining, and interpreting information and documents relevant to Taxes.

(b) Any information or documents provided under this Section  8 or Section  9 shall be kept confidential by the Company receiving the information or documents, except as may otherwise be necessary in connection with the filing of Tax Returns or in connection with any administrative or judicial proceedings relating to Taxes. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement or any other agreement, in no event shall either of the Companies or any of its respective Affiliates be required to provide the other Company or any of its respective Affiliates or any other Person access to or copies of any information if such action could reasonably be expected to result in the waiver of any Privilege. In addition, in the event that either Company determines that the provision of any information to the other Company or its Affiliates could be commercially detrimental, violate any Law or agreement or waive any Privilege, the parties shall use reasonable best efforts to permit compliance with their obligations under this Section  8 or Section  9 in a manner that avoids any such harm or consequence.

Section 8.02 Income Tax Return Information . Newmark and BGC Partners acknowledge that time is of the essence in relation to any request for information, assistance or cooperation made by BGC Partners or Newmark pursuant to Section  8.01 or this Section  8.02 . Newmark and BGC Partners acknowledge that failure to conform to the deadlines set forth herein or reasonable deadlines otherwise set by BGC Partners or Newmark could cause irreparable harm. Each Company shall provide to the other Company information and documents relating to its Group required by the other Company to prepare Tax Returns. Any information or documents the Responsible Company requires to prepare such Tax Returns shall be provided in such form as the Responsible Company reasonably requests and in sufficient time for the Responsible Company to file such Tax Returns on a timely basis.

 

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Section 8.03 Reliance by BGC Partners. If any member of the Newmark Group supplies information to a member of the BGC Group in connection with a Tax liability and an officer of a member of the BGC Group signs a statement or other document under penalties of perjury in reliance upon the accuracy of such information, then upon the written request of such member of the BGC Group identifying the information being so relied upon, the Chief Financial Officer of Newmark (or any officer of Newmark as designated by the Chief Financial Officer of Newmark) shall certify in writing that to his or her knowledge (based upon consultation with appropriate employees) the information so supplied is accurate and complete. Newmark agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each member of the BGC Group and its directors, officers and employees from and against any fine, penalty, or other cost or expense of any kind attributable to a member of the Newmark Group having supplied, pursuant to this Section  8 , a member of the BGC Group with inaccurate or incomplete information in connection with a Tax liability.

Section 8.04 Reliance by Newmark. If any member of the BGC Group supplies information to a member of the Newmark Group in connection with a Tax liability and an officer of a member of the Newmark Group signs a statement or other document under penalties of perjury in reliance upon the accuracy of such information, then upon the written request of such member of the Newmark Group identifying the information being so relied upon, the Chief Financial Officer of BGC Partners (or any officer of BGC Partners as designated by the Chief Financial Officer of BGC Partners) shall certify in writing that to his or her knowledge (based upon consultation with appropriate employees) the information so supplied is accurate and complete. BGC Partners agrees to indemnify and hold harmless each member of the Newmark Group and its directors, officers and employees from and against any fine, penalty, or other cost or expense of any kind attributable to a member of the BGC Group having supplied, pursuant to this Section  8 , a member of the Newmark Group with inaccurate or incomplete information in connection with a Tax liability.

Section 9. Tax Records.

Section 9.01 Retention of Tax Records . Each Company shall preserve and keep all Tax Records in its possession relating to the assets and activities of the Group for Pre-Deconsolidation Periods or Taxes or Tax matters that are the subject of this Agreement, in each case, for so long as the contents thereof may become material in the administration of any matter under the Code or other applicable Tax Law, but in any event until the later of (i) the expiration of any applicable statutes of limitations, or (ii) eight years after the Deconsolidation Date (such later date, the “ Retention Date ”). After the Retention Date, each Company may dispose of such Tax Records upon 90 days’ prior written notice to the other Company. If, prior to the Retention Date, a Company reasonably determines that any Tax Records which it would otherwise be required to preserve and keep under this Section  9 are no longer material in the administration of any matter under the Code or other applicable Tax Law and the other Company agrees, then such first Company may dispose of such Tax Records upon 90 days’ prior notice to the other Company. Any notice of an intent to dispose given pursuant to this Section  9.01 shall include a list of the Tax Records to be disposed of describing in reasonable detail each file, book, or other record accumulation being disposed. The notified Company shall have the opportunity, at its cost and expense, to copy or remove, within such 90-day period, all or any part of such Tax Records.    

 

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Section 9.02 Access to Tax Records . The Companies and their respective Affiliates shall make available to each other for inspection and copying during normal business hours upon reasonable notice all Tax Records to the extent reasonably required by the other Company in connection with the preparation of financial accounting statements, audits, litigation, or the resolution of items under this Agreement.

Section 10. Tax Contests.

Section 10.01 Notice.

(a) In General. Each of the Companies shall provide prompt notice to the other Company of any written communication from a Tax Authority regarding any pending or threatened Tax audit, assessment or proceeding or other Tax Contest relating to Taxes, Refunds or Tax Benefits for which it may be entitled to indemnification by the other Company hereunder. Such notice shall include copies of the pertinent portion of any written communication from a Tax Authority and contain factual information (to the extent known) describing any asserted Tax liability in reasonable detail. The failure of one Company to notify the other of such communication in accordance with the immediately preceding sentences shall not relieve such other Company of any liability or obligation to pay such Tax or make indemnification payments under this Agreement, except to the extent that the failure timely to provide such notification actually prejudices the ability of such other Company to contest such Tax liability or increases the amount of such Tax liability.

(b) Newmark Change Notices . If any member of the Newmark Group receives a Change Notice described in Section 4.01 of the BGC Partners TRA, Newmark shall promptly notify BGC Partners of such Change Notice in such manner as would allow BGC Partners to comply with its obligations under Section 4.01 of the BGC Partners TRA. Newmark shall (and shall cause its Affiliates to) cooperate with BGC Partners and take any such actions as may be necessary to permit BGC Partners to comply with its obligations under Section 7.01 of the BGC Partners TRA.

Section 10.02 Control of Tax Contests.

(a) Separate Company Taxes.

(i) In the case of any Tax Contest with respect to any BGC Separate Return, BGC Partners shall have exclusive control over such Tax Contest, including exclusive authority with respect to any settlement of such Tax Contest, subject to Section  10.02(c) and Section  10.02(e) below.

(ii) In the case of any Tax Contest with respect to any Newmark Separate Return, Newmark shall have exclusive control over such Tax Contest, including exclusive authority with respect to any settlement of such Tax Contest, subject to Section  10.02(d) and Section  10.02(e) below.

 

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(b) Joint Returns and Certain Other Returns. In the case of any Tax Contest with respect to any Joint Return, BGC Partners shall have exclusive control over such Tax Contest, including exclusive authority with respect to any settlement of such Tax Contest, subject to Section  10.02(c) and Section  10.02(e) below.

(c) Newmark Rights . In the case of any Tax Contest described in Section  10.02(a)(i) or Section  10.02(b) (other than, in each case, any Tax Contest described in Section  10.02(e) ), if, as a result of such Tax Contest, Newmark could reasonably be expected to become liable to make any indemnification payment to BGC Partners hereunder in excess of $1 million, then, (1) BGC Partners shall keep Newmark reasonably informed in a timely manner of all significant developments in respect of such Tax Contest and all significant actions taken or proposed to be taken by BGC Partners with respect to such Tax Contest, (2) BGC Partners shall timely provide Newmark with copies of any written materials prepared, furnished or received in connection with such Tax Contest, (3) BGC Partners shall consult with Newmark reasonably in advance of taking any significant action in connection with such Tax Contest, (4) BGC Partners shall consult with Newmark and offer Newmark a reasonable opportunity to comment before submitting any written materials prepared or furnished in connection with such Tax Contest, (5) BGC Partners shall defend such Tax Contest diligently and in good faith as if it were the only party in interest in connection with such Tax Contest.

(d) BGC Partners Rights . In the case of any Tax Contest described in Section  10.02(a)(ii) (other than any Tax Contest described in Section  10.02(e) ), if, as a result of such Tax Contest, BGC Partners could reasonably be expected to become liable to make any indemnification payment to Newmark hereunder in excess of $1 million, then (1) Newmark shall keep BGC Partners reasonably informed in a timely manner of all significant developments in respect of such Tax Contest and all significant actions taken or proposed to be taken by Newmark with respect to such Tax Contest, (2) Newmark shall timely provide BGC Partners with copies of any written materials prepared, furnished or received in connection with such Tax Contest, (3) Newmark shall consult with BGC Partners reasonably in advance of taking any significant action in connection with such Tax Contest, (4) Newmark shall consult with BGC Partners and offer BGC Partners a reasonable opportunity to comment before submitting any written materials prepared or furnished in connection with such Tax Contest, (5) Newmark shall defend such Tax Contest diligently and in good faith as if it were the only party in interest in connection with such Tax Contest, (6) BGC Partners shall be entitled to participate in such Tax Contest, and (7) Newmark shall not settle, compromise or abandon any such Tax Contest without obtaining the prior written consent of BGC Partners, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

(e) Distribution-Related Tax Contests. BGC Partners shall have exclusive control over any Distribution-Related Tax Contest, including exclusive authority with respect to any settlement of such Tax Contest, subject to the following provisions of this Section  10.02(e) . In the event of any Distribution-Related Tax Contest as a result of which Newmark could reasonably be expected to become liable for any Distribution Tax-Related Losses, (1) BGC Partners shall keep Newmark reasonably informed in a timely manner of all significant developments in respect of such Tax Contest and all significant actions taken or proposed to be taken by BGC Partners with respect to such Tax Contest, (2) BGC Partners shall timely provide Newmark with copies of any written materials prepared, furnished or received in connection with

 

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such Tax Contest, (3) BGC Partners shall consult with Newmark reasonably in advance of taking any significant action in connection with such Tax Contest, and (4) BGC Partners shall offer Newmark a reasonable opportunity to comment before submitting any written materials prepared or furnished in connection with such Tax Contest. Notwithstanding anything in the preceding sentence to the contrary, the final determination of the positions taken, including with respect to settlement or other disposition, in any Distribution-Related Tax Contest shall be made in the sole discretion of BGC Partners and shall be final and not subject to the dispute resolution provisions of Section  14 of this Agreement or Section 8.07 (Direct Claims) of the Separation and Distribution Agreement.

(f) Power of Attorney. Each member of the Newmark Group shall execute and deliver to BGC Partners (or such member of the BGC Group as BGC Partners shall designate) any power of attorney or other similar document reasonably requested by BGC Partners (or such designee) in connection with any Tax Contest controlled by BGC Partners described in this Section  10 . Each member of the BGC Group shall execute and deliver to Newmark (or such member of the Newmark Group as Newmark shall designate) any power of attorney or other similar document reasonably requested by Newmark (or such designee) in connection with any Tax Contest controlled by Newmark described in this Section  10 .

Section 11. Effective Date; Termination of Prior Intercompany Tax Allocation Agreements . This Agreement shall be effective as of the Effective Time. As of the Effective Time, (i) all prior intercompany Tax allocation agreements or arrangements solely between or among BGC Partners and/or any of its Subsidiaries shall be terminated, and (ii) amounts due under such agreements as of the date on which the Effective Time occurs shall be settled. Upon such termination and settlement, no further payments by or to the BGC Group, or by or to the Newmark Group, with respect to such agreements shall be made, and all other rights and obligations resulting from such agreements between the Companies and their Affiliates shall cease at such time. Any payments pursuant to such agreements shall be disregarded for purposes of computing amounts due under this Agreement; provided , that to the extent appropriate, as determined by BGC Partners, payments made pursuant to such agreements shall be credited to the Newmark Entities or the BGC Entities, respectively, in computing their respective obligations pursuant to this Agreement, in the event that such payments relate to a Tax liability that is the subject matter of this Agreement for a Tax Period that is the subject matter of this Agreement.

Section 12. Survival of Obligations . The representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement shall be unconditional and absolute and shall remain in effect without limitation as to time.

Section 13. Treatment of Payments; Tax Gross Up.

Section 13.01 Treatment of Tax Indemnity Payments. In the absence of any change in Tax treatment under the Code or other applicable Tax Law, for all Income Tax purposes, the Companies agree to treat, and to cause their respective Affiliates to treat, (a) any indemnity payment required by this Agreement as, as applicable, (i) a distribution by BGC U.S. Opco to its partners pursuant to the Opco Partnership Distribution, followed by a contribution by such partners to Newmark Opco pursuant to the Opco Partnership Contribution, (ii) a contribution by

 

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BGC Holdings to Newmark Holdings, (iii) a contribution by BGC Partners to Newmark, (iv) a distribution by Newmark Opco to the partners of BGC U.S. Opco, followed by a contribution by such partners to BGC U.S. Opco, (v) a distribution by Newmark Holdings to BGC Holdings, (vi) a distribution by Newmark to BGC Partners, as the case may be, in each case to the extent such payment is made after the Opco Partnership Contribution, the Holdings Partnership Distribution or the Distribution, as applicable, and such payment shall be treated as occurring immediately prior to the Opco Partnership Contribution, the Holdings Partnership Distribution or the Distribution, as applicable, or (vii) a payment of an assumed or retained liability; and (b) any payment of interest as taxable or deductible, as the case may be, to the party entitled under this Agreement to retain such payment or required under this Agreement to make such payment.

Section 13.02 Tax Gross Up . If notwithstanding the manner in which payments described in Section  13.01(a) of this Agreement or Section 6.16 (Treatment of Payments for Tax Purposes) of the Separation and Distribution Agreement were reported, there is an adjustment to the Tax liability of a Company or a member of its Group as a result of its receipt of a payment pursuant to this Agreement or the Separation and Distribution Agreement, such payment shall be appropriately adjusted so that the amount of such payment, reduced by the amount of all Income Taxes payable with respect to the receipt thereof (but taking into account all correlative Tax Benefits resulting from the payment of such Income Taxes), shall equal the amount of the payment which the Company receiving such payment would otherwise be entitled to receive.

Section 13.03 Interest. Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, to the extent one Company (“ Indemnitor ”) makes a payment of interest to another Company (“ Indemnitee ”) under this Agreement with respect to the period from the date that the Indemnitee made a payment of Tax to a Tax Authority to the date that the Indemnitor reimbursed the Indemnitee for such Tax payment, the interest payment shall be treated as interest expense to the Indemnitor (deductible to the extent provided by law) and as interest income by the Indemnitee (includible in income to the extent provided by law). The amount of the payment shall not be adjusted to take into account any associated Tax Benefit to the Indemnitor or increase in Tax to the Indemnitee.

Section 14. Disagreements . The Companies desire that collaboration will continue between them. Accordingly, they will try, and they will cause their respective Group members to try, to resolve in good faith all disagreements regarding their respective rights and obligations under this Agreement, including any amendments hereto. In furtherance thereof, in the event of any dispute or disagreement (other than a High-Level Dispute) (a “ Tax Advisor Dispute ”) between any member of the BGC Group and any member of the Newmark Group as to the interpretation of any provision of this Agreement or the performance of obligations hereunder, the Tax departments of the Companies shall negotiate in good faith to resolve such Tax Advisor Dispute. If such good faith negotiations do not resolve such Tax Advisor Dispute, then the matter will be referred to a Tax Advisor acceptable to each of BGC Partners and Newmark. The Tax Advisor may, in its discretion, obtain the services of any third-party appraiser, accounting firm or consultant that the Tax Advisor deems necessary to assist it in resolving such disagreement. The Tax Advisor shall furnish written notice to BGC Partners and Newmark of its resolution of any such Tax Advisor Dispute as soon as practical, but in any event no later than forty-five (45) days after its acceptance of the matter for resolution. Any such resolution by the Tax Advisor will be conclusive and binding on the Companies. Following receipt of the Tax

 

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Advisor’s written notice to the Companies of its resolution of the Tax Advisor Dispute, the Companies shall each take or cause to be taken any action necessary to implement such resolution of the Tax Advisor. In accordance with Section  15 (and except as provided in the immediately following sentence), each Company shall pay its own fees and expenses (including the fees and expenses of its representatives) incurred in connection with the referral of the matter to the Tax Advisor. All fees and expenses of the Tax Advisor in connection with such referral shall be shared equally by the Companies. Any High-Level Dispute shall be resolved pursuant to the procedures set forth in Section 8.07 (Direct Claims) of the Separation and Distribution Agreement. Nothing in this Section  14 will prevent either Company from seeking injunctive relief if any delay resulting from the efforts to resolve the Tax Advisor Dispute through the Tax Advisor or any delay resulting from the efforts to resolve any High-Level Dispute through the procedures set forth in Section 8.07 (Direct Claims) of the Separation and Distribution Agreement could result in serious and irreparable injury to either Company. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Separation and Distribution Agreement or any Ancillary Agreement, each of BGC Partners and Newmark is the only member of its respective Group entitled to commence a dispute resolution procedure under this Agreement, and each of BGC Partners and Newmark will cause its respective Group members not to commence any dispute resolution procedure other than through such party as provided in this Section  14 .

