NY false 0001795250 0001795250 2021-04-27 2021-04-27

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): April 27, 2021

 

 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Delaware   1-39245   84-3755666

(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation)

 

(Commission

File Number)

 

(IRS Employer

Identification Number)

 

Two Pennsylvania Plaza, New York, New York   10121
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (212) 465-6000

Not Applicable

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Trading

Symbol(s)

 

Name of Each Exchange

on Which Registered

Class A Common Stock   MSGE   New York Stock Exchange

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

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 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☒

 

 

 


Item 1.01

Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.

On April 27, 2021 (“Closing Date”), TAO Group Sub-Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“TAO”), an indirect subsidiary of Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (“MSG Entertainment” or the “Registrant”), entered into a Transaction Agreement (the “Transaction Agreement”) pursuant to which (subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein) TAO acquired the business (the “Hakkasan Business”) of Hakkasan USA, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Hakkasan Parent”). Pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, Hakkasan Parent contributed its interest in the Hakkasan Business to TAO in exchange for 18.5% of the common equity interests in TAO. After the Closing Date, TAO Group Holdings LLC (“TAO Holdings”), which owned all of the issued and outstanding common equity interests in TAO before the Closing Date, owns 81.5% of the common equity interests in TAO. The ownership percentages are subject to potential post-closing adjustments for closing working capital and net debt against agreed upon targets. After the Closing Date, MSG Entertainment continues to own a 77.5% controlling interest in TAO Holdings, which, before any post-closing adjustments, translates to a 63.2% indirect controlling interest in TAO. TAO’s results will continue to be consolidated in the financial results of MSG Entertainment.

The Hakkasan Business consists of a global collection of 33 hospitality assets including restaurants, bars, lounges, and nightclubs that it owns, manages or licenses. Its brand portfolio spans four continents and over 20 major cities.

The rights, privileges and obligations of the equityholders of TAO are governed by an Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of Tao Group Sub-Holdings LLC entered into as a condition of and concurrent with the Transaction Agreement on the Closing Date (the “LLC Agreement”).

The key terms of the LLC Agreement are summarized below.

 

   

TAO is managed by a board of directors consisting of 11 individuals, 10 of whom are designated by TAO Holdings. For as long as Hakkasan Parent holds at least 5% of the common equity interests in TAO, it may designate one individual as a director of the board and one individual as a board observer, and it has consent rights with respect to certain actions by TAO or its subsidiaries consistent with its position as a minority shareholder.

 

   

Prior to the closing of a going public transaction with respect to TAO:

 

   

Hakkasan Parent has the right to effect a put of its equity interest in TAO to TAO Holdings for fair market value (subject to a floor value determined based upon a multiple of trailing EBITDA) beginning in 2026 and each second year thereafter by providing notice during a 30 day window starting June 1, 2025 (and each second June 1 thereafter). Consideration paid upon exercise of the put right shall be, at the option of TAO Holdings, in cash, debt, or stock of MSG Entertainment or its successor, subject to certain limitations. Additionally, TAO Holdings may elect to satisfy this put obligation through a sale of TAO or a going public transaction with respect to TAO.

 

   

If a put right above is not exercised by Hakkasan Parent, TAO Holdings has the right to call the equity interest in TAO owned by Hakkasan Parent for fair market value (subject to a floor value determined based upon a multiple of trailing EBITDA) beginning in 2026 and each second year thereafter by providing notice during a 30 day window starting January 31, 2026 (and each second January 31 thereafter). Consideration paid upon exercise of the call right shall be solely in cash.

 

   

Transfers of equity in TAO are generally restricted (excluding certain permitted transfer rights) for the 5-year period after the Closing Date, and the LLC Agreement provides for a right of first offer, tag along rights and drag along rights, in each case in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth therein.

Pursuant to the Transaction Agreement, Hakkasan Parent is subject to restrictive covenants of non-competition and non-solicitation of customers and employees, with certain exceptions.

 

2


The above descriptions of the Transaction Agreement and the LLC Agreement are qualified in their entirety by reference to those agreements which are attached hereto as Exhibit 10.1 and Exhibit 10.2, respectively, and are incorporated into this Item 1.01 by reference.

 

Item 7.01

Regulation FD Disclosure.

On April 28, 2021, TAO and Hakkasan Parent issued a joint press release announcing TAO’s acquisition of the Hakkasan Business. The joint press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report and incorporated by reference herein.

The information in this Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.1, is furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to liabilities under that section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into the filings of the Registrant under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Exchange Act, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filings.

 

Item 9.01

Financial Statements and Exhibits

(d) Exhibits

 

10.1    Transaction Agreement, dated as of April 27, 2021, between TAO Group Sub-Holdings LLC and Hakkasan USA, Inc.
10.2    Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of TAO Group Sub-Holdings LLC, dated as of April 27, 2021.
99.1    Joint press release dated April 28, 2021.
104    Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).

 

3


SIGNATURES

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

 

MADISON SQUARE GARDEN ENTERTAINMENT CORP.
By:  

/s/ Andrew Lustgarten

Name:   Andrew Lustgarten
Title:   President

Dated: April 28, 2021

 

4

Exhibit 10.1

TRANSACTION AGREEMENT

by and between

HAKKASAN USA, INC.

and

TAO GROUP SUB-HOLDINGS LLC

Dated as of April 27, 2021

 

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  

ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS; INTERPRETATION

     1  

1.1

 

Certain Defined Terms

     1  

1.2

 

Definitions

     18  

1.3

 

Interpretation and Rules of Construction

     20  

ARTICLE II TRANSFER AND ISSUANCE

     22  

2.1

 

Transfer of Hakkasan Contributed Interests

     22  

2.2

 

Issuance of TAO Units

     22  

2.3

 

Closing; Closing Date

     22  

2.4

 

Closing Deliveries

     22  

2.5

 

Closing Adjustments

     23  

2.6

 

Additional Cash Distributions

     27  

2.7

 

Intended Tax Treatment

     27  

ARTICLE III REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF HAKKASAN PARENT

     27  

3.1

 

Organization and Qualification

     27  

3.2

 

Authority; Enforceability

     28  

3.3

 

Ownership of Equity Interests

     28  

3.4

 

Consents and Approvals; No Conflict

     29  

3.5

 

Compliance with Laws; Permits and Liquor Licenses

     30  

3.6

 

Financial Statements

     31  

3.7

 

Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities

     32  

3.8

 

Absence of Certain Changes or Events

     33  

3.9

 

Absence of Litigation

     35  

3.10

 

Accounts Receivable

     35  

3.11

 

Assets

     35  

3.12

 

Intellectual Property and Data Protection

     36  

3.13

 

Real Property

     39  

3.14

 

Employee Benefit Matters

     40  

3.15

 

Labor Matters

     44  

3.16

 

Taxes

     45  

3.17

 

Environmental Matters

     48  

3.18

 

Material Contracts

     48  

3.19

 

Transactions with Affiliates

     51  

3.20

 

Insurance

     52  

3.21

 

Corruption Laws

     52  

3.22

 

International Trade Law

     53  

3.23

 

Quality and Safety of Food & Beverage Products

     53  

3.24

 

COVID-19

     54  

3.25

 

Investment Purpose; Accredited Investor; No Public Market; No Reliance

     55  

 

-ii-


3.26

 

Brokers and Finders

     56  

3.27

 

No Other Representations or Warranties

     56  

ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF TAO

     57  

4.1

 

Organization and Qualification

     57  

4.2

 

Authority; Enforceability

     57  

4.3

 

Ownership of Equity Interests

     58  

4.4

 

Consents and Approvals; No Conflict

     59  

4.5

 

Compliance with Laws; Permits and Liquor Licenses

     59  

4.6

 

Financial Statements

     60  

4.7

 

Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities

     61  

4.8

 

Absence of Certain Changes or Events

     62  

4.9

 

Absence of Litigation

     64  

4.10

 

Assets

     64  

4.11

 

Intellectual Property and Data Protection

     64  

4.12

 

Real Property

     67  

4.13

 

Employee Benefit Matters

     68  

4.14

 

Labor Matters

     70  

4.15

 

Taxes

     71  

4.16

 

Environmental Matters

     73  

4.17

 

Material Contracts

     73  

4.18

 

Transactions with Affiliates

     76  

4.19

 

Insurance

     76  

4.20

 

Corruption Laws

     77  

4.21

 

International Trade Law

     78  

4.22

 

Quality and Safety of Food & Beverage Products

     78  

4.23

 

COVID-19

     78  

4.24

 

Brokers and Finders

     79  

4.25

 

No Other Representations or Warranties

     79  

ARTICLE V AGREEMENTS OF HAKKASAN PARENT AND TAO

     80  

5.1

 

Confidentiality

     80  

5.2

 

Publicity

     81  

5.3

 

Taxes

     81  

5.4

 

Infectious Disease Insurance Proceeds

     82  

5.5

 

Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation.

     83  

5.6

 

Business Plan

     83  

5.7

 

Further Assurances

     83  

5.8

 

D&O Policy

     84  

5.9

 

Release.

     84  

ARTICLE VI EMPLOYEE MATTERS

     85  

6.1

 

Continuing Employees

     85  

6.2

 

No Third Party Rights

     87  

 

-iii-


ARTICLE VII SURVIVAL

     88  

7.1

 

Survival of Representations and Warranties and Covenants

     88  

7.2

 

R&W Insurance Policy

     88  

7.3

 

Legal Expenses Reimbursement

     89  

ARTICLE VIII MISCELLANEOUS

     89  

8.1

 

Fees and Expenses

     89  

8.2

 

Amendment

     89  

8.3

 

Waiver and Extension

     89  

8.4

 

Remedies; Specific Performance

     89  

8.5

 

Notices

     90  

8.6

 

Entire Agreement

     91  

8.7

 

Assignment

     91  

8.8

 

Parties in Interest

     91  

8.9

 

Severability

     91  

8.10

 

Currency and Exchange Rate

     92  

8.11

 

Disclosure Schedule

     92  

8.12

 

Governing Law

     92  

8.13

 

Disputes; Arbitration

     92  

8.14

 

Waiver of Jury Trial

     94  

8.15

 

No Recourse

     95  

8.16

 

Commercial Entity

     96  

8.17

 

Counterparts

     96  

ANNEXES

 

Annex 1.1(a)

  

The Hakkasan Contributed Entities

Annex 1.1(b)-1

Annex 1.1(b)-2

Annex 1.1(c)

  

The TAO Business Venues

The Hakkasan Business Venues

Reserved

Annex 1.1(d)

  

Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent

Annex 1.1(e)

Annex 1.1(f)

  

Knowledge of TAO

Sample Closing Statements

Annex 1.1(g)

  

Accounting Principles

EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

  

Form of Amended and Restated LLC Agreement

Joint Press Release

 

-iv-


TRANSACTION AGREEMENT

THIS TRANSACTION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made as of April 27, 2021, by and between (i) Hakkasan USA, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Hakkasan Parent”), and (ii) TAO Group Sub-Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“TAO”, each of TAO and Hakkasan Parent, a “Party” and together, the “Parties”).

WHEREAS, Hakkasan Parent holds, directly or indirectly, all the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities (as defined below);

WHEREAS, TAO owns, directly or indirectly, all the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of all the entities that operate TAO’s hospitality, restaurant, daylife and nightlife business (including the operation of the Venues listed on Annex 1.1(b)-1) conducted throughout the world under the brands listed on Section 4.11(a) of the TAO Disclosure Schedule as of the date hereof or as currently contemplated by TAO and its Affiliates to be conducted by them (taking into account the COVID-19 Measures set forth in Section 4.23 of the TAO Disclosure Schedule) (collectively, the “TAO Business”);

WHEREAS, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, Hakkasan Parent and TAO wish to combine the hospitality, restaurant, daylife and nightlife business (including the operation of the Venues listed on Annex 1.1(b)-2) conducted throughout the world under the brands listed on Section 3.12(a) of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule as of the date hereof or as currently contemplated by Hakkasan Parent and its Affiliates to be conducted by them (taking into account the COVID-19 Measures set forth in Section 3.24 of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule) (collectively, the “Hakkasan Business”) with the TAO Business, such that at the Closing (as defined below) TAO Holdings will own 81.5% and Hakkasan Parent will own 18.5% of the issued and outstanding TAO Units (as defined below); and

WHEREAS, concurrently with the Closing, as a condition and inducement to the willingness of Hakkasan Parent to enter into this Agreement, an amended and restated limited liability company agreement of TAO will be entered into by the Parties and TAO Holdings (as defined below) in the form attached as Exhibit A (the “Amended and Restated LLC Agreement”).

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the mutual agreements, covenants, representations, and warranties contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties hereby agree as follows:

ARTICLE I

DEFINITIONS; INTERPRETATION

1.1    Certain Defined Terms. For purposes of this Agreement:

Accounting Principles” means the accounting principles, policies, practices, procedures, methods, methodologies and judgments (i) used and applied by Hakkasan Parent in the preparation of the Hakkasan Sample Closing Statement; and (ii) used and applied by TAO in the preparation of the TAO Sample Closing Statement, or, in either case of clause (i) or (ii), as


otherwise set forth on Annex 1.1(g), provided, that in the event of any conflict between the Hakkasan Sample Closing Statement or the TAO Sample Closing Statement, as applicable and Annex 1.1(g), Annex 1.1(g) shall control. In the event any item arises that is required to be reflected in a balance sheet under IFRS or GAAP (as applicable with respect to clauses (i) or (ii)) but was not reflected in the Hakkasan Sample Closing Statement or the TAO Sample Closing Statement, as applicable, or in Annex 1.1(g), such item shall be determined and reflected in accordance with IFRS or GAAP (as applicable with respect to clauses (i) or (ii)).

Action” means any suit (at law or in equity), action, claim, complaint, arbitration, hearing, audit, investigation or similar proceeding (whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative) pending, commenced, brought, conducted, or heard by or before, any Governmental Authority.

Adjustment Measurement Time” means the consummation of the Closing at 5:00 p.m. New York time on the Closing Date.

Affiliate” of any Person means any other Person that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such first Person. The word “control” (including the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”), with respect to the relationship between or among two or more Persons, means the possession, directly or indirectly or as trustee, personal representative or executor, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the affairs or management of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, as trustee, personal representative or executor, by contract, credit arrangement or otherwise. For purposes of this Agreement, (a) “Affiliates” of Hakkasan Parent shall only include Aabar Investments PJS and its Subsidiaries, (b) “Affiliates” of TAO shall only include Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. and its Subsidiaries.

Anti-Corruption and Money-Laundering Laws and Obligations” means all U.S. and non-U.S. anti-bribery and anti-money laundering laws that are applicable to the Parties, including, to the extent applicable, the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, the U.S. Bank Secrecy Act of 1970, as amended by the USA PATRIOT Act, 31 U.S.C. §§ 5311 et seq., and its implementing regulations, 31 C.F.R. Chapter X, the U.K. Bribery Act of 2010, the UK Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and any applicable laws implementing the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions.

Associate” means, with respect to any Person: (a) any corporation, partnership or other legal entity of which such Person is an officer or partner or is, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, the beneficial owner of twenty percent (20%) or more of any class or type of Equity Interests; and (b) any trust or other estate in which such Person has a substantial beneficial interest or as to which such Person serves as trustee or in a similar fiduciary capacity.

Base HK Value” has the meaning ascribed to it on Schedule 2.5.

Base TAO Value” has the meaning ascribed to it on Schedule 2.5.

 

2


Benefit Plan” means any (i) “employee benefit plan” (within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA, whether or not subject to ERISA), (ii) any employment, consulting, indemnification, management or other individual services agreement, and (iii) any other employee benefit plan, agreement, arrangement, program, policy or practice, including without limitation, any severance, termination, retirement, profit sharing, bonus, incentive or deferred compensation, retention, change in control, pension, any equity or equity-based compensation (including without limitation, stock purchase, stock award, stock appreciation, phantom stock, stock option, restricted stock or restricted stock unit), savings, life insurance, health, disability, accident, medical, dental, vision, insurance, prescription drug, death benefit, cafeteria, flexible spending, dependent care, vacation, paid time off, holiday pay, sick pay, workers compensation, unemployment, employee loan, educational assistance, other welfare fringe benefit or other employee compensation or benefit plan, program, arrangement, agreement, fund or commitment; provided that “Benefit Plan” shall not include any plans, programs, arrangements, funds, or commitments administered or mandated by a Governmental Authority, other than any UK Disclosed Pension Scheme.

Business Day” means a day other than (a) a Saturday or Sunday or (b) any other day on which commercial banks are required or authorized by Law to be closed in the City of New York, New York or Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

CARES Act” means the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (H.R. 748) and any similar or successor legislation enacted thereafter relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Cardholder Data” means financial account numbers (e.g., credit cards, debit cards, bank accounts, PayPal accounts, etc.), names, primary account numbers (PAN), expiration dates, service codes, CCV data, magnetic stripe information (and all data encoded in it), account and payment transaction information and any other data considered “cardholder data” (as such term is defined in the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard, as amended from time to time).

Cash” means, with respect to any Person at any particular time, the cash (including cash reserves), cash equivalents and marketable securities on hand or held in deposit (including deposits in transit), checking, money market or other similar accounts by or for the benefit of such Person, and all checks, ACH transactions and other wire transfers or drafts deposited or available for deposit for the account of such Person, which amount shall be calculated net of uncleared checks or drafts issued by such Person.

CJRS” means the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme established and governed by the CJRS Treasury Directions.

CJRS Treasury Directions” means the first, second, third, fourth and fifth CJRS Treasury Directions made under sections 71 and 76 of the Coronavirus Act 2020.

Closing Hakkasan Cash” means all the Cash of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities as of the Adjustment Measurement Time, calculated in accordance with the Accounting Principles. For the avoidance of doubt, Closing Hakkasan Cash shall exclude the Hakkasan Parent Required Payments and shall exclude any amount distributed to Hakkasan Parent in accordance with Section 2.6.

 

3


Closing Hakkasan Cash Excess” shall exist when (and shall be equal to the amount by which) (a) the Closing Hakkasan Cash minus the Closing Hakkasan Indebtedness, in each case as finally determined in accordance with Section 2.5, exceeds (b) $5,000,000.

Closing Hakkasan Cash Shortfall” shall exist when (and shall be equal to the amount by which) (a) $5,000,000 exceeds (b) the Closing Hakkasan Cash minus the Closing Hakkasan Indebtedness, in each case as finally determined in accordance with Section 2.5.

Closing Hakkasan Indebtedness” means all the Indebtedness of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities as of the Adjustment Measurement Time, calculated in accordance with the Accounting Principles. For the avoidance of doubt, in no event will Closing Hakkasan Indebtedness be less than $0.

Closing Hakkasan Net Working Capital” means (i) Current Hakkasan Assets minus (ii) Current Hakkasan Liabilities, in each case, calculated as of the Adjustment Measurement Time and in accordance with the Accounting Principles, and subject to final adjustment in accordance with Section 2.5(c)(i) as contemplated by the proviso to the definition of Closing Hakkasan Value. For the avoidance of doubt, Closing Hakkasan Net Working Capital can be a positive or a negative number.

Closing Hakkasan Percentage” means the quotient, expressed as a percentage, obtained by dividing the Closing Hakkasan Value by the Closing Total Value, rounded to the nearest tenth of a percent (0.1%).

Closing Hakkasan Value” means the sum of (a) the Base HK Value plus (b) Closing Hakkasan Net Working Capital minus (c) Target Hakkasan Net Working Capital minus (d) Closing Hakkasan Indebtedness plus (e) Closing Hakkasan Cash; provided, however, that (i) if a Closing Hakkasan Cash Shortfall is paid by Hakkasan Parent in accordance with Section 2.5(c)(i)(x), such amount paid shall be deemed to retroactively increase the Closing Hakkasan Cash (and resulting Closing Hakkasan Value), or (ii) if a Closing Hakkasan Cash Excess is distributed to Hakkasan Parent in accordance with Section 2.5(c)(i)(y), such amount distributed shall be deemed to retroactively reduce the Closing Hakkasan Cash (and resulting Closing Hakkasan Value), and (iii) without duplication, any amount distributed to Hakkasan Parent in accordance with Section 2.6 shall be deemed to reduce the Closing Hakkasan Cash (and resulting Closing Hakkasan Value).

Closing TAO Cash” means all the Cash of the TAO Group Entities as of the Adjustment Measurement Time, calculated in accordance with the Accounting Principles.

Closing TAO Indebtedness” means all the Indebtedness of the TAO Group as of the Adjustment Measurement Time, calculated in accordance with the Accounting Principles. For the avoidance of doubt, in no event will Closing TAO Indebtedness be less than $0.

Closing TAO Net Working Capital” means (i) Current TAO Assets minus (ii) Current TAO Liabilities, in each case, calculated as of the Adjustment Measurement Time and in accordance with the Accounting Principles. For the avoidance of doubt, Closing TAO Net Working Capital can be a positive or a negative number.

 

4


Closing TAO Percentage” means the quotient, expressed as a percentage, obtained by dividing the Closing TAO Value by the Closing Total Value, rounded to the nearest tenth of a percent (0.1%).

Closing TAO Value” means the sum of (a) the Base TAO Value plus (b) Closing TAO Net Working Capital plus (c) Closing TAO Cash minus (d) the difference of (i) Closing TAO Indebtedness minus (ii) Target TAO Indebtedness.

Closing Total Value” means the sum of (a) the Closing TAO Value plus (b) the Closing Hakkasan Value.

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

Collective Bargaining Agreement” means any collective bargaining agreement, works council agreement or similar labor contract.

Competing Business” means any restaurant, daylife or nightlife business (including any bar, dayclub, nightclub or lounge), but excluding fast food restaurants.

Confidentiality Agreement” means that certain Confidentiality Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2020, by and among Hakkasan Limited, Hakkasan Holdings, and TAO Group Operating LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

Contract” means, with respect to any Person, any agreement, contract, instrument, deed, mortgage, lease (including a real property lease), license, purchase order, sales order, note, commitment, undertaking, indenture or other legally binding arrangement, understanding or obligation, whether written or oral.

Conveyance Tax” means any and all excise, sales, use, value added, registration, stamp, recording, documentary, property, transfer and similar Taxes.

COTS License” means any license for “shrink-wrap,” “click-through” or other “off-the-shelf” software that is commercially available to the public generally with annual license, maintenance, support and other fees of less than $50,000 in the aggregate.

Current Hakkasan Assets” means the combined current assets of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities (excluding Cash) determined in accordance with the Accounting Principles.

Current Hakkasan Liabilities” means the combined current liabilities of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities determined in accordance with the Accounting Principles.

Current TAO Assets” means the combined current assets of the TAO Group (excluding Cash) determined in accordance with the Accounting Principles.

Current TAO Liabilities” means the combined current liabilities of the TAO Group determined in accordance with the Accounting Principles.

 

5


Data Room” means the electronic data room hosted by or on behalf of a Party in connection with this Agreement and the Transactions.

Employee” means any individual employed by a Hakkasan Contributed Entity immediately prior to the Closing.

Employee Representative Body” means any works’ council, labor union, trade union, bargaining agent or similar employee representative body.

Encumbrance” means any mortgage, pledge, security interest, hypothecation, encumbrance, lien, option to purchase, right of first refusal, restrictions on ownership, use or transfer or charge of any kind, other than restrictions imposed by applicable securities Laws or the Organizational Documents of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities or TAO Group Entities, as applicable.

Environmental Law” means all Laws arising out of or relating to: (a) emissions, discharges, releases or threatened releases of any Hazardous Substances into the environment (including ambient air, surface water, ground water, land surface or subsurface strata); (b) the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, generation, treatment, storage, disposal, transport or handling of any Hazardous Substances; (c) liability for personal injury or property damage arising out of the manufacture, processing, distribution, use, generation, treatment, storage, disposal, transport, handling, emission, discharge, release, threatened release, or presence of Hazardous Substances at real property; (d) remediation of Hazardous Substances released into the environment, or the reclamation or restoration of the environment; and (e) workplace health and safety and protection, of employees from workplace hazards, as in each case they relate to Hazardous Substances.

Environmental Permit” means any Permit required under or issued pursuant to any applicable Environmental Law.

Equity Interests” means, with respect to any Person, (a) any common stock or preferred stock (or any series thereof), any ordinary shares or preferred shares and any other equity securities, capital stock, quota, partnership, membership, limited liability company or similar interest of such Person, (b) any securities that are directly or indirectly convertible, exchangeable or exercisable into any such stock or interests, including any right that would entitle any other Person to directly or indirectly acquire any such interest in such Person, and (c) any right that would otherwise entitle any other Person to share in the equity, profits, earnings, losses or gains of such first Person (including stock appreciation, phantom stock, profit participation or other similar rights), in each case of clauses (a) through (c) of this definition, however described and whether voting or non-voting.

ERISA” means the U.S. Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended.

Former Employee” means any individual who was employed by a Hakkasan Contributed Entity at the time such individual’s employment was terminated (whether by retirement or otherwise) prior to the Closing.

 

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Flexible Furlough” means a period of Furlough during which employees also work on a part-time basis, and “Flexibly Furloughed” shall be interpreted accordingly.

Former TAO Employee” means any individual who was employed by TAO or any of its Subsidiaries at the time such individual’s employment was terminated (whether by retirement or otherwise) prior to the Closing.

Fraud” means the making of any representation or warranty contained in Article III or Article IV (as qualified by the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule or the TAO Disclosure Schedule, as applicable) with the intent to deceive the other Party and with the knowledge that such representation or warranty (or part thereof) is false; provided that such intentional fraud shall only be deemed to exist if an individual listed on Annex 1.1(d), in the case of Hakkasan Parent, or Annex 1.1(e), in the case of TAO, had actual knowledge (as opposed to imputed or constructive knowledge) that any of the representations and warranties made by Hakkasan Parent pursuant to Article III (as qualified by the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule) or TAO pursuant to Article IV (as qualified by the TAO Disclosure Schedule), as applicable, were actually false when made or deemed made.

Furlough” means a temporary period of leave which satisfies the terms of the CJRS during which employees are not working but are kept on the payroll, and “Furloughed” shall be interpreted accordingly.

GAAP” means U.S. generally accepted accounting principles in effect from time to time.

Government Entity” means any commercial company, enterprise or other entity that is majority owned or controlled by any government or any public international organization (including the United Nations and the World Bank).

Governmental Authority” means any federal, national, supranational, transnational, state, provincial, municipal, local or other government, governmental, regulatory, legislative, executive, judicial or quasi-governmental or administrative body or authority of any nature (including any governmental agency, branch, bureau, commission or department, or any official, administrative, executive, judicial, legislative, police, regulatory authority or entity), including any political subdivision thereof, and any self-regulatory organization, court and any tribunal, or judicial or arbitral body and arbitrator, in each case, whether U.S. or non-U.S.

Governmental Order” means any award, decree, injunction (preliminary or permanent), judgment, stipulation, order, ruling, verdict, determination, settlement, writ or other decision issued, promulgated or entered by or with any Governmental Authority.

Hakkasan Benefit Plan” means any Benefit Plan that Hakkasan Parent or any Hakkasan Contributed Entity sponsors, maintains or contributes to, or is required to sponsor, maintain or contribute to, for the benefit of any current or former Hakkasan Service Provider or their spouses, beneficiaries or dependents or with respect to which any Hakkasan Contributed Entity has or may have any liability, contingent or otherwise.

Hakkasan Contributed Entities” means the Persons set forth on Annex 1.1(a).

 

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Hakkasan Contributed Interests” means all the Equity Interests of Hakkasan Holdings and Hakkasan Limited.

Hakkasan Data Security Requirements” means all (i) Information Privacy and Security Laws and all applicable Laws governing the collection, use or Processing of Personal Information, (ii) privacy, data protection and other security policies, procedures and programs of any Hakkasan Contributed Entity, (iii) Hakkasan Privacy Agreements, (iv) PCI Requirements and (v) Contracts to which any Hakkasan Contributed Entities is a party or is otherwise bound, materially relating to the privacy, protection and/or security of Personal Information and applicable to such Hakkasan Contributed Entities in their respective businesses.

Hakkasan Holdings” means Hakkasan Holdings LLC, a Nevada limited liability company.

Hakkasan Intercompany Contracts” means any Contract between or among (a) Hakkasan Parent or any of its Affiliates (other than any Hakkasan Contributed Entity), any of their respective directors, managers or officers (or similar authorized appointments with different names), or any of the Relatives or Associates of the foregoing (other than any Hakkasan Contributed Entities), on the one hand, and (b) any Hakkasan Contributed Entity, on the other hand, but excluding any Benefit Plans.

Hakkasan IP Agreements” means all licenses of and covenants not to sue regarding Intellectual Property (a) granted to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities from any third party (excluding COTS Licenses) or (b) granted by the Hakkasan Contributed Entities to any third party (excluding unmodified standard form confidentiality agreements entered into in the Ordinary Course).

Hakkasan Limited” means Hakkasan Limited, a private limited company incorporated under the laws of England and Wales.

Hakkasan Owned IP Rights” means all Intellectual Property owned or purported to be owned by any of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities.

Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule” means the disclosure schedule delivered by Hakkasan Parent to TAO immediately prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

Hakkasan Parent Required Payments” means $4,773,731.75, the amount of Cash that is equal to the sum of (i) the bonus payments payable by a Hakkasan Contributed Entity under the Closing Payments Agreements to the 16 employees parties thereto, plus the amount of payroll Taxes thereon, (ii) the total premium, underwriting costs, diligence costs, brokerage commission, Taxes related to such policy and other related fees and expenses payable to the insurance provider or broker in respect of the UK insurance policy that has been procured by Hakkasan Parent (or one of its Affiliates) for the benefit of TAO (or one of its Affiliates) provided that, to the extent any amount described in this clause (ii) is paid by Hakkasan Parent or any of its Affiliates to the insurer or broker after the date hereof, such amount shall correspondingly reduce the amount of Hakkasan Parent Required Payments, and (iii) the amount in respect of R&W Costs that Hakkasan Parent is obligated to pay to TAO pursuant to Section 7.2.

 

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Hakkasan Privacy Agreements” means data and privacy related policies (e.g., privacy policies, acceptable use policies, terms of service, etc.) and Contracts in effect between the Hakkasan Contributed Entities and any customers, clients, licensees, end users or other Persons that involve the Processing of Personal Information in connection with the business of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities.

Hakkasan Sample Closing Statement” means a sample closing statement, set forth on Annex 1.1(f), reflecting calculations of Closing Hakkasan Cash, Closing Hakkasan Indebtedness and Closing Hakkasan Net Working Capital, in each case as if the Closing Date had occurred on February 21, 2021.

Hakkasan Service Provider” means any individual that is or has been employed, engaged or retained by any of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities as an employee, officer, independent contractor or director as of the Closing.

Hazardous Substances” means (a) any chemicals, materials, substances or wastes defined as or included in the definition of, or regulated as, “hazardous substances,” “hazardous wastes,” “hazardous materials,” “hazardous constituents,” “restricted hazardous materials,” “extremely hazardous substances,” “toxic substances,” or “contaminants,” or words of similar meaning and regulatory effect under any Environmental Law, including asbestos, urea formaldehyde, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and petroleum (including its derivatives, by-products or other hydrocarbons).

IFRS” means the International Financial Reporting Standards, as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board and adopted by the European Union, consistently applied.

Indebtedness” means, with respect to any Person, without duplication and at any particular time, (a) all indebtedness for borrowed money of, or advances to, such Person (whether secured or unsecured); (b) all notes payable and drafts accepted representing extensions of credit whether or not representing obligations for borrowed money of such Person, including all obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or other similar instruments; (c) all obligations under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property acquired by such Person, other than any of the foregoing incurred in the ordinary course of business of such Person; (d) all obligations of such Person under capital leases, purchase money obligations or surety bonds; (e) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as an account party in respect of letters of credit (to the extent drawn) or bankers’ acceptances; (f) all obligations of such Person of the type described in clauses (a) – (e) of others secured by (or for which the holder of such obligation has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property owned or acquired by such Person, to the extent of such security, whether or not such obligation secured thereby has been assumed; (g) guaranties of such Person securing obligations of others of the type described in clauses (a) – (e); (h) any prepayment premiums, accrued interest, fees and expenses of such Person related to any of the items in clauses (a) - (g); (i) in the case of TAO, all accrued but unpaid obligations in respect of the MSG Payments under the Holdings LLC Agreement (as defined in the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement, and including accrued interest thereon), and the aggregate Stated Preferred Value (as defined in the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement) of all of the Preferred Units (as defined in the Amended and Restated LLC

 

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Agreement); provided, however, that, for the avoidance of doubt, (x) accounts payable and other trade payables in the ordinary course of business of such Person, and (y) in the case of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, any obligation pursuant to the Roos 409A Arrangement, shall not constitute Indebtedness.

Information Privacy and Security Laws” means all applicable Laws concerning data privacy, data secrecy or data security (including incident reporting and notification), including, to the extent applicable: the Federal Trade Commission Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act, the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, the Electronic Communications Privacy Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, as amended and supplemented by the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, state data security laws, state social security number protection laws, state data breach notification laws, state consumer protection laws, and the GDPR (and any European Union member states’ laws and regulations implementing it, including the UK version which is part of UK law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018).

Intellectual Property” means all of the following as may exist, be created or recognized in any jurisdiction throughout the world: (i) trademarks and service marks, trade names, trade dress, business names, corporate names, brand names, rights in look and feel, product and service names, logos, symbols and designs, and other indicia of origin and identifiers of source, whether or not registered, including all goodwill associated therewith, and registrations and applications to register any of the foregoing; (ii) patents, patent applications, patent disclosures and rights in inventions, utility models, utility model applications, petty patents, statutory invention registrations, certificates of invention, rights in designs, design registrations and applications, and all other governmental grants for the protection of any inventions and industrial designs, including any continuations, continuations-in-part, divisionals, provisionals, non-provisionals, reexaminations, restorations, renewals and reissues for any of the foregoing; (iii) rights in published and unpublished works of authorship, rights in copyrightable subject matter and copyrights and all parts thereof (in each case, whether or not registered), and all rights to register any of the foregoing and to obtain renewals, extensions and revivals of any of the foregoing together with all registrations thereof; (iv) trade secrets and rights in confidential and/or proprietary information, including any rights in inventions (whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice), industrial designs, know-how, technical and business information, business methods, electronic databases, discoveries, research and development information, formulae, recipes, methods, formulations, drawings, specifications, designs, plans, proposals, technical and business data, financial information, improvements, modifications, developments, processes, techniques, algorithms, manuals, instructions, blueprints, financial and marketing data, sales information, pricing and cost information, vendor lists, customer lists, distributor lists, supplier lists, data and information, prospect lists, Personal Information, work product, business and marketing plans, market surveys and studies, projections, operational data and quality control procedures; (v) rights in Software; (vi) Internet domain names; (vii) all other rights in proprietary information and intellectual property in all forms and media, and all goodwill associated therewith, now known or hereafter recognized in any jurisdiction worldwide; and (viii) all rights pertaining to the foregoing, including those arising under international treaties and convention rights.

 

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International Trade Law” means, to the extent applicable to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, all economic sanctions, trade embargoes, import and export controls, anti-boycott restrictions, customs and restrictive measures of the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the United Nations, including restrictive measures promulgated by OFAC, the U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security, and the U.S. Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls.

IT Systems” means information technology systems, resources and information, including all Software, hardware, networks, computers, equipment (including Payment Acceptance Devices) and related systems.

Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent” or similar terms used in this Agreement mean the actual (but not constructive or imputed) knowledge of the individuals identified on Annex 1.1(d) as of the date of this Agreement after reasonable inquiry of their direct reports.

Knowledge of TAO” or similar terms used in this Agreement mean the actual (but not constructive or imputed) knowledge of the individuals identified on Annex 1.1(e) as of the date of this Agreement after reasonable inquiry of their direct reports.

Law” means any federal, national, supranational, transnational, state, provincial, municipal, local or similar statute, law, treaty, convention, ordinance, regulation, rule, code, decree, Governmental Order or other requirement or rule of law (including common law), enacted, adopted or promulgated by a Governmental Authority, in each case, whether U.S. or non-U.S.

Liabilities” means any and all debts, liabilities obligations or other commitments of any kind or nature, whether direct or indirect, accrued, unaccrued or fixed, known or unknown, matured or unmatured, liquidated or unliquidated, absolute or contingent and whether or not determined or determinable or due or to become due, including those arising under any Contract, Action, applicable Law or Governmental Order.

Losses” means all damages, losses, expenses (including Professional Expenses), Taxes and Liabilities, interest, fines, penalties, fees, awards, judgments and amounts paid in settlement.

Material Adverse Effect” means, with respect to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities or the TAO Group, any circumstance, condition, event, change or effect that, individually or in the aggregate, has had or would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition or results of operations of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, taken as a whole, or the TAO Group, taken as a whole, respectively; provided that none of the following, either alone or in combination, shall constitute or be deemed to contribute to a “Material Adverse Effect” or a breach of a representation, warranty, covenant or agreement that is qualified by the term “Material Adverse Effect,” or shall otherwise be taken into account in determining whether a “Material Adverse Effect” has occurred or would reasonably be expected to occur: (a) general economic, legal, tax, regulatory, political or business conditions or changes therein, including changes in consumer spending on discretionary items, including travel and leisure;

 

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(b) circumstances, conditions, events, changes or effects affecting the credit, securities, commodities, derivatives or financial markets in the United States or in any other country or region in the world, including changes in interest rates or foreign exchange rates and any downgrades or deterioration in the credit markets; (c) circumstances, conditions, events, changes or effects that generally affect the industries or segments thereof in which the Hakkasan Contributed Entities or the TAO Group, respectively, operate; (d) circumstances, conditions, events, changes or effects resulting from geopolitical conditions (including any trade wars), acts of armed hostility, sabotage, cyberattacks or acts of terrorism (including cyberterrorism) or war (whether or not declared), including any escalation or worsening thereof; (e) circumstances, conditions, events, changes or effects resulting from, earthquakes, hurricanes, tsunamis, tornadoes, floods, mudslides or other natural disasters, weather-related conditions, explosions or fires, global health conditions (including any epidemics, pandemics (including SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19, and any evolutions or mutations thereof (“COVID-19”)), disease outbreaks or other public health emergencies) or any other force majeure events or acts of God; (f) circumstances, conditions, events, changes or effects resulting from authoritative changes or modifications in IFRS or GAAP, as applicable, or the interpretation or enforcement thereof; (g) circumstances, conditions, events, changes or effects resulting from any failure, in and of itself, by the Hakkasan Contributed Entities or the TAO Group, respectively, to meet any internal or external estimates, predictions, budgets, plans, expectations, projections or forecasts for any period (but not the underlying causes of such failure unless such underlying causes would otherwise be excluded by another clause of this definition, and provided that the exception in this clause (g) shall not prevent or otherwise affect a determination that circumstances, conditions, events, changes or effects underlying such failure have resulted in, or contributed to, a Material Adverse Effect); (h) circumstances, conditions, events, changes or effects arising out of, or attributable to, changes (or proposed changes) to applicable Law or the authoritative interpretation or enforcement thereof; or (i) any actions disclosed in relation to COVID-19 in the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule or the TAO Disclosure Schedule (as applicable) that were taken in direct response to quarantine, “shelter in place,” “stay at home,” workforce reduction, social distancing, shut down, closure, sequester, safety or similar Law, directive, guidelines or recommendations promulgated by any Governmental Authority, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the World Health Organization, in each case, in connection with or in response to COVID-19 (“COVID-19 Measures”), except in the cases of clauses (a), (b), (c), (d), (f) or (h) of this definition, to the extent such circumstance, condition, event, change or effect has a disproportionate effect on the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, taken as a whole, or the TAO Group, taken as a whole, respectively, compared with other Persons operating in the same industry in which the Hakkasan Contributed Entities or the TAO Group, respectively, operate, in which case only the incremental disproportionate adverse impact may be taken into account in determining whether there has occurred a Material Adverse Effect.

Neutral Accounting Firm” means Grant Thornton LLP or, if such firm shall decline or is unable to act, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, or, if such additional firm shall decline or is unable to act, another independent internationally recognized accounting firm with expertise in accounting matters reasonably acceptable to the Parties; provided that the team at such other accounting firm dedicated to the Transactions shall be independent from TAO, Hakkasan Parent and their respective Affiliates; provided, further, that in the event the Parties cannot agree on an alternative firm within five (5) Business Days of the firm declining or being unable to act, the Parties shall submit a request to the LCIA for LCIA’s designation of an independent internationally recognized accounting firm with expertise in accounting matters, and such designee of the LCIA shall be the Neutral Accounting Firm.

 

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Open Source Software” means all Software that is distributed as “free software”, “open source software”, “shareware” or under a similar licensing or distribution model, including Software licensed, provided, or distributed under any open source license, including any license meeting the Open Source Definition (as promulgated by the Open Source Initiative) or the Free Software Foundation (as promulgated by the Free Software Foundation).

Ordinary Course” means, with respect any Person or business, the ordinary course of business consistent with such Person’s or business’ past practices and taken in the usual or ordinary course of the normal day-to-day operations of such Person.

Organizational Documents” means the legal document(s) by which any Person (other than an individual) establishes its legal existence or which govern its internal affairs.

Payment Acceptance Device” means an electronic device or electronic system (e.g., smartphone, tablet, wearable device, connected-device, point-of-sale terminal) used to facilitate payment acceptance transaction processing.

PCI Requirements” means the standards, rules and guidelines established by the Payment Card Industry (“PCI”), including the PCI Data Security Standard and the Payment Application Data Security Standard.

Permit” means any governmental qualifications, registrations, licenses, permits, approvals, Governmental Orders, consents, concessions, identification numbers, franchises, registrations, certifications or other authorizations issued, granted by, given by, or otherwise obtained from any Governmental Authority.

Permitted Encumbrances” means (a) Encumbrances for Taxes, assessments or other governmental charges or levies which are not yet due and delinquent (or which may be paid without interest or penalties) or are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves or accruals have been maintained on the Hakkasan Financial Statements or TAO Financial Statements, as applicable, (b) statutory or common law Encumbrances to secure landlords, lessors or renters under leases or rental agreements confined to the premises rented, (c) mechanics’, carriers’, workers’, repairers’ and other similar Encumbrances arising or incurred in the Ordinary Course relating to obligations as to which there is no default on the part of any of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities or TAO Group Entities or the validity or amount of which is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, or pledges, deposits or other Encumbrances securing the performance of bids, trade contracts, leases or statutory obligations (including workers’ compensation, unemployment insurance or other social security legislation), (d) Encumbrances on leases, subleases, easements, licenses, rights of use, rights to access and rights of way arising therefrom or which, individually or in the aggregate, do not or would not materially impair the use or occupancy of the real property or materially detract from the value of any of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities or TAO Group Entities, (e) all covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements, charges, rights-of-way, other Encumbrances and other similar matters of record set forth in any state, local or municipal recording or like office which,

 

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individually or in the aggregate, do not materially interfere with the present use or materially detract from the value of the properties or assets of any of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities or TAO Group Entities, (f) minor encroachments, including to foundations and retaining walls, variations, if any, between tax lot lines and property lines, and deviations, if any, of fences or shrubs from designated property lines, all of which are insurable or which would be shown by a current accurate survey that do not impair in any material respect the continue use and operation of the real property as is currently used and operated, (g) any Encumbrances reflected or identified in the Hakkasan Financial Statements or the TAO Financial Statements, as applicable, (h) nonexclusive licenses of Intellectual Property entered into in the Ordinary Course, and (i) Encumbrances approved or created by Hakkasan Parent, TAO or any of their respective Affiliates as applicable.

Person” means any natural person, corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, estate, trust, association, organization, or other entity, including any Governmental Authority.

Personal Information” means any information (a) that identifies a natural person, including any information that is defined as “personal data”, “personally identifiable information”, or “personal information” under any applicable Law, (b) from which identification or contact information of a natural person can be directly or indirectly derived, in particular, by reference to an identifier (e.g., such as name, mailing address, telephone number, email address, social security number (SSN), payment card information, driver’s license number, passport number, bank account numbers, photos and other financial account information, etc.), excluding, in each case of clauses (a) and (b) of this definition, all de-identified and aggregated data derived from any of the foregoing information to the extent that no natural person can be directly or indirectly identified or (c) Cardholder Data.

Post-Closing Tax Period” means any taxable period beginning after the Closing Date, and, in the case of any taxable period beginning on or prior to and ending after the Closing Date, the portion of such taxable period which begins the day after the Closing Date.

Pre-Closing Tax Period” means any taxable period ending on or prior to the Closing Date, and, in the case of any taxable period beginning on or prior to and ending after the Closing Date, the portion of such taxable period which ends on the Closing Date.

Process” or “Processing” means, with respect to data, the use, collection, creation, processing, receipt, storage, recording, organization, structuring, adaption, alteration, transfer, retrieval, consultation, disclosure, dissemination, making available, alignment, combination, restriction, erasure or destruction of such data.

Professional Expenses” means the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees, costs and expenses incurred by any Person and its Representatives in investigating, preparing for, defending against or providing evidence, producing documents or taking other action with respect to any Action or indemnification claim (or the claim(s) underlying such Action or claim).

Public Official” means any officer, employee, director, or other representative of any Government Entity or Governmental Authority in any jurisdiction, or any person acting in an official capacity for or on behalf of any such Governmental Authority or Government Entity or any candidate for political office or any political party (or its officials).

 

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Registered Hakkasan Intellectual Property” means all Hakkasan Owned IP Rights issued by, registered, recorded or filed with, renewed by or the subject of a pending application before any Governmental Authority or Internet domain name registrar.

Registered TAO Intellectual Property” means all TAO Owned IP Rights issued by, registered, recorded or filed with, renewed by or the subject of a pending application before any Governmental Authority or Internet domain name registrar.

Relative” of a Person means such Person’s spouse or domestic partner, such Person’s parents, sisters, brothers, children or other members of such Person’s household and the spouses and domestic partners of the foregoing.

Representatives” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and its and their respective officers, directors, employees, agents, consultants and advisors.

Restricted Territory” means any country or other territory subject to an export, import, financial or investment embargo under any International Trade Law.

Roos 409A Arrangement” means, collectively, the (a) Roos 409A Agreement and (b) Escrow Agreement.

Sample Closing Statements” means the Hakkasan Sample Closing Statement and the TAO Sample Closing Statement.

Sanctioned Person” means any Person: (i) designated on the list of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons maintained by the OFAC (as amended from time to time); (ii) designated on the consolidated list of financial sanctions targets designated by the United Nations and the United Kingdom under legislation relating to current financial sanctions regimes as maintained in the United Kingdom by Her Majesty’s Treasury (as amended from time to time); (iii) designated on the list of investment ban targets designated by the United Kingdom under legislation relating to current financial sanctions regimes maintained in the United Kingdom by Her Majesty’s Treasury (as amended from time to time); (iv) designated on the consolidated list of persons, groups and entities subject to EU financial sanctions maintained by the European Union (as amended from time to time); (v) designated on any other list of targeted persons, entities, groups or bodies issued by the United Nations, United States, United Kingdom or European Union (or any member state of the European Union); (vi) that is, or is part of, a government of a Restricted Territory; (vii) directly or indirectly, owned or controlled by, or acting on behalf of, any of the foregoing; (viii) incorporated or located within or operating from a Restricted Territory; (ix) otherwise prohibited to be transacted with under any International Trade Law; (x) owned fifty (50) percent or more, individually or in the aggregate, by an entity designated on a restricted persons list maintained by the United Nations, United States, United Kingdom or European Union (or any member state of the European Union); or who is located, organized, or resides in a jurisdiction subject to comprehensive sanctions maintained by the United Nations, United States, United Kingdom or European Union (or any member state of the European Union), including but not limited to Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, and the Crimea region of Ukraine.

 

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Security Incident” means a data breach or other security incident that involves any unauthorized access, disclosure, use, alteration, corruption, destruction, or loss of information, data or Software or any interference with IT Systems, including any such breach or incident that requires notice to any third party.

Software” means (i) all software, firmware, middleware, computer programs, applications, interfaces, tools, operating systems, software code of any nature, (including all object code, source code, interpreted code, data files, rules, definitions and methodology derived from the foregoing) and any derivations, updates, enhancements and customization of any of the foregoing, together with all processes, technical data, build scripts, test scripts, algorithms, APIs, subroutines, techniques, operating procedures, screens, user interfaces, report formats, development tools, templates, menus, buttons, icons and user interfaces, (ii) all electronic data, databases and data collections, and (iii) all documentation, including user manuals, technical manuals, training manuals, programming comments, descriptions, flow charts and other work products used to design, plan, organize and develop any of the foregoing.

Subsidiary” means, with respect to a Party, any Person of which (a) such Party or any other Subsidiary of such Party is a managing member or general partner, (b) at least a majority of the securities or other Equity Interests having by their terms ordinary voting power to elect a majority of the directors or others performing similar functions with respect to such Person is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such Party or by any one or more of such Party’s Subsidiaries, or by such Party and one or more of its Subsidiaries or (c) at least a majority of the Equity Interests is directly or indirectly owned or controlled by such Party or by any one or more of such Party’s Subsidiaries, or by such Party and one or more of its Subsidiaries.

TAO Benefit Plan” means any Benefit Plan that TAO, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their Affiliates sponsors, maintains or contributes to, or is required to sponsor, maintain or contribute to, for the benefit of any current or former TAO Service Provider or their spouses, beneficiaries or dependents or with respect to which TAO or any of its Subsidiaries has or may have any liability, contingent or otherwise.

TAO Data Security Requirements” means all (i) Information Privacy and Security Laws and all applicable Laws governing the collection, use or Processing of Personal Information, (ii) privacy, data protection and other security policies, procedures and programs of any TAO Group Entity, (iii) TAO Privacy Agreements, (iv) PCI Requirements and (v) Contracts to which any TAO Group Entities is a party or is otherwise bound, materially relating to the privacy, protection and/or security of Personal Information and applicable to such TAO Group Entities in their respective businesses.

TAO Disclosure Schedule” means the disclosure schedule delivered by TAO to Hakkasan Parent immediately prior to the execution and delivery of this Agreement.

TAO Employee” means any Person employed by TAO or any of its Subsidiaries immediately prior to the Closing.

 

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TAO Group” means TAO and its Subsidiaries.

TAO Group Entity” means a member of the TAO Group.

TAO Holdings” means TAO Group Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company.

TAO Intercompany Contracts” means any Contract between or among (a) TAO Holdings or any of its Affiliates (other than any TAO Group Entity), any of their respective directors, managers or officers (or similar authorized appointments with different names), or any Associates of the foregoing, on the one hand, and (b) any TAO Group Entity, on the other hand, but excluding any Benefit Plans.

TAO IP Agreements” means all licenses of and covenants not to sue regarding Intellectual Property (a) granted to any TAO Group Entity from any third party (excluding COTS Licenses) or (b) granted by any TAO Group Entity to any third party (excluding unmodified standard form confidentiality agreements entered into in the Ordinary Course).

TAO Owned IP Rights” means all Intellectual Property owned or purported to be owned by any of the TAO Group Entities.

TAO Privacy Agreements” means data and privacy related policies (e.g., privacy policies, acceptable use policies, terms of service, etc.) and Contracts in effect between the TAO Group Entities and any customers, clients, licensees, end users or other Persons that involve the Processing of Personal Information in connection with the business of the TAO Group Entities.

TAO Sample Closing Statement” means a sample closing statement, set forth on Annex 1.1(f), reflecting calculations of Closing TAO Cash, Closing TAO Indebtedness and Closing TAO Net Working Capital, in each case as if the Closing Date had occurred on February 21, 2021.

TAO Service Provider” means any Person that is or has been employed, engaged or retained by any of the TAO Group Entities as an employee officer, independent contractor or director as of the Closing.

