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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents

Table of Contents

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 1, 2016

Registration No. 333-            

 

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549



FORM S-1
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933



YETI Holdings, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  3949
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
  45-5297111
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)



5301 Southwest Parkway, Suite 200
Austin, Texas 78735
(512) 394-9384

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



Matthew J. Reintjes
President and Chief Executive Officer, Director
5301 Southwest Parkway, Suite 200
Austin, Texas 78735
(512) 394-9384
(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of agent for service)



Copies to:
Timothy R. Curry
Kimberly J. Pustulka
Jones Day
901 Lakeside Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44114
(216) 586-3939
  Bryan C. Barksdale
General Counsel and
Secretary
YETI Holdings, Inc.
5301 Southwest Parkway,
Suite 200
Austin, Texas 78735
(512) 394-9384
  Michael Benjamin
Latham & Watkins LLP
885 Third Avenue
New York, New York 10022
(212) 906-1200



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

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

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

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

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

                  Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer ý
(Do not check if a
smaller reporting company)
  Smaller reporting company o

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

       
 
Title of Each Class of Securities
to be Registered

  Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering Price(1)(2)

  Amount of
Registration Fee

 

Common Stock, $0.01 par value per share

  $100,000,000   $10,070.00

 

(1)
Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the amount of the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act of 1933.

(2)
Includes the aggregate offering price of additional shares that the underwriters have the option to purchase.

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


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The information in this preliminary prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This preliminary prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities nor does it seek an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.

Subject To Completion, Dated July 1, 2016

PROSPECTUS

            Shares



GRAPHIC

Common Stock



              This is the initial public offering of shares of common stock of YETI Holdings, Inc. We are selling                         shares of our common stock and the selling stockholders identified in this prospectus are selling            shares of our common stock. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock by the selling stockholders.

              We expect the public offering price to be between                        and                         per share. Currently, no public market exists for the shares. We have applied to list our common stock on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "YETI."

              We are an "emerging growth company" under the federal securities laws and, as such, will be subject to reduced public company reporting requirements. See "Prospectus Summary—Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company."

              After the completion of this offering, Cortec Group Fund V, L.P. and its affiliates will continue to control a majority of the voting power of our common stock. As a result, we will be a "controlled company" within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange listing standards. See "Principal and Selling Stockholders."

              Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 14.

 
 
Per share
 
Total
 

Public offering price

  $     $    

Underwriting discounts and commissions(1)

  $     $    

Proceeds, before expenses, to us

  $     $    

Proceeds, before expenses, to the selling stockholders

  $     $    

(1)
See "Underwriting" beginning on page 124 for additional information regarding total underwriter compensation.

              The underwriters may also exercise their option to purchase up to an additional                         shares from the selling stockholders, at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount, for 30 days after the date of this prospectus.

              Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

              The underwriters expect to deliver the shares to purchasers on or about                        , 2016.



BofA Merrill Lynch   Morgan Stanley
Baird   Piper Jaffray
Jefferies   William Blair

KeyBanc Capital Markets           SunTrust Robinson Humphrey



Wells Fargo Securities

 

Raymond James

 

Stifel

 

Academy Securities

                        , 2016


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
  Page  

Prospectus Summary

    1  

Risk Factors

    14  

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    37  

Use of Proceeds

    39  

Dividend Policy

    40  

Capitalization

    41  

Dilution

    43  

Selected Consolidated Financial and Other Data

    45  

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

    46  

Business

    63  

Management

    81  

Executive Compensation

    92  

Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions

    104  

Principal and Selling Stockholders

    109  

Description of Capital Stock

    111  

Description of Indebtedness

    115  

Shares Eligible for Future Sale

    117  

Material U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences to Non-U.S. Holders

    120  

Underwriting

    124  

Legal Matters

    132  

Experts

    132  

Where You Can Find Additional Information

    132  

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

    F-1  



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


For Investors Outside the United States

              Neither we, the selling stockholders, nor the underwriters have taken any action that would permit this offering or possession or distribution of this prospectus in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose is required, other than the United States. Persons outside the United States are required to inform themselves about and to observe any restrictions relating to this offering and the distribution of this prospectus.


Trademarks, Trade Names, and Service Marks

              We use various trademarks, trade names, and service marks in our business, including, without limitation, YETI®, Tundra®, Hopper™, YETI TANK®, Rambler™, Colster®, Rambler™ Colster®, Roadie®, Wildly Stronger! Keep Ice Longer!®, SideKick™, FatWall™, PermaFrost™, T-Rex™, ColdLock™, NeverFail™, AnchorPoint™, InterLock™, BearFoot™, Vortex™, DoubleHaul™, LipGrip™, Vortex™, DryHide™, ColdCell™, HydroLock™, Over-the-Nose™, and LOAD-AND-LOCK™. For convenience, we

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may not include the ® or ™ symbols in this prospectus, but such omission is not meant to and does not indicate that we would not protect our intellectual property rights to the fullest extent allowed by law. Any other trademarks, trade names, or service marks referred to in this registration statement and the prospectus that are not owned by us are the property of their respective owners.


Industry, Market, and Other Data

              This prospectus includes estimates, projections, and other information concerning our industry and market data, including data regarding the estimated size of the market, projected growth rates, and perceptions and preferences of consumers. We obtained this data from industry sources, third-party studies, including market analyses and reports, and internal company surveys. Industry sources generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. Although we are responsible for all of the disclosure contained in this prospectus and we believe the industry and market data to be reliable as of the date of this prospectus, this information could prove to be inaccurate.

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PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

              The following summary highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this prospectus and does not contain all of the information that you should consider in making your investment decision. Before investing in our common stock, you should carefully read the entire prospectus, including the consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in this prospectus and the information set forth under the headings "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." Unless the context requires otherwise, the words "YETI," "we," "company," "us," and "our" refer to YETI Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries, as applicable.

Our Company

              We are a rapidly growing designer, marketer, and distributor of premium products for the outdoor and recreation market. Our brand promise is to ensure each YETI product will deliver exceptional performance and durability in any environment. By consistently delivering on this promise, we have built a following of passionate and engaged consumers, ranging from serious outdoor enthusiasts to individuals who value products of uncompromising quality and design. The increasing demand for our innovative products is evidenced by our net sales growth from $89.9 million in 2013 to $468.9 million in 2015, representing a compound annual growth rate, or CAGR, of 128%. Over the same period, our operating income increased from $15.2 million to $127.9 million, representing a CAGR of 190%. See "Summary Consolidated Financial and Other Data" for year-by-year results, which reflect annual volatility not included in CAGR calculations.

              Our Founders, Roy and Ryan Seiders, are avid outdoorsmen who were frustrated with equipment that could not keep pace with their pursuits. Tired of relying on poorly constructed coolers, they set out to build a more durable, superior-performing product. Utilizing innovative design insights and advanced manufacturing techniques, they developed a nearly indestructible hard cooler with rugged performance features for extreme environments. By employing the same uncompromising approach to product quality and functionality, we have expanded our product line beyond hard coolers to soft coolers and stainless steel drinkware that feature similar quality and durability characteristics. All elements of our products are thoughtfully designed and rigorously tested to maximize performance while minimizing complexity, allowing us to deliver highly functional products with simple, clean, and distinct designs.

              Our current product portfolio includes:

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              We enter new product categories by creating solutions grounded in practical consumer insights. We use high quality materials as well as advanced design and manufacturing processes to create premium products that redefine consumer expectations and deliver best-in-class product performance. We continue to expand our product line by introducing anchor products, followed by product expansions, such as additional sizes and colorways, and then offer accessories, as exemplified by our current product portfolio.

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              Our multifaceted marketing strategy has been instrumental in driving sales and building equity in the YETI brand. We have become a trusted and preferred brand to experts and serious enthusiasts in an expanding range of outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, camping, barbecue, and farm and ranch activities, among others. Their brand advocacy, combined with our various marketing efforts, has broadened our appeal to a larger consumer population. We maintain an active roster of YETI Ambassadors, a group comprised of world-class hunters, anglers, rodeo cowboys, barbecue pitmasters, and outdoor adventurers who embody our brand. We produce original short films and distribute them through our content-rich website, through our active social media presence, and to our sizable email subscriber base. We have an active and growing social media presence. Facebook likes grew from 182,000 as of December 31, 2013 to over 419,000 as of March 31, 2016; Instagram followers grew from 20,000 as of December 31, 2013 to over 349,000 as of March 31, 2016; and our database of subscriber email addresses grew from 83,000 as of December 31, 2013 to over 900,000 as of March 31, 2016. We also directly engage with our consumers by sponsoring and participating in a variety of events, including sportsman shows, outdoor festivals, rodeos, music and film festivals, barbecue competitions, fishing tournaments, and retailer events. We believe our innovative consumer engagement reinforces the authenticity and aspirational nature of our brand and products across our expanding consumer base.

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              We distribute YETI products through our wholesale channel and through our direct-to-consumer, or DTC, channel. In our wholesale channel, we sell our products through retailer partners committed to delivering our brand message. Our products are sold by approximately 6,000 independent retailers, including outdoor specialty, hardware, and farm and ranch supply stores, among others. We also partner with national and regional specialty retailers, which we refer to as national accounts, such as Academy Sports+Outdoors, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, Dick's Sporting Goods, Recreational Equipment Inc., or REI, and West Marine. Our retailer partners value our products' high in-store profitability and credit us with driving increased customer traffic to their stores and websites. According to several of our retailer partners, certain of our products have among the highest performing sales metrics in their stores. We do not sell our products through mass merchandisers, club stores, or discounters. Our DTC channel includes our website, through which we sell our products and offer unique content and in which we continue to make substantial investments to showcase our brand and products. We maintain a consistent minimum advertised price policy across our wholesale and DTC channels.

Our Competitive Strengths

              We believe the following strengths differentiate us from our competitors and are important to our success:

              Powerful, Growing Brand with a Passionate Consumer Base.    The YETI brand stands for superior performance, uncompromising quality, and durability. We believe these attributes have made YETI the preferred choice of professionals, serious outdoor enthusiasts, and other consumers who appreciate our brand and product performance. We support and build our brand through significant investments in traditional, digital, and social media and a wide-range of grass-roots initiatives that foster interaction with our target consumers. Our consumers proudly wear YETI apparel, display YETI banners and decals, buy multiple YETI products, and proactively recommend us to their friends, family, and others through social media and by word-of-mouth. The emotional connection and brand advocacy of our consumers help fuel our growth and grant us permission to expand our product offering into other relevant outdoor categories.

              Superior Design Capabilities and Product Development.    Our culture of innovation and success in identifying consumer needs drives our robust product pipeline. We design and develop premium outdoor products that we believe set new standards for product quality, durability, and design. Our product development team utilizes advanced design software, 3D printing, and rapid prototyping, among other state-of-the-art technologies. To optimize product performance, we partner with highly qualified raw material suppliers and manufacturers that employ advanced production techniques and quality assurance processes. We actively develop and protect our intellectual property.

              Differentiated and Varied Sales Channels.    We distribute YETI products through our wholesale channel and through our DTC channel. In our wholesale channel, we sell our products through independent retailers and national accounts. We carefully select retailer partners whose image is consistent with our premium brand and pricing. We believe YETI has become one of the most important brands for our retailer partners due to our rapid product sell-through, high profitability for our retailers, and track record of driving increased store traffic. We believe our dedicated national sales force provides us with a distinct competitive advantage by directly engaging with our retailer partners on product presentation, marketing, and retail merchandising. We generate the majority of our sales through a diverse national network of approximately 6,000 independent retailers who specialize in selling to participants in hunting, fishing, camping, barbecue, outdoor, and farm and ranch activities, among others. Additionally, these independent retailers provide valuable brand advocacy to our consumers, as they often have significant influence on in-store purchasing behavior. Our national accounts provide broad reach and increased consumer access to our products while maintaining brand consistency and pricing parity with our independent retailers. Through our DTC channel, we sell our products directly to consumers through

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YETI.com and over the phone through our YETI Outfitters customer service group. We maintain a consistent minimum advertised price policy across our wholesale and DTC channels.

              Experienced Management Team.    Our senior management team is comprised of experienced executives from large global consumer product brands and publicly listed companies. They have proven track records of building brands, leading innovation, expanding distribution, and driving global operations. Our management team and employees reflect the values instilled by our Founders and promote our authentic and innovation-driven culture.

(dollars in millions)

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              We have delivered outstanding growth in net sales, operating income margin, net income and Adjusted EBITDA. Our net sales increased from $89.9 million in 2013 to $468.9 million in 2015, representing a CAGR of 128%, driven primarily by continued demand for our existing products as well as new product introductions. Our operating income increased from $15.2 million in 2013 to $127.9 million in 2015, representing a CAGR of 190%. Operating income represented 27% of net sales in 2015. Our net income increased from $7.3 million in 2013 to $74.2 million in 2015, representing a CAGR of 218.8%. Our Adjusted EBITDA increased from $21.8 million in 2013 to $137.1 million in 2015, representing a CAGR of 151%. Adjusted EBITDA represented 29% of net sales in 2015. See "Summary Consolidated Financial and Other Data" for our year-by-year results, which reflect annual volatility not included in CAGR calculations, as well as for the definition of Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, and a reconciliation to net income.

              Our "asset-light" business model, which includes outsourced production, distribution, and logistics, has limited the need for significant capital expenditures and contributed to a strong return on invested capital. We plan to implement a new enterprise resource planning, or ERP, system and anticipate that capital expenditures will increase substantially in 2016 relative to 2015 based on this system implementation as well as other planned capital projects.

Growth Strategies

              Key elements of our growth strategy include:

              Increase Supply to Meet Demand from Retailer Partners and Consumers.    Our net sales tripled from 2014 to 2015 and demand from our retailer partners and direct-to-consumer channel exceeded our ability to supply many of our products. In response, we have expanded and continue to diversify our global manufacturing capacity, which we expect will enable us to significantly increase our sales in 2016. We continuously work with our supply chain partners to increase manufacturing capacity to meet anticipated future demand while maintaining our exacting quality standards.

              Increase Sales at Existing Retailer Partners.    We are focused on continuing to drive sales by enhancing our in-store presence and increasing our product offering at our existing retailer partners. This includes creating customized YETI shop-in-shop concepts at select national accounts, supplying new and larger merchandising fixtures to our independent retailers, training store associates to deliver a premium

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YETI experience for customers, and providing attractive and informative point-of-purchase materials that showcase our products' features. We believe the broad support of our retailer partners, facilitated by our dedicated national sales force and strong product profitability for our retailers, will drive continued increases in the square footage allocated to YETI products.

              Expand Our Base of Retailer Partners.    We believe there is an opportunity to continue to broaden our wholesale channel base of retailer partners. We plan to strategically add new independent retailers to strengthen our existing footprint and further penetrate newer regions. We may also partner with select additional national accounts that are consistent with YETI's premium brand in order to extend our reach to new consumers.

              Introduce New and Innovative Products.    We have a history of developing innovative products, including new products in existing families, product line expansions, and accessories, as well as products that bring us into new categories. For example, in 2014, we successfully expanded our Coolers & Equipment product line with the introduction of the Hopper™ soft cooler and also entered a new category with the Rambler™ drinkware line. We then expanded our Drinkware category with the launch of the Rambler™ Colster® and Rambler™ Lowball in 2015. In 2016, we further extended our Rambler™ line with the introduction of our stainless steel vacuum-insulated bottles. We intend to continue to introduce new product expansions, such as additional sizes and colorways, offer additional accessories within our Tundra® hard cooler, Hopper™ soft cooler, and Rambler™ drinkware lines, and expand our product customization capabilities. We have also identified longer-term opportunities in new product categories where we believe we can redefine performance standards and offer superior quality and design to consumers. We believe that consumers who value our focus on uncompromising quality and design will continue to purchase YETI products as we enter these new categories.

              Increase YETI Marketing and Brand Investment.    We plan to reinforce and extend our premium position in the outdoor and recreation market through innovative marketing strategies that are designed to further enhance the value and visibility of our brand. From 2013 through 2015, we invested $42 million in marketing to support and grow the YETI brand, and we intend to continue investing to facilitate future growth. We further invest in our brand by engaging with our consumers through traditional TV and print advertising, YETI Ambassadors, digital and social media, original YETI films, through our email subscriber base, and participation in, and sponsorship of, a broad range of community events.

              Increase Sales Through YETI.com.    YETI.com is core to our direct-to-consumer engagement strategy, providing an immersive brand experience through our original content as well as an effective e-commerce platform. To satisfy demand from our wholesale channel over the past few years, we have intentionally limited the amount of product available for sale on our website. Going forward, we intend to offer our full product line through YETI.com. We will also continue to use YETI.com to showcase new product introductions, offer customized YETI products, and deliver our unique and innovative content.

              Expand into International Markets.    We believe international markets represent a meaningful, long-term growth opportunity. Many of the market dynamics and consumer needs that we have successfully identified domestically are also present in several large international markets. While our current net sales are concentrated in the United States, and we do not have significant international sales, over time we plan to capitalize on the strength of our brand with a focused international expansion strategy.

Our Market

              Our premium products are designed for use in a variety of outdoor activities, including recreational and professional pursuits. We target various categories, including hunting, fishing, camping, barbecue, and farm and ranch activities, among others. We have successfully increased our addressable market since our founding by broadening our product assortment, most recently with the launch of soft coolers and drinkware in 2014, which expanded our reach beyond the premium hard cooler category.

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              The outdoor and recreation market in the United States is large and growing and represents a diverse economic super sector with consumers of all genders, ages, ethnicities, and income levels. According to the Outdoor Industry Association's 2012 Outdoor Recreation Economy Report, which report is published every five years, outdoor recreation product sales in the United States totaled approximately $120 billion in 2011. In addition, we operate in the broader drinkware market.

Refinancing Transactions

              In May 2016, we refinanced all of our outstanding debt, which was scheduled to mature in June 2017, with a new senior secured credit facility, or the 2016 Credit Facility. The 2016 Credit Facility includes a $445.0 million five-year term loan A, a $105.0 million six-year term loan B, and a $100.0 million five-year undrawn revolving credit facility. See "Description of Indebtedness" in this prospectus for more information.

              We used the net proceeds from the 2016 Credit Facility plus $1.7 million of cash as follows: (a) $69.1 million to repay all amounts owed under the 2012 Credit Facility (as defined herein); (b) $10.8 million to pay fees and expenses incurred in connection with the 2016 Credit Facility; (c) $10.0 million for contingent consideration paid primarily to our Founders in connection with our acquisition of Coolers (as defined herein) in 2012; (d) $451.3 million to fund a dividend to our stockholders, or the Special Dividend; and (e) $10.5 million to make payments to option holders, $2.6 million of which was paid at the same time as the Special Dividend in respect of options that were vested at such time, and $7.9 million of which will be paid upon future vesting dates in respect of such options (which we refer to collectively with the Special Dividend as the Special Distribution). We refer to the entry into the 2016 Credit Facility and the Special Distribution as the Refinancing Transactions.

Selected Risks Associated with Our Business

              Our business is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those highlighted in the section titled "Risk Factors" immediately following this prospectus summary. Some of these principal risks are:

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Implications of Being an Emerging Growth Company

              As a company with less than $1.0 billion in revenue during our last completed fiscal year, we qualify as an "emerging growth company" as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, or the JOBS Act. An emerging growth company may take advantage of certain reduced reporting requirements that are otherwise applicable generally to public companies. These reduced reporting requirements include:

              We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest to occur of: (i) the end of the first fiscal year in which our annual gross revenue is $1.0 billion or more; (ii) the end of the fiscal year in which the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates is at least $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter; (iii) the date on which we have, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1.0 billion in non-convertible debt securities; and (iv) the end of the fiscal year during which the fifth anniversary of this offering occurs. We may choose to take advantage of some, but not all, of the available benefits under the JOBS Act.

              We are choosing to irrevocably "opt out" of the extended transition periods available under Section 107 of the JOBS Act for complying with new or revised accounting standards, but we currently intend to take advantage of the other exemptions discussed above. Accordingly, the information contained herein may be different than the information you receive from other public companies in which you invest.

Our Sponsor

              Cortec Group Fund V, L.P. and its affiliates, or Cortec, has been our principal stockholder since its initial investment in 2012.

              In May 2016, we declared and paid the Special Dividend as a partial return of capital to our stockholders. The Special Dividend totaled $451.3 million, of which Cortec received $312.1 million. After the closing of this offering, Cortec will own approximately        % of our outstanding common stock (or approximately        % if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full).

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Corporate Information

              We were founded in 2006 by brothers Roy and Ryan Seiders in Austin, Texas and were subsequently incorporated as YETI Coolers, Inc., a Texas corporation, in 2010. In 2012, Cortec became our principal stockholder. In connection with Cortec's investment in YETI in 2012, YETI Coolers, Inc. was converted into YETI Coolers, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and subsequently YETI Coolers, LLC was acquired by an indirect subsidiary of YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation incorporated in 2012 by Cortec, thereafter through two subsequent mergers, YETI Coolers, LLC became a wholly owned subsidiary of YETI Holdings, Inc. As part of the acquisition of YETI Coolers, LLC, our Founders and certain other equity holders exchanged a portion of their proceeds from the sale of YETI Coolers, LLC for equity in YETI Holdings, Inc. As a result, YETI Holdings, Inc. is currently majority owned by Cortec, with the remaining ownership being shared by our Founders, certain other management equity holders and select investors.

              Our principal executive offices are located at 5301 Southwest Parkway, Suite 200, Austin, Texas 78735, and our telephone number is (512) 394-9384. Our website address is YETI.com. The information on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not incorporated by reference into this prospectus and should not be considered to be a part of this prospectus.

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The Offering

Common stock offered by us

                           shares

Common stock offered by the selling stockholders

 

                         shares

Underwriters' option to purchase additional shares from the selling stockholders

 

                         shares

Common stock to be outstanding after this offering

 

                         shares

Use of proceeds

 

We estimate that we will receive net proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock that we are selling in this offering of approximately $             million, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, based upon an assumed initial public offering price of $            per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. We currently intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to repay $                        of outstanding borrowings under the 2016 Credit Facility and will use the remainder, if any, for general corporate purposes. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock by the selling stockholders. See "Use of Proceeds" on page 39 of this prospectus for a complete description of the intended use of proceeds from this offering.

Directed share program

 

The underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to            % of the shares offered by this prospectus to                    . We will offer these shares to the extent permitted under applicable regulations. The number of shares available for sale to the general public in this offering will be reduced to the extent these persons purchase reserved shares. Any reserved shares not purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same terms as the other shares.

Controlled company

 

Upon the closing of this offering, Cortec will own approximately             million shares, or            % of our outstanding common stock (or approximately             million shares, or            % of our outstanding common stock, if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full). As a result, we will be a "controlled company" within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, listing standards, and therefore will be exempt from certain NYSE corporate governance requirements.

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Risk factors

 

Investing in shares of our common stock involves a high degree of risk. See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 14 of this prospectus for a discussion of factors you should carefully consider before investing in shares of our common stock.

Proposed exchange symbol

 

"YETI"

              The number of shares of our common stock that will be outstanding after this offering is based on 205,120,000 shares of our common stock outstanding as of May 31, 2016, and excludes:

              Except as otherwise indicated, all information in this prospectus assumes:

              In addition, all information in this prospectus reflects:

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Summary Consolidated Financial and Other Data

              The following tables set forth a summary of our historical summary consolidated financial data for the periods and at the dates indicated. The consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The consolidated financial data as of March 31, 2016 and for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 have been derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. In the opinion of management, our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared on the same basis as our audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of this information. The percentages below indicate the statement of operations data as a percentage of net sales. You should read this data together with our audited financial statements, our unaudited financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus and the information included under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of our future results.

 
  Three Months Ended March 31,   Year Ended December 31,  
(in thousands, except share data)
  2016   2015   2015   2014   2013  

Statement of Operations

                                                             

Net sales

  $ 191,254     100 % $ 52,209     100 % $ 468,946     100 % $ 147,729     100 % $ 89,923     100 %

Cost of goods sold

    98,999     52 %   29,700     57 %   250,245     53 %   80,543     55 %   45,541     51 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Gross profit

    92,255     48 %   22,509     43 %   218,701     47 %   67,186     45 %   44,382     49 %

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    149,842     78 %   13,864     27 %   90,791     19 %   41,519     28 %   29,210     32 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Operating (loss) income

    (57,587 )   30 %   8,645     17 %   127,910     27 %   25,667     17 %   15,172     17 %

Interest expense

    (1,780 )   1 %   (979 )   2 %   (6,075 )   1 %   (3,522 )   2 %   (3,884 )   4 %

Other expense

    —           (506 )   1 %   (6,474 )   1 %   (221 )   0 %   (221 )   0 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Income (loss) before income taxes             

    (59,367 )   31 %   7,160     14 %   115,361     25 %   21,924     15 %   11,067     12 %

Income tax benefit (expense)

    21,179     11 %   (2,521 )   5 %   (41,139 )   9 %   (7,714 )   5 %   (3,806 )   4 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net (loss) income

  $ (38,188 )   20 % $ 4,639     9 % $ 74,222     16 % $ 14,210     10 % $ 7,261     8 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

  $ 53,532     28 % $ 11,170     21 % $ 137,100     29 % $ 33,453     23 % $ 21,760     24 %

Net (loss) income per share

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Basic

  $ (0.19 )       $ 0.02         $ 0.37         $ 0.07         $ 0.04        

Diluted

  $ (0.19 )       $ 0.02         $ 0.37         $ 0.07         $ 0.04        

Weighted average common shares outstanding

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Basic

    201,696           200,244           200,944           199,666           199,002        

Diluted

    201,696           202,184           203,187           201,182           200,026        

 

 
  As of
March 31,
  As of March 31, 2016  
 
   
  Pro Forma
As Adjusted(2)(3)(4)
 
(in thousands)
  2016   Pro Forma(2)  

Balance Sheet and Other Data

                   

Inventories

  $ 90,335   $ 90,335        

Property and equipment, net

    18,338     18,338        

Total assets

    423,043     423,043        

Long-term debt including current maturities

    67,374     67,374        

Total stockholders' equity

    259,034     (192,230 )      

Additions to property and equipment

    4,592     4,592        

(1)
The following table reconciles net (loss) income to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented.

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  For the Three
Months Ended
March 31,
  For the Year Ended
December 31,
 
(dollars in thousands)
  2016   2015   2015   2014   2013  

Net (loss) income

  $ (38,188 ) $ 4,639   $ 74,222   $ 14,210   $ 7,261  

Interest expense

    1,780     979     6,075     3,522     3,884  

Income tax (benefit) expense

    (21,179 )   2,521     41,139     7,714     3,806  

Depreciation and amortization expense

    2,211     1,820     7,531     6,803     5,713  

Non-cash stock-based compensation expense

    105,456     90     624     233     125  

Asset impairments

    —     —     —     —     —  

Transition to Cortec majority ownership

    750     1,051     7,224     971     971  

Transition to the ongoing senior management team

    2,040     70     285     —     —  

Transition to a public company

    662     —     —     —     —  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 53,532   $ 11,170   $ 137,100   $ 33,453   $ 21,760  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net Sales

  $ 191,254   $ 52,209   $ 468,946   $ 147,729   $ 89,923  

Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales

    28.0 %   21.4 %   29.2 %   22.6 %   24.2 %

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization, non-cash stock-based compensation expense, non-cash asset impairments, and certain cash settled expenses directly attributable to specific transition events, which we believe are of a non-recurring nature. These transitional events include: (a) the transition to Cortec majority ownership; (b) the transition to our ongoing senior management team; and (c) the transition to a public company.


The expenses incurred related to these transitional events include: (a) management fees and contingent consideration related to the transition to Cortec majority ownership; (b) severance, recruiting, and relocation costs related to the transition to our ongoing senior management team; and (c) consulting fees and recruiting fees for potential independent members of our Board of Directors in connection with our transition to a public company. All of these transitional costs are reported in selling, general and administrative expenses. We anticipate that these expenses will not continue after the third quarter of 2016.


The expenses related to the transition to Cortec majority ownership include annual management fees of $0.8 million and contingent consideration of $6.5 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, management fees to Cortec were $0.8 million and $0.6 million, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the expense associated with contingent consideration was $0.5 million.


Adjusted EBITDA is not defined under generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP, and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other entities. We use Adjusted EBITDA along with GAAP measures, as a measure of profitability. Adjusted EBITDA helps us compare our performance to other companies by removing the impact of our capital structure; the effect of operating in different tax jurisdictions; the impact of our asset base, which can vary depending on the book value of assets and methods used to compute depreciation and amortization; the effect of non-cash stock-based compensation expense, which can vary based on plan design, share price, share price volatility, and the expected lives of equity instruments granted; as well as certain non-recurring expenses related to what we believe are events of a transitional nature. We refer to Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales to provide a measure of relative profitability.


We believe EBITDA is useful to investors as it is a widely used measure of performance and the adjustments we make to Adjusted EBITDA provide investors further insight into our profitability and additional perspectives in comparing our performance to other companies and in comparing our performance over time on a consistent basis. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as a profitability measure in that it does not include the interest expense on our debts, our provisions for income taxes, the effect of our expenditures for capital assets and certain intangible assets, the effect of non-cash stock-based compensation expense, the effect of asset impairments, and the impact of certain expenses related to transitional events that are settled in cash.


In the future, we may incur expenses similar to those for which adjustments are made in calculating Adjusted EBITDA. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as a basis to infer that our future results will be unaffected by extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring items.

(2)
Reflects our total assets and total stockholders' equity as of March 31, 2016 on a pro forma basis to give effect to (a) our             -for-one forward split of our common stock effected immediately prior to the completion of this offering, including an increase in the authorized shares of our capital stock; (b) the Refinancing Transactions; and (c) the filing and effectiveness of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation in Delaware, in each case as if such event had occurred on March 31, 2016.

(3)
Reflects the sale by us of                         shares of common stock in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $                         per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, after deducting

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(4)
Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $                        per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) each of total assets and total stockholders' equity by approximately $                        , assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We may also increase or decrease the number of shares we are offering. Each increase (decrease) of 1,000,000 shares in the number of shares offered by us would increase (decrease) each of total assets and total stockholders' equity by approximately $                        , assuming that the assumed initial price to the public remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. The pro forma as adjusted information discussed above is illustrative only and will adjust based on the actual initial public offering price and other terms of this offering determined at pricing.

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RISK FACTORS

              Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks and uncertainties described below, together with all of the other information contained in this prospectus, including the section titled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes, before deciding whether to invest in shares of our common stock. If any of the following risks or other risks actually occur, our business, financial condition, results of operations, and future prospects could be materially harmed. In that event, the market price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose part or all of your investment.

Risks Related to Our Business and Industry

Our business depends on maintaining and strengthening our brand and generating and maintaining ongoing demand for our products, and a significant reduction in such demand could harm our results of operations.

              The YETI name and premium brand image are integral to the growth of our business, as well as to the implementation of our strategies for expanding our business. Our success depends on the value and reputation of our brand, which, in turn, depends on factors such as the quality, performance, functionality and durability of our products, the image of our e-commerce platform and retailer partner floor spaces, our communication activities, including advertising and public relations, and our management of the consumer experience, including direct interfaces through customer service. Maintaining, promoting, and positioning our brand are important to expanding our consumer base, and will depend largely on the success of our marketing and merchandising efforts and our ability to provide consistent, high quality consumer experiences. We intend to make substantial investments in these areas in order to maintain and enhance our brand, and such investments may not be successful. Ineffective marketing, negative publicity, product diversion to unauthorized distribution channels, product defects, counterfeit products, unfair labor practices, and failure to protect the intellectual property rights in our brand are some of the potential threats to the strength of our brand, and those and other factors could rapidly and severely diminish consumer confidence in us. Furthermore, these factors could cause our consumers to lose the personal connection they feel with the YETI brand. We believe that maintaining and enhancing our brand image in our current markets and in new markets where we have limited brand recognition is important to expanding our consumer base. If we are unable to maintain or enhance our brand in current or new markets, our growth strategy and results of operations could be harmed.

If we are unable to successfully develop new products, our business may be harmed.

              To maintain and increase sales we must continue to introduce new products and improve or enhance our existing products. The success of our new and enhanced products depends on many factors, including anticipating consumer preferences, finding innovative solutions to consumer problems, differentiating our products from those of our competitors, and maintaining the strength of our brand.

              The development of our products is costly and we typically have several products in development at the same time. Problems in the design or quality of our products, or delays in product introduction, may harm our brand, business, financial condition, and results of operations.

We may not be able to sustain our sales growth rate or profitability, and we may not be able to effectively manage our growth.

              We have consistently generated annual sales growth and profitability. Our recent sales growth may not be indicative of our future performance. As we grow our business, our sales growth rate will likely slow due to a number of factors. For example, slower growing or reduced demand for our products, increased competition, a decrease in the growth rate of our overall market, failure to develop and successfully market new products, or the maturation of our business or market could harm our business. We expect to make significant investments in our research and development and sales and marketing organizations, expand

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our operations and infrastructure both domestically and internationally, develop new products, and enhance our existing products. In addition, in connection with operating as a public company, we will incur significant additional legal, accounting, and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. If our sales do not increase at a sufficient rate to offset these increases in our operating expenses, our profitability may decline in future periods.

              We have expanded our operations rapidly since our inception. Our employee headcount and the scope and complexity of our business have increased substantially. We have only a limited history operating our business at its current scale. Our management team does not have substantial tenure working together. Consequently, if our operations continue to grow at a rapid pace, we may experience difficulties in managing this growth and building the appropriate processes and controls. Continued growth may increase the strain on our resources, and we could experience operating difficulties, including difficulties in sourcing, logistics, recruiting, maintaining internal controls, marketing, designing innovative products, and meeting consumer needs. If we do not adapt to meet these evolving challenges, the strength of our brand may erode, the quality of our products may suffer, we may not be able to deliver products on a timely basis to our customers, and our corporate culture may be harmed.

Our marketing strategy of associating our brand and products with activities rooted in passion for the outdoors may not be successful with existing and future consumers.

              We believe that we have been successful in marketing our products by associating our brand and products with activities rooted in passion for the outdoors. To sustain long-term growth, we must continue to successfully promote our products to consumers who identify with or aspire to these activities. If we fail to continue to successfully market and sell our products to our existing consumers or expand our consumer base due to a lack of personal identification with these activities, our sales could decline or we may be unable to grow our business.

If we fail to attract new consumers, or fail to do so in a cost-effective manner, we may not be able to increase sales.

              Our success depends, in part, on our ability to attract consumers in a cost-effective manner. In order to expand our consumer base, we must appeal to and attract consumers who identify with or aspire to a passion for outdoor activities. We have made significant investments in attracting new consumers, including through the use of YETI Ambassadors, traditional, digital, and social media, original YETI films, and participation in, and sponsorship of, community events. We expect to continue to make significant investments to promote our current and new products to an audience that appreciates outdoor activities. Such campaigns can be expensive and may not result in the cost-effective acquisition of consumers. Further, as our brand becomes more widely known, future marketing campaigns may not attract new consumers at the same rate as past campaigns. If we are unable to attract new consumers, our business will be harmed.

Our growth depends, in part, on expanding into additional consumer markets, and we may not be successful in doing so.

              We believe that our future growth depends not only on continuing to reach our current core demographic, but also continuing to broaden our consumer base. The growth of our business will depend, in part, on our ability to continue to expand our retailer partner and consumer bases in the Northeast, Midwest and Western regions of the United States, as well as into international markets, including through expansion of our dedicated sales force. In these markets, we may face challenges that are different from those we currently encounter, including competitive, merchandising, distribution, hiring, and other difficulties. We may also encounter difficulties in attracting consumers due to a lack of consumer familiarity with or acceptance of our brand or outdoor activities, or a resistance to paying for premium products, particularly in international markets. We continue to evaluate marketing efforts and other strategies to expand the consumer base for our products. In addition, although we are investing in sales

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and marketing activities to further penetrate newer regions, including expansion of our dedicated sales force, we cannot assure you that we will be successful. If we are not successful, our business and results of operations may be harmed.

Our net sales and profits depend on the level of consumer spending for our products, which is sensitive to general economic conditions and other factors.

              Our products are discretionary items for consumers. Therefore, the success of our business depends significantly on trends in the U.S. economy and consumer spending. There are a number of factors that influence consumer spending, including actual and perceived economic conditions, consumer confidence, disposable consumer income, consumer credit availability, unemployment, and tax rates in the markets where we sell our products. Consumers also have discretion as to where to spend their disposable income and may choose to purchase other items or services if we do not continue to provide authentic, compelling and high-quality products at appropriate price points. As global economic conditions continue to be volatile or economic uncertainty remains, trends in consumer discretionary spending also remain unpredictable and subject to declines. Any of these factors could harm discretionary consumer spending, resulting in a reduction in demand for our premium products, decreased prices, and harm to our business and results of operations.

The outdoor and recreation market is highly competitive and includes numerous other brands and retailers that offer a wide variety of products that compete with our products; and if we fail to compete effectively, we could lose our market position.

              The outdoor and recreation market is highly competitive, with low barriers to entry. Numerous other brands and retailers offer a wide variety of products that compete with our cooler and Drinkware products. Competition in the cooler and drinkware product markets is based on a number of factors including product quality, performance, durability, styling, brand image and recognition, as well as price. We believe that we are one of the market leaders in both the U.S. premium cooler and premium stainless steel drinkware markets. We believe that we have been able to compete successfully largely on the basis of our brand, superior design capabilities and product development, as well as on the breadth of our independent retailers and national accounts. Our competitors may be able to develop and market higher quality products that compete with our products, sell their products for lower prices, adapt to changes in consumers' needs and preferences more quickly, devote greater resources to the design, sourcing, distribution, marketing and sale of their products or generate greater brand recognition than us. In addition, as we expand into new product categories we will face different and, in some cases, more formidable competition. We believe many of our competitors and potential competitors have significant competitive advantages, including longer operating histories, ability to leverage their sales efforts and marketing expenditures across a broader portfolio of products, global product distribution, larger and broader retailer bases, more established relationships with a larger number of suppliers and manufacturing partners, greater brand recognition, larger or more effective brand ambassador and endorsement relationships, greater financial strength, larger research and development teams, larger marketing budgets, and more distribution and other resources than we do. Some of our competitors may aggressively discount their products or offer other attractive sales terms in order to gain market share, which could result in pricing pressures, reduced profit margins, or lost market share. If we are not able to overcome these potential competitive challenges, effectively market our current and future products and otherwise compete effectively against our current or potential competitors, our prospects, results of operations, and financial condition could be harmed.

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Competitors have and will likely continue to attempt to imitate our products and technology. If we are unable to protect or preserve our brand image and proprietary rights, our business may be harmed.

              As our business continues to expand, our competitors have imitated, and will likely continue to imitate, our product designs and branding, which could harm our business and results of operations. Only a portion of the intellectual property used in the manufacture and design of our products is patented, and we therefore rely significantly on trade secrets, trade and service marks, trade dress, and the strength of our brand. We regard our patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade secrets, trade dress, and similar proprietary rights as critical to our success. We also rely on trade secret protection and confidentiality agreements with our employees, consultants, suppliers, manufacturers, and others to protect our proprietary rights. Nevertheless, the steps we take to protect our proprietary rights may be inadequate and we may experience difficulty in effectively limiting the unauthorized use of our patents, trademarks, and other intellectual property and proprietary rights worldwide. Because a significant portion of our products are manufactured overseas in countries where counterfeiting is more prevalent, and we intend to increase our sales overseas over the long term, we may experience increased counterfeiting of our products. Unauthorized use of our patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade dress, trade secrets, or other intellectual property or proprietary rights may cause significant damage to our brand and harm our results of operations.

              While we actively develop and protect our intellectual property rights, there can be no assurance that we will be adequately protected in all countries in which we conduct our business or that we will prevail when defending our patent, trademark, and proprietary rights. Additionally, we could incur significant costs and management distraction in pursuing claims to enforce our intellectual property rights through litigation, and defending any alleged counterclaims. If we are unable to protect or preserve the value of our patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property rights for any reason, or if we fail to maintain our brand image due to actual or perceived product or service quality issues, adverse publicity, governmental investigations or litigation, or other reasons, our brand and reputation could be damaged and our business may be harmed.

Our business could be harmed if we are unable to accurately forecast demand for our products or our results of operations.

              To ensure adequate inventory supply, we forecast inventory needs and often place orders with our manufacturers before firm orders are placed by our retailer partners. If we fail to accurately forecast retailer demand, we may experience excess inventory levels or a shortage of product to deliver to our retailer partners and through our direct-to-consumer channel.

              If we underestimate the demand for our products, our manufacturers may not be able to produce products to meet our retailer partner requirements, and this could result in delays in the shipment of our products and our failure to satisfy demand, as well as damage to our reputation and retailer partner relationships. If we overestimate the demand for our products, we could face inventory levels in excess of demand, which could result in inventory write-downs or write-offs and the sale of excess inventory at discounted prices, which would harm our gross margins. In addition, failures to accurately predict the level of demand for our products could cause a decline in revenue and harm our results of operations and financial condition. For example, we underestimated demand for our new products that were introduced in 2014 and were therefore supply constrained on these products during 2015.

              In addition, we may not be able to accurately forecast our results of operations and growth rate. Forecasts may be particularly challenging as we expand into new markets and geographies and develop and market new products. Our historical sales growth, expense levels, and profitability may not be an appropriate basis for forecasting future results.

              Failure to accurately forecast our results of operations and growth rate could cause us to make poor operating decisions and we may not be able to adjust in a timely manner. Consequently, actual results

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could be materially lower than anticipated. Even if the markets in which we compete expand, we cannot assure you that our business will grow at similar rates, if at all.

We rely on third-party contract manufacturers and problems with, or loss of, our suppliers or an inability to obtain raw materials could harm our business and results of operations.

              Our products are produced by third-party contract manufacturers. We face the risk that these third-party contract manufacturers may not produce and deliver our products on a timely basis, or at all. We have experienced, and will likely continue to experience, operational difficulties with our manufacturers. These difficulties include reductions in the availability of production capacity, errors in complying with product specifications and regulatory and customer requirements, insufficient quality control, failures to meet production deadlines, failure to achieve our product quality standards, increases in costs of materials, and manufacturing or other business interruptions. The ability of our manufacturers to effectively satisfy our production requirements could also be impacted by manufacturer financial difficulty or damage to their operations caused by fire, terrorist attack, natural disaster, or other events. The failure of any manufacturer to perform to our expectations could result in supply shortages or delays for certain products and harm our business. If we experience significantly increased demand, or if we need to replace an existing manufacturer due to lack of performance, we may be unable to supplement or replace our manufacturing capacity on a timely basis or on terms that are acceptable to us, which may increase our costs, reduce our margins, and harm our ability to deliver our products on time. For certain of our products, it may take a significant amount of time to identify and qualify a manufacturer that has the capability and resources to produce our products to our specifications in sufficient volume and satisfy our service and quality control standards. For our hard coolers, our two largest manufacturers comprised approximately 75% of our production volume during 2015. For each of our soft coolers and Drinkware products, our largest manufacturer comprised over 90% of our production volume during 2015.

              The capacity of our manufacturers to produce our products is also dependent upon the availability of raw materials. Our manufacturers may not be able to obtain sufficient supply of raw materials, which could result in delays in deliveries of our products by our manufacturers or increased costs. Any shortage of raw materials or inability of a manufacturer to produce or ship our products in a timely manner, or at all, could impair our ability to ship orders of our products in a cost-efficient, timely manner and could cause us to miss the delivery requirements of our customers. As a result, we could experience cancellations of orders, refusals to accept deliveries, or reductions in our prices and margins, any of which could harm our financial performance, reputation, and results of operations.

Our business could be harmed if we fail to execute our internal plans to transition our supply chain and certain other business processes to global scope.

              We are in the process of re-engineering certain of our supply chain management processes, as well as certain other business processes, to support our expanding scale. We are also implementing a new ERP system. The ongoing implementation of the ERP is a key part of our continuing efforts to manage our business more effectively. This system will integrate our operations, including supply-chain management, sales order entry, inventory management, and financial reporting, among others. This project will require significant investment of capital and human resources, the re-engineering of many business processes, and the attention of many managers and other employees, who would otherwise be focused on other aspects of our business. Difficulties or delays in implementing the ERP could impact our ability to design, produce and ship our products on a timely basis, and thereby harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Implementing and maintaining the ERP is also expensive, which will impact our results of operations and cash resources. If we fail to implement the system successfully or in the contemplated timeframe, or if the system does not perform in a satisfactory manner once implementation is complete, our business, including our ability to report financial results accurately and timely, could be harmed.

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We rely on a combination of purchase orders and long-term contracts with our suppliers and manufacturers. Some of these relationships are not exclusive, which means that these suppliers and manufacturers could produce similar products for or supply raw materials to our competitors.

              We rely on a combination of purchase orders and long-term contracts with our suppliers and manufacturers. With all of our suppliers and manufacturers, we face the risk that they may fail to produce and deliver supplies or our products on a timely basis, or at all, or comply with our quality standards. In addition, our suppliers and manufacturers operating under purchase orders may raise prices in the future, which would increase our costs and harm our margins. Even those suppliers and manufacturers with whom we have long-term contracts may breach these agreements, and we may not be able to enforce our rights under these agreements or may incur significant costs attempting to do so. As a result, we cannot predict with certainty our ability to obtain supplies and finished products in adequate quantities, of required quality and at acceptable prices from our suppliers and manufacturers in the future. Any one of these risks could harm our ability to deliver our products on time, or at all, damage our reputation and our relationships with our retailer partners and consumers and increase our product costs thereby reducing our margins.

              In addition, except in some of the situations where we have a long-term contract, our arrangements with our manufacturers and suppliers are not exclusive. As a result, our suppliers or manufacturers could produce similar products for our competitors, some of which could potentially purchase products in significantly greater volume. Further, while certain of our long-term contracts stipulate contractual exclusivity, those suppliers or manufacturers could choose to breach our agreements and work with our competitors. Our competitors could enter into restrictive or exclusive arrangements with our manufacturers or suppliers that could impair or eliminate our access to manufacturing capacity or supplies. Our manufacturers or suppliers could also be acquired by our competitors, and may become our direct competitors, thus limiting or eliminating our access to supplies or manufacturing capacity.

Fluctuations in the cost and availability of raw materials, equipment, labor, and transportation could cause manufacturing delays or increase our costs.

              The price and availability of key components used to manufacture our products, including polyethylene, polyurethane, stainless steel, zippers, polyester, manufacturing equipment, and molds, may fluctuate significantly. In addition, the cost of labor at our third-party contract manufacturers could increase significantly. For example, manufacturers in China have experienced increased costs in recent years due to shortages of labor and fluctuations of the Chinese Yuan in relation to the U.S. dollar. Additionally, the cost of logistics and transportation fluctuates in large part due to the price of oil. Any fluctuations in the cost and availability of any of our raw materials or other sourcing or transportation costs could harm our gross margins and our ability to meet consumer demand. If we are unable to successfully mitigate a significant portion of these product cost increases or fluctuations, our results of operations could be harmed.

Many of our products are manufactured by third parties outside of the United States, and our business may therefore be harmed by legal, regulatory, economic, and political risks associated with international trade and those markets.

              Many of our core products are manufactured in China and the Philippines. Our reliance on suppliers and manufacturers in foreign markets creates risks inherent in doing business in foreign jurisdictions, including: (a) the burdens of complying with a variety of foreign laws and regulations, including trade and labor restrictions and laws relating to the importation and taxation of goods; (b) weaker protection for intellectual property and other legal rights than in the United States and practical difficulties in enforcing intellectual property and other rights outside of the United States; (c) compliance with U.S. and foreign laws relating to foreign operations, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or FCPA, regulations of the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Controls, or OFAC, and

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U.S. anti-money laundering regulations, which prohibit U.S. companies from making improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business, operating in certain countries, as well as engaging in other corrupt and illegal practices; (d) economic and political instability and acts of terrorism in the countries where our suppliers are located; and (e) transportation interruptions or increases in transportation costs. We cannot assure you that our directors, officers, employees, representatives, manufacturers or suppliers have not engaged and will not engage in conduct for which we may be held responsible, nor can we assure you that our manufacturers, suppliers or other business partners have not engaged and will not engage in conduct that could materially harm their ability to perform their contractual obligations to us or even result in our being held liable for such conduct. Violations of the FCPA, OFAC restrictions, or other export control, anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, and anti-terrorism laws or regulations may result in severe criminal or civil sanctions, and we may be subject to other related liabilities, which could harm our business, financial condition, cash flows, and results of operations.

If we fail to timely and effectively obtain shipments of products from our manufacturers and deliver products to our retailer partners and consumers, our business and results of operations could be harmed.

              Our business depends on our ability to source and distribute products in a timely manner. However, we cannot control all of the factors that might affect the timely and effective procurement of our products from our third-party contract manufacturers and the delivery of our products to our retailer partners and consumers.

              Our third-party contract manufacturers ship most of our products to our distribution center in Dallas, Texas. Our reliance on a single distribution center makes us more vulnerable to natural disasters, weather-related disruptions, accidents, system failures, or other unforeseen events that could delay or impair our ability to fulfill retailer orders and/or ship merchandise purchased on our website, which could harm our sales. We import our products, and we are also vulnerable to risks associated with products manufactured abroad, including, among other things: (a) risks of damage, destruction or confiscation of products while in transit to our distribution center; and (b) transportation and other delays in shipments, including as a result of heightened security screening, port congestion, and inspection processes or other port-of-entry limitations or restrictions in the United States. In order to meet demand for a product, we have chosen in the past, and may choose in the future, to arrange for additional quantities of the product, if available, to be delivered through air freight, which is significantly more expensive than standard shipping by sea and, consequently, could harm our gross margins. Failure to procure our products from our third-party contract manufacturers and deliver merchandise to our retailer partners and direct-to-consumer channels in a timely, effective, and economically viable manner could reduce our revenues and gross margins, damage our brand and harm our business.

              We also rely on the timely and free flow of goods through open and operational ports from our suppliers and manufacturers. Labor disputes or disruptions at ports, our common carriers, or our suppliers or manufacturers could create significant risks for our business, particularly if these disputes result in work slowdowns, lockouts, strikes or other disruptions during periods of significant importing or manufacturing, potentially resulting in delayed or cancelled orders by customers, unanticipated inventory accumulation or shortages and harm to our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

              In addition, we rely upon independent land-based and air freight carriers for product shipments from our distribution center to our retailer partners and consumers who purchase through our DTC channel. We may not be able to obtain sufficient freight capacity on a timely basis or at favorable shipping rates and, therefore, may not be able to receive products from suppliers or deliver products to retailer partners or consumers in a timely and cost-effective manner.

              Accordingly, we are subject to the risks, including labor disputes, union organizing activity, inclement weather, and increased transportation costs, associated with our third-party contract

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manufacturers' and carriers' ability to provide products and services to meet our requirements. In addition, if the cost of fuel rises, the cost to deliver products may rise, which could harm our profitability.

The majority of our sales are to independent retailer partners.

              The majority of our sales are made to independent retailer partners who may decide to emphasize products from our competitors, to redeploy their retail floor space to other product categories, or to take other actions that reduce their purchases of our products. We do not receive long-term purchase commitments from our retailer partners, and orders received from our retailer partners are cancellable. Factors that could affect our ability to maintain or expand our sales to these independent retailer partners include: (a) failure to accurately identify the needs of our consumers; (b) a lack of consumer acceptance of new products or product expansions; (c) unwillingness of our retailer partners and consumers to attribute premium value to our new or existing products or product expansions relative to competing products; (d) failure to obtain shelf space from our retailer partners; and (e) new, well-received product introductions by competitors.

              We cannot assure you that our independent retailer partners will carry any new products that we develop. If these risks occur, they could harm our brand as well as our results of operations and financial condition.

We depend on our retailer partners to display and present our products to consumers, and our failure to maintain and further develop our relationships with our retailer partners could harm our business.

              We sell a significant amount of our products through knowledgeable local, regional, and national retailer partners. Our retailer partners service consumers by stocking and displaying our products, explaining our product attributes, and sharing our brand story. Our relationships with these retailer partners are important to the authenticity of our brand and the marketing programs we continue to deploy. Our failure to maintain these relationships with our retailer partners or financial difficulties experienced by these retailer partners could harm our business.

              We also have key relationships with national retailer partners. For the year ended December 31, 2015, our largest customer accounted for 15% of our total sales. If we lose any of our key retailer partners, or any key retailer partner reduces its purchases of our existing or new products or its number of stores or operations or promotes products of our competitors over ours, our sales would be harmed. Because we are a premium brand, our sales depend, in part, on retailer partners effectively displaying our products, including providing attractive space and point of purchase displays in their stores, and training their sales personnel to sell our products. If our retailer partners reduce or terminate those activities, we may experience reduced sales of our products, resulting in lower revenue and gross margins, which would harm our results of operations.

If our plans to increase sales through our direct-to-consumer channel are not successful, our business and results of operations could be harmed.

              Part of our growth strategy involves increasing sales through our direct-to-consumer channel, which consists primarily of our website. The level of consumer traffic and volume of consumer purchases through our website are substantially dependent on our ability to provide a content-rich and user-friendly website, a hassle-free consumer experience, sufficient product availability and reliable, timely delivery of our products. If we are unable to maintain and increase consumers' use of our website, allocate sufficient product to our website, and increase any sales through our website, our business, and results of operations could be harmed.

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Insolvency, credit problems or other financial difficulties that could confront our retailer partners could expose us to financial risk.

              We sell to the large majority of our retailer partners on open account terms and do not require collateral or a security interest in the inventory we sell them. Consequently, our accounts receivable with our retailer partners are unsecured. Insolvency, credit problems, or other financial difficulties confronting our retailer partners could expose us to financial risk. Financial difficulties of our retailer partners could cause them to reduce their sales staff, use of attractive displays, number or size of stores, and the amount of floor space dedicated to our products. These actions could expose us to risks if they are unable to pay for the products they purchase from us. Any reduction in sales by, or loss of, our current retailer partners or consumer demand could harm our revenue, results of operations, and financial condition.

If our independent suppliers and manufacturing partners do not comply with ethical business practices or with applicable laws and regulations, our reputation, business, and results of operations may be harmed.

              Our reputation and our consumers' willingness to purchase our products depend in part on our suppliers', manufacturers', and retailer partners' compliance with ethical employment practices, such as with respect to child labor, wages and benefits, forced labor, discrimination, safe and healthy working conditions, and with all legal and regulatory requirements relating to the conduct of their businesses. We do not exercise control over our independent suppliers, manufacturers, and retailer partners and cannot guarantee their compliance with ethical and lawful business practices. If our suppliers, manufacturers, or retailer partners fail to comply with applicable laws, regulations, safety codes, employment practices, human rights standards, quality standards, environmental standards, production practices, or other obligations, norms or ethical standards, our reputation and brand image could be harmed and we could be exposed to litigation and additional costs that would harm our business, reputation, and results of operations.

We are subject to payment-related risks.

              For our direct-to-consumer sales, as well as for sales to certain retailer partners, we accept a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, electronic funds transfers, and gift cards. Accordingly, we are, and will continue to be, subject to significant and evolving regulations and compliance requirements, including obligations to implement enhanced authentication processes that could result in increased costs and liability, and reduce the ease of use of certain payment methods. For certain payment methods, including credit and debit cards, we pay interchange and other fees, which may increase over time. We rely on independent service providers for payment processing, including credit and debit cards. If these independent service providers become unwilling or unable to provide these services to us or if the cost of using these providers increases, our business could be harmed. We are also subject to payment card association operating rules and agreements, including data security rules and agreements, certification requirements and rules governing electronic funds transfers, which could change or be reinterpreted to make it difficult or impossible for us to comply. If we fail to comply with these rules or requirements, or if our data security systems are breached or compromised, we may be liable for losses incurred by card issuing banks or consumers, subject to fines and higher transaction fees, lose our ability to accept credit or debit card payments from our consumers, or process electronic fund transfers or facilitate other types of payments. Any failure to comply could significantly harm our brand, reputation, business, and results of operations.

Our future success depends on the continuing efforts of our management and key employees, and on our ability to attract and retain highly skilled personnel and senior management.

              We depend on the talents and continued efforts of our senior management and key employees. The loss of members of our management or key employees may disrupt our business and harm our results of operations. Furthermore, our ability to manage further expansion will require us to continue to attract,

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motivate, and retain additional qualified personnel. Competition for this type of personnel is intense, and we may not be successful in attracting, integrating, and retaining the personnel required to grow and operate our business effectively. There can be no assurance that our current management team, or any new members of our management team, will be able to successfully execute our business and operating strategies.

Our plans for international expansion may not be successful.

              Expansion into markets outside the United States is one of our key long-term strategies for the future growth of our business. There are, however, significant costs and risks inherent in selling our products in international markets, including: (a) failure to effectively translate and establish our core brand identity, particularly in markets with a less established heritage of outdoor activities; (b) time and difficulty in building a widespread network of retailer partners; (c) increased shipping and distribution costs, which could increase our expenses and reduce our margins; (d) potentially lower margins in some regions; (e) longer collection cycles in some regions; (f) increased competition from local providers of similar products; (g) compliance with foreign laws and regulations, including taxes and duties, and enhanced privacy laws, rules and regulations, particularly in the European Union; (h) establishing and maintaining effective internal controls at foreign locations and the associated increased costs; (i) increased counterfeiting and the uncertainty of protection for intellectual property rights in some countries and practical difficulties of enforcing rights abroad; (j) compliance with anti-bribery, anti-corruption, and anti-money laundering laws, such as the FCPA and OFAC regulations, by us, our employees, and our business partners; (k) currency exchange rate fluctuations and related effects on our results of operations; (l) economic weakness, including inflation, or political instability in foreign economies and markets; (m) compliance with tax, employment, immigration, and labor laws for employees living or traveling abroad; (n) workforce uncertainty in countries where labor unrest is more common than in the United States; (o) business interruptions resulting from geopolitical actions, including war and terrorism, or natural disasters, including earthquakes, typhoons, floods and fires; and (p) other costs and risks of doing business internationally.

              These and other factors could harm our international operations and, consequently, harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Further, we may incur significant operating expenses as a result of our planned international expansion, and it may not be successful. We have limited experience with regulatory environments and market practices internationally, and we may not be able to penetrate or successfully operate in new markets. We may also encounter difficulty expanding into international markets because of limited brand recognition, leading to delayed or limited acceptance of our products by users in these markets. Accordingly, if we are unable to expand internationally or manage the complexity of our global operations successfully, we may not achieve the expected benefits of this expansion and our financial condition and results of operations could be harmed.

Our current and future products may experience quality problems from time to time that can result in negative publicity, litigation, product recalls, and warranty claims, which could result in decreased revenue and operating margin, and harm to our brand.

              Although we extensively and rigorously test new and enhanced products, there can be no assurance we will be able to detect, prevent, or fix all defects. Defects in materials or components can unexpectedly interfere with the products' intended use and damage our reputation. Failure to detect, prevent, or fix defects could result in a variety of consequences, including a greater number of product returns than expected from consumers and our retailer partners, litigation, product recalls, and credit claims, among others, which could harm our revenue and results of operations. The occurrence of real or perceived quality problems or material defects in our current and future products could expose us to product recalls, warranty or other claims. In addition, any negative publicity or lawsuits filed against us

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related to the perceived quality and safety of our products could also harm our brand and decrease demand for our products.

Our business is subject to the risk of earthquakes, fire, power outages, floods, and other catastrophic events, and to interruption by manmade problems such as terrorism or failure of key information technology systems.

              Our business is vulnerable to damage or interruption from earthquakes, fires, floods, power losses, telecommunications failures, terrorist attacks, acts of war, human errors, criminal acts, and similar events. For example, a significant natural disaster, such as an earthquake, fire, or flood, could harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition, and our insurance coverage may be insufficient to compensate us for losses that may occur. Our corporate offices and one of our data center facilities are located in Texas, a state that frequently experiences floods and storms. In addition, the facilities of our suppliers and where our manufacturers produce our products are located in parts of Asia that frequently experience typhoons and earthquakes. Acts of terrorism could also cause disruptions in our or our suppliers', manufacturers', and logistics providers' businesses or the economy as a whole. We may not have sufficient protection or recovery plans in some circumstances, such as natural disasters affecting Texas or other locations where we have operations or store significant inventory. Our servers may also be vulnerable to computer viruses, criminal acts, denial-of-service attacks, and similar disruptions from unauthorized tampering with our computer systems, which could lead to interruptions, delays, or loss of critical data. As we rely heavily on our information technology and communications systems and the Internet to conduct our business and provide high-quality consumer service, these disruptions could harm our ability to run our business and either directly or indirectly disrupt our suppliers' or manufacturers' businesses, which could harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

We collect, store, process, and use personal and payment information and other consumer data, which subjects us to regulation and other legal obligations related to privacy, information security, and data protection.

              We collect, store, process, and use personal and payment information and other consumer data, and we rely on third parties that are not directly under our control to manage certain of these operations. Our consumers' personal information may include names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and payment account information, as well as other information. Due to the volume and sensitivity of the personal information and data we manage, the security features of our information systems are critical. If our security measures, some of which are managed by third parties, are breached or fail, unauthorized persons may be able to access sensitive user data. If we or our independent service providers or business partners experience a breach of systems compromising our consumers' sensitive data, our brand could be harmed, sales of our products could decrease, and we could be exposed to losses, litigation or regulatory proceedings. Depending on the nature of the information compromised, we may also have obligations to notify users, law enforcement or payment companies about the incident and may need to provide some form of remedy, such as refunds, for the individuals affected by the incident. Moreover, as we expand internationally, we will be subject to additional privacy rules, many of which, including in the European Union, are significantly more stringent than those in the United States. Privacy laws, rules, and regulations are constantly evolving in the United States and abroad, and may be inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another. Complying with these evolving obligations is costly, and any failure to comply could give rise to unwanted media attention and other negative publicity, damage our customer and consumer relationships and reputation, and result in lost sales, fines or lawsuits, and may harm our business and results of operations.

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Any material disruption or breach of our information technology systems or those of third-party partners could materially damage our consumer and business partner relationships, and subject us to significant reputational, financial, legal, and operational consequences.

              We depend on our information technology systems, as well as those of third parties, to develop new products, operate our website, host and manage our services, store data, process transactions, respond to user inquiries and manage inventory and our supply chain as well as to conduct and manage other activities. Any material disruption or slowdown of our systems or those of third parties that we depend upon, including a disruption or slowdown caused by our failure to successfully manage significant increases in user volume or successfully upgrade our or their systems, system failures, viruses, security breaches, or other causes, could cause information, including data related to orders, to be lost or delayed, which could result in delays in the delivery of products to retailers and consumers or lost sales, which could reduce demand for our products, harm our brand and reputation, and cause our revenue to decline. If changes in technology cause our information systems, or those of third parties that we depend upon, to become obsolete, or if our or their information systems are inadequate to handle our growth, we could damage our consumer and business partner relationships and our business and results of operations could be harmed.

We depend on cash generated from our operations to support our growth.

              We primarily rely on cash flow generated from our sales to fund our current operations and our growth initiatives. As we expand our business, we will need significant cash from operations to purchase inventory, increase our product development, expand our manufacturer and supplier relationships, pay personnel, pay for the increased costs associated with operating as a public company, expand internationally, and to further invest in our sales and marketing efforts. If our business does not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to fund these activities and sufficient funds are not otherwise available from the 2016 Credit Facility or future credit facilities, we may need additional equity or debt financing. If such financing is not available to us on satisfactory terms, our ability to operate and expand our business or to respond to competitive pressures would be harmed. Moreover, if we raise additional capital by issuing equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities, your ownership may be diluted. Any indebtedness we incur may subject us to covenants that restrict our operations and will require interest and principal payments that would create additional cash demands and financial risk for us.

Our indebtedness may limit our ability to invest in the ongoing needs of our business and if we are unable to comply with the covenants in the 2016 Credit Facility, our liquidity and results of operations could be harmed.

              On May 19, 2016, we entered into the 2016 Credit Facility. The 2016 Credit Facility is jointly and severally guaranteed by our wholly owned subsidiary, YETI Coolers, LLC, which we refer to as Coolers, and any future subsidiaries that execute a joinder to the guaranty and collateral agreement. The 2016 Credit Facility is also secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of our assets, subject to certain customary exceptions. We may, from time to time, incur additional indebtedness under the 2016 Credit Facility. See "Description of Indebtedness."

              The 2016 Credit Facility places certain conditions on us, including that it:

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The 2016 Credit Facility places certain limitations on our ability to incur additional indebtedness. However, subject to the qualifications and exceptions in the 2016 Credit Facility, we may incur substantial additional indebtedness under that facility. The 2016 Credit Facility also places certain limitations on our ability to enter into certain types of transactions, financing arrangements and investments, to make certain changes to our capital structure, and to guarantee certain indebtedness, among other things. The 2016 Credit Facility also places certain restrictions on the payment of dividends and distributions and certain management fees. These restrictions limit or prohibit, among other things, and in each case, subject to certain customary exceptions, our ability to: (a) pay dividends on, redeem or repurchase our stock or make other distributions; (b) incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; (c) sell stock in our subsidiaries; (d) create or incur liens; (e) make acquisitions or investments; (f) transfer or sell certain assets or merge or consolidate with or into other companies; (g) make certain payments or prepayments of indebtedness subordinated to our obligations under the 2016 Credit Facility; and (h) enter into certain transactions with our affiliates.

              The 2016 Credit Facility requires us to comply with certain covenants, including financial covenants regarding our total net leverage ratio and interest coverage ratio. Fluctuations in these ratios may increase our interest expense. Failure to comply with these covenants, certain other provisions of the 2016 Credit Facility, or the occurrence of a change of control, could result in an event of default and an acceleration of our obligations under the 2016 Credit Facility or other indebtedness that we may incur in the future.

              If such an event of default and acceleration of our obligations occurs, the lenders under the 2016 Credit Facility would have the right to proceed against the collateral we granted to them to secure such indebtedness, which consists of substantially all of our assets. If the debt under the 2016 Credit Facility were to be accelerated, we may not have sufficient cash or be able to sell sufficient collateral to repay this debt, which would immediately and materially harm our business, results of operations and financial condition. The threat of our debt being accelerated in connection with a change of control could make it more difficult for us to attract potential buyers or to consummate a change of control transaction that would otherwise be beneficial to our stockholders.

Our disclosure controls and procedures may not prevent or detect all errors or acts of fraud.

              In connection with this offering, we will become subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or Exchange Act. We are designing our disclosure controls and procedures to provide reasonable assurance that information we must disclose in reports we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC. Disclosure controls and procedures, no matter how well-conceived and operated, can provide reasonable, but not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.

              These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by individuals or groups of persons or by an unauthorized override of the controls. Accordingly, because of the inherent limitations in our control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

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In connection with our preparation of our financial statements, we identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. Any failure to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could harm us.

              Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. During the preparation of our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015, we identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. The material weaknesses related to lack of appropriate procedures in completing and reviewing account reconciliations; failure to document and communicate agreements and transactions in a timely manner for appropriate accounting; and failure to properly detect and analyze issues in the accounting system related to inventory valuation. Under standards established by the PCAOB, a deficiency in internal control over financial reporting exists when the design or operation of a control does not allow management or personnel, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis. The PCAOB defines a material weakness as a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented, or detected and corrected, on a timely basis. The PCAOB defines a significant deficiency as a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting that is less severe than a material weakness, yet important enough to merit attention by those responsible for oversight of a registrant's financial reporting.

              We are implementing measures designed to improve our internal control over financial reporting to address the underlying causes of these material weaknesses, including implementing improved procedures regarding account reconciliations; documenting and implementing revised delegation of authority and transaction approval policies; implementing IT systems enhancements to improve the accuracy of inventory valuation; and hiring additional finance and accounting professionals with GAAP and Securities and Exchange Commission reporting experience. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" for more information.

              In accordance with the provisions of the JOBS Act, we and our independent registered public accounting firm were not required to, and did not, perform an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 in accordance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that we have identified all, or that we will not in the future have additional, material weaknesses. Material weaknesses may still exist when we report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act after the completion of this offering.

              Additional material weaknesses or significant deficiencies may be identified in the future. If we identify such issues or if we are unable to produce accurate and timely financial statements, our stock price may decline and we may be unable to maintain compliance with the NYSE listing standards.

Our results of operations are subject to seasonal and quarterly variations, which could cause the price of our common stock to decline.

              We believe that sales of each of our product lines are somewhat seasonal. To date, it has been difficult to accurately analyze this seasonality due to our recent rapid sales growth. In addition, due to our more recent and therefore more limited experience with soft coolers and drinkware, we are continuing to analyze the seasonality of these products. However, we expect our sales to be lowest in the first calendar quarter. We expect that this seasonality will continue to be a factor in our results of operations and sales.

              Our quarterly results of operations may also fluctuate significantly as a result of a variety of other factors, including, among other things, the timing of the introduction of and advertising for our new

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products and those of our competitors and changes in our product mix. Variations in weather conditions may also harm our quarterly results of operations. In addition, we may not be able to adjust our spending in a timely manner to compensate for any unexpected shortfall in our sales. As a result of these seasonal and quarterly fluctuations, we believe that comparisons of our results of operations between different quarters within a single fiscal year, or the same quarters of different fiscal years, are not necessarily meaningful and that these comparisons cannot be relied upon as indicators of our future performance. In the event that any seasonal or quarterly fluctuations in our net sales and results of operations result in our failure to meet our forecasts or the forecasts of the research analysts that cover us, the market price of our common stock could fluctuate or decline.

If our goodwill, other intangible assets, or fixed assets become impaired, we may be required to record a charge to our earnings.

              We may be required to record future impairments of goodwill, other intangible assets, or fixed assets to the extent the fair value of these assets falls below their book value. Our estimates of fair value are based on assumptions regarding future cash flows, gross margins, expenses, discount rates applied to these cash flows and current market estimates of value. Estimates used for future sales growth rates, gross profit performance, and other assumptions used to estimate fair value could cause us to record material non-cash impairment charges, which could harm our results of operations and financial condition.

If our estimates or judgments relating to our critical accounting policies prove to be incorrect or change significantly, our results of operations could be harmed.

              The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, as provided in the section of this prospectus titled "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. These estimates form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets, liabilities and equity and the amount of revenue and expenses that are not readily apparent from other sources. Our results of operations may be harmed if our assumptions change or if actual circumstances differ from those in our assumptions, which could cause our results of operations to fall below the expectations of securities analysts and investors, and could result in a decline in our stock price.

We may become involved in legal or regulatory proceedings and audits.

              Our business requires compliance with many laws and regulations, including labor and employment, sales and other taxes, customs, and consumer protection laws and ordinances that regulate retailers generally and/or govern the importation, promotion and sale of merchandise, and the operation of stores and warehouse facilities. Failure to comply with these laws and regulations could subject us to lawsuits and other proceedings, and could also lead to damage awards, fines, and penalties. We may become involved in a number of legal proceedings and audits, including government and agency investigations, and consumer, employment, tort, and other litigation. The outcome of some of these legal proceedings, audits, and other contingencies could require us to take, or refrain from taking, actions that could harm our operations or require us to pay substantial amounts of money, harming our financial condition, and results of operations. Additionally, defending against these lawsuits and proceedings may be necessary, which could result in substantial costs and diversion of management's attention and resources, harming our business, financial condition, and results of operations. There can be no assurance that any pending or future legal or regulatory proceedings and audits will not harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

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We may be subject to liability if we infringe upon the intellectual property rights of third parties.

              Third parties may sue us for alleged infringement of their proprietary rights. The party claiming infringement might have greater resources than we do to pursue its claims, and we could be forced to incur substantial costs and devote significant management resources to defend against such litigation, even if we ultimately prevail. If the party claiming infringement were to prevail, we could be forced to modify or discontinue our products, pay significant damages or enter into expensive royalty or licensing arrangements with the prevailing party. In addition, any payments we are required to make and any injunction we are required to comply with as a result of such infringement could harm our reputation and financial results.

We may acquire or invest in other companies, which could divert our management's attention, result in dilution to our stockholders and otherwise disrupt our operations and harm our results of operations.

              In the future, we may acquire or invest in businesses, products or technologies that we believe could complement or expand our business, enhance our capabilities or otherwise offer growth opportunities. The pursuit of potential acquisitions may divert the attention of management and cause us to incur various costs and expenses in identifying, investigating, and pursuing suitable acquisitions, whether or not they are consummated.

              In any future acquisitions, we may not be able to successfully integrate acquired personnel, operations, and technologies, or effectively manage the combined business following the acquisition. We also may not achieve the anticipated benefits from future acquisitions due to a number of factors, including: (a) an inability to integrate or benefit from acquisitions in a profitable manner; (b) unanticipated costs or liabilities associated with the acquisition; (c) the incurrence of acquisition-related costs; (d) the diversion of management's attention from other business concerns; (e) the loss of our or the acquired business' key employees; or (f) the issuance of dilutive equity securities, the incurrence of debt or the use of cash to fund such acquisitions.

              In addition, a significant portion of the purchase price of companies we acquire may be allocated to acquired goodwill and other intangible assets, which must be assessed for impairment at least annually. In the future, if our acquisitions do not yield expected returns, we may be required to take charges to our results of operations based on this impairment assessment process, which could harm our results of operations.

We may be the target of strategic transactions.

              We may receive inquiries relating to potential strategic transactions, including from third parties who may seek to acquire us. We will consider and discuss such transactions as we deem appropriate. The consideration of such transactions, even if not consummated, could divert management's attention from other business matters, result in adverse publicity or information leaks, and could increase our expenses.

We are subject to many hazards and operational risks that can disrupt our business, some of which may not be insured or fully covered by insurance.

              Our operations are subject to many hazards and operational risks inherent to our business, including: (a) general business risks; (b) product liability; (c) product recall; and (d) damage to third parties, our infrastructure or properties caused by fires, floods and other natural disasters, power losses, telecommunications failures, terrorist attacks, human errors, and similar events.

              Our insurance coverage may be inadequate to cover our liabilities related to such hazards or operational risks. In addition, we may not be able to maintain adequate insurance in the future at rates we consider reasonable and commercially justifiable, and insurance may not continue to be available on terms as favorable as our current arrangements. The occurrence of a significant uninsured claim, or a claim in excess of the insurance coverage limits maintained by us could harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

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Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock and This Offering

There has been no prior market for our common stock and an active market may not develop or be sustained. Investors may not be able to resell their shares at or above the initial public offering price.

              There has been no public market for our common stock prior to this offering. The initial public offering price for our common stock will be determined through negotiations between the underwriters and us, and the selling stockholders, and may vary substantially from the market price of our common stock following this offering. An active or liquid market in our common stock may not develop upon completion of this offering or, if it does develop, may not be sustained. If you purchase shares of our common stock in this offering, you may not be able to resell those shares at or above the initial public offering price.

Our directors, executive officers, and significant stockholders will continue to have substantial control over us after this offering and could delay or prevent a change in corporate control.

              Upon completion of this offering, Cortec will continue to be our largest stockholder, controlling more than 50% of the total voting power of our common stock. In addition, after this offering, our directors, executive officers, and other holders of more than 5% of our common stock, together with their affiliates, will beneficially own, in the aggregate,            % of our outstanding common stock, on a fully diluted basis. As a result, these stockholders, acting together, have the ability to control the outcome of matters submitted to our stockholders for approval, including the election of directors and any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets. In addition, these stockholders, acting together, have the ability to control the management and affairs of our company. Accordingly, this concentration of ownership might decrease the market price of our common stock by:

We will be a controlled company within the meaning of the NYSE listing standards and, as a result, will rely on exemptions from certain requirements that provide protection to stockholders of other companies.

              Upon completion of this offering, Cortec will control more than 50% of the total voting power of our common stock, and we will be considered a controlled company under the NYSE listing standards. As a controlled company, certain exemptions under the NYSE listing standards will exempt us from the obligation to comply with certain NYSE corporate governance requirements, including the requirements:

              Upon completion of this offering, our Board of Directors will consist of eight directors, comprised of our CEO, one of our Founders, three outside directors, and three directors selected by Cortec. In addition, Cortec will have the right to have one of its representatives serve as Chairman of our Board of Directors and Chairman of our nominating and governance committee, as well as the right to select nominees for our Board of Directors, in each case subject to a phase-out period based on Cortec's future

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share ownership. Accordingly, as long as we are a controlled company, holders of our common stock may not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that must comply with all of the NYSE listing standards.

Our stock price may be volatile or may decline, including due to factors beyond our control, resulting in substantial losses for investors purchasing shares in this offering.

              The market price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly in response to numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control, including:

              In addition, stock markets have experienced price and volume fluctuations that have affected and continue to affect the market prices of equity securities of many companies in our industry, as well as those of newly-public companies. In the past, stockholders of other public companies have instituted securities

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class action litigation following periods of market volatility. If we were to become involved in securities litigation, it could subject us to substantial costs, divert resources and the attention of management from our business and harm our business, results of operations, financial condition, reputation, and cash flows. As a result, you may be unable to resell your shares of common stock at or above the initial public offering price.

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

              The trading market for our common stock will be influenced to some extent by the research and reports that industry or financial analysts publish about us and our business. We do not control these analysts. As a newly public company, we may be slow to attract research coverage and the analysts who publish information about our common stock will have had relatively little experience with us or our industry, which could affect their ability to accurately forecast our results and could make it more likely that we fail to meet their estimates. In the event we obtain securities or industry analyst coverage, if any of the analysts who cover us provide inaccurate or unfavorable research or issue an adverse opinion regarding our stock price, our stock price could decline. If one or more of these analysts cease to regularly cover us or fail to publish reports, we could lose visibility in the market, which in turn could cause our stock price or trading volume to decline.

We may invest or spend the proceeds of this offering in ways with which you may not agree or in ways which may not yield a return.

              We currently intend to use the net proceeds to us from this offering to repay $                        of the outstanding borrowings under the 2016 Credit Facility and will use the remainder, if any, for general corporate purposes. Our management will have considerable discretion in the application of the net proceeds, and you will not have the opportunity, as part of your investment decision, to assess whether the proceeds are being used appropriately or to influence our decisions regarding the use of proceeds. Because of the number and variability of factors that will determine our use of the net proceeds from this offering, their ultimate use may vary substantially from the intended uses described in this prospectus. The net proceeds may be used for purposes that do not result in an increase in the value of our business, which could cause our stock price to decline.

Substantial future sales, or the perception or anticipation of future sales, of shares of our common stock could cause our stock price to decline.

              Our stock price could decline as a result of substantial sales of our common stock, or the perception or anticipation that such sales could occur, particularly sales by our directors, executive officers, and significant stockholders, a large number of shares of our common stock becoming available for sale or the perception in the market that holders of a large number of shares intend to sell their shares. After this offering, we will have                         shares of our common stock outstanding. This includes the                          shares included in this offering, or                         shares if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares from the selling stockholders, which may be resold in the public market immediately unless purchased by our affiliates. The remaining                         shares are currently restricted as a result of the 180-day lock-up agreements. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC may, in their sole discretion, permit our officers, directors, employees, and current stockholders who are subject to the 180-day contractual lock-up to sell shares prior to the expiration of the lock-up agreements. See "Underwriting."

              Under a registration rights agreement we will enter into in connection with this offering, Cortec, the Founders and certain other holders of our common stock will have demand registration rights in respect of the shares of common stock they hold, subject to certain conditions. In addition, in the event that we register additional shares of common stock for sale to the public following the completion of this

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offering, we will be required to give notice of the registration to the parties to the registration rights agreement and, subject to certain limitations, include shares of common stock held by them in the registration. See "Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Registration Rights Agreement" for a more detailed description of the registration rights agreement. If our existing stockholders register or sell substantial amounts of our common stock, this could harm the market price of our common stock, even if there is no relationship between the registration or sales and the performance of our business. In addition, as restrictions on resale end, the market price of our shares of common stock could drop if the holders of these restricted shares sell them or are perceived by the market as intending to sell them. These factors could also make it more difficult for us to raise additional funds through future offerings of our shares of common stock or other securities.

              We also intend to register shares of common stock that we may issue under our employee equity incentive plans. Once we register these shares, they will be able to be sold freely in the public market upon issuance, subject to volume limitations applicable to affiliates and the existing lock-up agreements.

Purchasers in this offering will experience immediate and substantial dilution.

              The initial public offering price per share will be substantially higher than the pro forma net tangible book value per share of our common stock outstanding prior to this offering. As a result, investors purchasing common stock in this offering will experience immediate dilution of $                        per share. This dilution is due in large part to the fact that our earlier investors paid substantially less than the initial public offering price when they purchased their shares of common stock. In addition, we have issued options to acquire common stock at prices significantly below the initial public offering price. To the extent outstanding options are ultimately exercised, there will be further dilution to investors in this offering. In addition, if we issue additional equity securities, you will experience additional dilution.

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

              As a public company, we will be subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Dodd-Frank Act, the NYSE listing standards and other applicable securities laws, rules, and regulations. Compliance with these laws, rules and regulations will increase our legal and financial compliance costs, make some activities more difficult, time-consuming or costly and increase demand on our systems and resources, particularly after we are no longer an "emerging growth company." The Exchange Act requires, among other things, that we file annual, quarterly, and current reports with respect to our business and results of operations. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. In order to maintain and, if required, improve our disclosure controls and procedures, and internal control over financial reporting to meet this standard, significant resources and management oversight may be required. As a result, management's attention may be diverted from other business concerns and our costs and expenses will increase, which could harm our business and results of operations. Although we have already hired additional employees to comply with these requirements, we will need to hire more employees in the future or engage outside consultants, which will increase our costs and expenses.

              In addition, changing laws, regulations, and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure are creating uncertainty for public companies, increasing legal and financial compliance costs, and making some activities more time consuming. These laws, regulations, and standards are subject to varying interpretations, in many cases due to their lack of specificity and, as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices. We intend to invest resources to comply with evolving laws, regulations, and standards, and this investment may result in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management's time and attention from revenue-generating activities to

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compliance activities. If our efforts to comply with new laws, regulations, and standards differ from the activities intended by regulatory or governing bodies due to ambiguities related to their application and practice, regulatory authorities may initiate legal, and other administrative or other proceedings against us and our business may be harmed.

              We will incur additional compensation costs due to current or future increases in our executive officers' cash compensation to be in line with that of executive officers of other companies in our industry, as well as public companies generally, which will increase our general and administrative expense and could harm our profitability. Any future equity awards will also increase our compensation expenses. We also expect that being a public company and compliance with applicable rules and regulations will make it more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain coverage. These factors could also make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified executive officers and members of our Board of Directors, particularly to serve on our audit committee and compensation committee.

              As a result of disclosure of information in this prospectus and in filings required of a public company, our business and financial condition will become more visible, which could be advantageous to, or harm our relationships with, our competitors, suppliers, manufacturers, retailer partners, and consumers. These disclosures may also make it more likely that we will experience an increase in threatened or actual litigation, including by competitors and other third parties. If such claims are successful, our business and results of operations could be harmed, and even if the claims are resolved in our favor, these claims, and the time and resources necessary to resolve them, could divert the resources of our management and harm our business and results of operations.

We are an emerging growth company and the reduced disclosure requirements applicable to emerging growth companies could make our common stock less attractive to investors.

              We are an "emerging growth company" as defined in the JOBS Act. Under the JOBS Act, emerging growth companies can delay adopting new or revised financial accounting standards until such time as those standards apply to private companies. However, we have irrevocably elected not to avail ourselves of this extended transition period and, therefore, we will be subject to the same new or revised accounting standards as other public companies that are not "emerging growth companies."

              For as long as we continue to be an emerging growth company, we may also take advantage of other exemptions from certain reporting requirements that are applicable to other public companies, including not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, exemption from any rules that may be adopted by the PCAOB requiring mandatory audit firm rotations or a supplement to the auditor's report on financial statements, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved, and reduced financial reporting requirements. Investors may find our common stock less attractive because we will rely on these exemptions, which could result in a less active trading market for our common stock, increased price fluctuation, and a decrease in the trading price of our common stock.

              We will remain an emerging growth company until the earliest of (i) the end of the fiscal year in which the market value of our common stock that is held by non-affiliates is at least $700 million as of the last business day of our most recently completed second fiscal quarter, (ii) the end of the fiscal year in which we have total annual gross revenues of $1 billion or more during such fiscal year, (iii) the date on which we issue more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt in a three-year period, or (iv) the end of the fiscal year in which the fifth anniversary of the date of this prospectus occurs.

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Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents and under Delaware law could make an acquisition of our company more difficult, limit attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management and limit the market price of our common stock.

              Provisions in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, as amended and restated in connection with this offering, may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control or changes in our management. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws will include provisions that:

              These provisions may frustrate or prevent any attempts by our stockholders to replace or remove our current management by making it more difficult for stockholders to replace members of our Board of Directors, which is responsible for appointing the members of our management. In addition, we will opt out of the provisions of Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or DGCL, which generally prohibits a Delaware corporation from engaging in any of a broad range of business combinations with any "interested" stockholder for a period of three years following the date on which the stockholder became an "interested" stockholder. However, our amended and restated certificate of

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incorporation will provide substantially the same limitations as are set forth in Section 203 but will also provide that Cortec and its affiliates and any of their direct or indirect transferees and any group as to which such persons are a party do not constitute "interested stockholders" for purposes of this provision.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be the sole and exclusive forum for substantially all disputes between us and our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders' ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us or our directors, officers or employees.

              Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, and the amended and restated certificate of incorporation that will become effective prior to the completion of this offering, provide that, unless we consent to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the sole and exclusive forum for: (a) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; (b) any action asserting a claim of breach of fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers or other employees to us or to our stockholders; (c) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to the DGCL; or (d) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine. The choice of forum provision may limit a stockholder's ability to bring a claim in a judicial forum that it finds favorable for disputes with us or our directors, officers or other employees, which may discourage such lawsuits against us and our directors, officers and other employees. Alternatively, if a court were to find the choice of forum provision contained in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation to be inapplicable or unenforceable in an action, we may incur additional costs associated with resolving such action in other jurisdictions, which could harm our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

We do not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future. If our stock price does not appreciate after you purchase our shares, you may lose some or all of your investment.

              Other than the dividend paid in connection with the Refinancing Transactions, we have not declared or paid any dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain any future earnings and do not expect to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to declare cash dividends will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors, subject to applicable laws, and will depend on a number of factors, including our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, contractual restrictions, general business conditions, and other factors that our Board of Directors may deem relevant. In addition, the 2016 Credit Facility precludes our and our subsidiary's ability to, among other things, pay dividends or make any other distribution or payment on account of our common stock. Accordingly, investors must rely on sales of their common stock after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize any future gains on their investment.

YETI Holdings, Inc. is a holding company with no operations of its own and, as such, it depends on its subsidiary for cash to fund its operations and expenses, including future dividend payments, if any.

              As a holding company, our principal source of cash flow will be distributions from our subsidiary. Therefore, our ability to fund and conduct our business, service our debt and pay dividends, if any, in the future will depend on the ability of our subsidiary to generate sufficient cash flow to make upstream cash distributions to us. Our subsidiary is a separate legal entity, and although it is wholly owned and controlled by us, it has no obligation to make any funds available to us, whether in the form of loans, dividends or otherwise. The ability of our subsidiary to distribute cash to us will also be subject to, among other things, restrictions that may be contained in our subsidiary agreements (as entered into from time to time), availability of sufficient funds in such subsidiary and applicable laws and regulatory restrictions. Claims of any creditors of our subsidiary generally will have priority as to the assets of such subsidiary over our claims and claims of our creditors and stockholders. To the extent the ability of our subsidiary to distribute dividends or other payments to us is limited in any way, our ability to fund and conduct our business, service our debt, and pay dividends, if any, could be harmed.

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

              This prospectus contains "forward-looking statements" that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical or current fact included in this prospectus are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements refer to our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, strategies, future performance and business. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as "anticipate," "assume," "believe," "can have," "contemplate," "continue," "could," "design," "due," "estimate," "expect," "goal," "intend," "likely," "may," "might," "objective," "plan," "predict," "project," "potential," "seek," "should," "target," "will," "would," and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operational performance or other events. For example, all statements we make relating to our estimated and projected costs, expenditures and growth rates, our plans and objectives for future operations, growth or initiatives, or strategies are forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those that we expect and, therefore, you should not unduly rely on such statements. The risks that could cause these forward looking statements to be inaccurate include but are not limited to:

              We make many of our forward-looking statements based on our operating budgets and forecasts, which are based upon detailed assumptions. While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results.

              See the "Risk Factors" section of this prospectus for a more complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties mentioned above and for discussion of other risks and uncertainties we face that could cause our forward-looking statements to be inaccurate. All forward-looking statements attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements as well as others made in this prospectus

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and hereafter in our other SEC filings and public communications. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made by us in the context of these risks and uncertainties.

              We caution you that the risks and uncertainties identified by us may not be all of the factors that are important to you. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements included in this prospectus are made only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

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USE OF PROCEEDS

              We estimate that we will receive net proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock that we are selling in this offering of approximately $                         million, after deducting estimated underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us, based upon an assumed initial public offering price of $                        per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus. We currently intend to use the net proceeds from this offering to repay $                        of outstanding borrowings under the 2016 Credit Facility and will use the remainder, if any, for general corporate purposes. We will not receive any proceeds from the sale of shares of our common stock by the selling stockholders.

              On May 19, 2016, we entered into the 2016 Credit Facility, which bears interest at a variable rate based on prime, federal funds or LIBOR plus an applicable margin based on our total leverage ratio. Our interest rate at May 31, 2016 was 5.0%. The term loan A and the revolving credit facility under the 2016 Credit Facility mature on May 19, 2021. The term loan B under the 2016 Credit Facility matures on May 19, 2022.

              We used the net proceeds from the 2016 Credit Facility plus $1.7 million of cash as follows: (a) $69.1 million to repay all amounts owed under the 2012 Credit Facility (as defined below); (b) $10.8 million to pay fees and expenses incurred in connection with the 2016 Credit Facility; (c) $10.0 million for contingent consideration paid primarily to our Founders in connection with our acquisition of Coolers in 2012; (d) $451.3 million to fund the Special Dividend; and (e) $10.5 million to fund a portion of the Special Distribution in the form of payments to option holders, $2.6 million of which was paid at the same time as the Special Dividend in respect of options that were vested at such time, and $7.9 million of which will be paid upon future vesting dates in respect of such options.

              Our management will have broad discretion in the application of the net proceeds from this offering, and investors will be relying on the judgment of our management regarding the application of the proceeds from this offering. Pending the final use of proceeds from this offering as described above, we plan to invest the net proceeds that we receive in this offering in short-term and long-term interest-bearing obligations, including government and investment-grade debt securities and money market funds.

              Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $                        per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us by approximately $                         million, assuming that the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We may also increase or decrease the number of shares we are offering. Each increase (decrease) of 1,000,000 shares in the number of shares offered by us would increase (decrease) the net proceeds to us by approximately $                         million, assuming that the assumed initial public offering price remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

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DIVIDEND POLICY

              We currently intend to retain any future earnings and do not expect to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. Any future determination to declare cash dividends will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors, subject to applicable laws, and will depend on a number of factors, including our financial condition, results of operations, capital requirements, contractual restrictions, general business conditions, and other factors that our Board of Directors may deem relevant.

              The 2016 Credit Facility prohibits us and our subsidiaries, and any future agreements may prohibit us and our subsidiaries, from, among other things, paying any dividends or making any other distribution or payment on account of our common stock. See "Description of Indebtedness."

              In May 2016, we declared the Special Dividend totaling approximately $451.3 million to our stockholders. We paid the Special Dividend as a partial return of capital to our stockholders. Of the Special Dividend, $312.1 million, $0.1 million and $48.9 million was paid to Cortec, our CEO and our Founder board member, respectively. Other than the Special Dividend, we have not declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock.

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CAPITALIZATION

              The following table sets forth our cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments and capitalization as of March 31, 2016:

              You should read this information in conjunction with "Use of Proceeds," "Selected Consolidated Financial and Other Data," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus.

 
  As of March 31, 2016  
 
  Actual   Pro Forma   Pro Forma
as
Adjusted(1)
 
 
  (in thousands, except per share data)
 

Cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments

  $ 20,029   $ 20,029   $    
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Long-term debt (excludes debt issuance costs)

                   

2012 Credit Facility(2)

                   

Revolving credit facility

  $ 7,500   $ —        

Term Loan A, due 2017

    49,187     —        

Term Loan B, due 2017

    12,000     —        

2016 Credit Facility(2)

                   

Revolving credit facility

    —     —        

Term Loan A, due 2021

    —     445,000        

Term Loan B, due 2022

    —     105,000        
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total long-term debt (excludes debt issuance costs)

  $ 68,687   $ 550,000        

Stockholders' equity:

   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Common stock, $0.01 par value: 400,000 shares, authorized, 205,120 shares issued and outstanding actual;                         shares authorized,                          shares issued and outstanding, pro forma;                         shares authorized,                          shares issued and outstanding, pro forma as adjusted. 

    2,051     2,051        

Additional paid-in capital

    197,118     197,118        

Retained earnings

    59,865     (391,399 )      
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total stockholders' equity

    259,034     (192,230 )      
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total capitalization

  $ 327,721   $ 357,770   $    
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

(1)
Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $                        per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would

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(2)
On May 19, 2016, we entered into the 2016 Credit Facility and repaid amounts outstanding under the 2012 Credit Facility.

              The pro forma and pro forma as adjusted columns in the table above are based on 205,120,000 shares of our common stock outstanding as of May 31, 2016, and exclude:

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DILUTION

              If you invest in our common stock, your ownership interest will be immediately diluted to the extent of the difference between the offering price per share and the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering. Historical net tangible book value per share represents the amount of our total tangible assets less total liabilities, divided by the number of shares of common stock outstanding. Dilution in pro forma net tangible book value per share represents the difference between the amount per share paid by purchasers of our common stock in this offering and the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value per share of common stock immediately after the consummation of this offering.

              Our historical net tangible book value as of March 31, 2016 was $                   million, or $        per share. Our pro forma net tangible book value as of March 31, 2016 was approximately $                   million, or $        per share.

              After giving effect to the (1)             -for-one forward split of our common stock effected prior to the completion of this offering and (2) sale by us of the                          shares of our common stock that we are selling in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of $                        per share, which is the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, less underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated fees and expenses payable by us, our pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value as of March 31, 2016 would have been approximately $                        , or approximately $                        per share. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $                         per share to existing stockholders and an immediate dilution in net tangible book value of $                        per share to new investors of common stock in this offering. The following table illustrates this per share dilution:

Initial public offering price per share

        $    

Historical net tangible book value per share as of March 31, 2016

  $          

Pro forma increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to additional borrowing in March 31, 2016 of $                        

             
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Pro forma net tangible book value per share as of March 31, 2016

             

Increase in pro forma net tangible book value per share attributable to new investors in this offering

             
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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

        $    
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Dilution per share to new investors in this offering

        $    
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

              Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $                        per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, would increase (decrease) the pro forma as adjusted net tangible book value by $                        per share and the dilution per share to new investors by $                        per share, assuming the number of shares offered by us, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, and after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses.

              The following table sets forth, on a pro forma as adjusted basis, as of March 31, 2016, the differences between the number of shares of common stock purchased from us, the total consideration paid, and the weighted average price per share (1) paid to us by our existing stockholders and (2) to be paid by new investors participating in this offering at an assumed initial public offering price of

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$                        per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

 
   
   
  Total
Consideration
   
 
 
  Shares Purchased   Weight
Average
Price
Per Share
 
 
  Number   Percent   Amount   Percent  

Existing stockholders

                          $    

New investors

                               

Total

                          $    

              Each $1.00 increase (decrease) in the assumed initial public offering price of $                        per share would increase (decrease) total consideration paid by new investors by $                         million, assuming the number of shares we are offering, as set forth on the cover page of this prospectus, remains the same, after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us. We may also increase or decrease the number of shares we are offering. An increase (decrease) of 1,000,000 in the number of shares offered by us would increase (decrease) total consideration paid by new investors by $                         million, assuming that the assumed initial price to the public remains the same, and after deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses payable by us.

              Sales of shares our common stock by the selling stockholders in this offering will reduce the number of shares of common stock held by existing stockholders to                        , or approximately        % of the total shares of common stock outstanding after this offering (or               shares, or approximately           % of the total shares of common stock outstanding after this offering, if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full), and will increase the number of shares held by new investors to                         , or approximately        % of the total shares of common stock outstanding after this offering (or               shares, or approximately           % of the total shares of common stock outstanding after this offering, if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full).

              The discussion and tables above are based on 205,120,000 shares of our common stock outstanding as of May 31, 2016, and exclude:

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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER DATA

              The following tables set forth a summary of our historical selected consolidated financial data for the periods and at the dates indicated. The consolidated financial data as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The consolidated financial data as of March 31, 2016 and for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 have been derived from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. In the opinion of management, our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared on the same basis as our audited consolidated financial statements and include all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of this information. The percentages below indicate the statement of operations data as a percentage of net sales. You should read this data together with our audited financial statements, our unaudited financial statements and related notes appearing elsewhere in this prospectus and the information included under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations." Our historical results are not necessarily indicative of our future results.

 
  Three Months Ended March 31,   Year Ended December 31,  
(dollars in thousands, except share data)
  2016   2015   2015   2014   2013  

Statement of Operations

                                                             

Net sales

  $ 191,254     100 % $ 52,209     100 % $ 468,946     100 % $ 147,729     100 % $ 89,923     100 %

Cost of goods sold

    98,999     52 %   29,700     57 %   250,245     53 %   80,543     55 %   45,541     51 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Gross profit

    92,255     48 %   22,509     43 %   218,701     47 %   67,186     45 %   44,382     49 %

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    149,842     78 %   13,864     27 %   90,791     19 %   41,519     28 %   29,210     32 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Operating (loss) income

    (57,587 )   30 %   8,645     17 %   127,910     27 %   25,667     17 %   15,172     17 %

Interest expense

    (1,780 )   1 %   (979 )   2 %   (6,075 )   1 %   (3,522 )   2 %   (3,884 )   4 %

Other expense

    —           (506 )   1 %   (6,474 )   1 %   (221 )   0 %   (221 )   0 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Income (loss) before income taxes

    (59,367 )   31 %   7,160     14 %   115,361     25 %   21,924     15 %   11,067     12 %

Income tax benefit (expense)

    21,179     11 %   (2,521 )   5 %   (41,139 )   9 %   (7,714 )   5 %   (3,806 )   4 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net (loss) income

  $ (38,188 )   20 % $ 4,639     9 % $ 74,222     16 % $ 14,210     10 % $ 7,261     8 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Adjusted EBITDA(1)

  $ 53,532     28 % $ 11,170     21 % $ 137,100     29 % $ 33,453     23 % $ 21,760     24 %

Net (loss) income per share

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Basic

  $ (0.19 )       $ 0.02         $ 0.37         $ 0.07         $ 0.04        

Diluted

  $ (0.19 )       $ 0.02         $ 0.37         $ 0.07         $ 0.04        

Weighted average common shares outstanding

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Basic

    201,696           200,244           200,944           199,666           199,002        

Diluted

    201,696           202,184           203,187           201,182           200,026        

 

 
  As of
March 31,
  As of December 31,  
(dollars in thousands)
  2016   2015   2014  

Balance Sheet and Other Data

                   

Inventories

  $ 90,335   $ 88,310   $ 17,698  

Property and equipment, net

    18,338     14,834     9,081  

Total assets

    423,043     344,787     180,456  

Long-term debt including current maturities

    67,374     60,425     27,580  

Total stockholders' equity

    259,034     200,918     124,552  

Additions to property and equipment

    4,592     8,856     3,824  

(1)
For the definition of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of such measure to net income, see "Summary Consolidated Financial and Other Data."

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

              The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the related notes to those statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. In addition to historical financial information, the following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of many factors, including those discussed under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in this prospectus. Some of the numbers included herein have been rounded for the convenience of presentation.

Executive Summary

              We are a rapidly growing designer, marketer, and distributor of premium products for the outdoor and recreation market. Our brand promise is to ensure each YETI product will deliver exceptional performance and durability in any environment. By consistently delivering on this promise, we have built a following of passionate and engaged consumers, ranging from serious outdoor enthusiasts to individuals who value products of uncompromising quality and design.

              Our multifaceted marketing strategy has been instrumental in driving sales and building equity in the YETI brand. We have become a trusted and preferred brand to experts and serious enthusiasts in an expanding range of outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, camping, barbecue, and farm and ranch activities, among others. Their brand advocacy, combined with our various marketing efforts, has broadened our appeal to a larger consumer population. We maintain an active roster of YETI Ambassadors, a group comprised of world-class hunters, anglers, rodeo cowboys, barbecue pitmasters, and outdoor adventurers who embody our brand. We produce original short films and distribute them through our content-rich website, through our active social media presence, and to our sizable email subscriber base. We have an active and growing social media presence. Facebook likes grew from 182,000 as of December 31, 2013 to over 419,000 as of March 31, 2016; Instagram followers grew from 20,000 as of December 31, 2013 to over 349,000 as of March 31, 2016; and our database of subscriber email addresses grew from 83,000 as of December 31, 2013 to over 900,000 as of March 31, 2016. We also directly engage with our consumers by sponsoring and participating in a variety of events, including sportsman shows, outdoor festivals, rodeos, music and film festivals, barbecue competitions, fishing tournaments, and retailer events. We believe our innovative consumer engagement reinforces the authenticity and aspirational nature of our brand and products across our expanding consumer base.

              We distribute YETI products through our wholesale channel and through our direct-to-consumer, or DTC, channel. In our wholesale channel, we sell our products through retailer partners committed to delivering our brand message. Our products are sold by approximately 6,000 independent retailers, including outdoor specialty, hardware, and farm and ranch supply stores, among others. We also partner with national and regional specialty retailers, which we refer to as national accounts, such as Academy Sports+Outdoors, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, Dick's Sporting Goods, REI, and West Marine. Our retailer partners value our products' high in-store profitability and credit us with driving increased customer traffic to their stores and websites. According to several of our retailer partners, certain of our products have among the highest performing sales metrics in their stores. We do not sell our products through mass merchandisers, club stores, or discounters. We maintain a consistent minimum advertised price policy across our wholesale and DTC channels.

              The outdoor and recreation market in the United States is large, growing, and represents a diverse economic super sector with consumers of all genders, ages, ethnicities, and income levels. According to the Outdoor Industry Association's 2012 Outdoor Recreation Economy Report, which report is published every five years, outdoor recreation product sales in the United States totaled approximately $120 billion in 2011. In addition, we operate in the broader drinkware market.

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Results of Operations

              Components of Our Results of Operations.    Net sales are comprised of wholesale channel sales to our retailer partners as well as sales through our DTC channel, primarily our e-commerce website. Net sales in our wholesale channels reflect the impact of product returns as well as discounts for certain sales programs. We believe that sales of each of our product categories are somewhat seasonal. To date, it has been difficult to accurately analyze this seasonality due to our rapid sales growth. In addition, due to our more recent, and therefore more limited, experience with soft coolers and drinkware, which were launched in 2014, we are continuing to analyze the seasonality of these products. However, we expect our net sales to be lowest in the first calendar quarter. We expect this seasonality will continue to be a factor in our results of operations.

              We discuss the net sales of our products in three categories: Coolers & Equipment; Drinkware; and Other. The Coolers & Equipment category includes various accessories (e.g., fishing rod holders) to these core products as well as replacement parts. Likewise, drinkware accessories (e.g., straw lids) are included in the Drinkware category. The Other category is primarily YETI logo tee shirts, hats, YETI ICE, and other miscellaneous products.

              Gross profit reflects net sales less cost of goods sold, which primarily includes the purchase cost of our products from our third-party contract manufacturers, inbound freight and duties, product quality testing and inspection costs, and depreciation on molds and equipment that we own. We expect our costs of goods sold to increase in absolute dollars in connection with our growth in net sales.

              We calculate gross margin as gross profit divided by net sales. Gross margin on sales through our DTC channel is generally higher than that on sales in our wholesale channel. We anticipate in the next several years that our DTC net sales may grow at a faster rate than our net sales in our wholesale channel. If so, we would expect a favorable impact to aggregate gross margin. Likewise, gross margin of our Drinkware products is generally higher than that of our Cooler & Equipment products. We anticipate that in 2016, our net sales of Drinkware products may grow at a faster rate than our Cooler & Equipment products. If so, we would expect a favorable impact to our aggregate gross margin. We have used both ocean cargo and air freight to deliver our Drinkware products to the United States from certain of our third-party contract manufacturers in Asia. Air freight is generally more expensive than ocean cargo. We used air freight for virtually all of our inbound Drinkware product shipments in 2014 and 2015. We anticipate that air freight expense may represent a lower percentage of our net sales in 2016 than in 2015 because we expect to use a higher percentage of ocean freight as we continue to increase the production capacity for these products. If so, we would expect a favorable impact to our aggregate gross margin. These favorable anticipated gross margin factors may not be realized, or may be offset by unanticipated unfavorable gross margin factors. Additionally, any new products that we develop and sell in the future may impact our gross margin.

              Selling, general and administrative expenses, or SG&A, consist primarily of marketing costs, employee compensation and benefits costs, costs of our outsourced warehousing and logistics operations, professional fees and services, cost of non-cash stock-based compensation, product shipment to our customers, and general corporate infrastructure expenses. We anticipate that SG&A will increase in 2016 relative to 2015 based on our plans to increase staff levels and marketing activities and the impact of changes in our employee stock options as well as increased logistics costs and costs of operating as a public company.

              We plan to implement a new ERP system and anticipate that capital expenditures will increase substantially in 2016 relative to 2015 based on this system implementation as well as other planned capital projects.

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Results of Operations

              The following table sets forth selected statement of operations data and their corresponding percentage of net sales, for the years indicated. The discussion below should be read in conjunction with the following table:

 
  Three Months Ended March 31,   Year Ended December 31,  
(dollars in thousands, except share data)
  2016   2015   2015   2014   2013  

Statement of Operations

                                                             

Net sales

  $ 191,254     100 % $ 52,209     100 % $ 468,946     100 % $ 147,729     100 % $ 89,923     100 %

Cost of goods sold

    98,999     52 %   29,700     57 %   250,245     53 %   80,543     55 %   45,541     51 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Gross profit

    92,255     48 %   22,509     43 %   218,701     47 %   67,186     45 %   44,382     49 %

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    149,842     78 %   13,864     27 %   90,791     19 %   41,519     28 %   29,210     32 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Operating (loss) income

    (57,587 )   30 %   8,645     17 %   127,910     27 %   25,667     17 %   15,172     17 %

Interest expense

    (1,780 )   1 %   (979 )   2 %   (6,075 )   1 %   (3,522 )   2 %   (3,884 )   4 %

Other expense

    —           (506 )   1 %   (6,474 )   1 %   (221 )   0 %   (221 )   0 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Income (loss) before income taxes

    (59,367 )   31 %   7,160     14 %   115,361     25 %   21,924     15 %   11,067     12 %

Income tax benefit (expense)

    21,179     11 %   (2,521 )   5 %   (41,139 )   9 %   (7,714 )   5 %   (3,806 )   4 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net (loss) income

  $ (38,188 )   20 % $ 4,639     9 % $ 74,222     16 % $ 14,210     10 % $ 7,261     8 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Compared to March 31, 2015

 
  Three Months
Ended March 31,
  Change  
(in millions)
  2016   2015   $   %  

Net sales

  $ 191.3   $ 52.2   $ 139.0     266 %

              Net sales increased $139.0 million, or 266%, to $191.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $52.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in net sales in our wholesale channel of $130.7 million, or 286%. Wholesale channel sales increased significantly in both of our primary product categories: Coolers & Equipment and Drinkware. Additionally, net sales through our DTC channel increased by $8.3 million, or 128%. DTC sales benefited from growing consumer engagement with our website, as well as increased inventory allocated to this channel in the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to the same period in 2015.