Section 15. Expenses. Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, each party and its Affiliates shall bear their own expenses incurred in connection with the preparation of Tax Returns, Tax Contests, and other matters related to Taxes under the provisions of this Agreement.

Section 16. General Provisions.

Section 16.01 Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Separation and Distribution Agreement, shall constitute the entire agreement among the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede all previous negotiations, commitments and writings with respect to such subject matter. In the event of any inconsistency between this Agreement and the Separation and Distribution Agreement, or any other agreements relating to the transactions contemplated by the Separation and Distribution Agreement, with respect to matters addressed herein, the provisions of this Agreement shall control.

Section 16.02 Addresses and Notices. All notices and other communications to be given to any Company hereunder shall be sufficiently given for all purposes hereunder if in writing and delivered by hand, courier, overnight delivery service or mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, with appropriate postage prepaid, or when received in the form of a facsimile and shall be directed to the address set forth below (or at such other address or facsimile number as such Company shall designate by like notice):

1. If to BGC Partners, BGC Holdings or BGC U.S. Opco, to:

BGC Partners, Inc.

499 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Attention: General Counsel

Fax No: (212) 829-4708

 

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and, if prior to the Effective Time, with a copy to:

Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz

51 West 52nd Street

New York, New York 10019

Attention: David K. Lam, Esq.

Fax No: (212) 403-2000

2. If to Newmark, Newmark Holdings or Newmark Opco, to:

Newmark Group, Inc.

125 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10017

Attention: General Counsel

Fax No: (312) 276-8715

and, if prior to the Effective Time, with a copy to:

Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz

51 West 52nd Street

New York, New York 10019

Attention: David K. Lam, Esq.

Fax No: (212) 403-2000

All such notices, demands and other communications shall be deemed to have been duly given when delivered by hand; when delivered by courier or overnight delivery service; five (5) Business Days after being deposited in the certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, with appropriate postage prepaid; and when receipt is acknowledged or confirmed, if delivered by facsimile.

Section 16.03 Further Action . The parties shall execute and deliver all documents, provide all information, and take or refrain from taking action as may be necessary or appropriate to achieve the purposes of this Agreement, including the execution and delivery to the other parties and their Affiliates and representatives of such powers of attorney or other authorizing documentation as is reasonably necessary or appropriate in connection with Tax Contests (or portions thereof) under the control of such other parties in accordance with Section  10 .

Section 16.04 Headings. The article, section and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement.

 

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Section 16.05 No Double Recovery. No provision of this Agreement shall be construed to provide an indemnity or other recovery for any costs, damages, or other amounts for which the damaged party has been fully compensated under any other provision of this Agreement or under any other agreement or action at law or equity. Unless expressly required in this Agreement, a party shall not be required to exhaust all remedies available under other agreements or at law or equity before recovering under the remedies provided in this Agreement.

Section 16.06 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

Section 16.07 Governing Law, Consent to Jurisdiction.

(a) This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal Laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to the conflicts-of-law principles of such State.

(b) Each of the Companies irrevocably and unconditionally submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court of Chancery (and if the Delaware Court of Chancery shall be unavailable, any Delaware State court and the Federal court of the United States of America sitting in the State of Delaware) for the purposes of any suit, action or other proceeding arising out of this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby (and agrees that no such action, suit or proceeding relating to this Agreement shall be brought by it or any member of its Group except in such courts). Each of the Companies further agrees that, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, service of any process, summons, notice or document by U.S. registered mail to such Person’s respective address set forth in Section  16.02 shall be effective service of process for any action, suit or proceeding in Delaware with respect to any matters to which it has submitted to jurisdiction as set forth above in the immediately preceding sentence. Each of the Companies irrevocably and unconditionally waives (and agrees not to plead or claim) any objection to the laying of venue of any action, suit or proceeding arising out of this Agreement in the Delaware Court of Chancery (and if the Delaware Court of Chancery shall be unavailable, in any Delaware State court or the Federal court of the United States of America sitting in the State of Delaware) or that any such action, suit or proceeding brought in any such court has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

Section 16.08 Amendment and Modification. This Agreement may be amended, modified or supplemented only by a written agreement signed by all of the Companies.

Section 16.09 Newmark Subsidiaries. If, at any time, Newmark acquires or creates one or more subsidiaries that are includable in the Newmark Group, they shall be subject to this Agreement and all references to the Newmark Group herein shall thereafter include a reference to such subsidiaries.

Section 16.10 Successors. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of any successor by merger, consolidation, sale of all or substantially all assets, or otherwise, to any of the parties hereto (including but not limited to any successor of BGC Partners or Newmark succeeding to the Tax Attributes of either under Section 381 of the Code), to the same extent as if such successor had been an original party to this Agreement.

 

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Section 16.11 Injunctions. The parties acknowledge that irreparable damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with its specific terms or were otherwise breached. The parties hereto shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches of the provisions of this Agreement and to enforce specifically the terms and provisions hereof in any court having jurisdiction, such remedy being in addition to any other remedy to which they may be entitled at law or in equity.

[Remainder of page left intentionally blank]

 

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

 

BGC PARTNERS, INC.
By:  

                                                              

  Name:
  Title:
BGC HOLDINGS, L.P.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
BGC PARTNERS, L.P.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
NEWMARK GROUP, INC.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
NEWMARK HOLDINGS, L.P.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:
NEWMARK PARTNERS, L.P.
By:  

 

  Name:
  Title:

[Signature page to the Tax Matters Agreement by and among BGC Partners, Inc., BGC

Holdings, L.P., BGC Partners, L.P., Newmark Group, Inc., Newmark Holdings, L.P., and

Newmark Partners, L.P.]

Exhibit 10.6

TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT

This TAX RECEIVABLE AGREEMENT, dated as of [•] (this “ Agreement ”), is by and between Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ Cantor ”), and Newmark Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ Newmark ”).

WHEREAS, Cantor holds (a) shares of common stock of BGC Partners, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ BGC Partners ”) and (b) partnership interests in BGC Holdings, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ BGC Holdings ”),

WHEREAS, BGC Partners, BGC Holdings, BGC Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ BGC U.S. Opco ,” and, together with BGC Holdings and BGC Partners, the “ BGC Entities ”), Newmark, Newmark Holdings, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ Newmark Holdings ”), Newmark Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“ Newmark Opco ,” and, together with Newmark and Newmark Holdings, the “ Newmark Entities ”) and, for the limited purposes set forth therein, Cantor and BGC Global Holdings, L.P., a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership, entered into that certain Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated as of [•] (the “ Separation Agreement ”), pursuant to which, among other things, the BGC Entities have agreed to separate the Transferred Business (as defined in the Separation Agreement, the “ Newmark Business ”) from the remainder of the businesses of the BGC Entities (the “ Separation ”);

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Separation Agreement and as part of the Separation, (a) BGC U.S. Opco shall effect the Opco Partnership Division (as defined herein), (b) BGC Holdings shall effect the Holdings Partnership Division (as defined herein) and (c) BGC Partners shall contribute, assign and otherwise transfer the assets and the liabilities of the Newmark Business, including the limited partnership interests in Newmark Opco received in the Opco Partnership Division and interests in certain Subsidiaries of BGC Partners that hold assets of the Newmark Business (including interests in Newmark GP, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and the general partner of Newmark Holdings received in the Holdings Partnership Division) to Newmark in exchange for shares of Class A common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Newmark (“ Newmark Class  A Common Stock ,”) and Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Newmark (“ Newmark Class  B Common Stock ,” and, together with the Newmark Class A Common Stock, “ Newmark Common Stock ”) (the “ Contribution ”);

WHEREAS, (a) after the Contribution, Newmark shall offer and sell a number of shares of Newmark Class A Common Stock (the “ IPO ”) and (b) after the IPO, BGC Partners currently intends to effect the distribution of the shares of Newmark Common Stock then held by BGC Partners to the shareholders of BGC Partners (the “ Distribution ”);

WHEREAS, in connection with the Separation and pursuant to the Holdings Partnership Division, Cantor and other holders of exchangeable limited partnership interests in BGC Holdings (including Cantor) will receive, with respect to such exchangeable limited partnership interests, exchangeable limited partnership interests in Newmark Holdings, and following the Holdings Partnership Division, Newmark Holdings may issue other exchangeable limited partnership interests in Newmark Holdings or other limited partnership interests in Newmark Holdings may be designated as exchangeable limited partnership interests (any Newmark


Interests (as defined herein) that are exchangeable pursuant to Section 8.01 of the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement (as defined herein) or pursuant to Section 8.01 of the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement (as defined herein), as applicable, the “ Exchangeable Interests ”);

WHEREAS, Exchangeable Interests shall be exchangeable with Newmark for Newmark Class B Common Stock or Newmark Class A Common Stock, as applicable (on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement and the Newmark Separation Agreement and subject to adjustment as set forth in the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement (as defined herein)) (such an exchange, a “ Regular Exchange ”);

WHEREAS, (a) during the period beginning after the IPO and ending at the time of the Distribution (the “ Interim Period ”), Exchangeable Interests shall be exchangeable, together with exchangeable limited partnership interests in BGC Holdings, with BGC Partners for Class B common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of BGC Partners or Class A common stock, par value of $0.01 per share, of BGC Partners, as applicable (on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement) (such an exchange, an “ Interim BGC Partners Exchange ”), (b) following any Interim BGC Partners Exchange, Newmark Holdings shall redeem the Exchangeable Interests acquired by BGC Partners pursuant to such Interim BGC Partners Exchange from BGC Partners in exchange for limited partnership interests in Newmark Opco (a “ Redemption Interest ”) and (c) BGC Partners shall contribute any such Redemption Interest to Newmark as part of the Contribution (the “ Interim Interest Contribution ”);

WHEREAS, Regular Exchanges shall be effected pursuant to Section 8.01 of the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement and Interim BGC Partners Exchanges shall be effected pursuant to Section 8.01 of the BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement, in each case, via the transfer by an Exchangeable Holder (as defined herein) of Exchangeable Interests to Newmark, or, pursuant to an Interim BGC Partners Exchange, to BGC Partners, in transactions that may result in the recognition of gain or loss for Federal Income Tax (as defined herein) purposes by such Exchangeable Holder (each, a “ Taxable Exchange ”), as described herein;

WHEREAS, each of Newmark Holdings and Newmark Opco intends to have in effect an election under Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “ Code ”), for each Taxable Year (as defined herein) in which any Taxable Exchange occurs, which election may result in an adjustment to Newmark’s share (or, in the case of an Interim BGC Partners Exchange, BGC Partners’ share) of the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets owned by Newmark Opco as of the date of any such Taxable Exchange;

WHEREAS, the income, gain, loss, expense and other Tax (as defined herein) items of Newmark may be affected by the Basis Adjustment (as defined herein) and the Imputed Interest (as defined herein) and, in the case of a Basis Adjustment resulting from an Interim BGC Partners Exchange, the Interim Interest Contribution; and

 

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WHEREAS, to preserve the arrangements contemplated by that certain Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of March 31, 2008, by and among Cantor and BGC Partners, LLC, in connection with the 2017 Separation, the parties to this Agreement desire to make certain arrangements with respect to the effect of the Basis Adjustment and Imputed Interest on the actual liability for Covered Taxes (as defined herein) of Newmark.

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

ARTICLE I

Definitions

SECTION 1.01. Definitions . As used in this Agreement, the terms set forth in this Article  I shall have the following meanings (such meanings to be equally applicable to both the singular and plural forms of the terms defined).

Accounting Firm ” means, as of any time, the accounting firm that prepares the audited financial statements of Newmark.

Agreed Rate ” means LIBOR plus 200 basis points.

Agreement ” is defined in the preamble.

Audit Committee ” means the audit committee of Newmark.

Basis Adjustment ” means the increase or decrease to the tax basis of any Newmark Opco’s tangible or intangible assets with respect to Newmark under Sections 743(b) and 754 of the Code and the comparable sections of U.S. state and local income and franchise Tax law as a result of any Taxable Exchange (regardless of whether such increase or decrease to the tax basis with respect to Newmark arises as a direct result of such Taxable Exchange or as a result of Newmark succeeding to any such increase or decrease in tax basis with respect to BGC Partners arising upon an Interim BGC Partners Exchange as a result of the related Interim Interest Contribution). To the extent permitted by law, any amount paid pursuant to this Agreement shall be taken into account in computing such Basis Adjustments. For the avoidance of doubt, payments under this Agreement shall not be treated as resulting in a Basis Adjustment to the extent such payments are treated as Imputed Interest.

BGC Entities ” is defined in the recitals.

BGC Holdings ” is defined in the recitals.

BGC Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of BGC Holdings, as amended from time to time.

BGC Partners ” is defined in the recitals.

 

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BGC Partners Group ” means BGC Partners and its Subsidiaries (other than Newmark and its Subsidiaries).

BGC Partners TRA ” means the Amended and Restated Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of [•], by and between Cantor and BGC Partners, as may be amended following such date.

BGC Partners TRA Basis Adjustment ” has the meaning ascribed to the term “Basis Adjustment” in the BGC Partners TRA, but only to the extent such adjustment relates to any tangible or intangible asset owned by Newmark OpCo.

BGC U.S. Opco ” is defined in the recitals.

Business Day ” means any calendar day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or other calendar day on which banks are required or authorized to be closed in the City of New York.

Cantor ” is defined in the preamble.

Change Notice ” is defined in Section  4.01 of this Agreement.

Code ” is defined in the recitals.

Contribution ” is defined in the recitals.

Covered Taxable Year ” means any Taxable Year of Newmark ending after the IPO Closing Date (as defined in the Separation Agreement) and on or before the end of the first Taxable Year ending after all Exchangeable Interests have been transferred to Newmark and in which all related Tax benefits have either been utilized or have expired.

Covered Tax Benefits ” for any Covered Taxable Year means 85% of the Realized Tax Benefits (as defined herein).

Covered Tax Detriments ” for any Covered Taxable Year means 85% of the Realized Tax Detriment (as defined herein).

Covered Taxes ” means Federal Income Taxes and U.S. state and local income and franchise Taxes.

Determination ” shall have the meaning ascribed to such term in Section 1313(a) of the Code or similar provision of state or local income or franchise Tax law, as applicable; provided, however, that such term shall be deemed to include any settlement as to which Cantor has consented pursuant to Section  7.01 .

Distribution ” is defined in the recitals.

Early Termination Notice ” is defined in Section  5.02 of this Agreement.

Early Termination Payment ” is defined in Section  5.01 of this Agreement.

 

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Escrow ” is defined in Section  3.01(a) of this Agreement.

Escrow Agent ” is defined in Section  3.01(a) of this Agreement.

Exchange ” is defined in the recitals.

Exchangeable Holder ” means (a) Cantor, (b) any Exchangeable Limited Partner, (c) any other Person whose Newmark Interests are exchangeable as of immediately following the Holdings Partnership Division and (d) any other Person whose Newmark Interests become exchangeable pursuant to Section 8.01 of the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement.

Exchangeable Interests ” is defined in the recitals.

Exchangeable Limited Partner ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement.

Federal Income Tax ” means any tax imposed under Subtitle A of the Code or any other provision of U.S. Federal income tax law (including, without limitation, the taxes imposed by Sections 11, 55, 59A, 881, 882, 884 and 1201(a) of the Code), and any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable or related to such tax.

Governmental Entity ” means any federal, state, local, provincial or foreign government or any court of competent jurisdiction, administrative agency or commission or other governmental authority or instrumentality, whether domestic or foreign.

Holdings Partnership Division ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Separation Agreement.

Hypothetical Tax Liability ” means, with respect to any Covered Taxable Year, the liability for Covered Taxes of Newmark using the same methods, elections, conventions and similar practices used on Newmark’s actual Tax Returns but without regard to any depreciation or amortization deductions attributable to any Basis Adjustment (and without regard to amounts that effectively reduce depreciation or amortization deductions or create ordinary income by reason of a negative adjustment under Section 743) or Imputed Interest that were taken into account in computing the actual liability for Covered Taxes of Newmark for such Covered Taxable Year.