TAO Units” means the Common Units, as such term is defined in the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement.

Target Hakkasan Net Working Capital” means $5,000,000.

Target TAO Indebtedness” means $157,430,000.

Tax” or “Taxes” means any and all taxes, charges, fees, levies or other assessments imposed by a Taxing Authority (whether national, state, provincial or local), including income, excise, franchise, real or personal property, unclaimed property, sales, transfer, gains, gross receipts, occupation, privilege, payroll, wage, unemployment, workers’ compensation, employment, Social Security, Medicare, use, value-added, capital, license, severance, stamp, recording, documentary, premium, windfall profits, environmental, capital stock, profits,

 

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withholding, registration, customs duties, employment, alternative or add-on minimum, estimated, escheat or other taxes of any kind whatsoever (whether disputed or not), including any related charges, fees, interest, penalties, additions to tax or other assessments imposed by the Taxing Authority.

Tax Returns” means any return, election, declaration, report or form, claim for refund, information return or other statement (including estimated returns and withholding returns) filed or required to be filed with any Taxing Authority with respect to Taxes, including any schedules or attachments thereto and any amendments thereof.

Taxing Authority” means any Governmental Authority that is responsible for the administration, determination, collection or imposition of any Tax.

Transferred TAO Units” means the TAO Units allocated to Hakkasan Parent under Schedule 1.2(a) to the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement, as finally determined in accordance with Section 2.5.

UK” means the United Kingdom.

Venue” means any bar, lounge, dayclub, nightclub, restaurant or any other food and beverage facility.

1.2    Definitions. The following terms have the meanings set forth in the Sections set forth below:

 

Agreement

   Preamble

Amended and Restated LLC Agreement

   Recitals

Bankruptcy and Equity Exceptions

   3.2

Business Plan

   5.6

Chairperson

   8.13(c)

Closing

   2.3

Closing Date

   2.3

Closing Statement

   2.5(a)

Continuing Employee

   6.1(a)

Contracting Parties

   8.15(a)

COVID-19

   1.1

COVID-19 Facilities

   3.24(k)

COVID-19 Measures

   1.1

D&O Policy

   5.8

Dispute

   8.13(a)

Disputed Items

   2.5(b)(ii)

ERISA Affiliate

   3.14(f)

Escrow Agreement

   6.1(b)(iii)

Governmental Approval

   3.4(a)

Hakkasan Audited Financial Statements

   3.6(a)

Hakkasan Business

   Recitals

Hakkasan Confidential IP

   3.12(h)

 

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Hakkasan Contracts

   3.18(b)

Hakkasan Entities Equity Interests

   3.3(a)

Hakkasan Financial Statements

   3.6(a)

Hakkasan Health Plan

   3.14(l)

Hakkasan Material Contracts

   3.18(a)

Hakkasan Parent

   Preamble

Hakkasan Products

   3.12(g)

Hakkasan Released Claims

   5.9(a)

Hakkasan Released Parties

   5.9(a)

Hakkasan Releasor

   5.9(a)

Hakkasan Security Measures

   3.12(h)

Hakkasan Suppliers

   3.12(j)

Hakkasan Unaudited Balance Sheet

   3.6(a)

Healthcare Reform Laws

   3.14(l)

HK Leased Real Property

   3.13(b)

HK Real Property Leases

   3.13(b)

Insurance Proceeds

   5.4(a)

IRS

   3.14

LCIA

   8.13(b)

Lease Sums

   3.24(k)

Measures

   3.24(m)

Neutral Accounting Firm’s Report

   2.5(b)(iii)

Non-Party Affiliates

   8.15(a)

Notice of Disagreement

   2.5(b)(ii)

Parties

   Preamble

Party

   Preamble

PBGC

   3.14(f)

R&W Costs

   7.2

R&W Insurance Policy

   7.2

R&W Subrogation Waiver

   7.2

Released Claims

   5.9(b)

Released Parties

   5.9(b)

Resolution Period

   2.5(b)(ii)

Restricted Period

   5.5(a)

Review Period

   2.5(b)(i)

Roos 409A Agreement

   6.1(b)(iii)

Rules

   8.13(b)

Securities Act

   3.6(e)

TAO

   Preamble

TAO Audited Financial Statements

   4.6(a)

TAO Business

   Recitals

TAO Confidential IP

   4.11(h)

TAO Entities Equity Interests

   4.3(a)

TAO Financial Statements

   4.6(a)

TAO Health Plan

   4.13

TAO Interim Financial Statements

   4.6(a)

 

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TAO Intermediate

   4.6(a)

TAO Leased Real Property

   4.12(b)

TAO Material Contracts

   4.17(a)

TAO Measures

   4.23(i)

TAO Products

   4.11(g)

TAO Real Property Leases

   4.12(b)

TAO Released Claims

   5.9(b)

TAO Released Parties

   5.9(b)

TAO Releasor

   5.9(b)

TAO Security Measures

   4.11(h)

TAO Suppliers

   4.11(j)

TAO Unaudited Balance Sheet

   4.6(a)

Transactions

   2.3

UK Disclosed Pension Scheme

   3.14(p)

Unaudited Hakkasan Financial Statements

   3.6(a)

Unresolved Objections

   2.5(b)(iii)

VATA 1994

   3.16(s)

1.3    Interpretation and Rules of Construction.

(a)    In this Agreement, except to the extent otherwise provided:

(i)    whenever the words “include,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation;”

(ii)    the table of contents and headings for this Agreement are for reference purposes only and are not intended to affect the construction or interpretation of this Agreement;

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

(iv)    when reference is made to a Clause, Article, Section, Paragraph, Exhibit or Annex, such reference is to a Clause, Article, Section or Paragraph of, or an Exhibit or Annex to, this Agreement unless otherwise specified;

(v)    references in this Agreement to “extent” in the phrase “to the extent” shall mean the degree to which a subject or other item extends and shall not simply mean “if;”

(vi)    the plural of any defined term shall have a meaning correlative to such defined term in the singular, the singular of any defined term shall have a meaning correlative to such term defined in the plural and words denoting any gender shall include all genders;

 

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(vii)    where a word or phrase is defined herein, each of its other grammatical forms shall have a corresponding meaning;

(viii)    references in this Agreement to “writing,” “written” and comparable terms refer to printing, typing and other means of reproducing words (including electronic media) in a visible form;

(ix)    references to sums of money are expressed in lawful currency of the United States of America and “USD” and “$” refer to U.S. dollars.

(x)    references to any Law defined or referred to herein or in any agreement or instrument that is referred to herein means such Law as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented, including by succession of comparable successor Laws, and to any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder;

(xi)    references to any Contract are to that Contract as amended, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof (provided, that this clause (xi) shall not limit any Party’s obligation to disclose all such amendments, modifications or supplements that are required to be disclosed pursuant to this Agreement);

(xii)    references to a Person are also refer to its successors and permitted assigns;

(xiii)    the use of “or” is not exclusive unless expressly indicated otherwise;

(xiv)    any capitalized terms used in any Schedule, Annex or Exhibit to this Agreement and the Disclosure Schedule but not otherwise defined therein shall be defined as set forth in this Agreement unless the context otherwise requires;

(xv)    references to any document or information having been “delivered”, “furnished”, “provided” or “made available” by a Party or its Representatives to the other Party or its Representatives shall include such Party or its Representatives having posted such document or information to such Party’s Data Room or otherwise having made a copy of such document or information available (electronically or otherwise), in each case not fewer than one (1) Business Day prior to the execution of this Agreement by the Parties;

 

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(xvi)    with respect to the determination of any period of time, unless otherwise set forth herein, the word “from” means “from and including” and the words “to”, “up to” or “until” mean “to but excluding” and if the last day of such period is not a Business Day, the period in question shall end on the immediately following Business Day; and

(xvii)    references to the words “day” and “days” refer to calendar day(s).

(b)    The Parties have participated jointly in the negotiation and drafting of this Agreement and each has been represented by counsel of its choosing. In the event an ambiguity or question of intent or interpretation arises, this Agreement shall be construed as if drafted jointly by the Parties, and no presumption or burden of proof shall arise favoring or disfavoring any Party by virtue of the authorship of any provision of this Agreement.

ARTICLE II

TRANSFER AND ISSUANCE

2.1    Transfer of Hakkasan Contributed Interests. Upon the terms of this Agreement, in exchange for the Transferred TAO Units to be issued, transferred, assigned and delivered by TAO, at the Closing, Hakkasan Parent hereby contributes, transfers, conveys, assigns and delivers to TAO all of its rights, title and interests in and to the Hakkasan Contributed Interests, free and clear of all Encumbrances, and TAO hereby acquires and accepts from Hakkasan Parent, all of the Hakkasan Contributed Interests, together with all of such rights, title and interests.

2.2     Issuance of TAO Units. Upon the terms of this Agreement, in exchange for the Hakkasan Contributed Interests transferred by Hakkasan Parent, at the Closing, TAO shall, in accordance with the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement, issue, transfer, assign and deliver to Hakkasan Parent the Transferred TAO Units, free and clear of all Encumbrances, and admit Hakkasan Parent as a member of TAO.

2.3    Closing; Closing Date. The consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (the “Transactions”), including the transfer and issuance contemplated by Section 2.1 and Section 2.2 (the “Closing”), shall take place (a) at the offices of Shearman & Sterling LLP, 599 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York, at 12:01 p.m. New York time on the Closing Date or (b) at such other place or at such other time as the Parties may mutually agree upon in writing (the date of this Agreement being the “Closing Date”).

2.4     Closing Deliveries.

(a)    Closing Deliveries by Hakkasan Parent. At the Closing, Hakkasan Parent shall deliver or cause to be delivered to TAO:

(i)    a counterpart of the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement duly executed by Hakkasan Parent;

(ii)    a completed and executed IRS Form W-9 of Hakkasan Parent; and

 

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(iii)    the resignation or other reasonable evidence of removal, effective as of the Closing Date, of all individuals who serve as directors or managers of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities and who are not Continuing Employees.

(b)    Closing Deliveries by TAO. At the Closing, TAO shall deliver or cause to be delivered to Hakkasan Parent a counterpart of the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement duly executed by TAO Holdings and TAO.

2.5    Closing Adjustments.

(a) As soon as reasonably practicable but no later than one hundred (100) days after the Closing Date, TAO shall prepare and deliver to Hakkasan Parent a statement (the “Closing Statement”) setting forth in reasonable detail TAO’s good faith calculation of (i) Closing TAO Net Working Capital, (ii) Closing TAO Indebtedness, (iii) Closing TAO Cash, (iv) Closing Hakkasan Net Working Capital, (v) Closing Hakkasan Indebtedness, (vi) Closing Hakkasan Cash and (vii) the resulting (A) Closing TAO Value, (B) Closing Hakkasan Value, (C) Closing Total Value, (D) Closing TAO Percentage, (E) Closing Hakkasan Percentage and (F) Closing Hakkasan Cash Shortfall or Closing Hakkasan Cash Excess, as applicable. TAO shall provide Hakkasan Parent and its Representatives with reasonable access (with the right to make copies, subject to the confidentiality restrictions and return or destroy requirements set forth in the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement) during normal business hours to the relevant books and records of the TAO Group (including the Hakkasan Contributed Entities), and the work papers (subject to Hakkasan Parent and its Representatives signing a release and non-reliance letter in a form customarily requested by the producer(s) of such work papers) and Representatives of the TAO Group for purposes of assisting Hakkasan Parent and its Representatives in their review of the Closing Statement.

(b)    The following procedures shall apply with respect to the review of the Closing Statement prepared and delivered by TAO:

(i)    Hakkasan Parent shall have a period of forty-five (45) days following the date of receipt by Hakkasan Parent of the Closing Statement for its review thereof (the “Review Period”).

(ii)    If Hakkasan Parent does not deliver to TAO a written statement describing any objections Hakkasan Parent has to a Closing Statement (including reasonable detail of each item or amount in dispute, along with reasonable detail of the basis therefor) (the “Notice of Disagreement”) on or before the final day of the Review Period, then Hakkasan Parent shall be deemed to have irrevocably accepted such Closing Statement, and the components set forth in such Closing Statement delivered to Hakkasan Parent shall be deemed to be final, conclusive and binding for purposes of the adjustments contemplated by Section 2.5(c). Hakkasan Parent shall only include in the Notice of Disagreement good faith disagreements based on the components of the Closing Statement not being mathematically correct or prepared in accordance with Section 2.5(a) and the

 

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definitions of the terms therein. If Hakkasan Parent delivers to TAO a Notice of Disagreement on or before the final day of the Review Period, then only those matters specified in such Notice of Disagreement shall be deemed to be in dispute (such matters, the “Disputed Items”), unless the resolution of any Disputed Item mathematically affects an undisputed component of the Closing Statement, in which case such undisputed component shall be considered a “Disputed Item” hereunder to the extent of the potential adjustment due to the dispute as to the underlying Disputed Item, notwithstanding the failure to object to such component in the Notice of Disagreement. TAO and Hakkasan Parent shall consult in good faith to attempt to resolve in writing the Disputed Items within thirty (30) days after TAO’s receipt of a Notice of Disagreement (the “Resolution Period”). If TAO and Hakkasan Parent reach a resolution with respect to any Disputed Items on or before the final day of the Resolution Period, then such resolution on such Disputed Items shall be final, conclusive and binding on the Parties, and if TAO and Hakkasan Parent reach a resolution on all Disputed Items, then the Closing Statement as so agreed shall be final, conclusive and binding for purposes of the adjustment contemplated by Section 2.5(c).

(iii)    If TAO and Hakkasan Parent do not reach a resolution of all Disputed Items by the end of the Resolution Period, then Hakkasan Parent and TAO shall retain the Neutral Accounting Firm (including by executing a customary agreement with the Neutral Accounting Firm in connection with its engagement) and submit any such unresolved Disputed Items (the “Unresolved Objections”) to the Neutral Accounting Firm for resolution in accordance with this Section 2.5(b)(iii). Hakkasan Parent and TAO shall request the Neutral Accounting Firm to render a written decision resolving the matters submitted to the Neutral Accounting Firm within thirty (30) days of the receipt of such submission. The scope of the disputes to be resolved by the Neutral Accounting Firm shall be limited to fixing mathematical errors and determining whether the items in dispute were determined in accordance with this Section 2.5 the definitions of the terms herein, and the Neutral Accounting Firm is not to make any other determination not disputed in such Notice of Disagreement. The Neutral Accounting Firm’s determination shall be (1) consistent with the terms of this Agreement and strictly in accordance with the Accounting Principles, (2) within the range of the respective positions taken by each of Hakkasan Parent and TAO and (3) based solely on written submissions by TAO and Hakkasan Parent with respect to the Unresolved Objections (and only the Unresolved Objections) to the Neutral Accounting Firm presented no later than fifteen (15) days after the engagement of the Neutral Accounting Firm, and presentations made by each of TAO and Hakkasan Parent to the Neutral Accounting Firm no later than twenty (20) days after the engagement of the Neutral Accounting Firm, and not by independent investigation or review. With respect to the foregoing clause (3), each Party may submit any information it reasonably believes to be relevant to the calculation of the Closing TAO Percentage, Closing Hakkasan Percentage and Closing

 

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Hakkasan Cash Shortfall or Closing Hakkasan Cash Excess, as applicable, in accordance with this Agreement, including supporting documentation for its interpretation or application of the Accounting Principles and adjustments to its previous calculation of or values assigned to any Unresolved Objection, which may be different than those included in the Closing Statement, Notice of Disagreement or discussions related thereto. The Neutral Accounting Firm shall prepare and deliver to Hakkasan Parent and TAO a written statement setting forth its final determination (and a reasonably detailed description of the basis therefor) with respect to each Unresolved Objection (the “Neutral Accounting Firms Report”). Hakkasan Parent and TAO shall promptly provide the Neutral Accounting Firm with such financial and other relevant information of Hakkasan Parent and TAO (and the Hakkasan Contributed Entities) as the Neutral Accounting Firm shall reasonably request for purposes of making its final determination with respect to the Unresolved Objections, and Hakkasan Parent and TAO shall otherwise reasonably cooperate with the Neutral Accounting Firm in connection therewith. All information (including any written submissions, presentation materials and answers to questions from the Neutral Accounting Firm) and correspondence submitted by a Party to the Neutral Accounting Firm must be concurrently delivered to the other Party. Neither TAO nor Hakkasan Parent, nor any of their respective Representatives, shall meet or discuss any substantive matters with the Neutral Accounting Firm without TAO and Hakkasan Parent and their respective Representatives being present, following at least three (3) Business Days’ advance written notice to be present, either in person or by telephone. Each of Hakkasan Parent and TAO agrees that (I) the Neutral Accounting Firm’s determination with respect to each Unresolved Objection as reflected in the Neutral Accounting Firm’s Report shall be deemed to be final, conclusive and binding on the Parties, absent fraud or manifest error, (II) the Closing Statement, as modified by any changes thereto in accordance with the Neutral Accounting Firm’s Report (and, if applicable, any resolutions on Disputed Items reached by the Parties pursuant to Section 2.5(b)(ii)), shall be deemed be final, conclusive and binding for purposes of the adjustment contemplated by Section 2.5(c) and (III) the procedures set forth in this Section 2.5 shall be the sole and exclusive remedy for resolving any disputes with respect to the final determination of the Closing Statement and the components calculated therein. The proceeding before the Neutral Accounting Firm shall be an expert determination under applicable Laws governing expert determination and appraisal proceedings. Judgment may be entered upon the determination of the Neutral Accounting Firm in any court having jurisdiction over the Party against which such determination is to be enforced.

(iv)    Each of Hakkasan Parent and TAO shall pay its own respective costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Section 2.5 and be responsible for the fees and expenses of the Neutral Accounting Firm in connection with this Section 2.5 on a pro rata basis based upon the inverse of the percentage that the Neutral Accounting Firm’s determination (before such

 

25


allocation of responsibility) bears to the total value of the Unresolved Objections as originally submitted to the Neutral Accounting Firm (which shall be determined by the Neutral Accounting Firm and set forth in the Neutral Accounting Firm’s Report). For purposes of clarity, if the aggregated dollar amount of Unresolved Objections in dispute between Hakkasan Parent and TAO equals one thousand dollars ($1,000) and the Neutral Accounting Firm finds six hundred dollars ($600) in favor of Hakkasan Parent’s position, sixty percent (60%) of the fees and expenses of the Neutral Accounting Firm would be borne by TAO and forty percent (40%) of the fees and expenses of the Neutral Accounting Firm would be borne by Hakkasan Parent.

(c)    Within three (3) Business Days after the final determination of the Closing Statement and the components therein in accordance with this Section 2.5 (including by failure to timely deliver a Closing Statement or the Notice of Disagreement):

(i)    (x) if there is a Closing Hakkasan Cash Shortfall, Hakkasan Parent shall pay the entire Closing Hakkasan Cash Shortfall by wire transfer of immediately available funds to a bank account of a member of the TAO Group (including any Hakkasan Contributed Entity) provided in writing by TAO, or (y) if there is a Closing Hakkasan Cash Excess, TAO shall make a disproportionate distribution of such Closing Hakkasan Cash Excess to Hakkasan Parent and the Closing Hakkasan Net Working Capital (and related definitions, including the Closing Hakkasan Value) shall be deemed reduced accordingly;

(ii)    the following adjustments shall be incorporated into an amended and restated Schedule 1.2(a) to the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement distributed by TAO to TAO Holdings and Hakkasan Parent:

(A)    the number of TAO Units allocated to TAO Holdings on such schedule shall be amended to equal the product of (x) 100,000,000 multiplied by (y) the Closing TAO Percentage as finally determined in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.5, and

(B)     the number of TAO Units allocated to Hakkasan Parent on such schedule (i.e., the Transferred TAO Units) shall be amended to equal the product of (x) 100,000,000 multiplied by (y) the Closing Hakkasan Percentage as finally determined in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.5.

(d)    No amount with respect to a matter shall be included more than once in the calculation of the respective adjustments effected pursuant to this Section 2.5. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, in no event shall the specification or reference to dollar amounts in the definitions of the components to the Closing Statement be deemed to constitute an admission by the parties, or otherwise imply, that any such amount is a precedent, a floor, a ceiling or otherwise relevant to be considered in any calculation or assessment (including any “Fair Market Value”, “Hakkasan Parent Purchase Price” or other valuation under the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement) of the value of the TAO Group, the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, or any combination or portion of the foregoing.

 

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2.6    Additional Cash Distributions. In the event that, as of the Adjustment Measurement Time, the Closing Hakkasan Cash exceeds the sum of $5,000,000 plus the amount of the Hakkasan Parent Required Payments, then at the written request of Hakkasan Parent delivered during the period (i) commencing on the date that is seven (7) days after the Closing Date (or earlier if agreed to by TAO) and (ii) ending on the date that is at least one (1) Business Day prior to the date on which the Closing Statement is delivered, TAO shall distribute in one or more distributions (as determined by Hakkasan Parent) such excess amount as a special distribution to Hakkasan Parent in respect of its TAO Units (as defined in the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement) in accordance with Section 2.1(f) of the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement. TAO and Hakkasan Parent shall cooperate with each other in connection with the foregoing, including with respect to the provision by TAO to Hakkasan Parent of information relating to the amount of the Closing Hakkasan Cash.

2.7     Intended Tax Treatment. The Transactions shall be treated by the Parties as (x) a deemed contribution by TAO Holdings of all the asset and liabilities of TAO to TAO concurrent with (y) the contribution by Hakkasan Parent of the Hakkasan Contributed Interests to TAO in exchange for the Transferred TAO Units as tax-free transactions for U.S. federal income tax purposes governed by Section 721(a) of the Code. Each of Hakkasan Parent and TAO (and each of their Affiliates) shall file all Tax Returns consistent with such treatment and shall not take a Tax position inconsistent with such treatment unless required pursuant to a determination within the meaning of Section 1313(a) of the Code.

ARTICLE III

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF HAKKASAN PARENT

Subject to qualification by the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule in accordance with Section 8.11, Hakkasan Parent represents and warrants to TAO as of the date hereof (unless otherwise expressly stated herein) as follows:

3.1    Organization and Qualification.

(a)     Hakkasan Parent is duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware. Hakkasan Parent has the requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement, to perform Hakkasan Parent’s obligations hereunder and thereunder, and to consummate the Transactions and the transactions contemplated by the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement.

(b)    Each Hakkasan Contributed Entity is duly organized or formed, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent such concepts are recognized under applicable Law) under the Laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or formation. Each Hakkasan Contributed Entity has the requisite corporate, limited liability company or equivalent power and authority to carry on its business as such business is currently conducted and to own, lease and use its properties and assets, and to perform all its obligations under any Contract to which it is a party or by which

 

27


it, or any of the assets or properties owned or used by it, is or could become bound. Each Hakkasan Contributed Entity is duly licensed or qualified to do business and is in good standing (to the extent such concepts are recognized under applicable Law) in each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or the ownership or leasing of its properties makes such licensing or qualification necessary, except to the extent that the failure to be so licensed, qualified or in good standing would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Each Hakkasan Contributed Entity has furnished to TAO a true, complete and correct copy of its Organizational Documents, all of which are in full force and effect.

3.2    Authority; Enforceability. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement by Hakkasan Parent, the performance by Hakkasan Parent of its obligations hereunder and thereunder, and the consummation by Hakkasan Parent of the Transactions and the transactions contemplated by the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement have been duly authorized by all requisite action on the part of Hakkasan Parent and no other corporate, limited liability company or equivalent proceedings on the part of Hakkasan Parent or any holder of its Equity Interests are necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance by Hakkasan Parent of this Agreement and the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement or for Hakkasan Parent to consummate the Transactions and the transactions contemplated by the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement. This Agreement and the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement have been duly and validly executed and delivered by Hakkasan Parent, and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by TAO) this Agreement and the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of Hakkasan Parent enforceable against Hakkasan Parent in accordance with their respective terms, subject in each case to (a) the effect of any applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent transfer or fraudulent conveyance, preferential transfer, reorganization, moratorium, rehabilitation, liquidation or other similar Laws relating to or affecting creditors’ rights or remedies generally and (b) as to enforceability, the effect of general principles of equity (regardless of whether enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law) (clauses (a) and (b) of this Section 3.2, the “Bankruptcy and Equity Exceptions”).

3.3     Ownership of Equity Interests.

(a)    Section 3.3(a) of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule sets forth for each Hakkasan Contributed Entity (i) its jurisdiction of formation or organization, (ii) its outstanding Equity Interests and (iii) the holders of such Equity Interests as of immediately prior to the consummation of the Closing. All Equity Interests in each Hakkasan Contributed Entity are free and clear of all Encumbrances, have been duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and none of such Equity Interests has been issued in violation of any preemptive or similar rights and no personal liability attaches to the ownership thereof. The Equity Interests of each Hakkasan Contributed Entity listed on Section 3.3(a) of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule (the “Hakkasan Entities Equity Interests”) constitute all of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities. No Equity Interests of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities are reserved for issuance.

(b)    By its ownership of the Hakkasan Contributed Interests, Hakkasan Parent is, directly or indirectly, the sole legal and beneficial owner of one hundred percent (100%) of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, free and clear of all

 

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Encumbrances, and upon the consummation of the Closing, Hakkasan Parent shall contribute, transfer, convey, assign and deliver to TAO good and valid title to the Hakkasan Contributed Interests, free and clear of all Encumbrances. The Hakkasan Contributed Interests are duly authorized and validly issued in accordance with all applicable Laws, are fully paid and non-assessable and were not issued in violation of any preemptive or similar rights and no personal liability attaches to the ownership thereof.

(c)    All of the Hakkasan Entities Equity Interests have been duly authorized and validly issued in compliance with the Organizational Documents of the applicable Hakkasan Contributed Entity and applicable Laws, and none of the Hakkasan Entities Equity Interests have been issued in violation of any purchase option, call option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or similar rights held by a third party. There are no authorized or outstanding options, warrants, convertible securities or other Contract rights (exercisable, exchangeable, contingent or otherwise) to purchase or acquire any Equity Interests of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities. No Hakkasan Contributed Entity has any obligation to purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its Equity Interests or any interest therein. None of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities nor Hakkasan Parent is a party to a Contract in effect relating to the sale, transfer, voting, purchase, disposition or distribution of any Hakkasan Entities Equity Interests. No Hakkasan Contributed Entity has any obligation to issue or distribute to holders of any Equity Interests any dividend, distribution, evidence of indebtedness or assets of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, as the case may be.

(d)    No Hakkasan Contributed Entity has any outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other debt-related obligations, the holders of which have the right to vote (or convert into or exercise for securities having the right to vote) with the members or other equityholders of such Hakkasan Contributed Entity on any matter.

(e)    There are no authorized or outstanding stock appreciation rights, phantom stock rights, restricted stock units, performance units or similar rights with respect to any Hakkasan Contributed Entity (whether payable in Equity Interests of any Hakkasan Contributed Entity or cash).

(f)    Other than the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, there is no other Person in which the Hakkasan Contributed Entities own, of record or beneficially, any direct or indirect Equity Interest or any right (contingent or otherwise) to acquire the same.

3.4    Consents and Approvals; No Conflict.

(a) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement, and the consummation of the Transactions and the transactions contemplated by the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement by Hakkasan Parent do not and will not require any consent, approval, authorization or other order of, action by, registration or filing with or notification to, any Governmental Authority (each, a “Governmental Approval”).

 

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(b)    The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement, and the consummation of the Transactions and the transactions contemplated by the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement do not and will not (i) contravene, conflict with or result in a violation or breach of any provisions of the Organizational Documents of Hakkasan Parent or any Hakkasan Contributed Entity, (ii) contravene, conflict with, violate or breach any Law or Governmental Order applicable to Hakkasan Parent or any Hakkasan Contributed Entity or any of their respective assets or properties or give any Governmental Authority or other Person the right to exercise any remedy or obtain relief under, any provision of any applicable Law or Governmental Order to which Hakkasan Parent or any Hakkasan Contributed Entity or any of their respective assets or properties is subject, (iii) contravene, conflict with, violate or, to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, result in the loss of any benefit to which any Hakkasan Contributed Entity is entitled under, or give any Governmental Authority the right to revoke, suspend, cancel, terminate, or modify, any Permit or liquor license held by any Hakkasan Contributed Entity, (iv) require any consent, approval, waiver or notice by any Person under, constitute a default under, conflict with, result in a breach of, or cause or permit the termination, modification, revocation, cancellation, or acceleration of, or result in any other adverse change of any right or obligation or the loss of any benefit to which any Hakkasan Contributed Entity is entitled under, any provision of any Contract by which any Hakkasan Contributed Entity is bound or to which any Hakkasan Contributed Entity or any of its assets or properties are subject, (v) result in the creation or imposition of any Encumbrance on any asset of any Hakkasan Contributed Entity, or (vi) with the giving of notice or lapse of time or the taking of any action by another Person, have any of the effects described in clauses (i) through (v) of this Section 3.4(b), with only such exceptions in the case of clauses (iii), (iv), (v) and (vi) as (x) do not and are not reasonably likely to impair or delay in any material respect the ability of Hakkasan Parent to perform its obligations under this Agreement and (y) individually and in the aggregate, have not had and are not reasonably likely to have, a Material Adverse Effect.

3.5    Compliance with Laws; Permits and Liquor Licenses.

(a)     Since January 1, 2016 (i) the Hakkasan Contributed Entities have conducted their business in all material respects in accordance with all Laws and Governmental Orders applicable to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities and the Hakkasan Business and (ii) none of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities has been, nor is any of them now, in violation, in any material respect, of any such Law or Governmental Order. Since January 1, 2016, none of Hakkasan Parent or the Hakkasan Contributed Entities have received written notice or a written complaint or other written communication requiring a response or corrective action with respect to any material violation of any Law applicable to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities or the Hakkasan Business, or that it is subject to any obligation to undertake, or to bear all or any portion of the cost of, any corrective or response action that would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, taken as a whole. None of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities is a party to, or bound by, any Governmental Order that would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, taken as a whole.

(b)    Section 3.5(b) of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, complete and correct list of each “use” or “health” Permit required to operate as a restaurant/nightclub and each liquor license held by a Hakkasan Contributed Entity. Except as would not reasonably be expected to be material to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, taken as a whole, (i) the Hakkasan Contributed Entities hold all Permits and liquor licenses necessary for the

 

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operation of the Hakkasan Business, (ii) such Permits and liquor licenses held by the Hakkasan Contributed Entities are valid and in full force and effect, (iii) no Hakkasan Contributed Entity is in violation of or in default under any Permit or liquor license held by such Hakkasan Contributed Entity, no condition exists that with notice or lapse of time or both could permit any revocation, non-renewal or termination, or other adverse modification, of any Permit or liquor license, or constitute a default under, such Permits or liquor licenses, and there are no Actions pending or, to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, threatened before any Governmental Authority that seek the revocation, termination, cancellation, suspension or adverse modification thereof, and (iv) no Hakkasan Contributed Entity has a pending application for registration to sell franchises for a restaurant, or for an exemption under any jurisdiction’s franchise Laws.

(c)    Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, taken as a whole, (i) to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, there is no reason to believe that any currently pending application for a Permit or any liquor license, or amendment or modification of a Permit or liquor license required in connection with the Transactions or in connection with the operation of the Hakkasan Business will be ultimately denied, and (ii) there are no pending Actions, unresolved citations or unsatisfied penalties relating to Permits or liquor licenses that is reasonably likely to have or result in an adverse impact on any Hakkasan Contributed Entity or the ability to maintain or renew any Permit or liquor license. Each Hakkasan Contributed Entity is and since January 1, 2016 has been, in compliance in all material respects with any policy of any Governmental Authority relating to liquor licenses, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, taken as a whole.

3.6    Financial Statements.

(a) Attached to Section 3.6(a) of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule are true, correct and complete copies of (i) the audited consolidated statement of financial position of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities as of December 31, 2018 and December 31, 2019 and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities for the years then ended, together with the independent auditor’s report to the members of Hakkasan Limited dated June 25, 2020 (collectively, the “Hakkasan Audited Financial Statements”) and (ii) an unaudited consolidated balance sheet of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities as of December 31, 2020 (the “Hakkasan Unaudited Balance Sheet”), and the related unaudited consolidated statement of comprehensive income of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities for the year then ended (collectively, the “Unaudited Hakkasan Financial Statements”, and, together with the Hakkasan Audited Financial Statements, the “Hakkasan Financial Statements”).

(b)    The Hakkasan Financial Statements, subject to the notes thereto, (i) were derived from the books of account and other financial records of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, (ii) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations and cash flows of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities as of the dates thereof or for the periods covered thereby and (iii) were prepared in accordance with IFRS applied on a basis consistent throughout the periods covered thereby, in each case, subject to the assumptions and adjustments set forth in the Hakkasan Financial Statements; provided that the Unaudited Hakkasan Financial Statements are subject to normal recurring year-end adjustments (that would not be material in

 

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amount or effect) and the absence of notes may not contain disclosures normally made in footnotes. All accounts, books, records and ledgers maintained by the Hakkasan Contributed Entities are accurately kept and are true, correct and complete in all material respects. Hakkasan Parent has delivered to TAO copies of all letters from the auditors of Hakkasan Parent or the Hakkasan Contributed Entities to the boards of directors or managers or equivalent governing bodies thereof since January 1, 2016 that are in Hakkasan Parent’s, the Hakkasan Contributed Entities’ or their respective Affiliates’ possession, together with copies of all responses thereto.

(c)    Hakkasan Contributed Entities maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient, in all material respects, to provide reasonable assurance that (i) material transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations, (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with IFRS and to maintain asset accountability; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. Since January 1, 2016, to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, no manager, director or officer, including the chief financial officer (or another officer acting in a similar capacity) of any Hakkasan Contributed Entity has been involved in or accused of fraud involving the Hakkasan Business regardless of materiality.

(d)    Since January 1, 2016, neither any Hakkasan Contributed Entity nor, to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, any Representative of any Hakkasan Contributed Entity or Hakkasan Parent has received any written notification or claim of any (i) “significant deficiency” in the internal controls over financial reporting of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, (ii) “material weakness” in the internal controls over financial reporting of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities or (iii) fraud that involves management or other employees of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities who have a significant role in the internal controls over financial reporting of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities.

(e)    No Hakkasan Contributed Entity is subject to any “off-balance sheet arrangement” (as referred to in Item 303(b) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”)).

3.7     Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities. As of the date of this Agreement, the Hakkasan Contributed Entities do not have any Liabilities, other than (a) Liabilities reflected, reserved or disclosed in the Hakkasan Unaudited Balance Sheet, (b) Liabilities that are reflected in the final calculation of Closing Hakkasan Indebtedness or Closing Hakkasan Net Working Capital, (c) Liabilities set forth in Section 3.7 of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule, (d) Liabilities for future performance pursuant to the terms of the Hakkasan Material Contracts or other Contracts of Hakkasan Contributed Entities entered into in the Ordinary Course (other than as a result of a breach or default (with or without notice or the lapse of time or both) by any Hakkasan Contributed Entity) or (e) Liabilities which would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, taken as a whole.

 

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3.8    Absence of Certain Changes or Events. Since the date of the Hakkasan Unaudited Balance Sheet, (x) there has not been a Material Adverse Effect and (y) except (i) in connection with the preparation for, or conduct of, the process resulting in this Agreement and the Transactions, or (ii) as required by applicable Law, there has not been:

(a) any change or event (including, without limitation, changes in the business, operations, assets (whether tangible or intangible) or Liabilities (including contingent Liabilities), results of operations or the condition of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities), which would, in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, taken as a whole;

(b)    any damage, destruction or loss affecting the business or assets of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, whether or not covered by insurance, involving a Loss for the Hakkasan Contributed Entities in excess of $250,000;

(c)    any issuance, sale, pledge, transfer, disposition of or subjection to any Encumbrance (other than a Permitted Encumbrance) of any Equity Interest of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, or any instrument exercisable or convertible into such Equity Interest;

(d)    any entry by any of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities into a material transaction involving payments in any calendar year in excess of $100,000 individually or $500,000 in the aggregate (or equivalent thereof) outside of the Ordinary Course;

(e)    any discharge or satisfaction by any of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities of any material Encumbrance or payment by any of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities of any material Liability outside of the Ordinary Course;

(f)    any adoption of a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring or other reorganization of a Hakkasan Contributed Entity;

(g)    any material amendment of the Organizational Documents of a Hakkasan Contributed Entity or change in the nature of its business;

(h)    any acquisition (whether by merger, consolidation, sale of stock, sale of assets or otherwise), in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, of any Person or all or any material amount of assets, securities, properties, interests or businesses, other than pursuant to (i) existing Hakkasan Material Contracts, including regarding the development of new Venues or (ii) purchases of inventory or supplies in the Ordinary Course;

(i)    any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or investments in, any other Person (other than any Hakkasan Contributed Entity), except advances for travel and other normal business expenses to officers, employees and managers in the Ordinary Course that do not individually or in the aggregate exceed $300,000;

(j)    any sale, transfer, license or exploitation, or other disposition of, or permitting of the incurrence of, any Encumbrance (other than a Permitted Encumbrance) on any of its material assets, other than non-exclusive licenses or licenses solely between or among wholly-owned Hakkasan Contributed Entities of Hakkasan Owned IP Rights;

 

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(k)    any amendment (in any material respect), termination or cancelation of any Hakkasan Material Contract or HK Real Property Lease;

(l)    any increase, or an announcement of an increase, in the compensation or benefits payable to any Hakkasan Service Provider, excluding increases in the Ordinary Course for Hakkasan Service Providers that earn less than $150,000 per year, in each case that do not exceed ten percent (10%) of the Hakkasan Service Provider’s total annual compensation;

(m)    any grant, award or provision of any bonus, severance, retention, change-in-control, equity or equity based compensation to any Hakkasan Service Provider, due after the Closing;

(n)    any acceleration of the payment or vesting of any compensation or benefit payable to any Hakkasan Service Provider;

(o)    any entrance into, amendment of, or termination of any Collective Bargaining Agreement;

(p)    any termination (other than for cause) or hiring (other than to replace an employee who has resigned or terminated for cause, death or disability) of any Hakkasan Service Provider with an annual compensation equal to or greater than $150,000;

(q)    any settlement, release, waiver or compromise of any Action related to a Hakkasan Contributed Entity other than (A) a settlement, release, waiver or compromise of any such Actions solely for money damages fully paid prior to the Closing Date or payable by Hakkasan Parent or its Affiliates (other than the Hakkasan Contributed Entities) which settlements include a full release of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities or (B) a release, waiver or compromise of any Actions against any third party involving more than $100,000 in the aggregate;

(r)    except as required by applicable Law, (A) the making, change or revocation of any Tax election of a Hakkasan Contributed Entity, change in any material Tax accounting method of a Hakkasan Contributed Entity, (B) filing of any amended Tax Return of a Hakkasan Contributed Entity, (C) settlement or compromise of any audit, examination or other proceeding relating to an amount of Tax with respect to a Hakkasan Contributed Entity or entry into any closing agreement with respect to a Hakkasan Contributed Entity, (D) adoption of or change in any Tax accounting method with respect to a Hakkasan Contributed Entity or (E) surrender of any right to claim a material Tax refund with respect to a Hakkasan Contributed Entity;

(s)    the making of any change to the financial accounting methods, principles or practices of a Hakkasan Contributed Entity, except as required by IFRS or a Governmental Authority;

(t)    any incurrence of any Indebtedness (including any assumption or guarantee thereof) other than Indebtedness for borrowed money that was incurred under an instrument that was required to be, and was (or is concurrently herewith), repaid in full at or prior to the consummation of the Closing;

 

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(u)    any making or authorization of, or other commitment to, any capital expenditure, other than maintenance capital expenditures, involving payments of more than $75,000; or

(v)    any agreement, resolution or commitment to do any of the foregoing.

3.9    Absence of Litigation. Except for (i) Venue inspections conducted by a Governmental Authority in the Ordinary Course or (ii) Actions for amounts less than $100,000 (or equivalent thereof) that do not request injunctive or other equitable relief, there is not, and since January 1, 2018 there has not been, any Action pending, or, to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, threatened in a written notice delivered to Hakkasan Parent or the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, against any Hakkasan Contributed Entity before (or, in the case of threatened Actions, that would be before) or by any Governmental Authority that would reasonably be expected to be, individually or in the aggregate, material to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, taken as a whole.

3.10     Accounts Receivable. The accounts and notes receivable of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, whether reflected on the Hakkasan Unaudited Balance Sheet or arising since the date of the Hakkasan Unaudited Balance Sheet, have arisen from bona fide transactions entered into in the Ordinary Course. The reserve for bad debts shown on the Hakkasan Unaudited Balance Sheet or, with respect to accounts receivable arising after the date of the Hakkasan Unaudited Balance Sheet, on the accounting records of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities have been determined in accordance with IFRS, subject to normal year-end adjustments and the absence of disclosures normally made in footnotes.

3.11    Assets. Except as would not reasonably be expected to be, individually or in the aggregate, material to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, taken as a whole:

(a) each Hakkasan Contributed Entity has good and marketable title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all of the assets that it purports to own, lease or license (including all material, tangible property and assets reflected on the Hakkasan Unaudited Balance Sheet or acquired after the date of the Hakkasan Unaudited Balance Sheet), free and clear of all Encumbrances (except for (i) Permitted Encumbrances, or (ii) assets that have been disposed of since the date of the Hakkasan Unaudited Balance Sheet in the Ordinary Course);

(b)    all of the tangible assets owned or leased by each Hakkasan Contributed Entity are in operating condition (Ordinary Course wear and tear and latent defects excepted) and are adequate for the uses to which they are being put;

(c)    all of the assets and rights owned, leased or licensed by each Hakkasan Contributed Entity (including any Intellectual Property) constitute all the assets and rights used or held for use in connection with the business of such Hakkasan Contributed Entity as it is conducted on the date hereof and as was conducted as of December 31, 2019, as reflected on the balance sheet as of such date included in the Hakkasan Audited Financial Statements (taking into account the COVID-19 Measures set forth in Section 3.24 of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule);

(d)    such assets and rights constitute all the assets and rights necessary, and are sufficient in all material respects, for each Hakkasan Contributed Entity to continue to conduct its business following the Closing in substantially the same manner as it is conducted on the date

 

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hereof and as was conducted as of December 31, 2019 as reflected on the balance sheet as of such date included in the Hakkasan Audited Financial Statements (taking into account the COVID-19 Measures set forth in Section 3.24 of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule); and

(e)    (i) by transfer of the Hakkasan Contributed Interests to TAO pursuant to this Agreement, Hakkasan Parent is transferring the Hakkasan Business to TAO, (ii) immediately following the consummation of the Closing, the Hakkasan Contributed Entities will have good and valid title to, or valid rights to use, all the assets and rights necessary, and are sufficient in all material respects to continue, to conduct the Hakkasan Business in substantially the same manner as it is conducted on the date hereof and as was conducted as of December 31, 2019, as reflected on the balance sheet as of such date included in the Hakkasan Audited Financial Statements (taking into account the COVID-19 Measures set forth in Section 3.24 of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule), and (iii) except for the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, no Person that is an Affiliate of Hakkasan Parent (including, solely for purposes of this Section 3.11(e), any Subsidiaries of the Person specified in Section 3.11(e) of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule) or any director, manager or officer of any such Person has any ownership interest in or valid right to use any assets or rights used in the Hakkasan Business.

3.12    Intellectual Property and Data Protection.

(a) Section 3.12(a) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list of all Registered Hakkasan Intellectual Property, in each case, enumerating specifically the applicable filing or registration number, title, registrar, jurisdiction, date of filing/issuance, current applicant(s)/registered owners(s), as applicable. To the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, the Registered Hakkasan Intellectual Property is valid, subsisting and enforceable.

(b)    Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, taken as a whole, each Hakkasan Contributed Entity owns all right, title and interest in and to each item of Hakkasan Owned IP Rights, free and clear of all Encumbrances (except for Permitted Encumbrances) and possesses a valid right to use all other Intellectual Property used in and material to the operation of the business of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities. This Section 3.12(b) shall not be construed as a representation that the Hakkasan Contributed Entities do not infringe, misappropriate or violate the Intellectual Property of any Person.

(c)    Except for allegations of infringement, misappropriation or violation that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, taken as a whole, since October 1, 2018, (i) none of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities has been a party to any Action or received any written notice from any Person (including any notification that a license under any patent or other Intellectual Property is or may be required) (x) alleging that the Hakkasan Owned IP Rights or the conduct of the business of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities infringes, misappropriates or violates any Intellectual Property of any Person or (y) challenging the ownership by the Hakkasan Contributed Entities of, or the validity or enforceability of, the Hakkasan Owned IP Rights; and (ii) none of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities has instituted or threatened in writing to institute any Action against any Person alleging such Person is infringing, misappropriating or violating any Hakkasan Owned IP Rights.

 

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(d)    Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, taken as a whole, the operation of the business of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities as currently conducted does not infringe, misappropriate or violate any Intellectual Property of any Person. To the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, no Person is infringing, misappropriating or violating any Hakkasan Owned IP Rights in any material respect.

(e)    Except where the absence of that assignment or transfer would not reasonably be expected to be, individually or in the aggregate, material to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, taken as a whole, in each case in which a Hakkasan Contributed Entity has engaged or hired an employee, consultant or contractor who develops or creates for the Hakkasan Contributed Entities any Intellectual Property, the Hakkasan Contributed Entity has obtained, either by operation of Law or by valid assignment or transfer, exclusive ownership of all right, title and interest in and to such Intellectual Property.

(f)    The Hakkasan Parent’s and Hakkasan Contributed Entities’ IT Systems (i) are sufficient in all material respects for the operation of the Hakkasan Business; (ii) operate without any material defect, malfunction, unavailability or error; and (iii) are reasonably secure in all material respects against unauthorized access, intrusion, tampering, impairment, disruption, computer virus, malfunction or Security Incident.

(g)    To the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, no Software included in Hakkasan Owned IP Rights contains any undisclosed disabling codes or instructions, “time bombs,” “Trojan horses,” “back doors,” “trap doors,” “worms,” viruses, bugs, faults, security vulnerabilities or other Software routines that has resulted in (x) any Person accessing without authorization or disabling or erasing any products, services, solutions or offerings made available by the Hakkasan Contributed Entities (“Hakkasan Products”), (y) a significant adverse effect on the features or functionality of any Hakkasan Product or (z) unauthorized acquisition of or access to confidential or proprietary Intellectual Property (including any Hakkasan Confidential IP) created, received, maintained or transmitted through any Hakkasan Products, except as would not, in the case of (x), (y), or (z), reasonably be expected to be, individually or in the aggregate, material to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, taken as a whole.

(h)    Since October 1, 2018, each Hakkasan Contributed Entity has (i) implemented and maintained commercially reasonable policies, programs and procedures in the business of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities (including reasonable and appropriate administrative, technical and physical safeguards) designed to protect and maintain the confidentiality, availability, integrity, privacy and security of (x) all proprietary or confidential Intellectual Property included in the Hakkasan Owned IP Rights and (y) all Personal Information Processed in connection with the business of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities (collectively, (x) and (y), the “Hakkasan Confidential IP”), and (ii) each Hakkasan Contributed Entity has complied with such policies, programs and procedures in all material respects (collectively, “Hakkasan Security Measures”).

(i)    The Hakkasan Security Measures comply in all material respects with all applicable Laws, including all applicable Information Privacy and Security Laws and the Hakkasan Data Security Requirements.

 

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(j)    Since October 1, 2018, (i) to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, there has been (x) no material Security Incident involving the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, and (y) no material unauthorized, accidental, improper or unlawful disclosure, destruction, loss, alteration, misappropriation or misuse of any Hakkasan Confidential IP in the possession or control of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities or any of their respective service providers, suppliers, representatives or agents (collectively, “Hakkasan Suppliers”), (ii) no Action relating to any violation of the Hakkasan Data Security Requirements, or any improper, unauthorized or unlawful Processing, use, collection or disclosure, or breach in the security, privacy or confidentiality, of any Hakkasan Confidential IP has been initiated or threatened in writing against the Hakkasan Contributed Entities or, to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, Hakkasan Suppliers, (iii) none of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities have received any written notice or threat or, to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, oral notice or threat, in each case regarding or alleging any non-compliance with or violation of any Information Privacy and Security Laws or Hakkasan Data Security Requirements, and (iv) no Governmental Order has been made against any Hakkasan Contributed Entities for the rectification, blocking, erasure or destruction of any data under any Information Privacy and Security Laws.

(k)    Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, taken as a whole, (i) since October 1, 2018, each Hakkasan Contributed Entity has complied with all applicable Hakkasan Data Security Requirements and Information Privacy and Security Laws, (ii) the Hakkasan Privacy Agreements do not require the delivery of any notice to or consent from any Person, or prohibit the unqualified transfer of the Personal Information constituting Hakkasan Confidential IP in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement, or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and (iii) the Hakkasan Contributed Entities have all rights, authority, consents and authorizations necessary to Process all Personal Information in their possession or under their control or otherwise constituting Hakkasan Confidential IP in connection with the operation of the business of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities as presently conducted.

(l)    No Hakkasan Contributed Entity has, directly or indirectly, delivered, licensed or made available to any escrow agent or other Person, and no escrow agent or other Person has, or had, in its possession or control (other than employees of a Hakkasan Contributed Entity or Hakkasan Supplier), any source code for any Software forming part of any Hakkasan Products or Hakkasan Owned IP Rights.

(m)    Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, taken as a whole, (i) each of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities has complied with all notice, attribution and other requirements applicable to all Open Source Software used in the business of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, and (ii) no use, distribution or other exploitation of Open Source Software by the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, their employees or the Hakkasan Suppliers (within the scope of their respective engagements with the Hakkasan Contributed Entities) (w) requires the licensing, disclosure or distribution of any Hakkasan Owned IP Rights to any other Person under the terms of any Open Source Software license, including in “source code” form, (x) prohibits or limits the receipt of consideration in connection with the licensing or distribution of any Hakkasan Owned IP Rights, (y) prohibits or limits the imposition of contractual restrictions on the rights of licensees

 

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or their recipients to decompile, disassemble, or otherwise reverse engineer any Hakkasan Owned IP Rights, or (z) grants any Person any rights to any Hakkasan Owned IP Rights, including any copyright license, patent license or non-assertion covenant.

3.13    Real Property.

(a)    None of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities owns, nor has owned since January 1, 2015, any real property or is obligated pursuant to any Contract to acquire any real property.

(b)    Section 3.13(b) of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list of all leases, subleases, ground leases, licenses, sublicenses, and other occupancy agreements for real property (including the identity of the lessor, lessee, licensor, licensee, and current occupant (if different from lessee or licensee)) leased, subleased, licensed, or sublicensed to each Hakkasan Contributed Entity (all such leases, subleases, ground leases, licenses, sublicenses, and other occupancy agreements, including all modifications, amendments, side letters, letter agreements, assignments, guarantees or supplements thereto, the “HK Real Property Leases” and, the real property leased, subleased, licensed or sublicensed thereunder, the “HK Leased Real Property”).

(c)    Except as would not reasonably be expected to be material to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, taken as a whole, (i) each HK Real Property Lease is in full force and effect and is a valid and binding agreement of the applicable Hakkasan Contributed Entity, enforceable against such Hakkasan Contributed Entity in accordance with its terms, subject to the Bankruptcy and Equity Exceptions; (ii) the relevant Hakkasan Contributed Entity’s possession and quiet enjoyment of the HK Leased Real Property under such HK Real Property Leases has not been disturbed; and (iii) the relevant Hakkasan Contributed Entity has not subleased, licensed, sublicensed or otherwise granted any Person the right to use or occupy such HK Leased Real Property or any portion thereof.