              Net sales in our two primary product categories were:

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  Three Months
Ended
March 31,
  Change  
(in millions)
  2016   2015   $   %  

Gross profit

  $ 92.3   $ 22.5   $ 69.7     310 %

Gross margin (Gross profit as a % of net sales)

    48.2 %   43.1 %            

              Gross profit increased $69.7 million, or 310%, to $92.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $22.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Gross margin increased 510 basis points for the three months ended March 31, 2016 to 48.2% from 43.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The increase in gross margin was primarily driven by:

 
  Three Months
Ended
March 31,
  Change  
(in millions)
  2016   2015   $   %  

Selling, general and administrative expense

  $ 149.8   $ 13.9   $ 136.0     981 %

As a % of net sales

    78.3 %   26.6 %            

              SG&A increased $136.0 million, or 981%, to $149.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $13.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The increase in SG&A was primarily driven by a first quarter 2016 non-recurring charge to non-cash stock-based compensation of $104.4 million, resulting from the vesting of certain of our outstanding stock options.

              In March 2016, the unvested stock options outstanding under the 2012 Plan were modified to convert performance-based options to time-based options and to change the vesting period for time-based options. The modified stock options will generally vest over a three-year period. The incremental compensation cost associated with the modifications will be recognized over the remaining requisite service period. Additionally, the awards for four employees, including our Founders, were accelerated in March 2016 so that a portion of their options vested immediately and consequently the incremental cost associated with these options was expensed upon vesting, resulting in a $104.4 million charge to non-cash stock-based compensation expense.

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              In addition to the non-recurring charge to non-cash stock-based compensation expense discussed above, the increase in SG&A was also driven by: higher employee compensation expenses of $8.8 million; increased marketing spending of $7.9 million; increased costs for outsourced warehousing/logistics and outbound freight of $6.8 million; an increase in professional fees of $3.9 million; and other discretionary expenses.

              Interest expense was $1.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to $1.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to increased average outstanding borrowings in the first quarter of 2016 compared to the first quarter of 2015.

              Other expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2015 totaled $0.5 million due to changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration associated with our acquisition of Coolers in 2012. As of December 31, 2015, we had a liability of $10.0 million recorded for the contingent consideration, which represents the maximum liability under the agreement. Consequently, no expense was recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

              Income tax benefit was $21.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 compared to income tax expense of $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, due to a pre-tax loss of $59.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2016 was 36% compared to 35% for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

2015 Compared to 2014

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
  Change  
(dollars in millions)
  2015   2014   $   %  

Net sales

  $ 468.9   $ 147.7   $ 321.2     217 %

              Net sales increased $321.2 million, or 217%, to $468.9 million in 2015 compared to $147.7 million in 2014. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in net sales in our wholesale channel of $308.0 million, or 253%. Wholesale channel sales increased significantly in both of our two primary product categories: Coolers & Equipment and Drinkware. Additionally, net sales through our DTC channel increased by $13.2 million, or 51%. DTC sales benefited from growing consumer engagement with our website, as well as increased inventory allocated to this channel in 2015 compared to the prior year.

              Net sales in our two primary product categories were:

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  Year Ended
December 31,
  Change  
(dollars in millions)
  2015   2014   $   %  

Gross profit

  $ 218.7   $ 67.2   $ 151.5     226 %

Gross margin (Gross profit as a % of net sales)

    46.6 %   45.5 %            

              Gross profit increased $151.5 million, or 226%, to $218.7 million in 2015 compared to $67.2 million in 2014. Gross margin increased 110 basis points to 46.6% from 45.5% in 2014. The increase in gross margin was primarily driven by:

              These favorable increases in gross margin were partially offset by a $33.5 million increase in inbound freight expenses in 2015 compared to 2014. As discussed above, certain Drinkware products were supply constrained during periods of 2015. These products were consistently shipped from our third-party contract manufacturers by air freight during 2015, as we attempted to fulfill customer demand.

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
  Change  
(dollars in millions)
  2015   2014   $   %  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  $ 90.8   $ 41.5   $ 49.3     119 %

SG&A as a % of net sales

    19.4 %   28.1 %            

              SG&A expenses increased $49.3 million, or 119%, to $90.8 million in 2015 compared to $41.5 million in 2014. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A decreased 870 basis points to 19.4% in 2015 from 28.1% in 2014. The increase in SG&A was primarily driven by incremental marketing spending of $16 million; higher employee compensation expense of $11 million due to additional staffing, including additions to key management positions; increased costs for outsourced warehousing/logistics and outbound freight of $13 million; and increases in recruiting fees, professional fees, and other discretionary expenses.

              Non-Operating Expenses.    Interest expense was $6.1 million in 2015 compared to $3.5 million in 2014. The increase in interest expense was primarily due to increased average outstanding borrowings during 2015.

              Other expenses were $6.5 million in 2015 compared to $0.2 million in 2014. This increase was due to changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration associated with our acquisition of Coolers in 2012. As of December 31, 2015, we had a liability of $10.0 million recorded for the contingent consideration, which represented the maximum liability under the agreement.

              Income tax expense was $41.1 million in 2015 compared to $7.7 million in 2014, due to the $93.4 million increase in income before income taxes in 2015 versus 2014. The effective tax rate in 2015 increased slightly to 36% from 35% in 2014.

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2014 Compared to 2013

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
  Change  
(dollars in millions)
  2014   2013   $   %  

Net sales

  $ 147.7   $ 89.9   $ 57.8     64 %

              Net sales increased $57.8 million, or 64%, to $147.7 million in 2014 compared to $89.9 million in 2013. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in net sales in our wholesale channel of $45.9 million, or 61%. Wholesale channel sales reflected an increase in Coolers & Equipment, which included growth in hard coolers, the introduction of soft coolers during the third quarter of 2014 and the introduction of Drinkware products in the second quarter of 2014. Net sales through our DTC channel increased by $11.9 million, or 84%, as we increased inventory allocated to this channel, and began offering drinkware and soft coolers.

              Changes in net sales in our two primary product categories were:

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
  Change  
(dollars in millions)
  2014   2013   $   %  

Gross profit

  $ 67.2   $ 44.4   $ 22.8     51 %

Gross margin (Gross profit as a % of net sales)

    45.5 %   49.4 %            

              Gross profit increased $22.8 million, or 51%, to $67.2 million in 2014 compared to $44.4 million in 2013. Gross margin decreased 390 basis points to 45.5% in 2014 from 49.4% in 2013. The decrease in gross margin was primarily driven by higher costs associated with the introduction of drinkware and soft coolers during 2014. These costs of introductions included inbound air freight charges for drinkware as we attempted to meet strong customer demand for these products.

 
  Year Ended
December 31,
  Change  
(dollars in millions)
  2014   2013   $   %  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

  $ 41.5   $ 29.2   $ 12.3     42 %

SG&A as a % of net sales

    28.1 %   32.5 %            

              SG&A expenses increased $12.3 million, or 42%, to $41.5 million in 2014 compared to $29.2 million in 2013. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A decreased 440 basis points to 28.1% in 2014 from 32.5% in 2013. The increase in SG&A was primarily driven by incremental marketing spending of $4.8 million; increased costs for outsourced warehousing/logistics and outbound freight of $3.6 million; higher employee compensation expenses of $2.4 million due to additional staffing; and increases in other discretionary expenses.

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              Non-Operating Expenses.    Our income tax expense was $7.7 million in 2014 compared to $3.8 million in 2013, primarily as a result of the $10.9 million increase in income before income taxes in 2014 versus 2013. The effective tax rate in 2014 increased slightly to 35% from 34% in 2013.

Adjusted EBITDA

              Adjusted EBITDA increased $42.4 million, or 379%, to $53.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to $11.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. Adjusted EBITDA increased $103.6 million, or 310%, to $137.1 million in 2015 compared to $33.5 million in 2014, and increased $11.7 million, or 54%, to $33.5 million in 2014 compared to $21.8 million in 2013. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA for each period was primarily due to improvements in net sales and gross profit, partially offset by increases in SG&A.

              Adjusted EBITDA represented 28% of net sales for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 29% of net sales for the year ended December 31, 2015.

              Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income before interest expense, income tax expense, depreciation and amortization, non-cash stock-based compensation expense, non-cash asset impairments, and certain cash settled expenses directly attributable to specific transition events, which we believe are of a non-recurring nature. These transitional events include: (a) the transition to Cortec majority ownership; (b) the transition to our ongoing senior management team; and (c) the transition to a public company.

              The expenses incurred related to these transitional events include: (a) management fees and contingent consideration related to the transition to Cortec majority ownership; (b) severance, recruiting, and relocation costs related to the transition to our ongoing senior management team; and (c) consulting fees and recruiting fees for potential independent members of our Board of Directors in connection with our transition to a public company. All of these transitional costs are reported in SG&A. We anticipate that these expenses will not continue after the third quarter of 2016.

              The expenses related to the transition to Cortec majority ownership include annual management fees of $0.8 million and contingent consideration of $6.5 million, $0.2 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, management fees to Cortec were $0.8 million and $0.6 million, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the expense associated with contingent consideration was $0.5 million.

              Adjusted EBITDA is not defined under GAAP and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other entities. We use Adjusted EBITDA along with GAAP measures, as a measure of profitability. Adjusted EBITDA helps us compare our performance to other companies by removing the impact of capital structure; the effect of operating in different tax jurisdictions; the impact the asset base, which can vary depending on the book value of assets and methods used to compute depreciation and amortization; the effect of non-cash stock-based compensation expense, which can vary based on plan design, share price, share price volatility, and he expected lives of equity instruments granted; as well as certain non-recurring expenses related to what we believe are events of a transitional nature. We refer to Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of net sales to provide a measure of relative profitability.

              We believe EBITDA is useful to investors as it is a widely used measure of performance and the adjustments we make to Adjusted EBITDA provide investors further insight into our profitability and additional perspectives in comparing our performance to other companies and in comparing our performance over time on a consistent basis. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as a profitability measure in that it does not include the interest expense on our debts, our provisions for income taxes, the effect of our expenditures for capital assets and certain intangible assets, the effect of non-cash stock-based compensation expense, the effect of asset impairments, and the impact of certain expenses related to transitional events that are settled in cash.

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              In the future, we may incur expenses similar to those for which adjustments are made in calculating Adjusted EBITDA. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as a basis to infer that our future results will be unaffected by extraordinary, unusual or non-recurring items.

              The table below reconciles net (loss) income to Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented.

 
  For the Three Months
Ended March 31,
  For the Year Ended
December 31,
 
(dollars in thousands)
  2016   2015   2015   2014   2013  

Net (loss) income

  $ (38,188 ) $ 4,639   $ 74,222   $ 14,210   $ 7,261  

Interest expense

    1,780     979     6,075     3,522     3,884  

Income tax (benefit) expense

    (21,179 )   2,521     41,139     7,714     3,806  

Depreciation and amortization expense

    2,211     1,820     7,531     6,803     5,713  

Non-cash stock-based compensation expense

    105,456     90     624     233     125  

Asset impairments

    —     —     —     —     —  

Transition to Cortec majority ownership

    750     1,051     7,224     971     971  

Transition to the ongoing senior management team

    2,040     70     285     —     —  

Transition to a public company

    662     —     —     —     —  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ 53,532   $ 11,170   $ 137,100   $ 33,453   $ 21,760  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net Sales

  $ 191,254   $ 52,209   $ 468,946   $ 147,729   $ 89,923  

Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales

    28.0 %   21.4 %   29.2 %   22.6 %   24.2 %
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Liquidity and Capital Resources

              Historically, our cash requirements have principally been for working capital purposes. We fund our working capital, primarily inventory and accounts receivable, from cash flows from operating activities, cash on hand and borrowings under our revolving credit and long term debt facilities.

              On May 19, 2016, we entered into the 2016 Credit Facility and repaid in its entirety a credit agreement entered into in 2012, or the 2012 Credit Facility, by our wholly owned subsidiary, Coolers. At March 31, 2016, we had $20.0 million in cash and $7.5 million outstanding under the 2012 Credit Facility. At December 31, 2015, we had $40.3 million in cash and no balance outstanding under the 2012 Credit Facility.

              The recent changes in our working capital requirements generally reflect the growth in our business. Although we cannot predict with certainty all of our particular short-term cash uses or the timing or amount of cash requirements, we believe that our available cash on hand, along with amounts available under our existing credit facilities and the net proceeds from this offering will be sufficient to satisfy our liquidity requirements for at least the next twelve months. However, the continued high growth of our business would significantly increase our expenses and cash requirements. In addition, the amount of our future product sales is difficult to predict, and actual sales may not be in line with our forecasts. As a result, we may be required to seek additional funds in the future from issuances of equity or debt securities, obtaining additional credit facilities or loans or from other sources.

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
  Year Ended December 31,  
(dollars in thousands)
  2016   2015   2015   2014   2013  

Cash flows provided by (used in):

                               

Operating activities

  $ (10,788 ) $ (7,389 ) $ 8,625   $ 5,893   $ 12,137  

Investing activities

    (6,999 )   (777 )   (10,902 )   (4,095 )   (4,711 )

Financing activities

    (2,437 )   9,511     33,643     (1,141 )   (9,200 )

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              Our cash requirements have been primarily for SG&A, working capital, and capital expenditures, which we have funded from cash flows from operating activities, cash and cash equivalents on hand and borrowings available under our credit facilities. Our working capital needs have been largely for inventory, accounts receivable, and prepaid expenses. Our operating activities have used net cash in the first calendar quarter each year for the past several years, and we anticipate this seasonality to continue. For the remaining quarters our operating activities have generally provided net cash.

              Our cash flow from operating activities consists primarily of cash collected for sales of our products, less payments for inventory and SG&A expenses. In addition, our operating cash flows include the effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities, principally inventories, accounts receivable, income taxes payable and receivable, prepaid expenses, deposits and other assets, accounts payable and accrued expenses.

              Net cash used in operating activities was $10.8 million and $7.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2015, net cash flows from operating activities were primarily driven by:

              Net cash provided by operating activities was $8.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, $5.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 and $12.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013. Although net income increased by $60.0 million in 2015, net cash flows from operating activities increased moderately in 2015 as compared to 2014, primarily due to increases in working capital, including:

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              The $6.2 million decrease in net cash flows from operating activities in 2014 compared with 2013 was due to increased accounts receivable, inventory and vendor deposits as we continued to generate increased net sales and make investments in working capital to meet customer demand.

              Cash flows used in investing activities were $7.0 million and $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Our investing activities primarily relate to spending on capital expenditures for production molds, tooling and equipment, as well as technology systems infrastructure, which totaled $4.6 million and $0.7 million during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Additionally, during the three months ended March 31, 2016, we spent $2.4 million in connection with the acquisition of intangible assets, primarily for patents and trademarks, which have a 20-year useful life.

              Cash flows used in investing activities were $10.9 million in 2015, $4.1 million in 2014 and $4.7 million in 2013. Our investing activities primarily relate to spending on capital expenditures primarily for production molds, tooling and equipment, as well as technology systems infrastructure, which totaled $8.9 million, $3.8 million and $4.7 million during 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. We expect capital spending to increase substantially in 2016 relative to 2015 to support our investments in a new ERP system, IT infrastructure, molds and equipment, facilities and fixtures. This spending is expected to be funded by cash flow from operations.

              Cash flows used in financing activities were $2.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 as compared to cash flows provided by financing activities of $9.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, respectively. Cash flows from financing activities predominately related to borrowings and repayments on long-term debt (and related payments of loan costs) and proceeds from employee stock transactions. During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we borrowed $7.5 million from the 2012 Credit Facility and paid approximately $0.8 million in principal payments and fees on the 2012 Credit Facility. Additionally, we received cash proceeds of approximately $3.5 million in connection with the issuance of shares and exercise of employee stock options and paid approximately $12.9 million related to forfeiture of employee stock options and taxes on options exercised. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, we borrowed $10.0 million from the 2012 Credit Facility and paid approximately $0.5 million in principal payments and fees on the 2012 Credit Facility.

              Cash flows provided by financing activities were $33.6 million in 2015 compared to $1.1 million and $9.2 million used in 2014 and 2013, respectively. Cash flows from financing activities predominately related to borrowings and repayments on long-term debt (and related payments of loan costs) and proceeds from employee stock transactions. In 2015, we borrowed an additional $35 million under our 2012 Credit Facility. The proceeds from this borrowing were used to repay $10 million outstanding on the 2012 Credit Facility.

2016 Credit Facility

              On May 19, 2016, we entered into the 2016 Credit Facility. The 2016 Credit Facility provides for (a) a revolving credit facility, (b) a term A loan and (c) a term B loan. All borrowings under the 2016 Credit Facility bear interest at a variable rate based on prime, federal funds or LIBOR plus an applicable margin based on our total net leverage ratio. Interest is due at the end of each quarter if we have selected to pay interest based on the base rate or at the end of each LIBOR period if we have selected to pay interest based on LIBOR. At May 31, 2016, we had $550.0 million outstanding under the 2016 Credit

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Facility, and, after giving effect to the application of certain of the net proceeds from this offering, we expect to have $        of outstanding indebtedness under the 2016 Credit Facility.

              The revolving credit facility, which matures May 19, 2021, allows us to borrow up to $100.0 million, including the ability to issue up to $20.0 million in letters of credit. While our issuance of letters of credit does not increase our borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility, it does reduce the amount available. As of May 31, 2016, we had no borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility.

              The term A loan is a $445.0 million term loan facility, maturing on May 19, 2021. Quarterly principal payments of $11.1 million are due beginning September 30, 2016 with the entire unpaid balance due at maturity.

              The term B loan is a $105.0 million term loan facility, maturing on May 19, 2022. Quarterly principal payments of $0.3 million are due beginning September 30, 2016 with the entire unpaid balance due at maturity.

              We may request incremental term loans, incremental equivalent debt or revolving commitment increases (we refer to each as an Incremental Increase) of amounts of not more than $125.0 million in total plus an additional amount if our total secured net leverage ratio (as defined in the 2016 Credit Facility) is equal to or less than 2.50 to 1.00. In the event that any lenders fund any of the Incremental Increases, the terms and provisions of each Incremental Increase, including the interest rate, shall be determined by us and the lenders, but in no event shall the terms and provisions, when taken as a whole and subject to certain exceptions, of the applicable Incremental Increase, be more favorable to any lender providing any portion of such Incremental Increase than the terms and provisions of the loans provided under the revolving credit facility, the term A loan and the term B loan, as applicable.

              The 2016 Credit Facility is (a) jointly and severally guaranteed by our wholly owned subsidiary, Coolers, and any future subsidiaries that execute a joinder to the guaranty and collateral agreement and (b) secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of our and our subsidiaries' assets, subject to certain customary exceptions.

              The 2016 Credit Facility requires us to comply with certain financial ratios, including:

              In addition, the 2016 Credit Facility contains customary financial and non-financial covenants limiting, among other things, mergers and acquisitions; investments, loans and advances; affiliate transactions; changes to capital structure and the business; additional indebtedness; additional liens; the payment of dividends; and the sale of assets, in each case, subject to certain customary exceptions. The 2016 Credit Facility contains customary events of default, including payment defaults, breaches of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, defaults under other material debt, events of bankruptcy and insolvency, failure of any guaranty or security document supporting the 2016 Credit Facility to be in full force and effect, and a change of control of our business.

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2012 Credit Facility

              In 2012, our wholly owned subsidiary, Coolers, entered into the 2012 Credit Facility, which was repaid in its entirety using proceeds from the 2016 Credit Facility.

              Contractual Obligations.    The following table summarizes our contractual cash obligations as of December 31, 2015:

 
  Payments Due by Period  
(dollars in thousands)
  Total   Less Than
1 Year
  1 - 3 Years   3 - 5 Years   More Than
5 Years
 

Long-term debt principal payment

  $ 61,676   $ 1,957   $ 59,719   $ —   $ —  

Interest

    8,128     5,630     2,498     —     —  

Operating lease obligations

    13,888     3,767     5,915     1,739     2,467  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

  $ 83,692   $ 11,354   $ 68,132   $ 1,739   $ 2,467  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

              On January 29, 2016, we entered into a new operating lease for space to be used as our corporate headquarters. The lease agreement is for two buildings, currently under construction, totaling approximately 175,000 square feet. The construction is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2017, and the lease term is 120 months. Under the terms of the lease, we will pay approximately $6.4 million in rent in the two year-period from 2017 through 2018, approximately $8.9 million in rent in the two year-period from 2019 through 2020, and approximately $32.9 million in rent for the remaining six-year period thereafter.

              Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements.    We did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2015.

Critical Accounting Policies

              Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. In preparing the consolidated financial statements, we make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, sales, expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We re-evaluate our estimates on an on-going basis. Our estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Because of the uncertainty inherent in these matters, actual results may differ from these estimates and could differ based upon other assumptions or conditions.

              The critical accounting policies that reflect our more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements include those noted below. Within the context of these critical accounting policies, we are not currently aware of any reasonably likely events or circumstances that would result in materially different amounts being reported.

              Revenue Recognition.    Our terms of sale do not provide right of product return, other than returns for product warranty. We may, and have at times, accepted other returns at our sole discretion. We may also, at our sole discretion, provide our retailer partners with sales discounts and allowances. We record estimated sales returns, discounts, warranties, and miscellaneous customer claims as reductions to revenues at the time revenues are recorded. We base our estimates upon historical experience and trends, and upon approval of specific returns or discounts. Actual returns, discounts, and warranty claims in any future period are inherently uncertain and thus may differ from our estimates. If actual or expected future returns, discounts, and warranty claims were significantly greater or lower than the reserves we had established, we would record a reduction or increase to net sales in the period in which we made such

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determination. A 10% change in our estimated reserve for sales returns, discounts, warranties and miscellaneous claims for the year ended December 31, 2015 would have impacted net sales by $0.7 million.

              Allowance for Doubtful Accounts.    We make ongoing estimates relating to the ability to collect our accounts receivable and maintain an allowance for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. In determining the amount of the allowance, we consider our historical level of credit losses and make judgments about the creditworthiness of our customers based on ongoing credit evaluations and their payment trends. Accounts receivable are uncollateralized customer obligations due under normal trade terms typically requiring payment within 30 to 45 days of sale. Receivables are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of trade receivables previously written off are recorded to income when received. A 10% change in the estimate for our allowance for doubtful accounts would not result in a material adjustment.

              Inventory.    Inventories are comprised primarily of finished goods and are carried at the lower of cost (weighted average cost method) or market (net realizable value). We make ongoing estimates relating to the net realizable value of inventories based upon our assumptions about future demand and market conditions. If the estimated net realizable value is less than cost, we reflect the lower value of that inventory. This methodology recognizes inventory exposures at the time such losses are identified rather than at the time the inventory is actually sold. Due to customer demand and inventory constraints, we have not historically taken adjustments to the carrying value of our inventory.

              Physical inventory counts and cycle counts are taken on a regular basis. We provide for estimated inventory shrinkage since the last physical inventory date. Historically, physical inventory shrinkage has not been significant.

              Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets.    Goodwill and intangible assets are recorded at cost, or at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. We review goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. In conducting our annual impairment test, we first review qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset, or reporting units, is less than its carrying amount. If factors indicate that the fair value is less than its carrying amount, we perform a quantitative assessment, analyzing the expected present value of future cash flows to quantify the amount of impairment, if any. We perform our annual impairment tests in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. We have not historically taken any impairments of our goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets, and a 10% reduction in the fair value of our reporting unit would not result in a goodwill impairment.

              Long-Lived Assets.    We review our long-lived assets, which include property and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. An impairment loss on our long-lived assets exists when the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying amount. Any impairment loss recognized represents the excess of the long-lived asset's carrying value over the estimated fair value.

              Stock-Based Compensation.    We estimate the fair value of stock options on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing valuation model, which requires the input of highly subjective assumptions including expected option term, stock price volatility and the risk-free interest rate. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based compensation awards represent management's best estimates, but the estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. The expected option term assumption reflects the period that we believe the option will remain outstanding. This assumption is based upon the historical and expected behavior of our employees and may vary based upon the behavior of different groups of employees. Expected stock price volatility is estimated using the calculated value method based on the historical closing values of comparable publicly-held entities. The

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risk-free interest rate reflects the U.S. Treasury yield for a similar expected life instrument in effect on the date of grant.

              We estimate the fair value of our common stock based on the appraisals performed by an independent valuation specialist. The valuations were performed in accordance with applicable methodologies, approaches and assumptions of the technical practice-aid issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants entitled Valuation of Privately-Held Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation and considered many objective and subjective factors to determine the common stock fair market value at each valuation date.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

              In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, "Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30)." This update requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the associated debt liability. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The new guidance will be applied on a retrospective basis. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15 which allows a debt issuance cost related to a line-of-credit to be presented in the balance sheet as an asset and subsequently amortized ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. We did not adopt the provisions of ASU No. 2015-15 and have included all debt issuance costs, including those related to our line-of-credit, as a direct reduction of our Long-Term Debt. In connection with the adoption of ASU No. 2015-03, on January 1, 2016, we reclassified approximately $1.3 million and $1.1 million from Deferred Charges and Other Assets, net to Long-Term Debt for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

              In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or FASB, issued Accounting Standards Update, or ASU, No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers: (Topic 606)." This update will supersede the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, "Revenue Recognition," and most industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of this ASU, with the issuance of ASU 2015-14, which is now effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (December 31, 2018 for non-public entities). In April 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-10, which clarifies the following two aspects of Topic 606: (a) identifying performance obligations; and (b) the licensing implementation guidance. The amendments do not change the core principle of the guidance in Topic 606. The effective date and transition requirements for the amendments are the same as the effective date and transition requirements in Topic 606. We are evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this ASU will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

              In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, "Inventory (Topic 330)." Topic 330, Inventory, requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. Market could be replacement cost, net realizable value, or net realizable value less an approximately normal profit margin. The amendments apply to all inventory methods except LIFO, this includes inventory that is measured using average cost. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this ASU will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

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              In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, "Income Taxes: (Topic 740)." This update aligns the presentation of deferred income tax assets and liabilities with International Financial Reporting Standards, which requires deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. The current requirement that deferred tax liabilities and assets be offset and presented as a single amount is not affected by the amendments in this update. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The amendments in this update may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. We are evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this ASU will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

              In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)." This update establishes a comprehensive lease standard for all industries. The new standard requires lessees to recognize a right of use asset and a lease liability for virtually all leases, other than leases that meet the definition of short term leases. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (December 31, 2019 for non-public entities). We are evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this ASU will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

              In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, which amends ASC Topic 718, "Compensation—Stock Compensation." This amendment simplifies several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. This guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this ASU will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

              During the preparation of our financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015, we identified material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting. Under standards established by the PCAOB, a material weakness is a deficiency or combination of deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected and corrected on a timely basis.

              The material weaknesses related to lack of appropriate accounting procedures in completing and reviewing account reconciliations; failure to document and communicate agreements and transactions in a timely manner for appropriate accounting; and failure to properly detect and analyze issues in the accounting system related to inventory valuation.

              We are implementing measures designed to improve our internal control over financial reporting to address the underlying causes of these material weaknesses, including implementing improved procedures regarding account reconciliations; documenting and implementing revised delegation of authority and transaction approval policies; implementing IT system enhancements to improve the accuracy of inventory valuation; and hiring additional finance and accounting professionals with U.S. GAAP and SEC reporting experience.

              In accordance with the provisions of the JOBS Act, we and our independent registered public accounting firm were not required to, and did not, perform an evaluation of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2015 in accordance with the provisions of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Accordingly, we cannot assure you that we have identified all, or that we will not in the future have additional, material weaknesses. Material weaknesses may still exist when we report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as required under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act after the completion of this offering.

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Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk

              Interest Rate Risk.    In order to maintain liquidity and fund business operations, we have a long term credit facility and debt arrangements that bear a range of fixed and variable rates of interest. The nature and amount of our long-term debt can be expected to vary as a result of future business requirements, market conditions and other factors. As of December 31, 2015, we were party to the 2012 Credit Facility with a financial institution that is also a minority stockholder. The 2012 Credit Facility was repaid with the proceeds of the 2016 Credit Facility. We may elect to enter into interest rate swap contracts to reduce the impact associated with interest rate fluctuations. As of December 31, 2015, we have not entered into any such contracts.

              Credit Risk.    We are exposed to credit risk primarily on our accounts receivable. We provide credit to customers in the ordinary course of business and perform ongoing credit evaluations. We believe that our exposure to concentrations of credit risk with respect to trade receivables is mitigated by our large customer base. We believe that our allowance for doubtful accounts is sufficient to cover customer credit risks as of December 31, 2015.

              Concentration Risk.    For 2015, 2014 and 2013, our largest single customer represented 15%, 11% and 11% of gross sales, respectively. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of gross sales in any of 2015, 2014 or 2013.

              We are exposed to risk due to our concentration of business activity with certain third-party contract manufacturers of our products. For our hard coolers, our two largest manufacturers comprised approximately 75% of our production volume during 2015. For each of our soft coolers and Drinkware products, our largest manufacturer comprised over 90% of our production volume during 2015. We added additional manufacturers in each of these product categories during 2015. We provide consumers the ability to customize YETI stainless steel drinkware products by adding graphics of their choice. This service is provided by our exclusive third-party customization partner.

              Inflation Risk.    Inflationary factors such as increases in the cost of our product and overhead costs may adversely affect our operating results. Although we do not believe that inflation has had a material impact on our financial position or results of operations to date, a high rate of inflation in the future may have an adverse effect on our ability to maintain current levels of gross margin and selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales, if the selling prices of our products do not increase with these increased costs.

              Commodity Price Risk.    The primary raw materials and components used by our contract manufacturing partners include polyethylene, polyurethane foam, stainless steel, polyester fabric, zippers, and plastic. We believe these materials are readily available from multiple vendors. We have, and may continue to, negotiate prices with suppliers of these products on behalf of our third-party contract manufacturers in order to leverage the cumulative impact of our volume. We do not, however, source significant amounts of these products directly. Certain of these products use petroleum or natural gas as inputs. However, we do not believe there is a significant direct correlation between petroleum or natural gas prices and the costs of our products.

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BUSINESS

Our Company

              We are a rapidly growing designer, marketer, and distributor of premium products for the outdoor and recreation market. Our brand promise is to ensure each YETI product will deliver exceptional performance and durability in any environment. By consistently delivering on this promise, we have built a following of passionate and engaged consumers, ranging from serious outdoor enthusiasts to individuals who value products of uncompromising quality and design. The increasing demand for our innovative products is evidenced by our net sales growth from $89.9 million in 2013 to $468.9 million in 2015, representing a CAGR of 128%. Over the same period, our operating income increased from $15.2 million to $127.9 million, representing a CAGR of 190%. See "Summary Consolidated Financial and Other Data" for year-by-year results, which reflect annual volatility not included in CAGR calculations.

Our current product portfolio includes:

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Note: Cooler accessories are included in Coolers & Equipment, and drinkware accessories are included in Drinkware. Price ranges listed in Coolers & Equipment are for hard and soft coolers and price ranges listed in Drinkware are for stainless steel drinkware.

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              Our multifaceted marketing strategy has been instrumental in driving sales and building equity in the YETI brand. We have become a trusted and preferred brand to experts and serious enthusiasts in an expanding range of outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, camping, barbecue, and farm and ranch activities, among others. Their brand advocacy, combined with our various marketing efforts, has broadened our appeal to a larger consumer population. We maintain an active roster of YETI Ambassadors, a group comprised of world-class hunters, anglers, rodeo cowboys, barbecue pitmasters, and outdoor adventurers who embody our brand. We produce original short films and distribute them through our content-rich website, through our active social media presence, and to our sizable email subscriber base. We also directly engage with our consumers by sponsoring and participating in a variety of events, including sportsman shows, outdoor festivals, rodeos, music and film festivals, barbecue competitions, fishing tournaments, and retailer events. We believe our innovative consumer engagement reinforces the authenticity and aspirational nature of our brand and products across our expanding consumer base.

              We distribute YETI products through our wholesale channel and through our direct-to-consumer, or DTC, channel. In our wholesale channel, we sell our products through retailer partners committed to delivering our brand message. Our products are sold by approximately 6,000 independent retailers, including outdoor specialty, hardware, and farm and ranch supply stores, among others. We also partner with national accounts, such as Academy Sports+Outdoors, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, Dick's Sporting Goods, REI, and West Marine. Our retailer partners value our products' high in-store profitability and credit us with driving increased customer traffic to their stores and websites. According to several of our retailer partners, certain of our products have among the highest performing sales metrics in their stores. We do not sell our products through mass merchandisers, club stores, or discounters. Our DTC channel includes our website, through which we sell our products and offer unique content and in which we continue to make substantial investments to showcase our brand and products. We maintain a consistent minimum advertised price policy across our wholesale and DTC channels.

Our History

              We were founded in 2006 by brothers Roy and Ryan Seiders in Austin, Texas. Our Founders are avid outdoorsmen who were frustrated with equipment that could not keep pace with their pursuits. Tired of relying on poorly constructed coolers, they set out to build a more durable, superior-performing product. Utilizing innovative design insights and advanced manufacturing techniques, they developed a nearly indestructible hard cooler with rugged performance features for extreme environments.

              By employing the same uncompromising approach to product quality and functionality, we have expanded our product line beyond hard coolers to soft coolers and stainless steel drinkware that feature similar quality and durability characteristics. All elements of our products are thoughtfully designed and rigorously tested to maximize performance while minimizing complexity, allowing us to deliver highly functional products with simple, clean, and distinct designs.

              Key milestones and product introductions:

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              Initially, we achieved success with hunters and anglers in and around the Gulf Coast region of the United States. We have since expanded to a broader consumer base through word-of-mouth, endorsements from our Ambassadors, traditional marketing, social media, our original short films, our sizable email subscriber base, and our content-rich website. Today, we have a large and growing base of passionate consumers who span lifestyles, U.S. regions, ages, and demographic groups. We believe that due to our rapid product sell-through and strong track record of driving increased customer traffic we have become one of the most important and trusted brands for our retailer partners. Our products are sold by approximately 6,000 independent retailers, including outdoor specialty, hardware, and farm and ranch supply stores, among others.

              In an effort to keep up with growing demand, we have expanded our supply chain capacity and infrastructure. We have multiple manufacturing partners for each of our product categories. We utilize a leading third-party logistics partner for our warehousing and distribution activities.

              To support our growth, we have assembled a senior management team comprised of experienced executives from large global consumer product brands and publicly listed companies. They have proven track records of building brands, leading innovation, expanding distribution, and driving best-in-class operations. Our management team reflects the values instilled by our Founders and promotes YETI's authentic and innovation-driven culture.

Our Competitive Strengths

              We believe the following strengths differentiate us from our competitors and are important to our success:

              Powerful, Growing Brand with a Passionate Consumer Base.    The YETI brand stands for superior performance, uncompromising quality, and durability. We believe these attributes have made YETI the preferred choice of professionals, serious outdoor enthusiasts, and other consumers who appreciate our brand and product performance. Our consumers frequently engage with our brand through our website. Our branded digital content generated approximately 10 million unique views in 2015. We have an active and growing social media presence. Facebook likes grew from 182,000 as of December 31, 2013 to over 419,000 as of March 31, 2016; Instagram followers grew from 20,000 as of December 31, 2013, to over 349,000 as of March 31, 2016; and our database of subscriber email addresses grew from 83,000 as of December 31, 2013 to over 900,000 as of March 31, 2016. YETI has also received unsolicited endorsements from well-known celebrities. For example, YETI products are featured in the music video and lyrics of the hit country western song "Buy Me a Boat" by Chris Janson, which spent 14 weeks on the Billboard Top 100, and in the music video for "Save It for a Rainy Day" by country western music superstar, Kenny Chesney.

              We have a broad and diverse consumer base that stretches across geographies, age groups, and genders and includes individuals who participate in numerous recreational activities and professional pursuits. We support and build our brand through significant investments in traditional, digital, and social media and a wide-range of grass-roots initiatives that foster interaction with our target consumers. Our consumers proudly wear YETI apparel, display YETI banners and decals, buy multiple YETI products, and proactively recommend us to their friends, family, and others through social media and by word-of-mouth. The emotional connection and brand advocacy of our consumers help fuel our growth and grant us permission to expand our product offering into other relevant outdoor categories.

              Superior Design Capabilities and Product Development.    Our culture of innovation and success in identifying consumer needs drives our robust product pipeline. We design and develop premium outdoor products that we believe set new standards for product quality, durability, and design. Our product development team utilizes advanced design software, 3D printing, and rapid prototyping, among other state-of-the-art technologies. To optimize product performance, we partner with highly qualified raw material suppliers and manufacturers that employ advanced production techniques and quality assurance processes. We actively develop and protect our intellectual property.

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              Differentiated and Varied Sales Channels.    We distribute YETI products through our wholesale channel and through our DTC channel. In our wholesale channel, we sell our products through independent retailers and national accounts. We carefully select retailer partners whose image is consistent with our premium brand and pricing. We believe YETI has become one of the most important brands for our retailer partners due to our rapid product sell-through, high profitability for our retailers, and track record of driving increased store traffic. We believe our dedicated national sales force provides us with a distinct competitive advantage by directly engaging with our retailer partners on product presentation, marketing, and retail merchandising. We generate the majority of our sales through a diverse national network of approximately 6,000 independent retailers who specialize in selling to participants in hunting, fishing, camping, barbecue, outdoor, and farm and ranch activities, among others. Additionally, these independent retailers provide valuable brand advocacy to our consumers, as they often have significant influence on in-store purchasing behavior. Our national accounts provide broad reach and increased consumer access to our products while maintaining brand consistency and pricing parity with our independent retailers. Through our DTC channel, we sell our products directly to consumers through YETI.com and over the phone through our YETI Outfitters customer service group. We maintain a consistent minimum advertised price policy across our wholesale and DTC channels.

              Experienced Management Team.    Our senior management team is comprised of experienced executives from large global consumer product brands and publicly listed companies. They have proven track records of building brands, leading innovation, expanding distribution, and driving global operations. Our management team and employees reflect the values instilled by our Founders and promote our authentic and innovation-driven culture. Matt Reintjes, our President and Chief Executive Officer, most recently headed Vista Outdoor's Outdoor Products segment. Richard Shields, our Chief Financial Officer, brings more than twenty years of finance and executive experience with high-profile consumer brands.

              YETI's culture is an embodiment of the values of our Founders, Roy and Ryan Seiders, who continue to work as a member of our product development team and a YETI Ambassador, respectively, and help to identify new opportunities and drive innovation.

(dollars in millions)

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              We have delivered outstanding growth in net sales, operating income margin, net income and Adjusted EBITDA. Our net sales increased from $89.9 million in 2013 to $468.9 million in 2015, representing a CAGR of 128%, driven primarily by continued demand for our existing products as well as new product introductions. Our operating income increased from $15.2 million in 2013 to $127.9 million in 2015, representing a CAGR of 190%. Operating income represented 27% of net sales in 2015. Our net income increased from $7.3 million in 2013 to $74.2 million in 2015, representing a CAGR of 218.8%. Our Adjusted EBITDA increased from $21.8 million in 2013 to $137.1 million in 2015, representing a CAGR of 151%. Adjusted EBITDA represented 29% of net sales in 2015. See "Summary Consolidated Financial and Other Data" for our year-by-year results, which reflect annual volatility not included in CAGR calculations, as well as for the definition of Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, and a reconciliation to net income.

              Our "asset-light" business model, which includes outsourced production, distribution, and logistics, has limited the need for significant capital expenditures and contributed to a strong return on

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invested capital. We plan to implement a new ERP system and anticipate that capital expenditures will increase substantially in 2016 relative to 2015 based on this system implementation as well as other planned capital projects.

Growth Strategies

              Key elements of our growth strategy include:

              Increase Supply to Meet Demand from Retailer Partners and Consumers.    Our net sales tripled from 2014 to 2015 and demand from our retailer partners and direct-to-consumer channel exceeded our ability to supply many of our products. In response, we have expanded and continue to diversify our global manufacturing capacity, which we expect will enable us to significantly increase our sales in 2016. We continuously work with our supply chain partners to increase manufacturing capacity to meet anticipated future demand while maintaining our exacting quality standards.

              Increase Sales at Existing Retailer Partners.    We are focused on continuing to drive sales by enhancing our in-store presence and increasing our product offering at our existing retailer partners. This includes creating customized YETI shop-in-shop concepts at select national accounts, supplying new and larger merchandising fixtures to our independent retailers, training store associates to deliver a premium YETI experience for customers, and providing attractive and informative point-of-purchase materials that showcase our products' features. Furthermore, we have instituted more efficient planning programs with our retailer partners to better anticipate their inventory needs, including pre-booking processes and using third-party data aggregators to provide sell-through information. We believe the broad support of our retailer partners, facilitated by our dedicated national sales force and strong product profitability for our retailers, will drive continued increases in the square footage allocated to YETI products.

              Expand Our Base of Retailer Partners.    We believe there is an opportunity to continue to broaden our wholesale channel base of retailer partners. We plan to strategically add new independent retailers to strengthen our existing footprint and further penetrate newer regions. We may also partner with select additional national accounts that are consistent with YETI's premium brand in order to extend our reach to new consumers. For example, we entered into a partnership with REI in late 2014, expanding our presence in the outdoor recreation and camping market. During 2015, our first full year with REI, we rapidly increased our shelf space and became one of their top vendors.

              Introduce New and Innovative Products.    We have a history of developing innovative products, including new products in existing families, product line expansions, and accessories, as well as products that bring us into new categories. For example, in 2014, we successfully expanded our Coolers & Equipment product line with the introduction of the Hopper™ soft cooler and also entered a new category with the Rambler™ drinkware line. We then expanded our Drinkware category with the launch of the Rambler™ Colster® and Rambler™ Lowball in 2015. In 2016, we further extended our Rambler™ line with the introduction of our stainless steel vacuum-insulated bottles. We intend to continue to introduce new product expansions, such as additional sizes and colorways, offer additional accessories within our Tundra® hard cooler, Hopper™ soft cooler, and Rambler™ drinkware lines, and expand our product customization capabilities. We have also identified longer-term opportunities in new product categories where we believe we can redefine performance standards and offer superior quality and design to consumers. We believe that consumers who value our focus on uncompromising quality and design will continue to purchase YETI products as we enter these new categories.

              Increase YETI Marketing and Brand Investment.    We plan to reinforce and extend our premium position in the outdoor and recreation market through innovative marketing strategies that are designed to further enhance the value and visibility of our brand. From 2013 through 2015, we invested $42 million in marketing to support and grow the YETI brand, and we intend to continue investing to facilitate future growth. We further invest in our brand by engaging with our consumers through traditional TV and print advertising, YETI Ambassadors, digital and social media, original YETI films, through our email subscriber base, and participation in, and sponsorship of, a broad range of community events.

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              Increase Sales Through YETI.com.    YETI.com is core to our direct-to-consumer engagement strategy, providing an immersive brand experience through our original content as well as an effective e-commerce platform. To satisfy demand from our wholesale channel over the past few years, we have intentionally limited the amount of product available for sale on our website. Going forward, we intend to offer our full product line through YETI.com. We will also continue to use YETI.com to showcase new product introductions, offer customized YETI products, and deliver our unique and innovative content.

              Expand into International Markets.    We believe international markets represent a meaningful, long-term growth opportunity. Many of the market dynamics and consumer needs that we have successfully identified domestically are also present in several large international markets. While our current net sales are concentrated in the United States, and we do not have significant international sales, over time we plan to capitalize on the strength of our brand with a focused international expansion strategy.

Our Market

              Our premium products are designed for use in a variety of outdoor activities, including recreational and professional pursuits. We target various categories, including hunting, fishing, camping, barbecue, and farm and ranch activities, among others. We have successfully increased our addressable market since our founding by broadening our product assortment, most recently with the launch of soft coolers and Drinkware in 2014, which expanded our reach beyond the premium hard cooler category.

              The outdoor and recreation market in the United States is large and growing and represents a diverse economic super sector with consumers of all genders, ages, ethnicities, and income levels. According to the Outdoor Industry Association's 2012 Outdoor Recreation Economy Report, which report is published every five years, outdoor recreation product sales in the United States totaled approximately $120 billion in 2011. In addition, we operate in the broader drinkware market.

Product Design and Development

              We design and develop our products to provide superior performance, uncompromising quality, and durability in a variety of outdoor environments. All elements of our products are thoughtfully designed and rigorously tested to maximize performance while minimizing complexity, allowing us to deliver highly functional products with simple, clean, and distinct designs. These product attributes, coupled with the strength of the YETI brand, have allowed us to establish and maintain premium price positioning across all of our products.

              Building upon the success of our foundational Tundra® hard coolers, we have broadened our product line to include soft coolers, drinkware, and gear. We enter new product categories by designing solutions grounded in practical consumer insights. We use high quality materials as well as advanced design and manufacturing processes to create premium products that redefine consumer expectations and deliver best-in-class product performance. We continue to expand our product line by introducing anchor products, followed by product expansions, such as additional sizes and colorways, and then offer accessories.

              To ensure our continued success in bringing category-redefining products to market, our marketing and product development teams collaborate to identify consumer needs and product opportunities that are consistent with the YETI brand. Our product development team, which includes one of our Founders, Roy Seiders, is comprised of over 20 engineers and product design personnel who follow a disciplined, stage-gate product development process. This team utilizes advanced design software, 3D printing, and rapid prototyping, among other state-of-the-art technologies. We collaborate with our YETI Ambassadors, industry professionals, and select YETI "super-users" to test the limitations of our prototypes and provide feedback that is incorporated into final product designs. Once we approve the final design and specifications of a new product, we partner with leading global suppliers and specialized manufacturers to produce our products according to our exacting performance and quality standards.

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              Our current product portfolio is composed of three categories: Coolers & Equipment; Drinkware; and Other:

              Coolers & Equipment.    Our Coolers & Equipment category consists of hard coolers, soft coolers, and associated accessories. These products collectively accounted for approximately 49% of our net sales in 2015.

  Hard Coolers. We redefined this category of the cooler market by offering premium products with superior durability and thermal capabilities. Unlike conventional hard coolers, our hard coolers are built with seamless rotationally-molded, or rotomolded, construction, making them nearly indestructible. For superior ice retention, we pressure-inject up to two inches of commercial-grade polyurethane foam into the walls and lid and utilize a freezer-quality gasket to seal the lid. Our hard coolers also incorporate many other innovative features:

 


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In 2015, we offered three product families within our hard cooler category: Tundra® coolers; Roadie® coolers; and YETI TANK® coolers. We also offer related accessories including locks, beverage holders, and other add-ons to increase our products' versatility.
      

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  Our signature Tundra® hard coolers, originally designed to perform in demanding hunting and fishing environments, are also widely used in boating, whitewater rafting, camping, barbecuing, tailgating, farming, and ranching activities. We offer Tundra® coolers in multiple color options and sizes to accommodate nearly any outdoor adventure. Our Tundra® coolers received a "Certified Bear Resistant" designation from the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee by passing a series of rigorous tests, including an hour-long encounter with two adult grizzly bears. We also offer a wide array of Tundra® accessories to allow for consumer customization, including locks, tie-down kits, seat cushions, beverage holders, fishing rod holsters, cooler dividers, and bear-proof locks.  
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The Roadie® cooler is a personal-sized cooler with the same seamless rotomolded construction and ice-retaining insulation as our Tundra® cooler. Equipped with a heavy-duty stainless steel handle, the Roadie® cooler is designed to provide convenient portability, whether at the campsite, on the beach, a boat, an ATV, a golf cart, or the jobsite. Like our Tundra® coolers, the Roadie® cooler uses patented T-Rex™ lid latches and has the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee stamp of approval.

 


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The YETI TANK® cooler is our multi-functional, bucket-style cooler designed for a diverse range of recreational and backyard activities. For example, our YETI TANK® 85 cooler is capable of holding a beer keg, 60 longneck bottles, 96 cans, 50+ blue crabs, or 20 gallons of punch. Like our Tundra® coolers, the YETI TANK® cooler is rotomolded, features sturdy DoubleHaul™ handles for easy portability, and includes the Vortex™ drain system for quick, simple drainage.

 


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Soft Coolers. Launched in 2014, our Hopper™ coolers are designed to be 100% leakproof and provide superior durability and ice retention compared to ordinary soft coolers. Like the Tundra® cooler in the hard cooler category, the introduction of the Hopper™ cooler created a premium segment in the soft cooler market that did not previously exist. The Hopper™ cooler is popular with a broad range of consumers who appreciate its performance, convenience, and portability, ranging from avid outdoorsmen to beachgoers. Innovative features of the Hopper™ cooler are depicted below:

 


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Our Hopper™ soft cooler product line currently includes three sizes, in two colorways, and includes related accessory options such as the SideKick™ gear case, MOLLE Zinger retractable lanyard, and a mountable MOLLE Bottle Opener.
      

              Drinkware.    In 2014, we introduced the first two products in our Rambler™ stainless steel Drinkware family, the first collection of YETI products that fit in cup holders and the palms of consumers' hands. Similar to previous YETI products, the Rambler™ significantly outperformed existing category standards for durability and thermal retention. All of our products in the Rambler™ family are made with durable kitchen-grade 18/8 stainless steel, double-wall vacuum insulation, and our innovative No Sweat™ design. The result is high-performing drinkware products that keep beverages at their preferred temperature—whether hot or cold—for hours at a time without condensation. In 2015, our Rambler™ drinkware line accounted for 48% of our net sales.

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The Rambler™ Tumblers were our first Drinkware products. Offered in 20-oz. and 30-oz. sizes, the Rambler™ Tumbler is a stainless steel cup used by outdoor enthusiasts, urban commuters, coffee drinkers, and those who simply appreciate long-lasting hot or cold beverages. Rambler™ Tumblers maintain ice more than twice as long as plastic double-wall tumblers, and include an easy-to-clean, shatterproof, and crystal clear lid. A straw lid is also offered as an accessory alternative.

 


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Launched in 2015, the Rambler™ Colster® is our beverage-insulator that keeps bottles or cans chilled more effectively than traditional foam koozies. The Colster® employs our LOAD-AND-LOCK™ gasket technology to lock in the cold for hours for any standard 12-oz. bottle or can.

 


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The Rambler™ Lowball is a 10-oz. stainless steel cup that retains beverage temperatures far longer than standard mugs or cocktail glasses. Like other Rambler™ products, the Lowball features the No Sweat™ design and vacuum insulated stainless steel construction.

 


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In the first quarter of 2016, we introduced 18-oz., 36-oz., and 64-oz. closed-cap Rambler™ Bottles. Rambler™ Bottles feature insulated TripleHaul™ caps that are easy to grip, are leakproof, and are airtight for maximum thermal retention. Their wide mouth Over-the-Nose™ design provides an extra-wide opening for easier loading, drinking, and cleaning.

 


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              Other.    YETI consumers are proud to associate with the YETI brand in more ways than just using our coolers and Drinkware products. We offer an array of YETI branded gear, from YETI hats and shirts to bottle openers and ice substitutes. As the YETI brand has grown, sales of gear and accessories have also increased, accounting for 3% of our net sales in 2015.

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Marketing

              Our multifaceted marketing strategy has been instrumental in driving sales and building equity in the YETI brand. Through various marketing efforts and our superior product performance, our goal is to continue to be the trusted and preferred brand to experts and serious enthusiasts in hunting, fishing, camping, barbecue, farm and ranch, and numerous other outdoor activities, while also being attractive to the quality-oriented consumer. Through our marketing initiatives, we engage a wide array of consumers across broadening demographic groups and geographies. We believe our innovative and extensive engagement reinforces the authenticity and aspirational nature of our brand and products to both existing and target consumers.

              We employ a wide range of marketing tactics to cultivate our relationships with experts, serious enthusiasts, and everyday consumers. Our marketing team uses targeted television, print, digital, and outdoor media advertising. In addition to traditional marketing, we create original short films and high quality content for YETI.com, and use social media, email marketing, YETI Ambassadors, and participation in consumer events. We also drive our sales through extensive in-store retail merchandising.

              Targeted Advertising.    We develop and selectively use advertising in television, print, digital, and outdoor media to communicate with existing and target consumers across our various user communities. We develop creative and authentic advertising content that appeals to enthusiasts within each activity as well as a broad range of consumers.

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YETI Creates Powerful Print Media


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              YETI Original Content.    We regularly deliver premium quality branded content to the YETI community, primarily through the creation and production of unique short films, photography, and editorial features. Our films, marketed under the "YETI Presents" and "YETI Versus" series, are typically three to ten-minutes long. YETI Presents films feature compelling stories about real people involved in aspirational outdoor activities consistent with our brand positioning. YETI Versus films are extreme demonstrations of our products' superior durability in which our products are subjected to abuse that would destroy ordinary coolers. The regular release of original YETI films is supplemented with photographic and editorial features, allowing our brand to maintain a constant, authentic connection to our consumers. In 2015, our branded digital content generated approximately 10 million unique views.

"YETI Presents" Produces Unique Professional Films


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              YETI.com and Social Media.    YETI.com is the digital platform where our consumers engage with our original short films, Ambassador stories, blogs, and consumer testimonials, while serving as an accessible e-commerce site. Our website features our entire product catalog, detailed product overviews, customer reviews, and our customization program. In addition to serving as the home of our products and original content releases, YETI.com also provides video tutorials for maximizing the use and enjoyment of our products.

              Our proprietary content is supplemented by our active and growing social media presence. As of March 31, 2016, we had over 419,000 Facebook likes, 349,000 Instagram followers, and 900,000 email subscribers. Our social media program connects us directly with consumers and helps to cultivate a brand community for our users to share their passion for our brand and products.

#BUILTFORTHEWILD Compiles User-Generated Content


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              YETI Ambassadors.    Our YETI Ambassadors are masters of their crafts across a wide variety of outdoor pursuits. They demand durability and superior performance from their products. Our Ambassadors include personalities such as renowned angler Flip Pallot, James Beard Award-winning barbecue pitmaster Aaron Franklin, and widely respected hunting TV host Jim Shockey. All of our Ambassadors use YETI products and are significant influencers within their respective outdoor pursuits,

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providing authentic stories to which our consumers can relate and aspire. Our Ambassadors speak to our consumer base through social and traditional media channels, participate in the creation of original YETI branded content, and appear at our consumer events.

YETI Ambassadors Are Key Influencers in Their Respective Communities


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              Consumer Events.    We participate extensively in consumer events to introduce YETI products to targeted audiences and further develop grass-roots connections with current and potential new consumers. These events include sportsman shows, outdoor festivals, rodeos, music and film festivals, barbecue competitions, fishing tournaments, and retailer events. We have built a field marketing team that is staffed with highly trained brand and activity experts, who create compelling brand and product experiences through the use of custom-built mobile marketing units, such as our innovative Rambler Roadhouse, a converted horse trailer that showcases YETI products in a unique manner.

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              Retail Development and Product Presentation.    Our dedicated sales force directly engages with our retailer partners in product presentation, marketing, and retail merchandising. This includes creating customized YETI shop-in-shop concepts at select national account locations, supplying merchandising fixtures to our independent retailers, training store associates to deliver premium YETI consumer experiences, and providing attractive and informative point-of-purchase materials that showcase our product features.

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              We also work with select retailer partners to develop custom merchandising solutions. For example, for certain national accounts we have created a "YETI Wall" concept in select store locations.

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Sales Channels

              We sell our products through our wholesale channel and our DTC channel. Our wholesale channel is comprised of approximately 6,000 independent retailer partners as well as select national accounts. Our independent retailer partners represented the majority of our net sales in 2015. Our net sales are concentrated in the United States, and we do not have significant international sales.

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              We develop and maintain relationships with our independent retailers and national accounts by offering them an attractive combination of profitability, rapid inventory turns, increased customer traffic, and marketing and merchandising support. We choose our retailer partners carefully, based on their commitment to appropriately showcase the YETI brand and product line, provide hands-on customer service, and willingness to abide by our terms and conditions, including adherence to our minimum advertised price policy.

              Our wholesale channel distribution is supported by our dedicated sales and account management team. This team serves our nationwide retailer partner base and identifies potential new retailer partners to expand our geographic footprint. Our sales force is compensated through an incentive-based program designed to drive focus on and execution of our strategic initiatives. All account information and ordering activities are managed through our customer relationship management platform. We work to ensure our retailer partners and consumers receive outstanding customer service through our YETI Outfitters and sales and account management customer service representatives. We believe that our dedicated national sales force and YETI Outfitters provide us a distinct advantage, as many of our peers use independent sales representatives or distributors that carry multiple brands.

              Independent Retailers.    Since our inception, we have been committed to building enduring relationships with a diverse network of independent retailers that cater to local communities and specific outdoor categories, including:

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Hunting and shooting sports

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Fishing equipment and guides

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Boating and marine equipment

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Camping, hiking, and outdoor adventure

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Farm and ranch supplies

 

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Outdoor sports outfitting

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Hardware and specialty equipment

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Building materials and tools

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Barbecue supplies and equipment

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Travel, outdoor recreation, and adventure

              Our independent retailers provide valuable brand advocacy, authenticity, and ambassadorship, as they often carry significant influence in a consumer's purchasing decision. Our approximately 6,000 independent retailer partners are largely located in the Southern and Southeastern regions of the United States, primarily as a result of our early sales efforts, which focused on the hunting and fishing markets in these regions.

              National Accounts.    We have built relationships with several well-known outdoor products and sporting goods retailers. In 2008, we began working with Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's. Since that time, we have established relationships with Academy Sports+Outdoors, Dick's Sporting Goods, REI, and West Marine. We believe that these national accounts broaden our reach and provide consumers access to our full range of products while maintaining brand and pricing consistency with our independent retailers as well as our DTC channel. According to some of these national accounts, in just a few years, YETI has become one of their most important brand partners. In 2015, Academy Sports+Outdoors represented 15% of our gross sales. We do not sell to mass merchants, discounters or Amazon.

              Direct-to-Consumer.    We sell our products directly to consumers through YETI.com and over the phone through our YETI Outfitters customer service group. We believe that YETI.com provides consumers a premium website experience through a combination of extensive product information, unique digital content and blogs, Ambassador-driven brand advocacy, and user-generated content. Importantly, product prices on our website are intended to be the same as those found at our independent retailers and national accounts, maintaining our minimum advertised price policy across all our sales channels. While we have offered our products directly to consumers since our inception, during the past few years we have intentionally limited the amount of products available for sale on our website to better satisfy demand in our wholesale channel.

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Supply Chain

              We manage a global supply chain of highly qualified, third-party manufacturing partners to produce our products.

              Our global supply chain management team includes personnel in both the United States and Asia. This team researches materials and equipment; qualifies raw material suppliers; vets potential manufacturing partners for advanced production and quality assurance processes; directs our internal demand and production planning; approves and manages product purchasing plans; and manages product transportation. Our personnel work with our manufacturing partners regarding product quality and manufacturing process efficiency.

              We have multiple manufacturing partners for hard coolers, soft coolers and drinkware products. Our manufacturing partners are located in the United States, China, and the Philippines. We hold our manufacturers to rigorous quality and product conformance standards. Typically, we do not have long-term agreements with our manufacturing partners. Instead, we communicate our general expectation for production volume and product mix with each partner several quarters in advance, and then operate on a purchase order basis for actual production commitments. We are in frequent communication with our manufacturing partners regarding their near term production volumes, quality, product mix, and current challenges and opportunities. In addition, we regularly discuss longer term capacity planning, including their facilities and equipment plans, staffing levels, and financial capability.

              The primary raw materials and components used by our manufacturing partners include polyethylene, polyurethane foam, stainless steel, polyester fabric, zippers, and other plastic materials and coatings. We believe these materials are readily available from multiple vendors. We stipulate approved suppliers and control the specifications for key raw materials used in our products. We also negotiate raw material prices with suppliers on behalf of our manufacturing partners in order to leverage the cumulative impact of our volume and to provide us with visibility into our product costs. We do not, however, directly source significant amounts of these raw materials and components.

              To enforce our stringent product quality standards and exercise additional control over the manufacturing processes, we order and own the computer numeric controlled molds used in the production of our hard coolers, as well as molds and tooling used in the production of certain of our other products. To ensure consistent product quality, we provide detailed specifications for our products and inspect finished goods both at our manufacturing partners as well as upon delivery to our third-party logistics partner. As part of our quality assurance program, we develop and implement comprehensive product inspection and facility oversight processes that are performed by our employees and third-party resources. They work closely with our suppliers to assist them in meeting our quality standards, as well as improving their production yields and throughput.

              We rely on our third-party manufacturing partners to produce our products. We have experienced supply constraints in the past, and may continue to experience supply constraints in the future if customer demand outpaces our ability to increase production through our manufacturing partners.

Distribution and Inventory Management

              We use a third-party logistics provider, Ozburn-Hessey Logistics, to warehouse our products and manage shipment to our customers. Our third-party logistics provider manages various distribution activities, including product receipt, warehousing, certain limited product inspection activities, and coordinating outbound shipping. Our third-party logistics provider manages our inventory in a 460,000 square foot facility in Dallas, Texas. We believe this provider has expansion capacity to meet our needs for the foreseeable future. The warehouse management system at this distribution center interfaces with our ERP system, so that we can maintain visibility and control over inventory levels and customer shipments.

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              We manage inventory by analyzing product sell-through, forecasting demand and working with our supply chain to meet demand. We expect to increase our inventory levels to better satisfy demand from our retailer partners and our direct-to-consumer channel.

Intellectual Property and Brand Protection

              We have taken a variety of operational and legal measures to protect our distinctive brand, designs, and the functional elements of our products. Our engineering and industrial design teams collaborate at our Austin, Texas headquarters to create our new products. As part of this process, all product designs, specifications, and performance characteristics are developed and documented. After these aspects of the process are complete, we apply for patents, trademarks, and copyrights, as appropriate.

              We own the patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade dress, and other intellectual property rights that support key aspects of our brand and products. Currently, we have 26 issued patents and 313 pending patent applications, of which 14 are allowed. We also have numerous registered trademarks and pending trademark applications as well as registered copyrights and copyright applications pending. We believe these intellectual property rights, combined with our distinctive product design, performance, and brand name and reputation, provide us with a competitive advantage. To implement our e-commerce and digital media initiatives, we own the URLs for YETI.com, yeticoolers.com and other brand-relevant website addresses, in the United States as well as certain other countries.

              We vigorously defend against infringement of our intellectual property, including the sale of counterfeit goods. Our experienced legal and brand protection teams routinely initiate claims and litigation to protect our intellectual property assets, including YETI's distinctive trade dress. In the future, we intend to continue to file for appropriate intellectual property protection for our new products and prosecute those who infringe against these valuable assets.

Information Systems

              We utilize leading software solutions for key aspects of our information systems, including an ERP system (purchasing, inventory, and accounting), Salesforce.com as our customer relationship management system (customer information and sales order management), and Magento as our e-commerce platform, as well as other specialized software. Our ERP interfaces with the management system utilized at our outsourced warehousing and distribution center.

              To support our planned growth, in December 2015, we entered into a license agreement with SAP to provide our new ERP. To ensure efficient conversion to SAP, we hired full-time experts and engaged a leading consulting firm as our implementation partner to support the internal team assigned to this project. The SAP implementation project commenced in the first quarter of 2016, and encompasses SAP installation and configuration; conversion of customer, vendor, product and financial data from our current ERP; implementation of certain new processes and controls; as well as system testing and staff training. We expect to invest over $10 million in our implementation and configuration of SAP, which we expect to be operational in early 2017.

              We believe our planned systems infrastructure will be sufficient to support our expected growth for the foreseeable future.

Competition

              We compete in the large outdoor and recreation market and may compete in other addressable markets. Competition in the cooler and drinkware product markets is based on a number of factors including product quality, performance, durability, styling, and price, as well as brand image and recognition. We believe that we have been able to compete successfully largely on the basis of our brand,

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superior design capabilities and product development, as well as on the breadth of our independent retailers and national accounts.

              In the cooler category, we compete against established, well-known, and legacy cooler brands, such as Igloo and Coleman, as well as numerous other brands and retailers that offer competing products.

              The insulated drinkware category includes numerous providers of insulated plastic and stainless steel drinkware, plastic water bottles, cups, and ceramic mugs, among other products. Competitors include well known brands such as Tervis and HydroFlask, as well as numerous other brands and retailers that offer competing products.

              The outdoor and recreation market is highly fragmented and highly competitive, with low barriers to entry. Our current and potential competitors may be able to develop and market superior products or sell similar products at lower prices. These competitors may have significant competitive advantages, including larger retailer bases, global product distribution, greater financial strength, superior relations with suppliers and manufacturing partners, or larger marketing budgets and brand recognition.

Employees

              As of March 31, 2016, we had 312 employees. We believe our increasingly well-known brand, culture of innovation, collaboration and personal development allow us to recruit top talent nationwide in all areas of our business.

              All of our personnel are co-employed by us and a professional employer organization, or the PEO, which we utilize to manage payroll related functions and to administer our employee benefit programs. We are directly responsible for all aspects of employee recruiting, compensation, management, retention and supervision of our personnel. We believe this co-employment relationship allows us to leverage the scale and systems of the PEO to our benefit.

              None of our employees are currently covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We have no labor-related work stoppages and believe our relations with our employees are good.

Facilities

              Our principal executive and administrative offices are located at 5301 Southwest Parkway in Austin, Texas. In 2016, we leased a new 175,000 square foot complex in Austin, Texas that will serve as our headquarters beginning in 2017. We expect that this new corporate complex will accommodate our growth plans for the foreseeable future. We lease a 35,000 square foot warehouse in Austin, Texas where we handle kitting and product returns. In addition, we have entered into a lease for a 21,000 square foot facility that will serve as our innovation center, and we lease an 8,200 square foot facility that will serve as a brand experience center. Both of these facilities are located in Austin, Texas. In addition, we lease an office in Xiamen, China for our quality assurance, production support, and supply chain management teams.

Legal Proceedings

              From time to time, we are involved in various legal proceedings. Although no assurance can be given, we do not believe that any of our pending proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, cash flows, or results of operations.

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MANAGEMENT

Executive Officers and Directors

              Below is a list of the names, ages, positions and a brief summary of the business experience of the individuals who serve as our executive officers and directors as of July 1, 2016.

Name
  Age   Position

Matthew J. Reintjes

    40   President and Chief Executive Officer, Director

Richard J. Shields

    59   Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, and Vice President of Finance

Bryan C. Barksdale

    45   General Counsel and Secretary

Roy J. Seiders

    39   Director

David L. Schnadig(1)

    51   Chairman and Director

Troy Alstead(1)(3)

    53   Director Nominee*

Dustan E. McCoy(1)(2)

    66   Director Nominee*

Michael E. Najjar(3)

    49   Director

Eugene P. Nesbeda(2)

    61   Director

Robert K. Shearer(2)(3)

    64   Director Nominee*

*
Each director nominee will become a member of our Board of Directors immediately following the pricing of this offering.

(1)
Member of the compensation committee.

(2)
Member of the nominating and governance committee.

(3)
Member of the audit committee.

Executive Officers

              Matthew J. Reintjes.    Mr. Reintjes has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since September 2015 and was appointed to our Board of Directors in March 2016. Prior to joining us, Mr. Reintjes served from February 2015 to September 2015 as Vice President of the Outdoor Products reporting segment at Vista Outdoor Inc., a manufacturer of outdoor sports and recreation products, which, prior to February 9, 2015, was operated as a reporting segment of Alliant Techsystems Inc., or ATK, an aerospace, defense, and sporting goods company. While at ATK, Mr. Reintjes served as Vice President of Accessories from November 2013 to February 2015. Prior to ATK, Mr. Reintjes served as Chief Operating Officer of Bushnell Holdings Inc., a portfolio of leading brands in outdoor and recreation products, from May 2013 until its acquisition by ATK in November 2013. Mr. Reintjes also served as Chief Operating Officer of Hi-Tech Industrial Services, Inc., a supplier of industrial services, from January 2013 to May 2013. Prior to this time, Mr. Reintjes served for nine years in a variety of general management roles at Danaher Corporation, a global science and technology company, including: President of KaVo Equipment Group—North America from October 2011 to January 2013; President—Imaging from April 2011 to October 2011; and roles including Vice President/General Manager, Vice President of Sales, and Senior Product Manager of Danaher from 2004 to October 2011. Mr. Reintjes holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Notre Dame and an M.B.A. from the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business.

              Mr. Reintjes was selected to serve on our Board of Directors because of his perspective and experience as our President and Chief Executive Officer and his extensive experience in corporate strategy, brand leadership, new product development, general management processes and operations leadership with companies in the outdoor sports and recreation products industries.

              Richard J. Shields.    Mr. Shields has served as our Chief Financial Officer since November 2015 and as our Treasurer and Vice President of Finance since December 2015. Prior to joining us, Mr. Shields

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served as Chief Financial Officer of Quiksilver, Inc., a global sportswear company, from May 2012 to April 2015. From November 2005 to May 2012, Mr. Shields served as Chief Financial Officer of Oakley, Inc., a global designer, manufacturer and distributor of performance eyewear, apparel, footwear, and accessories. Mr. Shields previously served as the Chief Financial Officer of Southwest Water Company, Inc. and Day Software Holding AG, both of which were publicly listed companies at the time. Quiksilver, Inc. and each of its wholly owned U.S. subsidiaries filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September 2015 and re-organized and emerged in February 2016 as a private company. Mr. Shields holds a B.A. from Eastern Washington University, holds an M.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame, and is a certified public accountant.

              Bryan C. Barksdale.    Mr. Barksdale has served as our General Counsel since August 2015 and our Secretary since December 2015. Prior to joining us, Mr. Barksdale served as General Counsel of iFLY Holdings, Inc., a designer, manufacturer and operator of vertical wind tunnels used in indoor skydiving facilities, from January 2015 to July 2015. From August 2010 to January 2015, Mr. Barksdale served as Chief Legal Officer, General Counsel and Secretary of Bazaarvoice, Inc., a social commerce software-as-a-service company. From February 2005 to August 2010, Mr. Barksdale practiced corporate and securities law at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation. Mr. Barksdale previously practiced corporate and securities law with Brobeck, Phleger & Harrison LLP and with Andrews Kurth LLP. Mr. Barksdale holds a B.A. from The University of Texas at Austin, an M.Ed. from the University of Mississippi and a J.D. from Washington & Lee University School of Law.

Directors

              Roy J. Seiders.    Mr. Seiders has served as a member of our Board of Directors since June 2012. From 2006 to September 2015, Mr. Seiders served as our Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Seiders is one of our Founders and has been consistently focused on product design and development, as well as developing our marketing tone. Since September 2015, Mr. Seiders has served as the Chairman and Founder of YETI Coolers, LLC. Mr. Seiders holds a B.A. from Texas Tech University.

              Mr. Seiders was selected to serve on our Board of Directors because of his unique perspective and experience as one of our Founders and leaders since our inception and because of his passion for, and extensive knowledge of, our products, brand, Ambassadors, customers and end consumers.

              David L. Schnadig.    Mr. Schnadig has served as the Chairman of our Board of Directors since June 2012. Mr. Schnadig is a Managing Partner of Cortec. Mr. Schnadig joined Cortec in 1995, oversees a number of Cortec portfolio companies and leads the firm's acquisition activities with regard to consumer and business-to-business products and specialty distribution companies. Prior to joining Cortec, Mr. Schnadig was Assistant to the Chairman of SunAmerica Inc. Prior to SunAmerica Inc., Mr. Schnadig was an investment banker at Lehman Brothers, Inc. and a management consultant at Cresap, McCormick & Paget. Mr. Schnadig holds a B.A. from Trinity College and an M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

              Mr. Schnadig was selected to serve on our Board of Directors because of his extensive knowledge and understanding of our business, consumer businesses, corporate strategy, corporate finance, and governance.

              Troy Alstead.    From 1992 to 2016, Mr. Alstead served in various roles with Starbucks Corporation, including Group President, Chief Administrative Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer, seeing Starbucks through its initial public offering and development into a global multi-channel consumer brand. Since March 2016, Mr. Alstead has served as the Founder and President of Harbor O5, LLC, an organization developing a new restaurant and social concept expected to open in 2017, and Founder of the Ocean5 Foundation, an organization focused on raising awareness and funding for the sustainability of the world's oceans and seas. Since 2012, Mr. Alstead has served on the board of directors

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of Levi Strauss & Co., where he currently chairs the audit committee, and, since 2016, on the board of directors of Revalesio Corporation, a biotechnology company. He holds a B.A. from the University of Washington.

              Mr. Alstead was selected to serve on our Board of Directors because of his experience developing well-known brands, building global operations and personnel infrastructure, expansive knowledge of the global consumer goods industry and experience in financial, internal control and public company reporting matters.

              Dustan (Dusty) E. McCoy.    From 2005 to 2016, Mr. McCoy served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Brunswick Corporation, a global manufacturer and marketer of recreation products, and served in various other roles at Brunswick Corporation from 1999 to 2005. Prior to joining Brunswick Corporation, he served in various roles, including Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary and later Executive Vice President, at Witco Corporation, a specialty chemical products company. Since 2006, Mr. McCoy has served on the board of directors of Freeport-McMoRan Inc., a mining company, where he currently chairs its compensation committee. In addition, since 2002, he has served on the board of directors of Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, a building materials manufacturer, where he currently chairs its environmental and compliance committee. Mr. McCoy holds a B.A. in Political Science from Eastern Kentucky University and a J.D. from Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University.

              Mr. McCoy was selected to serve on our Board of Directors because of his extensive leadership experience and broad understanding of global businesses and his knowledge of legal, compliance, corporate governance and disclosure matters.

              Michael E. Najjar.    Mr. Najjar has served as a member of our Board of Directors since June 2012. Mr. Najjar is a Managing Partner of Cortec. Mr. Najjar joined Cortec in 2004, oversees several Cortec portfolio companies and leads transaction sourcing efforts. Prior to Cortec, Mr. Najjar was a Managing Director at Cornerstone Equity Investors, a private equity firm. Prior to Cornerstone Equity Investors, Mr. Najjar was an investment banker at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette. Mr. Najjar holds a B.A. from Cornell University and an M.B.A. from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

              Mr. Najjar was selected to serve on our Board of Directors because of his extensive knowledge and understanding of our business, consumer businesses, corporate finance, and treasury.

              Eugene P. Nesbeda.    Mr. Nesbeda has served as a member of our Board of Directors since June 2012. Mr. Nesbeda is a Partner of Cortec. Mr. Nesbeda joined Cortec in 2008 and provides operational support to several Cortec portfolio companies. Prior to Cortec, Mr. Nesbeda was a Managing Director of CITIC Capital Partners, a Shanghai, China-based private equity firm. Prior to CITIC, Mr. Nesbeda was Vice President of Corporate Development at General Electric Corporation and later head of GE Plastics' Structured Products Group. Mr. Nesbeda also served as President of the Plastics Packaging Division of Tetra Pak Group and was a founding member of Strategic Planning Associates (now Oliver Wyman). Mr. Nesbeda holds a B.S. from the Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science and an M.B.A. from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration.

              Mr. Nesbeda was selected to serve on our Board of Directors because of his extensive knowledge and understanding of our business, operations and global supply chain management.

              Robert K. (Bob) Shearer.    From 2005 to 2015, Mr. Shearer served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of VF Corporation, a global lifestyle and apparel company, and from 1986 to 2005, served in various other roles at VF Corporation, including Vice President—Finance and Chief Financial Officer and Vice President—Controller. For two years, he was President of VF's Outdoor Coalition, which was formed with the acquisition of The North Face brand. Prior to joining VF Corporation, Mr. Shearer was a Senior Audit Manager for Ernst and Young. Since 2008, Mr. Shearer has served on the board of

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directors of Church & Dwight Co, Inc., a household products manufacturer, where he currently chairs the audit committee. He previously served on the board of directors of The Fresh Market, Inc., a specialty grocery chain. Mr. Shearer holds a B.S. in Accounting from Catawba College.

              Mr. Shearer was selected to serve on our Board of Directors because of his broad experience in financial and internal control matters, his understanding of public company reporting, information systems, risk management, international operations, business combination opportunities and strategic planning, and his previous public accounting experience.

Board of Directors

              Our business and affairs are managed under the direction of our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors currently consists of five directors. Upon completion of this offering, our Board of Directors will consist of eight directors, comprised of our CEO, one of our Founders, three outside directors, and three directors selected by Cortec.

              The provisions of our Stockholders Agreement by which one of our directors is elected will terminate and the provisions of our existing certificate of incorporation by which our directors were elected will be amended and restated in connection with this offering. See "Certain Relationships and Related-Party Transactions—Stockholders Agreement and Investor Rights Agreement." After this offering, the number of directors will be fixed by our Board of Directors, subject to the terms of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws that will become effective prior to the completion of this offering. In addition, under the New Stockholders Agreement, Cortec will have the right to nominate (i) three directors so long as it beneficially owns at least 30% of our then-outstanding shares of common stock, (ii) two directors so long as it owns at least 15% but less than 30% of our then-outstanding shares of common stock, and (iii) one director so long as it beneficially owns at least 10% but less than 15% of our then-outstanding shares of common stock. We refer to any director nominated by Cortec as a Cortec Designee. Each of our current directors will continue to serve as a director until the election and qualification of his successor, or until his earlier death, resignation, or removal.

Classified Board of Directors

              We intend to adopt an amended and restated certificate of incorporation that will become effective prior to the completion of this offering. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that our Board of Directors will be divided into three classes with staggered three-year terms. Only one class of directors will be elected at each annual meeting of stockholders, with the other classes continuing for the remainder of their respective three-year terms. Our Board of Directors will be designated as follows:

              Any additional directorships resulting from an increase in the number of directors will be distributed among the three classes so that, as nearly as possible, each class will consist of one-third of our directors.

              The division of our Board of Directors into three classes with staggered three-year terms may delay or prevent a change of our management or a change in control. See "Description of Capital Stock—Anti-takeover Effects of Certain Provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and

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Amended and Restated Bylaws" for a discussion of other anti-takeover provisions found in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation.

Director Independence

              Our Board of Directors has formally assessed the independence of each of our directors and director nominees, and has determined that each of Messrs. Alstead, McCoy and Shearer are independent under the NYSE listing standards. As required by the NYSE listing standards, our independent directors will meet in regularly scheduled executive sessions at which only independent directors are present.

              Commencing in 2017, our Board of Directors, or a designated committee of the Board of Directors, will review at least annually the independence of each director. During these reviews, the Board will consider transactions and relationships between each director (and his or her immediate family and affiliates) and our company and its management to determine whether any such transactions or relationships are inconsistent with a determination that the director is independent. This review will be based primarily on responses of the directors to questions in a directors' and officers' questionnaire regarding employment, business, familial, compensation and other relationships with us and our management.

Controlled Company Exemption

              Upon completion of this offering, Cortec will control more than 50% of the total voting power of our common stock, and we will be considered a controlled company under the NYSE listing standards. As a controlled company, certain exemptions under the NYSE listing standards will exempt us from the obligation to comply with certain NYSE corporate governance requirements, including the requirements:

              Upon completion of this offering, our Board of Directors will consist of eight directors, comprised of our CEO, one of our Founders, three outside directors, and three directors selected by Cortec. In addition, pursuant to the New Stockholders Agreement, Cortec will have the right to have one of its representatives serve as Chairman of our Board of Directors and Chairman of our nominating and governance committee, as well as the right to select nominees for the Board of Directors, in each case subject to a phase-out period based on Cortec's future share ownership.

              Accordingly, as long as we are a controlled company, holders of our common stock may not have the same protections afforded to stockholders of companies that must comply with all of the NYSE corporate governance requirements.

Code of Business Conduct and Ethics

              We have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that is applicable to all of our employees, officers, and directors, including our chief executive and senior financial officers. The code of business conduct and ethics will be available on our website at YETI.com upon completion of this offering. We expect that any amendment to the code, or any waivers of its requirements, will be disclosed on our website. The identification of our website in this prospectus does not include or incorporate by reference the information on our website into this prospectus.

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Board Leadership Structure

              Upon consummation of the offering, our Board of Directors will be led by our Chairman. The Chairman will oversee the planning of the annual Board of Directors' calendar and, in consultation with the other directors, will schedule and set the agenda for meetings of the Board of Directors. In addition, the Chairman will provide guidance and oversight to members of management and act as the Board of Directors' liaison to management. In this capacity, the Chairman will be actively engaged on significant matters affecting us. The Chairman may also lead our annual meetings of stockholders and perform such other functions and responsibilities as requested by the Board of Directors from time to time. Under the New Stockholders Agreement, so long as Cortec beneficially owns 20% or more of our then-outstanding shares of common stock, we will agree to take all necessary action to cause a Cortec Designee to serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Board Committees

              Upon the effectiveness of this offering, our Board of Directors will have three standing committees: an audit committee, a compensation committee, and a nominating and governance committee. The expected composition and responsibilities of each committee are described below. Members will serve on these committees until their resignation or until otherwise determined by our Board of Directors. The charters for each of our committees will be available on our website upon completion of this offering.

Audit Committee

              Our audit committee will consist of Messrs. Shearer (Chair), Alstead and Najjar. Messrs. Shearer and Alstead are independent under the NYSE listing standards and Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. Each of the committee members is financially literate within the requirements of the NYSE listing standards. Mr. Shearer will qualify as an "audit committee financial expert" under the rules of the SEC upon his appointment to the Board of Directors. We intend to comply with the independence requirements for all members of the audit committee within the time periods specified under such rules.

              Our audit committee will oversee our accounting and financial reporting process and the audit of our financial statements and assist our Board of Directors in monitoring our financial systems and legal and regulatory compliance. Our audit committee will be responsible for, among other things:

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              The audit committee will have the power to investigate any matter brought to its attention within the scope of its duties and the authority to retain counsel and advisors at our expense to fulfill its responsibilities and duties.

Compensation Committee

              Our compensation committee will consist of Messrs. McCoy (Chair), Alstead and Schnadig. Messrs. McCoy and Alstead are independent under the NYSE listing standards and Rule 10C-1 of the Exchange Act and qualify as "non-employee directors" within the meaning of Rule 16b-3(d)(3) under the Exchange Act and as "outside directors" within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code.

              Our compensation committee will be responsible for developing and maintaining our compensation strategies and policies. Following the conclusion of this offering, the responsibilities of the compensation committee will include:

              The compensation committee will also have the power to investigate any matter brought to its attention within the scope of its duties and authority to retain counsel and advisors at our expense to fulfill its responsibilities and duties.

Nominating and Governance Committee

              Our nominating and governance committee, or nominating committee, will consist of Messrs. Nesbeda (Chair), McCoy and Shearer. Messrs. McCoy and Shearer are independent under the NYSE listing standards. Under the New Stockholders Agreement, so long as Cortec beneficially owns 20% or more of our then-outstanding shares of common stock, we will agree to take all necessary action to cause a Cortec Designee to serve as Chairman of our nominating committee.

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              Our nominating committee will oversee and assist our Board of Directors in reviewing and recommending corporate governance guidelines and nominees for election or appointment to our Board of Directors and its committees. The nominating committee will be responsible for, among other things:

              The nominating committee will also have the power to investigate any matter brought to its attention within the scope of its duties. It will also have the authority to retain counsel and advisors at our expense for any matters related to the fulfillment of its responsibilities and duties.

Other Committees

              Our Board of Directors may establish other committees as it deems necessary or appropriate from time to time.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

              During 2015, our Board of Directors participated in deliberations concerning executive officer compensation. None of our executive officers currently serves, or in the past year has served, as a member of the board of directors or compensation committee (or other board committee performing equivalent functions) of any entity that has one or more of its executive officers serving on our Board of Directors or compensation committee.

Limitations of Liability and Indemnification of Directors and Officers

              We are incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware. Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or the DGCL, provides that a Delaware corporation may indemnify any persons who are, or are threatened to be made, parties to any threatened, pending or

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completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of such corporation), by reason of the fact that such person was an officer, director, employee, or agent of such corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such corporation as an officer, director, employee, or agent of another corporation or enterprise. The indemnity may include expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit, or proceeding, provided that such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation's best interests and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was illegal. A Delaware corporation may indemnify any persons who are, or are threatened to be made, a party to any threatened, pending, or completed action or suit by or in the right of the corporation by reason of the fact that such person was a director, officer, employee, or agent of such corporation, or is or was serving at the request of such corporation as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation or enterprise. The indemnity may include expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection with the defense or settlement of such action or suit provided such person acted in good faith and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the corporation's best interests except that no indemnification is permitted without judicial approval if the officer or director is adjudged to be liable to the corporation. Where an officer or director is successful on the merits or otherwise in the defense of any action referred to above, the corporation must indemnify him or her against the expenses that such officer or director has actually and reasonably incurred. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws will provide for the indemnification of our directors and officers to the fullest extent permitted under the DGCL.

              Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL permits a corporation to provide in its certificate of incorporation that a director of the corporation shall not be personally liable to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duties as a director, except for liability for any:

              Our certificate of incorporation includes, and our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and our amended and restated bylaws will include, such a provision. Expenses incurred by any director in defending any such action, suit or proceeding in advance of its final disposition shall be paid by us, provided such director must repay amounts in excess of the indemnification such director is ultimately entitled to.

              Section 174 of the DGCL provides, among other things, that a director who willfully or negligently approves of an unlawful payment of dividends or an unlawful stock purchase or redemption may be held liable for such actions. A director who was either absent when the unlawful actions were approved, or dissented at the time, may avoid liability by causing his or her dissent to such actions to be entered in the books containing minutes of the meetings of the board of directors at the time such action occurred or immediately after such absent director receives notice of the unlawful acts.

Non-Employee Director Compensation

              Our directors did not receive any cash or equity compensation in 2015 for their service on our Board of Directors. Our Board of Directors has approved the YETI Holdings, Inc. Non-Employee Director Compensation Policy. Employee directors, and for three years following the completion of this

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offering, directors affiliated with Cortec, will not receive compensation for their participation on our Board of Directors or involvement on any of our committees.

              Following the completion of this offering, our non-employee directors will receive, absent a deferral election described below, an annual cash retainer of $70,000, paid quarterly in arrears and pro-rated based on days in service on our Board of Directors. Each non-employee director will also be entitled to receive additional cash compensation for committee membership or service as a chair as follows:

              In connection with the completion of this offering, our non-employee directors will be able to elect to defer all or part of the annual cash retainer, or chair or committee cash fees, into deferred stock units, which will be settled in shares of our common stock on the earlier of (1) a date specified by the non-employee director or (2) the six month anniversary of the non-employee director's cessation of service on our Board of Directors. For a director who elects deferred stock units in lieu of cash fees at the time of this offering, the deferred stock units would be issued at the time of this offering on the basis of the price at which a share of our common stock is initially offered to the public in this offering, rounded down for any partial shares. Such deferred stock units would vest in full on the earlier to occur of (i) the first anniversary of this offering and (ii) immediately prior to our first annual meeting of our stockholders at which directors are elected, subject to the director's continued service through the vesting date.

              On the date of each annual meeting following this offering, or on a pro rata basis on the date of a non-employee director's initial election or appointment to our Board of Directors, non-employee directors will be able to elect to defer all or part of the annual cash retainer, or chair or committee cash fees, that would be earned between such date and our next annual meeting into deferred stock units, which we refer to as the Service Period. Such deferred stock units will be settled in shares of our common stock on the earlier of (1) a date specified by the non-employee director or (2) the six month anniversary of the non-employee director's cessation of service on our Board of Directors. Such deferred stock units would be issued on the first day of the Service Period on the basis of our stock price on the date of grant, rounded down for any partial shares. Such deferred stock units would vest at the earlier of the first anniversary of the date of grant or at the next following annual meeting of our stockholders, subject to the director's continued service through the vesting date.

              During any period of deferral, non-employee directors will be paid in cash dividend equivalents on their deferred stock units as, if and when dividends are paid on shares of our common stock.

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              All of our directors are reimbursed for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to their service as a member of our Board of Directors or one of our committees prior to and following the completion of this offering.

              Each non-employee director serving on our Board of Directors on the date on which we price this offering, or the Pricing Date, will be granted on such date an award of restricted stock units for a number of shares equal to (1) $125,000 divided by (2) the price at which a share of our common stock is initially offered to the public in this offering, rounded down for any partial shares. This award will vest in full in one installment on the earlier to occur of (i) the first anniversary of this offering and (ii) immediately prior to our first annual meeting of our stockholders at which directors are elected, subject to the director's continued service through the vesting date.

              On the date of each annual meeting following this offering, or on a pro rata basis upon initial election or appointment to our Board of Directors, non-employee directors will receive an award of restricted stock units with a value of $125,000 (based on our stock price on the date of grant). This award will vest at the earlier of the first anniversary of the date of grant or at the next following annual meeting of our stockholders.

              In connection with the completion of this offering, our non-employee directors will be able to elect to defer all or part of the grant of restricted stock units in the form of deferred stock units, which will vest in full in one installment on the same basis as a non-employee director's restricted stock unit will vest and will be settled in shares of our common stock on the earlier of (1) a date specified by the non-employee director or (2) the six month anniversary of the non-employee director's cessation of service on our Board of Directors

              During any period of deferral, non-employee directors will be paid in cash dividend equivalents on their deferred stock units as dividends are paid on shares of our common stock.

Non-Employee Director Stock Ownership Guidelines

              Our non-employee directors will be subject to stock ownership guidelines after the completion of this offering. Under our stock ownership guidelines, each of our non-employee directors will be required to own stock in an amount equal to not less than five times his or her annual cash retainer. For purposes of this requirement, a non-employee director's holdings will include shares of our common stock held directly or indirectly, individually or jointly, and vested deferred stock units described above. Until a non-employee director has satisfied the stock ownership requirement, he or she will be required to retain 100% of the shares received upon settlement of vested restricted stock units (net of shares with a value equal to the amount of taxes owed by the director in respect of such settlement).

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EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Summary Compensation Table

              The following table sets forth information regarding all compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to our named executive officers during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014:

Name and Principal Positions
  Year   Salary
($)(1)
  Bonus
($)
  Option
Awards
($)(2)
  Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)(3)(4)
  All Other
Compensation(5)
($)
  Total
($)
 

Matthew J. Reintjes
Chief Executive Officer and President

    2015     121,539     —     1,686,218     120,755     103,125     2,031,637  

Roy J. Seiders

   
2015
   
225,000
   
—
   
—
   
225,000
   
2,864
   
452,864
 

Former Chief Executive Officer and President

    2014     225,000     —     —     90,000     2,623     317,623  

Richard J. Shields
Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Vice President of Finance

   
2015
   
53,846
   
—
   
611,638
   
23,575
   
80,435
   
769,494
 

Bryan C. Barksdale
General Counsel and Secretary

   
2015
   
99,000
   
—
   
317,759
   
98,113
   
918
   
515,790
 

(1)
We expect our Board of Directors to approve increases in base salaries effective upon the completion of this offering to $875,000 for Mr. Reintjes, $475,000 for Mr. Shields, and $375,000 for Mr. Barksdale.

(2)
The amounts in this column represent the aggregate grant date fair value of the stock options granted to the named executive officer during 2015 as computed in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 for the applicable fiscal year, disregarding the estimate of forfeitures for service-based vesting conditions. The assumptions used to determine these values are described in Note 7 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. See footnotes (3), (4), and (5) under "—Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End December 31, 2015" for a description of certain modifications to the option awards.

(3)
Amounts reflect cash incentive awards earned by each named executive officer under the annual incentive plan based on performance during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014.

(4)
We expect our Board of Directors to approve increases in target incentive opportunities effective upon the completion of this offering to 100% of base salary for Mr. Reintjes, 60% of base salary for Mr. Seiders, 70% of base salary for Mr. Shields, and 60% of base salary for Mr. Barksdale.

(5)
The amount reported for Mr. Reintjes reflects reimbursement for temporary housing and travel paid in 2015 with respect to his relocation in 2015 ($19,786), plus an additional amount equal to the taxes imposed on such amount ($7,650), a relocation bonus paid in 2016 with respect to his relocation in 2015 ($75,000), and company-paid life insurance and health care premiums ($689). The amount reported for Mr. Seiders reflects company-paid life insurance and health care premiums. The amount reported for Mr. Shields reflects reimbursement for temporary housing costs paid in 2015 with respect to his relocation in 2015 ($3,506), plus an additional amount equal to the taxes imposed on such amount ($1,699), a relocation bonus paid in 2015 with respect to his relocation in 2015 ($75,000), and company-paid life insurance and health care premiums ($230). The amount reported for Mr. Barksdale reflects company-paid life insurance and health care premiums.

Employment Agreements

              Matthew J. Reintjes.    We currently have an employment agreement with Mr. Reintjes, our President and Chief Executive Officer, which we refer to as Mr. Reintjes' current employment agreement. We expect Mr. Reintjes' current employment agreement to remain in effect until the completion of this offering. We expect to enter into an amended and restated employment agreement with Mr. Reintjes, in connection with, and effective as of, the completion of this offering, which we refer to as Mr. Reintjes' restated employment agreement.

              Under Mr. Reintjes' current employment agreement, his annual base salary is $400,000, his target annual incentive award for the 2015 calendar year was equal to 40% of the base salary paid to him during the 2015 calendar year, and his maximum annual incentive award for the 2016 calendar year is 80% of his annual base salary. Mr. Reintjes received a $75,000 relocation allowance, reimbursement of related temporary housing and travel expenses, and a payment equal to the taxes imposed on such amounts.

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Mr. Reintjes' current employment agreement also provides that he will serve as a member of our Board of Directors beginning on the first anniversary of his employment; however, he was appointed to our Board of Directors on March 1, 2016. Mr. Reintjes' current employment agreement provides for customary restrictive covenants, including non-competition and non-solicitation of customer covenants following termination for a period of two years. Under Mr. Reintjes' current employment agreement, Mr. Reintjes was entitled to purchase, at fair market value at the time of purchase, whole shares of our common stock equivalent in value to $250,000. Pursuant to such right, Mr. Reintjes purchased 62,000 shares of our common stock on September 14, 2015, at a price per share of approximately $4.09.

              Pursuant to Mr. Reintjes' restated employment agreement, effective upon the completion of this offering, Mr. Reintjes' annual base salary will be $875,000. For the portion of the 2016 calendar year that precedes this offering, Mr. Reintjes will be eligible to receive an incentive award, based on our financial performance and individual objectives, with a target amount equal to 40% of the base salary paid to him during the portion of the 2016 calendar year that precedes this offering, and a maximum incentive award of 80% of such salary amount. For the portion of the 2016 calendar year that follows this offering, Mr. Reintjes' target incentive award will be 100% of the base salary paid to him during the portion of the 2016 calendar year that follows this offering, and the maximum incentive award will be 200% of such salary amount. For each calendar year during the employment period beginning on or after January 1, 2017, Mr. Reintjes' target annual incentive award will be 100% of his annual base salary amount, and the maximum annual incentive award will be 200% of his annual base salary amount. Mr. Reintjes' restated employment agreement will provide for an initial term of three years and automatic renewal for additional one year terms, unless either party provides at least 60 days notice of nonrenewal. Mr. Reintjes' restated employment agreement will provide that we will use our good faith efforts to nominate Mr. Reintjes for re-election to our Board of Directors and procure his re-election at any applicable meeting of stockholders (when Mr. Reintjes' term as a director would otherwise expire) held for the purposes of electing directors. Under the restated employment agreement, Mr. Reintjes is subject to customary restrictive covenants, including non-competition and non-solicitation of customer covenants following termination for a period of 12 months if he is terminated in connection with a change in control or potential change in control or 18 months if he is terminated other than in connection with a change in control or potential change in control.

              The severance provisions applicable to Mr. Reintjes are discussed below under "—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control."

              Roy J. Seiders.    We currently have an employment agreement with Mr. Seiders, one of our Founders and Directors. We expect Mr. Seiders' employment agreement to remain in effect until the completion of this offering. We expect Mr. Seiders to be a participant in the Senior Leadership Severance Benefits Plan, which we refer to as the severance plan, in connection with, and effective as of, the completion of this offering, as discussed below under "—Senior Leadership Severance Benefits Plan."

              Pursuant to Mr. Seiders' employment agreement, Mr. Seiders' annual base salary is $225,000, and he is eligible for an annual incentive award based on our financial performance and individual objectives, in each case as determined by our Board of Directors. Mr. Seiders' employment agreement provides for customary restrictive covenants, including non-competition and non-solicitation of customer covenants following termination for a period of two years. As detailed in "—Summary Compensation Table" and the corresponding footnotes, we expect our Board of Directors to approve an increase to Mr. Seiders' target incentive opportunity to 60% of base salary, effective upon the completion of this offering.

              The severance provisions applicable to Mr. Seiders are discussed below under "—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control."

              Richard J. Shields.    We currently have an employment agreement with Mr. Shields, our Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, and Vice President of Finance. We expect Mr. Shields' employment agreement to remain in effect until the completion of this offering. We expect Mr. Shields to be a

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participant in the severance plan in connection with, and effective as of, the completion of this offering, as discussed below under "—Senior Leadership Severance Benefits Plan."

              Pursuant to Mr. Shields' employment agreement, Mr. Shields' annual base salary is $350,000, his target incentive award for the 2015 calendar year was equal to 40% of the base salary paid to him during the 2015 calendar year, and his maximum annual incentive award for the 2016 calendar year is 80% of his annual base salary. Mr. Shields received a $75,000 relocation allowance, reimbursement of related temporary housing accommodations and rental car expenses, and a payment equal to the taxes imposed on such amounts. Mr. Shields' employment agreement provides for customary restrictive covenants, including non-competition and non-solicitation of customer covenants following termination for a period of two years. As detailed in "—Summary Compensation Table" and the corresponding footnotes, we expect our Board of Directors to approve an increase to Mr. Shields' annual base salary to $475,000 and target incentive opportunity to 70% of base salary, effective upon the completion of this offering.

              The severance provisions applicable to Mr. Shields are discussed below under "—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control."

              Bryan C. Barksdale.    We currently have an employment agreement with Mr. Barksdale, our General Counsel and Secretary. We expect Mr. Barksdale's employment agreement to remain in effect until the completion of this offering. We expect Mr. Barksdale to be a participant in the severance plan in connection with, and effective as of, the completion of this offering, as discussed below under "—Senior Leadership Severance Benefits Plan."

              Pursuant to Mr. Barksdale's employment agreement, Mr. Barksdale's annual base salary is $260,000, his target incentive award for the 2015 calendar year was equal to 100% of the base salary paid to him during the 2015 calendar year, and his target annual incentive award for the 2016 calendar year is 40% of his annual base salary. Mr. Barksdale's employment agreement provides for customary restrictive covenants, including non-competition and non-solicitation of customer covenants following termination for a period of two years. As detailed in "—Summary Compensation Table" and the corresponding footnotes, we expect our Board of Directors to approve an increase to Mr. Barksdale's annual base salary to $375,000 and target incentive opportunity to 60% of base salary, effective upon the completion of this offering.

              The severance provisions applicable to Mr. Barksdale are discussed below under "—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control."

Senior Leadership Severance Benefits Plan

              In connection with this offering, we expect to adopt the severance plan, which will become effective upon the completion of this offering. We expect that each of Messrs. Seiders, Shields, and Barksdale will be participants in the severance plan, which will replace their existing employment agreements. Under the severance plan, each participant will be entitled to severance in connection with certain terminations of employment, subject to the participant's execution of a release of claims. Each participant, including Messrs. Seiders, Shields, and Barksdale, will be required to execute a participation agreement, which designates a participant's applicable participation level, and a restrictive covenants agreement, as a condition of participating in the severance plan. Under the restrictive covenants agreement, each participant, including Messrs. Seiders, Shields, and Barksdale, will be subject to customary restrictive covenants, including non-competition and non-solicitation of customer covenants following termination for a period of 18 months.

              The severance provisions applicable to Messrs. Seiders, Shields, and Barksdale under the severance plan are discussed below under "—Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control."

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Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End December 31, 2015

              The following table sets forth information regarding outstanding equity awards held by each of our named executive officers as of December 31, 2015:

Name
  Grant date   Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options (#)
exercisable(1)(3)
  Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options (#)
unexercisable(1)(3)(4)
  Equity Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
securities
underlying
unexercised
unearned
options (#)(2)(3)(4)
  Option
exercise price
($ per
share)(2)(4)
  Option
expiration date

Matthew J. Reintjes

  September 14, 2015     0     500,000     500,000   $ 1.90   September 14, 2025

Roy J. Seiders

  June 15, 2012     0     700,000     1,396,000   $ 0.15   June 15, 2022

Richard J. Shields

  November 19, 2015     0     134,000     134,000   $ 4.61   November 19, 2025

Bryan C. Barksdale

  August 17, 2015     0     120,000     120,000   $ 1.90   August 17, 2025

(1)
As of December 31, 2015, the options granted to Messrs. Reintjes, Seiders, Shields and Barksdale were subject to time-vesting and performance-vesting conditions. The time-vested options (one-half of the total options granted) provided for vesting over a 5-year period, vesting 25% on or about the second, third, fourth, and fifth anniversaries of the date of grant. The time-vested options provided for accelerated vesting on a change in control of the company. On June 18, 2014 and June 15, 2015, Mr. Seiders exercised 348,000 time-vested options (for a total of 696,000 time-vested options).

(2)
As of December 31, 2015, the performance-vested options (one-half of the total options granted) only provided for vesting on a change in control of the company in which Cortec receives a minimum return on invested capital.

(3)
On March 31, 2016, we amended and restated the option agreements with Messrs. Reintjes, Shields, and Barksdale. Under the revised terms of the option agreements, the options are subject solely to time-vesting conditions. One-third of the options will vest on the earlier of July 31, 2017 or the first anniversary of this offering, which we refer to as the Initial Vesting Date, and an additional one-third of the options will vest on the first and second anniversaries of the Initial Vesting Date, subject to Messrs. Reintjes, Shields, and Barksdale remaining in our continuous employ through each such date. On March 31, 2016, we amended and restated the option agreement with Mr. Seiders. Under the revised terms of his option agreement, the options are subject solely to time-vesting restrictions as follows: (i) 1,398,000 of the options vested on March 31, 2016, (ii) 348,000 of the options will vest on the Initial Vesting Date, subject to Mr. Seiders remaining in our continuous employ as of such date, and (iii) the remaining 350,000 options will vest on the first anniversary of the Initial Vesting Date, subject to Mr. Seiders remaining in our continuous employ as of such date. On March 31, 2016, Mr. Seiders exercised the 1,398,000 options that vested on such date. The amended and restated option agreements provide for accelerated vesting on a change in control of the company.

(4)
Our Board of Directors approved a stock split effective on May 5, 2016. The stock split was on a 2,000-to-1 ratio for each share of common stock outstanding, and as a result, we have retroactively adjusted our share-based compensation to give effect to the stock split. Our Board of Directors approved the Special Distribution on May 17, 2016. In connection with the Special Distribution, the option exercise prices with respect to Messrs. Reintjes, Shields, and Barksdale's options were reduced by $2.20 per share, resulting in an option exercise price following the Special Distribution of $1.90 for Messrs. Reintjes and Barksdale and $4.61 for Mr. Shields, and the option exercise price with respect to Mr. Seiders' option was reduced by $0.35 per share, resulting in an option exercise price following the Special Distribution of $0.15 for Mr. Seiders. The Special Distribution is discussed under "—Distributions on Options."

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Distributions on Options

              On May 17, 2016, our Board of Directors declared the Special Distribution. The Special Distribution included a cash distribution of $2.20 per share of outstanding common stock, payable to stockholders of record on the record date of May 17, 2016, or the Record Date. In connection with the Special Distribution, as required pursuant to the terms of the applicable option agreements, we made certain adjustments to the options outstanding as of the Record Date.

              In connection with the Special Distribution, pursuant to anti-dilution provisions in the 2012 Plan, we reduced the per share exercise prices of vested and unvested options outstanding as of the Record Date by an amount equal to the lesser of 70% of the applicable per share exercise price or $2.20. With respect to any option with a per share exercise price that was not reduced by the full amount of the per share Special Distribution, any such option we refer to as an Additional Adjusted Option, we made or committed to make cash payments to holders of such Additional Adjusted Options equal to the difference between the per share Special Distribution and the reduction in exercise price, which we refer to as the Additional Adjustment Amount. With respect to each share of our common stock subject to a vested option that constitutes an Additional Adjusted Option as of the Record Date, we made a cash payment in an amount equal to the Additional Adjustment Amount per such vested option. With respect to each share of our common stock subject to an unvested option that constitutes an Additional Adjusted Option as of the Record Date, we will make a cash payment in an amount equal to the Additional Adjustment Amount per unvested option on or about the date on which such option becomes vested, subject to such option holders' continued employment through such date.

              Our named executive officers participated in the Special Distribution. Roy Seiders received $3.1 million as an individual holder of our common stock. RJS Ice 2, LP received $45.8 million as a holder of our common stock. Mr. Seiders is the manager of RJS ICE Management, LLC, the general partner of RJS Ice 2, LP, and may be deemed to beneficially own the shares of common stock held by RJS Ice 2, LP. Mr. Seiders also will receive a total of $1.3 million in connection with the vesting of the options to purchase shares of our common stock that were unvested as of the Record Date, subject to Mr. Seiders' continued employment through such date. Mr. Reintjes received $0.1 million as a holder of our common stock. With respect to their options to purchase shares of our common stock, Messrs. Reintjes, Shields, and Barksdale did not receive and are not entitled to any cash payments in connection with the Special Distribution, as their per share exercise prices were reduced by the entire per share Special Distribution amount. For additional information regarding per share exercise prices following the Special Distribution and vesting dates for each of our named executive officers, see "—Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year End December 31, 2015" and the corresponding footnotes.

Annual Incentive Plan

              We sponsor an annual incentive plan, under which certain employees are eligible to receive an annual incentive award. The named executive officers' annual incentives are as described under "—Employment Agreements." Target award amounts for eligible participants are generally expressed as a percentage of base salary, and are calculated on a sliding scale with ranges above and below target consistent with incentive calculations our management prepares and provides to participants during the applicable calendar year. Payments under our annual incentive program are based on the achievement of goals based on a number of factors, including each participant's historical and anticipated future performance, our growth and profitability, and other relevant considerations. Participants must be employed by us on the payment date in order to receive payment of the incentive award. Incentive awards are paid after year-end results are confirmed, during the calendar year following the year to which the incentive award relates.