Imputed Interest ” shall mean any interest imputed under Section 1272, 1274 or 483 or other provision of the Code (or any successor U.S. Federal income tax statute) and the similar section of the applicable U.S. state or local income or franchise Tax law with respect to Newmark’s payment obligations under this Agreement.

Interim BGC Partners Exchange ” is defined in the recitals.

Interim Interest Contribution ” is defined in the recitals.

Interim Period ” is defined in the recitals.

 

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IPO ” is defined in the recitals.

IRS ” means the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

Joint Return ” means any Tax Return of BGC Partners or of Newmark that is not a Separate Return.

LIBOR ” means, for each month (or portion thereof) during any period, an interest rate per annum equal to the rate per annum reported, on the date two days prior to the first day of such month, on the data source most customarily relied upon for London interbank offered rates for U.S. dollar deposits for such month (or portion thereof).

Newmark ” is defined in the preamble.

Newmark Business ” is defined in the recitals.

Newmark Class  A Common Stock ” is defined in the recitals.

Newmark Class  B Common Stock ” is defined in the recitals.

Newmark Common Stock ” is defined in the recitals.

Newmark Entities ” is defined in the recitals.

Newmark Group ” means Newmark and its Subsidiaries.

Newmark Holdings ” is defined in the recitals.

Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement ” means the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Newmark Holdings, as amended from time to time.

Newmark Interest ” has the meaning ascribed to the term “Interest” in the Newmark Holdings Limited Partnership Agreement.

Newmark Opco ” is defined in the recitals.

Newmark Payment ” is defined in Section  6.01 of this Agreement.

Newmark Separate Return ” means any Separate Return of Newmark.

Opco Partnership Division ” has the meaning ascribed to such term in the Separation Agreement.

Person ” means and includes any individual, firm, corporation, partnership (including, without limitation, any limited, general or limited liability partnership), company, limited liability company, trust, joint venture, association, joint stock company, unincorporated organization or similar entity or Governmental Entity.

Proceeding ” is defined in Section  8.08 of this Agreement.

 

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Proposed Early Termination Payment ” is defined in Section  5.02 of this Agreement.

Realized Tax Benefit ” means, for a Covered Taxable Year, the excess, if any of the Hypothetical Tax Liability for such Covered Taxable Year over the actual liability for Covered Taxes of Newmark for such Covered Taxable Year. To the extent permitted by law, any amount paid pursuant to this Agreement shall be taken into account in computing the Realized Tax Benefit.

Realized Tax Detriment ” means, for a Covered Taxable Year, the excess, if any, of the actual liability for Covered Taxes of Newmark for such Covered Taxable Year over the Hypothetical Tax Liability for such Covered Taxable Year.

Reconciliation Procedures ” shall mean those procedures set forth in Section  8.09 of this Agreement.

Redemption Interest ” is defined in the recitals.

Regular Exchange ” is defined in the recitals.

Revised Schedule ” is defined in Section  2.01(b) .

Scheduled Termination Date ” shall mean the date on which this Agreement would terminate in the absence of an Early Termination Notice (or such other date mutually agreed to by the parties).

Senior Obligations ” is defined in Section  6.01 of this Agreement.

Separate Return ” means (a) in the case of any Tax Return of Newmark (including any consolidated, combined, unitary or similar Tax Return), any such Tax Return that does not include BGC Partners or any other member of the BGC Partners Group and (b) in the case of any Tax Return of BGC Partners (including any consolidated, combined, unitary or similar Tax Return), any such Tax Return that does not include Newmark or any other member of the Newmark Group.

Separation ” is defined in the recitals.

Separation Agreement ” is defined in the recitals.

Subsidiary ” means, as of the relevant date of determination, with respect to any Person, any corporation or other Person of which 50% or more of the voting power of the outstanding voting equity securities or 50% or more of the outstanding economic equity interest is held, directly or indirectly, by such Person.

Tax ” or “ Taxes ” means all forms of taxation or duties imposed, or required to be collected or withheld, including, without limitation, charges, together with any related interest, penalties or other additional amounts.

Taxable Exchange ” is defined in the recitals.

 

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Taxable Year ” means a taxable year as defined in Section 441(b) of the Code or comparable section of U.S. state or local income or franchise Tax law, as applicable (and, therefore, for the avoidance of doubt, may include a period of less than 12 months for which a Tax Return is made).

Tax Benefit Payment ” is defined in Section  3.01(b) of this Agreement.

Taxing Authority ” means the IRS and any other state, local, foreign or other Governmental Entity responsible for the administration of Taxes.

Tax Matters Agreement ” means that certain Tax Matters Agreement entered into as of [•], 2017, by and among the BGC Entities and the Newmark Entities.

Tax Return ” means any return, filing, report, questionnaire, information statement or other document required to be filed, including amended returns that may be filed, for any taxable period with any Taxing Authority (whether or not a payment is required to be made with respect to such filing).

Tax Schedule ” is defined in Section  2.01(a) of this Agreement.

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

ARTICLE II

Determination of Realized Tax Benefit or Realized Tax Detriment

SECTION 2.01. (a) Tax Schedule . At least 45 days prior to the due date (including extensions) for the U.S. federal income Tax Return of Newmark for a Covered Taxable Year (or, if applicable, the U.S. federal income Tax Return of BGC Partners if Newmark is included in such Tax Return for a Covered Taxable Year and Newmark does not file a U.S. federal income Tax Return that is a Newmark Separate Return for such Taxable Year), Newmark shall provide to Cantor a schedule (the “ Tax Schedule ”) showing the computation of the Covered Tax Benefit (if any), the Covered Tax Detriment (if any) and the Tax Benefit Payment (determined in accordance with Section  3.01(b) ) (if any) for such Covered Taxable Year, together with work papers providing reasonable detail regarding the computation of such items. Newmark shall allow Cantor reasonable access to the appropriate representatives at Newmark and its Subsidiaries and the Accounting Firm in connection with its review of the Tax Schedule and workpapers. Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, the items reflected on a Tax Schedule shall become final 30 calendar days after delivery of such Tax Schedule to Cantor unless Cantor, during such 30 calendar days period, provides Newmark with written notice of a material objection thereto made in good faith. If the parties, negotiating in good faith, are unable to successfully resolve the issues raised in such notice within 15 calendar days, Newmark and Cantor shall employ the Reconciliation Procedures.

 

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(b) Revised Schedule . Notwithstanding that the Covered Tax Benefit (if any), the Covered Tax Detriment (if any) and the Tax Benefit Payment (if any) for a Covered Taxable Year may have become final under Section  2.01(a) , such items shall be revised to the extent necessary to reflect (i) a Determination, (ii) inaccuracies in the original computation as a result of factual information that was not previously taken into account, (iii) a change attributable to a carryback or carryforward of a loss or other tax item, (iv) a change attributable to an amended Tax Return filed for such Covered Taxable Year ( provided , however , that such a change attributable to an audit of a Tax Return by an applicable Taxing Authority relating to the deductibility of depreciation or amortization deductions attributable to any Basis Adjustment shall not be taken into account under this Section  2.01(b) unless and until there has been a Determination with respect to such change) or (v) to comply with the expert’s determination under the Reconciliation Procedures. The parties shall cooperate in connection with any proposed revision to the Covered Tax Benefit (if any), the Covered Tax Detriment (if any) and the Tax Benefit Payment (if any) for a Covered Taxable Year. The party proposing a change to such an item shall provide the other party a schedule (a “ Revised Schedule ”) showing the computation and explanation of such revision, together with work papers providing reasonable detail regarding the computation of such items. Subject to the other provisions of this Agreement, such revised Covered Tax Benefit (if any), revised Covered Tax Detriment (if any) and/or revised Tax Benefit Payment (if any) shall become final 30 calendar days after delivery of such Revised Schedule unless the other party, during such 30 calendar days period, provides written notice of a material objection thereto made in good faith. If the parties, negotiating in good faith, are unable to successfully resolve the issues raised in such notice within 15 calendar days, Newmark and Cantor shall employ the Reconciliation Procedures.

(c) Applicable Principles . It is the intention of the parties for Newmark to pay Cantor (subject to the escrow) 85% of the additional Covered Taxes that Newmark would have been required to pay on Tax Returns that have actually been filed but for any depreciation or amortization deductions attributable to any Basis Adjustment (and any Imputed Interest) and this Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with such intention. Such amount shall be determined using a “with and without” methodology. Carryovers or carrybacks of any tax item shall be considered to be subject to the rules of the Code (or any successor U.S. Federal income tax statute) and the Treasury Regulations or the appropriate provisions of U.S. state and local income and franchise Tax law, as applicable, governing the use, limitation and expiration of carryovers or carrybacks of the relevant type. If a carryover or carryback of any Tax item includes a portion that is attributable to the Basis Adjustment and another portion that is not, such portions shall be considered to be used in the order determined using such “with and without” methodology.

(d) Relevant Taxes and Tax Returns . Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (x) the computation of Realized Tax Benefits and Realized Tax Detriments for any Covered Taxable Year shall be performed by taking into account only Covered Taxes (and the related Hypothetical Tax Liability) reported or required to be reported on a Newmark Separate Return for such Covered Taxable Year, and (y) any Taxes affected by a Basis Adjustment (and the related Hypothetical Tax Liability) to the extent reported on a Joint Return for a Covered Taxable Year shall not be taken into account for purposes of this Agreement (it being understood that the effect of a Basis Adjustment on any Taxes reported on a Joint Return and any liability to Cantor for Tax benefits realized in respect thereof shall be governed by the BGC Partners TRA).

 

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ARTICLE III

Tax Benefit Payments

SECTION 3.01. Payments . (a)Within 3 Business Days of the Tax Schedule for any Covered Taxable Year becoming final under Section  2.01(a) , Newmark shall pay (i) to Cantor an amount equal to 80% of the Tax Benefit Payment (determined in accordance with Section  3.01(b) ) and (ii) to a national bank mutually agreeable to Newmark and Cantor as escrow agent (the “ Escrow Agent ”), an amount equal to 20% of such Tax Benefit Payment. The Escrow Agent shall hold each Tax Benefit Payment it receives in escrow (the “ Escrow ”) pursuant to a mutually agreeable escrow agreement between Newmark and Cantor until the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations attributable to the Covered Taxable Year to which such Tax Benefit Payment relates. Each Tax Benefit Payment shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to the bank accounts of Cantor and the Escrow Agent previously designated by such parties to Newmark.

(b) A “ Tax Benefit Payment ” shall equal, with respect to any Covered Taxable Year, the amount of Covered Tax Benefits, if any, for a Covered Taxable Year;

increased by :

(i) the interest calculated at the Agreed Rate from the due date (without extensions) for filing the Tax Return with respect to Covered Taxes for such Covered Taxable Year); and

(ii) any increase in the Covered Tax Benefit or reduction in the Covered Tax Detriment that has become final under Section  2.01(b) ;

and decreased , but without duplication of amount reimbursed pursuant to Section  3.02 , by:

(iii) any Covered Tax Detriment for a previous Covered Taxable Year; and

(iv) any decrease in the Covered Tax Benefit or increase in the Covered Tax Detriment that has become final under Section  2.01(b) ;

provided , however , that (A) the amounts described in Section  3.01(b)(ii) , (iii) and (iv)  shall not be taken into account in determining a Tax Benefit Payment attributable to any Covered Taxable Year to the extent of such amounts were taken into account in determining any Tax Benefit Payment in a preceding Covered Taxable Year and (B) the amounts described in Section  3.01(b)(iii) and (iv)  shall not be taken into account in determining a Tax Benefit Payment attributable to any Covered Taxable Year to the extent such amounts actually reduced (but not below zero) the Tax Benefit Payment actually made by Newmark for a previously Covered Taxable Year.

 

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SECTION 3.02. Reimbursement and Indemnification . (a)To the extent that there is a Determination that a deduction for depreciation or amortization attributable to a Basis Adjustment taken into account in computing a Tax Benefit Payment or Imputed Interest taken into account in computing a Tax Benefit Payment is not available, Cantor shall promptly (i) reimburse Newmark for any prior payment made to Cantor in respect of such deductions for depreciation, amortization or Imputed Interest and (ii) without duplication, indemnify Newmark and hold it harmless with respect to any interest or penalties and any other losses in respect of the disallowance of such deductions (together with reasonable attorneys’ and accountants’ fees incurred in connection with any related Tax contest, but the indemnity for such reasonable attorneys’ and accountants’ fees shall only apply to the extent Cantor is permitted to control such contest). For the avoidance of doubt, the parties agree and acknowledge that Cantor shall not have any payment or reimbursement obligation to Newmark in respect of any Covered Tax Detriment, except as contemplated by this Section  3.02 and except for the reduction (but not below zero) of amounts that would otherwise be due Cantor pursuant to Section  3.01(b) . For the further avoidance of doubt and by way of example, if $20 of depreciation is claimed in Year 1 resulting in a $10 Covered Tax Benefit and Tax Benefit Payment in the same amount to Cantor in Year 2, and the Year 1 depreciation is later disallowed by the IRS, the amount of the payment from Cantor to Newmark under this Section  3.02(a) shall include an amount equal to the $10 Tax Benefit Payment paid with respect to such disallowed depreciation plus the amount of interest and penalties, if any, paid by Newmark with respect to such disallowed depreciation plus any tax savings taken into account in computing the Tax Benefit Payment for other Covered Taxable Years that will be disallowed as a result of such payment (e.g., Imputed Interest) plus any Tax imposed on Newmark as a result of such payment.

(b) Any reimbursement or indemnification payments by Cantor pursuant to this Section  3.02 shall be satisfied first from the amounts in Escrow (to the extent funded in respect of the Covered Tax Benefit(s) to which such reimbursement or indemnification payments relate).

SECTION 3.03. No Duplicative Payments . No duplicative payment of any amount (including interest) will be required under this Agreement.

ARTICLE IV

Change Notices

SECTION 4.01. Change Notices . If Newmark, Newmark Holdings, Newmark Opco or any of their respective Subsidiaries receives a 30-day letter, a final audit report, a statutory notice of deficiency or similar written notice from any Taxing Authority with respect to the Tax treatment of any Taxable Exchange (a “ Change Notice ”), which, if sustained, would result in (i) a reduction in the amount of Realized Tax Benefit with respect to a Covered Taxable Year preceding the Taxable Year in which the Change Notice is received or (ii) a reduction in the amount of Tax Benefit Payments Newmark will be required to pay to Cantor with respect to Covered Taxable Years after and including the Taxable Year in which the Change Notice is received, and which, if determined adversely to the recipient of the Change Notice or after the lapse of time would be grounds for indemnification or reimbursement by Cantor under Section  3.02(a) , prompt written notice shall be given to Cantor, provided , however , that failure to give such notification shall not affect the indemnification provided under this Agreement except to the extent the indemnifying party shall have been actually prejudiced as a result of such failure.

 

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ARTICLE V

Termination

SECTION 5.01. Early Termination of Agreement . Newmark may terminate this Agreement with the approval by a majority of the independent directors of Newmark by paying to Cantor an agreed value of payments remaining to be made under this Agreement (the “ Early Termination Payment ”) as of the date of the Early Termination Notice (as defined herein). Upon payment of the Early Termination Payment by Newmark, Newmark shall have no further payment obligations under this Agreement, other than for any (a) Tax Benefit Payment agreed to by Newmark and Cantor as due and payable but unpaid as of the Early Termination Notice and (b) any Tax Benefit Payment due for the Covered Taxable Year ending with or including the date of the Early Termination Notice (except to the extent that the amount described in clause (a) or (b) is included in the Early Termination Payment).

SECTION 5.02. Early Termination Notice . If Newmark chooses to request early termination under Section  5.01 above, Newmark shall deliver to Cantor a notice (the “ Early Termination Notice ”) specifying Newmark’s intention to request early termination and showing in reasonable detail its calculation of the Early Termination Payment (the “ Proposed Early Termination Payment ”). At the time Newmark delivers the Early Termination Notice to Cantor, Newmark shall (a) deliver to Cantor schedules and work papers providing reasonable detail regarding the calculation of the Proposed Early Termination Payment and a letter from a nationally recognized accounting firm supporting such calculation and (b) allow Cantor reasonable access to the appropriate representatives at Newmark and its Subsidiaries and such accounting firm (and the Accounting Firm) in connection with its review of such calculation. Within 30 days after receiving such calculation, Cantor shall notify Newmark whether it agrees to or objects to the Proposed Early Termination Payment. The Proposed Early Termination Payment shall only become final and binding on the parties if Cantor agrees in writing to the value of the Proposed Early Termination Payment within such 30 day period (or such shorter period as may be mutually agreed in writing by the parties). If Cantor and Newmark cannot agree upon the value of the Early Termination Payment, this Agreement will remain in full force and effect. For the avoidance of doubt, Newmark shall have no obligation to request early termination under Section  5.01 .