(d)    No Hakkasan Contributed Entity that is party to any HK Real Property Lease, nor, to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, any other party to any HK Real Property Lease, is in material breach of, and no event has occurred that, with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an event of default under, any HK Real Property Lease. No Hakkasan Contributed Entity that is party to any HK Real Property Lease has received any written notice of any event of default under any HK Real Property Lease that remains uncured, nor any written notice of any intention to terminate any such HK Real Property Lease.

(e)    To the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, no Hakkasan Contributed Entity has received written notice of any existing, pending or contemplated condemnation, inverse condemnation, expropriation or other proceeding in eminent domain, or any other taking by public authority with or without payment or consideration therefor affecting the HK Leased Real Property or any portion thereof or interest therein, and no such proceeding has been threatened in writing against the HK Leased Real Property.

 

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(f)    All buildings, structures, improvements, fixtures and building systems included in or on the HK Leased Real Property are in good operating condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and are adequate in all material respects for their current uses.

(g)    No Hakkasan Contributed Entity has received any unresolved written notice of violations with respect to the condition, operation, management, occupancy and use of the HK Leased Real Property.

(h)    All public utilities (including sewer, water, electricity, and gas) required for the operation of the HK Leased Real Property, or any part thereof, are installed and operating (to the extent the applicable Venue is open for business) in the Ordinary Course.

3.14    Employee Benefit Matters.

(a)    Section 3.14(a) of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule lists each material Hakkasan Benefit Plan, and with respect to Hakkasan Benefit Plans which are Contracts applicable to Employees based outside the United States, the standard-form employment agreements in use as of the date of this Agreement, copies of which (or a summary thereof) have been made available to TAO. Neither Hakkasan Parent nor any Hakkasan Contributed Entity has communicated to any Employee or Former Employee an intent to formally adopt or authorize any additional Hakkasan Benefit Plan. Hakkasan Parent has delivered to TAO true, correct and complete copies (including all amendments) of each employee handbook applicable to Employees, and, with respect to each Hakkasan Benefit Plan (as applicable): (i) the plan document (or a written summary of any unwritten Hakkasan Benefit Plan); (ii) the summary plan description; (iii) any trust agreement, insurance contract or other funding agreement; (iv) any administrative services, recordkeeping, investment advisory, investment management or other service agreement; (v) the latest Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) determination letter and the latest IRS opinion or advisory letter, and any pending application for an IRS determination letter and any correspondence with the IRS related thereto; (vi) the last three annual financial statements; (vii) the last three annual reports on Form 5500 (including all schedules, accountant’s reports, and other attachments); (viii) the last three actuarial valuations or reports; and (ix) any material explanatory booklets, announcements and other communications that have been issued to current and former members of a Hakkasan Benefit Plan.

(b)    Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, taken as a whole, (i) each Hakkasan Benefit Plan is and has been operated and administered in accordance with its terms, the terms of any Collective Bargaining Agreement and with the requirements of applicable Law, (ii) each Hakkasan Contributed Entity has duly complied with its obligations under each Hakkasan Benefit Plan and all contributions, premiums or other payments required to have been made under the terms of any Hakkasan Benefit Plan have been timely made, or, if applicable, appropriately accrued, (iii) as of the date of this Agreement, there is no Action pending or, to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, threatened against any Hakkasan Benefit Plan (other than routine claims for benefits) and no facts which could give rise to the foregoing exist to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent and (iv) no Hakkasan Benefit Plan is currently under investigation or audit by any Governmental Authority, and, to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, no such investigation or audit is contemplated or under consideration.

 

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(c)    Each Hakkasan Benefit Plan intended to be tax-qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code has a current favorable IRS determination letter (or, in the case of a preapproved plan, a current IRS opinion or advisory letter on which it can rely) as to its tax qualified status under the Code, and, to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, nothing has occurred since the date of such favorable determination (or opinion or advisory) letter that would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the qualified status of such plan.

(d)    No Hakkasan Benefit Plan provides health, life insurance or other welfare benefits to retired or other terminated Hakkasan Service Providers (or any spouse, beneficiary or dependent thereof), other than “COBRA” continuation coverage required by Section 4980B of the Code or Sections 601-608 of ERISA or similar state Law.

(e)    No Hakkasan Benefit Plan is a “defined benefit plan” within the meaning of Section 3(35) of ERISA or a “multiemployer plan” within the meaning of Section 3(37) or 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, and no Hakkasan Contributed Entity has any liability, contingent or otherwise, with respect to any such plan.

(f)    Neither the execution of this Agreement nor the consummation of the Transactions will result in the occurrence of a “reportable event” within the meaning of Section 4043 of ERISA (for which the notice requirement has not been waived by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (“PBGC”)) with respect to any plan sponsored, maintained or contributed to by any Person treated as a single employer with any Hakkasan Contributed Entity under Section 414(b), (c) or (m) of the Code or Title IV of ERISA (“ERISA Affiliate”).

(g)    No event has occurred and no condition exists with respect to any Hakkasan Benefit Plan or any other Benefit Plan sponsored, maintained or contributed to by any Person who is or was an ERISA Affiliate of any Hakkasan Contributed Entity (other than one of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities) which could result in the imposition of a lien on the assets of any Hakkasan Contributed Entities or which could subject any Hakkasan Benefit Plan, any Hakkasan Contributed Entities, TAO or any of their respective employees, agents, directors or ERISA Affiliates, directly or indirectly (through an indemnification agreement or otherwise), to a material liability, including, (i) under Section 412, 430, 4971 or 4980B of the Code or Title IV of ERISA, (ii) for a breach of fiduciary duty, (iii) for a “prohibited transaction,” within the meaning of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, or (iv) for a Tax, penalty or fine under Section 502 or 4071 of ERISA or Subtitle D, Chapter 43 of the Code or any other excise Tax, penalty or fine under ERISA or the Code.

(h)    Except as otherwise provided herein, the execution of this Agreement or the consummation of the Transactions will not (either alone or in combination with another event) (i) increase the amount of compensation or benefits otherwise payable under any Hakkasan Benefit Plan, (ii) entitle any current or former Hakkasan Service Provider to any payment (whether severance or otherwise), or (iii) accelerate the timing of payment, exercisability, funding or vesting or trigger any payment of compensation or benefits under, or increase the amount payable or trigger any other obligation pursuant to, any of the Hakkasan Benefit Plans.

 

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(i)    No payment or series of payments that would constitute a “parachute payment” (within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code) has been made or will be made by Hakkasan Parent or any Hakkasan Contributed Entity, directly or indirectly, to any current or former Hakkasan Service Provider in connection with the execution of this Agreement or as a result of the consummation of the Transactions.

(j)    Each Hakkasan Benefit Plan that is a “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” subject to Section 409A of the Code has been materially maintained and administered in operational and documentary compliance with Section 409A of the Code and all regulations and other applicable regulatory guidance issued thereunder.

(k)    Neither Hakkasan Parent nor any Hakkasan Contributed Entity has any obligation to gross up, indemnify or otherwise reimburse any current or former Hakkasan Service Provider for any Taxes, interest or penalties incurred in connection with any Hakkasan Benefit Plan (including without limitation any Taxes, interest or penalties incurred pursuant to Section 409A or 4999 of the Code).

(l)    Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, taken as a whole, each Hakkasan Contributed Entity and each Hakkasan Benefit Plan that is a “group health plan” as defined in Section 733(a)(1) of ERISA (each, a “Hakkasan Health Plan” ) is, and has since March 23, 2010 been, in material compliance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, P.L. 111-148, and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010, P.L. 111-152, each as amended, and the regulations and other applicable regulatory guidance issued thereunder (collectively, the “Healthcare Reform Laws” ). No event has occurred and no condition or circumstance exists that could reasonably be expected to subject any Hakkasan Contributed Entity or any Hakkasan Health Plan to material penalties, fines or Taxes under Sections 4980D or 4980H of the Code or any other provision of the Healthcare Reform Laws.

(m)    The Hakkasan Contributed Entities have no liability with respect to the Hakkasan Group Phantom Equity Plan. Hakkasan Limited has taken all actions required to terminate or cause to be terminated the Hakkasan Group Phantom Equity Plan subject to and upon the occurrence of the Closing.

(n)    Each employee listed on Section 3.14(n) of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule has released the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, and all successor entities, of all obligations under the annual bonus entitlement set forth in the employment agreement covering such employee (to the extent there is such an entitlement), for the 2021 calendar year, for the period beginning on January 1, 2021 and ending on the Closing Date.

(o)    Each Hakkasan Contributed Entity that employs, engages, or retains any Hakkasan Service Providers in the UK has complied with its employer obligations under the auto-enrolment requirements of Part 1 of the Pensions Act 2008 in relation to any Hakkasan Service Providers and material details of the arrangements made by each Hakkasan Contributed Entity for this purpose (including without limitation material details relating to any Employees who have elected to opt out of such company’s auto-enrolment vehicle (on an anonymized basis)) have been disclosed to TAO.

 

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(p)    Any pension schemes or retirement benefit schemes provided by Hakkasan Contributed Entities in the UK to its Employees and Former Employees (each a “UK Disclosed Pension Scheme” ) are money purchase schemes as defined in section 181(1) of the Pension Schemes Act 1993, and no guarantee or promise has been given, and nor is there any understanding, that any of the benefits provided under those schemes shall be of a specified amount.

(q)    Other than pursuant to any UK Disclosed Pension Scheme, no Hakkasan Contributed Entity operating in the UK is under any legal liability or other obligation to pay pensions or gratuities or any similar payment to or in respect of any Hakkasan Service Provider, nor is any such entity a party to any arrangement to which it contributes, is bound to contribute or could be required to contribute or make any payment, either now or in the future, under which benefits of any kind are payable to or in respect of any Hakkasan Service Provider on retirement or on the attainment of a specified age or on the completion of a specified number of years of service. No proposal has been announced (nor any promise made) to establish any such arrangement; and to the extent that any such arrangement existed in the past, no Hakkasan Contributed Entity has any subsisting liability in respect of it.

(r)    A copy or summary of each UK Disclosed Pension Schemes has been made available to TAO, including, to the extent such information has not already been disclosed to TAO under Section 3.14(a), material particulars of the contribution rates at which contributions are payable to any UK Disclosed Pension Scheme; and

(s)    No discretion or power has been exercised under any UK Disclosed Pension Scheme to make enhanced contributions to that scheme.

(t)    No Hakkasan Contributed Entity is providing or has at any time provided or promised to provide ex gratia pensions in respect of any person.

(u)    To the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, all UK Disclosed Pension Schemes are registered pension schemes for the purposes of Chapter 2 of Part 4 of the Finance Act 2004.

(v)    To the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, no Employee or Former Employee of any Hakkasan Contributed Entity has any rights to enhanced pension benefits on redundancy or early retirement as a result of or in connection with a transfer of an undertaking or part of an undertaking to which either the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 1981 or the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 applied.

(w)    No Hakkasan Contributed Entity has at any time within the previous six years been “connected” with or an “associate” of any employer which is or has been participating in a pension scheme (other than any UK Disclosed Pension Scheme) to which section 38, 43, 47 or 52 of the Pensions Act 2004 applies. For these purposes “connected” and “associate” have the meanings given to them in sections 435 and 249 of the Insolvency Act 1986 respectively.

 

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3.15    Labor Matters.

(a)    Section 3.15(a) of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule lists, as of the date of this Agreement and separately for each Hakkasan Contributed Entity, each non-hourly Employee including for each such Employee his or her (i) employee ID; (ii) job title; (iii) status as a full-time or part-time employee; (iv) base salary or wage rate; (v) current year incentive compensation opportunity; (vi) length of continuous employment; (vii) work locations; and (viii) pensions and/or other retirement benefits.

(b)    Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, taken as a whole, as of the date of this Agreement: (i) there is no charge or complaint pending or, to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, threatened in any written notice delivered to Hakkasan Parent or its Subsidiaries (including the Hakkasan Contributed Entities), before any Governmental Authority with respect to any Employee or Former Employee; (ii) there is no labor strike, lock-out or other form of industrial action pending or, to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, threatened with respect to any Employees or Former Employees; (iii) there is no Action pending or, to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, threatened in any written notice delivered to Hakkasan Parent or its Subsidiaries (including the Hakkasan Contributed Entities), against any of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities brought by or on behalf of any Employee, Former Employee or Employee Representative Body representing all or any of the Employees or Former Employees; and (iv) there are no inquiries or investigations existing, pending or, to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, threatened in any written notice delivered to Hakkasan Parent or its Subsidiaries (including the Hakkasan Contributed Entities) by any Governmental Authority which is responsible for employment matters that affect any Employees or Former Employees.

(c)    As of the date of this Agreement none of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities is a party to any Collective Bargaining Agreement with any Employee Representative Body and, to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, no Employee Representative Body organizing efforts are being conducted with respect to any Employees or Former Employees. Hakkasan Parent has delivered to TAO a true, correct and complete copy of each Collective Bargaining Agreement (including any related agreements, such as side letters or memoranda of agreement).

(d)    Since January 1, 2020, none of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities has violated with respect to any Employee any applicable Law governing the terms and conditions of employment, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, taken as a whole.

(e)    In the last three (3) years, no Hakkasan Contributed Entity has effectuated a “mass layoff” or “plant closing” as those terms are defined in the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988, as amended, or comparable group layoff covered under any applicable state Law, affecting in whole or in part any facility, site of employment, operating unit or employee of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities.

(f)    Except as has been mandated by Governmental Authority, the Hakkasan Contributed Entities have not had any material workforce changes due to COVID-19, whether directly or indirectly, including any actual or expected terminations, layoffs, furloughs, shutdowns (whether voluntary or by Governmental Order), or any changes to benefit or compensation programs, nor are any such changes currently contemplated.

 

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3.16    Taxes.

(a)    All income and material other Tax Returns required to have been filed by the Hakkasan Contributed Entities have been timely filed (taking into account any extension of time to file granted or obtained), and such Tax Returns were true, correct and complete in all material respects and prepared in material compliance with all applicable Laws as of the dates they were filed. All Taxes of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities (whether or not shown as due on such Tax Returns) that are due and payable have been timely paid.

(b)    The Hakkasan Contributed Entities have timely and properly withheld and collected, and to the extent required, paid to the relevant Taxing Authority, all material Taxes required by applicable Law to be withheld or collected from payments to shareholders, members, owners, creditors, employees and other third parties and have materially complied with all information reporting obligations with respect to such amounts.

(c)    There are no material Tax Encumbrances upon any property or assets of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities other than Permitted Encumbrances.

(d)    No examination or audit of, or proceeding with respect to, any Taxes or Tax Return of any of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities by any Taxing Authority is currently in progress, and to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, no such examination, audit or proceeding has been threatened in writing. Each deficiency resulting from such an examination, audit or proceeding has been timely paid.

(e)    None of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities is a party to any Tax allocation, indemnity or sharing agreement (other than a commercial agreement entered into in the Ordinary Course the principal subject matter of which is not Taxes) with any Person which entails obligations to parties other than the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, and after the Closing Date, none of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities will be bound by any such agreement or similar arrangement entered into prior to the Closing Date or will have any unsatisfied liability thereunder for any amounts due in respect of periods prior to the Closing Date.

(f)    None of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities has (i) waived any statute of limitations in respect of material Taxes or agreed to any extension of time with respect to any material Tax assessment or deficiency or (ii) made or entered into power of attorneys relating to Taxes that will remain in effect following the Closing Date.

(g)    No written claim has been made by a Taxing Authority in any jurisdiction where any Hakkasan Contributed Entity does not file Tax Returns or pay Taxes that any Hakkasan Contributed Entity is or may be subject to taxation by, or required to file Tax Returns or pay Taxes in, such jurisdiction.

(h)    Within the past two (2) years, none of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities has been a “distributing corporation” or a “controlled corporation” in a distribution intended to qualify under Section 355(a) of the Code.

(i)    There are no closing agreements, private letter rulings, technical advice memoranda or similar agreements or rulings that have been entered into or issued by any Taxing Authority in respect of any material Tax matters with respect to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities which are still in effect.

 

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(j)    At all times since formation and other than the limited liability companies organized in California, each Hakkasan Contributed Entity organized in the United States under applicable state Law has been treated either as a partnership or a disregarded entity for U.S. federal and applicable state income tax purposes. Each Hakkasan Contributed Entity organized in California has been treated as a corporation for U.S. federal and applicable income tax purposes since January 1, 2015. No Hakkasan Contributed Entity is or has been at any time since its formation treated as a publicly traded partnership within the meaning of Section 7704 of the Code. At all times since formation, each Hakkasan Contributed Entity organized in a non-U.S. jurisdiction has been treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes. For the avoidance of doubt, no election has been made to treat any Hakkasan Contributed Entity (other than any limited liability company domiciled in California) organized in the United States under applicable state Law as an association taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes (nor has any similar election been made for applicable state or local tax purposes), and no such election will be made, in each case, that has an effective date on or prior to the Closing Date.

(k)    None of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities has participated in any transaction that is classified as a “reportable transaction” (within the meaning of Section 6011 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder).

(l)    None of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities has Liability for the Taxes of any Person (other than Hakkasan Contributed Entities) as a result of being a member of a combined, consolidated, unitary, affiliated or other group for Tax purposes, including under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or non-U.S. Law), as a transferee or successor or by Contract, other than a commercial agreement, Contract or arrangement entered into in the Ordinary Course the principal subject matter of which is not Taxes.

(m)    None of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities (nor TAO as owner of any such entities) will be required to include any material item of income in, or exclude any material item of deduction from, taxable income for the Post-Closing Tax Period as a result of (i) any change in method of accounting for a Pre-Closing Tax Period, (ii) use of an improper method of accounting, (iii) any installment sale, intercompany transaction or open transaction entered into prior to the Closing, (iv) any prepaid amount received or paid prior to the Closing, (v) any closing agreement as described in Section 7121 of the Code or any similar provision of federal, state, local or non-U.S. Tax Law, or (vi) use of the completed contract or long-term contract method of accounting.

(n)    At the time the stock of Hakkasan Parent was distributed by Hakkasan Limited to Aabar Investments PJS, the fair market value of such stock was less than its adjusted basis as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. None of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities has generated income or gain outside the Ordinary Course from January 1, 2021 through the Closing which could be included in the income of TAO or any of its direct or indirect owners under Section 951 or Section 951A of the Code.

 

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(o)    Each Hakkasan Contributed Entity has properly collected and remitted sales Taxes with respect to sales made to its customers and has complied with all obligations relating to sales, use and similar Taxes.

(p)    No liability for Tax in the United Kingdom (disregarding any statutory right to make any election, or to claim any allowance or relief) will arise to any Hakkasan Contributed Entity or be increased as a result of or in consequence of the entry into this Agreement and/or the contribution of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities pursuant to this Agreement.

(q)    Each of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities has paid all stamp duty land Tax (or equivalent in any part of the United Kingdom) which it was liable to pay in respect of the acquisition by it of any chargeable interest and no liability (or further liability) to pay amounts of stamp duty land tax (or equivalent in any part of the United Kingdom) can arise for the Hakkasan Contributed Entities after Closing in respect of any land transaction entered by any of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities prior to Closing.

(r)    All documents to which a Hakkasan Contributed Entity is a party and which relate to any assets of the relevant Hakkasan Contributed Entity and in the enforcement of which the relevant Hakkasan Contributed Entity is or may be interested or which is or may be necessary or desirable to prove title to such assets, have been duly and properly stamped in accordance with the applicable Laws in the United Kingdom or, if appropriate, otherwise annotated as any Tax due being fully and properly paid.

(s)    In respect of each of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities which is subject to the UK’s Value Added Tax Act 1994 (“VATA 1994”), that Hakkasan Contributed Entity: (i) is a registered and taxable person for the purposes of the VATA 1994 and it is not nor has ever been treated for such purposes as a member of a group of companies; (ii) has complied with and observed in all respects the terms of the VATA 1994 and all regulations made or notices issued thereunder and has maintained and obtained full, complete, correct and up to date records, invoices and other records (as the case may be) appropriate or requisite for the purposes thereof; (iii) save as set out in Section 3.16(s) of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule, does not hold an interest in any buildings or land in respect of which the Hakkasan Contributed Entity or any other person has exercised an option to tax or has made an election such that an option to tax has been deemed to be made for the purposes of Part 1 of Schedule 10 of VATA 1994, nor is the Hakkasan Contributed Entity contractually committed (contingently or otherwise) to receive any supply in respect of which such an option to tax exists; and (iv) is entitled to obtain full credit for all sums which it has purported to have incurred by way of input Tax and, and to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, there are no circumstances by reason of which the Hakkasan Contributed Entity may cease to be so entitled.

(t)    None of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities is nor has ever been party to any transaction in respect of which disclosure has been made or is required pursuant to Part 7 of the UK’s Finance Act 2004 or Schedule 11A of VATA 1994.

(u)    Each Hakkasan Contributed Entity which is subject to the UK’s Criminal Finances Act 2017 has implemented and maintains reasonable “prevention procedures” designed to prevent persons associated with any such Hakkasan Contributed Entity from committing tax evasion facilitation for the purposes of the defense in Section 45(2) and 46(3) of the Criminal Finances Act 2017.

 

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3.17    Environmental Matters. Except as would not be material to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, taken as a whole, (i) each Hakkasan Contributed Entity is in compliance, in all material respects, with all applicable Environmental Laws, (ii) the Hakkasan Contributed Entities have obtained and are in compliance in all material respects with all Environmental Permits that are necessary to conduct the Hakkasan Business, and (iii) there is no Action pending or, to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, threatened in writing, against the Hakkasan Contributed Entities that relates to any material violation or alleged material violation of, or any material Liability or alleged material Liability under, any applicable Environmental Law; provided that any Action that has been initiated but with respect to which process or other comparable notice has not been served on or delivered to Hakkasan Contributed Entity shall be deemed to be “threatened” rather than “pending.”

3.18    Material Contracts.

(a)    Section 3.18(a) of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list of each of the following written Contracts to which any Hakkasan Contributed Entity is a party or by which any Hakkasan Contributed Entity is bound or to which any Hakkasan Contributed Entity or any of its assets or properties are subject as of the date of this Agreement, together with all amendments, waivers or other changes thereto, and correct and complete written summaries of all such Contracts that are unwritten (collectively, the “Hakkasan Material Contracts”):

(i)    any Contract or group of related Contracts (other than purchase orders) for the purchase by a Hakkasan Contributed Entity of equipment, materials, products, supplies, goods or other assets or for the receipt of services which involves, or is reasonably likely to involve, (x) consideration or payments in excess of $100,000 in the aggregate during the year ending December 31, 2021 or (y) aggregate payments of $300,000 or more, in each case that cannot be terminated by the Hakkasan Contributed Entities on 90 days’ (or less) notice without (A) payment of a material penalty or incurrence of a material Liability, or (B) a material impact on the Hakkasan Contributed Entities taken as a whole;

(ii)    any Contract or group of related Contracts for the sale, license or lease (as lessor) by any Hakkasan Contributed Entity of services, materials, products, supplies or other assets or properties (including Equity Interests) owned, licensed or leased by such Hakkasan Contributed Entity which involves, or is reasonably likely to involve, (x) consideration or payments in excess of $100,000 in the aggregate during the year ending December 31, 2021 or (y) aggregate payments of $300,000 or more, in each case that cannot be terminated by the Hakkasan Contributed Entities on 90 days’ (or less) notice without (A) payment of (or withholding of payment due to) a material penalty or incurrence of a material Liability, or (B) a material impact on the Hakkasan Contributed Entities taken as a whole;

 

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(iii)    any partnership, joint venture or similar Contract, or any Contract that relates to the ownership of, investment in or loans and advances to any Person (other than advances to employees in the Ordinary Course), including minority equity investments but excluding commercial partnerships that do not involve equity;

(iv)    any (x) HK Real Property Lease, and (y) any Contract relating to the provision of management services to a Venue;

(v)    any Contract with an (x) advertiser or sponsor (or similar party) or (y) promoter, in either case, reasonably anticipated to involve annual payments in excess of $100,000 for any such Contract or $150,000 for any group of related Contracts, in each case of clauses (x) and (y) that cannot be terminated by such Hakkasan Contributed Entity on 90 days’ (or less) notice without (A) payment of (or withholding of payment due to) a material penalty or incurrence of material Liability, or (B) a material impact on any Hakkasan Contributed Entity or the Hakkasan Contributed Entities taken as a whole;

(vi)    any Contract with a DJ reasonably anticipated to involve payments per performance in excess of $50,000 or aggregate annual payments in excess of $150,000 that cannot be terminated by such Hakkasan Contributed Entity on 90 days’ (or less) notice without (A) payment of (or withholding of payment due to) a material penalty or incurrence of material Liability, or (B) a material impact on any Hakkasan Contributed Entity or the Hakkasan Contributed Entities taken as a whole;

(vii)    (x) any Contract (A) relating to the acquisition or disposition of any business, directly or indirectly (whether by merger, sale of stock, sale of assets or otherwise), for consideration in excess of $50,000, or (B) with respect to the proposed Venues listed on Section 3.8(h) of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule, or (y) any Contract (other than Contracts that have been fully performed) related to the construction and/or renovation of any new or existing Venue in excess of $50,000;

(viii)    any Contract which grants any Person an option or a first refusal, first offer, first negotiation or similar preferential right to purchase or acquire any material assets (including Equity Interests) of any of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities;

(ix)    any Contract (A) containing non-competition, non-solicitation (other than in the Ordinary Course non-solicitation obligations that would not be binding on TAO or any of its Affiliates (other than the Hakkasan Contributed Entities)) or other limitations restricting any Hakkasan Contributed Entity (or, after the Closing, TAO or any of its Affiliates) or any of their respective properties or assets, from conducting any business (including investing in, opening or operating any type of Venue in any

 

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location, of any theme or at any time (or with respect to properties or assets, from being used in connection with the opening or operation of such a Venue of the applicable Hakkasan Contributed Entity) or requiring any such opportunity to first be provided to any third party), or that limits the freedom of a Hakkasan Contributed Entity (or, after the Closing, TAO or any of its Affiliates), to compete at any time and in any manner in any line of business, or with any Person, in any area in the world, (B) that grants to the other party or any third party “most favored nation” status, or (C) that grants to the other party or any third party any exclusive right or rights (including any “requirements” or exclusive purchasing Contract) or in which any third party grants any Hakkasan Contributed Entity any exclusive right or rights, and in each case of clauses (A), (B) and (C), that cannot be terminated by such Hakkasan Contributed Entity on 90 days’ (or less) notice without (1) payment of (or withholding of payment due to) a material penalty or incurrence of a material Liability or (2) a material impact on the Hakkasan Contributed Entities taken as a whole;

(x)    any Contract that (x) relates to Indebtedness, including any Contracts that constitute a guaranty of any obligation of any Person, or (y) applies a material Encumbrance (other than a Permitted Encumbrance) on any of the properties or assets of any Hakkasan Contributed Entity, tangible or intangible;

(xi)    any Collective Bargaining Agreement or similar Contract with any unions, guilds, shop committees or other collective bargaining groups;

(xii)    any Contract that relates to the settlement of any Action involving any Hakkasan Contributed Entity (A) that obligates any Hakkasan Contributed Entity to pay an amount in excess of $100,000 (including amounts paid prior to the date hereof), (B) that does or will materially restrict the operations of any Hakkasan Contributed Entity, or (C) that involves any injunction or equitable relief affecting any Hakkasan Contributed Entity or the assets and properties of the foregoing, or with respect to which the conditions precedent to the settlement thereof have not been satisfied;

(xiii)    any Contract with any Governmental Authority that involves a dollar amount in excess of $25,000;

(xiv)    other than the Organizational Documents, any Contract granting any power of attorney with respect to the affairs of any Hakkasan Contributed Entity;

(xv)    any Hakkasan Benefit Plan that provides for employment that is not “at-will” in the United States;

 

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(xvi)    any Hakkasan Benefit Plan that provides for the payment of severance benefits (provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, severance benefits shall not for this purpose include any rights to notice of termination of employment or rights to be paid in lieu of notice of termination of employment), change in control benefits or retention benefits to any Employee;

(xvii)    any Hakkasan Intercompany Contracts;

(xviii)    any material Hakkasan IP Agreements; and

(xix)    any Contract to which any Hakkasan Contributed Entity is a party pursuant to which any material Hakkasan Owned IP Rights have been developed or created, excluding all invention assignments entered into with employees of any of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities in the ordinary course of business.

(b)    With such exceptions as, individually and in the aggregate, have not had and are not reasonably likely to have, a Material Adverse Effect, (i) each Contract to which a Hakkasan Contributed Entity is a party or by which any Hakkasan Contributed Entity is bound or to which any Hakkasan Contributed Entity or any of their assets or properties are subject (each, a “Hakkasan Contract”) (A) is valid and binding on the Hakkasan Contributed Entity that is a party thereto in accordance with its terms, is in full force and effect and is valid and binding on and enforceable against such Hakkasan Contributed Entity in accordance with its terms and, to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, the counterparties thereto, and is in full force and effect, and upon consummation of the Transactions, shall continue in full force and effect, in each case, other than in the event that such Hakkasan Contract has been validly terminated in accordance with its terms and subject to the Bankruptcy and Equity Exceptions and (B) upon consummation of the Transactions, except to the extent that any consents set forth in Section 3.4 of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule are not obtained, shall continue in full force and effect, (ii) none of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities is in breach of, or default under, any Hakkasan Contract to which it is a party and, to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, no counterparty thereto is in breach of, or default under, any Hakkasan Contract, (iii) no event has occurred that, with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute a breach of, or default under, any Hakkasan Contract, and (iv) to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, as of the date hereof, there are no unresolved disputes under any Hakkasan Contracts other than disputes in the Ordinary Course which, individually, are de minimis.

3.19    Transactions with Affiliates. Section 3.19 of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule lists, as of immediately prior to the consummation of the Closing, (i) all Hakkasan Intercompany Contracts and (ii) any written Contract solely between or among any two or more Hakkasan Contributed Entities from different non-U.S. jurisdictions of incorporation or formation, or any Contract solely between two or more Hakkasan Contributed Entities if one of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities is not (directly or indirectly) wholly-owned by Hakkasan Parent. At the time of the consummation of the Closing, none of Hakkasan Parent or its Affiliates, nor any of their respective directors, managers or officers (or similar authorized appointments with different names), or (to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent as to any such individuals) any of the Relatives

 

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or Associates of the foregoing (in each case other than any Hakkasan Contributed Entities) (i) is a party to any Hakkasan Intercompany Contract or other business transaction with any Hakkasan Contributed Entity, or (ii) has received any funds from or on behalf of any Hakkasan Contributed Entity other than compensation or reimbursement of expenses paid to such Persons in their capacity as employees, officers, directors or managers, or distributions, in each case, in the Ordinary Course. At the time of the consummation of the Closing, all Hakkasan Intercompany Contracts have been terminated and are of no further force or effect.

3.20    Insurance. Section 3.20 of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list of the material insurance policies owned or held by or covering the Hakkasan Contributed Entities with policy periods in effect as of the date of this Agreement, including a summary of such policies’ most material terms. Prior to the date of this Agreement, Hakkasan Parent has made available to TAO true, correct and complete copies of all such insurance policies and loss runs under such policies as of a date no earlier than January 15, 2021. The Hakkasan Contributed Entities currently maintain in full force insurance required by applicable Law or any Hakkasan Contract and are not in default with respect to their obligations under any of such insurance policies, except for such default as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a material impact on the Hakkasan Contributed Entities taken as a whole. As of the date of this Agreement, all premiums due and payable on such policies have been paid in full, and no written notice of cancellation, reduction in coverage or non-renewal (excluding warnings in connection with renewals in the Ordinary Course) has been received by Hakkasan Parent or the Hakkasan Contributed Entities with respect to any material insurance policy owned or held by or covering the Hakkasan Contributed Entities.

3.21    Corruption Laws.

(a)    Since January 1, 2016, except as has not been and would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, taken as a whole, (x) the Hakkasan Contributed Entities have been and remain in compliance with all applicable Anti-Corruption and Money-Laundering Laws and Obligations and (y) no Hakkasan Contributed Entity, nor, to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, any officer, director, employee or agent acting on behalf of any Hakkasan Contributed Entity has provided, authorized or approved, or knowingly taken any action in furtherance of the provision of, directly or indirectly (including through third parties), anything of value to any Public Official, nor provided or promised anything of value to any other Person while knowing that all or a portion of that thing of value would or will be offered, given, or promised, directly or indirectly, to any Public Official, in either case, for the purpose of:

(i)    influencing any act or decision of such Public Official in his or her official capacity, inducing such Public Official to do or omit to do any act in violation of their lawful duty, or securing any improper advantage for the benefit of any Hakkasan Contributed Entity; or

(ii)    inducing such Public Official to use his or her influence with his or her government or instrumentality to affect or influence any act or decision of any Government Authority or Government Entity, in order to assist any Hakkasan Contributed Entity in obtaining or retaining business for or with, or directing business to, any Person.

 

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(b)    The Hakkasan Contributed Entities are not currently, nor have been since January 1, 2016, the subject of any investigation or inquiry by any Governmental Authority with respect to potential violations of Anti-Corruption and Money-Laundering Laws and Obligations, and, to the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, the Hakkasan Contributed Entities have not violated and are not in violation of any Anti-Corruption and Money-Laundering Laws and Obligations.

(c)    The Hakkasan Contributed Entities have (i) made and kept books, records and accounts which, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions in relation to the Hakkasan Business, (ii) reasonable measures and internal controls in place reasonably designed to prevent, detect, and remediate violations of any applicable Anti-Corruption and Money-Laundering Laws and Obligations and (iii) not circumvented their respective internal accounting controls or falsified any of their respective books and records.

(d)    To the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, no funds or assets directly or indirectly invested in the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, whether presently or in the past, originate from or trace their origins to misappropriated funds.

3.22    International Trade Law

(a)    The Hakkasan Contributed Entities are not owned or controlled by a Sanctioned Person, and no officer or director of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities is a Sanctioned Person, and the Hakkasan Contributed Entities have not acted, directly or indirectly, on behalf of a Sanctioned Person in a manner that would violate any International Trade Law.

(b)    The Hakkasan Contributed Entities (i) have been in compliance in all respects with any International Trade Law as applicable and (ii) have not been cited or fined for past or present failure to comply with any International Trade Law, and (iii) no proceeding, litigation, investigation, or enforcement action with respect to any alleged non-compliance with International Trade Law is pending or has been threatened in writing, or communicated orally.

(c)    The Hakkasan Contributed Entities have not (i) unlawfully conducted any business or engaged in making or receiving any contribution of funds, goods, or services to or for the benefit of any Sanctioned Person in violation of any International Trade Law applicable to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, or (ii) unlawfully dealt in, or otherwise engaged in, any transaction relating to any property or interests in property blocked pursuant to any International Trade Law.

(d)    The Hakkasan Contributed Entities have reasonable measures and internal controls in place reasonably designed to prevent, detect, and remediate violations of any International Trade Laws.

3.23    Quality and Safety of Food & Beverage Products. The storage practices, preparation, ingredients, and composition for each of the food or beverage products of each of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities (i) are in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws, including Laws relating to food and beverage storage and preparation, and (ii) are in compliance in all material respects with all internal quality management policies and procedures

 

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of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities. Hakkasan Parent has made available to TAO true, correct and complete copies of all material reports involving outstanding issues resulting from any material audits and inspections of the quality or safety management practices by any Governmental Authority conducted since October 1, 2018 with respect to the Venues managed or operated by the Hakkasan Contributed Entities.

3.24    COVID-19.

(a) Each Hakkasan Contributed Entity has complied, in all material respects, with all applicable Laws in any relevant jurisdiction that have been introduced in response to, or to manage the spread of, COVID-19.

(b)    Since January 1, 2020, no Contract, involving any Hakkasan Contributed Entity which would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, taken as a whole, has either been terminated or discharged by frustration, nor has the performance of any obligation thereunder been suspended or otherwise materially varied, in each case for a reason associated with COVID-19.

(c)    Section 3.24(c) of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list of (a) any amendments, consents, waivers, payment deferrals or suspensions or other concessions agreed or sought in the last 12 months in connection with any Indebtedness; and each Hakkasan Contributed Entity’s participation in any corporate borrowing schemes or other business support measures facilitated by the UK or US governments (including the CARES Act, pursuant to the Paycheck Protection Program or the Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program or otherwise) in connection with COVID-19 (“COVID-19 Facilities”), including the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, Coronavirus Bounce Bank Loans, the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme, the Covid Corporate Financing Facility and the Coronavirus Future Fund (but excluding for the purposes of this warranty the CJRS), and Hakkasan Parent has made available to TAO copies of all material documents relating to such participation.

(d)    No Hakkasan Contributed Entity has contravened or otherwise failed to comply with the terms and conditions of any of the COVID-19 Facilities.

(e)    Section 3.24(e) of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule sets forth true, correct and complete (on an anonymized basis) details of all UK Employees or UK Hakkasan Service Providers who have been absent and unable to work for a period of 21 days or more due to COVID-19, or measures taken in connection with it, and how such UK Employees or UK Hakkasan Service Providers are being paid (excluding those who are Furloughed or Flexibly Furloughed).

(f)    In respect of each of the Employees and the Hakkasan Service Providers, each Hakkasan Contributed Entity has complied with all of its health and safety obligations under Law and any applicable guidance in relation to COVID-19.

(g)    Section 3.24(g) of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule sets forth true, correct and complete (on an anonymized basis) details of all Employees or Hakkasan Service Providers who are Furloughed or Flexibly Furloughed under the CJRS. Hakkasan Parent has made

 

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available to TAO (i) copies of the standard-form templates of the written terms on which they are Furloughed or Flexibly Furloughed and standard-form templates of agreed variation to their existing terms of employment; (ii) summaries of all claims, including calculations; (iii) material details of any communications with Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs regarding calculation errors or penalties due; and (iv) material details of any consultation undertaken to implement Furlough and Flexible Furlough.

(h)    No claim has been made under the CJRS that is abusive or otherwise contrary to the exceptional purpose of the CJRS.

(i)    Each Hakkasan Contributed Entity has complied with all of its obligations under section 188 of Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 when implementing Furlough and Flexible Furlough.

(j)    To the Knowledge of Hakkasan Parent, no Employee or Hakkasan Service Provider has been unable to take their statutory annual leave in the current holiday year because it is not reasonably practicable to do so as a result of COVID-19.

(k)    In relation to each HK Real Property Lease, all principal rent and additional rent and all other sums payable by each lessee, tenant, licensee or occupier under each HK Real Property Lease (“Lease Sums”) have been paid as and when they became due, there are no arrangements to change the payment dates of Lease Sums and no Lease Sums have been: (i) set off or withheld; or (ii) commuted, waived, suspended, deferred or paid in advance of the due date for payment, and no proposals have been made in relation to such matters.

(l)    No collateral assurances, undertakings or concessions have been made or proposed in writing by any party to any HK Real Property Lease.

(m)    Section 3.24(m) of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule sets out a true, correct and complete list of the measures introduced by a Governmental Authority to assist businesses with their tax affairs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (the “Measures”), from which any Hakkasan Contributed Entity has benefitted.

(n)    Each Hakkasan Contributed Entity was entitled to benefit from, and has complied with any and all requirements of, any Measures from which it has benefitted.

3.25    Investment Purpose; Accredited Investor; No Public Market; No Reliance.

(a) Hakkasan Parent is acquiring the Transferred TAO Units for investment and not with a view toward, or for sale in connection with, any distribution thereof, nor with any present intention of distributing or selling such Transferred TAO Units, other than in compliance with all applicable Laws, including United States federal securities laws.

(b)    Hakkasan Parent acknowledges and agrees that (i) the Transferred TAO Units acquired by Hakkasan Parent hereunder are not registered under any applicable securities Laws (and are “restricted securities” under applicable U.S. federal and state securities Laws) and may not be sold, transferred, offered for sale, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise disposed of without registration under the Securities Act and any applicable state or foreign securities Laws,

 

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except pursuant to an exemption from such registration under the Securities Act and such other Laws, (ii) that there is currently no obligation to register or qualify the foregoing for resale, and (iii) that if an exemption from registration or qualification is available, it may be conditioned on various requirements including the time and manner of sale, the holding period for the foregoing and requirements that are outside of a holder’s control, and as to which no party is under any obligation to satisfy and which may not be satisfied or able to be satisfied.

(c)    Hakkasan Parent understands that no public market now exists for the Transferred TAO Units, and that neither TAO nor TAO Holdings nor any Person on their behalf has made any assurances that a public market will ever exist for the Transferred TAO Units.

(d)    Hakkasan Parent is an “accredited investor” as defined in Rule 501(a) of Regulation D promulgated under the Securities Act.

(e)    Hakkasan Parent acknowledges and agrees that it (i) has had an opportunity to discuss the business of the TAO Group Entities and their respective Subsidiaries with the management of the TAO Group Entities, (ii) has been afforded the opportunity to ask questions of and receive answers from the TAO Group Entities, (iii) has conducted its own independent investigation of the TAO Group Entities, their respective Subsidiaries, their respective businesses and the Transactions, and (iv) has sufficient knowledge and experience in financial and business matters so as to be capable of evaluating the merits and risk of the investment in the Transferred TAO Units.

3.26    Brokers and Finders. No broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder’s or other fee or commission in connection with the Transactions based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Hakkasan Parent or any of its Affiliates, including the Hakkasan Contributed Entities.

3.27    No Other Representations or Warranties. Except as expressly set forth in this Article III (as qualified by the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule in accordance with Section 8.11), none of Hakkasan Parent or any of its Representatives makes any representation or warranty to TAO or any other Person, express or implied, at law or in equity, with respect to Hakkasan Parent or any of its Affiliates (including the Hakkasan Contributed Entities), the Hakkasan Contributed Interests, the properties, assets or Liabilities of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the accuracy or completeness of any information regarding the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, including with respect to (a) merchantability or fitness for any particular use or purpose, (b) the operation or probable success or profitability of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities following the Closing, (c) any information memorandum, management presentation or materials made available to TAO or any of its Representatives in Hakkasan Parents Data Room or otherwise in connection with this Agreement or the Transactions, (d) any future results, financial projection, estimate, forecast, budget or financial data or report (including the reasonableness of the assumptions underlying such projections, estimates, forecasts, budgets or prospects) relating to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, (e) any other information made available (orally or in writing) to TAO and its Representatives or (f) any other matter or thing. Any such other representation or warranty is hereby expressly disclaimed.

 

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ARTICLE IV

REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF TAO

Subject to qualification by the TAO Disclosure Schedule in accordance with Section 8.11, TAO represents and warrants to Hakkasan Parent as of the date hereof (unless otherwise expressly stated herein) as follows:

4.1    Organization and Qualification.

(a)     TAO is duly formed, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware. TAO has the requisite limited liability power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement, to perform TAO’s obligations hereunder and thereunder, and to consummate the Transactions and the transactions contemplated by the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement.

(b)    Each TAO Group Entity is duly organized or formed, validly existing and in good standing (to the extent such concepts are recognized under applicable Law) under the Laws of its jurisdiction of incorporation or formation. Each TAO Group Entity has the requisite corporate, limited liability company or equivalent power and authority to carry on its business as such business is currently conducted and to own, lease and use its properties and assets, and to perform all its obligations under any Contract to which it is a party or by which it, or any of the assets or properties owned or used by it, is or could become bound. Each TAO Group Entity is duly licensed or qualified to do business and is in good standing (to the extent such concepts are recognized under applicable Law) in each jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or the ownership or leasing of its properties makes such licensing or qualification necessary, except to the extent that the failure to be so licensed, qualified or in good standing would not have a Material Adverse Effect. Each TAO Group Entity has furnished to Hakkasan Parent a true, complete and correct copy of its Organizational Documents, all of which are in full force and effect.

4.2     Authority; Enforceability. The execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement by TAO, the performance by TAO of its obligations hereunder and thereunder, and the consummation by TAO of the Transactions, including the issuance of the Transferred TAO Units and the other transactions contemplated by the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement, have been duly authorized by all requisite action on the part of TAO and no other corporate, limited liability company or equivalent proceedings on the part of TAO or any holder of its Equity Interests are necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance by TAO of this Agreement and the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement or for TAO to consummate the Transactions, including the issuance of the Transferred TAO Units and the other transactions contemplated by the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement. This Agreement and the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement have been duly and validly executed and delivered by TAO, and (assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by Hakkasan Parent) this Agreement, and the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement, constitute legal, valid and binding obligations of TAO enforceable against TAO in accordance with their respective terms, subject in each case to Bankruptcy and Equity Exceptions.

 

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4.3    Ownership of Equity Interests.

(a)     Section 4.3(a) of the TAO Disclosure Schedule sets forth for each TAO Group Entity (other than TAO) (i) its jurisdiction of formation or organization, (ii) its outstanding Equity Interests and (iii) the holders of such Equity Interests as of immediately prior to the consummation of the Closing. All Equity Interests in each TAO Group Entity (other than TAO) that are owned, directly or indirectly, by TAO (the “TAO Entities Equity Interests”) are free and clear of all Encumbrances, have been duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable, and none of such TAO Entities Equity Interests has been issued in violation of any preemptive or similar rights and no personal liability attaches to the ownership thereof. The TAO Entities’ Equity Interests constitute all of the issued and outstanding Equity Interests of the TAO Group Entities. No Equity Interests of the TAO Group Entities are reserved for issuance.

(b)    TAO Holdings is the sole legal and beneficial owner of one hundred percent (100%) of the issued and outstanding TAO Units, free and clear of all Encumbrances, and upon the consummation of the Closing, TAO shall issue, transfer, assign and deliver to Hakkasan Parent good and valid title to the Transferred TAO Units, free and clear of all Encumbrances. The Transferred TAO Units are duly authorized and validly issued in accordance with all applicable Laws, are fully paid and non-assessable and were not issued in violation of any preemptive or similar rights and no personal liability attaches to the ownership thereof.

(c)    All of the TAO Entities Equity Interests have been duly authorized and validly issued in compliance with the Organizational Documents of the applicable TAO Group Entity and applicable Laws, and none of the TAO Entities Equity Interests have been issued in violation of any purchase option, call option, right of first refusal, preemptive right, subscription right or similar rights held by a third party. There are no authorized or outstanding options, warrants, convertible securities or other Contract rights (exercisable, exchangeable, contingent or otherwise) to purchase or acquire any Equity Interests of the TAO Group Entities. No TAO Group Entity has any obligation to purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its Equity Interests or any interest therein. None of the TAO Group Entities nor TAO is a party to a Contract in effect relating to the sale, transfer, voting purchase, disposition or distribution of any TAO Entities Equity Interests. No TAO Group Entity has any obligation to issue or distribute to holders of any Equity Interests any dividend, distribution, evidence of indebtedness or assets of the TAO Group Entities, as the case may be.

(d)    No TAO Group Entity has any outstanding bonds, debentures, notes or other debt-related obligations, the holders of which have the right to vote (or convert into or exercise for securities having the right to vote) with the members or other equityholders of such TAO Group Entity on any matter.

(e)    There are no authorized or outstanding stock appreciation rights, phantom stock rights, restricted stock units, performance units or similar rights with respect to any TAO Group Entity (whether payable in Equity Interests of any TAO Group Entity or cash).

(f)    Other than the TAO Group Entities, there is no other Person in which the TAO Group Entities own, of record or beneficially, any direct or indirect Equity Interest or any right (contingent or otherwise) to acquire the same.

 

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4.4    Consents and Approvals; No Conflict.

(a) The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement, and the consummation of the Transactions and the transactions contemplated by the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement by TAO do not and will not require any Governmental Approval.

(b)    The execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement, and the consummation of the Transactions and the transactions contemplated by the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement do not and will not (i) contravene, conflict with or result in a violation or breach of any provisions of the Organizational Documents of TAO or any TAO Group Entity, (ii) contravene, conflict with, violate or breach any Law or Governmental Order applicable to TAO, any TAO Group Entity or any of their respective assets or properties or give any Governmental Authority or other Person the right to exercise any remedy or obtain relief under, any provision of any applicable Law or Governmental Order to which TAO or any TAO Group Entity or any of their respective assets or properties is subject, (iii) contravene, conflict with, violate or, to the Knowledge of TAO, result in the loss of any benefit to which any TAO Group Entity is entitled under, or give any Governmental Authority the right to revoke, suspend, cancel, terminate, or modify, any Permit or liquor license held by any TAO Group Entity, (iv) require any consent, approval, waiver or notice by any Person under, constitute a default under, conflict with, result in a breach of, or cause or permit the termination, modification, revocation, cancellation, or acceleration of, or result in any other adverse change of any right or obligation or the loss of any benefit to which any TAO Group Entity is entitled under, any provision of any Contract by which any TAO Group Entity is bound or to which any TAO Group Entity or any of its assets or properties are subject, (v) result in the creation or imposition of any Encumbrance on any asset of any TAO Group Entity, or (vi) with the giving of notice or lapse of time or the taking of any action by another Person, have any of the effects described in clauses (i) through (v) of this Section 4.4(b), with only such exceptions in the case of clauses (iii), (iv), (v) and (vi) as (x) do not and are not reasonably likely to impair or delay in any material respect the ability of TAO to perform its obligations under this Agreement and (y) individually and in the aggregate, have not had and are not reasonably likely to have, a Material Adverse Effect.

4.5    Compliance with Laws; Permits and Liquor Licenses.

(a) Since January 1, 2016 (i) the TAO Group Entities have conducted their business in all material respects in accordance with all Laws and Governmental Orders applicable to the TAO Group Entities and the TAO Business and (ii) none of the TAO Group Entities has been, nor is any of them now, in violation, in any material respect, of any such Law or Governmental Order. Since January 1, 2016, none of TAO or the TAO Group Entities have received written notice or a written complaint or other written communication requiring a response or corrective action with respect to any material violation of any Law applicable to the TAO Group Entities or the TAO Business, or that it is subject to any obligation to undertake, or to bear all or any portion of the cost of, any corrective or response action that would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the TAO Group Entities, taken as a whole. None of the TAO Group Entities is a party to, or bound by, any Governmental Order that would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the TAO Group Entities, taken as a whole.

 

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(b)    Section 4.5(b) of the TAO Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, complete and correct list of each “use” or “health” Permit required to operate as a restaurant/nightclub and each liquor license held by a TAO Group Entity. Except as would not reasonably be expected to be material to the TAO Group Entities, taken as a whole, (i) the TAO Group Entities hold all Permits and liquor licenses necessary for the operation of the TAO Business, (ii) such Permits and liquor licenses held by the TAO Group Entities are valid and in full force and effect, (iii) no TAO Group Entity is in violation of or in default under any Permit or liquor license held by such TAO Group Entity, no condition exists that with notice or lapse of time or both could permit any revocation, non-renewal or termination, or other adverse modification, of any Permit or liquor license, or constitute a default under, such Permits or liquor licenses, and there are no Actions pending or, to the Knowledge of TAO, threatened before any Governmental Authority that seek the revocation, termination, cancellation, suspension or adverse modification thereof, and (iv) no TAO Group Entity has a pending application for registration to sell franchises for a restaurant, or for an exemption under any jurisdiction’s franchise Laws.

(c)    Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the TAO Group Entities, taken as a whole, (i) to the Knowledge of TAO, there is no reason to believe that any currently pending application for a Permit or any liquor license, or amendment or modification of a Permit or liquor license required in connection with the Transactions or in connection with the operation of the TAO Business will be ultimately denied, and (ii) there are no pending Actions, unresolved citations or unsatisfied penalties relating to Permits or liquor licenses that is reasonably likely to have or result in an adverse impact on any TAO Group Entity or the ability to maintain or renew any Permit or liquor license. Each TAO Group Entity is and since January 1, 2016 has been, in compliance in all material respects with any policy of any Governmental Authority relating to liquor licenses, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the TAO Group Entities, taken as a whole.