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401(k) Plan

              We offer a 401(k) defined contribution plan through our professional employer organization covering substantially all of our employees. Participants may make voluntary contributions to the 401(k) plan, limited by certain Internal Revenue Code restrictions. We are responsible for the administrative costs of the 401(k) plan, and we provide discretionary matching contributions to employee contributions. Our contributions totaled approximately $0.2 million, $0.1 million, and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Potential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control

              The employment agreements we have entered into with each of Messrs. Reintjes, Seiders, Shields and Barksdale provide for certain payments to be made in connection with certain terminations of employment. Under their respective employment agreements, which are effective until the completion of this offering, each of Messrs. Reintjes, Seiders, and Shields are eligible to receive his then-current base salary as severance for a period of 12 months following his termination of employment by us without cause (as such term is defined in the applicable employment agreement), or by one of the executives for good reason (as such term is defined in the applicable employment agreement), subject to his execution of a release of claims. Under Mr. Barksdale's employment agreement, which is effective until the completion of this offering, he is eligible to receive his then-current base salary as severance for a period of 6 months following his termination of employment by us without cause (as such term is defined in Mr. Barksdale's employment agreement), or by him for good reason (as such term is defined in Mr. Barksdale's employment agreement), subject to his execution of a release of claims.

              Under Mr. Reintjes' restated employment agreement, Mr. Reintjes will be entitled to severance, subject to his execution of a release of claims, as follows:

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              Under the severance plan, Messrs. Seiders, Shields, and Barksdale will be entitled to severance, subject to their execution of a release of claims, as follows:

Equity Compensation Plans

              The following description of our equity compensation plans is qualified by reference to the full text of those plans, which will be filed as exhibits to the registration statement.

              2012 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan.    We adopted the 2012 Plan in June 2012. Our Board of Directors administers the 2012 Plan. Subject to the provisions of the 2012 Plan, our Board of Directors has the power to interpret and administer the 2012 Plan and any award agreement and to determine the terms of awards. Pursuant to the 2012 Plan, we have granted nonqualified stock option awards to certain employees and consultants. Stock options, in the form of incentive stock options or nonqualified stock options, may be granted under the 2012 Plan. The term of an option generally may not exceed ten years.

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Unless otherwise determined by our Board of Directors, the exercise price per share of all options generally must be equal to at least 100% of the fair market value per share of our common stock on the date of grant. Each grant of options contains such other terms and provisions as our Board of Directors may approve.

              The maximum number of shares that may be issued under the 2012 Plan is 22,112,000 shares. As of May 31, 2016, under the 2012 Plan, 7,164,000 shares were available for issuance, and options to purchase 8,512,000 shares of our common stock remained outstanding at a weighted average exercise price of approximately $0.76 per share. Shares subject to stock awards granted under the 2012 Plan (i) that expire or terminate without being exercised, (ii) that are forfeited under an award, or (iii) that are transferred, surrendered or relinquished upon the payment of any exercise price by the transfer to us of our common stock or upon satisfaction of any withholding amount, return to the 2012 Plan share reserve for future grant. We expect to terminate the 2012 Plan as to future awards on the effectiveness of this offering and, accordingly, no shares will be available for issuance pursuant to new awards under the 2012 Plan following the completion of this offering. We expect that any shares subject to the available share reserve of the 2012 Plan at that time will not become available for grant under the 2016 Plan that we expect to adopt in connection with this offering. However, any shares that would otherwise return to the 2012 Plan after this offering will instead return to the 2016 Plan.

              2016 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan.    In connection with this offering, our Board of Directors adopted the 2016 Plan, and we expect our stockholders to approve the 2016 Plan prior to the completion of this offering. The material terms of the 2016 Plan are as follows:

              Purpose.    The purpose of the 2016 Plan is to attract and retain officers, employees, directors, consultants and other key personnel and to provide those persons incentives and awards for performance.

              Administration; Effectiveness:    The 2016 Plan will generally be administered by the compensation committee of our Board of Directors. The compensation committee has the authority to determine eligible participants in the 2016 Plan, and to interpret and make determinations under the 2016 Plan. Any interpretation or determination by the compensation committee under the 2016 Plan will be final and conclusive. The compensation committee may delegate all or any part of its authority under the 2016 Plan to any subcommittee thereof, and may delegate its administrative duties or powers to one or more of our officers, agents or advisors. The 2016 Plan will be effective prior to the completion of this offering (which date we refer to as the Effective Date). However, no awards will be made under the 2016 Plan prior to the Pricing Date.

              Shares Available for Awards under the 2016 Plan:    Subject to adjustment as described in the 2016 Plan, the number of shares of our common stock available for awards under the 2016 Plan shall be, in the aggregate,                   shares of our common stock, plus any shares of our common stock that become available under the 2016 Plan as a result of forfeiture, cancellation, expiration, or cash settlement of awards (which we refer to as the Available Shares), with such shares subject to adjustment to reflect any split or combination of our common stock. The Available Shares may be shares of original issuance, treasury shares or a combination of the foregoing.

              The 2016 Plan also contains the following customary limits: (i) calendar year limits relating to the grant of stock options, SARs, restricted stock, RSUs, performance shares and/or other stock-based awards that are performance-based awards intended to satisfy the requirements for "qualified performance-based compensation" under Section 162(m) of the Code, or Qualified Performance-Based Awards; (ii) limits on the aggregate maximum value that a participant may receive in respect of an award of performance units and/or other awards payable in cash that are Qualified Performance-Based Awards, or a cash incentive award that is a Qualified Performance-Based Award in any calendar year; and (iii) limits on the maximum value at grant for awards to non-employee directors in any calendar year.

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              Share Counting:    The aggregate number of shares of our common stock available for award under the 2016 Plan will be reduced by one share of our common stock for every one share of our common stock subject to an award granted under the 2016 Plan.

              The following shares of our common stock will be added (or added back, as applicable) to the aggregate number of shares of our common stock available under the 2016 Plan: (1) shares subject to an award (including an award under the 2012 Plan) that is cancelled or forfeited, expires or is settled for cash (in whole or in part); (2) shares of our common stock withheld by us in payment of the exercise price of a stock option granted under the 2016 Plan; (3) shares of our common stock tendered or otherwise used in payment of the exercise price of a stock option granted under the 2016 Plan; (4) shares of our common stock withheld by us or tendered or otherwise used to satisfy a tax withholding obligation; provided, however, that with respect to restricted stock, this provision will only be in effect until the ten year anniversary of the date the 2016 Plan is approved by our stockholders, and (5) shares of our common stock subject to an appreciation right granted under the 2016 Plan that are not actually issued in connection with the settlement of such appreciation right. In addition, if under the 2016 Plan a participant has elected to give up the right to receive compensation in exchange for shares of our common stock based on fair market value, such shares of our common stock will not count against the aggregate number of shares of our common stock available under the 2016 Plan.

              Shares of our common stock issued or transferred pursuant to awards granted under the 2016 Plan in substitution for or in conversion of, or in connection with the assumption of, awards held by awardees of an entity engaging in a corporate acquisition or merger with us or any of our subsidiaries (which we refer to as substitute awards) will not count against, nor otherwise be taken into account in respect of, the share limits under the 2016 Plan. Additionally, shares of common stock available under certain plans that we or our subsidiaries may assume in connection with corporate transactions from another entity may be available for certain awards under the 2016 Plan, but will not count against, nor otherwise be taken into account in respect of, the share limits under the 2016 Plan.

              Types of Awards Under the 2016 Plan:    Pursuant to the 2016 Plan, we may grant stock options (including "incentive stock options" as defined in Section 422 of the Code (which we refer to as "Incentive Stock Options")), appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares, performance units, cash incentive awards, and certain other awards based on or related to shares of our common stock.

              Each grant of an award under the 2016 Plan will be evidenced by an award agreement or agreements, which will contain such terms and provisions as the compensation committee may determine, consistent with the 2016 Plan. Those terms and provisions include the number of our shares of our common stock subject to each award, vesting terms and provisions that apply upon events such as retirement, death or disability of the participant or in the event of a change in control. A brief description of the types of awards which may be granted under the 2016 Plan is set forth below.

              Stock Options:    Stock options granted under the 2016 Plan may be either Incentive Stock Option or non-qualified stock options Incentive Stock Options may only be granted to employees. Except with respect to substitute awards, Incentive Stock Options and non-qualified stock options must have an exercise price per share that is not less than the fair market value of a share of our common stock on the date of grant. The term of a stock option may not extend more than ten years after the date of grant.

              Each grant will specify the form of consideration to be paid in satisfaction of the exercise price.

              Appreciation Rights:    The 2016 Plan provides for the grant of appreciation rights. An appreciation right is a right to receive from us an amount equal to 100%, or such lesser percentage as the compensation committee may determine, of the spread between the base price and the value of shares of our common stock on the date of exercise.

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              An appreciation right may be paid in cash, shares of our common stock or any combination thereof. Except with respect to substitute awards, the base price of an appreciation right may not be less than the fair market value of a common share on the date of grant. The term of an appreciation right may not extend more than ten years from the date of grant

              Restricted Stock:    Restricted stock constitutes an immediate transfer of the ownership of shares of our common stock to the participant in consideration of the performance of services, entitling such participant to dividend, voting and other ownership rights, subject to the substantial risk of forfeiture and restrictions on transfer determined by the compensation committee for a period of time determined by the compensation committee or until certain management objectives specified by the compensation committee are achieved. Each such grant or sale of restricted stock may be made without additional consideration or in consideration of a payment by the participant that is less than the fair market value per share of our common stock on the date of grant.

              Any grant of restricted stock may specify the treatment of dividends or distributions paid on restricted stock that remains subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture.

              Restricted Stock Units:    Restricted stock units awarded under the 2016 Plan constitute an agreement by us to deliver shares of our common stock, cash, or a combination thereof, to the participant in the future in consideration of the performance of services, but subject to the fulfillment of such conditions (which may include the achievement of management objectives) during the restriction period as the compensation committee may specify. Each grant or sale of restricted stock units may be made without additional consideration or in consideration of a payment by the participant that is less than the fair market value of shares of our common stock on the date of grant. During the restriction period applicable to restricted stock units, the participant will have no right to transfer any rights under the award and will have no rights of ownership in the shares of our common stock underlying the restricted stock units and no right to vote them. Rights to dividend equivalents may be extended to and made part of any restricted stock unit award at the discretion of and on the terms determined by the compensation committee. Each grant of restricted stock units will specify that the amount payable with respect to such restricted stock units will be paid in cash, shares of our common stock, or a combination of the two.

              Cash Incentive Awards, Performance Shares, and Performance Units:    Performance shares, performance units and cash incentive awards may also be granted to participants under the 2016 Plan. A performance share is a bookkeeping entry that records the equivalent of one share of our common stock, and a performance unit is a bookkeeping entry that records a unit equivalent to $1.00 or such other value as determined by the compensation committee. Each grant will specify the number or amount of performance shares or performance units, or the amount payable with respect to cash incentive awards, being awarded, which number or amount may be subject to adjustment to reflect changes in compensation or other factors.

              These awards, when granted under the 2016 Plan, become payable to participants upon of the achievement of specified management objectives and upon such terms and conditions as the compensation committee determines at the time of grant. Each grant may specify with respect to the management objectives a minimum acceptable level of achievement and may set forth a formula for determining the number of performance shares or performance units, or the amount payable with respect to cash incentive awards, that will be earned if performance is at or above the minimum or threshold level, or is at or above the target level but falls short of maximum achievement. Each grant will specify the time and manner of payment of cash incentive awards, performance shares or performance units that have been earned, and any grant may further specify that any such amount may be paid or settled in cash, shares of our common stock, restricted stock, restricted stock units or any combination thereof. Any grant of performance shares may provide for the payment of dividend equivalents in cash or in additional shares of our common stock.

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              Other Awards:    The compensation committee may grant such other awards (which we refer to as other awards) that may be denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, or related to, shares of our common stock or factors that may influence the value of such shares of our common stock, including, without limitation, convertible or exchangeable debt securities, other rights convertible or exchangeable into shares of our common stock, purchase rights for shares of our common stock, awards with value and payment contingent upon our performance of specified subsidiaries, affiliates or other business units or any other factors designated by the compensation committee, and awards valued by reference to the book value of the shares of our common stock or the value of securities of, or the performance of our subsidiaries, affiliates or other business units.

              Adjustments; Corporate Transactions:    The compensation committee will make or provide for such adjustments in the: (1) number of shares of our common stock covered by outstanding stock options, appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares and performance units granted under the 2016 Plan; (2) if applicable, number of shares of our common stock covered by Other Awards granted pursuant to the 2016 Plan; (3) exercise price or base price provided in outstanding stock options and appreciation rights; (4) kind of shares covered thereby; (5) cash incentive awards; and (6) other award terms, as the compensation committee determines to be equitably required in order to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights of participants that otherwise would result from (a) any stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares, recapitalization or other change in our capital structure, (b) any merger, consolidation, spin-off, spin-out, split-off, split-up, reorganization, partial or complete liquidation or other distribution of assets, issuance of rights or warrants to purchase securities or (c) any other corporate transaction or event having an effect similar to any of the foregoing.

              In the event of any such transaction or event, or in the event of a change in control (as defined in the 2016 Plan), the compensation committee may provide in substitution for any or all outstanding awards under the 2016 Plan such alternative consideration (including cash), if any, as it may in good faith determine to be equitable under the circumstances and will require in connection therewith the surrender of all awards so replaced in a manner that complies with Section 409A of the Code. In addition, for each stock option or appreciation right with an exercise price greater than the consideration offered in connection with any such transaction or event or change in control, the compensation committee may in its discretion elect to cancel such stock option or appreciation right without any payment to the person holding such stock option or appreciation right. The compensation committee will make or provide for such adjustments to the numbers and kind of shares available for issuance under the 2016 Plan and the share limits of the 2016 Plan as the compensation committee in its sole discretion may in good faith determine to be appropriate in connection with such transaction or event. However, any adjustment to the limit on the number of shares of our common stock that may be issued upon exercise of Incentive Stock Options will be made only if and to the extent such adjustment would not cause any option intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option to fail to so qualify.

              Transferability of Awards:    Except as otherwise provided by the compensation committee, no stock option, appreciation right, restricted share, restricted stock unit, performance share, performance unit, cash incentive award, other award or dividend equivalents paid with respect to awards made under the 2016 Plan may be transferred by a participant.

              Amendment and Termination of the 2016 Plan:    Our Board of Directors generally may amend the 2016 Plan from time to time in whole or in part. However, if any amendment (1) would materially increase the benefits accruing to participants under the 2016 Plan, (2) would materially increase the number of shares of our common stock which may be issued under the 2016 Plan, (3) would materially modify the requirements for participation in the 2016 Plan, or (4) must otherwise be approved by our stockholders in order to comply with applicable law or the rules of the New York Stock Exchange, then such amendment will be subject to stockholder approval and will not be effective unless and until such approval has been obtained.

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              Our Board of Directors may, in its discretion, terminate the 2016 Plan at any time. Termination of the 2016 Plan will not affect the rights of participants or their successors under any awards outstanding and not exercised in full on the date of termination. No grant will be made under the 2016 Plan more than ten years after the effective date of the 2016 Plan, but all grants made on or prior to such date shall continue in effect thereafter subject to the terms of the 2016 Plan.

Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines

              Certain of our executive officers will be subject to stock ownership guidelines after the completion of this offering. Under our stock ownership guidelines, Mr. Reintjes, our President and Chief Executive Officer, will be required to own stock in an amount equal to not less than five times his annual base salary, and our other executive officers and senior vice presidents will be required to own stock in an amount equal to not less than three times his or her annual base salary. For purposes of this requirement, an executive's holdings will include shares of our common stock held directly or indirectly, individually or jointly. Until the stock ownership requirements have been satisfied, Mr. Reintjes will be required to retain 75%, and each other executive officer or senior vice president will be required to retain 50%, of the shares received upon settlement of restricted stock, restricted stock units or performance shares (net of shares with a value equal to the amount of taxes owed by such executive in respect of such settlement) and the shares received on exercise of stock options (net of shares tendered or withheld for the payment of the exercise price and taxes owed by such executive in respect of such exercise).

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CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

              The following is a summary of transactions that occurred on or after January 1, 2013 to which we were a party, in which the amount involved exceeded $120,000 and in which any of our executive officers, directors or beneficial holders of more than 5% of our capital stock had or will have a direct or indirect material interest. We believe the terms of the transactions described below were comparable to terms we could have obtained in arm's-length dealings with unrelated third parties. The information under "—Private Placements" below does not give effect to the                -for-one forward split of our common stock to be effected prior to this offering.

              Each agreement described below is filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and the following descriptions are qualified by reference to such agreements.

Private Placements

              On September 14, 2015, we sold 62,000 shares of our common stock to Mr. Reintjes at a purchase price per share of approximately $4.09 for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $0.3 million in connection with the commencement of Mr. Reintjes' employment (the terms of which are described in "Executive Compensation—Employment Agreements").

Stockholders Agreement and Investor Rights Agreement

              Certain holders of our common stock are entitled to rights with respect to the registration of their shares of common stock, referred to as Registrable Shares, under the Securities Act of 1933, or Securities Act, in connection with this offering. These registration rights are contained in a Stockholders Agreement, dated June 15, 2012 (including the related letter agreement, dated September 14, 2015, which we refer to as the Stockholders Agreement), and in an Investor Rights Agreement, dated June 15, 2012 (which we refer to as the Investor Rights Agreement). The registration rights set forth in the Stockholders Agreement and Investor Rights Agreement will expire upon the effective date of this offering. All of the parties to the Stockholders Agreement and the Investor Rights Agreement have waived their rights under such agreements to: (i) notice of this offering and (ii) include their Registrable Shares in this offering. However, certain of the parties to such agreements will be included as selling stockholders in this offering.

New Stockholders Agreement

              In connection with this offering, we will enter into the New Stockholders Agreement with Cortec Management V, LLC, or Management, as managing general partner of Cortec Group Fund V, L.P., and other holders of our common stock party thereto, pursuant to which we will be required to take all necessary action for individuals designated by Cortec to be included in the slate of nominees recommended by the Board of Directors for election by our stockholders. Under the New Stockholders Agreement, Cortec will have the right to nominate (i) three directors so long as it beneficially owns at least 30% of our then-outstanding shares of common stock, (ii) two directors so long as it owns at least 15% but less than 30% of our then-outstanding shares of common stock, and (iii) one director so long as it beneficially owns at least 10% but less than 15% of our then-outstanding shares of common stock (we refer to any director nominated by Cortec as a Cortec Designee). The New Stockholders Agreement will also provide that so long as Cortec beneficially owns 20% or more of our then-outstanding shares of common stock, we will agree to take all necessary action to cause a Cortec Designee to serve as (i) Chairman of the Board of Directors and (ii) chairman of the nominating committee. The New Stockholders Agreement also provides Cortec with certain information rights for so long as it owns at least 5% of our then-outstanding shares of common stock.

Registration Rights Agreement

              In connection with this offering, we will enter into a registration rights agreement with Cortec, the Founders, RJS Ice 2, LP, RRS Ice 2, LP and certain other holders of our common stock (which we refer to

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as the Registration Rights Agreement). Under the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement, Cortec may request registration, or a demand registration, of all or a portion of its common stock. If Cortec makes a demand registration, the other stockholders party thereto, including the Founders, may request that up to all of their shares of common stock be included in such registration statement. In each case, the amount registered under the demand registration is subject to certain limitations and conditions. We shall not be obligated to effectuate more than four demand registrations in any 12-month period. Any demand registration must be for an anticipated aggregate offering price of at least $100 million. Roy J. Seiders, one of our directors and Founders, is the manager of RJS ICE Management, LLC, the general partner of RJS Ice 2, LP, and Ryan R. Seiders, one of our Founders, is the manager of RRS ICE Management, LLC, the general partner of RRS Ice 2, LP. In addition, in the event that we register additional shares of common stock for sale to the public following the completion of this offering, we will be required to give notice of the registration to the parties to the Registration Rights Agreement and, subject to certain limitations, include shares of common stock held by them in the registration. The agreement includes customary indemnification provisions in favor of Cortec, the Founders and the other parties to the agreement against certain losses and liabilities arising out of or based upon any filing or other disclosure made by us under the securities laws relating to any such registration.

Other Transactions

              We have entered into a management services agreement with Cortec that provides for a management fee equal to 1.0% of our net sales, not to exceed $750,000 annually, plus certain out-of-pocket expenses. During each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, we incurred fees and out-of-pocket expenses under this agreement totaling approximately $0.8 million. This agreement will be terminated upon consummation of this offering for a payment of $1.6 million to Cortec.

              Ryan Seiders, who currently serves as a Co-Founder of YETI Coolers, LLC pursuant to an employment agreement dated September 15, 2015, is the brother of Roy Seiders, one of our directors. Prior to assuming the role of Co-Founder in September 2015, Ryan Seiders served as President of YETI Coolers, LLC. Total cash payments made by us to Ryan Seiders, including salary, bonus, and a car allowance, were $0.2 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013.

              On June 15, 2012, YETI Holdings, Inc. acquired the operations of Coolers. In connection with the acquisition, we provided a seller earnout provision whereby the sellers, including Ice Box Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation controlled by Roy Seiders and Ryan Seiders, would be entitled to an additional cash payment of up to a maximum of $10 million, which we refer to as the Contingent Consideration, upon the achievement of certain performance thresholds and events. The Contingent Consideration was paid to the sellers in May 2016 in connection with the Special Distribution and included $8.5 million paid to Ice Box Holdings, Inc.

              In March 2016, the unvested stock options outstanding under the 2012 Plan, including those held by Messrs. Reintjes, Shields, and Barksdale, were modified to convert performance-based options to time-based options and to change the vesting period for time-based options.

              Under the revised terms of Roy Seiders' option agreement, the options are subject solely to time-vesting restrictions as follows: (i) 1,398,000 of the options vested on March 31, 2016, (ii) 348,000 of the options will vest on the earlier of July 31, 2017 or the first anniversary of this offering, which we refer to as the Initial Vesting Date, subject to Mr. Seiders remaining in our continuous employ as of such date, and (iii) the remaining 350,000 options will vest on the first anniversary of the Initial Vesting Date, subject to Mr. Seiders remaining in our continuous employ as of such date. On March 31, 2016, Mr. Seiders exercised the 1,398,000 options that vested on such date.

              Under the revised terms of Ryan Seiders' option agreement, the options are subject solely to time-vesting restrictions as follows: (i) 1,372,000 of the options vested on March 31, 2016, (ii) 342,000 of the options will vest on the Initial Vesting Date, subject to Mr. Seiders remaining in our continuous employ as of such date, and (iii) the remaining 342,000 options will vest on the first anniversary of the Initial

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Vesting Date, subject to Mr. Seiders remaining in our continuous employ as of such date. On March 31, 2016, Mr. Seiders exercised the 1,372,000 options that vested on such date.

              In connection with the acceleration of awards to Roy Seiders and Ryan Seiders on March 31, 2016, we incurred a non-recurring charge to non-cash stock-based compensation during the first three months of 2016.

              We lease warehouse space in Austin, Texas from Hidalgo Ice, LP, an entity owned by Roy and Ryan Seiders. The lease is month to month, can be cancelled upon 30 days written notice and requires monthly payments of $8,700. Total cash payments made by us to this entity under the lease agreement were $0.1 million for each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013.

              The underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to            % of the shares offered by this prospectus to                    . We will offer these shares to the extent permitted under applicable regulations. The number of shares available for sale to the general public in this offering will be reduced to the extent these persons purchase reserved shares. Any reserved shares not purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same terms as the other shares.

              In addition, in April 2016, we entered into an agreement with Harris Williams LLC, a less than 1% stockholder, to provide strategic and financial advisory services for a fee of $3.0 million. The term of the agreement is twelve months and the fee is due upon the consummation of a merger, sale, initial public offering or other transaction.

Limitation of Liability and Indemnification of Officers and Directors

              Section 145 of the DGCL provides that a corporation may indemnify directors and officers, as well as other employees and individuals against expenses, including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement in connection with specified actions, suits, and proceedings, other than a derivative action by or in the right of the corporation, if they acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. A similar standard is applicable in the case of derivative actions, except that indemnification extends only to expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such action and the statute requires court approval before there can be any indemnification where the person seeking indemnification has been found liable to the corporation. The statute provides that it is not exclusive of other indemnification that may be granted by a corporation's certificate of incorporation, bylaws, disinterested director vote, stockholder vote, agreement, or otherwise.

              Our current certificate of incorporation limits the liability of our directors for monetary damages for a breach of fiduciary duty as a director to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL. Consequently, our directors are not personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duties as directors, except liability for (i) any breach of their duty of loyalty to our company or our stockholders; (ii) any act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (iii) unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions as provided in Section 174 of the DGCL; or (iv) any transaction from which they derived an improper personal benefit. In addition, our current certificate of incorporation provides that we (a) will indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any action, suit, or proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she is or was one of our directors or officers or, while a director or officer, is or was serving at our request as a director or officer of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan, or other enterprise, or an heir, successor, or administrator of such person and (b) must advance expenses paid or incurred by a director in advance of the final disposition of any action, suit, or proceeding, provided such director must repay amounts in excess of the indemnification such director is ultimately entitled to.

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              Any amendment to, or repeal of, these provisions will not eliminate or reduce the effect of these provisions in respect of any act, omission, or claim that occurred or arose prior to that amendment or repeal. If the DGCL is amended to provide for further limitations on the personal liability of directors of corporations, then the personal liability of our directors will be further limited to the greatest extent permitted by the DGCL. We expect to adopt a new amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, which will become effective prior to the completion of this offering, and which will contain similar provisions that limit the liability of our directors for monetary damages to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law.

              We have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors, executive officers, and certain other officers and agents pursuant to which they are provided indemnification rights that are broader than the specific indemnification provisions contained in the DGCL. These indemnification agreements generally require us, among other things, to indemnify our directors, executive officers, and certain other officers and agents against liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service. These indemnification agreements also require us to advance all expenses incurred by the directors, executive officers, and certain other officers, and agents in investigating or defending any such action, suit, or proceeding. We believe that these agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified individuals to serve on our behalf.

              The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions that are expected to be included in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated bylaws, and the indemnification agreements that we enter into with our directors, executive officers, and certain other officers, and agents may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against our directors and officers for breach of their fiduciary duties. They may also reduce the likelihood of derivative litigation against our directors and officers, even though an action, if successful, might benefit us and other stockholders. Further, a stockholder's investment may be adversely affected to the extent that we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers as required by these indemnification provisions. At present, we are not aware of any pending litigation or proceeding involving any person who is or was one of our directors, executive officers, and certain other officers, and agents or is or was serving at our request as a director, officer, employee, or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, for which indemnification is sought, and we are not aware of any threatened litigation that may result in claims for indemnification.

              We have obtained insurance policies under which, subject to the limitations of the policies, coverage is provided to our directors and executive officers against loss arising from claims made for breach of fiduciary duty or other wrongful acts as a director or executive officer and to us with respect to payments that may be made by us to these directors and executive officers pursuant to our indemnification obligations or otherwise as a matter of law. Prior to the completion of this offering, we will enter into additional and enhanced insurance arrangements to provide coverage to our directors and executive officers against loss arising from claims relating to public securities matters.

              Certain of our non-employee directors and agents are, through their relationships with their employers, insured and/or indemnified against certain liabilities incurred in their capacity as members of our Board of Directors.

              The underwriting agreement provides for indemnification by the underwriters of us and our officers, directors, and employees for certain liabilities arising under the Securities Act or otherwise.

              Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling our company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

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Policies and Procedures for Related-Party Transactions

              Following the completion of this offering, pursuant to our audit committee charter that will be in effect upon the effectiveness of this offering, our audit committee will have the primary responsibility for reviewing and approving or disapproving "related-party transactions," which are transactions between us and related persons in which the aggregate amount involved exceeds or may be expected to exceed $120,000 and in which a related person has or will have a direct or indirect material interest. Upon the completion of this offering, our policy regarding transactions between us and related persons will provide that a related person is defined as a director, executive officer, nominee for director or greater than 5% beneficial owner of our common stock, in each case since the beginning of the most recently completed fiscal year, and any of their immediate family members.

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PRINCIPAL AND SELLING STOCKHOLDERS

              The following table presents certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of            , 2016, and as adjusted to reflect the sale of our common stock offered by us and the selling stockholders in this offering assuming no exercise and full exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares to cover over-allotments, by:

              We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the SEC and the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Unless otherwise indicated below, to our knowledge, the persons and entities named in the table have sole voting and sole investment power with respect to all shares that they beneficially own, subject to community property laws where applicable. In computing the number of shares of our common stock beneficially owned by a person and the percentage ownership of that person, we deemed outstanding shares of our common stock subject to options held by that person that are currently exercisable or exercisable within 60 days of            , 2016. We did not deem these shares outstanding, however, for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person.

              We have based percentage ownership of our common stock prior to this offering on                   shares of our common stock outstanding as of            , 2016. Percentage ownership of our common stock after this offering assumes (a) the sale by us of                         shares of common stock that we are selling in this offering, (b) the sale by the selling stockholders of                         shares of common stock that the selling stockholders are selling in this offering and (c) no exercise of the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares.

              Unless otherwise noted, the address of each beneficial owner listed on the table below is c/o YETI Holdings, Inc., 5301 Southwest Parkway, Suite 200, Austin, Texas 78735. Beneficial ownership representing less than 1% is denoted with an asterisk (*). The statements concerning voting and

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investment power included in the footnotes to this table shall not be construed as admissions that such persons are the beneficial owners of such shares of common stock.

 
   
   
   
  Shares
Beneficially
Owned After
This Offering
(Assuming No
Exercise of
Over-Allotment
Option)(4)
   
  Shares
Beneficially
Owned After
This Offering
(Assuming Full
Exercise of
Over-Allotment
Option)(4)
 
 
   
   
  Number
of Shares
Being
Offered
(Assuming
No Exercise
of Over-
Allotment
Option)
  Number
of Shares
Being
Offered
(Assuming
Full Exercise
of Over-
Allotment
Option)
 
 
  Shares
Beneficially
Owned Before
This Offering
 
Name of Beneficial Owner
  Number   %   Number   %   Number   %  

Named Executive Officer and Directors:

                                                 

David L. Schnadig

                                                 

Troy Alstead

                                                 

Dustan (Dusty) E. McCoy

                                                 

Michael E. Najjar

                                                 

Eugene P. Nesbeda

                                                 

Roy J. Seiders(1)

                                                 

Robert K. (Bob) Shearer

                                                 

Matthew J. Reintjes

                                                 

Richard J. Shields

                                                 

Bryan C. Barksdale

                                                 

All current directors and executive officers as a group (10 persons)(1)

                                                 

5% Stockholders:

   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Cortec Management V, LLC(2)

                                                 

Roy J. Seiders(1)

                                                 

Ryan R. Seiders(3)

                                                 

(1)
Includes                   shares of common stock held by RJS Ice 2, LP. Roy J. Seiders is the manager of RJS ICE Management, LLC, the general partner of RJS Ice 2, LP, and may be deemed to beneficially own the shares of common stock held by RJS Ice 2, LP. The address of RJS ICE Management, LLC is P.O. Box 163325, Austin, Texas 78716.

(2)
Includes                   shares of common stock held by Cortec Group Fund V, L.P. Cortec Investment V, LLC is the general partner of Cortec Group Fund V, L.P. The manner in which the investments of Cortec Group Fund V, L.P. are held, including shares of our common stock, and any decisions concerning their ultimate disposition, however, are subject to the control of the managers of Cortec Management V, LLC pursuant to an agreement between Cortec Fund Group V, L.P. and Cortec Management V, LLC. The managers of Cortec Management V, LLC currently consist of R. Scott Schafler, Jeffrey A. Lipsitz, and David L. Schnadig, which we refer to collectively as the "Managers." Also includes (a)                    shares of common stock held by Cortec Co-Investment Fund V, LLC and (b)                     shares of common stock held by Cortec Group Fund V (Parallel), L.P. Cortec Management V, LLC may be deemed to have investment control over the                   shares and                   shares of common stock held by Cortec Co-Investment Fund V, LLC and Cortec Group Fund V (Parallel), L.P., respectively. The address of Cortec Management V, LLC is 140 East 45th Street, 43rd Floor, New York, New York 10017.

(3)
Includes                   shares of common stock held by RRS Ice 2, LP. Ryan R. Seiders is the manager of RRS ICE Management, LLC, the general partner of RRS Ice 2, LP, and may be deemed to beneficially own the shares of common stock held by RRS Ice 2, LP. The address of RRS ICE Management, LLC is P.O. Box 163325, Austin, Texas 78716.

(4)
Does not include any shares of common stock being purchased in the directed share program.

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DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

              The following description summarizes certain important terms of our capital stock, as they are expected to be in effect prior to the completion of this offering. We adopted an amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws that will become effective prior to the completion of this offering, and this description summarizes the provisions that are included in such documents. Because it is only a summary, it does not contain all the information that may be important to you. For a complete description of the matters set forth in this section, you should refer to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated bylaws, the New Stockholders Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement, which are included as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and to the applicable provisions of Delaware law.

General

              Immediately following the completion of this offering, our authorized capital stock will consist of                         shares of capital stock, $                        par value per share, of which:

                                       shares are designated as common stock; and

                                       shares are designated as preferred stock.

              Assuming the            -for-one forward split of our common stock, which will occur prior to the completion of this offering, as of                        , 2016, there were                          shares of our common stock outstanding, held by                         stockholders of record, and no shares of our preferred stock outstanding. Following this offering we expect to have                         shares of common stock outstanding and no shares of preferred stock outstanding. Our Board of Directors is authorized to issue additional shares of our capital stock without stockholder approval, except as required by the NYSE listing standards.

Common Stock

              Voting Rights.    The holders of our common stock are entitled to one vote per share on any matter to be voted upon by stockholders. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will not provide for cumulative voting in connection with the election of directors and, accordingly, holders of more than 50% of the shares voting will be able to elect all of the directors. The holders of a majority of the shares of common stock issued and outstanding constitute a quorum at all meetings of stockholders for the transaction of business.

              Dividends.    The holders of our common stock are entitled to dividends if, as and when declared by our Board of Directors, from funds legally available therefor, subject to certain contractual limitations on our ability to declare and pay dividends. See "Dividend Policy."

              Other Rights.    Upon the consummation of this offering, no holder of our common stock will have any preemptive right to subscribe for any shares of our capital stock issued in the future.

              Upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of our affairs, the holders of our common stock are entitled to share ratably in all assets remaining after payment of creditors and subject to prior distribution rights of our preferred stock, if any.

Preferred Stock

              Following the completion of this offering, our Board of Directors will be authorized, subject to limitations prescribed by Delaware law, to issue preferred stock in one or more series, to establish from time to time the number of shares to be included in each series, and to fix the designation, powers, preferences, and rights of the shares of each series and any of its qualifications, limitations, or restrictions, in each case without further vote or action by our stockholders. Our Board of Directors can also increase or decrease the number of shares of any series of preferred stock, but not below the number of shares of

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that series then outstanding, without any further vote or action by our stockholders. Our Board of Directors may authorize the issuance of preferred stock with voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of our common stock. The issuance of preferred stock, while providing flexibility in connection with possible acquisitions and other corporate purposes, could, among other things, have the effect of delaying, deferring, or preventing a change in our control and might adversely affect the market price of our common stock and the voting and other rights of the holders of our common stock. We have no current plan to issue any shares of preferred stock.

Options

              As of                        , 2016, we had outstanding options to purchase an aggregate of                         shares of our common stock, with a weighted average exercise price of approximately $                        per share, under the 2012 Plan.

Registration Rights

              Certain holders of our common stock are entitled to rights with respect to the registration of their shares of common stock, referred to as Registrable Shares, under the Securities Act in connection with this offering. These registration rights are contained in the Stockholders Agreement and in the Investor Rights Agreement. The registration rights set forth in the Stockholders Agreement and Investor Agreement will expire upon the effective date of this offering. All of the parties to the Stockholders Agreement and the Investor Rights Agreement have waived their rights under such agreements to: (i) notice of this offering and (ii) include their Registrable Shares in this offering. However, certain of the parties to such agreements will be included as selling stockholders in this offering.

              In connection with this offering, we will enter into the Registration Rights Agreement with Cortec, the Founders, RJS Ice 2, LP, RRS Ice 2, LP and certain other holders of our common stock. Under the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement, Cortec may request registration, or a demand registration, of all or a portion of its common stock. If Cortec makes a demand registration, the other stockholders party thereto, including the Founders, may request that up to all of their shares of common stock be included in such registration statement. In each case, the amount registered under the demand registration is subject to certain limitations and conditions. We shall not be obligated to effectuate more than four demand registrations in any 12-month period. Any demand registration must be for an anticipated aggregate offering price of at least $100 million. In addition, in the event that we register additional shares of common stock for sale to the public following the completion of this offering, we will be required to give notice of the registration to the parties to the Registration Rights Agreement and, subject to certain limitations, include shares of common stock held by them in the registration.

Anti-takeover Effects of Certain Provisions of our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws

              Provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws may delay or discourage transactions involving an actual or potential change in our control or change in our management, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares, or transactions that our stockholders might otherwise deem to be in their best interests. Therefore, these provisions could adversely affect the price of our common stock. Among other things, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws will:

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              Further, we will opt out of Section 203 of the DGCL. However, our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will contain similar provisions providing that we may not engage in certain "business combinations" with any "interested stockholder" for a three-year period following the time that the stockholder became an interested stockholder, unless:

              Generally, a "business combination" includes a merger, asset, or stock sale or other transaction resulting in a financial benefit to the interested stockholder. Subject to certain exceptions, an "interested stockholder" is a person who, together with that person's affiliates and associates, owns, or within the previous three years owned, 15% or more of our outstanding voting stock. For purposes of this section only, "voting stock" has the meaning given to it in Section 203 of the DGCL.

              Under certain circumstances, this provision will make it more difficult for a person who would be an "interested stockholder" to effect various business combinations with the Company for a three-year

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period. This provision may encourage companies interested in acquiring the Company to negotiate in advance with our Board of Directors because the stockholder approval requirement would be avoided if our Board of Directors approves either the business combination or the transaction which results in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder. These provisions also may have the effect of preventing changes in our Board of Directors and may make it more difficult to accomplish transactions which stockholders may otherwise deem to be in their best interests.

              Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation will provide that Cortec and its affiliates and any of their direct or indirect transferees and any group as to which such persons are a party, do not constitute "interested stockholders" for purposes of this provision.

Choice of Forum

              Unless we consent to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware will be, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the sole and exclusive forum for any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf; any action asserting a claim of breach of fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers or other employees to us or to our stockholders; any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to the DGCL; or any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine.

Transfer Agent and Registrar

              The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, Inc.

Listing

              We have applied to list our common stock on the NYSE under the symbol "YETI."

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DESCRIPTION OF INDEBTEDNESS

2016 Credit Facility

              On May 19, 2016, we entered into the 2016 Credit Facility. The 2016 Credit Facility provides for (a) a revolving credit facility, (b) a term A loan and (c) a term B loan. All borrowings under the 2016 Credit Facility bear interest at a variable rate based on prime, federal funds or LIBOR plus an applicable margin based on our total net leverage ratio. Interest is due at the end of each quarter if we have selected to pay interest based on the base rate or at the end of each LIBOR period if we have selected to pay interest based on LIBOR.

              The revolving credit facility, which matures May 19, 2021, allows us to borrow up to $100.0 million and provides us with the ability to issue up to $20.0 million in letters of credit. The issuance of letters of credit does not increase our borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility, it, however, does reduce the amounts available under the facility. As of May 31, 2016, we had no borrowings outstanding under the revolving credit facility.

              The term A loan is a $445.0 million term loan facility, maturing on May 19, 2021. Quarterly principal payments of $11.1 million are due beginning September 30, 2016 with the entire unpaid balance due at maturity.

              The term B loan is a $105.0 million term loan facility, maturing on May 19, 2022. Quarterly principal payments of $0.3 million are due beginning September 30, 2016 with the entire unpaid balance due at maturity.

              We may request incremental term loans, incremental equivalent debt or revolving commitment increases (we refer to each as an Incremental Increase) of amounts of not more than $125.0 million in total plus an additional amount if our total secured net leverage ratio (as defined in the 2016 Credit Facility) is equal to or less than 2.50 to 1.00. In the event that any lenders fund any of the Incremental Increases, the terms and provisions of each Incremental Increase, including the interest rate, shall be determined by us and the lenders, but in no event shall the terms and provisions, when taken as a whole and subject to certain exceptions, of the applicable Incremental Increase, be more favorable to any lender providing any portion of such Incremental Increase than the terms and provisions of the loans provided under the revolving credit facility, the term A loan and the term B loan, as applicable.

              The 2016 Credit Facility is (a) jointly and severally guaranteed by our wholly owned subsidiary, Coolers, and any future subsidiaries that execute a joinder to the guaranty and collateral agreement and (b) secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of our and our subsidiaries' assets, subject to certain customary exceptions.

              The 2016 Credit Facility requires us to comply with certain financial ratios, including:

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              In addition, the 2016 Credit Facility contains customary financial and non-financial covenants limiting, among other things, mergers and acquisitions; investments, loans and advances; affiliate transactions; changes to capital structure and the business; additional indebtedness; additional liens; the payment of dividends; and the sale of assets, in each case, subject to certain customary exceptions. The 2016 Credit Facility contains customary events of default, including payment defaults, breaches of representations and warranties, covenant defaults, defaults under other material debt, events of bankruptcy and insolvency, failure of any guaranty or security document supporting the 2016 Credit Facility to be in full force and effect, and a change of control of our business.

              We used the net proceeds from the 2016 Credit Facility plus $1.7 million of cash as follows: (a) $69.1 million to repay all amounts owed under the 2012 Credit Facility; (b) $10.8 million to pay fees and expenses incurred in connection with the 2016 Credit Facility; (c) $10.0 million for contingent consideration paid primarily to our Founders in connection with our acquisition of Coolers in 2012; (d) $451.3 million to fund the Special Dividend; and (e) $10.5 million to fund a portion of the Special Distribution in the form of payments to option holders, $2.6 million of which was paid at the same time as the Special Dividend in respect of options that were vested at such time, and $7.9 million of which will be paid upon future vesting dates in respect of such options.

2012 Credit Facility

              In 2012, our wholly owned subsidiary, Coolers, entered into the 2012 Credit Facility to, among other things, provide funds for the operation of Coolers. These loans were repaid in their entirety using proceeds from the 2016 Credit Facility.

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SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

              Prior to this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. Future sales of substantial amounts of common stock in the public market could adversely affect prevailing market prices. Furthermore, since only a limited number of shares will be available for sale shortly after this offering because of contractual and legal restrictions on resale described below, sales of substantial amounts of shares of common stock in the public market after the restrictions lapse could adversely affect the prevailing market price for our shares of common stock as well as our ability to raise equity capital in the future.

              Based on the number of shares of common stock outstanding as of December 31, 2015, upon completion of this offering,                          shares of common stock will be outstanding, assuming no exercise of options after such date. Only the                         shares (or the                         shares if the underwriters exercise their option to purchase additional shares in full) sold in this offering will be freely tradable unless purchased by our "affiliates" as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act. Except as set forth below, the                        remaining shares of common stock outstanding after this offering will be "restricted securities" as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act and may be subject to lock-up agreements. These remaining shares will generally become available for sale in the public market as follows:

Rule 144

              In general, a person who has beneficially owned restricted shares of our common stock for at least six months would be entitled to sell their securities provided that (1) such person is not deemed to have been one of our affiliates at the time of, or at any time during the 90 days preceding, a sale, (2) we have been subject to the Exchange Act periodic reporting requirements for at least 90 days before the sale and (3) we are current in our Exchange Act reporting at the time of sale. Additionally, a person who has beneficially owned restricted shares for at least one year and who is not deemed to have been one of our affiliates at the time of, or at any time during the 90 days before the sale, would be entitled to sell those securities at any time.

              Persons who have beneficially owned shares of our common stock for at least six months, but who are our affiliates at the time of, or any time during the 90 days preceding, a sale, would be subject to additional restrictions, by which such person would be entitled to sell within any three-month period only a number of securities that does not exceed the greater of either of the following:

              Such sales by affiliates must also comply with the manner of sale, current public information and notice provisions of Rule 144.

Rule 701

              In general, under Rule 701 a person who purchased shares of our common stock pursuant to a written compensatory plan or contract and who is not deemed to have been one of our affiliates during the immediately preceding 90 days may sell these shares in reliance upon Rule 144, but without being required

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to comply with the notice, manner of sale, public information requirements or volume limitation provisions of Rule 144. Rule 701 also permits affiliates to sell their Rule 701 shares under Rule 144 without complying with the holding period requirements of Rule 144. All holders of Rule 701 shares, however, are required to wait until 90 days after the date of this prospectus before selling such shares pursuant to Rule 701. As of                        , options exercisable for                         shares of our outstanding common stock had been issued in reliance on Rule 701. However, all Rule 701 shares are subject to lock-up agreements as described below and will become eligible for sale upon the expiration of the restrictions set forth in those agreements.

Registration Rights Agreement

              In connection with this offering, we will enter into the Registration Rights Agreement with Cortec, the Founders, RJS Ice 2, LP, RRS Ice 2, LP and certain other holders of our common stock, pursuant to which Cortec and the other parties thereto will have demand registration rights upon the request of Cortec in respect of any shares of common stock they hold, subject to certain conditions. In addition, in the event that we register additional shares of common stock for sale to the public following the completion of this offering, we will be required to give notice of the registration to the parties to the Registration Rights Agreement and, subject to certain limitations, include shares of common stock held by them in such registration.

Lock-up Agreements

              We, our executive officers and directors and our other existing security holders have agreed not to sell or transfer any common stock or securities convertible into, exchangeable for, exercisable for, or repayable with common stock, for 180 days after the date of this prospectus without first obtaining the written consent of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC. Specifically, we and these other persons have agreed, with certain limited exceptions, not to directly or indirectly

              This lock-up provision also applies to common stock and to securities convertible into or exchangeable for or repayable with common stock owned now or acquired later by the person executing the agreement or for which the person executing the agreement later acquires the power of disposition. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, in their sole discretion, may release the common stock and other securities subject to the lock-up agreements described above, in whole or in part, at any time.

Registration Statement on Form S-8

              We intend to file a registration statement on Form S-8 under the Securities Act promptly after the completion of this offering to register the offer and sale of shares of our common stock subject to

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outstanding options, as well as reserved for future issuance, under our equity incentive plans, including the 2012 Plan and the 2016 Plan. This registration statement on Form S-8 will become effective immediately upon filing, and shares of our common stock covered by the registration statement may then be publicly resold under a valid exemption from registration and subject to the Rule 144 limitations applicable to affiliates, vesting restrictions and any applicable market standoff agreements and lock-up agreements. See "Executive Compensation—Equity Compensation Plans" for a description of our equity incentive plans.

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MATERIAL U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSEQUENCES TO NON-U.S. HOLDERS

              The following is a summary of material U.S. federal income tax considerations relevant to the ownership and disposition of our common stock by non-U.S. holders (as defined below), but does not purport to be a complete analysis of all the potential tax considerations relating thereto. This summary is based upon the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code, Treasury regulations promulgated or proposed thereunder, administrative rulings and judicial decisions, all as of the date hereof. These authorities may be changed, possibly with retroactive effect, so as to result in U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those set forth below.

              This summary is limited to non-U.S. holders who purchase our common stock pursuant to this offering and who hold shares of our common stock as capital assets within the meaning of Section 1221 of the Code (generally, for investment purposes). This summary does not address the tax considerations arising under the laws of any non-U.S., state or local jurisdiction or under U.S. federal gift and estate tax laws. In addition, this discussion does not address tax considerations applicable to an investor's particular circumstances or to investors that may be subject to special tax rules, including, without limitation:

              In addition, if a partnership (including an entity or arrangement classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) holds our common stock, the tax treatment of a partner generally will depend on the status of the partner and upon the activities of the partnership. Accordingly, partnerships that hold our common stock, and partners in such partnerships, should consult their tax advisors.

              YOU ARE URGED TO CONSULT YOUR TAX ADVISOR WITH RESPECT TO THE APPLICATION OF THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX LAWS TO YOUR PARTICULAR SITUATION, AS WELL AS ANY TAX CONSEQUENCES OF THE PURCHASE, OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF OUR COMMON STOCK ARISING UNDER THE UNITED STATES FEDERAL ESTATE OR GIFT TAX RULES, UNITED STATES ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX RULES OR UNDER THE LAWS OF ANY NON-U.S., STATE OR LOCAL TAXING JURISDICTION OR UNDER ANY APPLICABLE TAX TREATY.

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Non-U.S. Holder Defined

              For purposes of this discussion, you are a non-U.S. holder if you are any holder other than a partnership (or entity or arrangement classified as a partnership for U.S. federal income tax purposes) that is not:

Distributions

              Other than as described in this prospectus, we have not made any distributions on our common stock, and we do not expect to make any distributions for the foreseeable future. However, if we do make distributions on our common stock, other than certain pro rata distributions of common stock, those payments will constitute dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes to the extent paid from our current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined under U.S. federal income tax principles. To the extent distributions exceed both our current and our accumulated earnings and profits, they will constitute a return of capital and first will reduce your basis in our common stock, but not below zero, and then will be treated as gain from the sale of stock, subject to the tax treatment described below in "—Gain on Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Stock."

              Any dividend paid to you generally will be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a rate of 30% of the gross amount of the dividend, or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty, except to the extent that the dividends are "effectively connected" dividends, as described below. In order to be eligible for a reduced treaty rate, you must provide us with a properly completed IRS Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E or other appropriate version of IRS Form W-8 certifying qualification for the reduced rate. If you are a non-U.S. holder of shares of our common stock who is eligible for a reduced rate of U.S. federal withholding tax pursuant to an income tax treaty, you may obtain a refund of any excess amounts withheld by timely filing an appropriate claim for refund with the Internal Revenue Service, or the IRS. If you are a non-U.S. holder who holds your stock through a financial institution or other agent acting on your behalf, you will be required to provide appropriate documentation to the agent, which then will be required to provide certification to us or our paying agent, either directly or through other intermediaries.

              We may withhold up to 30% of the gross amount of the entire distribution even if greater than the amount constituting a dividend, as described above, to the extent provided for in the Treasury Regulations. If tax is withheld on the amount of a distribution in excess of the amount constituting a dividend, then a refund of any such excess amounts may be obtained if a claim for refund is timely filed with the IRS.

              Dividends received by you that are effectively connected with your conduct of a U.S. trade or business (and, if an income tax treaty applies, attributable to a permanent establishment or fixed base maintained by you in the United States) are exempt from such withholding tax. In order to obtain this exemption, you must provide us with an IRS Form W-8ECI (or other successor form) properly certifying such exemption. Such effectively connected dividends, although not subject to U.S. federal withholding tax, are generally taxed at the same graduated rates applicable to U.S. persons, net of certain deductions and credits. In addition, if you are a corporate non-U.S. holder, dividends you receive that are effectively

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connected with your conduct of a U.S. trade or business may also be subject to a branch profits tax at a rate of 30% or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty.

Gain on Sale or Other Taxable Disposition of Common Stock

              You generally will not be required to pay U.S. federal income tax on any gain realized upon the sale or other taxable disposition of our common stock unless:

              In general, we would be a USRPHC if our "U.S. real property interests" comprised at least 50% of the sum of the fair market value of our worldwide real property interests plus our other assets used or held in our trade or business. We believe that we are not currently and (based upon our projections as to our business) will not become a USRPHC. However, because the determination of whether we are a USRPHC depends on the fair market value of our U.S. real property relative to the fair market value of our other business assets, there can be no assurance that we will not become a USRPHC in the future. Even if we become a USRPHC, however, as long as our common stock is regularly traded on an established securities market (within the meaning of applicable Treasury regulations), such common stock will be treated as a U.S. real property interest only if you actually or constructively hold more than five percent of such regularly traded common stock at any time during the applicable period described above.

              If you are a non-U.S. holder described in the first bullet above, you generally will be required to pay tax on the gain derived from the sale (net of certain deductions or credits) under regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates generally applicable to U.S. persons, and corporate non-U.S. holders described in the first bullet above also may be subject to branch profits tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. If you are an individual non-U.S. holder described in the second bullet above, you will be required to pay a flat 30% tax on the gain derived from the sale, which tax may be offset by U.S. source capital losses for that year (even though you are not considered a resident of the United States), provided that the non-U.S. holder has timely filed U.S. federal income tax returns with respect to such losses. You should consult any applicable income tax or other treaties that may provide for different rules.

Backup Withholding and Information Reporting

              Generally, we must report annually to the IRS the amount of dividends paid to you, your name and address, and the amount of tax withheld, if any. A similar report will be sent to you. Pursuant to applicable income tax treaties or other agreements, the IRS may make these reports available to tax authorities in your country of residence.

              Payments of dividends or of proceeds on the disposition of stock made to you may be subject to additional information reporting and backup withholding at a current rate of 28% unless you establish an exemption, for example by properly certifying your non-U.S. status on a Form W-8BEN or W-8BEN-E or another appropriate version of IRS Form W-8. Notwithstanding the foregoing, backup withholding and

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information reporting may apply if either we or our paying agent has actual knowledge, or reason to know, that you are a U.S. person or that the conditions of any other exemption are not, in fact, satisfied.

              Backup withholding is not an additional tax; rather, the U.S. federal income tax liability of persons subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund or credit may generally be obtained from the IRS, provided that the required information is furnished to the IRS in a timely manner.

Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (or FATCA)

              Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, or FATCA, and Treasury regulations thereunder generally will impose a U.S. federal withholding tax of 30% on dividends and the gross proceeds of a disposition of our common stock paid to a "foreign financial institution" (as specially defined under these rules) unless such institution enters into (or is otherwise subject to) an agreement with the U.S. government to withhold on certain payments and to collect and provide to the U.S. tax authorities substantial information regarding U.S. account holders of such institution (which includes certain equity and debt holders of such institution, as well as certain account holders that are foreign entities with U.S. owners). FATCA also generally will impose a U.S. federal withholding tax of 30% on dividends and the gross proceeds of a disposition of our common stock paid to a non-financial foreign entity unless such entity provides the withholding agent with a certification identifying the direct and indirect U.S. owners of the entity or certifies that it does not have any substantial U.S. owners. Foreign financial institutions located in jurisdictions that have an intergovernmental agreement with the United States governing these withholding and reporting requirements may be subject to different rules. Under certain transition rules, any obligation to withhold under FATCA with respect to gross proceeds on a disposition of our common stock will not begin until January 1, 2019. Under certain circumstances, a non-U.S. holder might be eligible for refunds or credits of such taxes. Prospective investors are encouraged to consult with their own tax advisors regarding the possible implications of FATCA on their investment in our common stock.

              THE PRECEDING DISCUSSION OF UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY. THIS DISCUSSION IS NOT TAX ADVICE. EACH PROSPECTIVE INVESTOR SHOULD CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE PARTICULAR UNITED STATES FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL AND NON-U.S. TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PURCHASING, HOLDING AND DISPOSING OF OUR COMMON STOCK, INCLUDING THE CONSEQUENCES OF ANY PROPOSED CHANGE IN APPLICABLE LAWS.

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UNDERWRITING

              Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated and Piper Jaffray & Co. are acting as representatives of each of the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in an underwriting agreement among us, the selling stockholders and the underwriters, we and the selling stockholders have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each of the underwriters has agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase from us and the selling stockholders, the number of shares of common stock set forth opposite its name below.

                      Underwriter
 
Number of
Shares
 

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
                      Incorporated

       

Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC

       

Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated

       

Piper Jaffray & Co. 

       

Jefferies LLC

       

William Blair & Company, L.L.C. 

       

KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. 

       

SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc. 

       

Wells Fargo Securities, LLC

       

Raymond James & Associates, Inc. 

       

Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated

       

Academy Securities, Inc. 

       
​ ​ ​ ​ ​

                      Total

       
​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​

              Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the underwriting agreement, the underwriters have agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase all of the shares sold under the underwriting agreement if any of these shares are purchased. If an underwriter defaults, the underwriting agreement provides that the purchase commitments of the nondefaulting underwriters may be increased or the underwriting agreement may be terminated.

              We and the selling stockholders have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.

              The underwriters are offering the shares, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by their counsel, including the validity of the shares, and other conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, such as the receipt by the underwriters of officer's certificates and legal opinions. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.

Commissions and Discounts

              The representatives have advised us that the underwriters propose initially to offer the shares to the public at the public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of $                        per share. After the initial offering, the public offering price, concession or any other term of the offering may be changed.

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              The following table shows the public offering price, underwriting discount and proceeds before expenses to us. The information assumes either no exercise or full exercise by the underwriters of their option to purchase additional shares.

   
  Per Share   Without Option   With Option  
 

Public offering price

  $     $     $    
 

Underwriting discount

  $     $     $    
 

Proceeds, before expenses, to YETI Holdings, Inc. 

  $     $     $    
 

Proceeds, before expenses, to the selling stockholders

  $     $     $    

              The expenses of the offering, not including the underwriting discount, are estimated at $                        and are payable by us. We have also agreed to reimburse the underwriters for certain of their expenses, in an amount of up to $                        , as set forth in the underwriting agreement.

              In addition, the underwriters have agreed to reimburse us for certain of our expenses incurred in connection with this offering.

Option to Purchase Additional Shares

              The selling stockholders have granted an option to the underwriters, exercisable for 30 days after the date of this prospectus, to purchase up to                    additional shares at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount. If the underwriters exercise this option, each will be obligated, subject to conditions contained in the underwriting agreement, to purchase a number of additional shares proportionate to that underwriter's initial amount reflected in the table above.

Reserved Shares

              At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to            % of the shares offered by this prospectus for sale to                        . If these persons purchase reserved shares, this will reduce the number of shares available for sale to the general public. Any reserved shares that are not so purchased will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same terms as the other shares offered by this prospectus.

No Sales of Similar Securities

              We, our executive officers and directors and our other existing security holders have agreed not to sell or transfer any common stock or securities convertible into, exchangeable for, exercisable for, or repayable with common stock, for 180 days after the date of this prospectus without first obtaining the written consent of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC. Specifically, we and these other persons have agreed, with certain limited exceptions, not to directly or indirectly:

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              This lock-up provision applies to common stock and to securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for or repayable with common stock. It also applies to common stock and to securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for or repayable with common stock owned now or acquired later by the person executing the agreement or for which the person executing the agreement later acquires the power of disposition. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, in their sole discretion, may release the common stock and other securities subject to the lock-up agreements described above, in whole or in part, at any time.

Listing

              We expect the shares to be approved for listing on the NYSE, subject to notice of issuance, under the symbol "YETI." In order to meet the requirements for listing on that exchange, the underwriters have undertaken to sell a minimum number of shares to a minimum number of beneficial owners as required by that exchange.

              Before this offering, there has been no public market for our common stock. The initial public offering price will be determined through negotiations between us and the representatives. In addition to prevailing market conditions, the factors to be considered in determining the initial public offering price are:

              An active trading market for the shares may not develop. It is also possible that after the offering the shares will not trade in the public market at or above the initial public offering price.

              The underwriters do not expect to sell more than 5% of the shares in the aggregate to accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority.

Price Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids

              Until the distribution of the shares is completed, SEC rules may limit underwriters and selling group members from bidding for and purchasing our common stock. However, the representatives may engage in transactions that stabilize the price of our common stock, such as bids or purchases to peg, fix or maintain that price.

              In connection with the offering, the underwriters may purchase and sell our common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, purchases on the open market to cover positions created by short sales, and stabilizing transactions. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in the offering. "Covered" short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters' option to purchase additional shares described above. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional shares or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market compared to the price at which they may purchase shares

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through the option granted to them. "Naked" short sales are sales in excess of such option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of our common stock in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in the offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for or purchases of shares of common stock made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of the offering.

              The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased shares sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

              Similar to other purchase transactions, the underwriters' purchases to cover the syndicate short sales may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of our common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of our common stock. As a result, the price of our common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. The underwriters may conduct these transactions on the NYSE, in the over-the-counter market or otherwise.

              Neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of our common stock. In addition, neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation that the representatives will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

Electronic Distribution

              In connection with the offering, certain of the underwriters or securities dealers may distribute prospectuses by electronic means, such as e-mail.

Other Relationships

              Some of the underwriters and their affiliates have engaged in, and may in the future engage in, investment banking and other commercial dealings in the ordinary course of business with us or our affiliates. They have received, or may in the future receive, customary fees and commissions for these transactions.

              In addition, in the ordinary course of their business activities, the underwriters and their affiliates may make or hold a broad array of investments and actively trade debt and equity securities (or related derivative securities) and financial instruments (including bank loans) for their own account and for the accounts of their customers. Such investments and securities activities may involve securities and/or instruments of ours or our affiliates. The underwriters and their affiliates may also make investment recommendations and/or publish or express independent research views in respect of such securities or financial instruments and may hold, or recommend to clients that they acquire, long and/or short positions in such securities and instruments.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the European Economic Area

              In relation to each member state of the European Economic Area, no offer of ordinary shares which are the subject of the offering has been, or will be made to the public in that Member State, other than under the following exemptions under the Prospectus Directive:

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provided that no such offer of ordinary shares referred to in (a) to (c) above shall result in a requirement for the Company or any representative to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive, or supplement a prospectus pursuant to Article 16 of the Prospectus Directive.

              Each person located in a Member State to whom any offer of ordinary shares is made or who receives any communication in respect of an offer of ordinary shares, or who initially acquires any ordinary shares will be deemed to have represented, warranted, acknowledged and agreed to and with each representative and the Company that (1) it is a "qualified investor" within the meaning of the law in that Member State implementing Article 2(1)(e) of the Prospectus Directive; and (2) in the case of any ordinary shares acquired by it as a financial intermediary as that term is used in Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive, the ordinary shares acquired by it in the offer have not been acquired on behalf of, nor have they been acquired with a view to their offer or resale to, persons in any Member State other than qualified investors, as that term is defined in the Prospectus Directive, or in circumstances in which the prior consent of the representatives has been given to the offer or resale; or where ordinary shares have been acquired by it on behalf of persons in any Member State other than qualified investors, the offer of those ordinary shares to it is not treated under the Prospectus Directive as having been made to such persons.

              The Company, the representatives and their respective affiliates will rely upon the truth and accuracy of the foregoing representations, acknowledgments and agreements.

              This prospectus has been prepared on the basis that any offer of shares in any Member State will be made pursuant to an exemption under the Prospectus Directive from the requirement to publish a prospectus for offers of shares. Accordingly any person making or intending to make an offer in that Member State of shares which are the subject of the offering contemplated in this prospectus may only do so in circumstances in which no obligation arises for the Company or any of the representatives to publish a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Directive in relation to such offer. Neither the Company nor the representatives have authorized, nor do they authorize, the making of any offer of shares in circumstances in which an obligation arises for the Company or the representatives to publish a prospectus for such offer.

              For the purposes of this provision, the expression an "offer of ordinary shares to the public" in relation to any ordinary shares in any Member State means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the ordinary shares to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe the ordinary shares, as the same may be varied in that Member State by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Member State, the expression "Prospectus Directive" means Directive 2003/71/EC (as amended) and includes any relevant implementing measure in each Member State.

              The above selling restriction is in addition to any other selling restrictions set out below.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the United Kingdom

              In addition, in the United Kingdom, this document is being distributed only to, and is directed only at, and any offer subsequently made may only be directed at persons who are "qualified investors" (as defined in the Prospectus Directive) (i) who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended, which we refer to as the Order, and/or (ii) who are high net worth companies (or persons to whom it may otherwise be lawfully communicated) falling within Article 49(2)(a)

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to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "relevant persons"). This document must not be acted on or relied on in the United Kingdom by persons who are not relevant persons. In the United Kingdom, any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is only available to, and will be engaged in with, relevant persons.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Switzerland

              The shares may not be publicly offered in Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange, or SIX, or on any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. This document has been prepared without regard to the disclosure standards for issuance prospectuses under art. 652a or art. 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or the disclosure standards for listing prospectuses under art. 27 ff. of the SIX Listing Rules or the listing rules of any other stock exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the shares or the offering may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland.

              Neither this document nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the offering, the Company, the shares have been or will be filed with or approved by any Swiss regulatory authority. In particular, this document will not be filed with, and the offer of shares will not be supervised by, the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA, or FINMA, and the offer of shares has not been and will not be authorized under the Swiss Federal Act on Collective Investment Schemes, or CISA. The investor protection afforded to acquirers of interests in collective investment schemes under the CISA does not extend to acquirers of shares.

Notice to Prospective Investors in the Dubai International Financial Centre

              This prospectus relates to an Exempt Offer in accordance with the Markets Rules of the Dubai Financial Services Authority, or DFSA. This prospectus is intended for distribution only to persons of a type specified in the Markets Rules of the DFSA. It must not be delivered to, or relied on by, any other person. The DFSA has no responsibility for reviewing or verifying any documents in connection with Exempt Offers. The DFSA has not approved this prospectus nor taken steps to verify the information set forth herein and has no responsibility for the prospectus. The shares to which this prospectus relates may be illiquid and/or subject to restrictions on their resale. Prospective purchasers of the shares offered should conduct their own due diligence on the shares. If you do not understand the contents of this prospectus you should consult an authorized financial advisor.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Australia

              No placement document, prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document has been lodged with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, or ASIC, in relation to the offering. This prospectus does not constitute a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act 2001, or the Corporations Act, and does not purport to include the information required for a prospectus, product disclosure statement or other disclosure document under the Corporations Act.

              Any offer in Australia of the shares may only be made to persons, which we refer to as the Exempt Investors, who are "sophisticated investors" (within the meaning of section 708(8) of the Corporations Act), "professional investors" (within the meaning of section 708(11) of the Corporations Act) or otherwise pursuant to one or more exemptions contained in section 708 of the Corporations Act so that it is lawful to offer the shares without disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act.

              The shares applied for by Exempt Investors in Australia must not be offered for sale in Australia in the period of 12 months after the date of allotment under the offering, except in circumstances where disclosure to investors under Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act would not be required pursuant to an

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exemption under section 708 of the Corporations Act or otherwise or where the offer is pursuant to a disclosure document which complies with Chapter 6D of the Corporations Act. Any person acquiring shares must observe such Australian on-sale restrictions.

              This prospectus contains general information only and does not take account of the investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. It is only provided to "wholesale clients" (within the meaning of section 761G(4) of the Corporations Act) in Australia. Before making an investment decision, investors should consider whether the information in this prospectus and the shares offered under this prospectus are appropriate to their needs, objectives and financial circumstances and seek expert advice on those matters.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Hong Kong

              The shares have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold in Hong Kong, by means of any document, other than (a) to "professional investors" as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder; or (b) in other circumstances which do not result in the document being a "prospectus" as defined in the Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32 of the Laws of Hong Kong), or which do not constitute an offer to the public within the meaning thereunder. No advertisement, invitation or document relating to the shares has been or may be issued or has been or may be in the possession of any person for the purposes of issue, whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere, which is directed at, or the contents of which are likely to be accessed or read by, the public of Hong Kong (except if permitted to do so under the securities laws of Hong Kong) other than with respect to shares which are or are intended to be disposed of only to persons outside Hong Kong or only to "professional investors" as defined in the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571 of the Laws of Hong Kong) and any rules made thereunder.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Japan

              The shares have not been and will not be registered under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law of Japan (Law No. 25 of 1948, as amended) and, accordingly, will not be offered or sold, directly or indirectly, in Japan, or for the benefit of any Japanese Person or to others for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in Japan or to any Japanese Person, except in compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and ministerial guidelines promulgated by relevant Japanese governmental or regulatory authorities in effect at the relevant time. For the purposes of this paragraph, "Japanese Person" shall mean any person resident in Japan, including any corporation or other entity organized under the laws of Japan.

Notice to Prospective Investors in Singapore

              This prospectus has not been registered as a prospectus with the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Accordingly, this prospectus and any other document or material in connection with the offer or sale, or invitation for subscription or purchase, of shares may not be circulated or distributed, nor may the shares be offered or sold, or be made the subject of an invitation for subscription or purchase, whether directly or indirectly, to persons in Singapore other than (i) to an institutional investor under Section 274 of the Securities and Futures Act, Chapter 289 of Singapore, or SFA, (ii) to a relevant person pursuant to Section 275(1), or any person pursuant to Section 275(1A), and in accordance with the conditions specified in Section 275, of the SFA, or (iii) otherwise pursuant to, and in accordance with the conditions of, any other applicable provision of the SFA.

              Where the shares are subscribed or purchased under Section 275 of the SFA by a relevant person which is:

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securities (as defined in Section 239(1) of the SFA) of that corporation or the beneficiaries' rights and interest (howsoever described) in that trust shall not be transferred within six months after that corporation or that trust has acquired the shares pursuant to an offer made under Section 275 of the SFA except:

Notice to Prospective Investors in Canada

              The shares may be sold only to purchasers purchasing, or deemed to be purchasing, as principal that are accredited investors, as defined in National Instrument 45-106 Prospectus Exemptions or subsection 73.3(1) of the Securities Act (Ontario), and are permitted clients, as defined in National Instrument 31-103 Registration Requirements, Exemptions and Ongoing Registrant Obligations. Any resale of the shares must be made in accordance with an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the prospectus requirements of applicable securities laws.

              Securities legislation in certain provinces or territories of Canada may provide a purchaser with remedies for rescission or damages if this prospectus (including any amendment thereto) contains a misrepresentation, provided that the remedies for rescission or damages are exercised by the purchaser within the time limit prescribed by the securities legislation of the purchaser's province or territory. The purchaser should refer to any applicable provisions of the securities legislation of the purchaser's province or territory for particulars of these rights or consult with a legal advisor.

              Pursuant to section 3A.3 (or, in the case of securities issued or guaranteed by the government of a non-Canadian jurisdiction, section 3A.4) of National Instrument 33-105 Underwriting Conflicts (NI 33-105), the underwriters are not required to comply with the disclosure requirements of NI 33-105 regarding underwriter conflicts of interest in connection with this offering.

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LEGAL MATTERS

              The validity of the issuance of the shares of common stock offered by this prospectus will be passed on for us by Jones Day. Certain legal matters relating to this offering will be passed on for the underwriters by Latham & Watkins LLP.


EXPERTS

              The audited consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus and elsewhere in the registration statement have been so included in reliance upon the report of Grant Thornton LLP, independent registered public accountants, upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.


WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

              We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with respect to our shares of common stock offered hereby. This prospectus, which constitutes a part of the registration statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules thereto. Some items are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC. For further information with respect to us and the shares of common stock offered hereby, we refer you to the registration statement and the exhibits and schedules filed therewith. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract, agreement or any other document are summaries of the material terms of such contract, agreement or other document. With respect to each of these contracts, agreements or other documents filed as an exhibit to the registration statement, reference is made to the exhibits for a more complete description of the matter involved. A copy of the registration statement, and the exhibits and schedules thereto, may be inspected without charge at the public reference facilities maintained by the SEC at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549, and copies of these materials may be obtained from those offices upon the payment of the fees prescribed by the SEC. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on the operation of the public reference facility. The SEC maintains a web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. The address of the SEC's website is http://www.sec.gov.

              Upon completion of this offering, we will be required to file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC pursuant to the Exchange Act. To comply with these requirements, we will file periodic reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. In addition, we intend to make available on or through our internet website, YETI.com, our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.

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INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Financial Statements

Table of Contents

 
  Page  

Index To Financial Statements

       

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015

   
F-2
 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015

    F-3  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2016

    F-4  

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015

    F-5  

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

    F-6  

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

   
F-13
 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014

    F-14  

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

    F-15  

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

    F-16  

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013

    F-17  

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

    F-18  

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YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except per share data)

 
  Pro Forma
March 31,
2016
  March 31,
2016
  December 31,
2015
 
 
  (unaudited)
  (unaudited)
   
 

ASSETS

                   

Current assets

                   

Cash

  $ 20,029   $ 20,029   $ 40,253  

Accounts receivable, net

    92,184     92,184     63,985  

Inventories

    90,335     90,335     88,310  

Deposits

    28,296     28,296     15,097  

Income tax receivable

    15,284     15,284     —  

Related party receivables

    25,859     25,859     —  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    13,367     13,367     8,399  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total current assets

    285,354     285,354     216,044  

Property and equipment, net

   
18,338
   
18,338
   
14,834
 

Goodwill

   
50,683
   
50,683
   
50,683
 

Intangible assets, net

    64,339     64,339     63,096  

Deferred charges and other assets, net

    4,329     4,329     130  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total assets

  $ 423,043   $ 423,043   $ 344,787  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

                   

Current liabilities

                   

Current maturities of long-term debt

  $ 1,957   $ 1,957   $ 1,957  

Accounts payable

    23,579     23,579     24,925  

Accrued expenses

    22,539     22,539     25,341  

Taxes payable

    1,301     1,301     13,889  

Accrued payroll and related costs

    39,039     39,039     4,987  

Dividend payable

    451,264     —     —  

Other current liabilities

    10,000     10,000     10,000  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total current liabilities

    549,679     98,415     81,099  

Long-term debt

    65,417     65,417     58,468  

Deferred income taxes

    —     —     4,091  

Other liabilities

    177     177     211  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total liabilities

    615,273     164,009     143,869  

Commitments and contingencies

   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Stockholders' equity

   
 
   
 
   
 
 

Common stock, $0.01 par value; 400,000 shares authorized; 205,120 and 201,560 shares outstanding at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively

    2,051     2,051     2,016  

Additional paid-in capital

    197,118     197,118     100,849  

Retained earnings

    (391,399 )   59,865     98,053  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total stockholders' equity

    (192,230 )   259,034     200,918  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

  $ 423,043   $ 423,043   $ 344,787  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

   

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements

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YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share data)

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
  2016   2015  

Net sales

  $ 191,254   $ 52,209  

Cost of goods sold

    98,999     29,700  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Gross profit

    92,255     22,509  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    149,842     13,864  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Operating (loss) income

    (57,587 )   8,645  

Interest expense

    (1,780 )   (979 )

Other expense

    —     (506 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

(Loss) income before income taxes

    (59,367 )   7,160  

Income tax benefit (expense)

    21,179     (2,521 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net (loss) income

  $ (38,188 ) $ 4,639  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net (loss) income per share

             

Basic

  $ (0.19 )   0.02  

Diluted

  $ (0.19 )   0.02  

Weighted average common shares outstanding

             

Basic

    201,696     200,244  

Diluted

    201,696     202,184  

Pro Forma net (loss) income per share

   
 
   
 
 

Basic and Diluted

             

Pro Forma weighted average common shares outstanding

             

Basic and Diluted

             

   

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements

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YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 
  Common Stock    
   
   
 
 
  Additional
Paid-In
Capital
  Retained
Earnings
  Stockholders'
Equity
 
 
  Shares   Amount  

Balance, December 31, 2015

    201,560   $ 2,016   $ 100,849   $ 98,053   $ 200,918  

Stock-based compensation

    —     —     105,456     —     105,456  

Exercise of options

    3,456     34     1,406     —     1,440  

Issuance of common shares

    104     1     707     —     708  

Forfeitures of employee stock options          

    —     —     (3,291 )   —     (3,291 )

Taxes paid in connection with exercise of stock options

    —     —     (9,613 )   —     (9,613 )

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation plans

    —     —     1,604     —     1,604  

Net loss

    —     —     —     (38,188 )   (38,188 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Balance, March 31, 2016

    205,120   $ 2,051   $ 197,118   $ 59,865   $ 259,034  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

   

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements

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Table of Contents


YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
  2016   2015  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

             

Net (loss) income

  $ (38,188 ) $ 4,639  

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to cash from operating activities

             

Depreciation and amortization

    2,211     1,820  

Amortization of deferred loan costs

    237     107  

Stock-based compensation expense

    105,456     90  

Deferred income taxes

    (7,665 )   493  

Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation plans

    (1,608 )   —  

Change in fair value of contingent consideration payable

    —     506  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

             

Accounts receivable, net

    (28,199 )   (3,478 )

Inventory

    (2,025 )   (2,036 )

Income tax receivable

    (15,284 )   —  

Other current assets

    (19,600 )   (10,820 )

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    5,478     1,002  

Taxes payable

    (10,984 )   287  

Other

    (617 )   1  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net cash used in operating activities

    (10,788 )   (7,389 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Cash flows from Investing Activities:

             

Additions to property and equipment

    (4,592 )   (699 )

Additions to intangible assets

    (2,407 )   (78 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net cash used in investing activities

    (6,999 )   (777 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

             

Changes in revolving line of credit

    7,500     10,000  

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

    —     —  

Repayments of long-term debt

    (489 )   (489 )

Payment of deferred financing fees

    (300 )   —  

Proceeds from employee stock transactions

    1,440     —  

Tax benefit from stock-based compensation plans

    1,608     —  

Forfeitures of employee stock options

    (3,291 )   —  

Taxes paid in connection with exercise of stock options

    (9,613 )      

Issuance of common shares

    708     —  

Stockholder distributions

    —     —  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

    (2,437 )   9,511  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net change in cash

    (20,224 )   1,345  

Cash, beginning of period

    40,253     8,887  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Cash, end of period

  $ 20,029   $ 10,232  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

   

See accompanying notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements

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Table of Contents


YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

March 31, 2016

Note 1—Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

Organization and Business

              YETI Holdings, Inc. is a rapidly growing designer, marketer, and distributor of premium products for the outdoor and recreation market, which are sold under the YETI® brand. We sell our products to independent retailers and national accounts across a wide variety of end user markets as well as through our direct-to-consumer channel, primarily our e-commerce website.

Principles of Consolidation

              The condensed consolidated financial statements and related disclosures are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). The condensed consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our wholly owned subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

              The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP for interim financial information and do not include all of the information and notes required for complete financial statements. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with our most recent annual consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all normal and recurring adjustments necessary to fairly present the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for any other interim period or for the year ending December 31, 2016.

Use of Estimates

              In preparing the condensed consolidated financial statements, we make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, sales, expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We re-evaluate our estimates on an on-going basis. Our estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Due to the uncertainty inherent in these estimates, actual results may differ from these estimates and could differ based upon other assumptions or conditions.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements

              In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, "Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30)." This update requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the associated debt liability. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15 which allows a debt issuance cost related to a line-of-credit to be presented in the balance sheet as an asset and subsequently amortized ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. We did not adopt the provisions of ASU No. 2015-15 and have included all debt issuance costs, including those related to our line-of-credit, as a direct reduction of our Long-Term Debt. In connection with the adoption of ASU No. 2015-03, on

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YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Unaudited)

March 31, 2016

Note 1—Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

January 1, 2016, we reclassified approximately $1.3 million and $1.1 million from Deferred Charges and Other Assets, net to Long-Term Debt as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Note 2—Share Data

              We are authorized to issue up to 400,000,000 shares of common stock. The number of common shares outstanding totaled 205,120,000 and 201,560,000 at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Basic income per share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income per share includes the additional effect of all potentially dilutive securities, which includes dilutive share options granted under stock-based compensation plans.

              A reconciliation of shares for basic and diluted net income per share is set forth below (in thousands, except per share data):

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31,
 
 
  2016   2015  

Net (loss) income

  $ (38,188 ) $ 4,639  

Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic

   
201,696
   
200,244
 

Effect of dilutive securities

    —     1,940  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted

    201,696     202,184  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Earnings per share

             

Basic

  $ (0.19 )   0.02  

Diluted

  $ (0.19 )   0.02  

              Only those items having a dilutive impact on our basic earnings per share are included in diluted earnings per share. The effect of stock options is not included in the computation for periods in which a net loss occurs because to do so would be anti-dilutive. For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, approximately 8,512,000 shares and 520,000 shares, respectively, underlying stock options were excluded from the diluted earnings per share as such stock options were not dilutive.

Note 3—Property and Equipment

              Property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):

 
  March 31,
2016
  December 31,
2015
 

Production molds and tooling

  $ 16,443   $ 15,411  

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

    1,421     669  

Computers and software

    8,750     5,991  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Property and equipment—gross

    26,614     22,071  

Accumulated depreciation

    (8,276 )   (7,237 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Property and equipment—net

  $ 18,338   $ 14,834  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Unaudited)

March 31, 2016

Note 3—Property and Equipment (Continued)

              Depreciation expense totaled approximately $1.0 million, and $0.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Note 4—Intangible Assets

              The following is a summary of our intangible assets as of March 31, 2016 (in thousands):

 
  Gross
Carrying
Amount
  Accumulated
Amortization
  Net
Carrying
Amount
  Useful
Life

Tradename

  $ 31,363   $ —   $ 31,363   Indefinite

Customer relationships

    42,205     (14,559 )   27,646   11 years

Non-compete agreements

    2,815     (2,136 )   679   5 years

Trademarks

    2,371     (48 )   2,323   20 years

Patents

    2,371     (53 )   2,318   20 years

Copyrights

    10     —     10   Indefinite
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total intangible assets

  $ 81,135   $ (16,796 ) $ 64,339    
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

              The following is a summary of our intangible assets as of December 31, 2015 (in thousands):

 
  Gross
Carrying
Amount
  Accumulated
Amortization
  Net
Carrying
Amount
  Useful
Life

Tradename

  $ 31,363   $ —   $ 31,363   Indefinite

Customer relationships

    42,205     (13,599 )   28,606   11 years

Non-compete agreements

    2,815     (1,996 )   819   5 years

Trademarks

    1,273     (24 )   1,249   20 years

Patents

    1,072     (13 )   1,059   20 years
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total intangible assets

  $ 78,728   $ (15,632 ) $ 63,096    
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

              Amortization expense for the three months ended March, 31, 2016 and 2015 totaled approximately $1.2 million and $1.1 million, respectively.

Note 5—Income Taxes

              We recorded an income tax benefit of $21.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 due to a pre-tax net loss of $59.4 million, which resulted in an effective tax rate of 36% compared with 35% for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Note 6—Stock-Based Compensation

              We have an incentive plan, the 2012 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan (the "Plan"), which provides for up to 22,112,000 shares of authorized stock to be awarded as either "time-based" or "performance-based" options. The exercise price of options granted under the Plan is equal to the estimated fair market value of our common stock at the date of grant.

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YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Unaudited)

March 31, 2016

Note 6—Stock-Based Compensation (Continued)

              The calculated value of each option is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The expected option term assumption reflects the period for which we believe the option will remain outstanding. This assumption is based upon the historical and expected behavior of our employees and may vary based upon the behavior of different groups of employees.

              We have used the calculated value method to account for the options. A nonpublic entity that is unable to estimate the expected stock price volatility of its underlying stock may measure awards based on a "calculated value," which substitutes the volatility of an appropriate index for the volatility of the entity's own stock price. Currently, there is no active market for our common shares. To determine stock price volatility, we used the historical closing values of comparable publicly-held entities. The risk-free interest rate reflects the U.S. Treasury yield curve for a similar instrument with the same expected term in effect at the time of the grant.

              In March 2016, the unvested options outstanding under the Plan were modified to convert performance-based options to time-based options, and to change the vesting period for time-based options. Under the terms of the modified agreements, all options now generally vest over a three-year period.

              In connection with the modifications, the incremental fair value of each option was calculated at the date of the modification. This was achieved by calculating the fair value of each option immediately before and after the modification. For any option where the new fair value immediately after the modification was lower than the fair value immediately prior to the modification, no change was made to the original fair value. For those options where the fair value increased as a result of the modification, this incremental compensation cost will be recognized over the remaining requisite service period. As of March 31, 2016, total unrecognized compensation expense for unvested options totaled $57.5 million, and will be recognized over the next three years.

              Additionally, in March 2016, four employee's awards were accelerated so that a portion of their options vested immediately. This resulted in a one-time non-cash charge of approximately $104.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

              We recognized approximately $105.5 million and $0.1 million of stock-based compensation expense during the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. As a result of the contingent nature of the performance-based options, no compensation expense had been recorded prior to their modification.

              As of March 31, 2016, 8,512,000 options were outstanding with a weighted-average exercise price of $1.72, and as of December 31, 2015, 13,824,000 options were outstanding with a weighted-average exercise price $1.24.

Note 7—Fair Value of Financial Instruments

              For financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis, fair value is the price we would receive to sell an asset, or pay to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction with a market participant at the measurement date. In the absence of such data, fair value is estimated using internal information consistent with what market participants would use in a hypothetical

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Table of Contents


YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Unaudited)

March 31, 2016

Note 7—Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Continued)

transaction. In determining fair value, observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions; preference is given to observable inputs. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:

  Level 1:   Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
  Level 2:   Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
  Level 3:   Significant inputs to the valuation model are unobservable.

              Our financial instruments consist principally of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and bank indebtedness. The carrying amount of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. The fair value of our long-term bank indebtedness, which is classified as a level 2, was approximately $72.0 million at March 31, 2016. We estimate the fair value of our long-term bank indebtedness using a discounted cash flow valuation methodology. This methodology utilizes an interest rate assumption for long-term bank indebtedness with similar terms and remaining maturities.

              On June 15, 2012, YETI Holdings, Inc. acquired the operations of YETI Coolers, LLC ("Coolers"). In connection with the acquisition, we provided a seller earnout provision whereby the sellers would be entitled to an additional cash payment of up to a maximum of $10 million (the "Contingent Consideration"), upon the achievement of certain performance thresholds and events. The Contingent Consideration liability was initially measured at a fair value of $2.9 million at the date of acquisition. Subsequent to the initial measurement, the liability was measured at fair value on a recurring basis by estimating the timing of payment and probability weighting the various valuation scenarios. Such a measure is based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market, and therefore, classified as Level 3. Key assumptions include the estimated timing of payment, the probability of achieving the specified return and discount rates. The balance of the Contingent Consideration was $10.0 million at both March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 and was included in other current liabilities. The Contingent Consideration was paid to the sellers in May 2016.

Note 8—Related-Party Agreements

              We have entered into a management services agreement with our majority stockholder that provides for a management fee to be based on 1.0% of total sales not to exceed $750,000 annually plus certain out-of-pocket expenses. During the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, we incurred fees and out-of-pocket expenses under this agreement totaling approximately $0.8 million and $0.5 million, respectively, which were included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

              We lease warehouse and office facilities under various operating leases. One warehouse facility is leased from an entity owned by our Founders, Roy and Ryan Seiders. The lease, which is month to month and can be cancelled upon 30 days written notice, requires monthly payments of $8,700 and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

              Related party receivables of $25.9 million relate to withholding taxes due from employees, including our Founders, which we are required to remit for stock options exercised by them.

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Table of Contents


YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Unaudited)

March 31, 2016

Note 9—Commitments and Contingencies

              In January 2016, we entered into a new operating lease for space to be used as our corporate headquarters. The lease agreement is for two buildings, currently under construction, totaling approximately 175,000 square feet. The construction is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2017 and the lease term is 120 months. Monthly payments over the lease term are approximately $0.4 million.

              The future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable agreements at March 31, 2016 are as follows (in thousands):

2016

  $ 2,863  

2017

    5,449  

2018

    6,829  

2019

    5,251  

2020

    5,401  

Thereafter

    35,340  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

  $ 61,133  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Note 10—Segments

              We design, market, and distribute premium products for the outdoor and recreation market, which are sold under the YETI® brand. We report our operations as a single reportable segment, and manage our business as a single-brand consumer products business. This is supported by our operational structure, which includes sales, design, operations, marketing, and administrative functions focused on the entire product suite rather than individual product categories. Our chief operating decision maker does not regularly review financial information specifically by product category, sales channel or geographic region that would allow decisions to be made about allocation of resources or performance.

Note 11—Subsequent Events

              On May 5, 2016, the Board of Directors approved a stock split effected in the form of a stock dividend. The stock split was on a 2,000-to-1 ratio for each share of common stock outstanding. The stock split increased the number of authorized shares from 200,000 shares to 400,000,000 shares. All share and per share data for earnings per share and share-based compensation have been retroactively adjusted to give effect to the stock split.

              On May 17, 2016, our Board of Directors approved a dividend of $2.20 per share, or $451.3 million, to be paid to stockholders of record as of May 17, 2016.

              In connection with the dividend, pursuant to anti-dilution provisions in the Plan, the option strike price on outstanding options was reduced by the lesser of 70% of the original strike price or the per share amount of the dividend. Any difference between the reduction in strike price and dividend was paid in cash, either immediately for vested options, or to be paid upon vesting of the options. As a result of the reduction in option strike price, the weighted average exercise price on outstanding options was $0.76 per share.

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Table of Contents


YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Unaudited)

March 31, 2016

Note 11—Subsequent Events (Continued)

              On May 19, 2016, we entered into a new $650.0 million senior secured credit facility, or the 2016 Credit Facility. The 2016 Credit Facility provides for: (a) a $100.0 million revolving credit facility, which matures on May 19, 2021; (b) a $445.0 million term A loan, which matures on May 19, 2021; and (c) a $105.0 million term B loan, which matures on May 19, 2022. All borrowings under our new senior secured credit facility bear interest at a variable rate based on prime, federal funds or LIBOR plus an applicable margin based on our total net leverage ratio. The 2016 Credit Facility contains customary financial and non-financial covenants.

              We used the net proceeds from the 2016 Credit Facility as follows: (a) $69.1 million to repay all amounts owed under our prior credit facility; (b) $10.8 million to pay fees and expenses incurred in connection with the 2016 Credit Facility; (c) $10.0 million for contingent consideration; and (d) $451.3 million to fund the dividend.

              We have evaluated all subsequent events for potential recognition and disclosure through June 6, 2016, the date the condensed consolidated financial statements were available to be issued.

Note 12—Pro Forma Information

              As discussed in Note 11, on May 17, 2016, our Board of Directors approved a dividend of $2.20 per share, or $451.3 million, to be paid to stockholders of record as of May 17, 2016.

              The unaudited pro forma balance sheet as of March 31, 2016 reflects the recognition of the dividend as if such distribution were declared and paid on March 31, 2016.

              The pro forma earnings per share and pro forma equivalent shares which give effect to the issuance of the number of shares that would be required to generate net proceeds sufficient to make the dividend of $451.3 million in the aggregate to our stockholders. The number of incremental shares that would be required to be issued to pay the dividend is based on the assumed initial public offering price of $    per share, the midpoint of the price range set forth on the cover of this prospectus.

              The following is a computation of pro forma basic and diluted earnings per share for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and year ended December 31, 2015:

 
  Three Months Ended
March 31, 2016
  Year Ended
December 31,
2015
 

Weighted average common shares outstanding—Basic and Diluted

    201,696        

Additional pro forma shares required to be issued in offering necessary to pay the dividend

             
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Pro forma weighted average common shares outstanding—Basic and Diluted

             
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Pro forma net loss per share

   
 
   
 
 

Basic and Diluted

  $ —   $    

F-12


Table of Contents


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

Board of Directors and Stockholders
YETI Holdings, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of YETI Holdings, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015, and the related notes to the financial statements. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of YETI Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2015 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP
Dallas, Texas
April 11, 2016 (Except for Note 13 and the effects thereof, which is as of June 6, 2016)

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Table of Contents


YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except per share data)

 
  December 31,  
 
  2015   2014  

ASSETS

             

Current assets

             

Cash

  $ 40,253   $ 8,887  

Accounts receivable, net

    63,985     16,861  

Inventories

    88,310     17,698  

Deposits

    15,097     8,359  

Prepaid expenses and other current assets

    8,399     3,362  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total current assets

    216,044     55,167  

Property and equipment, net

    14,834     9,081  

Goodwill

    50,683     50,683  

Intangible assets, net

    63,096     65,478  

Deferred charges and other assets, net

    1,381     1,099  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total assets

  $ 346,038   $ 181,508  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

             

Current liabilities

             

Current maturities of long-term debt

  $ 1,957   $ 1,957  

Accounts payable

    24,925     12,852  

Accrued expenses

    25,341     4,904  

Taxes payable

    13,889     595  

Accrued payroll and related costs

    4,987     1,496  

Other current liabilities

    10,000     —  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total current liabilities

    81,099     21,804  

Long-term debt

    59,719     26,676  

Deferred income taxes

    4,091     4,694  

Other liabilities

    211     3,782  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total liabilities

    145,120     56,956  

Commitments and contingencies

             

Stockholders' equity

             

Common stock, $0.01 par value; 400,000 shares authorized; 201,560 and 200,244 shares outstanding at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively

    2,016     2,002  

Additional paid-in capital

    100,849     98,719  

Retained earnings

    98,053     23,831  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total stockholders' equity

    200,918     124,552  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

  $ 346,038   $ 181,508  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

   

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

F-14


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YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share data)

 
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  2015   2014   2013  

Net sales

  $ 468,946   $ 147,729   $ 89,923  

Cost of goods sold

    250,245     80,543     45,541  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Gross profit

    218,701     67,186     44,382  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    90,791     41,519     29,210  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Operating income

    127,910     25,667     15,172  

Interest expense

    (6,075 )   (3,522 )   (3,884 )

Other expense

    (6,474 )   (221 )   (221 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Income before income taxes

    115,361     21,924     11,067  

Income tax expense

    (41,139 )   (7,714 )   (3,806 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net income

  $ 74,222   $ 14,210   $ 7,261  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net income per share

                   

Basic

  $ 0.37   $ 0.07   $ 0.04  

Diluted

  $ 0.37   $ 0.07   $ 0.04  

Weighted average common shares outstanding

                   

Basic

    200,944     199,666     199,002  

Diluted

    203,187     201,182     200,026  

   

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

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YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

(In thousands)

 
  Common Stock    
   
   
 
 
  Additional
Paid-In
Capital
  Retained
Earnings
  Total
Stockholders'
Equity
 
 
  Shares   Amount  

Balance, December 31, 2012

    199,002   $ 1,990   $ 97,596   $ 2,360   $ 101,946  

Stock-based compensation

    —     —     125     —     125  

Net income

    —     —     —     7,261     7,261  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Balance, December 31, 2013

    199,002     1,990     97,721     9,621     109,332  

Exercise of options

    1,242     12     609     —     621  

Stock-based compensation

    —     —     233     —     233  

Tax benefit from employee stock plans

    —     —     156     —     156  

Net income

    —     —     —     14,210     14,210  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Balance, December 31, 2014

    200,244     2,002     98,719     23,831     124,552  

Exercise of options

    1,254     13     618     —     631  

Issuance of common shares

    62     1     253     —     254  

Stock-based compensation

    —     —     624     —     624  

Tax benefit from employee stock plans

    —     —     635     —     635  

Net income

    —     —     —     74,222     74,222  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Balance, December 31, 2015

    201,560   $ 2,016   $ 100,849   $ 98,053   $ 200,918  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

   

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

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YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)

 
  Year Ended December 31,  
 
  2015   2014   2013  

Cash Flows from Operating Activities:

                   

Net income

  $ 74,222   $ 14,210   $ 7,261  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash from operating activities:

                   

Depreciation and amortization

    7,531     6,803     5,713  

Amortization of deferred loan costs

    722     298     261  

Stock-based compensation

    624     233     125  

Deferred income taxes

    (1,664 )   2,131     1,467  

Change in fair value of contingent consideration payable

    6,474     221     221  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

                   

Accounts receivable, net

    (47,124 )   (7,469 )   (4,596 )

Inventories

    (70,612 )   (9,478 )   (1,928 )

Other current assets

    (10,713 )   (10,074 )   (193 )

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

    36,001     9,279     845  

Taxes payable

    13,294     (326 )   2,770  

Other

    (130 )   65     191  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net cash provided by operating activities

    8,625     5,893     12,137  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Cash Flows from Investing Activities:

                   

Additions to property and equipment

    (8,856 )   (3,824 )   (4,694 )

Additions to intangible assets

    (2,046 )   (271 )   (17 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net cash used in investing activities

    (10,902 )   (4,095 )   (4,711 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Cash Flows from Financing Activities:

                   

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

    35,000     —     —  

Repayments of long-term debt

    (1,957 )   (1,468 )   (9,200 )

Payment of deferred financing fees

    (920 )   (450 )   —  

Proceeds from employee stock transactions

    885     621     —  

Tax benefit from employee stock plans

    635     156     —  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

    33,643     (1,141 )   (9,200 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net change in cash

    31,366     657     (1,774 )

Cash, beginning of year

    8,887     8,230     10,004  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Cash, end of year

  $ 40,253   $ 8,887   $ 8,230  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:

                   

Interest paid

  $ 5,278   $ 3,149   $ 3,549  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Income taxes paid

  $ 28,191   $ 7,168   $ 2,582  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

   

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

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Table of Contents


YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1—Organization and Significant Accounting Policies

Organization and Business

              YETI Holdings, Inc. acquired the operations of YETI Coolers, LLC ("Coolers") on June 15, 2012. We are headquartered in Austin, Texas, and are a rapidly growing designer, marketer, and distributor of premium products for the outdoor and recreation market, which are sold under the YETI® brand. We sell our products to independent retailers and national accounts across a wide variety of end user markets as well as through our direct-to-consumer channel, primarily our e-commerce website.

Principles of Consolidation

              The consolidated financial statements and related disclosures are presented in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). The consolidated financial statements include our accounts and those of our wholly owned subsidiaries. Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

              In preparing the consolidated financial statements, we make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, sales, expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We re-evaluate our estimates on an on-going basis. Our estimates are based on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Due to the uncertainty inherent in these estimates, actual results may differ from these estimates and could differ based upon other assumptions or conditions.

Cash

              We maintain our cash in bank deposit accounts which, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. We have not historically experienced any losses in such accounts.

Revenue Recognition

              Revenue is recognized when persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, and title and risks of ownership have passed to the customer, based on the terms of sale. Goods are usually shipped to customers with FOB shipping point terms; however, our practice has been to bear the responsibility of the delivery to the customer. In the case that product is lost or damaged in transit to the customer, we generally take the responsibility to provide new product. In effect, we apply a synthetic FOB destination policy and therefore recognize revenue when the product is delivered to the customer. For our national accounts, delivery of our products typically occurs at shipping point, as they take delivery at our distribution center.

              Our terms of sale do not provide right of product return, other than returns for product warranty. We may, and have at times, accepted other returns at our sole discretion. We may also, at our sole discretion, provide our retailer partners with sales discounts and allowances. We record estimated sales returns, discounts, warranties and miscellaneous customer claims as reductions to revenues at the time revenues are recorded. We base our estimates upon historical experience and trends, and upon approval of specific returns or discounts. Actual returns, discounts, and warranty claims in any future period are inherently uncertain and thus may differ from our estimates. If actual or expected future returns,

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YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 1—Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

discounts, and warranty claims were significantly greater or lower than the reserves we had established, we would record a reduction or increase to net sales in the period in which we made such determination.

Shipping and Handling Costs

              Amounts charged to customers for shipping and handling are included in net sales. Our cost of goods sold includes inbound freight charges for product delivery from our third-party contract manufacturers. The cost of product shipment to our customers, which totaled $14.1 million, $5.9 million, and $3.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

Accounts Receivable

              Accounts receivable are carried at original invoice amount less an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts. We make ongoing estimates relating to our ability to collect our accounts receivable and maintain an allowance for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. In determining the amount of the allowance, we consider our historical level of credit losses and make judgments about the creditworthiness of our customers based on ongoing credit evaluations and their payment trends. Accounts receivable are uncollateralized customer obligations due under normal trade terms typically requiring payment within 30 to 45 days of sale. Receivables are written off when deemed uncollectible. Recoveries of trade receivables previously written off are recorded to income when received.

              As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had an allowance for doubtful accounts totaling approximately $0.4 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

Inventories

              Inventories are comprised primarily of finished goods and are carried at the lower of cost (weighted average cost method) or market (net realizable value). We make ongoing estimates relating to the net realizable value of inventories based upon our assumptions about future demand and market conditions.

Property and Equipment

              Property and equipment are carried at cost, and depreciated using the straight-line method. Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred, while asset betterments that extend the useful life are capitalized. The useful lives for property and equipment for purposes of depreciation are as follow:

Leasehold improvements

  lesser of 7 years or remaining lease term

Molds and tooling

  5 - 6 years

Furniture and equipment

  3 - 7 years

Computers and software

  3 - 7 years

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Table of Contents


YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 1—Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

              Goodwill and intangible assets are recorded at cost, or at their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. We review goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may be impaired. In conducting our annual impairment test, we first review qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying amount. If factors indicate that the fair value of the asset is less than its carrying amount, we perform a quantitative assessment of the asset, analyzing the expected present value of future cash flows to quantify the amount of impairment, if any. We perform our annual impairment tests in the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. We did not recognize any impairment charges related to goodwill or indefinite-lived intangible assets during 2015, 2014, or 2013.

Long-Lived Assets

              We review our long-lived assets, which include property and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. An impairment loss on our long-lived assets exists when the estimated undiscounted cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition are less than its carrying amount. Any impairment loss recognized represents the excess of the long-lived asset's carrying value over the estimated fair value. We did not recognize any impairment charges related to long-lived assets during 2015, 2014, or 2013.

Deferred Charges

              Deferred financing fees are capitalized and amortized over the terms of the related loans, in a manner that approximates the effective interest method. Amortization expense is included in interest expense in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 was $0.7 million, $0.3 million, and $0.3 million, respectively.

Warranty

              Warranty liabilities are recorded at the time of sale for the estimated costs that may be incurred under the terms of our limited warranty. We make and revise these estimates primarily on the number of units under warranty, historical experience of warranty claims, and an estimated per unit replacement cost. The liability for warranties is included in accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets. The specific warranty terms and conditions vary depending upon the product sold, but are generally warranted against defects in material and workmanship ranging from three to five years. Our warranty only applies to the original owner. We had warranty reserves of approximately $2.1 million and $0.7 million as of December 31, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

Advertising

              Advertising expenditures are expensed in the period in which the advertising occurs and included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Advertising expenses totaled approximately $14.4 million, $6.9 million, and $4.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

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Table of Contents


YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 1—Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Contingent Consideration Payable

              In connection with our majority stockholder's investment in 2012, we provided a seller earnout provision whereby the sellers would be entitled to an additional cash payment of up to $10 million (the "Contingent Consideration"), upon the achievement of certain performance thresholds and events. The Contingent Consideration liability was initially measured at a fair value of $2.9 million at the date of acquisition. Subsequent to the initial measurement, the liability is measured at fair value on a recurring basis by estimating the timing of payment and probability weighting the various valuation scenarios. Such a measure is based on significant inputs that are not observable in the market, and therefore, classified as Level 3 (as defined below). Key assumptions include the estimated timing of payment, the probability of achieving the specified return and discount rates. At December 31, 2015, the Contingent Consideration was measured at fair value and changes in the underlying assumptions and probabilities included updates to the timing of payment and the discount rate. Changes in the fair value of the Contingent Consideration totaled $6.5 million, $0.2 million, and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, and are included in other expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The balance of the Contingent Consideration was $10.0 million and $3.5 million and included in other current liabilities at December 31, 2015 and other liabilities at December 31, 2014, respectively.

Stock-Based Compensation

              We have a stock-based compensation plan, which is described more fully in Note 7. Compensation cost relating to stock-based payment transactions as provided by the plan are recognized in selling, general and administrative expenses within the consolidated statements of operations.

              We estimate the fair value of our common stock based on the appraisals performed by an independent valuation specialist. The valuations were performed in accordance with applicable methodologies, approaches and assumptions of the technical practice-aid issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants entitled Valuation of Privately-Held Company Equity Securities Issued as Compensation and considered many objective and subjective factors to determine the common stock fair market value at each valuation date.

              We estimate the fair value of stock options on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing valuation model, which requires the input of highly subjective assumptions including expected option term, stock price volatility and the risk free interest rate. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based compensation awards represent management's best estimates, but the estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management judgment. Expected stock price volatility is estimated using the calculated value method based on the historical closing values of comparable publicly-held entities. The risk-free interest rate reflects the U.S. Treasury yield curve for a similar expected life instrument in effect at the time of the grant.

Income Taxes

              We are subject to federal and state income tax on our corporate earnings. Deferred taxes are provided on a liability method whereby deferred tax assets are recognized for deductible temporary differences and operating loss carryforwards and deferred tax liabilities are recognized for taxable temporary differences. Temporary differences are the differences between the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and their tax bases. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will

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YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 1—Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

not be realized. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are adjusted for the effects of changes in tax laws and are measured using enacted tax rates that will be in effect when the temporary differences reverse.

              We have not recorded a reserve for any tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is highly certain but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductibility. When and if applicable, potential interest and penalties on uncertain tax positions are expensed as incurred and classified in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying statements of operations. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, we had no liability for unrecognized tax benefits. As of December 31, 2015, tax years 2011 to 2014 remain subject to examination.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

              For financial assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis, fair value is the price we would receive to sell an asset, or pay to transfer a liability, in an orderly transaction with a market participant at the measurement date. In the absence of such data, fair value is estimated using internal information consistent with what market participants would use in a hypothetical transaction. In determining fair value, observable inputs reflect market data obtained from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect our market assumptions; preference is given to observable inputs. These two types of inputs create the following fair value hierarchy:

  Level 1:   Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
  Level 2:   Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
  Level 3:   Significant inputs to the valuation model are unobservable.

              Our financial instruments consist principally of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and bank indebtedness. The carrying amount of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable, approximates fair value due to the short-term maturity of these instruments. The fair value of our long-term bank indebtedness, which is classified as a level 2, was approximately $64.8 million at December 31, 2015. We estimate the fair value of our long-term bank indebtedness using a discounted cash flow valuation methodology. This methodology utilizes an interest rate assumption for long-term bank indebtedness with similar terms and remaining maturities.

Reclassifications and Immaterial Error Correction

              Certain reclassifications have been made in prior period financial statements to conform to the current period presentation. To align our product costs with the sales generated by those products, we reclassified certain amounts, primarily related to the cost of product shipment to our customers, from cost of goods sold to selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013. The cost of product shipments to our customers totaled $5.9 million and $3.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In addition, we corrected an immaterial error in the classification of 2014 depreciation for cooler production molds and tooling of $2.1 million, which was previously included in selling, general and administrative expenses and is now included in cost of goods sold in the consolidated statements of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014. There was no effect on net income for this correction and no correction was necessary for 2013. This immaterial error was identified in our preparation and review of our 2015 financial statements.

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YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 1—Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

              In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers: (Topic 606)." This update will supersede the revenue recognition requirements in Topic 605, "Revenue Recognition," and most industry-specific guidance. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of this ASU, with the issuance of ASU 2015-14, which is now effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (December 31, 2018 for non-public entities). We are evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this ASU will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

              In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-03, "Interest—Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30)." This update requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the associated debt liability. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The new guidance will be applied on a retrospective basis. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-15 which allows a debt issuance cost related to a line-of-credit to be presented in the balance sheet as an asset and subsequently amortized ratably over the term of the line-of-credit arrangement, regardless of whether there are any outstanding borrowings on the line-of-credit arrangement. We do not expect the adoption of these ASU's to have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

              In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, "Inventory (Topic 330)." Topic 330, Inventory, requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost or market. Market could be replacement cost, net realizable value, or net realizable value less an approximately normal profit margin. The amendments apply to all inventory methods except LIFO, this includes inventory that is measured using average cost. Net realizable value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. We are evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this ASU will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

              In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, "Income Taxes: (Topic 740)." This update aligns the presentation of deferred income tax assets and liabilities with International Financial Reporting Standards, which requires deferred tax assets and liabilities to be classified as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. The current requirement that deferred tax liabilities and assets be offset and presented as a single amount is not affected by the amendments in this update. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The amendments in this update may be applied either prospectively to all deferred tax liabilities and assets or retrospectively to all periods presented. We are evaluating what impact, if any, the adoption of this ASU will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

              In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)." This update establishes a comprehensive lease standard for all industries. The new standard requires lessees to recognize a right of use asset and a lease liability for virtually all leases, other than leases that meet the definition of a short term lease. The standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018 (December 31, 2019 for non-public entities). We are evaluating what

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YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 1—Organization and Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

impact, if any, the adoption of this ASU will have on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

Note 2—Share Data

              We are authorized to issue up to 400,000,000 shares of common stock. The number of common shares outstanding totaled 201,560,000, 200,244,000, and 199,002,000 at December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. Basic income per share is computed by dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income per share includes the additional effect of all potentially dilutive securities, which includes dilutive share options granted under stock-based compensation plans.