SECTION 5.03. Payment upon Early Termination . Within 3 calendar days of an agreement between Cantor and Newmark as to the value of the Early Termination Payment, Newmark shall pay to Cantor an amount equal to the Early Termination Payment. Such payment shall be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds to a bank account designated by Cantor.

 

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ARTICLE VI

Subordination and Late Payments

SECTION 6.01. Subordination . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, any Tax Benefit Payment or Early Termination Payment required to be made by Newmark to Cantor under this Agreement (a “ Newmark Payment ”) shall rank subordinate and junior in right of payment to any principal, interest or other amounts due and payable in respect of any debt of Newmark (“ Senior Obligations ”) and shall rank pari passu with all current or future unsecured obligations of Newmark that are not Senior Obligations.

SECTION 6.02. Late Payments by Newmark . The amount of all or any portion of a Newmark Payment not made to Cantor when due under the terms of this Agreement shall be payable together with any interest thereon, computed at the Agreed Rate and commencing from the date on which such Newmark Payment was due and payable.

ARTICLE VII

No Disputes; Consistency; Cooperation

SECTION 7.01. Cantor Participation in Newmark Tax Matters . Except as otherwise provided herein and the Tax Matters Agreement, Newmark shall have full responsibility for, and sole discretion over, all Tax matters concerning Newmark, Newmark Holdings, Newmark Opco and their respective Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, the preparation, filing or amending of any Tax Return and defending, contesting or settling any issue pertaining to Taxes. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Newmark shall notify Cantor of, and keep Cantor reasonably informed with respect to, and Cantor shall have the right to participate in and monitor (but, for the avoidance of doubt, not to control) the portion of any audit of Newmark, Newmark Holdings, Newmark Opco and their respective Subsidiaries, as applicable, by a Taxing Authority the outcome of which is reasonably expected to affect Cantor’s rights under this Agreement or the BGC Partners TRA (if any). Newmark shall provide to Cantor reasonable opportunity to provide information and other input to Newmark and its advisors concerning the conduct of any such portion of such audits. None of Newmark, Newmark Holdings, Newmark Opco or their respective Subsidiaries, as applicable, shall settle or otherwise resolve any audit or other challenge by a Taxing Authority relating to the Basis Adjustment or the BGC Partners TRA Basis Adjustment (if any) without the consent of the Audit Committee and Cantor, which consent Cantor shall not unreasonably withhold, condition or delay.

SECTION 7.02. Tax Positions . Newmark shall determine after consultation with Cantor the extent to which it is permitted to claim any depreciation or amortization deductions attributable to the Basis Adjustments, and the amount and deductibility of any Imputed Interest, and such deduction shall be taken into account in computing the Realized Tax Benefits so long as the Accounting Firm agrees that it is at least more likely than not that such deduction is available. For purposes of this Agreement, a tax position shall not be considered permitted by law unless the Accounting Firm is at a “more likely than not” or higher level of comfort with respect to such tax position.

 

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SECTION 7.03. Cooperation . Cantor shall (and shall cause its affiliates to) (a) furnish to Newmark in a timely manner such information, documents and other materials as Newmark may reasonably request for purposes of making any determination or computation necessary or appropriate under this Agreement, preparing any Tax Return or contesting or defending any audit, examination or controversy with any Taxing Authority, (b) make its employees available to Newmark and its representatives to provide explanations of documents and materials and such other information as Newmark or its representative may reasonably request in connection with any of the matters described in clause (a) above, and (c) reasonably cooperate in connection with any such matter.

ARTICLE VIII

General Provisions

SECTION 8.01. Notices . All notices, requests, claims, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given and received (a) on the date of delivery if delivered personally, or by facsimile upon confirmation of transmission by the sender’s fax machine if sent on a Business Day (or otherwise on the next Business Day) or (b) on the first Business Day following the date of dispatch if delivered by a recognized next-day courier service. All notices hereunder shall be delivered as set forth in Schedule A, or pursuant to such other instructions as may be designated in writing by the party to receive such notice. Any party may change its address or fax number by giving the other party written notice of its new address or fax number in the manner set forth above.

SECTION 8.02. Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement and shall become effective when one or more counterparts have been signed by each of the parties and delivered to the other parties, it being understood that all parties need not sign the same counterpart.

SECTION 8.03. Entire Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiaries . This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of each party hereto and their respective successors and permitted assigns, and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person any right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement.

SECTION 8.04. Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of Delaware without giving effect to applicable principles of conflict of laws.

SECTION 8.05. Severability . If any term or other provision of this Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any law or public policy, all other terms and provisions of this Agreement shall nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated hereby are consummated as originally contemplated to the greatest extent possible.

 

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SECTION 8.06. Successors; Assignment; Amendments . Cantor may not assign this Agreement to any person without the prior written consent of Newmark and the Audit Committee, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed; provided , however , Cantor may pledge some or all of its rights, interests or entitlements under this Agreement to any U.S. money center bank in connection with a bona fide loan or other indebtedness; provided further , however, that Cantor may assign its rights to a wholly-owned Subsidiary of Cantor without the prior written consent of Newmark. Newmark may not assign any of their rights, interests or entitlements under this Agreement without the consent of Cantor, not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed; provided , however , that Newmark may assign its rights to a wholly-owned subsidiary of Newmark without the prior written consent of Cantor; provided , further , however , that no such assignment shall relieve Cantor or Newmark of any of its obligations hereunder. Subject to each of the two immediately preceding sentences, this Agreement will be binding upon, inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by, the parties and their respective successors and assigns including any acquirer of all or substantially all of the assets of Newmark. Any amendment to this Agreement will be subject to approval by a majority of the independent directors of Newmark.

SECTION 8.07. Titles and Subtitles . The titles of the sections and subsections of this Agreement are for convenience of reference only and are not to be considered in construing this Agreement.

SECTION 8.08. Submission to Jurisdiction; Waivers . With respect to any suit, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement (collectively, a “ Proceeding ”), each party to this Agreement irrevocably (a) consents and submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the States of New York and Delaware and any court of the U.S. located in the Borough of Manhattan in New York City or the State of Delaware; (b) waives any objection which such party may have at any time to the laying of venue of any Proceeding brought in any such court, waives any claim that such Proceeding has been brought in an inconvenient forum and further waives the right to object, with respect to such Proceeding, that such court does not have jurisdiction over such party; (c) consents to the service of process at the address set forth for notices in Schedule A ; provided , however , that such manner of service of process shall not preclude the service of process in any other manner permitted under applicable law; and (d) waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any and all rights to trial by jury in connection with any Proceeding.

SECTION 8.09. Reconciliation . In the event that Newmark and Cantor are unable to resolve a disagreement within the relevant period designated in this Agreement, the matter shall be submitted for determination to a nationally recognized expert in the particular area of disagreement employed by a nationally recognized accounting firm or a law firm (other than the Accounting Firm), which expert is mutually acceptable to all parties and the Audit Committee. If the matter is not resolved before any payment that is the subject of a disagreement is due or any Tax Return reflecting the subject of a disagreement is due, such payment shall be made on the date prescribed by this Agreement in the amount proposed by Newmark and such Tax Return shall be filed as prepared by Newmark, subject to adjustment or amendment upon resolution.

 

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The determinations of the expert pursuant to this Section  8.09 shall be binding on Newmark and its Subsidiaries, Newmark Holdings, Newmark Opco and Cantor absent manifest error.

SECTION 8.10. Withholding . Newmark and the Escrow Agent shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from any payment payable pursuant to this Agreement such amounts as Newmark and the Escrow Agent are required to deduct and withhold with respect to the making of such payment under the Code, or any provision of state, local or foreign tax law. To the extent that amounts are so withheld and paid over to the appropriate taxing authority by Newmark or the Escrow Agent, such withheld amounts shall be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to Cantor.

[Signature pages follow]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Newmark and Cantor have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

NEWMARK GROUP, INC.
By  

 

  Name:
  Title:
CF GROUP MANAGEMENT, INC.
General Partner, Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P.
By  

 

  Name:
  Title:
CANTOR FITZGERALD, L.P.
By  

 

  Name:
  Title:

[Signature Page to the Tax Receivable Agreement, dated as of [ ], 2017,

by and between Newmark Group, Inc. and Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P.]


Schedule A

Pursuant to Section  8.01 of this Agreement, all notices under this Agreement shall be delivered as set forth below:

if to Newmark:

Newmark Group, Inc.

125 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10017

Attention: General Counsel

Fax No.: (212) 610-2200

if to Cantor:

Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P.

110 East 59th Street

New York, New York 10022

Attention: General Counsel

Fax No.: (212) 829-4708

with a copy to:

Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz

51 West 52nd Street

New York, New York 10019

Telecopy: (212) 403-1306

Attention: Joshua M. Holmes, Esq.

                 Tijana J. Dvornic, Esq.

Exhibit 10.13

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

AGREEMENT, dated as of December 1, 2017, by and between Newmark Partners, L.P., together with its successors and assigns (collectively, the “ Company ”), and Barry M. Gosin (“ Employee ”) (the “ Agreement ”).

In consideration of the mutual agreements set forth below, the Company and Employee therefore agree:

Section 1. Employment and Term .

The Company hereby agrees to engage Employee, and Employee hereby agrees to serve, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement, with the title and duties set forth in Section 2, for a term commencing as of the date hereof and, unless otherwise earlier terminated as specified in Section 4 below, ending on the earlier of: (i) the twelve (12) month anniversary of the date on which either party notifies the other party in writing of its intention to terminate this Agreement, or (ii) this Agreement is otherwise terminated in accordance with its terms, including, without limitation, termination for Cause under Section 4 (the “ Term of Employment ”).

Section 2. Duties .

(a) Employee agrees that during the Term of Employment, Employee will: (a) serve as the Chief Executive Officer of Newmark Group, Inc. (“ Newmark ”), subject to the approval of the Board of Directors of Newmark; (b) report to the Chairman of Newmark (or the successor equivalent) (the “ Chairman ”) (which currently is Howard W. Lutnick); and (c) perform such duties and assignments as the Chairman shall direct in furtherance of the Company (including any successors and assigns) and any entity whether now existing or hereafter arising that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls or is controlled by or under common control with the Company (each such entity, an “ Affiliate ”). During the Term of Employment, Employee shall, except during customary vacation periods and periods of illness, devote substantially all of Employee’s business time, attention and energies to the performance of Employee’s duties and to the business and affairs of the Company and its Affiliates and to promoting the best interests of the Company and its Affiliates, and Employee shall not, either during or outside of such normal business hours, directly or indirectly, engage in any activity inimical to such best interests. The Company and Newmark retain the right, in its sole discretion, to place Employee on paid and/or administrative leave if it determines that the circumstances so warrant. Notwithstanding the above, nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit Employee from investing any of his own personal funds in owning real property (including casinos but excluding the operation of casinos) if (x) such investments are disclosed to the Company; (y) any service and management fees generated in connection with such real estate investments in which Employee has a controlling interest are provided to the Company (but only to the extent the Company is then currently in the business of providing such services); and (z) Employee uses reasonable efforts to provide the Company with any service and management fees generated in connection with such real estate investments in which Employee does not have a controlling interest (but only to the extent the Company is then currently in the business of providing such services) (the “ Permitted Activities ”). Such Permitted Activities shall also include Employee using his personal funds to make investments that are in compliance with the Company’s and its Affiliates’ policies and practices or as otherwise expressly approved by the Chairman. Employee shall be permitted to work from his residence or remotely while traveling from time to time (which is currently expected to be generally in a similar manner and to a similar extent as he did prior to the date hereof while employed in the Newmark business).


Section 3. Compensation During the Term of Employment .

The Company shall pay to Employee compensation as follows, subject to the terms and conditions herein:

(a) During the Term of Employment, the Company shall pay to Employee a salary (the “ Salary ”) at an annual rate of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000), less applicable taxes and withholdings, in accordance with the Company’s payroll practices (which currently is payable on or about the 15th and last day of each month).

(b) During the Term of Employment, at the sole discretion of the Company, Employee shall be eligible to participate in a commission-sharing arrangement, under such terms and conditions applicable to Employee and in accordance with the Company’s then current policies and practices with respect to commissions that are generated by, and attributed by the Company to, Employee and the Company (the amount payable to Employee under such commission-sharing arrangement shall be the “ Commissions ”), provided that any Commissions shall be earned and payable to Employee only if Employee is not in material breach of this Agreement as of the date payment is to be otherwise made and all such Commissions for Employee must be approved by the Compensation Committee, as defined below.

(c) Employee shall be eligible for a discretionary annual bonus (a “ Bonus ”), subject to the approval of, and satisfactory achievement by Employee of such performance goals or targets as may be established by, the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors of Newmark (the “ Compensation Committee ”) in its absolute discretion from time to time. It is a condition precedent to Employee’s receipt of any Bonus that Employee remains employed by the Company, and not in material breach of this Agreement, as of the date payment is to be otherwise made, and any Bonus is subject to satisfaction of the applicable performance targets established by the Compensation Committee.

(d) Employee understands and agrees that the component parts of the aggregate compensation-related amounts attributed to Employee by the Company (including but not limited to Salary, Bonus, cash and non-cash grants, and any form of equity) may, as determined in the sole discretion of the Company, consist of one or more of the following and valued as described herein:

(i) a cash payment and

(ii) a contingent non-cash grant award, subject to the terms (including any cancellation, and restrictive covenants provisions contained therein) of the grant document(s) and the partnership agreement under which such non-cash grant is awarded (each such award shall be a “ Grant Award ”). The form, manner, and valuation of such Grant Award shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Company. Employee understands that, following the initial public offering of Newmark, such non-cash grant may consist of, without limitation, PSUs, as those terms are defined in the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of Newmark Holdings, L.P. (the “ Newmark Partnership ”), as amended and restated, as further amended or restated from time to time or may consist of any other form of non-cash grant. For the avoidance of doubt, Grant Awards may also, in the Company’s discretion and subject to the consent of BGC Holdings, L.P., consist (in whole or in part) of units relating to BGC Holdings, L.P. (the “ BGC Partnership ”), including without limitation, PSUs, as such terms are defined in the Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited Partnership of BGC Holdings, L.P., as amended and restated, as further amended or restated from time to time or may consist of any other form of non-cash grant.

 

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(e) Nothing herein shall be construed as requiring Newmark or the Company to procure the grant of any particular type of contingent non-cash grant award or preventing Newmark or the Company from procuring the grant of any other type of contingent non-cash Grant Award from time to time. For the avoidance of doubt, where Newmark or the Company procures that any payment, award, benefit, or loan of money or property (including without limitation distributions in respect of such award and the application of any distributions) (each an “ Award ”) pursuant to this Agreement or otherwise, is provided to Employee by the Company or an Affiliate, Employee agrees that Newmark and the Company shall be entitled to treat such Award as being in satisfaction of any of its own obligations to Employee with respect to the Award, including but not limited to under Section 3(d) herein.

(f) Employee shall be entitled each year to participate in such employee benefit plans and programs as the Company may from time to time generally offer to employees of the Company in accordance with the Company’s then applicable practices and practices. Employee will also be entitled to a vacation or vacations in accordance with the policies of the Company as determined by the management of the Company from time to time. The Company shall not pay Employee any additional compensation for any vacation time not used by Employee, other than as required by law.

(g) During the Term of Employment, the Company shall (i) provide Employee with a sedan or sports utility vehicle for business use in connection with Employee’s duties under this Agreement and a driver for such vehicle; (ii) provide Employee with a secretary in connection with the performance of Employee’s duties in the Company’s office; and (iii) pay or reimburse Employee for reasonable expenses incurred or paid by Employee to attend the World Economic Forum annual meeting.

(h) Except as specified to the contrary herein, all compensation shall be subject to withholding and other applicable taxes. The Company shall pay or reimburse Employee for reasonable travel and entertainment expenses incurred by Employee in accordance with the Company’s then current practices or such practices specifically applicable to Employee.