4.6    Financial Statements.

(a) Attached to Section 4.6(a) of the TAO Disclosure Schedule are true, correct and complete copies of (i) the audited consolidated balance sheets of TAO Group Intermediate Holdings LLC, (“TAO Intermediate”) and its Subsidiaries as of each of December 31, 2018, December 31, 2019 and June 28, 2020, and the related consolidated statements of income (or with respect to the June 28, 2020 statement, the consolidated statement of operations), changes in member’s equity and cash flows of TAO Intermediate and its Subsidiaries for the years (or with respect to the June 28, 2020 statements, the fiscal year) then ended (collectively, the “TAO Audited Financial Statements”) and (ii) the unaudited consolidated balance sheet of TAO Intermediate and its Subsidiaries as of December 27, 2020 (the “TAO Unaudited Balance Sheet”) and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in member’s equity and cash flows of TAO Intermediate and its Subsidiaries for the six months then ended (collectively, the “TAO Interim Financial Statements” and, together with the TAO Audited Financial Statements, the “TAO Financial Statements”).

(b)    The TAO Financial Statements, subject to the notes thereto, (i) were derived from the books of account and other financial records of TAO Intermediate and its Subsidiaries, (ii) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations and cash

 

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flows of TAO Intermediate and its Subsidiaries as of the dates thereof or for the periods covered thereby and (iii) were prepared in accordance with GAAP applied on a basis consistent throughout the periods covered thereby, in each case, subject to the assumptions and adjustments set forth in the TAO Financial Statements; provided that the TAO Interim Financial Statements are subject to normal recurring year-end adjustments (that would not be material in amount or effect) and the absence of notes may not contain disclosures normally made in footnotes. All accounts, books, records and ledgers maintained by the TAO Group Entities are accurately kept and are true, correct and complete in all material respects. TAO has delivered to Hakkasan Parent copies of all letters from the auditors of TAO or the TAO Group Entities to the boards of directors or managers or equivalent governing bodies thereof since January 1, 2016 that are in TAO’s, a TAO Group Entity’s or their respective Affiliates’ possession, together with copies of all responses thereto.

(c)    The TAO Group Entities maintain a system of internal accounting controls sufficient, in all material respects, to provide reasonable assurance that (i) material transactions are executed in accordance with management’s general or specific authorizations, (ii) transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain asset accountability; (iii) access to assets is permitted only in accordance with management’s general or specific authorization; and (iv) the recorded accountability for assets is compared with the existing assets at reasonable intervals and appropriate action is taken with respect to any differences. Since January 1, 2016, to the Knowledge of TAO, no manager, director or officer, including the chief financial officer (or another officer acting in a similar capacity) of any TAO Group Entity has been involved in or accused of fraud involving the TAO Business regardless of materiality.

(d)    Since January 1, 2016, neither any TAO Group Entity nor, to the Knowledge of TAO, any Representative of any TAO Group Entity or TAO has received any written notification or claim of any (i) “significant deficiency” in the internal controls over financial reporting of the TAO Group Entities, (ii) “material weakness” in the internal controls over financial reporting of the TAO Group Entities or (iii) actual fraud that involves management or other employees of the TAO Group Entities who have a significant role in the internal controls over financial reporting of the TAO Group Entities.

(e)    No TAO Group Entity is subject to any “off-balance sheet arrangement” (as referred to in Item 303(b) of Regulation S-K under the Securities Act).

4.7     Absence of Undisclosed Liabilities.     As of the date of this Agreement, the TAO Group Entities do not have any Liabilities, other than (a) Liabilities reflected, reserved or disclosed in the TAO Unaudited Balance Sheet, (b) Liabilities that are reflected in the final calculation of Closing TAO Indebtedness or Closing TAO Net Working Capital, (c) Liabilities set forth in Section 4.7 of the TAO Disclosure Schedule, (d) Liabilities for future performance pursuant to the terms of TAO Material Contracts or other Contracts of TAO Group Entities entered into in the Ordinary Course (other than as a result of a breach or default (with or without notice or the lapse of time or both) by any TAO Group Entity) or (e) Liabilities which would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the TAO Group, taken as a whole.

 

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4.8    Absence of Certain Changes or Events.     Since the date of the TAO Unaudited Balance Sheet, (x) there has not been a Material Adverse Effect and (y) except (i) in connection with the preparation for, or conduct of, the process resulting in this Agreement and the Transactions, or (ii) as required by applicable Law, there has not been:

(a) any change or event (including, without limitation, changes in the business, operations, assets (whether tangible or intangible) or Liabilities (including contingent Liabilities), results of operations or the condition of the TAO Group Entities), which would, in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the TAO Group Entities, taken as a whole;

(b)    any damage, destruction or loss affecting the business or assets of the TAO Group Entities, whether or not covered by insurance, involving a Loss for the TAO Group Entities in excess of $250,000;

(c)    any issuance, sale, pledge, transfer, disposition of or subjection to any Encumbrance (other than a Permitted Encumbrance) of any Equity Interest of the TAO Group Entities, or any instrument exercisable or convertible into such Equity Interest;

(d)    any entry by any of the TAO Group Entities into a material transaction involving payments in any calendar year in excess of $100,000 individually or $500,000 in the aggregate (or equivalent thereof) outside of the Ordinary Course;

(e)    any discharge or satisfaction by any of the TAO Group Entities of any material Encumbrance or payment by any of the TAO Group Entities of any material Liability outside of the Ordinary Course;

(f)    any adoption of a plan of complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring or other reorganization of a TAO Group Entity;

(g)    any material amendment of the Organizational Documents of a TAO Group Entity or change in the nature of its business;

(h)    any acquisition (whether by merger, consolidation, sale of stock, sale of assets or otherwise), in a single transaction or a series of related transactions, of any Person or all or any material amount of assets, securities, properties, interests or businesses, other than pursuant to (i) existing TAO Material Contracts, including regarding the development of new Venues or (ii) purchases of inventory or supplies in the Ordinary Course;

(i)    any loans, advances or capital contributions to, or investments in, any other Person (other than any TAO Group Entity), except advances for travel and other normal business expenses to officers, employees and managers in the Ordinary Course that do not individually or in the aggregate exceed $300,000;

(j)    any sale, transfer, license or exploitation, or other disposition of, or permitting of the incurrence of, any Encumbrance (other than a Permitted Encumbrance) on any of its material assets, other than non-exclusive licenses or licenses solely between or among wholly-owned TAO Group Entities of TAO Owned IP Rights;

(k)    any amendment (in any material respect), termination or cancelation of any TAO Material Contract or TAO Real Property Lease;

 

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(l)    any increase, or an announcement of an increase, in the compensation or benefits payable to any TAO Service Provider, excluding increases in the Ordinary Course for TAO Service Providers that earn less than $150,000 per year, in each case that do not exceed ten percent (10%) of the TAO Service Provider’s total annual compensation;

(m)    any grant, award or provision of any bonus, severance, retention, change-in-control, equity or equity based compensation to any TAO Service Provider due after the Closing;

(n)    any acceleration of the payment or vesting of any compensation or benefit payable to any TAO Service Provider;

(o)    any entrance into, amendment of, or termination of any Collective Bargaining Agreement;

(p)    any termination (other than for cause) or hiring (other than to replace an employee who has resigned or terminated for cause, death or disability) of any TAO Service Provider with an annual compensation equal to or greater than $150,000;

(q)    any settlement, release, waiver or compromise of any Action related to a TAO Group Entity other than (A) a settlement, release, waiver or compromise of any such Actions solely for money damages fully paid prior to the Closing Date or payable by TAO or its Affiliates which settlements include a full release of the TAO Group Entities or (B) a release, waiver or compromise of any Actions against any third party involving more than $100,000 in the aggregate;

(r)    except as required by applicable Law, (A) the making, change or revocation of any Tax election of the TAO Group, change in any material Tax accounting method of TAO or its Subsidiaries, (B) filing of any amended Tax Return of TAO or its Subsidiaries, (C) settlement or compromise of any audit, examination or other proceeding relating to an amount of Tax with respect to TAO or its Subsidiaries or entry into any closing agreement with respect to TAO or its Subsidiaries, (D) adoption of or change in any Tax accounting method with respect to TAO or its Subsidiaries or (E) surrender of any right to claim a material Tax refund with respect to TAO or its Subsidiaries the making of any change to the financial accounting methods, principles or practices of a TAO Group Entity, except as required by GAAP or a Governmental Authority;

(s)    any incurrence of any Indebtedness (including any assumption or guarantee thereof) other than Indebtedness for borrowed money that was incurred under an instrument that was required to be, and was (or is concurrently herewith), repaid in full at or prior to the consummation of the Closing;

(t)    any making or authorization of, or other commitment to, any capital expenditure, other than maintenance capital expenditures, involving payments of more than $75,000; or

(u)    any agreement, resolution or commitment to do any of the foregoing.

 

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4.9    Absence of Litigation. Except for (i) Venue inspections conducted by a Governmental Authority in the Ordinary Course or (ii) Actions for amounts less than $100,000 (or equivalent thereof) that do not request injunctive or other equitable relief, there is not, and since January 1, 2018 there has not been, any Action pending, or, to the Knowledge of TAO, threatened in a written notice delivered to TAO or the TAO Group Entities against any TAO Group Entity before (or, in the case of threatened Actions, that would be before) or by any Governmental Authority that would reasonably be expected to be, individually or in the aggregate, material to the TAO Group Entities, taken as a whole.

4.10     Assets. Except as would not reasonably be expected to be, individually or in the aggregate, material to the TAO Group Entities, taken as a whole:

(a)    each TAO Group Entity has good and marketable title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all of the assets that it purports to own, lease or license (including all material, tangible property and assets reflected on the TAO Interim Financial Statements or acquired after the date of the TAO Interim Financial Statements), free and clear of all Encumbrances (except for (i) Permitted Encumbrances, or (ii) assets that have been disposed of since the date of the TAO Interim Financial Statements in the Ordinary Course);

(b)    all of the tangible assets owned or leased by each TAO Group Entity are in operating condition (Ordinary Course wear and tear and latent defects excepted) and are adequate for the uses to which they are being put;

(c)    all of the assets and rights owned, leased or licensed by each TAO Group Entity (including any Intellectual Property) constitute all the assets and rights used or held for use in connection with the business of such TAO Group Entity as it is conducted on the date hereof and as was conducted as of December 31, 2019 as reflected on the balance sheet as of such date included in the TAO Audited Financial Statements (taking into account the COVID-19 Measures set forth in Section 4.23 of the TAO Disclosure Schedule);

(d)    such assets and rights constitute all the assets and rights necessary, and are sufficient in all material respects, for each TAO Group Entity to continue to conduct its business following the Closing in substantially the same manner as it is conducted on the date hereof and as was conducted as of December 31, 2019 as reflected on the balance sheet as of such date included in the TAO Audited Financial Statements (taking into account the COVID-19 Measures set forth in Section 4.23 of the TAO Disclosure Schedule); and

(e)    immediately following the consummation of the Closing, TAO Group will have good and valid title to, or valid rights to use, the assets and rights necessary, and are sufficient in all material respects to continue, to conduct the TAO Business in substantially the same manner as it is conducted on the date hereof and as was conducted as of December 31, 2019 as reflected on the balance sheet as of such date included in the TAO Interim Financial Statements taking into account the COVID-19 Measures set forth in Section 4.23 of the TAO Disclosure Schedule.

4.11    Intellectual Property and Data Protection.

(a)     Section 4.11(a) of the Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list of all Registered TAO Intellectual Property, in each case, enumerating specifically the applicable filing or registration number, title, registrar, jurisdiction, date of filing/issuance, current applicant(s)/registered owners(s), as applicable. To the Knowledge of TAO, the Registered TAO Intellectual Property is valid, subsisting and enforceable.

 

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(b)    Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the TAO Group Entities, taken as a whole, each TAO Group Entity owns all right, title and interest in and to each item of TAO Owned IP Rights, free and clear of all Encumbrances (except for Permitted Encumbrances) and possesses a valid right to use all other Intellectual Property used in and material to the operation of the business of the TAO Group Entities. This Section 4.11(b) shall not be construed as a representation that the TAO Group Entities do not infringe, misappropriate or violate the Intellectual Property of any Person.

(c)    Except for allegations of infringement, misappropriation or violation that would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the TAO Group Entities, taken as a whole, since October 1, 2018, (i) none of the TAO Group Entities has been a party to any Action or received any written notice from any Person (including any notification that a license under any patent or other Intellectual Property is or may be required) (x) alleging that the TAO Owned IP Rights or the conduct of the business of the TAO Group Entities infringes, misappropriates or violates any Intellectual Property of any Person or (y) challenging the ownership by the TAO Group Entities of, or the validity or enforceability of, the TAO Owned IP Rights; and (ii) none of the TAO Group Entities has instituted or threatened in writing to institute any Action against any Person alleging such Person is infringing, misappropriating or violating any TAO Owned IP Rights.

(d)    Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the TAO Group Entities, taken as a whole, the operation of the business of the TAO Group Entities as currently conducted does not infringe, misappropriate or violate any Intellectual Property of any Person. To the Knowledge of TAO, no Person is infringing, misappropriating or violating any TAO Owned IP Rights in any material respect.

(e)    Except where the absence of that assignment or transfer would not reasonably be expected to be, individually or in the aggregate, material to the TAO Group Entities, taken as a whole, in each case in which a TAO Group Entity has engaged or hired an employee, consultant or contractor who develops or creates for the TAO Group Entities any Intellectual Property, the TAO Group Entity has obtained, either by operation of Law or by valid assignment or transfer, exclusive ownership of all right, title and interest in and to such Intellectual Property.

(f)    TAO’s and the TAO Group Entities’ IT Systems (i) are sufficient in all material respects for the operation of the TAO Business; (ii) operate without any material defect, malfunction, unavailability or error; and (iii) are reasonably secure in all material respects against unauthorized access, intrusion, tampering, impairment, disruption, computer virus, malfunction or Security Incident.

(g)    To the Knowledge of TAO, no Software included in TAO Owned IP Rights contains any undisclosed disabling codes or instructions, “time bombs,” “Trojan horses,” “back doors,” “trap doors,” “worms,” viruses, bugs, faults, security vulnerabilities or other Software routines that has resulted in (x) any Person accessing without authorization or disabling or erasing any products, services, solutions or offerings made available by the TAO Group Entities (“TAO

 

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Products”), (y) a significant adverse effect on the features or functionality of any TAO Product or (z) unauthorized acquisition of or access to confidential or proprietary Intellectual Property (including any TAO Confidential IP) created, received, maintained or transmitted through any TAO Products, except as would not, in the case of (x), (y), or (z), reasonably be expected to be, individually or in the aggregate, material to the TAO Group Entities, taken as a whole.

(h)    Since October 1, 2018, each TAO Group Entity has (i) implemented and maintained commercially reasonable policies, programs and procedures in the business of the TAO Group Entities (including reasonable and appropriate administrative, technical and physical safeguards) designed to protect and maintain the confidentiality, availability, integrity, privacy and security of (x) all proprietary or confidential Intellectual Property included in the TAO Owned IP Rights and (y) all Personal Information Processed in connection with the business of the TAO Group Entities (collectively, (x) and (y), the “TAO Confidential IP”), and (ii) each TAO Group Entity has complied with such policies, programs and procedures in all material respects (collectively, “TAO Security Measures”).

(i)    The TAO Security Measures comply in all material respects with all applicable Laws, including all applicable Information Privacy and Security Laws and the TAO Data Security Requirements.

(j)    Since October 1, 2018, (i) to the Knowledge of TAO, there has been (x) no material Security Incident involving the TAO Group Entities, and (y) no material unauthorized, accidental, improper or unlawful disclosure, destruction, loss, alteration, misappropriation or misuse of any TAO Confidential IP in the possession or control of the TAO Group Entities or any of their respective service providers, suppliers, representatives or agents (collectively, “TAO Suppliers”), (ii) no Action relating to any violation of the TAO Data Security Requirements, or any improper, unauthorized or unlawful Processing, use, collection or disclosure, or breach in the security, privacy or confidentiality, of any TAO Confidential IP has been initiated or threatened against the TAO Group Entities or, to the Knowledge of TAO, TAO Suppliers, (iii) none of the TAO Group Entities have received any written notice or threat or, to the Knowledge of TAO, oral notice or threat, in each case regarding or alleging any non-compliance with or violation of any Information Privacy and Security Laws or TAO Data Security Requirements, and (iv) no Governmental Order has been made against any TAO Group Entities for the rectification, blocking, erasure or destruction of any data under any Information Privacy and Security Laws.

(k)    Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the TAO Group Entities, taken as a whole, (i) since October 1, 2018, each TAO Group Entity has complied with all applicable TAO Data Security Requirements and Information Privacy and Security Laws, (ii) the TAO Privacy Agreements do not require the delivery of any notice to or consent from any Person, or prohibit the unqualified transfer of the Personal Information constituting TAO Confidential IP in connection with the execution, delivery or performance of this Agreement, or the consummation of any of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, and (iii) the TAO Group Entities have all rights, authority, consents and authorizations necessary to Process all Personal Information in their possession or under their control or otherwise constituting TAO Confidential IP in connection with the operation of the business of the TAO Group Entities as presently conducted.

 

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(l)    No TAO Group Entity has, directly or indirectly, delivered, licensed or made available to any escrow agent or other Person, and no escrow agent or other Person has, or had, in its possession or control (other than employees of a TAO Group Entity or TAO Supplier), any source code for any Software forming part of any TAO Products or TAO Owned IP Rights.

(m)    Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the TAO Group Entities, taken as a whole, (i) each of the TAO Group Entities has complied with all notice, attribution and other requirements applicable to all Open Source Software used in the business of the TAO Group Entities, and (ii) no use, distribution or other exploitation of Open Source Software by the TAO Group Entities, their employees or the TAO Suppliers (within the scope of their respective engagements with the TAO Group Entities) (w) requires the licensing, disclosure or distribution of any TAO Owned IP Rights to any other Person under the terms of any Open Source Software license, including in “source code” form, (x) prohibits or limits the receipt of consideration in connection with the licensing or distribution of any TAO Owned IP Rights, (y) prohibits or limits the imposition of contractual restrictions on the rights of licensees or their recipients to decompile, disassemble, or otherwise reverse engineer any TAO Owned IP Rights, or (z) grants any Person any rights to any TAO Owned IP Rights, including any copyright license, patent license or non-assertion covenant.

4.12    Real Property.

(a)     None of the TAO Group Entities owns, nor has owned since January 1, 2015, any real property or is obligated pursuant to any Contract to acquire any real property.

(b)    Section 4.12(b) of the TAO Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list of all leases, subleases, ground leases, licenses, sublicenses, and other occupancy agreements for real property (including the identity of the lessor, lessee, licensor, licensee, and current occupant (if different from lessee or licensee)) leased, subleased, licensed, or sublicensed to each TAO Group Entity (all such leases, subleases, ground leases, licenses, sublicenses, and other occupancy agreements, including all modifications, amendments, side letters, letter agreements, assignments, guarantees or supplements thereto, the “TAO Real Property Leases” and, the real property leased, subleased, licensed or sublicensed thereunder, the “TAO Leased Real Property”).

(c)    Except as would not reasonably be expected to be material to the TAO Group, taken as a whole: (i) each TAO Real Property Lease is in full force and effect and is a valid and binding agreement of the TAO Group, enforceable against such entity in accordance with its terms, subject to the Bankruptcy and Equity Exceptions; (ii) the TAO Group’s possession and quiet enjoyment of the TAO Leased Real Property under such TAO Real Property Leases has not been disturbed; and (iii) the TAO Group has not subleased, licensed, sublicensed or otherwise granted any Person the right to use or occupy such TAO Leased Real Property or any portion thereof.

(d)     Neither TAO and its Subsidiaries’ that is party to any TAO Real Property Lease, nor, to the Knowledge of TAO, any other party to any TAO Real Property Lease, is in material breach of, and no event has occurred that, with the giving of notice or lapse of time, or both, would constitute an event of default under, any TAO Real Property Lease. No TAO Group

 

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Entity that is party to any TAO Real Property Lease has received any written notice of any event of default under any TAO Real Property Lease that remains uncured, nor any written notice of any intention to terminate, any such TAO Real Property Lease.

(e)    To the Knowledge of TAO, no TAO Group Entity has received written notice of any existing, pending or contemplated condemnation, inverse condemnation, expropriation or other proceeding in eminent domain, or any other taking by public authority with or without payment or consideration therefor affecting the TAO Leased Real Property or any portion thereof or interest therein, and no such proceeding has been threatened in writing against the TAO Leased Real Property.

(f)    All buildings, structures, improvements, fixtures and building systems included in or on the TAO Leased Real Property are in good operating condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and are adequate in all material respects for their current uses.

(g)    No TAO Group Entity has received any unresolved written notice of violations with respect to the condition, operation, management, occupancy and use of the TAO Leased Real Property.

(h)    All public utilities (including sewer, water, electricity, and gas) required for the operation of the TAO Leased Real Property, or any part thereof, are installed and operating (to the extent the applicable Venue is open for business) in the Ordinary Course.

4.13    Employee Benefit Matters.

(a)     Section 4.13(a) of the TAO Disclosure Schedule lists each material TAO Benefit Plan. Neither TAO nor any of its Subsidiaries has communicated to any TAO Employee or TAO Former Employee an intent to formally adopt or authorize any additional TAO Benefit Plan. TAO has delivered to Hakkasan Parent true, correct and complete copies (including all amendments) of each employee handbook applicable to TAO Employees, and, with respect to each TAO Benefit Plan (as applicable): (i) the plan document (or a written summary of any unwritten TAO Benefit Plan); (ii) the summary plan description; (iii) any trust agreement, insurance contract or other funding agreement; (iv) any administrative services, recordkeeping, investment advisory, investment management or other service agreement; (v) the latest IRS determination letter and the latest IRS opinion or advisory letter, and any pending application for an IRS determination letter and any correspondence with the IRS related thereto; (vi) the last three annual financial statements; (vii) the last three annual reports on Form 5500 (including all schedules, accountant’s reports, and other attachments); (viii) the last three actuarial valuations or reports; and (ix) any material explanatory booklets, announcements and other communications that have been issued to current and former members of a TAO Benefit Plan.

(b)    Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the TAO Group Entities, taken as a whole, (i) each TAO Benefit Plan is and has been operated and administered in accordance with its terms, the terms of any Collective Bargaining Agreement and with the requirements of applicable Law, (ii) TAO has duly complied with its obligations under each TAO Benefit Plan and all contributions, premiums or other payments required to have been made under the terms of any TAO Benefit Plan have been timely

 

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made, or, if applicable, appropriately accrued, (iii) as of the date of this Agreement, there is no Action pending or, to the Knowledge of TAO, threatened against any TAO Benefit Plan (other than routine claims for benefits) and no facts which could give rise to the foregoing exist to the Knowledge of TAO, and (iv) no TAO Benefit Plan is currently under investigation or audit by any Governmental Authority, and, to the Knowledge of TAO, no such investigation or audit is contemplated or under consideration.

(c)    Each TAO Benefit Plan intended to be tax-qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code has a current favorable IRS determination letter (or, in the case of a preapproved plan, a current IRS opinion or advisory letter on which it can rely) as to its tax qualified status under the Code, and to the Knowledge of TAO, nothing has occurred since the date of such favorable determination (or opinion or advisory) letter that would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the qualified status of such plan.

(d)    No TAO Benefit Plan provides health, life insurance or other welfare benefits to retired or other terminated TAO Service Providers (or any spouse, beneficiary or dependent thereof), other than “COBRA” continuation coverage required by Section 4980B of the Code or Sections 601-608 of ERISA or similar state Law.

(e)    No TAO Benefit Plan is a “defined benefit plan” within the meaning of Section 3(35) of ERISA or a “multiemployer plan” within the meaning of Section 3(37) or 4001(a)(3) of ERISA, and no TAO Group Entity has any liability, contingent or otherwise, with respect to any such plan.

(f)    Neither the execution of this Agreement nor the consummation of the Transactions will result in the occurrence of a “reportable event” within the meaning of Section 4043 of ERISA (for which the notice requirement has not been waived by the PBGC) with respect to any plan sponsored, maintained or contributed to by any ERISA Affiliate of TAO.

(g)    No event has occurred and no condition exists with respect to any TAO Benefit Plan or any other Benefit Plan sponsored, maintained or contributed to by any Person who is or was an ERISA Affiliate of TAO which could result in the imposition of a lien on the assets of TAO or which could subject any TAO Benefit Plan, any Hakkasan Contributed Entities, TAO or any of their respective employees, agents, directors or ERISA Affiliates, directly or indirectly (through an indemnification agreement or otherwise), to a material liability, including (i) under Section 412, 430, 4971 or 4980B of the Code or Title IV of ERISA, (ii) for a breach of fiduciary duty, (iii) for a “prohibited transaction,” within the meaning of Section 406 of ERISA or Section 4975 of the Code, or (iv) for a Tax, penalty or fine under Section 502 or 4071 of ERISA or Subtitle D, Chapter 43 of the Code or any other excise Tax, penalty or fine under ERISA or the Code.

(h)    Except as otherwise provided herein, the execution of this Agreement or the consummation of the Transactions will not (either alone or in combination with another event) (i) increase the amount of compensation or benefits otherwise payable under any TAO Benefit Plan, (ii) entitle any current or former TAO Service Provider to any payment (whether severance or otherwise), or (iii) accelerate the timing of payment, exercisability, funding or vesting or trigger any payment of compensation or benefits under, or increase the amount payable or trigger any other obligation pursuant to, any of the TAO Benefit Plans.

 

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(i)    No payment or series of payments that would constitute a “parachute payment” (within the meaning of Section 280G of the Code) has been made or will be made by TAO, directly or indirectly, to any current or former TAO Service Provider in connection with the execution of this Agreement or as a result of the consummation of the Transactions.

(j)    Each TAO Benefit Plan that is a “nonqualified deferred compensation plan” subject to Section 409A of the Code has been materially maintained and administered in operational and documentary compliance with Section 409A of the Code and all regulations and other applicable regulatory guidance issued thereunder.

(k)    No TAO Group Entity has any obligation to gross up, indemnify or otherwise reimburse any current or former TAO Service Provider for any Taxes, interest or penalties incurred in connection with any TAO Benefit Plan (including without limitation any Taxes, interest or penalties incurred pursuant to Section 409A or 4999 of the Code).

(l)    Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the TAO Group Entities, taken as a whole, TAO and each TAO Benefit Plan that is a “group health plan” as defined in Section 733(a)(1) of ERISA (each, a “TAO Health Plan”) is, and has since March 23, 2010 been, in material compliance with the Healthcare Reform Laws. No event has occurred and no condition or circumstance exists that could reasonably be expected to subject TAO or any TAO Health Plan to material penalties, fines or Taxes under Sections 4980D or 4980H of the Code or any other provision of the Healthcare Reform Laws.

4.14    Labor Matters.

(a)     Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the TAO Group, taken as a whole, as of the date of this Agreement: (i) there is no charge or complaint pending, or to the Knowledge of TAO, threatened in any written notice delivered to the TAO Group, before any Governmental Authority with respect to any TAO Employee or Former TAO Employee; (ii) there is no labor strike, lock-out or other form of industrial action pending or, to the Knowledge of TAO, threatened with respect to any TAO Employee or Former TAO Employee; (iii) there is no Action pending or, to the Knowledge of TAO, threatened in any written notice delivered to the TAO Group, against any of the TAO Group Entities brought by or on behalf of any TAO Employee, Former TAO Employee or Employee Representative Body representing all or any of the TAO Employees or Former TAO Employees; and (iv) there are no inquiries or investigations existing, pending, or to the Knowledge of TAO, threatened in any written notice delivered to the TAO Group by any Governmental Authority which is responsible for employment matters that affect any TAO Employees or Former TAO Employees.

(b)    As of the date of this Agreement none of the TAO Group Entities is a party to any Collective Bargaining Agreement with any Employee Representative Body and, to the Knowledge of TAO, no Employee Representative Body organizing efforts are being conducted with respect to any TAO Employees or Former TAO Employees. TAO has delivered to Hakkasan Parent a true, correct and complete copy of each Collective Bargaining Agreement (including any related agreements, such as side letters or memoranda of agreement).

 

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(c)    Since January 1, 2020, no TAO Group Entity has violated with respect to any TAO Employee any applicable Law governing the terms and conditions of employment, except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the TAO Group, taken as a whole.

(d)    In the last three (3) years, no TAO Group Entity has effectuated a “mass layoff” or “plant closing” as those terms are defined in the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988, as amended, or comparable group layoff covered under any applicable state Law, affecting in whole or in part any facility, site of employment, operating unit or employee of any TAO Group Entity.

(e)    Except as has been mandated by Governmental Authority, TAO Group has not had any material workforce changes due to COVID-19, whether directly or indirectly, including any actual or expected terminations, layoffs, furloughs, shutdowns (whether voluntary or by Governmental Order), or any changes to benefit or compensation programs, nor are any such changes currently contemplated.

4.15    Taxes.

(a)     All income and material other Tax Returns required to have been filed by the TAO Group have been timely filed (taking into account any extension of time to file granted or obtained), and such Tax Returns were true, correct and complete in all material respects and prepared in material compliance with all applicable Laws as of the dates they were filed. All Taxes of the TAO Group (whether or not shown as due on such Tax Returns) that are due and payable have been timely paid.

(b)    The TAO Group has timely withheld and collected, and to the extent required, paid to the relevant Taxing Authority, all material Taxes required by applicable Law to be withheld or collected from payments to shareholders, members, owners, creditors, employees and other third parties and have materially complied with all information reporting obligations with respect to such amounts.

(c)    There are no material Tax Encumbrances upon any property or assets of the TAO Group other than Permitted Encumbrances.

(d)    No examination or audit of, or proceeding with respect to, any Taxes or Tax Return of any TAO Group Entity by any Taxing Authority is currently in progress, and to the Knowledge of TAO, no such examination, audit or proceeding has been threatened in writing. Each deficiency resulting from such an examination, audit or proceeding has been timely paid.

(e)    None of the TAO Group Entities is a party to any Tax allocation, indemnity or sharing agreement (other than a commercial agreement entered into in the Ordinary Course the principal subject matter of which is not Taxes) with any Person which entails obligations to parties other than TAO Group Entities, and after the Closing Date, none of the TAO Group Entities will be bound by any such agreement or similar arrangement entered into prior to the Closing Date or will have any unsatisfied liability thereunder for any amounts due in respect of periods prior to the Closing Date.

 

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(f)    None of the TAO Group Entities has (i) waived any statute of limitations in respect of material Taxes or agreed to any extension of time with respect to any material Tax assessment or deficiency or (ii) made or entered into any power of attorney relating to Taxes that will remain in effect following the Closing Date.

(g)    No written claim has been made by a Taxing Authority in any jurisdiction where the TAO Group does not file Tax Returns or pay Taxes that the TAO Group is or may be subject to taxation by, or required to file Tax Returns or pay Taxes in, such jurisdiction.

(h)    Within the past two (2) years, none of the TAO Group Entities has been a “distributing corporation” or a “controlled corporation” in a distribution intended to qualify under Section 355(a) of the Code.

(i)    There are no closing agreements, private letter rulings, technical advice memoranda or similar agreements or rulings that have been entered into or issued by any Taxing Authority in respect of any material Tax matters with respect to the TAO Group which are still in effect.

(j)    At all times since formation, (i) TAO has been treated as a disregarded entity for U.S. federal and applicable state income tax purposes and (ii) each TAO Group Entity (other than TAO) has been treated either as a partnership or a disregarded entity for U.S. federal and applicable state income tax purposes. No TAO Group Entity is or has been at any time since its formation treated as a publicly traded partnership within the meaning of Section 7704 of the Code. For the avoidance of doubt, no election has been made to treat any TAO Group Entity as an association taxable as a corporation for U.S. federal income tax purposes (nor has any similar election been made for applicable state or local tax purposes), and no such election will be made, in each case, that has an effective date on or prior to the Closing Date.

(k)    The TAO Group has not participated in any transaction that is classified as a “reportable transaction” (within the meaning of Section 6011 of the Code and the Treasury Regulations thereunder).

(l)    None of the TAO Group Entities has Liability for the Taxes of any Person (other than TAO Group Entities) as a result of being a member of a combined, consolidated, unitary, affiliated or other group for Tax purposes, including under Treasury Regulation Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or non-U.S. Law), as a transferee or successor or by Contract, other than a commercial agreement, Contract or arrangement entered into in the Ordinary Course the principal subject matter of which is not Taxes.

(m)    None of the TAO Group Entities will be required to include any material item of income in, or exclude any material item of deduction from, taxable income for the Post-Closing Tax Period as a result of (i) any change in method of accounting for a Pre-Closing Tax Period, (ii) use of an improper method of accounting, (iii) any installment sale, intercompany transaction or open transaction entered into prior to the Closing, (iv) any prepaid amount received or paid prior to the Closing, (v) any closing agreement as described in Section 7121 of the Code or any similar provision of federal, state, local or non-U.S. Tax Law, or (vi) use of the completed contract or long-term contract method of accounting.

 

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(n)    (o) Each TAO Group Entity has properly collected and remitted sales with respect to sales made to its customers and has complied with all obligations relating to sales, use and similar Taxes.

4.16    Environmental Matters. Except as would not be material to the TAO Group, taken as a whole, (i) Each TAO Group Entity is in compliance, in all material respects, with all applicable Environmental Laws, (ii) the TAO Group has obtained and is in compliance in all material respects with all material Environmental Permits that are necessary to conduct the TAO Business, and (iii) there is no Action pending or, to the Knowledge of TAO, threatened in writing, against the TAO Group that relates to any material violation or alleged material violation of, or any material Liability or alleged material Liability under, any applicable Environmental Law; provided that any Action that has been initiated but with respect to which process or other comparable notice has not been served on or delivered to the TAO Group shall be deemed to be “threatened” rather than “pending.”

4.17    Material Contracts.

(a)    Section 4.17(a) of the TAO Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list of each of the following written Contracts to which any TAO Group Entity is a party or by which any TAO Group Entity is bound or to which any TAO Group Entity or any of its assets or properties are subject as of the date of this Agreement, together with all amendments, waivers or other changes thereto, and correct and complete written summaries of all such Contracts that are unwritten (collectively, the “TAO Material Contracts”)

(i)    any Contract or group of related Contracts (other than purchase orders) for the purchase by a TAO Group Entity of equipment, materials, products, supplies, goods or other assets or for the receipt of services which involves, or is reasonably likely to involve, (x) consideration or payments in excess of $100,000 in the aggregate during the year ending December 31, 2021 or (y) aggregate payments of $300,000 or more, in each case that cannot be terminated by the TAO Group Entities on 90 days’ (or less) notice without (A) payment of a material penalty or incurrence of a material Liability, or (B) a material impact on the TAO Group Entities taken as a whole;

(ii)    any Contract or group of related Contracts for the sale, license or lease (as lessor) by any TAO Group Entity of services, materials, products, supplies or other assets or properties (including Equity Interests) owned, licensed or leased by such TAO Group Entity which involves, or is reasonably likely to involve, (x) consideration or payments in excess of $100,000 in the aggregate during the year ending December 31, 2021 or (y) aggregate payments of $300,000 or more, in each case that cannot be terminated by the TAO Group Entities on 90 days’ (or less) notice without (A) payment of (or withholding of payment due to) a material penalty or incurrence of a material Liability, or (B) a material impact on the TAO Group Entities taken as a whole;

 

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(iii)    any partnership, joint venture or similar Contract, or any Contract that relates to the ownership of, investment in or loans and advances to any Person (other than advances to employees in the Ordinary Course), including minority equity investments but excluding commercial partnerships that do not involve equity;

(iv)    any (x) TAO Real Property Lease, and (y) any Contract relating to the provision of management services to a Venue;

(v)    any Contract with an (x) advertiser or sponsor (or similar party) or (y) promoter, in either case, reasonably anticipated to involve annual payments in excess of $100,000 for any such Contract or $150,000 for any group of related Contracts, in each case of clauses (x) and (y) that cannot be terminated by such TAO Group Entity on 90 days’ (or less) notice without (A) payment of (or withholding of payment due to) a material penalty or incurrence of material Liability, or (B) a material impact on any TAO Group Entity or the TAO Group Entities taken as a whole;

(vi)    any Contract with a DJ reasonably anticipated to involve payments per performance in excess of $50,000 or aggregate annual payments in excess of $150,000 that cannot be terminated by such TAO Group Entity on 90 days’ (or less) notice without (A) payment of (or withholding of payment due to) a material penalty or incurrence of material Liability, or (B) a material impact on any TAO Group Entity or the TAO Group taken as a whole;

(vii)    (x) any Contract (A) relating to the acquisition or disposition of any business, directly or indirectly (whether by merger, sale of stock, sale of assets or otherwise), for consideration in excess of $50,000, or (B) with respect to the proposed Venues listed on Section 4.8(h) of the TAO Disclosure Schedule, or (y) any Contract (other than Contracts that have been fully performed) related to the construction and/or renovation of any new or existing Venue in excess of $50,000;

(viii)    any Contract which grants any Person an option or a first refusal, first offer, first negotiation or similar preferential right to purchase or acquire any material assets (including Equity Interests) of any of the TAO Group Entities;

(ix)    any Contract (A) containing non-competition, non-solicitation (other than in the Ordinary Course non-solicitation obligations that would not be binding on Hakkasan Parent or any of its Affiliates) or other limitations restricting any TAO Group Entity or any of their respective properties or assets, from conducting any business (including investing in, opening or operating any type of Venue in any location, of any theme or at any time (or with respect to properties or assets, from being used in connection with the opening or operation of such a Venue of the applicable

 

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TAO Group Entity) or requiring any such opportunity to first be provided to any third party), or that limits the freedom of a TAO Group Entity, to compete at any time and in any manner in any line of business, or with any Person, in any area in the world, (B) that grants to the other party or any third party “most favored nation” status, or (C) that grants to the other party or any third party any exclusive right or rights (including any “requirements” or exclusive purchasing Contract) or in which any third party grants any TAO Group Entity any exclusive right or rights, and in each case of clauses (A), (B) and (C), that cannot be terminated by such TAO Group Entity on 90 days’ (or less) notice without (1) payment of (or withholding of payment due to) a material penalty or incurrence of a material Liability or (2) a material impact on the TAO Group Entities taken as a whole;

(x)    any Contract that (x) relates to Indebtedness, including any Contracts that constitute a guaranty of any obligation of any Person, or (y) applies a material Encumbrance (other than a Permitted Encumbrance) on any of the properties or assets of any TAO Group Entity, tangible or intangible;

(xi)    any Collective Bargaining Agreement or similar Contract with any unions, guilds, shop committees or other collective bargaining groups;

(xii)    any Contract that relates to the settlement of any Action involving any TAO Group Entity (A) that obligates any TAO Group Entity to pay an amount in excess of $100,000 (including amounts paid prior to the date hereof), (B) that does or will materially restrict the operations of any TAO Group Entity, or (C) that involves any injunction or equitable relief affecting any TAO Group Entity or the assets and properties of the foregoing, or with respect to which the conditions precedent to the settlement thereof have not been satisfied;

(xiii)    any Contract with any Governmental Authority that involves a dollar amount in excess of $25,000;

(xiv)    other than the Organizational Documents, any Contract granting any power of attorney with respect to the affairs of any TAO Group Entity;

(xv)    any Tao Benefit Plan that provides for employment that is not “at-will” in the United States;

(xvi)    any Tao Benefit Plan that provides for the payment of severance benefits (provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, severance benefits shall not for this purpose include any rights to notice of termination of employment or rights to be paid in lieu of notice of termination of employment), change in control benefits or retention benefits to any Tao Employee;

 

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(xvii)    any TAO Intercompany Contracts;

(xviii)    any material TAO IP Agreements; and

(xix)    any Contract to which any TAO Group Entity is a party pursuant to which any material TAO Owned IP Rights have been developed or created, excluding all invention assignments entered into with employees of any of the TAO Group Entities in the ordinary course of business.

(b)    With such exceptions as, individually and in the aggregate, have not had and are not reasonably likely to have, a Material Adverse Effect, (i) each Contract to which a TAO Group Entity is a party or by which any TAO Group Entity is bound or to which any TAO Group Entity or any of their assets or properties are subject (each, a “TAO Contract”) (A) is valid and binding on the TAO Group Entity that is a party thereto in accordance with its terms, is in full force and effect and is valid and binding on and enforceable against such TAO Group Entity in accordance with its terms, and, to the Knowledge of TAO, the counterparties thereto, and is in full force and effect, and upon consummation of the Transactions, shall continue in full force and effect, in each case, other than in the event that such TAO Contract has been validly terminated in accordance with its terms and subject to the Bankruptcy and Equity Exceptions, and (B) upon consummation of the Transactions, except to the extent that any consents set forth in Section 4.4 of the TAO Disclosure Schedule are not obtained, shall continue in full force and effect, (ii) none of the TAO Group Entities is in breach of, or default under, any TAO Contract to which it is a party and, to the Knowledge of TAO, no counterparty thereto is in breach of, or default under, any TAO Contract, (iii) no event has occurred that, with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both, would constitute a breach of, or default under, any TAO Contract, and (iv) to the Knowledge of TAO, as of the date hereof, there are no unresolved disputes under any TAO Contracts other than disputes in the Ordinary Course which, individually, are de minimis.

4.18    Transactions with Affiliates. Section 4.18-1 of the TAO Disclosure Schedule lists, as of immediately prior to the consummation of the Closing, all TAO Intercompany Contracts. At the time of the consummation of the Closing, none of TAO or its Affiliates, nor any of their respective directors, managers or officers (or similar authorized appointments with different names), or (to the Knowledge of TAO as to any such individuals) any of the Relatives or Associates of the foregoing (in each case other than any TAO Group Entities) (i) is a party to any TAO Intercompany Contract or other business transaction with any TAO Group Entity, or (ii) has received any funds from or on behalf of any TAO Group Entity other than compensation or reimbursement of expenses paid to such Persons in their capacity as employees, officers, directors or managers, or distributions, in each case, in the Ordinary Course.

4.19     Insurance. Section 4.19 of the TAO Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list of the material insurance policies owned or held by or covering the TAO Group Entities with policy periods in effect as of the date of this Agreement, including a summary of such policies’ most material terms. Prior to the date of this Agreement, TAO has made available to Hakkasan Parent true, correct and complete copies of all such insurance policies and loss runs

 

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under such policies as of a date no earlier than January 15, 2021. The TAO Group Entities currently maintain in full force insurance required by applicable Law or any TAO Contract and are not in default with respect to their obligations under any of such insurance policies, except for such default as has not had and would not reasonably be expected to have a material impact on the TAO Group Entities taken as a whole. As of the date of this Agreement, all premiums due and payable on such policies have been paid in full, and no written notice of cancellation, reduction in coverage or non-renewal (excluding warnings in connection with renewals in the Ordinary Course) has been received by TAO or the TAO Group Entities with respect to any material insurance policy owned or held by or covering the TAO Group Entities.

4.20    Corruption Laws.

(a) Since January 1, 2016, except as has not been and would not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to the TAO Group Entities, taken as a whole, (x) the TAO Group Entities have been and remain in compliance with all applicable Anti-Corruption and Money-Laundering Laws and Obligations and (y) no TAO Group Entity, nor, to the Knowledge of TAO, any officer, director, employee or agent acting on behalf of any TAO Group Entity has provided, authorized or approved, or knowingly taken any action in furtherance of the provision of, directly or indirectly (including through third parties), anything of value to any Public Official, nor provided or promised anything of value to any other Person while knowing that all or a portion of that thing of value would or will be offered, given, or promised, directly or indirectly, to any Public Official, in either case, for the purpose of:

(i)    influencing any act or decision of such Public Official in his or her official capacity, inducing such Public Official to do or omit to do any act in violation of their lawful duty, or securing any improper advantage for the benefit of any TAO Group Entity; or

(ii)    inducing such Public Official to use his or her influence with his or her government or instrumentality to affect or influence any act or decision of any Government Authority or Government Entity, in order to assist any TAO Group Entity in obtaining or retaining business for or with, or directing business to, any Person.

(b)    The TAO Group Entities are not currently, nor have been since January 1, 2016, the subject of any investigation or inquiry by any Governmental Authority with respect to potential violations of Anti-Corruption and Money-Laundering Laws and Obligations, and, to the Knowledge of TAO, the TAO Group Entities have not violated and are not in violation of any Anti-Corruption and Money-Laundering Laws and Obligations.

(c)    The TAO Group Entities have (i) made and kept books, records and accounts which, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions in relation to the TAO Business, (ii) reasonable measures and internal controls in place reasonably designed to prevent, detect, and remediate violations of any applicable Anti-Corruption and Money-Laundering Laws and Obligations and (iii) not circumvented their respective internal accounting controls or falsified any of their respective books and records.

 

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(d)    To the Knowledge of TAO, no funds or assets directly or indirectly invested in the TAO Group Entities, whether presently or in the past, originate from or trace their origins to misappropriated funds.

4.21    International Trade Law

(a)    The TAO Group Entities are not owned or controlled by a Sanctioned Person, and no officer or director of the TAO Group Entities is a Sanctioned Person, and the TAO Group Entities have not acted, directly or indirectly, on behalf of a Sanctioned Person in a manner that would violate any International Trade Law.

(b)    The TAO Group Entities (i) have been in compliance in all respects with any International Trade Law as applicable and (ii) have not been cited or fined for past or present failure to comply with any International Trade Law, and (iii) no proceeding, litigation, investigation, or enforcement action with respect to any alleged non-compliance with International Trade Law is pending or has been threatened in writing, or communicated orally.

(c)    The TAO Group Entities have not (i) unlawfully conducted any business or engaged in making or receiving any contribution of funds, goods, or services to or for the benefit of any Sanctioned Person in violation of any International Trade Law applicable to the TAO Group Entities and/or its Subsidiaries, or (ii) unlawfully dealt in, or otherwise engaged in, any transaction relating to any property or interests in property blocked pursuant to any International Trade Law.

(d)    The TAO Group Entities have reasonable measures and internal controls in place reasonably designed to prevent, detect, and remediate violations of any International Trade Laws.

4.22    Quality and Safety of Food & Beverage Products. The storage practices, preparation, ingredients, and composition for each of the food or beverage products of each of the TAO Group Entities (i) are in compliance in all material respects with all applicable Laws, including Laws relating to food and beverage storage and preparation, and (ii) are in compliance in all material respects with all internal quality management policies and procedures of the TAO Group Entities. TAO has made available to TAO true, correct and complete copies of all material reports involving outstanding issues resulting from any material audits and inspections of the quality or safety management practices by any Governmental Authority conducted since October 1, 2018 with respect to the Venues managed or operated by the TAO Group Entities.

4.23    COVID-19.

(a)    Each TAO Group Entity has complied, in all material respects, with all applicable Laws in any relevant jurisdiction that have been introduced in response to, or to manage the spread of, COVID-19.

(b)    Since January 1, 2020, no Contract involving any TAO Group Entity which would, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably be expected to be material to such TAO Group Entity or to the TAO Group Entities, taken as a whole, has either been terminated or discharged by frustration, nor has the performance of any obligation thereunder been suspended or otherwise materially varied, in each case for a reason associated with COVID-19.

 

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(c)    Section 4.23(c) of the TAO Disclosure Schedule sets forth a true, correct and complete list of (a) any amendments, consents, waivers, payment deferrals or suspensions or other concessions agreed or sought in the last 12 months in connection with any Indebtedness; and each TAO Group Entity’s participation in any COVID-19 Facilities, including the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme, Coronavirus Bounce Bank Loans, the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme, the Covid Corporate Financing Facility and the Coronavirus Future Fund (but excluding for the purposes of this warranty the CJRS), and TAO has made available to Hakkasan Parent copies of all material documents relating to such participation.

(d)    No TAO Group Entity has contravened or otherwise failed to comply with the terms and conditions of any of the COVID-19 Facilities.

(e)    In respect of each of the Employees and the TAO Service Providers, each TAO Group Entity has complied with all of its health and safety obligations under Law and any applicable guidance in relation to COVID-19.

(f)    Section 4.23(f) of the TAO Disclosure Schedule sets forth true, correct and complete (on an anonymized basis) details of all TAO Employees or TAO Service Providers who are Furloughed or Flexibly Furloughed under the CJRS. TAO has made available to Hakkasan Parent (i) copies of the standard-form templates of the written terms on which they are Furloughed or Flexibly Furloughed and standard-form templates of agreed variation to their existing terms of employment; (ii) summaries of all claims, including calculations; and (iii) material details of any consultation undertaken to implement Furlough and Flexible Furlough.

(g)    In relation to each TAO Real Property Lease, all Lease Sums have been paid as and when they became due, there are no arrangements to change the payment dates of Lease Sums and no Lease Sums have been: (i) set off or withheld; or (ii) commuted, waived, suspended, deferred or paid in advance of the due date for payment, and no proposals have been made in relation to such matters.

(h)    No collateral assurances, undertakings or concessions have been made or proposed in writing by any party to any TAO Real Property Lease.

(i)    Section 4.23(i) of the TAO Disclosure Schedule sets out a true, correct and complete list of the measures introduced by a Governmental Authority to assist businesses with their tax affairs in response to the COVID-19 pandemic (the “TAO Measures”), from which any TAO Group Entity has benefitted.

(j)    Each TAO Group Entity was entitled to benefit from, and has complied with any and all requirements of, any TAO Measures from which it has benefitted.

4.24    Brokers and Finders. No broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder’s or other fee or commission in connection with the Transactions based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of TAO or any of its Affiliates.

4.25    No Other Representations or Warranties. Except as expressly set forth in this Article IV (as qualified by the TAO Disclosure Schedule in accordance with Section 8.11), none of TAO or any of its Representatives makes any representation or warranty to

 

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Hakkasan Parent or any other Person, express or implied, at law or in equity, with respect to TAO or any of its Affiliates, the Transferred TAO Units, the properties, assets or Liabilities of the TAO Group, the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the accuracy or completeness of any information regarding the TAO Group, including with respect to (a) merchantability or fitness for any particular use or purpose, (b) the operation or probable success or profitability of the TAO Group following the Closing, (c) any information memorandum, management presentation or materials made available to Hakkasan Parent or any of its Representatives in TAO’s Data Room or otherwise in connection with this Agreement or the Transactions, (d) any future results, financial projection, estimate, forecast, budget or financial data or report (including the reasonableness of the assumptions underlying such projections, estimates, forecasts, budgets or prospects) relating to the TAO Group, (e) any other information made available (orally or in writing) to Hakkasan Parent and its Representatives or (f) any other matter or thing. Any such other representation or warranty is hereby expressly disclaimed.