              A reconciliation of shares for basic and diluted net income per share is set forth below (in thousands, except per share data):

 
  For the year ended December 31,  
 
  2015   2014   2013  

Net income

  $ 74,222   $ 14,210   $ 7,261  

Weighted average common shares outstanding—basic

   
200,944
   
199,666
   
199,002
 

Effect of dilutive securities

    2,243     1,516     1,024  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Weighted average common shares outstanding—diluted

    203,187     201,182     200,026  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net income per share

                   

Basic

  $ 0.37   $ 0.07   $ 0.04  

Diluted

  $ 0.37   $ 0.07   $ 0.04  

              Effects of potentially dilutive securities are presented only in periods in which they are dilutive. Stock options representing 1,078,000, 320,000 and 1,310,000 shares of common stock were outstanding for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively, but were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share as their effect would be anti-dilutive.

Note 3—Property and Equipment

              Property and equipment consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):

 
  December 31,  
 
  2015   2014  

Molds and tooling

  $ 15,411   $ 10,675  

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

    669     284  

Computers and software

    5,991     1,813  

Construction in process

    —     443  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Property and equipment, gross

    22,071     13,215  

Accumulated depreciation

    (7,237 )   (4,134 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Property and equipment, net

  $ 14,834   $ 9,081  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

              Depreciation expense totaled approximately $3.1 million, $2.4 million, and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013.

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YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 4—Intangible Assets

              The following is a summary of our intangible assets as of December 31, 2015 (dollars in thousands):

 
  Gross
Carrying
Amount
  Accumulated
Amortization
  Net
Carrying
Amount
  Useful
Life

Tradename

  $ 31,363   $ —   $ 31,363   Indefinite

Customer relationships

    42,205     (13,599 )   28,606   11 years

Non-compete agreements

    2,815     (1,996 )   819   5 years

Trademarks

    1,273     (24 )   1,249   20 years

Patents

    1,072     (13 )   1,059   20 years
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total intangible assets

  $ 78,728   $ (15,632 ) $ 63,096    
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

              The following is a summary of our intangible assets as of December 31, 2014 (dollars in thousands):

 
  Gross
Carrying
Amount
  Accumulated
Amortization
  Net
Carrying
Amount
  Useful
Life

Tradename

  $ 31,363   $ —   $ 31,363   Indefinite

Customer relationships

    42,205     (9,763 )   32,442   11 years

Non-compete agreements

    2,815     (1,433 )   1,382   5 years

Trademarks

    83     (3 )   80   20 years

Patents

    216     (5 )   211   20 years
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total intangible assets

  $ 76,682   $ (11,204 ) $ 65,478    
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

              Amortization expense for each of the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 totaled approximately $4.4 million. Amortization expense for the years ending December 31, 2016 through 2020 is estimated to be $4.6 million, $4.3 million, $4.0 million, $4.0 million, and $4.0 million, respectively.

Note 5—Long-Term Debt

              Long-term debt consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):

 
  December 31,  
 
  2015   2014  

Revolving credit facility, due 2017

  $ —   $ —  

Term Loan A, due 2017

    49,676     16,633  

Term Loan B, due 2017

    12,000     12,000  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total debt

    61,676     28,633  

Current maturities of long-term debt

    (1,957 )   (1,957 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total long-term debt

  $ 59,719   $ 26,676  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

              In June 2012, we entered into a credit agreement with a financial institution, which is also a minority stockholder. The agreement provides for a revolving credit facility and two term loans (collectively, the "Facility"). The Facility is collateralized by substantially all of our assets and matures on June 15, 2017.

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YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 5—Long-Term Debt (Continued)

              At December 31, 2014, the aggregate borrowings available under the revolving credit facility were $30 million, of which we had no balance outstanding. In April 2015, the Facility was amended to increase the maximum borrowings provided by the revolving credit facility to $40 million, of which we had no balance outstanding as of December 31, 2015. The revolving credit facility bears interest at LIBOR plus an applicable margin based on our leverage ratio, as defined by the credit agreement. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the effective interest rate on the revolving credit facility was 8.25%. In addition, the revolving credit facility requires an unused facility fee of 0.75%.

              In April 2015, we amended Term Loan A, to enable us to borrow an additional $35 million, which increased the total amount outstanding under Term Loan A at the time of the amendment to $51 million. The proceeds from the additional funding were used to repay then outstanding borrowings under our revolving credit facility and for general corporate purposes. Term Loan A bears interest monthly at LIBOR plus an applicable margin as defined by the credit agreement. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the effective interest rate on Term Loan A was 8.25%. Principal is due in quarterly installments, with the remaining principal balance due at maturity. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, approximately $49.7 million and $16.6 million, respectively, was outstanding under Term Loan A.

              Term Loan B had an outstanding principal balance of $12 million at both December 31, 2015 and 2014 which is due at maturity in 2017. Term Loan B bears interest monthly at LIBOR plus an applicable margin based on our leverage ratio, as defined by the credit agreement plus 1.00% which, at our option, may be paid in-kind as an addition to principal. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, the effective interest rate on Term Loan B was 12.50%.

              The Facility also requires us to meet certain affirmative, negative and financial covenants. The financial covenants include a fixed charge coverage ratio, total leverage ratio and capital expenditure limitations, as defined by the provisions of the Facility. We were in compliance with all financial covenants at December 31, 2015. We are required to make additional principal payments based on excess cash flow and other financial ratios. No additional principal payments were required during either 2015 or 2014.

              Annual maturities of long-term debt at December 31, 2015 were $2.0 million and $59.7 million for the years ending December 31, 2016 and 2017, respectively.

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YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 6—Income Taxes

              Deferred tax assets and liabilities consist of the following components at December 31, 2015 and 2014 (dollars in thousands):

 
  December 31,  
 
  2015   2014  

Deferred tax assets:

             

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

  $ 1,166   $ 510  

Inventory

    1,590     341  

Stock option expense

    146     79  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

    2,902     930  

Deferred tax liabilities:

   
 
   
 
 

Prepaid expenses

    (1,089 )   (324 )

Property and equipment

    (2,055 )   (1,661 )

Intangible assets

    (2,182 )   (3,033 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

    (5,326 )   (5,018 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Net deferred tax liabilities

  $ (2,424 ) $ (4,088 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

              The deferred tax amounts above have been classified in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2015 and 2014 as follows (dollars in thousands):

 
  December 31,  
 
  2015   2014  

Other current assets

  $ 1,667   $ 606  

Deferred income taxes

    (4,091 )   (4,694 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

  $ (2,424 ) $ (4,088 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

              The components of the provision for income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, consisted of the following (dollars in thousands):

 
  December 31,  
 
  2015   2014   2013  

Current

  $ 42,803   $ 5,583   $ 2,339  

Deferred

    (1,664 )   2,131     1,467  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

  $ 41,139   $ 7,714   $ 3,806  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 6—Income Taxes (Continued)

              A reconciliation of income taxes computed at the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% for the year ended December 31, 2015, and 34% for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, is as follows (dollars in thousands):

 
  December 31,  
 
  2015   2014   2013  

Income taxes at the statutory rate

  $ 40,376   $ 7,421   $ 3,756  

Increase resulting from:

                   

State income taxes, net of federal tax effect

    646     14     12  

Nondeductible expenses

    85     162     20  

Rate differences

    11     130     116  

Other

    21     (13 )   (98 )
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Income tax expense

  $ 41,139   $ 7,714   $ 3,806  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Note 7—Stock-Based Compensation

              We have an incentive plan, the 2012 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan (the "Plan"), which provides for up to 22,112,000 shares of authorized stock to be awarded as either "time-vested" or "performance-vested" options. The exercise price of stock options granted under the Plan is equal to the estimated fair market value of our common stock at the date of grant. Time-vested options vest, and become exercisable, incrementally over a 5-year period. The options become 25 percent, 50 percent, 75 percent, and 100 percent vested on the second, third, fourth, and fifth anniversaries of the grant date. The time-vested options also provide for accelerated vesting upon a change in control as described in the Plan agreement. The performance-vested options only vest upon the sale of the company in which the majority stockholder receives a minimum return on invested capital, as defined by the agreement. Both the time-vested and performance-vested stock options expire on the 10th anniversary of the grant date. We issue new shares of common stock upon the exercise of stock options.

              The calculated value of each option award is estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model. The expected option term assumption reflects the period for which we believe the option will remain outstanding. This assumption is based upon the historical and expected behavior of our employees and may vary based upon the behavior of different groups of employees.

              We have used the calculated value method to account for the options issued in 2015, 2014, and 2013. A nonpublic entity that is unable to estimate the expected stock price volatility of its underlying stock may measure awards based on a "calculated value," which substitutes the volatility of an appropriate index for the volatility of the entity's own stock price. Currently, there is no active market for our common shares. To determine stock price volatility, we used the historical closing values of comparable publicly-held entities. The risk-free interest rate reflects the U.S. Treasury yield curve for a similar instrument with the same expected term in effect at the time of the grant.

              The weighted average grant date fair value per option granted during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 was $2.81, $0.91, and $0.34, respectively. The assumptions utilized to

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YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 7—Stock-Based Compensation (Continued)

calculate the fair value of stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 are as follows:

 
  2015   2014   2013  

Expected option term

    5 - 7 years     6 - 7 years     6 - 7 years  

Expected stock price volatility

    30 %   30.0 %   42.9% - 47.1 %

Risk-free interest rate

    1.65% - 1.98 %   1.81% - 2.08 %   1.18% - 2.07 %

Expected dividend yield

    0.0 %   0.0 %   0.0 %

              A summary of the time-vested and performance-vested stock options is as follows (in thousands, except per share data):

Time vested:

 
  Number of
Options
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
 

Balance December 31, 2012

    5,128   $ 0.50     9.46  

Options granted

    1,310     0.83        

Options exercised

    —              

Options forfeited, cancelled

    —              
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Balance December 31, 2013

    6,438     0.57     8.65  

Options granted

    430     1.13        

Options exercised

    (1,242 )   0.50        

Options forfeited, cancelled

    (152 )   1.01        
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Balance, December 13, 2014

    5,474     0.62     7.84  

Options granted

    1,444     3.59        

Options exercised

    (1,254 )   0.50        

Options forfeited, cancelled

    —              
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Balance, December 31, 2015

    5,664   $ 1.40     7.62  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Options exercisable, December 31, 2015

    350   $ 0.74     7.19  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 7—Stock-Based Compensation (Continued)

Performance vested:

 
  Number of
Options
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term (Years)
 

Balance December 31, 2012

    5,128   $ 0.50     9.46  

Options granted

    1,310     0.83        

Options exercised

    —              

Options forfeited, cancelled

    —              
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Balance December 31, 2013

    6,438     0.57     8.65  

Options granted

    430     1.13        

Options exercised

    —              

Options forfeited, cancelled

    (152 )   1.01        
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Balance, December 13, 2014

    6,716     0.59     7.77  

Options granted

    1,444     3.59        

Options exercised

    —              

Options forfeited, cancelled

    —              
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Balance, December 31, 2015

    8,160   $ 1.12     7.26  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Options exercisable, December 31, 2015

    —              
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

              The aggregate intrinsic value of exercisable options at December 31, 2015 was approximately $3.4 million.

              The total intrinsic value of stock options exercised was approximately $4.5 million and $0.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014. The total fair value of stock options vested was approximately $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

              We recognized approximately $0.6 million, $0.2 million, and $0.1 million of compensation expense for the time-vested options in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations during the years ended 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively. As a result of the contingent nature of the performance-vested stock options, no compensation expense has been recorded in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

              Unrecognized compensation expense for the time-vested options of approximately $6.0 million as of December 31, 2015 is expected to be recognized during the next five years. Unrecognized compensation expense for our performance-vested stock options, which totaled approximately $7.0 million at December 31, 2015, will be recognized upon satisfaction of their vesting condition.

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YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 7—Stock-Based Compensation (Continued)

              The following is a summary of our non-vested stock options (in thousands, except per share data):

 
  Shares Under
Outstanding
Options
  Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
 

Non-Vested Options at January 1, 2015

    12,154   $ 0.26  

Granted

    2,888     2.81  

Forfeited

    —     —  

Vested

    1,568     0.21  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Non-Vested Options at December 31, 2015

    13,474   $ 0.81  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Note 8—Related-Party Agreements

              We have entered into a management services agreement with our majority stockholder that provides for a management fee to be based on 1.0% of total sales not to exceed $750,000 annually plus certain out-of-pocket expenses. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, we incurred fees and out-of-pocket expenses under this agreement totaling approximately $0.8 million which were included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

              We lease warehouse and office facilities under various operating leases. One warehouse facility is leased from an entity owned by our Founders, Roy and Ryan Seiders. The lease, which is month to month and can be cancelled upon 30 days written notice, requires monthly payments of $8,700 and is included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Note 9—Commitments and Contingencies

              Total future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable agreements at December 31, 2015 are as follows (dollars in thousands):

Year ending December 31,
  Total  

2016

  $ 3,767  

2017

    3,349  

2018

    2,566  

2019

    861  

2020

    878  

Thereafter

    2,467  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

  $ 13,888  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​

              Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013 was $0.8 million, $0.6 million, and $0.4 million, respectively.

              We are subject to various claims and legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of business. Management believes that the final disposition of such matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position.

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YETI Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

Note 10—Benefit Plan

              We provide a 401(k) defined contribution plan covering substantially all our employees, which allows for employee contributions and provides for an employer match. Our contributions totaled approximately $0.2 million, $0.1 million, and $0.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, and 2013, respectively.

Note 11—Segments

              We design, market, and distribute premium products for the outdoor and recreation market, which are sold under the YETI® brand. We report our operations as a single reportable segment, and manage our business as a single-brand consumer products business. This is supported by our operational structure, which includes sales, research, product design, operations, marketing, and administrative functions focused on the entire product suite rather than individual product categories. Our chief operating decision maker does not regularly review financial information for individual product categories, sales channels or geographic regions that would allow decisions to be made about allocation of resources or performance. For the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, all sales of our products were within the United States. At December 31, 2015 and 2014, approximately 1% of our total assets were located outside the United States.

              For 2015, 2014, and 2013, our largest single customer represented approximately 15%, 11%, and 11% of sales, respectively. No other customer accounted for more than 10% of gross sales in any of 2015, 2014, or 2013.

              We are exposed to risk due to our concentration of business activity with certain third-party contract manufacturers of our products. For our hard coolers, our two largest suppliers comprised approximately 75% of our production volume during 2015. For each of our soft coolers and Drinkware products, our largest supplier comprised over 90% of our production volume during 2015. We added additional manufacturers in each of these product categories during 2015.

Note 12—Subsequent Events

              In January 2016, we entered into a new operating lease for space to be used as our corporate headquarters. The lease agreement is for two buildings, currently under construction, totaling approximately 175,000 square feet. The construction is expected to be completed during the second quarter of 2017 and the lease term is 120 months. Monthly payments over the lease term are approximately $0.4 million.

              In March 2016, our revolving credit facility, which is discussed further in Note 5, was amended to increase the maximum available capacity to $55 million.

              In March 2016, the stock options outstanding under the 2012 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan were modified to convert performance-vested options to time-vested options, and to change the vesting periods for time-vested options. We anticipate that these modifications will significantly increase non-cash stock-based compensation expense in 2016 and several future periods versus amounts incurred in 2015, but we have not completed our analysis and review of the impact of these modifications.

              We have evaluated all subsequent events for potential recognition and disclosure through April 11, 2016, the date the consolidated financial statements were available to be issued.

Note 13—Stock Split

              On May 5, 2016, the Board of Directors approved a 2,000-to-1 stock split, which was effective immediately. The stock split increased the number of authorized shares from 200,000 shares to 400,000,000 shares. All share and per share data for earnings per share and share-based compensation have been retroactively adjusted to give effect to the stock split.

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Table of Contents

Through and including                        , 2016, (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in the common stock, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This delivery requirement is in addition to a dealer's obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as an underwriter and with respect to an unsold allotment or subscription.                 SharesCommon StockProspectusBofA Merrill LynchMorgan StanleyBairdPiper JaffrayJefferiesWilliam Blair*All trademarks and intellectual property associated with the beer bottle are owned by the beer company, which is not associated, affiliated or connected with YETI and does not sponsor or endorse YETI or YETI's products.                        , 2016

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PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

Item 13.    Other Expenses of Issuance and Distribution.

              The following table sets forth the expenses payable by the Registrant expected to be incurred in connection with the issuance and distribution of the shares of common stock being registered hereby (other than underwriting discounts and commissions). All of such expenses are estimates, other than the filing and listing fees payable to the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority, Inc. and stock exchange listing fee.

 
  Amount
to be paid
 

SEC registration fee

  $ 10,070  

FINRA filing fee

    15,500  

Stock exchange listing fee

    *  

Transfer agent's fees and expenses

    *  

Printing expenses

    *  

Legal fees and expenses

    *  

Accounting fees and expenses

    *  

Blue Sky fees and expenses

    *  

Miscellaneous expenses

    *  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Total

  $ *  
​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​
​ ​ ​ ​ ​

*
To be provided by amendment.

Item 14.    Indemnification of Directors and Officers.

              Section 145 of the DGCL provides that a corporation may indemnify directors and officers as well as other employees and individuals against expenses, including attorneys' fees, judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement in connection with specified actions, suits, and proceedings, other than a derivative action by or in the right of the corporation, if they acted in good faith and in a manner they reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe their conduct was unlawful. A similar standard is applicable in the case of derivative actions, except that indemnification extends only to expenses, including attorneys' fees, incurred in connection with the defense or settlement of such action and the statute requires court approval before there can be any indemnification where the person seeking indemnification has been found liable to the corporation. The statute provides that it is not exclusive of other indemnification that may be granted by a corporation's certificate of incorporation, bylaws, disinterested director vote, stockholder vote, agreement or otherwise.

              Our current certificate of incorporation limits the liability of our directors for monetary damages for a breach of fiduciary duty as a director to the fullest extent permitted by the DGCL. Consequently, our directors are not personally liable to us or our stockholders for monetary damages for any breach of fiduciary duties as directors, except liability for: (i) any breach of their duty of loyalty to our company or our stockholders; (ii) any act or omission not in good faith or that involves intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law; (iii) unlawful payments of dividends or unlawful stock repurchases or redemptions as provided in Section 174 of the DGCL; or (iv) any transaction from which they derived an improper personal benefit. In addition, our current certificate of incorporation provides that we (i) will indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any action, suit or proceeding by reason of the fact that he or she is or was one of our directors or officers or, while a director or officer, is or was serving at our request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation,

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partnership, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise and (ii) must advance expenses incurred by or on behalf of a director or officer in advance of the final disposition of any action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it shall ultimately be determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by us.

              Any amendment to, or repeal of, these provisions will not eliminate or reduce the effect of these provisions in respect of any act, omission or claim that occurred or arose prior to that amendment or repeal. If the DGCL is amended to provide for further limitations on the personal liability of directors of corporations, then the personal liability of our directors will be further limited to the greatest extent permitted by the DGCL. We expect to adopt a new amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws, which will become effective prior to the completion of this offering, and which will contain similar provisions that limit the liability of our directors for monetary damages to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law.

              We have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors, executive officers and certain other officers and agents pursuant to which they are provided indemnification rights that are broader than the specific indemnification provisions contained in the DGCL. These indemnification agreements generally require us, among other things, to indemnify our directors, executive officers, and certain other officers and agents against liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service. These indemnification agreements also require us to advance all expenses incurred by the directors, executive officers and certain other officers and agents in investigating or defending any such action, suit or proceeding. We believe that these agreements are necessary to attract and retain qualified individuals to serve on our behalf.

              The limitation of liability and indemnification provisions that are expected to be included in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, amended and restated bylaws, and the indemnification agreements that we enter into with our directors, executive officers, and certain other officers and agents may discourage stockholders from bringing a lawsuit against our directors and officers for breach of their fiduciary duties. They may also reduce the likelihood of derivative litigation against our directors and officers, even though an action, if successful, might benefit us and other stockholders. Further, a stockholder's investment may be adversely affected to the extent that we pay the costs of settlement and damage awards against directors and officers as required by these indemnification provisions. At present, we are not aware of any pending litigation or proceeding involving any person who is or was one of our directors, executive officers, and certain other officers and agents or is or was serving at our request as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, or other enterprise, for which indemnification is sought, and we are not aware of any threatened litigation that may result in claims for indemnification.

              We have obtained insurance policies under which, subject to the limitations of the policies, coverage is provided to our directors and executive officers against loss arising from claims made for breach of fiduciary duty or other wrongful acts as a director or executive officer and to us with respect to payments that may be made by us to these directors and executive officers pursuant to our indemnification obligations or otherwise as a matter of law. Prior to the completion of this offering, we will enter into additional and enhanced insurance arrangements to provide coverage to our directors and executive officers against loss arising from claims relating to public securities matters.

              Certain of our non-employee directors may, through their relationships with their employers, be insured and/or indemnified against certain liabilities incurred in their capacity as members of our Board of Directors.

              The underwriting agreement will provide for indemnification by the underwriters of us and our officers, directors and employees for certain liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933, or Securities Act, or otherwise.

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              Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling our company pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that, in the opinion of the SEC, such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.

Item 15.    Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities.

              In the three years preceding the filing of this registration statement, we have not issued any securities in a transaction that was not registered under the Securities Act, other than the following.

Stock Plan-Related Issuances

              From January 1, 2013 through May 31, 2016, the Registrant granted to its directors, employees, consultants and other service providers options to purchase an aggregate of 6,424,000 shares of common stock under the Registrant's 2012 Plan at exercise prices ranging from $0.75 to $10.35 per share, for an aggregate exercise price of approximately $14.1 million.

              From January 1, 2013 through May 31, 2016, the Registrant issued and sold to its directors, employees, consultants and other service providers an aggregate of 5,952,000 shares of common stock (net of the cancellation of shares that would have otherwise been issuable but were withheld instead to satisfy payment of the exercise price and applicable tax withholding) upon the exercise of options under the 2012 Plan at exercise prices ranging from $0.50 to $0.85 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $3.0 million.

Common Stock Issuances

              On January 6, 2016, the Registrant sold 104,000 shares of its common stock to two individuals at a purchase price per share of approximately $6.81 for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $0.7 million in connection with its acquisition of certain intellectual property rights from Yeti Cycling, LLC.

              On September 14, 2015, the Registrant sold 62,000 shares of its common stock to Mr. Reintjes at a purchase price per share of approximately $4.09 for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately $0.3 million in connection with the commencement of Mr. Reintjes' employment (the terms of which are described in "Executive Compensation—Employment Agreements").

              The issuances of options, shares upon the exercise of options and common stock described above were deemed exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act, and in certain circumstances, in reliance on Rule 701 promulgated thereunder as transactions pursuant to compensatory benefit plans and contracts relating to compensation. All of the foregoing securities are deemed restricted securities for purposes of the Securities Act. The recipients of securities in the transactions exempt under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act represented their intention to acquire the securities for investment purposes only and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof and appropriate legends were affixed to the stock certificates and instruments issued in such transactions.

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Item 16.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

              The exhibits and financial statement schedules filed as part of this registration statement are as follows:

 
  Exhibit
Number
  Exhibit Description
      1.1*   Form of Underwriting Agreement

 

 

 

3.1

 

Certificate of Incorporation of YETI Holdings, Inc., as currently in effect

 

 

 

3.2*

 

Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of YETI Holdings, Inc., to be in effect upon the completion of this offering

 

 

 

3.3

 

Bylaws of YETI Holdings, Inc., as currently in effect

 

 

 

3.4*

 

Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of YETI Holdings, Inc., to be in effect upon the completion of this offering

 

 

 

4.1*

 

Form of Stockholders Agreement, by and among YETI Holdings, Inc., Cortec Management V, LLC, as managing general partner of Cortec Group Fund V, L.P., and certain holders of YETI Holdings, Inc. capital stock party thereto, to be in effect upon the completion of this offering

 

 

 

4.2*

 

Form of Registration Rights Agreement, by and among YETI Holdings, Inc., Cortec Group Fund V, L.P. and certain holders of YETI Holdings, Inc. capital stock party thereto, to be in effect upon the completion of this offering

 

 

 

5.1

 

Form of Opinion of Jones Day

 

 

 

10.1*+

 

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated                        , 2016, between YETI Coolers, LLC and Matthew J. Reintjes

 

 

 

10.2*+

 

YETI Coolers, LLC Senior Leadership Severance Benefits Plan

 

 

 

10.3+

 

YETI Holdings, Inc. 2012 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan

 

 

 

10.4+

 

Amended and Restated Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement with Roy Seiders under the 2012 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan

 

 

 

10.5+

 

Form of Amended and Restated Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under the 2012 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan

 

 

 

10.6+

 

Option Adjustment Letter with Roy Seiders, dated May 19, 2016

 

 

 

10.7+

 

Form of Option Adjustment Letter, dated May 19, 2016

 

 

 

10.8+

 

YETI Holdings, Inc. 2016 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan

 

 

 

10.9+

 

Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Registrant and each of its directors and executive officers

 

 

 

10.10+

 

YETI Holdings, Inc. Non-Employee Directors Compensation Policy

 

 

 

10.11

 

Credit Agreement, dated as of May 19, 2016, by and among YETI Holdings, Inc., the lenders from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time

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  Exhibit
Number
  Exhibit Description
      10.12   Advisory Agreement, dated June 15, 2012, by and between YETI Coolers, LLC and Cortec Management V, LLC

 

 

 

10.13*

 

Agreement Relating to Termination of Advisory Agreement, dated                        , 2016, by and between YETI Coolers, LLC and Cortec Management V, LLC

 

 

 

10.14

 

Side Letter Regarding Settlement of Outstanding Obligations, dated May 18, 2016, by and among YETI Coolers, LLC, Roy J. Seiders, Ryan R. Seiders and the other signatories party thereto

 

 

 

10.15

 

Form of Supply Agreement

 

 

 

10.16

 

Commercial Sublease Agreement for 5301 Southwest Parkway, Austin, Texas 78735, dated February 8, 2013, by and between YETI Coolers, LLC and Overwatch Systems, Ltd.

 

 

 

10.17

 

First Sublease Amendment for 5301 Southwest Parkway, Austin, Texas 78735, dated February 8, 2013, by and between Yeti Coolers, LLC and Overwatch Systems, Ltd.

 

 

 

10.18

 

Sub-Sublease Agreement for 5301 Southwest Parkway, Austin, Texas 78735, dated September 17, 2015, by and between Yeti Coolers, LLC and Avai Mobile Solutions, LLC

 

 

 

10.19

 

Second Sublease Amendment for 5301 Southwest Parkway, Austin, Texas 78735, dated May 6, 2016, by and between Yeti Coolers, LLC and Overwatch Systems, Ltd. d/b/a Textron Systems Advance Information Solutions

 

 

 

10.20

 

Commercial Lease Agreement for 7601 Southwest Parkway, Austin, Texas 78735, dated January 29, 2016, by and between YETI Coolers, LLC and Lantana Ridge JV LLC

 

 

 

10.21

 

Engagement Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2016, by and between YETI Holdings, Inc. and Harris Williams LLC (d/b/a Harris Williams & Co.)

 

 

 

21.1

 

Subsidiaries of YETI Holdings, Inc.

 

 

 

23.1

 

Consent of Jones Day (included in Exhibit 5.1)

 

 

 

23.2

 

Consent of Grant Thornton LLP

 

 

 

24.1

 

Power of Attorney (included on signature page hereto)

 

 

 

99.1

 

Consent of Director Nominee (Troy Alstead)

 

 

 

99.2

 

Consent of Director Nominee (Dustan E. McCoy)

 

 

 

99.3

 

Consent of Director Nominee (Robert K. Shearer)

*
To be filed by amendment.

+
Indicates a management contract or compensation plan or arrangement.

              All financial statement schedules are omitted because the information called for is not required or is shown either in the consolidated financial statements or in the notes thereto. See the Index to Financial Statements included on page F-1 for a list of the financial statements and schedules included in this registration statement.

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Item 17.    Undertakings.

              The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes to provide to the underwriters at the closing specified in the underwriting agreement, certificates in such denominations and registered in such names as required by the underwriters to permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

              Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers, and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit, or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

              The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that:

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SIGNATURES

              Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized in the City of Austin, State of Texas, on July 1, 2016.

    YETI HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

By:

 

/s/ MATTHEW J. REINTJES

Matthew J. Reintjes
President and Chief Executive Officer


POWER OF ATTORNEY

              Know all men by these presents, that each of the undersigned directors and officers of the registrant hereby constitutes and appoints each of David L. Schnadig, Matthew J. Reintjes, Richard J. Shields and Bryan C. Barksdale with full power of substitution and resubstitution, as the true and lawful attorney-in-fact or attorneys-in-fact of the undersigned to sign this Registration Statement and any or all amendments, including post-effective amendments to the Registration Statement, including a prospectus or an amended prospectus therein and any Registration Statement for the same offering that is to be effective upon filing pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and all other documents in connection therewith to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact as agents or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Name
 
Title
 
Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ MATTHEW J. REINTJES

Matthew J. Reintjes
  President and Chief Executive Officer, Director (Principal Executive Officer)   July 1, 2016

/s/ RICHARD J. SHIELDS

Richard J. Shields

 

Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer and Vice President of Finance (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)

 

July 1, 2016

/s/ MICHAEL E. NAJJAR

Michael E. Najjar

 

Director

 

July 1, 2016

/s/ EUGENE P. NESBEDA

Eugene P. Nesbeda

 

Director

 

July 1, 2016

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Name
 
Title
 
Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ DAVID L. SCHNADIG

David L. Schnadig
  Director   July 1, 2016

/s/ ROY J. SEIDERS

Roy J. Seiders

 

Director

 

July 1, 2016

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 
  Exhibit
Number
  Exhibit Description
      1.1*   Form of Underwriting Agreement

 

 

 

3.1

 

Certificate of Incorporation of YETI Holdings, Inc., as currently in effect

 

 

 

3.2*

 

Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of YETI Holdings, Inc., to be in effect upon the completion of this offering

 

 

 

3.3

 

Bylaws of YETI Holdings, Inc., as currently in effect

 

 

 

3.4*

 

Form of Amended and Restated Bylaws of YETI Holdings, Inc., to be in effect upon the completion of this offering

 

 

 

4.1*

 

Form of Stockholders Agreement, by and among YETI Holdings, Inc., Cortec Management V, LLC, as managing general partner of Cortec Group Fund V, L.P., and certain holders of YETI Holdings, Inc. capital stock party thereto, to be in effect upon the completion of this offering

 

 

 

4.2*

 

Form of Registration Rights Agreement, by and among YETI Holdings, Inc., Cortec Group Fund V, L.P. and certain holders of YETI Holdings, Inc. capital stock party thereto, to be in effect upon the completion of this offering

 

 

 

5.1

 

Form of Opinion of Jones Day

 

 

 

10.1*+

 

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated                        , 2016, between YETI Coolers, LLC and Matthew J. Reintjes

 

 

 

10.2*+

 

YETI Coolers, LLC Senior Leadership Severance Benefits Plan

 

 

 

10.3+

 

YETI Holdings, Inc. 2012 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan

 

 

 

10.4+

 

Amended and Restated Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement with Roy Seiders under the 2012 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan

 

 

 

10.5+

 

Form of Amended and Restated Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement under the 2012 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan

 

 

 

10.6+

 

Option Adjustment Letter with Roy Seiders, dated May 19, 2016

 

 

 

10.7+

 

Form of Option Adjustment Letter, dated May 19, 2016

 

 

 

10.8+

 

YETI Holdings, Inc. 2016 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan

 

 

 

10.9+

 

Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Registrant and each of its directors and executive officers

 

 

 

10.10+

 

YETI Holdings, Inc. Non-Employee Directors Compensation Policy

 

 

 

10.11

 

Credit Agreement, dated as of May 19, 2016, by and among YETI Holdings, Inc., the lenders from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, as amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time

 

 

 

10.12

 

Advisory Agreement, dated June 15, 2012, by and between YETI Coolers, LLC and Cortec Management V, LLC

 

 

 

10.13*

 

Agreement Relating to Termination of Advisory Agreement, dated                        , 2016, by and between YETI Coolers, LLC and Cortec Management V, LLC

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  Exhibit
Number
  Exhibit Description
      10.14   Side Letter Regarding Settlement of Outstanding Obligations, dated May 18, 2016, by and among YETI Coolers, LLC, Roy J. Seiders, Ryan R. Seiders and the other signatories party thereto

 

 

 

10.15

 

Form of Supply Agreement

 

 

 

10.16

 

Commercial Sublease Agreement for 5301 Southwest Parkway, Austin, Texas 78735, dated February 8, 2013, by and between YETI Coolers, LLC and Overwatch Systems, Ltd.

 

 

 

10.17

 

First Sublease Amendment for 5301 Southwest Parkway, Austin, Texas 78735, dated February 8, 2013, by and between Yeti Coolers, LLC and Overwatch Systems, Ltd.

 

 

 

10.18

 

Sub-Sublease Agreement for 5301 Southwest Parkway, Austin, Texas 78735, dated September 17, 2015, by and between Yeti Coolers, LLC and Avai Mobile Solutions, LLC

 

 

 

10.19

 

Second Sublease Amendment for 5301 Southwest Parkway, Austin, Texas 78735, dated May 6, 2016, by and between Yeti Coolers, LLC and Overwatch Systems, Ltd. d/b/a Textron Systems Advance Information Solutions

 

 

 

10.20

 

Commercial Lease Agreement for 7601 Southwest Parkway, Austin, Texas 78735, dated January 29, 2016, by and between YETI Coolers, LLC and Lantana Ridge JV LLC

 

 

 

10.21

 

Engagement Agreement, dated as of April 1, 2016, by and between YETI Holdings, Inc. and Harris Williams LLC (d/b/a Harris Williams & Co.)

 

 

 

21.1

 

Subsidiaries of YETI Holdings, Inc.

 

 

 

23.1

 

Consent of Jones Day (included in Exhibit 5.1)

 

 

 

23.2

 

Consent of Grant Thornton LLP

 

 

 

24.1

 

Power of Attorney (included on signature page hereto)

 

 

 

99.1

 

Consent of Director Nominee (Troy Alstead)

 

 

 

99.2

 

Consent of Director Nominee (Dustan E. McCoy)

 

 

 

99.3

 

Consent of Director Nominee (Robert K. Shearer)

*
To be filed by amendment.

+
Indicates a management contract or compensation plan or arrangement.

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Exhibit 3.1

 

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

 

OF

 

YETI HOLDINGS, INC.

 

A STOCK CORPORATION

 

I, the undersigned, for the purpose of incorporating and organizing a corporation under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, do hereby certify as follows:

 

FIRST:  The name of the corporation (the “Corporation”) is:

 

YETI Holdings, Inc.

 

SECOND:  The address of the Corporation’s registered office in the State of Delaware is 1209 Orange Street, City of Wilmington, County of New Castle, Delaware 19801.  The name of the Corporation’s registered agent at such address is The Corporation Trust Company.

 

THIRD:  The purpose of the Corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.

 

FOURTH:  The total number of shares that the Corporation has authority to issue is 200,000 shares of Common Stock, par value of $.01 per share.

 

FIFTH:  Elections of directors need not be by written ballot except and to the extent provided in the bylaws of the Corporation.

 

SIXTH:  To the full extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or any other applicable laws presently or hereafter in effect, no director of the Corporation will be personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for or with respect to any acts or omissions in the performance of his or her duties as a director of the Corporation. Any repeal or modification of this Article Sixth will not adversely affect any right or protection of a director of the Corporation existing immediately prior to such repeal or modification.

 

SEVENTH:  Indemnification.

 

(a)                                 Indemnification Obligation.  Subject to Section (e) of this Article Seventh, the Corporation shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless, in each case to the fullest extent permitted or required by any applicable laws, including the laws of the State of Delaware in effect on the date hereof or as such laws may from time to time hereafter be amended to increase the scope of such permitted indemnification, any person made, or threatened to be made, a party to any threatened, asserted, pending or completed claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, arbitrative, investigative or other, and whether made pursuant to federal, state or other law and any threatened, pending or completed inquiry or investigation, whether made, instituted or conducted by the Corporation or any other person,

 

1



 

including, without limitation, any federal, state or other governmental entity, that an Indemnitee (as defined below) determines might lead to the institution of any such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding (collectively, a “Claim”), by reason of the fact that such person, whether before or after adoption of this Article Seventh, is or was (i) serving as a director of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise (any such person, an “Indemnitee Director”), (ii) serving as an officer of the Corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as an officer of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise (any such person, an “Indemnitee Officer” and, together with the Indemnitee Directors, an “Indemnitee”), or (iii) an heir, successor or administrator of an Indemnitee (each such Claim, an “Indemnifiable Claim”), against and from (1) any and all Indemnifiable Claims, (2) any and all attorneys’ and experts’ fees and expenses and all other costs and expenses paid or payable in connection with investigating, defending, being a witness in or participating in (including on appeal), or preparing to investigate, defend, be a witness in or participate in (including on appeal), any Claim (collectively, “Expenses”) and (3) to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from any Indemnifiable Claim, any and all damages, losses, liabilities, judgments, penalties (whether civil, criminal or other) and amounts paid in settlement, including, without limitation, all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of any of the foregoing (collectively, “Indemnifiable Losses”); provided, that such Indemnitee has satisfied any applicable standard of conduct under Delaware law that is a legally required condition precedent to indemnification of such Indemnitee hereunder (the “Standard of Conduct”) against Indemnifiable Losses relating to, arising out of or resulting from such Indemnifiable Claim.  If an Indemnitee is entitled under any provision herein to indemnification by the Corporation for some or a portion of any Indemnifiable Loss, but not for the total amount thereof, the Corporation shall indemnify such Indemnitee for the portion thereof to which such Indemnitee is entitled.

 

(b)                                 For purposes of this Article Seventh, any director of a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation is deemed to be serving in that capacity at the request of the Corporation.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, except as provided in Section (e)(vii) of this Article Seventh, an Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Article Seventh in connection with any Claim initiated by such Indemnitee unless the Corporation has joined in or consented to the initiation of such Claim.

 

(c)                                  Advancement of Expenses.  Upon request and prior to the final disposition of an Indemnifiable Claim, the Corporation shall advance to an Indemnitee Director the Expenses paid or incurred by such Indemnitee Director, or that such Indemnitee Director determines are reasonably likely to be paid or incurred by him or her, that are related to, arising out of or resulting from an Indemnifiable Claim.  An Indemnitee Director’s right to such advancement is not subject to the satisfaction of any standard of conduct.  Without limiting the generality or effect of the foregoing, within five (5) business days after any request from an Indemnitee Director, the Corporation shall, in accordance with such request (but without duplication), (i) pay such Expenses on behalf of such Indemnitee Director, (ii) advance to such Indemnitee Director funds in an amount sufficient to pay such Expenses or (iii) reimburse such Indemnitee Director for such Expenses; provided, that such Indemnitee Director shall repay, without interest, any

 

2



 

amounts actually advanced to such Indemnitee Director that, at the final disposition of the Indemnifiable Claim or the Standard of Conduct Determination pursuant to Section (e)(ii) of this Article Seventh, as applicable, to which the advance related, were in excess of (A) the indemnification to which such Indemnitee Director is entitled or (B) amounts paid or payable by such Indemnitee Director in respect of Expenses relating to, arising out of or resulting from such Indemnifiable Claim.

 

(d)                                 Procedure for Notification.  To seek indemnification in respect of an Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss, an Indemnitee shall submit to the Corporation a written request therefor, including a brief description (based upon information then available to such Indemnitee) of such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss.  If, at the time of the receipt of such request, the Corporation has directors’ and officers’ liability insurance in effect under which coverage for such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss is potentially available, the Corporation shall give prompt written notice of such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss to the applicable insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the applicable policies.  The failure by an Indemnitee to timely notify the Corporation of any Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss will not relieve the Corporation from any liability hereunder unless, and only to the extent that, the Corporation did not otherwise learn of such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss and such failure results in forfeiture by the Corporation of substantial defenses, rights or insurance coverage.

 

(e)                                  Determination of Right to Indemnification.

 

(i)                                     To the extent an Indemnitee is successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any Indemnifiable Claim or any portion thereof or in defense of any issue or matter therein, including, without limitation, dismissal without prejudice, with respect to which the Corporation has received a written request for indemnification pursuant to Section (d) of this Article Seventh by such Indemnitee, the Corporation shall indemnify such Indemnitee against all or such portion, as applicable, of the Indemnifiable Losses relating to, arising out of or resulting from such Indemnifiable Claim and such Indemnitee will have been deemed to have satisfied the Standard of Conduct.

 

(ii)                                  To the extent Section (e)(i) of this Article Seventh is not applicable to an Indemnitee, if such indemnification has not been ordered by a court, the Board of Directors of the Corporation (the “Board”) shall meet and determine or Independent Counsel (as defined below) shall determine, as applicable, whether such Indemnitee satisfied the Standard of Conduct with respect to the Indemnifiable Losses relating to, arising out of or resulting from such Indemnifiable Claim (a “Standard of Conduct Determination”) in the following manner:

 

(1)                                 if a Change in Control (as defined below) has not occurred, or if a Change in Control has occurred but the Indemnitee has requested that the Standard of Conduct Determination be made pursuant to this clause (1), (A) by a majority vote of each director of the Corporation who is not and was not a party to the Claim in respect of which indemnification is sought by such Indemnitee (each, a “Disinterested Director”), even if less than a quorum of the Board, (B) if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by a majority vote of a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of all Disinterested Directors or (C) if there

 

3



 

are no such Disinterested Directors, by Independent Counsel (as defined below) in a written opinion addressed to the Board, a copy of which must be delivered to such Indemnitee; and

 

(2)                                 if a Change in Control has occurred and such Indemnitee has not requested that the Standard of Conduct Determination be made pursuant to clause (1), by Independent Counsel in a written opinion addressed to the Board, a copy of which must be delivered to such Indemnitee.

 

(iii)                               Such Indemnitee shall cooperate with the person or persons making the Standard of Conduct Determination, including providing to such person or persons, upon reasonable advance request, any documentation or information that is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and that is reasonably available to such Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination.  The Corporation shall indemnify and hold harmless the Indemnitee against, and, if requested by such Indemnitee, shall reimburse him or her for, within five (5) business days of such request, any and all costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ and experts’ fees and expenses) incurred by such Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person or persons making the Standard of Conduct Determination.

 

(iv)                              If a Standard of Conduct Determination has not been made within thirty (30) days after the later of receipt by the Corporation of written notice from such Indemnitee advising the Corporation of the final disposition of the applicable Indemnifiable Claim and the selection of an Independent Counsel, if applicable, the Indemnitee is deemed to have satisfied the Standard of Conduct; provided, that such 30-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional thirty (30) days, if the person or persons making such Standard of Conduct Determination in good faith require such additional time for the obtaining or evaluation or documentation and/or information relating thereto.

 

(v)                                 (1)                                 For purposes of Section (e) of this Article Seventh, “Independent Counsel” means a law firm, or a member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five (5) years has been, retained to represent: (A) the Corporation (or any subsidiary of the Corporation) or such Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party or (B) any other named (or, as to a threatened matter, reasonably likely to be named) party to the Indemnifiable Claim giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Counsel” does not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Corporation or such Indemnitee in an action to determine such Indemnitee’s rights hereunder.

 

(2)                                 If a Standard of Conduct Determination is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section (e)(ii)(1) of this Article Seventh, the Board shall select the Independent Counsel and the Corporation shall give written notice to the Indemnitee advising him or her of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected.  If a Standard of Conduct Determination is to be made by Independent Counsel pursuant to Section (e)(ii)(2) of this Article Seventh, the Indemnitee shall select the Independent Counsel and such Indemnitee shall give written notice to the Corporation advising it of the identity of the Independent Counsel so selected.

 

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(vi)                              The Standard of Conduct must be found to have been met by the Board or Independent Counsel, as applicable, unless (1) a judgment or other final adjudication adverse to the Indemnitee establishes that acts of the Indemnitee were committed in violation of the Standard of Conduct; or (2) if the Claim was disposed of other than by judgment or other final adjudication, the Board or Independent Counsel, as applicable, finds in good faith that, if it had been disposed of by judgment or other final adjudication, such judgment or other final adjudication would have been adverse to the Indemnitee and would have established clause (1) above.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in making any Standard of Conduct Determination, the Board or Independent Counsel, as applicable, shall presume that such Indemnitee has satisfied the Standard of Conduct and the Corporation may overcome such presumption only by its adducing clear and convincing evidence to the contrary.

 

(vii)                           If indemnification is denied, in whole or part, due to a Standard of Conduct Determination, or because the Board or Independent Counsel, as applicable, believes the Expenses requested by the Indemnitee are unreasonable, such action by the Board or Independent Counsel, as applicable, does not affect the right of the Indemnitee to make application therefor in any court having jurisdiction thereof (an “Indemnitee Action”), and in such Indemnitee Action the issue must be whether the Indemnitee met the Standard of Conduct or whether the Expenses were reasonable, as the case may be, not whether the finding of the Board or Independent Counsel, as applicable, with respect thereto was correct.  No Standard of Conduct Determination hereunder may be used as a defense to any Indemnitee Action by such Indemnitee for indemnification, reimbursement or advance payment of expenses by the Corporation or create any presumption that such Indemnitee has not met the Standard of Conduct.  If the judgment or other final adjudication in such Indemnitee Action establishes that the Indemnitee met the Standard of Conduct, or that the disallowed Expenses or any portion thereof were reasonable, such Indemnitee is deemed to have met the Standard of Conduct and the Corporation shall grant such indemnification or reimbursement and indemnify such Indemnitee for any Expenses incurred by him or her in connection with such Indemnitee Action; provided, that if pursuant to such judgment or final adjudication such Indemnitee is entitled to less than the full amount of indemnification or reimbursement denied by the Corporation, the Corporation shall indemnify such Indemnitee for only the portion of such Expenses incurred in connection with the Indemnitee Action proportionate to the amount of the indemnification so awarded.

 

(viii)                        For purposes of Section (e) of this Article Seventh, a “Change in Control” means (1) the occurrence after the date hereof of any transfer of the outstanding shares of the Corporation that would result in Cortec Group Fund V, L.P. and its affiliates, in the aggregate, owning less than a majority of the outstanding shares of the Corporation, whether by sale, merger or otherwise or (2) the insolvency of the Corporation, the filing of a voluntary petition in bankruptcy by the Corporation, the filing of an involuntary petition to have the Corporation declared bankrupt, the appointment of a receiver or trustee for the Corporation or the execution by the Corporation of an assignment for the benefit of creditors.

 

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(f)                                   Primacy of Indemnification; Subrogation.  In the event that any Indemnitee has rights to indemnification, advancement of Expenses and/or insurance provided by any direct or indirect stockholder of the Corporation or any affiliate thereof (any of the foregoing being a “Secondary Indemnitor”), other than insurance provided by a Secondary Indemnitor under a liability insurance policy issued to the Corporation or its officers or directors, then as between the Corporation and the Secondary Indemnitor the following shall apply:   The Corporation (i) will be the indemnitor of first resort (i.e. its obligations to the Indemnitee shall be primary and any obligation of the Secondary Indemnitor to advance Expenses or to provide indemnification for the same Expenses or liabilities incurred by the Indemnitee shall be secondary); (ii) shall advance the full amount of Expenses incurred by the Indemnitee and be liable for the full amount of all Expenses and Indemnifiable Losses to the extent legally permitted and as required by the terms herein and the bylaws (or equivalent document) of the Corporation, without regard to any rights the Indemnitee may have against the Secondary Indemnitor; and (iii) irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Secondary Indemnitor from any and all claims it may have against the Secondary Indemnitor for contribution, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect of its indemnification of and advancement of Expenses to the Indemnitee.  No advancement or payment by the Secondary Indemnitor to or on behalf of an Indemnitee with respect to any Claim for which the Indemnitee has sought indemnification from the Corporation will affect the foregoing and the Secondary Indemnitor will, to the extent of such advancement or payment, have a right of contribution from the Corporation and/or a right of subrogation to all rights of recovery of the Indemnitee against the Corporation.  Each Secondary Indemnitor is an express third party beneficiary of this Section (f).

 

(g)                                  Contractual Article.  This Article Seventh constitutes a contract between the Corporation and each director and each officer of the Corporation who serves as such at any time while this Article Seventh is in effect.  No repeal or amendment of this Article Seventh, insofar as it reduces the extent of the indemnification of any person who could be an Indemnitee, without his or her written consent, is effective as to such person with respect to any event, act or omission occurring or allegedly occurring prior to (i) the date of such repeal or amendment if on that date he or she is not serving in any capacity for which he or she could be an Indemnitee, or (ii) the thirtieth (30th) day following delivery to such person of written notice of such amendment as to any capacity in which he or she is serving on the date of such repeal or amendment, other than as a director or officer of the Corporation, for which he or she could be an Indemnitee, or (iii) the later of the thirtieth (30th) day following delivery to such person of such notice or the end of the term of office (for whatever reason) he or she is serving as director or officer of the Corporation when such repeal or amendment is adopted, with respect to being an Indemnitee in that capacity.  No amendment of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, insofar as it reduces the permissible extent of the right of indemnification of an Indemnitee under this Article Seventh, will be effective as to such person with respect to any event, act or omission occurring or allegedly occurring prior to the effective date of such amendment.  This Article Seventh is binding on any successor to the Corporation.

 

(h)                                 Non-exclusivity.  The indemnification provided by this Article Seventh is in addition to any other rights to which any Indemnitee may be entitled under any other agreement, document, certificate, instrument or applicable law.  The Corporation is authorized to enter into

 

6



 

agreements with any such person or persons providing them rights to indemnification or advancement of Expenses in addition to the provisions therefor in this Article Seventh to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware or any other applicable laws as presently or hereafter in effect.

 

EIGHTH:  In furtherance and not in limitation of the rights, powers, privileges, and discretionary authority granted or conferred by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or other statutes or laws of the State of Delaware, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to make, alter, amend or repeal the bylaws of the Corporation, without any action on the part of the stockholders, but the stockholders may make additional bylaws and may alter, amend or repeal any bylaw whether adopted by them or otherwise.  The Corporation may in its bylaws confer powers upon the Board of Directors in addition to the foregoing and in addition to the powers and authorities expressly conferred upon the Board of Directors by applicable law.

 

NINTH:  The Corporation reserves the right at any time and from time to time to amend, alter, change or repeal any provision contained in this Certificate of Incorporation, and other provisions authorized by the laws of the State of Delaware at the time in force may be added or inserted, in the manner now or hereafter prescribed herein or by applicable law; and all rights, preferences and privileges of whatsoever nature conferred upon stockholders, directors or any other persons whomsoever by and pursuant to this Certificate of Incorporation in its present form or as hereafter amended are granted subject to this reservation.

 

TENTH:  No stockholder of the Corporation shall have any right to purchase shares of capital stock of the Corporation sold or issued by the Corporation except to the extent that such a right may from time to time be set forth in a written agreement between the Corporation and such stockholder.

 

ELEVENTH:  The name and mailing address of the sole incorporator is:

 

 

David L. Schnadig

 

c/o Cortec Management V, LLC

 

200 Park Avenue

 

20th Floor

 

New York, NY 10166

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

7



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I the undersigned, being the sole incorporator named above, do hereby execute this Certificate of Incorporation this 15th day of May, 2012.

 

 

/s/ David L. Schnadig

 

David L. Schnadig

 

Sole Incorporator

 

YETI Holdings, Inc. Certificate of Incorporation

 


 

CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT

 

TO THE

 

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

 

OF

 

YETI HOLDINGS, INC.

 

YETI Holdings, Inc. (the “Corporation”), a corporation organized and existing under and by virtue of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (the “DGCL”),

 

DOES HEREBY CERTIFY:

 

FIRST:  That the directors of the Corporation, by written consent, duly adopted a resolution approving and adopting an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation.  The resolution setting forth the proposed amendments are as follows:

 

RESOLVED, that the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation be amended by deleting the Article thereof numbered “FOURTH” in its entirety and replacing the same to read as follows:

 

“FOURTH:

 

(a) The total number of shares that the Corporation has authority to issue is four hundred million (400,000,000) shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”).

 

(b) Effective upon the filing of this Certificate of Amendment (the “Effective Time”), every one (1) share of Common Stock of the Company issued and outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time will be and hereby is automatically, without any action on the part of the holder thereof, split and divided into 2,000 shares of Common Stock of the Company, par value $0.01, without increasing or decreasing the amount of stated capital or paid-in surplus referable to the Common Stock of the Company (the “Stock Split”).  The Company shall provide to each holder of shares of Common Stock immediately prior to the Effective Time certificates representing the split and divided shares of Common Stock of the Company, in exchange for and upon receipt from and surrender of certificates representing such Common Stock of the Company immediately prior to the

 



 

Effective Time.  From and after the Effective Time, certificates representing shares of Common Stock of the Company issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, until they are surrendered, will represent only the right of the holders thereof to receive shares of the split and divided shares of Common Stock of the Company resulting from the Stock Split.”

 

RESOLVED, that the Certificate of Incorporation of the Corporation be amended by adding a new Article “TWELFTH” to read as follows:

 

“TWELFTH: Unless the Corporation consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall, to the fullest extent permitted by law, be the sole and exclusive forum for (1) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Corporation, (2) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any stockholder, director, officer or other employee of the Corporation to the Corporation or the Corporation’s stockholders, (3) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, or this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws (as either may be amended and/or restated from time to time) or as to which the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware confers jurisdiction on the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware, or (4) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine.  Any person or entity purchasing or otherwise acquiring or holding any interest in shares of capital stock of the Corporation shall be deemed to have notice of and consented to the provisions of this Article Twelfth.”

 

SECOND:  That, thereafter, the stockholders of the Corporation having the necessary number of shares as required by statute, by written consent, approved the proposed amendment.

 

THIRD:  That the proposed amendment was duly adopted in accordance with the provisions of Sections 228 and 242 of the DGCL.

 

[Remainder of Page Intentionally Blank — Signature Page Follows.]

 



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned officer of the Corporation does hereby execute this Certificate of Amendment this 5th day of May, 2016.

 

 

YETI HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Matthew J. Reintjes

 

Name:

Matthew J. Reintjes

 

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

Certificate of Amendment (DE) – YETI Holdings, Inc.

 





Exhibit 3.3

 

YETI HOLDINGS, INC.

 

BYLAWS

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

Page

 

 

ARTICLE I                                              MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

1

Section 1.

Time and Place of Meetings

1

Section 2.

Annual Meeting

1

Section 3.

Special Meetings

1

Section 4.

Notice of Meetings

1

Section 5.

Quorum

2

Section 6.

Voting

2

ARTICLE II                                         DIRECTORS

3

Section 1.

Powers

3

Section 2.

Number and Term of Office

3

Section 3.

Vacancies and New Directorships

4

Section 4.

Regular Meetings

4

Section 5.

Special Meetings

4

Section 6.

Quorum

5

Section 7.

Written Action

5

Section 8.

Participation in Meetings by Conference Telephone

5

Section 9.

Committees

5

Section 10.

Compensation

6

Section 11.

Rules

7

ARTICLE III                                    NOTICES

7

Section 1.

Generally

7

Section 2.

Waivers

7

ARTICLE IV                                     OFFICERS

8

Section 1.

Generally

8

Section 2.

Compensation

8

Section 3.

Succession

8

Section 4.

Authority and Duties

8

Section 5.

Execution of Documents and Action with Respect to Securities of Other Corporations

8

 

i



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

(continued)

 

 

Page

 

 

ARTICLE V                                          STOCK

9

Section 1.

Certificates

9

Section 2.

Transfer

10

Section 3.

Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates

10

Section 4.

Record Date

10

ARTICLE VI                                     GENERAL PROVISIONS

12

Section 1.

Fiscal Year

12

Section 2.

Corporate Seal

12

Section 3.

Reliance upon Books, Reports and Records

12

Section 4.

Time Periods

12

Section 5.

Dividends

13

ARTICLE VII                                AMENDMENTS

13

Section 1.

Amendments

13

 

ii



 

BYLAWS

 

ARTICLE I

 

MEETINGS OF STOCKHOLDERS

 

Section 1.                                          Time and Place of Meetings.  All meetings of the stockholders for the election of directors or for any other purpose shall be held at such time and place, within or without the State of Delaware, as may be designated by the Board of Directors, or by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, the President or the Secretary in the absence of a designation by the Board of Directors, and stated in the notice of the meeting or in a duly executed waiver of notice thereof.  Stockholders may participate in an annual or special meeting of the stockholders by use of any means of communication by which all stockholders participating may simultaneously hear each other during the meeting.  A stockholder’s participation in a meeting by any such means of communication constitutes presence in person at the meeting.

 

Section 2.                                          Annual Meeting.  An annual meeting of the stockholders shall be held at such date and time as shall be designated from time to time by the Board of Directors, at which meeting the stockholders shall elect by a plurality vote the directors to succeed those whose terms expire and shall transact such other business as may properly be brought before the meeting.

 

Section 3.                                          Special Meetings.  Special meetings of the stockholders, for any purpose or purposes, unless otherwise prescribed by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, may be called by the Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board of Directors or the President.

 

Section 4.                                          Notice of Meetings.  Written notice of every meeting of the stockholders, stating the place, if any, date and hour of the meeting, the means of remote communication, if

 



 

any, and, in the case of a special meeting, the purpose or purposes for which the meeting is called, shall be given not less than ten nor more than sixty days before the date of the meeting to each stockholder entitled to vote at such meeting, except as otherwise provided herein or by law.  When a meeting is adjourned to another place, date or time, written notice need not be given of the adjourned meeting if the place, date and time thereof and the means of remote communication, if any, are announced at the meeting at which the adjournment is taken; provided, however, that if the adjournment is for more than thirty days, or if after the adjournment a new record date is fixed for the adjourned meeting, written notice of the place, date and time of the adjourned meeting shall be given in conformity herewith.  At any adjourned meeting, any business may be transacted which might have been transacted at the original meeting.

 

Section 5.                                          Quorum.  The holders of a majority of the stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall constitute a quorum at all meetings of the stockholders for the transaction of business except as otherwise provided by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation.  If, however, such quorum shall not be present or represented at any meeting of the stockholders, the stockholders entitled to vote thereat, present in person or represented by proxy, shall have power to adjourn the meeting from time to time, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present or represented.

 

Section 6.                                          Voting.  Except as otherwise provided by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation, each stockholder shall be entitled at every meeting of the stockholders to one vote for each share of stock having voting power standing in the name of such stockholder on the books of the Corporation on the record date for the meeting and such votes may be cast either in

 

2



 

person or by written proxy.  Every proxy must be duly executed and filed with the Secretary of the Corporation.  A stockholder may revoke any proxy which is not irrevocable by attending the meeting and voting in person or by filing an instrument in writing revoking the proxy or another duly executed proxy bearing a later date with the Secretary of the Corporation.  The vote upon any question brought before a meeting of the stockholders may be by voice vote, unless the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of all classes of stock entitled to vote thereon present in person or by proxy at such meeting shall so determine.  When a quorum is present at any meeting, the vote of the holders of a majority of the stock that has voting power present in person or represented by proxy shall decide any question properly brought before such meeting, unless the question is one upon which by express provision of law, the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, a different vote is required, in which case such express provision shall govern and control the decision of such question.

 

ARTICLE II

 

DIRECTORS

 

Section 1.                                          Powers.  The business and affairs of the Corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of its Board of Directors, which may exercise all such powers of the Corporation and do all such lawful acts and things as are not by law or by the Certificate of Incorporation directed or required to be exercised or done by the stockholders.

 

Section 2.                                          Number and Term of Office.  Except as otherwise required by any stockholders agreement by and among the Corporation and its stockholders, (a) the Board of Directors shall consist of one or more members and (b) the number of directors shall be fixed by resolution from time to time of the Board of Directors or by the stockholders at the annual meeting or a special meeting.  The directors shall be elected at the annual meeting of the

 

3



 

stockholders, except as provided in Section 3 of this Article, and each director elected shall hold office until such director’s successor is elected and qualified, except as required by law.  Except as otherwise required by any stockholders agreement by and among the Corporation and its stockholders, the Board of Directors may, at its discretion, elect a Chairman of the Board of Directors from the directors currently in office by a majority of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and the Chairman so elected shall hold office until the next annual meeting of the stockholders and until his/her successor is elected and qualified, except as required by law.  Any decrease in the authorized number of directors shall not be effective until the expiration of the term of the directors then in office, unless, at the time of such decrease, there shall be vacancies on the Board of Directors which are being eliminated by such decrease.

 

Section 3.                                          Vacancies and New Directorships.  Except as otherwise required by any stockholders agreement by and among the Corporation and its stockholders, vacancies and newly created directorships resulting from any increase in the authorized number of directors which occur between annual meetings of the stockholders may be filled by a majority of the directors then in office, though less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director, and the directors so elected shall hold office until the next annual meeting of the stockholders and until their successors are elected and qualified, except as required by law.

 

Section 4.                                          Regular Meetings.  Regular meetings of the Board of Directors may be held without notice immediately after the annual meeting of the stockholders and at such other time and place as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 5.                                          Special Meetings.  Special meetings of the Board of Directors may be called by the Chairman of the Board of Directors or the President on one day’s written notice to

 

4



 

each director by whom such notice is not waived, given either personally or by mail or telegram, and shall be called by the President or the Secretary in like manner and on like notice on the written request of any two directors.

 

Section 6.                                          Quorum.  At all meetings of the Board of Directors, a majority of the total number of directors then in office shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the act of a majority of the directors present at any meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of the Board of Directors.  If a quorum shall not be present at any meeting of the Board of Directors, the directors present thereat may adjourn the meeting from time to time to another place, time or date, without notice other than announcement at the meeting, until a quorum shall be present.

 

Section 7.                                          Written Action.  Any action required or permitted to be taken at any meeting of the Board of Directors or of any committee thereof may be taken without a meeting if all members of the Board of Directors or committee, as the case may be, consent thereto in writing or by electronic transmission, and the writing or writings or electronic transmission or transmissions are filed with the minutes of proceedings of the Board of Directors or Committee.

 

Section 8.                                          Participation in Meetings by Conference Telephone.  Members of the Board of Directors, or any committee designated by the Board of Directors, may participate in a meeting of the Board of Directors, or a meeting of any such committee, by means of conference telephone or similar communications equipment by means of which all persons participating in the meeting can hear each other, and such participation in a meeting shall constitute presence in person at the meeting.

 

Section 9.                                          Committees.  Except as otherwise required by any stockholders agreement by and among the Corporation and its stockholders, the Board of Directors may, by resolution

 

5



 

passed by a majority of the whole Board of Directors, designate one or more committees, each committee to consist of one or more of the directors of the Corporation and each to have such lawfully delegable powers and duties as the Board of Directors may confer and each such committee shall serve at the pleasure of the Board of Directors.  Except as otherwise required by any stockholders agreement by and among the Corporation and its stockholders, the Board of Directors may designate one or more directors as alternate members of any committee, who may replace any absent or disqualified member at any meeting of the committee.  Except as otherwise provided by law, any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the Board of Directors, shall have and may exercise all the powers and authority of the Board of Directors in the management of the business and affairs of the Corporation, and may authorize the seal of the Corporation to be affixed to all papers which may require it.  Any committee or committees so designated by the Board of Directors shall have such name or names as may be determined from time to time by resolution adopted by the Board of Directors.  Unless otherwise prescribed by the Board of Directors, a majority of the members of the committee shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, and the act of a majority of the members present at a meeting at which there is a quorum shall be the act of such committee.  Each committee shall prescribe its own rules for calling and holding meetings and its method of procedure, subject to any rules prescribed by the Board of Directors, and shall keep a written record of all actions taken by it.

 

Section 10.                                   Compensation.  The Board of Directors may establish such compensation for, and reimbursement of the expenses of, directors for attendance at meetings of the Board of Directors or committees, or for other services by directors to the Corporation, as the Board of Directors may determine.

 

6


 

Section 11.                                   Rules.  The Board of Directors may adopt such special rules and regulations for the conduct of their meetings and the management of the affairs of the Corporation as they may deem proper, not inconsistent with law or these bylaws.

 

ARTICLE III

 

NOTICES

 

Section 1.                                          Generally.  Whenever by law or under the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, notice is required to be given to any director or stockholder, it shall not be construed to mean personal notice, but such notice may be given in writing, by mail, addressed to such director or stockholder, at such director’s or stockholder’s address as it appears on the records of the Corporation, with postage thereon prepaid, and such notice shall be deemed to be given at the time when the same shall be deposited in the United States mail.  Notice to directors may also be given by facsimile, by telephone or by a form of electronic transmission consented to by the stockholder or director to whom the notice is given.

 

Section 2.                                          Waivers.  Whenever any notice is required to be given by law or under the provisions of the Certificate of Incorporation or these bylaws, a waiver thereof in writing, signed by the person or persons entitled to such notice, or a waiver by electronic transmission by the person entitled to such notice, in each case, whether before or after the time of the event for which notice is to be given, shall be deemed equivalent to such notice.  Attendance of a person at a meeting shall constitute a waiver of notice of such meeting, except when the person attends a meeting for the express purpose of objecting, at the beginning of the meeting, to the transaction of any business because the meeting is not lawfully called or convened.

 

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ARTICLE IV

 

OFFICERS

 

Section 1.                                          Generally.  The officers of the Corporation shall be elected by the Board of Directors and shall consist of a President, a Secretary and a Treasurer.  The Board of Directors may also elect such other officers, as the Board of Directors deems desirable, including the election of a Chief Executive Officer and a Chief Financial Officer.  Any number of offices may be held by the same person.

 

Section 2.                                          Compensation.  The compensation of all officers and agents of the Corporation who are also directors of the Corporation shall be fixed by the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors may delegate the power to fix the compensation of other officers and agents of the Corporation to an officer of the Corporation.

 

Section 3.                                          Succession.  The officers of the Corporation shall hold office until their successors are elected and qualified or until such officer’s earlier resignation or removal.  Any officer elected or appointed by the Board of Directors may be removed at any time by the affirmative vote of a majority of the directors.  Any vacancy occurring in any office of the Corporation may be filled by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 4.                                          Authority and Duties.  Each of the officers of the Corporation shall have such authority and shall perform such duties as are customarily incident to their respective offices, or as may be specified from time to time by the Board of Directors in a resolution which is not inconsistent with these bylaws.

 

Section 5.                                          Execution of Documents and Action with Respect to Securities of Other Corporations.  The President shall have and is hereby given, full power and authority, except as otherwise required by law or directed by the Board of Directors, (a) to execute, on behalf of the

 

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Corporation, all duly authorized contracts, agreements, deeds, conveyances or other obligations of the Corporation, applications, consents, proxies and other powers of attorney, and other documents and instruments, and (b) to vote and otherwise act on behalf of the Corporation, in person or by proxy, at any meeting of stockholders, members, partners or other equity holders (or with respect to any action of such stockholders, members, partners or other equity holders) of any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership or other entity in which the Corporation may hold securities and otherwise to exercise any and all rights and powers which the Corporation may possess by reason of its ownership of securities.  In addition, the President may delegate to other officers, employees and agents of the Corporation the power and authority to take any action which the President is authorized to take under this Section 5, with such limitations as the President may specify; such authority so delegated by the President shall not be re-delegated by the person to whom such execution authority has been delegated.

 

ARTICLE V

 

STOCK

 

Section 1.                                          Certificates.  Certificates representing shares of stock of the Corporation shall be in such form as shall be determined by the Board of Directors, subject to applicable legal requirements.  Such certificates shall be numbered and their issuance recorded in the books of the Corporation, and such certificate shall exhibit the holder’s name and the number of shares and shall be signed by, or in the name of the Corporation by the Chairman or Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors or the President or Vice-President and the Secretary or an Assistant Secretary or the Treasurer or an Assistant Treasurer of the Corporation.  Any or all of the signatures upon such certificates may be facsimiles, engraved or printed.

 

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Section 2.                                          Transfer.  Upon surrender to the Corporation or the transfer agent of the Corporation of a certificate for shares duly endorsed or accompanied by proper evidence of succession, assignment or authority to transfer, it shall be the duty of the Corporation to issue, or to cause its transfer agent to issue, a new certificate to the person entitled thereto, cancel the old certificate and record the transaction upon its books.

 

Section 3.                                          Lost, Stolen or Destroyed Certificates.  The Secretary may direct a new certificate or certificates to be issued in place of any certificate or certificates theretofore issued by the Corporation alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed upon the making of an affidavit of that fact, satisfactory to the Secretary, by the person claiming the certificate of stock to be lost, stolen or destroyed.  As a condition precedent to the issuance of a new certificate or certificates the Secretary may require the owner of such lost, stolen or destroyed certificate or certificates, or such owner’s legal representative, to give the Corporation a bond in such sum and with such surety or sureties as the Secretary may direct as indemnity against any claims that may be made against the Corporation with respect to the certificate alleged to have been lost, stolen or destroyed or the issuance of the new certificate.

 

Section 4.                                          Record Date.  In order that the Corporation is able to determine the stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at any meeting of stockholders or any adjournment thereof, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which record date shall not be more than sixty nor less than ten days before the date of such meeting.  If no record date is fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall be at the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which notice is given, or, if notice is waived, at

 

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the close of business on the day next preceding the day on which the meeting is held.  A determination of stockholders of record entitled to notice of or to vote at a meeting of stockholders shall apply to any adjournment of the meeting; provided, however, that the Board of Directors may fix a new record date for the adjourned meeting.

 

(a)         In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors, and which date shall not be more than ten days after the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted by the Board of Directors.  If no record date has been fixed by the Board of Directors, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting, when no prior action by the Board of Directors is required, shall be the first date on which a signed written consent setting forth the action taken or proposed to be taken is delivered to the Corporation by delivery to its registered office in Delaware, its principal place of business, or an officer or agent of the Corporation having custody of the book in which proceedings of meetings of stockholders are recorded.  Delivery made to a Corporation’s registered office shall be by hand or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested.  If no record date has been fixed by the Board of Directors and prior action by the Board of Directors is required by law, the record date for determining stockholders entitled to consent to corporate action in writing without a meeting shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution taking such prior action.

 

(b)         In order that the Corporation may determine the stockholders entitled to receive payment of any dividend or other distribution or allotment of any rights or the stockholders

 

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entitled to exercise any rights in respect of any change, conversion or exchange of stock, or for the purpose of any other lawful action, the Board of Directors may fix a record date, which record date shall not precede the date upon which the resolution fixing the record date is adopted, and which record date shall be not more than sixty days prior to such action.  If no record date is fixed, the record date for determining stockholders for any such purpose shall be at the close of business on the day on which the Board of Directors adopts the resolution relating thereto.

 

ARTICLE VI

 

GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

Section 1.                                          Fiscal Year.  The fiscal year of the Corporation shall be fixed from time to time by the Board of Directors.

 

Section 2.                                          Corporate Seal.  The Board of Directors may adopt a corporate seal and use the same by causing it or a facsimile thereof to be impressed or affixed or reproduced or otherwise.

 

Section 3.                                          Reliance upon Books, Reports and Records.  Each director, each member of a committee designated by the Board of Directors and each officer of the Corporation will, in the performance of his or her duties, be fully protected in relying in good faith upon the records of the Corporation and upon such information, opinions, reports or statements presented to the Corporation by any of the Corporation’s officers or employees, or committees of the Board of Directors, or by any other person as to matters the director, committee member or officer reasonably believes are within such other person’s professional or expert competence and who has been selected with reasonable care by or on behalf of the Corporation.

 

Section 4.                                          Time Periods.  In applying any provision of these bylaws which requires that an act be done or not be done a specified number of days prior to an event or that an act be

 

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done during a period of a specified number of days prior to an event, calendar days shall be used, the day of the doing of the act shall be excluded and the day of the event shall be included.

 

Section 5.                                          Dividends.  The Board of Directors may from time to time declare and the Corporation may pay dividends upon its outstanding shares of capital stock, in the manner and upon the terms and conditions provided by law and the Certificate of Incorporation.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

AMENDMENTS

 

Section 1.                                          Amendments.  These bylaws may be altered, amended or repealed, or new bylaws may be adopted, by the stockholders or by the Board of Directors.

 

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Exhibit 5.1

 

 

NORTH POINT  ·  901 LAKESIDE AVENUE  ·  CLEVELAND, OHIO  44114.1190

 

TELEPHONE: +1.216.586.3939 · FACSIMILE: +1.216.579.0212

 

[    ], 2016

 

YETI Holdings, Inc.
5301 Southwest Parkway, Suite 200

Austin, Texas  78735

 

Re:                             Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (No. 333-[        ])
Relating to the Initial Public Offering of up to
[        ] shares of Common Stock of YETI Holdings, Inc.

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

We are acting as counsel for YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), in connection with the initial public offering and sale of up to [        ] shares (the “Company Shares”) of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, by the Company and up to [        ] shares (the “Selling Stockholder Shares” and, together with the Company Shares, the “Shares”) by certain stockholders of the Company, pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement (the “Underwriting Agreement”) proposed to be entered into by and among the Company, the selling stockholders party thereto and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated and Piper Jaffray & Co., acting as the representatives of the several underwriters to be named in Schedule A thereto.

 

In connection with the opinion expressed herein, we have examined such documents, records and matters of law as we have deemed relevant or necessary for purposes of such opinion. Based upon the foregoing and subject to the further assumptions, qualifications and limitations set forth herein, we are of the opinion that:

 

1.              The Company Shares, when issued and delivered pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement against payment of the consideration therefor, as provided in the Underwriting Agreement, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

2.              The Selling Stockholder Shares are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

 

In rendering the opinions set forth above, we have assumed that the Underwriting Agreement will have been executed and delivered by the parties thereto and the resolutions authorizing the Company to issue and deliver the Company Shares pursuant to the Underwriting Agreement will be in full force and effect at all times at which the Company Shares are issued and delivered by the Company. In rendering the foregoing opinions, we have also assumed that

 

ALKHOBAR · AMSTERDAM · ATLANTA · BEIJING · BOSTON · BRISBANE · BRUSSELS · CHICAGO · CLEVELAND · COLUMBUS · DALLAS
DETROIT
· DUBAI · DÜSSELDORF · FRANKFURT · HONG KONG · HOUSTON · IRVINE · JEDDAH · LONDON · LOS ANGELES · MADRID
MEXICO CITY
· MIAMI · MILAN · MINNEAPOLIS · MOSCOW · MUNICH · NEW YORK · PARIS · PERTH · PITTSBURGH · RIYADH
SAN DIEGO
· SAN FRANCISCO · SÃO PAULO · SHANGHAI · SILICON VALLEY · SINGAPORE · SYDNEY · TAIPEI · TOKYO · WASHINGTON

 



 

the Company will issue and deliver the Shares after filing with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware the Company’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to be in effect upon completion of the initial public offering, in the form approved by us and filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, as amended (No. 333-[        ]) (the “Registration Statement”), filed by the Company to effect registration of the Shares under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Act”).

 

The opinions expressed herein are limited to the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, and we express no opinion as to the effect of the laws of any other jurisdiction.

 

We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5.1 to the Registration Statement and to the reference to us under the caption “Legal Matters” in the prospectus constituting a part of such Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we are included in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the Act or the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission promulgated thereunder.

 

 

Very truly yours,

 

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Exhibit 10.3

 

YETI HOLDINGS, INC.
2012 EQUITY AND PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE PLAN

 

1.                                      Purpose.  The purpose of the YETI Holdings, Inc. 2012 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan is to attract and retain directors, consultants, officers and other key employees for YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its Subsidiaries (as defined below) and to provide to such persons incentives and rewards for superior performance.

 

2.                                      Definitions.  As used in this Plan,

 

“Affiliate” of a Person means any Person which directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with such Person.

 

“Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company and, to the extent of any delegation by the Board to a committee (or subcommittee thereof) pursuant to Section 12 of this Plan, such committee (or subcommittee).

 

“Change of Control” has the meaning provided in Section 8 of this Plan.

 

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

 

“Common Stock” means the shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company or any security into which such shares of common stock may be changed by reason of any transaction or event of the type referred to in Section 7 of this Plan.

 

“Company” means YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

“Date of Grant” means the date specified by the Board on which a grant of Option Rights shall become effective (which date shall not be earlier than the date on which the Board takes action with respect thereto).

 

“Director” means a member of the Board.

 

“Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder, as such law, rules and regulations may be amended from time to time.

 

“Incentive Stock Options” means Option Rights that are intended to qualify as “incentive stock options” under Section 422 of the Code or any successor provision.

 

“Management Objectives” means the measurable performance objective or objectives established, when so determined by the Board, pursuant to this Plan for Participants who have received grants of Option Rights pursuant to this Plan.  Management Objectives may be described in terms of Company-wide objectives or objectives that are related to the performance of the individual Participant or of the Subsidiary, division, department, region or function within the Company or Subsidiary in which the Participant is employed.  The Management Objectives may be made relative to the performance of other corporations.

 



 

If the Board determines that a change in the business, operations, corporate structure or capital structure of the Company, or the manner in which it conducts its business, or other events or circumstances render the Management Objectives unsuitable, the Board may in its discretion modify such Management Objectives or the related minimum acceptable level of achievement, in whole or in part, as the Board deems appropriate and equitable.

 

“Market Value per Share” means, as of any particular date, the fair market value of the shares of Common Stock as determined by the Board.

 

“Non-Employee Director” means a director who is not an employee of the Company or any Subsidiary.

 

“Optionee” means the optionee named in an agreement evidencing an outstanding Option Right.

 

“Option Price” means the purchase price payable on exercise of an Option Right.

 

“Option Right” means the right to purchase shares of Common Stock upon exercise of an option granted pursuant to Section 4 of this Plan.

 

“Participant” means a person who is selected by the Board to receive Option Rights under this Plan and who is at the time an officer or other employee or consultant of the Company or any one or more of its Subsidiaries, or who has agreed to commence serving in any of such capacities within 90 days of the Date of Grant, and shall also include each Non-Employee Director who receives an award of Option Rights or Restricted Shares.

 

“Person” means any individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, unincorporated society or association, trust or other entity.

 

“Plan” means this YETI Holdings, Inc. 2012 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan.

 

“Subsidiary” means a corporation, company or other entity (i) more than fifty percent (50%) of whose outstanding shares or securities (representing the right to vote for the election of directors or other managing authority) are, or (ii) which does not have outstanding shares or securities (as may be the case in a partnership, limited liability company, joint venture or unincorporated association), but more than fifty percent (50%) of whose ownership interest representing the right generally to make decisions for such other entity is, now or hereafter, owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Company except that for purposes of determining whether any person may be a Participant for purposes of any grant of Incentive Stock Options, “Subsidiary” means any corporation in which at the time the Company owns or controls, directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of the total combined voting power represented by all classes of stock issued by such corporation.

 

“Ten Percent Employee” means an employee of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries who owns Common Stock possessing more than ten percent (10%) of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company.

 

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3.                                      Shares Available Under this Plan.  (a) Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 3(b) and Section 7 of this Plan, the number of shares of Common Stock that may be issued or transferred upon the exercise of Option Rights shall not exceed in the aggregate 11,056 shares of Common Stock, plus any shares described in Section 3(b).  Such shares may be shares of original issuance or treasury shares or a combination of the foregoing.

 

(b)                                 Shares relating to options that expire, are forfeited or are transferred, surrendered or relinquished upon the payment of any Option Price by the transfer to the Company of shares of Common Stock or upon satisfaction of any withholding amount shall again be available for issuance pursuant to Section 3(a).  Upon payment in cash of the benefit provided by any award granted under this Plan, any shares that were covered by that award shall again be available for issue or transfer hereunder.

 

(c)                                  Notwithstanding anything in this Section 3, or elsewhere in this Plan, to the contrary and subject to adjustment as provided in Section 7 of this Plan, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock actually issued or transferred by the Company upon the exercise of Incentive Stock Options shall not exceed 11,056 shares of Common Stock.

 

4.                                      Option Rights.  The Board may, from time to time and upon such terms and conditions as it may determine, authorize the granting to Participants of options to purchase shares of Common Stock.  Each such grant may utilize any or all of the authorizations, and shall be subject to all of the requirements contained in the following provisions:

 

(a)                                 Option Rights granted under this Plan may be (i) options, including, without limitation, Incentive Stock Options, that are intended to qualify under particular provisions of the Code, (ii) options that are not intended so to qualify, or (iii) combinations of the foregoing.

 

(b)                                 Each grant shall specify the number of shares of Common Stock to which it pertains subject to the limitations set forth in Section 3 of this Plan.

 

(c)                                  Each grant shall specify an Option Price per share.  Except as otherwise determined by the Board, the Option Price of an Option Right may not be less than 100% of the Market Value per Share on the Date of Grant, except that with respect to (i) Incentive Stock Options issued to a Ten Percent Employee, the Option Price of such Incentive Stock Option may not be less than 110% of the Market Value per Share on the Date of Grant and (ii) Incentive Stock Options issued to all other Participants, the Option Price of such Incentive Stock Option may not be less than 100% of the Market Value per Share on the Date of Grant.

 

(d)                                 The Option Price shall be payable in (i) cash in the form of currency or check or by wire transfer as directed by the Company or (ii) such other form of consideration as is deemed acceptable by the Board.

 

(e)                                  Any grant may provide for payment of the Option Price, at the election of the Optionee, in installments, with or without interest, upon terms determined by the Board.

 

(f)                                   Successive grants may be made to the same Participant whether or not any Option Rights previously granted to such Participant remain unexercised.

 

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(g)                                  Each grant shall specify the period or periods of continuous service by the Optionee with the Company or any Subsidiary that is necessary before the Option Rights or installments thereof will become exercisable and may provide for the earlier exercise of such Option Rights in the event of a Change of Control.

 

(h)                                 Any grant of Option Rights may specify Management Objectives that must be achieved as a condition to the exercise of such rights.

 

(i)                                     The Board may, at or after the Date of Grant of any Option Rights (other than Incentive Stock Options), provide for the payment of dividend equivalents to the Optionee or may provide that such equivalents shall be credited against the Option Price.

 

(j)                                    No Option Right shall be exercisable more than 10 years from the Date of Grant (5 years with respect to Incentive Stock Options granted to a Ten Percent Employee).

 

(k)                                 Each grant of Option Rights shall be evidenced by an agreement executed on behalf of the Company by an officer and delivered to the Optionee and containing such terms and provisions, consistent with this Plan, as the Board may approve.

 

5.                                      Awards to Non-Employee Directors.  The Board may, from time to time and upon such terms and conditions as it may determine, authorize the granting to Non-Employee Directors of Option Rights.

 

(a)                                 Each grant of Option Rights awarded pursuant to this Section 5 shall be upon terms and conditions consistent with Section 4 of this Plan and shall be evidenced by an agreement in such form as shall be approved by the Board.  Each grant shall specify an Option Price per share, which shall not be less than 100% of the Market Value per Share on the Date of Grant.  Each such Option Right granted under the Plan shall expire not more than 10 years from the Date of Grant and shall be subject to earlier termination as hereinafter provided.  Unless otherwise determined by the Board, such Option Rights shall be subject to the following additional terms and conditions:

 

(i)                                     Each grant shall specify the number of shares of Common Stock to which it pertains subject to the limitations set forth in Section 3 of this Plan.

 

(ii)                                  In the event of the termination of service on the Board by the holder of any such Option Rights, other than by reason of disability or death, the then outstanding Options Rights of such holder may be exercised to the extent that they would be exercisable on the date that is ninety days after the date of such termination and shall expire ninety days after such termination, or on their stated expiration date, whichever occurs first.

 

(iii)                               In the event of the death or disability of the holder of any such Option Rights, each of the then outstanding Option Rights of such holder may be exercised at any time within 1 year after such death or disability, but in no event after the expiration date of the term of such Option Rights.

 

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(iv)                              If a Non-Employee Director subsequently becomes an employee of the Company or a Subsidiary while remaining a member of the Board, any Option Rights held under the Plan by such individual at the time of such commencement of employment shall not be affected thereby.

 

(v)                                 Option Rights may be exercised by a Non-Employee Director only upon payment to the Company in full of the Option Price of the shares of Common Stock to be delivered.  Such payment shall be made in (i) cash in the form of currency or check or by wire transfer as directed by the Company or (ii) such other form of consideration as is deemed acceptable by the Board.

 

6.                                      Transferability.  (a)                                Except as otherwise determined by the Board or as set forth in the Stockholders Agreement entered into by and between the Company and certain of its stockholders, dated June 15, 2012 (as the same may be amended from time to time), no Option Right granted under this Plan shall be transferable by a Participant other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  Except as otherwise determined by the Board, Option Rights shall be exercisable during the Optionee’s lifetime only by him or her or by his or her guardian or legal representative.

 

(b)                                 The Board may specify at the Date of Grant that part or all of the shares of Common Stock that are to be issued or transferred by the Company upon the exercise of Option Rights shall be subject to further restrictions on transfer.

 

7.                                      Adjustments.  The Board shall make or provide for such adjustments in the numbers of shares of Common Stock covered by outstanding Option Rights granted hereunder, in the Option Price applicable to any Option, and in the kind of shares covered thereby, as the Board, in its sole discretion, exercised in good faith, may determine is equitably required to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights of Participants or Optionees that otherwise would result from (a) any stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares, recapitalization or other change in the capital structure of the Company, or (b) any merger, consolidation, spin-off, split-off, spin-out, split-up, reorganization, partial or complete liquidation or other distribution of assets, issuance of rights or warrants to purchase securities, or (c) any other corporate transaction or event having an effect similar to any of the foregoing.  Moreover, in the event of any such transaction or event or in the event of a Change of Control, the Board, in its discretion, may provide in substitution for any or all outstanding options under this Plan such alternative consideration as it, in good faith, may determine to be equitable in the circumstances and may require in connection therewith the surrender of all options so replaced; provided, however, that if the Option Price is greater than the Market Value per Share as of the date of the consummation of a Change of Control, the Option shall immediately terminate upon such Change of Control.  The Board may also make or provide for such adjustments in the number of shares specified in Section 3 of this Plan as the Board in its sole discretion, exercised in good faith, may determine is appropriate to reflect any transaction or event described in this Section 7; provided, however, that any such adjustment to the number specified in Section 3(c) shall be made only if and to the extent that such adjustment would not cause any Option intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option to fail so to qualify.

 

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8.                                      Change of Control.  For purposes of this Plan, except as may be otherwise prescribed by the Board in an agreement evidencing a grant made under the Plan, a “Change of Control” shall mean if at any time any of the following events shall have occurred:

 

(a)                                 The Company is merged or consolidated or reorganized into or with another corporation or other legal person, and as a result of such merger, consolidation or reorganization less than a majority of the combined voting power of the then-outstanding securities of such corporation or person immediately after such transaction are held in the aggregate by the holders of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to such transaction;

 

(b)                                 The Company sells or otherwise transfers all or substantially all of its assets to any other corporation (other than a Subsidiary) or other legal person, and less than a majority of the combined voting power of the then-outstanding securities of such corporation or person immediately after such sale or transfer is held in the aggregate by the holders of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to such sale or transfer;

 

(c)                                  If Cortec Group Fund V, L.P. together with its Affiliates cease for any reason other than a public offering of the Company’s equity securities to own a majority of the combined voting power of the outstanding securities of the Company;

 

(d)                                 If, at any time after any public offering of any of the Company’s equity securities, any “person” (as such term is used in Sections 13(d)(3) and 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act) becomes a “beneficial owner” (as such term is defined in Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) (other than the Company, any trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under an employee benefit plan of the Company, or any corporation owned, directly or indirectly, by the stockholders of the Company in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of stock of the Company), directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than fifty percent (50%) of the combined voting power of the Company’s then outstanding securities; or

 

(e)                                  The stockholders of the Company approve a plan of complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Change of Control shall not occur for purposes of this Plan unless such Change of Control constitutes a “change in control event” under Section 409A of the Code and the regulations thereunder.

 

9.                                      Fractional Shares.  The Company shall not be required to issue any fractional shares of Common Stock pursuant to this Plan.  The Board may provide for the elimination of fractions or for the settlement of fractions in cash.

 

10.                               Withholding Taxes.  To the extent that the Company is required to withhold federal, state, local or foreign taxes in connection with any payment made or benefit realized by a Participant or other person under this Plan, and the amounts available to the Company for such withholding are insufficient, it shall be a condition to the receipt of such payment or the realization of such benefit that the Participant or such other person make arrangements satisfactory to the Company for payment of the balance of such taxes required to be withheld. The Company and a Participant or such other person may also make similar arrangements with respect to the payment of any taxes with respect to which withholding is not required.

 

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11.                               Foreign Employees.  In order to facilitate the making of any grant or combination of grants under this Plan, the Board may provide for such special terms for options to Participants who are foreign nationals or who are employed by the Company or any Subsidiary outside of the United States of America as the Board may consider necessary or appropriate to accommodate differences in local law, tax policy or custom.  Moreover, the Board may approve such supplements to or amendments, restatements or alternative versions of this Plan as it may consider necessary or appropriate for such purposes, without thereby affecting the terms of this Plan as in effect for any other purpose, and the Secretary or other appropriate officer of the Company may certify any such document as having been approved and adopted in the same manner as this Plan.  No such special terms, supplements, amendments or restatements, however, shall include any provisions that are inconsistent with the terms of this Plan as then in effect unless this Plan could have been amended to eliminate such inconsistency without further approval by the stockholders of the Company.

 

12.                               Administration of this Plan.  (a)  This Plan shall be administered by the Board, which may from time to time delegate all or any part of its authority under this Plan to a committee of the Board (or subcommittee thereof) consisting of not less than two Directors appointed by the Board.  A majority of the committee (or subcommittee) shall constitute a quorum, and the action of the members of the committee (or subcommittee) present at any meeting at which a quorum is present, or acts unanimously approved in writing, shall be the acts of the committee (or subcommittee).  To the extent of any such delegation, references in this Plan to the Board shall be deemed to be references to any such committee or subcommittee.

 

(b)                                 The interpretation and construction by the Board of any provision of this Plan or of any agreement, notification or document evidencing the grant of Option Rights and any determination by the Board pursuant to any provision of this Plan or of any such agreement, notification or document shall be final and conclusive.  No member of the Board shall be liable for any such action or determination made in good faith.

 

13.                               Amendments, Etc.  (a)  The Board may at any time and from time to time amend this Plan in whole or in part; provided, however, that any amendment which must be approved by the stockholders of the Company in order to comply with applicable law shall not be effective unless and until such approval has been obtained.  Presentation of this Plan or any amendment hereof for stockholder approval shall not be construed to limit the Company’s authority to offer similar or dissimilar benefits under other plans without stockholder approval.

 

(b)                                 The Board may, with the concurrence of the affected Participant, cancel any agreement evidencing Option Rights granted under this Plan.  In the event of such cancellation, the Board may authorize the granting of new Option Rights under this Plan (which may or may not cover the same number of shares of Common Stock that had been the subject of the prior option) in such manner, at such Option Price and subject to such other terms, conditions and discretions as would have been applicable under this Plan had the canceled Option Rights not been granted.

 

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(c)                                  In case of termination of employment or, if the Participant is a Non-Employee Director, termination of service on the Board by reason of death, disability or normal or early retirement, or in the case of hardship or other special circumstances, of a Participant who holds an Option Right not immediately exercisable in full, or who holds shares of Common Stock subject to any transfer restriction imposed pursuant to Section 6(b) of this Plan, the Board may, in its sole discretion, accelerate the time at which such Option Right may be exercised or the time when such transfer restriction will terminate or may waive any other limitation or requirement under any such award.

 

(d)                                 This Plan shall not confer upon any Participant any right with respect to continuance of employment or other service with the Company or any Subsidiary, nor shall it interfere in any way with any right the Company or any Subsidiary would otherwise have to terminate such Participant’s employment or other service at any time.

 

(e)                                  To the extent that any provision of this Plan would prevent any Option Right that was intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option from qualifying as such, that provision shall be null and void with respect to such Option Right.  Such provision, however, shall remain in effect for other Option Rights and there shall be no further effect on any provision of this Plan.

 

(f)                                   Any grant of Option Rights may require, as a condition to the exercise, grant or sale thereof, that the Participant agree to be bound by (i) any stockholders agreement among all or certain stockholders of the Company that may be in effect at the time of exercise, grant or sale or certain provisions of any such agreement that may be specified by the Company or (ii) any other agreement requested by the Company.

 

14.                               Termination.  No grant shall be made under this Plan more than 10 years after the date on which this Plan is first approved by the stockholders of the Company, but all grants made on or prior to such date shall continue in effect thereafter subject to the terms thereof and of this Plan.

 

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Exhibit 10.4

 

YETI HOLDINGS, INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

 

This AMENDED AND RESTATED NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made as of March 31, 2016 (the “Amendment Date”) by and between YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and Roy Seiders (“Optionee”).  As a condition precedent to the Company’s grant of the Option (as defined in Section 3 of this Agreement) to Optionee, (1) Optionee executed and delivered a counterpart of the Stockholders Agreement between the Company and certain of its stockholders, dated June 15, 2012, as amended by that certain amended and restated letter agreement by and among the Company, the Optionee and the other parties named thereto, dated as of September 14, 2015, as the same may be amended from time to time (the “Stockholders Agreement”) and thereby agreed to be bound by the Stockholders Agreement as an “Employee Investor” thereunder and (2) Optionee is executing the letter agreement attached hereto as Exhibit A (the “Letter Agreement”).

 

1.                                      Acknowledgement and Agreement.  The Company and Optionee are parties to a Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (the “Prior Agreement”), made as of June 15, 2012 (the “Date of Grant”).  The parties acknowledge that the purpose of this Agreement, which is an amendment and restatement of the Prior Agreement, is to modify the vesting provisions of the Prior Agreement to read as set forth in Section 5 of this Agreement, provided that nothing contained in this Agreement shall (a) constitute a new grant of the option granted to Optionee under the Prior Agreement or (b) otherwise affect the Date of Grant.  In consideration of the modified vesting provisions as set forth in Section 5 of this Agreement, Optionee releases the Company, each of its Subsidiaries and Affiliates, and Cortec, and each of their respective successors or assigns, and each partner, officer, director and employee of each of them, from any claim, liability or obligation arising out of or relating to the Prior Agreement.  This Agreement shall completely amend, restate and replace the Prior Agreement as of the date hereof.

 

2.                                      Certain Definitions.  Capitalized terms used, but not otherwise defined, in this Agreement will have the meanings given to such terms in the Company’s 2012 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).  As used in this Agreement:

 

(a)                                 “Cortec” means Cortec Group Fund V, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and its Affiliates.

 

(b)                                 “Permanent Disability” means that Optionee, because of accident, disability, or physical or mental illness, is incapable of performing Optionee’s duties to the Company or any Subsidiary, as determined by the Board.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Optionee will be deemed to have become incapable of performing Optionee’s duties to the Company or any Subsidiary, if, and only if, Optionee is incapable of so doing for (i) a continuous period of 90 days and remains so incapable at the end of such 90 day period or (ii) periods amounting in the aggregate to 180 days within any one period of 365 days and remains so incapable at the end of such aggregate period of 180 days.

 

(c)                                  “Public Offering” means the initial sale of common stock of the Company to the general public pursuant to a registration statement filed with and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933.

 



 

(d)                                 “Termination For Cause” shall have the meaning set forth in any employment agreement between Optionee and the Company or any Subsidiary or, if Optionee is employed by the Company or any Subsidiary other than pursuant to an employment agreement, means the termination by the Company or any Subsidiary of Optionee’s employment with the Company or any Subsidiary as a result of (i) the commission by Optionee of a felony or a fraud, (ii) conduct by Optionee that brings the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company into substantial public disgrace or disrepute, (iii) gross negligence or gross misconduct by Optionee with respect to the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company, (iv) repudiation by Optionee of Optionee’s employment agreement, if any, with the Company or any Subsidiary or Optionee’s abandonment of Optionee’s employment with the Company or any Subsidiary, (v) Optionee’s insubordination or failure to follow the directions of the Board of Directors of the Company or any Subsidiary, which is not cured within three days after written notice thereof to Optionee, (vi) Optionee’s violation of (A) Optionee’s confidentiality obligations with respect to the Company’s and any Subsidiary’s confidential information, knowledge or data or (B) Optionee’s agreement to not engage in competition, if any, with the Company or any Subsidiary, (vii) Optionee’s breach of a material employment policy of the Company which is not cured within three days after written notice thereof to Optionee, or (viii) any other breach by Optionee of this Agreement or any other agreement with the Company or any Subsidiary which is material and which is not cured within thirty days after written notice thereof to Optionee.

 

(e)                                  “Termination For Good Reason” shall have the meaning set forth in any employment agreement between Optionee and the Company or any Subsidiary or, if Optionee is employed by the Company or any Subsidiary other than pursuant to an employment agreement, means Optionee’s termination of Optionee’s employment as a result of (i) a material decrease in Optionee’s base salary, other than in connection with a general cost-reduction program imposed by the Board on all senior officers because of deteriorating performance of the Company or any Subsidiary, or (ii) any material breach of this Agreement by the Company.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no termination of employment by Optionee shall constitute a “Termination For Good Reason” unless (A) Optionee gives the Company or any Subsidiary notice of the existence of an event described in clause (i) or (ii) above, within fifteen (15) days following the occurrence thereof, (B) the Company or any Subsidiary does not remedy such event described in clause (i) or (ii) above, as applicable, within thirty (30) days  of receiving the notice described in the preceding clause (A), and (C) Optionee terminates employment within five (5) days of the end of the cure period specified in clause (B), above.

 

(f)                                   “Termination Without Cause” means the termination by the Company or any Subsidiary of Optionee’s employment with the Company or any Subsidiary for any reason other than a termination for Permanent Disability or a Termination For Cause.

 

(g)                                  “Voluntary Termination” means Optionee’s termination of Optionee’s employment with the Company or any Subsidiary for any reason, other than a Termination For Good Reason.

 

3.                                      Grant of Stock Option.  The Company granted to Optionee an option (the “Option”) to purchase 1,396 shares of Common Stock on the Date of Grant (the “Option Shares”), pursuant to the terms of the Prior Agreement and the Plan.  Prior to the Amendment Date, Optionee exercised 348 Option Shares.  As of the Amendment Date, 1,048 Option Shares

 

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remain outstanding, all of which are not exercisable.  Optionee acknowledges and agrees that, pursuant to this Agreement, the future exercisability of the 1,048 Option Shares that remain outstanding as of the Amendment Date shall be governed by Section 5 of this Agreement.  The Option to purchase the Option Shares may be exercised from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.  The Option Shares may be purchased pursuant to this Option at a price of $1,000 per share, subject to adjustment as hereinafter provided (the “Option Price”).  The Option is intended to be a nonqualified stock option and shall not be treated as an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of that term under Section 422 of the Code, or any successor provision thereto.

 

4.                                      Term of Option.  The term of the Option commenced on the Date of Grant and, unless earlier terminated in accordance with Section 8 hereof, shall expire ten (10) years from the Date of Grant.

 

5.                                      Right to Exercise.  Unless terminated as hereinafter provided, the remaining 1,048 Option Shares under this Option shall vest and become exercisable only as follows:

 

(a)                                 The Option shall vest and become exercisable with respect to 699 Option Shares on the Amendment Date, and shall vest and become exercisable with respect to an additional 174 Option Shares on the earlier of (i) July 31, 2017 or (ii) the first anniversary of a Public Offering (the “Second Vesting Date”), if Optionee remains in the continuous employ of the Company or any Subsidiary as of such date, and shall vest and become exercisable with respect to the remaining 175 Option Shares on the first anniversary of the Second Vesting Date, if Optionee remains in the continuous employ of the Company or any Subsidiary as of such date.

 

(b)                                 Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5(a), if (i) a Change of Control occurs and the Option Shares have not become exercisable under Section 5(a), and (ii) Optionee remains in the continuous employ of the Company or any Subsidiary until the date of the consummation of such Change of Control, the Option shall become exercisable immediately prior to the date of the Change of Control with respect to any Option Shares that have not become exercisable as of the date of the Change of Control.  The Company shall provide Optionee at least ten (10) business days advance written notice of the anticipated date of any such Change of Control.

 

(c)                                  Any Option Shares with respect to which Optionee does not earn the right to exercise prior to the termination of Optionee’s employment with the Company or any Subsidiary shall expire and terminate upon such termination of employment.  Any portion of the Option Shares as to which Optionee earns the right to exercise shall remain exercisable in accordance with the terms of this Agreement until terminated as provided herein.

 

(d)                                 Optionee shall not be entitled to acquire a fraction of one Option Share pursuant to this Option.  Optionee shall be entitled to the privileges of ownership with respect to Option Shares purchased and delivered to Optionee upon the exercise of all or part of this Option.

 

6.                                      Option Nontransferable.  Optionee may not transfer or assign all or any part of the Option other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.  This Option may be exercised, during the lifetime of Optionee, only by Optionee, or in the event of Optionee’s legal incapacity, by Optionee’s guardian or legal representative acting on behalf of Optionee in a fiduciary capacity under state law and court supervision.

 

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7.                                      Notice of Exercise; Payment.

 

(a)                                 To the extent then exercisable, the Option may be exercised in whole or in part by written notice to the Company stating the number of Option Shares for which the Option is being exercised and the intended manner of payment.  The date of such notice shall be the exercise date.  Payment equal to the aggregate Option Price of the Option Shares being purchased pursuant to an exercise of the Option must be tendered in full with the notice of exercise to the Company in cash in the form of currency or check or by wire transfer as directed by the Company.

 

(b)                                 As soon as practicable upon the Company’s receipt of Optionee’s notice of exercise and payment, the Company shall direct the due issuance of the Option Shares so purchased.

 

(c)                                  As a further condition precedent to the exercise of this Option in whole or in part, Optionee shall comply with all regulations and the requirements of any regulatory authority having control of, or supervision over, the issuance of the shares of Common Stock and in connection therewith shall execute any documents which the Board shall in its sole discretion deem necessary or advisable.

 

8.                                      Termination of Agreement.  The Agreement and the Option granted hereby shall terminate automatically and without further notice on the earliest of the following dates:

 

(a)                                 One (1) year after Optionee’s death if such death occurs while Optionee is employed by the Company or any Subsidiary; provided, however, that it shall be a condition to the exercise of the Option in the event of Optionee’s death that the Person exercising the Option shall (i) have agreed in a form satisfactory to the Company to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement and, if applicable, the Stockholders Agreement and (ii) comply with all regulations and the requirements of any regulatory authority having control of, or supervision over, the issuance of the shares of Common Stock and in connection therewith shall execute any documents which the Board shall in its sole discretion deem necessary or advisable;

 

(b)                                 One (1) year after Optionee’s termination of employment due to Permanent Disability;

 

(c)                                  Ninety (90) calendar days after Optionee’s Termination Without Cause or Termination For Good Reason;

 

(d)                                 The date of Optionee’s Termination For Cause;

 

(e)                                  Thirty (30) calendar days after Optionee’s Voluntary Termination;

 

(f)                                   The date on which Optionee violates any restrictive covenant agreement between Optionee and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates;

 

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(g)                                  Immediately following the consummation of a Change of Control (or, if  later, ten (10) business days after notice from the Company of the anticipated date of such Change of Control); or

 

(h)                                 Ten (10) years from the Date of Grant.

 

In the event that Optionee’s employment is terminated in the circumstances described in Section 8(d) hereof, this Agreement shall terminate at the time of such termination notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement and Optionee’s option will cease to be exercisable to the extent exercisable as of such termination and will not be or become exercisable after such termination.  Optionee shall be deemed to be an employee of the Company or any Subsidiary if on a leave of absence approved by the Board.

 

9.                                      No Employment Contract.  Nothing contained in this Agreement shall (a) confer upon Optionee any right to be employed by or remain employed by the Company or any Subsidiary, or (b) limit or affect in any manner the right of the Company or any Subsidiary to terminate the employment or adjust the compensation of Optionee.

 

10.                               Taxes and Withholding.  If the Company or any Subsidiary is required to withhold any federal, state, local or foreign tax in connection with the exercise of the Option, and the amounts available to the Company or such Subsidiary for such withholding are insufficient, it shall be a condition to the exercise of the Option that Optionee pay the tax or make provisions that are reasonably satisfactory to the Company for the payment thereof.

 

11.                               Compliance with Law.  The Company shall make reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable federal and state securities laws; provided, however, that notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Option shall not be exercisable if the exercise thereof would result in a violation of any such law.

 

12.                               Adjustments.  In accordance with the Plan, the Board shall make or provide for such adjustments in the number of Option Shares covered by this Option, in the Option Price applicable to such Option, and in the kind of shares covered thereby, or take such other actions as the Board deems appropriate, as the Board may determine is equitably required to prevent dilution or enlargement of Optionee’s rights that otherwise would result from (a) any stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares, recapitalization, or other change in the capital structure of the Company, (b) any merger, consolidation, spin-off, split-off, spin-out, split-up, reorganization, partial or complete liquidation, or other distribution of assets or issuance of rights or warrants to purchase securities, or (c) any other corporate transaction or event having an effect similar to any of the foregoing.  In the event of any such transaction or event or upon a Change of Control, the Board may, but shall not be obligated to, provide in substitution for this Option such alternative consideration as it may determine to be equitable in the circumstances and may require in connection therewith the surrender of this Option; provided, however, that if the Option Price is greater than the Market Value per Share as of the date of the consummation of a Change of Control, the Option shall immediately terminate upon such Change of Control.

 

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13.                               Relation to Other Benefits.  Any economic or other benefit to Optionee under this Agreement shall not be taken into account in determining any benefits to which Optionee may be entitled under any profit-sharing, retirement or other benefit or compensation plan maintained by the Company or any Subsidiary and shall not affect the amount of any life insurance coverage available to any beneficiary under any life insurance plan covering employees of the Company or any Subsidiary.

 

14.                               Amendments.  Any amendment to the Plan shall be deemed to be an amendment to this Agreement to the extent that the amendment is applicable hereto; provided, however, that no amendment shall adversely affect the rights of Optionee under this Agreement without Optionee’s written consent.

 

15.                               Severability.  If one or more of the provisions of this Agreement is invalidated for any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction, any provision so invalidated shall be deemed to be separable from the other provisions hereof, and the remaining provisions hereof shall continue to be valid and fully enforceable.