(i) All compensation shall be earned and payable only if Employee is employed by the Company or an Affiliate as of the date payment is to be otherwise made; except that Employee’s then-current Salary shall be payable to Employee pro-rated to the date of Employee’s employment termination.

(j) For all purposes of this Agreement, all references to units, Newmark Class A common stock, BGC Partners, Inc. Class A common stock, and any other non-cash grants shall also, or in lieu of, include, to the extent applicable and as determined by the Company, any other equity instrument issued to you in connection with any merger, reorganization, acquisition, or spin-off of/by BGC Partners, Inc. (“ BGC ”) or Newmark or the Company (e.g., Newmark’s initial public offering) or other similar event. If the securities or units contemplated herein at any time prior to each applicable grant date shall have been increased, decreased, changed into, or exchanged for a different number or kind of securities or units (or other property) as a result of a subdivision, reorganization, spin-off, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, extraordinary dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, combination or other similar change, such securities or units (or other property), and any exchanges or exchange rights (including the applicable exchange ratio) related to such securities or units (or other property), shall be equitably adjusted to reflect such change in accordance with applicable laws.

Section 4. Termination .

(a) During the Term of Employment, the Company may terminate this Agreement with Employee for Cause and notice of such termination shall be sent to Employee. For the purposes hereof, “ Cause ” means Employee’s: (i) fraud, embezzlement, theft, dishonesty, or any misappropriation of any amount of money or other assets or property of the Company or any of its Affiliates; (ii) material breach

 

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of his fiduciary duties as an officer, trustee, or employee of the Company or any of its Affiliates; (iii) material breach by Employee of any of the material provisions of this Agreement (which are deemed to include, but are not limited to, failure to follow any lawful direction of the Chairman, failure to maintain any regulatory approvals or licenses necessary to perform Employee’s duties, and any breach of Sections 4(e) or 5) that, to the extent curable, is not cured within ten (10) business days of written notice to Employee from the Company; and (iv) conviction of a felony, or any crime involving fraud, theft, or moral turpitude, under U.S. Federal, state or local laws or any applicable foreign laws (including any pleas of nolo contendere).

(b) Subsequent to the expiration of a notice of election to terminate the Term of Employment pursuant to Section 1, if the Company elects, at its sole discretion, to continue to employ Employee, Employee will be an employee at will and the Company may terminate the employment of Employee without Cause. This Agreement shall no longer govern the terms of Employee’s compensation when Employee is an employee at will. While Employee is an employee at will, the terms of Employee’s employment, including, but not limited to Employee’s compensation, shall be governed by the Company’s policies then in effect and applicable to Employee; provided, however, that Employee shall remain subject to the terms set forth in Sections 5, 7, 8, and 10 hereof.

(c) If in the Company’s reasonable good faith judgment during the Term of Employment, by reason of physical or mental disability, Employee is incapable of performing the essential functions of Employee’s position, with or without reasonable accommodation for a period of 90 out of 180 consecutive days, the Company at its option may thereafter terminate this Agreement with Employee and notice of such termination may be sent to Employee. The Salary of Employee during any period of disability shall be in accordance with the then-current policy of the Company. If Employee shall die during the Term of Employment, the Term of Employment shall automatically terminate; in the event of such death, or if the Company terminates the Term of Employment pursuant to this Section, the Company shall pay to Employee or to Employee’s legal representatives, or in accordance with a direction given by Employee to the Company in writing, Employee’s compensation to the date on which such death or termination for disability occurs.

(d) In the event the Company terminates this Agreement without Cause during the Term of Employment in breach of the Agreement, the parties agree that, as Employee’s sole and exclusive remedy (in law, equity, or otherwise) for such termination without Cause: (i) Employee shall receive his Salary through the last day of the then-current Term of Employment; and (ii) if applicable, Employee’s then non-exchangeable BGC Partnership or Newmark Partnership units will, as determined by the applicable General Partner, be redeemed for cash or stock ratably over the first through fourth anniversaries of such termination or (z) exchanged into restricted shares of stock and become transferable ratably over the first through fourth anniversaries of such termination; provided that , with respect to both (y) and (z), Employee has fully satisfied the non-compete, non-solicit, and media non-disparage conditions for transfer or redemption set forth in the documentation through such applicable transfer date, and all redemptions and exchanges shall be subject to applicable taxes and withholdings; and a condition precedent to the Company’s obligations to pay the benefits described in clauses (i) and (ii)shall be Employee’s satisfaction of the Release Condition (defined below). Payments and benefits of amounts described in clauses (i) and (ii) of this Section 4(d) which do not constitute nonqualified deferred compensation and are not subject to Code Section 409A (as defined below) shall commence five (5) days after the Release Condition is satisfied and payments and benefits which are subject to Code Section 409A shall commence on the 60th day after termination of employment (subject to further delay, if required pursuant to Section 13 below) provided that the Release Condition is satisfied. If Employee fails to satisfy the Release Condition within fifty-five (55) days following the Termination Date, or if he revokes such release of claims as provided therein, he shall not receive the payments and benefits described in this Section 4(d) but will continue to be bound by his obligations during the Non-Compete

 

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Period (unless the Company, by written notice, terminates the Non-Compete Period early). Employee acknowledges and agrees that, other than as provided in the foregoing sentence, he has no rights to any relief or remedy (equitable, compensatory or otherwise) under this Agreement. In consideration of the foregoing, Employee further acknowledges and agrees that Employee must continue to comply with his obligations under Section 5 irrespective of his termination without Cause, and the Company shall permit Employee, if Employee so desires, to continue to serve as a real estate broker for the Company in accordance with its rules and policies for the remainder of the Non-Compete Period (defined below); provided that the Company may shorten the Non-Compete Period in its discretion with written notice to Employee; and provided , further , that the performance of services for, and the engagement in any transaction or arrangement with any client or prospective client of the Company or any Affiliate solely in connection with such continued service as a real estate broker by Employee in service of, and furtherance of, the Company shall not constitute a violation of Section 5(d) of this Agreement.

(e) Employee acknowledges and agrees that he shall not resign from, or voluntarily cease providing services to, the Company during the Term of Employment, and any dispute under this Agreement does not excuse him from his continued performance under this Agreement. Subject to Employee’s obligations set forth in Section 1, should Employee resign or voluntarily cease providing services to the Company during the Term of Employment for any reason, Employee shall forfeit any compensation not yet paid to him (other than his Salary pro-rated through the Termination Date). “ Termination Date ” means the date of Employee’s termination of employment for any reason.

(f) In the event the Company notifies Employee of the Company’s election to terminate this Agreement with Employee, such termination shall become effective (i) if mailed, three (3) days after mailing of notice thereof to Employee or (ii) if delivered by hand, upon delivery.

(g) In the event Employee’s employment is terminated for any reason, Employee will promptly resign from any officer and/or director positions Employee may hold with the Company or any of its Affiliates.

Section 5. Non-Competition; Non-Disclosure; Non-Solicitation; Non-Disparagement .

(a) Employee acknowledges that, during Employee’s employment, Employee will have access to and become acquainted with the Company’s and its Affiliates’ confidential records. Employee hereby covenants and agrees that during Employee’s employment and thereafter, Employee shall keep strictly confidential all information which Employee presently possesses or which Employee may obtain during the course of Employee’s employment or any consulting arrangement with the Company or one of its Affiliates with respect to its client information, trade secrets, copyrights, patents, trademarks, service marks, source code, business practices, finances, developments, affairs, records, data, formulae, documents, intangible rights, other intellectual property and other confidential information (collectively, “ Confidential Information ”) of the Company or any Affiliate, or information about the Company or any Affiliate not generally known to the public and not disclose the same, directly or indirectly, to any other person, firm or corporation or utilize the same, except solely in the course of performing Employee’s duties on behalf of the Company and its Affiliates pursuant to this Agreement. All Confidential Information relating to the business of the Company and its Affiliates which Employee shall develop, conceive, produce, prepare, use, construct or observe during the Term of Employment shall be and remain the sole property of the Company or the relevant Affiliate. Employee further agrees that upon the termination of Employee’s employment (irrespective of the time, manner or cause of termination), Employee will surrender and deliver to the Company or its applicable Affiliate all Confidential Information, including but not limited to work papers, memoranda, lists, books, records and data of every kind, as well as any copies thereof, relating to or in connection with the Company’s and its Affiliates’ Confidential Information and business. It is understood that Employee may be required to disclose Confidential Information pursuant to subpoena, other court process, at the direction of governmental or self-regulatory agencies, or otherwise as required by law.

 

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(b) During the Term of Employment and until twenty-four (24) months after the later of the expiration of the Term of Employment or the Termination Date (the “ Non-Compete Period ”), neither Employee nor any of his respective Affiliates will, directly or indirectly, manage, operate, join, control, promote, invest, participate or become interested in, provide services to, or be connected in any capacity (whether as an employee, employer, trustee, consultant, agent, principal, partner, corporate officer, director, creditor, owner or shareholder or in any other individual or representative capacity) with any business activity, business, individual, partnership, firm, corporation or other entity which is engaged, wholly or partly, in the same or similar business of any then current or contemplated (for which the Company or any Affiliate has taken preparatory steps) business of the Company or any Affiliate (which includes, without limitation: (i) the brokerage of real estate, real estate related assets or products, (ii) property and/or facilities management, (iii) real estate leasing, asset management, consulting or investment sales, (iv) advice or services related thereto, and (v) multi-family financing). Notwithstanding the above, nothing in this Agreement shall (y) prohibit Employee from acquiring or owning, in accordance with the Company’s or its applicable Affiliate’s policies and procedures regarding personal securities transactions, less than 1% of the outstanding securities of any class of any corporation that are listed on a national securities exchange or traded in the over-the-counter market; or (z) prohibit Employee from participating in the Permitted Activities. Following the later of the expiration of the Term of Employment or termination of Employee’s employment, Employee also may personally participate in the raising of a non-Newmark and non-Company real estate fund, and retain the customary asset management fees associated with it, if: (x) Employee discloses such fund (and information regarding it) to the Chairman; (y) any service and management fees generated in connection with such real estate fund investments in which Employee has a controlling interest are provided to the Company (but only to the extent the Company is then currently in the business of providing such services); and (z) Employee shall use reasonable efforts to provide the Company with any service and management fees generated in connection with such real estate fund investments in which Employee does not have a controlling interest (but only to the extent the Company is then currently in the business of providing such services). For the avoidance of doubt, the engagement in any transaction or arrangement with any client or prospective client of the Company or any Affiliate only in connection with Employee’s raising of a real estate fund pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence shall not constitute a violation of Section 5(d) of this Agreement.

(c) As additional consideration for Employee’s performance of the covenants contained above, the Company shall pay Employee for each month commencing with the later of the expiration of the Term of Employment or the Termination Date and continuing until the expiration of the Non-Compete Period (the “ Non-Compete Payments ”) an amount equal to Eighty-Three Thousand Three Hundred Thirty-Three Dollars and Thirty-Three Cents ($83,333.33). Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company, by written notice at any time to Employee, may terminate early the Non-Compete Period and, in connection therewith, stop any further Non-Compete Payments and the obligation of Employee under Section 5(b). In addition, if the Company or its Affiliate determines that Employee has breached any of Employee’s covenants contained herein, the Company may suspend the making of any Non-Compete Payments or offset from such payments (or any other amounts then due or that will become due to Employee from the Company) the Company’s reasonable estimate of the damages it or its Affiliate has suffered as the result of such breach or any other amounts owed by Employee to the Company or one of its Affiliates, in each case without prejudice to any of its rights or remedies under this Agreement. A condition precedent to the Company’s obligations to pay the Non-Compete Payments shall be Employee’s execution and delivery within fifty-five (55) days following his termination of employment of a timely and effective and irrevocable release of claims in favor of the Company and its Affiliates, in the customary form provided by the Company to Employee (such condition, the “ Release Condition ”);

 

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provided that Employee shall not be required to release any claims with respect to (1) the right to enforce this Agreement, (ii) vested benefits under employee benefit plans of the Company and its subsidiaries and Affiliates, (iii) any right, if any, to indemnification that Employee may have under the certificate of incorporation, the by-laws or equivalent governing documents of the Company or its subsidiaries or Affiliates, the laws of the State of Delaware or any other state of which such subsidiary or Affiliate is a domiciliary, or any indemnification agreement between Employee and the Company or one of its Affiliates, or (iv) any right, if any, to insurance coverage under any directors’ and officers’ personal liability insurance or fiduciary insurance policy, if any. If Employee fails to execute and deliver such release of claims within such fifty-five (55) day period, or if he revokes such release of claims as provided therein, he shall not receive the Non-Compete Payments but will continue to be bound by his obligations during the Non-Compete Period (unless the Company, by written notice, terminates the Non-Compete Period early). Payments and benefits of amounts which do not constitute nonqualified deferred compensation and are not subject to Code Section 409A shall commence five (5) days after the Release Condition is satisfied and payments and benefits which are subject to Code Section 409A shall commence on the 60th day after termination of employment (subject to further delay, if required pursuant to Section 13 below) provided that the Release Condition is satisfied.

(d) During the Term of Employment and for a period of twenty-four (24) months after the later of the expiration of the Term of Employment or the Termination Date, Employee will not, either directly or indirectly, for any reason whatsoever, alone or with others (whether as an employee, employer, trustee, consultant, agent, principal, partner, corporate officer, director, creditor, owner or shareholder or in any other individual or representative capacity), solicit or entice away, perform services for, or engage in any transaction or arrangement with, any client or prospective client of the Company or any Affiliate.

(e) During the Term of Employment and for a period of five (5) years after the later of the expiration of the Term of Employment or the Termination Date, for any reason whatsoever, Employee shall not, alone, or with others, directly or indirectly, (i) solicit, hire, affiliate for profit with, or retain for Employee’s benefit or the benefit of any person or organization other than the Company or any Affiliate thereof, the employment or other services of any individual employed by, associated with, or serving as a consultant or independent contractor of, the Company or any Affiliate thereof, or any person who was employed by or served as a consultant or independent contractor of the Company or any Affiliate thereof at any time during the six (6) month period prior to the act or attempt to solicit, hire or retain such person, or (ii) encourage, solicit, influence or induce any such person to terminate or leave his or her employment or other remunerative relationship with the Company or any Affiliate thereof.

(f) Employee recognizes that Employee is being placed in a position of trust and confidence and as such will not during the Term of Employment or thereafter defame, disparage, libel or slander the Company or its Affiliates in any way and will not during the Term of Employment or thereafter contact, respond to any request from or in any way discuss, criticize, defame, disparage, libel or slander the Company or its Affiliates, employees, or agents to the media (print, television, or otherwise, whether on or off the record).

Section 6. Other Employee Obligations .

(a) Employee is required to well and faithfully serve the Company and any Affiliates and to the best of Employee’s ability use Employee’s best endeavors at all times to promote the development of the Company’s business and reputation. Employee warrants that, during Employee’s employment with the Company, Employee shall use Employee’s best efforts to generate revenues commensurate with Employee’s position and responsibilities on behalf of the Company and any Affiliates and to advance the interests of the Company and Affiliates.

 

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(b) Employee must maintain the highest standards of honesty and fair dealing in Employee’s work for the Company and any Affiliate. Employee represents, warrants, and covenants that Employee possesses and will maintain all licenses, permits and qualifications necessary to perform Employee’s duties hereunder. Great importance is attached to the observance of the Company’s and its Affiliate’s policies and procedures as expressed in any personnel or compliance manual, all Federal and State laws and regulations (or if applicable, those of a foreign jurisdiction) and the rules of the any applicable self-regulatory organization.

(c) During the Term of Employment and any extensions thereof, Employee shall not, without the written consent of the Company, enter into an agreement, whether oral, written or otherwise, with any person, firm or corporation providing for Employee’s future employment by such or any other person, firm or corporation.

Section 7. Injunctive Relief .

The parties acknowledge that in the event of a breach or a threatened breach by Employee of any of Employee’s obligations under this Agreement, the Company and its Affiliates will not have an adequate remedy at law. Accordingly, in the event of any such breach or threatened breach by Employee, the Company and its Affiliates shall be entitled to specific performance of this Agreement or such equitable and injunctive relief, without proof of special damages or the posting of any bond or other security, as may be available to restrain Employee and any business, firm, partnership, individual, corporation or entity participating in such breach or threatened breach from the violation of the provisions hereof. The Company and its Affiliates will be entitled to seek such relief, without the posting of any bond or other security, in court pursuant to Section 7502(c) of the New York Civil Practice Law and Rules, or any successor provision thereto. Nothing herein shall be construed as prohibiting the Company or any Affiliate from pursuing any other remedies available at law or in equity for such breach or threatened breach in any dispute under Section 8 hereof.