ARTICLE V

AGREEMENTS OF HAKKASAN PARENT AND TAO

5.1    Confidentiality.

(a) From and after the Closing until the date that is thirty (30) months after the Closing Date, Hakkasan Parent shall, and shall cause its Affiliates and its and their respective directors, managers, officers, employees and other Representatives to, keep confidential and not disclose, all information in their possession to the extent related to the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, including trade secrets, processes, data, know-how, marketing plans, forecasts, unpublished financial statements, projections, budgets, licenses, prices, employee, customer and supplier lists, product development information and techniques, policies and strategies, details of Contracts, operations methods and other Hakkasan Confidential IP; provided that Hakkasan Parent and its Affiliates will not be required to maintain as confidential any information (i) that becomes generally available to the public other than as a result of a disclosure by Hakkasan Parent or any of its Affiliates in violation of this Agreement, (ii) as is determined by Hakkasan Parent or its Affiliate (with the advice of counsel, including in-house counsel) to be required to be disclosed pursuant to the terms of a Governmental Order, under applicable Law or by any Governmental Authority (provided that Hakkasan Parent or such Affiliate advises the Person to which such disclosure is made of the confidential nature of the information and, if permitted by Law, gives TAO such notice as may be reasonably practicable under the circumstances), (iii) in response to any summons, subpoena or other legal process or formal or informal investigative demand issued to Hakkasan Parent or its Affiliates in the course of any Action, litigation, investigation or administrative proceeding, as is determined by Hakkasan Parent or its Affiliate to be required to be disclosed (provided, further, however, that, to the extent legally permitted and reasonably practicable under the circumstances, Hakkasan Parent or any such Affiliate shall notify TAO of such intended disclosure and reasonably cooperate with TAO in its efforts to limit or restrict such disclosure, at the sole cost and expense of TAO) or (iv) in order to enforce its rights under this Agreement or the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement, or otherwise in connection with any Action between TAO or any of its Affiliates, on the one hand, and Hakkasan Parent or any of its Affiliates, on the other hand.

 

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5.2    Publicity. On the day following the Closing Date, TAO and Hakkasan Parent shall issue a mutually agreeable joint press release announcing the execution of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, substantially in the form attached as Exhibit B. Except as required by applicable Law (including applicable stock exchange regulations), Hakkasan Parent and TAO will consult in good faith with each other and will mutually agree upon any press release, public announcement or disclosure pertaining to this Agreement or the Transactions, and shall not, and shall cause their respective Affiliates not to, issue any such press release or public announcement prior to such consultation and agreement; provided, however, that for so long as TAO is, or is controlled by a company that is, subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, TAO and its Affiliates (including MSGE) may make any public disclosures about TAO or any of its Subsidiaries that are reasonably necessary or appropriate for a public company to make as advised by counsel; provided, further, that, to the extent practicable, TAO will consult in a reasonable manner with Hakkasan Parent in connection with any such public disclosure prior to including a reference to the names set forth on Section 5.2 of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule in any such public disclosure, to the extent the reference to any such name has not been the subject of prior consultation, and consider in good faith the views of Hakkasan Parent regarding whether to make, and the contents of, any such disclosure (it being understood that if Hakkasan Parent does not respond in a timely manner to TAO’s notice, taking into account the timing of such public disclosure, TAO’s obligations under this proviso shall be deemed to have been satisfied).

5.3    Taxes.

(a)    Any and all Conveyance Taxes resulting from the transfer of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities into TAO or otherwise incurred in connection with the consummation of the Transactions shall be borne by fifty percent (50%) by Hakkasan Parent and fifty percent (50%) by TAO. The party required by applicable Law to file a Tax Return or other documentation with respect to any such Conveyance Taxes (which in the case of UK stamp duty on the transfer of Hakkasan Ltd. Shares is agreed to be TAO as the filing party with Hakkasan Parent being the non-filing party) shall timely file any such Tax Return and documentation (including, in the case of UK stamp duty, taking steps necessary to duly stamp the relevant stock transfer form) and within five (5) Business Days of filing any such Tax Return (or, in the case of UK stamp duty, submission of the relevant stock transfer form for stamping), shall provide the non-filing party with evidence of payment and filing. Within two (2) Business Days of receipt of the evidence of payment and filing (or, in the case of UK stamp duty, evidence of submission of the relevant stock transfer form for stamping) described in the preceding sentence, the non-filing party shall pay to the filing party fifty percent (50%) of any Conveyance Taxes due on such Tax Return (or, in the case of UK stamp duty, the amount of stamp duty payable to ensure that the stock transfer form is duly stamped). The Parties shall cooperate and consult in good faith to determine any amounts of Conveyance Tax due pursuant to this Section 5.3 and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to eliminate or otherwise mitigate any and all such Conveyance Taxes.

(b)    Following the Closing, Hakkasan Parent agrees to cooperate with TAO in making elections to treat the Hakkasan Contributed Entities as disregarded entities for federal and applicable state income tax purposes with an effective date prior to the Closing Date, provided that such elections will not result in any adjustment to Closing TAO Value.

 

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5.4    Infectious Disease Insurance Proceeds.

(a) TAO hereby agrees to pay, or cause to be paid, to Hakkasan Parent (or its designee), promptly after receipt thereof, all insurance proceeds, net of (i) reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses of collection, (ii) costs or portions of any recovery due under Hakkasan Contracts in respect of any recovery and (iii) any Taxes, reasonable and documented out-of-pocket consultant fees or reasonable and documented out-of-pocket attorneys’ fees and expenses payable in connection with the recovery thereof (including any legal contingency arrangements) (such net amount, “Insurance Proceeds”), received by any Hakkasan Contributed Entity under any policy held by any of them covering infectious disease business continuity insurance with respect to any period prior to the Closing Date, subject to the other provisions of this Section 5.4. TAO shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries, including the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, to use their reasonable best efforts to cooperate with Hakkasan Parent, including its representatives at TAO’s board of directors and its executive management, with respect to Hakkasan Parent’s efforts to obtain such Insurance Proceeds; provided that such obligation of TAO shall be subject to agreement between Hakkasan Parent and TAO regarding any costs or expenses (including legal fees) to be incurred by any member of the TAO Group (and reimbursed by Hakkasan Parent) in connection with such cooperation.

(b)    Hakkasan Parent shall bear all reasonable and documented costs and expenses related to the pursuit of Insurance Proceeds and the maximization thereof.

(c)    Hakkasan Parent, through its representatives at TAO’s board of directors and its executive management, shall be responsible for reviewing and approving any settlement with respect to Insurance Proceeds as well as any related decision-making. Neither TAO nor any of its Affiliates (including the Hakkasan Contributed Entities and TAO’s other Subsidiaries) shall be responsible for any settlement or related decision-making relating to Insurance Proceeds.

(d)    Hakkasan Parent hereby agrees that all insurance proceeds received by any TAO Group Entity under any policy held by any of them (other than any Hakkasan Contributed Entity) covering infectious disease business continuity insurance with respect to any period prior to the Closing Date, net of any costs or portions of any recovery due under Tao Contracts in respect of any recovery and any Taxes, consultant fees or reasonable and documented out-of-pocket attorneys’ fees and expenses payable in connection with the recovery thereof, may be paid by TAO to TAO Holdings (or its designee) promptly after receipt thereof.

(e)    In furtherance of the foregoing, TAO shall provide prompt notice to Hakkasan Parent, and Hakkasan Parent shall provide prompt notice to TAO (in either case, to the extent such party is receiving the applicable written notice as to a material change in status) of material changes to the status of any claims that have been made or will be made following the Closing by any Hakkasan Contributed Entity or any TAO Group Entity seeking Insurance Proceeds, and shall provide the other party and its representatives with access to or copies of all information relating thereto reasonably requested by such other party.

 

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5.5    Non-Competition and Non-Solicitation.

(a)    For a period of three (3) years after the Closing (the “Restricted Period”), other than as a equityholder in TAO, Hakkasan Parent shall not, and shall cause its Affiliates not to, without the prior written consent of TAO, engage in, own an interest in, manage, operate, control or actively participate in any Competing Business; provided that this Section 5.5(a) shall not prohibit or restrict Hakkasan Parent or any of its Affiliates, during the Restricted Period, from (i) continuing to own, manage, operate, control or participate in any Competing Business in or with which any of them has an interest or relationship as of the Closing Date which interest or relationship is set forth on Section 5.5(a) of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule, (ii) acquiring or owning, directly or indirectly, securities having no more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding voting power of any Person engaged in a Competing Business, so long as its ownership interest in such Person is passive, or (iii) acquiring, directly or indirectly, securities of any Person engaged in a Competing Business so long as such Person’s activities in the Competing Business represent no more than five percent (5%) of its revenues over the past twelve months as of the date of such acquisition and TAO is provided prompt written notice on the closing date of such acquisition, provided that (x) if Hakkasan Parent or any of its Affiliates has acquired control of such Person engaged in a Competing Business, it will cause such Competing Business to be divested within twelve (12) months of such acquisition and (y) if Hakkasan Parent or any of its Affiliates has not acquired control, it will use its reasonable best efforts to cause such Competing Business to be divested within twelve (12) months of such acquisition.

(b)    As a separate and independent covenant, during the Restricted Period, Hakkasan Parent will not, and will cause its Affiliates not to, solicit or hire any of the individuals listed on Section 5.5(b) of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule; provided that this Section 5.5(b) shall not prohibit Hakkasan Parent or any of its Affiliates from soliciting (but not hiring) (i) any such individual whose employment relationship with TAO and its Affiliates (including, for the avoidance of doubt, the Hakkasan Contributed Entities) was terminated by TAO or its applicable Affiliate at least six (6) months prior to the commencement of such solicitation; or (ii) any such individual by a general job advertisement or similar notice or method of solicitation by search firms that is not targeted specifically at any such individuals or employees of TAO Group (including the Hakkasan Contributed Entities).

5.6    Business Plan. The Parties agree to use their commercially reasonable efforts to prepare and deliver to TAO’s board of directors, as soon as reasonably practicable but no later than sixty (60) days after the Closing Date, a detailed business plan of TAO and its Subsidiaries (including the Hakkasan Contributed Entities) for the period ending June 30, 2022 (the “Business Plan”). The Business Plan shall be consistent with the business plan for TAO and its Subsidiaries (including the Hakkasan Contributed Entities) in the form attached as Annex 5.6, and shall, in any event, anticipate earnings of TAO and its Subsidiaries for the fiscal year ending on the last Sunday of June 2022, that are no lower than the combined earnings of TAO and its Subsidiaries and the Hakkasan Contributed Entities (including solely for this purpose Hakkasan Parent) for the fiscal year ending on the last Sunday of June, 2021.

5.7    Further Assurances. Hakkasan Parent and TAO shall use commercially reasonable efforts to take or cause to be taken all necessary or appropriate actions and do, or cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate with the other Party in doing, all things necessary, proper or advisable

 

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under applicable Law to execute and deliver such other documents and other papers as may be required to carry out the provisions of this Agreement and to consummate and make effective the Transactions.

5.8    D&O Policy. Upon the consummation of the Closing, Hakkasan Parent shall cause the Hakkasan Contributed Entities (or an Affiliate thereof on behalf of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities) to obtain and deliver to TAO a true, correct and complete copy of a run-off insurance policy to be effective as of immediately prior to the consummation of the Closing and for a period of six (6) years thereafter providing coverage for the directors and officers of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities (the “D&O Policy”). The cost of such D&O Policy is a one-time premium, and was fully paid prior to the Closing.

5.9    Release.

(a)    Effective upon the consummation of the Closing, Hakkasan Parent, on behalf of itself, its successors, assigns, administrators, executors, agents and Affiliates (including, for purposes of this Section 5.9, the Person specified in Section 3.11(e) of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule and any Subsidiaries thereof), other than the Hakkasan Contributed Entities (the Hakkasan Releasor”), hereby agrees that, in consideration of benefits it will receive in connection with the Transactions, it knowingly and voluntarily irrevocably releases and forever discharges (i) the Hakkasan Contributed Entities and (ii) their current and former respective directors, managers and officers (or similar authorized appointments with different names) in their capacities as such (collectively clauses (i) and (ii), the “Hakkasan Released Parties”) from any and all Actions or Liabilities of any nature whatsoever in law, equity or otherwise, and whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, or claimed or unclaimed, against any of the Hakkasan Released Parties that the Hakkasan Releasor has ever had, may now have or hereafter can, shall or may have to any extent relating in any way to or in connection with any matter, cause or thing whatsoever (including any right of indemnification, contribution or reimbursement) occurring prior to the Closing (the foregoing collectively referred to herein as the “Hakkasan Released Claims).

(b)    Effective upon the consummation of the Closing, TAO, on behalf of itself, its successors, assigns, administrators, executors, agents and Affiliates (including, after the Closing, the Hakkasan Contributed Entities) (the TAO Releasor, and with the Hakkasan Releasor, the “Releasors”), hereby agrees that, in consideration of benefits it will receive in connection with the Transactions, it knowingly and voluntarily irrevocably releases and forever discharges the current and former directors, managers and officers (or similar authorized appointments with different names) of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities in their capacities as such (collectively, the “TAO Released Parties” and with the Hakkasan Released Parties, the “Released Parties”) from any and all Actions or Liabilities of any nature whatsoever in law, equity or otherwise, and whether known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected, or claimed or unclaimed, against any of the TAO Released Parties that the TAO Releasor has ever had, may now have or hereafter can, shall or may have to any extent relating in any way to or in connection with any actions or omissions of any TAO Released Party undertaken prior to the Closing in his or her capacity as such director, manager or officer, whether based on directors’, managers’ or officers’ liability or any other legal ground (the foregoing collectively referred to herein as the “TAO Released Claims,” and, with the Hakkasan Released Claims, the “Released Claims ).

 

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(c)    Subject to the terms of this Section 5.9, each Releasor acknowledges and intends that the releases given in this Section 5.9 shall be effective as a bar to the Released Claims herein above mentioned. Each Releasor expressly consents that the releases given in this Section 5.9 shall be given full force and effect according to each and all of its express terms and provisions, including those relating to unknown and unsuspected Released Claims (notwithstanding any state statute that expressly limits the effectiveness of a general release of unknown, unsuspected or unanticipated Released Claims), if any, as well as those relating to any other Released Claims herein above mentioned. Each Releasor expressly waives and relinquishes all rights and benefits it may have under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code, which reads as follows:

“SECTION 1542. GENERAL RELEASE; EXTENT. A GENERAL RELEASE DOES NOT EXTEND TO CLAIMS THAT THE CREDITOR OR RELEASING PARTY DOES NOT KNOW OR SUSPECT TO EXIST IN HIS OR HER FAVOR AT THE TIME OF EXECUTING THE RELEASE AND THAT, IF KNOWN BY HIM OR HER, WOULD HAVE MATERIALLY AFFECTED HIS OR HER SETTLEMENT WITH THE DEBTOR OR RELEASED PARTY.”

(d)    Each Releasor acknowledges and agrees that this waiver is an essential and material term of the release given in this Section 5.9 and that without such waiver the Parties would not enter into this Agreement or consummate the Transactions. Each Releasor further agrees that in the event it should assert any claim seeking damages against any of the Released Parties, the release given in this Section 5.9 shall serve as a complete defense to any such Released Claim. Each Releasor further agrees that there does not exist any claim of the type described in or implied by clauses (a) and (b) hereof and it is not aware of any pending or threatened claims of the type described in or implied by clauses (a) and (b) hereof.

(e)    Each Releasor agrees that neither the releases given in this Section 5.9, nor the furnishing of the consideration for the releases given in this Section 5.9, shall be deemed or construed at any time to be an admission by any Released Party or any Releasor of any improper or unlawful conduct. The individuals who are Released Parties are intended to be third party beneficiaries of this Section 5.9, which shall survive the consummation of the Closing.

ARTICLE VI

EMPLOYEE MATTERS

6.1    Continuing Employees.

(a) Continuing Employees. Each Employee whose employment continues with any of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities as of the Closing shall be referred to herein as a “Continuing Employee.” TAO or its Subsidiaries (including, following the Closing, the Hakkasan Contributed Entities) shall continue to employ immediately following the Closing all of the Continuing Employees.

 

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(b)    Benefits and Compensation.

(i)    Each Continuing Employee shall during the period beginning on the Closing Date and continuing thereafter through December 31, 2021 be employed on terms and conditions of employment, including compensation and benefits (including severance benefits), that are no less favorable in the aggregate than those in effect immediately prior to the Closing, except in the case of compensation reductions for similarly situated TAO Employees (by Venue, city or class of employee) implemented by TAO in response to COVID-19. TAO shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries (including, following the Closing, the Hakkasan Contributed Entities) to, provide to each Continuing Employee initial terms and conditions of employment, including compensation and benefits, in each case, sufficient to avoid any violation of applicable Law, or the breach of any applicable employment agreement, or Collective Bargaining Agreement or the triggering (through December 31, 2021) of statutory or common law severance, redundancy or separation benefits or any other legally mandated payment obligations in effect as of the Closing. TAO shall pay, or shall cause its Subsidiaries (including, following the Closing, the Hakkasan Contributed Entities) to pay, the employees listed on Section 3.14(n) of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule (i) the amounts set forth on Section 3.14(n) of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule opposite their respective names, which shall be paid as soon as reasonably practicable following the Closing, and (ii) pro-rated annual bonuses for the 2021 calendar year for the period beginning on the day after the Closing Date and continuing thereafter through December 31, 2021 in accordance with TAO’s bonus program or, if applicable, the employment agreement covering such employee; provided, that with respect to the employees listed on Section 3.14(n) of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule whose employment agreements in effect as of the Closing do not include an annual bonus entitlement, and to the extent (x) the employment agreements covering such employees entered into following the Closing do not include an annual bonus entitlement, or (y) such employees do not enter into a new employment agreement following the Closing, the portion of the annual bonus paid for such period shall be no less than the amount such employee would have received under the annual bonus plan of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities in effect for such employee as of immediately prior to the Closing.

(ii)    Following the Closing Date, TAO shall use commercially reasonable efforts, and shall cause its Subsidiaries (including, following the Closing, the Hakkasan Contributed Entities) to use commercially reasonable efforts to, provide credit to Continuing Employees for their years of service with Hakkasan Parent or any of its Affiliates (or predecessor employers to the extent Hakkasan Parent or any of its Affiliates provided past service credit) as of the Closing for purposes of determining eligibility to participate, vesting, benefit accrual, continuous service, determination of service awards, vacation, sick leave, and other paid time off, to the same extent and for the same purposes as similarly situated TAO Employees, except as otherwise would result in the duplication of benefits. TAO shall use commercially reasonable efforts, and shall cause its Subsidiaries (including, following the Closing, the Hakkasan Contributed

 

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Entities) to use commercially reasonable efforts to, waive pre-existing condition limitations, exclusions or waiting periods for Continuing Employees (and any applicable dependent) under the welfare benefit plans provided for those Continuing Employees after the Closing, to the same extent such condition or exclusion was waived or satisfied with respect to an individual Continuing Employee (or any applicable dependent) prior to the Closing. With respect to the plan year during which the Closing occurs, TAO shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries (including, following the Closing, the Hakkasan Contributed Entities) to, provide each Continuing Employee with credit for deductibles and out-of-pocket requirements paid prior to the Closing in satisfying any applicable deductible or out-of-pocket requirements under any plan provided for those Continuing Employees after the Closing, except to the extent such credit would result in the duplication of benefits.

(iii)    On and following the Closing, TAO shall cause each of the Hakkasan Contributed Entities to perform its obligations under the Hakkasan Benefit Plans and any Collective Bargaining Agreement covering any Employee. TAO shall, and shall cause the applicable Hakkasan Contributed Entity to, assume and perform all obligations under the agreements listed in Section 6.1(b)(iii)(a) of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule in accordance with their terms. With respect to the agreement listed in Section 6.1(b)(iii)(b) of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule (the “Roos 409A Agreement”), Hakkasan Parent shall indemnify and hold harmless TAO or its applicable Subsidiary (including, following the Closing, Hakkasan Holdings) (A) for any Losses it incurs relating to the Section 409A tax indemnification that is set forth in the Roos 409A Agreement after giving effect to the agreement listed in Section 6.1(b)(iii)(c) of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule (the “Escrow Agreement”); and (B) in the event that on and following the Closing any amounts are released from the Escrow Agreement to Hakkasan Holdings or any of its Affiliates, such amounts shall be remitted to Hakkasan Parent or its designee.

6.2    No Third Party Rights. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, no provision in this Agreement shall create any third party beneficiary rights in any Person, including employees or former employees (including any beneficiary or dependent thereof) of Hakkasan Parent or any of its Affiliates, unions or other representatives of such employees or former employees, or trustees, administrators, participants, or beneficiaries of any employee benefit plan, and no provision of this Agreement shall create such third party beneficiary rights in any such Person in respect of any benefits that may be provided, directly or indirectly, under any employee benefit plan that is or may in the future be maintained by TAO. Nothing in Section 6.1 shall be deemed to guarantee a right of employment to any particular individual or upon any specific terms and conditions of employment. Nothing herein shall be construed as to limit TAO’s (or its Affiliates’) right to terminate the employment of any employee or otherwise change the terms and conditions of employment of any Continuing Employee, except as otherwise may be required by applicable Law.

 

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ARTICLE VII

SURVIVAL

7.1    Survival of Representations and Warranties and Covenants.

(a) The representations and warranties set forth in Article III and Article IV (i) shall terminate effective as of the Closing (ii) shall not survive the Closing for any purpose, and (iii) thereafter there shall be no Liability on the part of, nor shall any claim be made by, either Party or its Affiliates with respect to the representations and warranties set forth in Article III and Article IV, except with respect to clauses (i)-(iii), in the case of Fraud or with respect to certain matters excluded from the R&W Insurance Policies to the extent agreed in writing between the Parties.

(b)    The covenants and agreements of the Parties shall survive until completely performed or satisfied, as applicable, in accordance with their terms.

7.2    R&W Insurance Policy.

(a) The Parties acknowledge that each Party (or its Affliate) may have obtained and bound one or more representation and warranty insurance policies with respect to the representations and warranties set forth in Article III and Article IV respectively, including excess policies (each a “R&W Insurance Policy”). Except as provided in any other agreements entered into by the parties hereto as of the date of this Agreement or in the case of Fraud, none of the Parties or any their Affiliates shall have any Liability or obligation to indemnify or compensate the other Party or any other Person for any Losses arising out of or related to breaches of the representations and warranties set forth in Article III or Article IV, regardless of whether the other Party maintains a R&W Insurance Policy, or whether the terms thereof do not provide coverage for any specific type or category of claims or losses, or to the extent the issuer or underwriter of such policy terminates the same or does not for any reason accept or pay any claims made thereunder. Each Party acknowledges and agrees that (a) the R&W Insurance Policy it or its Affiliate has obtained shall at all times include a customary provision whereby the insurer expressly agrees that the insurer shall have no, and shall expressly waive any and all, right of subrogation against the other Party or any of its Representatives (except in the case of Fraud) (the “R&W Subrogation Waiver”) and (b) such Party or any of its Affiliates shall not, and shall cause the insured not to, waive, amend, modify or otherwise revise any R&W Subrogation Waiver or allow such R&W Subrogation Waiver to be waived, amended, modified, or otherwise revised in any manner adverse to such other Party or any of its Affiliates. All costs and expenses related to a R&W Insurance Policy, including the total premium, underwriting costs, diligence costs, brokerage commission, Taxes related to such policy and other related fees and expenses payable to the applicable insurance provider or broker (collectively, the “R&W Costs”), shall be borne fifty percent (50%) by Hakkasan Parent and fifty percent (50%) by TAO. In order to effect the allocation of the R&W Costs between the Parties as set forth in this Section 7.2, prior to the Closing Hakkasan Parent and TAO have exchanged their R&W Insurance Policies and agreed that $402,922.97 of the amount included in the Hakkasan Parent Required Payments shall be paid to TAO by a disproportionate distribution to TAO in accordance with Section 2.1(f) of the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement to satisfy 100% of Hakkasan Parent’s obligation to TAO pursuant to this Section 7.2 such that 50% of the sum of the R&W Costs of both Parties is borne by Hakkasan Parent and 50% of such costs is borne by TAO.

 

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(b)    Promptly following the Closing Date (and in any event prior to the tenth (10th) day following the Closing Date), each Party shall deliver to the other Party two thumb drives, compact discs or other electronic storage device reasonably acceptable to the other Party containing the contents of such Party’s Data Room, in the manner organized and as otherwise found in such Data Room, as of the Closing Date.

7.3    Legal Expenses Reimbursement. In connection with any Action to enforce this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled (for the avoidance of doubt, in addition to any remedies at law or equity) to recover the fees, costs and expenses of any kind incurred by such party and its counsel (including out-of-pocket documented attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses) in investigating, preparing for, defending against or providing evidence, producing documents or taking other action with respect to such Action or the claim(s) underlying such Action.

ARTICLE VIII

MISCELLANEOUS

8.1    Fees and Expenses. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, each Party shall pay its own costs and expenses incurred, including fees and disbursements of counsel, financial advisors and accountants, in connection with preparing, entering into and carrying out this Agreement and the consummation of the Transactions.

8.2    Amendment. This Agreement shall not be amended, modified or supplemented except by an instrument in writing specifically designated as an amendment hereto and executed by, or on behalf of, Hakkasan Parent and TAO.

8.3    Waiver and Extension. A Party may (a) extend the time for the performance of any of the obligations or other acts of the other Party, (b) waive any inaccuracies in the representations and warranties contained herein or in any document delivered or made available by the other Party pursuant hereto, or (c) except to the extent prohibited by Law, waive compliance with any of the agreements of the other Party or conditions to such Party’s obligations contained herein. Any agreement on the part of a Party to any such extension or waiver shall be valid only if set forth in an instrument in writing signed by such Party. Any waiver of any term or condition shall not be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach or a subsequent waiver of the same term or condition, or a waiver of any other term or condition of this Agreement. The failure or delay of a Party to assert any of its rights hereunder shall not constitute a waiver of any of such rights, nor will any single or partial exercise of any right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power.

8.4 Remedies; Specific Performance.

(a)    Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, any and all remedies herein expressly conferred upon a Party will be deemed cumulative with and not exclusive of any other remedy expressly conferred hereby, and the exercise by a Party of any one such remedy will not preclude the exercise of any other such remedy.

 

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(b)    The Parties acknowledge and agree that the Parties will be irreparably damaged if any of the provisions of this Agreement are not performed in accordance with their specific terms or are otherwise breached and that any non-performance or breach of this Agreement by any Party could not be adequately compensated by monetary damages alone and that the Parties would not have any adequate remedy at law. Accordingly, in addition to any other right or remedy to which any Party may be entitled, at law or in equity (including monetary damages), such Party shall be entitled to enforce any provision of this Agreement by a decree of specific performance and to seek temporary, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief to prevent breaches or threatened breaches of any of the provisions of this Agreement without posting any bond or other undertaking and no Party shall dispute any such injunctive relief on the basis that monetary damages is an adequate remedy or otherwise.

8.5    Notices. All notices and other communications under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given or made when delivered personally by hand or by an internationally recognized overnight courier service or other delivery method (including certified mail) or when sent by electronic mail transmission (so long as no “error message” or other notification of non-delivery is received by the sender), in each case, to the respective Parties at the following physical or electronic mail addresses (or to such other physical or electronic mail address as a Party may have specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 8.5).

 

  (a)

If to Hakkasan Parent to:

Hakkasan USA, Inc.

Mamoura Building A

Muroor Road

PO Box 45005, Abu Dhabi

Attention: Michael Campbell

Email: legalunit@mubadala.ae

With a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:

Shearman & Sterling, LLP

599 Lexington Avenue

New York, NY 10022-6069

United States of America

Attention: Clare O’Brien

Email: cobrien@shearman.com

 

  (b)

If to TAO to:

TAO Group Holdings LLC

Two Pennsylvania Plaza

New York, NY 10121

Attention: General Counsel

E-mail: legalnotices@taogroup.com

 

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With copies (which shall not constitute notice) to:

c/o Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.

Two Pennsylvania Plaza

New York, NY 10121

Attention: General Counsel

E-mail: legalnotices@msg.com

and:

Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP

One Battery Park Plaza

New York, NY 10004

Attention: Kenneth A. Lefkowitz

E-mail: Ken.Lefkowitz@hugheshubbard.com

8.6    Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including all Exhibits and Annexes to this Agreement and including the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule and TAO Disclosure Schedule), the Amended and Restated LLC Agreement and any other agreements entered into by the parties hereto as of the date of this Agreement constitute the entire agreement and understanding of the Parties and their respective Affiliates with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof and merge in, supersede and cancel all other prior agreements and understandings (including the term sheet proposal and the Confidentiality Agreement, which are hereby terminated), both written and oral, between the Parties and their respective Affiliates with respect to the subject matter hereof and thereof.

8.7    Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights, interests or obligations hereunder may be assigned by operation of Law or otherwise, in whole or in part, directly or indirectly, by either Party without the prior written consent of Hakkasan Parent and TAO (which consent may be granted or withheld in the sole discretion of Hakkasan Parent or TAO), and any purported assignment or delegation in contravention of this Section 8.7 shall be null and void and of no force and effect. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 8.7 to the contrary, each Party shall have the right to assign its rights under this Agreement to an Affiliate that is controlled by such Party; provided that no such assignment shall in any manner release, limit or affect such Party’s obligations hereunder.

8.8    Parties in Interest. Except as otherwise expressly provided in Section 5.9, this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure solely to the benefit of, and be enforceable by, each Party and its successors and permitted assigns, and nothing in this Agreement, express or implied, is intended to or shall be construed to confer upon any other Person any legal or equitable rights, benefits or remedies of any nature whatsoever, including any rights of employment for any specified period, under or by reason of this Agreement.

8.9    Severability. If any term or provision set forth in 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

 

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substance of the Transactions is not affected in any manner that is materially adverse to any of the Parties. Upon such determination that any term or provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the Parties as closely as possible in an acceptable manner in order that the Transactions are consummated as originally contemplated by the Parties to the greatest extent possible.

8.10    Currency and Exchange Rate. Unless otherwise specified in this Agreement, all references to currency, monetary values and dollars set forth herein shall mean U.S. dollars and all payments hereunder shall be made in U.S. dollars. In the event that there is any need to convert U.S. dollars into any foreign currency, or vice versa, for any purpose under this Agreement, except as otherwise required by applicable Law (in which case, the exchange rate shall be determined in accordance with such Law), the exchange rate shall be that published on the Bloomberg Fixings-Portal as of 5:00 p.m. New York time on the date (or, if no such exchange rate is published on the Bloomberg Fixings-Portal on such date, the first date thereafter on which such exchange rate is published on the Bloomberg Fixings-Portal) that is: (a) three (3) Business Days prior to the date on which any obligation is paid; or (b) for purposes of determining the components of the Closing Statement, the Adjustment Measurement Time.

8.11    Disclosure Schedule. The Parties agree that any reference in a particular Schedule of the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule or TAO Disclosure Schedule, as the case may be, shall only be deemed to be an exception to (or, as applicable, a disclosure for purposes of) (a) the representations and warranties (or covenants, as applicable) that are contained in the corresponding Section of this Agreement and (b) any other representations and warranties that are contained in this Agreement, but only if the relevance of that reference as an exception to (or a disclosure for purposes of) such representations and warranties is readily apparent on the face of such disclosure notwithstanding the omission of a reference or a cross-reference with respect thereto. The mere inclusion of an item in the Hakkasan Parent Disclosure Schedule or TAO Disclosure Schedule, as the case may be, as an exception to a representation or warranty shall not be deemed an admission that such item represents a material exception or material fact, event or circumstance or that such item is reasonably likely to be material or have a Material Adverse Effect.

8.12    Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by, and all Disputes arising out of, relating to, or in connection with this Agreement or the Transactions shall be resolved in accordance with, the Laws of the State of Delaware, without application of any conflict or similar rules that would require the application of other laws.

8.13    Disputes; Arbitration.

(a)    The Parties shall use reasonable efforts in good faith to settle amicably any and all disputes, controversies and conflicts, including any claim in tort, in equity or pursuant to statute, arising out of, relating to, or in connection with this Agreement or any transactions contemplated hereby, including any questions regarding its existence, validity, interpretation, scope, performance, enforceability or termination (a “Dispute”). Any Dispute not settled or resolved by the Parties within thirty (30) days shall be referred, upon written notice given by one Party to the other Party to members of senior management of each of Hakkasan Parent and TAO, for resolution by such senior management, who shall use reasonable efforts in good faith to settle

 

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amicably such Dispute within twenty (20) days of such referral (or such shorter time as is necessary to avoid immediate irreparable injury); provided, however, that any Disputed Items will be subject to Section 2.5 and not require referral to such senior management. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the sole remedy of any Party for failure of the other Party to comply with this Section 8.13(a) shall be to submit the underlying Dispute to the arbitration proceedings set forth in this Section 8.13 and, for the avoidance of doubt, any such failure to comply with this Section 8.13(a), shall not, in and of itself, constitute the basis for a claim under this Section 8.13.

(b)    Except as set forth in Section 2.5, any Dispute not resolved pursuant to Section 8.13(a) above shall be referred to and finally resolved by final and binding arbitration administered by the Arbitration Rules of the London Court of International Arbitration (“LCIA”), as amended and effective as of the date hereof (the “Rules”), as modified herein or as may be otherwise agreed by the relevant Parties in writing.

(c)    The number of arbitrators shall be three (3). Hakkasan Parent shall nominate one (1) arbitrator in its notice of arbitration, and TAO shall nominate one (1) arbitrator in its answer. The third arbitrator, who shall act as the presiding arbitrator of the tribunal (the “Chairperson”), shall be nominated by the two (2) party-nominated arbitrators. If any Party fails to appoint an arbitrator, as described above, or the two (2) party-appointed arbitrators fail to appoint the Chairperson within thirty (30) days of the date their appointment is confirmed, the arbitrator appointment(s) shall be made by the LCIA in accordance with the Rules. The Parties agree that the Chairperson shall be a national of a common law jurisdiction and may, but is not required to, be a U.S. national.

(d)    The arbitral tribunal alone shall have the authority to determine any challenge or question as to the tribunal’s jurisdiction, including but not limited to questions regarding the formation, existence, interpretation, performance, enforceability, validity, breach or termination of this Agreement or this arbitration provision, Section 8.13 and may impose equitable relief, including a temporary restraining order, an injunction, specific performance and any other relief that would be available from a court of competent jurisdiction (without any requirement to post bond) against any Party. For the avoidance of doubt, questions as to whether any Dispute is arbitrable shall be finally and exclusively decided by the arbitral tribunal, and not by any court.

(e)    The seat of the arbitration shall be New York, United States of America, without prejudice to the arbitral tribunal’s right to conduct hearings and take any other steps in the arbitration in any other location it deems necessary. This arbitration provision is expressly made pursuant to and shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act (9 U.S.C. §§ 1 et seq.), to the exclusion of state Law inconsistent therewith. The language of the arbitration shall be English.

(f)    The arbitral tribunal, in its administration of the arbitration, may be guided by the International Bar Association Rules on the Taking of Evidence in International Arbitration (2010), but this provision shall not be taken as acceptance of any particular form or scope of evidence taking.

(g)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 8.13, each Party (a) shall have the right to seek pre-arbitral preliminary, interim, conservatory or interlocutory relief or injunctions directly before any U.S. federal court sitting in the State of Delaware, and no Party shall dispute any such relief with respect to a breach on the basis that money damages is an adequate remedy or otherwise, and (b) submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any such court.

 

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(h)    In relation to the proceedings under Section 8.13(g) above, and any other relevant court proceedings arising out of, in relation to or in connection with any Dispute in accordance with this Section 8.13, including, but not limited to, proceedings for the enforcement of any arbitral award issued hereunder, each Party irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert, any claim that it is not subject personally to the jurisdiction of any otherwise competent court, that its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that the proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the proceeding is improper or that this Agreement may not be enforced in or by any such court.

(i)    All aspects of any arbitration hereunder, including the nature of the Dispute, the pleadings and the venue and timing of resolution, shall be confidential and not disclosed by a Party to any third party, except as required by Law, by lending agreements or for some other reason to be disclosed by the Party seeking to disclose prior to any disclosure to a third party. Each Party shall ensure that fact and expert witnesses, Party employees, lawyers and consultants involved in the arbitration (or retained to assist a party) agree to be bound by these confidentiality obligations.

(j)    Each Party participating in such arbitration shall pay its own legal fees and expenses incurred in connection with the arbitration, unless otherwise determined by the arbitral tribunal.

(k)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 8.13(j), any costs, fees or Taxes incident to enforcing the award shall, to the maximum extent permitted by Law, be charged against the Party resisting such enforcement.

(l)    The arbitration award shall be final and binding on the Parties. The Parties undertake to carry out any award without delay and irrevocably waive their right to any form of recourse based on grounds other than those contained in the United Nations’ Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards of 1958 insofar as such waiver can validly be made. Judgment upon the award may be entered by any court having jurisdiction thereof or having jurisdiction over the relevant Party or its assets.

(m)    Any monetary damages awarded shall be payable in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise agreed by the parties thereto.

8.14    Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH OF THE PARTIES FOR ITSELF AND ITS AFFILIATES HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF, UNDER, IN RELATION TO, OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT, THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREIN OR THE NEGOTIATION, ADMINISTRATION, PERFORMANCE OR ENFORCEMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT. EACH OF THE PARTIES HEREBY (I) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH

 

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OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF ANY SUCH ACTION OR LIABILITY, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (II) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE TRANSACTIONS, AS APPLICABLE, BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 8.14.

8.15    No Recourse.

(a)    All claims, obligations, liabilities, or causes of action (whether at law, in equity, in contract, in tort or otherwise) that may be based upon, in respect of, arise under, out or by reason of, be connected with, or relate in any manner to this Agreement, or the negotiation, execution, or performance of this Agreement (including any representation or warranty made in, in connection with, or as an inducement to, this Agreement), may be made only against (and such representations and warranties are those solely of) the Parties that are expressly identified in the preamble to this Agreement (the “Contracting Parties”). No Person who is not a Contracting Party, including any current, former or future equity holder, incorporator, controlling person, general or limited partner, member, Affiliate, director, officer, employee, agent, consultant, representative, or assignee of, and any financial advisor or lender to, any Contracting Party, or any current, former or future equity holder, incorporator, controlling person, general or limited partner, Affiliate, director, officer, employee, agent, consultant, representative, or assignee of, and any lender to, any of the foregoing or any of their respective successors, predecessors or assigns (or any successors, predecessors or assigns of the foregoing) (collectively, the “Non-Party Affiliates”), shall have any Liability (whether at law or in equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise) for any claims, causes of action, obligations, or Liabilities arising under, out of, in connection with, or related in any manner to this Agreement or based on, in respect of, or by reason of this Agreement or its negotiation, execution, performance, or breach, including any alleged non-disclosure or unintentional misrepresentations made by any such Person or as a result of the use or reliance on any information, documents or materials made available by such Person, and, to the maximum extent permitted by Law, each Contracting Party hereby waives and releases all claims, causes of action, obligations, or Liabilities arising under, out of, in connection with, or related in any manner to this Agreement or based on, in respect of, or by reason of this Agreement or its negotiation, execution, performance, or breach against any such Non-Party Affiliates.

(b)    Without limiting the foregoing, to the maximum extent permitted by Law, (i) each Contracting Party hereby waives and releases any and all rights, claims, demands, or causes of action that may otherwise be available, whether at law, in equity, in contract, in tort or otherwise, to avoid or disregard the entity form of a Contracting Party or otherwise impose Liability of a Contracting Party on any Non-Party Affiliate, whether granted by statute or based on theories of equity, agency, control, instrumentality, alter ego, domination, sham, single business enterprise, piercing the veil, unfairness, undercapitalization, or otherwise, in each case arising under, out of, in connection with, or related in any manner to this Agreement or based on, in respect of, or by reason of this Agreement or its negotiation, execution, performance, or breach and (ii) each Contracting Party disclaims any reliance upon any Non-Party Affiliates with respect to the performance of this Agreement or any representation or warranty made in, in connection with, or as an inducement to this Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or otherwise, after the Closing, no Party may seek to rescind this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated hereby.

 

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8.16    Commercial Entity. Each Party acknowledges that it is a separate legal entity distinct from its ultimate shareholders and/or the executive organs of the government of any state and is capable of suing and being sued. The entry by each Party into this Agreement constitutes, and the exercise by each Party of its respective rights and performance of its respective obligations hereunder will constitute, private and commercial acts performed for private and commercial purposes that shall not be deemed as being entered into in the exercise of any public function.

8.17    Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed and delivered (including by facsimile or other means of electronic transmission, such as by electronic mail in “pdf” form) in counterparts, each of which when executed shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which taken together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties has caused this Agreement to be executed as of the date first written above by its respective officers thereunto duly authorized.

 

HAKKASAN USA, INC.
By:  

/s/ Michael Campbell

Name:   Michael Campbell
Title:   Authorised Signatory
By:  

/s/ Rami Fathi Elwan

Name:   Rami Fathi Elwan
Title:   Authorised Signatory


TAO GROUP SUB-HOLDINGS LLC
By:  

/s/ Noah Tepperberg

Name:   Noah Tepperberg
Title:   Co-Chief Executive Officer


Annex 1.1(a)

Hakkasan Contributed Entities

 

1.

Hakkasan Holdings LLC

2.

Hakkasan Limited

3.

HK Management FZ-LLC

4.

Sake No Hana Ltd

5.

Hakkasan SF LLC

6.

TLG Acquisition LLC

7.

Hakkasan - Fabric Stingaree Holdings LLC

8.

HKCCIP, LLC

9.

Level Up 2 LLC

10.

NLDL Holdings LLC

11.

Yauatcha Waikiki, LLC

12.

Hakkasan NYC, LLC

13.

Chrysan Limited

14.

H-FSD Holding, LLC*

15.

6th and Island Investments, LLC

16.

Bijou, LLC

17.

City Lounge LLC

18.

Dancing Monkey, LLC

19.

Hakkasan LV LLC

20.

Lion Bar, LLC

21.

NMP Holding LLC

22.

Venue Driver, LLC

23.

Touch, LLC

24.

DDD Holdings, LLC

25.

HHH Holdings, LLC

26.

The Light Group, LLC

27.

7th & C Investments, LLC

28.

LJ Eats, LLC

29.

Las Vegas Eats LLC

30.

Santa Monica Eats, LLC

31.

Waikiki Eats, LLC

Exhibit 10.2

AMENDED AND RESTATED

LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

OF

TAO Group Sub-Holdings LLC

dated as of April 27, 2021


TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

         Page  
Article I

 

Purpose; Capitalization

     1  

Section 1.1

 

Purpose

     1  

Section 1.2

 

Issuance of Membership Interests; Members

     2  

Section 1.3

 

Capital Accounts

     2  

Section 1.4

 

Preemptive Right

     3  

Section 1.5

 

Business Plan

     5  

Section 1.6

 

Term

     5  

Section 1.7

 

Registered Agent and Registered Office

     5  
Article II

 

Distributions; Allocation of Profits and Losses

     5  

Section 2.1

 

Distributions

     5  

Section 2.2

 

Allocations Generally

     8  

Section 2.3

 

Tax Allocations

     10  

Section 2.4

 

Withholding and other Tax Payments

     10  

Section 2.5

 

No Interest; No Return of Capital

     11  
Article III

 

Fiscal Matters

     11  

Section 3.1

 

Partnership Representative

     11  

Section 3.2

 

Certain Tax Matters and Tax Elections

     11  

Section 3.3

 

Fiscal and Tax Year; Auditor

     11  

Section 3.4

 

Books and Records

     12  

Section 3.5

 

Financial Statements; K-1

     12  

Section 3.6

 

Additional Information; Access

     13  
Article IV

 

Administration and Management

     13  

Section 4.1

 

Management

     13  

Section 4.2

 

Debt Financing

     16  

Section 4.3

 

Limitation of Liability

     17  

Section 4.4

 

Indemnification

     17  

Section 4.5

 

D&O Insurance

     19  

Section 4.6

 

Other Activities

     19  

Section 4.7

 

Confidentiality

     20  

Section 4.8

 

Subordinated Credit Agreement

     21  

Section 4.9

 

Admission of New Members

     22  

 

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Article V  

Meetings and Voting

     22  

Section 5.1

 

Meetings of Members

     22  

Section 5.2

 

Meetings of the Board

     23  

Section 5.3

 

Participation in Meetings; Proxies; Enhanced Vote

     24  

Section 5.4

 

No Voting Agreements

     24  
Article VI

 

Transfers

     24  

Section 6.1

 

No Transfers

     24  

Section 6.2

 

Certain Transfers; Effect

     25  

Section 6.3

 

Right of First Offer

     26  

Section 6.4

 

Tag-Along Rights

     28  

Section 6.5

 

Drag-Along Rights

     29  

Section 6.6

 

Put Right for Units

     31  

Section 6.7

 

Call Right for Units

     32  

Section 6.8

 

Determination of Fair Market Value

     32  

Section 6.9

 

Approved Sale

     34  
Article VII

 

Dissolution; Liquidation

     36  

Section 7.1

 

Dissolution

     36  

Section 7.2

 

Liquidation and Distribution

     36  

Section 7.3

 

Certificate of Cancellation

     37  
Article VIII

 

Miscellaneous

     37  

Section 8.1

 

Certain Interpretive Matters

     37  

Section 8.2

 

Notices

     38  

Section 8.3

 

Assignment

     38  

Section 8.4

 

No Third Party Beneficiary

     38  

Section 8.5

 

Entire Agreement

     39  

Section 8.6

 

Amendment; Waiver

     39  

Section 8.7

 

Specific Performance

     39  

Section 8.8

 

Counterparts

     39  

Section 8.9

 

Governing Law; Dispute Resolution

     40  

Section 8.10

 

Waiver of Jury Trial

     42  

Section 8.11

 

Severability

     43  

Section 8.12

 

No Presumption

     43  

Section 8.13

 

Exercise of Contractual Rights

     43  

 

- ii -


EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit A    -    Definitions
Exhibit B    -    Periodic Financial Information
Exhibit C    -    Form of MSGE Promissory Note
Exhibit D    -    Hakkasan Parent Restrictions
Exhibit E    -    Joinder Agreement

 

SCHEDULES
Schedule 1.2(a)    -    Register of Members
Schedule 1.3(c)    -    Capital Accounts
Schedule 4.1(a)    -    TAO Directors
Schedule 4.1(b)    -    Hakkasan Parent Director and Observer
Schedule 4.7(b)    -    Certain Names
Schedule 6.3    -    Hakkasan Parent Prohibited Persons
Schedule 6.4    -    TAO Prohibited Persons
Schedule 6.8(b)    -    Qualified Independent Investment Banking Firms

 

 

- iii -


AMENDED AND RESTATED LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY AGREEMENT

OF

TAO GROUP SUB-HOLDINGS LLC

This Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement dated as of April 27, 2021 (this “Agreement”) is among TAO Group Sub-Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Company”), TAO Group Holdings LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“TAO”), and Hakkasan USA, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Hakkasan Parent”). Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in Exhibit A.

WHEREAS, the Company was formed as a limited liability company under the Act (as defined below) pursuant to a certificate of formation which was executed and filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware on May 15, 2019;

WHEREAS, the initial Limited Liability Company Agreement of the Company, dated as of May 23, 2019 (the “Existing Agreement”), was entered into by and between TAO and the Company;

WHEREAS, concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, each of TAO and Hakkasan Parent have consummated the transactions (the Transactions”) contemplated by the Transaction Agreement dated as of the date of this Agreement (as may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Transaction Agreement”) pursuant to which, among other things, (i) Hakkasan Parent agreed to contribute all of its rights, title and interests in and to the Hakkasan Contributed Interests (as such term is defined therein) to the Company, and (ii) the Company agreed to issue and deliver to Hakkasan Parent the Transferred TAO Units (as such term is defined therein) and admit Hakkasan Parent as a member of the Company; and

WHEREAS, in connection with the execution and delivery of the Transaction Agreement, the parties hereto desire to continue the Company and to amend and restate the Existing Agreement in its entirety and enter into this Agreement in order to, among other things, (i) reflect the addition of Hakkasan Parent as a Member of the Company, (ii) provide for the management, operation and governance of the Company, and (iii) set forth their respective rights and obligations as Members in the Company generally.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants and agreements contained herein, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

Article I

Purpose; Capitalization

Section 1.1    Purpose. The purpose of the Company is to engage in any business or activity for which a limited liability company may be formed under the Act. The Company shall have all the powers necessary or convenient to effect any purpose for which it is formed, including all powers granted by the Act.


Section 1.2    Issuance of Membership Interests; Members.

(a)    The name of, current mailing address of, and number of Units issued to each Member as of the Effective Date are set forth on Schedule 1.2(a) attached hereto (the “Register of Members”). The Register of Members shall be maintained and supplemented by the Company from time to time so that it sets forth, at a minimum, the then-current name of, mailing address of, and number of Units issued to each Member, and such maintenance and supplementation, consistent with the terms of this Agreement, shall not require the approval of any Member.

(b)    The Members as of the date of this Agreement acknowledge and agree that the number of Units issued to and held by each them as of the date of this Agreement is subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 2.5 of the Transaction Agreement and the applicable provisions of any other written agreement entered into by or between the Members and/or the Company as of the date hereof in connection with the Transactions, and that Schedule 1.2(a) hereto shall be amended to reflect any adjustments made in accordance with such agreements, with corresponding changes to the capital accounts of such Members in accordance with Section 1.3 hereof to reflect any such adjustments or contributions in accordance with such section of the Transaction Agreement.

(c)    Except as expressly provided in the Transaction Agreement or any other written agreement entered into between the Members as of the date of this Agreement, no Member shall have any obligation to the Company, to any other Member or to any third party, including any creditor of the Company, to make any additional capital contributions to the Company, and no Member in its capacity as such shall be liable for the debts, obligations or liabilities of the Company.

Section 1.3    Capital Accounts.

(a)    A capital account shall be maintained for each Member in accordance with the rules of Treasury Regulations §1.704-1(b)(2)(iv). The capital account of each Member shall be credited with (i) the amount of any capital contribution made in cash by such Member, (ii) the Agreed Value (net of any liabilities the Company is considered to assume or take subject to or under Section 752 of the Code) of any capital contribution made in property other than cash by such Member, (iii) allocations to such Member of Net Income pursuant to Section 2.2, and (iv) any other item required to be credited for proper maintenance of capital accounts by the Treasury Regulations under Section 704(b) of the Code. A Member’s capital account shall be debited with (w) the amount of any cash distributed to such Member, (x) the Agreed Value (net of liabilities that such Member is considered to assume or take subject to or under Section 752 of the Code) of any property other than cash distributed to such Member, (y) allocations to such Member of Net Loss pursuant to Section 2.2, and (z) any other item required to be debited for proper maintenance of capital accounts by the Treasury Regulations under Section 704(b) of the Code. Each Member’s capital account shall be adjusted as required by Treasury Regulation §1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f) to reflect a revaluation of Company property at Agreed Value upon the

 

- 2 -


occurrence of any event described in Treasury Regulation §1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f)(5) (including the Transactions) based upon the manner in which gain or loss upon a sale of all the assets of the Company for Agreed Value would be allocated. Members’ capital accounts shall also be adjusted in accordance with Treasury Regulation §1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(s) upon the exercise of any non-compensatory option.

(b)    In the event that all or any portion of any Interest is transferred in accordance with this Agreement, the transferee(s) of such Interest shall succeed to all or the corresponding portion, as the case may be, of the transferor’s capital account.

(c)    Immediately following the consummation of the Transactions, the capital account balances of TAO and Hakkasan Parent shall be as set forth on Schedule 1.3(c).

Section 1.4    Preemptive Right.

(a)    If, at any time after the date of this Agreement, the Board determines in good faith that the Company should seek additional capital by equity financing, the Company may seek such additional equity capital and propose to issue or sell any Preemptive Securities to a third party or a Qualified Member (or any Affiliate thereof, including, in the case of TAO, MSGE or any of its Subsidiaries) in compliance with the terms of this Section 1.4. Each Qualified Member shall have the right, but not the obligation, to purchase from the Company (the “Preemptive Right”), on the same terms and conditions (including at the same price per Preemptive Security) set forth in the Preemptive Rights Notice (as defined below) and before any third party, up to its pro rata portion of such Preemptive Securities so that the percentage obtained by dividing the number of Preemptive Securities that such Qualified Member is entitled to purchase by the total number of Preemptive Securities is equal to the Percentage Share of such Qualified Member. Each Qualified Member shall have the right to assign its Preemptive Right to any of its Permitted Transferees without the consent of the Company or any other Members.