 

16.                               Relation to Plan.  This Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.  In the event of any inconsistent provisions between this Agreement and the Plan, the Plan shall govern.  The Board acting pursuant to the Plan, as constituted from time to time, shall, except as expressly provided otherwise herein, have the right to determine any questions which arise in connection with the Option or its exercise.

 

17.                               Successors and Assigns.  The provisions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the successors, administrators, heirs, legal representatives and assigns of Optionee, and the successors and assigns of the Company.

 

18.                               Governing Law.  The interpretation, performance, and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws thereof and all parties, including their successors and assigns, consent to the jurisdiction of the state and federal courts of Delaware.

 

19.                               Notices.  Any notice to the Company provided for herein shall be in writing to the Company, marked Attention:  General Counsel, and any notice to Optionee shall be in writing addressed to said Optionee at Optionee’s address on file with the Company at the time of such notice, with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to Miller, Egan, Molter & Nelson LLP, 221 West Sixth Street, Suite 700, Austin, Texas 78701, Attention: Kyle K. Fox.  Except as otherwise provided herein, any written notice shall be deemed to be duly given if and when delivered personally or deposited in the United States mail, first class registered mail, postage and fees prepaid, and addressed as aforesaid.  Any party may change the address to which notices are to be given hereunder by written notice to the other party as herein specified (provided that for this purpose any mailed notice shall be deemed given on the third business day following deposit of the same in the United States mail).

 

20.                               Lock-Up Agreement.  Concurrent with the execution, and as a condition to the effectiveness, of this Agreement, Optionee has executed the Lock-Up Agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B.  Optionee further agrees, if requested by the Company and/or any underwriters managing the Company’s Public Offering of the Common Stock (but only if the Lock-Up Agreement attached hereto as Exhibit B is no longer in effect) or any subsequent

 

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offering of securities of the Company (an “Offering”), to enter into a lock-up agreement in the form prepared by the Company and/or the underwriters pursuant to which Optionee will not (a) lend, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any of the Common Stock or any securities of the Company convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for the Common Stock (and excluding any shares subsequently purchased by Optionee on the open market or in such offering), or (b) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of such Common Stock, whether any such transaction described in clause (a) or (b) above is to be settled by delivery of the Common Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise, without the prior consent of the Company or the underwriter, provided that such lock-up time period shall not exceed 180 days from the effective date of such initial public offering, or, in the case of subsequent offerings of securities, 90 days from the effective date of such subsequent offering and any extension required by rules and regulations applicable to the underwriters; provided that with respect to any initial public offering or any such subsequent offering, the Company’s executive officers, directors and Cortec also enter into such a lock-up agreement; and provided further that no lock-up shall be required with respect to any filing of a registration statement on Form S-4 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the filing of a Form S-8 or other applicable form under the Securities Act for the purpose of registering shares of common stock issuable under any Company equity incentive plan.  In addition, Optionee waives any registration rights he or she may have with respect to any Offering of the Common Stock, whether pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement or otherwise.

 

21.                               Complete Agreement.  This Agreement and the Letter Agreement, along with the Plan, embodies the complete agreement and understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and effective as of its date supersedes and preempts any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or between the parties, written or oral (including, without limitation, the Prior Agreement), which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way.

 

[Signatures on Following Page]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed on its behalf by its duly authorized officer and Optionee has executed this Agreement, as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

YETI HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ David L. Schnadig

 

Name:

David L. Schnadig

 

Title:

Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

/s/ Roy Seiders

 

Name:

Roy Seiders

 

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Exhibit 10.5

 

YETI HOLDINGS, INC.
FORM OF AMENDED AND RESTATED NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

 

This AMENDED AND RESTATED NONQUALIFIED STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”) is made as of March 31, 2016 (the “Amendment Date”) by and between YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and              (“Optionee”).  As a condition precedent to the Company’s grant of the Option (as defined in Section 3 of this Agreement) to Optionee, Optionee executed and delivered a joinder to the Stockholders Agreement between the Company and certain of its stockholders, dated June 15, 2012, as the same may be amended from time to time (the “Stockholders Agreement”) and thereby agreed to be bound by the Stockholders Agreement as an “Employee Investor” thereunder.

 

1.                                      Acknowledgement and Agreement.  The Company and Optionee are parties to a Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement (the “Prior Agreement”), made as of              (the “Date of Grant”).  The parties acknowledge that the purpose of this Agreement, which is an amendment and restatement of the Prior Agreement, is to modify the vesting provisions of the Prior Agreement to read as set forth in Section 5 of this Agreement, provided that nothing contained in this Agreement shall (a) constitute a new grant of the option granted to Optionee under the Prior Agreement or (b) otherwise affect the Date of Grant.  In consideration of the modified vesting provisions as set forth in Section 5 of this Agreement, Optionee releases the Company, each of its Subsidiaries and Affiliates, and Cortec, and each of their respective successors or assigns, and each partner, officer, director and employee of each of them, from any claim, liability or obligation arising out of or relating to the Prior Agreement.  This Agreement shall completely amend, restate and replace the Prior Agreement as of the date hereof.

 

2.                                      Certain Definitions.  Capitalized terms used, but not otherwise defined, in this Agreement will have the meanings given to such terms in the Company’s 2012 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).  As used in this Agreement:

 

(a)                                 “Cortec” means Cortec Group Fund V, L.P., a Delaware limited partnership and its Affiliates.

 

(b)                                 “Permanent Disability” means that Optionee, because of accident, disability, or physical or mental illness, is incapable of performing Optionee’s duties to the Company or any Subsidiary, as determined by the Board.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Optionee will be deemed to have become incapable of performing Optionee’s duties to the Company or any Subsidiary, if, and only if, Optionee is incapable of so doing for (i) a continuous period of 90 days and remains so incapable at the end of such 90 day period or (ii) periods amounting in the aggregate to 180 days within any one period of 365 days and remains so incapable at the end of such aggregate period of 180 days.

 

(c)                                  “Public Offering” means the sale of common stock of the Company that is listed on a national securities exchange to the general public pursuant to a registration statement filed with and declared effective by the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933.

 



 

(d)                                 “Termination For Cause” shall have the meaning set forth in any employment agreement between Optionee and the Company or any Subsidiary or, if Optionee is employed by the Company or any Subsidiary other than pursuant to an employment agreement, means the termination by the Company or any Subsidiary of Optionee’s employment with the Company or any Subsidiary as a result of (i) the commission by Optionee of a felony or a fraud, (ii) conduct by Optionee that brings the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company into substantial public disgrace or disrepute, (iii) gross negligence or gross misconduct by Optionee with respect to the Company or any Subsidiary or Affiliate of the Company, (iv) repudiation by Optionee of Optionee’s employment agreement, if any, with the Company or any Subsidiary or Optionee’s abandonment of Optionee’s employment with the Company or any Subsidiary, (v) Optionee’s insubordination or failure to follow the directions of the Board of Directors of the Company or any Subsidiary, which is not cured within three days after written notice thereof to Optionee, (vi) Optionee’s violation of (A) Optionee’s confidentiality obligations with respect to the Company’s and any Subsidiary’s confidential information, knowledge or data or (B) Optionee’s agreement to not engage in competition, if any, with the Company or any Subsidiary, (vii) Optionee’s breach of a material employment policy of the Company which is not cured within three days after written notice thereof to Optionee, or (viii) any other breach by Optionee of this Agreement or any other agreement with the Company or any Subsidiary which is material and which is not cured within thirty days after written notice thereof to Optionee.

 

(e)                                  “Termination For Good Reason” shall have the meaning set forth in any employment agreement between Optionee and the Company or any Subsidiary or, if Optionee is employed by the Company or any Subsidiary other than pursuant to an employment agreement, means Optionee’s termination of Optionee’s employment as a result of (i) a material decrease in Optionee’s base salary, other than in connection with a general cost-reduction program imposed by the Board on all senior officers because of deteriorating performance of the Company or any Subsidiary, or (ii) any material breach of this Agreement by the Company.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no termination of employment by Optionee shall constitute a “Termination For Good Reason” unless (A) Optionee gives the Company or any Subsidiary notice of the existence of an event described in clause (i) or (ii) above, within fifteen (15) days following the occurrence thereof, (B) the Company or any Subsidiary does not remedy such event described in clause (i) or (ii) above, as applicable, within thirty (30) days of receiving the notice described in the preceding clause (A), and (C) Optionee terminates employment within five (5) days of the end of the cure period specified in clause (B), above.

 

(f)                                   “Termination Without Cause” means the termination by the Company or any Subsidiary of Optionee’s employment with the Company or any Subsidiary for any reason other than a termination for Permanent Disability or a Termination For Cause.

 

(g)                                  “Voluntary Termination” means Optionee’s termination of Optionee’s employment with the Company or any Subsidiary for any reason, other than a Termination For Good Reason.

 

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3.                                      Grant of Stock Option.  The Company granted to Optionee an option (the “Option”) to purchase     shares of Common Stock on the Date of Grant (the “Option Shares”), pursuant to the terms of the Prior Agreement and the Plan.  As of the Amendment Date,     Option Shares are not exercisable.  Optionee acknowledges and agrees that, pursuant to this Agreement, the future exercisability of the Option Shares shall be governed by Section 5 of this Agreement.  The Option to purchase the Option Shares may be exercised from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.  The Option Shares may be purchased pursuant to this Option at a price of $      per share, subject to adjustment as hereinafter provided (the “Option Price”).  The Option is intended to be a nonqualified stock option and shall not be treated as an “incentive stock option” within the meaning of that term under Section 422 of the Code, or any successor provision thereto.

 

4.                                      Term of Option.  The term of the Option commenced on the Date of Grant and, unless earlier terminated in accordance with Section 8 hereof, shall expire ten (10) years from the Date of Grant.

 

5.                                      Right to Exercise.  Unless terminated as hereinafter provided, the Option shall become exercisable only as follows:

 

(a)                                 The Option shall become exercisable with respect to     Option Shares on the earlier of (i) July 31, 2017 or (ii) the first anniversary of a Public Offering (such applicable date, the “Initial Vesting Date”), if Optionee remains in the continuous employ of the Company or any Subsidiary as of such date, and shall become exercisable with respect to an additional     Option Shares on the first and second anniversaries of the Initial Vesting Date if Optionee remains in the continuous employ of the Company or any Subsidiary as of each such date.

 

(b)                                 Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5(a), if (i) a Change of Control occurs and the Option Shares have not become exercisable under Section 5(a), and (ii) Optionee remains in the continuous employ of the Company or any Subsidiary until the date of the consummation of such Change of Control, the Option shall become exercisable immediately prior to the date of the Change of Control with respect to any Option Shares that have not become exercisable as of the date of the Change of Control.

 

(c)                                  Any Option Shares with respect to which Optionee does not earn the right to exercise prior to the termination of Optionee’s employment with the Company or any Subsidiary shall expire and terminate upon such termination of employment.  Any portion of the Option Shares as to which Optionee earns the right to exercise shall remain exercisable in accordance with the terms of this Agreement until terminated as provided herein.

 

(d)                                 Optionee shall not be entitled to acquire a fraction of one Option Share pursuant to this Option.  Optionee shall be entitled to the privileges of ownership with respect to Option Shares purchased and delivered to Optionee upon the exercise of all or part of this Option.

 

3



 

6.                                      Option Nontransferable.  Optionee may not transfer or assign all or any part of the Option other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution.  This Option may be exercised, during the lifetime of Optionee, only by Optionee, or in the event of Optionee’s legal incapacity, by Optionee’s guardian or legal representative acting on behalf of Optionee in a fiduciary capacity under state law and court supervision.

 

7.                                      Notice of Exercise; Payment.

 

(a)                                 To the extent then exercisable, the Option may be exercised in whole or in part by written notice to the Company stating the number of Option Shares for which the Option is being exercised and the intended manner of payment.  The date of such notice shall be the exercise date.  Payment equal to the aggregate Option Price of the Option Shares being purchased pursuant to an exercise of the Option must be tendered in full with the notice of exercise to the Company in cash in the form of currency or check or by wire transfer as directed by the Company.

 

(b)                                 As soon as practicable upon the Company’s receipt of Optionee’s notice of exercise and payment, the Company shall direct the due issuance of the Option Shares so purchased.

 

(c)                                  As a further condition precedent to the exercise of this Option in whole or in part, Optionee shall comply with all regulations and the requirements of any regulatory authority having control of, or supervision over, the issuance of the shares of Common Stock and in connection therewith shall execute any documents which the Board shall in its sole discretion deem necessary or advisable.

 

8.                                      Termination of Agreement.  The Agreement and the Option granted hereby shall terminate automatically and without further notice on the earliest of the following dates:

 

(a)                                 One (1) year after Optionee’s death if such death occurs while Optionee is employed by the Company or any Subsidiary; provided, however, that it shall be a condition to the exercise of the Option in the event of Optionee’s death that the Person exercising the Option shall (i) have agreed in a form satisfactory to the Company to be bound by the provisions of this Agreement and, if applicable, the Stockholders Agreement and (ii) comply with all regulations and the requirements of any regulatory authority having control of, or supervision over, the issuance of the shares of Common Stock and in connection therewith shall execute any documents which the Board shall in its sole discretion deem necessary or advisable;

 

(b)                                 One (1) year after Optionee’s termination of employment due to Permanent Disability;

 

(c)                                  Ninety (90) calendar days after Optionee’s Termination Without Cause or Termination For Good Reason;

 

(d)                                 The date of Optionee’s Termination For Cause;

 

(e)                                  Thirty (30) calendar days after Optionee’s Voluntary Termination;

 

4



 

(f)                                   The date on which Optionee violates any restrictive covenant agreement between Optionee and the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates;

 

(g)                                  Immediately following the consummation of a Change of Control; or

 

(h)                                 Ten (10) years from the Date of Grant.

 

In the event that Optionee’s employment is terminated in the circumstances described in Section 8(d) hereof, this Agreement shall terminate at the time of such termination notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement and Optionee’s option will cease to be exercisable to the extent exercisable as of such termination and will not be or become exercisable after such termination.  Optionee shall be deemed to be an employee of the Company or any Subsidiary if on a leave of absence approved by the Board.

 

9.                                      No Employment Contract.  Nothing contained in this Agreement shall (a) confer upon Optionee any right to be employed by or remain employed by the Company or any Subsidiary, or (b) limit or affect in any manner the right of the Company or any Subsidiary to terminate the employment or adjust the compensation of Optionee.

 

10.                               Taxes and Withholding.  If the Company or any Subsidiary is required to withhold any federal, state, local or foreign tax or other amount in connection with the exercise of the Option, and the amounts available to the Company or such Subsidiary for such withholding are insufficient, it shall be a condition to the exercise of the Option that Optionee pay the tax or other amount or make provisions that are reasonably satisfactory to the Company for the payment thereof.

 

11.                               Compliance with Law.  The Company shall make reasonable efforts to comply with all applicable federal and state securities laws; provided, however, that notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Option shall not be exercisable if the exercise thereof would result in a violation of any such law.

 

12.                               Adjustments.  Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan, the Board shall make or provide for such adjustments in the number of Option Shares covered by this Option, in the Option Price applicable to such Option, and in the kind of shares covered thereby, or take such other actions as the Board deems appropriate, as the Board may determine is equitably required to prevent dilution or enlargement of Optionee’s rights that otherwise would result from (a) any stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares, recapitalization, or other change in the capital structure of the Company, (b) any merger, consolidation, spin-off, split-off, spin-out, split-up, reorganization, partial or complete liquidation, or other distribution of assets or issuance of rights or warrants to purchase securities, or (c) any other corporate transaction or event having an effect similar to any of the foregoing.  In the event of any such transaction or event or upon a Change of Control, the Board may, but shall not be obligated to, provide in substitution for this Option such alternative consideration as it may determine to be equitable in the circumstances and may require in connection therewith the surrender of this Option; provided, however, that if the Option Price is greater than the Market Value per Share as of the date of the consummation of a Change of Control, the Option shall immediately terminate upon such Change of Control.

 

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13.                               Relation to Other Benefits.  Any economic or other benefit to Optionee under this Agreement shall not be taken into account in determining any benefits to which Optionee may be entitled under any profit-sharing, retirement or other benefit or compensation plan maintained by the Company or any Subsidiary and shall not affect the amount of any life insurance coverage available to any beneficiary under any life insurance plan covering employees of the Company or any Subsidiary.

 

14.                               Amendments.  Any amendment to the Plan shall be deemed to be an amendment to this Agreement to the extent that the amendment is applicable hereto; provided, however, that no amendment shall adversely affect the rights of Optionee under this Agreement without Optionee’s written consent.

 

15.                               Severability.  If one or more of the provisions of this Agreement is invalidated for any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction, any provision so invalidated shall be deemed to be separable from the other provisions hereof, and the remaining provisions hereof shall continue to be valid and fully enforceable.

 

16.                               Relation to Plan.  This Agreement is subject to the terms and conditions of the Plan.  In the event of any inconsistent provisions between this Agreement and the Plan, the Plan shall govern.  The Board acting pursuant to the Plan, as constituted from time to time, shall, except as expressly provided otherwise herein, have the right to determine any questions which arise in connection with the Option or its exercise.

 

17.                               Successors and Assigns.  The provisions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding upon, the successors, administrators, heirs, legal representatives and assigns of Optionee, and the successors and assigns of the Company.

 

18.                               Governing Law.  The interpretation, performance, and enforcement of this Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws thereof and all parties, including their successors and assigns, consent to the jurisdiction of the state and federal courts of Delaware.

 

19.                               Notices.  Any notice to the Company provided for herein shall be in writing to the Company, marked Attention:  General Counsel, and any notice to Optionee shall be addressed to said Optionee at Optionee’s address on file with the Company at the time of such notice.  Except as otherwise provided herein, any written notice shall be deemed to be duly given if and when delivered personally or deposited in the United States mail, first class registered mail, postage and fees prepaid, and addressed as aforesaid.  Any party may change the address to which notices are to be given hereunder by written notice to the other party as herein specified (provided that for this purpose any mailed notice shall be deemed given on the third business day following deposit of the same in the United States mail).

 

20.                               Lock-Up Agreement.  Optionee  agrees, if requested by the Company and/or any underwriters managing the Company’s initial public offering of the Common Stock or any subsequent offering of securities of the Company (an “Offering”), to not, and to enter into a lock-up agreement in the form prepared by the Company and/or the underwriters pursuant to which

 

6



 

Optionee will not, (a) lend, offer, pledge, sell, contract to sell, sell any option or contract to purchase, purchase any option or contract to sell, grant any option, right or warrant to purchase, or otherwise transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any of the Common Stock or any securities of the Company convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for the Common Stock (and excluding any shares subsequently purchased by Optionee on the open market or in such offering), or (b) enter into any swap or other arrangement that transfers to another, in whole or in part, any of the economic consequences of ownership of such Common Stock, whether any such transaction described in clause (a) or (b) above is to be settled by delivery of the Common Stock or other securities, in cash or otherwise, without the prior consent of the Company or the underwriter, provided that such lock-up time period shall not exceed 180 days from the effective date of such initial public offering, or, in the case of subsequent offerings of securities, 90 days from the effective date of such subsequent offering and any extension required by rules and regulations applicable to the underwriters.  In addition, Optionee waives any registration rights he or she may have with respect to any Offering of the Common Stock, whether pursuant to the Stockholders Agreement or otherwise.

 

21.                               Complete Agreement.  This Agreement, along with the Plan, embodies the complete agreement and understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and effective as of its date supersedes and preempts any prior understandings, agreements or representations by or between the parties, written or oral (including, without limitation, the Prior Agreement), which may have related to the subject matter hereof in any way.

 

[Signatures on Following Page]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed on its behalf by its duly authorized officer and Optionee has executed this Agreement, as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

YETI HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

8





Exhibit 10.6

 

May 19, 2016

 

Dear Mr. Seiders:

 

On May 5, 2016, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) declared a stock split (the “Stock Split”), pursuant to which each share of the Company’s common stock (the “Common Stock”) was automatically converted into 2,000 shares of Common Stock.  Following the Stock Split, on May 17, 2016, the Board of the Company approved a cash dividend in the amount of $2.20 per share payable to the holders as of May 17, 2016 of the Common Stock (the “Dividend”).

 

The Board has determined that, in connection with the Stock Split and the Dividend, an adjustment (the “Adjustment”) was required in respect of outstanding options to acquire shares of the Common Stock (“Options”) that were issued under the 2012 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).

 

Our records indicate that you hold Options pursuant to an Amended and Restated Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement, dated March 31, 2016, between you and the Company (the “Amended Option Agreement”).  The purpose of this letter is to notify you of the adjustments to your Options that were approved by the Board.  Note, the information in this letter only relates to any Options that you hold and does not include information with respect to any shares of the Common Stock held by you.  Words and phrases used herein with initial capital letters that are not defined herein shall have the meanings specified in your Amended Option Agreement.  The remaining provisions of your Amended Option Agreement will remain unchanged and in full force and effect.

 

The following chart contains a summary of the key terms of your Amended Option Agreement as of immediately prior to the Adjustment with respect to both the Stock Split and the Dividend.

 

Term

 

Prior to Adjustments

Outstanding Option Shares

 

349

Date of Grant

 

June 15, 2012

Option Price

 

$1,000

Vested Option Shares

 

0

Unvested Option Shares

 

349

Vesting Schedule for Unvested Option Shares (subject to continued employment)

 

·                  174 Option Shares on earlier of July 31, 2017 or the first anniversary of the initial public offering of the Common Stock (the “Initial Vesting Date”)

·                  175 Option Shares on first anniversary of Initial Vesting Date

 



 

The following chart details the Adjustment to your Options in connection with the Stock Split.  In connection with the Stock Split, (1) the number of Option Shares that remain outstanding shall be multiplied by 2,000; and (2) the Option Price shall be divided by 2,000, with such amount rounded up to the nearest cent.

 

Term

 

Prior to Adjustment for Stock Split

 

Following Adjustment for Stock Split

 

Outstanding Option Shares

 

349

 

698,000

 

Option Price

 

$

1,000

 

$

0.50

 

 

Following the Adjustment with respect to the Stock Split, in connection with the Dividend, the Adjustment to your Options will be in the aggregate amount of $2.20 per share (the “Dividend Amount Per Share”) and will be made as follows:

 

1.              The Option Price applicable to the Option Shares is hereby reduced by $0.35 per Option Share (the “Option Price Reduction”).  Following the Option Price Reduction, the Option Price is $0.15 per share.

 

2.              The difference between the Dividend Amount Per Share and the Option Price Reduction ($1.85) (the “Additional Adjustment Amount”) will be provided to you as follows (subject to the following terms):  with respect to your unvested Option Shares, an amount equal to $1,291,300 (the Additional Adjustment Amount multiplied by 698,000) (the “Unvested Option Amount”) will be held by the Company for payment to you when you vest in the underlying Option Shares in accordance with Section 5 of your Amended Option Agreement, to the extent that such payment is not prohibited by law or any binding agreement of the Company.

 

In the event that you do not vest in the underlying unvested Option Shares that relate to the Unvested Option Amount as a result of your termination of employment or otherwise, you will forfeit the Unvested Option Amount, or such portion of the Unvested Option Amount that remains unpaid at such time (the “Forfeited Unvested Option Amount”).  Any Forfeited Unvested Option Amount will be retained by the Company.

 

You acknowledge and agree that the Adjustment as described herein satisfies any obligation the Board or the Company may have under Section 7 of the Plan or Section 12 of the Amended Option Agreement to provide for any adjustment with respect to the Option Shares as a result of the Stock Split and the Dividend.  The Company (or its designee) shall have the right to deduct from any amounts payable hereunder any such taxes as are, in the reasonable opinion of the Company (or its designee), required to be withheld by the Company or such designee with respect to such payment.  You should consult with your personal tax advisor for information regarding your specific circumstances.

 

If you have any questions regarding the foregoing, please contact Bryan Barksdale at (512) 640-7218.  Please return a signed copy of this letter to Bryan Barksdale via email at bryan@yeti.com or by mail at: 5301 Southwest Parkway, Suite 200, Austin, Texas 78735 by May 27, 2016.  The Adjustment will not become effective until the Company receives your executed copy of this letter.

 



 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

YETI Holdings, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Matthew J. Reintjes

 

Name: Matthew J. Reintjes

 

Title:  Chief Executive Officer

 

 

Acknowledged and Agreed to:

 

 

 

/s/ Roy Seiders

 

 

Roy Seiders

 

 

 

Dated:

May 19, 2016

 

 

 





Exhibit 10.7

 

May 19, 2016

 

Dear                   :

 

On May 5, 2016, the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”) declared a stock split (the “Stock Split”), pursuant to which each share of the Company’s common stock (the “Common Stock”) was automatically converted into 2,000 shares of Common Stock.  Following the Stock Split, on May 17, 2016, the Board of the Company approved a cash dividend in the amount of $2.20 per share payable to the holders as of May 17, 2016 of the Common Stock (the “Dividend”).

 

The Board has determined that, in connection with the Stock Split and the Dividend, an adjustment (the “Adjustment”) was required in respect of outstanding options to acquire shares of the Common Stock (“Options”) that were issued under the 2012 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan (the “Plan”).

 

Our records indicate that you hold Options pursuant to an Amended and Restated Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement, dated March 31, 2016, between you and the Company (the “Amended Option Agreement”).  The purpose of this letter is to notify you of the adjustments to your Options that were approved by the Board.  Note, the information in this letter only relates to any Options that you hold and does not include information with respect to any shares of the Common Stock held by you.  Words and phrases used herein with initial capital letters that are not defined herein shall have the meanings specified in your Amended Option Agreement.  The remaining provisions of your Amended Option Agreement will remain unchanged and in full force and effect.

 

The following chart contains a summary of the key terms of your Amended Option Agreement as of immediately prior to the Adjustment with respect to both the Stock Split and the Dividend.

 

Term

 

Prior to Adjustments

Outstanding Option Shares

 

           

Date of Grant

 

           

Option Price

 

$

Vested Option Shares

 

           

Unvested Option Shares

 

           

Vesting Schedule for Unvested Option Shares (subject to continued employment)

 

·                     Option Shares on earlier of July 31, 2017 or the first anniversary of the initial public offering of the Common Stock (the “Initial Vesting Date”)

·                     Option Shares on first anniversary of Initial Vesting Date

·                     Option Shares on second anniversary of Initial Vesting Date

 



 

The following chart details the Adjustment to your Options in connection with the Stock Split.  In connection with the Stock Split, (1) the number of Option Shares that remain outstanding shall be multiplied by 2,000; and (2) the Option Price shall be divided by 2,000, with such amount rounded up to the nearest cent.

 

Term

 

Prior to Adjustment for Stock Split

 

Following Adjustment for Stock Split

 

Outstanding Option Shares

 

 

 

 

 

Option Price

 

$

    

 

$

    

 

 

Following the Adjustment with respect to the Stock Split, in connection with the Dividend, the Adjustment to your Options will be in the aggregate amount of $2.20 per share and will be made as follows:

 

1.              The Option Price applicable to the Option Shares is hereby reduced by $2.20 per Option Share (the “Option Price Reduction”).  Following the Option Price Reduction, the Option Price is $     per share.

 

You acknowledge and agree that the Adjustment as described herein satisfies any obligation the Board or the Company may have under Section 7 of the Plan or Section 12 of the Amended Option Agreement to provide for any adjustment with respect to the Option Shares as a result of the Stock Split and the Dividend.  The Company (or its designee) shall have the right to deduct from any amounts payable hereunder any such taxes as are, in the reasonable opinion of the Company (or its designee), required to be withheld by the Company or such designee with respect to such payment.  You should consult with your personal tax advisor for information regarding your specific circumstances.

 

If you have any questions regarding the foregoing, please contact             at (   )    -    .  Please return a signed copy of this letter to           via email at           or by mail at: 5301 Southwest Parkway, Suite 200, Austin, Texas 78735 by May 27, 2016.  The Adjustment will not become effective until the Company receives your executed copy of this letter.

 

[SIGNATURES ON FOLLOWING PAGE]

 



 

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

YETI Holdings, Inc.

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

Acknowledged and Agreed to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dated:

 

 

 

 





Exhibit 10.8

 

YETI HOLDINGS, INC.

 

2016 EQUITY AND INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN

 

1.                                      Purpose.  The purpose of the 2016 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan is to attract and retain non-employee directors, officers and other key employees of the Company and its Subsidiaries and to provide to such persons incentives and rewards for performance.

 

2.                                      Definitions.  As used in this Plan:

 

(a)                                 “Affiliate” means any Person that directly or indirectly controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Company.  The term “control” (including, with the correlative meaning, the terms “controlled by” and “under common control with”), as applied to any Person, means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person, whether through the ownership of voting or other securities, by contract, or otherwise.

 

(b)                                 “Appreciation Right” means a right granted pursuant to Section 5 of this Plan, and will include Tandem Appreciation Rights and Free-Standing Appreciation Rights.

 

(c)                                  “Base Price” means the price to be used as the basis for determining the Spread upon the exercise of a Free-Standing Appreciation Right or a Tandem Appreciation Right.

 

(d)                                 “Board” means the Board of Directors of the Company.

 

(e)                                  “Cash Incentive Award” means a cash award granted pursuant to Section 8 of this Plan.

 

(f)                                   “Change in Control” has the meaning set forth in Section 12 of this Plan.

 

(g)                                  “Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time.

 

(h)                                 “Committee” means the Compensation Committee of the Board (or its successor(s)), or any other committee of the Board designated by the Board to administer the Plan pursuant to Section 10 of this Plan, and to the extent of any delegation by the Committee to a subcommittee pursuant to Section 10 of this Plan, such subcommittee.

 

(i)                                     “Common Stock” means the common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company or any security into which such common stock may be changed by reason of any transaction or event of the type referred to in Section 11 of this Plan.

 

(j)                                    “Company” means YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its successors.

 

(k)                                 “Covered Employee” means a Participant who is, or is determined by the Committee likely to become, a “covered employee” within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code (or any successor provision).

 

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(l)                                     “Date of Grant” means the date specified by the Committee on which a grant of Option Rights, Appreciation Rights, Performance Shares, Performance Units, Cash Incentive Awards, or other awards contemplated by Section 9 of this Plan, or a grant or sale of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, or other awards contemplated by Section 9 of this Plan, will become effective (which date will not be earlier than the date on which the Committee takes action with respect thereto).

 

(m)                             “Director” means a member of the Board.

 

(n)                                 “Effective Date” means June 27, 2016.

 

(o)                                 “Evidence of Award” means an agreement, certificate, resolution or other type or form of writing or other evidence approved by the Committee that sets forth the terms and conditions of the awards granted under the Plan.  An Evidence of Award may be in an electronic medium, may be limited to notation on the books and records of the Company and, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, need not be signed by a representative of the Company or a Participant.

 

(p)                                 “Exchange Act” means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder, as such law, rules and regulations may be amended from time to time.

 

(q)                                 “Free-Standing Appreciation Right” means an Appreciation Right granted pursuant to Section 5 of this Plan that is not granted in tandem with an Option Right.

 

(r)                                    “Incentive Stock Option” means an Option Right that is intended to qualify as an “incentive stock option” under Section 422 of the Code or any successor provision.

 

(s)                                   “Incumbent Directors” means the individuals who, as of the Effective Date, are Directors and any individual becoming a Director subsequent to the Effective Date whose election, nomination for election by the Stockholders, or appointment was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the then Incumbent Directors (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of the Company in which such person is named as a nominee for Director without objection to such nomination); provided, however, that an individual shall not be an Incumbent Director if such individual’s election or appointment to the Board occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest (as described in Rule 14a-12(c) of the Exchange Act) with respect to the election or removal of Directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board.

 

(t)                                    “Management Objectives” means the measurable performance objective or objectives established pursuant to this Plan for Participants who have received grants of Performance Shares, Performance Units or Cash Incentive Awards or, when so determined by the Committee, Option Rights, Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, dividend equivalents or other awards pursuant to this Plan.  Management Objectives may be described in terms of Company-wide objectives or objectives that are related to the performance of the individual Participant or of one or more of the Subsidiaries, divisions, departments, regions, functions or other organizational units within the Company or its Subsidiaries.  The Management Objectives may be made relative to the performance of other companies or

 

2



 

subsidiaries, divisions, departments, regions, functions or other organizational units within such other companies, and may be made relative to an index or one or more of the performance objectives themselves.  The Committee may grant awards subject to Management Objectives that are either Qualified Performance-Based Awards or are not Qualified Performance-Based Awards.  The Management Objectives applicable to any Qualified Performance-Based Award to a Covered Employee will be based on one or more, or a combination, of the following metrics (including relative or growth achievement regarding such metrics):

 

(i)                                     Profits (e.g., gross profit, gross profit growth, operating income, earnings before or after deduction for all or any portion of interest, taxes, depreciation or amortization, net income (before or after taxes), consolidated net income, net earnings, net sales, cost of sales, basic or diluted earnings per share (before or after taxes), residual or economic earnings, net operating profit (before or after taxes), economic profit — Management Objectives that are financial metrics may be determined in accordance with United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) or financial metrics that are based on, or able to be derived from GAAP, and may be adjusted when established (or to the extent permitted under Section 162(m) of the Code, at any time thereafter) to include or exclude any items otherwise includable or excludable under GAAP);

 

(ii)                                  Cash Flow (e.g., actual or adjusted earnings before or after interest, taxes, depreciation and/or amortization (including EBIT and EBITDA), free cash flow, free cash flow with or without specific capital expenditure target or range, including or excluding divestments and/or acquisitions, operating cash flow, total cash flow, cash flow in excess of cost of capital or residual cash flow, or cash flow return on investment);

 

(iii)                               Returns (e.g., profits or cash flow returns on: assets, investment, capital, invested capital, net capital employed, equity, or sales);

 

(iv)                              Working Capital (e.g., working capital targets, working capital divided by sales, days’ sales outstanding, days’ sales inventory, or days’ sales in payables);

 

(v)                                 Profit Margins (e.g., profits divided by revenues or gross margins and material margins divided by revenues);

 

(vi)                              Liquidity Measures (e.g., debt-to-capital, debt-to-EBITDA, total debt ratio);

 

(vii)                           Sales Growth, Gross Margin Growth, Cost Initiative and Stock Price Metrics (e.g., revenue, net revenue, revenue growth, net revenue growth, revenue growth outside the United States, gross margin and gross margin growth, material margin and material

 

3



 

margin growth, stock price appreciation, total return to stockholders, sales and administrative costs divided by sales, or sales and administrative costs divided by profits); and

 

(viii)                        Strategic Initiative Key Deliverable Metrics consisting of one or more of the following: product development, strategic partnering, research and development, vitality index, market penetration, market share, geographic business expansion goals, expense targets or cost reduction goals, general and administrative expense savings, selling, general and administrative expenses, objective measures of client/customer satisfaction, employee satisfaction, employee retention, management of employment practices and employee benefits, supervision of litigation and information technology, productivity ratios, economic value added (or another measure of profitability that considers the cost of capital employed), product quality, sales of new products, or goals relating to acquisitions or divestitures of subsidiaries, affiliates and joint ventures.

 

In the case of a Qualified Performance-Based Award, each Management Objective will be objectively determinable to the extent required under Section 162(m) of the Code, and, unless otherwise determined by the Committee and to the extent consistent with Code Section 162(m), will exclude the effects of certain designated items identified at the time of grant.  If the Committee determines that a change in the business, operations, corporate structure or capital structure of the Company, or the manner in which it conducts its business, or other events or circumstances render the Management Objectives unsuitable, the Committee may in its discretion modify such Management Objectives or the related minimum acceptable level of achievement, in whole or in part, as the Committee deems appropriate and equitable, except in the case of a Qualified Performance-Based Award (other than in connection with a Change in Control) where such action would result in the loss of the otherwise available exemption of the award under Section 162(m) of the Code.  In such case, the Committee will not make any modification of the Management Objectives or minimum acceptable level of achievement with respect to such Covered Employee.

 

(u)                                 “Market Value per Share” means, as of any particular date, the closing price of a share of Common Stock as reported for that date on the New York Stock Exchange or, if the shares of Common Stock are not then listed on the New York Stock Exchange, on any other national securities exchange on which the shares of Common Stock are listed, or if there are no sales on such date, on the next preceding trading day during which a sale occurred; provided, however, as to any award with a Date of Grant of the Pricing Date, “Market Value per Share” will be equal to the per share price at which the shares of Common Stock are initially offered to the public in connection with the initial public offering of the Company registered on Form S-1 (or any successor form under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended).  If there is no regular public trading market for the shares of Common Stock, then the Market Value per Share shall be the fair market value as determined in good faith by the Committee.

 

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(v)                                 “Optionee” means the optionee named in an Evidence of Award evidencing an outstanding Option Right.

 

(w)                               “Option Price” means the purchase price payable on exercise of an Option Right.

 

(x)                                 “Option Right” means the right to purchase shares of Common Stock upon exercise of an award granted pursuant to Section 4 of this Plan.

 

(y)                                 “Participant” means a person who is selected by the Committee to receive benefits under this Plan and who is at the time (i) an officer or other key employee of the Company or any Subsidiary, including a person who has agreed to commence serving in such capacity within 90 days of the Date of Grant, (ii) a person who provides services to the Company or any Subsidiary that are equivalent to those typically provided by an employee (provided that such person satisfies the Form S-8 definition of an “employee”), or (iii) a non-employee Director.

 

(z)                                  “Performance Period” means, in respect of a Cash Incentive Award, Performance Share or Performance Unit, a period of time established pursuant to Section 8 of this Plan within which the Management Objectives relating to such Cash Incentive Award, Performance Share or Performance Unit are to be achieved.

 

(aa)                          “Performance Share” means a bookkeeping entry that records the equivalent of one share of Common Stock awarded pursuant to Section 8 of this Plan.

 

(bb)                          “Performance Unit” means a bookkeeping entry awarded pursuant to Section 8 of this Plan that records a unit equivalent to $1.00 or such other value as is determined by the Committee.

 

(cc)                            “Person” means any individual, entity, or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Exchange Act).

 

(dd)                          “Plan” means this YETI Holdings, Inc. 2016 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended from time to time.

 

(ee)                            “Predecessor Plan” means the Company’s 2012 Equity and Performance Incentive Plan.

 

(ff)                              “Pricing Date” means the date of the underwriting agreement between the Company and the underwriters managing the initial public offering of the shares of Common Stock pursuant to which the shares of Common Stock are priced for the initial public offering.

 

(gg)                            “Qualified Performance-Based Award” means any Cash Incentive Award or award of Performance Shares, Performance Units, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units or other awards contemplated under Section 9 of this Plan, or portion of such award, to a Covered Employee that is intended to satisfy the requirements for “qualified performance-based compensation” under Section 162(m) of the Code.

 

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(hh)                          “Restricted Stock” means shares of Common Stock granted or sold pursuant to Section 6 of this Plan as to which neither the substantial risk of forfeiture nor the prohibition on transfers has expired.

 

(ii)                                  “Restricted Stock Unit” means an award made pursuant to Section 7 of this Plan of the right to receive shares of Common Stock, cash or a combination thereof at the end of a specified period.

 

(jj)                                “Restriction Period” means the period of time during which Restricted Stock Units are subject to restrictions, as provided in Section 7 of this Plan.

 

(kk)                          “Spread” means the excess of the Market Value per Share on the date when an Option Right or Appreciation Right is exercised over the Option Price or Base Price provided for in the related Option Right or Appreciation Right, respectively.

 

(ll)                                  “Stockholder” means an individual or entity that owns one or more shares of Common Stock.

 

(mm)                  “Subsidiary” means a corporation, company or other entity (i) more than 50 percent of whose outstanding shares or securities (representing the right to vote for the election of directors or other managing authority) are, or (ii) which does not have outstanding shares or securities (as may be the case in a partnership, joint venture, limited liability company, unincorporated association or other similar entity), but more than 50 percent of whose ownership interest representing the right generally to make decisions for such other entity is, now or hereafter, owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by the Company; provided, however, that for purposes of determining whether any person may be a Participant for purposes of any grant of Incentive Stock Options, “Subsidiary” means any corporation in which at the time the Company owns or controls, directly or indirectly, more than 50 percent of the total combined Voting Power represented by all classes of stock issued by such corporation.

 

(nn)                          “Tandem Appreciation Right” means an Appreciation Right granted pursuant to Section 5 of this Plan that is granted in tandem with an Option Right.

 

(oo)                          “Voting Power” means, at any time, the combined voting power of the then-outstanding securities entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors in the case of the Company, or members of the board of directors or similar body in the case of another entity.

 

3.                                      Shares Available Under the Plan.

 

(a)                                 Maximum Shares Available Under Plan.

 

(i)                                     Subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11 of this Plan and the share counting rules set forth in Section 3(b) of this Plan, the number of shares of Common Stock available under the Plan for awards of (A) Option Rights or Appreciation Rights, (B) Restricted Stock, (C) Restricted Stock Units, (D) Performance Shares or Performance Units, (E) awards contemplated by Section 9 of this Plan, or (F) dividend equivalents paid with respect to awards made

 

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under the Plan will not exceed in the aggregate 11,000,000(1) shares of Common Stock.  Such shares may be shares of original issuance or treasury shares or a combination of the foregoing.

 

(ii)                                  The aggregate number of shares of Common Stock available under Section 3(a)(i) of this Plan will be reduced by one share of Common Stock for every one share of Common Stock subject to an award granted under this Plan.

 

(b)                                 Share Counting Rules.

 

(i)                                     Except as provided in Section 22, if any award granted under this Plan is cancelled or forfeited, expires or is settled for cash (in whole or in part), the shares of Common Stock subject to such award will, to the extent of such cancellation, forfeiture, expiration, or cash settlement, again be available under Section 3(a)(i) above.

 

(ii)                                  If, after the Pricing Date, any shares of Common Stock subject to an award granted under the Predecessor Plan are forfeited, or an award granted under the Predecessor Plan is cancelled or forfeited, expires or is settled for cash (in whole or in part), the shares of Common Stock subject to such award will, to the extent of such cancellation, forfeiture, expiration, or cash settlement, be available for awards under this Plan.

 

(iii)                               Except as provided in Section 22:  (A) shares of Common Stock withheld by the Company, tendered or otherwise used in payment of the Option Price of an Option Right will be added (or added back, as applicable) to the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock available under Section 3(a)(i) above; (B) shares of Common Stock withheld by the Company, tendered or otherwise used to satisfy a tax withholding obligation will be added (or added back, as applicable) to the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock available under Section 3(a)(i) above, provided, however, that with respect to Restricted Stock, this Section 3(b)(iii)(B) shall only be in effect until the 10 year anniversary of the date the Plan is approved by the Stockholders; and (C) shares of Common Stock subject to an Appreciation Right that are not actually issued in connection with the settlement of such Appreciation Right on the exercise thereof, will be added to the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock available under Section 3(a)(i) above.

 

(iv)                              Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, shares of Common Stock reacquired by the Company on the open market or otherwise using cash proceeds from the exercise of Option

 


(1)  Subject to any stock split that occurs on or before the Pricing Date.

 

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Rights will not be added to the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock available under Section 3(a)(i) above.

 

(v)                                 If, under this Plan, a Participant has elected to give up the right to receive compensation in exchange for shares of Common Stock based on fair market value, such shares of Common Stock will not count against the aggregate limit under Section 3(a)(i) above.

 

(c)                                  Limit on Incentive Stock Options.  Notwithstanding anything in this Section 3 or elsewhere in this Plan to the contrary, and subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11 of this Plan, the aggregate number of shares of Common Stock actually issued or transferred by the Company upon the exercise of Incentive Stock Options will not exceed 11,000,000(2) shares of Common Stock.

 

(d)                                 Individual Participant Limits.  Notwithstanding anything in this Section 3 or elsewhere in this Plan to the contrary, and subject to adjustment as provided in Section 11 of this Plan:

 

(i)                                     In no event will any Participant in any calendar year be granted Option Rights and/or Appreciation Rights, in the aggregate, for more than 1,000,000(3) shares of Common Stock; provided, however, that with respect to a Participant’s first year of service with the Company, the amount set forth in this Section 3(d)(i) is multiplied by two.

 

(ii)                                  In no event will any Participant in any calendar year be granted Qualified Performance-Based Awards of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares and/or other awards under Section 9 of this Plan, in the aggregate, for more than 500,000(4) shares of Common Stock; provided, however, that with respect to a Participant’s first year of service with the Company, the amount set forth in this Section 3(d)(ii) is multiplied by two.

 

(iii)                               In no event will any Participant in any calendar year receive Qualified Performance-Based Awards of Performance Units and/or other awards payable in cash under Section 9 of this Plan having an aggregate maximum value as of their respective Dates of Grant in excess of $10,000,000; provided, however, that with respect to a Participant’s first year of service with the Company, the amount set forth in this Section 3(d)(iii) is multiplied by two.

 


(2)  Subject to any stock split that occurs on or before the Pricing Date.

 

(3)  Subject to any stock split that occurs on or before the Pricing Date.

 

(4)  Subject to any stock split that occurs on or before the Pricing Date.

 

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(iv)                              In no event will any Participant in any calendar year receive Qualified Performance-Based Awards that are Cash Incentive Awards having an aggregate maximum value in excess of $10,000,000; provided, however, that with respect to a Participant’s first year of service with the Company, the amount set forth in this Section 3(d)(iv) is multiplied by two.

 

(v)                                 No non-employee Director will be granted, in any period of one calendar year, awards under the Plan having an aggregate maximum value at the Date of Grant (calculating the value of any such awards based on the grant date fair value for financial reporting purposes), taken together with any cash fees payable to such non-employee Director during the fiscal year, in excess of $600,000.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of extraordinary circumstances (as determined by the Board) the amount set forth in the preceding sentence shall be increased to $750,000, provided that such increase may apply only if any non-employee Director receiving additional compensation as a result of such extraordinary circumstances does not participate in the determination that extraordinary circumstances exist, in the decision to award such compensation or in other contemporaneous compensation decisions involving non-employee Directors.

 

4.                                      Option Rights.  The Committee may, from time to time and upon such terms and conditions as it may determine, authorize the granting to Participants of Option Rights.  Each such grant may utilize any or all of the authorizations, and will be subject to all of the requirements, contained in the following provisions:

 

(a)                                 Each grant will specify the number of shares of Common Stock to which it pertains subject to the limitations set forth in Section 3 of this Plan.

 

(b)                                 Each grant will specify an Option Price per share, which (except with respect to awards under Section 22 of this Plan) may not be less than the Market Value per Share on the Date of Grant.

 

(c)                                  Each grant will specify whether the Option Price will be payable (i) in cash or by check acceptable to the Company or by wire transfer of immediately available funds, (ii) by the actual or constructive transfer to the Company of shares of Common Stock owned by the Optionee having a value at the time of exercise equal to the total Option Price, (iii) subject to any conditions or limitations established by the Committee, the Company’s withholding of shares of Common Stock otherwise issuable upon exercise of an Option Right pursuant to a “net exercise” arrangement (it being understood that, solely for purposes of determining the number of treasury shares held by the Company, the shares of Common Stock so withheld will not be treated as issued and acquired by the Company upon such exercise), (iv) by a combination of such methods of payment, or (v) by such other methods as may be approved by the Committee.

 

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(d)                                 To the extent permitted by law, any grant may provide for deferred payment of the Option Price from the proceeds of sale through a bank or broker on a date satisfactory to the Company of some or all of the shares to which such exercise relates.

 

(e)                                  Successive grants may be made to the same Participant whether or not any Option Rights previously granted to such Participant remain unexercised.

 

(f)                                   Each grant will specify the period or periods of continuous service by the Optionee with the Company or any Subsidiary that is necessary before the Option Rights or installments thereof will become exercisable.  A grant of Option Rights may provide for the earlier exercise of such Option Rights, including in the event of the retirement, death or disability of a Participant or in the event of a Change in Control.

 

(g)                                  Any grant of Option Rights may specify Management Objectives that must be achieved as a condition to the exercise of such rights.

 

(h)                                 Option Rights granted under this Plan may be (i) options, including, without limitation, Incentive Stock Options, that are intended to qualify under particular provisions of the Code, (ii) options that are not intended to so qualify, or (iii) combinations of the foregoing.  Incentive Stock Options may only be granted to Participants who meet the definition of “employees” under Section 3401(c) of the Code.

 

(i)                                     The exercise of an Option Right will result in the cancellation on a share-for-share basis of any Tandem Appreciation Right authorized under Section 5 of this Plan.

 

(j)                                    No Option Right will be exercisable more than 10 years from the Date of Grant.  The Committee may provide in any Evidence of Award for the automatic exercise of an Option Right upon such terms and conditions as established by the Committee.

 

(k)                                 Option Rights granted under this Plan may not provide for any dividends or dividend equivalents thereon.

 

(l)                                     Each grant of Option Rights will be evidenced by an Evidence of Award.  Each Evidence of Award will be subject to this Plan and will contain such terms and provisions, consistent with this Plan, as the Committee may approve.

 

5.                                      Appreciation Rights.

 

(a)                                 The Committee may, from time to time and upon such terms and conditions as it may determine, authorize the granting (i) to any Optionee, of Tandem Appreciation Rights in respect of Option Rights granted hereunder, and (ii) to any Participant, of Free-Standing Appreciation Rights.  A Tandem Appreciation Right will be a right of the Optionee, exercisable by surrender of the related Option Right, to receive from the Company an amount determined by the Committee, which will be expressed as a percentage of the Spread (not exceeding 100 percent) at the time of exercise.  Tandem Appreciation Rights may be granted at any time prior to the exercise or termination of the related Option Rights; provided, however, that a Tandem Appreciation Right awarded in relation to an Incentive Stock Option must be granted concurrently with such Incentive Stock Option.  A Free-Standing Appreciation

 

10


 

Right will be a right of the Participant to receive from the Company an amount determined by the Committee, which will be expressed as a percentage of the Spread (not exceeding 100 percent) at the time of exercise.

 

(b)                                 Each grant of Appreciation Rights may utilize any or all of the authorizations, and will be subject to all of the requirements, contained in the following provisions:

 

(i)                                     Each grant may specify that the amount payable on exercise of an Appreciation Right will be paid by the Company in cash, shares of Common Stock or any combination thereof.

 

(ii)                                  Any grant may specify that the amount payable on exercise of an Appreciation Right may not exceed a maximum specified by the Committee at the Date of Grant.

 

(iii)                               Any grant may specify waiting periods before exercise and permissible exercise dates or periods.

 

(iv)                              Each grant will specify the period or periods of continuous service by the Participant with the Company or any Subsidiary that is necessary before the Appreciation Rights or installments thereof will become exercisable.  A grant of Appreciation Rights may provide for the earlier exercise of such Appreciation Rights, including in the event of the retirement, death or disability of a Participant or in the event of a Change in Control.

 

(v)                                 Any grant of Appreciation Rights may specify Management Objectives that must be achieved as a condition of the exercise of such Appreciation Rights.

 

(vi)                              Appreciation Rights granted under this Plan may not provide for any dividends or dividend equivalents thereon.

 

(vii)                           Successive grants of Appreciation Rights may be made to the same Participant regardless of whether any Appreciation Rights previously granted to the Participant remain unexercised.

 

(viii)                        Each grant of Appreciation Rights will be evidenced by an Evidence of Award.  Each Evidence of Award will be subject to this Plan and will contain such terms and provisions, consistent with this Plan, as the Committee may approve.

 

(c)                                  Any grant of Tandem Appreciation Rights will provide that such Tandem Appreciation Rights may be exercised only at a time when the related Option Right is also exercisable and at a time when the Spread is positive, and by surrender of the related Option Right for cancellation.

 

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(d)                                 Regarding Free-Standing Appreciation Rights only:

 

(i)                                     Each grant will specify in respect of each Free-Standing Appreciation Right a Base Price, which (except with respect to awards under Section 22 of this Plan) may not be less than the Market Value per Share on the Date of Grant; and

 

(ii)                                  No Free-Standing Appreciation Right granted under this Plan may be exercised more than 10 years from the Date of Grant.  The Committee may provide in any Evidence of Award for the automatic exercise of a Free-Standing Appreciation Right upon such terms and conditions as established by the Committee.

 

6.                                      Restricted Stock.  The Committee may, from time to time and upon such terms and conditions as it may determine, authorize the grant or sale of Restricted Stock to Participants.  Each such grant or sale may utilize any or all of the authorizations, and will be subject to all of the requirements, contained in the following provisions:

 

(a)                                 Each such grant or sale will constitute an immediate transfer of the ownership of shares of Common Stock to the Participant in consideration of the performance of services, entitling such Participant to voting, dividend and other ownership rights, but subject to the substantial risk of forfeiture and restrictions on transfer hereinafter referred to.

 

(b)                                 Each such grant or sale may be made without additional consideration or in consideration of a payment by such Participant that is less than the Market Value per Share at the Date of Grant.

 

(c)                                  Each such grant or sale will provide that the Restricted Stock covered by such grant or sale will be subject to a “substantial risk of forfeiture” within the meaning of Section 83 of the Code for a period to be determined by the Committee at the Date of Grant or until achievement of Management Objectives.

 

(d)                                 Each such grant or sale will provide that during or after the period for which such substantial risk of forfeiture is to continue, the transferability of the Restricted Stock will be prohibited or restricted in the manner and to the extent prescribed by the Committee at the Date of Grant (which restrictions may include, without limitation, rights of repurchase or first refusal in the Company or provisions subjecting the Restricted Stock to a continuing substantial risk of forfeiture in the hands of any transferee).

 

(e)                                  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Plan, any grant or sale of Restricted Stock may provide for the earlier termination of restrictions on such Restricted Stock, including in the event of the retirement, death or disability of a Participant or in the event of a Change in Control; provided, however, that no award of Restricted Stock intended to be a Qualified Performance-Based Award will provide for such early termination of restrictions (other than in connection with the death or disability of the Participant or a Change in Control) to the extent such provisions would cause such award to fail to be a Qualified Performance-Based Award.

 

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(f)                                   Any such grant or sale of Restricted Stock may require that any or all dividends or other distributions paid thereon during the period of such restrictions be automatically deferred and/or reinvested in additional Restricted Stock, which may be subject to the same restrictions as the underlying award; provided, however, that dividends or other distributions on Restricted Stock with restrictions that lapse as a result of the achievement of Management Objectives will be deferred until and paid contingent upon the achievement of the applicable Management Objectives.

 

(g)                                  Each grant or sale of Restricted Stock will be evidenced by an Evidence of Award.  Each Evidence of Award will be subject to this Plan and will contain such terms and provisions, consistent with this Plan, as the Committee may approve.  Unless otherwise directed by the Committee, (i) all certificates representing Restricted Stock will be held in custody by the Company until all restrictions thereon will have lapsed, together with a stock power or powers executed by the Participant in whose name such certificates are registered, endorsed in blank and covering such shares or (ii) all Restricted Stock will be held at the Company’s transfer agent in book entry form with appropriate restrictions relating to the transfer of such Restricted Stock.

 

7.                                      Restricted Stock Units.  The Committee may, from time to time and upon such terms and conditions as it may determine, authorize the granting or sale of Restricted Stock Units to Participants.  Each such grant or sale may utilize any or all of the authorizations, and will be subject to all of the requirements, contained in the following provisions:

 

(a)                                 Each such grant or sale will constitute the agreement by the Company to deliver shares of Common Stock or cash, or a combination thereof, to the Participant in the future in consideration of the performance of services, but subject to the fulfillment of such conditions (which may include the achievement of Management Objectives) during the Restriction Period as the Committee may specify.

 

(b)                                 Each such grant or sale may be made without additional consideration or in consideration of a payment by such Participant that is less than the Market Value per Share at the Date of Grant.

 

(c)                                  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Plan, any grant or sale of Restricted Stock Units may provide for the earlier lapse or other modification of the Restriction Period, including in the event of the retirement, death or disability of a Participant or in the event of a Change in Control; provided, however, that no award of Restricted Stock Units intended to be a Qualified Performance-Based Award will provide for such early lapse or modification of the Restriction Period (other than in connection with the death or disability of the Participant or a Change in Control) to the extent such provisions would cause such award to fail to be a Qualified Performance-Based Award.

 

(d)                                 During the Restriction Period, the Participant will have no right to transfer any rights under his or her award and will have no rights of ownership in the shares of Common Stock deliverable upon payment of the Restricted Stock Units and will have no right to vote them, but the Committee may, at or after the Date of Grant, authorize the payment of dividend equivalents on such Restricted Stock Units on either a current or deferred or contingent basis, either in cash or in additional shares of Common Stock; provided, however, that dividend equivalents or other distributions on shares of Common Stock underlying Restricted Stock Units

 

13



 

with restrictions that lapse as a result of the achievement of Management Objectives will be deferred until and paid contingent upon the achievement of the applicable Management Objectives.

 

(e)                                  Each grant or sale of Restricted Stock Units will specify the time and manner of payment of the Restricted Stock Units that have been earned.  Each grant or sale will specify that the amount payable with respect thereto will be paid by the Company in shares of Common Stock or cash, or a combination thereof.

 

(f)                                   Each grant or sale of Restricted Stock Units will be evidenced by an Evidence of Award.  Each Evidence of Award will be subject to this Plan and will contain such terms and provisions, consistent with this Plan, as the Committee may approve.

 

8.                                      Cash Incentive Awards, Performance Shares and Performance Units.  The Committee may, from time to time and upon such terms and conditions as it may determine, authorize the granting of Cash Incentive Awards, Performance Shares and Performance Units.  Each such grant may utilize any or all of the authorizations, and will be subject to all of the requirements, contained in the following provisions:

 

(a)                                 Each grant will specify the number or amount of Performance Shares or Performance Units, or amount payable with respect to Cash Incentive Awards, to which it pertains, which number or amount may be subject to adjustment to reflect changes in compensation or other factors; provided, however, that no such adjustment will be made in the case of a Qualified Performance-Based Award (other than in connection with the death or disability of the Participant or a Change in Control) where such action would result in the loss of the otherwise available exemption of the award under Section 162(m) of the Code.

 

(b)                                 The Performance Period with respect to each Cash Incentive Award, Performance Share or Performance Unit will be such period of time as will be determined by the Committee at the time of grant, which may be subject to earlier lapse or other modification, including in the event of the retirement, death or disability of a Participant or in the event of a Change in Control; provided, however, that no such adjustment will be made in the case of a Qualified Performance-Based Award (other than in connection with the death or disability of the Participant or a Change in Control) where such action would result in the loss of the otherwise available exemption of the award under Section 162(m) of the Code.  In such event, the Evidence of Award will specify the time and terms of delivery.

 

(c)                                  Each grant of Cash Incentive Awards, Performance Shares or Performance Units will specify Management Objectives which, if achieved, will result in payment or early payment of the award, and each grant may specify in respect of such specified Management Objectives a minimum acceptable level or levels of achievement and may set forth a formula for determining the number of Performance Shares or Performance Units, or amount payable with respect to Cash Incentive Awards, that will be earned if performance is at or above the minimum or threshold level or levels, or is at or above the target level or levels, but falls short of maximum achievement of the specified Management Objectives.

 

(d)                                 Each grant will specify the time and manner of payment of Cash Incentive Awards, Performance Shares or Performance Units that have been earned.  Any grant may

 

14



 

specify that the amount payable with respect thereto may be paid by the Company in cash, in shares of Common Stock, in Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units or in any combination thereof.

 

(e)                                  Any grant of Cash Incentive Awards, Performance Shares or Performance Units may specify that the amount payable or the number of shares of Common Stock, Restricted Stock or Restricted Stock Units payable with respect thereto may not exceed a maximum specified by the Committee at the Date of Grant.

 

(f)                                   The Committee may, at the Date of Grant of Performance Shares, provide for the payment of dividend equivalents to the holder thereof either in cash or in additional shares of Common Stock, subject in all cases to deferral and payment on a contingent basis based on the Participant’s earning of the Performance Shares with respect to which such dividend equivalents are paid.

 

(g)                                  Each grant of Cash Incentive Awards, Performance Shares or Performance Units will be evidenced by an Evidence of Award.  Each Evidence of Award will be subject to this Plan and will contain such terms and provisions, consistent with this Plan, as the Committee may approve.

 

9.                                      Other Awards.

 

(a)                                 Subject to applicable law and the applicable limits set forth in Section 3 of this Plan, the Committee may grant to any Participant shares of Common Stock or such other awards that may be denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on, or related to, shares of Common Stock or factors that may influence the value of such shares, including, without limitation, convertible or exchangeable debt securities, other rights convertible or exchangeable into shares of Common Stock, purchase rights for shares of Common Stock, awards with value and payment contingent upon performance of the Company or specified Subsidiaries, Affiliates or other business units thereof or any other factors designated by the Committee, and awards valued by reference to the book value of the shares of Common Stock or the value of securities of, or the performance of specified Subsidiaries or Affiliates or other business units of the Company.  The Committee will determine the terms and conditions of such awards.  Shares of Common Stock delivered pursuant to an award in the nature of a purchase right granted under this Section 9 will be purchased for such consideration, paid for at such time, by such methods, and in such forms, including, without limitation, shares of Common Stock, other awards, notes or other property, as the Committee determines.

 

(b)                                 Cash awards, as an element of or supplement to any other award granted under this Plan, may also be granted pursuant to this Section 9.

 

(c)                                  The Committee may grant shares of Common Stock as a bonus, or may grant other awards in lieu of obligations of the Company or a Subsidiary to pay cash or deliver other property under this Plan or under other plans or compensatory arrangements, subject to such terms as will be determined by the Committee in a manner that complies with Section 409A of the Code.

 

15



 

(d)                                 Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Plan, any grant of an award under this Section 9 may provide for the earning or vesting of, or earlier elimination of restrictions applicable to, such award, including in the event of the retirement, death or disability of a Participant or in the event of a Change in Control; provided, however, that no such adjustment will be made in the case of a Qualified Performance-Based Award (other than in connection with the death or disability of the Participant or a Change in Control) where such action would result in the loss of the otherwise available exemption of the award under Section 162(m) of the Code.  In such event, the Evidence of Award will specify the time and terms of delivery.

 

10.                               Administration of this Plan.

 

(a)                                 This Plan will be administered by the Committee.  The Committee may from time to time delegate all or any part of its authority under this Plan to a subcommittee thereof.  To the extent of any such delegation, references in this Plan to the Committee will be deemed to be references to such subcommittee.

 

(b)                                 The interpretation and construction by the Committee of any provision of this Plan or of any Evidence of Award (or related documents) and any determination by the Committee pursuant to any provision of this Plan or of any such agreement, notification or document will be final and conclusive.  No member of the Committee shall be liable for any such action or determination made in good faith.  In addition, the Committee is authorized to take any action it determines in its sole discretion to be appropriate subject only to the express limitations contained in this Plan, and no authorization in any Plan Section or other provision of this Plan is intended or may be deemed to constitute a limitation on the authority of the Committee.

 

(c)                                  To the extent permitted by law, the Committee may delegate to one or more of its members or to one or more officers of the Company, or to one or more agents or advisors, such administrative duties or powers as it may deem advisable, and the Committee, the subcommittee, or any person to whom duties or powers have been delegated as aforesaid, may employ one or more persons to render advice with respect to any responsibility the Committee, the subcommittee or such person may have under the Plan.  The Committee may, by resolution, authorize one or more officers of the Company to do one or both of the following on the same basis as the Committee:  (i) designate employees to be recipients of awards under this Plan; and (ii) determine the size of any such awards; provided, however, that (A) the Committee will not delegate such responsibilities to any such officer for awards granted to an employee who is an officer, Director, or more than 10% “beneficial owner” (as such term is defined in Rule 13-d promulgated under the Exchange Act) of any class of the Company’s equity securities that is registered pursuant to Section 12 of the Exchange Act, as determined by the Committee in accordance with Section 16 of the Exchange Act, or any Covered Employee; (B) the resolution providing for such authorization shall set forth the total number of shares of Common Stock such officer(s) may grant; and (C) the officer(s) will report periodically to the Committee regarding the nature and scope of the awards granted pursuant to the authority delegated.

 

11.                               Adjustments.  The Committee shall make or provide for such adjustments in the numbers of shares of Common Stock covered by outstanding Option Rights, Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, Performance Shares and Performance Units granted

 

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hereunder and, if applicable, in the number of shares of Common Stock covered by other awards granted pursuant to Section 9 hereof, in the Option Price and Base Price provided in outstanding Option Rights and Appreciation Rights, respectively, in the kind of shares covered thereby, in Cash Incentive Awards, and in other award terms, as the Committee, in its sole discretion, exercised in good faith, determines is equitably required to prevent dilution or enlargement of the rights of Participants that otherwise would result from (a) any extraordinary cash dividend, stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares, recapitalization or other change in the capital structure of the Company, (b) any merger, consolidation, spin-off, split-off, spin-out, split-up, reorganization, partial or complete liquidation or other distribution of assets, issuance of rights or warrants to purchase securities, or (c) any other corporate transaction or event having an effect similar to any of the foregoing.  Moreover, in the event of any such transaction or event or in the event of a Change in Control, the Committee may provide in substitution for any or all outstanding awards under this Plan such alternative consideration (including cash), if any, as it, in good faith, may determine to be equitable in the circumstances and shall require in connection therewith the surrender of all awards so replaced in a manner that complies with Section 409A of the Code.  In addition, for each Option Right or Appreciation Right with an Option Price or Base Price, respectively, greater than the consideration offered in connection with any such transaction or event or Change in Control, the Committee may in its discretion elect to cancel such Option Right or Appreciation Right without any payment to the Person holding such Option Right or Appreciation Right.  The Committee shall also make or provide for such adjustments in the number of shares of Common Stock specified in Section 3 of this Plan as the Committee in its sole discretion, exercised in good faith, determines is appropriate to reflect any transaction or event described in this Section 11; provided, however, that any such adjustment to the number specified in Section 3(c) will be made only if and to the extent that such adjustment would not cause any Option Right intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option to fail to so qualify.

 

12.                               Change in Control.  For purposes of this Plan, except as may be otherwise prescribed by the Committee in an Evidence of Award made under this Plan, a “Change in Control” will be deemed to have occurred upon the occurrence (after the Pricing Date) of any of the following events:

 

(a)                                 any Person becomes the beneficial owner (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of 35% or more of either (i) the then-outstanding common stock of the Company (the “Outstanding Company Common Stock”) or (ii) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of Directors (the “Outstanding Company Voting Securities”); provided, however, that, for purposes of this Plan, the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (A) any acquisition directly from the Company, (B) any acquisition by the Company or any Affiliate, (C) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or any Affiliate or (D) any acquisition pursuant to a transaction that complies with Section 12(c)(i), (ii) and (iii) below;

 

(b)                                 a majority of the Directors are not Incumbent Directors;

 

(c)                                  consummation of a reorganization, merger, statutory share exchange or consolidation or similar transaction involving the Company or any of its subsidiaries, a sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company, or the acquisition of

 

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assets or securities of another entity by the Company or any of its subsidiaries (each, a “Business Combination”), in each case unless, following such Business Combination, (i) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities that were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 50% of the then-outstanding shares of common stock (or, for a non-corporate entity, equivalent securities) and the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (or, for a non-corporate entity, equivalent governing body), as the case may be, of the entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, an entity that, as a result of such transaction, owns the Company or all or substantially all of the Company’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Company Common Stock and the Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (ii) no Person (excluding any entity resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Company or such entity resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 35% or more of, respectively, the then-outstanding shares of common stock (or, for a non-corporate entity, equivalent securities) of the entity resulting from such Business Combination or the combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities of such entity, except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination, and (iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors (or, for a non-corporate entity, equivalent governing body) of the entity resulting from such Business Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of the execution of the initial agreement or of the action of the Board providing for such Business Combination; or

 

(d)                                 approval by the stockholders of the Company of a complete liquidation or dissolution of the Company.

 

13.                               Detrimental Activity and Recapture Provisions.  Any Evidence of Award may provide for the cancellation or forfeiture of an award or the forfeiture and repayment to the Company of any gain related to an award, or other provisions intended to have a similar effect, upon such terms and conditions as may be determined by the Committee from time to time, if a Participant, either (a) during employment or other service with the Company or a Subsidiary, or (b) within a specified period after termination of such employment or service, engages in any detrimental activity.  In addition, notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary, any Evidence of Award may also provide for the cancellation or forfeiture of an award or the forfeiture and repayment to the Company of any gain related to an award, or other provisions intended to have a similar effect, upon such terms and conditions as may be required by the Committee or under Section 10D of the Exchange Act and any applicable rules or regulations promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission or any national securities exchange or national securities association on which the shares of Common Stock may be traded.

 

14.                               Non U.S. Participants.  In order to facilitate the making of any grant or combination of grants under this Plan, the Committee may provide for such special terms for awards to Participants who are foreign nationals or who are employed by the Company or any Subsidiary outside of the United States of America or who provide services to the Company or any Subsidiary under an agreement with a foreign nation or agency, as the Committee may

 

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consider necessary or appropriate to accommodate differences in local law, tax policy or custom.  Moreover, the Committee may approve such supplements to or amendments, restatements or alternative versions of this Plan (including, without limitation, sub-plans) as it may consider necessary or appropriate for such purposes, without thereby affecting the terms of this Plan as in effect for any other purpose, and the secretary or other appropriate officer of the Company may certify any such document as having been approved and adopted in the same manner as this Plan.  No such special terms, supplements, amendments or restatements, however, will include any provisions that are inconsistent with the terms of this Plan as then in effect unless this Plan could have been amended to eliminate such inconsistency without further approval by the Stockholders.

 

15.                               Transferability.

 

(a)                                 Except as otherwise determined by the Committee, no Option Right, Appreciation Right, Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Unit, Performance Share, Performance Unit, Cash Incentive Award, award contemplated by Section 9 of this Plan or dividend equivalents paid with respect to awards made under this Plan will be transferable by the Participant except (i) if it is made by the Participant for no consideration to Immediate Family Members or to a bona fide trust, partnership or other entity controlled by and for the benefit of one or more Immediate Family Members (“Immediate Family Members” mean the Participant’s spouse, children, stepchildren, parents, stepparents, siblings (including half brothers and sisters), in-laws, and other individuals who have a relationship to the Participant arising because of legal adoption; however, no transfer may be made to the extent that transferability would cause Form S-8 or any successor form thereto not to be able to register shares of Common Stock related to an award) or (ii) by will or the laws of descent and distribution.  In no event will any such award granted under the Plan be transferred for value.  Except as otherwise determined by the Committee, Option Rights and Appreciation Rights will be exercisable during the Participant’s lifetime only by him or her or, in the event of the Participant’s legal incapacity to do so, by his or her guardian or legal representative acting on behalf of the Participant in a fiduciary capacity under state law or court supervision.

 

(b)                                 The Committee may specify at the Date of Grant that part or all of the shares of Common Stock that are (i) to be issued or transferred by the Company upon the exercise of Option Rights or Appreciation Rights, upon the termination of the Restriction Period applicable to Restricted Stock Units or upon payment under any grant of Performance Shares or Performance Units or (ii) no longer subject to the substantial risk of forfeiture and restrictions on transfer referred to in Section 6 of this Plan, will be subject to further restrictions on transfer.

 

16.                               Withholding Taxes.  To the extent that the Company is required to withhold federal, state, local or foreign taxes or other amounts in connection with any payment made or benefit realized by a Participant or other Person under this Plan, and the amounts available to the Company for such withholding are insufficient, it will be a condition to the receipt of such payment or the realization of such benefit that the Participant or such other Person make arrangements satisfactory to the Company for payment of the balance of such taxes or other amounts required to be withheld, which arrangements (in the discretion of the Committee) may include relinquishment of a portion of such benefit.  If a Participant’s benefit is to be received in the form of shares of Common Stock, and such Participant fails to make arrangements for the payment of taxes or other amounts, then, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, the

 

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Company will withhold shares of Common Stock having a value equal to the amount required to be withheld.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, when a Participant is required to pay the Company an amount required to be withheld under applicable income, employment, tax or other laws, the Participant may elect, unless otherwise determined by the Committee, to satisfy the obligation, in whole or in part, by having withheld, from the shares required to be delivered to the Participant, shares of Common Stock having a value equal to the amount required to be withheld or by delivering to the Company other shares of Common Stock held by such Participant.  The shares used for tax or other withholding will be valued at an amount equal to the market value of such shares of Common Stock on the date the benefit is to be included in Participant’s income.  In no event will the market value of the shares of Common Stock to be withheld and delivered pursuant to this Section to satisfy applicable withholding taxes or other amounts in connection with the benefit exceed the minimum amount required to be withheld, unless (i) an additional amount can be withheld and not result in adverse accounting consequences and (ii) is permitted by the Committee.  Participants will also make such arrangements as the Company may require for the payment of any withholding tax or other obligation that may arise in connection with the disposition of shares of Common Stock acquired upon the exercise of Option Rights.

 

17.                               Compliance with Section 409A of the Code.

 

(a)                                 To the extent applicable, it is intended that this Plan and any grants made hereunder comply with the provisions of Section 409A of the Code, so that the income inclusion provisions of Section 409A(a)(1) of the Code do not apply to the Participants.  This Plan and any grants made hereunder will be administered in a manner consistent with this intent.  Any reference in this Plan to Section 409A of the Code will also include any regulations or any other formal guidance promulgated with respect to such Section by the U.S. Department of the Treasury or the Internal Revenue Service.

 

(b)                                 Neither a Participant nor any of a Participant’s creditors or beneficiaries will have the right to subject any deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) payable under this Plan and grants hereunder to any anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance, attachment or garnishment.  Except as permitted under Section 409A of the Code, any deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) payable to a Participant or for a Participant’s benefit under this Plan and grants hereunder may not be reduced by, or offset against, any amount owing by a Participant to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

 

(c)                                  If, at the time of a Participant’s separation from service (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code), (i) the Participant will be a specified employee (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code and using the identification methodology selected by the Company from time to time) and (ii) the Company makes a good faith determination that an amount payable hereunder constitutes deferred compensation (within the meaning of Section 409A of the Code) the payment of which is required to be delayed pursuant to the six-month delay rule set forth in Section 409A of the Code in order to avoid taxes or penalties under Section 409A of the Code, then the Company will not pay such amount on the otherwise scheduled payment date but will instead pay it, without interest, on or about the fifth business day of the seventh month after such separation from service.

 

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(d)                                 Solely with respect to any award that constitutes nonqualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code and that is payable on account of a Change in Control (including any installments or stream of payments that are accelerated on account of a Change in Control), a Change in Control shall occur only if such event also constitutes a “change in the ownership,” “change in effective control,” and/or a “change in the ownership of a substantial portion of assets” of the Company as those terms are defined under Treasury Regulation §1.409A-3(i)(5), but only to the extent necessary to establish a time and form of payment that complies with Section 409A of the Code, without altering the definition of Change in Control for any purpose in respect of such award.

 

(e)                                  Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan and grants hereunder to the contrary, in light of the uncertainty with respect to the proper application of Section 409A of the Code, the Company reserves the right to make amendments to this Plan and grants hereunder as the Company deems necessary or desirable to avoid the imposition of taxes or penalties under Section 409A of the Code.  In any case, a Participant will be solely responsible and liable for the satisfaction of all taxes and penalties that may be imposed on a Participant or for a Participant’s account in connection with this Plan and grants hereunder (including any taxes and penalties under Section 409A of the Code), and neither the Company nor any of its affiliates will have any obligation to indemnify or otherwise hold a Participant harmless from any or all of such taxes or penalties.

 

18.                               Amendments.

 

(a)                                 The Board may at any time and from time to time amend this Plan in whole or in part; provided, however, that if an amendment to this Plan (i) would materially increase the benefits accruing to Participants under this Plan, (ii) would materially increase the number of securities which may be issued under this Plan, (iii) would materially modify the requirements for participation in this Plan, or (iv) must otherwise be approved by the Stockholders in order to comply with applicable law or the rules of the New York Stock Exchange or, if the shares of Common Stock are not traded on the New York Stock Exchange, the principal national securities exchange upon which the shares of Common Stock are traded or quoted, then, such amendment will be subject to Stockholder approval and will not be effective unless and until such approval has been obtained.

 

(b)                                 Except in connection with a corporate transaction or event described in Section 11 of this Plan or in connection with a Change in Control, the terms of outstanding awards may not be amended to reduce the Option Price of outstanding Option Rights or the Base Price of outstanding Appreciation Rights, or cancel outstanding “underwater” Option Rights or Appreciation Rights in exchange for cash, other awards or Option Rights or Appreciation Rights with an Option Price or Base Price, as applicable, that is less than the Option Price of the original Option Rights or Base Price of the original Appreciation Rights, as applicable, without Stockholder approval.  This Section 18(b) is intended to prohibit the repricing of “underwater” Option Rights and Appreciation Rights and will not be construed to prohibit the adjustments provided for in Section 11 of this Plan.  Notwithstanding any provision of this Plan to the contrary, this Section 18(b) may not be amended without approval by the Stockholders.

 

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(c)                                  If permitted by Section 409A of the Code and Section 162(m) of the Code, but subject to the paragraph that follows, and including in the case of termination of employment by reason of death, disability or retirement, or in the case of unforeseeable emergency or other special circumstances or in the event of a Change in Control, to the extent a Participant holds an Option Right or Appreciation Right not immediately exercisable in full, or any Restricted Stock as to which the substantial risk of forfeiture or the prohibition or restriction on transfer has not lapsed, or any Restricted Stock Units as to which the Restriction Period has not been completed, or any Cash Incentive Awards, Performance Shares or Performance Units which have not been fully earned, or any other awards made pursuant to Section 9 subject to any vesting schedule or transfer restriction, or who holds shares of Common Stock subject to any transfer restriction imposed pursuant to Section 15(b) of this Plan, the Committee may, in its sole discretion, accelerate the time at which such Option Right, Appreciation Right or other award may be exercised or the time at which such substantial risk of forfeiture or prohibition or restriction on transfer will lapse or the time when such Restriction Period will end or the time at which such Cash Incentive Awards, Performance Shares or Performance Units will be deemed to have been fully earned or the time when such transfer restriction will terminate or may waive any other limitation or requirement under any such award, except in the case of a Qualified Performance-Based Award where such action would result in the loss of the otherwise available exemption of the award under Section 162(m) of the Code.

 

(d)                                 Subject to Section 18(b) hereof, the Committee may amend the terms of any award theretofore granted under this Plan prospectively or retroactively, except in the case of a Qualified Performance-Based Award (other than in connection with the Participant’s death or disability, or a Change in Control) where such action would result in the loss of the otherwise available exemption of the award under Section 162(m) of the Code.  In such case, the Committee will not make any modification of the Management Objectives or the level or levels of achievement with respect to such Qualified Performance-Based Award.  Subject to Section 11 above, no such amendment will impair the rights of any Participant without his or her consent.  The Board may, in its discretion, terminate this Plan at any time.  Termination of this Plan will not affect the rights of Participants or their successors under any awards outstanding hereunder and not exercised in full on the date of termination.

 

19.                               Governing Law.  This Plan and all grants and awards and actions taken hereunder will be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal substantive laws of the State of Delaware.

 

20.                               Effective Date/Termination.  This Plan will be effective as of the Effective Date.  However, no grants will be made under this Plan prior to the Pricing Date.  No grants will be made on or after the Pricing Date under the Predecessor Plan, provided that outstanding awards granted under the Predecessor Plan will continue unaffected following the Pricing Date.  No grant will be made under this Plan after the tenth anniversary of the Effective Date, but all grants made on or prior to such date will continue in effect thereafter subject to the terms thereof and of this Plan.

 

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21.                               Miscellaneous Provisions.

 

(a)                                 The Company will not be required to issue any fractional shares of Common Stock pursuant to this Plan.  The Committee may provide for the elimination of fractions or for the settlement of fractions in cash.

 

(b)                                 This Plan will not confer upon any Participant any right with respect to continuance of employment or other service with the Company or any Subsidiary, nor will it interfere in any way with any right the Company or any Subsidiary would otherwise have to terminate such Participant’s employment or other service at any time.

 

(c)                                  Except with respect to Section 21(e), to the extent that any provision of this Plan would prevent any Option Right that was intended to qualify as an Incentive Stock Option from qualifying as such, that provision will be null and void with respect to such Option Right.  Such provision, however, will remain in effect for other Option Rights and there will be no further effect on any provision of this Plan.

 

(d)                                 No award under this Plan may be exercised by the holder thereof if such exercise, and the receipt of cash or stock thereunder, would be, in the opinion of counsel selected by the Company, contrary to law or the regulations of any duly constituted authority having jurisdiction over this Plan.

 

(e)                                  Absence on leave approved by a duly constituted officer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries will not be considered interruption or termination of service of any employee for any purposes of this Plan or awards granted hereunder.

 

(f)                                   No Participant will have any rights as a Stockholder with respect to any shares of Common Stock subject to awards granted to him or her under this Plan prior to the date as of which he or she is actually recorded as the holder of such shares upon the stock records of the Company.

 

(g)                                  The Committee may condition the grant of any award or combination of awards authorized under this Plan on the surrender or deferral by the Participant of his or her right to receive a cash bonus or other compensation otherwise payable by the Company or a Subsidiary to the Participant.

 

(h)                                 Except with respect to Option Rights and Appreciation Rights, the Committee may permit Participants to elect to defer the issuance of shares of Common Stock under the Plan pursuant to such rules, procedures or programs as it may establish for purposes of this Plan and which are intended to comply with the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.  The Committee also may provide that deferred issuances and settlements include the payment or crediting of dividend equivalents or interest on the deferral amounts.

 

(i)                                     If any provision of this Plan is or becomes invalid or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, or would disqualify this Plan or any award under any law deemed applicable by the Committee, such provision will be construed or deemed amended or limited in scope to conform to applicable laws or, in the discretion of the Committee, it will be stricken and the remainder of this Plan will remain in full force and effect.

 

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22.                               Stock-Based Awards in Substitution for Option Rights or Awards Granted by Other Company.  Notwithstanding anything in this Plan to the contrary:

 

(a)                                 Awards may be granted under this Plan in substitution for or in conversion of, or in connection with an assumption of, stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units or other stock or stock-based awards held by awardees of an entity engaging in a corporate acquisition or merger transaction with the Company or any Subsidiary.  Any conversion, substitution or assumption will be effective as of the close of the merger or acquisition, and, to the extent applicable, will be conducted in a manner that complies with Section 409A of the Code. The awards so granted may reflect the original terms of the awards being assumed or substituted or converted for and need not comply with other specific terms of this Plan, and may account for shares of Common Stock substituted for the securities covered by the original awards and the number of shares subject to the original awards, as well as any exercise or purchase prices applicable to the original awards, adjusted to account for differences in stock prices in connection with the transaction.

 

(b)                                 In the event that a company acquired by the Company or any Subsidiary or with which the Company or any Subsidiary merges has shares available under a pre-existing plan previously approved by stockholders and not adopted in contemplation of such acquisition or merger, the shares available for grant pursuant to the terms of such plan (as adjusted, to the extent appropriate, to reflect such acquisition or merger) may be used for awards made after such acquisition or merger under the Plan; provided, however, that awards using such available shares may not be made after the date awards or grants could have been made under the terms of the pre-existing plan absent the acquisition or merger, and may only be made to individuals who were not employees or directors of the Company or any Subsidiary prior to such acquisition or merger.

 

(c)                                  Any shares of Common Stock that are issued or transferred by, or that are subject to any awards that are granted by, or become obligations of, the Company under Sections 22(a) or 22(b) above will not reduce the shares of Common Stock available for issuance or transfer under the Plan or otherwise count against the limits contained in Section 3 of the Plan.  In addition, no shares of Common Stock subject to an award that is granted by, or becomes an obligation, of the Company under Sections 22(a) or 22(b) above, will be added to the aggregate limit contained in Section 3(a)(i) in the following circumstances: (i) if such award is cancelled or forfeited, expires or is settled for cash (in whole or in part), (ii) if such shares of Common Stock are withheld by the Company, tendered or otherwise used in payment of the Option Price of an Option or to satisfy a tax withholding obligation with respect to any award or (iii) if such shares of Common Stock are not actually issued in connection with the settlement of a Appreciation Right on the exercise thereof.

 

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Exhibit 10.9

 

FORM OF DIRECTOR AND OFFICER INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT

 

This Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement, dated as of                , 2016 (this “Agreement”), is made by and between YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and             (“Indemnitee”).

 

RECITALS:

 

A.                                    Section 141 of the Delaware General Corporation Law provides that the business and affairs of a corporation shall be managed by or under the direction of its board of directors.

 

B.                                    Pursuant to Sections 141 and 142 of the Delaware General Corporation Law, significant authority with respect to the management of the Company has been delegated to the officers of the Company.

 

C.                                    By virtue of the managerial prerogatives vested in the directors and officers of a Delaware corporation, directors and officers act as fiduciaries of the corporation and its stockholders.

 

D.                                    Thus, it is critically important to the Company and its stockholders that the Company be able to attract and retain the most capable persons reasonably available to serve as directors and officers of the Company.

 

E.                                     In recognition of the need for corporations to be able to induce capable and responsible persons to accept positions in corporate management, Delaware law authorizes (and in some instances requires) corporations to indemnify their directors and officers, and further authorizes corporations to purchase and maintain insurance for the benefit of their directors and officers.

 

F.                                      The Delaware courts have recognized that indemnification by a corporation serves the dual policies of (1) allowing corporate officials to resist unjustified lawsuits, secure in the knowledge that, if vindicated, the corporation will bear the expense of litigation and (2) encouraging capable women and men to serve as corporate directors and officers, secure in the knowledge that the corporation will absorb the costs of defending their honesty and integrity.

 

G.                                    Delaware law also authorizes a corporation to pay in advance of the final disposition of an action, suit or proceeding the expenses incurred by a director or officer in the defense thereof, and any such right to the advancement of expenses may be made separate and distinct from any right to indemnification and need not be subject to the satisfaction of any standard of conduct or otherwise affected by the merits of any claims against the director or officer.

 

H.                                   The number of lawsuits challenging the judgment and actions of directors and officers of Delaware corporations, the costs of defending those lawsuits, and the threat to directors’ and officers’ personal assets have all materially increased over the past several years,

 



 

chilling the willingness of capable women and men to undertake the responsibilities imposed on corporate directors and officers.

 

I.                                        Recent federal legislation and rules adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the national securities exchanges have imposed additional disclosure and corporate governance obligations on directors and officers of public companies and have exposed such directors and officers to new and substantially broadened civil liabilities.

 

J.                                        These legislative and regulatory initiatives have also exposed directors and officers of public companies to a significantly greater risk of criminal proceedings, with attendant defense costs and potential criminal fines and penalties.

 

K.                                    The authority of a corporation to indemnify and advance the costs of defense to its directors and officers applies to criminal proceedings as well as to civil, administrative and investigative proceedings.

 

L.                                     Indemnitee is a director or officer of the Company and his or her willingness to serve in such capacity is predicated, in substantial part, upon the Company’s willingness to indemnify him or her in accordance with the principles reflected above, to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the state of Delaware, and upon the other undertakings set forth in this Agreement.

 

M.                                 Therefore, in recognition of the need to provide Indemnitee with substantial protection against personal liability, in order to procure Indemnitee’s continued service as a director or officer of the Company and to enhance Indemnitee’s ability to serve the Company in an effective manner, and in order to provide such protection pursuant to express contract rights (intended to be enforceable irrespective of, among other things, any amendment to the Company’s certificate of incorporation or bylaws (collectively, the “Constituent Documents”), any change in the composition of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) or any change-in-control or business combination transaction relating to the Company), the Company wishes to provide in this Agreement for the indemnification of and the advancement of Expenses (as defined in Section 1(e)) to Indemnitee as set forth in this Agreement and for the continued coverage of Indemnitee under the Company’s directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies.

 

N.                                    In light of the considerations referred to in the preceding recitals, it is the Company’s intention and desire that the provisions of this Agreement be construed liberally, subject to their express terms, to maximize the protections to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder.

 

AGREEMENT:

 

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

 

1.              Certain Definitions.  In addition to terms defined elsewhere herein, the following terms have the following meanings when used in this Agreement with initial capital letters:

 

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(a)         “Claim” means (i) any threatened, asserted, pending or completed claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative, arbitrative, investigative or other, and whether made pursuant to federal, state or other law; and (ii) any threatened, pending or completed inquiry or investigation, whether made, instituted or conducted by or at the behest of the Company or any other person, including any federal, state or other court or governmental entity or agency and any committee or other representative of any corporate constituency, that Indemnitee determines might lead to the institution of any such claim, demand, action, suit or proceeding.

 

(b)         “Controlled Affiliate” means any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity or enterprise, whether or not for profit, that is directly or indirectly controlled by the Company.  For purposes of this definition, “control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of an entity or enterprise, whether through the ownership of voting securities, through other voting rights, by contract or otherwise; provided that direct or indirect beneficial ownership of capital stock or other interests in an entity or enterprise entitling the holder to cast 20% or more of the total number of votes generally entitled to be cast in the election of directors (or persons performing comparable functions) of such entity or enterprise shall be deemed to constitute control for purposes of this definition.

 

(c)          “Disinterested Director” means a director of the Company who is not and was not a party to the Claim in respect of which indemnification is sought by Indemnitee.

 

(d)         “ERISA Losses” means any taxes, penalties or other liabilities under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, or Section 4975 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

(e)          “Expenses” means attorneys’ and experts’ fees and expenses and all other costs and expenses paid or payable in connection with investigating, defending, being a witness in or participating in (including on appeal), or preparing to investigate, defend, be a witness in or participate in (including on appeal), any Claim, other than the fees, expenses and costs in respect of which the Company is expressly stated in Section 15 to have no obligation.

 

(f)           “Incumbent Directors” means the individuals who, as of the date hereof, are members of the Board and any individual becoming a member of the Board subsequent to the date hereof whose election, nomination for election by the Company’s stockholders, or appointment, was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the then Incumbent Directors (either by a specific vote or by approval of the proxy statement of the Company in which such person is named as a nominee for director, without objection to such nomination); provided, however, that an individual shall not be an Incumbent Director if such individual’s election or appointment to the Board occurs as a result of an actual or threatened election contest (as described in Rule 14a-12(c) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person other than the Board.

 

(g)          “Indemnifiable Claim” means any Claim based upon, arising out of or resulting from (i) any actual, alleged or suspected act or failure to act by Indemnitee in his or her

 

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capacity as a director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or as a director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent of any other corporation, limited liability company, partnership, joint venture, trust or other entity or enterprise, whether or not for profit (including any employee benefit plan or related trust), as to which Indemnitee is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent, (ii) any actual, alleged or suspected act or failure to act by Indemnitee in respect of any business, transaction, communication, filing, disclosure or other activity of the Company or any other entity or enterprise referred to in clause (i) of this sentence, or (iii) Indemnitee’s status as a current or former director, officer, employee or agent of the Company or as a current or former director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent of the Company or any other entity or enterprise referred to in clause (i) of this sentence or any actual, alleged or suspected act or failure to act by Indemnitee in connection with any obligation or restriction imposed upon Indemnitee by reason of such status; provided, however, that except for compulsory counterclaims, Indemnifiable Claim shall not include any Claim initiated by Indemnitee against the Company or any director or officer of the Company unless the Company has joined in or consented to the initiation of such Claim.  In addition to any service at the actual request of the Company, for purposes of this Agreement, Indemnitee shall be deemed to be serving or to have served at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent of another entity or enterprise if Indemnitee is or was serving as a director, officer, employee, member, manager, trustee or agent of such entity or enterprise and (i) such entity or enterprise is or at the time of such service was a Controlled Affiliate, (ii) such entity or enterprise is or at the time of such service was an employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Company or a Controlled Affiliate, or (iii) the Company or a Controlled Affiliate directly or indirectly caused or authorized Indemnitee to be nominated, elected, appointed, designated, employed, engaged or selected to serve in such capacity.

 

(h)         “Indemnifiable Losses” means any and all Losses relating to, arising out of or resulting from any Indemnifiable Claim.

 

(i)             “Independent Counsel” means a law firm, or a member of a law firm, that is experienced in matters of corporation law and neither presently is, nor in the past five years has been, retained to represent:  (i) the Company (or any Subsidiary) or Indemnitee in any matter material to either such party (other than with respect to matters concerning Indemnitee under this Agreement, or of other indemnitees under similar indemnification agreements), or (ii) any other named (or, as to a threatened matter, reasonably likely to be named) party to the Indemnifiable Claim giving rise to a claim for indemnification hereunder.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Independent Counsel” shall not include any person who, under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, would have a conflict of interest in representing either the Company or Indemnitee in an action to determine Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement.

 

(j)            “Losses” means any and all Expenses, damages, losses, liabilities, judgments, fines, penalties (whether civil, criminal or other), ERISA Losses and amounts paid in settlement, including all interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of any of the foregoing.

 

(k)         “Subsidiary” means an entity in which the Company directly or indirectly beneficially owns 50% or more of the outstanding Voting Stock.

 

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(l)             “Voting Stock” means securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (or similar governing bodies).

 

2.              Indemnification Obligation.  Subject to Section 8, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee, to the fullest extent permitted or required by the laws of the State of Delaware in effect on the date hereof or as such laws may from time to time hereafter be amended to increase the scope of such permitted or required indemnification, against any and all Indemnifiable Claims and Indemnifiable Losses; provided, however, that no repeal or amendment of any law of the State of Delaware shall in any way diminish or adversely affect the rights of Indemnitee pursuant to this Agreement in respect of any occurrence or matter arising prior to any such repeal or amendment.

 

3.              Advancement of Expenses.  Indemnitee shall have the right to advancement by the Company prior to the final disposition of any Indemnifiable Claim of any and all Expenses relating to, arising out of or resulting from any Indemnifiable Claim paid or incurred by Indemnitee or which Indemnitee determines are reasonably likely to be paid or incurred by Indemnitee.  Indemnitee’s right to such advancement is not subject to the satisfaction of any standard of conduct and is not conditioned upon any prior determination that Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification under this Agreement with respect to the Indemnifiable Claim or the absence of any prior determination to the contrary.  Without limiting the generality or effect of the foregoing, within five business days after any request by Indemnitee, the Company shall, in accordance with such request (but without duplication), (a) pay such Expenses on behalf of Indemnitee, (b) advance to Indemnitee funds in an amount sufficient to pay such Expenses, or (c) reimburse Indemnitee for such Expenses; provided that Indemnitee shall repay, without interest any amounts actually advanced to Indemnitee that, at the final disposition of the Indemnifiable Claim to which the advance related, were in excess of amounts paid or payable by Indemnitee in respect of Expenses relating to, arising out of or resulting from such Indemnifiable Claim.  In connection with any such payment, advancement or reimbursement, if delivery of an undertaking is a legally required condition precedent to such payment, advance or reimbursement or is otherwise requested by the Company, Indemnitee shall execute and deliver to the Company an undertaking in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A (subject to Indemnitee filling in the blanks therein and selecting from among the bracketed alternatives therein), which need not be secured and shall be accepted by the Company without reference to Indemnitee’s ability to repay the Expenses.  In no event shall Indemnitee’s right to the payment, advancement or reimbursement of Expenses pursuant to this Section 3 be conditioned upon any undertaking that is less favorable to Indemnitee than, or that is in addition to, the undertaking set forth in Exhibit A.

 

4.              Indemnification for Additional Expenses.  Without limiting the generality or effect of the foregoing, the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee against and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall reimburse Indemnitee for, or advance to Indemnitee, within five business days of such request, any and all Expenses paid or incurred by Indemnitee or which Indemnitee determines are reasonably likely to be paid or incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any Claim made, instituted or conducted by Indemnitee, in each case to the fullest extent permitted or required by the laws of the State of Delaware in effect on the date hereof or as such laws may from time to time hereafter be amended to increase the scope of such permitted or required indemnification, reimbursement or advancement of such Expenses, for (a) indemnification or payment, advancement or reimbursement of Expenses by the Company

 

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under any provision of this Agreement, or under any other agreement or provision of the Constituent Documents now or hereafter in effect relating to Indemnifiable Claims, and/or (b) recovery under any directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies maintained by the Company; provided, however, that Indemnitee shall return, without interest, any such advance of Expenses (or portion thereof) which remains unspent at the final disposition of the Claim to which the advance related.

 

5.              Contribution.  To the fullest extent permissible under applicable law in effect on the date hereof or as such law may from time to time hereafter be amended to increase the scope of permitted or required indemnification, if the indemnification provided for in this Agreement is unavailable to Indemnitee for any reason whatsoever, the Company, in lieu of indemnifying Indemnitee, shall contribute to the payment of any and all Indemnifiable Claims or Indemnifiable Losses, in such proportion as is fair and reasonable in light of all of the circumstances in order to reflect (i) the relative benefits received by the Company and Indemnitee as a result of the event(s) and/or transaction(s) giving cause to such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss and/or (ii) the relative fault of the Company (and its other directors, officers, employees and agents) and Indemnitee in connection with such event(s) and/or transaction(s); provided that such contribution shall not be required where it is determined, pursuant to a final disposition of such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss in accordance with Section 8, that Indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification by the Company with respect to such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss.

 

6.              Partial Indemnity.  If Indemnitee is entitled under any provision of this Agreement to indemnification by the Company for some or a portion of any Indemnifiable Loss, but not for all of the total amount thereof, the Company shall nevertheless indemnify Indemnitee for the portion thereof to which Indemnitee is entitled.

 

7.              Procedure for Notification.  To obtain indemnification under this Agreement in respect of an Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss, Indemnitee shall submit to the Company a written request therefor, including a brief description (based upon information then available to Indemnitee) of such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss.  If, at the time of the receipt of such request, the Company has directors’ and officers’ liability insurance in effect under which coverage for such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss is potentially available, the Company shall give prompt written notice of such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss to the applicable insurers in accordance with the procedures set forth in the applicable policies.  The Company shall provide to Indemnitee a copy of such notice delivered to the applicable insurers, and copies of all subsequent correspondence between the Company and such insurers regarding the Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss, in each case substantially concurrently with the delivery or receipt thereof by the Company.  If requested by Indemnitee, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts, at the Company’s expense, to enforce on behalf of and for the benefit of Indemnitee all rights (including rights to receive payment) that may exist under the applicable policies of insurance in relation to such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss.  The failure by Indemnitee to timely notify the Company of any Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss shall not relieve the Company from any liability hereunder unless, and only to the extent that, the Company did not otherwise learn of such Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss and such failure results in forfeiture by the Company of substantial defenses, rights or insurance coverage.

 

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8.              Determination of Right to Indemnification.

 

(a)         To the extent that Indemnitee shall have been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any Indemnifiable Claim or any portion thereof or in defense of any issue or matter therein, including dismissal without prejudice, Indemnitee shall be indemnified against Indemnifiable Losses relating to, arising out of or resulting from such Indemnifiable Claim in accordance with Section 2 and no Standard of Conduct Determination (as defined in Section 8(b)) shall be required with respect to such Indemnifiable Claim.

 

(b)         To the extent that the provisions of Section 8(a) are inapplicable to an Indemnifiable Claim that shall have been finally disposed of, any determination of whether Indemnitee has satisfied any applicable standard of conduct under Delaware law that is a legally required condition precedent to indemnification of Indemnitee hereunder against Indemnifiable Losses relating to, arising out of or resulting from such Indemnifiable Claim (a “Standard of Conduct Determination”) shall be made as follows:  (i) by a majority vote of the Disinterested Directors, even if less than a quorum of the Board, (ii) if such Disinterested Directors so direct, by a majority vote of a committee of Disinterested Directors designated by a majority vote of all Disinterested Directors, or (iii) if there are no such Disinterested Directors or if Indemnitee so requests, by Independent Counsel, selected by the Indemnitee and approved by the Board (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned), in a written opinion addressed to the Board, a copy of which shall be delivered to Indemnitee; provided, however, that if at the time of any Standard of Conduct Determination Indemnitee is neither a director nor an officer of the Company, such Standard of Conduct Determination may be made by or in the manner specified by the Board, any duly authorized committee of the Board or any duly authorized officer of the Company (unless Indemnitee requests that such Standard of Conduct Determination be made by Independent Counsel, in which case such Standard of Conduct Determination shall be made by Independent Counsel).  Indemnitee will cooperate with the person or persons making such Standard of Conduct Determination, including providing to such person or persons, upon reasonable advance request, any documentation or information which is not privileged or otherwise protected from disclosure and which is reasonably available to Indemnitee and reasonably necessary to such determination.  The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Indemnitee against and, if requested by Indemnitee, shall reimburse Indemnitee for, or advance to Indemnitee, within five business days of such request, any and all costs and expenses (including attorneys’ and experts’ fees and expenses) incurred by Indemnitee in so cooperating with the person or persons making such Standard of Conduct Determination.

 

(c)          The Company shall use its reasonable efforts to cause any Standard of Conduct Determination required under Section 8(b) to be made as promptly as practicable.  If (i) the person or persons empowered or selected under Section 8 to make the Standard of Conduct Determination shall not have made a determination within 30 days after the later of (A) receipt by the Company of written notice from Indemnitee advising the Company of the final disposition of the applicable Indemnifiable Claim (the date of such receipt being the “Notification Date”) and (B) the selection of an Independent Counsel, if such determination is to be made by Independent Counsel, and (ii) Indemnitee shall have fulfilled his or her obligations set forth in the second sentence of Section 8(b), then Indemnitee shall be deemed to have satisfied the applicable standard of conduct; provided that such 30-day period may be extended for a reasonable time, not to exceed an additional 30 days, if the person or persons making such

 

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determination in good faith requires such additional time for obtaining or evaluating any documentation or information relating thereto.

 

(d)         If (i) Indemnitee shall be entitled to indemnification hereunder against any Indemnifiable Losses pursuant to Section 8(a), (ii) no determination of whether Indemnitee has satisfied any applicable standard of conduct under Delaware law is a legally required condition precedent to indemnification of Indemnitee hereunder against any Indemnifiable Losses, or (iii) Indemnitee has been determined or deemed pursuant to Section 8(b) or (c) to have satisfied any applicable standard of conduct under Delaware law which is a legally required condition precedent to indemnification of Indemnitee hereunder against any Indemnifiable Losses, then the Company shall pay to Indemnitee, within five business days after the later of (x) the Notification Date in respect of the Indemnifiable Claim or portion thereof to which such Indemnifiable Losses are related, out of which such Indemnifiable Losses arose or from which such Indemnifiable Losses resulted and (y) the earliest date on which the applicable criterion specified in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) above shall have been satisfied, an amount equal to the amount of such Indemnifiable Losses.

 

9.              Presumption of Entitlement.

 

(a)         In making a determination of whether Indemnitee has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any Indemnifiable Claim or any portion thereof or in defense of any issue or matter therein, the Company acknowledges that a resolution, disposition or outcome short of dismissal or final judgment, including outcomes that permit Indemnitee to avoid expense, delay, embarrassment, injury to reputation, distraction, disruption or uncertainty, may constitute such success.  In the event that any Indemnifiable Claim or any portion thereof or issue or matter therein is resolved or disposed of in any manner other than by adverse judgment against Indemnitee (including any resolution or disposition thereof by means of settlement with or without payment of money or other consideration), it shall be presumed that Indemnitee has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of such Indemnifiable Claim or portion thereof or issue or matter therein.  The Company may overcome such presumption only by its adducing clear and convincing evidence to the contrary.

 

(b)         In making any Standard of Conduct Determination, the person or persons making such determination shall presume that Indemnitee has satisfied the applicable standard of conduct, and the Company may overcome such presumption only by its adducing clear and convincing evidence to the contrary.  Any Standard of Conduct Determination that Indemnitee has satisfied the applicable standard of conduct shall be final and binding in all respects, including with respect to any litigation or other action or proceeding initiated by Indemnitee to enforce his or her rights hereunder.  Any Standard of Conduct Determination that is adverse to Indemnitee may be challenged by Indemnitee in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware.  No determination by the Company (including by its directors or any Independent Counsel) that Indemnitee has not satisfied any applicable standard of conduct shall be a defense to any Claim by Indemnitee for indemnification or reimbursement or advance payment of Expenses by the Company hereunder or create a presumption that Indemnitee has not met any applicable standard of conduct.

 

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(c)          Without limiting the generality or effect of Section 9(b), (i) to the extent that any Indemnifiable Claim relates to any entity or enterprise (other than the Company) referred to in clause (i) of the first sentence of the definition of “Indemnifiable Claim,” Indemnitee shall be deemed to have satisfied the applicable standard of conduct if Indemnitee acted in good faith and in a manner Indemnitee reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the interests of such entity or enterprise (or the owners or beneficiaries thereof, including in the case of any employee benefit plan the participants and beneficiaries thereof) and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe that his or her conduct was unlawful, and (ii) in all cases, any belief of Indemnitee that is based on the records or books of account of the Company, including financial statements, or on information supplied to Indemnitee by the directors or officers of the Company in the course of their duties, or on the advice of legal counsel for the Company, the Board, any committee of the Board or any director, or on information or records given or reports made to the Company, the Board, any committee of the Board or any director by an independent certified public accountant or by an appraiser or other expert selected by or on behalf of the Company, the Board, any committee of the Board or any director shall be deemed to be reasonable.

 

10.       No Adverse Presumption.  For purposes of this Agreement, the termination of any Claim by judgment, order, settlement (whether with or without court approval) or conviction, or upon a plea of nolo contendere or its equivalent, will not create a presumption that Indemnitee did not meet any applicable standard of conduct or that indemnification hereunder is otherwise not permitted.

 

11.       Non-Exclusivity.

 

(a)                                 The rights of Indemnitee hereunder will be in addition to any other rights Indemnitee may have against the Company under the Constituent Documents, or the substantive laws of the Company’s jurisdiction of incorporation, any other contract or otherwise (collectively, “Other Indemnity Provisions”); provided, however, that (a) to the extent that Indemnitee otherwise would have any greater right to indemnification under any Other Indemnity Provision, Indemnitee will be deemed to have such greater right hereunder and (b) to the extent that any change is made to any Other Indemnity Provision which permits any greater right to indemnification than that provided under this Agreement as of the date hereof, Indemnitee will be deemed to have such greater right hereunder.  The Company will not adopt any amendment to any of the Constituent Documents the effect of which would be to deny, diminish or encumber Indemnitee’s right to indemnification under this Agreement or any Other Indemnity Provision.

 

(b)  The Company hereby acknowledges that Indemnitee has certain rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and/or insurance provided by Cortec Group Management Services LLC and certain of its affiliates (collectively, the “Other Indemnitors”).  The Company hereby agrees (i) that it is the indemnitor of first resort (i.e., its obligations to Indemnitee are primary and any obligation of the Other Indemnitors to advance expenses or to provide indemnification to Indemnitee in respect of any Indemnifiable Claim or Indemnifiable Loss is secondary), (ii) that it shall be required to advance the full amount of Expenses incurred by Indemnitee and shall be liable for the full amount of all Expenses and Indemnifiable Losses to the extent legally permitted and as required by the terms of this Agreement or any Other

 

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Indemnity Provisions, without regard to any rights Indemnitee may have against the Other Indemnitors, and (iii) that it irrevocably waives, relinquishes and releases the Other Indemnitors from any and all claims against the Other 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 Other Indemnitors on behalf of Indemnitee with respect to any claim for which Indemnitee has sought indemnification from the Company shall affect the foregoing and the Other 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 Indemnitee against the Company.  The Company and Indemnitee agree that the Other Indemnitors are express third party beneficiaries of the provisions of this Section 11(b).