Section 8. Dispute Resolution .

Any disputes, differences or controversies arising at any time under this Agreement or Employee’s employment shall, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, be brought before, and settled and finally determined by, a court of competent jurisdiction in the Borough of Manhattan, New York City, New York, and such court shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any such dispute or action; provided that the parties expressly waive their right to any trial before jury and, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, the parties waive any right to seek special, exemplary, multiple, or punitive damages or amounts in the nature of special, exemplary, multiple, or punitive damages, or penalties regardless of the nature or form of the claim or grievance that has been submitted to the court.

Section 9. Entire Agreement; Enforceability; Partial Invalidity .

(a) This Agreement contains the entire agreement of the parties or its Affiliates with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes any and all prior agreements and understandings between the parties; provided, however , that nothing herein modifies, alters, or eliminates any of the rights and obligations of BGC and Employee under the Equity Purchase Agreement dated April 27, 2011, between BGC, the Company, and the Sellers (as such term is defined therein). For the avoidance of doubt, this Agreement supersedes the Employment Agreement by and between Employee and Newmark Partners, L.P., dated as of April 27, 2011, as amended in July 2012, August 2014, and December 2015. Neither party is relying upon any promises, representations or inducements, written, oral or otherwise, which are not set forth in this Agreement, and no modification or waiver of any provision hereof will be binding upon any party unless in writing and signed by the parties hereto. As of the date hereof, and other than

 

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with respect to any debt or other outstanding monetary obligations Employee has to the Company or an Affiliate thereof, the Agreement supersedes and replaces any employment, independent contractor, or other services-related, compensation-related, or similar agreements and understandings in effect immediately prior to the date hereof between Employee and BGC or the Company or any Affiliate thereof, and Employee waives any rights to termination notice, if any, thereunder.

(b) The invalidity or unenforceability of any particular provision of this Agreement shall not affect the other provisions and this Agreement shall be construed in all respects as if such invalid or unenforceable provisions were omitted. In the event that a court of competent jurisdiction shall determine that any covenant set forth in this Agreement is impermissibly broad in scope, duration or geographical area, or is in the nature of a penalty, then the parties intend that such court should limit the scope, duration or geographical area of such covenant to the extent, and only to the extent, necessary to render such covenant reasonable and enforceable, and enforce the covenant as so limited.

Section 10. Miscellaneous .

This Agreement:

(a) shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors, permitted assigns, heirs, executors and administrators. No waiver or modification shall be deemed to be a subsequent waiver or modification of the same or any other term, covenant or condition in this Agreement;

(b) may not be assigned, in whole or in part, by either party hereto without the prior written consent of the other party (any purported assignment hereof in violation of this provision being null and void); however, it may be assigned without recourse, in whole or in part by the Company to any Affiliate or to any successor in interest of the Company or any Affiliate by merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise, and may be executed in various counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument, and shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, without giving effect to the principles of conflicts of laws thereof. Employee hereby waives personal service of process, and irrevocably submits to service of process by mail; and

(c) shall be effective only when executed each of the Company and Employee and upon such execution shall be binding and enforceable; the Agreement in unsigned form does not become an offer of any kind and does not become capable of acceptance until executed by Employee, and at such time, the Agreement is capable of acceptance by signature by an official at the Company. Facsimile signatures or signatures delivered via other electronic means shall be deemed original signatures.

Section 11. Notices .

All notices pursuant to this Agreement shall be in writing, shall either be delivered by hand or mailed by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid to the address set forth above or to such other address as may be designated for such purpose in written notice and shall be effective upon receipt when delivered by hand or on the third business day after the day on which mailed. Any notice to the Company hereunder will similarly be sent to:

General Counsel or Chief Legal Officer

Newmark Partners, L.P.

125 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10017

Tel (212) 610-2200

 

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Section 12. Code Section 409A .

(a) The payments under this Agreement are intended to either comply with or be exempt from Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder (and such other Treasury or Internal Revenue Service guidance) as in effect from time to time (“ Code Section 409A ”), including the exceptions for short-term deferrals, separation pay arrangements, reimbursements, and in-kind distributions, and will be administered, construed, and interpreted in accordance with such intent. If any provision of this Agreement needs to be revised to satisfy the requirements of Code Section 409A, then the Company shall use its reasonable efforts to modify such provision to the extent and in the manner necessary to be in compliance with such requirements of the Code Section 409A and any such modification will attempt to maintain the same economic results as were intended under this Agreement. Each payment under this Agreement is intended to be treated as one of a series of separate payment for purposes of Code Section 409A and Treas. Reg. §1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii) (or any similar or successor provisions). Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, to the extent Employee is considered a “specified employee” (as defined in Code Section 409A and Treas. Reg. §1.409A-1(c)(i) or any similar or successor provision) and would be entitled to a payment during the six (6) month period beginning on the Termination Date that is not otherwise excluded under Code Section 409A under the exception for short-term deferrals, separation pay arrangements, reimbursements, in-kind distributions, or any otherwise applicable exception, the payment will not be made to Employee until the earlier of the six (6) month anniversary of Employee’s Termination Date or Employee’s death and will be accumulated and paid on the first day of the seventh (7th) month following the Termination Date (or, if earlier within 30 days following Employee’s death). The Company does not guarantee that any payments made in connection with the Agreement will satisfy all applicable provisions of Code Section 409A. For purposes of this Agreement, with respect to payments of any amounts that are considered to be “deferred compensation” subject to Code Section 409A, references to “termination of employment”, “termination”, or words and phrases of similar import, shall be deemed to refer to Employee’s “separation from service” as defined in Code Section 409A, and shall be interpreted and applied in a manner that is consistent with the requirements of Code Section 409A.

(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, any payment or benefit under this Agreement or otherwise that is exempt from Code Section 409A pursuant to Treasury Regulation § 1.409A-1(b)(9)(v)(A) or (C) (relating to certain reimbursements and in-kind benefits) shall be paid or provided to Employee only to the extent that the expenses are not incurred, or the benefits are not provided, beyond the last day of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which Employee’s “separation from service” occurs; and provided, further, that such expenses are reimbursed no later than the last day of the third calendar year following the calendar year in which Employee’s “separation from service” occurs. To the extent any indemnification payment, expense reimbursement, or the provision of any in-kind benefit is determined to be subject to Code Section 409A (and not exempt pursuant to the prior sentence or otherwise), the amount of any such indemnification payment or expenses eligible for reimbursement, or the provision of any in-kind benefit, in one calendar year shall not affect the indemnification payment or provision of in-kind benefits or expenses eligible for reimbursement in any other calendar year (except for any life-time or other aggregate limitation applicable to medical expenses), and in no event shall any indemnification payment or expenses be reimbursed after the last day of the calendar year following the calendar year in which Employee incurred such indemnification payment or expenses, and in no event shall any right to indemnification payment or reimbursement or the provision of any in-kind benefit be subject to liquidation or exchange for another benefit.

 

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

 

Newmark Partners, L.P.
By:  

/s/ Howard W. Lutnick

  Name:
  Title:
BARRY GOSIN

/s/ Barry Gosin

[Agreement between Newmark Partners, L.P., and BARRY GOSIN, dated December 1, 2017]

Exhibit 10.23

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED NOTE HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ACT”), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE. NO SALE OR DISPOSITION MAY BE EFFECTED EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT RELATED THERETO OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM.

AMENDED AND RESTATED NOTE

 

$112,500,000    Effective as of June 26, 2012

Reference is made to the 8.125% Senior Notes due 2042 issued by BGC Partners, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ BGC Inc. ”) under the First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of June 26, 2012, to that certain Indenture, dated as of June 26, 2012, among BGC Inc., as Issuer and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (the “ 2042 Senior Notes ”). For value received, BGC Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Company ”) hereby promises to pay to the order of BGC Inc. the principal sum of ONE HUNDRED TWELVE MILLION AND FIVE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS ($112,500,000) on June 15, 2042 or such other date as demanded by BGC Inc. with respect to all or a portion of the obligations hereunder (the “ Maturity Date ”) (except to the extent redeemed or repaid prior to the Maturity Date) and to pay interest thereon from June 26, 2012 at a rate per annum equal to 8.125%.

The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that the purpose of this Note is for the Company to be economically responsible for and bear the obligations of BGC Inc. under the 2042 Senior Notes. Accordingly, the parties hereto agree that, in accordance with the original intent of the parties except as otherwise set forth herein, effective as of June 26, 2012, (a) the terms of this Note are the same as the terms of the 2042 Senior Notes with respect to payment under the 2042 Senior Notes; (b) all of the rights and obligations of BGC Inc. under this Note are the same as the rights and obligations of the holders of the 2042 Senior Notes with respect to payment under the 2042 Senior Notes; and (c) all of the rights and obligations of the Company under this Note are the same as the rights and obligations of BGC Inc. with respect to payment under the 2042 Senior Notes.

The terms of this Note shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, as applied to contracts entered into by New York residents within the State of New York and to be performed entirely within the State of New York.

The terms and conditions of this Note shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the respective successors and assigns of the parties. The Company may not assign this Note or delegate any of its obligations hereunder without the written consent of BGC Inc. (which consent may be set forth in any written agreement to which BGC Inc. is a party). BGC Inc. may assign this Note and its rights hereunder at any time without consent of the Company.

No term of this Note may be amended, modified or waived without the written consent of the Company and BGC Inc. This Note may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.

In the event any interest is paid on this Note which is deemed to be in excess of the then legal maximum rate, then that portion of the interest payment representing an amount in excess of the then legal maximum rate shall be deemed a payment of principal and applied against the principal of this Note.

[Signature Page Follows]


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereby execute this Note effective as of the date first written above.

 

BGC Partners, Inc.
By:  

/s/ Steven McMurray

Name:   Steven McMurray
Title:   Chief Financial Officer
BGC Partners, L.P.
By:  

/s/ Steven McMurray

Name:   Steven McMurray
Title:   Chief Financial Officer

[Signature Page to Note between BGC Partners Inc. and BGC Partners, L.P. effective as of June 26, 2012 with respect to the 2042 Senior Notes]

Exhibit 10.25

THIS AMENDED AND RESTATED NOTE HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ACT”), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE. NO SALE OR DISPOSITION MAY BE EFFECTED EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT RELATED THERETO OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM.

AMENDED AND RESTATED NOTE

 

$300,000,000    Effective as of December 9, 2014

Reference is made to that Promissory Note (the “ Original Note ”), effective as of December 9, 2014, between BGC Partners, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“ BGC Inc. ”) and BGC Partners, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (the “ Company ”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to pay to the order of BGC Inc. the principal sum of TWO HUNDRED NINETY-FIVE MILLION NINE HUNDRED THIRTY-FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS ($295,935,000) on December 9, 2019 and to pay interest thereon at a rate per annum equal to (a) 5.375%, or (b) if higher, the interest rate then-applicable to BGC Inc.’s 5.375% Senior Notes due 2019 issued under the Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of December 9, 2014, to that certain Indenture, dated as of June 26, 2012, among BGC Inc., as Issuer and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee (the “ 2019 Senior Notes ”). The parties hereto acknowledge and agree that the purpose of the Original Note was for the Company to be economically responsible for and bear the obligations of BGC Inc. under the 2019 Senior Notes. To the extent that there was any ambiguity with respect to the foregoing in the Original Note, it was due to scrivener’s error. Accordingly, the parties hereto agree that, in accordance with the original intent of the parties, effective as of the December 9, 2014, the Original Note is hereby amended and restated as follows:

For value received, the Company hereby promises to pay to the order of BGC Inc. the principal sum of THREE HUNDRED MILLION DOLLARS ($300,000,000) on December 9, 2019 or such other date as demanded by BGC Inc. with respect to all or a portion of the obligations hereunder (the “ Maturity Date ”) (except to the extent redeemed or repaid prior to the Maturity Date) and to pay interest thereon from December 9, 2014 at a rate per annum equal to (a) 5.375%, or (b) if higher, the interest rate then applicable to the 2019 Senior Notes. In addition, the parties hereto agree that, except as otherwise set forth herein, (a) the terms of this Amended and Restated Note are the same as the terms of the 2019 Senior Notes with respect to payment under the 2019 Senior Notes; (b) all of the rights and obligations of BGC Inc. under this Amended and Restated Note are the same as the rights and obligations of the holder of the 2019 Senior Notes with respect to payment under the 2019 Senior Notes; and (c) all of the rights and obligations of the Company under this Amended and Restated Note are the same as the rights and obligations of BGC Inc. with respect to payment under the 2019 Senior Notes.

The terms of this Amended and Restated Note shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York, as applied to contracts entered into by New York residents within the State of New York and to be performed entirely within the State of New York.

The terms and conditions of this Amended and Restated Note shall inure to the benefit of and be binding upon the respective successors and assigns of the parties. The Company may not assign this Amended and Restated Note or delegate any of its obligations hereunder without the written consent of BGC Inc. (which consent may be set forth in any written agreement to which BGC Inc. is a party). BGC Inc. may assign this Amended and Restated Note and its rights hereunder at any time without consent of the Company.

No term of this Amended and Restated Note may be amended, modified or waived without the written consent of the Company and BGC Inc. This Amended and Restated Note may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.

In the event any interest is paid on this Amended and Restated Note which is deemed to be in excess of the then legal maximum rate, then that portion of the interest payment representing an amount in excess of the then legal maximum rate shall be deemed a payment of principal and applied against the principal of this Amended and Restated Note.


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereby execute this Amended and Restated Note effective as of the date first written above.

 

BGC Partners, Inc.
By:  

/s/ Steven McMurray

Name:   Steven McMurray
Title:   Chief Financial Officer
BGC Partners, L.P.
By:  

/s/ Steven McMurray

Name:   Steven McMurray
Title:   Chief Financial Officer

[Signature Page to Amended and Restated Note between BGC Partners Inc. and BGC Partners, L.P. effective as of December 9, 2014 with respect to the 2019 Senior Notes]

Exhibit 10.26

REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT

This R EVOLVING C REDIT A GREEMENT , dated as of [●], 2017, is made by and between BGC P ARTNERS , I NC ., a Delaware corporation (“ BGC ”), and N EWMARK G ROUP , I NC . , a Delaware corporation (“ Newmark ”). Each of BGC and Newmark is referred to herein as a “ Party ” and together, the “ Parties ”.

R ECITALS

W HEREAS , each Party and its subsidiaries may require the availability of certain loan facilities for the operation of their respective businesses at times, and have requested that the other Party make, or cause its subsidiaries to make, certain loan facilities available to such Party or its subsidiaries from time to time; and

W HEREAS , each Party may provide, or cause its subsidiaries to provide, the other Party or its subsidiaries with such loan facilities on the terms and conditions hereafter provided;

N OW , T HEREFORE , in order to induce the other Party to make, or cause its subsidiaries to make, the Loans and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and adequacy of which are hereby acknowledged, and intending to be legally bound, each Party hereby agrees as follows:

1.     D EFINED T ERMS . When used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

Agreement ” means this Revolving Credit Agreement, as it may be amended or modified and in effect from time to time.

Applicable Rate ” shall mean, for any Rate Period, (i) the higher of BGC’s or Newmark’s short-term borrowing rate in effect at such time plus 100 basis points (1.00%) or (ii) such other interest rate as may be mutually agreed between the Borrower and the Lender with respect to one or more Revolving Credit Loans. The Applicable Rate for each Rate Period shall be determined by the Lender in accordance herewith, and the Lender shall advise the Borrower of such determination.

Borrower ” means, with respect to each Loan, the Party or its applicable subsidiary borrowing the money.

Business Day ” means with respect to any borrowing or payment, any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by law to remain closed.

Default ” or “ Event of Default ” shall have the meaning assigned to such terms in Section 6 hereof.

Effective Date ” means the date hereof.

Lender ” means, with respect to each Loan, the Party or its applicable subsidiary lending the money.

Lien ” means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, charge or security interest in, on or of such asset, (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset and (c) in the case of securities, any purchase option, call or similar right of a third party with respect to such securities.


Loan ” means any amount(s) borrowed by a Borrower from a Lender pursuant to this Agreement.