(b)    In connection with any Preemptive Right, the Company shall, by written notice and before binding discussions with any third party (a “Preemptive Rights Notice”), provide an offer to sell to each Qualified Member that number of Preemptive Securities of any proposed issuance in accordance with Section 1.4(c). Any Preemptive Rights Notice shall include the applicable purchase price per Preemptive Security, the aggregate amount of Preemptive Securities offered, the number of Preemptive Securities offered to such Qualified Member in accordance with Section 1.4(a), the proposed closing date and time for the issuance thereof (which shall be no less than twenty-five (25) days from the date of such notice), a summary of the material rights and obligations of the Preemptive Securities and any other material terms and conditions of the offer.

(c)    Within twenty (20) days from the date of receipt of a Preemptive Rights Notice, any Qualified Member wishing to exercise its Preemptive Right concerning the Preemptive Securities referred to therein shall deliver written notice (an “Exercise Notice”) to the Company setting forth the number of Preemptive Securities that such Qualified Member commits to purchase (which may specify that such Qualified Member commits to purchase a number of Preemptive Securities in excess of its pro rata share (based on its Percentage Share) in the event any other Qualified Member(s) fail(s) to give an Exercise Notice for the entire amount

 

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of Preemptive Securities it is entitled to purchase hereunder). Any Qualified Member that fails to give the Company an Exercise Notice during the foregoing twenty (20)-day period after receipt of a Preemptive Rights Notice shall be deemed to have forfeited such Qualified Member’s right to acquire the Preemptive Securities offered pursuant to such Preemptive Rights Notice.

(d)    The closing of the issuance or sale of Preemptive Securities with respect to any Qualified Member that duly gives an Exercise Notice shall occur on the date and at the place specified by the Company in the Preemptive Rights Notice. In the event that such a closing does not occur within one hundred and twenty (120) days of the delivery of a Preemptive Rights Notice, the Company shall repeat the procedure set forth in Sections 1.4(a), 1.4(b) and 1.4(c) with respect to such Preemptive Securities. Subject to Section 4.1(d)(iii), any such Preemptive Securities that are not acquired by any Qualified Members may be issued to a third party on substantially the same terms and conditions (including the same price per Preemptive Security) as those set forth in the Preemptive Rights Notice.

(e)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement:

(i)    no Qualified Member (or other Person) shall have a right to purchase Preemptive Securities pursuant to this Section 1.4 if such purchase would violate any applicable securities laws (whether or not such violation may be cured by a filing of a registration statement or any other special disclosure, but allowing for any available exemptions that do not impose any requirement to provide a disclosure document to the general public); provided, however, that in the event applicable securities laws change after the date of this Agreement so as to provide an exemption therefrom that would be satisfied by providing the Qualified Members with, in addition to information otherwise required to be provided to them pursuant to this Section 1.4, financial statements otherwise prepared by the Company in the ordinary course of business pursuant to Section 3.5 or any other information prepared or delivered to any other purchaser of such securities, then the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain such exemption; and

(ii)    (x) in the event there is a Cash Flow Deficiency or Credit Agreement Default pursuant to clause (i) of the definition of such term, the time periods referred to in this Section 1.4 shall be reduced to the minimum extent necessary so that such Cash Flow Deficiency or Credit Agreement Default shall not occur and such periods shall in any event expire at least five (5) Business Days prior to the actual occurrence of such Cash Flow Deficiency or Credit Agreement Default pursuant to clause (ii) of the definition of such term; provided, however, that subject to the foregoing, the Company or TAO, as applicable, shall use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with the terms of this Section 1.4 under a revised timeline, and (y) in the event the applicable Cash Flow Deficiency or Credit Agreement Default pursuant to clause (ii) of the definition of such term, has already occurred (and has not been cured), the time periods referred to in this Section 1.4 shall not in any way delay the Board’s actions to cure such Cash Flow Deficiency or Credit Agreement Default in accordance with the other terms of this Section 1.4.

 

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Section 1.5    Business Plan.

(a)    A detailed business plan (as in effect from time to time, the “Business Plan”) of the Company and its Subsidiaries for the period ending June 30, 2022 shall be distributed by the Company to the Members when available after the date of this Agreement. No later than sixty (60) days prior to the start of the Company Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2023 and any subsequent Company Fiscal Year, the Company shall submit to Hakkasan Parent a proposed Business Plan, in the same form as such Business Plan for the period ending June 30, 2022 or in such other form as is otherwise approved by the Board.

(b)    If a Business Plan subject to the Hakkasan Parent Veto Right set forth in Section 4.1(d)(viii) for any Company Fiscal Year has not been approved by Hakkasan Parent prior to the start of such Company Fiscal Year, then the Business Plan for such Company Fiscal Year shall be the same as the Business Plan for the prior Company Fiscal Year (a “Rollover Business Plan”), subject to further increases in any line item in order to permit expenditures under any Contract of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that had been properly authorized under this Agreement before such Rollover Business Plan went into effect. Until such time as such Company Fiscal Year’s Business Plan has either (i) been adjusted to no longer be subject to the Hakkasan Parent Veto Right set forth in Section 4.1(d)(viii), or (ii) been approved by Hakkasan Parent, the Business Plan shall continue to be such Business Plan most recently approved by the Board as adjusted in accordance with this Section 1.5(b). The term “Business Plan” as used in the Agreement shall include any Rollover Business Plan that may be in effect at the time.

(c)    The Business Plans (including any Rollover Business Plan, if necessary) will reserve the amount necessary, if available, to satisfy amounts referenced in the definition of Available Cash.

Section 1.6    Term. The Company shall have perpetual existence unless sooner dissolved and its affairs wound up as provided in Article VII.

Section 1.7    Registered Agent and Registered Office. The name of the registered agent of the Company for service of process on the Company in the State of Delaware shall be Corporation Service Company, and the address of such registered agent and the address of the registered office of the Company in the State of Delaware shall be 251 Little Falls Drive, Wilmington, New Castle County, Delaware 19808. Such office and such agent may be changed to such place within the State of Delaware and any successor registered agent, respectively, as may be determined from time to time by the Board in accordance with the Act.

Article II

Distributions; Allocation of Profits and Losses

Section 2.1    Distributions.

(a)    Distributions; Payments under the Holdings LLC Agreement. Except as otherwise provided in Section 7.2, distributions shall be made to the Members at such times and in such amounts as determined and approved by the Board (including as required pursuant to Section 2.1(b), Section 2.1(c) and Section 2.1(d)). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary

 

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contained in this Agreement, prior to any such distributions to the Members contemplated by Section 2.1(c), Section 2.1(d) or Section 2.1(e), the Members acknowledge and agree that the Company or any of its Subsidiaries shall make payments in respect of obligations under the Subordinated Credit Agreement and accrued but unpaid “MSG Payment” obligations under Section 4.8 of the Holdings LLC Agreement (including, in each case, accrued interest thereon) in accordance with their respective terms.

(b)    Tax Distributions. The Company shall distribute to each Member with respect to each fiscal quarter following the Effective Time amounts at least two (2) Business Days prior to the date on which any U.S. federal income taxes are due such that each Member receives an amount at least equal to (i) (A) the amount of net taxable income allocable to such Member in respect of such fiscal quarter reduced by allocable losses (including losses allocable to any predecessor of such Member) for prior periods following the Effective Time not previously taken into account pursuant to this Section 2.1(b), as reasonably estimated by the Company, multiplied by (B) an assumed tax rate equal to the highest marginal federal, state and local income tax rate applicable to individual residents of New York City at the relevant time, as adjusted to take into account deductions reasonably expected to be available under Section 199A of the Code and the ability (if any) to deduct state and local income taxes for U.S. federal income tax purposes, reduced by any credits reasonably expected to be available (including credits for FICA taxes, foreign tax credits, and state and local credits for unincorporated business taxes), all as determined in good faith by the Company’s partnership representative; provided, however, that with respect to any period in which TAO has no direct or indirect owners who are individuals, the assumed tax rate shall be based upon the corporate tax rate, taking into account reasonable assumptions as to state and local rates and apportionment factors for such fiscal quarter, as determined in good faith by the Company’s partnership representative; provided, further, that if the excess of (i) the amount distributable to any Member for any fiscal quarter pursuant to this Section 2.1(b) over (ii) the portion of such amount (if any) attributable to the allocation of taxable income to such Member in respect of the Preferred Return (such excess, the “Common Unit Tax Distribution Amount”) is less than the amount that would have been distributed to such Member had the distribution of the Common Unit Tax Distribution Amount pursuant to this Section 2.1(b) instead been made in accordance with Percentage Shares, then the amount distributed to such Member shall be increased (by increasing the total amount distributed under this Section 2.1(b) without reducing any other Members’ distribution under this Section 2.1(b)) such that the Common Unit Tax Distribution Amount (taking into account such increase) is distributed in accordance with Percentage Shares. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 2.1(b), distributions pursuant to this Section 2.1(b) shall be made only to the extent not in violation of any Company Loan Agreement (other than a Company Loan Agreement between the Company and TAO or any of its Affiliates). To the extent that the full amount of distributions otherwise required pursuant to this Section 2.1(b) cannot be made as a result of the immediately preceding sentence, distributions shall be made to the Members in proportion to the amounts that would have been due absent the application of the immediately preceding sentence, and the remaining portion of any such distributions shall be made promptly after such portion would not result in violation of any such Company Loan Agreement. Any distributions made to a Member pursuant to this Section 2.1(b) shall be (i) treated as an actual distribution for purposes of Section 2.1(c) and (ii) credited against and reduce amounts subsequently distributable to such Member pursuant to Section 2.1(c).

 

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(c)    Distributions of Available Cash. Subject to applicable law, after making distributions pursuant to Section 2.1(b), to the extent not in violation or breach of any Company Loan Agreement, the Company shall, to the extent determined and approved by the Board, make distributions of Available Cash to the Members no less than once each year (including any other distributions authorized by the Board) to the holders of Units as follows:

(i)    first, to the holders of Preferred Units in accordance with their respective Preferred Percentage Shares until they shall have received a Preferred Return (taking into account prior distributions (if any) attributable to their Preferred Units) on their Unreturned Preferred Capital Contributions Amount;

(ii)    second, to the holders of Preferred Units in accordance with their respective Preferred Percentage Shares until the Unreturned Preferred Capital Contributions Amount is zero (and upon distribution of the Preferred Return and the entire Unreturned Preferred Capital Contributions Amount in respect of such Preferred Units, such Preferred Units will be deemed to have been redeemed in full by the Company and no longer issued and outstanding without any further action by the Company or any holder thereof); and

(iii)    third, to the holders of Common Units in accordance with their respective Percentage Shares.

(d)    Required Distributions.

(i)    In the event of a “Preferred Unit Put” exercised by any holder of Preferred Units (as defined in the Holdings LLC Agreement) other than MSGE or its Permitted Transferees under Section 6.10 of the Holdings LLC Agreement, or in the event of a “Preferred Unit Call” in connection with a termination of employment of any such holder, the amount payable to such holder(s) under Section 6.10 of the Holdings LLC Agreement shall be distributed by the Company to TAO and such amount shall be deemed to have been distributed in accordance with Section 2.1(c) and attributed to the Preferred Units hereunder.

(ii)    In the event of an “MSGE Preferred Unit Put” exercised by MSGE or its Permitted Transferees under Section 6.10 of the Holdings LLC Agreement, the amount payable to MSGE or its Permitted Transferees under Section 6.10 of the Holdings LLC Agreement shall be distributed by the Company to TAO and such amount shall be deemed to have been distributed in accordance with Section 2.1(c) and attributed to the Preferred Units hereunder.

(e)    Distributions in Kind. Any distributions in kind shall be made at such times and in such amounts as determined and approved by the Board, based on their Fair Market Value as determined by the Board in good faith in the same proportions as if Available Cash were (to the extent not in violation of any Company Loan Agreement) distributed in accordance with Section 2.1(c). If cash and property are to be distributed in kind simultaneously, the Company shall distribute such cash and property in kind in the same proportion to each Member.

 

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(f)    Disproportionate Distributions in Accordance with Transaction Agreement. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, the Company shall be entitled to make disproportionate distributions to Hakkasan Parent or TAO as contemplated by Section 2.5(c)(i)(y), 2.6, 5.4 or 7.2 of the Transaction Agreement or as otherwise agreed by TAO and Hakkasan Parent.

Section 2.2    Allocations Generally.

(a)    Except as otherwise provided in Sections 2.2(b) through (i), Net Income or Net Loss for any Company Fiscal Year, and, to the extent that the Board determines it is necessary or appropriate, individual items of income, gain, loss and deduction of the Company shall be allocated among the Members so as to cause each Member’s capital account balance to equal as nearly as possible (i) the amount of the distribution that such Member would receive pursuant to Section 7.2(d) if, at the end of such Company Fiscal Year, each Company asset were sold for an amount of cash equal to such asset’s Book Value, each liability of the Company were satisfied in cash in accordance with its terms (limited, with respect to each Nonrecourse Liability, to the Book Value of any asset or assets securing such Nonrecourse Liability), and all remaining cash of the Company were distributed to the Members in accordance with Section 7.2 minus (ii) such Member’s shares of Company Minimum Gain and Minimum Gain Attributable to Member Nonrecourse Debt, computed immediately prior to the hypothetical sale of assets.

(b)    If there is a net decrease in Company Minimum Gain during a Company taxable year, each Member shall be specially allocated items of income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, for subsequent years) in the order specified in Treasury Regulation §1.704-2(j)(2) in proportion to, and to the extent of, an amount equal to the portion of such Member’s share of the net decrease in Company Minimum Gain during such year (which share of such net decrease shall be determined under Treasury Regulation §1.704-2(g)(2)). This Section 2.2(b) is intended to be a “minimum gain chargeback” described in Treasury Regulation §1.704-2(f) and is to be interpreted in a manner consistent therewith.

(c)    If there is a net decrease during a Company taxable year in the Minimum Gain Attributable to Member Nonrecourse Debt (as determined under Treasury Regulation §1.704-2(i)(3)), any Member with a share of Minimum Gain Attributable to such Member Nonrecourse Debt at the beginning of such year shall be specially allocated items of income and gain for such year (and, if necessary, for subsequent years) in the order specified in Treasury Regulation §1.704-2(j)(2) in proportion to, and to the extent of, an amount equal to the portion of such Member’s share of the net decrease in Minimum Gain Attributable to such Member Nonrecourse Debt (as determined under Treasury Regulation §1.704-2(g)(2)), during such year. This Section 2.2(c) is intended to be a “partner minimum gain chargeback” described in Treasury Regulation §1.704-2(i)(4) and is to be interpreted in a manner consistent therewith.

(d)    Items of Company loss, deduction or Section 705(a)(2)(B) Expenditure that are attributable to a Member Nonrecourse Debt shall be allocated among the Members who bear the Economic Risk of Loss for such Member Nonrecourse Debt. This provision is to be interpreted in a manner consistent with the requirements of Treasury Regulation §1.704-2(i)(1).

 

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(e)    The Nonrecourse Deductions for each taxable year of the Company shall be allocated to the Members in proportion to their Percentage Shares.

(f)    In the event that any Member unexpectedly receives any adjustments, allocations or distributions described in Treasury Regulation §1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(4), 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(5), or 1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d)(6), items of Company income and gain shall be specifically allocated to such Member in an amount and manner sufficient to eliminate, to the extent required by the Treasury Regulations promulgated under Section 704(b) of the Code, any Adjusted Capital Account Deficit created by such adjustments, allocations or distributions as quickly as possible. This provision is intended to be a “qualified income offset” described in Treasury Regulation §1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and is to be interpreted in a manner consistent therewith.

(g)    To the extent that an adjustment to the adjusted tax basis of any Company property pursuant to Code Section 734(b) or Code Section 743(b) is required, pursuant to Treasury Regulation §1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(2) or Treasury Regulation §1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(4), to be taken into account in determining capital accounts as a result of a distribution to a Member, the amount of such adjustment to the capital accounts shall be treated as an item of gain (if the adjustment increases the basis of the Company property) or loss (if the adjustment decreases the basis of the Company property), and such gain or loss shall be allocated to the Members in accordance with Treasury Regulation §1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(2) or Treasury Regulation §1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(m)(4), as the case may be.

(h)    Net Loss allocated pursuant to Section 2.2(a) shall not exceed the maximum amount of Net Loss that can be allocated without causing any Member to have an Adjusted Capital Account Deficit at the end of any Company Fiscal Year. In the event some but not all of the Members would have Adjusted Capital Account Deficits as a consequence of an allocation of Net Loss pursuant to Section 2.2(a), the limitation set forth in this Section 2.2(h) shall be applied on a Member by Member basis and Net Loss not allocable to any Member as a result of such limitation shall be allocated to the other Members in accordance with the positive balances in such Members’ capital accounts so as to allocate the maximum permissible Net Loss to each Member under Treasury Regulation §1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and, thereafter, pro rata based on Percentage Shares.

(i)    In the event that any item of Company income, gain, loss, deduction or Section 705(a)(2)(B) Expenditure is allocated pursuant to Section 2.2(b) through (g), subsequent items of Company income, gain, loss, deduction or Section 705(a)(2)(B) Expenditure (as determined for purposes of computing Net Income or Net Loss) shall, to the extent consistent with Section 2.2(b) through (h), be allocated between the Members so as to eliminate as quickly as possible on a proportionate basis, with respect to each Member, any disparity between (i) the sum of (x) such Member’s capital account balance and (y) such Member’s share of Company Minimum Gain and Minimum Gain Attributable to Member Nonrecourse Debts determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation §§1.704-2(g) and (i)(5) and (ii) the capital account which such Member would have had if all Company Minimum Gain and Minimum Gain Attributable to Member Nonrecourse Debt had been realized and all allocations of Net Income and Net Loss had been made pursuant to Section 2.2(a) (without giving effect to the reference therein to Section 2.2(b) through (h)).

 

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(j)    In the event that any item or items of income, gain, loss or deduction of the Company or any Member (or any Person related to a Member) is reallocated between the Company and any Member (or any Person related to a Member) pursuant to Code Section 482, then the allocation of the income, gain, loss or deduction of the Company for the year in which such reallocation occurs shall be made in such a fashion that the capital accounts of all Members, after taking into account any deemed contributions or distributions arising in connection with such reallocation, shall be equal to what they would have been if no reallocation had occurred.

(k)    In the event that the Percentage Shares of the Members shall change pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, there shall be an interim closing of the books of the Company as of the close of the day of such change (the “Interest Change Date”) and the capital accounts of the Members shall be revalued pursuant to Treasury Regulation §1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f) effective immediately prior to the event giving rise to the interim closing of the books of the Company. The Net Income or Net Loss of the Company for the period ending on the Interest Change Date shall be allocated to the Members in accordance with this Section 2.2 as if the Company Fiscal Year ended on such date, without taking into account any change in Percentage Shares on the Interest Change Date. For purposes of the preceding sentence, the day on which the Effective Time occurs shall be treated as an Interest Change Date. The Net Income or Net Loss of the Company for any period commencing after the Interest Change Date shall be allocated to the Members in accordance with this Section 2.2, taking into account their respective Percentage Shares in effect after the Interest Change Date. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Interest Change Date is not the last day of a month, Net Income or Net Loss of the Company for the month in which the Interest Change Date occurs shall be prorated on a daily basis between the portion of the month ending on the Interest Change Date and the remainder of such month.

Section 2.3    Tax Allocations. For income tax purposes, all items of income, gain, loss, deduction and credit shall be allocated among the Members in the manner set forth in Section 2.2; provided, however, that: (a) all items of income, gain, loss and deduction with respect to any property contributed to the Company by a Member (or revalued in accordance with Section 1.3) shall be allocated for income tax purposes so as to take into account any variation between the adjusted tax basis of such property and its Agreed Value at the time of contribution (or the event requiring revaluation) in accordance with Section 704(c) of the Code (and Treasury Regulation §1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(f)) using the remedial method described in Treasury Regulation §1.704-3(d) in connection with the Transactions; (b) corrective allocations shall be made to the extent required pursuant to Treasury Regulation §1.704-1(b)(4)(x); and (c) creditable foreign taxes shall be allocated in accordance with Treasury Regulation §1.704-1(b)(4)(viii). Any increase (or decrease) in taxable income or loss resulting from adjustments to the basis of the assets of the Company made pursuant to Section 743 of the Code shall be taken into account by the Member or Members to which such adjustment is attributable.

Section 2.4    Withholding and other Tax Payments. The Company shall, to the extent required by applicable law, withhold taxes from distributions made to any Member or pay taxes on behalf of any Member pursuant to Section 1446 of the Code or any similar provision of federal, state, local, or foreign law. Any taxes so withheld shall be deemed to have been distributed to such Member or, to the extent that any such tax is not withheld from a distribution, such Member shall promptly reimburse the Company therefor. If any imputed underpayment (including associated interest, penalties, or additions to tax) is required to be paid by the

 

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Company pursuant to Section 6225 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign law) with respect to income directly or indirectly allocable to a Member or former Member, such Member or former Member (and, in the case of a former Member, its transferee) shall promptly reimburse the Company therefor. Any amount due from a Member or a former Member to the Company pursuant to the two (2) preceding sentences shall bear interest at the “prime rate” (as specified in The Wall Street Journal, from time to time) plus three percent (3%) from the time of payment by the Company of the tax or imputed underpayment to the time of payment by the Member or former Member, and the Company may offset such amounts against distributions or other amounts due from the Company to such Member. The obligations of a Member pursuant to this Section 2.4 shall continue even if such Member ceases to be a Member.

Section 2.5    No Interest; No Return of Capital. No interest shall be payable on the capital contributions, or in respect of the capital accounts, of the Members. No Member shall be permitted to make an early withdrawal of any portion of the capital contributions made by it.

Article III

Fiscal Matters

Section 3.1    Partnership Representative. MSG TG LLC will be the “partnership representative” within the meaning of Section 6223 of the Code and act in any similar capacity under state, local, or foreign tax law, and shall designate the “designated individual” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation §301.6223-1(b)(3), subject to TAO’s right to designate a successor partnership representative. The Company will reimburse the partnership representative for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with its activities in such capacity. MSG TG LLC shall keep Hakkasan Parent informed of all examinations, including any administrative and judicial proceedings, of the Company with respect to taxes and shall furnish a copy of each notice or other communication received by MSG TG LLC, in its capacity as partnership representative or similar designation under applicable law, or the Company from any taxing authority to each Member. Hakkasan Parent shall be permitted to participate in any tax matter or proceeding and TAO shall reasonably consult with Hakkasan Parent prior to any settlement of a tax matter, administrative or judicial proceeding.

Section 3.2    Certain Tax Matters and Tax Elections. As of the date this Agreement, it is the intent of the Members that the Company be treated as a partnership for all federal, state and local tax purposes. The Members intend that the contribution by Hakkasan Parent of the Hakkasan Contributed Interests to the Company in exchange for the Transferred TAO Units and the deemed contribution by TAO of its assets and liabilities to the Company shall be treated as tax-free contributions to a new partnership under section 721(a) of the Code. The Company shall make a timely election under Section 754 of the Code and such other tax elections as the partnership representative may reasonably determine to be appropriate.

Section 3.3    Fiscal and Tax Year; Auditor. The taxable year of the Company for federal, state and local income tax purposes shall end on June 30 of each year except as otherwise required by the Code. Effective June 28, 2020, the fiscal year of the Company for financial reporting purposes shall be based on a retail calendar year, following a 4-4-5 week convention consistent with retail accounting periods (and with certain fiscal years following a 4-4-6 week convention, as applicable to a retail calendar for a given year), and each fiscal year of

 

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the Company shall end on the last Sunday in June (the “Company Fiscal Year”); provided, however, that certain Subsidiaries of the Company shall follow a fiscal year beginning on July 1 and ending on June 30 of the following year for financial reporting purposes if required under any management agreement with a third party to report on a month-end basis (such venues in operation as of the date of this Agreement: Ninth Avenue Hospitality LLC, 55th Street Hospitality Holdings LLC, Roof Deck Entertainment LLC and Roof Deck Australia LLC). The Company’s independent auditor shall be Deloitte LLP. For record keeping purposes, it is further acknowledged that prior to June 28, 2020, the Company Fiscal Year ended on the last Sunday of each calendar year (i.e. the last Sunday in December).

Section 3.4    Books and Records. The Company shall preserve and maintain (or cause to be preserved and maintained) all books, records, reports, invoices, material documents and all material information relating to the accounting, business and financial affairs of the Company and its Subsidiaries, and all personnel records, reports, files or other material documentation relating to the employment of all Company’s and its Subsidiaries’ employees (collectively, the “Business Books and Records”). The Company will at all times maintain or cause to be maintained at its principal place of business complete and accurate Business Books and Records and will be open to inspection and examination by the Qualified Members in accordance with Section 3.6.

Section 3.5    Financial Statements; K-1.

(a)    As soon as available and in any event within thirty (30) days after the end of each month and within thirty (30) days after the end of each fiscal quarter of the Company, the Company shall deliver to each Qualified Member the consolidated balance sheets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, as at the end of such month or such fiscal quarter, as the case may be, and the related consolidated statements of income, members’ equity and cash flows for such month or such fiscal quarter, as the case may be, and for the period from the beginning of the then current Company Fiscal Year to the end of such month or such fiscal quarter.

(b)    As soon as available and in any event within thirty (30) days after the end of each fiscal quarter of the Company, the Company shall deliver to each Qualified Member updated forecasts of revenue, updated expense line items and the periodic financial information described in Exhibit B, as well as capital expenditures by project, staffing, key performance indicators and a statement of cash flows, in each case, to the extent that the foregoing are delivered to TAO or its members in their capacity as members under the Holdings LLC Agreement.

(c)    As soon as available and in any event within one hundred and twenty (120) days after the end of each Company Fiscal Year, the Company shall deliver to each Member (i) the audited consolidated balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such year and the related consolidated statements of income, members’ equity and cash flows for such Company Fiscal Year, (ii) and a statement of each Member’s capital account as of the end of such Company Fiscal Year.

 

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(d)    Within one hundred and twenty (120) days after the end of each taxable year, the Company shall distribute to each Member a copy of its Schedule K-1 to the Partnership Tax Return (Form 1065) or any successor form thereto.

(e)    Any financial and other reports required pursuant to this Section 3.5 shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Section 3.6    Additional Information; Access. At any time and from time to time, the Company and its Subsidiaries shall permit any Qualified Member and its representatives (but excluding any representatives or other Persons that are not subject to or bound by the obligations under Section 4.6(a)) to (i) visit and inspect any of the facilities (including any offices and venues) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, all at reasonable times and upon reasonable notice and (ii) examine the Business Books and Records of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, as applicable, and make legible copies thereof or extracts therefrom, in each case, to the extent reasonably requested (taking into account applicable law and any relevant privilege or binding confidentiality requirements) and not an undue interference with the operation of the businesses of the Company or its Subsidiaries.

Article IV

Administration and Management

Section 4.1    Management.

(a)    The Board shall initially consist of eleven (11) Directors, (x) ten (10) individuals designated by TAO, which individuals from time to time shall include certain Directors that are also Officers of the Company or TAO designated on Schedule 4.1(a) (subject to update by TAO by written notice) as “TAO Executive Directors”, and other individuals designated on Schedule 4.1(a) (subject to update by TAO by written notice) as “TAO Parent Directors” and together with the TAO Executive Directors, the “TAO Directors”, and one of whom (designated by TAO) shall serve as chairman of the Board (the “Chairman”), and (y) for so long as Hakkasan Parent is a Qualified Member, one individual designated by Hakkasan Parent on Schedule 4.1(b) (subject to update by Hakkasan Parent by written notice) (the “Hakkasan Parent Director”). To the extent the Board shall constitute any committees, each Qualified Member will be entitled to have a representation in such committees in proportion to its representation on the Board. Thereafter, in the event Hakkasan Parent shall cease to be a Qualified Member, the Hakkasan Parent Director shall automatically at all times thereafter have no right to serve on the Board and the number of Directors on the Board (and any committee thereof) shall, unless TAO shall otherwise agree, be correspondingly reduced. In addition to the Hakkasan Parent Director, for so long as Hakkasan Parent is a Qualified Member, Hakkasan Parent may designate one (1) individual on Schedule 4.1(b) (subject to update by Hakkasan Parent by written notice) (the “Hakkasan Parent Observer”, and together with the Hakkasan Parent Director, the “Hakkasan Board Designees”) to attend and observe meetings of the Board (or any committee thereof) in a non-voting capacity (and without affect to any quorum calculation) and to be given notice of each meeting of the Board, including any committee thereof, and shall be given copies of any documents as and when given to the Directors, subject to the withholding or redaction of any information which in the Board’s good faith judgment relates to the matters referred to in the following sentence; provided that the Hakkasan Parent

 

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Observer’s failure to attend any meeting shall have no impact on the validity of any action taken by the Board. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, the Hakkasan Board Designees may be excluded from any meeting of the Board (or any committee thereof) or any portion thereof to the extent that a majority of the Board determines in good faith that (1) such exclusion is required to preserve any evidentiary, attorney-client or other legal privilege or (2) a Hakkasan Board Designee’s presence gives rise to good faith concerns about a conflict of interest.

(b)    The Directors and Hakkasan Parent Observer initially designated by TAO and Hakkasan Parent shall be the individuals as set forth on Schedules 4.1(a) and 4.1(b), respectively. Each Member may remove its designated Director (and Hakkasan Parent may remove the Hakkasan Parent Observer) at any time and for any reason (or no reason) by giving written notice of same to the Company and the other Member and, if it has terminated a Director (or Hakkasan Parent Observer, as applicable) it designated, may designate a replacement Director (or Hakkasan Parent Observer, as applicable) in such notice or in a subsequent notice to such other Member. The Members agree to take all actions reasonably necessary for the prompt appointment to the Board of any such replacement Director designated by a Member.

(c)    The Board shall have full authority to manage and control the business, affairs and properties of the Company, subject to the terms of this Agreement, including the Hakkasan Parent Veto Rights. The Board may appoint or remove (and may cause the Company’s Subsidiaries to appoint or remove) such officers of the Company (or its Subsidiaries) (each, an “Officer”) with such authority, duties and responsibilities as the Board may determine from time-to-time. For so long as Hakkasan Parent (together with its Permitted Transferees) is a Qualified Member, the Company shall in good faith consult with Hakkasan Parent prior to appointing any Non-Qualifying Proposed Officer and consider in good faith the views of Hakkasan Parent prior to appointing any such Non-Qualifying Proposed Officer.

(d)    For so long as Hakkasan Parent (together with its Permitted Transferees) is a Qualified Member, except in connection with a Going Public Transaction or Approved Sale in accordance with the terms herein, the Company shall not, and the Company shall cause each of its Subsidiaries not to, take any of the following actions without the prior written approval of Hakkasan Parent (whether at a duly called meeting of the Members or by written consent executed by Hakkasan Parent):

(i)    solely with respect to the Company, pay, make, put aside or declare any dividend or other distribution in cash, Units, property or otherwise, in respect of the Units or any other equity or ownership interest, other than distributions paid in accordance with the terms of Section 2.1;

(ii)    except in accordance with Section 4.2 or a Company Loan Refinancing, incur or assume any Debt in an amount that would cause the total amount of Debt outstanding after incurring or assuming such Debt to be in excess of $38,000,000 (subject to adjustment pursuant to the following proviso, the “Cap”); provided, however, that the Cap shall be increased by five percent (5%) annually (the “Adjustment Mechanism”);

 

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(iii)    issue any Units or any other equity or ownership interest in the Company to a third party in an aggregate amount such that the sum of TAO and its Permitted Transferees’ aggregate Percentage Share would equal less than a majority of the aggregate Percentage Share of all Members;

(iv)    prior to the fifth anniversary of the date of this Agreement, merge or consolidate the Company with or into another Person (but excluding the merger or consolidation of a direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company into the Company or another wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company (or vice versa)) or sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (but excluding the assignment or transfer of assets of the Company or a direct or indirect wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company to the Company or another wholly-owned Subsidiary of the Company);

(v)    materially change the fundamental nature of the business of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (it being understood and agreed that engaging in brand or intellectual property licensing to third parties would not be a material change to the fundamental nature of the business);

(vi)    amend, modify or restate any provision of the corporate organizational documents (e.g., certificate of incorporation, bylaws or limited liability company agreement) of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in a manner that would result in Hakkasan Parent or its Permitted Transferees losing any of the rights granted to Hakkasan Parent or its Permitted Transferees set forth in this Agreement (it being understood and agreed that the granting of rights which are the same or superior to those granted to Hakkasan Parent in this Agreement to any new Member (including in connection with an issuance of new Units in accordance with this Agreement) will not in and of itself be deemed to result in Hakkasan Parent or its Permitted Transferees losing any of the rights granted herein);

(vii)    except as contemplated by Sections 1.4, 4.2 and the last sentence of Section 2.1(a) or with respect to any financing entered into in accordance with Section 4.2 of the Holdings LLC Agreement (as the Holdings LLC Agreement is in effect as of the date hereof), enter into, modify or terminate, or waive any rights under, any Contract, transaction or other arrangement which involves, or is reasonably likely to involve, consideration or payments to or from such Persons in excess of $350,000 (subject to increase in accordance with the Adjustment Mechanism) and that is on terms less favorable in the aggregate to the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, than those which they could obtain at the time on arm’s length basis from an unaffiliated party;

(viii)    approve a Business Plan with respect to any annual period that provides for a projected EBITDA that is less than seventy-five percent (75%) of the actual EBITDA for the immediately previous annual period;

(ix)    appoint an independent auditor other than Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young or KPMG (or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliated firms, or any successors to the foregoing with an international auditing reputation); or

 

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(x)    make any discretionary change in accounting policies specific to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (excluding any changes (A) required by any applicable laws, rules, statutes or regulations, or (B) to the MSGE Accounting Principles including, for the avoidance of doubt, as the foregoing flow through to the Company’s or any of its Subsidiaries’ accounting policies, which in each case of clauses (A) and (B), may be applied to the Company without Hakkasan Parent consent).

Section 4.2    Debt Financing.

(a)    Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, and in addition to the Company’s ability to issue or sell Preemptive Securities in accordance with Section 1.4, in the event that the Board determines in good faith that the Company should seek additional capital by debt financing, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries may seek such additional debt financing in compliance with the terms of this Section 4.2. The Company shall deliver a written notice to the Qualified Members providing all of the material proposed terms and conditions, including timing, of such debt financing and the allocation of the amount to be funded by each Member pro rata in accordance with its Percentage Share (a “Debt Financing Notice”), and Hakkasan Parent shall be entitled to fund its pro rata portion of such debt financing upon its written election to the Company and TAO within eight (8) Business Days of its receipt of such notice (a “Pro Rata Funding Election”). In the event a Pro Rata Funding Election is not timely received or Hakkasan Parent does not otherwise comply with the terms, including timing, contemplated by the Debt Financing Notice, notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary (including the Hakkasan Parent Veto Rights), the Board may cause the Company or any of its Subsidiaries to obtain debt financing from any Person, including TAO or any of its Affiliates (including MSGE or any of its Subsidiaries), on terms that are Commercially Reasonable Debt terms and, in any event, no more favorable in the aggregate to such lender than those contained in the Debt Financing Notice delivered to Hakkasan Parent (or as otherwise approved by Hakkasan Parent).

(b)    Notwithstanding the foregoing in this Section 4.2, (x) in the event there is a Cash Flow Deficiency or Credit Agreement Default pursuant to clause (i) of the definition of such term, the time periods referred to in this Section 4.2 shall be reduced to the minimum extent necessary so that such Cash Flow Deficiency or Credit Agreement Default shall not occur and such periods shall in any event expire at least five (5) Business Days prior to the actual occurrence of a Cash Flow Deficiency or Credit Agreement Default pursuant to clause (ii) of the definition of such term; provided, however, that subject to the foregoing, the Company or TAO, as applicable, shall use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with the terms of this Section 4.2 under a revised timeline, and (y) in the event the Cash Flow Deficiency or Credit Agreement Default pursuant to clause (ii) of the definition of such term has already occurred (and has not been cured), the time periods referred to in this Section 4.2 shall not in any way delay the Board’s actions to cure such Cash Flow Deficiency or Credit Agreement Default in accordance with the other terms of Section 4.2(a).

 

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Section 4.3    Limitation of Liability. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, but without limiting the obligations of any Person under (or the liability of any Person for any breach of) Section 4.6 or Section 4.7, (a) no Member will be liable to the Company or any other Member for any Losses suffered or incurred by any Person on account, or by reason, of any claim based on or arising from any act taken or omitted to be taken by such Member in his, her or its capacity as such, and no Member in his, her or its capacity as such will owe any fiduciary duties to the Company, any other Member (as applicable) or any other Person, (b) except to the extent agreed to in any other written agreement involving an Affiliate of the Company (i) no Director will be liable to the Company or any Member for any Losses suffered or incurred by any Person on account, or by reason, of any claim based on or arising from any act taken or omitted to be taken by such Director in his or her capacity as such or in his or her capacity as a member of the board of directors (or similar governing body with a different name) of any Subsidiary of the Company, and (ii) no Director in his or her capacity as such will owe any fiduciary duties to the Company, any Member or any other Person, and (c) each Officer (in his or her capacity as such) shall owe the same duty of loyalty and good faith to the Company as an officer of a Delaware corporation under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”) (it being understood that such duties shall not limit any such Officer’s right to (i) take the actions permitted by clauses (i) and (ii) of Exhibit H to the Holdings LLC Agreement, or (ii) exercise any Principal Veto Rights pursuant to Section 4.1(g) of the Holdings LLC Agreement) and, except for such duties, shall not in his or her capacity as such owe any other fiduciary duties to the Company, any Member or any other Person. Without limiting the obligations of the Members, Directors or Officers to the Company or the other parties hereto under this Section 4.3 or the other provisions of this Agreement, (x) the debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company, whether arising in contract, tort or otherwise, shall be solely the debts, obligations and liabilities of the Company, and none of the Members, Directors or Officers shall be obligated personally for any such debt, obligation or liability of the Company solely by reason of being a Member, Director or Officer, and (y) the failure of the Company to observe any formalities or requirements relating to the exercise of its powers or management of its business or affairs under the Act or this Agreement shall not be grounds for imposing personal liability on any Member, Director or Officer for debts, obligations or liabilities of the Company. Except with respect to the obligations of any Person under (or the liability of any Person for any breach of) Sections 4.6 or 4.7, (x) there shall be, and each Member, Director and Officer shall be entitled to, a presumption that such Person acted in good faith in any action taken in his, her or its capacity as a Member, Director or Officer, and (y) each Member, Director and Officer in any action taken in his, her or its capacity as a Member, Director or Officer shall be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the records of the Company and upon such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the Company by any Person as to matters such Member, Director and Officer reasonably believes are within such Person’s professional or expert competence.

Section 4.4    Indemnification.

(a)    To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Company shall indemnify the Members, Directors and Officers and their respective officers, directors and employees (collectively, “Indemnified Persons”) and hold them harmless from and against any losses, costs, liabilities, damages, and expenses (including costs of suit and reasonable attorney’s fees) (collectively, “Losses”) such Indemnified Person may incur (or have incurred on or before the

 

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date hereof) relating to or arising out of such Indemnified Person’s acts or omissions in such Indemnified Person’s capacity acting on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in a manner reasonably believed to be within the scope of such Indemnified Person’s authority or in performing such Indemnified Person’s obligations on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (or otherwise by reason of the fact that such Indemnified Person is or was an Officer, Director, Member), specifically including the Indemnified Person’s sole, partial, or concurrent negligence or other fault, or by reason of any action or inaction of any employee, broker or other agent of such Indemnified Person, and on request by the Indemnified Person, the Company shall advance expenses associated with defense of any related action; provided, however, that (i) such Indemnified Person shall repay any such expense advancement if it is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final, non-appealable judgment that such Indemnified Person was not entitled to indemnification hereunder with respect to such matter; (ii) no Indemnified Person shall be indemnified and held harmless (1) in connection with any dispute under this Agreement, (2) under any other Contract between such Indemnified Person and the Company or any of its Affiliates (or any written agreement entered into by, between or among the Members and/or the Company as of the date hereof in connection with the Transactions), (3) in the case of fraud, intentional (including as to the consequence of such action) misconduct, or gross negligence by such Indemnified Person or (4) in the case of any Officer, for any action or omission that a court of competent jurisdiction has determined in a final, non-appealable judgment constitutes a breach of his or her duties under clause (c) of Section 4.3 such that the indemnification of such Officer would not be permitted under the DGCL if such Officer was an officer of a Delaware corporation; and (iii) the Company shall not be required to make any payment pursuant to this Section 4.4(a) to the extent that the Indemnified Person that otherwise would be paid by the Company has received proceeds from insurance obtained by the Company to cover the loss, cost or expense in question. The termination of a proceeding by judgment, order, settlement, conviction or upon a plea of nolo contendere, or its equivalent, shall not, of itself, create a presumption that such Loss resulted from the fraudulent, intentional (including as to the consequence of such action) misconduct or gross negligence of such Indemnified Person. The indemnification provided by this Section 4.4(a) shall not be deemed to be exclusive of any other rights to which each Indemnified Person may be entitled under any agreement, or as a matter of law, or otherwise, both as to any action in such Indemnified Person’s official capacity and to any action in another capacity, and shall continue as to such Indemnified Person who has ceased to have an official capacity for acts or omissions, during such official capacity or otherwise, and shall inure to the benefit of the heirs, successors and administrators of such Indemnified Person.

(b)    The Company hereby acknowledges that one or more of the Directors may have certain rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and/or insurance provided by the Members who designated such Directors and/or certain of their respective Affiliates (Member Indemnitors”). The Company hereby agrees that (i) it is the indemnitor of first resort (i.e., its obligations to any such Director are primary and any obligation of the Member Indemnitors to advance expenses or to provide indemnification for the same expenses or liabilities incurred by such Director are secondary), (ii) it shall be required to advance the full amount of expenses incurred by such Director and shall be liable for the full amount of all expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement by or on behalf of any such Director to the extent legally permitted and as required by this Agreement (or any agreement between the Company and such Director), without regard to any rights such Director may have

 

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against the Member Indemnitors, and (iii) it irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Member Indemnitors from any and all claims against the Member Indemnitors for contribution, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect thereof. The Company further agrees that no advancement or payment by the Member Indemnitors on behalf of any such Director with respect to any claim for which such Director has sought indemnification from the Company shall affect the foregoing and the Member Indemnitors shall have a right of contribution and/or be subrogated to the extent of such advancement or payment to all of the rights of recovery of such Director against the Company.

Section 4.5    D&O Insurance. The Company shall purchase and maintain insurance, or be covered under insurance policies of TAO or its Affiliates (in which case there will be a reasonable good faith allocation of costs to the Company for such coverage), on behalf of any Person who is or was a Member, Director, Officer, manager, employee or agent of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director or similar director, trustee, officer, manager, employee or agent of any other Person, against any liability asserted against such Person and incurred by such Person in any such capacity or arising out of the Person’s status as such whether or not the Company would have the power to indemnify the Person against such liability under Section 4.4.

Section 4.6    Other Activities.

(a)    Restrictions on Hakkasan Parent. Hakkasan Parent shall be subject to certain restrictive covenants as set forth on Exhibit D. Hakkasan Parent acknowledges and agrees that the content and scope of the restrictions set forth on Exhibit D and the restrictions in Section 4.7 are reasonable, and that compliance with such covenants is necessary to protect the business and goodwill of the Company and its Subsidiaries and Affiliates and are an integral factor in TAO’s determination to consummate the Transactions.

(b)    No Other Restrictions. Except to the extent contemplated by Section 4.6(a) or in a written agreement between any Person and the Company, TAO or any Member or Director (including as provided in the Transaction Agreement, the Holdings LLC Agreement (including the “Transaction Agreement” defined therein) or any employment agreement), (i) any Member or Director may (whether or not any of the following has, or is reasonably likely to have, a detrimental effect on the Company or any of its Subsidiaries), directly or indirectly (A) engage or participate in, or render services to (whether as owner, operator, member, shareholder, trustee, director, manager, consultant, strategic partner, employee or otherwise) (including through and by any means of an equity or profits interest in any other Person), other businesses or ventures of any nature or description without regard to whether such businesses or ventures are or may be deemed to be competitive with, or similar to the business conducted by, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, or (B) do business with any client or customer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and (ii) no Member or Director shall be obligated to present or offer to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any other Member any particular investment or business opportunity, regardless of whether the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any other Member could take advantage of such opportunity if it were to be presented to the Company or such Subsidiary or such Member, but may avail himself, herself or itself of any such opportunity for his, her or its own behalf, unless, solely with respect to a Director that is also an Officer of the Company, such investment or business opportunity was offered or presented to

 

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such Director solely in its, his or her capacity as a Director of TAO, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. For the avoidance of doubt, it is understood that MSGE and its Affiliates are not subject to any non-competition or similar covenant in connection with this Agreement.

Section 4.7    Confidentiality.

(a)    Each Member shall, and shall cause its Affiliates and Permitted Recipients (as defined below) to, for so long as such Member is a Member and until the date that is thirty-months after the applicable Return or Destruction Date (as defined below), keep confidential and not disclose, other than in connection with the provision of services to the Company or its Subsidiaries, to any other Person (other than to his, her or its Affiliates, direct or indirect parent entities or Subsidiaries and its and their respective directors, officers, employees, advisors and other representatives (“Permitted Recipients ”) so long as such Member, as applicable, is responsible to the Company for any breach of this Section 4.7 by any of its Permitted Recipients that receives such information, and shall enforce such agreement on the Company’s behalf) any information (including the terms of this Agreement), technology, know-how, trade secrets, product formulas, industrial designs, franchises, inventions or other industrial and intellectual property in the possession or control of such Member, as applicable, or any of its Permitted Recipients regarding the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or their respective businesses (“Confidential Information”) (unless and to the extent disclosure is required by applicable law, rule or regulation, including the rules of any applicable securities exchange or otherwise to the extent disclosed in accordance with the provisos to Section 4.7(b)), and Hakkasan Parent shall, and shall cause its Permitted Recipients not to, use any Confidential Information in a manner that is adverse or contrary to the interests of the Company or its Subsidiaries, including to compete with the Company or any of its Subsidiaries. Within six (6) months of the termination of his, her or its membership in the Company, each Member will, and will cause its Permitted Recipients to, promptly return to the Company or destroy (at such Member’s option) all Confidential Information and copies thereof (as to any Confidential Information, the date of completion of such return or destruction, as applicable, the “Return or Destruction Date”); provided, however, that the Member and its Permitted Recipients (i) may retain copies the Confidential Information to the extent that such retention is required to demonstrate compliance with applicable law, rule, regulation or professional standards or to comply with a bona fide document retention policy and (ii) shall not be required to return or destroy any Confidential Information contained in an archived computer backup system stored as a result of automated backup procedures in the ordinary course (it being agreed that if such retained Confidential Information is accessed, it will remain subject to the restrictions herein until returned or destroyed). The obligations of the Members under this Section 4.7(a) shall not apply to information that (A) is obtained from public information, (B) is received after the date of this Agreement from a third party not, to the knowledge of such Member, as applicable, subject to any obligation of confidentiality with respect to such information, (C) is or becomes generally available to the public, other than through a breach of this Agreement, (D) other than in the case of Hakkasan Parent with respect to Confidential Information regarding the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, or other information with respect to the Company or its Subsidiaries made available in connection with the Confidentiality Agreement, dated as of June 22, 2020, by and among Hakkasan Limited, Hakkasan Holdings, and TAO Group Operating LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (which information in either case shall be treated as Confidential Information), is already in such Member’s possession (as is evidenced by such Member’s documentation), provided that such

 

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information is not subject to any obligation of confidentiality to the Company or its Subsidiaries, (E) other than in the case of Hakkasan Parent with respect to Confidential Information regarding the Hakkasan Contributed Entities, has been independently developed by a Member (or any Permitted Recipient thereof, other than the Company or its Subsidiaries) without use of Confidential Information, (F) is disclosed in connection with any action, suit or other proceeding in connection with the rights or obligations of such Member under this Agreement, any other Transaction Document or any other action, suit or other proceeding involving the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or (G) is disclosed to direct or indirect current or prospective financiers (debt or equity), investors, or other prospective transferees of equity (including the Interests to the extent permitted by Article VI) or their respective Permitted Recipients, in each case, pursuant to a non-disclosure agreement with terms and conditions (including enforcement rights) no less protective than the terms of this Section 4.7 and the enforcement rights herein; provided, however, that the Member disclosing (or the Member whose Affiliate or other Permitted Recipient discloses) such information pursuant to this clause (G) to such Persons shall be responsible to the Company for any breach thereof, and shall enforce such agreement on the Company’s behalf.

(b)    The Company shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to, and no Member shall, disclose or issue any press release or similar communication that might reasonably constitute material non-public information of any Member or its Affiliates (including the Company and its Subsidiaries) without the prior written consent (which may be by e-mail) of such Member (and with respect to such information of the Company or its Subsidiaries, all of the Members), provided, however, that for so long as TAO is, or is controlled by a company that is, subject to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, TAO and its Affiliates (including MSGE) may make any public disclosures about the Company or any of its Subsidiaries that are reasonably necessary or appropriate for a public company to make; provided, further, that other than with respect to regular quarterly and annual filings with the SEC (such as quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, annual reports on Form 10-K and proxy statements) or registration statements filed with the SEC, to the extent practicable, TAO will consult with Hakkasan Parent in connection with any such public disclosure prior to including a reference to the names set forth on Schedule 4.7(b) in any such public disclosure, and consider in good faith the views of Hakkasan Parent regarding whether to make, and the contents of, any such disclosure.

Section 4.8    Subordinated Credit Agreement. Hakkasan Parent acknowledges that the Company and its Subsidiaries have entered into the Subordinated Credit Agreement, and MSGE and its Affiliates may exercise any remedies thereunder or any remedies they (or any of them) may have as creditors under applicable law if and to the extent the lenders (or agent(s)) under a Company Loan Agreement (other than the Subordinated Credit Agreement or any other Company Loan Agreement under which TAO or any of its Affiliates is a lender) or any successor third party lenders (or agent(s)) to TAO, the Company or any of its Subsidiaries exercise any of their remedies under the Company Loan Agreement or under applicable law (a “Remedy Exercise”). In the event that, following a Remedy Exercise, the lender(s) under the Subordinated Credit Agreement foreclose on any equity interests pledged to them, then notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary (a) MSGE and its Affiliates (or any of them) shall be entitled to exercise all rights with respect thereto, and (b) in no event shall any foreclosure or other Transfer of Interests to them or for their benefit be prohibited hereunder; provided, however, that for so long as Hakkasan Parent is a Qualified Member, except in the

 

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event of a Remedy Exercise or to the extent consented to by Hakkasan Parent, (i) in the event the Company or any of its Subsidiaries are unable to pay in cash any interest payment due and payable in cash under the Subordinated Credit Agreement (after giving effect to any grace period thereunder), MSGE and its Affiliates (or any of them) shall not exercise any remedies under the Subordinated Credit Agreement in respect of such failure (without prejudice or effect as to any future Credit Agreement Default) for so long as and to the extent such interest is instead added to, and becomes a part of, the outstanding principal amount under the Subordinated Credit Agreement on such due date and (ii) MSGE and its Affiliates (or any of them) shall not exercise any remedies under the Subordinated Credit Agreement with respect to any other Credit Agreement Default under the Subordinated Credit Agreement (other than failure to pay principal and interest in cash under the Subordinated Credit Agreement when due and payable thereunder at maturity).