 

12.       Liability Insurance and Funding.  For the duration of Indemnitee’s service as a director and/or officer of the Company, and thereafter for so long as Indemnitee shall be subject to any pending or possible Indemnifiable Claim, the Company shall use reasonable efforts (taking into account the scope and amount of coverage available relative to the cost thereof) to cause to be maintained in effect policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance providing coverage for directors and/or officers of the Company that is at least substantially comparable in scope and amount to that provided by the Company’s current policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.  The Company shall provide Indemnitee with a copy of all directors’ and officers’ liability insurance applications, binders, policies, declarations, endorsements and other related materials, and shall provide Indemnitee with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment on the same.  Without limiting the generality or effect of the two immediately preceding sentences, the Company shall not discontinue or significantly reduce the scope or amount of coverage from one policy period to the next (a) without the prior approval thereof by a majority vote of the Incumbent Directors, even if less than a quorum, or (b) if at the time that any such discontinuation or significant reduction in the scope or amount of coverage is proposed there are no Incumbent Directors, without the prior written consent of Indemnitee (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned).  In all policies of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance obtained by the Company, Indemnitee shall be named as an insured in such a manner as to provide Indemnitee the same rights and benefits, subject to the same limitations, as are accorded to the Company’s directors and officers most favorably insured by such policy.  The Company may, but shall not be required to, create a trust fund, grant a security interest or use other means, including a letter of credit, to ensure the payment of such amounts as may be necessary to satisfy its obligations to indemnify and advance expenses pursuant to this Agreement.

 

13.       Subrogation.  Except as provided in Section 11(b), in the event of payment under this Agreement, the Company shall be subrogated to the extent of such payment to all of the related rights of recovery of Indemnitee against other persons or entities (other than Indemnitee’s successors), including any entity or enterprise referred to in clause (i) of the definition of “Indemnifiable Claim” in Section 1(g).  Indemnitee shall execute all papers reasonably required to evidence such rights (all of Indemnitee’s reasonable Expenses, including attorneys’ fees and charges, related thereto to be reimbursed by or, at the option of Indemnitee, advanced by the Company).

 

14.       No Duplication of Payments.  Except as provided in Section 11(b), the Company shall not be liable under this Agreement to make any payment to Indemnitee in respect of any

 

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Indemnifiable Losses to the extent Indemnitee has otherwise actually received and is entitled to retain payment (net of any Expenses incurred in connection therewith and any repayment by Indemnitee made with respect thereto) under any insurance policy, the Constituent Documents and Other Indemnity Provisions or otherwise (including from any entity or enterprise referred to in clause (i) of the definition of “Indemnifiable Claim” in Section 1(g)) in respect of such Indemnifiable Losses otherwise indemnifiable hereunder.

 

15.       Defense of Claims.  Except for any Indemnifiable Claim asserted by or in the right of the Company (as to which Indemnitee shall be entitled to exclusively control the defense), the Company shall be entitled to participate in the defense of any Indemnifiable Claim or to assume the defense thereof, with counsel reasonably satisfactory to Indemnitee.  The Company’s participation in the defense of any Indemnifiable Claim of which the Company has not assumed the defense will not in any manner affect the rights of Indemnitee under this Agreement, including Indemnitee’s right to control the defense of such Indemnifiable Claims.  With respect to the period (if any) commencing at the time at which the Company notifies Indemnitee that the Company has assumed the defense of any Indemnifiable Claim and continuing for so long as the Company shall be using its reasonable best efforts to provide an effective defense of such Indemnifiable Claim, the Company shall have the right to control the defense of such Indemnifiable Claim and shall have no obligation under this Agreement in respect of any attorneys’ or experts’ fees or expenses or any other costs or expenses paid or incurred by Indemnitee in connection with defending such Indemnifiable Claim (other than such costs and expenses paid or incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any cooperation in the Company’s defense of such Indemnifiable Claim or other action undertaken by Indemnitee at the request of the Company or with the consent of the Company (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed)); provided that if Indemnitee believes, after consultation with counsel selected by Indemnitee, that (a) the use of counsel chosen by the Company to represent Indemnitee would present such counsel with an actual or potential conflict, (b) the named parties in any such Indemnifiable Claim (including any impleaded parties) include both the Company and Indemnitee and Indemnitee shall conclude that there may be one or more legal defenses available to him or her that are different from or in addition to those available to the Company, or (c) any such representation by such counsel would be precluded under the applicable standards of professional conduct then prevailing, then Indemnitee shall be entitled to retain and use the services of separate counsel (but not more than one law firm plus, if applicable, local counsel in respect of any particular Indemnifiable Claim) at the Company’s expense.   Nothing in this Agreement shall limit Indemnitee’s right to retain or use his or her own counsel at his or her own expense in connection with any Indemnifiable Claim; provided that in all events Indemnitee shall not unreasonably interfere with the conduct of the defense by the Company of any Indemnifiable Claim that the Company shall have assumed and of which the Company shall be using its reasonable best efforts to provide an effective defense.  The Company shall not be liable to Indemnitee under this Agreement for any amounts paid in settlement of any threatened or pending Indemnifiable Claim effected without the Company’s prior written consent.  The Company shall not, without the prior written consent of Indemnitee, effect any settlement of any threatened or pending Indemnifiable Claim to which Indemnitee is, or could have been, a party unless such settlement solely involves the payment of money and includes a complete and unconditional release of Indemnitee from all liability on any claims that are the subject matter of such Indemnifiable Claim.  Neither the Company nor Indemnitee shall unreasonably withhold, condition or delay its consent to any proposed settlement; provided that Indemnitee may

 

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withhold consent to any settlement that does not provide a complete and unconditional release of Indemnitee.

 

16.       Successors and Binding Agreement.

 

(a)         The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company, by agreement in form and substance satisfactory to Indemnitee and his or her counsel, expressly to assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same extent the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place.  This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor to the Company, including any person acquiring directly or indirectly all or substantially all of the business or assets of the Company whether by purchase, merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise (and such successor will thereafter be deemed the “Company” for purposes of this Agreement), but shall not otherwise be assignable or delegatable by the Company.

 

(b)         This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Indemnitee’s personal or legal representatives, executors, administrators, heirs, distributees, legatees and other successors.

 

(c)          This Agreement is personal in nature and neither of the parties hereto shall, without the consent of the other, assign or delegate this Agreement or any rights or obligations hereunder except as expressly provided in Sections 16(a) and 16(b).  Without limiting the generality or effect of the foregoing, Indemnitee’s right to receive payments hereunder shall not be assignable, whether by pledge, creation of a security interest or otherwise, other than by a transfer by Indemnitee’s will or by the laws of descent and distribution, and, in the event of any attempted assignment or transfer contrary to this Section 16(c), the Company shall have no liability to pay any amount so attempted to be assigned or transferred.

 

17.       Notices.  For all purposes of this Agreement, all communications, including notices, consents, requests or approvals, required or permitted to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given when hand delivered or dispatched by electronic facsimile transmission (with receipt thereof orally confirmed), or five business days after having been mailed by United States registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid or one business day after having been sent for next-day delivery by a nationally recognized overnight courier service, addressed to the Company (to the attention of the Secretary of the Company) and to Indemnitee at the applicable address shown on the signature page hereto, or to such other address as any party hereto may have furnished to the other in writing and in accordance herewith, except that notices of changes of address will be effective only upon receipt.

 

18.       Governing Law.  The validity, interpretation, construction and performance of this Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to the principles of conflict of laws of such State.  The Company and Indemnitee each hereby irrevocably consent to the jurisdiction of the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware for all purposes in connection with any action or proceeding

 

12



 

which arises out of or relates to this Agreement and agree that any action instituted under this Agreement shall be brought only in the Chancery Court of the State of Delaware.

 

19.       Validity.  If any provision of this Agreement or the application of any provision hereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, unenforceable or otherwise illegal, the remainder of this Agreement and the application of such provision to any other person or circumstance shall not be affected, and the provision so held to be invalid, unenforceable or otherwise illegal shall be reformed to the extent, and only to the extent, necessary to make it enforceable, valid or legal.  In the event that any court or other adjudicative body shall decline to reform any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, unenforceable or otherwise illegal as contemplated by the immediately preceding sentence, the parties thereto shall take all such action as may be necessary or appropriate to replace the provision so held to be invalid, unenforceable or otherwise illegal with one or more alternative provisions that effectuate the purpose and intent of the original provisions of this Agreement as fully as possible without being invalid, unenforceable or otherwise illegal.

 

20.       Miscellaneous.  No provision of this Agreement may be waived, modified or discharged unless such waiver, modification or discharge is agreed to in writing signed by Indemnitee and the Company.  No waiver by either party hereto at any time of any breach by the other party hereto or compliance with any condition or provision of this Agreement to be performed by such other party shall be deemed a waiver of similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same or at any prior or subsequent time.  No agreements or representations, oral or otherwise, expressed or implied with respect to the subject matter hereof have been made by either party hereto that are not set forth expressly in this Agreement.

 

21.       Legal Fees and Expenses; Interest.

 

(a)         It is the intent of the Company that Indemnitee not be required to incur legal fees and or other Expenses associated with the interpretation, enforcement or defense of Indemnitee’s rights under this Agreement by litigation or otherwise because the cost and expense thereof would substantially detract from the benefits intended to be extended to Indemnitee hereunder.  Accordingly, without limiting the generality or effect of any other provision hereof, if it should appear to Indemnitee that the Company has failed to comply with any of its obligations under this Agreement (including its obligations under Section 3) or in the event that the Company or any other person takes or threatens to take any action to declare this Agreement void or unenforceable, or institutes any litigation or other action or proceeding designed to deny, or to recover from, Indemnitee the benefits provided or intended to be provided to Indemnitee hereunder, the Company irrevocably authorizes Indemnitee from time to time to retain counsel of Indemnitee’s choice, at the expense of the Company as hereafter provided, to advise and represent Indemnitee in connection with any such interpretation, enforcement or defense, including the initiation or defense of any litigation or other legal action, whether by or against the Company or any director, officer, stockholder or other person affiliated with the Company, in any jurisdiction.  Notwithstanding any existing or prior attorney-client relationship between the Company and such counsel, the Company irrevocably consents to Indemnitee’s entering into an attorney-client relationship with such counsel, and in that connection the Company and Indemnitee agree that a confidential relationship shall exist between Indemnitee and such counsel.  The Company will pay and be solely financially responsible for any and all attorneys’

 

13



 

and related fees and expenses incurred by Indemnitee in connection with any of the foregoing to the fullest extent permitted or required by the laws of the State of Delaware in effect on the date hereof or as such laws may from time to time hereafter be amended to increase the scope of such permitted or required payment of such fees and expenses.

 

(b)         Any amount due to Indemnitee under this Agreement that is not paid by the Company by the date on which it is due will accrue interest at the legal rate provided under Delaware law from the date on which such amount is due to the date on which such amount is paid to Indemnitee.

 

22.       Certain Interpretive Matters.  Unless the context of this Agreement otherwise requires, (a) “it” or “its” or words of any gender include each other gender, (b) words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively, (c) the terms “hereof,” “herein,” “hereby” and derivative or similar words refer to this entire Agreement, (d) the terms “ “Section” or “Exhibit” refer to the specified Section or Exhibit of or to this Agreement, (e) the terms “include,” “includes” and “including” will be deemed to be followed by the words “without limitation” (whether or not so expressed), and (f) the word “or” is disjunctive but not exclusive.  Whenever this Agreement refers to a number of days, such number will refer to calendar days unless business days are specified and whenever action must be taken (including the giving of notice or the delivery of documents) under this Agreement during a certain period of time or by a particular date that ends or occurs on a non-business day, then such period or date will be extended until the immediately following business day.  As used herein, “business day” means any day other than Saturday, Sunday or a United States federal holiday.

 

23.       Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which will be deemed to be an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

 

[Signatures Appear on Following Page]

 

14



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Indemnitee has executed and the Company has caused its duly authorized representative to execute this Agreement as of the date first above written.

 

 

YETI HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INDEMNITEE:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Address:

 

 

 

 

 

15



 

EXHIBIT A

 

UNDERTAKING

 

This Undertaking is submitted pursuant to the Director and Officer Indemnification Agreement, dated as of                ,      (the “Indemnification Agreement”), between YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Company”), and the undersigned.  Capitalized terms used and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Indemnification Agreement.

 

The undersigned hereby requests [payment], [advancement], [reimbursement] by the Company of Expenses which the undersigned [has incurred] [reasonably expects to incur] in connection with                        (the “Indemnifiable Claim”).

 

The undersigned hereby undertakes to repay the [payment], [advancement], [reimbursement] of Expenses made by the Company to or on behalf of the undersigned in response to the foregoing request to the extent it is determined, following the final disposition of the Indemnifiable Claim and in accordance with Section 8 of the Indemnification Agreement, that the undersigned is not entitled to indemnification by the Company under the Indemnification Agreement with respect to the Indemnifiable Claim.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this Undertaking as of this       day of               ,     .

 

 

 

 

[Indemnitee]

 





Exhibit 10.10

 

YETI HOLDINGS, INC.

NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION POLICY

 

Approved:  June 27, 2016 (the “Adoption Date”)

 

I.                                        NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION POLICY PRIOR TO AN INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING

 

Prior to the time of the Company’s initial public offering of its common stock (“IPO”), each member of the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of YETI Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) who is not also serving as an employee of the Company or any of its subsidiaries (each such non-employee member, a “Director”) will receive the following compensation for his or her Board service in the period that begins on the date the Director is elected or appointed to the Board and ends on the date that the Company prices its common stock (the “Pricing Date”) for the IPO.

 

Annual Cash Compensation

 

The cash compensation amount set forth below is payable in equal quarterly installments, in arrears on the last day of each fiscal quarter in which the service occurred (each, a “Quarter”).  For any partial Quarter of service, the applicable quarterly amount will be pro-rated based on days in service.  All amounts are vested at payment.

 

Pre-IPO Annual Board Service Retainer:  $200,000

 

The Pre-IPO Annual Board Service Retainer will only be paid for periods of service prior to the Pricing Date.

 

Directors who are affiliated with the Cortec Group will not receive compensation (other than reimbursement of expenses as described in this policy) for their participation on the Board or any of the committees of the Board.

 

Expense Reimbursement

 

All of our Directors are reimbursed for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to their service as a member of the Board.

 

II.                                   NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR COMPENSATION POLICY FOLLOWING AN INITIAL PUBLIC OFFERING

 

Following the IPO, each Director will receive the following compensation for his or her Board service in the period that begins on the later of (i) the date of an IPO or (ii) the date the Director is elected or appointed to the Board and ends on the date of the first annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders at which directors are elected (the “First Annual Meeting”) following such date.  Unless and until changed by the Board, this policy will also apply to periods of Director service after the First Annual Meeting.

 

1



 

For three years following the IPO, Directors who are affiliated with the Cortec Group will not receive compensation (other than reimbursement of expenses as described in this policy) for their participation on the Board or any of the committees of the Board.

 

Annual Cash Compensation

 

Absent a deferral election as described below, the cash compensation amounts set forth below are payable in equal quarterly installments, in arrears on the last day of each Quarter.  For any partial Quarter of service, the applicable quarterly amount will be pro-rated based on days in service.  All amounts are vested at payment.

 

1.                                      Annual Board Service Retainer:

 

a.                                      All Directors: $70,000

 

2.                                      Annual Chair Service Fee:

 

a.                                      Chair of Board: $50,000

b.                                      Lead or Presiding Director of the Board (if any): $25,000

c.                                       Chair of the Audit Committee: $20,000

d.                                      Chair of the Compensation Committee: $15,000

e.                                       Chair of the Nominating & Governance Committee: $10,000

f.                                        Chair of Special Committee (e.g., strategic transactions, investigations, key employee searches): to be determined when Special Committee established

 

3.                                      Annual Committee Member (non-Chair members) Service Fee:

 

a.                                      Audit Committee: $10,000

b.                                      Compensation Committee: $7,500

c.                                       Nominating & Governance Committee: $5,000

d.                                      Special Committee: $7,500

 

Directors may elect to defer all or part of the annual cash retainer, or chair or committee cash fees, into deferred stock units.  Deferred stock units will be settled in shares of the Company’s common stock on the earlier of (1) the date specified in the Director’s deferral election form and (2) the six month anniversary of the Director’s cessation of service on the Board.

 

With respect to any deferred stock units issued to a Director serving on the Board on the Pricing Date as a result of such Director’s election to defer all or part of the annual cash retainer, or chair or committee cash fees, into deferred stock units, (1) the deferred stock units will vest, subject to the Director’s continued service on the Board through the applicable vesting date, on the earlier to occur of (i) the first anniversary of the IPO, and (ii) immediately prior to the Company’s First Annual Meeting, and (2) the number of deferred stock units any such Director is entitled to receive will be determined based upon the dollar amount of the fees elected to be received in deferred stock units and the price at which a share of the Company’s common stock is initially offered to the public in the IPO, rounded down for any partial shares.

 

As of the date of each annual meeting of the Company’s stockholders following the IPO (including the First Annual Meeting, each an “Annual Meeting”), or on a pro rata basis as of the

 

2



 

date of a Director’s initial election or appointment to the Board, Directors may elect to defer all or part of the annual cash retainer, or chair or committee cash fees, that would be earned between such date and the next annual meeting (the “Service Period”) into deferred stock units.  Such deferred stock units would be issued on the first day of the Service Period on the basis of the price per share of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, rounded down for any partial shares.  The deferred stock units will vest at the earlier of (i) the first anniversary of the date of grant or (ii) at the next following Annual Meeting, subject to the Director’s continued service on the Board through the applicable vesting date.

 

During any period of deferral, Directors will be paid cash dividend equivalents on their deferred stock units as dividends are paid on shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

Expense Reimbursement:

 

All of our Directors are reimbursed for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to their service as a member of the Board or any of the committees of the Board.

 

Equity Compensation

 

The equity compensation set forth below will be granted under the Company’s 2016 Equity and Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”).  Any equity granted will be subject to the limitation in the Plan on the number of awards that can be granted in a calendar year to any one individual or director.

 

IPO RSU Grant:  Each Director serving on the Board on the Pricing Date will be granted on the Pricing Date, automatically and without further action by the Board, an award of restricted stock units for a number of shares equal to (1) $125,000, divided by (2) the price at which a share of the Company’s common stock is initially offered to the public in the IPO, rounded down for any partial shares (the “IPO Grant”).  The IPO Grant will vest in full in one installment on the earlier to occur of (i) the first anniversary of the date of the IPO, and (ii) immediately prior to the Company’s First Annual Meeting, subject to the Director’s continued service through such vesting date.

 

Annual RSU Grant:  As of the date of each Annual Meeting, or on a pro-rata basis as of a Director’s initial election or appointment to the Board following the IPO, each Director will be granted, automatically and without further action by the Board, an award of restricted stock units for a number of shares equal to (1) $125,000, divided by (2) the Market Value per Share (as defined in the Plan) on the date of grant, rounded down for any partial share (the “Annual Grant”).  The Annual Grant will vest in full in one installment on the earlier to occur of (i) the first anniversary of the grant date, and (ii) immediately prior to the Company’s next following Annual Meeting, subject to the Director’s continued service through such vesting date.

 

Directors may elect to defer all or part of the grant of restricted stock units into deferred stock units, which will vest on the same basis as a Director’s restricted stock unit would vest, and will be settled in shares of the Company’s common stock on the earlier of (1) the date specified in the Director’s deferral election form or (2) the six month anniversary of the Director’s cessation of

 

3



 

service on the Board.  During the period of deferral, Directors will be paid cash dividend equivalents on their deferred stock units as dividends are paid on shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

Deferral Elections

 

Deferral elections described in this policy shall be made in such manner as prescribed by the Company in compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

4





Exhibit 10.11

 

EXECUTION VERSION

 

 

 

CREDIT AGREEMENT

 

dated as of

May 19, 2016,

 

among

 

YETI HOLDINGS, INC.,

as Borrower,

 

The Lenders and Issuing Banks Party Hereto,

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent

 

COMPASS BANK,

as Documentation Agent

 

NEWSTAR FINANCIAL, INC.

and
JEFFERIES FINANCE LLC,
as Co-Documentation Agents for the Tranche B Term Loan

 

CITIZENS BANK, N.A.

KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION

and
SUNTRUST BANK,
as Co-Syndication Agents

 


 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

ANTARES CAPITAL LP,

CITIZENS BANK, N.A.

KEYBANC CAPITAL MARKETS INC.

and
SUNTRUST ROBINSON HUMPHREY, INC.,
as Joint Lead Arrangers and Joint Bookrunners

 

 

 

[CS&M Ref. 4408-295]

 



 

THE TRANCHE B TERM LOAN ISSUED PURSUANT TO THIS AGREEMENT WILL BE ISSUED WITH ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT FOR PURPOSES OF SECTION 1271 ET SEQ. OF THE UNITED STATES INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986, AS AMENDED FROM TIME TO TIME. BEGINNING NO LATER THAN TEN DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF THIS AGREEMENT, A LENDER MAY OBTAIN THE ISSUE PRICE, AMOUNT OF ORIGINAL ISSUE DISCOUNT, ISSUE DATE AND YIELD TO MATURITY OF THE TRANCHE B TERM LOAN BY SUBMITTING A WRITTEN REQUEST FOR SUCH INFORMATION TO THE BORROWER AT THE ADDRESS SET FORTH IN SECTION 9.01.

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

 

ARTICLE I

 

Definitions

 

SECTION 1.01.

Defined Terms

1

SECTION 1.02.

Classification of Loans and Borrowings

56

SECTION 1.03.

Terms Generally

56

SECTION 1.04.

Accounting Terms; GAAP

58

SECTION 1.05.

Pro Forma Calculations

59

 

 

 

ARTICLE II

 

The Credits

 

SECTION 2.01.

Commitments

59

SECTION 2.02.

Loans and Borrowings

60

SECTION 2.03.

Requests for Borrowings

61

SECTION 2.04.

Letters of Credit

62

SECTION 2.05.

Funding of Borrowings

70

SECTION 2.06.

Interest Elections

71

SECTION 2.07.

Termination and Reduction of Commitments

72

SECTION 2.08.

Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt

73

SECTION 2.09.

Amortization of Term Loans

74

SECTION 2.10.

Prepayment of Loans

75

SECTION 2.11.

Fees

79

SECTION 2.12.

Interest

80

SECTION 2.13.

Alternate Rate of Interest

81

SECTION 2.14.

Increased Costs

81

SECTION 2.15.

Break Funding Payments

84

SECTION 2.16.

Taxes

84

SECTION 2.17.

Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Setoffs

88

SECTION 2.18.

Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders

91

SECTION 2.19.

Defaulting Lenders

92

SECTION 2.20.

Incremental Extensions of Credit

94

SECTION 2.21.

Extension of Maturity Date

98

SECTION 2.22.

Refinancing Facilities

101

 

ARTICLE III

 

Representations and Warranties

 

SECTION 3.01.

Organization; Powers

102

SECTION 3.02.

Authorization; Due Execution and Delivery; Enforceability

102

 

i



 

SECTION 3.03.

Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts

103

SECTION 3.04.

Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change

103

SECTION 3.05.

Properties

104

SECTION 3.06.

Litigation and Environmental Matters

104

SECTION 3.07.

Compliance with Laws and Agreements

105

SECTION 3.08.

Anti-Terrorism Laws; Anti-Corruption Laws

105

SECTION 3.09.

Investment Company Status

105

SECTION 3.10.

Federal Reserve Regulations

105

SECTION 3.11.

Taxes

105

SECTION 3.12.

ERISA

105

SECTION 3.13.

Disclosure

106

SECTION 3.14.

Subsidiaries

106

SECTION 3.15.

Insurance

107

SECTION 3.16.

Labor Matters

107

SECTION 3.17.

Solvency

107

SECTION 3.18.

Collateral Matters

107

SECTION 3.19.

EEA Financial Institution

108

 

 

 

ARTICLE IV

 

Conditions

 

SECTION 4.01.

Effective Date

108

SECTION 4.02.

Each Credit Event

111

 

 

 

ARTICLE V

 

Affirmative Covenants

 

SECTION 5.01.

Financial Statements and Other Information

112

SECTION 5.02.

Notices of Material Events

114

SECTION 5.03.

Information Regarding Collateral

115

SECTION 5.04.

Existence; Conduct of Business

115

SECTION 5.05.

Payment of Taxes

115

SECTION 5.06.

Maintenance of Properties

116

SECTION 5.07.

Insurance

116

SECTION 5.08.

Books and Records; Inspection and Audit Rights

116

SECTION 5.09.

Compliance with Laws

117

SECTION 5.10.

Use of Proceeds and Letters of Credit

117

SECTION 5.11.

Additional Subsidiaries

118

SECTION 5.12.

Further Assurances

118

SECTION 5.13.

Designation of Subsidiaries

119

 

ii



 

ARTICLE VI

 

Negative Covenants

 

SECTION 6.01.

Indebtedness; Certain Equity Securities

120

SECTION 6.02.

Liens

123

SECTION 6.03.

Fundamental Changes

126

SECTION 6.04.

Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions

126

SECTION 6.05.

Asset Sales

131

SECTION 6.06.

Hedging Agreements

133

SECTION 6.07.

Restricted Payments

133

SECTION 6.08.

Transactions with Affiliates

135

SECTION 6.09.

Restrictive Agreements

137

SECTION 6.10.

Amendment of Organizational Documents

137

SECTION 6.11.

Total Net Leverage Ratio

138

SECTION 6.12.

Interest Coverage Ratio

138

SECTION 6.13.

Changes in Fiscal Periods

138

 

 

 

ARTICLE VII

 

Events of Default

 

SECTION 7.01.

Events of Default

138

SECTION 7.02.

Right to Cure

141

 

 

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

The Administrative Agent

 

ARTICLE IX

 

Miscellaneous

 

SECTION 9.01.

Notices

151

SECTION 9.02.

Waivers; Amendments

153

SECTION 9.03.

Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver

157

SECTION 9.04.

Successors and Assigns

160

SECTION 9.05.

Survival

169

SECTION 9.06.

Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness

170

SECTION 9.07.

Severability

171

SECTION 9.08.

Right of Setoff

171

SECTION 9.09.

Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process

171

SECTION 9.10.

WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

172

SECTION 9.11.

Headings

172

SECTION 9.12.

Confidentiality

172

SECTION 9.13.

Interest Rate Limitation

174

SECTION 9.14.

Release of Liens and Guarantees

174

SECTION 9.15.

USA PATRIOT Act Notice

175

SECTION 9.16.

No Fiduciary Relationship

175

SECTION 9.17.

Non-Public Information

175

 

iii



 

SECTION 9.18.

Acknowledgment and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions

176

 

SCHEDULES:

 

Schedule 1.01

— Mortgaged Property

Schedule 2.01

— Commitments

Schedule 3.05

— Real Property

Schedule 3.14

— Subsidiaries

Schedule 3.15

— Insurance

Schedule 6.01

— Existing Indebtedness

Schedule 6.02

— Existing Liens

Schedule 6.04

— Existing Investments

Schedule 6.09

— Existing Restrictions

 

 

EXHIBITS:

 

 

 

Exhibit A

— Form of Assignment and Assumption

Exhibit B

— Form of Collateral Agreement

Exhibit C

— Form of Perfection Certificate

Exhibit D

— Form of Supplemental Perfection Certificate

Exhibit E

— Form of Intercompany Indebtedness Subordination Agreement

Exhibit F-1

— Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate for Foreign Lenders that are not Partnerships for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes

Exhibit F-2

— Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate for Non-U.S. Participants that are not Partnerships for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes

Exhibit F-3

— Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate for Non-U.S. Participants that are Partnerships for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes

Exhibit F-4

— Form of U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate for Foreign Lenders that are Partnerships for U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes

Exhibit G

— Auction Procedures

Exhibit H

— Form of Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption

Exhibit I

— Form of Maturity Date Extension Request

Exhibit J-1

— Form of Term Loan Promissory Note

Exhibit J-2

— Form of Revolving Loan Promissory Note

Exhibit K

— Form of Compliance Certificate

 

iv


 

CREDIT AGREEMENT dated as of May 19, 2016 (this “Agreement”), among YETI HOLDINGS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), the LENDERS and ISSUING BANKS party hereto and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

 

The Borrower has requested that (a) the Tranche A Term Lenders extend credit in the form of Tranche A Term Loans on the Effective Date in an aggregate principal amount not in excess of $445,000,000, (b) the Tranche B Term Lenders extend credit in the form of Tranche B Term Loans on the Effective Date in an aggregate principal amount not in excess of $105,000,000 and (c) the Revolving Lenders extend credit in the form of Revolving Loans and the Issuing Banks issue Letters of Credit, in each case at any time and from time to time during the Revolving Availability Period such that the Aggregate Revolving Exposure will not exceed the Aggregate Revolving Commitment at any time.  The proceeds of the Tranche A Term Loans, the Tranche B Term Loans and the Revolving Loans on the Effective Date will be used (i) to pay the Specified Dividend, (ii) to effect the Refinancing, (iii) to pay the Transaction Costs and (iv) with respect to any cash remaining on the balance sheet of the Borrower after giving effect to the Transactions, for general corporate purposes (including Permitted Acquisitions and Restricted Payments).  The proceeds of the Revolving Loans after the Effective Date will be used only for general corporate purposes (including Permitted Acquisitions and Restricted Payments).  Letters of Credit will be used only for general corporate purposes.

 

The Lenders are willing to extend such credit to the Borrower, and the Issuing Banks are willing to issue Letters of Credit for the account of the Borrower, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein.  Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

Definitions

 

SECTION 1.01.  Defined Terms.  As used in this Agreement (including in the introductory paragraphs hereto), the following terms have the meanings specified below:

 

“ABR”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Alternate Base Rate.

 

“Additional Distributions” means the amounts payable to, or credited to an account for the benefit of, the Borrower’s option holders with respect to the option adjustments occurring in connection with the Transactions, and any amounts that may become payable to, or credited to an account for the benefit of, the Borrower’s option holders with respect to any future option adjustments.

 



 

“Additional Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.20(c).

 

“Additional Refinancing Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.22(a).

 

“Adjusted LIBO Rate” means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period (or, solely for purposes of clause (c) of the defined term “Alternate Base Rate”, for purposes of determining the Alternate Base Rate as of any date), an interest rate per annum (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) equal to (a) the LIBO Rate for such Interest Period (or such date, as applicable) multiplied by (b) the Statutory Reserve Rate.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of Tranche B Term Loans, in no event shall the Adjusted LIBO Rate at any time be less than 1.00% per annum and, in the case of Tranche A Term Loans and Revolving Loans, in no event shall the Adjusted LIBO Rate at any time be less than zero.

 

“Administrative Agent” means Bank of America, N.A., in its capacity as administrative agent hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, and its successors in such capacity as provided in Article VIII.

 

“Administrative Questionnaire” means an administrative questionnaire in a form supplied by the Administrative Agent.

 

“Affiliate” means, with respect to a specified Person, another Person that directly, or indirectly through one or more intermediaries, Controls or is Controlled by or is under common Control with the Person specified.

 

“Affiliated Lender” means, collectively, any Affiliate of the Borrower or the Sponsor (other than the Borrower and its Subsidiaries).

 

“Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and a Purchasing Borrower Party or an Affiliated Lender (with the consent of any party whose consent is required by Section 9.04) and accepted by the Administrative Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit H or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

 

“Aggregate Revolving Commitment” means, at any time, the sum of the Revolving Commitments of all the Revolving Lenders at such time.

 

“Aggregate Revolving Exposure” means, at any time, the sum of the Revolving Exposures of all the Revolving Lenders at such time.

 

“Agreement” has the meaning assigned to such term in the introductory statement to this Credit Agreement.

 

“Alternate Base Rate” means, for any day, a rate per annum equal to the greatest of (a) the Prime Rate in effect on such day, (b) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus 1/2 of 1.00% per annum and (c) the Adjusted LIBO Rate on

 

2



 

such day (or, if such day is not a Business Day, the immediately preceding Business Day) plus 1.00% per annum.  If the Administrative Agent shall have determined (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that it is unable to ascertain the Federal Funds Effective Rate for any reason, including the inability or failure of the Administrative Agent to obtain sufficient quotations in accordance with the terms of the definition thereof, then the Alternate Base Rate shall be determined without regard to clause (b) of the preceding sentence until the circumstances giving rise to such inability no longer exist.  For purposes of clause (c) above, the Adjusted LIBO Rate on any day shall be based on the LIBOR Screen Rate at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on such day for deposits in dollars (assuming an Interest Period of one month); provided that (i) if no LIBO Screen Rate shall be available for a one-month Interest Period but LIBO Screen Rates shall be available for maturities both longer and shorter than a one-month Interest Period, then the LIBO Screen Rate for purposes of this sentence shall be the Interpolated Screen Rate and (ii) if such rate shall be less than zero, such rate shall be deemed to be zero.  Any change in the Alternate Base Rate due to a change in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate or the Adjusted LIBO Rate shall be effective from and including the effective date of such change in the Prime Rate, the Federal Funds Effective Rate or the Adjusted LIBO Rate, respectively.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of Tranche B Term Loans, in no event shall the Alternate Base Rate at any time be less than 2.00% per annum.

 

“Alternative Incremental Facility Debt” means any Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower in the form of one or more series of senior secured notes, second lien secured notes or term loans or senior unsecured notes or terms loans; provided that (a) if such Indebtedness is secured, such Indebtedness shall be secured by the Collateral on a pari passu or junior basis with the Loan Document Obligations and shall not be secured by any property or assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary other than the Collateral, (b) the stated final maturity of such Indebtedness shall not be earlier than the Latest Maturity Date (except for any such Indebtedness in the form of a bridge or other interim credit facility intended to be refinanced or replaced with long-term Indebtedness, which such Indebtedness, upon the maturity thereof, automatically converts into Indebtedness that satisfies the requirements set forth in this definition), (c) such Indebtedness shall not be required to be repaid, prepaid, redeemed, repurchased or defeased, whether on one or more fixed dates, upon the occurrence of one or more events or at the option of any holder thereof (except, in each case, (x) upon the occurrence of an event of default or a change in control, (y) in the case of secured notes, upon the occurrence of an asset sale or event of loss if such payments are made first pro rata to the Term Loans and any pari passu senior secured notes and (z) in the case of any such Alternative Incremental Facility Debt in the form of a bridge or other interim credit facility intended to be refinanced or replaced with long-term Indebtedness, upon the occurrence of such refinancing or replacement Indebtedness as long as such refinancing or replacement Indebtedness satisfies the requirements set forth in this definition) prior to the Latest Maturity Date; provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, scheduled amortization payments (however denominated) of such Indebtedness shall be permitted so long as the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of such Indebtedness is not shorter than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the then-remaining Term Loans, (d) such Indebtedness shall have covenants no more restrictive, taken as a whole, than those

 

3



 

applicable to the Commitments and the Loans (except for covenants or other provisions (i) applicable only to periods after the Latest Maturity Date in effect at the time such Alternative Incremental Facility Debt is issued or (ii) that are also for the benefit of all other Lenders in respect of Loans and Commitments outstanding at the time such Alternative Incremental Facility Debt is incurred), as determined in good faith by the Borrower (it being understood that such Indebtedness may include one or more financial maintenance covenants with which the Borrower shall be required to comply; provided that any such financial maintenance covenant shall also be for the benefit of all other Lenders in respect of all Loans and Commitments outstanding at the time that such Alternative Incremental Facility Debt is incurred), (e) if such Indebtedness is secured, the security agreement relating to such Indebtedness shall not be materially more favorable (when taken as a whole) to the holders providing such Indebtedness than the existing Security Documents are to the Lenders (as determined in good faith by the Borrower), (f) if such Indebtedness is secured, a trustee or note agent acting on behalf of the holders of such Indebtedness shall have become party to customary intercreditor arrangements mutually agreed with the Administrative Agent and (g) such Indebtedness shall not be guaranteed by any Subsidiaries other than the Loan Parties.

 

“Anti-Corruption Laws” means all laws, rules, and regulations of any jurisdiction applicable to the Borrower or its Subsidiaries from time to time concerning or relating to bribery, corruption or money laundering, including the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977, the UK Bribery Act 2010.

 

“Applicable Percentage” means, at any time with respect to any Revolving Lender, subject to Section 2.19, the percentage of the Aggregate Revolving Commitment represented by such Lender’s Revolving Commitment at such time.  If the Revolving Commitments have terminated or expired, the Applicable Percentages shall be determined based upon the Revolving Commitments most recently in effect, giving effect to any assignments of Revolving Loans and LC Exposures that occur after such termination or expiration.

 

“Applicable Rate” means, for any day, (a) with respect to any Loan that is a Tranche B Term Loan, (i) 4.50% per annum, in the case of an ABR Loan, and (ii) 5.50% per annum, in the case of a Eurodollar Loan and (b) with respect to any Loan that is a Tranche A Loan or Revolving Loan, or with respect to the commitment fees payable hereunder, the applicable rate per annum set forth below under the caption “ABR Spread”, “Eurodollar Spread” or “Commitment Fee Rate”, as applicable, based upon the Total Secured Net Leverage Ratio as of the end of the Fiscal Quarter for which consolidated financial statements have heretofore been most recently delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or 5.01(b); provided that until the delivery to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or 5.01(b) as of and for the first full Fiscal Quarter beginning after the Effective Date, the Applicable Rate shall be the applicable rate per annum set forth below in Category 1:

 

4



 

 

 

Tranche A Loans

 

Revolving Loans

 

Total Secured Net Leverage
Ratio:

 

ABR
Spread

 

Eurodollar
Spread

 

ABR
Spread

 

Eurodollar
Spread

 

Category 1
> 2.00:1.00

 

3.00%

 

4.00%

 

3.00%

 

4.00%

 

Category 2
< 2.00:1.00 but > 1.25:1.00

 

2.75%

 

3.75%

 

2.75%

 

3.75%

 

Category 3
< 1.25:1.00

 

2.50%

 

3.50%

 

2.50%

 

3.50%

 

 

Total Secured Net Leverage
Ratio:

 

Commitment Fee
Rate

 

Category 1
> 2.00:1.00

 

0.400%

 

Category 2
> 1.25:1.00

 

0.325%

 

Category 3
< 1.25:1.00

 

0.250%

 

 

For purposes of the foregoing, each change in the Applicable Rate resulting from a change in the Total Secured Net Leverage Ratio shall be effective during the period commencing on and including the date of delivery to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or 5.01(b) of the consolidated financial statements indicating such change and ending on the date immediately preceding the effective date of the next such change; provided that the Total Secured Net Leverage Ratio shall be deemed to be in Category 1 at the written election of the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders if the Borrower fails to deliver the consolidated financial statements required to be delivered by it pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or 5.01(b) or the certificate of a Responsible Officer required pursuant to Section 5.01(c) during the period from the expiration of the time for delivery thereof until such consolidated financial statements and such certificate are delivered.

 

“Approved Fund” means any Fund that is administered or managed by (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender or (c) an entity or an Affiliate of an entity that administers or manages a Lender.

 

“Arrangers” means, collectively, Bank of America, N.A. (or any other registered broker-dealer wholly-owned by Bank of America Corporation to which all or substantially all of Bank of America Corporation’s or any of its subsidiaries’ investment banking, commercial lending services or related businesses may be transferred following the date

 

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of this Agreement), Antares Capital LP,  Citizens Bank, N.A., KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. and SunTrust Robinson Humphrey, Inc., each in its capacity as a joint lead arranger and joint bookrunner for the credit facilities provided for herein.

 

“Assignment and Assumption” means an assignment and assumption entered into by a Lender and an Eligible Assignee (with the consent of any Person whose consent is required by Section 9.04) and accepted by the Administrative Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit A or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

 

“Auction” means an auction pursuant to which a Purchasing Borrower Party offers to purchase Term Loans pursuant to the Auction Procedures.

 

“Auction Manager” means any financial institution or advisor employed by the Borrower (whether or not an Affiliate of the Administrative Agent) to act as an arranger in connection with any Auction; provided that the Borrower shall not designate the Administrative Agent as the Auction Manager without the written consent of the Administrative Agent (it being understood and agreed that the Administrative Agent shall be under no obligation to agree to act as the Auction Manager).

 

“Auction Procedures” means the procedures set forth in Exhibit G.

 

“Auction Purchase Offer” means an offer by a Purchasing Borrower Party to purchase Term Loans of one or more Classes pursuant to an auction process conducted in accordance with the Auction Procedures and otherwise in accordance with Section 9.04(g).

 

“Available Amount” means, at any time (the “Reference Date”), (a) the sum of (i) $35,000,000 (provided that not more than $10,000,000 of such amount shall be used to make any Restricted Payment under Section 6.07(j)) plus (ii) the aggregate amount of Excess Cash Flow for each Fiscal Year of the Borrower (commencing with the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2016 but solely with respect to that portion of such Fiscal Year during which any Term Loans are outstanding) in respect of which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a), to the extent such Excess Cash Flow exceeds $0, plus (iii) the aggregate amount of prepayments declined by the Term Lenders and retained by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.10(e), plus (iv) the Net Proceeds from any sale or issuance of Equity Interests (other than Disqualified Equity Interests, Cure Amounts and amounts applied pursuant to Section 6.07(h)) of the Borrower, plus (v) in the event that an Unrestricted Subsidiary is re-designated as a Restricted Subsidiary or that has been merged, amalgamated or consolidated with or into the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, the lesser of (x) the fair market value of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in such Unrestricted Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation or such merger, amalgamation or consolidation and (y) the amount of the original investment by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in such Unrestricted Subsidiary using the Available Amount, plus (vi) to the extent not already included in the calculation of Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, the aggregate amount of all returns (including principal

 

6



 

repayments, cash dividends and other cash distributions) received by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in cash during the period from and including the Business Day immediately following the Effective Date through and including the Reference Date on which any investments made using the Available Amount in an aggregate amount not to exceed the amount of such original investments made by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries using the Available Amount, minus (b) the sum at such time of (i) the aggregate amount of all prepayments required to be made under Section 2.10(d) in respect of Excess Cash Flow for each Fiscal Year of the Borrower (commencing with the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2016 but solely with respect to that portion of such Fiscal Year during which any Term Loans are outstanding) in respect of which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a), plus (ii) investments, loans and advances previously or concurrently made under Section 6.04(w) in reliance on the Available Amount, plus (iii) Restricted Payments previously or concurrently made under Section 6.07(j) in reliance on the Available Amount.

 

“Bail-In Action” means, as to any EEA Financial Institution, the exercise of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by the applicable EEA Resolution Authority in respect of any liability of such EEA Financial Institution.

 

“Bail-In Legislation” means, with respect to any EEA Member Country implementing Article 55 of Directive 2014/59/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of the European Union, the implementing law for such EEA Member Country from time to time which is described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule.

 

“Bankruptcy Code” means Title 11 of the United States Code entitled “Bankruptcy”, as now and hereafter in effect, or any successor statute.

 

“Board of Governors” means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States of America.

 

“Borrower” means YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation.

 

“Borrowing” means Loans of the same Class and Type, made, converted or continued on the same date and, in the case of Eurodollar Loans, as to which a single Interest Period is in effect.

 

“Borrowing Request” means a request by the Borrower for a Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.03, which shall be, in the case of a written Borrowing Request, in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and otherwise consistent with the requirements of Section 2.03.

 

“Business Day” means any day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or any other day on which commercial banks in New York City are authorized or required by law to remain closed or (with respect to standby Letters of Credit) any other day on which interbank payments cannot be effected on the Federal Reserve Bank’s Fedwire system; provided that, when used in connection with a Eurodollar Loan, the term “Business Day” shall also exclude any day on which banks are not open for dealings in dollar deposits in the London interbank market.

 

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“Capital Expenditures” means, for any period, (a) the additions to property, plant and equipment and other capital expenditures of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries that are (or should be) set forth in a consolidated statement of cash flows of the Borrower for such period prepared in accordance with GAAP and (b) Capital Lease Obligations incurred by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries during such period, but excluding in each case any such expenditure (i) constituting reinvestment of the Net Proceeds of any event described in clause (a) or (b) of the definition of the term “Prepayment Event”, to the extent permitted by Section 2.10(c), (ii) made by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary as payment of the consideration for a Permitted Acquisition, (iii) made by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to effect leasehold improvements to any property leased by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary as lessee, to the extent that such expenses have been reimbursed by the landlord, (iv) in the form of a substantially contemporaneous exchange of similar property, plant, equipment or other capital assets, except to the extent of cash or other consideration (other than the assets so exchanged), if any, paid or payable by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and (v) made with the Net Proceeds from the issuance of Qualified Equity Interests.

 

“Capital Lease Obligations” of any Person means the obligations of such Person to pay rent or other amounts under any lease of (or other arrangement conveying the right to use) real or personal property, or a combination thereof, which obligations are required to be classified and accounted for as capital leases on a balance sheet of such Person under GAAP, and the amount of such obligations shall be the capitalized amount thereof determined in accordance with GAAP.  For purposes of Section 6.02, a Capital Lease Obligation shall be deemed to be secured by a Lien on the property being leased and such property shall be deemed to be owned by the lessee.

 

“Cash Management Services” means the treasury management services (including controlled disbursements, zero balance arrangements, cash sweeps, automated clearinghouse transactions, return items, overdrafts, temporary advances, trade finance services, interest and fees and interstate depository network services) provided to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary.

 

“CFC” means (a) a Person that is a “controlled foreign corporation” for purposes of the Code and (b) each subsidiary of any such Person.

 

“CFC Holding Company” means any Restricted Subsidiary (including an entity that is disregarded for U.S. Federal income tax purposes) substantially all of whose assets consist of Equity Interests and/or Indebtedness of one or more CFCs or CFC Holding Companies.

 

“Change in Control” means (a) prior to an IPO, the failure by the Permitted Holders to own in the aggregate, directly or indirectly through one or more wholly-owned subsidiaries, beneficially and of record, Equity Interests in the Borrower representing at least a majority of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests in the Borrower; (b) after an IPO, the acquisition of ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by any Person or group

 

8



 

(within the meaning of the Exchange Act and the rules of the SEC thereunder), other than the Permitted Holders, of Equity Interests representing (i) more than 35% of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests in the Borrower and (ii) the ownership, directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record, by the Permitted Holders of Equity Interests in the Borrower representing in the aggregate a lesser percentage of the aggregate ordinary voting power represented by the issued and outstanding Equity Interests in the Borrower than such ownership of such Person or group; (c) the occupation of a majority of the seats (other than vacant seats) on the board of directors of the Borrower by Persons who were not (i) directors of the Borrower on the Effective Date, (ii) nominated or approved by the board of directors of the Borrower or the Sponsor or (iii) appointed by directors who were directors of the Borrower on the Effective Date or were so nominated or approved as provided in subclause (ii) of this clause (c); or (d) the occurrence of any “change in control” (or similar event, however denominated) with respect to the Borrower under and as defined in any indenture or other agreement or instrument evidencing, governing the rights of the holders of or otherwise relating to any Material Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or any certificate of designations (or other provision of the organizational documents of the Borrower) relating to, or any other agreement governing the rights of the holders of, any Disqualified Equity Interests.

 

“Change in Law” means the occurrence, after the date of this Agreement (or with respect to any Lender, if later, the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender), of any of the following:  (a) the adoption of or taking effect of any law, rule, regulation or treaty, (b) any change in any law, rule, regulation or treaty or in the administration, interpretation, implementation or application thereof by any Governmental Authority or (c) the making or issuance of any request, rule, guideline or directive (whether or not having the force of law) by any Governmental Authority; provided that, notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated thereunder or issued in connection therewith and (ii) all requests, rules, guidelines or directives promulgated by the Bank for International Settlements, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (or any successor or similar authority) or the United States of America or foreign regulatory authorities, in each case pursuant to Basel III, in each case shall be deemed to be a “Change in Law”, regardless of the date enacted, adopted, promulgated or issued.

 

“Charges” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.13.

 

“Class”, when used in reference to (a) any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are Revolving Loans, Tranche A Term Loans, Tranche B Term Loans, Incremental Term Loans or Refinancing Term Loans, (b) any Commitment, refers to whether such Commitment is a Revolving Commitment, Tranche A Term Commitment, Tranche B Term Commitment, Incremental Term Commitment or Refinancing Term Commitment and (c) any Lender, refers to whether such Lender has a Loan or Commitment with respect to a particular Class.  Incremental Term Loans that have different terms and conditions (together with the Commitments in respect thereof) shall be construed to be in different Classes, and

 

9


 

Refinancing Term Loans of a separate Refinancing Series (together with the Commitments in respect thereof) shall be construed to be in different Classes.

 

“Code” means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.

 

“Collateral” means any and all assets, whether real or personal, tangible or intangible, on which Liens are purported to be granted pursuant to the Security Documents as security for the Obligations. For the avoidance of doubt, Collateral shall not include any Excluded Assets (as defined in the Collateral Agreement).

 

“Collateral Agreement” means the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement among the Borrower, the Subsidiary Loan Parties and the Administrative Agent, substantially in the form of Exhibit B.

 

“Collateral and Guarantee Requirement” means, at any time, subject to (x) the applicable limitations set forth in this Agreement or any other Loan Document and (y) the time periods and extensions referenced in the proviso below, the requirement that:

 

(a)  the Administrative Agent shall have received from the Borrower and each Designated Subsidiary either (i) a counterpart of the Collateral Agreement duly executed and delivered on behalf of such Person or (ii) in the case of any Person that becomes a Designated Subsidiary after the Effective Date, a supplement to the Collateral Agreement, substantially in the form specified therein, duly executed and delivered on behalf of such Person, together with opinions and documents of the type referred to in paragraphs (b) and (c) of Section 4.01 with respect to such Person;

 

(b)  (i) all outstanding Equity Interests of each Restricted Subsidiary owned by or on behalf of any Loan Party, shall have been pledged pursuant to the Collateral Agreement; provided that the Loan Parties shall not be required to pledge (x) more than 65% of the outstanding voting Equity Interests of any first-tier CFC or any CFC Holding Company, (y) any Equity Interests that are Excluded Equity Interests (as defined in the Collateral Agreement) or (z) any Equity Interests of a subsidiary of a CFC or CFC Holding Company, and (ii) the Administrative Agent shall, to the extent required by the Collateral Agreement, have received certificates or other instruments representing all such Equity Interests, together with undated stock powers or other instruments of transfer with respect thereto endorsed in blank;

 

(c)  all Indebtedness of the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary, and all other Indebtedness of any Person in a principal amount of $5,000,000 or more, in each case that is owing to any Loan Party shall be evidenced by a promissory note and shall have been pledged pursuant to the Collateral Agreement, and the Administrative Agent shall have received all such promissory notes, together with undated instruments of transfer with respect thereto endorsed in blank;

 

(d)  all documents and instruments, including Uniform Commercial Code financing statements, required by law or reasonably requested by the

 

10



 

Administrative Agent to be filed, registered or recorded to create the Liens intended to be created by the Security Documents and perfect such Liens to the extent required by, and with the priority required by, the Security Documents shall have been filed, registered or recorded or delivered to the Administrative Agent for filing, registration or recording; and

 

(e)  the Administrative Agent shall have received (i) counterparts of a Mortgage with respect to each Mortgaged Property duly executed and delivered by the record owner of such Mortgaged Property, (ii) a policy or policies of title insurance issued by a nationally recognized title insurance company insuring the Lien of each such Mortgage as a valid and enforceable first Lien on the Mortgaged Property described therein, free of any other Liens except as expressly permitted by Section 6.02, together with such endorsements, coinsurance and reinsurance as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, (iii) a completed standard “life of loan” flood hazard determination form with respect to each Mortgaged Property, (iv) if any Mortgaged Property is located in an area determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to have special flood hazards, (x) a written acknowledgment by the owner of such Mortgaged Property of receipt of written notification from the Administrative Agent as to the fact that such Mortgaged Property is located in an area determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to have special flood hazards and as to whether the community in which each such Mortgaged Property is located is participating in the National Flood Insurance Program and (y) evidence of such flood insurance as may be required under applicable law, including Regulation H of the Board of Governors, and (v) such surveys, abstracts, appraisals, legal opinions and other documents as the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders may reasonably request with respect to any such Mortgage or Mortgaged Property.

 

The foregoing definition shall not require the creation or perfection of pledges of or security interests in, or the obtaining of title insurance, legal opinions or other deliverables with respect to, particular assets of the Loan Parties, or the provision of Guarantees by any Designated Subsidiary, if and for so long as the Administrative Agent, in consultation with the Borrower, determines that the cost of creating or perfecting such pledges or security interests in such assets, or obtaining such title insurance, legal opinions or other deliverables in respect of such assets, or providing such Guarantees (taking into account any adverse tax consequences to the Borrower and its Affiliates (including the imposition of withholding or other material Taxes on Lenders)), shall be excessive in view of the benefits to be obtained by the Lenders therefrom.  The Administrative Agent may grant extensions of time for the creation and perfection of security interests in or the obtaining of title insurance, legal opinions or other deliverables with respect to particular assets or the provision of Guarantees by any Subsidiary (including extensions beyond the Effective Date or in connection with assets acquired, or Subsidiaries formed or acquired, after the Effective Date) where it reasonably determines, in consultation with the Borrower, that such perfection or obtaining of title insurance or legal opinions cannot be accomplished without undue effort or expense by the time or times at which it would otherwise be required by this Agreement or the Security Documents.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no pledge of or granting of a security

 

11



 

interest in any asset shall be required to the extent that such pledge or granting of such security interest would (x) result in material adverse tax consequences to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as reasonably determined in good faith by the Borrower in consultation with the Administrative Agent or (y) violate applicable law.

 

No actions required by the laws of any non-U.S. jurisdiction shall be required in order to create any security interests in any assets or to perfect or make enforceable such security interests (including any intellectual property registered in any non-U.S. jurisdiction) (it being understood that there shall be no security agreements or pledge agreements governed under the laws of any non-U.S. jurisdiction or any requirement to make any filings in any foreign jurisdiction including with respect to foreign intellectual property).  No actions shall be required with respect to assets requiring perfection through control agreements or perfection by “control” (as defined in the UCC) (other than in respect of Indebtedness for borrowed money (other than intercompany Indebtedness) owing to the Loan Parties evidenced by a note in excess of $5,000,000, Indebtedness of any non-Loan Party that is owing to any Loan Party (which shall be evidenced by an intercompany note and pledged to the Administrative Agent) and Equity Interests of wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiaries that are Designated Subsidiaries otherwise required to be pledged pursuant to the Collateral Agreement to the extent required under clause (b) above).

 

“Commitment” means with respect to any Lender, such Lender’s Revolving Commitment, Tranche A Term Commitment, Tranche B Term Commitment, Incremental Term Commitment with respect to any Class of Incremental Term Loans or Refinancing Term Commitment with respect to any Class of Refinancing Term Loans or any combination thereof (as the context requires).

 

“Commodity Exchange Act” means the Commodity Exchange Act (7 U.S.C. § 1 et seq.) and any successor statute, and any rule, regulation or order of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (or the application or official interpretation of any thereof), in each case as amended from time to time.

 

“Communications” means, collectively, any notice, demand, communication, information, document or other material provided by or on behalf of any Loan Party pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions contemplated herein or therein that is distributed to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank by means of electronic communications pursuant to Section 9.01, including through the Platform.

 

“Consenting Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.21(a).

 

“Consolidated EBITDA” means, for any period,

 

(a)  Consolidated Net Income for such period, plus

 

(b)  without duplication and to the extent deducted in determining such Consolidated Net Income, the sum of:

 

12



 

(i) consolidated interest expense for such period,

 

(ii) consolidated income tax expense (including for federal, state, local or foreign Taxes measured on capital, income or profits, franchise Taxes and withholding Taxes) for such period,

 

(iii) all amounts attributable to depreciation and amortization for such period,

 

(iv) non-cash charges or expenses for such period (but excluding any such charge that results from the write-down or write-off of inventory),

 

(v) non-recurring fees and expenses incurred during such period in connection with the Transactions (including the MIPA Earnout),

 

(vi) fees and expenses incurred during such period in connection with any proposed or actual issuance of any Indebtedness or Equity Interests, an IPO or any proposed or actual acquisitions, investments, asset sales or divestitures permitted hereunder,

 

(vii) (1) non-recurring charges incurred during such period as part of business optimization actions, including, but not limited to, (A) costs, expenses and charges incurred during such period in connection with the recruitment, relocation, termination or severance of the management, employees, consultants or directors of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries, (B) restructuring and related charges, plant or facility closings and headcount reductions, and (C) payments by the Borrower or its Subsidiaries to suppliers or third party manufacturing partners in respect of losses incurred by such Person related to the manufacturing or production of goods for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (2) charges, fees and expenses incurred, including with respect to items (B), (C) and (D) of this clause (2), third party consultant costs, during such period in respect of (A) legal expenses outside the ordinary course of business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (B) expenses related to the identification of, improvements related to or implementation of manufacturing or distribution services providers, and (C) software and systems implementation or IT process improvements or similar upgrades and (D) the evaluation, design and implementation of new employee compensation and benefit programs, and (3) any costs and expenses incurred in connection with moving or relocating the Borrower’s or any Subsidiary’s headquarters (including any related information technology expenses); provided that (x) the aggregate amount added back in computing Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to this subclause (vii) and clause (b) of the definition of “Pro Forma Basis” shall not exceed 15% of Consolidated EBITDA during any period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters (determined after giving effect to such amounts), provided, further, that the foregoing shall not include any excess costs incurred related to the shipment of finished goods using air freight as compared to comparable sea freight alternatives from third party foreign manufacturing partners,

 

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(viii) excess costs incurred in any period beginning after the Effective Date and ending on or before December 31, 2016 related to the shipment of finished goods using air freight as compared to comparable sea freight alternatives from third party foreign manufacturing partners in an aggregate amount for all such costs not to exceed $12,500,000,

 

(ix) any extraordinary losses for such period,

 

(x) any expense during such period relating to defined benefits pension or post-retirement benefit plans,

 

(xi) any charges associated with the rollover, acceleration or payout of Equity Interests held by management, employees, consultants or directors of the Borrower or Subsidiaries in connection with the Transactions or an IPO,

 

(xii) any losses during such period resulting from the Disposition of any asset of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary outside the ordinary course of business,

 

(xiii) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles,

 

(xiv) non-recurring fees and expenses incurred during such period in connection with the amendment, waiver, consent or other modification to this Agreement or any other Loan Document,

 

(xv) any losses, expenses or charges with respect to (A) disposed, abandoned, closed and discontinued operations (other than assets held for sale) and any accretion or accrual of discounted liabilities and on the disposal of disposed, abandoned, and discontinued operations and (B) facilities, plants or distribution centers owned or managed by third parties that have been closed during such period,

 

(xvi) the proceeds of business interruption insurance in an amount representing the earnings for the applicable period that such proceeds are intended to replace (and proceeds of business interruption insurance that the Borrower in good faith expects to receive within the next four Fiscal Quarter), provided that if such amounts are not received in cash during such next four Fiscal Quarters, such expected proceeds shall be deducted from Consolidated EBITDA in the subsequent Fiscal Quarter,

 

(xvii) the amount of any fee, cost, expense or reserve to the extent actually reimbursed or reimbursable by third parties pursuant to indemnification or reimbursement provisions or similar agreements or insurance; provided that, the Borrower in good faith expects to receive reimbursement for such fee, cost, expense or reserve within the next four Fiscal Quarters, provided, further, that if such amounts are not received in cash during such next four Fiscal Quarters, such expected proceeds shall be deducted from Consolidated EBITDA in the subsequent Fiscal Quarter,

 

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(xviii) any fees, expenses or other charges paid pursuant to the Sponsor Management Agreement,

 

(xix) prior to an IPO, any fees and expenses of the board of directors of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, including fees, costs and expenses associated with the recruitment and appointment of directors in an aggregate amount for all such fees and expenses not to exceed $650,000,

 

(xx)  non-cash exchange, translation or performance losses and unrealized net foreign currency transaction losses, in each case impacting net income (including currency re-measurements of Indebtedness, any applicable net losses (or, less, gains) resulting from Hedging Agreements for currency exchange risk associated with the above or any other currency related risk and those resulting from intercompany Indebtedness), and

 

(xxi) any losses (including all fees and expenses or charges related thereto) attributable to early extinguishment of Indebtedness or obligations under any Hedging Agreement;

 

provided that any cash payment made with respect to any noncash items added back in computing Consolidated EBITDA for any prior period pursuant to this clause (or that would have been added back had this Agreement been in effect during such period) shall be subtracted in computing Consolidated EBITDA for the period in which such cash payment is made, and minus

 

(c)  without duplication and (except in the case of subclause (x) of clause (b)) to the extent included in determining such Consolidated Net Income, the sum of:

 

(i) any extraordinary gains for such period,

 

(ii) any non-cash gains for such period (other than any such non-cash gains (A) in respect of which cash was received in a prior period or will be received in a future period and (B) that represent the reversal of any accrual in a prior period for, or the reversal of any cash reserves established in a prior period for, anticipated cash charges),

 

(iii) any amounts contributed by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in cash to any defined benefit pension plan (as defined in Section 3(35) of ERISA) that is subject to ERISA or a welfare benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) that is subject to ERISA that provides post-retirement group health plan benefits (other than continuation coverage benefits provided pursuant to Part 6 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA or any other similar law during such period),

 

(iv) any gains during such period resulting from the Disposition of any asset of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary outside the ordinary course of business,

 

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(v) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles, and

 

(vi) any gains attributable to early extinguishment of Indebtedness or obligations under any Hedging Agreement.

 

In the event any Restricted Subsidiary shall be a Restricted Subsidiary that is not wholly-owned by the Borrower, all amounts added back in computing Consolidated EBITDA for any period above, to the extent such amounts are, in the reasonable judgment of a Responsible Officer, attributable to such Restricted Subsidiary, shall be reduced by the portion thereof that is attributable to the noncontrolling interest in such Restricted Subsidiary.  Consolidated EBITDA shall be $31,522,939, $45,960,844, $67,153,225 and $64,085,159 for the Fiscal Quarters ended June 30, 2015, September 30, 2015, December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2016, respectively.

 

“Consolidated Interest Charges” means, for any period, the sum of (a) all interest paid or payable in cash, including commitment fees and annual fees payable in connection with the administration or arrangement of Indebtedness, in each case to the extent treated as interest in accordance with GAAP, plus (b) all interest paid or payable in cash with respect to discontinued operations plus (c) the portion of rent expense under capitalized leases that is treated as interest in accordance with GAAP, in each case, of or by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for such period; provided, however, that Consolidated Interest Charges shall exclude (a) premiums, original issue discount, upfront fees, arrangement fees, deferred financing costs and similar fees and costs, (b) transactional expenses and other issuance costs associated with the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of the Loan Documents, any documents related to Alternative Incremental Facility Debt and any Indebtedness incurred under Section 6.01(g) or any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereto (including Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness), and (c) pay-in-kind interest expense or other non-cash interest expense (including as a result of the effects of purchase accounting).  For purposes of calculating Consolidated Interest Charges as of any date for periods commencing on the Effective Date and ending with the Fiscal Quarter ending March 31, 2017, Consolidated Interest Charges shall be calculated by taking the amount of Consolidated Interest Charges for the period from the Effective Date through the last day of the applicable Fiscal Quarter, dividing such amount by the actual number of days during such period and multiplying such amount by 365.

 

“Consolidated Net Income” means, for any period, the net income or loss of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP; provided that there shall be excluded (a) the income of any Person (other than the Borrower) that is not a Restricted Subsidiary, except to the extent of the amount of cash dividends or other cash distributions actually paid by such Person to the Borrower or, subject to clauses (b) and (c) of this proviso, any consolidated Restricted Subsidiary during such period, (b) the income of, and any amounts referred to in clause (a) of this proviso paid to, any Restricted Subsidiary to the extent that, on the date of determination, the declaration or payment of cash dividends or other cash distributions by such Restricted Subsidiary of that income is not at the time permitted by a Requirement of Law or any agreement or instrument applicable to such

 

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Restricted Subsidiary, unless such restrictions with respect to the payment of cash dividends and other similar cash distributions have been legally and effectively waived and (c) the income or loss of, and any amounts referred to in clause (a) of this proviso paid to, any Restricted Subsidiary that is not wholly-owned by the Borrower to the extent such income or loss or such amounts are attributable to the noncontrolling interest in such Restricted Subsidiary.

 

“Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise.  “Controlling” and “Controlled” have meanings correlative thereto.

 

“Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness” means (a) Refinancing Term Loans (and the related Refinancing Term Commitments), (b) Permitted Pari Passu Refinancing Debt, (c) Permitted Junior Lien Refinancing Debt, (d) Permitted Unsecured Refinancing Debt or (e) other Indebtedness incurred pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment, in each case, issued, incurred or otherwise obtained (including by means of the extension or renewal of existing Indebtedness) in exchange for, or to extend, renew, replace, repurchase, retire or refinance, in whole or part, existing Term Loans, or any existing Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness (such Term Loans or Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness, as applicable, the “Refinanced Debt”); provided that (i) such Indebtedness has a maturity no earlier, and, in the case of Refinancing Term Loans, a Weighted Average Life to Maturity equal to or greater, than the maturity date or the remaining Weighted Average Life to Maturity, as applicable, of the Refinanced Debt, (ii) such Indebtedness shall not have a greater principal amount than the principal amount of the applicable Refinanced Debt plus accrued interest, fees, premiums (if any) and penalties thereon and reasonable fees and out-of-pocket expenses associated with the refinancing plus other Indebtedness that could otherwise be incurred hereunder, subject to (A) a dollar-for-dollar usage of any basket (other than any basket that provides for Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness) set forth in Section 6.01 and (B) if such Indebtedness is secured, a dollar-for-dollar usage of any basket (other than any basket that provides for Liens on Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness) set forth in Section 6.02, (iii) the terms and conditions of such Indebtedness (except as otherwise provided in clause (ii) above and with respect to pricing, premiums, fees, discounts, rate floors and optional prepayment or redemption terms) are substantially similar to, or (taken as a whole) are no more favorable (as reasonably determined by the Borrower) to the lenders or holders providing such Indebtedness than, those applicable to the Refinanced Debt being refinanced (except for such more favorable covenants or other provisions that are (A) applicable only to periods after the Latest Maturity Date at the time of incurrence of such Indebtedness or (B) added for the benefit of any existing Loans and Commitments at the time of such refinancing) (provided that a certificate of a Responsible Officer delivered to the Administrative Agent within five Business Days after the incurrence of such Indebtedness, together with a reasonably detailed description of the material terms and conditions of such Indebtedness or drafts of the documentation relating thereto, stating that the Borrower has determined in good faith that such terms and conditions satisfy the requirement of this clause (iii) shall be conclusive evidence that such terms and conditions satisfy such requirement unless the Administrative Agent

 

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notifies the Borrower within such five Business Day period that it disagrees with such determination (including a description of the basis upon which it disagrees)), (iv) any such Indebtedness in the form of Permitted Pari Passu Refinancing Debt, Permitted Junior Lien Refinancing Debt or Permitted Unsecured Refinancing Debt that is in the form of notes shall not be subject to any amortization prior to the maturity thereof and shall not be subject to any mandatory redemption or prepayment requirements (other than repayment requirements customary for notes, including upon the occurrence of an event of default, a change in control or an asset sale), (v) any such Indebtedness in the form of Refinancing Term Loans shall not be subject to mandatory prepayment requirements (taken as a whole) that are more favorable to the lenders or holders providing such Indebtedness than the mandatory prepayment requirements applicable to the existing Term Loans and (vi) such Refinanced Debt shall be repaid, repurchased, retired, defeased or satisfied and discharged, all accrued interest, fees, premiums (if any) and penalties in connection therewith shall be paid, and all commitments thereunder shall be terminated, on the date such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness is issued, incurred or obtained.

 

“Credit Party” means the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank and each other Lender.

 

“Cure Amount” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.02(a).

 

“Cure Deadline” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.02(a).

 

“Cure Right” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.02(a).

 

“Debtor Relief Laws” means the Bankruptcy Code of the United States of America, and all other liquidation, conservatorship, bankruptcy, assignment for the benefit of creditors, moratorium, rearrangement, receivership, insolvency, reorganization, or similar debtor relief laws of the United States or other applicable jurisdictions from time to time in effect.

 

“Declining Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.21(a).

 

“Default” means any event or condition that constitutes an Event of Default or that upon notice, lapse of time or both would, unless cured or waived, constitute an Event of Default.

 

“Defaulting Lender” means, subject to Section 2.19(b), any Lender that (a) has failed to (i) fund all or any portion of its Loans within two Business Days of the date such Loans were required to be funded hereunder unless such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower in writing that such failure is the result of such Lender’s determination that one or more conditions precedent to funding (each of which conditions precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing) has not been satisfied, or (ii) pay to the Administrative Agent, any

 

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Issuing Bank or any other Lender any other amount required to be paid by it hereunder (including in respect of its participation in Letters of Credit) within two Business Days of the date when due, (b) has notified the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or any Issuing Bank in writing that it does not intend to comply with its funding obligations hereunder, or has made a public statement to that effect (unless such writing or public statement relates to such lender’s obligation to fund a Loan hereunder and states that such position is based on such Lender’s determination that a condition precedent to funding (which condition precedent, together with any applicable default, shall be specifically identified in such writing or public statement) cannot be satisfied), (c) has failed, within three Business Days after written request by the Administrative Agent or the Borrower, to confirm in writing to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that it will comply with its prospective funding obligations hereunder (provided that such Lender shall cease to be a Defaulting Lender pursuant to this clause (c) upon receipt of such written confirmation by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower), or (d) has, or has a direct or indirect parent company that has, (i) become the subject of a proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, (ii) had appointed for it a receiver, custodian, conservator, trustee, administrator, assignee for the benefit of creditors or similar Person charged with reorganization or liquidation of its business or assets, including the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other state or federal regulatory authority acting in such a capacity or (iii) become the subject of a Bail-In Action; provided that a Lender shall not be a Defaulting Lender solely by virtue of the ownership or acquisition of any Equity Interest in that Lender or any direct or indirect parent company thereof by a Governmental Authority so long as such ownership interest does not result in or provide such Lender with immunity from the jurisdiction of courts within the United States or from the enforcement of judgments or writs of attachment on its assets or permit such Lender (or such Governmental Authority) to reject, repudiate, disavow or disaffirm any contracts or agreements made with such Lender.  Any determination by the Administrative Agent that a Lender is a Defaulting Lender under any one or more of clauses (a) through (d) above, and of the effective date of such status, shall be conclusive and binding absent manifest error, and such Lender shall be deemed to be a Defaulting Lender (subject to Section 2.19(b)) as of the date established therefor by the Administrative Agent in a written notice of such determination, which shall be delivered by the Administrative Agent to the Borrower, each Issuing Bank and each other Lender promptly following such determination.

 

“Delivery Deadline” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.02(a).

 

“Designated Non-Cash Consideration” means the fair market value (as determined by the Borrower in good faith) of non-cash consideration received by the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary in connection with a Disposition pursuant to Section 6.05 that is designated as Designated Non-Cash Consideration pursuant to a certificate of a Responsible Officer, setting forth the basis of such valuation (which amount will be reduced by the fair market value of the portion of the non-cash consideration converted to cash within 180 days following the consummation of such Disposition).

 

“Designated Subsidiary” means each wholly-owned Subsidiary other than (a) a Restricted Subsidiary that is a CFC, a CFC Holding Company or a Foreign

 

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Subsidiary, (b) a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Material Subsidiary; provided that the term “Designated Subsidiary” shall include any Restricted Subsidiary described in clause (b) of this definition that is designated as a “Designated Subsidiary” in accordance with Section 5.11(b) and (c) any Subsidiary that is (i) a captive insurance company, (ii) a not-for-profit entity, (iii) a special purpose entity, (iv) an Unrestricted Subsidiary, or (v) a subsidiary of a CFC, CFC Holding Company or a Foreign Subsidiary, (d) any Subsidiary that would require governmental or regulatory approval, consent, license or authorize to provide a guaranty or Lien on its assets and such approval, consent, license or authorization has not been obtained after use of commercially reasonable efforts and (e) any Subsidiary that if it provided a guaranty or a Lien on its assets would result in a material adverse tax consequence to the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole (as reasonably determined by the Borrower in consultation with the Administrative Agent).

 

“Disposition” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.05.

 

“Disqualified Equity Interest” means any Equity Interest that (a) requires the payment of any dividends (other than dividends payable solely in shares of Qualified Equity Interests) prior to the date that is 91 days after the Latest Maturity Date; (b) matures or is mandatorily redeemable or subject to mandatory repurchase or redemption or repurchase at the option of the holders thereof, in each case in whole or in part and whether upon the occurrence of any event, pursuant to a sinking fund obligation on a fixed date or otherwise, prior to the date that is 91 days after the Latest Maturity Date (determined as of the date of issuance thereof or, in the case of any such Equity Interests outstanding on the Effective Date, as of the Effective Date), other than (i) upon payment in full of the Loan Document Obligations, reduction of the LC Exposure to zero or such LC Exposure being cash collateralized or backstopped in a manner reasonably acceptable to the applicable Issuing Bank and termination of the Commitments or (ii) upon a “change in control” or sale of all or substantially all the assets on a consolidated basis of the issuer of such Equity Interests; provided that any payment required pursuant to this clause (ii) is either subordinated in right of payment to the Loan Document Obligations by the terms of such Equity Interests or is payable only after the Loans are repaid in full and such requirement is applicable only in circumstances that are market on the date of issuance of such Equity Interests; or (c) is convertible or exchangeable, automatically or at the option of any holder thereof, into (i) any Indebtedness (other than any Indebtedness described in clause (j) of the definition thereof) or (ii) any Equity Interests or other assets other than Qualified Equity Interests, in each case at any time prior to the date that is 91 days after the Latest Maturity Date (determined as of the date of issuance thereof or, in the case of any such Equity Interests outstanding on the Effective Date, as of the Effective Date) other than (A) upon payment in full of the Loan Document Obligations, reduction of the LC Exposure to zero or such LC Exposure being cash collateralized or backstopped in a manner reasonably acceptable to the applicable Issuing Bank and termination of the Commitments or (B) upon a “change in control or sale of all or substantially all the assets on a consolidated basis of the issuer of such Equity Interests; provided that an Equity Interest in any Person that is issued to any employee or to any plan for the benefit of employees or by any such plan to such employees shall not constitute a Disqualified Equity Interest solely because it may

 

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be required to be repurchased by such Person or any of its subsidiaries in order to satisfy applicable statutory or regulatory obligations or as a result of such employee’s termination, death or disability.

 

“Disqualified Institution” means, on any date, (a) (i) any Person that is a direct competitor of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries in the same or a similar line of business as the Borrower (a “Competitor”), which Person has been designated by the Borrower as a “Disqualified Institution” by written notice to the Administrative Agent not less than three Business Days prior to such date, and (ii) any Affiliate of any such Competitor, which Person either has been designated by the Borrower as a “Disqualified Institution” by written notice to the Administrative Agent not less than three Business Days prior to such date or is readily identifiable as such on the basis of its name (other than any bona fide debt fund that is engaged in making or purchasing commercial loans in the ordinary course of business, except to the extent otherwise disqualified pursuant to the following clause (b)), or (b) any other Person designated by the Borrower as a “Disqualified Institution” to the Administrative Agent prior to the Effective Date, and any Affiliate of any such Person so designated that is readily identifiable as such on the basis of its name; provided that “Disqualified Institutions” shall exclude any Person that the Borrower has designated as no longer being a “Disqualified Institution” by written notice delivered to the Administrative Agent from time to time; provided, further, that the designation of any Person as a “Disqualified Institution” after the date such Person becomes a Lender hereunder shall not retroactively disqualify such Person from serving as a Lender hereunder.

 

“dollars” or “$” refers to lawful money of the United States of America.

 

“Domestic Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Foreign Subsidiary.

 

“DQ List” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(h)(iv).

 

“EEA Financial Institution” means (a) any credit institution or investment firm established in any EEA Member Country which is subject to the supervision of an EEA Resolution Authority, (b) any entity established in an EEA Member Country which is a parent of an institution described in clause (a) of this definition or (c) any financial institution established in an EEA Member Country which is a subsidiary of an institution described in clause (a) or (b) of this definition and is subject to consolidated supervision with its parent.

 

“EEA Member Country” means any member state of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.

 

“EEA Resolution Authority” means any public administrative authority or any person entrusted with public administrative authority of any EEA Member Country (including any delegee) having responsibility for the resolution of any EEA Financial Institution.

 

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“Effective Date” means the date on which the conditions specified in Section 4.01 are satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02).

 

“Eligible Assignee” means (a) a Lender, (b) an Affiliate of a Lender, (c) an Approved Fund and (d) any other Person, other than, in each case, a natural person (and any holding company, investment vehicle or trust for, or owned and operated for the primary benefit of, a natural person), a Defaulting Lender, a Disqualified Institution or the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any other Affiliate of the Borrower.

 

“Environmental Laws” means all treaties, laws, rules, regulations, codes, ordinances or binding orders, decrees, judgments, injunctions or agreements issued, promulgated or entered into by or with any Governmental Authority, relating in any way to (a) protection of the environment, (b) the preservation or reclamation of natural resources, (c) the generation, management, Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Material or (d) health and safety matters with respect to exposure to Hazardous Materials.

 

“Environmental Liability” means any liability, obligation, loss, claim, action or order, contingent or otherwise (including any liability for damages, costs of medical monitoring, costs of environmental remediation or restoration, governmental oversight costs, reasonable consultants’ fees, fines, penalties and indemnities), directly or indirectly resulting from or based upon (a) any actual or alleged violation of any Environmental Law or permit, license or approval issued thereunder, (b) the generation, use, handling, transportation, storage, treatment or disposal of any Hazardous Materials giving rise to liability under any Environmental Law, (c) exposure to any Hazardous Materials giving rise to liability under any Environmental Law, (d) the Release or threatened Release of any Hazardous Materials or (e) any contract, agreement or other consensual arrangement pursuant to which liability is assumed or imposed with respect to any of the foregoing.

 

“Equity Interests” means shares of capital stock, partnership interests, membership interests in a limited liability company, beneficial interests in a trust or other equity ownership interests (whether voting or non-voting) in, or interests in the income or profits of, a Person, and any warrants, options or other rights entitling the holder thereof to purchase or acquire any of the foregoing (other than, prior to the date of such conversion, Indebtedness that is convertible into Equity Interests).

 

“ERISA” means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.

 

“ERISA Affiliate” means any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that, together with the Borrower, is treated as a single employer under Section 414(b) or 414(c) of the Code or, solely for purposes of Section 412 of the Code and Section 302 of ERISA, is treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Code.

 

“ERISA Event” means (a) any “reportable event”, as defined in Section 4043(c) of ERISA or the regulations issued thereunder with respect to a Plan (other than an event for which the 30-day notice period is waived), (b) any failure by any

 

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Plan to satisfy the minimum funding standard (within the meaning of Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA) applicable to such Plan, whether or not waived, (c) the filing pursuant to Section 412(c) of the Code or Section 302(c) of ERISA of an application for a waiver of the minimum funding standard with respect to any Plan, (d) a determination that any Plan is, or is expected to be, in “at-risk” status (as defined in Section 430(i)(4) of the Code or Section 303(i)(4) of ERISA), (e) the incurrence by the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect to the termination of any Plan, (f) the receipt by the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates from the PBGC or a plan administrator of any notice relating to an intention to terminate any Plan or Plans or to appoint a trustee to administer any Plan, (g) the incurrence by the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any liability with respect to the withdrawal or partial withdrawal of the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from any Plan or Multiemployer Plan, (h) the receipt by the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of any notice, or the receipt by any Multiemployer Plan from the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates of any notice, concerning the imposition upon the Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate of Withdrawal Liability or a determination that a Multiemployer Plan is, or is expected to be, insolvent within the meaning of Title IV of ERISA, or in endangered or critical status, within the meaning of Section 305 of ERISA or (i) any Foreign Benefit Event.

 

“Eurodollar”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether such Loan, or the Loans comprising such Borrowing, are bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate.

 

“Event of Default” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 7.01.

 

“EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule” means the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule published by the Loan Market Association (or any successor person), as in effect from time to time.

 

“Excess Cash Flow” means, for any Fiscal Year, the sum (without duplication) of:

 

(a) the Consolidated Net Income of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such Fiscal Year; plus

 

(b) depreciation, amortization and other non-cash charges or losses deducted in determining such Consolidated Net Income for such Fiscal Year; plus

 

(c) the sum of the amount, if any, by which Net Working Capital decreased during such Fiscal Year (except as a result of the reclassification of items from short-term to long-term or vice-versa); minus

 

(d) the sum of (i) any non-cash gains included in determining such Consolidated Net Income for such Fiscal Year, (ii) the amount, if any, by which Net Working Capital increased during such Fiscal Year (except as a result of the reclassification of items from long-term to short-term or vice-versa), (iii) the net amount, if any, by which the consolidated long-term deferred revenues and other

 

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consolidated accrued long-term liability accounts of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries decreased during such Fiscal Year and (iv) the net amount, if any, by which the consolidated accrued long-term asset accounts of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries increased during such Fiscal Year; minus

 

(e) the sum (without duplication) of (i) Capital Expenditures made (or committed to be used pursuant to binding documentation) in cash for such Fiscal Year (except to the extent attributable to the incurrence of Capital Lease Obligations or otherwise financed from Excluded Sources (excluding proceeds of the Revolving Loans) and (ii) cash consideration paid (or committed to be used pursuant to binding documentation) during such Fiscal Year to make acquisitions or other long-term investments (other than Permitted Investments) (except to the extent financed from Excluded Sources) (excluding proceeds of the Revolving Loans), in each case so long as (A) such amounts are contractually committed by the last day of the fiscal year of the applicable Excess Cash Flow period and (B) such amounts are actually utilized (and, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not be deducted when used) during the fiscal year immediately following such Excess Cash Flow period; provided that if such contractually committed amounts are not utilized pursuant to subclause (A) hereof during the Fiscal Year immediately following such Excess Cash Flow period, such amounts shall be added back to Excess Cash Flow in the immediately succeeding Excess Cash Flow period; minus

 

(f)  all Restricted Payments due in respect of such period (whether or not paid) made under the permissions of Section 6.07 (other than (x) Restricted Payments made in reliance on the Available Amount (except if funded with amounts set forth under clause (ii) of “Available Amount” generated during such fiscal year) and (y) solely to the extent paid to the Borrower or one of its Restricted Subsidiaries) and, in each case, except to the extent financed from Excluded Sources); minus

 

(g) cash payments by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period in respect of long-term liabilities of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries other than Indebtedness, except to the extent financed from Excluded Sources; minus

 

(h) the aggregate amount of expenditures actually made in cash by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries during such period (including expenditures for the payment of financing fees and pension contributions) to the extent that such expenditures are not expensed or deducted (or exceed the amount expensed or deducted when calculating Consolidated Net Income) during such period, except to the extent financed From Excluded Sources; minus

 

(i) the amount of cash taxes paid or payable in such period to the extent they exceed the amount of tax expense deducted in determining Consolidated Net Income for such period; minus

 

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(j) the aggregate principal amount of Long-Term Indebtedness repaid or prepaid by the Borrower and the Subsidiaries during such Fiscal Year, excluding (i) Indebtedness in respect of Revolving Loans and Letters of Credit or other revolving credit facilities (unless there is a corresponding reduction in the Aggregate Revolving Commitment or the commitments in respect of such other revolving credit facilities, as applicable), (ii) Term Loans prepaid pursuant to Section 2.10(a), (c) or (d), and (iii) repayments or prepayments of Long-Term Indebtedness financed from Excluded Sources.

 

“Exchange Act” means the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

“Excluded Sources” means (a) proceeds of any incurrence or issuance of Long-Term Indebtedness or Capital Lease Obligations and (b) proceeds of any issuance or sale of Equity Interests in the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than issuances or sales of Equity Interests to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary) or any capital contributions to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than any capital contributions made by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary).

 

“Excluded Swap Guarantor” means any Subsidiary Loan Party all or a portion of whose Guarantee of, or grant of a security interest to secure, any Specified Swap Obligation (or any Guarantee thereof) is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act.

 

“Excluded Swap Obligations” means, with respect to any Subsidiary Loan Party, any Specified Swap Obligation if, and to the extent that, all or a portion of the Guarantee of such Subsidiary Loan Party of, or the grant by such Subsidiary Loan Party of a security interest to secure, such Specified Swap Obligation (or any Guarantee thereof) is or becomes illegal under the Commodity Exchange Act by virtue of such Loan Party’s failure for any reason to constitute an “eligible contract participant” as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act at the time the Guarantee of such Loan Party, or a grant by such Loan Party of a security interest, becomes effective with respect to such Specified Swap Obligation.  If a Specified Swap Obligation arises under a master agreement governing more than one swap, such exclusion shall apply only to the portion of such Specified Swap Obligation that is attributable to swaps for which such Guarantee or security interest is or becomes illegal.

 

“Excluded Taxes” means any of the following Taxes imposed on or with respect to a Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to a Recipient:  (a) Taxes imposed on or measured by net income (however denominated), franchise Taxes and branch profits Taxes, in each case (i) imposed as a result of such Recipient being organized under the laws of, or having its principal office or, in the case of any Lender, its applicable lending office located in, the jurisdiction imposing such Tax (or any political subdivision thereof) or (ii) that are Other Connection Taxes, (b) in the case of a Lender, U.S. Federal withholding Taxes imposed on amounts payable to or for the account of such Lender with respect to an applicable interest in a Loan or Commitment pursuant to a law in effect on the date on which (i) such Lender acquires

 

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such interest in such Loan or Commitment (other than pursuant to an assignment request by the Borrower under Section 2.18(b) or 9.02(c)) or (ii) such Lender changes its lending office, except in each case to the extent that, pursuant to Section 2.16, amounts with respect to such Taxes were payable either to such Lender’s assignor immediately before such Lender acquired the applicable interest in such Loan or Commitment or to such Lender immediately before it changed its lending office, (c) Taxes attributable to such Recipient’s failure to comply with Section 2.16(f) and (d) any U.S. Federal withholding Taxes imposed under FATCA.

 

“Existing Credit Agreement” means Credit Agreement, dated as of June 15, 2012, among YETI Coolers, LLC, as borrower, the financial institutions party thereto as lenders, and Fifth Street Finance Corp., as agent, as amended by that certain First Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of February 20, 2014, that certain Second Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of June 9, 2014, that certain Third Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of November 14, 2014, that certain Fourth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated as of April 24, 2015, that certain Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement, dated October 22, 2015.

 

“Existing Indebtedness” means Indebtedness incurred under the Existing Credit Agreement.

 

“Existing Revolving Borrowings” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.20(d).

 

“Extension Effective Date” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.21(a).

 

“Fair Labor Standards Act” means the Fair Labor Standards Act, 29 U.S.C. §§ 201 et seq.

 

“FATCA” means Sections 1471 through 1474 of the Code, as of the date of this Agreement (or any amended or successor version that is substantially comparable and not materially more onerous to comply with), any intergovernmental agreements entered into in connection therewith, any agreements entered into pursuant to Section 1471(b)(1) of the Code and any current or future regulations or official interpretations of any of the foregoing.

 

“Federal Funds Effective Rate” means, for any day, the weighted average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the rates on overnight Federal funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by Federal funds brokers, as published on the next succeeding Business Day by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or, if such rate is not so published for any day that is a Business Day, the average (rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next 1/100 of 1%) of the quotations for such day for such transactions received by the Administrative Agent from three Federal funds brokers of recognized standing selected by it.

 

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“Financial Officer” means, with respect to any Person, the chief financial officer, principal accounting officer, treasurer or controller of such Person.  Unless otherwise specified, “Financial Officer” means a Financial Officer of the Borrower.

 

“Fiscal Quarter” means a fiscal quarter of the Borrower.

 

“Fiscal Year” means a fiscal year of the Borrower.

 

“Fixed Amounts” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 1.03.

 

“Foreign Benefit Event” means, with respect to any Foreign Pension Plan, (a) the existence of unfunded liabilities in excess of the amount permitted under any applicable law, or in excess of the amount that would be permitted absent a waiver from a Governmental Authority, (b) the failure to make the required contributions or payments, under any applicable law, on or before the due date for such contributions or payments, (c) the receipt of a notice by a Governmental Authority relating to the intention to terminate any such Foreign Pension Plan or to appoint a trustee or similar official to administer any such Foreign Pension Plan, or alleging the insolvency of any such Foreign Pension Plan, (d) the incurrence of any liability by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary under any applicable law on account of the complete or partial termination of such Foreign Pension Plan or the complete or partial withdrawal of any participating employer therein or (e) the occurrence of any transaction that is prohibited under any applicable law and that would reasonably be expected to result in the incurrence of any liability by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, or the imposition on the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of any fine, excise tax or penalty resulting from any noncompliance with any applicable law.

 

“Foreign Lender” means (a) if the Borrower is a U.S. Person, then a Lender, with respect to such Borrower, that is not a U.S. Person and (b) if the Borrower is not a U.S. Person, then a Lender, with respect to such Borrower, that is resident or organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than that in which the Borrower is resident for tax purposes.

 

“Foreign Pension Plan” means any defined benefit pension plan established or maintained by the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries primarily for the benefit of employees of the Borrower or any Subsidiary outside of the United States of America that under applicable law of any jurisdiction other than the United States of America is required to be funded through a trust or other funding vehicle other than a trust or funding vehicle maintained exclusively by a Governmental Authority.

 

“Foreign Subsidiary” means any Restricted Subsidiary that is organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than the United States of America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia.

 

“Fronting Exposure” means, at any time there is a Defaulting Lender, with respect to any Issuing Bank, such Defaulting Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the outstanding LC Exposure other than LC Exposure as to which such Defaulting Lender’s

 

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participation obligation has been reallocated to other Lenders or cash collateralized in accordance with the terms hereof.

 

“Fund” means any Person (other than a natural Person) that is engaged in making, purchasing, holding or otherwise investing in commercial loans, bonds and similar extensions of credit in the ordinary course of its activities.

 

“GAAP” means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.

 

“Governmental Authority” means the government of the United States of America, any other nation or any political subdivision thereof, whether State or local, and any agency, authority, instrumentality, regulatory body, court, central bank or other entity exercising executive, legislative, judicial, taxing, regulatory or administrative powers or functions of or pertaining to government (including any supranational bodies exercising such powers or functions, such as the European Union or the European Central Bank).

 

“Granting Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(e).

 

“Guarantee” of or by any Person (the “guarantor”) means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of the guarantor guaranteeing or having the economic effect of guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of any other Person (the “primary obligor”) in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, and including any obligation of the guarantor, direct or indirect, (a) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation or to purchase (or to advance or supply funds for the purchase of) any security for the payment thereof, (b) to purchase or lease property, securities or services for the purpose of assuring the owner of such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation of the payment thereof, (c) to maintain working capital, equity capital or any other financial statement condition or liquidity of the primary obligor so as to enable the primary obligor to pay such Indebtedness or other monetary obligation or (d) as an account party in respect of any letter of credit or letter of guaranty issued to support such Indebtedness or other obligation; provided that the term “Guarantee” shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary course of business.  The amount, as of any date of determination, of any Guarantee shall be the principal amount outstanding on such date of the Indebtedness or other obligation guaranteed thereby (or, in the case of (i) any Guarantee the terms of which limit the monetary exposure of the guarantor or (ii) any Guarantee of an obligation that does not have a principal amount, the maximum monetary exposure as of such date of the guarantor under such Guarantee (as determined, in the case of clause (i), pursuant to such terms or, in the case of clause (ii), reasonably and in good faith by a Responsible Officer)).  The term “Guarantee” used as a verb has a corresponding meaning.

 

“Hazardous Materials” means all explosive, radioactive, hazardous or toxic substances, materials, wastes or other pollutants, including petroleum or petroleum by-products or distillates, asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, polychlorinated

 

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biphenyls, radon gas, chlorofluorocarbons and other ozone-depleting substances which are regulated pursuant to any Environmental Law.

 

“Hedging Agreement” means any agreement with respect to any swap, forward, future or derivative transaction, or any option or similar agreement, involving, or settled by reference to, one or more rates, currencies, commodities, equity or debt instruments or securities, or economic, financial or pricing indices or measures of economic, financial or pricing risk or value or any similar transaction or any combination of the foregoing transactions; provided that no phantom stock or similar plan providing for payments only on account of services provided by current or former directors, officers, employees or consultants of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary shall be a Hedging Agreement.

 

“Incremental Extensions of Credit” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.20(a).

 

“Incremental Facility Amendment” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.20(c).

 

“Incremental Term Commitments” means one or more Classes of term loan commitments hereunder that are established to fund Incremental Term Loans hereunder pursuant to an Incremental Facility Amendment.

 

“Incremental Term Loans” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.20(a).

 

“Incurrence-Based Amounts” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 1.03.

 

“Indebtedness” of any Person means, without duplication, (a) all obligations of such Person for borrowed money or with respect to deposits or advances of any kind, (b) all obligations of such Person evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments, (c) all obligations of such Person under conditional sale or other title retention agreements relating to property acquired by such Person, (d) all obligations of such Person in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding trade accounts payable and other accrued obligations, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business), (e) all Indebtedness of others secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property owned or acquired by such Person, whether or not the Indebtedness secured thereby has been assumed by such Person, (f) all Guarantees by such Person of Indebtedness of others, (g) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person, (h) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person as an account party in respect of letters of credit and letters of guaranty, (i) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, of such Person in respect of bankers’ acceptances and (j) all Disqualified Equity Interests in such Person, valued, as of the date of determination, at the greater of (i) the maximum aggregate amount that would be payable upon maturity, redemption, repayment or repurchase thereof (or of Disqualified Equity Interests or Indebtedness into which such

 

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Disqualified Equity Interests are convertible or exchangeable) and (ii) the maximum liquidation preference of such Disqualified Equity Interests.  The Indebtedness of any Person shall include the Indebtedness of any other entity (including any partnership in which such Person is a general partner) to the extent such Person is liable therefor as a result of such Person’s ownership interest in or other relationship with such entity, except to the extent the terms of such Indebtedness expressly provide that such Person is not liable therefor.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term “Indebtedness” shall not include post-closing purchase price adjustments or earnouts except to the extent that the amount payable pursuant to such purchase price adjustment or earnout is, or becomes, reasonably determinable and constitutes a liability on the balance sheet of such Person.  The amount of Indebtedness of any Person for purposes of clause (e) above shall (unless such Indebtedness has been assumed by such Person or such Person has otherwise become liable for the payment thereof) be deemed to be equal to the lesser of (i) the aggregate unpaid amount of such Indebtedness and (ii) the fair market value of the property encumbered thereby as determined by such Person in good faith.

 

“Indemnified Taxes” means (a) Taxes, other than Excluded Taxes, imposed on or with respect to any payment made by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under this Agreement or any other Loan Document and (b) to the extent not otherwise described in clause (a) of this definition, Other Taxes.

 

“Indemnitee” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.03(b).

 

“Information Memorandum” means the Confidential Information Memorandum dated April 22, 2016, relating to the credit facilities made available under this Agreement.

 

“Intercompany Indebtedness Subordination Agreement” means the Intercompany Indebtedness Subordination Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit E pursuant to which intercompany obligations and advances owed by any Loan Party are subordinated to the Obligations.

 

“Intercreditor Agreement” means, in connection with any Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness or any Alternative Incremental Facility Debt, a customary intercreditor agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

“Interest Coverage Ratio” means, on any date, the ratio of (a) Consolidated EBITDA to (b) Consolidated Interest Charges for the period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters ended on such date (or, if such date is not the last day of a fiscal quarter, ended on the last day of the Fiscal Quarter most recently ended prior to such date).

 

“Interest Election Request” means a request by the Borrower to convert or continue a Revolving Borrowing or Term Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.06, which shall be, in the case of a written Interest Election Request, in a form approved by the Administrative Agent and otherwise consistent with the requirements of Section 2.06.

 

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“Interest Payment Date” means (a) with respect to any ABR Loan, the last day of each March, June, September and December and (b) with respect to any Eurodollar Loan, the last day of the Interest Period applicable to the Borrowing of which such Loan is a part and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing with an Interest Period of more than three months’ duration, each day prior to the last day of such Interest Period that occurs at intervals of three months’ duration after the first day of such Interest Period.

 

“Interest Period” means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing, the period commencing on the date of such Borrowing and ending on the numerically corresponding day in the calendar month that is one, two, three or six months thereafter (or, such other period (including twelve months) thereafter if, at the time of the relevant Borrowing, all Lenders participating therein agree to make an interest period of such duration available), as the Borrower may elect; provided that (a) if any Interest Period would end on a day other than a Business Day, such Interest Period shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day unless such next succeeding Business Day would fall in the next calendar month, in which case such Interest Period shall end on the next preceding Business Day and (b) any Interest Period that commences on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which there is no numerically corresponding day in the last calendar month of such Interest Period) shall end on the last Business Day of the last calendar month of such Interest Period.  For purposes hereof, the date of a Borrowing initially shall be the date on which such Borrowing is made and thereafter shall be the effective date of the most recent conversion or continuation of such Borrowing.

 

“Interpolated Screen Rate” means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period (or for purposes of determining the Alternate Base Rate in accordance with clause (c) of the definition thereof and assuming an Interest Period of one month), a rate per annum which results from interpolating on a linear basis between (a) the applicable LIBO Screen Rate for the longest maturity for which a LIBO Screen Rate is available that is shorter than such Interest Period and (b) the applicable LIBO Screen Rate for the shortest maturity for which a LIBO Screen Rate is available that is longer than such Interest Period, in each case at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period (or, for purposes of determining the Alternate Base Rate in accordance with clause (c) of the definition thereof, on the applicable date of determination).

 

“Investment Company Act” means the U.S. Investment Company Act of 1940.

 

“IPO” means the issuance by the Borrower or any direct or indirect parent of the Borrower of its common Equity Interests in an underwritten primary public offering (other than a public offering pursuant to a registration statement on Form S-8) pursuant to an effective registration statement filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance with the Securities Act (whether alone or in connection with a secondary public offering).

 

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“IRS” means the United States Internal Revenue Service.

 

“ISP” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the “International Standby Practices 1998” published by the Institute of International Banking Law & Practice, Inc. (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the time of issuance).

 

“Issuing Bank” means (a) Bank of America, N.A. and (b) each Revolving Lender that shall have become an Issuing Bank hereunder as provided in Section 2.04(j) (other than any Person that shall have ceased to be an Issuing Bank as provided in Section 2.04(k)), each in its capacity as an issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder.  Each Issuing Bank may, in its discretion, arrange for one or more Letters of Credit to be issued by Affiliates of such Issuing Bank, in which case the term “Issuing Bank” shall include any such Affiliate with respect to Letters of Credit issued by such Affiliate.

 

“Latest Maturity Date” means, at any time, the latest of the Maturity Dates in respect of the Classes of Loans and Commitments that are outstanding at such time.

 

“LC Disbursement” means a payment made by an Issuing Bank pursuant to a Letter of Credit.

 

“LC Exposure” means, at any time, the sum of (a) the aggregate undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit at such time and (b) the aggregate amount of all LC Disbursements that have not yet been reimbursed by or on behalf of the Borrower at such time.  The LC Exposure of any Revolving Lender at any time shall be such Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the aggregate LC Exposure at such time.

 

“LC Sublimit” means an amount equal to $20,000,000.  The LC Sublimit is part of, and not in addition to, the Revolving Commitments.

 

“LCA Election” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 1.03.

 

“Lenders” means (a) for all purposes, the Persons listed on Schedule 2.01 and any other Person that shall have become a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or an Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption, an Incremental Facility Amendment or a Refinancing Amendment, other than any such Person that shall have ceased to be a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or an Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption; provided, however, that Section 9.03 shall continue to apply to each such Person that ceases to be a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or an Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption as if such Person is a “Lender” and (b) for purposes of the definitions of “Secured Cash Management Obligations”, “Secured Hedging Obligations” and “Secured Parties” only, shall include any Person who was a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender at the time such Person entered into a Secured Cash Management Obligation or Secured Hedging Obligation with any Loan Party or any Restricted Subsidiary, and any Person who became a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender on the Effective Date and had outstanding Secured Cash Management Obligation or Secured Hedging Obligation on the Effective Date with any Loan Party or any Restricted Subsidiary, in each case, even though at a

 

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later time of determination, such Person or such Person’s Affiliate no longer holds any Commitments or Loans hereunder.  As a result of clause (b) of this definition, the Secured Cash Management Obligation or Secured Hedging Obligation owed to a Lender or its Affiliates shall continue to be “Secured Cash Management Obligations” and “Secured Hedging Obligations,” respectively, entitled to share in the benefits of the Collateral and each Guarantee as herein provided, even though such Lender or such Lender’s Affiliate ceases to be a party hereto pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption or otherwise.

 

“Letter of Credit” means any letter of credit issued pursuant to this Agreement, other than any such letter of credit that shall have ceased to be a “Letter of Credit” outstanding hereunder pursuant to Section 9.05. A Letter of Credit may be a commercial letter of credit or a standby letter of credit.

 

“LIBO Rate” means, with respect to any Eurodollar Borrowing for any Interest Period, a rate per annum equal to the London interbank offered rate as administered by the ICE Benchmark Administration (or any other Person that takes over the administration of such rate) for deposits in dollars (for delivery on the first day of such Interest Period) with a term equivalent to such Interest Period as displayed on the Bloomberg screen page that displays such rate (currently page LIBOR01) or, in the event such rate does not appear on a page of the Bloomberg screen, on the appropriate page of such other information service that publishes such rate as shall be selected by the Administrative Agent from time to time in its reasonable discretion (such applicable rate being called the “LIBO Screen Rate”), at approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, two Business Days prior to the commencement of such Interest Period.  If no LIBO Screen Rate shall be available for a particular Interest Period but LIBO Screen Rates shall be available for maturities both longer and shorter than such Interest Period, then the LIBO Rate for such Interest Period shall be the Interpolated Screen Rate.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the LIBO Rate, determined as provided above, would otherwise be less than zero, then the LIBO Rate shall be deemed to be zero for all purposes.

 

“LIBO Screen Rate” has the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of the term “LIBO Rate”.

 

“Lien” means, with respect to any asset, (a) any mortgage, deed of trust, lien, pledge, hypothecation, charge, security interest  or other encumbrance in, on or of such asset, (b) the interest of a vendor or a lessor under any conditional sale agreement, capital lease or title retention agreement (or any financing lease having substantially the same economic effect as any of the foregoing) relating to such asset and (c) in the case of securities, any purchase option, call or similar right of a third party with respect to such securities.

 

“Limited Condition Acquisition” means any Permitted Acquisition or investment not prohibited hereunder in any assets, business or Person, in each case the consummation of which is not conditioned on the availability of, or on obtaining, third party financing.

 

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“Loan Document Obligations” means (a) the due and punctual payment by the Borrower of (i) the principal of and interest (including interest accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding) on the Loans, when and as due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, upon one or more dates set for prepayment or otherwise, (ii) each payment required to be made by the Borrower under this Agreement in respect of any Letter of Credit, when and as due, including payments in respect of reimbursement of disbursements, interest thereon and obligations to provide cash collateral and (iii) all other monetary obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents, including obligations to pay fees, expense reimbursement obligations (including with respect to attorneys’ fees) and indemnification obligations, whether primary, secondary, direct, contingent, fixed or otherwise (including monetary obligations incurred during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding), (b) the due and punctual performance of all other obligations of the Borrower under or pursuant to this Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents and (c) the due and punctual payment and performance of all the obligations of each other Loan Party under or pursuant to each of the Loan Documents (including monetary obligations incurred during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding), in each case of clauses (a), (b) and (c), whether now or hereafter owing.

 

“Loan Documents” means this Agreement, any Incremental Facility Amendment, any Refinancing Amendment, the Collateral Agreement, the other Security Documents, the Intercompany Indebtedness Subordination Agreement, any Intercreditor Agreement (upon the effectiveness thereof), the Perfection Certificate, any Supplemental Perfection Certificate, any agreement designating an additional Issuing Bank as contemplated by Section 2.04(j) and, except for purposes of Section 9.02, any promissory notes delivered pursuant to Section 2.08(c).

 

“Loan Parties” means, collectively, the Borrower and the Subsidiary Loan Parties.

 

“Loans” means the loans made by the Lenders to the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement, including pursuant to any Incremental Facility Amendment or any Refinancing Amendment.

 

“Long-Term Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness (excluding Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01(c)) that, in accordance with GAAP, constitutes (or, when incurred, constituted) a long-term liability.

 

“Majority in Interest”, when used in reference to Lenders of any Class, means, at any time, (a) in the case of the Revolving Lenders, Lenders having Revolving Exposures and unused Revolving Commitments representing more than 50% of the sum of the Aggregate Revolving Exposure and the unused Aggregate Revolving Commitment at such time and (b) in the case of the Term Lenders of any Class, Lenders holding

 

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outstanding Term Loans of such Class representing more than 50% of the aggregate principal amount of all Term Loans of such Class outstanding at such time.

 

“Material Adverse Effect” means a material adverse effect on (a) the business, operations, financial condition or results of operations of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, (b) the ability of the Loan Parties (taken as a whole) to perform any of their obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document or (c) the rights of or benefits available to the Administrative Agent or the Lenders under this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

 

“Material Indebtedness” means Indebtedness (other than the Loans, the Letters of Credit and the Guarantees under the Loan Documents), or obligations in respect of one or more Hedging Agreements, of any one or more of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in an aggregate principal amount exceeding $30,000,000.  For purposes of determining Material Indebtedness, the “principal amount” of the obligations of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in respect of any Hedging Agreement at any time shall be the maximum aggregate amount (giving effect to any netting agreements) that the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary would be required to pay if such Hedging Agreement were terminated at such time.

 

“Material Subsidiary” means each Restricted Subsidiary (a) the consolidated total assets of which equal 5% or more of the consolidated total assets of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries or (b) the consolidated revenues of which equal 5% or more of the consolidated revenues of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case as of the end of or for the most recent period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or 5.01(b) (or, prior to the first delivery of any such financial statements, as of the end of or for the period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters most recently ended prior to the date of this Agreement); provided that if, at the end of or for any such most recent period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters, the combined consolidated total assets or combined consolidated revenues of all Restricted Subsidiaries that under clauses (a) and (b) above would not constitute Material Subsidiaries shall have exceeded 10% of the consolidated total assets of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries or 10% of the consolidated revenues of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, respectively, then one or more of such excluded Subsidiaries shall for all purposes of this Agreement be deemed to be Material Subsidiaries in descending order based on the amounts of their consolidated total assets or consolidated revenues, as applicable, until such excess shall have been eliminated.  For purposes of this definition, the consolidated total assets and consolidated revenues of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries as of any date prior to, or for any period that commenced prior to, the Effective Date shall be determined on a Pro Forma Basis to give effect to the Transactions to occur on the Effective Date.