Loan Documents ” means this Agreement, any Note(s), and all other documents, agreements or instruments executed or delivered in connection with any of the foregoing.

Material Adverse Effect ” means any set of circumstances or events that (a) has or could reasonably be expected to have any material adverse effect upon the validity or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (b) is or could reasonably be expected to be material and adverse to the condition (financial or otherwise) or business operations of the applicable Borrower and its subsidiaries, (c) materially impairs or could reasonably be expected to materially impair the ability of the applicable Borrower to perform its obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document, or (d) materially impairs or could reasonably be expected to materially impair the ability of the applicable Lender to enforce any of its legal remedies pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

Note ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.1(c).

Obligations ” means all unpaid principal of and accrued and unpaid interest on the applicable outstanding Loans and all other obligations, interest, fees, charges and expenses of the applicable Borrower to the applicable Lender arising under or in connection with the Loan Documents.

Person ” means any corporation, natural person, firm, joint venture, partnership, trust, unincorporated organization, enterprise, government or any department or agency of any government.

Rate Period ” shall mean each of the applicable periods based on the Applicable Rate determined by the applicable Lender in accordance herewith, which such Lender shall advise to the Borrower.

Reset Date ” shall mean the first day of each Rate Period.

Revolving Credit Facilities ” means the revolving credit facilities established pursuant to this Agreement.

Revolving Credit Loan ” shall have the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.1(a).

Revolving Credit Maturity Date ” means the earliest to occur of (a) the first anniversary of the date of this Agreement, after which the Revolving Credit Maturity Date will continue to be extended for successive one year periods unless prior written notice of non-extension is given by a Lender to the Borrower at least six (6) months in advance of such renewal date, (b) the termination of the Revolving Credit Facilities and (c) the spinoff of Newmark from BGC such that Newmark will no longer be a subsidiary of BGC at such time.

Wherever from the context it appears appropriate, each term stated in either the singular or plural shall include the singular and the plural, and pronouns stated in the masculine, feminine or neuter gender shall include the masculine, the feminine and the neuter. Unless the express context otherwise requires:


(a) wherever the word “include,” “includes” or “including” is used in this Agreement, it shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation” ; (b) the word “extent” in the phrase “to the extent” shall mean the degree to which a subject or other thing extends, and such phrase shall not mean simply “if”; (c) with respect to the determination of any period of time, the word “from” means “from and including” and the words “to” and “until” each means “to but excluding”; (d) the word “or” shall be disjunctive but not exclusive; (e) the word “affiliate” shall include all current and future affiliates and (f) the phrase “subsidiary of a Party” and any similar phrase when used with respect to BGC shall not include Newmark or any of its subsidiaries.

 

  2. L OAN F ACILITY .

 

2.1 R EVOLVING C REDIT L OANS .

 

  (a) Revolving Loans; Maturity . Subject to satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 3 hereof, a Lender may, on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and to the extent such Lender has sufficient cash available in its sole discretion, make loans and advances (each, a “ Revolving Credit Loan ”) to the Borrower at such Borrower’s request from time to time starting on the Effective Date and ending on the Revolving Credit Maturity Date. Each Revolving Credit Loan together with all accrued but unpaid interest thereon shall be due and payable on such date prior to the Revolving Credit Maturity Date as may be mutually agreed between the Borrower and the Lender with respect to such Revolving Credit Loan. If no due date is specified, then each Borrower shall repay the aggregate outstanding principal amount of each Revolving Credit Loan together with all accrued but unpaid interest thereon and all other amounts owing under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents in full on the Revolving Credit Maturity Date.

 

  (b) Method of Borrowing Revolving Credit Loans . A Borrower shall give notice to the applicable Lender of the requested principal amount of each Revolving Credit Loan by no later than 10:00 a.m., New York time, at least three (3) Business Days prior to the date of the proposed Revolving Credit Loan (which shall also be a Business Day), or such shorter period as such Lender may agree. Each Revolving Credit Loan shall comply with all of the provisions of this Agreement. If the applicable Lender is willing, in its discretion, to make the requested Revolving Credit Loan, then subject to satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 3 hereof, the applicable Lender shall advance the requested amount to the Borrower in immediately available funds as directed by such Borrower and shall notify the Borrower of the Applicable Rate and the applicable Rate Period for such Revolving Credit Loan.

 

  (c) Evidence of Debt . The Revolving Credit Loans made by a Lender shall be evidenced by one or more accounts or records maintained by such Lender. The accounts or records maintained by the Lender shall be conclusive absent manifest error of the amount of the Revolving Credit Loans made by such Lender to the Borrower and the interest and payments thereon. Any failure to so record or any error in doing so shall not, however, limit or otherwise affect the obligation of a Borrower hereunder to pay any amount owing with respect to the Obligations. Upon the request of a Lender, the applicable Borrower shall execute and deliver to such Lender a promissory note, which shall evidence such Lender’s Loans to such Borrower in addition to such accounts or records. Each such promissory note shall be in the form of Exhibit A (a “ Note ”). The Lender may attach schedules to its Note or Notes and endorse thereon the date, amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

 

2.2 I NTEREST .

 

  (a) Interest Rates . Interest shall accrue on each Revolving Credit Loan at a rate per annum for each Rate Period equal to the Applicable Rate for such Rate Period, payable monthly in arrears in immediately available funds beginning on the last day of each month during which such Revolving Credit Loan is outstanding and on the Revolving Credit Maturity Date.


From and after the Revolving Credit Maturity Date, or during the continuance of an Event of Default with respect to a Borrower, amounts payable under the all Revolving Credit Loans owed by such Borrower shall bear interest at an annual rate of the Applicable Rate plus 200 basis points (2.00%) until the payment of all such amounts has been made (and before as well as after judgment). Such additional interest will be payable on demand of the Lender.

 

  (b) Interest Basis . Interest shall be calculated for actual days elapsed on the basis of a 360-day year. Interest shall be payable for the day a Loan is made but not for the day of any payment on the amount paid if payment is received prior to noon, New York time, at the place of payment. If any payment of principal of or interest on a Loan shall become due on a day that is not a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the next succeeding Business Day and, in the case of a principal payment, such extension of time shall be included in computing interest in connection with such payment.

2.3     M ETHOD OF P AYMENT . All payments of principal and interest hereunder shall be made on the date when due in immediately available funds in United States dollars to the applicable Lender at such Lender’s address specified in Section 8.8 or as otherwise directed by such Lender.

2.4     P REPAYMENTS . Subject to the requirements of this Section 2.4, each Borrower shall have the right from time to time, on any Business Day, to prepay any Loan in whole or in part. All prepayments shall be accompanied by accrued interest on the amount prepaid plus any cost incurred by the applicable Lender as a result of such prepayment.

 

  3. C ONDITIONS P RECEDENT

3.1     C ONDITIONS TO C LOSING AND F IRST L OAN . A Party shall not be required to make any Loans under this Agreement unless each Party shall have duly executed and delivered to the other Party this Agreement.

3.2     C ONDITIONS T O A LL B ORROWINGS . The obligations of a Party (and of any subsidiary of a Party which become a Lender) to make any Loan shall also be subject to the following conditions precedent shall be satisfied that on the date such Loan is made and after giving effect thereto:

 

  (a) each of the representations and warranties of the other Party and the applicable Borrower contained in this Agreement, the Loan Documents or in any other document or instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall be true and correct as of the date as of which they were made and shall also be true and correct as of the date such Loan is made;

 

  (b) the other Party and the Borrower shall have complied with all other requirements under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents; and

 

  (c) At the time of, and immediately after giving effect to, such Loan, no Default or Event of Default with respect to such Borrower shall have occurred and be continuing, and no set of events or circumstances shall exist as would constitute a Material Adverse Effect.


4.     R EPRESENTATIONS AND W ARRANTIES . Each Party (as Borrower or parent of a Borrower) and each subsidiary of a Party which becomes a Borrower, represents and warrants to the other Party (as Lender) that on the date hereof, and on the date that each and every Loan is made to such Person after the date hereof:

4.1     N ON -C ONTRAVENTION . The execution and delivery by such Party (and, if applicable, the deemed joinder by any such subsidiary) of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents to which it is a party, and the performance by such Borrower of its obligations hereunder and thereunder: (i) are not in contravention of any provision of such Borrower’s organizational documents; (ii) will not violate any law or regulation, or any order or decree of any court or governmental instrumentality; (iii) will not conflict with or result in the breach or termination of, constitute a default under, or accelerate any performance required by, any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust, lease, agreement or other instrument to which such Party or such Borrower is a party or by which such Party or such Borrower or any of such Party’s or such Borrower’s property is bound; (iv) will not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien upon any of the property of such Party or such Borrower other than those in favor of the applicable Lender; and (v) do not require the consent or approval of any governmental body, agency, authority or any other Person except such consents as have been obtained, except, in the case of each of (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v), for any violation or conflict which could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

4.2     E NFORCEABLE O BLIGATIONS . This Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which such Party is a party have been duly and validly executed by such Party (or deemed executed in the case of a subsidiary Borrower) and constitute the legal, valid, and binding obligations of such Party or such Borrower, as the case may be, enforceable against such Person in accordance with their terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar laws generally affecting the enforcement of the rights of creditors.

5.     A FFIRMATIVE C OVENANTS . During the term of this Agreement, unless the other Party (as Lender and on behalf of its subsidiaries which are Lenders) shall otherwise consent in writing and while any Loans remain outstanding to a Party or any of its subsidiaries as Borrower under this Agreement or any Loan Document:

5.1     C ORPORATE E XISTENCE , ETC . Such Party shall (and shall cause each of its subsidiaries which is a Borrower to) maintain its corporate existence, business and assets, keep its business and assets adequately insured, continue to engage in the same lines of business, and maintain all of its assets and properties in good repair and working order, unless, in each case, such failure could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

5.2     T AXES . Such Party will (and will cause each of its subsidiaries which is a Borrower to) pay all real and personal property taxes, assessments and charges as well as all franchise, income, unemployment, old age benefit, withholding, sales and other taxes assessed against it, or payable by it at such times and in such manner as to prevent any penalty from accruing or any Lien or charge from attaching to its property, and will furnish the other Party upon request, receipts, or other evidence that deposits or payments have been made, unless, in each case, such failure could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

5.3     C OMPLIANCE WITH L AWS . Such Party shall (and shall cause each of its subsidiaries which is a Borrower to) comply with the requirements of all laws and all orders, writs, injunctions and decrees applicable to it or to its business or property, unless, in each case, such failure could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

6.     D EFAULTS . The occurrence of any one or more of the following events shall constitute a “ Default ” or an “ Event of Default ”:

6.1     F AILURE TO P AY . A Borrower shall fail to pay any principal, interest or any other amount payable under this Agreement or any other Loan Document when and as the same becomes due and payable.


6.2     I NCORRECTNESS OF ANY R EPRESENTATION OR W ARRANTY . A Lender determines that any representation or warranty made or deemed made in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, by or on behalf of the applicable Borrower to such Lender shall have been false or misleading in any material respect when made or deemed made.

6.3     F AILURE TO O BSERVE OR P ERFORM C OVENANTS , C ONDITIONS OR A GREEMENTS . A Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Section 5 of this Agreement.

6.4     B ANKRUPTCY , ET AL . A Borrower shall (i) have an order for relief entered with respect to it under the U.S. or foreign bankruptcy laws as now or hereafter in effect, (ii) make an assignment for the benefit of creditors, (iii) apply for, seek, consent to, acquiesce in, or have appointed for it or any substantial portion of its property a receiver, custodian, trustee, examiner, liquidator or similar official for it, (iv) institute any proceeding seeking an order for relief under the U.S. or foreign bankruptcy laws as now or hereafter in effect or seeking to adjudicate it a bankrupt or insolvent, or seeking dissolution, winding up, liquidation, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition of it or its debts under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief of debtors or fail to file an answer or other pleading denying the material allegations of any such proceeding filed against it, or (v) take any corporate action to authorize or effect any of the foregoing actions set forth in this Section 6.4.

6.5     F AILURE OF THIS A GREEMENT OR A NY O THER L OAN D OCUMENTS . This Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents shall fail to remain in full force or effect or any action shall be taken to discontinue or to assert the invalidity or unenforceability thereof.

 

  7. A CCELERATION , W AIVERS , A MENDMENTS AND R EMEDIES .

7.1     A CCELERATION . If any Event of Default occurs (other than in the case of an event of the type described in Section 6.4 above) and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such Event of Default, (a) either BGC or Newmark may give notice to the other Party that it is terminating the Revolving Credit Facilities, and thereupon the Revolving Credit Facilities shall terminate immediately and/or (b) the applicable Lender may declare the Obligations to be due and payable, whereupon the Obligations shall become immediately due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or notice of any kind, all of which the applicable Borrower hereby expressly waives; and in case of any event with respect to a Borrower described in Section 6.4, the Revolving Credit Facilities shall automatically terminate and the Obligations of such Borrower accrued hereunder, shall automatically become due and payable, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by such Borrower.

7.2     P RESERVATION OF R IGHTS ; N O A DVERSE I MPACT ; W AIVERS ; AND A MENDMENTS . No delay or omission of the exercise of any right under this Agreement or any of the Loan Documents shall impair such right or be construed to be a waiver or an acquiescence therein. Any single or partial exercise of any such right shall not preclude other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, and no waiver, amendment or other variation of the terms, conditions or provisions of the Loan Documents, whatsoever, shall be valid unless in writing signed by the applicable Lender, and then only to the extent in such writing specifically set forth. All remedies contained in the Loan Documents, or by law afforded, shall be cumulative.

7.3     R EMEDIES . Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default or upon the occurrence of the Revolving Credit Maturity Date, the applicable Lender (i) may proceed to protect and enforce such Lender’s rights by suit in equity, action of law and/or other appropriate proceeding either for specific performance of any covenant or condition contained in this Agreement, any Loan Document or in any instrument or document delivered to such Lender pursuant hereto, or in the exercise of any rights, remedies or powers granted in this Agreement, any Loan Document and/or any such instrument or document, and (ii) may proceed to declare the obligations under this Agreement or any Loan Document to be due and payable pursuant to Section 7.1 hereof and such Lender may proceed to enforce payment of such documents as provided herein, or in any Loan Document.


  8. G ENERAL P ROVISIONS .

8.1     S URVIVAL OF R EPRESENTATIONS . All representations and warranties of a Party contained in this Agreement shall survive delivery of this Agreement, any Note and the other Loan Documents, and the making of the Loans herein contemplated.

8.2     E NTIRE A GREEMENT ; A MENDMENTS ; I NVALIDITY . This Agreement and the other Loan Documents constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the Parties, and supersede and replace in their entirety any prior discussions, agreements, etc., all of which are merged herein and therein. None of the terms of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents may be amended or otherwise modified except by an instrument executed by each of the Parties. If any term of this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable, the validity of all other terms hereof shall in no way be affected thereby, and this Agreement and the other Loan Documents shall be construed and be enforceable as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable term had not been included herein. Section headings in this Agreement and the Loan Documents are for convenience of reference only, and shall not govern the interpretation of any of the provisions of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents.

8.3     I NDEMNITY . Each Borrower shall indemnify the Lender and its directors, officers, employees, affiliates and agents (collectively, “ Indemnified Persons ”) against, and agrees to hold each such Indemnified Person harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages and liabilities, including claims brought by any officer, director, member or manager or former officer, director or member or manager of such Borrower, and related expenses including reasonable counsel fees and expenses, incurred by such Indemnified Person arising out of any claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding (whether or not such Indemnified Person is a party thereto) relating to any Loans made to such Borrower and all other transactions, services or matters that are the subject of the Loan Documents; provided , however , that such indemnity shall not apply to any such losses, claims, damages, or liabilities or related expenses determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to have arisen from the gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnified Person. All amounts due hereunder shall be payable on demand and shall constitute Obligations of the applicable Borrower hereunder.

8.4     G OVERNING L AW . THIS AGREEMENT AND EACH OF THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS (OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINING A CONTRARY EXPRESS CHOICE OF LAW PROVISION) IS INTENDED TO TAKE EFFECT AS A SEALED INSTRUMENT AND SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS (AND NOT THE LAW OF CONFLICTS) OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

8.5     C ONSENT TO J URISDICTION . Each Party (and each subsidiary of a Party which becomes a Lender or Borrower) further agrees to service of process in any such suit being made upon such Person by mail at the address specified for notices in Section 8.8 hereof.