Section 4.9    Admission of New Members. New Members may be admitted from time to time (i) in connection with the issuance of Units by the Company or (ii) in connection with a Transfer of Units, subject to the provisions of Article VI, and in either case, following compliance with the terms set forth herein. In order for any Person not already a Member of the Company to be admitted as a Member, whether pursuant to an issuance or Transfer of Units, such Person shall have executed and delivered to the Company a written undertaking substantially in the form of the Joinder Agreement attached as Exhibit E (a “Joinder Agreement”). Upon the amendment of Schedule 1.2(a) hereto and the satisfaction of any other applicable conditions, including the receipt by the Company of payment for the issuance of Units, if applicable, such Person shall be admitted as a Member and deemed listed as such on the books and records of the Company. The Company shall also adjust the capital account balances set forth on Schedule 1.3(c) hereto to reflect the addition of such additional Member.

Article V

Meetings and Voting

Section 5.1    Meetings of Members.

(a)    A meeting of the Members may be called by the Board or by Members holding an aggregate Percentage Share of at least fifty percent (50%) upon prior written notice. A meeting of Members may be called to exercise any authority given to them in this Agreement, subject to the terms of this Agreement, including the Hakkasan Parent Veto Rights.

(b)    Written notice of any meeting of the Members shall be provided to each Member (unless waived in writing by each Member) no fewer than five (5) Business Days prior to such meeting, which shall include the date (which shall be a Business Day), place, time and proposed agenda of such meeting of the Members. In no event will a meeting be called for a non-Business Day without the prior consent of all of the Members. Without limiting the Hakkasan Parent Veto Rights under Section 4.1(d), a quorum for the conduct of business at a meeting of the Members will exist if Members holding at least a majority of the Common Units are present (in person or by proxy).

(c)    Whenever under this Agreement the Members are required or permitted to take any action, such action may be taken without a meeting or a vote if (i) the Members are

 

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given written notice of such action (e-mail is sufficient) at least two (2) Business Days prior to the taking thereof, (ii) an instrument setting forth the action is signed and dated by the number of Members required to approve such action hereunder, (iii) such instrument is delivered to the Company prior to the taking of such action, and (iv) the Company shall arrange for a copy of any such instrument to be provided to each Member promptly thereafter.

(d)    Except to the extent expressly set forth in this Agreement or required by applicable law, the holders of Units will not be entitled to vote on any matter. With respect to any matter as to which the holders of Units are entitled to vote, each such holder shall be entitled to one vote for each Unit held by such Member.

Section 5.2    Meetings of the Board.

(a)    For so long as Hakkasan Parent is a Qualified Member, unless waived in writing by Hakkasan Parent, the Board shall meet at least four (4) times in each Company Fiscal Year, with the intent to set at least one meeting in each calendar quarter. A special meeting of the Board may be called by the Chairman. Written notice of any periodic or special meeting of the Board shall be provided to each Director (unless waived in writing by each Director) no fewer than two (2) Business Days prior to such meeting and, in the event Hakkasan Parent is a Qualified Member and has not designated a Hakkasan Parent Director, to Hakkasan Parent . All meetings of the Board will be held at the office of the Company or at such other place that the person or persons calling such meeting shall designate in the notice of the meeting. A meeting of the Board may be called to exercise any authority given to the Board in this Agreement or under the Act. The notice for any meeting of the Board shall specify each matter to be brought before the Board at such meeting. Attendance or participation of a Director at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when such Director attends or participates in the meeting for the express purpose of objecting at the beginning thereof to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not properly called or convened.

(b)    Without limiting the Hakkasan Parent Veto Rights under Section 4.1(d), a quorum for the conduct of business at a meeting of the Board will exist if a majority of TAO Parent Directors are present (in person or by proxy or enhanced voting power as contemplated by Section 5.3). Subject to the Hakkasan Parent Veto Rights, the approval of any action at a meeting of the Board shall require the approval of a majority of the Directors present (in person or by proxy or enhanced voting power as contemplated by Section 5.3) at such meeting.

(c)    Whenever under this Agreement the Board is required or permitted to take any action, such action may be taken without a meeting, or a vote, if (i) the Directors are given written notice of such action (e-mail is sufficient) at least two (2) Business Days prior to the taking of such proposed action, which notice shall include a description of the action or actions to be taken, (ii) a draft of the instrument setting forth the action so taken is signed and dated by the same number of Directors whose approval would be required to approve such action at a meeting of the Board if all Directors were in attendance at such meeting, (iii) such instrument is delivered to the Company prior to the taking of such action, and (iv) the Company shall arrange for a copy of any such instrument to be provided to each Director promptly thereafter.

 

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Section 5.3    Participation in Meetings; Proxies; Enhanced Vote. A Member or a Director may appear and vote at a meeting in person or by proxy (and more than one proxy may be granted to someone attending such meeting; it being understood (for the avoidance of doubt) that a person granted a proxy may vote and the presence of such person will be taken into account for purposes of determining a quorum), and a Member or Director may participate in a meeting by means of a conference telephone, video call or video conference, or similar communication equipment by means of which all Persons participating in the meeting can hear each other simultaneously and such participation in a meeting will constitute presence in Person at such meeting. At any meeting of the Board or in respect of any Board action by written consent, the TAO Parent Director(s) (if more than one, with respect to any decision, subject to their majority vote) present at such meeting or signing such action by written consent shall have the right to vote on any matter to be decided by the Board at such meeting on behalf of the full number of TAO Parent Directors that may be designated by TAO under Section 4.1(a) (i.e., six (6) votes, regardless of whether six (6) TAO Parent Directors have been designated, are present, or signed such consent), and each such undesignated or absent TAO Parent Director(s) shall, for quorum and majority counting purposes, be deemed to be present at such meeting and/or voted or signed such consent in accordance with such present TAO Parent Director(s).

Section 5.4    No Voting Agreements. Except for the grant of a proxy permitted by Section 5.3 for a specific meeting or vote, no Member shall enter into any Contract that requires such Member to vote or grant approval of any matter in accordance with the directions of any other Person.

Article VI

Transfers

Section 6.1    No Transfers.

(a)    A Member may not Transfer any of such Member’s Interests, except pursuant to Section 6.2 and subject to the Company’s receipt of a duly executed Joinder Agreement from each transferee of Interests. Any Transfer in violation of this Agreement shall be subject to Section 8.3 and for the avoidance of doubt, such intended transferee shall not otherwise become a Member or obtain any rights under this Agreement.

(b)    Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary: (i) no Member may Transfer any Interests if such Transfer would require the filing of a registration statement under the Securities Act by the Company or would otherwise violate any federal or state securities laws or regulations applicable to the Company, and (ii) no proposed Transfer by a Member of such Member’s Interest may be made to any Person if: (A) such Transfer would result in the Company being treated as anything other than a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes; (B) such Transfer would cause the Company to be treated as a “publicly traded partnership” within the meaning of Section 7704 of the Code and the regulations promulgated thereunder; or (C) such Transfer would result in the Company being regulated under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. If any Transfer permitted hereunder would result in the Company being ineligible to make an “election out” under Section 6221(b) of the Code, the transferor and transferee Members shall reasonably cooperate with the Company to avoid such loss of eligibility, but shall not in any event be prohibited from consummating any

 

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such Transfer if otherwise permitted under the other provisions of this Article VI nor be required to materially alter any of the terms of such transfer in a manner that would be adverse to the transferor or transferee Member.

Section 6.2    Certain Transfers; Effect.

(a)    A Member may Transfer such Member’s Interests: (a) in a Permitted Transfer; (b) pursuant to Section 6.3, Section 6.4, Section 6.5, Section 6.6, Section 6.7, or Section 6.9; or (c) in connection with a Going Public Transaction; provided, that in the case of this clause (c), all Members will be subject to a customary lock-up period and will receive customary registration rights commensurate with their respective Percentage Shares; provided that at the time a Going Public Transaction is consummated, Hakkasan Parent shall be entitled to registration rights that include at least one “demand” registration right for so long as it holds ten (10%) percent of the common equity of the Company, in connection with its offering of at least ten (10%) percent of such common equity and, for so long as Hakkasan Parent holds five (5%) percent of the common equity of the Company and offers at least five (5%) percent of such common equity in such registration, unlimited “piggyback” registration rights, subject in each case to customary limitations.

(b)    It is understood and agreed that, other than in a Permitted Transfer, Hakkasan Parent may not Transfer any of its specific rights set forth or referred to in Section 4.1 (including the Hakkasan Parent Veto Rights, and in any event, no more than one Person at any time shall be entitled to exercise such rights); provided, however, that if such Transfer involves the transfer of one hundred percent (100%) of Hakkasan Parent’s (and its Permitted Transferees’) Interest to a third party, such third party transferee shall retain the specific rights set forth or referred to in Section 4.1, together with (for the avoidance of doubt) the other rights of Hakkasan Parent herein; provided further that such third party shall be entitled to exercise only the Hakkasan Parent Veto Rights described in clauses (i) through (vi) of Section 4.1(d).

(c)    In connection with a Going Public Transaction or an Approved Sale, if the Board determines that corporate structure changes are reasonably necessary or appropriate, including conversion to a corporation, election for the Company to be treated as a corporation for applicable tax purposes, the transfer of all Units to a new corporation or the transfer of substantially all of the Company’s assets to a new corporation, pursuant to a merger, recapitalization, contribution, reorganization, or otherwise, (i) the Board may cause the Company or its Subsidiaries to undergo such corporate structure changes and (ii) each Member shall execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered such further instruments and take such further action as the Company may reasonably request in order to effectuate such corporate structure change, so long as such restructuring would not disproportionately dilute the ownership interests or result in the disproportionate loss of the rights granted herein to such Member. Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is understood and agreed that in connection with a Going Public Transaction, all Hakkasan Parent’s and its Permitted Transferees’ rights herein shall terminate; provided, however, so long as Hakkasan Parent continues to hold at least five (5%) percent of the common equity of the Company, Hakkasan Parent shall retain its right to appoint the Hakkasan Parent Director.

 

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Section 6.3    Right of First Offer.

(a)    After the fifth anniversary of the date of this Agreement, Hakkasan Parent (which for the purpose of this Section 6.3 shall also include its Permitted Transferees) may Transfer all or part of its Common Units to any Person, other than a Hakkasan Parent Prohibited Person, after complying with its obligations pursuant to clauses (b)-(d) of this Section 6.3; provided that this Section 6.3 shall not apply to a Permitted Transfer.

(b)    In the event that Hakkasan Parent determines to Transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) all or part of its Common Units to any Person (other than a Hakkasan Parent Prohibited Person) pursuant to this Section 6.3, it shall first offer such Common Units to TAO (which for the purpose of this Section 6.3 shall also include its Permitted Transferees) by promptly giving TAO a written notice (the ROFO Notice”) setting forth the number of Common Units that Hakkasan Parent desires to sell (the Offered Securities”) and all other material terms pursuant to which Hakkasan Parent is considering selling the Offered Securities; provided, however, that Hakkasan Parent may not give a ROFO Notice or Transfer its Common Units pursuant to this Section 6.3 when a Going Public Transaction, an Approved Sale or a Transfer contemplated by Section 6.4, Section 6.5, Section 6.6 or Section 6.7 is already in process unless the transferee of such Units expressly agrees for the benefit of the Company and TAO to comply with the provisions of each applicable Section of this Agreement with respect to such process (and without any extension or re-counting of any notice or other relevant period binding on Hakkasan Parent), including the sale of such applicable Transferred Offered Securities (or a portion thereof, in accordance with the terms of such Section) to the applicable purchaser under such Section.

(c)    TAO shall have a period of twenty (20) days (the “ROFO Option Period”) after the receipt of the ROFO Notice within which to notify Hakkasan Parent in writing whether TAO wishes to purchase the Offered Securities, specifying the price, which shall be payable in cash only (the “ROFO Price”), and any other terms upon which it is prepared to purchase the Offered Securities, if applicable. If TAO gives such written notice within the ROFO Option Period (the “Notice of Election”) to Hakkasan Parent, then Hakkasan Parent shall have twenty (20) days after it receives such notice to accept or reject such offer from TAO. The receipt of a Notice of Election by Hakkasan Parent from TAO shall constitute an irrevocable offer by TAO to purchase all (but not less than all) of the Offered Securities at the ROFO Price and on the terms and conditions set forth in the Notice of Election.

(d)    If Hakkasan Parent decides to accept the irrevocable offer from TAO, it shall reasonably cooperate with TAO in obtaining any consents and approvals that are required to consummate the acquisition and Hakkasan Parent and TAO shall execute and deliver the Required Transfer Documentation. If TAO receives such consents and approvals and enters into such Required Transfer Documentation necessary to consummate such acquisition of the Offered Securities, then Hakkasan Parent shall be obligated to sell to TAO, and TAO shall be obligated to purchase from Hakkasan Parent, all (but not less than all) the Offered Securities at the ROFO Price and on the terms and conditions set forth in the Notice of Election.

(e)    If TAO does not give written notice to Hakkasan Parent within the ROFO Option Period or notifies Hakkasan Parent in writing that it does not wish to purchase all of the

 

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Offered Securities, or if Hakkasan Parent rejects TAO’s irrevocable offer to purchase (if such irrevocable offer was made), Hakkasan Parent shall have the right, for a period of six (6) months after the expiration of the ROFO Option Period, to sell all (but not less than all) of the Offered Securities to any third party (other than to a Hakkasan Parent Prohibited Person); provided that if such sale is subject to regulatory approvals or third party consents, such six (6)-month period shall be extended to the later of (i) one hundred and twenty (120) days and (ii) fifteen (15) days after all such approvals or consents have been received, not to exceed twelve (12) months after the expiration of the ROFO Option Period; provided, however, that if Hakkasan Parent rejects TAO’s irrevocable offer to purchase (if such irrevocable offer was made) and Hakkasan Parent wishes to enter into a Transfer on terms and conditions that are materially different in the aggregate than those originally proposed by TAO in its Notice of Election (whether with respect to types (including non-cash payments) or timing of payment, structure or otherwise), or if such Transfer to a third party contemplates a purchase price for Hakkasan Parent’s Units in respect of such Transfer that is equal to or less than the ROFO Price proposed by TAO in its Notice of Election, Hakkasan Parent shall be required to provide TAO with written notice (the “ROFR Notice”) of the terms and conditions of such proposed transaction (including the draft legal documentation underlying such proposed transaction, if applicable, and an irrevocable offer to TAO to purchase the Offered Securities on such terms), and TAO shall be entitled to purchase the Offered Securities at a price equal to the purchase price offered by such third party and on the same terms and conditions to those provided in the ROFR Notice (including by paying for the Offered Securities with substantially commensurate non-cash consideration (e.g. if the third party proposed to pay with its or its Affiliate’s stock, TAO may pay with Qualified Stock), in the event that the ROFR Notice provided for the applicable party to pay for the Offered Securities with such type of non-cash consideration, but excluding terms or conditions that cannot reasonably be fulfilled by TAO as opposed to such proposed third party) upon written notice by TAO to Hakkasan Parent of such election within twenty (20) days after receipt of the ROFR Notice (the “ROFR Option Period”). Each of TAO and Hakkasan Parent agree that in the event Hakkasan Parent is required to provide TAO with a ROFR Notice, all applicable deadlines and notice periods in this Section 6.3 shall be tolled until the earlier of (x) the expiry of the ROFR Option Period expires and (y) TAO providing written notice (which may be by e-mail) to Hakkasan Parent that it does not wish to purchase the Offered Securities.

(f)    In the event Hakkasan Parent does not sell the Offered Securities to a third party during the six (6)-month period (unless otherwise extended as set forth in Section 6.3(e)) after the expiration of the ROFO Option Period, then Hakkasan Parent may not thereafter sell the Offered Securities to a third party without giving TAO a new ROFO Notice and Hakkasan Parent’s compliance with all of the other terms of this Section 6.3 with respect to such subsequent process.

(g)    In the event that Hakkasan Parent shall accept an offer by TAO to purchase all of the Offered Securities, the Offered Securities shall be sold to TAO as promptly as practicable after expiration of the ROFO Option Period (or if applicable, the ROFR Option Period) and in any case within sixty (60) days after such expiration; provided that if such sale is subject to regulatory approvals or third party consents, such period shall be extended to the date that is fifteen (15) days after all such approvals or consents have been received.

 

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Section 6.4    Tag-Along Rights. After the fifth anniversary of the date of this Agreement, TAO (which for the purpose of this Section 6.4 shall also include its Permitted Transferees) may Transfer its Common Units and its Permitted Transferees’ Common Units to any Person other than a TAO Prohibited Person in compliance with this Section 6.4; provided that this Section 6.4 shall not apply to a Permitted Transfer. In the event TAO proposes to Transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) all or any portion of its Common Units pursuant to this Section 6.4, TAO shall provide Hakkasan Parent (which for the purpose of this Section 6.4 shall also include its Permitted Transferees) with at least twenty (20) days prior written notice of the Transfer, together with the name of the proposed transferee, the number of TAO’s Common Units proposed to be Transferred (the “Tag-Along Securities”), the price proposed to be paid for the Tag-Along Securities and all other material terms and conditions of the proposed offer. TAO shall provide (or cause to be provided) such additional material information with respect to the proposed offer as Hakkasan Parent may reasonably request. Hakkasan Parent shall have the right and option, by delivering to the Company and TAO a written notice within such twenty (20)-day period (and for the avoidance of doubt, if such affirmative notice is not timely received, TAO may transfer the Tag-Along Securities to the applicable purchaser without further obligation to Hakkasan Parent) to sell, on the same terms and conditions as the sale by TAO (including in respect of representations, warranties, covenants (including a release, if any) and indemnification obligations, if any, so long as (i) Hakkasan Parent shall not be required to make any representation or warranty that is not the same as or equivalent to those made by TAO, and (ii) Hakkasan Parent shall only be required to make representations and warranties that are made by the Members on a several and not joint basis (other than with respect to claims against an escrow, which may be on a joint and several basis subject to Hakkasan Parent not being required to bear any reduction of proceeds from such escrow by more than its pro rata share as to such claims) with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries) a number of Common Units equal to the product of: (A) the number of Common Units owned by Hakkasan Parent at such time, and (B) the quotient obtained by dividing the number of Tag-Along Securities being sold and the aggregate number of Common Units owned by TAO at such time (such Common Units, the “Tag-Along Participation Securities”) (and if the transferee of such Common Units is not willing to purchase such number of Common Units from Hakkasan Parent, the number of Common Units to be sold by TAO shall be reduced proportionately and Hakkasan Parent shall have the right to sell a number of Common Units equal to the product of the amount referred to in clause (A) and the quotient referred to in clause (B)); provided that in the event that the Tag-Along Securities proposed to be Transferred represent more than 50% of the then outstanding Common Units, Hakkasan Parent shall have the right to sell all of their Common Units if by selling the Tag-Along Participation Securities, Hakkasan Parent would cease to be a Qualified Member. As promptly as practicable after the consummation of any Transfer or other disposition of Common Units pursuant to this Section 6.4 and the receipt of the consideration therefrom, TAO shall remit to Hakkasan Parent the portion of the total sales price of the Common Units of Hakkasan Parent received pursuant thereto (subject to pro rata reduction/withholding for purchase price adjustments, holdbacks, insurance costs and similar costs). Each Member participating in a Transfer pursuant to this Section 6.4 shall bear all of its own costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, execution and performance of such Transfer and the transactions contemplated thereby (except as otherwise contemplated herein), including all fees and expenses of representatives, financial advisors, counsel and accountants. TAO shall not effect the Transfer of any Common Units

 

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pursuant to this Section 6.4 unless a proportional amount of (x) Common Units of TAO and (y) Common Units that Hakkasan Parent has exercised its right to sell pursuant to this Section 6.4, are simultaneously sold.

Section 6.5    Drag-Along Rights.

(a)    After the fifth anniversary of the date of this Agreement, in the event TAO (which for the purpose of this Section 6.5 shall also include its Permitted Transferees, collectively, the “Dragging Member”) desires to sell fifty percent (50%) or more of the Common Units owned by TAO to any Person other in a Permitted Transfer, TAO may Transfer (subject to Section 6.4), and may require Hakkasan Parent (which for the purpose of this Section 6.5 shall also include its Permitted Transferees, collectively, the “Dragged Parties”) to Transfer, their Common Units in accordance with this Section 6.5. TAO shall initiate such action by giving written notice to the Dragged Parties no later than twenty (20) days (a “Drag-Along Sale Notice”) prior to the scheduled closing date of such transaction (a “Drag-Along Sale”), together with the name of the proposed transferee, the number of Dragging Member’s Common Units proposed to be Transferred (the “Drag-Along Securities”), the proposed purchase price therefor and all other material terms and conditions of the proposed transaction to sell such Common Units, as well as copies of draft legal documentation underlying such proposed transaction, if any.

(b)    If requested by the Dragging Member in the Drag-Along Sale Notice, the Dragged Parties shall be obligated to sell a number of the Common Units held thereby equal to the product of: (A) the number of Common Units owned by the Dragged Parties, and (B) the quotient obtained by dividing the number of Common Units being sold by the Dragging Member and the number of Common Units owned by the Dragging Member at such time (such Common Units, subject to increase as provided by the following proviso, the Drag-Along Participation Securities”), in each case, on the same terms and conditions as TAO; provided that Hakkasan Parent and its Permitted Transferees shall have the right to sell all of their Common Units in the Drag-Along Sale if by selling the Drag-Along Participation Securities, Hakkasan Parent would cease to be a Qualified Member.

(c)    Each Dragged Party will take all reasonably necessary actions as requested by the Dragging Member in connection with the consummation of any Drag-Along Sale, including by executing the applicable transaction agreements (including a release if provided by the Dragging Member) subject to the terms of Section 6.5(d) and Section 6.5(e). The aggregate consideration payable upon consummation of such Drag-Along Sale to all Members in respect of their Interests (the Drag Aggregate Consideration”) shall be allocated among and paid promptly to the Dragging Members and the Dragged Parties in proportion to their Drag-Along Securities and Drag-Along Participation Securities, respectively. If the Dragging Members shall exercise their rights pursuant to this Section 6.5, all the Common Units required to be sold pursuant to this Section 6.5 shall be simultaneously sold (subject to any provision for multiple closings under the terms of the Drag-Along Sale, in which case each such closing shall be with respect to pro rata portions of Drag-Along Securities and Drag-Along Participation Securities until completed).

 

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(d)    Notwithstanding the foregoing but subject to Section 6.5(e): (i) neither TAO nor any of its Affiliates nor a TAO Prohibited Person (except in the event such Drag-Along Sale is also an Approved Sale or otherwise allowed for the sale of all of Hakkasan Parent and its Permitted Transferees Common Units) may be the purchaser in a Drag-Along Sale; (ii) the costs and expenses (including reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by the Dragging Members and the Dragged Parties in connection with the Drag-Along Sale), and any purchase price adjustments, escrow amounts, holdbacks, insurance costs, indemnity obligations of and other similar items shall be deemed to reduce (or increase, as the case may be) the Drag Aggregate Consideration; (iii) any consideration paid to any Member following the applicable closing in respect of purchase price adjustment increase, escrow amounts, holdbacks, insurance payments, indemnification payments or earn-out payments shall be allocated among the Interests of the Members as such amounts would have been allocated at the applicable closing had such amounts been included in the Drag Aggregate Consideration; and (iv) in the event Excluded Consideration is included in the Drag Aggregate Consideration, TAO shall receive the entire portion of such Excluded Consideration, and in lieu of the portion of Drag Aggregate Consideration consisting of Excluded Consideration (if any) that was allocable to the Drag-Along Participation Securities, TAO shall pay or cause to be paid to Hakkasan Parent cash and/or Liquid Marketable Securities (calculated based on the total valuation of the Drag Aggregate Consideration (and the relevant portion of Excluded Consideration allocable to the Drag-Along Participation Securities) in such Drag-Along Sale).

(e)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 6.5, in connection with a Drag-Along Sale: (i) no Dragged Member shall be required to make any representation or warranty that is not the same as or equivalent to those made by the Dragging Member, (ii) each Dragged Member shall only be required to make representations and warranties that are made by the Dragging Member on a several and not joint basis (other than with respect to claims against an escrow, which may be on a joint and several basis subject to Dragged Member not being required to bear any reduction of proceeds from such escrow by more than its pro rata share as to such claims) with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries, (iii) no Dragged Member shall be required to incur indemnification or similar obligations (outside of an escrow in accordance with the parenthetical in clause (ii) above) in the aggregate in connection with such Drag-Along Sale in excess of the lesser of (1) the proceeds actually received by such Dragged Member in connection with such Drag-Along Sale, and (2) the pro rata share of such Member of any “cap” on indemnification obligations of the Members in such Drag-Along Sale, provided, however, that if the Dragging Member is bound to an obligation with respect to fraud or fundamental representations as to such Dragging Member (and not the Company or its Subsidiaries) in excess of its proceeds or such “cap”, the Dragged Members shall be bound accordingly as to such Dragged Member’s fraud or fundamental representations, and (iv) each Dragged Member shall remain subject to any non-competition or non-solicitation arrangement or similar restrictive covenant existing as of the date of such Drag-Along Sale in accordance with the terms thereof as then in effect; provided, however, that no Dragged Member shall be obligated to enter into new restrictive covenants or extensions of the existing restrictive covenants, regardless of what any other Member may agree to accept.

 

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Section 6.6    Put Right for Units.

(a)    Subject to Section 6.9 (Approved Sale) and prior to the consummation of a Going Public Transaction, Hakkasan Parent (which for the purpose of this Section 6.6 shall also include its Permitted Transferees) shall have the right to Transfer all of its Common Units to TAO, and TAO shall have the obligation to purchase such Common Units pursuant to this Section 6.6 (a Put”), by giving the Company and TAO irrevocable written notice (a Put Notice”) of its election to exercise such Put during the period beginning on June 1, 2025, and ending on June 30, 2025, and during each June in each second year thereafter (each such thirty (30)-day period, a Put Period”), and (i) such date of delivery of a Put Notice hereunder is referred to herein as the Put Notice Date”, and (ii) such period between the Put Notice Date and the date on which the Hakkasan Parent Purchase Price is determined, the Put Interim Period”. The amount to be paid by TAO for all Common Units purchased pursuant to a Put shall be the Hakkasan Parent Purchase Price.

(b)    In the event Hakkasan Parent delivers to TAO a timely Put Notice in accordance with Section 6.6(a), then the closing of the purchase and sale of Common Units shall occur at the offices of TAO at 10:00 a.m. (New York time) on (such date, the Put Closing Date”) (x) the date that is five (5) Business Days after the later of the determination of the Hakkasan Parent Purchase Price and, to the extent applicable, the receipt of any required regulatory approval or clearance, or (y) at such other place, date and time mutually agreed in writing upon by Hakkasan Parent and TAO; provided that in the event that TAO, within ninety (90) days of its receipt of a Put Notice, gives Hakkasan Parent written notice (a Sale Notice”) of TAO’s determination to exercise its rights under Section 6.9 (Approved Sale) or effect a Going Public Transaction instead of TAO purchasing such Common Units pursuant to the Put, then (i) in the event an Approved Sale or Going Public Transaction is consummated within six (6) months after receipt of the Sale Notice, Hakkasan Parent shall not Transfer its Common Units pursuant to such Put (and such Common Units shall instead be Transferred in such Approved Sale (subject to the consideration to be received by Hakkasan Parent complying with Section 6.9(d)) or in connection with such Going Public Transaction), and (ii) in the event an Approved Sale or Going Public Transaction is not consummated during such six (6)-month period (as may be extended by mutual agreement in writing of Hakkasan Parent and TAO), the closing of such Put shall occur at the offices of TAO at 10:00 a.m. (New York time) five (5) Business Days after the later of (x) the date on which the Hakkasan Parent Purchase Price is determined, (y) to the extent applicable, the receipt of any required regulatory approval or clearance, or (z) at such other place, date and time mutually agreed in writing upon by TAO and Hakkasan Parent; provided, however, that in the case of this clause (ii), if a definitive agreement has not been entered into with respect to such Approved Sale within such six (6)-month period or a Going Public Transaction has not been consummated (as such period may be extended by mutual agreement in writing of Hakkasan Parent and TAO), by written notice to TAO, Hakkasan Parent shall have the right to initiate prior to the completion of the Approved Sale Period or the Going Public Transaction, and Hakkasan Parent and TAO shall take (or cause to be taken) all reasonably necessary actions to comply with, the procedures in Section 6.8 (Determination of Fair Market Value) in order to determine the Hakkasan Parent Purchase Price. At such closing, Hakkasan Parent shall execute and deliver the Required Transfer Documentation against receipt of the Hakkasan Parent Purchase Price. In the event the Put Closing Date is deferred by TAO in accordance with this Section 6.6(b) to pursue an Approved Sale that is not completed, then the

 

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Hakkasan Parent Purchase Price shall be increased by the product of (A) .07 of the Hakkasan Parent Purchase Price multiplied by (B) a fraction, the numerator of which is half the number of days between the Sale Notice and the delivery by TAO or the Company of written notice to Hakkasan Parent that the Company is no longer pursuing an Approved Sale for purposes of this Section 6.6, and the denominator of which is three hundred and sixty five (365).

(c)    The consideration paid for the Put of any Common Units to be purchased by TAO pursuant to this Section 6.6 shall be paid, at TAO’s option, (i) in cash, (ii) by issuance of a MSGE Promissory Note or B Rated Note, (iii) in Qualified Stock or (iv) in any combination of the foregoing; provided, however, that subject to the following proviso, at least fifty percent (50%) of the consideration to Hakkasan Parent must be paid in either (x) cash or (y) Qualified Stock that has been, or promptly after its issuance or transfer will be, registered for public trading pursuant to a registration statement duly filed with the SEC; provided, further, that in the event a B Rated Note and/or Successor Stock is included in the consideration paid for the Put, the minimum portion of consideration to be paid with the consideration categories set forth in clauses (i) and (iii) above shall be sixty-two point five percent (62.5%).

Section 6.7    Call Right for Units.

(a)    Prior to the consummation of a Going Public Transaction, if Hakkasan Parent did not exercise its Put right during the then most recent Put Period, TAO (which for the purpose of this Section 6.7, shall also include its Permitted Transferees) shall have the right to purchase all (but not less than all) of the Common Units owned by Hakkasan Parent (which for the purpose of this Section 6.7 shall also include its Permitted Transferees), and Hakkasan Parent shall have the obligation to sell such Common Units pursuant to this Section 6.7 (a Call”), by TAO’s delivery of written notice to Hakkasan Parent of the exercise thereof during the thirty (30)-day period commencing on January 31 of the year immediately succeeding the year in which Hakkasan Parent is entitled to deliver a Put Notice to TAO and the Company. The amount paid for the Common Units purchased pursuant to a Call shall be the Hakkasan Parent Purchase Price.

(b)    In the event TAO exercises its Call in accordance with Section 6.7(a), then the closing of the purchase and sale of Common Units contemplated thereby shall occur at the offices of TAO at 10:00 a.m. (New York time) on (such date, the Call Closing Date”) the later of (i) the tenth (10th) Business Day after the later of the determination of the Hakkasan Parent Purchase Price and, to the extent applicable, the receipt of any required regulatory approval or clearance, or (ii) at such other place, date and time mutually agreed upon by TAO and Hakkasan Parent. At such closing, Hakkasan Parent shall execute and deliver the Required Transfer Documentation against receipt of the purchase price therefor.

(c)    The consideration to be paid for the Call of the Common Units to be purchased by TAO pursuant to this Section 6.7 shall be paid solely in cash.

Section 6.8    Determination of Fair Market Value.

(a)    For the period from (i) February 15th of the year following a year in which Hakkasan Parent exercises a Put or the exercise by TAO of a Call to (ii) March 15th of such year

 

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(or, in the event TAO shall exercise its rights under Section 6.9 and, as contemplated in clause (ii) of Section 6.6(b), an Approved Sale or Going Public Transaction is not consummated during the applicable six (6)-month period, for the period ending thirty (30) days after delivery by Hakkasan Parent of written notice to initiate the valuation process in accordance with Section 6.6(b)) (either such period, as it may be reduced or extended by mutual agreement of TAO and Hakkasan Parent, a “Mutual Valuation Period”), TAO and Hakkasan Parent shall in good faith negotiate the Fair Market Value of such Common Units as of the Valuation Date.

(b)    If TAO and Hakkasan Parent are unable to reach agreement within the Mutual Valuation Period as to such Fair Market Value, TAO and Hakkasan Parent shall, at a date and time mutually agreed by TAO and Hakkasan Parent (but in any event no later than thirty (30) days after the expiration of the Mutual Valuation Period), jointly select a qualified independent internationally-recognized investment banking firm from the list set forth on Schedule 6.8(b) or, if each of the investment banking firms so listed is no longer independent or declines to act, another qualified independent internationally-recognized investment banking firm experienced in valuing businesses or securities of similarly situated companies in the Company’s industry (in the event TAO and Hakkasan cannot agree on such qualified independent investment banking firm during such thirty (30)-day period, then such Members agree that the ICC International Centre for ADR will select such qualified independent investment banking firm pursuant to the ICC Rules for the Appointment of Experts and Neutrals) (any such selected firm, the “Appraiser”) and each such Member shall submit to such Appraiser its determination of the Fair Market Value of such Common Units. At the time of such submission, TAO and Hakkasan Parent will each instruct the Appraiser to (i) in the event of an Appraisable Dispute, reach its determination of the Fair Market Value of Hakkasan Parent’s Common Units within twenty (20) Business Days from its date of appointment, and (ii) keep each submission it receives confidential and not disclose its contents to any other Person, other than TAO or Hakkasan Parent simultaneously and promptly (but in any event within one (1) day) after each such submission by TAO and Hakkasan Parent has been made to it. In the event the higher calculation of Fair Market Value submitted by TAO and Hakkasan Parent to the Appraiser is no more than one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the lower calculation of Fair Market Value submitted to the Appraiser, then the Fair Market Value of Hakkasan Parent’s Units shall be the average of the two and the Appraiser shall not be required to engage in any further appraisal determinations contemplated in Section 6.8(c) (and the Member shall use good faith efforts to engage the Appraiser on terms that provide for a reasonable rate for its efforts in only reviewing and notifying the parties as to the difference in initial submitted calculations in the event there is no Appraisable Dispute). In the event the higher calculation of Fair Market Value submitted by TAO and Hakkasan Parent to the Appraiser is more than one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the lower calculation of Fair Market Value submitted to the Appraiser (an “Appraisable Dispute” ), then the Fair Market Value of Hakkasan Parent’s Units shall be the amount determined by the Appraiser pursuant to and in accordance with Section 6.8(c) below.

(c)    In acting hereunder, the Appraiser shall be acting as an appraising expert and not as an arbitrator. TAO and Hakkasan Parent agree that judgment may be entered upon the determination of the Appraiser in any court having jurisdiction over the party against which such determination is to be enforced. TAO and Hakkasan Parent shall instruct the Appraiser to determine the Fair Market Value of such Units; provided, however, that such Fair Market Value shall not be higher than the higher of the Fair Market Values submitted by TAO and Hakkasan Parent to the Appraiser pursuant to Section 6.8(b) or lower than the lower of the Fair Market Values submitted by TAO and Hakkasan

 

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Parent to the Appraiser pursuant to Section 6.8(b). The Company shall provide reasonable access to the Appraiser to members of management of the Company and to the books and records of the Company and its Subsidiaries so as to allow the Appraiser to conduct due diligence examinations in scope and duration as are customary in valuations of this kind. Each of TAO and Hakkasan Parent and any Permitted Transferee thereof agree to reasonably cooperate with the Appraiser and to provide it (and for the avoidance of doubt, without requiring provision of any such information to another party) such information as may reasonably be requested excluding any privileged information or information the provision of which would breach applicable law. The fees and expenses of the Appraiser incurred in connection with Section 6.8 shall be borne by each of TAO and Hakkasan Parent (as determined by the Appraiser) in proportion to the amount by which the Fair Market Value of such Common Units submitted by such party to the Appraiser exceeds (or, as applicable, is less than) the Appraiser’s determination of the Fair Market Value of such Units in accordance with this Section 6.8(c). All other fees, expenses, and costs incurred by a party or its representatives in connection with this Section 6.8 shall be borne by such party. Each of TAO and Hakkasan Parent agrees that the determination of the Fair Market Value and Minimum Valuation by the Appraiser shall, absent manifest error, be deemed to be final, conclusive and binding on TAO and Hakkasan Parent.

(d)    Each of TAO and Hakkasan Parent agrees that to the extent TAO and Hakkasan Parent are unable to reach an agreement within a thirty (30)-day period as to the amount of the Minimum Valuation, the provisions of Section 6.8(b), and Section 6.8(c) shall apply mutatis mutandis to the resolution of any disputes between TAO and Hakkasan Parent with respect to such amount of Minimum Valuation.

Section 6.9    Approved Sale.

(a)    TAO (which for the purpose of this Section 6.9 shall also include its Permitted Transferees) shall have the right, but not the obligation, by giving written notice (an “Approved Sale Notice”) to the Company and the Members to cause a Sale of the Company in accordance with the terms of this Section 6.9 (an “Approved Sale”): (i) prior to or on the fifth anniversary of the date of this Agreement, subject to Hakkasan Parent (which for the purpose of this Section 6.9 shall also include its Permitted Transferees) receiving from such Approved Sale a portion of the Sale Aggregate Consideration (as defined below) equal to or in excess of the consideration that would be payable based on a valuation of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, that is equal to the Minimum Valuation, (ii) after the fifth anniversary of the date of this Agreement (other than as contemplated by clause (iii), regardless of the valuation); or (iii) in the event of a Put Notice having already been delivered (but prior to consummation of the Put) in accordance with Section 6.6, or in the event of the closing of an Approved Sale during the period in which a Put Notice may be validly delivered in accordance with Section 6.6, subject to Hakkasan Parent receiving from such Approved Sale a portion of the Sale Aggregate Consideration (as defined below) equal to or in excess of the consideration that would be payable based on a valuation of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, that is equal to the Minimum Valuation. If TAO delivers an Approved Sale Notice, (x) in the event TAO has not already obtained a proposal with respect to such Sale of the Company, TAO shall be authorized to initiate a process to seek a Sale of the Company for which definitive documents are entered

 

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into no later than one hundred and eighty (180) days of the delivery of such Approved Sale Notice and that is consummated within a period of two hundred and forty (240) days after delivery of such Approved Sale Notice (an “Approved Sale Period”) and to direct and control all decisions in connection therewith (including the hiring or termination of any investment bank and/or other professional advisers and making all decisions regarding valuation and consideration) and (y) the Company shall participate in, and reasonably cooperate in good faith with, such process, in each case as reasonably requested by TAO; provided, however, that TAO shall conduct any such process in good faith and in regular consultation with Hakkasan Parent and will keep Hakkasan Parent promptly apprised of all material developments related to any such process.

(b)    In the event of an Approved Sale, (i) each Member will waive any applicable dissenter’s rights and other similar rights and (ii) if the Approved Sale is structured as a sale of securities, subject to Section 6.9(c), each Member will agree to sell such Member’s Interests on the terms and conditions of the Approved Sale. Each Member will take all reasonably necessary actions as reasonably requested by TAO in connection with the consummation of any Approved Sale, including by executing the applicable transaction agreements subject to Section 6.9(d) and Section 6.9(e).

(c)    In an Approved Sale, the aggregate consideration payable upon consummation of such Approved Sale to all Members in respect of their Interests (the Sale Aggregate Consideration) shall be allocated among and paid promptly to the Members based on the Distribution Priorities; provided, however, that notwithstanding any references to payment by the Distribution Priorities in this Section 6.9(c), in the event of an Approved Sale contemplated by clause (i) or (iii) of Section 6.9(a), if the Sale Aggregate Consideration is not equal to or in excess of the consideration that would be payable based on a valuation of the Company and its Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) that is equal to the Minimum Valuation, the other Members shall consent to a disproportionate payment to Hakkasan Parent to allocate, simultaneously with any distribution of the Sale Aggregate Consideration to the other Members, an aggregate portion of the Sale Aggregate Consideration to Hakkasan Parent that is equal to the consideration that would be payable to it if the Sale Aggregate Consideration was based on the Minimum Valuation.

(d)    Notwithstanding the foregoing but subject to Section 6.9(e): (i) neither TAO nor any of its Affiliates may be the purchaser in an Approved Sale; (ii) the costs and expenses (including reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by the Members in connection with an Approved Sale), and any purchase price adjustments, escrow amounts, holdbacks, insurance costs, indemnity obligations of and other similar items shall be deemed to reduce (or increase, as the case may be) the Sale Aggregate Consideration; (iii) any consideration paid to any Member following the applicable closing in respect of purchase price adjustment increase, escrow amounts, holdbacks, insurance payments, indemnification payments or earn-out payments shall be allocated among the Interests of the Members as such amounts would have been allocated at the applicable closing had such amounts been included in the Sale Aggregate Consideration (based on the Distribution Priorities); and (iv) in the event Excluded Consideration is included in the Sale Aggregate Consideration, TAO and its Permitted Transferees shall receive the entire portion of such Excluded Consideration, and in lieu of the portion of Sale Aggregate Consideration consisting of Excluded Consideration (if any) that was

 

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allocable to Hakkasan Parent and its Permitted Transferees based on the Distribution Priorities, TAO shall pay or cause to be paid to Hakkasan Parent cash and/or Liquid Marketable Securities (calculated based on the total valuation of the Sale Aggregate Consideration (and the relevant portion of Excluded Consideration allocable to Hakkasan Parent and its Permitted Transferees based on the Distribution Priorities ) in such Approved Sale).

(e)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 6.9, in connection with an Approved Sale: (i) no Member shall be required to make any representation or warranty that is not the same as or equivalent to those made by the other Members, (ii) each Member shall only be required to make representations and warranties that are made by the other Members on a several and not joint basis (other than with respect to claims against an escrow, which may be on a joint and several basis subject to Hakkasan Parent and its Permitted Transferees not being required to bear any reduction of proceeds from such escrow by more than its pro rata share as to such claims) with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries, (iii) no Member shall be required to incur indemnification or similar obligations (outside of an escrow in accordance with the parenthetical in clause (ii) above) in the aggregate in connection with such Drag-Along Sale in excess of the lesser of (1) the proceeds actually received by such Member in connection with such Approved Sale, and (2) the pro rata share of such Member of any “cap” on indemnification obligations of the Members in such Approved Sale, provided, however, that if TAO is bound to an obligation with respect to fraud or fundamental representations as to TAO (and not the Company or its Subsidiaries) in excess of its proceeds, Hakkasan Parent and its Permitted Transferees shall be bound accordingly as to Hakkasan Parent’s and its Permitted Transferees’ fraud or fundamental representations, and (iv) each Member shall remain subject to any non-competition or non-solicitation arrangement or similar restrictive covenant existing as of the date of such Approved Sale in accordance with the terms thereof as then in effect; provided, however, that no Member shall be obligated to enter into new restrictive covenants or extensions of the existing restrictive covenants, regardless of what any other Member may agree to accept.

Article VII

Dissolution; Liquidation

Section 7.1    Dissolution. The Company shall dissolve upon the earliest to occur of: (a) the determination of the Board; (b) the sale of all or substantially all of the Company’s assets pursuant to an Approved Sale; and (c) the entry of a decree of judicial dissolution against the Company in accordance with the Act.

Section 7.2     Liquidation and Distribution. On dissolution of the Company, the Board shall act as liquidator or may appoint one or more other Persons as liquidator (which Persons shall act as liquidator subject to the supervision of the Board). The liquidator shall proceed diligently, in good faith and in accordance with applicable law to wind up the affairs of the Company and make final distributions as provided in this Agreement. The costs of liquidation shall be borne as a Company expense. Until final distribution, the Board shall continue to operate the Company as provided for in this Agreement. The steps to be accomplished by the liquidator are as follows:

(a)    as promptly as practicable after dissolution and again after final liquidation, the liquidator shall cause a proper accounting to be made by a recognized firm of certified public accountants of the Company’s assets, liabilities and operations through the last day of the calendar month in which the dissolution occurs or the final liquidation is completed, as applicable;

 

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(b)    the liquidator shall pay from the Company’s funds all of the debts and liabilities of the Company (including all expenses incurred in liquidation) or otherwise make reasonably adequate provision for them (including the establishment of a cash escrow fund for contingent liabilities in such amount and for such term as the liquidator may reasonably determine);

(c)    the liquidator shall sell at auction to the highest bidder all Company property, with each Member having the right to bid thereon; and

(d)    any remaining unsold Company property, and any proceeds from the disposition of Company property, shall be distributed in accordance with Section 2.1.

In the event of a sale by the Members of all of their Units to a third party, distributions subsequently made to the Members shall be determined in accordance with this Section 7.2(d).

Section 7.3    Certificate of Cancellation. Upon completion of the winding up of the affairs of the Company, the Board or the other Person or Persons selected to act as liquidator of the Company shall promptly file a certificate of cancellation with the Secretary of State of Delaware.

Article VIII

Miscellaneous

Section 8.1    Certain Interpretive Matters. As used herein: (a) words in the singular shall be held to include the plural and vice versa and words of one gender shall be held to include the other gender (or the neuter), and words that are neuter shall be held to include each gender, in each case as the context requires; (b) the terms “hereof,” “herein,” and “herewith” and words of similar import shall, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement; (c) Article, Section, paragraph and Exhibit references are to the Articles, Sections, paragraphs and Exhibits to this Agreement unless otherwise specified; (d) unless the context otherwise requires, the word “or” is not exclusive; (e) the headings of the sections of this Agreement are inserted for purposes of convenience only and shall not be construed to affect the meaning or construction of any provision hereof; (f) except as expressly provided in this Agreement, in the event a party is entitled to take any action (or refrain from taking any action), such party may determine whether to take such action in its sole discretion. Whenever the words “included,” “includes” or “including” are used in this Agreement, they shall be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation”; (g) “writing”, “written” and comparable terms refer to printing, typing and other means of reproducing words in a visible form; (h) references to any statute shall be deemed to refer to such statute as amended from time to time and to any rules or regulations promulgated thereunder; (i) references to any Person include the successors and permitted assigns of that Person; and (j) references to sums of money are expressed in lawful currency of the United States of America, and “$” refers to U.S. dollars.

 

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Section 8.2    Notices. All notices or other communications required or permitted hereunder shall be given in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given or made (i) when delivered in person, (ii) when received by the addressee if sent by an internationally recognized overnight delivery service, or (iii) on the date sent by e-mail (with confirmation of transmission), so long as no “error message” or other notification of non-delivery is received by the sender, in each case, at such party’s following address or such other address as such party may hereafter specify in a notice given in accordance with this Section 8.2:

(a)     If to the Company, to:

Address:

TAO Group Holdings LLC

Two Pennsylvania Plaza

New York, NY 10121

United States of America

Attention: General Counsel

E-mail: legalnotices@taogroup.com

With copies to:

c/o Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.

Two Pennsylvania Plaza

New York, NY 10121

United States of America

Attention: General Counsel

E-mail: legalnotices@msg.com

and:

Hughes Hubbard & Reed LLP

One Battery Park Plaza

New York, NY 10004

United States of America

Attention: Kenneth A. Lefkowitz

E-mail: Ken.Lefkowitz@hugheshubbard.com

(b)    If to any Member, then to the address or e-mail address of such Member set forth opposite such Member’s name on Schedule 1.2(a) hereto.

Section 8.3    Assignment. Any purported assignment (including any Transfer) in violation of this Agreement shall be null and void ab initio. It is understood and agreed that TAO may assign its rights to purchase Hakkasan Parent Units under this Agreement to any Affiliate of TAO.

Section 8.4     No Third Party Beneficiary. This Agreement shall be binding upon, and is for the sole benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and

 

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permitted assigns and, except as provided in Section 4.4 with respect to Indemnified Persons, nothing herein, express or implied, is intended to or shall confer upon any other Person any legal or equitable right, benefit or remedy of any nature whatsoever under or by reason of this Agreement. Without limitation of the right of any Indemnified Person directly to bring and to maintain an action pursuant to Section 4.4 hereof, a Member may make any indemnification claim under, and may bring and maintain any action in respect of, Section 4.4 hereof on behalf of any Indemnified Person.

Section 8.5    Entire Agreement. This Agreement, the Transaction Agreement and any other written agreement entered into by or between the Members and/or the Company as of the date hereof in connection with the Transactions embody the entire agreement and understanding of the parties and their respective Affiliates with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby and merges in, supersedes and cancels all prior written or oral commitments, arrangements or understandings with respect thereto.

Section 8.6     Amendment; Waiver. This Agreement and the Company’s certificate of formation may be amended at any time only in an instrument signed by or on behalf of the Company and TAO (subject to the rights of Hakkasan Parent under Section 4.1(d)(vi)); provided, however, that any amendment, modification or waiver that adversely affects the rights or obligations of MSGE under this Agreement may be made only in an instrument that is signed by MSGE. Any party hereto may, only by an instrument in writing, waive compliance by any other party or parties hereto with any term or provision hereof on the part of such other party or parties hereto to be performed or complied with. No failure or delay of any party in exercising any right or remedy hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor will any single or partial exercise of any right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power. The waiver by any party hereto of a breach of any term or provision hereof shall not be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach. Except as expressly provided herein, the rights and remedies of the parties hereunder are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have hereunder.

Section 8.7    Specific Performance. Each party hereto acknowledges that a breach by such party of any of its obligations under this Agreement would give rise to irreparable harm to the other parties, for which monetary damages would not be an adequate remedy, and hereby agrees that in the event of a breach by such party of any such obligations, each of the other parties hereto shall, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies that may be available to them in respect of such breach, be entitled to seek equitable relief, including a temporary restraining order, an injunction, specific performance and any other relief that may be available from a court of competent jurisdiction (without any requirement to post bond), and no party hereto shall dispute any such equitable relief on the basis that money damages is an adequate remedy or otherwise.

Section 8.8     Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute a single instrument.

 

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Section 8.9    Governing Law; Dispute Resolution.

(a)    This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware that apply to contracts made and performed entirely within such state.

(b)    Subject to the terms of Section 8.9(c), the parties hereto irrevocably submit, in any legal action or proceeding relating to this Agreement, to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Delaware Court of Chancery in and for New Castle County (and the appellate courts thereof) for any actions, suits or proceedings arising out of or relating to this Agreement or the matters contemplated hereby, or in the event (but only in the event) that such Delaware Court of Chancery does not have subject matter jurisdiction over any such action, suit, proceeding or matter, the United States District Court for the District of Delaware (and the appellate courts thereof), or in the event (but only in the event) that such United States District Court for the District of Delaware also does not have subject matter jurisdiction over such action, suit, proceeding or matter, any Delaware state court sitting in New Castle County (and the appellate courts thereof) (and the parties agree not to commence any action, suit or proceeding relating thereto except in such courts) and consent that any such action or proceeding may be brought in such courts and waive any objection that they may now or hereafter have to the venue of such action or proceeding in any such court or that such action or proceeding was brought in an inconvenient forum. Each party agrees that a final judgment in any such action shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.

(c)    Any legal action or proceeding relating to this Agreement involving Hakkasan Parent shall be governed by this Section 8.9(c), as follows:

(i)    The relevant parties (the “Dispute Parties”) shall use reasonable efforts in good faith to settle amicably any and all disputes, controversies and conflicts, including any claim in tort, in equity or pursuant to statute, arising out of, relating to, or in connection with this Agreement or any transactions contemplated hereby, including any questions regarding its existence, validity, interpretation, scope, performance, enforceability or termination (a “Dispute”). Any Dispute not settled or resolved by the Dispute Parties within thirty (30) days shall be referred, upon written notice given by one Dispute Party to the other Dispute Party to members of senior management of each of Hakkasan Parent and TAO, for resolution by such senior management, who shall use reasonable efforts in good faith to settle amicably such Dispute within twenty (20) days of such referral (or such shorter time as is necessary to avoid immediate irreparable injury). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the sole remedy of any Dispute Party for failure of the other Dispute Party to comply with this Section 8.9(c)(i) shall be to submit the underlying Dispute to the arbitration proceedings set forth in this Section 8.9(c) and, for the avoidance of doubt, any such failure to comply with this Section 8.9(c)(i), shall not, in and of itself, constitute the basis for a claim under this Section 8.9(c).