 

“Maturity Date” means the Revolving Maturity Date, the Tranche A Term Maturity Date, Tranche B Term Maturity Date or the maturity date with respect to any Class of Incremental Term Loans as set forth in the applicable Incremental Facility

 

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Amendment or the maturity with respect to any Class of Refinancing Term Loans as set forth in the applicable Refinancing Amendment, as the context requires.

 

“Maturity Date Extension Request” means a request by the Borrower, substantially in the form of Exhibit I hereto or such other form as shall be approved by the Administrative Agent, for the extension of the applicable Maturity Date pursuant to Section 2.21.

 

“Maximum Rate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.13.

 

“MIPA” means the Membership Interests Purchase Agreement, dated May 22, 2012, by and among the Borrower, Yeti Acquisition, LLC, Ice Box Holdings, Inc. and the Shareholders (as defined therein).

 

“MIPA Earnout” means the payment to the Seller (as defined in the MIPA) of the Seller Earnout Value (as defined in the MIPA) pursuant to Section 2.7 of the MIPA and the side letter agreement relating thereto in an amount not to exceed $10,000,000.

 

“MNPI” means material information concerning the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing or their securities that has not been disseminated in a manner making it available to investors generally, within the meaning of Regulation FD under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act.  For purposes of this definition, “material information” means information concerning the Borrower, the Subsidiaries or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing or any of their securities that could reasonably be expected to be material for purposes of the United States Federal and State securities laws and, where applicable, foreign securities laws.

 

“Moody’s” means Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., and any successor to its rating agency business.

 

“Mortgage” means a mortgage, deed of trust, assignment of leases and rents or other security document granting a Lien on any Mortgaged Property to secure the Obligations.  Each Mortgage shall be reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Administrative Agent.

 

“Mortgaged Property” means, initially, each parcel of real property and the improvements thereto owned by a Loan Party and identified on Schedule 1.01, and includes each other parcel of real property and the improvements thereto owned by a Loan Party with respect to which a Mortgage is granted pursuant to Section 5.11 or 5.12.

 

“Multiemployer Plan” means a “multiemployer plan”, as defined in Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.

 

“Net Proceeds” means, with respect to any event, (a) the cash proceeds received in respect of such event, including (i) any cash received in respect of any non-cash proceeds (including any cash payments received by way of deferred payment of principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or purchase price adjustment or

 

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earnout, but excluding any reasonable interest payments), but only as and when received, (ii) in the case of a casualty, insurance proceeds and (iii) in the case of a condemnation or similar event, condemnation awards and similar payments, minus (b) the sum, without duplication, of (i) all fees and out-of-pocket expenses (including underwriting discounts, investment banking fees, commissions, collection expenses and other customary transaction costs) paid or reasonably estimated to be payable in connection with such event by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries to Persons other than Affiliates of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, (ii) in the case of a Disposition of an asset (including pursuant to a sale and leaseback transaction or a casualty or a condemnation or similar proceeding), the amount of all payments that are permitted hereunder and are made by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries as a result of such event to repay Indebtedness (other than the Loans) secured by such asset or otherwise subject to mandatory prepayment as a result of such event, (iii) in the case of any transfer, Disposition, casualty, condemnation or similar event by a non wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiary, the pro rata portion of the Net Proceeds thereof attributable to minority interests and not available for distribution to or for the account of the Borrower or a wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiary as a result thereof, and (iv) the amount of all taxes paid (or reasonably estimated to be payable) by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, and the amount of any reserves established by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with GAAP to fund purchase price adjustment, indemnification and similar contingent liabilities (other than any earnout obligations) reasonably estimated to be payable, in each case during the year that such event occurred or the next succeeding year and that are directly attributable to the occurrence of such event (as determined reasonably and in good faith by a Financial Officer).  For purposes of this definition, in the event any contingent liability reserve established with respect to any event as described in clause (b)(iv) above shall be reduced, the amount of such reduction shall, except to the extent such reduction is made as a result of a payment having been made in respect of the contingent liabilities with respect to which such reserve has been established, be deemed to be receipt, on the date of such reduction, of cash proceeds in respect of such event.

 

“Net Working Capital” means, at any date, (a) the consolidated current assets of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date (excluding cash and Permitted Investments) minus (b) the consolidated current liabilities of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date (excluding current liabilities in respect of Indebtedness); provided, however, that (i) each of the following shall be excluded in calculating Net Working Capital: (A) all Indebtedness consisting of Obligations and Capital Lease Obligations to the extent otherwise included therein, (B) the current portion of interest, (C) the current portion of current and deferred income taxes, (D) the effects from applying purchase accounting, (E) restricted marketable securities and (F) the current portion of deferred revenue and (ii) increases or decreases in Net Working Capital shall be (A) calculated without regard to any changes in consolidated current assets or consolidated current liabilities as a result of (x) any reclassification in accordance with GAAP of assets or liabilities, as applicable, between current and noncurrent, (y) the effect of fluctuations in the amount of accrued or contingent obligations, assets or liabilities under Hedging Agreement or (z) any impact of foreign exchange translations and (B) adjusted to eliminate any distortion resulting from mergers, acquisitions and dispositions

 

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occurring during the applicable period.  Net Working Capital at any date may be a positive or negative number.  Net Working Capital increases when it becomes more positive or less negative and decreases when it becomes less positive or more negative.

 

“Non-Consenting Lender” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.02(c).

 

“Non-Defaulting Lender” means, at any time, each Lender that is not a Defaulting Lender at such time.

 

“Obligations” means, collectively, (a) all the Loan Document Obligations, (b) all the Secured Cash Management Obligations and (c) all the Secured Hedging Obligations.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of any Excluded Swap Guarantor, “Obligations” shall not include Excluded Swap Obligations of such Excluded Swap Guarantor.

 

“OFAC” means the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

 

“Other Connection Taxes” means, with respect to any Recipient, Taxes imposed as a result of a present or former connection between such Recipient and the jurisdiction imposing such Taxes (other than connections arising from such Recipient having executed, delivered, become a party to, performed its obligations under, received payments under, received or perfected a security interest under, engaged in any other transaction pursuant to or enforced this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or sold or assigned an interest in this Agreement or any other Loan Document).

 

“Other Taxes” means all present or future stamp, court or documentary, intangible, recording, filing or similar Taxes that arise from any payment made under, from the execution, delivery, performance, enforcement or registration of, from the receipt or perfection of a security interest under, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, except such Taxes that are Other Connection Taxes imposed with respect to an assignment (other than an assignment made pursuant to Section 2.18(b) or 9.02(c)).

 

“Participant” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(c).

 

“Participant Register” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(c).

 

“PBGC” means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation referred to and defined in ERISA and any successor entity performing similar functions.

 

“Perfection Certificate” means a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit C or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

 

“Permitted Acquisition” means any acquisition by the Borrower or any other Loan Party that is a wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiary of all the outstanding

 

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Equity Interests (other than directors’ qualifying shares) in, all or substantially all the assets of or all or substantially all the assets constituting a business unit, division, product line or line of business of a Person if (a) the board of directors (or similar governing body) of the Person to be so purchased or acquired shall not have indicated publicly its opposition to the consummation of such purchase or acquisition (which opposition has not been publicly withdrawn), (b) [Reserved], (c) no Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom (limited in the case of a Limited Condition Acquisition to Events of Default pursuant to Sections 7.01(a), (b), (h) or (i)), (d) such acquisition and all transactions related thereto are consummated in accordance with applicable laws in all material respects, (e) all actions required to be taken with respect to such acquired or newly formed Restricted Subsidiary or such acquired assets under Sections 5.11 and 5.12 shall have been taken (or arrangements for the taking of such actions reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent shall have been made), (f) the business of such Person or such assets, as applicable, constitutes a business permitted by Section 6.03(b), (g) the Borrower and its Subsidiaries shall be in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Sections 6.11 and 6.12 after giving effect to such acquisition on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter and (h) if consideration to be paid in connection with such acquisition is greater than $30,000,000, the Borrower has delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Responsible Officer to the effect set forth in clauses (a), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (g) above, together with all relevant financial information for the Person or assets to be acquired and setting forth reasonably detailed calculations demonstrating compliance with clause (g) above (which calculations shall, if made as of the last day of any Fiscal Quarter for which the Borrower has not delivered to the Administrative Agent the financial statements and certificate of a Responsible Officer required to be delivered by Section 5.01(a) or (b) and Section 5.01(c), respectively, be accompanied by a reasonably detailed calculation of Consolidated EBITDA for the relevant period).

 

“Permitted Encumbrances” means:

 

(a) Liens imposed by law for Taxes that are (i) not material, (ii) not yet delinquent or (iii) being contested in compliance with Section 5.05;

 

(b) carriers’, warehousemen’s, mechanics’, materialmen’s, repairmen’s, landlords’, construction and other like Liens imposed by law (other than any Lien imposed pursuant to Section 430(k) of the Code or Section 303(k) of ERISA or a violation of Section 436 of the Code), arising in the ordinary course of business and securing obligations that are not overdue by more than 30 days or are being contested in compliance with Section 5.05;

 

(c) pledges and deposits made (i) in the ordinary course of business in compliance with workers’ compensation, health, disability or other employee benefits, unemployment insurance, and other social security laws or regulations, property, casualty or liability insurance or premiums related thereto, in each case to the extent the underlying policies comply with insurance endorsement covenants and (ii) in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments issued for the account of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in

 

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the ordinary course of business supporting obligations of the type set forth in clause (i) above;

 

(d) pledges and deposits made (i) to secure the performance of bids, trade contracts (other than for payment of Indebtedness), leases (other than Capital Lease Obligations), statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds, completion guarantees and other obligations of a like nature (including those to secure health, safety and environmental obligations), in each case in the ordinary course of business and (ii) in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments issued for the account of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business supporting obligations of the type set forth in clause (i) above;

 

(e) judgment liens in respect of judgments, awards, decrees or attachments that do not constitute an Event of Default under clause (k) of Section 7.01;

 

(f) easements, zoning restrictions, rights-of-way and similar encumbrances on real property imposed by law or arising in the ordinary course of business that do not secure any monetary obligations and do not materially detract from the value of the affected property or interfere with the ordinary conduct of business of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(g) Liens arising from Permitted Investments described in clause (e) of the definition of the term “Permitted Investments”;

 

(h) banker’s liens, rights of setoff or similar rights and remedies as to deposit accounts or other funds maintained with depository institutions and securities accounts and other financial assets maintained with a securities intermediary; provided that such deposit accounts or funds and securities accounts or other financial assets are not established or deposited for the purpose of providing collateral for any Indebtedness and are not subject to restrictions on access by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in excess of those required by applicable banking regulations;

 

(i) Liens arising by virtue of Uniform Commercial Code financing statement filings (or similar filings, registrations or agreements under applicable law) regarding operating leases entered into by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and other precautionary statements, filings or agreements by consignors and bailors, naming the Borrower or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary as debtor thereunder;

 

(j) Liens of a collecting bank arising in the ordinary course of business under Section 4-208 (or the applicable corresponding section) of the Uniform Commercial Code in effect in the relevant jurisdiction covering only the items being collected upon;

 

(k) Liens representing any interest or title of a licensor, lessor or sublicensor or sublessor, or a licensee, lessee or sublicensee or sublessee, in the

 

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property subject to any lease, license or sublicense or concession agreement permitted by this Agreement;

 

(l) Liens (i) on advances of cash or Permitted Investments in favor of the seller of any property to be acquired in an investment permitted pursuant to Section 6.04 to be applied against the purchase price for such investment, and (ii) consisting of an agreement to dispose of any property in a Disposition permitted under Section 6.05, in each case, solely to the extent such investment or Disposition, as the case may be, would have been permitted on the date of the creation of such Lien or on the date of any contract for such investment or Disposition;

 

(m) Liens representing the interest of a purchaser of goods sold by the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business under conditional sale, title retention and extended title retention, consignment, bailee or similar arrangements; provided that such Liens arise only under the applicable conditional sale, title retention, consignment, bailee or similar arrangements and such Liens only encumber the good so sold thereunder and such transaction is not prohibited by this Agreement;

 

(n) Liens in favor of customs and revenue authorities arising as a matter of law to secure payment of customs duties in connection with the importation of goods;

 

(o) Liens granted in the ordinary course of business to secure: (i) liabilities for premiums or reimbursement obligations to insurance carriers and (ii) letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments posted to support payment of items set forth in this clause (o); provided that (x) such letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments are issued in compliance with Section 6.01, (y) the Liens permitted by clause (ii) shall at no time encumber any assets other than the amount of cash or marketable investments required to be pledged thereunder and (z) the Liens permitted by clause (i) shall at no time encumber assets other than the unearned portion of any insurance premiums, the insurance policies and the proceeds thereof;

 

(p) Liens in favor of a commodity, brokerage or security intermediary who holds a commodity, brokerage or, as applicable, a security account on behalf of the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary provided such Lien encumbers only the related account and the property held therein; and

 

(q) Liens that are contractual rights of set-off;

 

provided that the term “Permitted Encumbrances” shall not include any Lien securing Indebtedness, other than (x) Liens referred to in clauses (c) and (d) above securing letters of credit, bank guarantees or similar instruments and (y) Liens referred to in clauses (p) and (q) above securing deposits, advances or similar obligations.

 

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“Permitted Holders” means, collectively, (i) the Sponsor and any Affiliate thereof (excluding portfolio companies of Cortec Group Management Services LLC and its Affiliates), (ii) Ryan Seiders, Roy Seiders, RJS Ice 2, L.P., RRS Ice 2, L.P., Cortec Group Fund V (Parallel), L.P. and YHI CG Group Investors, LLC, (iii) any trusts (including voting trusts) for estate planning purposes where any of the foregoing persons or a spouse of any such person is a beneficiary or trustee of any such trust or trusts, and (iv) any other business entity, regardless of form, organized for the benefit of or Controlled by one or more of the foregoing persons (excluding portfolio companies of Cortec Group Management Services LLC and its Affiliates).

 

“Permitted Investments” means:

 

(a) direct obligations of, or obligations the principal of and interest on which are unconditionally guaranteed by, the United States of America (or by any agency thereof to the extent such obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States of America), in each case maturing within one year from the date of acquisition thereof;

 

(b) securities issued by any state of the United States of America or any political subdivision of any such state or any public instrumentality thereof having maturities of not more than 12 months from the date of acquisition thereof and, at the time of such acquisition, have a rating of at least A-2 or P-2 (or long-term ratings of at least A3 or A-) from either S&P or Moody’s, or, with respect to municipal bonds, a rating of at least MIG2 or VMIG2 from Moody’s (or the equivalent thereof);

 

(c) investments in commercial paper maturing not more than 12 months from the date of acquisition thereof and having, at such date of acquisition, a rating of at least A-1 or P-1 from either S&P or Moody’s and commercial paper maturing not more than 90 days after the creation thereof and having, at such date of acquisition, a rating of at least A-2 or P-2 from either S&P or Moody’s;

 

(d) investments in certificates of deposit, banker’s acceptances and demand or time deposits, in each case maturing within 180 days from the date of acquisition thereof, issued or guaranteed by or placed with, and money market deposit accounts issued or offered by, any domestic office of any commercial bank organized under the laws of the United States of America or any State thereof that has a combined capital and surplus and undivided profits of not less than $500,000,000;

 

(e) fully collateralized repurchase agreements with a term of not more than 30 days for securities described in clause (a) or (b) above and entered into with a financial institution satisfying the criteria described in clause (c) above;

 

(f) “money market funds” that (i) comply with the criteria set forth in Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act, (ii) are rated AAA by S&P and Aaa by Moody’s and (iii) have portfolio assets of at least $5,000,000,000; and

 

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(g)  shares of restricted mutual funds whose investment guidelines restrict 95% of such funds’ investments to those satisfying the provisions of clauses (a) through (f) above.

 

“Permitted Junior Lien Refinancing Debt” means Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness constituting secured Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower in the form of one or more series of junior lien secured notes or junior lien secured loans; provided that (a) such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a junior priority basis to the Liens securing the Obligations and the obligations in respect of any Permitted Pari Passu Refinancing Debt and is not secured by any property or assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary other than the Collateral, (b) a Refinancing Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of such Indebtedness shall have become party to an Intercreditor Agreement that reflects the junior nature of such Lien in a manner reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and (c) such Indebtedness meets the Permitted Refinancing Debt Conditions.  Permitted Junior Lien Refinancing Debt will include any Registered Equivalent Notes issued in exchange therefor.

 

“Permitted Pari Passu Refinancing Debt” means any Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness in the form of secured Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower in the form of one or more series of senior secured notes; provided that (a) such Indebtedness is secured by the Collateral on a pari passu basis (but without regard to the control of remedies) with the Liens securing the Obligations and is not secured by any property or assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary other than the Collateral, (b) a Refinancing Debt Representative acting on behalf of the holders of such Indebtedness shall have become party to an Intercreditor Agreement and (c) such Indebtedness meets the Permitted Refinancing Debt Conditions.  Permitted Pari Passu Refinancing Debt will include any Registered Equivalent Notes issued in exchange therefor.

 

“Permitted Refinancing Debt Conditions” means that such applicable Indebtedness (a) is not at any time guaranteed by any Subsidiaries other than Subsidiaries that are Loan Parties and (b) to the extent secured, the security agreements (taken as a whole) relating to such Indebtedness are substantially the same as or more favorable to the Loan Parties than the Security Documents (with such differences as are reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent).

 

“Permitted Unsecured Refinancing Debt” means Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness in the form of unsecured Indebtedness incurred by the Borrower in the form of one or more series of senior unsecured notes or loans; provided that such Indebtedness meets the Permitted Refinancing Debt Conditions.  Permitted Unsecured Refinancing Debt will include any Registered Equivalent Notes issued in exchange therefor.

 

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

 

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“Plan” means any “employee pension benefit plan”, as defined in Section 3(2) of ERISA (other than a Multiemployer Plan), that is subject to the provisions of Title IV of ERISA or Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of ERISA, and in respect of which the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates is (or, if such plan were terminated, would under Section 4069 of ERISA be deemed to be) an “employer” as defined in Section 3(5) of ERISA.

 

“Plan of Reorganization” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(f)(iv).

 

“Platform” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.01(d).

 

“Prepayment Event” means:

 

(a) any Disposition (including pursuant to a sale and leaseback transaction and by way of merger or consolidation) of any asset of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary under clauses (d), (k), (m) or (n) of Section 6.05, other than (i) Dispositions in the ordinary course of business or (ii) Dispositions resulting in aggregate Net Proceeds less than (A) $2,000,000 in the case of any single Disposition or series of related Dispositions and (B) $5,000,000 for all such Dispositions during any Fiscal Year;

 

(b) any casualty or other insured damage to, or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of, any asset of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary with a fair market value immediately prior to such event equal to or greater than $2,000,000; or

 

(c) the incurrence by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of any Indebtedness, other than Indebtedness permitted to be incurred under Section 6.01 (other than clause (n) of such Section) or permitted by the Required Lenders pursuant to Section 9.02.

 

“Prime Rate” means the rate of interest per annum publicly announced from time to time by Bank of America, N.A. as its prime rate in effect at its principal office in New York City.  Each change in the Prime Rate shall be effective from and including the date such change is publicly announced as being effective.

 

“Private Side Lender Representatives” means, with respect to any Lender, representatives of such Lender that are not Public Side Lender Representatives.

 

“Pro Forma Basis” means, with respect to the calculation of the financial covenants contained in Sections 6.11 and 6.12, compliance with Article VI or otherwise for purposes of determining the Total Secured Net Leverage Ratio, the Total Net Leverage Ratio, the Interest Coverage Ratio or Consolidated EBITDA as of any date, that such calculation shall give pro forma effect to all Permitted Acquisitions, all Subsidiary Designations, all issuances, incurrences or assumptions of Indebtedness (with any such Indebtedness being deemed to be amortized over the applicable testing period in accordance with its terms) and all Dispositions of any Equity Interests in a Restricted

 

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Subsidiary or all or substantially all the assets of a Restricted Subsidiary or division or line of business of a Restricted Subsidiary outside the ordinary course of business (and any related prepayments or repayments of Indebtedness) and all Subsidiary Designations, in each case that have occurred during (or, if such calculation is being made for the purpose of determining whether any proposed acquisition will constitute a Permitted Acquisition, any Incremental Extension of Credit may be made, any Subsidiary Designation may be made or any event subject to Article VI is permitted, since the beginning of) the four consecutive Fiscal Quarter period most recently ended on or prior to such date as if they occurred on the first day of such four consecutive Fiscal Quarter period (including expected cost savings (without duplication of actual cost savings) to the extent (a) such cost savings would be permitted to be reflected in pro forma financial information complying with the requirements of GAAP and Article 11 of Regulation S-X under the Securities Act as interpreted by the Staff of the SEC, and as certified by a Responsible Officer or (b) in the case of an acquisition or investment, such cost savings are factually supportable and have been realized or are reasonably expected to be realized within 365 days following such acquisition; provided that (i) the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, in form and scope reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, certifying that such cost savings meet the requirements set forth in this clause (b), together with reasonably detailed evidence in support thereof, (ii) if any cost savings included in any pro forma calculations based on the expectation that such cost savings will be realized within 365 days following such acquisition shall at any time cease to be reasonably expected to be so realized within such period, then on and after such time pro forma calculations required to be made hereunder shall not reflect such cost savings and (iii) the amount of cost savings included in Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to this clause (b) shall not exceed 15% of Consolidated EBITDA during any period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters (taken together with any amounts added back in computing Consolidated EBITDA pursuant to subclause (vii) of clause (a) of the definition of “Consolidated EBITDA”, and determined after to giving effect to such amounts) but excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, any excess costs incurred related to the shipment of finished goods using air freight as compared to comparable sea freight alternatives from third party foreign manufacturing partners).  If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is being given pro forma effect, the interest on such Indebtedness shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the date of determination had been the applicable rate for the entire period (taking into account any Hedging Agreement applicable to such Indebtedness if such Hedging Agreement has a remaining term in excess of 12 months).

 

“Proposed Change” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.02(c).

 

“Public Side Lender Representatives” means, with respect to any Lender, representatives of such Lender that do not wish to receive MNPI.

 

“Purchasing Borrower Party” means any of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary.

 

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“Qualified Equity Interests” means Equity Interests of the Borrower other than Disqualified Equity Interests.

 

“Recipient” means (a) the Administrative Agent, (b) any Lender and (c) any Issuing Bank, as applicable.

 

“Reference Rate” means, for any day, the Adjusted LIBO Rate as of such day for a Eurodollar Borrowing with an Interest Period of three months’ duration (without giving effect to the last sentence of the definition of the term “Adjusted LIBO Rate” herein).

 

“Refinancing” means the repayment by the Borrower on the Effective Date of the Existing Indebtedness.

 

“Refinancing Amendment” means an amendment to this Agreement executed by each of (a) the Borrower, (b) the Administrative Agent, (c) each Additional Refinancing Lender and (d) each Lender that agrees to provide any portion of Refinancing Term Loans incurred pursuant thereto, in accordance with Section 2.22.

 

“Refinancing Debt Representative” means, with respect to any series of Permitted Pari Passu Refinancing Debt or Permitted Junior Lien Refinancing Debt, the trustee, administrative agent, collateral agent, security agent or similar agent under the indenture or agreement pursuant to which such Indebtedness is issued, incurred or otherwise obtained or secured, as the case may be, and each of their successors in such capacities.

 

“Refinancing Indebtedness” means, in respect of any Indebtedness (the “Original Indebtedness”), any Indebtedness that extends, renews or refinances such Original Indebtedness (or any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof); provided that (a) the principal amount of such Refinancing Indebtedness shall not exceed the principal amount (or accreted value, if applicable) of such Original Indebtedness except by an amount no greater than accrued and unpaid interest with respect to such Original Indebtedness and any reasonable fees, premium and expenses relating to such extension, renewal or refinancing; (b) the stated final maturity of such Refinancing Indebtedness shall not be earlier than that of such Original Indebtedness; (c) such Refinancing Indebtedness shall not be required to be repaid, prepaid, redeemed, repurchased or defeased, whether on one or more fixed dates, upon the occurrence of one or more events or at the option of any holder thereof (except, in each case, upon the occurrence of an event of default or a change in control or as and to the extent such repayment, prepayment, redemption, repurchase or defeasance would have been required pursuant to the terms of such Original Indebtedness) prior to the earlier of (i) the maturity of such Original Indebtedness and (ii) the date that is 91 days after the Latest Maturity Date in effect on the date of such extension, renewal or refinancing, provided that, notwithstanding the foregoing, scheduled amortization payments (however denominated) of such Refinancing Indebtedness shall be permitted so long as the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of such Refinancing Indebtedness shall be longer than the shorter of (x) the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of such Original Indebtedness remaining as of the

 

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date of such extension, renewal or refinancing and (y) the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of each Class of the Term Loans remaining as of the date of such extension, renewal or refinancing; (d) such Refinancing Indebtedness shall not constitute an obligation (including pursuant to a Guarantee) of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, in each case that shall not have been (or, in the case of after-acquired Restricted Subsidiaries, shall not have been required to become pursuant to the terms of the Original Indebtedness) an obligor in respect of such Original Indebtedness immediately prior to the incurrence of such Refinancing Indebtedness, and shall constitute an obligation of the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary only to the extent of their obligations in respect of such Original Indebtedness; (e) if such Original Indebtedness shall have been subordinated to the Loan Document Obligations, such Refinancing Indebtedness shall also be subordinated to the Loan Document Obligations on terms (taken as a whole) not less favorable in any material respect to the Lenders; and (f) such Refinancing Indebtedness shall not be secured by any Lien on any asset other than the assets that secured such Original Indebtedness (or would have been required to secure such Original Indebtedness pursuant to the terms thereof) or, in the event Liens securing such Original Indebtedness shall have been contractually subordinated to any Lien securing the Loan Document Obligations, by any Lien that shall not have been contractually subordinated on substantially the same terms (taken as a whole) as those related to such Original Indebtedness.

 

“Refinancing Series” means all Refinancing Term Loans or Refinancing Term Commitments that are established pursuant to the same Refinancing Amendment (or any subsequent Refinancing Amendment to the extent such Refinancing Amendment expressly provides that the Refinancing Term Loans or Refinancing Term Commitments provided for therein are intended to be a part of any previously established Refinancing Series) and that provide for the same Weighted Average Yield and amortization schedule.

 

“Refinancing Term Commitments” means one or more Classes of term commitments hereunder that are established to fund Refinancing Term Loans of the applicable Refinancing Series hereunder pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment.

 

“Refinancing Term Loans” means one or more Classes of term loans hereunder that result from a Refinancing Amendment.

 

“Register” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(b)(iv).

 

“Registered Equivalent Notes” means, with respect to any notes originally issued in an offering pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act or other private placement transaction under the Securities Act, substantially identical notes (having the same guarantees) issued in a dollar-for-dollar exchange therefor pursuant to an exchange offer registered with the SEC.

 

“Related Parties” means, with respect to any Person, such Person’s Affiliates and the respective directors, officers, employees, agents, trustees, managers, advisors, representatives and controlling persons of such Person and of such Person’s Affiliates.

 

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“Release” means any release, spill, emission, leaking, dumping, injection, pouring, deposit, disposal, discharge, dispersal, leaching or migration into or through the environment (including ambient air, indoor air, surface water, groundwater, land surface or subsurface strata).

 

“Repricing Transaction” means the prepayment or refinancing of all or a portion of the Tranche B Term Borrowings concurrently with the incurrence by the Borrower of any long-term bank debt financing or any other financing similar to the Tranche B Term Borrowings, in each case having a lower Weighted Average Yield than the Applicable Rate in respect of the Tranche B Term Loans (based on the definition of the term “Applicable Rate” as in effect on the Effective Date).  For purposes of this defined term, original issue discount and upfront fees shall be equated to interest based on an assumed four-year life to maturity (or, if less, the remaining life to maturity).

 

“Required Lenders” means, at any time, Lenders having Revolving Exposures, Term Loans and unused Commitments representing more than 50% of the sum of the Aggregate Revolving Exposure, outstanding Term Loans and unused Commitments at such time; provided that with respect to the determination of Required Lenders, the Loans and unused Commitments held or deemed held by any Defaulting Lender shall be excluded.

 

“Requirement of Law” means, with respect to any Person, (a) the charter, articles or certificate of organization or incorporation and bylaws or other organizational or governing documents of such Person and (b) any law (including common law), statute, ordinance, treaty, rule, regulation, order, decree, writ, injunction, settlement agreement or determination of any arbitrator or court or other Governmental Authority, in each case applicable to or binding upon such Person or any of its property or to which such Person or any of its property is subject.

 

“Responsible Officer” means the chief executive officer, president, any vice president, any Financial Officer or Secretary of the Borrower (or such other entity to which such reference relates).

 

“Restricted Payment” means any dividend or other distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property) with respect to any Equity Interests in the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, or any payment or distribution (whether in cash, securities or other property), including any sinking fund or similar deposit, on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, exchange, conversion, cancelation or termination of any Equity Interests in the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, or any other payment that has the same effect as the foregoing.

 

“Restricted Subsidiary” means each Subsidiary other than an Unrestricted Subsidiary.

 

“Resulting Revolving Borrowings” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.20(d).

 

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“Revolving Availability Period” means the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the earlier of the Revolving Maturity Date and the date of termination of the Revolving Commitments.

 

“Revolving Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the commitment, if any, of such Lender to make Revolving Loans and to acquire participations in Letters of Credit hereunder, expressed as an amount representing the maximum possible aggregate amount of such Lender’s Revolving Exposure hereunder, as such commitment may be (a) reduced from time to time pursuant to Section 2.07, (b) increased from time to time pursuant to Section 2.20 and (c) reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 9.04.  The initial amount of each Lender’s Revolving Commitment is set forth on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption or Incremental Facility Amendment pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Revolving Commitment, as applicable.  The initial aggregate amount of the Lenders’ Revolving Commitments is $100,000,000.

 

“Revolving Commitment Increase” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.20(a).

 

“Revolving Commitment Increase Lender” means, with respect to any Revolving Commitment Increase, each Additional Lender providing a portion of such Revolving Commitment Increase.

 

“Revolving Exposure” means, with respect to any Lender at any time, the sum of (a) the outstanding principal amount of such Lender’s Revolving Loans and (b) such Lender’s LC Exposure.

 

“Revolving Lender” means a Lender with a Revolving Commitment or, if the Revolving Commitments have terminated or expired, a Lender with Revolving Exposure.

 

“Revolving Loan” means a Loan made pursuant to clause (c) of Section 2.01.

 

“Revolving Maturity Date” means May 19, 2021, as the same may be extended pursuant to Section 2.21.

 

“S&P” means Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, a division of McGraw-Hill Financial, Inc., and any successor to its rating agency business.

 

“Sanctioned Country” means, at any time, a country, geographic region or territory which is itself the subject or target of any Sanctions.

 

“Sanctioned Person” means, at any time, (a) any Person listed in any Sanctions-related list of designated Persons maintained by OFAC or the U.S. Department of State or by the United Nations Security Council, the European Union or any EU member state, including HMT’s Consolidated List of Financial Sanctions Targets and the Investment Ban List, (b) any Person operating, organized or resident in a Sanctioned

 

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Country or (c) any Person owned or controlled by any such Person or Persons, in each case to the extent dealings are prohibited or restricted with such Person under Sanctions.

 

“Sanctions” means economic or financial sanctions or trade embargoes imposed, administered or enforced from time to time by (a) the U.S. government, including those administered by OFAC or the U.S. Department of State, or (b) the United Nations Security Council, the European Union or Her Majesty’s Treasury of the United Kingdom.

 

“SEC” means the United States Securities and Exchange Commission or any Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.

 

“Secured Cash Management Obligations” means the due and punctual payment and performance of any and all obligations of the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary (whether absolute or contingent and however and whenever created, arising, evidenced or acquired (including all renewals, extensions and modifications thereof and substitutions therefor)) arising in respect of Cash Management Services that (a) are owed to the Administrative Agent, any Arranger or an Affiliate of any of the foregoing, or to any Person that, at the time such obligations were incurred, was the Administrative Agent, any Arranger or an Affiliate of any of the foregoing, (b) are owed on the Effective Date to a Person that is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender as of the Effective Date or (c) are owed to a Person that is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender at the time such obligations are incurred.

 

“Secured Hedging Obligations” means the due and punctual payment and performance of any and all obligations of the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary arising under each Hedging Agreement that (a) is with a counterparty that is the Administrative Agent, any Arranger or an Affiliate of any of the foregoing, or any Person that, at the time such Hedging Agreement was entered into, was the Administrative Agent, any Arranger or an Affiliate of any of the foregoing, (b) is in effect on the Effective Date with a counterparty that is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender as of the Effective Date or (c) is entered into after the Effective Date with a counterparty that is a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender at the time such Hedging Agreement is entered into.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the case of any Excluded Swap Guarantor, “Secured Hedging Obligations” shall not include Excluded Swap Obligations of such Excluded Swap Guarantor.

 

“Secured Parties” means, collectively, (a) the Lenders, (b) the Administrative Agent, (c) each Arranger, (d) each Issuing Bank, (e) each provider of Cash Management Services the obligations under which constitute Secured Cash Management Obligations, (f) each counterparty to any Hedging Agreement the obligations under which constitute Secured Hedging Obligations and (g) the beneficiaries of each indemnification obligation undertaken by any Loan Party under this Agreement or any other Loan Document.

 

“Securities Act” means the United States Securities Act of 1933.

 

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“Security Documents” means the Collateral Agreement, the Mortgages and each other security agreement or other instrument or document executed and delivered pursuant to any of the foregoing or pursuant to Section 5.11 or 5.12 to secure any of the Obligations.

 

“Senior Secured Indebtedness” means, on any date, Total Indebtedness as of such date minus the sum of (a) the portion of Indebtedness of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries included in such Indebtedness that is not secured by any Lien on property or assets of the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries and (b) the portion of Indebtedness of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries included in such Total Indebtedness that is subordinated in right of payment to the Obligations.

 

“Specified Dividend” means the payment by the Borrower on the Effective Date of a dividend to the holders of the Borrower’s Equity Interests (including holders of stock options) in an amount not to exceed $462,000,000.  For clarity, the foregoing amount includes the Additional Distributions related to the Specified Dividend to be paid on the Effective Date, which are permitted to be paid after the Effective Date.

 

“Specified ECF Percentage” means, with respect to any Fiscal Year, (a) if the Total Secured Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of such Fiscal Year is greater than 2.00 to 1.00, 50%, (b) if the Total Secured Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of such Fiscal Year is less than or equal to 2.00 to 1.00 and greater than 1.50 to 1.00, 25%, and (c) if the Total Secured Net Leverage Ratio as of the last day of such Fiscal Year is less than or equal to 1.50 to 1.00, 0%.

 

“Specified Swap Obligation” means, with respect to any Subsidiary Loan Party, an obligation to pay or perform under any agreement, contract or transaction that constitutes a “swap” within the meaning of §1a(47) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

 

“SPV” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(e).

 

“Sponsor” means, individually and collectively, Cortec Group Management Services LLC and any Person (other than a natural Person) that (i) is organized by Cortec Group Management Services LLC for the purpose of making portfolio investments in one or more companies and (ii) is controlled by, or is under common control with, Cortec Group Management Services LLC (including Cortec Management V, LLC, Cortec Group Fund V, L.P. and Cortec Co-Investment Fund V, L.L.C.); provided that the term “Sponsor” shall not include portfolio companies of Cortec Group Management Services LLC or any of its Affiliates.

 

“Sponsor Management Agreement” means the Advisory Agreement, dated June 15, 2012, between YETI Coolers, LLC and Cortec Management V, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, as in effect on the Effective Date, and the side letter agreement relating thereto to be entered into in contemplation of the termination of the Sponsor Management Agreement upon an IPO having the terms previously identified to the Administrative Agent.

 

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“Statutory Reserve Rate” means a fraction (expressed as a decimal), the numerator of which is the number one and the denominator of which is the number one minus the aggregate of the maximum reserve percentages (including any marginal, special, emergency or supplemental reserves) expressed as a decimal established by the Board of Governors and any other banking authority (domestic or foreign) to which the Administrative Agent or any Lender (including any branch, Affiliate or fronting office making or holding a Loan) is subject for eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as “Eurocurrency Liabilities” in Regulation D of the Board of Governors).  Such reserve percentages shall include those imposed pursuant to such Regulation D.  Eurodollar Loans shall be deemed to constitute eurocurrency funding and to be subject to such reserve requirements without benefit of or credit for proration, exemptions or offsets that may be available from time to time to any Lender under such Regulation D or any comparable regulation.  The Statutory Reserve Rate shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in any reserve percentage.

 

“Subsequent Transaction” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 1.03.

 

“subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person (the “parent”) at any date, any corporation, limited liability company, partnership, association or other entity of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the equity value or more than 50% of the ordinary voting power or, in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the general partnership interests are, as of such date, owned, Controlled or held.

 

“Subsidiary” means any subsidiary of the Borrower.

 

“Subsidiary Designation” means (a) any designation of a Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary and (b) any designation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary, in each case in accordance with Section 5.13.

 

“Subsidiary Loan Party” means each Restricted Subsidiary that is or, after the Effective Date, becomes a party to the Collateral Agreement.

 

“Successor Borrower” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.03(a).

 

“Supplemental Perfection Certificate” means a certificate in the form of Exhibit D or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent.

 

“Taxes” means all present or future taxes, levies, imposts, duties, deductions, withholdings (including backup withholding), assessments, fees or other charges imposed by any Governmental Authority, including any interest, additions to tax or penalties applicable thereto.

 

“Term Commitments” means, collectively, the Tranche A Term Commitments, Tranche B Term Commitments, the Incremental Term Commitments and the Refinancing Term Commitments with respect to each Refinancing Series.

 

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“Term Lenders” means, collectively, the Tranche A Term Lenders, the Tranche B Term Lenders, the Lenders with an outstanding Incremental Term Loan or an Incremental Term Commitment and the Lenders with an outstanding Refinancing Term Loan or Refinancing Term Commitment.

 

“Term Loans” means, collectively, the Tranche A Term Loans, the Tranche B Term Loans, the Incremental Term Loans and the Refinancing Term Loans with respect to each Refinancing Series.

 

“Total Indebtedness” means, as of any date, the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding as of such date under clauses (a), (b), (d) and (g) of the definition of “Indebtedness”, and to the extent the underlying obligation is of the type described in clause (a), (b), (d) or (g) thereof, clauses (e) and (f); provided that the term “Indebtedness” shall not include (x) contingent obligations of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary as an account party or applicant in respect of any letter of credit or letter of guaranty unless such letter of credit or letter of guaranty supports an obligation that constitutes Indebtedness and (y) obligations in respect of any purchase price adjustments, earnouts, non-competition agreements or other arrangements representing acquisition consideration or deferred payments of a similar nature unless such obligations are then due and owing.

 

“Total Net Leverage Ratio” means, on any date, the ratio of (a) Total Indebtedness as of such date minus Unrestricted Cash as of such date not to exceed $75,000,000 to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters ended on such date (or, if such date is not the last day of a Fiscal Quarter, ended on the last day of the Fiscal Quarter most recently ended prior to such date).

 

“Total Secured Net Leverage Ratio” means, on any date, the ratio of (a) Senior Secured Indebtedness as of such date minus Unrestricted Cash as of such date not to exceed $75,000,000 to (b) Consolidated EBITDA for the period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters ended on such date (or, if such date is not the last day of a Fiscal Quarter, ended on the last day of the Fiscal Quarter most recently ended prior to such date).

 

“Trade Date” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 9.04(h)(i).

 

“Tranche A Term Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the commitment, if any, of such Lender to make a Tranche A Term Loan hereunder on the Effective Date, expressed as an amount representing the maximum principal amount of the Tranche A Term Loan to be made by such Lender hereunder, as such commitment may be (a) reduced from time to time pursuant to Section 2.07 and (b) reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 9.04.  The initial amount of each Lender’s Tranche A Term Commitment is set forth on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Tranche A Term Commitment, as applicable.  The initial aggregate amount of the Lenders’ Tranche A Term Commitments is $445,000,000.

 

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“Tranche A Term Lender” means a Lender with a Tranche A Term Commitment or an outstanding Tranche A Term Loan.

 

“Tranche A Term Loan” means a Loan made pursuant to clause (a) of Section 2.01.

 

“Tranche A Term Maturity Date” means May 19, 2021, as the same may be extended pursuant to Section 2.21.

 

“Tranche B Term Commitment” means, with respect to each Lender, the commitment, if any, of such Lender to make a Tranche B Term Loan hereunder on the Effective Date, expressed as an amount representing the maximum principal amount of the Tranche B Term Loan to be made by such Lender hereunder, as such commitment may be (a) reduced from time to time pursuant to Section 2.07 and (b) reduced or increased from time to time pursuant to assignments by or to such Lender pursuant to Section 9.04.  The initial amount of each Lender’s Tranche B Term Commitment is set forth on Schedule 2.01 or in the Assignment and Assumption pursuant to which such Lender shall have assumed its Tranche B Term Commitment, as applicable.  The initial aggregate amount of the Lenders’ Tranche B Term Commitments is $105,000,000.

 

“Tranche B Term Lender” means a Lender with a Tranche B Term Commitment or an outstanding Tranche B Term Loan.

 

“Tranche B Term Loan” means a Loan made pursuant to clause (b) of Section 2.01.

 

“Tranche B Term Maturity Date” means May 19, 2022, as the same may be extended pursuant to Section 2.21.

 

“Transaction Costs” means all fees, costs and expenses incurred or payable by the Borrower or any Subsidiary in connection with the Transactions.

 

“Transactions” means, collectively, (a) the execution, delivery and performance by each Loan Party of the Loan Documents (including this Agreement) to which it is to be a party, the borrowing of Loans, the use of the proceeds thereof and the issuance of Letters of Credit hereunder, (b) the payment of the Specified Dividend, (c) the consummation of the Refinancing and (d) the payment of the Transaction Costs.

 

“Type”, when used in reference to any Loan or Borrowing, refers to whether the rate of interest on such Loan, or on the Loans comprising such Borrowing, is determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate or the Alternate Base Rate.

 

“UCP” means, with respect to any Letter of Credit, the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, International Chamber of Commerce Publication No. 600 (or such later version thereof as may be in effect at the time of issuance).

 

“Unrestricted Cash” means, at any time, all unrestricted cash and cash equivalents held by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries at such time, provided

 

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that, in the case of any unrestricted cash and cash equivalents held by a Restricted Subsidiary that is a Foreign Subsidiary, such unrestricted cash and cash equivalents shall only constitute Unrestricted Cash in an amount not exceeding the amount of the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of the Restricted Subsidiaries that are Foreign Subsidiaries included in Total Indebtedness at such time.

 

“Unrestricted Subsidiary” means (a) any Subsidiary that is formed or acquired after the Effective Date and is designated as an Unrestricted Subsidiary by the Borrower pursuant to Section 5.13 and (b) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.  As of the Effective Date, the Borrower has no Unrestricted Subsidiaries.

 

“Unrestricted Subsidiary Reconciliation Statement” means, with respect to any consolidated balance sheet or statement of operations and comprehensive income, cash flows or stockholders’ equity of the Borrower and its consolidated subsidiaries, such financial statement (in substantially the same form) prepared on the basis of consolidating the accounts of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries and treating Unrestricted Subsidiaries as if they were not consolidated with the Borrower and otherwise eliminating all accounts of Unrestricted Subsidiaries, together with an explanation of reconciliation adjustments in reasonable detail.

 

“U.S. Person” means a “United States person” within the meaning of Section 7701(a)(30) of the Code.

 

“U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 2.16(f)(ii)(B)(3).

 

“USA PATRIOT Act” means the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act of 2001.

 

“Weighted Average Life to Maturity” means, when applied to any Indebtedness at any date, the number of years obtained by dividing:  (a) the sum of the products obtained by multiplying (i) the amount of each then remaining installment, sinking fund, serial maturity or other required payments of principal, including payment at final maturity, in respect thereof, by (ii) the number of years (calculated to the nearest one-twelfth) that will elapse between such date and the making of such payment; by (b) the then outstanding principal amount of such Indebtedness.

 

“Weighted Average Yield” means, with respect to any Loan, the weighted average yield to stated maturity of such Loan based on the interest rate or rates applicable thereto and giving effect to all upfront or similar fees or original issue discount payable to the Lenders advancing such Loan with respect thereto and to any interest rate “floor”, but excluding any arrangement, commitment, structuring and underwriting fees paid or payable to the arrangers (or similar titles) or their affiliates, in each case in their capacities as such, in connection with such Loans; provided that (a) for purposes of calculating the Weighted Average Yield for any Incremental Term Loan, original issue discount and upfront fees shall be equated to interest based on an assumed four-year life to maturity (or, if less, the remaining life to maturity) and (b) with respect to the

 

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calculation of the Weighted Average Yield of any existing Loan in connection with any Incremental Extension of Credit, (i) to the extent that the Reference Rate on the effective date of such Incremental Extension of Credit is less than 1.00%, then the amount of such difference shall be deemed to be added to the Weighted Average Yield for such existing Loan solely for the purpose of determining whether an increase in the interest rate for such Loan shall be required pursuant to Section 2.20(b) and (ii) to the extent that the Reference Rate on the effective date of such Incremental Extension of Credit is less than the interest rate floor, if any, applicable to such Incremental Extension of Credit, then the amount of such difference shall be deemed to be added to the Weighted Average Yield of such Incremental Extension of Credit solely for the purpose of determining whether an increase in the interest rate for the applicable Loans shall be required pursuant to Section 2.20(b).  For purposes of determining the Weighted Average Yield of any floating rate Indebtedness at any time, the rate of interest applicable to such Indebtedness at such time shall be assumed to be the rate applicable to such Indebtedness at all times prior to maturity; provided that appropriate adjustments shall be made for any changes in rates of interest provided for in the documents governing such Indebtedness (other than those resulting from fluctuations in interbank offered rates, prime rates, Federal funds rates or other external indices not influenced by the financial performance or creditworthiness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary).

 

“wholly-owned Subsidiary” means, with respect to any Person at any date, a subsidiary of such Person of which securities or other ownership interests representing 100% of the Equity Interests (other than directors’ qualifying shares) are, as of such date, owned, controlled or held by such Person or one or more wholly-owned Subsidiaries of such Person or by such Person and one or more wholly-owned Subsidiaries of such Person.

 

“Withdrawal Liability” means liability to a Multiemployer Plan as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as such terms are defined in Part I of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA.

 

“Write-Down and Conversion Powers” means, with respect to any EEA Resolution Authority, the write-down and conversion powers of such EEA Resolution Authority from time to time under the Bail-In Legislation for the applicable EEA Member Country, which write-down and conversion powers are described in the EU Bail-In Legislation Schedule.

 

SECTION 1.02.  Classification of Loans and Borrowings.  For purposes of this Agreement, Loans may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Revolving Loan”) or by Type (e.g., a “Eurodollar Loan”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Eurodollar Revolving Loan”).  Borrowings also may be classified and referred to by Class (e.g., a “Revolving Borrowing”) or by Type (e.g., a “Eurodollar Borrowing”) or by Class and Type (e.g., a “Eurodollar Revolving Borrowing”).

 

SECTION 1.03.  Terms Generally.  The definitions of terms herein shall apply equally to the singular and plural forms of the terms defined.  Whenever the context may require, any pronoun shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine

 

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and neuter forms.  The words “include”, “includes” and “including” shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase “without limitation”.  The word “will” shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect as the word “shall”.  Unless the context requires otherwise or except as expressly provided herein, (a) any definition of or reference to any agreement, instrument or other document (including any Loan Document) herein shall be construed as referring to such agreement, instrument or other document (including any Loan Document) as from time to time amended, restated, amended and restated, supplemented, extended, renewed, refinanced or otherwise modified (subject to any restrictions on such amendments, restatements, amendments and restatements, supplements, extensions, renewals, refinancings or modifications set forth herein), (b) any definition of or reference to any statute, rule or regulation shall be construed as referring thereto as from time to time amended, supplemented or otherwise modified (including by succession of comparable successor laws), unless otherwise expressly stated to the contrary, (c) any reference herein or in any Loan Document to any Person shall be construed to include such Person’s successors and permitted assigns, (d) the words “herein”, “hereof” and “hereunder”, and words of similar import, shall be construed to refer to this Agreement in its entirety and not to any particular provision hereof or thereof, (e) all references herein or in any Loan Document to Articles, Sections, clauses, paragraphs, Exhibits and Schedules shall be construed to refer to Articles and Sections, clauses and paragraphs of, and Exhibits and Schedules to, this Agreement and (f) the words “asset” and “property”, when used in any Loan Document, shall be construed to have the same meaning and effect and to refer to any and all tangible and intangible assets and properties, including cash, securities, accounts and contract rights.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, to the extent that the terms of this Agreement require (i) compliance with any financial ratio or test (including any  Total Secured Net Leverage Ratio, Total Net Leverage Ratio or Interest Coverage Ratio test) or (ii) the absence of a Default or Event of Default (or any type of Default or Event of Default), in each case as a condition to the making of any Limited Condition Acquisition or incurrence of Indebtedness in connection therewith, the determination of whether the relevant condition is satisfied may be made, at the election of the Borrower, at the time of (or on the basis of the financial statements as of the last day of the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter) either (x) the execution of the definitive agreement with respect to such Limited Condition Acquisition (such an election under this clause (x), an “LCA Election”) or (y) the consummation of the Limited Condition Acquisition and related incurrence of Indebtedness, in each case, after giving effect to the relevant Limited Condition Acquisition and related incurrence of Indebtedness, on a Pro Forma Basis; provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, the absence of an Event of Default under clauses (a), (b), (h) and (i) of Section 7.01 shall be a condition to the consummation of any such Limited Condition Acquisition and incurrence of Indebtedness; provided further that if the Borrower has made an LCA Election for any Limited Condition Acquisition, then in connection with any event or transaction (a “Subsequent Transaction”) occurring after the relevant date of determination with respect to such LCA Election but before the consummation or termination of such Limited Condition Acquisition in connection with which a financial ratio or test must be made on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to such Subsequent Transaction, for purposes of

 

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determining whether such financial ratio or test has been complied with under this Agreement, any such financial ratio or test shall be required to be satisfied on a Pro Forma Basis (A) assuming such Limited Condition Acquisition and other transactions in connection therewith have been consummated and (B) assuming such Limited Condition Acquisition and other transactions in connection therewith have not been consummated.  In addition, if the proceeds of an Incremental Facility or of Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Section 6.01(g) are to be used to finance a Limited Condition Acquisition, then at the option of the Borrower and subject to the agreement of the lenders providing such financing may be subject to customary “SunGard” or “certain funds” conditionality.

 

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, with respect to any amounts incurred or transactions entered into (or consummated) in reliance on a provision of this Agreement that does not require compliance with a financial ratio (any such amounts, the “Fixed Amounts”) substantially concurrently with any amounts incurred or transactions entered into (or consummated) in reliance on a provision of this Agreement that requires compliance with a financial ratio (including any Total Secured Net Leverage Ratio test, any Total Net Leverage Ratio or Interest Coverage Ratio test) (any such amounts, the “Incurrence-Based Amounts”), it is understood and agreed that the Fixed Amounts shall be disregarded in the calculation of the financial ratio or test applicable to any substantially concurrent utilization of the Incurrence-Based Amounts.

 

SECTION 1.04.  Accounting Terms; GAAP.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature shall be construed in accordance with GAAP, as in effect from time to time; provided that (i) if at any time any change in GAAP or the application thereof would affect the computation or interpretation of any financial ratio, basket, requirement or other provision set forth in any Loan Document, and either the Borrower or the Required Lenders shall so request, the Administrative Agent and the Borrower shall negotiate in good faith to amend such ratio, basket, requirement or other provision to preserve the original intent thereof in light of such change in GAAP or the application thereof (subject to the approval of the Required Lenders not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed); provided further that until so amended, (x) such ratio, basket, requirement or other provision shall continue to be computed or interpreted in accordance with GAAP or the application thereof prior to such change therein and (y) the Borrower shall provide to the Administrative Agent a written reconciliation in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, between calculations of such ratio, basket, requirement or other provision made before and after giving effect to such change in GAAP or the application thereof and (ii) notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, all terms of an accounting or financial nature used herein shall be construed, and all computations of amounts and ratios referred to herein shall be made, (A) without giving effect to any election under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, or any successor thereto (including pursuant to the Accounting Standards Codification), to value any Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary at “fair value”, as defined therein, (B) without giving effect to any treatment of Indebtedness in respect of convertible debt instruments under Accounting Standards Codification 470-20 (or any

 

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other Accounting Standards Codification or Financial Accounting Standard having a similar result or effect) to value any such Indebtedness in a reduced or bifurcated manner as described therein, and such Indebtedness shall at all times be valued at the full stated principal amount thereof, and (C) without giving effect to any change to GAAP occurring after the Effective Date as a result of the adoption of any proposals set forth in the Proposed Accounting Standards Update, Leases (Topic 840), issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board on August 17, 2010, or any other proposals issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board in connection therewith, in each case if such change would require treating any lease (or similar arrangement conveying the right to use) as a capital lease where such lease (or similar arrangement) would not have been required to be so treated under GAAP as in effect on the Effective Date.

 

SECTION 1.05.  Pro Forma Calculations.  With respect to any period during which any Permitted Acquisition or any Disposition, including a Disposition of any Equity Interests in a Restricted Subsidiary or all or substantially all the assets of a Subsidiary or division or line of business of a Restricted Subsidiary outside the ordinary course of business, occurs, or during which any Subsidiary Designation occurs, for purposes of determining compliance with the covenants contained in Article VI (including Sections 6.11 and 6.12), Section 7.02 or otherwise for purposes of determining the Total Secured Net Leverage Ratio, the Total Net Leverage Ratio, the Interest Coverage Ratio and Consolidated EBITDA, calculations with respect to such period shall be made on a Pro Forma Basis.

 

ARTICLE II

 

The Credits

 

SECTION 2.01.  Commitments.  Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, each Lender severally agrees (a) to make a “tranche A” term loan to the Borrower on the Effective Date in a principal amount not exceeding its Tranche A Term Commitment, (b) to make a “tranche B” term loan to the Borrower on the Effective Date in a principal amount not exceeding its Tranche B Term Commitment and (c) to make revolving credit loans to the Borrower from time to time during the Revolving Availability Period in an aggregate principal amount that will not result in such Lender’s Revolving Exposure exceeding such Lender’s Revolving Commitment or the Aggregate Revolving Exposure exceeding the Aggregate Revolving Commitment; provided that the aggregate principal amount of Revolving Loans made on the Effective Date shall not exceed $10,000,000.  All Loans shall be denominated in dollars.  Within the foregoing limits and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may borrow, prepay and reborrow Revolving Loans. The Tranche A Term Loans funded on the Effective Date will be funded with original issue discount and the Tranche B Term Loans funded on the Effective Date will be funded with original issue discount (it being agreed that the Borrower shall be obligated to repay 100% of the principal amount of each such Term Loans and interest shall accrue on 100% of the principal amount of such Term Loans, in each case as provided herein). Amounts repaid or prepaid in respect of Term Loans may not be reborrowed.

 

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SECTION 2.02.  Loans and Borrowings.  (a)  Each Loan shall be made as part of a Borrowing consisting of Loans of the same Class and Type made by the Lenders ratably in accordance with their respective Commitments of the applicable Class.  The failure of any Lender to make any Loan required to be made by it shall not relieve any other Lender of its obligations hereunder.

 

(b)  Subject to Section 2.13, each Revolving Borrowing and Term Borrowing shall be comprised entirely of ABR Loans or Eurodollar Loans as the Borrower may request in accordance herewith; provided that all Borrowings made on the Effective Date must be made as ABR Borrowings unless the Borrower shall have given the notice required for a Eurodollar Borrowing under Section 2.03 and provided an indemnity letter, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, extending the benefits of Section 2.15 to Lenders in respect of such Borrowings.  Each Lender at its option may make any Eurodollar Loan by causing any domestic or foreign branch or Affiliate of such Lender to make such Loan; provided that any exercise of such option shall not affect the obligation of the Borrower to repay such Loan in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

(c)  At the commencement of each Interest Period for any Eurodollar Borrowing, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $500,000 and not less than $1,000,000; provided that a Eurodollar Borrowing that results from a continuation of an outstanding Eurodollar Borrowing may be in an aggregate amount that is equal to such outstanding Borrowing; provided further that such amount may be less than $1,000,000 if such amount represents all the remaining availability under the aggregate principal amount of Revolving Loans.  At the time that each ABR Revolving Borrowing is made, such Borrowing shall be in an aggregate amount that is an integral multiple of $100,000 and not less than $500,000; provided that such amount may be less than $500,000 if such amount represents all the remaining availability under the aggregate principal amount of Revolving Loans.  Borrowings of more than one Type and Class may be outstanding at the same time; provided that there shall not at any time be more than a total of ten Eurodollar Borrowings outstanding.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, an ABR Revolving Borrowing may be in an aggregate amount that is equal to the entire unused balance of the Aggregate Revolving Commitment or that is required to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as contemplated by Section 2.04(e).

 

(d)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, the Borrower shall not be entitled to request, or to elect to convert or continue, any Borrowing if the Interest Period requested with respect thereto would end after the Maturity Date applicable thereto.  Except as otherwise provided herein, a Eurodollar Loan may be continued or converted only on the last day of an Interest Period for such Eurodollar Loan.

 

(e)  At any time that ABR Loans are outstanding, the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of any change in the Prime Rate used in determining ABR promptly following the public announcement of such change.

 

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SECTION 2.03.  Requests for Borrowings.  To request a Revolving Borrowing or Term Borrowing, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such request by telephone (a) in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing or (b) in the case of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the date of the proposed Borrowing; provided, however, that if the Borrower wishes to request a Eurodollar Borrowing having an Interest Period other than one, two, three or six months in duration as provided in the definition of “Interest Period”, (x) the applicable request must be received by the Administrative Agent not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, four Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing, whereupon the Administrative Agent shall give prompt notice to the Lenders of the applicable Class of such request and determine whether the requested Interest Period is acceptable to all such Lenders and (y) not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the date of the proposed Borrowing, the Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower (which notice may be by telephone) whether or not the requested Interest Period has been consented to by all such Lenders.  Each such telephonic Borrowing Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery, e-mail or facsimile to the Administrative Agent of a written Borrowing Request signed by the Borrower.  Each such telephonic and written Borrowing Request shall specify the following information (to the extent applicable, in compliance with Sections 2.01 and 2.02):

 

(i) whether the requested Borrowing is to be a Revolving Borrowing, a Tranche A Term Borrowing, a Tranche B Term Borrowing or a Borrowing of any Incremental Term Loan;

 

(ii) the aggregate amount of such Borrowing;

 

(iii) the requested date of such Borrowing, which shall be a Business Day;

 

(iv) whether such Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing or a Eurodollar Borrowing;

 

(v) in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, the initial Interest Period to be applicable thereto, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”;

 

(vi) the location and number of the Borrower’s account to which funds are to be disbursed, which shall comply with the requirements of Section 2.05(a), or, if the Borrowing is being requested to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement in accordance with Section 2.04(e), the identity of the Issuing Bank that made such LC Disbursement; and

 

(vii) that as of such date Sections 4.02(a) and 4.02(b) are satisfied (subject to a Limited Condition Acquisition in accordance with Section 2.20).

 

If no election as to the Type of Borrowing is specified, then the requested Borrowing shall be an ABR Borrowing.  If no Interest Period is specified with respect to any

 

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requested Eurodollar Borrowing, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration.  Promptly following receipt of a Borrowing Request in accordance with this Section, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the applicable Class of the details thereof and of the amount of such Lender’s Loan to be made as part of the requested Borrowing.

 

SECTION 2.04.  Letters of Credit.  (a)  General.  (i) Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may request the issuance of Letters of Credit for its own account (or for the account of any Restricted Subsidiary so long as the Borrower is a joint and several co-applicant in respect of such Letter of Credit), denominated in dollars and in a form reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent and the applicable Issuing Bank, at any time and from time to time during the Revolving Availability Period.  Notwithstanding anything contained in any letter of credit application or other agreement (other than this Agreement or any Security Document) submitted by the Borrower to, or entered into by the Borrower with, any Issuing Bank relating to any Letter of Credit, (A) all provisions of such letter of credit application or other agreement purporting to grant Liens in favor of such Issuing Bank to secure obligations in respect of such Letter of Credit shall be disregarded, it being agreed that such obligations shall be secured to the extent provided in this Agreement and in the Security Documents, and (B) in the event of any inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the terms and conditions of such letter of credit application or such other agreement, as applicable, the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall control.

 

(ii) An Issuing Bank shall not be under any obligation to issue any Letter of Credit if:

 

(A)  any order, judgment or decree of any Governmental Authority or arbitrator shall by its terms purport to enjoin or restrain such Issuing Bank from issuing the Letter of Credit, or any law applicable to such Issuing Bank or any request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) from any Governmental Authority with jurisdiction over such Issuing Bank shall prohibit, or request that such Issuing Bank refrain from, the issuance of letters of credit generally or the Letter of Credit in particular or shall impose upon such Issuing Bank with respect to the Letter of Credit any restriction, reserve or capital requirement (for which such Issuing Bank is not otherwise compensated hereunder) not in effect on the Effective Date, or shall impose upon such Issuing Bank any unreimbursed loss, cost or expense which was not applicable on the Effective Date and which such Issuing Bank in good faith deems material to it;

 

(B)  the issuance of the Letter of Credit would violate one or more policies of the Issuing Bank applicable to letters of credit generally; or

 

(C)  any Revolving Lender is at that time a Defaulting Lender, unless such Issuing Bank has entered into arrangements, including the delivery of cash collateral, reasonably satisfactory to such Issuing Bank (in its sole discretion) with the Borrower or such Lender to eliminate such Issuing Bank’s actual or potential

 

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Fronting Exposure (after giving effect to Section 2.19(a)(iv) with respect to the Defaulting Lender arising from either the Letter of Credit then proposed to be issued or that Letter of Credit and all other LC Exposure as to which such Issuing Bank has actual or potential Fronting Exposure, as it may elect in its reasonable discretion.

 

(iii) An Issuing Bank shall not amend any Letter of Credit if the Issuing Bank would not be permitted at such time to issue the Letter of Credit in its amended form under the terms hereof.

 

(iv) An Issuing Bank shall be under no obligation to amend any Letter of Credit if (A) such Issuing Bank would have no obligation at such time to issue the Letter of Credit in its amended form under the terms hereof, or (B) the beneficiary of the Letter of Credit does not accept the proposed amendment to the Letter of Credit.

 

(v) Each Issuing Bank shall act on behalf of the Revolving Lenders with respect to any Letters of Credit issued by it and the documents associated therewith, and each Issuing Bank shall have all of the benefits and immunities (A) provided to the Administrative Agent in Article VIII with respect to any acts taken or omissions suffered by any Issuing Bank in connection with Letters of Credit issued by it or proposed to be issued by it and any documents pertaining to such Letters of Credit as fully as if the term “Administrative Agent” as used in Article VIII included such Issuing Bank with respect to such acts or omissions, and (B) as additionally provided herein with respect to each Issuing Bank.

 

(b)  Notice of Issuance, Amendment, Renewal, Extension; Certain Conditions.  To request the issuance of a Letter of Credit or the amendment, renewal or extension of an outstanding Letter of Credit (other than any automatic renewal permitted pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section), the Borrower shall hand deliver or fax (or transmit by electronic communication, if arrangements for doing so have been approved by such Issuing Bank) to the applicable Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent (five Business Days (or such shorter period as agreed to by the applicable Issuing Bank) prior to the requested date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension) a notice requesting the issuance of a Letter of Credit, or identifying the Letter of Credit to be amended, renewed or extended, and specifying the requested date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (which shall be a Business Day), the date on which such Letter of Credit is to expire (which shall comply with paragraph (c) of this Section), the amount of such Letter of Credit, the name and address of the beneficiary thereof, the documents to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder, the full text of any certificate to be presented by such beneficiary in case of any drawing thereunder, the purpose and nature of the requested Letter of Credit and such other information as shall be requested by the applicable Issuing Bank as necessary to enable such Issuing Bank to prepare, amend, renew or extend such Letter of Credit.  If requested by the applicable Issuing Bank, the Borrower also shall submit a letter of credit application on such Issuing Bank’s standard form in connection with any request for a Letter of Credit and such other documents and information pertaining to the applicable Letter of Credit as such Issuing

 

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Bank or the Administrative Agent may require.  A Letter of Credit shall be issued, amended, renewed or extended only if (and upon issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit the Borrower shall be deemed to represent and warrant that), after giving effect to such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension, (i) the LC Exposure shall not exceed the LC Sublimit (unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Banks), (ii) no Lender’s Revolving Exposure shall exceed its Revolving Commitment, (iii) the Aggregate Revolving Exposure shall not exceed the Aggregate Revolving Commitment and (iv) following the effectiveness of any Maturity Date Extension Request with respect to the Revolving Commitments, the LC Exposure in respect of all Letters of Credit having an expiration date after the second Business Day prior to the Existing Maturity Date shall not exceed the aggregate Revolving Commitments of the Consenting Lenders extended pursuant to Section 2.21.  Each Issuing Bank agrees that it shall not permit any issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of a Letter of Credit to occur unless it shall have given to the Administrative Agent written notice thereof as required under paragraph (l) of this Section.

 

(c)  Expiration Date.  Each Letter of Credit shall expire at or prior to the close of business on the earlier of (i) the date that is one year after the date of the issuance of such Letter of Credit (or, in the case of any renewal or extension thereof, one year after such renewal or extension), (ii) the date that is five Business Days prior to the Revolving Maturity Date and (iii) such later date agreed by the applicable Issuing Bank if arrangements acceptable to such Issuing Bank in its sole discretion have been made to cash collateralize the applicable Letter of Credit prior to the issuance thereof; provided, however, that any Letter of Credit may, upon the request of the Borrower, include a provision whereby such Letter of Credit shall be renewed automatically for additional consecutive periods of one year or less (but not beyond the date that is five Business Days prior to the Revolving Maturity Date) unless the applicable Issuing Bank notifies the beneficiary thereof at least 30 days prior to the then-applicable expiration date that such Letter of Credit will not be renewed.  For the avoidance of doubt, if the Revolving Maturity Date shall be extended pursuant to Section 2.21, “Revolving Maturity Date” as referenced in this paragraph shall refer to the Revolving Maturity Date as extended pursuant to Section 2.21; provided that, notwithstanding anything in this Agreement (including Section 2.21 hereof) or any other Loan Document to the contrary, the Revolving Maturity Date, as such term is used in reference to any Issuing Bank or any Letter of Credit issued thereby, may not be extended with respect to any Issuing Bank without the prior written consent of such Issuing Bank.

 

(d)  Participations.  By the issuance of a Letter of Credit (or an amendment to a Letter of Credit increasing the amount thereof) and without any further action on the part of the applicable Issuing Bank or the Lenders, the Issuing Bank that is the issuer of such Letter of Credit hereby grants to each Revolving Lender, and each Revolving Lender hereby acquires from such Issuing Bank, a participation in such Letter of Credit equal to such Revolving Lender’s Applicable Percentage of the aggregate amount available to be drawn under such Letter of Credit.  In consideration and in furtherance of the foregoing, each Revolving Lender hereby absolutely and unconditionally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the applicable Issuing Bank, such Revolving Lender’s Applicable Percentage of each LC Disbursement made by such

 

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Issuing Bank and not reimbursed by the Borrower on the date due as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section, or of any reimbursement payment required to be refunded to the Borrower for any reason.  Each Revolving Lender acknowledges and agrees that its obligation to acquire participations pursuant to this paragraph in respect of Letters of Credit is absolute and unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstance whatsoever, including any amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or the occurrence and continuance of a Default or any reduction or termination of the Revolving Commitments, and that each such payment shall be made without any offset, abatement, withholding or reduction whatsoever.  Each Revolving Lender further acknowledges and agrees that, in issuing, amending, renewing or extending any Letter of Credit, the applicable Issuing Bank shall be entitled to rely, and shall not incur any liability for relying, upon the representation and warranty of the Borrower deemed made pursuant to Section 4.02 unless, at least one Business Day prior to the time such Letter of Credit is issued, amended, renewed or extended (or, in the case of an automatic renewal permitted pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section, at least one Business Day prior to the time by which the election not to extend must be made by the applicable Issuing Bank), the Majority in Interest of the Revolving Lenders shall have notified the applicable Issuing Bank (with a copy to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower) in writing that, as a result of one or more events or circumstances described in such notice, one or more of the conditions precedent set forth in Section 4.02(a) or 4.02(b) would not be satisfied if such Letter of Credit were then issued, amended, renewed or extended (it being understood and agreed that, in the event any Issuing Bank shall have received any such notice, no Issuing Bank shall have any obligation to issue, amend, renew or extend any Letter of Credit until and unless it shall be satisfied that the events and circumstances described in such notice shall have been cured or otherwise shall have ceased to exist).

 

(e)  Reimbursement.  If an Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement in respect of a Letter of Credit, the Borrower shall reimburse such LC Disbursement by paying to the Administrative Agent an amount equal to such LC Disbursement not later than 12:00 noon, New York City time, on the Business Day immediately following the day that the Borrower received notice of such LC Disbursement; provided that the Borrower may, subject to the conditions to borrowing set forth herein, request in accordance with Section 2.03 that such payment be financed with an ABR Revolving Borrowing in an equivalent amount and, to the extent so financed, the Borrower’s obligation to make such payment shall be discharged and replaced by the resulting ABR Revolving Borrowing.  If the Borrower fails to reimburse any LC Disbursement by the time specified above in this paragraph, then the Administrative Agent shall notify each Revolving Lender of the applicable LC Disbursement, the payment then due from the Borrower in respect thereof and such Revolving Lender’s Applicable Percentage thereof.  Promptly following receipt of such notice, each Revolving Lender shall pay to the Administrative Agent its Applicable Percentage of the amount then due from the Borrower, in the same manner as provided in Section 2.05 with respect to Loans made by such Lender (and Section 2.05 shall apply, mutatis mutandis, to the payment obligations of the Revolving Lenders under this paragraph), and the Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to the applicable Issuing Bank the amounts so received by it from the Revolving Lenders.  Promptly following receipt by the Administrative Agent of any payment from the Borrower pursuant to this paragraph, the Administrative Agent shall

 

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distribute such payment to the applicable Issuing Bank or, to the extent that Revolving Lenders have made payments pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse such Issuing Bank, then to such Revolving Lenders and such Issuing Bank as their interests may appear.  Any payment made by a Revolving Lender pursuant to this paragraph to reimburse any Issuing Bank for any LC Disbursement (other than the funding of an ABR Revolving Borrowing as contemplated above) shall not constitute a Loan and shall not relieve the Borrower of its obligation to reimburse such LC Disbursement.

 

(f)  Obligations Absolute.  The Borrower’s obligation to reimburse LC Disbursements as provided in paragraph (e) of this Section shall be absolute, unconditional and irrevocable, and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms of this Agreement under any and all circumstances whatsoever and irrespective of (i) any lack of validity or enforceability of any Letter of Credit or this Agreement, or any term or provision thereof or hereof, (ii) the existence of any claim, counterclaim, setoff, defense or other right that the Borrower or any Subsidiary may have at any time against any beneficiary or any transferee of a Letter of Credit (or any Person for whom any such beneficiary or such transferee may be acting), an Issuing Bank or any other Person, whether in connection with this Agreement, the transactions contemplated hereby or by a Letter of Credit or any agreement or instrument relating thereto, or any unrelated transaction, (iii) any draft, demand, certificate or other document presented under a Letter of Credit proving to be forged, fraudulent or invalid in any respect or any statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any respect, or any loss or delay in the transmission or otherwise of any document required in order to make a drawing under a Letter of Credit, (iv) waiver by an Issuing Bank of any requirement that exists for the Issuing Bank’s protection and not the protection of the Borrower or any waiver by an Issuing Bank which does not in fact materially prejudice the Borrower, (v) honor of a demand for payment presented electronically even if such Letter of Credit requires that demand be in the form of a draft, (vi) any payment by any Issuing Bank in respect of an otherwise complying item presented after the date specified as the expiration date of, or the date by which documents must be received under a Letter of Credit if presentation after such date is authorized by the UCC, the ISP or the UCP, as applicable, (vii) any payment by any Issuing Bank under a Letter of Credit against presentation of a draft or other document that does not comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit, or any payment by any Issuing Bank under a Letter of Credit to any Person purporting to be a trustee in bankruptcy, debtor-in-possession, assignee for the benefit of creditors, liquidator, receiver or other representative of or successor to any beneficiary or any transferee of such Letter of Credit, including any arising in connection with any proceeding under any Debtor Relief Law, or (viii) any other event or circumstance whatsoever, whether or not similar to any of the foregoing, that might, but for the provisions of this Section, constitute a legal or equitable discharge of, or provide a right of setoff against, the Borrower’s obligations hereunder.  None of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the Issuing Banks or any of their Related Parties shall have any liability or responsibility by reason of or in connection with the issuance or transfer of any Letter of Credit, any payment or failure to make any payment thereunder (irrespective of any of the circumstances referred to in the preceding sentence), any error, omission, interruption, loss or delay in transmission or delivery of any draft, notice or other communication under or relating to any Letter of Credit (including any document required to make a

 

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drawing thereunder), any error in interpretation of technical terms or any other act, failure to act or other event or circumstance; provided that the foregoing shall not be construed to excuse any Issuing Bank from liability to the Borrower to the extent of any direct damages (as opposed to special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages, claims in respect of which are hereby waived by the Borrower to the extent permitted by applicable law) suffered by the Borrower that are caused by such Issuing Bank’s gross negligence, bad faith, willful misconduct or failure to exercise care when determining whether drafts and other documents presented under a Letter of Credit comply with the terms thereof.  The parties hereto expressly agree that, in the absence of bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct on the part of an Issuing Bank (as finally determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final and nonappealable judgment), such Issuing Bank shall be deemed to have exercised care in each such determination.  In furtherance of the foregoing and without limiting the generality thereof, the parties agree that, with respect to documents presented that appear on their face to be in substantial compliance with the terms of a Letter of Credit, an Issuing Bank may, in its sole discretion, either accept and make payment upon such documents without responsibility for further investigation, regardless of any notice or information to the contrary, or refuse to accept and make payment upon such documents if such documents are not in strict compliance with the terms of such Letter of Credit, and any such acceptance or refusal shall be deemed not to constitute gross negligence or willful misconduct.

 

(g)  Disbursement Procedures.  Each Issuing Bank shall, promptly following its receipt thereof, examine all documents purporting to represent a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit.  Each Issuing Bank shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent and the Borrower by telephone (confirmed by facsimile) of such demand for payment and whether such Issuing Bank has made or will make an LC Disbursement thereunder; provided that any failure to give or delay in giving such notice shall not relieve the Borrower of its obligation to reimburse such Issuing Bank and the Revolving Lenders with respect to any such LC Disbursement in accordance with paragraph (e) of this Section.

 

(h)  Interim Interest.  If an Issuing Bank shall make any LC Disbursement, then, unless the Borrower shall reimburse such LC Disbursement in full on the date such LC Disbursement is made, the unpaid amount thereof shall bear interest, for each day from and including the date such LC Disbursement is made to but excluding the date that the Borrower reimburses such LC Disbursement in full, at the rate per annum then applicable to ABR Revolving Loans; provided that, if the Borrower fails to reimburse such LC Disbursement in full when due pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section, then Section 2.12(c) shall apply.  Interest accrued pursuant to this paragraph shall be paid to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the applicable Issuing Bank, except that interest accrued on and after the date of payment by any Revolving Lender pursuant to paragraph (e) of this Section to reimburse such Issuing Bank shall be for the account of such Lender to the extent of such payment, and shall be payable on demand or, if no demand has been made, on the date on which the Borrower reimburses the applicable LC Disbursement in full.

 

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(i)  Cash Collateralization.  If any Event of Default shall occur and be continuing, on the Business Day on which the Borrower receives notice from the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders (or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated, a Majority in Interest of the Revolving Lenders) demanding the deposit of cash collateral pursuant to this paragraph, the Borrower shall deposit in an account with the Administrative Agent, in the name of the Administrative Agent and for the benefit of the Lenders, an amount in cash equal to the LC Exposure as of such date plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon; provided that the obligation to deposit such cash collateral shall become effective immediately, and such deposit shall become immediately due and payable, without demand or other notice of any kind, upon the occurrence of any Event of Default with respect to the Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of Section 7.01.  The Borrower also shall deposit cash collateral in accordance with this paragraph as and to the extent required by Section 2.10(b), 2.19 or 2.21(c).  Each such deposit shall be held by the Administrative Agent as collateral for the payment and performance of the obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement.  The Administrative Agent shall have exclusive dominion and control, including the exclusive right of withdrawal, over such account.  Other than any interest earned on the investment of such deposits, which investments shall be made at the option and sole discretion of the Administrative Agent and at the Borrower’s risk and expense, such deposits shall not bear interest.  Interest or profits, if any, on such investments shall accumulate in such account.  Notwithstanding the terms of any Security Document, moneys in such account shall be applied by the Administrative Agent to reimburse the Issuing Banks for LC Disbursements for which they have not been reimbursed and, to the extent not so applied, shall be held for the satisfaction of the reimbursement obligations of the Borrower for the LC Exposure at such time or, if the maturity of the Loans has been accelerated (but subject to (i) the consent of a Majority in Interest of the Revolving Lenders and (ii) in the case of any such application at a time when any Revolving Lender is a Defaulting Lender (but only if, after giving effect thereto, the remaining cash collateral shall be less than the aggregate LC Exposure of all the Defaulting Lenders), the consent of each Issuing Bank), be applied to satisfy other obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement.  If the Borrower is required to provide an amount of cash collateral hereunder as a result of the occurrence of an Event of Default, such amount (to the extent not applied as aforesaid) shall be returned to the Borrower within three Business Days after all Events of Default have been cured or waived.  If the Borrower is required to provide an amount of cash collateral hereunder pursuant to Section 2.10(b), such amount (to the extent not applied as aforesaid) shall be returned to the Borrower to the extent that, after giving effect to such return, the Aggregate Revolving Exposure would not exceed the Aggregate Revolving Commitment and no Default shall have occurred and be continuing.  If the Borrower is required to provide an amount of cash collateral hereunder pursuant to Section 2.19, such amount (to the extent not applied as aforesaid) shall be returned to the Borrower to the extent that, after giving effect to such return, no Issuing Bank shall have any exposure in respect of any outstanding Letter of Credit that is not fully covered by the Revolving Commitments of the non-Defaulting Lenders and/or the remaining cash collateral and no Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

(j)  Designation of Additional Issuing Banks.  The Borrower may, at any time and from time to time, with the consent of the Administrative Agent (which consent

 

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shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), designate as additional Issuing Banks one or more Revolving Lenders that agree to serve in such capacity as provided below.  The acceptance by a Revolving Lender of an appointment as an Issuing Bank hereunder shall be evidenced by an agreement, which shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, executed by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and such designated Revolving Lender and, from and after the effective date of such agreement, (i) such Revolving Lender shall have all the rights and obligations of an Issuing Bank under this Agreement and (ii) references herein to the term “Issuing Bank” shall be deemed to include such Revolving Lender in its capacity as an issuer of Letters of Credit hereunder.

 

(k)  Termination of an Issuing Bank.  The Borrower may terminate the appointment of any Issuing Bank as an “Issuing Bank” hereunder by providing a written notice thereof to such Issuing Bank, with a copy to the Administrative Agent.  Any such termination shall become effective upon the earlier of (i) such Issuing Bank acknowledging receipt of such notice and (ii) the tenth Business Day following the date of the delivery thereof; provided that no such termination shall become effective until and unless the LC Exposure attributable to Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank (or its Affiliates) shall have been reduced to zero or cash collateralized or backstopped in a manner reasonably acceptable to such Issuing Bank.  At the time any such termination shall become effective, the Borrower shall pay all unpaid fees accrued for the account of the terminated Issuing Bank pursuant to Section 2.11(b).  Notwithstanding the effectiveness of any such termination, the terminated Issuing Bank shall remain a party hereto and shall continue to have all the rights of an Issuing Bank under this Agreement with respect to Letters of Credit issued by it prior to such termination, but shall not issue any additional Letters of Credit.

 

(l)  Issuing Bank Reports to the Administrative Agent.  Unless otherwise agreed by the Administrative Agent, each Issuing Bank shall, in addition to its notification obligations set forth elsewhere in this Section, report in writing to the Administrative Agent (i) periodic activity (for such period or recurrent periods as shall be requested by the Administrative Agent) in respect of Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank, including all issuances, extensions, amendments and renewals, all expirations and cancellations and all disbursements and reimbursements, (ii) reasonably prior to the time that such Issuing Bank issues, amends, renews or extends any Letter of Credit, the date of such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension, and the stated amount of the Letters of Credit issued, amended, renewed or extended by it and outstanding after giving effect to such issuance, amendment, renewal or extension (and whether the amounts thereof shall have changed), (iii) on each Business Day on which such Issuing Bank makes any LC Disbursement, the date and amount of such LC Disbursement, (iv) on any Business Day on which the Borrower fails to reimburse an LC Disbursement required to be reimbursed to such Issuing Bank on such day, the date of such failure and the amount of such LC Disbursement and (v) on any other Business Day, such other information as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request as to the Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank.

 

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(m)  LC Exposure Determination.  For all purposes of this Agreement, the amount of a Letter of Credit that, by its terms or the terms of any document related thereto, provides for one or more automatic increases in the stated amount thereof shall be deemed to be the maximum stated amount of such Letter of Credit after giving effect to all such increases, whether or not such maximum stated amount is in effect at the time of determination.

 

(n)  Applicability of ISP and UCP.  Unless otherwise expressly agreed by the applicable Issuing Bank and the Borrower when a Letter of Credit is issued, (i) the rules of the ISP shall apply to each standby Letter of Credit, and (ii) the rules of the UCP shall apply to each commercial Letter of Credit.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Issuing Bank shall not be responsible to the Borrower for, and an Issuing Bank’s rights and remedies against the Borrower shall not be impaired by, any action or inaction of such Issuing Bank required or permitted under any law, order, or practice that is required or permitted to be applied to any Letter of Credit or this Agreement, including the law or any order of a jurisdiction where such Issuing Bank or the beneficiary is located, the practice stated in the ISP or UCP, as applicable, or in the decisions, opinions, practice statements, or official commentary of the ICC Banking Commission, the Bankers Association for Finance and Trade — International Financial Services Association (BAFT-IFSA), or the Institute of International Banking Law & Practice, whether or not any Letter of Credit chooses such law or practice.

 

SECTION 2.05.  Funding of Borrowings.  (a)  Each Lender shall make each Loan to be made by it hereunder on the proposed date thereof by wire transfer of immediately available funds by 1:00 PM, New York City time, to the account of the Administrative Agent most recently designated by it for such purpose by notice to the Lenders.  The Administrative Agent will make such Loans available to the Borrower either by promptly (i) crediting the account of the Borrower on the books of Bank of America with amounts so received or (ii) wire transfer of such funds, in each case in accordance with the instructions provided to (and reasonably acceptable to) the Administrative Agent in the applicable Borrowing Request; provided that ABR Revolving Loans made to finance the reimbursement of an LC Disbursement as provided in Section 2.04(e) shall be remitted by the Administrative Agent to the applicable Issuing Bank or, to the extent that Revolving Lenders have made payments pursuant to Section 2.04(e) to reimburse such Issuing Bank, then to such Revolving Lenders and such Issuing Bank as their interests may appear.

 

(b)  Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from a Lender prior to the proposed date of any Borrowing that such Lender will not make available to the Administrative Agent such Lender’s share of such Borrowing, the Administrative Agent may assume that such Lender has made such share available on such date in accordance with paragraph (a) of this Section and may, in reliance upon such assumption and in its sole discretion, make available to the Borrower a corresponding amount.  In such event, if a Lender has not in fact made its share of the applicable Borrowing available to the Administrative Agent, then the applicable Lender and the Borrower severally agree to pay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand such corresponding amount with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date

 

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such amount is made available to the Borrower to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at (i) in the case of such Lender, the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation or (ii) in the case of the Borrower, the interest rate applicable to ABR Loans of the applicable Class.  If the Borrower and such Lender shall pay such interest to the Administrative Agent for the same or an overlapping period, the Administrative Agent shall promptly remit to the Borrower the amount of such interest paid by the Borrower for such period.  If such Lender pays such amount to the Administrative Agent, then such amount shall constitute such Lender’s Loan included in such Borrowing.

 

SECTION 2.06.  Interest Elections.  (a)  Each Revolving Borrowing and Term Borrowing initially shall be of the Type specified in the applicable Borrowing Request or designated by Section 2.03 and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, shall have an initial Interest Period as specified in such Borrowing Request or designated by Section 2.03.  Thereafter, the Borrower may elect to convert such Borrowing to a Borrowing of a different Type or to continue such Borrowing and, in the case of a Eurodollar Borrowing, may elect Interest Periods therefor, all as provided in this Section.  The Borrower may elect different options with respect to different portions of the affected Borrowing, in which case each such portion shall be allocated ratably among the Lenders holding the Loans comprising such Borrowing, and the Loans comprising each such portion shall be considered a separate Borrowing.

 

(b)  To make an election pursuant to this Section, the Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of such election by telephone by the time that a Borrowing Request would be required under Section 2.03 if the Borrower were requesting a Revolving Borrowing of the Type resulting from such election to be made on the effective date of such election.  Each such telephonic Interest Election Request shall be irrevocable and shall be confirmed promptly by hand delivery, e-mail or facsimile to the Administrative Agent of a written Interest Election Request signed by the Borrower.

 

(c)  Each telephonic and written Interest Election Request shall specify the following information in compliance with Section 2.02:

 

(i) the Borrowing to which such Interest Election Request applies and, if different options are being elected with respect to different portions thereof, the portions thereof to be allocated to each resulting Borrowing (in which case the information to be specified pursuant to clauses (iii) and (iv) below shall be specified for each resulting Borrowing);

 

(ii) the effective date of the election made pursuant to such Interest Election Request, which shall be a Business Day;

 

(iii) whether the resulting Borrowing is to be an ABR Borrowing or a Eurodollar Borrowing; and

 

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(iv) if the resulting Borrowing is to be a Eurodollar Borrowing, the Interest Period to be applicable thereto after giving effect to such election, which shall be a period contemplated by the definition of the term “Interest Period”.

 

If any such Interest Election Request requests a Eurodollar Borrowing but does not specify an Interest Period, then the Borrower shall be deemed to have selected an Interest Period of one month’s duration.

 

(d)  Promptly following receipt of an Interest Election Request, the Administrative Agent shall advise each Lender of the applicable Class of the details thereof and of such Lender’s portion of each resulting Borrowing.

 

(e)  If the Borrower fails to deliver a timely Interest Election Request with respect to a Eurodollar Borrowing prior to the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto, then, unless such Borrowing is repaid as provided herein, at the end of such Interest Period such Borrowing shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing.  Notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof, during the existence of a Default, (i) no outstanding Borrowing (or Borrowing of the applicable Class, as applicable) may be converted to or continued as a Eurodollar Borrowing and (ii) unless repaid, each Eurodollar Borrowing (or Eurodollar Borrowing of the applicable Class, as applicable) shall be converted to an ABR Borrowing at the end of the Interest Period applicable thereto.

 

SECTION 2.07.  Termination and Reduction of Commitments.  (a)  Unless previously terminated, (i) the Tranche A Term Commitments and the Tranche B Term Commitments shall automatically terminate at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Effective Date and (ii) the Revolving Commitments shall automatically terminate on the Revolving Maturity Date.

 

(b)  The Borrower may at any time terminate, or from time to time permanently reduce, the Commitments of any Class; provided that (i) each partial reduction of the Commitments of any Class shall be in an amount that is an integral multiple of $1,000,000 and not less than $5,000,000, (ii) the Borrower shall not terminate or reduce the Revolving Commitments if, after giving effect to any concurrent prepayment of the Revolving Loans in accordance with Section 2.10, the Aggregate Revolving Exposure would exceed the Aggregate Revolving Commitment and (iii) the Borrower shall not terminate or reduce the LC Sublimit if, after giving effect thereto, the LC Exposure not fully cash collateralized hereunder would exceed the LC Sublimit.

 

(c)  The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent of any election to terminate or reduce the Commitments under paragraph (b) of this Section not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, three Business Days, or such shorter period as may be agreed by the Administrative Agent, prior to the effective date of such termination or reduction, specifying such election and the effective date thereof.  Promptly following receipt of any such notice, the Administrative Agent shall advise the Lenders of the applicable Class of the contents thereof.  Each notice delivered by the Borrower pursuant to this Section shall be irrevocable; provided that a notice of termination or reduction of

 

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the Revolving Commitments delivered under this paragraph may state that such notice is conditioned upon the occurrence of one or more events specified therein, in which case such notice may be revoked by the Borrower (by notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified effective date) if such condition is not satisfied.  Any termination or reduction of the Commitments of any Class shall be permanent.  Each reduction of the Commitments of any Class shall be made ratably among the Lenders in accordance with their respective Commitments of such Class.  All fees in respect of the Revolving Commitments accrued until the effective date of any termination of the Revolving Commitments shall be paid on the effective date of such termination.

 

(d)  If after giving effect to any reduction or termination of Revolving Commitments under this Section 2.07, the LC Sublimit exceeds the Revolving Commitments at such time, the LC Sublimit shall be automatically reduced by the amount of such excess.

 

SECTION 2.08.  Repayment of Loans; Evidence of Debt.  (a)  The Borrower hereby unconditionally promises to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Revolving Loan of such Lender on the Revolving Maturity Date and (ii) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Lender the then unpaid principal amount of each Term Loan of such Lender as provided in Section 2.09.

 

(b)  The records maintained by the Administrative Agent and the Lenders shall be prima facie evidence of the existence and amounts of the obligations of the Borrower in respect of Loans, LC Disbursements, interest and fees due or accrued hereunder; provided that the failure of the Administrative Agent or any Lender to maintain such records or any error therein shall not in any manner affect the obligation of the Borrower to pay any amounts due hereunder in accordance with the terms of this Agreement.

 

(c)  Any Lender may request that Loans of any Class made by it be evidenced by a registered promissory note; provided that any such promissory notes to be issued on the Effective Date shall be requested by the relevant Lender at least 3 Business Days prior to such date.  In such event, the Borrower shall prepare, execute and deliver to such Lender a promissory note payable to such Lender and its registered assigns and in a form approved by the Administrative Agent, it being agreed that the Form of Term Loan Promissory Note attached hereto as Exhibit J-1 and the Form of Revolving Loan Promissory Note attached hereto as Exhibit J-2 are approved.  Thereafter, the Loans evidenced by such promissory note and interest thereon shall at all times (including after assignment pursuant to Section 9.04) be represented by one or more promissory notes in such form payable to the payee named therein and its registered assigns; provided that in the event of any assignment of Loans evidenced by a promissory note, the Borrower shall not be obligated to execute and deliver a promissory note to the assignee of such Loans unless and until the assigning Lender has returned its promissory note to the Borrower or the Borrower has received a lost note affidavit and indemnity from the assigning Lender in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Borrower.

 

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SECTION 2.09.  Amortization of Term Loans.  (a)  (i)  Subject to adjustment pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section, the Borrower shall repay Tranche A Term Borrowings on each date set forth below in the aggregate principal amount set forth opposite such date:

 

Date

 

Amount

 

September 30, 2016

 

$

11,125,000

 

December 31, 2016

 

$

11,125,000

 

March 31, 2017

 

$

11,125,000

 

June 30, 2017

 

$

11,125,000

 

September 30, 2017

 

$

11,125,000

 

December 31, 2017

 

$

11,125,000

 

March 31, 2018

 

$

11,125,000

 

June 30, 2018

 

$

11,125,000

 

September 30, 2018

 

$

11,125,000

 

December 31, 2018

 

$

11,125,000

 

March 31, 2019

 

$

11,125,000

 

June 30, 2019

 

$

11,125,000

 

September 30, 2019

 

$

11,125,000

 

December 31, 2019

 

$

11,125,000

 

March 31, 2020

 

$

11,125,000

 

June 30, 2020

 

$

11,125,000

 

September 30, 2020

 

$

11,125,000

 

December 31, 2020

 

$

11,125,000

 

March 31, 2021

 

$

11,125,000

 

Tranche A Term Maturity Date

 

$

233,625,000

 

 

(ii) Subject to adjustment pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section, the Borrower shall repay Tranche B Term Borrowings on each date set forth below in the aggregate principal amount set forth opposite such date:

 

Date

 

Amount

 

September 30, 2016

 

$

262,500

 

December 31, 2016

 

$

262,500

 

March 31, 2017

 

$

262,500

 

June 30, 2017

 

$

262,500

 

September 30, 2017

 

$

262,500

 

December 31, 2017

 

$

262,500

 

March 31, 2018

 

$

262,500

 

June 30, 2018

 

$

262,500

 

September 30, 2018

 

$

262,500

 

December 31, 2018

 

$

262,500

 

March 31, 2019

 

$

262,500

 

June 30, 2019

 

$

262,500

 

September 30, 2019

 

$

262,500

 

December 31, 2019

 

$

262,500

 

March 31, 2020

 

$

262,500

 

June 30, 2020

 

$

262,500

 

September 30, 2020

 

$

262,500

 

December 31, 2020

 

$

262,500

 

March 31, 2021

 

$

262,500

 

June 30, 2021

 

$

262,500

 

September 30, 2021

 

$

262,500

 

December 31, 2021

 

$

262,500

 

March 31, 2022

 

$

262,500

 

Tranche B Term Maturity Date

 

$

98,962,500

 

 

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(b)  To the extent not previously paid, (i) all Tranche A Term Loans shall be due and payable on the Tranche A Term Maturity Date and (ii) all Tranche B Term Loans shall be due and payable on the Tranche B Term Maturity Date.

 

(c)  Any prepayment of a Term Borrowing of any Class shall be applied to reduce the subsequent scheduled repayments of the Term Borrowings of such Class to be made pursuant to this Section (i) in the case of a prepayment pursuant to Section 2.10(a), as directed in writing by the Borrower and (ii) in the case of a prepayment pursuant to Section 2.10(c) or (d), (x) first, in direct order of maturity to the scheduled repayments occurring in the twenty-four months following the date of such prepayment and (y) second, ratably to the remaining scheduled repayments based on the amount of such scheduled repayments; provided that (A) any prepayment of any Class of Incremental Term Borrowings shall be applied to subsequent scheduled repayments as provided in the applicable Incremental Facility Amendment, (B) any prepayment of Term Borrowings of any Class contemplated by Section 2.22 shall be applied to subsequent scheduled repayments as provided in such Section and (C) if any Lender elects to decline a mandatory prepayment of a Term Borrowing in accordance with Section 2.10(e), then such prepayment shall be applied to reduce the subsequent repayments of such Term Borrowing to be made pursuant to this Section ratably based on the amount of such scheduled repayments.

 

(d)  Prior to any repayment of any Term Borrowings of any Class under this Section, the Borrower shall select the Borrowing or Borrowings of the applicable Class to be repaid and shall notify the Administrative Agent by telephone (confirmed by hand delivery, e-mail or facsimile) of such selection not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, three Business Days before the scheduled date of such repayment.  Each repayment of a Term Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Loans included in the repaid Term Borrowing.  Repayments of Term Borrowings shall be accompanied by accrued interest on the amount repaid.

 

SECTION 2.10.  Prepayment of Loans.  (a)  The Borrower shall have the right at any time and from time to time to prepay any Borrowing, in whole or in part, subject to the requirements of this Section.

 

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(b)  In the event and on each occasion that the Aggregate Revolving Exposure exceeds the Aggregate Revolving Commitment, the Borrower shall within one Business Day prepay Revolving Borrowings (or, if no such Borrowings are outstanding, deposit cash collateral in an account with the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 2.04(i)) in an aggregate amount equal to such excess.

 

(c)  In the event and on each occasion that any Net Proceeds are received by or on behalf of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in respect of any Prepayment Event (including by the Administrative Agent as loss payee in respect of any Prepayment Event described in clause (b) of the definition of the term “Prepayment Event”), the Borrower shall, within three Business Days after the day such Net Proceeds are received, prepay Term Borrowings in an aggregate amount equal to 100% of the amount of such Net Proceeds; provided that, in the case of any event described in clause (a) or (b) of the definition of the term “Prepayment Event”, if the Borrower shall, prior to the date of the required prepayment, deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Responsible Officer to the effect that the Borrower intends to cause the Net Proceeds from such event (or a portion thereof specified in such certificate) to be applied within 360 days after receipt of such Net Proceeds to acquire real property, equipment or other tangible assets to be used in the business of the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries and certifying that no Default has occurred and is continuing, then no prepayment shall be required pursuant to this paragraph in respect of the Net Proceeds in respect of such event (or the portion of such Net Proceeds specified in such certificate, if applicable) except to the extent of any such Net Proceeds that have not been so applied by the end of such 360-day period (or within a period of 180 days thereafter if by the end of such initial 360-day period the Borrower or one or more Restricted Subsidiaries shall have entered into an agreement with a third party to acquire such real property, equipment or other tangible assets), at which time a prepayment shall be required in an amount equal to such Net Proceeds that have not been so applied; provided, further, that the Borrower may use an amount equal to a portion of such Net Proceeds from a Prepayment Event described in clause (a) or (b) of the definition of the term “Prepayment Event” to prepay or repurchase any Permitted Pari Passu Refinancing Debt to the extent that the documentation governing such Permitted Pari Passu Refinancing Debt requires such a prepayment or repurchase thereof with the proceeds of such Prepayment Event, in each case in an amount not to exceed the product of (x) the amount of such Net Proceeds and (y) a fraction, the numerator of which is the outstanding principal amount of such Permitted Pari Passu Refinancing Debt and the denominator of which is the sum of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of Term Loans and the aggregate outstanding principal amount of such Permitted Pari Passu Refinancing Debt.

 

(d)  Following the end of each Fiscal Year, commencing with the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 2016 but solely with respect to that portion of such Fiscal Year during which any Term Loans are outstanding, the Borrower shall prepay Term Borrowings in an aggregate amount equal to the Specified ECF Percentage of Excess Cash Flow for such Fiscal Year; provided that such amount shall be reduced dollar-for-dollar by the aggregate amount of prepayments of Term Borrowings made pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Section during such Fiscal Year, excluding any such prepayments to the extent financed from Excluded Sources.  Each prepayment pursuant to this paragraph

 

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shall be made on or before the date that is three Business Days after the date on which financial statements are delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) with respect to the Fiscal Year for which Excess Cash Flow is being calculated (and in any event not later than the last day on which such financial statements may be delivered in compliance with such Section).

 

(e)  Prior to any optional or mandatory prepayment of Borrowings under this Section, the Borrower shall, subject to the next sentence, select the Borrowing or Borrowings to be prepaid and shall specify such selection in the notice of such prepayment delivered pursuant to paragraph (f) of this Section.  In the event of any mandatory prepayment of Term Borrowings in respect of any Prepayment Event made at a time when Term Borrowings of more than one Class remain outstanding, the Borrower shall select Term Borrowings to be prepaid so that the aggregate amount of such prepayment is allocated between Tranche A Term Borrowings and Tranche B Term Borrowings and, to the extent provided in the Incremental Facility Amendment for any Class of Incremental Term Loans, the Borrowings of such Class, pro rata based on the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Borrowings of each such Class; provided that any Tranche A Term Lender and Tranche B Term Lender (and, to the extent provided in the Incremental Facility Amendment for any Class of Incremental Term Loans, any Lender that holds Incremental Term Loans of such Class) may elect, by notice to the Administrative Agent by telephone (confirmed by hand delivery, e-mail or facsimile) at least one Business Day prior to the required prepayment date, to decline all or any portion of any prepayment of its Tranche A Term Loans, Tranche B Term Loans or Incremental Term Loans of any such Class pursuant to this Section (other than an optional prepayment pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Section, which may not be declined), in which case the aggregate amount of the prepayment that would have been applied to prepay Tranche A Term Loans, Tranche B Term Loans or Incremental Term Loans of any such Class but was so declined shall be retained by the Borrower.

 

(f)  The Borrower shall notify the Administrative Agent by telephone (confirmed by hand delivery, e-mail or facsimile) of any prepayment hereunder (i) in the case of prepayment of a Eurodollar Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, three Business Days (or such shorter period as agreed to by the Administrative Agent) before the date of prepayment or (ii) in the case of prepayment of an ABR Borrowing, not later than 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on the date of prepayment.  Each such notice shall be irrevocable and shall specify the prepayment date, the principal amount of each Borrowing or portion thereof to be prepaid and, in the case of a mandatory prepayment, a reasonably detailed calculation of the amount of such prepayment; provided that (A) if a notice of optional prepayment is given in connection with a conditional notice of termination of the Revolving Commitments as contemplated by Section 2.07, then such notice of prepayment may be revoked if such notice of termination is revoked in accordance with Section 2.07 and (B) a notice of prepayment of Term Borrowings pursuant to paragraph (a) of this Section may state that such notice is conditioned upon the occurrence of one or more events specified therein, in which case such notice of prepayment may be revoked by the Borrower (by notice to the Administrative Agent on or prior to the specified date of prepayment) if such condition is not satisfied.  Promptly following receipt of any such notice, the Administrative Agent

 

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shall advise the Lenders of the applicable Class of the contents thereof.  Each partial prepayment of any Borrowing shall be in an amount that would be permitted in the case of an advance of a Borrowing of the same Type as provided in Section 2.02, except as necessary to apply fully the required amount of a mandatory prepayment.  Each prepayment of a Borrowing shall be applied ratably to the Loans included in the prepaid Borrowing.  Prepayments shall be accompanied by accrued interest to the extent required by Section 2.12.

 

(g)  All (i) prepayments of Tranche B Term Borrowings effected on or prior to the six-month anniversary of the Effective Date, in each case with the proceeds of a Repricing Transaction and (ii) amendments, amendments and restatements or other modifications of this Agreement on or prior to the six-month anniversary of the Effective Date, the effect of which is a Repricing Transaction, in each case shall be accompanied by a fee payable to the Tranche B Term Lenders in an amount equal to 1.00% of the aggregate principal amount of the Tranche B Term Borrowings so prepaid, in the case of a transaction described in clause (i) of this paragraph, or 1.00% of the aggregate principal amount of Tranche B Term Borrowings affected by such amendment, amendment and restatement or other modification, in the case of a transaction described in clause (ii) of this paragraph.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, this paragraph shall not apply to a refinancing of all the Loans outstanding under this Agreement in connection with (i) an acquisition of the Borrower or the sale of all or substantially all the Borrower’s consolidated assets or (ii) an IPO.  Such fee shall be paid by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent, for the account of the Tranche B Term Lenders, on the date of such prepayment.

 

(h)  Notwithstanding any other provisions of this Section 2.10, to the extent any or all of the Net Proceeds of any event described in clause (a) or (b) of the definition of the term “Prepayment Event” by a Foreign Subsidiary or Excess Cash Flow attributable to Foreign Subsidiaries, in either case are prohibited or delayed by any applicable local law (including financial assistance, corporate benefit restrictions on distributing cash intra group and the fiduciary and statutory duties of the directors of such Foreign Subsidiary) from being repatriated or distributed to or used for the benefit of the Borrower or any applicable Domestic Subsidiary or if the Borrower has determined in good faith that repatriation of any such amount to the Borrower or any applicable Domestic Subsidiary would have material adverse tax consequences to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) with respect to such amount, the portion of such Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow so affected will not be required to be applied to prepay the Term Loans at the times provided in this Section 2.10 but may be retained by the applicable Foreign Subsidiary so long, but only so long, as the applicable local law will not permit repatriation or the distribution to or otherwise using for the benefit of the Borrower or the applicable Domestic Subsidiary, or the Borrower believes in good faith that such material adverse tax consequence would result, and once such repatriation of any of such affected Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow is permitted under the applicable local law or the Borrower determines in good faith such repatriation would no longer would have such material adverse tax consequences, such repatriation will be promptly effected and such repatriated Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow will be promptly (and in any event not later than five Business Days after such repatriation) applied (net of

 

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additional taxes payable or reasonably estimated to be payable as a result thereof) to the prepayment of the Term Loans pursuant to this Section 2.10 (provided that no such prepayment of the Term Loans pursuant to this Section 2.10 shall be required in the case of any such Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow the repatriation of which the Borrower believes in good faith would result in material adverse tax consequences, if on or before the date on which such Net Proceeds so retained would otherwise have been required to be applied to reinvestments or prepayments pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section (or such Excess Cash Flow would have been so required if it were Net Proceeds), (x) the Borrower applies an amount equal to the amount of such Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow to such reinvestments or prepayments as if such Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow had been received by the Borrower rather than such Foreign Subsidiary, less the amount of additional taxes that would have been payable or reserved against if such Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow had been repatriated (or, if less, the Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow that would be calculated if received by such Foreign Subsidiary) or (y) such Net Proceeds or Excess Cash Flow are applied to the repayment of Indebtedness of a Foreign Subsidiary).

 

SECTION 2.11.  Fees.  (a)  The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Lender a commitment fee, which shall accrue at the Applicable Rate on the average daily unused amount of the Revolving Commitment of such Revolving Lender during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate.  Accrued commitment fees shall be payable in arrears on the last Business Day of March, June, September and December of each year and on the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate, commencing on the first such date to occur after the Effective Date.  All commitment fees shall be computed quarterly on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).  For purposes of computing commitment fees, a Revolving Commitment of a Lender shall be deemed to be used to the extent of the outstanding Revolving Loans and LC Exposure of such Lender.

 

(b)  The Borrower agrees to pay (i) to the Administrative Agent for the account of each Revolving Lender a participation fee with respect to its participations in Letters of Credit, which shall accrue at the same Applicable Rate then used to determine the interest rate applicable to Eurodollar Revolving Loans on the average daily amount of such Lender’s LC Exposure (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC Disbursements) during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the date on which such Lender’s Revolving Commitment terminates and the date on which such Lender ceases to have any LC Exposure and (ii) to each Issuing Bank a fronting fee in an amount equal to 0.125% per annum on the average daily amount of the LC Exposure attributable to Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank (excluding any portion thereof attributable to unreimbursed LC Disbursements) during the period from and including the Effective Date to but excluding the later of the date of termination of the Revolving Commitments and the date on which there ceases to be any such LC Exposure, as well as such Issuing Bank’s standard fees with respect to the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or processing of drawings thereunder.  Participation fees and fronting fees accrued through and including

 

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the last day of March, June, September and December of each year shall be payable on the third Business Day following such last day, commencing on the first such date to occur after the Effective Date; provided that all such fees shall be payable on the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate and any such fees accruing after the date on which the Revolving Commitments terminate shall be payable on demand.  Any other fees payable to an Issuing Bank pursuant to this paragraph shall be payable within 10 days after demand.  All participation fees and fronting fees shall be computed quarterly on the basis of a year of 360 days and shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day).