8.6     A DDITIONAL D OCUMENTATION . A Borrower, at its own expense, shall do, make, execute and deliver all such additional and further acts, deeds, assurances, documents, instruments and certificates as the applicable Lender may reasonably request in order to carry out the terms and provisions of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.


8.7     S UCCESSORS AND A SSIGNS . This Agreement and the other Loan Documents and all obligations of a Borrower hereunder and thereunder shall be binding upon the successors and permitted assigns of such Borrower, and shall, together with the rights and remedies of the applicable Lender hereunder, inure to the benefit of such Lender, any future holder of this Agreement or any other Loan Document and their respective successors and assigns; provided , however , a Borrower may not transfer or assign its rights or obligations hereunder or thereunder without the express written consent of the applicable Lender, and any purported transfer or assignment by such Borrower without the applicable Lender’s written consent shall be null and void. A Lender may assign, transfer, participate or endorse its rights under this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents without the consent or approval of any Borrower, and all such rights shall inure to such Lender’s successors and assigns. No sales of participations, other sales, assignments, transfers, endorsements or other dispositions of any rights hereunder or thereunder or any portion hereof or thereof or interest herein or therein shall in any manner affect the obligations of any Borrower under this Agreement or the other Loan Documents. Each Borrower agrees, in connection with any such assignment, to execute and deliver such additional documents or agreements, including new Notes, as may be reasonably requested.

8.8     N OTICES . All notices, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents or by law shall be delivered personally or sent by certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, or by overnight courier, telex or facsimile transmission and shall be deemed received, in the case of personal delivery, when delivered, in the case of mailing, when receipted for, in the case of overnight delivery, on the next business day after delivery to the courier, and in the case of telex and facsimile transmission, the next business day after upon transmittal. Receipt of notices pursuant to this Agreement shall be deemed to have occurred on the earlier of (a) the date of actual receipt, and (b) the date that notice is deemed received pursuant to the first sentence of this Section 8.8. All notices, requests, demands and other communications required or permitted under this Agreement or by law shall be delivered to the following addresses:

If to BGC (or any subsidiary of BGC):

BGC Partners, Inc.

499 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10022

Attention: General Counsel

Telecopy: (212) 829-4708

If to Newmark (or any subsidiary of Newmark):

Newmark Group, Inc.

125 Park Avenue

New York, New York 10017

Attention: General Counsel

Telecopy: (312) 276-8715


8.9     C OUNTERPARTS . This Agreement may be executed in any number of separate counterparts, all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one and the same instrument, notwithstanding the fact that all parties did not sign the same counterpart.

8.10     N O W AIVER BY L ENDER , E TC . A Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any of its rights upon or under the applicable Obligations unless such waiver shall be in writing in accordance with Section 7.2 hereof. No delay or omission on the part of a Lender in exercising any right shall operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. A waiver on any one occasion shall not be construed as a bar to or waiver of any right on any future occasion. All rights and remedies of a Lender with respect to the applicable Obligations, whether evidenced hereby or by any other instrument or papers, shall be cumulative and may be exercised singularly, alternatively, successively or concurrently at such time or at such times as a Lender deems expedient.

8.11     W AIVERS . Each Borrower, for itself and its legal representatives, successors and assigns, hereby expressly waives demand, protest, presentment, notice of acceptance of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, notice of loans made, credit extended or other action taken in reliance hereon and all other demands and notices of any description. With respect to the applicable Obligations, each Borrower assents to any extension or postponement of the time of payment or any other indulgence, to the addition or release of any party or person primarily or secondarily liable, to the acceptance of partial payment thereon and the settlement, compromising or adjusting of any thereof, all in such manner and at such time or times as a Lender may deem advisable. Each Borrower further waives any and all other suretyship defenses.

8.12     S UBSIDIARIES . By requesting or making a Loan, any subsidiary of a Party which requests or makes a Loan as contemplated hereby shall be deemed to have agreed to be bound by this Agreement as a Borrower or Lender, as applicable, and to have agreed that all of the terms and provisions hereof shall apply to such Loan.

[Signature page to follow]


I N W ITNESS W HEREOF , this Agreement has been duly executed as an instrument under seal as of the date first set forth above.

 

BGC:     BGC P ARTNERS , I NC .
    By:  

 

    Printed Name:   Steve McMurray
    Title:   Chief Financial Officer
N EWMARK :     N EWMARK G ROUP , I NC .
    By:  

 

    Printed Name:   Michael Rispoli
    Title:   Chief Financial Officer

[Signature Page to Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of [ ], 2017, by and between BGC Partners, Inc. and Newmark Group, Inc.]


EXHIBIT A

FORM OF NOTE

THIS NOTE HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE “ACT”), OR THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY STATE. NO SALE OR DISPOSITION MAY BE EFFECTED EXCEPT PURSUANT TO AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE ACT RELATED THERETO OR AN APPLICABLE EXEMPTION THEREFROM.

            , 20    

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned (the “ Borrower ”), hereby promises to pay to                              or registered assigns (the “ Lender ”), in accordance with the provisions of the Agreement (as hereinafter defined), the principal amount of each Loan from time to time made by the Lender to the Borrower under that certain Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of [●], 2017 (as amended, restated, extended, supplemented or otherwise modified in writing from time to time, the “ Agreement ”; the terms defined therein being used herein as therein defined), between the BGC P ARTNERS , I NC ., a Delaware corporation (“ BGC ”), and N EWMARK G ROUP , I NC . , a Delaware corporation (“ Newmark ”).

The Borrower promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount of each Loan from the date of such Loan until such principal amount is paid in full, at such interest rates and at such times as provided in the Agreement. All payments of principal and interest shall be made to the Lender in immediately available funds as directed by the Lender. If any amount is not paid in full when due hereunder, such unpaid amount shall bear interest, to be paid upon demand, from the due date thereof until the date of actual payment (and before as well as after judgment) computed at the per annum rate set forth in the Agreement.

This Note is one of the Notes referred to in the Agreement, is entitled to the benefits thereof and may be prepaid in whole or in part subject to the terms and conditions provided therein. Upon the occurrence and continuation of one or more of the Events of Default specified in the Agreement, all amounts then remaining unpaid on this Note shall become, or may be declared to be, immediately due and payable all as provided in the Agreement. Loans made by the Lender shall be evidenced by one or more loan accounts or records maintained by the Lender in the ordinary course of business. The Lender may also attach schedules to this Note and endorse thereon the date, amount and maturity of its Loans and payments with respect thereto.

The Borrower, for itself, its successors and assigns, hereby waives diligence, presentment, protest and demand and notice of protest, demand, dishonor and non-payment of this Note.

THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

[applicable Borrower]
By:  

 

Name:  
Title:  


Date

   Principal
Amount
Loaned
     Principal
Amount
Repaid
     Total Unpaid
Outstanding
Principal
Amount
     Notation
Made By
 

            , 2017

           
           
           
           
           

Exhibit 10.27

BGC Holdings, L.P.

December 1, 2017

Strictly Private and Confidential

To be Opened by Addressee Only

Dear Barry:

I write on behalf of BGC Holdings, L.P. (the “Partnership”). Capitalized but undefined terms shall have the meanings set forth in the Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of BGC Holdings, L.P. (as may be further amended from time to time) (the “LPA”).

Subject to your continued compliance with your employment agreement with Newmark Partners, L.P. (the “Company”), dated December 1, 2017 (the “Agreement”) and the terms and conditions of the LPA (including but not limited to your post-termination obligations thereunder) and the terms and conditions herein:

 

  (i) Upon a Change of Control (as determined by the General Partner), those PSUs then held by you at the time of the Change of Control shall be exchanged into restricted shares of BGC Partners, Inc. Class A Common Stock (subject to reduction for taxes and withholdings), which shall become transferable ratably over the first through third anniversaries of the Change of Control provided you have fully satisfied the non-compete, non-solicitation, and media non-disparage conditions for transfer set forth in the share documentation through such applicable transfer date;

 

  (ii) For purposes of this letter, a “Change of Control” shall occur in the event that either BGC Partners, Inc. (“BGC”), or substantially all of the real estate brokerage and related businesses of Newmark and/or its subsidiaries, is/are no longer controlled by Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P., Howard W. Lutnick or a person or entity controlled by, controlling or under common control with Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P., exclusive of an ownership change (a) following which an entity or entities controlled by Howard W. Lutnick, or his family members, heirs or estate, continue to control Newmark or (b) resulting from the estate planning of Howard W. Lutnick, provided that any such estate planning is limited to transfers to family members or heirs of Howard W. Lutnick or transfers to trusts or other entities controlled by Howard W. Lutnick or his family members, heirs or estate; and

 

  (iii) It is the current intention of the General Partner that, upon your permanent retirement from the Company and the real estate brokerage industry (as reasonably determined by the General Partner):

 

  (a) those PSUs then held by you at the time of your retirement shall, at your election, either be (y) as determined by the General Partner, redeemed for cash or BGC Class A Common Stock (the “BGC Stock”) ratably over the first through fourth anniversaries of such retirement or (z) exchanged into restricted shares of BGC Stock upon such retirement and become transferable ratably over the first through fourth anniversaries of such retirement; provided that , with respect to both (y) and (z), you continue to be retired (as described above) and have fully satisfied the non-compete, non-solicit, and media non-disparage conditions for transfer or redemption set forth in the documentation through such applicable transfer date, and all redemptions and exchanges shall be subject to applicable taxes and withholdings; and

 

  (b) you may request for the General Partner to permit you to remain a Partner in the Partnership until otherwise determined by the General Partner.


  (iv) For all purposes of this letter, all references to units, BGC Class A common stock, restricted shares of BGC Stock and any other non-cash grants shall also, or in lieu of, include, to the extent applicable and as determined by the Company, any other equity instrument issued to you in connection with any merger, reorganization, acquisition, or spin-off of/by BGC Partners, Inc. or Newmark Group, Inc. or the Company (e.g., Newmark’s initial public offering) or other similar event. If the securities or units contemplated herein are increased, decreased, changed into, or exchanged for a different number or kind of securities or units (or other property) as a result of a subdivision, reorganization, spin-off, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, extraordinary dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, combination or other similar change, such securities or units (or other property), and any exchanges or exchange rights related to such securities or units (or other property), shall be equitably adjusted to reflect such change in accordance with applicable laws.

This letter contains our entire understanding with respect to the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior discussions, negotiations, and agreements regarding the foregoing.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]


Very truly yours,

/s/ Howard W. Lutnick

On Behalf of

BGC Holdings, L.P.
Acknowledged and Agreed:

/s/ Barry Gosin

Barry Gosin

[Letter of BGC Holdings, L.P. to Barry Gosin, dated December 1, 2017]

Exhibit 10.28

Newmark Holdings, L.P.

December 1, 2017

Strictly Private and Confidential

To be Opened by Addressee Only

Dear Barry:

I write on behalf of Newmark Holdings, L.P. (the “Partnership”). Capitalized but undefined terms shall have the meanings set forth in the Amended and Restated Limited Partnership Agreement of Newmark Holdings, L.P. (as may be further amended from time to time) (the “LPA”).

Subject to your continued compliance with your employment agreement with Newmark Partners, L.P. (the “Company”), dated December 1, 2017 (the “Agreement”) and the terms and conditions of the LPA (including but not limited to your post-termination obligations thereunder):

 

  (i) Upon a Change of Control (as determined by the General Partner), those PSUs then held by you at the time of the Change of Control shall be exchanged into restricted shares of Newmark Group, Inc. (“Newmark”) Class A Common Stock (“Newmark Stock”) (subject to reduction for taxes and withholdings), which shall become transferable ratably over the first through third anniversaries of the Change of Control provided you have fully satisfied the non-compete, non-solicitation, and media non-disparage conditions for transfer set forth in the share documentation through such applicable transfer date;

 

  (ii) For purposes of this letter, a “Change of Control” shall occur in the event that either Newmark, or substantially all of the real estate brokerage and related businesses of Newmark and/or its subsidiaries, is/are no longer controlled by Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P., Howard W. Lutnick or a person or entity controlled by, controlling or under common control with Cantor Fitzgerald, L.P., exclusive of an ownership change (a) following which an entity or entities controlled by Howard W. Lutnick, or his family members, heirs or estate, continue to control Newmark or (b) resulting from the estate planning of Howard W. Lutnick, provided that any such estate planning is limited to transfers to family members or heirs of Howard W. Lutnick or transfers to trusts or other entities controlled by Howard W. Lutnick or his family members, heirs or estate; and

 

  (iii) It is the current intention of the General Partner that, upon your permanent retirement from the Company and the real estate brokerage industry (as reasonably determined by the General Partner):

 

  (a) those PSUs then held by you at the time of your retirement shall, at your election, either be (y) as determined by the General Partner, redeemed for cash or Newmark Stock ratably over the first through fourth anniversaries of such retirement or (z) exchanged into restricted shares of Newmark Stock upon such retirement and become transferable ratably over the first through fourth anniversaries of such retirement; provided that , with respect to both (y) and (z), you continue to be retired (as described above) and have fully satisfied the non-compete, non-solicit, and media non-disparage conditions for transfer or redemption set forth in the documentation through such applicable transfer date, and all redemptions and exchanges shall be subject to applicable taxes and withholdings; and

 

  (b) you may request for the General Partner to permit you to remain a Partner in the Partnership until otherwise determined by the General Partner.


  (iv) For all purposes of this letter, all references to units, Newmark Class A common stock, restricted shares of Newmark Stock and any other non-cash grants shall also, or in lieu of, include, to the extent applicable and as determined by the Company, any other equity instrument issued to you in connection with any merger, reorganization, acquisition, or spin-off of/by BGC Partners, Inc., the Company, or Newmark (e.g., Newmark’s initial public offering) or other similar event. If the securities or units contemplated herein are increased, decreased, changed into, or exchanged for a different number or kind of securities or units (or other property) as a result of a subdivision, reorganization, spin-off, recapitalization, reclassification, stock dividend, extraordinary dividend, stock split, reverse stock split, combination or other similar change, such securities or units (or other property), and any exchanges or exchange rights related to such securities or units (or other property), shall be equitably adjusted to reflect such change in accordance with applicable laws.

This letter contains our entire understanding with respect to the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior discussions, negotiations, and agreements regarding the foregoing.

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Very truly yours,

/s/ Howard W. Lutnick

On Behalf of

Newmark Holdings, L.P.
Acknowledged and Agreed:

/s/ Barry Gosin

Barry Gosin

[Letter of Newmark Holdings, L.P. to Barry Gosin, dated December 1, 2017]

Exhibit 23.1

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” and to the use of our report dated September 8, 2017, with respect to the financial statements of Newmark Group, Inc., in Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement (Form S-1 No. 333-221078) and related Prospectus of Newmark Group, Inc. for the registration of shares of its common stock.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New York, New York

December 4, 2017

Exhibit 23.2

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” and to the use of our report dated September 8, 2017, with respect to the combined financial statements of Newmark Knight Frank, in Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement (Form S-1 No. 333-221078) and related Prospectus of Newmark Group, Inc. for the registration of shares of its common stock.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New York, New York

December 4, 2017

Exhibit 23.3

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Member

Berkeley Point Financial LLC:

We consent to the use in the registration statement on Form S-1 of Newmark Group, Inc. of our report dated August 23, 2017, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of Berkeley Point Financial LLC as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in member’s capital, and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended December 31, 2016, not included therein, which report appears in the Registration Statement on Form S-1 of Newmark Group, Inc. and to the reference to our firm under the heading “Experts” in the prospectus included therein.

/s/ KPMG LLP

Boston, Massachusetts

December 4, 2017

Exhibit 99.1

Consent of Director Nominee

Newmark Group, Inc. is filing a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-221078) with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, in connection with the initial public offering of Class A common stock of Newmark Group, Inc. In connection therewith, I hereby consent, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of Newmark Group, Inc. in the Registration Statement, as may be amended from time to time. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to such Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.

 

/s/ John Dalton

Name: John Dalton

Exhibit 99.2

Consent of Director Nominee

Newmark Group, Inc. is filing a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 333-221078) with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, in connection with the initial public offering of Class A common stock of Newmark Group, Inc. In connection therewith, I hereby consent, pursuant to Rule 438 of the Securities Act, to being named as a nominee to the board of directors of Newmark Group, Inc. in the Registration Statement, as may be amended from time to time. I also consent to the filing of this consent as an exhibit to such Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.

 

/s/ Michael Snow

Name: Michael Snow