(ii)    Any Dispute not resolved pursuant to Section 8.9(c)(i) above shall be referred to and finally resolved by final and binding arbitration administered by the Arbitration Rules of the London Court of International Arbitration (“LCIA”), as amended and effective as of the date hereof (the “Rules”), as modified herein or as may be otherwise agreed by the Dispute Parties in writing.

 

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(iii)    The number of arbitrators shall be three (3). Hakkasan Parent shall nominate one (1) arbitrator and the other Dispute Party shall nominate one (1) arbitrator. The third arbitrator, who shall act as the presiding arbitrator of the tribunal (the “Chairperson”), shall be nominated by the two (2) party-nominated arbitrators. If any Dispute Party fails to appoint an arbitrator, as described above, or the two (2) party-appointed arbitrators fail to appoint the Chairperson within thirty (30) days of the date their appointment is confirmed, the arbitrator appointment(s) shall be made by the LCIA in accordance with the Rules. The Dispute Parties agree that the Chairperson shall be a national of a common law jurisdiction and may, but is not required to, be a U.S. national.

(iv)    The arbitral tribunal alone shall have the authority to determine any challenge or question as to the tribunal’s jurisdiction, including but not limited to questions regarding the formation, existence, interpretation, performance, enforceability, validity, breach or termination of this Agreement or this arbitration provision, Section 8.9(c), and may impose equitable relief, including a temporary restraining order, an injunction, specific performance and any other relief that would be available from a court of competent jurisdiction (without any requirement to post bond) against any party hereto. For the avoidance of doubt, questions as to whether any Dispute is arbitrable shall be finally and exclusively decided by the arbitral tribunal, and not by any court.

(v)    The seat of the arbitration shall be New York, United States of America, without prejudice to the arbitral tribunal’s right to conduct hearings and take any other steps in the arbitration in any other location it deems necessary. This arbitration provision is expressly made pursuant to and shall be governed by the Federal Arbitration Act (9 U.S.C. §§ 1 et seq.), to the exclusion of state law inconsistent therewith. The language of the arbitration shall be English.

(vi)    The arbitral tribunal, in its administration of the arbitration, may be guided by the International Bar Association Rules on the Taking of Evidence in International Arbitration (2010), but this provision shall not be taken as acceptance of any particular form or scope of evidence taking.

(vii)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 8.9(c), each Dispute Party (a) shall have the right to seek pre-arbitral preliminary, interim, conservatory or interlocutory relief or injunctions directly before any U.S. federal court sitting in the State of Delaware, and no party hereto shall dispute any such relief with respect to a breach on the basis that money damages is an adequate remedy or otherwise, and (b) submits to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of any such court.

(viii)    In relation to the proceedings under Section 8.9(c)(vii) above, and any other relevant court proceedings arising out of, in relation to or in connection with any Dispute in accordance with this Section 8.9(c), including, but not limited to, proceedings for the enforcement of any arbitral award issued hereunder, each Dispute Party irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert, any claim that it is not subject

 

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personally to the jurisdiction of any otherwise competent court, that its property is exempt or immune from attachment or execution, that the proceeding is brought in an inconvenient forum, that the venue of the proceeding is improper or that this Agreement may not be enforced in or by any such court.

(ix)    All aspects of any arbitration hereunder, including the nature of the Dispute, the pleadings and the venue and timing of resolution, shall be confidential and not disclosed by a Dispute Party to any third party, except for exceptions to confidentiality permitted under Section 4.7. Each Dispute Party shall ensure that fact and expert witnesses, Dispute Party employees, lawyers and consultants involved in the arbitration (or retained to assist a party) agree to be bound by these confidentiality obligations.

(x)    Each Dispute Party participating in such arbitration shall pay its own legal fees and expenses incurred in connection with the arbitration, unless otherwise determined by the arbitral tribunal.

(xi)    Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 8.9(c)(x), any costs, fees or Taxes incident to enforcing the award shall, to the maximum extent permitted by law, be charged against the Dispute Party resisting such enforcement.

(xii)    The arbitration award shall be final and binding on the Dispute Parties. The Dispute Parties undertake to carry out any award without delay and irrevocably waive their right to any form of recourse based on grounds other than those contained in the United Nations’ Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Arbitral Awards of 1958 insofar as such waiver can validly be made. Judgment upon the award may be entered by any court having jurisdiction thereof or having jurisdiction over the relevant Dispute Party or its assets.

(xiii)    Any monetary damages awarded shall be payable in U.S. Dollars unless otherwise agreed by the Dispute Parties.

(d)    Each Party acknowledges that it is a separate legal entity distinct from its ultimate shareholders and/or the executive organs of the government of any state and is capable of suing and being sued. The entry by each Party into this Agreement constitutes, and the exercise by each Party of its respective rights and performance of its respective obligations hereunder will constitute, private and commercial acts performed for private and commercial purposes that shall not be deemed as being entered into in the exercise of any public function.

Section 8.10    Waiver of Jury Trial. EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT, FOR ITSELF AND ITS AFFILIATES, HEREBY IRREVOCABLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY WAIVES TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE) ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THE ACTIONS OF THE PARTIES HERETO OR THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT OR IN THE NEGOTIATION, ADMINISTRATION, PERFORMANCE OR ENFORCEMENT OF THIS AGREEMENT.

 

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Section 8.11    Severability. In the event any one or more of the provisions contained in this Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby. The parties further agree that any court of competent jurisdiction that makes any such holding is expressly authorized to modify any such unenforceable provision of this Agreement in lieu of severing such unenforceable provision from this Agreement in its entirety, whether by rewriting the offending provision, deleting any or all of the offending provision, adding additional language to this Agreement, or by making such other modifications as it deems warranted to carry out the intent and agreement of the parties as embodied herein to the maximum extent permitted by law. The parties expressly agree that this Agreement as so modified by such court shall be binding upon and enforceable against each of them. In any event, should one or more of the provisions of this Agreement be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provisions hereof, and if such provision or provisions are not modified as provided above, this Agreement shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions had never been set forth herein.

Section 8.12     No Presumption. With regard to each and every term and condition of this Agreement, the Company and each of the Members understand and agree that the same has been mutually negotiated, prepared and drafted, and if at any time the parties hereto desire or are required to interpret or construe any such term or condition or any agreement or instrument subject hereto, no consideration shall be given to the issue of which party hereto actually prepared, drafted or requested any term or condition of this Agreement.

Section 8.13    Exercise of Contractual Rights. Each Member recognizes, acknowledges and agrees that TAO and Hakkasan Parent have substantial financial interests in the Company to preserve and that, to the fullest extent permitted by law, except as otherwise provided (if at all) in Section 4.3, the exercise by any Director or Member of his, her or its rights under this Agreement (including any exercise by a Director or Member of any right to authorize or approve (or refrain from authorizing or approving) any transaction to which the Company is or may be a party) may be made by such Director or Member in his, her or its sole discretion and shall not be deemed to constitute a lack of good faith, breach of fiduciary duty or unfair dealing.

[The next page is the signature page]

 

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The parties hereto have executed this Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement as of the date first written above.

 

TAO GROUP SUB-HOLDINGS LLC

By  

/s/ Noah Tepperberg

Name:   Noah Tepperberg
Title:   Co-Chief Executive Officer

[Member signatures begin on the next page]

 

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HAKKASAN USA, INC.
By  

/s/ Michael Campbell

Name:   Michael Campbell
Title:   Authorised Signatory
By  

/s/ Rami Fathi Elwan

Name:   Rami Fathi Elwan
Title:   Authorised Signatory
TAO GROUP HOLDINGS LLC
By  

/s/ Noah Tepperberg

Name:   Noah Tepperberg
Title:   Co-Chief Executive Officer

 

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EXHIBIT A

DEFINITIONS

1.    For purposes of the Agreement to which this Exhibit A is attached, the following terms shall have the respective meanings specified below.

Act means the Delaware Limited Liability Company Act, as amended from time-to-time.

Adjusted Capital Account Deficit means, with respect to any Member, the deficit balance, if any, in such Member’s capital accounts as of the end of the relevant Company Fiscal Year, after giving effect to the following adjustments: (a) credit to such capital account any amounts that such Member is deemed to be obligated to restore pursuant to the penultimate sentence in Treasury Regulation §§ 1.704-2(g)(1) and 1.704-2(i)(5); and (b) debit to such capital account the items described in Treasury Regulation §§ 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 provisions of Treasury Regulation §1.704-1(b)(2)(ii)(d) and shall be interpreted consistently therewith.

Affiliate of any Person means any other Person that directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with, such first Person. The word “control” (including the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”), with respect to the relationship between or among two or more Persons, means the possession, directly or indirectly or as trustee, personal representative or executor, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the affairs or management of a Person, whether through the ownership of voting securities, as trustee, personal representative or executor, by contract, credit arrangement or otherwise. For purposes of this Agreement, (a) “Affiliates” of Hakkasan Parent shall only include Aabar Investments PJS and its Subsidiaries, (b) “Affiliates” of TAO or MSGE shall only include MSGE and Persons directly or indirectly controlled by MSGE and (c) no Member or any of its Subsidiaries shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of another Member or its Subsidiaries.

Agreed Value means: (a) with respect to all property hereafter transferred to the Company as a capital contribution, the Fair Market Value of the property on the date that it is contributed to the Company; (b) with respect to all property distributed by the Company to a Member, the Fair Market Value of the property on the date of distribution; and (c) with respect to the revaluation of Company property, the Fair Market Value of such Company property at the time of the event requiring such revaluation.

Agreement means the Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of TAO Group Sub-Holdings LLC, as the same may be in effect from time-to-time.

Available Cash means, as of any time, cash on hand of the Company and its wholly-owned Subsidiaries, reduced by, without duplication: (a) any reserves reasonably determined by the Board for the estimated obligations of the Company and its Subsidiaries during the succeeding twelve (12)-month period for debt servicing (including pursuant to the Subordinated

 

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Credit Agreement), other fixed and contingent liabilities (including the MSG Payments as defined in the Holdings LLC Agreement, and including accrued interest thereon), working capital and capital expenditures (including commitments contemplated by the Business Plan); (b) amounts the Company will need to pay in order to make distributions pursuant to Section 2.1(b) of the Agreement; and (c) $10,000,000, less any capacity the Company may have under any “revolver” at such time, for the amount of any unidentified potential opportunities (utilization of which is subject to Board approval) and the amount reserved for capital expenditures and planned venue openings pursuant to the applicable Business Plan.

BBA means the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015.

Board means the Company’s board of managers (it is understood that the individuals serving on the Board are referred to as “Directors”).

Book Value means, with respect to any Company property, its adjusted tax basis; provided, however, that with respect to any Company property the Agreed Value of which differs from its adjusted tax basis at the time of its contribution to or distribution from the Company or a revaluation, Book Value shall be its Agreed Value, as adjusted in a manner consistent with the determination of Depreciation and Net Income or Net Loss.

B Rated Note means, in the event there is an MSGE Company Successor, a promissory note that is substantially similar to (and in any event no less favorable in the aggregate to Hakkasan Parent than) the MSGE Promissory Note that (a) receives a credit rating that is no less than the credit rating that similar debt of MSGE had immediately prior to the MSGE Change of Control or Transfer permitted by this Agreement resulting in the MSGE Company Successor, (b) has an interest rate that is no less than the interest rate that similar debt of MSGE had immediately prior to the MSGE Change of Control or Transfer permitted by this Agreement and (c) is transferable at any time by Hakkasan Parent (other than to a transferee that is or whose Affiliates are engaged directly or indirectly in a Competing Business (as defined in the Transaction Agreement)).

Business Day means a day other than (a) a Friday, Saturday or Sunday, (b) the date a United Arab Emirates holiday listed on Annex A occurs, in accordance with the calendar published by The National and delivered to the Company and TAO by Hakkasan prior to such applicable year, or (c) any other day on which commercial banks are required or authorized by law to be closed in the City of New York, New York; provided, however, that in connection with fulfilling any necessary “Business Day” timeframe under this Agreement, (i) TAO and its Permitted Transferees may at the time of providing any notice hereunder waive, in writing, their right to enforce any Sunday as a non-Business Day (and such day(s) shall be deemed Business Days for such applicable calculation hereunder with respect to the other Members), and (ii) Hakkasan Parent and its Permitted Transferees may at the time of providing any notice hereunder waive, in writing, their right to enforce any Friday as a non-Business Day (and such day(s) shall be deemed Business Days for such applicable calculation hereunder with respect to the other Members).

Cash Flow Deficiency means, at any time, the Board’s good faith determination that the Company, absent an infusion of funds, is not reasonably likely to be able to meet its cash obligations in the ordinary course of business as they become due at any point over the subsequent three (3) months (taking into account the Company’s customary practice with respect to payment).

 

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Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, including amendments made by the BBA.

Commercially Reasonable Debt means, on any given date, non-recourse (to the applicable equityholders and without any other parent guaranty on behalf of the borrower) indebtedness for borrowed money from an unaffiliated third party with an interest rate that is either (i) an interest rate within the range of rates that would be obtained in an arm’s length transaction negotiated with a willing unaffiliated third party lender as of such date, for companies of a similar size to, and with a risk profile similar to that of (taking into account the industry the Company’s business is engaged in), the Company and its Subsidiaries, to be confirmed pursuant to a Market Check, or (ii) equal to or less than the interest rate under any credit facility utilized by MSGE or any of its Affiliates as of such date. It is understood and agreed that Commercially Reasonable Debt may include amendments to existing indebtedness for borrowed money of the Company and its Subsidiaries if the cost of obtaining such amendment (after giving effect to interest rates and fees paid upon obtaining such amendment and other costs and going forward) would be less than the cost of new third party indebtedness for borrowed money that otherwise satisfies this definition. It is further understood and agreed by the parties to the Agreement that the terms of the Company Loan Agreement are terms substantially equivalent in the aggregate to Commercially Reasonable Debt terms, and any additional debt financing by TAO or any of its Affiliates (including MSGE or any of its Subsidiaries) on such terms shall be deemed equivalent to Commercially Reasonable Debt terms.

Common Units means the allocation of Interests designated as Class A Common Units on Schedule 1.2(a) to the Agreement.

Company Loan Agreement means (a) the Credit Agreement and any Contract in respect of Debt in respect of any refinancings or replacements of such Credit Agreement that is hereafter binding upon the Company, (b) the Subordinated Credit Agreement and any Contract in respect of Debt in respect of any refinancing or replacements of such Subordinated Credit Agreement that is hereafter binding upon the Company, and (c) any other Contract in respect of Debt that is entered into by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries in compliance with this Agreement.

Company Loan Refinancing” means any refinancing or replacement of any Company Loan Agreement, including any refinancing of (i) accrued but unpaid MSG Payments (as defined in the Holdings LLC Agreement, and including accrued interest thereon) or (ii) the aggregate Stated Preferred Value of the Preferred Units with a lender other than TAO or an Affiliate of TAO.

Company Minimum Gain means, with respect to each Nonrecourse Liability, the amount of gain (of whatever character) that would be realized by the Company if it disposed of the Company property subject to such liability in a taxable transaction in full satisfaction of such liability (and for no other consideration), and by then aggregating the amounts so computed. It is further understood that Company Minimum Gain shall be determined in a manner consistent

 

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with the rules of Treasury §1.704-2(d), including the requirement that if the Book Value of property (as determined for purposes of computing Net Income and Net Loss) subject to one or more Nonrecourse Liabilities differs from its adjusted tax basis, Company Minimum Gain shall be determined with reference to such Book Value.

Contract means any contract, lease, deed, mortgage, license, instrument, note, commitment, undertaking, indenture, joint venture and any other legally binding agreement or obligation, whether written or oral.

Credit Agreement means the Credit Agreement among TAO Group Operating LLC, TAO Group Intermediate Holdings LLC, the lenders party thereto and JP Morgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, dated as of May 23, 2019.

Credit Agreement Default” means, at any time, (i) the Board’s good faith determination that there is or is reasonably likely to be a “Default” or an “Event of Default” under a Company Loan Agreement or (ii) the occurrence of an “Event of Default” under a Company Loan Agreement that has not been cured.

Debt of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all indebtedness for borrowed money of, or advances to, such Person (whether secured or unsecured); (b) all notes payable and drafts accepted representing extensions of credit whether or not representing obligations for borrowed money of such Person, including all obligations evidenced by notes, bonds, debentures or other similar instruments; (c) all obligations under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property acquired by such Person, other than any of the foregoing incurred in the ordinary course of business of such Person; (d) all obligations of such Person under capital leases, purchase money obligations or surety bonds; (e) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as an account party in respect of letters of credit (to the extent drawn) or bankers’ acceptances; (f) all obligations of such Person of the type described in clauses (a) – (e) of others secured by (or for which the holder of such obligation has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property owned or acquired by such Person, to the extent of such security, whether or not such obligation secured thereby has been assumed; (g) guaranties of such Person securing obligations of others of the type described in clauses (a) – (e); and (h) any prepayment premiums, accrued interest, fees and expenses of such Person related to any of the items in clauses (a) – (g); provided, however, that, for the avoidance of doubt, accounts payable and other trade payables in the ordinary course of business of such Person shall not constitute Debt.

Depreciation means, for each Company Fiscal Year, an amount equal to the depreciation, amortization, or other cost recovery deduction allowable with respect to an asset for such Company Fiscal Year for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except that if the Book Value of an asset differs from its adjusted basis for U.S. federal income tax purposes at the beginning of such Company Fiscal Year, Depreciation shall be determined in accordance with Treasury Regulation §1.704-3(d).

“Distribution Priorities” means (a) with respect to a transaction in which no Preferred Units are transferred or redeemed, the applicable aggregate consideration payable upon consummation of such transaction to all Members in respect of their Interests shall be

 

A-4


apportioned among the Units being transferred in such transaction and (b) with respect to any other transaction, the values to which a holder of Interests would be entitled if the Company was sold at the Fair Market Value (as such value is implied from the value to be paid to the holders of the Interests Transferred in such sale) and the net proceeds of such sale (after making adequate provision for all debts and liabilities of the Company) were distributed in accordance with the relative rights and privileges set forth in Article VII (and for the avoidance of doubt, subject to the last sentence of Section 2.1(a)). For the avoidance of doubt, any such net proceeds in respect of the Common Units would be allocated in accordance with Percentage Shares.

Directors means the Company’s directors, as provided for in Section 4.1 of the Agreement. Each individual from time to time named as a Director is hereby designated as a “manager” (within the meaning of the Act) of the Company.

EBITDA means, with respect to any period, the sum of the amounts for such period of (a) the actual consolidated net income (or loss) of the Company and its Subsidiaries (taking into account (i) with respect to a Put that is subject to a Put Notice or Call that is subject to a Call Notice in 2025 or 2026 in accordance with Section 6.6 or 6.7, as applicable, as an operating expense the MSG Payments under the Holdings LLC Agreement for such period, (ii) with respect to a Put that is subject to a Put Notice or Call that is subject to a Call Notice in 2027 or 2028 or later, in accordance with Section 6.6 or 6.7, as applicable, as an operating expense, 50% (and no more) of the MSG Payments under the Holdings LLC Agreement for such period and (iii) subject to deduction of the portion of such Subsidiary net income (or loss) attributable to equity holders in such Subsidiaries that are not Affiliates of the Company), plus (b) interest expense which has been deducted in the determination of such net income, plus (c) U.S. federal, state and local income and non-U.S. income taxes which have been deducted in determining such net income (net of tax refunds), plus (d) depreciation and amortization expenses which have been deducted in determining such net income. The foregoing components of EBITDA will be determined in accordance with the TAO Accounting Principles.

Economic Risk of Loss means, with respect to any liability of the Company, the economic risk of loss borne by a Member with respect to such liability as determined under Treasury Regulation §1.752-2(a).

Effective Time means the time of the consummation of the Closing under the Transaction Agreement.

Excluded Consideration” means any non-cash consideration (including debt or equity securities) other than Liquid Marketable Securities.

Excluded Securities means:

(a)    securities issued as consideration for the acquisition of all or substantially all of the business or voting stock of any individual or entity or any division, line of business or other business unit of such individual or entity or any other strategic transaction involving the receipt by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of value from assets, properties (including intellectual property) or rights in another business;

 

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(b)    securities issued in connection with any borrowings, direct or indirect, from third parties by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, including any type of loan or payment evidenced by any type of debt instrument (including any equity features including warrants, options or other rights to purchase Interests);

(c)    securities issued to employees, consultants, officers or directors of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries pursuant to any equity option, equity purchase or equity bonus plan, agreement or arrangement;

(d)    securities issued in connection with any stock split, stock dividend or recapitalization of the Company;

(e)    securities issued as consideration for corporate partnering or other strategic transactions;

(f)    securities issued upon exercise, exchange or conversion of any securities that are included in this definition of “Excluded Securities”; and

(g)    any right, option or warrant to acquire any security convertible into the securities included in this definition of Excluded Securities pursuant to subsections (a) through (f) above.

Fair Market Value means, with respect to any Interest, Units or other property, the price at which a willing seller would sell and a willing buyer would buy such Interest or other property having full knowledge of the facts, in an arm’s length transaction without time constraints, and without being under any compulsion to buy or sell, in each case without any control premium or minority discount. With regards to the sale of any Interests by a Member, the Fair Market Value of such Interests shall be equal to the value to which a holder of such Interests would be entitled at such price in accordance with the Distribution Priorities. For the avoidance of doubt, with regard to the sale of any Interests by a Member, the Fair Market Value will be reduced to reflect, as of the valuation date, the allocable portion of accrued but unpaid MSG Payments (as defined in the Holdings LLC Agreement, and including accrued interest thereon) attributable to the Interests being sold.

GAAP means generally accepted accounting principles, as in effect from time to time, in the United States.

Going Public SPAC Transaction means any transaction by a merger or other business combination with a special purpose acquisition company (sometimes referred to as a blank check company) pursuant to which shares listed on any of the New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ, the London Stock Exchange, Euronext or any of their respective successors constitute the substantial portion of the consideration for the Member’s Units

Going Public Transaction means (a) an initial public offering by the Company (or its successor or parent) of common equity pursuant to an effective registration statement filed with the SEC under the Securities Act, or other similar direct or indirect transaction pursuant to which the Company’s (or its successor’s or parent’s) common equity becomes publicly traded on any of the New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ, the London Stock Exchange, Euronext or any of their respective successors, and (b) any Going Public SPAC Transaction.

 

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Hakkasan Parent Prohibited Person means, the Persons listed as Hakkasan Parent Prohibited Persons on Schedule 6.3.

Hakkasan Parent Purchase Price means the Fair Market Value (as determined in accordance with Section 6.8 (Determination of Fair Market Value) of this Agreement) of the aggregate number of Units held by Hakkasan Parent and its Permitted Transferees as of the Valuation Date; provided, that (i) in the event the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Company determined in accordance with Section 6.8 is less than the Minimum Valuation, for purposes of the calculation of the Hakkasan Parent Purchase Price, the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Company shall be deemed to be the Minimum Valuation, and (ii) in the event that during the Put Interim Period, TAO consummates a transaction or series of directly related transactions that requires payments to or from the Company in excess of thirty percent (30%) of the aggregate Fair Market Value of the Company, if Hakkasan Parent provides written notice to TAO at least thirty (30) days prior to the Put Closing Date that it elects to utilize the Fair Market Value of the aggregate number of Units held by Hakkasan Parent and its Permitted Transferees as of the fiscal year end (i.e. the last Sunday in June) of the calendar year in which such notice is given, then such valuation date shall be utilized for purposes of calculating the Hakkasan Parent Purchase Price rather than the Valuation Date.

Hakkasan Parent Veto Rights means the rights of Hakkasan Parent in Section 4.1(d) of the Agreement.

Holdings LLC Agreement means the Second Amended and Restated Limited Liability Company Agreement of TAO Group Holdings LLC, dated as of January 31, 2017, as amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto dated as of May 23, 2019, and as further amended to date, among TAO, its members and the other parties thereto.

Interest means, with respect to any Member, the entire limited liability company interest (as such term is defined in the Act) of such Member in the Company, including, (a)(i) such Member’s rights to share in the income, gain, loss, deductions and credits of, and the right to receive distributions from, the Company, (ii) all other rights, benefits and privileges enjoyed by such Member (under the Act, the Agreement or otherwise) in its capacity as a Member, including rights to vote, consent and approve or otherwise participate in the management of the Company, and (iii) all other rights, benefits, privileges and claims of such Member under, or arising under, the Agreement (in its capacity as a Member or otherwise) and (b)(i) all obligations, duties and liabilities imposed on such Member (under the Act, the Agreement or otherwise) in its capacity as a Member and (ii) all other obligations, duties and liabilities imposed on such Member under the Agreement (in its capacity as a Member or otherwise). Without limitation of the foregoing, as of any date with respect to any determination, it is understood that the Preferred Units and Common Units of a Member are such Member’s Interest.

Lien means any security interest in or lien on or against any property arising from any pledge, assignment, hypothecation, mortgage, security interest, deposit arrangement, trust receipt, conditional sale or title retaining contract, sale and leaseback transaction, capitalized lease, consignment or bailment for security, or any other type of lien, charge, claim, encumbrance, title exception, preferential or priority arrangement affecting property (including with respect to stock, any stockholder agreements, voting rights agreements, buy-back agreements and all similar arrangements).

 

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Liquid Marketable Securities” means securities issued by a publicly listed company that are freely tradeable by the holder thereof on any of the New York Stock Exchange, NASDAQ, the London Stock Exchange, Euronext or any of their respective successors and the public float of which has a market value greater than $1,000,000,000, but in any event subject to any direct or indirect relationship the recipient of such Liquid Marketable Securities has with the issuer that restricts transfers by such recipient under applicable securities laws.

Market Check means the good faith review and determination by the Company, in connection with assessing Commercially Reasonable Debt, of the currently prevailing average interest rate in the United States for similar non-recourse indebtedness for borrowed money from major banking institutions for companies of a similar size to, and with a risk profile similar to that of (taking into account the industry the Company’s business is engaged in), the Company and its Subsidiaries, as obtained by (in the Company’s sole discretion) (i) using freely available financial databases customarily used for market benchmarking, including Bloomberg, FactSet, S&P Capital IQ or any other internationally recognized financial data platform or (ii) directly inquiring with relevant major banking institutions.

Member means TAO, Hakkasan Parent and any other Person admitted as a member of the Company in accordance with the terms of the Agreement.

Member Nonrecourse Debt means any nonrecourse debt of the Company for which any Member bears the Economic Risk of Loss.

Minimum Gain Attributable to Member Nonrecourse Debt means with respect to any Member Nonrecourse Debt, shall have the meaning ascribed to such term for purposes of Treasury Regulation §1.704-2(i)(5).

Minimum Valuation means, as of any given date of determination, an amount (not below zero) equal to: (a) (i) the actual EBITDA for the last trailing four quarters as of such fiscal quarter end or fiscal year end, multiplied by (ii) eight (8)plus (b) Cash of the Company and its Subsidiaries, minus (c) the aggregate amount (which may be a negative amount) of Net Debt Reductions, in each case of clauses (b) and (c), as of the time utilized in the preparation of the applicable financial statements of the Company prepared as of the applicable date of determination; provided that with respect to an Approved Sale pursuant to Section 6.9(a)(i), the most recent fiscal quarter end prior to the date of the signing of the definitive agreement with respect to the Approved Sale will be used to calculate the trailing four quarters for purposes of determining the relevant Minimum Valuation.

MSGE means Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp., a Delaware corporation; provided, however, that if pursuant to any Transfer permitted by this Agreement, Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. no longer directly or indirectly holds any of the Interests held by TAO and in connection with such Transfer or transaction there is an MSGE Company Successor, all references to “MSGE” in the Agreement shall be deemed to refer to such MSGE Company Successor (except as used in the definition of “MSGE Stock”).

 

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MSGE Accounting Principles means the accounting methods, policies, practices and procedures, including classification, valuation and estimation methodology, used in the preparation of the most recent consolidated audited financial statements of MSGE and its Subsidiaries.

MSGE Change of Control” means the acquisition, in a transaction or a series of related transactions, by (a) any Person or group of Persons, other than Charles F. Dolan or members of the immediate family of Charles F. Dolan or trusts for the benefit of Charles F. Dolan or his immediate family (or an entity or entities controlled by any of the foregoing) or any employee benefit plan sponsored or maintained by MSGE (individually or collectively, the “Dolan Family Holders”), that results in any Person (or group of related Persons), other than the Dolan Family Holders, holding securities with more than 50% of the voting power of all the issued and outstanding securities of MSGE (or any of its successors) or substantially all of its (or such successor’s) assets (as constituted immediately prior to such transaction or transactions), or (b) any transferee of assets that includes the Interests owned by TAO pursuant to a Transfer contemplated by clause (a)(iii) of the definition of Permitted Transfer; provided, however, that an acquisition referred to in this clause (b) shall only be an MSGE Change of Control if such transferee is not a Dolan Family Holder.

“MSGE Company Successor” means the parent corporation, limited liability company or partnership (other than MSGE) that holds following the consummation of a MSGE Change of Control or other Transfer permitted by this Agreement, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of the Interests of TAO. For the avoidance of doubt, in the event a corporation’s, limited liability company’s or partnership’s (other than “MSGE”) common stock is listed for trading on a U.S. national securities exchange and such entity directly or indirectly holds more than fifty percent (50%) of the Interests of TAO, such entity shall be the MSGE Company Successor.

MSGE Promissory Note means a promissory note issued by MSGE or by MSG Entertainment Group, LLC, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of MSGE, in the form attached to the Agreement as Exhibit C.

MSGE Stock means shares of unregistered Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share (or another class of voting common stock that replaces such Class A Common Stock) that are listed for trading on a national securities exchange, of MSGE, valued at the volume-weighted average price (as reported by Bloomberg) over the ten (10) trading days prior to the date of issuance.

Net Debt Reductions” means, with respect to the Company and its Subsidiaries, without duplication, (a) all Debt and (b) all accrued but unpaid obligations in respect of the MSG Payments under the Holdings LLC Agreement (including accrued interest thereon), and the aggregate Stated Preferred Value of all of the Preferred Units.

Net Income or Net Loss means, for any taxable year or month of the Company, the taxable income or loss, respectively, of the Company for U.S. federal income tax purposes, except that (a) any income of the Company that is exempt from U.S. federal income tax and not otherwise taken into account in computing taxable income or loss shall be added to such taxable

 

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income or subtracted from such loss, (b) any expenditures of the Company described in Section 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code or treated as expenditures described in Section 705(a)(2)(B) of the Code pursuant to Treas. Reg. §1.704-1(b)(2)(iv)(i) and not otherwise taken into account under this definition (any such expenditures being referred to for purposes of the Agreement as “Section 705(a)(2)(B) Expenditures”) shall be subtracted from such taxable income or added to such loss, (c) any amount of gain or loss that would have been recognized by the Company if property distributed by the Company to the Members had instead been sold in a taxable disposition for its fair market value (as determined by the Board) at the time of distribution shall be taken into account, (d) items of income, gain, deduction and loss relating to property contributed to the Company by a Member (or revalued pursuant to Section 1.3 of the Agreement) shall be taken into account based on such property’s Book Value, and (e) in lieu of the depreciation, amortization, and other cost recovery deductions taken into account in computing such taxable income or loss, there shall be taken into account Depreciation for such Company Fiscal Year, computed in accordance with the definition of Depreciation. Except as otherwise provided in the regulations issued under Section 704(b) of the Code, such amounts shall be computed without regard to any basis adjustment for U.S. federal income tax purposes under Sections 732, 734 and 743 of the Code resulting from an election under Section 754 of the Code.

Non-Qualifying Proposed Officer means any proposed Officer with respect to which: (i) the Company has not run, or such individual has not consented to, a standard third party background check (a “Background Check”) which covers, at a minimum, the review and verification of such individual’s academic and professional credentials, the screening of such individual against international regulatory, sanctions and watch lists (e.g., the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control list of Specially Designated Nationals), an adverse internet and media search relating to such individual and a high-level litigation and criminal records search, or (ii) a Background Check has produced an unfavorable material finding.

Nonrecourse Deductions has the meaning set forth in Treasury Regulations §§1.7042(b)(1) and 1.704-2(c).

Nonrecourse Liability means any Company liability (or portion thereof) for which no Member bears the Economic Risk of Loss.

Percentage Share means, with respect to any Member as of any date, the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of the aggregate number of all Common Units directly held by such Member on such date to the aggregate number of all Common Units issued by the Company and outstanding on such date. The combined Percentage Share of all Members shall at all times equal one hundred percent (100%).

Permitted Transfer means, (a) except for any Transfer by TAO to a TAO Prohibited Person or by Hakkasan Parent to a Hakkasan Parent Prohibited Person, (x) with respect to TAO: (i) any Transfer of Interests to MSGE or any direct or indirect Subsidiary of MSGE; (ii) any Transfer of equity interests in MSGE (or any successive successors thereto or acquirors thereof); or (iii) any Transfer of all of the Interests owned by TAO together with (A) all or substantially all of the assets of MSGE and/or (B) a portion of assets of MSGE so long as the Interests represent no more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the Fair Market Value of the MSGE assets

 

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transferred in such Transfer (calculated net of any debt at the time of such Transfer and immediately after giving effect thereto); and (y) with respect to Hakkasan Parent, any Transfer of Interests to any Person that is an investment or similar company controlled by the Government of Abu Dhabi, including Aabar Investments PJS and its Subsidiaries, and that is not a controlling or controlled Affiliate of a Person engaged in a Competing Business (as defined in the Transaction Agreement), and (b) with respect to TAO, any Transfer by any member of Rollover Holdco (as such term is defined in the Holdings LLC Agreement) or TAO, other than MSGE or any of its Affiliates, of any interests in Rollover Holdco or TAO.

Permitted Transferee means a transferee of Units owned by a Member in a Permitted Transfer.

Person is defined in Section 18-101(14) of the Act.

Preemptive Securities means, other than Excluded Securities:

(a)    any Units or other equity securities of the Company issued after the date of the Agreement; and

(b)    any right, option or warrant to acquire any security convertible into the securities included in clause (a) of this definition.

Preferred Capital Contribution means the $13,154,472 contribution by TAO in respect of its Preferred Units.

Preferred Percentage Share means, with respect to any Member as of any date, the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of the aggregate number of all Preferred Units directly held by such Member on such date to the aggregate number of all Preferred Units issued by the Company and outstanding on such date.

Preferred Return means a return equal to compounded interest of nine percent (9%) per annum, compounded quarterly on March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year that the Preferred Units are outstanding. The Preferred Return shall be computed on the basis of a three hundred and sixty (360)-day year constituting of twelve (12) thirty (30)-day months and shall be pro-rated for any partial periods (i.e., during the period from and after the date the Preferred Units are first issued until the last day of the quarter in which the Preferred Units are first issued and during the period from and after the first day of the quarter during which all amounts owed with respect to the Preferred Units under clauses (i) and (ii) of Section 2.1(c) of the Agreement are paid in full until the date that all amounts owed with respect to the Preferred Units under clauses (i) and (ii) of Section 2.1(c) of the Agreement are paid in full (including to the extent required by Section 2.1(d))) with respect to which it is calculated.

Preferred Units means the allocation of Interests designated as Preferred Units on Schedule 1.2(a) to the Agreement.

Qualified Member means a Member whose Percentage Share, together with the Percentage Share of each of such Member’s Permitted Transferees, is at least equal to five percent (5%).

 

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Qualified Stock means MSGE Stock or Successor Stock that is duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable, not subject to any preemptive or other similar rights, issued free and clear of any Liens (other than Liens under applicable securities laws).

Required Transfer Documentation means an assignment and assumption agreement in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the transferor and the transferee providing for, as applicable, the sale and assignment of Interests free and clear of all Liens, other than those released on or prior to the closing of the Transfer or arising under applicable securities laws or under this Agreement, and containing only representations and warranties by the transferor as to (a) due organization and good standing (if the transferor is an entity) of the transferor, (b) the power and authority (if the transferor is an entity) of such transferor to effect such Transfer, (c) the capacity (if the transferor is an individual) of such transferor to effect such Transfer, (d) the due authorization (if the transferor is an entity) by such transferor of the Required Transfer Documentation, (e) the due execution and delivery by such transferor of the Required Transfer Documentation, (f) the enforceability of the Required Transfer Documentation against such transferor, (g) the “non-contravention” of the execution, delivery and performance of the Required Transfer Documentation with the transferor’s organizational documents (if the transferor is an entity), applicable laws and (subject to any exceptions set forth on a disclosure schedule) material agreements to which the transferor is a party, and (h) the sale and assignment to the transferee of good and valid title to such Interests, free and clear of all Liens, other than those released on or prior to the closing of the Transfer or arising under applicable securities laws or under this Agreement.

Sale of the Company means a sale to a third party of all the equity, or all or substantially all of the assets, of the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, by sale of Interests, merger, consolidation, sale of assets, sale of Subsidiaries, or similar business combination transaction.

SEC” means the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

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

“Stated Preferred Value means, as of any time with respect to the Preferred Units, the amount to which the holder of such Preferred Units would at such time be entitled pursuant to clauses (i) and (ii) of Section 2.1(c) of the Agreement (taking into account all amounts previously paid to such holder in respect of such Preferred Units pursuant to Section 2.1 of the Agreement).

Subordinated Credit Agreement means the Credit Agreement among TAO Group Sub-Holdings LLC and MSG Entertainment Holdings LLC, as administrative agent and a lender, dated as of May 23, 2019.

Subsidiary means, with respect to any Person, any corporation, association, limited liability company or other business entity of which fifty percent (50%) or more of (i) the total equity interests or (ii) total voting power of shares of stock (or equivalent ownership or controlling interest) entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that Person or one or more of the other subsidiaries of that Person or a combination thereof.

 

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Successor Stock” means the common stock of an MSGE Company Successor listed for trading on a U.S. national securities exchange, valued at the volume-weighted average price (as reported by Bloomberg) over the ten (10) trading days prior to the date of issuance; provided, that, in order to constitute Successor Stock, such MSGE Company Successor shall have (i) an average market capitalization that is no less than the average market capitalization of MSGE during the ninety (90) trading days immediately preceding the MSGE Change of Control or Transfer permitted by this Agreement, (ii) an average float that is no less than the average float of MSGE Stock during the ninety (90) trading days immediately preceding the MSGE Change of Control or Transfer permitted by this Agreement, and (iii) an average trading volume during the ninety (90) trading days immediately preceding the issuance of such stock that is at least ninety percent (90%) of the average daily trading volume of MSGE during the ninety (90) trading days immediately preceding the Change of Control or Transfer permitted by this Agreement.

TAO Accounting Principles means the accounting methods, policies, practices and procedures, including classification, valuation and estimation methodology, used in the preparation of the most recent consolidated audited financial statements of TAO and its Subsidiaries.

TAO Prohibited Person means, the Persons listed as TAO Prohibited Persons on Schedule 6.4.

Transaction Documents has the meaning assigned to such term in the Transaction Agreement.

Transfer means any direct or indirect offer, sale, contract to sell, assignment, alienation, gift, transfer, hypothecation, exchange, mortgage, pledge, grant of a security interest or other disposition or encumbrance, whether voluntary or involuntary. A Transfer shall, without limitation of the foregoing, include any transaction that, in whole or in part, transfers any economic consequences of ownership. The Transfer of the equity interest in a Member (or any Person who directly or indirectly owns any equity interests of such Member) shall be deemed an indirect Transfer of such Member’s Interest. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this definition, in no event will a direct or indirect offer, sale, contract to sell, assignment, alienation, gift, transfer, hypothecation, exchange, mortgage, pledge, grant of a security interest or other disposition, encumbrance, whether voluntary or involuntary, of (i) any securities of MSGE or any of its successors or acquirors (or any successive successors thereto or acquirors thereof) or (ii) any securities of Aabar Investments PJS or any of its parent entities, be a Transfer.

Units means the Preferred Units and the Common Units.

Unreturned Preferred Capital Contributions Amount means at any time, the excess, if any, of: (a) the aggregate Preferred Capital Contributions made by TAO over (b) the aggregate amount of distributions with respect to such Preferred Capital Contributions (including any distributions to any predecessor of such Member) under Section 2.1(c)(ii) (including to the extent required by Section 2.1(d)) of the Agreement.

 

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Valuation Date” means for purposes of calculating the Hakkasan Parent Purchase Price (i) in the case of a Put, the last Sunday in December of the year in which a Put Notice is delivered, or (ii) in the case of a Call, the last Sunday in December of the year immediately preceding the year in which a Call Notice is delivered.

2.    The following terms are defined in the Sections indicated below.

 

Term

  

Section

 
Adjustment Mechanism      4.1(d)(ii)  
Agreement      Preamble  
Appraisable Dispute      6.8  
Appraiser      6.8  
Approved Sale      6.9(a)  
Approved Sale Notice      6.9(a)  
Approved Sale Period      6.9(a)  
Background Check      Exhibit A  
Business Books and Records      3.4  
Business Plan      1.5(a)  
Call      6.7(a)  
Call Closing Date      6.7(a)  
Cap      4.1(d)(ii)  
Chairman      4.1(a)  
Chairperson      8.9(c)(iii)  
Company      Preamble  
Company Fiscal Year      3.3  
Confidential Information      4.7(a)  
Debt Financing Notice      4.2(a)  
DGCL      4.3  
Dispute      8.9(c)(i)  
Dispute Parties      8.9(c)(i)  
Drag Aggregate Consideration      6.5(c)  
Drag-Along Participation Securities      6.5(b)  
Drag-Along Sale      6.5(a)  
Drag-Along Sale Notice      6.5(a)  
Drag-Along Securities      6.5(a)  
Dragged Parties      6.5(a)  
Dragging Member      6.5(a)  
Exercise Notice      1.4(c)  
Existing Agreement      Recitals  
Hakkasan Board Designees      4.1(a)  
Hakkasan Parent      Preamble  
Hakkasan Parent Director      4.1(a)  
Hakkasan Parent Observer      4.1(a)  
Indemnified Persons      4.4(a)  
Interest Change Date      2.2(k)  
Joinder Agreement      4.9  

 

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LCIA      8.9(c)(ii)  
Losses      4.4(a)  
Member Indemnitors      4.4(b)  
MSG Payment      2.1(a)  
Mutual Valuation Period      6.8  
Notice of Election      6.3(b)  
Offered Securities      6.3(b)  
Officer      4.1(c)  
Permitted Recipients      4.7(a)  
Preemptive Right      1.4(a)  
Preemptive Rights Notice      1.4(b)  
Pro Rata Funding Election      4.2(a)  
Put      6.6(a)  
Put Closing Date      6.6(b)  
Put Interim Period      6.6(a)  
Put Notice      6.6(a)  
Put Notice Date      6.6(a)  
Put Period      6.6(a)  
Register of Members      1.2(a)  
Remedy Exercise      4.8  
Return or Destruction Date      4.7(a)  
ROFO Notice      6.3(b)  
ROFO Option Period      6.3(b)  
ROFO Price      6.3(b)  
ROFR Notice      6.3(e)  
ROFR Option Period      6.3(e)  
Rollover Business Plan      1.5(b)  
Rules      8.9(c)(i)  
Sale Aggregate Consideration      6.9(c)  
Sale Notice      6.6(b)  
Section 705(a)(2)(B) Expenditures      Exhibit A  
Tag-Along Participation Securities      6.4  
Tag-Along Securities      6.4  
TAO      Preamble  
TAO Director      4.1(a)  
TAO Executive Directors      4.1(a)  
TAO Parent Directors      4.1(a)  
Transaction Agreement      Recitals  
Transactions      Recitals  

 

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Exhibit 99.1

 

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TAO GROUP HOSPITALITY COMBINES WITH HAKKASAN GROUP

Creates Global Leader in Premium Hospitality with Significant Potential for Growth

New York, N.Y., April 28, 2021 — Tao Group Hospitality and Hakkasan Group announced today that Tao Group Hospitality has acquired Hakkasan Group, creating a premium hospitality powerhouse that includes a global portfolio of brands and properties with significant potential for future growth.

The newly combined company operates 61 entertainment dining and nightlife venues in 22 markets across five continents and features a collection of widely recognized hospitality brands. These include Tao Group Hospitality’s Tao, Marquee, Lavo, Beauty & Essex, Avenue, Cathédrale and Koma brands, as well as Hakkasan Group’s Hakkasan, Yauatcha, Omnia, Ling Ling, Jewel and Casa Calavera brands, among many others.

The partnership brings together two seasoned hospitality groups with decades of industry experience. Hakkasan Group’s highly skilled executive team will continue to run day-to-day operations for the Hakkasan properties under the direction of Tao Group Hospitality, led by co-CEOs Noah Tepperberg and Jason Strauss.

Mr. Tepperberg said, “Hakkasan Group is a strong strategic fit with a venue portfolio that not only expands our U.S. presence, but gives us an important foothold in key global destinations. Over the last 20 years, Hakkasan Group has built some of the most successful brands in the hospitality industry. This partnership provides a tremendous platform to use our combined scale to create new opportunities that drive value.”

Mr. Strauss said, “Despite the challenges caused by the pandemic, we know there’s a real desire by people around the world to gather once again. As indoor dining and other hospitality experiences start to return to regular operations, we believe our newly combined company will be well-positioned to take advantage of this pent-up demand, setting the stage for long-term growth.”

Derek Silberstein, Executive Vice President of Hakkasan Group said, “We are thrilled to join Tao Group Hospitality, a company we’ve long admired for their leadership and innovation in entertainment, dining and hospitality. We look forward to utilizing our collective strengths to continue raising the bar for exceptional guest experiences.”

This transaction will drive a number of benefits – including the creation of a combined portfolio of world-renowned entertainment, dining and hospitality brands that can be leveraged globally. Through a combination of license, management and lease agreements, Tao Group Hospitality and Hakkasan Group have built a vast network of partners that provide the combined company with additional opportunities for expansion and brand development.

Both companies have also been executing a venue expansion strategy focused on markets where they can successfully deliver unforgettable live experiences. The addition of Hakkasan Group immediately increases Tao Group Hospitality’s footprint and provides local expertise to support further expansion. Hakkasan Group’s portfolio expands Tao Group Hospitality’s domestic reach in key markets such as Las Vegas, Southern California and Miami, while also significantly growing Tao Group Hospitality’s international presence with the addition of important global destinations. This includes London, where Hakkasan Group has five venues, highlighted by its Michelin star-rated flagship restaurants, Hakkasan Mayfair and the original Hakkasan Hanway Place. Hakkasan Group also operates four venues throughout the Middle East, providing an instant platform for growth in several fast-developing markets.


The new company will benefit from the significant experience both teams have forging deep talent, guest and corporate relationships. In addition, this transaction will provide various scale benefits, including in areas such as entertainment, marketing and cross-promotion; procurement and purchasing; and corporate sponsorships.

Tao Group Hospitality is part of Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment) (NYSE: MSGE), a leader in live experiences. The newly combined company will continue to work with MSG Entertainment to create innovative experiences that can be integrated across MSG Entertainment’s portfolio of live offerings, including its collection of venues featuring New York’s Madison Square Garden. MSG Entertainment has also announced plans to build state-of-the-art venues, called MSG Sphere, in Las Vegas and London – where the newly combined hospitality company will have a significant presence. MSG Entertainment has already made significant progress on the construction of its Las Vegas venue, which it expects to complete in 2023, and continues to pursue its plans in London, pending necessary approvals.

For the transaction, Tao Group Hospitality issued equity from one of its subsidiaries to acquire Hakkasan Group from Hakkasan USA. With the completion of the deal, Tao Group Hospitality owns a majority of the newly combined company. MSG Entertainment owns a controlling interest in Tao Group Hospitality and, as a result, also owns a controlling, indirect interest the newly combined company.

About Tao Group Hospitality

Tao Group Hospitality delivers distinctive culinary and premium entertainment experiences through its widely recognized portfolio of restaurants, nightclubs, lounges and daylife venues. The company boasts operations in New York City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Connecticut, Singapore and Sydney across 28 venues under 20 brands including: Avenue, Beauty & Essex, Cathédrale, Feroce, The Fleur Room, The Highlight Room, Koma, Lavo, Legasea, Little Sister, Magic Hour, Marquee, PHD, Suite Sixteen and TAO. Tao Group Hospitality is part of Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSG Entertainment) (NYSE: MSGE), a leader in live experiences.

About Hakkasan Group

Hakkasan Group is a renowned worldwide hospitality company with establishments across North America, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa. Its namesake is taken from its Michelin star restaurant that set the best-in-class standard for the diverse brands in the group’s collection. Its ‘brand first’ philosophy creates restaurant, nightlife and daylife venues into a world-class hospitality portfolio, all with a focus on service, design, and innovation that together, craft remarkable experiences for its guests. Its restaurant properties include Hakkasan, with multiple locations worldwide, Ling Ling, Yauatcha, Sake no Hana, Casa Calavera, Herringbone and Searsucker. Concepts under the nightlife umbrella are Hakkasan, Omnia, and Jewel Nightclub; and daylife brands include Omnia, Wet Republic and Liquid. For more information, visit https://hakkasangroup.com/ or connect with us on Facebook Twitter and Instagram at @hakkasangroup.

#   #   #

Contacts:

 

Mark Costiglio
Senior Vice President, Communications
Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.
(212) 465-4402
   Ari Danes, CFA
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations & Treasury
Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp.
(212) 465-6072


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TAO GROUP HOSPITALITY HAKKASAN GROUP 61 VENUES IN 22 MARKETS ACROSS 5 CONTINENTS Our Locations TAO GROUP HOSPITALITY HAKKASAN GROUP TAO GROUP HOSPITALITY & HAKKASAN GROUP LOS ANGELES Beauty & Essex The Highlight Room TAO Los Angeles Herringbone Santa Monica SAN DIEGO Herringbone La Jolla Omnia San Diego Searsucker San Diego LOS CABOS Casa Calavera Los Cabos Omnia Dayclub Los Cabos SHOREbar Los Cabos HONOLULU Herringbone Waikiki LAS VEGAS Beauty & Essex Lavo Marquee TAO Restaurant TAO Beach TAO Nightclub Hakkasan Nightclub Hakkasan Restaurant JEWEL Nightclub Liquid Pool Lounge Omnia Las Vegas Searsucker Las Vegas Wet Republic Casa Calavera CHICAGO TAO Chicago NEW YORK Beauty & Essex Dream Downtown Dream Midtown Lavo Restaurant Lavo Nightclub Marquee Moxy Times Square Moxy Chelsea Moxy East Village Suite Sixteen TAO Downtown Restaurant TAO Downtown Nightclub TAO Uptown MIAMI Hakkasan Miami MARRAKECH Ling Ling Marrakech LONDON Hakkasan Hanway Place Hakkasan Mayfair Sake No Hana London Yauatcha City Yauatcha Soho OSLO Ling Ling Oslo CONNECTICUT TAO Asian Bistro RIYADH Yauatcha Saudi Arabia QATAR Hakkasan Doha ABU DHABI Hakkasan Abu Dhabi DUBAI Hakkasan Dubai MUMBAI Hakkasan Mumbai Yauatcha BENGALURU Yauatcha KOLKATA Yauatcha SHANGHAI Hakkasan Shanghai SINGAPORE Avenue Singapore Koma Singapore Lavo Singapore Marquee Singapore SYDNEY Marquee Sydney Our Brands TAO GROUP HOSPITALITY HAKKASAN GROUP