 

(c)  The Borrower agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent, for its own account, fees payable in the amounts and at the times separately agreed upon between the Borrower and the Administrative Agent.

 

(d)  All fees payable hereunder shall be paid on the dates due, in immediately available funds, to the Administrative Agent (or to the applicable Issuing Bank, in the case of fees payable to it) for distribution, in the case of commitment fees and participation fees, to the Revolving Lenders entitled thereto.  Fees paid hereunder shall not be refundable under any circumstances (absent manifest error in the amount paid).  Each determination by the Administrative Agent of fees payable hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes (absent manifest error).

 

SECTION 2.12.  Interest.  (a)  The Loans comprising each ABR Borrowing shall bear interest at the Alternate Base Rate plus the Applicable Rate.

 

(b)  The Loans comprising each Eurodollar Borrowing shall bear interest at the Adjusted LIBO Rate for the Interest Period in effect for such Borrowing plus the Applicable Rate.

 

(c)  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any principal of or interest on any Loan or any fee or other amount payable by the Borrower hereunder is not paid when due, whether at stated maturity, upon acceleration or otherwise, such overdue amount shall bear interest, after as well as before judgment, at a rate per annum equal to (i) in the case of overdue principal of any Loan, 2.00% per annum plus the rate otherwise applicable to such Loan as provided in the preceding paragraphs of this Section or (ii) in the case of any other amount, 2.00% per annum plus the rate applicable to ABR Revolving Loans as provided in paragraph (a) of this Section, in each case to the fullest extent permitted by applicable laws.  Payment or acceptance of the increased rates of interest provided for in this paragraph (c) is not a permitted alternative to timely payment and shall not constitute a waiver of any Event of Default or otherwise prejudice or limit any rights or remedies of the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender.

 

(d)  Accrued interest on each Loan shall be payable in arrears on each Interest Payment Date for such Loan and, in the case of a Revolving Loan, upon termination of the Revolving Commitments; provided that (i) interest accrued pursuant to paragraph (c) of this Section shall be payable on demand, (ii) in the event of any repayment or prepayment of any Loan (other than a prepayment of an ABR Revolving

 

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Loan prior to the end of the Revolving Availability Period), accrued interest on the principal amount repaid or prepaid shall be payable on the date of such repayment or prepayment and (iii) in the event of any conversion of a Eurodollar Loan prior to the end of the current Interest Period therefor, accrued interest on such Loan shall be payable on the effective date of such conversion.

 

(e)  All interest hereunder shall be computed on the basis of a year of 360 days, except that interest computed by reference to the Alternate Base Rate at times when the Alternate Base Rate is based on the Prime Rate shall be computed on the basis of a year of 365 days (or 366 days in a leap year), and in each case shall be payable for the actual number of days elapsed (including the first day but excluding the last day; provided that, if a Loan, or a portion thereof, is repaid on the same day on which such Loan is made, one day’s interest shall accrue on the portion of such Loan so prepaid).  Each determination by the Administrative Agent of interest payable hereunder shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes (absent manifest error).

 

SECTION 2.13.  Alternate Rate of Interest.  If prior to the commencement of any Interest Period for a Eurodollar Borrowing of any Class:

 

(a)  the Administrative Agent determines in good faith (which determination shall be conclusive absent manifest error) that adequate and reasonable means do not exist for ascertaining the Adjusted LIBO Rate for such Interest Period; or

 

(b)  the Administrative Agent is advised by a Majority in Interest of the Lenders of such Class that the Adjusted LIBO Rate for such Interest Period will not adequately and fairly reflect the cost to such Lenders of making or maintaining their Loans included in such Eurodollar Borrowing for such Interest Period;

 

then the Administrative Agent shall give notice thereof to the Borrower and the Lenders of such Class by telephone or facsimile as promptly as practicable thereafter and, until the Administrative Agent notifies the Borrower and the Lenders of such Class that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist, (i) any Interest Election Request that requests the conversion of any Borrowing of such Class to, or continuation of any Borrowing of such Class as, a Eurodollar Borrowing shall be ineffective, and such Borrowing shall be continued as an ABR Borrowing and (ii) any Borrowing Request for a Eurodollar Borrowing of such Class shall be treated as a request for an ABR Borrowing.

 

SECTION 2.14.  Increased Costs.  (a)  If any Change in Law shall:

 

(i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit, compulsory loan, insurance charge or similar requirement against assets of, deposits with or for the account of, or credit extended or participated in by, any Lender (except any such reserve requirement reflected in the Adjusted LIBO Rate) or any Issuing Bank;

 

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(ii) impose on any Lender or any Issuing Bank or the London interbank market any other condition, cost or expense (other than Taxes) affecting this Agreement or Loans made by such Lender or any Letter of Credit or participation therein; or

 

(iii) subject any Recipient to any Taxes (other than (A) Indemnified Taxes and (B) Excluded Taxes) on its loans, loan principal, letters of credit, commitments or other obligations, or its deposits, reserves, other liabilities or capital attributable thereto;

 

and the result of any of the foregoing shall be to increase the cost to such Lender or such other Recipient of making, converting, continuing or maintaining any Loan (or of maintaining its obligation to make any such Loan) or to increase the cost to such Lender, such Issuing Bank or such other Recipient of participating in, issuing or maintaining any Letter of Credit (or of maintaining its obligation to participate in or to issue any Letter of Credit) or to reduce the amount of any sum received or receivable by such Lender, such Issuing Bank or such other Recipient hereunder (whether of principal, interest or otherwise), then, from time to time upon request of such Lender, such Issuing Bank or such other Recipient, the Borrower will pay to such Lender, such Issuing Bank or such other Recipient, as applicable, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender, such Issuing Bank or such other Recipient, as applicable, for such additional costs or expenses incurred or reduction suffered.

 

(b)  If any Lender or any Issuing Bank determines that any Change in Law regarding capital or liquidity requirements has had or would have the effect of reducing the rate of return on such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s capital or on the capital of such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s holding company, if any, as a consequence of this Agreement, the Commitments of such Lender or the Loans made by, or participations in Letters of Credit held by, such Lender, or the Letters of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank, to a level below that which such Lender or such Issuing Bank or such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s holding company could have achieved but for such Change in Law (taking into consideration such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s policies and the policies of such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s holding company with respect to capital adequacy or liquidity), then, from time to time upon the request of such Lender or such Issuing Bank, the Borrower will pay to such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as applicable, such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender or such Issuing Bank or such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s holding company for any such reduction suffered.

 

(c)  If any Lender determines that any Change in Law has made it unlawful, or that any Governmental Authority has asserted that it is unlawful, for any Lender to make, maintain or fund or charge interest with respect to any Eurodollar Loan or to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Adjusted LIBO Rate, or any Governmental Authority has imposed material restrictions on the authority of such Lender to purchase or sell, or to take deposits of, dollars in the London interbank market, then, on notice thereof by such Lender to the Administrative Agent, (i) any obligation of such Lender to issue, make, maintain, fund or charge interest with respect to any such

 

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Eurodollar Loan or to convert ABR Loans to Eurodollar Loans shall be suspended, and (ii) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender making or maintaining ABR Loans the interest rate on which is determined by reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate component of the Alternate Base Rate, the interest rate on which ABR Loans of such Lender shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate component of the Alternate Base Rate, in each case until such Lender notifies the Administrative Agent and the Borrower that the circumstances giving rise to such determination no longer exist.  Upon receipt of such notice, (x) the Borrower shall, upon demand from such Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), either prepay or convert, at the option of the Borrower, all Eurodollar Loans of such Lender to ABR Loans (the interest rate on which ABR Loans of such Lender shall, if necessary to avoid such illegality, be determined by the Administrative Agent without reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate component of the Alternate Base Rate), either on the last day of the Interest Period therefor, if such Lender may lawfully continue to maintain such Eurodollar Loans to such day, or immediately, if such Lender may not lawfully continue to maintain such Eurodollar Loans and (y) if such notice asserts the illegality of such Lender determining or charging interest rates based upon the Adjusted LIBO Rate, the Administrative Agent shall during the period of such suspension compute the Alternate Base Rate applicable to such Lender without reference to the Adjusted LIBO Rate component thereof until the Administrative Agent is advised in writing by such Lender that it is no longer illegal for such Lender to determine or charge interest rates based upon the Adjusted LIBO Rate.  Upon any such prepayment or conversion, the Borrower shall also pay accrued interest on the amount so prepaid or converted.

 

(d)  A certificate of a Lender or an Issuing Bank setting forth the amount or amounts necessary to compensate such Lender or such Issuing Bank or its holding company, as applicable, as specified in paragraph (a), (b) or (c) of this Section shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error.  The Borrower shall pay such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as applicable, the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.

 

(e)  Failure or delay on the part of any Lender or any Issuing Bank to demand compensation pursuant to this Section shall not constitute a waiver of such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s right to demand such compensation; provided that the Borrower shall not be required to compensate a Lender or an Issuing Bank pursuant to this Section for any increased costs or expenses incurred or reductions suffered more than 270 days prior to the date that such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as applicable, notifies the Borrower of the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or expenses or reductions and of such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s intention to claim compensation therefor; provided further that, if the Change in Law giving rise to such increased costs or expenses or reductions is retroactive, then the 270-day period referred to above shall be extended to include the period of retroactive effect thereof.

 

(f)  Notwithstanding anything contained herein to the contrary, a Lender shall not be entitled to any compensation pursuant to this Section 2.14 to the extent such Lender is not imposing such charges or requesting such compensation from borrowers

 

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(similarly situated to the Borrower hereunder) under comparable syndicated credit facilities as a matter of general practice and policy.

 

SECTION 2.15.  Break Funding Payments.  In the event of (a) the payment of any principal of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of an Interest Period applicable thereto (including as a result of an Event of Default), (b) the conversion of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto, (c) the failure to borrow, convert, continue or prepay any Revolving Loan or Term Loan on the date specified in any notice delivered pursuant hereto (whether or not such notice may be revoked in accordance with the terms hereof) or (d) the assignment of any Eurodollar Loan other than on the last day of the Interest Period applicable thereto as a result of a request by the Borrower pursuant to Section 2.18(b) or 9.02(c), then, in any such event, the Borrower shall compensate each Lender for the loss, cost and expense (excluding any loss of margin or lost profit) attributable to such event.  In the case of a Eurodollar Loan, such loss, cost or expense to any Lender shall be deemed to include an amount determined by such Lender to be the excess, if any, of (i) the amount of interest that would have accrued on the principal amount of such Loan had such event not occurred, at the Adjusted LIBO Rate that would have been applicable to such Loan (but not including the Applicable Rate applicable thereto), for the period from the date of such event to the last day of the then current Interest Period therefor (or, in the case of a failure to borrow, convert or continue, for the period that would have been the Interest Period for such Loan), over (ii) the amount of interest that would accrue on such principal amount for such period at the interest rate that such Lender would bid were it to bid, at the commencement of such period, for dollar deposits of a comparable amount and period from other banks in the London interbank market.  A certificate of any Lender setting forth any amount or amounts that such Lender is entitled to receive pursuant to this Section, the basis therefor and, in reasonable detail, the manner in which such amount or amounts were determined, which certificate shall be delivered to the Borrower and shall be conclusive absent manifest error.  The Borrower shall pay such Lender the amount shown as due on any such certificate within 10 days after receipt thereof.  Notwithstanding anything contained in the foregoing provisions, no Lender shall be entitled to any compensation from the Borrower under this Section 2.15 if the Loans are repaid with the net proceeds received by (or contributed to) the Borrower from an IPO.

 

SECTION 2.16.  Taxes.  (a)  Payment Free of Taxes.  Any and all payments by or on account of any obligation of any Loan Party under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be made without deduction or withholding for any Taxes, except as required by applicable law.  If any applicable law (as determined in the good faith discretion of an applicable withholding agent) requires the deduction or withholding of any Tax from any such payment by a withholding agent, then the applicable withholding agent shall be entitled to make such deduction or withholding and shall timely pay the full amount deducted or withheld to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law and, if such Tax is an Indemnified Tax, then the sum payable by the applicable Loan Party shall be increased as necessary so that after such deduction or withholding has been made (including such deductions and withholdings applicable to additional sums payable under this Section) the applicable Recipient

 

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receives an amount equal to the sum it would have received had no such deduction or withholding been made.

 

(b)  Payment of Other Taxes by the Loan Parties.  The Loan Parties shall timely pay to the relevant Governmental Authority in accordance with applicable law, or at the option of the Administrative Agent timely reimburse it for the payment of, any Other Taxes.

 

(c)  Evidence of Payment.  As soon as practicable after any payment of Taxes by any Loan Party to a Governmental Authority pursuant to this Section, such Loan Party shall deliver to the Administrative Agent the original or a certified copy of a receipt issued by such Governmental Authority evidencing such payment, a copy of the return reporting such payment or other evidence of such payment reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

(d)  Indemnification by the Loan Parties.  The Loan Parties shall jointly and severally indemnify each Recipient, within 10 days after demand therefor, for the full amount of any Indemnified Taxes (including Indemnified Taxes imposed or asserted on or attributable to amounts payable under this Section) payable or paid by such Recipient or required to be withheld or deducted from a payment to such Recipient and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Indemnified Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority.  A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to the Borrower by a Lender (with a copy to the Administrative Agent), or by the Administrative Agent on its own behalf or on behalf of a Lender, shall be conclusive absent manifest error.

 

(e)  Indemnification by the Lenders.  Each Lender shall severally indemnify the Administrative Agent, within 10 days after demand thereof, for (i) any Indemnified Taxes attributable to such Lender (but only to the extent that any Loan Party has not already indemnified the Administrative Agent for such Indemnified Taxes and without limiting the obligation of the Loan Parties to do so), (ii) any Taxes attributable to such Lender’s failure to comply with the provisions of Section 9.04(c) relating to the maintenance of a Participant Register and (iii) any Excluded Taxes attributable to such Lender, in each case that are payable or paid by the Administrative Agent in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document and any reasonable expenses arising therefrom or with respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes were correctly or legally imposed or asserted by the relevant Governmental Authority.  A certificate as to the amount of such payment or liability delivered to any Lender by the Administrative Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest error.  Each Lender hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to set off and apply any and all amounts at any time owing to such Lender under this Agreement or any other Loan Document or otherwise payable by the Administrative Agent to such Lender from any other source against any amount due to the Administrative Agent under this paragraph.

 

(f)  Status of Lenders.  (i) Any Lender that is entitled to an exemption from, or reduction of, withholding Tax with respect to payments made under this

 

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Agreement or any other Loan Document shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, at the time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent and at the time or times prescribed by applicable law, such properly completed and executed documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will permit such payments to be made without withholding or at a reduced rate of withholding.  In addition, any Lender, if reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, shall deliver such other documentation prescribed by applicable law or reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as will enable the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine whether or not such Lender is subject to backup withholding or information reporting requirements.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the preceding two sentences, the completion, execution and submission of such documentation (other than such documentation set forth in Section 2.16(f)(ii)(A), 2.16(f)(ii)(B) or 2.16(f)(ii)(D)) shall not be required if in the Lender’s reasonable judgment such completion, execution or submission would subject such Lender to any material unreimbursed cost or expense or would materially prejudice the legal or commercial position of such Lender.

 

(ii) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, in the event that the Borrower is a U.S. Person:

 

(A)  any Lender that is a U.S. Person shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent on or prior to the date on which such Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), executed originals of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. Federal backup withholding Tax;

 

(B) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), whichever of the following is applicable:

 

(1)  in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of an income tax treaty to which the United States is a party (x) with respect to payments of interest under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, executed originals of IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. Federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “interest” article of such tax treaty and (y) with respect to any other applicable payments under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, establishing an exemption from, or reduction of, U.S. Federal withholding Tax pursuant to the “business profits” or “other income” article of such tax treaty;

 

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(2)  executed originals of IRS Form W-8ECI;

 

(3)  in the case of a Foreign Lender claiming the benefits of the exemption for portfolio interest under Section 881(c) of the Code, (x) a certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit F-1 to the effect that such Foreign Lender is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, a “10 percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code or a “controlled foreign corporation” described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code (a “U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate”) and (y) executed originals of IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable; or

 

(4)  to the extent a Foreign Lender is not the beneficial owner, executed originals of IRS Form W-8IMY, accompanied by IRS Form W-8ECI, IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit F-2 or Exhibit F-3, IRS Form W-9 and/or another certification documents from each beneficial owner, as applicable; provided that if the Foreign Lender is a partnership and one or more direct or indirect partners of such Foreign Lender are claiming the portfolio interest exemption, such Foreign Lender may provide a U.S. Tax Compliance Certificate substantially in the form of Exhibit F-4 on behalf of each such direct or indirect partner;

 

(C) any Foreign Lender shall, to the extent it is legally entitled to do so, deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (in such number of copies as shall be requested by the recipient) on or prior to the date on which such Foreign Lender becomes a Lender under this Agreement (and from time to time thereafter upon the reasonable request of the Borrower or the Administrative Agent), executed originals of any other form prescribed by applicable law as a basis for claiming exemption from, or a reduction in, U.S. Federal withholding Tax, duly completed, together with such supplementary documentation as may be prescribed by applicable law to permit the Borrower or the Administrative Agent to determine withholding or deduction required to be made; and

 

(D) if a payment made to a Lender under this Agreement or any other Loan Document would be subject to U.S. Federal withholding Tax imposed by FATCA if such Lender were to fail to comply with the applicable reporting requirements of FATCA (including those contained in Section 1471(b) or 1472(b) of the Code, as applicable), such Lender shall deliver to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent at the time or times prescribed by law and at such time or times reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent such documentation prescribed by applicable law (including as prescribed by Section 1471(b)(3)(C)(i) of the Code) and such additional documentation reasonably requested by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent as may be necessary for the Borrower and the Administrative Agent to comply with their obligations

 

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under FATCA and to determine that such Lender has complied with such Lender’s obligations under FATCA or to determine the amount to deduct and withhold from such payment.  Solely for purposes of this clause (D), “FATCA” shall include any amendments made to FATCA after the date of this Agreement.

 

Each Lender agrees that if any form or certification it previously delivered expires or becomes obsolete or inaccurate in any respect, it shall update such form or certification or promptly notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent in writing of its legal inability to do so.

 

(g)  Treatment of Certain Refunds.  If any party determines, in its sole discretion exercised in good faith, that it has received a refund of any Taxes as to which it has been indemnified pursuant to this Section (including by the payment of additional amounts paid pursuant to this Section), it shall pay to the indemnifying party an amount equal to such refund (but only to the extent of indemnity payments made under this Section with respect to the Taxes giving rise to such refund), net of all out-of-pocket expenses (including Taxes) of such indemnified party and without interest (other than any interest paid by the relevant Governmental Authority with respect to such refund).  Such indemnifying party, upon the request of such indemnified party, shall repay to such indemnified party the amount paid over pursuant to this paragraph (plus any penalties, interest or other charges imposed by the relevant Governmental Authority) in the event that such indemnified party is required to repay such refund to such Governmental Authority.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this paragraph, in no event will any indemnified party be required to pay any amount to any indemnifying party pursuant to this paragraph the payment of which would place such indemnified party in a less favorable net after-Tax position than such indemnified party would have been in if the Tax subject to indemnification and giving rise to such refund had not been deducted, withheld or otherwise imposed and the indemnification payments or additional amounts with respect to such Tax had never been paid.  This paragraph shall not be construed to require any indemnified party to make available its Tax returns (or any other information relating to its Taxes that it deems confidential) to the indemnifying party or any other Person.

 

(h)  Survival.  Each party’s obligations under this Section shall survive the resignation or replacement of the Administrative Agent or any assignment of rights by, or the replacement of, a Lender, the termination of the Commitments and the repayment, satisfaction or discharge of all obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

(i)  Defined Terms.  For purposes of this Section, the term “Lender” includes any Issuing Bank and the term “applicable law” includes FATCA.

 

SECTION 2.17.  Payments Generally; Pro Rata Treatment; Sharing of Setoffs.  (a)  The Borrower shall make each payment required to be made by it hereunder or under any other Loan Document (whether of principal, interest, fees or reimbursement of LC Disbursements, or of amounts payable under Section 2.14, 2.15 or 2.16, or

 

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otherwise) prior to the time expressly required hereunder or under such other Loan Document for such payment (or, if no such time is expressly required, prior to 12:00 noon, New York City time), on the date when due, in immediately available funds, free and clear of and without condition or deduction for any defense, setoff, recoupment or counterclaim.  Any amounts received after such time on any date may, in the discretion of the Administrative Agent, be deemed to have been received on the next succeeding Business Day for purposes of calculating interest thereon.  All such payments shall be made to such account or accounts as may be specified by the Administrative Agent, except that payments required to be made directly to any Issuing Bank shall be so made, payments pursuant to Sections 2.14, 2.15, 2.16 and 9.03 shall be made directly to the Persons entitled thereto and payments pursuant to other Loan Documents shall be made to the Persons specified therein.  The Administrative Agent shall distribute any such payment received by it for the account of any other Person to the appropriate recipient promptly following receipt thereof.  If any payment under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be due on a day that is not a Business Day, the date for payment shall be extended to the next succeeding Business Day and, in the case of any payment accruing interest, interest thereon shall be payable for the period of such extension.  All payments under this Agreement and each other Loan Document shall be made in dollars.

 

(b)  If at any time insufficient funds are received by and available to the Administrative Agent to pay fully all amounts of principal, unreimbursed LC Disbursements, interest and fees then due hereunder, such funds shall be applied (i) first, towards payment of interest and fees then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of interest and fees then due to such parties, and (ii) second, towards payment of principal and unreimbursed LC Disbursements then due hereunder, ratably among the parties entitled thereto in accordance with the amounts of principal and unreimbursed LC Disbursements then due to such parties.

 

(c)  If any Lender shall, by exercising any right of setoff or counterclaim or otherwise, obtain payment in respect of any principal of or interest on any of its Revolving Loans, Term Loans or participations in LC Disbursements resulting in such Lender receiving payment of a greater proportion of the aggregate amount of its Revolving Loans, Term Loans and participations in LC Disbursements and accrued interest thereon than the proportion received by any other Lender, then the Lender receiving such greater proportion shall notify the Administrative Agent of such fact and shall purchase (for cash at face value) participations in the Revolving Loans, Term Loans and participations in LC Disbursements of other Lenders to the extent necessary so that the aggregate amount of all such payments shall be shared by the Lenders ratably in accordance with the aggregate amount of principal of and accrued interest on their respective Revolving Loans, Term Loans and participations in LC Disbursements; provided that (i) if any such participations are purchased and all or any portion of the payment giving rise thereto is recovered, such participations shall be rescinded and the purchase price restored to the extent of such recovery, without interest, and (ii) the provisions of this paragraph shall not be construed to apply to any payment made by the Borrower pursuant to and in accordance with the express terms of this Agreement or any payment obtained by a Lender as consideration for the assignment of or sale of a

 

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participation in any of its Loans or participations in LC Disbursements to any Eligible Assignee, other than to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof in a transaction that does not comply with the terms of Section 9.04(f) (as to which the provisions of this paragraph shall apply).  The Borrower consents to the foregoing and agrees, to the extent it may effectively do so under applicable law, that any Lender acquiring a participation pursuant to the foregoing arrangements may exercise against the Borrower rights of setoff and counterclaim with respect to such participation as fully as if such Lender were a direct creditor of the Borrower in the amount of such participation.

 

(d)  Unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice from the Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Administrative Agent for the account of the Lenders or the Issuing Banks hereunder that the Borrower will not make such payment, the Administrative Agent may assume that the Borrower has made such payment on such date in accordance herewith and may, in reliance upon such assumption and in its sole discretion, distribute to the Lenders or the Issuing Banks, as applicable, the amount due.  In such event, if the Borrower has not in fact made such payment, then each of the Lenders or the Issuing Banks, as applicable, severally agrees to repay to the Administrative Agent forthwith on demand the amount so distributed to such Lender or such Issuing Bank with interest thereon, for each day from and including the date such amount is distributed to it to but excluding the date of payment to the Administrative Agent, at the greater of the Federal Funds Effective Rate and a rate determined by the Administrative Agent in accordance with banking industry rules on interbank compensation.

 

(e)  If any Lender shall fail to make any payment required to be made by it pursuant to Section 2.04(d) or (e), 2.05(a) or (b), 2.16(e), 2.17(d) or 9.03(c), then the Administrative Agent may, in its discretion (notwithstanding any contrary provision hereof), (i) apply any amounts thereafter received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Lender to satisfy such Lender’s obligations in respect of such payment until all such unsatisfied obligations have been discharged and/or (ii) hold any such amounts in a segregated account as cash collateral for, and application to, any future funding obligations of such Lender under any such Section, in the case of each of clauses(i) and (ii) above, in any order as determined by the Administrative Agent in its discretion.

 

(f)  In the event that any financial statements delivered under Section 5.01(a) or 5.01(b), or any compliance certificate delivered under Section 5.01(c), shall prove to have been materially inaccurate, and such inaccuracy shall have resulted in the payment of any interest or fees at rates lower than those that were in fact applicable for any period (based on the actual Total Secured Net Leverage Ratio), then, if such inaccuracy is discovered prior to the termination of the Commitments and the repayment in full of the principal of all Loans and the reduction of the LC Exposure to zero, the Borrower shall pay to the Administrative Agent, for distribution to the Lenders and the Issuing Banks (or former Lenders and Issuing Banks) as their interests may appear, the accrued interest or fees that should have been paid but were not paid as a result of such misstatement.

 

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(g)  If any Lender makes available to the Administrative Agent funds for any Loan to be made by such Lender as provided in the provisions of this Article II, and such funds are not made available to the Borrower by the Administrative Agent because the conditions to the applicable extension of credit set forth in Article IV are not satisfied or waived in accordance with the terms hereof, the Administrative Agent shall return such funds (in like funds as received from such Lender) to such Lender, without interest.

 

(h)  The obligations of the Lenders hereunder to make Loans, to fund participations in Letters of Credit and to make payments pursuant to Section 9.03 are several and not joint.  The failure of any Lender to make any Loan, to fund any such participation or to make any payment under Section 9.03 on any date required hereunder shall not relieve any other Lender of its corresponding obligation to do so on such date, and no Lender shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to so make its Loan, to fund its participation or to make its payment under Section 9.03.

 

SECTION 2.18.  Mitigation Obligations; Replacement of Lenders.  (a)  If any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.14, or if any Loan Party is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or to any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.16, then such Lender shall (at the request of the Borrower) use commercially reasonable efforts to designate a different lending office for funding or booking its Loans hereunder or to assign and delegate its rights and obligations hereunder to another of its offices, branches or Affiliates, if, in the reasonable judgment of such Lender, such designation or assignment and delegation (i) would eliminate or reduce amounts payable pursuant to Section 2.14 or 2.16, as applicable, in the future and (ii) would not subject such Lender to any unreimbursed cost or expense and would not otherwise be disadvantageous to such Lender.  The Borrower hereby agrees to pay all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by any Lender in connection with any such designation or assignment and delegation.

 

(b)  If (i) any Lender requests compensation under Section 2.14, (ii) the Borrower is required to pay any Indemnified Taxes or additional amounts to any Lender or any Governmental Authority for the account of any Lender pursuant to Section 2.16, and in each case, such Lender has declined or is unable to designate a different lending office in accordance with Section 2.18(a), or (iii) any Lender is a Defaulting Lender or (iv) any Lender is a Declining Lender under Section 2.21, then the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in, and consents required by, Section 9.04), all its interests, rights (other than its existing rights to payments pursuant to Section 2.14 or 2.16) and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (or, in the case of any such assignment and delegation resulting from a Lender having become a Declining Lender, all its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as a Lender of the applicable Class with respect to which such Lender is a Declining Lender) to an Eligible Assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment and delegation); provided that (A) the Borrower shall have received the prior written consent

 

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of the Administrative Agent (and, if a Revolving Commitment is being assigned, each Issuing Bank), which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, conditioned or delayed, (B) such Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and participations in LC Disbursements, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder (including, if applicable, the prepayment fee pursuant to Section 2.10(g) (with such assignment being deemed to be an optional prepayment for purposes of determining the applicability of such Section)) (if applicable, in each case only to the extent such amounts relate to its interest as a Lender of a particular Class) from the assignee (in the case of such principal and accrued interest and fees (other than any fee payable pursuant to Section 2.10(g))) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts (including any fee payable pursuant to Section 2.10(g))), (C) the Borrower or such assignee shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the processing and recordation fee specified in Section 9.04(b), (D) in the case of any such assignment and delegation resulting from a claim for compensation under Section 2.14 or payments required to be made pursuant to Section 2.16, such assignment will result in a material reduction in such compensation or payments and (E) such assignment does not conflict with applicable law.  A Lender shall not be required to make any such assignment and delegation if, prior thereto, as a result of a waiver or consent by such Lender or otherwise (including as a result of any action taken by such Lender under paragraph (a) above), the circumstances entitling the Borrower to require such assignment and delegation have ceased to apply.

 

SECTION 2.19.  Defaulting Lenders.

 

(a)  Adjustments.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, if any Lender becomes a Defaulting Lender, then, until such time as such Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, to the extent permitted by applicable Law:

 

(i) Waivers and Amendments.  Such Defaulting Lender’s right to approve or disapprove any amendment, waiver or consent with respect to this Agreement shall be restricted as set forth in Section 9.02(b) and in the definition of “Required Lender”.

 

(ii) Defaulting Lender Waterfall.  Any payment of principal, interest, fees or other amounts received by the Administrative Agent for the account of such Defaulting Lender (whether voluntary or mandatory, at maturity, pursuant to Section 7.01 or otherwise) or received by the Administrative Agent from a Defaulting Lender pursuant to Section 9.08 shall be applied at such time or times as may be determined by the Administrative Agent as follows: first, to the payment of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Administrative Agent hereunder; second, to the payment on a pro rata basis of any amounts owing by such Defaulting Lender to the Issuing Banks hereunder; third, to cash collateralize the Issuing Banks’ Fronting Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender in accordance with Section 2.04; fourth, as the Borrower may request (so long as no Default or Event of Default exists), to the funding of any Loan in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has failed to fund its portion thereof as required by this Agreement, as determined by the Administrative

 

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Agent; fifth, if so determined by the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to be held in a deposit account and released pro rata in order to (x) satisfy such Defaulting Lender’s potential future funding obligations with respect to Loans under this Agreement and (y) cash collateralize the Issuing Banks’ future Fronting Exposure with respect to such Defaulting Lender with respect to future Letters of Credit issued under this Agreement, in accordance with Section 2.04; sixth, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Lenders and the Issuing Banks as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by any Lender or any Issuing Bank against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; seventh, so long as no Default or Event of Default exists, to the payment of any amounts owing to the Borrower as a result of any judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction obtained by the Borrower against such Defaulting Lender as a result of such Defaulting Lender’s breach of its obligations under this Agreement; and eighth, to such Defaulting Lender or as otherwise directed by a court of competent jurisdiction; provided that if (x) such payment is a payment of the principal amount of any Loans or LC Exposure in respect of which such Defaulting Lender has not fully funded its appropriate share, and (y) such Loans were made or the related Letters of Credit were issued at a time when the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 were satisfied or waived, such payment shall be applied solely to pay the Loans of, and LC Exposure owed to, all Non-Defaulting Lenders on a pro rata basis prior to being applied to the payment of any Loans of, or LC Exposure owed to, such Defaulting Lender until such time as all Loans and funded and unfunded participations in LC Exposure are held by the Lenders pro rata in accordance with the Revolving Commitments hereunder without giving effect to Section 2.19(a)(iv).  Any payments, prepayments or other amounts paid or payable to a Defaulting Lender that are applied (or held) to pay amounts owed by a Defaulting Lender or to post cash collateral pursuant to this Section 2.19(a)(ii) shall be deemed paid to and redirected by such Defaulting Lender, and each Lender irrevocably consents hereto.

 

(iii) Certain Fees.

 

(A)  No Defaulting Lender shall be entitled to receive any fee payable under Section 2.11(a) for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender (and the Borrower shall not be required to pay any such fee that otherwise would have been required to have been paid to that Defaulting Lender).

 

(B)  Each Defaulting Lender shall be entitled to receive the fees payable under Section 2.11(b) for any period during which that Lender is a Defaulting Lender only to the extent allocable to its Applicable Percentage of the stated amount of Letters of Credit for which it has provided cash collateral pursuant to Section 2.16.

 

(C)  With respect to any fee payable under Section 2.11(a) or (b) or any fee not required to be paid to any Defaulting Lender pursuant to clause (A) or (B) above, the Borrower shall (x) pay to each Non-Defaulting Lender that portion of

 

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any such fee otherwise payable to such Defaulting Lender with respect to such Defaulting Lender’s participation in LC Exposure that has been reallocated to such Non-Defaulting Lender pursuant to clause (iv) below, (y) pay to the Issuing Banks the amount of any such fee otherwise payable to such Issuing Bank’s Fronting Exposure to such Defaulting Lender, and (z) not be required to pay the remaining amount of any such fee.

 

(iv) Reallocation of Applicable Percentages to Reduce Fronting Exposure.  All or any part of such Defaulting Lender’s participation in LC Exposure shall be reallocated among the Non-Defaulting Lenders in accordance with their respective Applicable Percentages (calculated without regard to such Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment) but only to the extent that such reallocation does not cause the aggregate Revolving Exposure of any Non-Defaulting Lender to exceed such Non-Defaulting Lender’s Revolving Commitment.  Subject to Section 9.18, no reallocation hereunder shall constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder against a Defaulting Lender arising from that Lender having become a Defaulting Lender, including any claim of a Non-Defaulting Lender as a result of such Non-Defaulting Lender’s increased exposure following such reallocation.

 

(v) Cash Collateral.  If the reallocation described in clause (a)(iv) above cannot, or can only partially, be effected, the Borrower shall, without prejudice to any right or remedy available to it hereunder or under applicable law, cash collateralize the Issuing Banks’ LC Exposure in accordance with the procedures set forth in Section 2.04.

 

(b)  Defaulting Lender Cure.  If the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Issuing Banks agree in writing that a Lender is no longer a Defaulting Lender, the Administrative Agent will so notify the parties hereto, whereupon as of the effective date specified in such notice and subject to any conditions set forth therein (which may include arrangements with respect to any cash collateral), that Lender will, to the extent applicable, purchase at par that portion of outstanding Loans of the other Lenders or take such other actions as the Administrative Agent may determine to be necessary to cause the Loans and funded and unfunded participations in Letters of Credit to be held on a pro rata basis by the Lenders in accordance with their Applicable Percentages (without giving effect to Section 2.19(a)(iv)), whereupon such Lender will cease to be a Defaulting Lender; provided that no adjustments will be made retroactively with respect to fees accrued or payments made by or on behalf of the Borrower while that Lender was a Defaulting Lender; provided, further, that except to the extent otherwise expressly agreed by the affected parties, no change hereunder from Defaulting Lender to Lender will constitute a waiver or release of any claim of any party hereunder arising from that Lender’s having been a Defaulting Lender.

 

SECTION 2.20.  Incremental Extensions of Credit.  (a)  At any time and from time to time, subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Borrower may, by notice to the Administrative Agent (whereupon the Administrative Agent shall promptly deliver a copy to each of the Lenders), request (i) to add one or more additional

 

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tranches of term loans (the “Incremental Term Loans”), (ii) solely during the Revolving Availability Period, one or more increases in the aggregate amount of the Revolving Commitments (each such increase, a “Revolving Commitment Increase” and, together with the Incremental Term Loans, the “Incremental Extensions of Credit”) or (iii) to incur Alternative Incremental Facility Debt, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed the sum of (x) $125,000,000 plus (y) an additional amount if, immediately after giving effect to the incurrence of such additional amount (but without giving effect to any amount incurred simultaneously under the immediately preceding clause (x)) and the application of the proceeds therefrom (and assuming that the full amount of such Incremental Extension of Credit has been funded and that such Incremental Extension of Credit is secured), the Total Secured Net Leverage Ratio, recomputed as of the last day of the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter, is equal to or less than 2.50 to 1.00 (provided that if the proceeds of the applicable Incremental Extension of Credit are to be used to finance a Limited Condition Acquisition then the calculation under this clause (y) may be satisfied in accordance with the terms of the Borrower’s LCA Election under Section 1.03); provided that at the time of each such request and upon the effectiveness of the applicable Incremental Facility Amendment, (A) no Default has occurred and is continuing or shall result therefrom (provided that if the proceeds of the applicable Incremental Extension of Credit are to be used to finance a Limited Condition Acquisition then the condition precedent set forth in this clause (A) may be limited to Defaults described in clauses (a), (b), (h) and (i) of Section 7.01), (B) the representations and warranties of the Loan Parties set forth in the Loan Documents would be true and correct in all material respects (or, in the case of representations and warranties qualified as to materiality, in all respects) on and as of the date of, and immediately after giving effect to, the effectiveness of the applicable Incremental Facility Amendment, except in the case of any such representation and warranty that expressly relates to a prior date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct in all material respects (or in all respects, as applicable) as of such earlier date (provided that if the proceeds of the applicable Incremental Extension of Credit are to be used to finance a Limited Condition Acquisition, then the condition precedent set forth in this clause (B) may be limited to customary “specified representations and warranties” with respect to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries and (y) customary specified acquisition agreement representations with respect to the Person to be acquired), (C) after giving effect to the applicable Incremental Extension of Credit and the application of the proceeds therefrom (and assuming that the full amount of such Incremental Extension of Credit shall have been funded as Loans on such date), the Borrower shall be in compliance on a Pro Forma Basis with the financial covenants set forth in Sections 6.11 and 6.12 recomputed as of the last day of the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter (provided that if the proceeds of the applicable Incremental Extension of Credit are to be used to finance a Limited Condition Acquisition then the condition precedent set forth in this clause (C) may be satisfied in accordance with the terms of the Borrower’s LCA Election under Section 1.03) and (D) the Borrower shall have delivered a certificate of a Responsible Officer to the effect set forth in the immediately preceding clauses (A), (B) and (C), together with reasonably detailed calculations demonstrating compliance with the immediately preceding clause (C) (which calculations shall, if made as of the last day of any Fiscal Quarter for which the Borrower has not delivered to the Administrative Agent the financial statements and certificate of a

 

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Responsible Officer required to be delivered by Section 5.01(a) or 5.01(b) and Section 5.01(c), respectively, be accompanied by a reasonably detailed calculation of Consolidated EBITDA for the relevant period).  For purposes of demonstrating compliance with clause of the immediately preceding sentence (C), any Revolving Commitment Increase shall be deemed to be fully drawn as of the last day of the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter.  In connection with any calculation of the Total Secured Net Leverage Ratio or the Total Net Leverage Ratio for purposes of this Section 2.20(a), the cash proceeds of the applicable Incremental Extension of Credit will not be deducted from Total Indebtedness or Senior Secured Indebtedness, respectively, when making such calculation.  Each tranche of Incremental Term Loans and each Revolving Commitment Increase shall be in an integral multiple of $10,000,000 and be in an aggregate principal amount that is not less than $50,000,000; provided that such amount may be less than $50,000,000 if such amount represents all the remaining availability under the aggregate principal amount of Incremental Extensions of Credit set forth above.

 

(b)  The Incremental Term Loans (i) shall rank pari passu or junior in right of payment in respect of the Collateral and with the Obligations in respect of the Revolving Commitments, the Tranche A Term Loans and the Tranche B Term Loans, (ii) for purposes of mandatory prepayments, shall have terms (when taken as a whole) treated no more favorably than (x) in the case of Incremental Term Loans consisting of “tranche A” term loans, the Tranche A Term Loans and (y) in the case of Incremental Term Loans consisting of “tranche B” term loans, Tranche B Term Loans and (iii) other than amortization, pricing or maturity date, shall have terms (when taken as a whole) that are applicable prior to the Latest Maturity Date (at the time of incurrence) no more restrictive than the terms (when taken as a whole) (x) in the case of Incremental Term Loans consisting of “tranche A” term loans, applicable to the Tranche A Term Loans and (y) in the case of Incremental Term Loans consisting of “tranche B” term loans, the Tranche B Term Loans (in each case, as determined by the Borrower in its reasonable business judgment in consultation with the Administrative Agent) unless otherwise consented to by the Administrative Agent; provided that (A) if the Weighted Average Yield relating to any Incremental Term Loan consisting of additional “tranche A” term loans or “tranche B” term loans exceeds the Weighted Average Yield relating to the Tranche A Term Loans or the Tranche B Term Loans, as applicable, immediately prior to the effectiveness of the applicable Incremental Facility Amendment by more than 0.50%, then the Applicable Rate relating to the Tranche A Term Loans or Tranche B Term Loans, as applicable, shall be adjusted so that the Weighted Average Yield relating to such Incremental Term Loans shall not exceed the Weighted Average Yield relating to the Tranche A Term Loans or the Tranche B Term Loans, as applicable, by more than 0.50%; provided, however, that (x) the requirements set forth in this clause (A) shall not apply to any Incremental Extensions of Credit the effective date of which is more than 12 months after the Effective Date and (y) any increase in the Applicable Rate required pursuant to this clause (A) resulting from the application of any interest rate “floor” on any Incremental Term Loan consisting of “tranche A” term loans or “tranche B” term loans will be effected solely through the establishment or increase of an interest rate “floor” on the Tranche A Term Loans or Tranche B Term Loans, as applicable, (B) any Incremental Term Loan consisting of “tranche A” term loans or “tranche B” term loans shall not have a final maturity date earlier than the Tranche A Term Maturity Date or

 

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Tranche B Term Maturity Date, as applicable, and (C) any Incremental Term Loan consisting of “tranche A” term loans or “tranche B” term loans shall not have a Weighted Average Life to Maturity that is shorter than the Weighted Average Life to Maturity of the then-remaining Tranche A Term Loans or Tranche B Term Loans, as applicable.

 

(c)  Each notice from the Borrower pursuant to this Section shall set forth the requested amount and proposed terms of the relevant Incremental Extension of Credit.  Any additional bank, financial institution, existing Lender or other Person that elects to extend Incremental Extensions of Credit shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent (and, in the case of any Revolving Commitment Increase, each Issuing Bank) (any such bank, financial institution, existing Lender or other Person being called an “Additional Lender”) and, if not already a Lender, shall become a Lender under this Agreement pursuant to an amendment (an “Incremental Facility Amendment”) to this Agreement and, as appropriate, the other Loan Documents, executed by the Borrower, such Additional Lender and the Administrative Agent.  No Lender shall be obligated to provide any Incremental Extension of Credit, unless it so agrees.  Commitments in respect of any Incremental Extensions of Credit shall become Commitments (or in the case of any Revolving Commitment Increase to be provided by an existing Revolving Lender, an increase in such Revolving Lender’s Revolving Commitment) under this Agreement upon the effectiveness of the applicable Incremental Facility Amendment.  An Incremental Facility Amendment may, without the consent of any other Lenders, effect such amendments to this Agreement or any other Loan Document as may be necessary or appropriate, in the opinion of the Administrative Agent, to effect the provisions of this Section (including to provide for voting provisions applicable to the Additional Lenders comparable to the provisions of clause (B) of the second proviso of Section 9.02(b)).  The effectiveness of any Incremental Facility Amendment shall, unless otherwise agreed to by the Administrative Agent and the Additional Lenders, be subject to the satisfaction on the effective date thereof of each of the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 (it being understood and agreed that all references to a Borrowing in Section 4.02 shall be deemed to refer to the applicable Incremental Facility Amendment).

 

(d)  On the date of effectiveness of any Revolving Commitment Increase, (i) the aggregate principal amount of the Revolving Loans outstanding (the “Existing Revolving Borrowings”) immediately prior to the effectiveness of such Revolving Commitment Increase shall be deemed to be repaid, (ii) each Revolving Commitment Increase Lender that shall have had a Revolving Commitment prior to the effectiveness of such Revolving Commitment Increase shall pay to the Administrative Agent in same day funds an amount equal to the amount, if any, by which (A) (1) such Revolving Commitment Increase Lender’s Applicable Percentage (calculated after giving effect to the effectiveness of such Revolving Commitment Increase) multiplied by (2) the aggregate principal amount of the Resulting Revolving Borrowings (as hereinafter defined) exceeds (B) (1) such Revolving Commitment Increase Lender’s Applicable Percentage (calculated without giving effect to the effectiveness of such Revolving Commitment Increase) multiplied by (2) the aggregate principal amount of the Existing Revolving Borrowings, (iii) each Revolving Commitment Increase Lender that shall not have had a Revolving Commitment prior to the effectiveness of such Revolving

 

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Commitment Increase shall pay to Administrative Agent in same day funds an amount equal to (1) such Revolving Commitment Increase Lender’s Applicable Percentage (calculated after giving effect to the effectiveness of such Revolving Commitment Increase) multiplied by (2) the aggregate principal amount of the Resulting Revolving Borrowings, (iv) after the Administrative Agent receives the funds specified in clauses (ii) and (iii) above, the Administrative Agent shall pay to each Revolving Lender the portion of such funds that is equal to the amount, if any, by which (A) (1) such Revolving Lender’s Applicable Percentage (calculated without giving effect to the effectiveness of such Revolving Commitment Increase) multiplied by (2) the aggregate principal amount of the Existing Revolving Borrowings, exceeds (B) (1) such Revolving Lender’s Applicable Percentage (calculated after giving effect to the effectiveness of such Revolving Commitment Increase) multiplied by (2) the aggregate principal amount of the Resulting Revolving Borrowings, (v) after the effectiveness of such Revolving Commitment Increase, the Borrower shall be deemed to have made new Revolving Borrowings (the “Resulting Revolving Borrowings”) in an aggregate principal amount equal to the aggregate principal amount of the Existing Revolving Borrowings and of the Types and for the Interest Periods specified in a Borrowing Request delivered to the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 2.03 (and the Borrower shall deliver such Borrowing Request), (vi) each Revolving Lender shall be deemed to hold its Applicable Percentage of each Resulting Revolving Borrowing (calculated after giving effect to the effectiveness of such Revolving Commitment Increase) and (vii) the Borrower shall pay each Revolving Lender any and all accrued but unpaid interest on its Loans comprising the Existing Revolving Borrowings.  The deemed payments of the Existing Revolving Borrowings made pursuant to clause (i) above shall be subject to compensation by the Borrower pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.15 if the date of the effectiveness of such Revolving Commitment Increase occurs other than on the last day of the Interest Period relating thereto.  Upon each Revolving Commitment Increase pursuant to this Section, each Revolving Lender immediately prior to such increase will automatically and without further act be deemed to have assigned to each Revolving Commitment Increase Lender, and each such Revolving Commitment Increase Lender will automatically and without further act be deemed to have assumed, a portion of such Revolving Lender’s participations hereunder in outstanding Letters of Credit such that, after giving effect to such Revolving Commitment Increase and each such deemed assignment and assumption of participations, the percentage of the aggregate outstanding participations hereunder in Letters of Credit held by each Revolving Lender (including each such Revolving Commitment Increase Lender) will equal such Revolving Lender’s Applicable Percentage.

 

SECTION 2.21.  Extension of Maturity Date.  (a)  The Borrower may, by delivery of a Maturity Date Extension Request to the Administrative Agent (which shall promptly deliver a copy thereof to each of the Lenders) not less than ten days (or such shorter period as agreed to by the Administrative Agent) prior to the then existing Maturity Date for the applicable Class of Commitments and/or Loans hereunder to be extended (the “Existing Maturity Date”), request that the Lenders extend the Existing Maturity Date in accordance with this Section.  Each Maturity Date Extension Request shall (i) specify the applicable Class of Commitments and/or Loans hereunder to be extended, (ii) specify the date to which the applicable Maturity Date is sought to be

 

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extended, (iii) specify the changes, if any, to the Applicable Rate to be applied in determining the interest payable on the Loans of, and fees payable hereunder to, Consenting Lenders (as defined below) in respect of that portion of their Commitments and/or Loans extended to such new Maturity Date and the time as of which such changes will become effective (which may be prior to the Existing Maturity Date) and (iv) specify any other amendments or modifications to this Agreement to be effected in connection with such Maturity Date Extension Request; provided that no such changes or modifications requiring approvals pursuant to the provisos to Section 9.02(b) shall become effective prior to the Latest Maturity Date unless such other approvals have been obtained.  In the event a Maturity Date Extension Request shall have been delivered by the Borrower, each applicable Lender shall have the right, but not the obligation, to agree to the extension of the Existing Maturity Date and other matters contemplated thereby on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein (each Lender agreeing to the Maturity Date Extension Request being referred to herein as a “Consenting Lender” and each Lender not agreeing thereto being referred to herein as a “Declining Lender”), which right may be exercised by written notice thereof, specifying the maximum amount of the Commitment and/or Loans of such Lender with respect to which such Lender agrees to the extension of the Maturity Date, delivered to the Borrower (with a copy to the Administrative Agent) not later than a day to be agreed upon by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent following the date on which the Maturity Date Extension Request shall have been delivered by the Borrower (it being understood and agreed that any Lender that shall have failed to exercise such right as set forth above shall be deemed to be a Declining Lender).  If a Lender elects to extend only a portion of its then existing Commitment and/or Loans, it will be deemed for purposes hereof to be a Consenting Lender in respect of such extended portion and a Declining Lender in respect of the remaining portion of its Commitment and/or Loans, and the aggregate principal amount of each Type of Loans of the applicable Class of such Lender shall be allocated ratably among the extended and non-extended portions of the Loans of such Lender based on the aggregate principal amount of such Loans so extended and not extended.  If Consenting Lenders shall have agreed to such Maturity Date Extension Request in respect of Commitments and/or Loans held by them, then, subject to paragraph (d) of this Section, on the date specified in the Maturity Date Extension Request as the effective date thereof (the “Extension Effective Date”), (i) the Existing Maturity Date of the applicable Commitments and/or Loans shall, as to the Consenting Lenders, be extended to such date as shall be specified therein, (ii) the terms and conditions of the applicable Commitments and/or Loans of the Consenting Lenders (including interest and fees (including Letter of Credit fees) payable in respect thereof) shall be modified as set forth in the Maturity Date Extension Request and (iii) such other modifications and amendments hereto specified in the Maturity Date Extension Request shall (subject to any required approvals (including those of the Required Lenders) having been obtained) become effective.

 

(b)  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower shall have the right, in accordance with the provisions of Sections 2.18(b) and 9.04, at any time prior to the Existing Maturity Date, to replace a Declining Lender (for the avoidance of doubt, only in respect of that portion of such Lender’s Commitment and/or Loans subject to a Maturity Date Extension Request that it has not agreed to extend) with a Lender or other financial institution that will agree to such Maturity Date Extension Request, and any

 

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such replacement Lender shall for all purposes constitute a Consenting Lender in respect of the Commitment and/or Loans assigned to and assumed by it on and after the effective time of such replacement.

 

(c)  If a Maturity Date Extension Request has become effective hereunder:

 

(i) solely in respect of a Maturity Date Extension Request that has become effective in respect of the Revolving Commitments, not later than the Existing Maturity Date, the Borrower shall make prepayments of Revolving Loans and shall provide cash collateral in respect of Letters of Credit in the manner set forth in Section 2.04(i), such that, after giving effect to such prepayments and such provision of cash collateral, the Aggregate Revolving Exposure as of such date will not exceed the aggregate Revolving Commitments of the Consenting Lenders extended pursuant to this Section (and the Borrower shall not be permitted thereafter to request any Revolving Loan or any issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of a Letter of Credit if, after giving effect thereto, the Aggregate Revolving Exposure would exceed the aggregate amount of the Revolving Commitments so extended);

 

(ii) solely in respect of a Maturity Date Extension Request that has become effective in respect of the Revolving Commitments, on the Existing Maturity Date, the Revolving Commitment of each Declining Lender shall, to the extent not assumed, assigned or transferred as provided in paragraph (b) of this Section, terminate, and the Borrower shall repay all the Revolving Loans of each Declining Lender, to the extent such Loans shall not have been so purchased, assigned and transferred, in each case together with accrued and unpaid interest and all fees and other amounts owing to such Declining Lender hereunder, it being understood and agreed that, subject to satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 4.02, such repayments may be funded with the proceeds of new Revolving Borrowings made simultaneously with such repayments by the Consenting Lenders, which such Revolving Borrowings shall be made ratably by the Consenting Lenders in accordance with their extended Revolving Commitments; and

 

(iii) solely in respect of a Maturity Date Extension Request that has become effective in respect of a Class of Term Loans, on the Existing Maturity Date, the Borrower shall repay all the Loans of such Class of each Declining Lender, to the extent such Loans shall not have been so purchased, assigned and transferred, in each case together with accrued and unpaid interest and all fees and other amounts owing to such Declining Lender hereunder, it being understood and agreed that, subject to satisfaction of the conditions set forth in Section 4.02, such repayments may be funded with the proceeds of new Revolving Borrowings made simultaneously with such repayments by the Revolving Lenders.

 

(d)  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Maturity Date Extension Request shall become effective hereunder unless, on the Extension Effective Date, the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 shall be satisfied (with all references in such Section to a

 

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Borrowing being deemed to be references to such Maturity Date Extension Request) and the Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate to that effect dated such date and executed by a Responsible Officer.

 

(e)  Notwithstanding any provision of this Agreement to the contrary, it is hereby agreed that no extension of an Existing Maturity Date in accordance with the express terms of this Section, or any amendment or modification of the terms and conditions of the Commitments and the Loans of the Consenting Lenders effected pursuant thereto, shall be deemed to (i) violate the last sentence of Section 2.07(c) or Section 2.17(b) or 2.17(c) or any other provision of this Agreement requiring the ratable reduction of Commitments or the ratable sharing of payments or (ii) require the consent of all Lenders or all affected Lenders under Section 9.02(b).

 

(f)  The Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the Consenting Lenders may enter into an amendment to this Agreement to effect such modifications as may be necessary to reflect the terms of any Maturity Date Extension Request that has become effective in accordance with the provisions of this Section.

 

SECTION 2.22.  Refinancing Facilities.  (a)   On one or more occasions after the Effective Date, the Borrower may obtain, from any Lender or any other bank, financial institution or other institutional lender or investor that agrees to provide any portion of Refinancing Term Loans pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment in accordance with this Section 2.22 (each, an “Additional Refinancing Lender”) (provided that the Administrative Agent shall have consented (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) to such Lender’s or Additional Refinancing Lender’s making such Refinancing Term Loans to the extent such consent, if any, would be required under Section 9.04(b) for, and to the extent that such Additional Refinancing Lender is a Purchasing Borrower Party or an Affiliated Lender, the requirements of Section 9.04(g) and 9.04(f), respectively, shall be satisfied as if such Refinancing Term Loan were, an assignment of Term Loans to such Lender or Additional Refinancing Lender), Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of all or any portion of Term Loans then outstanding under this Agreement, in the form of Refinancing Term Loans or Refinancing Term Commitments pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment; provided that no Lender is obligated hereunder to provide such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness.

 

(b)  The effectiveness of any Refinancing Amendment shall be subject to the satisfaction on the date thereof of each of the conditions set forth in Section 4.02 and, to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, receipt by the Administrative Agent of (i) customary legal opinions, board resolutions and officers’ certificates consistent with those delivered on the Effective Date other than changes to such legal opinion resulting from a change in law, change in fact or change to counsel’s form of opinion reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (ii) reaffirmation agreements and/or such amendments to the Security Documents as may be reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent in order to ensure that such Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness is provided with the benefit of the applicable Loan Documents.

 

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(c)  Each issuance of Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness under Section 2.22(a) shall be in an aggregate principal amount that is (x) not less than $50,000,000 and (y) an integral multiple of $10,000,000 in excess thereof.

 

(d)  Each of the parties hereto hereby agrees that this Agreement and the other Loan Documents may be amended pursuant to a Refinancing Amendment, without the consent of any other Lenders, to the extent (but only to the extent) necessary to (i) reflect the existence and terms of the Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness incurred pursuant thereto and (ii) effect such other amendments to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents as may be necessary or appropriate, in the reasonable opinion of the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, to effect the provisions of this Section 2.22, including any amendments necessary to treat the applicable Loans and/or Commitments established under the Refinancing Amendment as a new Class of Loans and/or Commitments hereunder, and the Lenders hereby expressly authorize the Administrative Agent to enter into any such Refinancing Amendment.

 

(e)  This Section 2.22 shall supersede any provisions in Section 2.17 or Section 9.02 to the contrary solely to the extent provided in this Section 2.22.

 

ARTICLE III

 

Representations and Warranties

 

The Borrower represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent, each of the Issuing Banks and each of the Lenders that:

 

SECTION 3.01.  Organization; Powers.  Each of the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary (a) is duly organized, validly existing and, to the extent that such concept is applicable in the relevant jurisdiction, in good standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, (b) has all requisite power and authority, and the legal right, to carry on its business as now conducted, to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and each other Loan Document and each other agreement or instrument contemplated thereby to which it is a party and to effect the Transactions, and (c) except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, is qualified to do business in, and, to the extent that such concept is applicable in the relevant jurisdiction, is in good standing in, every jurisdiction where such qualification is required.

 

SECTION 3.02.  Authorization; Due Execution and Delivery; Enforceability.  Each of the Borrower and each Loan Party has taken all necessary corporate or other organizational action to authorize the Transactions and the execution, delivery and performance of the Loan Documents to which it is a party.  This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by the Borrower and constitutes, and each other Loan Document to which any Loan Party is to be a party, when executed and delivered by such Loan Party, will constitute, a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower or such Loan Party, as applicable, enforceable against such Person in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other

 

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laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and subject to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

 

SECTION 3.03.  Governmental Approvals; No Conflicts.  The Transactions (a) do not require any consent or approval of, registration or filing with, or any other action by, any Governmental Authority, except (i) such as have been obtained or made and are in full force and effect, (ii) filings necessary to perfect Liens created under the Loan Documents and (iii) for consents, approvals registrations, filings or other actions that, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (b) will not violate in any material respect any Requirement of Law applicable to the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, (c) will not violate or result (alone or with notice or lapse of time or both) in a default under any material indenture, agreement or other instrument binding upon the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or their respective assets, or give rise to a right thereunder to require any payment, repurchase or redemption to be made by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or give rise to a right of, or result in, termination, cancelation or acceleration of any obligation thereunder and (d) will not result in the creation or imposition of any Lien on any asset now owned or hereafter acquired by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, except Liens created under the Loan Documents.

 

SECTION 3.04.  Financial Condition; No Material Adverse Change.  (a)  The Borrower has heretofore furnished to the Lenders the Borrower’s consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows (i) as of and for the Fiscal Years ended December 31, 2014 and December 31, 2015, audited by and accompanied by an opinion of Grant Thornton LLP, independent public accountants (without a “going concern” or like qualification or exception and without any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit), and (ii) as of and for the Fiscal Quarter and the portion of the Fiscal Year ended March 31, 2016.  Such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis as of such dates and for such periods in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year end audit adjustments and the absence of certain footnotes in the case of the statements referred to in clause (ii) above.

 

(b)  The Borrower has heretofore furnished to the Lenders its pro forma consolidated balance sheet and the pro forma consolidated statement of income as of April 30, 2016, prepared giving effect to the Transactions as if the Transactions had occurred, in the case of such balance sheet, on such date and, in the case of such statement of income, on the first day of the 12-month period ending on such date.  Such pro forma financial statements have been prepared by the Borrower in good faith based on the same assumptions used to prepare the pro forma financial statements included in the Information Memorandum (which assumptions are believed by the Borrower on the Effective Date to be reasonable).

 

(c)  Except as disclosed in the financial statements referred to above or the notes thereto or in the Information Memorandum, after giving effect to the Transactions, none of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary has, as of the Effective Date, any

 

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material direct or contingent liabilities, unusual long-term commitments or unrealized losses.

 

(d)  No event, change or condition has occurred that has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect since December 31, 2015.

 

SECTION 3.05.  Properties.  (a)  Each of the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary has good title to, or valid leasehold interests in, all its real and personal property material to its business (including the Mortgaged Properties), except for defects in title that do not interfere with its ability to conduct its business as currently conducted or to utilize such properties for their intended purposes or where the failure to have such title or interest would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.  All such property is free and clear of Liens, other than Liens expressly permitted by Section 6.02.

 

(b)  Each of the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary owns, or is licensed to use, all trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, patents and other intellectual property material to its business as currently conducted, and the use thereof by the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary does not infringe upon the rights of any other Person in any material respect.  No claim or litigation regarding any trademarks, tradenames, copyrights, patents or other intellectual property owned or used by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary is pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, threatened against the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary that, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(c)  Schedule 3.05 sets forth as of the Effective Date the address of each real property that is owned or leased by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary as of the Effective Date after giving effect to the Transactions.

 

SECTION 3.06.  Litigation and Environmental Matters.  (a)  There are no actions, suits, investigations or proceedings at law or in equity or by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority pending against or, to the knowledge of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, threatened against or affecting the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or any business, property or rights of any such Person (i) as to which there is a reasonable possibility of an adverse determination and that, if adversely determined, would reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect or (ii) that involve any of the Loan Documents or the Transactions.

 

(b)  Except with respect to any matters that, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, none of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (i) has failed to comply with any Environmental Law or to obtain, maintain or comply with any permit, license or other approval required under any Environmental Law, (ii) has become subject to any Environmental Liability, (iii) has received notice of any claim with respect to any Environmental Liability or (iv) knows of any basis for any Environmental Liability.

 

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SECTION 3.07.  Compliance with Laws and Agreements.  Except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, each of the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary is in compliance with (a) all Requirements of Law in all material respects and (b) all indentures, agreements and other instruments binding upon it or its property.

 

SECTION 3.08.  Anti-Terrorism Laws; Anti-Corruption Laws.  The Borrower has in its reasonable business judgment implemented and maintains in effect policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by the Borrower, the Subsidiaries and their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, Affiliates and representatives (solely to the extent acting for the benefit of the Borrower or the Subsidiaries) with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions, and the Borrower, the Subsidiaries and their respective directors and officers, and, to the knowledge of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, their respective employees, agents, Affiliates or representatives (solely to the extent acting for the benefit of the Borrower or the Subsidiaries), are in compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions in all material respects.  None of (a) the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any of their respective directors or officers or (b) to the knowledge of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, any director, officer, employee, agent, Affiliate or representative of the Borrower or any Subsidiary is a Sanctioned Person.  No Borrowing or Letter of Credit, use of proceeds or other transaction contemplated by this Agreement will, to the knowledge of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, violate Anti-Corruption Laws or applicable Sanctions.

 

SECTION 3.09.  Investment Company Status.  None of the Borrower or any Subsidiary is an “investment company” as defined in, or subject to regulation under, the Investment Company Act.

 

SECTION 3.10.  Federal Reserve Regulations.  None of the Borrower or any Subsidiary is engaged or will engage, principally or as one of its important activities, in the business of purchasing or carrying margin stock (within the meaning of Regulation U of the Board of Governors) or extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying margin stock.  No part of the proceeds of the Loans will be used, directly or indirectly, for any purpose that entails a violation (including on the part of any Lender) of any of the regulations of the Board of Governors, including Regulations U and X.

 

SECTION 3.11.  Taxes.  Each of the Borrower and each Subsidiary (a) has timely filed or caused to be filed all Tax returns and reports required to have been filed by it, except to the extent that failure to do so would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, and (b) has paid or caused to be paid all material Taxes required to have been paid by it, except where the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings; provided that (i) the Borrower or such Subsidiary, as applicable, has set aside on its books adequate reserves therefor in conformity with GAAP and (ii) such contest effectively suspends collection of the contested obligation and the enforcement of any Lien securing such obligation.

 

SECTION 3.12.  ERISA.  (a)  No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected to occur that, when taken together with all other such ERISA Events

 

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for which liability is reasonably expected to occur, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b)  Except as would not reasonably be expected, individually or in the aggregate, to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (i) each Foreign Pension Plan is in compliance with all Requirements of Law applicable thereto and the respective requirements of the governing documents for such plan, (ii) with respect to each Foreign Pension Plan, none of the Borrower, its Affiliates or any of their respective directors, officers, employees or agents has engaged in a transaction that could subject the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, to a tax or civil penalty, and (iii) with respect to each Foreign Pension Plan, reserves have been established in the financial statements furnished to Lenders in respect of any unfunded liabilities in accordance with all Requirements of Law and prudent business practice or, where required, in accordance with ordinary accounting practices in the jurisdiction in which such Foreign Pension Plan is maintained.

 

SECTION 3.13.  Disclosure.  Neither the Information Memorandum nor any of the other written reports, financial statements, certificates or other information furnished by or on behalf of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to any Arranger, the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender (other than information of a general economic or industry specific nature, projected financial information or other forward looking information) in connection with the negotiation of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, included herein or therein or furnished hereunder or thereunder (as modified or supplemented by other information so furnished prior to the date on which this representation is made or deemed made), when taken as a whole, contains any material misstatement of fact or, when taken as a whole, omits to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not materially misleading; provided that, with respect to projected financial information, the Borrower represents only that such information was prepared in good faith based upon assumptions believed by it to be reasonable at the time so furnished and, if such projected financial information was furnished prior to the Effective Date, as of the Effective Date (it being understood and agreed that any such estimates and projected financial information may vary from actual results and that such variations may be material).

 

SECTION 3.14.  Subsidiaries.  Schedule 3.14 sets forth the name of, and the ownership interest of the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary in, each Subsidiary and identifies each Subsidiary that is a Subsidiary Loan Party, in each case as of the Effective Date.  The Equity Interests in each Subsidiary have been duly authorized and validly issued and are fully paid and nonassessable, and such Equity Interests are owned by the Borrower, directly or indirectly, free and clear of all Liens (other than Liens created under the Loan Documents and Liens permitted by Section 6.02).  Except as set forth in Schedule 3.14, as of the Effective Date, there is no existing option, warrant, call, right, commitment or other agreement to which any Restricted Subsidiary is a party requiring, and there are no Equity Interests in any Restricted Subsidiary outstanding that upon exercise, conversion or exchange would require, the issuance by any Restricted Subsidiary of any additional Equity Interests or other securities exercisable for,

 

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convertible into, exchangeable for or evidencing the right to subscribe for or purchase any Equity Interests in any Restricted Subsidiary.

 

SECTION 3.15.  Insurance.  Schedule 3.15 sets forth a true, complete and correct description of all insurance maintained by or on behalf of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary as of the Effective Date that is material to the conduct of its business.  As of the Effective Date, such insurance is in full force and effect and all premiums in respect of such insurance that are due and payable on or before the Effective Date have been paid.  The Borrower in its reasonable judgment believes that the insurance maintained by or on behalf of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries is in such amounts (with no greater risk retention) and against such risks as is (a) customarily maintained by companies of established repute engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations and (b) adequate.

 

SECTION 3.16.  Labor Matters.  As of the Effective Date, except as would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, there are no strikes, lockouts or slowdowns or any other material labor disputes against the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary pending or, to the knowledge of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, threatened.  Except where the failure would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect, (i) the hours worked by and payments made to employees of each of the Borrower and each Restricted Subsidiary have not been in violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act or any other applicable Federal, state, local or foreign law dealing with such matters, and (ii) all payments due from the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, or for which any claim may be made against the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, on account of wages and employee health and welfare insurance and other benefits have been paid or accrued as a liability on the books of the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary.

 

SECTION 3.17.  Solvency.  As of the Effective Date and immediately after the consummation of the Transactions to occur on the Effective Date, (a) the fair value of the assets of the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, at a fair valuation, will exceed its debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, (b) the present fair saleable value of the property of the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, will be greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of its debts and other liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured, (c) the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, will be able to pay their debts and liabilities, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and liabilities become absolute and matured and (d) the Loan Parties, taken as a whole, will not have unreasonably small capital with which to conduct the business in which they are engaged as such business is now conducted.  For purposes of this Section, the amount of contingent liabilities at any time shall be computed as the amount that, in light of all the facts and circumstances existing at such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an actual or matured liability.

 

SECTION 3.18.  Collateral Matters.  (a)  The Collateral Agreement, upon execution and delivery thereof by the parties thereto, will create in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a valid and enforceable

 

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security interest in the Collateral (as defined therein) and (i) when the Pledged Securities (as defined therein) constituting certificated securities (as defined in the Uniform Commercial Code) are delivered to the Administrative Agent, together with instruments of transfer duly endorsed in blank, the security interest created under the Collateral Agreement will constitute a fully perfected security interest in all right, title and interest of the pledgors thereunder in such Pledged Securities (as defined in the Collateral Agreement), prior and superior in right to any other Person, and (ii) when financing statements in appropriate form are filed in the applicable filing offices, the security interest created under the Collateral Agreement will constitute a fully perfected security interest in all right, title and interest of the Loan Parties in the remaining Article 9 Collateral (as defined therein) to the extent perfection can be obtained by filing Uniform Commercial Code financing statements, prior and superior to the rights of any other Person, except for rights secured by Liens permitted under Section 6.02.

 

(b)  Each Mortgage, upon execution and delivery thereof by the parties thereto, will create in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a legal, valid and enforceable security interest in all the applicable mortgagor’s right, title and interest in and to the Mortgaged Properties subject thereto and the proceeds thereof, and when the Mortgages have been filed in the jurisdictions specified therein, the Mortgages will constitute a fully perfected security interest in all right, title and interest of the mortgagors in the Mortgaged Properties and the proceeds thereof, prior and superior in right to any other Person, but subject to Liens permitted under Section 6.02.

 

(c)  Upon the recordation of the Collateral Agreement (or a short-form security agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent) with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or the United States Copyright Office, as applicable, and the filing of the financing statements referred to in paragraph (a) of this Section, the security interest created under the Collateral Agreement will constitute a fully perfected security interest in all right, title and interest of the Loan Parties in the Intellectual Property (as defined in the Collateral Agreement) in which a security interest may be perfected by filing in the United States of America, in each case prior and superior in right to any other Person, but subject to Liens permitted under Section 6.02 (it being understood and agreed that subsequent recordings in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or the United States Copyright Office may be necessary to perfect a security interest in such Intellectual Property acquired by the Loan Parties after the Effective Date).

 

SECTION 3.19.  EEA Financial Institution.  No Loan Party is an EEA Financial Institution.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

Conditions

 

SECTION 4.01.  Effective Date.  The obligations of the Lenders to make Loans and of the Issuing Banks to issue Letters of Credit hereunder shall not become

 

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effective until the date on which each of the following conditions is satisfied (or waived in accordance with Section 9.02):

 

(a)  The Administrative Agent shall have received from each party hereto either (i) a counterpart of this Agreement signed on behalf of such party or (ii) written evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent (which may include facsimile transmission or other electronic imaging of a signed signature page of this Agreement) that such party has signed a counterpart of this Agreement.

 

(b)  The Administrative Agent shall have received a favorable written opinion (addressed to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders) of Jones Day, counsel for the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, in form and substance reasonably acceptable to the Administrative Agent (A) dated as of the Effective Date and (B) covering such other matters relating to the Loan Parties, the Loan Documents or the Transactions as the Administrative Agent shall reasonably request.  The Borrower hereby requests such counsel to deliver such opinions.

 

(c)  The Administrative Agent shall have received such customary documents and certificates as the Administrative Agent or its counsel may reasonably request relating to the organization, existence and good standing of each Loan Party, the authorization of the Transactions and any other legal matters relating to the Loan Parties, the Loan Documents or the Transactions, all in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and its counsel.

 

(d)  The Administrative Agent shall have received a certificate, dated the Effective Date and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, confirming compliance with the conditions set forth in paragraphs (a) and (b) of Section 4.02.

 

(e)  The Administrative Agent shall have received all fees and other amounts due and payable on or prior to the Effective Date, including, to the extent invoiced at least two Business Days prior to the Effective Date, reimbursement or payment of all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses (including fees, charges and disbursements of counsel) required to be reimbursed or paid by any Loan Party hereunder, under any other Loan Document or under any other agreement entered into by any of the Arrangers, the Administrative Agent and the Lenders, on the one hand, and any of the Loan Parties, on the other hand.

 

(f)  The Collateral and Guarantee Requirement shall have been satisfied and the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, shall have a security interest in the Collateral of the type and priority described in each Security Document.  The Administrative Agent shall have received a completed Perfection Certificate dated the Effective Date and signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, together with all attachments contemplated thereby, including the results of a search of the Uniform Commercial Code (or equivalent) filings made with respect to the Loan Parties in the jurisdictions contemplated by

 

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the Perfection Certificate and copies of the financing statements (or similar documents) disclosed by such search and evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent that the Liens indicated by such financing statements (or similar documents) are permitted by Section 6.02 or have been or will contemporaneously with the initial funding of Loans on the Effective Date be released or terminated.

 

(g)  The Administrative Agent shall have received evidence that the insurance required by Section 5.07 and the Security Documents is in effect.

 

(h)  The Lenders shall have received the financial statements, opinions and certificates referred to in Sections 3.04(a) and 3.04(b).

 

(i)  The Arrangers shall have received a quality of earnings report with respect to the Borrower and its Subsidiaries for the Fiscal Year ended December 31, 2015.

 

(j)  Prior to or substantially concurrently with the initial funding of the Loans on the Effective Date, (i) the Refinancing shall have been consummated and (ii) all guarantees and Liens granted in respect of the Existing Indebtedness shall have been released and the terms and conditions of any such release shall be reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent shall have received a payoff and release letter with respect to the Existing Indebtedness in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.  Immediately after giving effect to the Transactions, none of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary shall have outstanding any shares of preferred stock or Disqualified Equity Interests or any Indebtedness, other than (i) Indebtedness incurred under the Loan Documents and (ii) Indebtedness permitted under Section 6.01.

 

(k)  The Arrangers shall have received a certificate from the chief financial officer of the Borrower, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, certifying as to the solvency of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis after giving effect to the Transactions.

 

(l)  The Arrangers shall have received a detailed business plan of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries for the Fiscal Years ended 2016 through 2020 (including quarterly projections for the four Fiscal Quarters ending after the Effective Date).

 

(m)  The Lenders shall have received, at least three Business Days prior to the Effective Date, all documentation and other information required by bank regulatory authorities under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act that has been requested at least ten Business Days prior to the Effective Date.

 

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(n)  Since December 31, 2015, there shall not have occurred an event, change or condition that has had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(o)  The Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent the Borrowing Request required by Section 2.03.

 

(p)  The Administrative Agent shall have received a copy of the solvency opinion to be delivered on the Effective Date to the board of directors of the Borrower in connection with the Specified Dividend.

 

The Administrative Agent shall notify the Borrower and the Lenders of the Effective Date, and such notice shall be conclusive and binding.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the obligations of the Lenders to make Loans and of the Issuing Banks to issue Letters of Credit hereunder shall not become effective unless each of the foregoing conditions is satisfied (or waived pursuant to Section 9.02) at or prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on May 19, 2016 (and, in the event such conditions are not so satisfied or waived, the Commitments shall terminate at such time).

 

SECTION 4.02.  Each Credit Event.  The obligation of each Lender to make a Loan on the occasion of any Borrowing, and of the Issuing Banks to issue, amend, renew or extend any Letter of Credit, in each case after the initial Borrowing on the Effective Date is subject to receipt of the request therefor in accordance herewith and to the satisfaction of the following conditions:

 

(a)  The representations and warranties of each Loan Party set forth in the Loan Documents shall be true and correct in all material respects (or, in the case of representations and warranties qualified as to materiality, in all respects) on and as of the date of such Borrowing or the date of issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable, except in the case of any such representation and warranty that expressly relates to a prior date, in which case such representation and warranty shall be true and correct in all material respects (or, in the case of representations and warranties qualified as to materiality, in all respects) as of such earlier date.

 

(b)  At the time of and immediately after giving effect to such Borrowing or the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of such Letter of Credit, as applicable, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing.

 

Each Borrowing (provided that a conversion or a continuation of a Borrowing shall not constitute a “Borrowing” for purposes of this Section) and each issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of a Letter of Credit shall be deemed to constitute a representation and warranty by the Borrower on the date thereof as to the matters specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section; provided however, (A) the application of paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section to any Incremental Loan made in connection with any Limited Condition Acquisition shall, at the Borrower’s option, be subject to the second paragraph of Section 1.03 and (B) paragraphs (a) and (b) of this Section shall not

 

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apply to any Loans made under any Refinancing Amendment unless the lenders in respect thereof have required satisfaction of the same in the Refinancing Amendment.

 

ARTICLE V

 

Affirmative Covenants

 

Until the Commitments shall have expired or been terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees, expenses and other amounts payable under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall have been paid in full (other than contingent amounts not yet due) and all Letters of Credit shall have expired or been terminated or shall have been backstopped or cash collateralized (in each case, in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the applicable Issuing Bank) and all LC Disbursements shall have been reimbursed, the Borrower covenants and agrees with the Lenders that:

 

SECTION 5.01.  Financial Statements and Other Information.  The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent, which shall furnish to each Issuing Bank and each Lender, the following:

 

(a)  within 90 days after the end of each Fiscal Year, its audited consolidated balance sheet and audited consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such Fiscal Year, and related notes thereto, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the previous Fiscal Year, all reported on by Grant Thornton LLP or other independent public accountants of recognized national standing (without a “going concern” or like statement, qualification or exception (other than solely as a result of (x) a maturity date in respect of any Indebtedness or (y) the projected or potential breach of a financial covenant set forth in this Agreement or any other agreement governing any Indebtedness, in each case, during the one-year period following the date such opinion is delivered) and without any qualification or exception as to the scope of such audit) to the effect that such financial statements present fairly in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flow of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis as of the end of and for such Fiscal Year in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and accompanied by a narrative report describing the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower and the consolidated Subsidiaries and a comparison to the consolidated budget delivered pursuant to subclause (d) below in respect of such Fiscal Year, each in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

 

(b)  within 45 days after the end of each of the first three Fiscal Quarters of each Fiscal Year, its unaudited consolidated balance sheet and unaudited consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows as of the end of and for such Fiscal Quarter and the then elapsed portion of such Fiscal Year, setting forth in each case in comparative form the figures for the corresponding period or periods of (or, in the case of the

 

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balance sheet, as of the end of) the previous Fiscal Year, all certified by a Responsible Officer as presenting fairly in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis as of the end of and for such Fiscal Quarter and such portion of such Fiscal Year in accordance with GAAP consistently applied, subject to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes, and accompanied by a narrative report describing the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Borrower and the consolidated Subsidiaries in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

 

(c)  concurrently with each delivery of financial statements under clause (a) or (b) above, a certificate of a Responsible Officer substantially in the form of Exhibit K (i) certifying as to whether a Default exists and, if a Default exists, specifying the details thereof and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto, (ii) setting forth reasonably detailed calculations (A) demonstrating compliance with the financial covenants contained in Sections 6.11 and 6.12 and (B) in the case of financial statements delivered under clause (a) above, beginning with the financial statements for the Fiscal Year of the Borrower ending December 31, 2016, of Excess Cash Flow, (iii) at any time when there is any Unrestricted Subsidiary, including as an attachment with respect to each such financial statement an Unrestricted Subsidiary Reconciliation Statement and (iv) stating whether any material change in GAAP or in the application thereof has occurred since the later of the date of the Borrower’s audited financial statements referred to in Section 3.04 and the date of the prior certificate delivered pursuant to this clause (c) indicating such a change and, if any such change has occurred, specifying the effect of such change on the financial statements accompanying such certificate;

 

(d)  within 90 days after the end of each Fiscal Year, a detailed consolidated budget for the forthcoming Fiscal Year (including a projected consolidated balance sheet and consolidated statements of projected operations, comprehensive income and cash flows as of the end of and for such Fiscal Year, and as of the end of and for each fiscal quarter in such Fiscal Year, and setting forth the assumptions used for purposes of preparing such budget);

 

(e)  promptly after the request by any Lender, all documentation and other information that such Lender reasonably requests in order to comply with its ongoing obligations under applicable “know your customer” and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the USA PATRIOT Act;

 

(f)  promptly after the reasonable request by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, copies of (i) any documents described in Section 101(k)(1) of ERISA that the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates may request with respect to any Multiemployer Plan and (ii) any notices described in Section 101(l)(1) of ERISA that the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates may request with respect to any Multiemployer Plan; provided that if the Borrower or any of its ERISA Affiliates has not requested such documents or notices from the administrator or sponsor of

 

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the applicable Multiemployer Plan, the Borrower or the applicable ERISA Affiliate shall promptly make a request for such documents or notices from such administrator or sponsor and shall provide copies of such documents and notices promptly after receipt thereof;

 

(g)  promptly after the same become publicly available, copies of all periodic and other reports, proxy statements and other materials filed by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary with the SEC or with any national securities exchange, or distributed by the Borrower to the holders of its Equity Interests generally, as applicable; and

 

(h)  subject to the last sentence of Section 5.08, promptly following any request therefor, such other information regarding the operations, business affairs, assets, liabilities (including contingent liabilities) and financial condition of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, or compliance with the terms of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, as the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender may reasonably request.

 

Information required to be furnished pursuant to clause (a), (b), (h) or (i) of this Section shall be deemed to have been furnished if such information, or one or more annual or quarterly reports containing such information, shall have been posted by the Administrative Agent on the Platform or shall be available on the website of the SEC at http://www.sec.gov.  Information required to be furnished pursuant to this Section may also be furnished by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent.

 

At the request of the Administrative Agent, the Borrower will hold quarterly conference calls for the Lenders to discuss financial information for the previous quarter.  The conference call shall be held at a time mutually agreed with the Administrative Agent that is promptly following the delivery of the financial statements required under Sections 5.01(a) and 5.01(b).  The requirements of this paragraph shall be satisfied by the Borrower providing the Lenders with reasonably advance notice of, and access to, the quarterly earnings call with the holders of the Borrower’s Equity Interests or notes.

 

SECTION 5.02.  Notices of Material Events.  The Borrower will, after a Responsible Officer of the Borrower has obtained knowledge thereof, furnish to the Administrative Agent, which shall furnish to each Issuing Bank and each Lender, prompt written notice of the following:

 

(a)  the occurrence of any Default;

 

(b)  the filing or commencement of any action, suit or proceeding by or before any arbitrator or Governmental Authority against or, to the knowledge of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, affecting the Borrower or any Affiliate thereof, or any adverse development in any such pending action, suit or proceeding not previously disclosed in writing by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent, that in each case would reasonably be

 

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expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect or that in any manner questions the validity of this Agreement or any other Loan Document;

 

(c)  [Reserved], and

 

(d)  any other development (including notice of any Environmental Liability) that has resulted, or would reasonably be expected to result, in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

Each notice delivered under this Section shall be accompanied by a written statement of a Responsible Officer of the Borrower setting forth the details of the event or development requiring such notice and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto.

 

SECTION 5.03.  Information Regarding Collateral.  (a)  The Borrower will furnish to the Administrative Agent prompt written notice of any change (i) in any Loan Party’s legal name, as set forth in such Loan Party’s organizational documents, (ii) in the jurisdiction of incorporation or organization of any Loan Party, (iii) in the form of organization of any Loan Party or (iv) in any Loan Party’s organizational identification number, if any, or, with respect to a Loan Party organized under the laws of a jurisdiction that requires such information to be set forth on the face of a Uniform Commercial Code financing statement, the Federal Taxpayer Identification Number of such Loan Party.

 

(b)  At the written request of the Administrative Agent, at the time of delivery of financial statements pursuant to Section 5.01(a), the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a completed Supplemental Perfection Certificate, signed by a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, (i) setting forth the information required pursuant to the Supplemental Perfection Certificate and indicating, in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, any changes in such information from the most recent Supplemental Perfection Certificate delivered pursuant to this Section (or, prior to the first delivery of a Supplemental Perfection Certificate, from the Perfection Certificate delivered on the Effective Date) or (ii) certifying that there has been no change in such information from the most recent Supplemental Perfection Certificate delivered pursuant to this Section (or, prior to the first delivery of a Supplemental Perfection Certificate, from the Perfection Certificate delivered on the Effective Date).

 

SECTION 5.04.  Existence; Conduct of Business.  The Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, do or cause to be done all things necessary to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect (a) its legal existence, except as otherwise expressly permitted under Section 6.03, and (b) all of its rights, licenses, permits, privileges, franchises, patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade names material to the conduct of its business unless the failure to preserve, renew and keep in full force and effect such rights, licenses, permits, privileges, franchises, patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade names would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

SECTION 5.05.  Payment of Taxes.  The Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, pay its material Tax liabilities, before the same shall

 

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become delinquent or in default, except where (a) the validity or amount thereof is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings, (b) the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary has set aside on its books adequate reserves with respect thereto in accordance with GAAP and (c) such contest effectively suspends collection of the contested obligation and the enforcement of any Lien securing such obligation.

 

SECTION 5.06.  Maintenance of Properties.  Except if the failure to do so would reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, the Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, keep and maintain all property material to the conduct of its business in good working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear and casualty and condemnation excepted.

 

SECTION 5.07.  Insurance.  The Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, maintain, with financially sound and reputable (in the good faith judgment of its management) insurance companies, (a) insurance in such amounts (with no greater risk retention) and against such risks as is (i) customarily maintained by companies of established repute engaged in the same or similar businesses operating in the same or similar locations and (ii) considered adequate by the Borrower, provided that notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries shall be required to obtain or maintain insurance that is more restrictive than their normal course of practice and (b) all other insurance as may be required by applicable law or any other Loan Document.  The Borrower shall use commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that each such policy of general liability or casualty insurance maintained by or on behalf of Loan Parties will (a) in the case of each general liability insurance policy, name the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, as an additional insured thereunder, (b) in the case of each casualty insurance policy, contain a lender’s loss payable clause or endorsement that names the Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, as the lender’s loss payee thereunder and (c) to the extent offered by the applicable insurer, provide for at least 30 days’ (or such shorter number of days as may be agreed to by the Administrative Agent) prior written notice to the Administrative Agent of any cancellation of such policy.  With respect to each Mortgaged Property that is located in an area determined by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to have special flood hazards, the applicable Loan Party has obtained, and will maintain, with financially sound and reputable insurance companies, such flood insurance as is required under applicable law, including Regulation H of the Board of Governors.  The Borrower will furnish to the Lenders, upon reasonable request of the Administrative Agent, information in reasonable detail as to the insurance so maintained.

 

SECTION 5.08.  Books and Records; Inspection and Audit Rights.  The Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, keep proper books of record and account in which full, true and correct entries in conformity with GAAP and all Requirements of Law are made of all dealings and transactions in relation to its business and activities.  The Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, permit any representatives designated by the Administrative Agent or any Lender, upon reasonable prior notice, to visit and inspect its properties, to examine and make extracts from its books and records, and to discuss its affairs and financial condition with its officers and independent accountants (it being agreed that representation of the Borrower

 

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shall be entitled to participate in such discussions with the independent accountants), all at such reasonable times during normal business hours and as often as reasonably requested; provided, however, that, excluding any such visits and inspections during the continuation of an Event of Default, (a) only the Administrative Agent, acting individually or on behalf of the Lenders, may exercise rights under this Section and (b) the Administrative Agent shall not exercise the rights under this Section more than once during any calendar year.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 5.08 or Section 5.01(h), none of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries will be required to disclose, permit the inspection, examination or making copies or abstracts of, or discussion of, any document, information or other matter that (a) constitutes non-financial trade secrets or non-financial proprietary information, (b) in respect of which disclosure to the Administrative Agent or any Lender (or their respective representatives or contractors) is prohibited by law or any binding agreement or (c) is subject to attorney-client or similar privilege or constitutes attorney work product, unless such document, information or other matter may be disclosed in a manner that does not violate such privilege.

 

SECTION 5.09.  Compliance with Laws.  (a)  The Borrower will, and will cause each Restricted Subsidiary to, comply with all Requirements of Law (including Environmental Laws) with respect to it or its property, except where the failure to do so, individually or in the aggregate, would not reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

 

(b)  The Borrower will in its reasonable business judgment maintain in effect and enforce policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance by the Borrower, the Subsidiaries and the respective directors, officers, employees and agents of the foregoing with Anti-Corruption Laws and applicable Sanctions.

 

SECTION 5.10.  Use of Proceeds and Letters of Credit.  (a)  The proceeds of the Tranche A Term Loans and the Tranche B Term Loans, together with the proceeds of the Revolving Loans made on the Effective Date, will be used solely (i) to pay the Specified Dividend, (ii) to effect the Refinancing, (iii) to pay the Transaction Costs and (iv) with respect to any cash remaining on the balance sheet of the Borrower after giving effect to the Transactions, for general corporate purposes (including Permitted Acquisitions, Capital Expenditures, Restricted Payments and investments) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries.  The proceeds of the Revolving Loans drawn after the Effective Date, as well as Incremental Term Loans (unless otherwise provided in the applicable Incremental Facility Amendment), will be used solely for working capital and other general corporate purposes (including Permitted Acquisitions, Capital Expenditures, Restricted Payments and investments) of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries.  No part of the proceeds of any Loan will be used in violation of the representation set forth in Section 3.10.

 

(b)  The Borrower will not request any Borrowing or Letter of Credit or use, and shall cause the Subsidiaries and the respective directors, officers, employees, agents, Affiliates and representatives of each of the foregoing not to use, the proceeds of any Borrowing or any Letter of Credit, lend, contribute or otherwise make available such

 

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proceeds to any Subsidiary, joint venture partner or other individual or entity, directly or indirectly, (i) in furtherance of an offer, payment, promise to pay, or authorization of the payment or giving of money, or anything else of value, to any Person in violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws, (ii) for the purpose of funding, financing or facilitating any activities, business or transaction of or with any Sanctioned Person or in any Sanctioned Country or (iii) in any manner that would result in the violation by an individual or entity (including any individual or entity participating in the Transactions, whether as Lender, Arranger, Administrative Agent, Issuing Bank or otherwise) of any Sanctions or Anti-Corruption Laws applicable to any party hereto.

 

SECTION 5.11.  Additional Subsidiaries.  (a)  If any additional Designated Subsidiary is formed or acquired (or otherwise becomes a Designated Subsidiary) after the Effective Date, then the Borrower will within 15 Business Days (or such longer period as the Administrative Agent may, in its sole discretion, agree to in writing) after such Designated Subsidiary is formed or acquired (or otherwise becomes a Designated Subsidiary), notify the Administrative Agent thereof and cause the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to be satisfied with respect to such Designated Subsidiary and with respect to any Equity Interest in or Indebtedness of such Designated Subsidiary owned by or on behalf of any Loan Party.

 

(b)  The Borrower may designate any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a CFC or CFC Holding Company meeting the criteria set forth in clause (b) of the definition of the term “Designated Subsidiary” as a Designated Subsidiary; provided that the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement shall have been satisfied with respect to such Restricted Subsidiary as if such Restricted Subsidiary is a Person that becomes a Designated Subsidiary after the Effective Date.

 

SECTION 5.12.  Further Assurances.  (a)  The Borrower will, and will cause each Subsidiary Loan Party to, execute any and all further documents, financing statements, agreements and instruments, and take all such further actions (including the filing and recording of financing statements, fixture filings, mortgages, deeds of trust and other documents), that may be required under any applicable law, or that the Administrative Agent or the Required Lenders may reasonably request, to cause the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement to be and remain satisfied, all at the expense of the Loan Parties.  The Borrower also agrees to provide to the Administrative Agent, from time to time upon request, evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent as to the perfection and priority of the Liens created or intended to be created by the Security Documents.

 

(b)  If any material assets (including any real property or improvements thereto or any interest therein with a fair market value in excess of $2,000,000) are acquired by the Borrower or any Subsidiary Loan Party after the Effective Date (other than assets constituting Collateral under the Collateral Agreement that become subject to the Lien created by the Collateral Agreement upon acquisition thereof, any Excluded Assets (as defined in the Collateral Agreement) and assets not required to be pledged pursuant to the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement), the Borrower will notify the Administrative Agent thereof, and, if requested by the Administrative Agent or the

 

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Required Lenders, the Borrower will cause such assets to be subjected to a Lien securing the Obligations and will take, and cause the Subsidiary Loan Parties to take, such actions as shall be necessary or reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent to grant and perfect such Liens, including actions described in paragraph (a) of this Section, all at the expense of the Loan Parties, within 60 days of such request (or such longer time as agreed by the Administrative Agent).

 

SECTION 5.13.  Designation of Subsidiaries.  The Borrower may at any time designate any Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary or any Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that (a) immediately before and after such designation, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would immediately result from such designation and (b) immediately after giving effect to such designation, the Borrower shall be in compliance with the financial maintenance covenants set forth in Sections 6.11 and 6.12, calculated on a Pro Forma Basis after giving effect to such designation as of the last day of the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter, and the Borrower shall have delivered to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Responsible Officer setting forth reasonably detailed calculations demonstrating compliance with this clause (b).  The Borrower may not designate a Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary if, at the time of such designation (and, thereafter, any Unrestricted Subsidiary shall cease to be an Unrestricted Subsidiary automatically if) (i) such Restricted Subsidiary or any of its subsidiaries is a “restricted subsidiary” or a “guarantor” (or any similar designation) for any Material Indebtedness of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, (ii) such Restricted Subsidiary or any of its subsidiaries owns any Equity Interests or Indebtedness of, or holds any Lien on any property of, the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary (other than (x) any subsidiary of such Restricted Subsidiary and (y) any Unrestricted Subsidiary) or (iii) any holder of any Indebtedness of such Restricted Subsidiary or any of its subsidiaries has recourse (either through a Guarantee, by operation of law or otherwise) to the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary.  The designation of any Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary shall constitute an investment by the parent company of such Subsidiary therein under clauses (v) and (x) of Section 6.04 at the date of designation in an amount equal to the net book value of such parent company’s investment therein.  The designation of any Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary shall constitute (A) the incurrence at the time of designation of any Indebtedness or Liens of such Subsidiary, and the making of an investment by such Subsidiary in any investments of such Subsidiary, in each case existing at such time and (B) a return on any investment by the Borrower in Unrestricted Subsidiaries pursuant to the above in an amount equal to the fair market value at the date of such designation of the Parent’s or its Subsidiary’s, as applicable, investment in such Subsidiary (without giving effect to any write downs or write offs thereof).  Prior to any designation made in accordance with this Section 5.13, the Borrower shall deliver to the Administrative Agent a certificate of a Responsible Officer certifying that the designation satisfies the applicable conditions set forth in this Section 5.13.

 

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ARTICLE VI

 

Negative Covenants

 

Until the Commitments shall have expired or been terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees, expenses and other amounts payable under this Agreement or any other Loan Document have been paid in full (other than contingent amounts not yet due) and all Letters of Credit have expired or been terminated or shall have been backstopped or cash collateralized (in each case, in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the applicable Issuing Bank) and all LC Disbursements shall have been reimbursed, the Borrower covenants and agrees with the Lenders that:

 

SECTION 6.01.  Indebtedness; Certain Equity Securities.  The Borrower will not, nor will it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Indebtedness, except:

 

(a)  Indebtedness created hereunder and under the other Loan Documents;

 

(b)  Indebtedness existing on the Effective Date and set forth in Schedule 6.01 and any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof;

 

(c)  Indebtedness of the Borrower to any Restricted Subsidiary and of any Restricted Subsidiary to the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary; provided that (i) Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party to the Borrower or any Subsidiary Loan Party shall be subject to Section 6.04 and (ii) Indebtedness of any Loan Party to any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Loan Party in excess of $5,000,000 shall be subordinated to the Obligations on the terms set forth in the Intercompany Indebtedness Subordination Agreement;

 

(d)  Guarantees by the Borrower of Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary and by any Restricted Subsidiary of Indebtedness of the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary; provided that (i) the Indebtedness so Guaranteed is permitted by this Section (other than clause (b) or (f)), (ii) Guarantees by the Borrower or any Subsidiary Loan Party of Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall be subject to Section 6.04 and (iii) Guarantees permitted under this clause (d) shall be subordinated to the Obligations of the applicable Restricted Subsidiary to the same extent and on terms not materially less favorable to the Lenders as the Indebtedness so Guaranteed is subordinated to the Obligations;

 

(e)  (i) Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary incurred to finance the acquisition, lease, construction, replacement, repair or improvement of any fixed or capital assets, including Capital Lease Obligations, mortgage financings, purchase money indebtedness and any Indebtedness assumed by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in connection with the acquisition of any such assets or secured by a Lien on any such assets prior to the acquisition thereof; provided that such Indebtedness is incurred prior to or within 270 days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement, and (ii) Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of

 

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Indebtedness incurred or assumed pursuant to clause (i) above; provided further that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (e) shall not exceed the greater of $15,000,000 and 5.0% of Consolidated EBITDA (calculated on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the Fiscal Quarter of the Borrower most recently ended and at the time of incurrence);

 

(f)  (i) Indebtedness of any Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary (or of any Person not previously a Restricted Subsidiary that is merged or consolidated with or into the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary in a transaction permitted hereunder) after the Effective Date, or Indebtedness of any Person that is assumed by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in connection with an acquisition of assets by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary in a Permitted Acquisition or an investment not prohibited hereunder; provided that (x) such Indebtedness exists at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary (or is so merged or consolidated) or such assets are acquired and is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary (or such merger or consolidation) or such assets being acquired and (y) the Borrower shall be in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Sections 6.11 and 6.12, calculated on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the Fiscal Quarter of the Borrower most recently ended, at the time of incurrence, and (ii) any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of such Indebtedness;

 

(g)  other unsecured or junior lien secured Indebtedness so long as at the time of the incurrence of such Indebtedness and immediately after giving effect thereto (A) the Borrower shall be in compliance with the requirements of Sections 6.11 and 6.12 and (B) no Default or Event of Default (limited in the case of the incurrence of Indebtedness in connection with a Limited Condition Acquisition to Events of Default pursuant to Sections 7.01(a), (b), (h) or (i)) shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom; provided that (x) in the case of junior lien secured Indebtedness, if such Indebtedness is secured by any Collateral, such Indebtedness shall be secured by the Collateral on a junior priority basis to the Liens securing the Obligations and the obligations in respect of any Permitted Pari Passu Refinancing Debt and, if such Indebtedness is an obligation of a Domestic Subsidiary, such Indebtedness is not secured by any property or assets of the Borrower or any Domestic Subsidiaries other than the Collateral, (y) the holders or the representatives of the holders of such junior lien secured Indebtedness shall have become party to an Intercreditor Agreement that reflects the junior nature of such Lien and (z) the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of the Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Subsidiary Loan Parties permitted by this clause (g), together with Indebtedness of the Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Subsidiary Loan Parties incurred pursuant to clause (s) of this Section 6.01, shall not exceed the greater of $15,000,000 and 5.0% of Consolidated EBITDA (calculated on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the Fiscal Quarter of the Borrower most recently ended and at the time of incurrence);

 

(h)  Indebtedness owed to any Person (including obligations in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees and similar instruments for the benefit of such Person) providing workers’ compensation, health, disability, unemployment, social security laws or other employee benefits or property, casualty or liability insurance and premiums

 

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related thereto, pursuant to reimbursement or indemnification obligations to such Person, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business;

 

(i)  Indebtedness owed to any Person (including obligations in respect of letters of credit, bank guarantees and similar instruments for the benefit of such Person) in respect of performance bonds, bid bonds, appeal bonds, surety bonds, performance and completion guarantees and similar obligations (other than in respect of other Indebtedness), in each case provided in the ordinary course of business;

 

(j)  Indebtedness in respect of Hedging Agreements permitted by Section 6.06;

 

(k)  Indebtedness owed in respect of any overdrafts and related liabilities arising from treasury, depositary and cash management services or in connection with any automated clearinghouse transfers of funds; provided that such Indebtedness shall be repaid in full within five Business Days of the incurrence thereof;

 

(l)  Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in the form of purchase price adjustments, earnouts (including the MIPA Earnout), non-competition agreements or other arrangements representing acquisition consideration or deferred payments of a similar nature incurred in connection with any Permitted Acquisition or other investment permitted under Section 6.04;

 

(m)  (i) Alternative Incremental Facility Debt; provided that the aggregate principal amount of Alternative Incremental Facility Debt shall not exceed the amount permitted to be incurred under Section 2.20(a) and (ii) Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of Indebtedness incurred pursuant to subclause (i) of this clause (m);

 

(n)  (i) Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness; provided that the Net Proceeds from such Indebtedness are applied to repay Loans as required by Section 2.10(c) and (ii) Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of Indebtedness incurred or assumed pursuant to subclause (i) of this clause (n);

 

(o)  to the extent constituting Indebtedness, contingent obligations arising under indemnity agreements to title insurance companies to cause such title insurers to issue title insurance policies in the ordinary course of business with respect to the real property of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(p)  to the extent constituting Indebtedness, obligations in respect of repurchase agreements constituting Permitted Investments;

 

(q)  Indebtedness consisting of promissory notes issued by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to future, present or former directors, officers, members of management, employees or consultants of the Borrower or any of its Subsidiaries or their respective estates, executors, administrators, heirs, family members, legatees, distributees, spouses or former spouses, domestic partners or former domestic partners to finance the purchase or redemption of Equity Interests of the Borrower permitted by Section 6.07(c);

 

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(r)  Indebtedness in respect of any letter of credit or bank guarantee issued in favor of any Issuing Bank to support any Defaulting Lender’s participation in Letters of Credit issued;

 

(s)  Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to the extent that 100% of such Indebtedness is supported by any Letter of Credit; provided that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness of the Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Subsidiary Loan Parties permitted by this clause (s), together with Indebtedness of the Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Subsidiary Loan Parties incurred pursuant to clause (g) of this Section 6.01, shall not exceed the greater of $15,000,000 and 5.0% of Consolidated EBITDA (calculated on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the Fiscal Quarter of the Borrower most recently ended and at the time of incurrence);

 

(t)  to the extent constituting Indebtedness, obligations in respect of customer deposits and advance payments received in the ordinary course of business from customers for goods and services purchased in the ordinary course of business;

 

(u)  to the extent constituting Indebtedness, customary indemnification and purchase price adjustments or similar obligations (including earn-outs) incurred or assumed in connection with acquisitions, investments and Dispositions otherwise permitted hereunder;

 

(v)  Indebtedness of any Foreign Subsidiaries incurred for foreign working capital purposes in an aggregate amount outstanding not to exceed the sum of (x) 90% of such Foreign Subsidiary’s accounts receivable, plus (y) 60% of such Foreign Subsidiary’s inventory, plus (z) $25,000,000 in the aggregate at any time outstanding;

 

(w)  Indebtedness of the Borrower or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries arising out of any sale and leaseback transaction permitted under Section 6.02(j) provided that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (w) shall not exceed $10,000,000 at any time outstanding; and

 

(x)  other Indebtedness of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries; provided that the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness permitted by this clause (x) shall not exceed $15,000,000 at any time outstanding.

 

SECTION 6.02.  Liens.  The Borrower will not, nor will it permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, create, incur, assume or permit to exist any Lien on any asset now owned or hereafter acquired by it, or assign or sell any income or revenues (including accounts receivable) or rights in respect of any thereof, except:

 

(a)  Liens created under the Loan Documents and any Liens on cash or deposits granted in favor of any Issuing Bank to cash collateralize any Defaulting Lender’s participation in Letters of Credit as contemplated by this Agreement;

 

(b)  Permitted Encumbrances;

 

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(c)  any Lien on any asset of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary existing on the Effective Date and set forth in Schedule 6.02; provided that (i) such Lien shall not apply to any other asset of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than (x) the proceeds thereof and (y) assets financed by the same financing source pursuant to the same financing scheme in the ordinary course of business) and (ii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations that it secures on the Effective Date and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof so long as the amount of the obligations under such extensions, renewals or replacements does not exceed the amount of the obligations being extended, renewed, replaced (including accrued and unpaid interest with respect to such original obligations and any reasonable fees, premium and expenses relating to such extension, renewal or replacement) and if any such obligations constitute Indebtedness, such Indebtedness is permitted under Section 6.01(b);

 

(d)  any Lien existing on any asset prior to and at the time of the acquisition thereof by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary or existing on any asset of any Person that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary (or of any Person not previously a Restricted Subsidiary that is merged or consolidated with or into a Restricted Subsidiary in a transaction permitted hereunder) after the Effective Date prior to and at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary (or is so merged or consolidated); provided that (i) such Lien is not created in contemplation of or in connection with such acquisition or such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary (or such merger or consolidation), (ii) such Lien shall not apply to any other asset of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (other than (A) assets financed by the same financing source pursuant to the same financing scheme in the ordinary course of business and (B) in the case of any such merger or consolidation, the assets of any special purpose merger Subsidiary that is a party thereto) and (iii) such Lien shall secure only those obligations that it secures on the date of such acquisition or the date such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary (or is so merged or consolidated) and extensions, renewals and replacements thereof so long as the amount of the obligations under such extensions, renewals or replacements does not exceed the original amount of the obligations being extended, renewed or replaced (including accrued and unpaid interest with respect to such original obligations and any reasonable fees, premium and expenses relating to such extension, renewal or replacement) and if any such obligations constitute Indebtedness, such Indebtedness is permitted under Section 6.01(f);

 

(e)  Liens on fixed or capital assets acquired, constructed, repaired, leased or improved (including any such assets made the subject of a Capital Lease Obligation incurred) by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided that (i) such Liens secure Indebtedness incurred to finance such acquisition, construction or improvement and permitted by clause (e)(i) of Section 6.01 or any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof permitted by clause (e)(ii) of Section 6.01, (ii) such Liens and the Indebtedness secured thereby are incurred prior to or within 270 days after such acquisition or the completion of such construction or improvement (provided that this clause (ii) shall not apply to any Refinancing Indebtedness permitted by clause (e)(ii) of Section 6.01 or any Lien securing such Refinancing Indebtedness), (iii) the Indebtedness secured thereby does not exceed the cost of acquiring, constructing or improving such fixed or capital asset and in any event, the aggregate principal amount permitted by Section 6.01(e), and

 

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(iv) such Liens shall not apply to any other property or assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (except (x) the proceeds thereof and (y) assets financed by the same financing source pursuant to the same financing scheme in the ordinary course of business);

 

(f)  in connection with the sale or transfer of any Equity Interests or other assets in a transaction permitted under Section 6.05, customary rights and restrictions contained in agreements relating to such sale or transfer pending the completion thereof;

 

(g)  in the case of (i) any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a wholly-owned Subsidiary or (ii) the Equity Interests in any Person that is not a Restricted Subsidiary, any encumbrance or restriction, including any put and call arrangements, related to Equity Interests in such Subsidiary or such other Person set forth in the organizational documents of such Subsidiary or such other Person or any related joint venture, shareholders’ or similar agreement;

 

(h)  Liens solely on any cash earnest money deposits, escrow arrangements or similar arrangements made by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in connection with any letter of intent or purchase agreement for a Permitted Acquisition or other transaction permitted hereunder;

 

(i)  (i) Liens on the Collateral securing any Permitted Pari Passu Refinancing Debt, Permitted Junior Lien Refinancing Debt, any Alternative Incremental Facility Debt or Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01(g) and (ii) any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of Indebtedness incurred or assumed pursuant to subclause (i) of this clause (i)); provided that such Liens are subject to an Intercreditor Agreement that reflects the pari passu or junior nature of such Lien, as the case may be, in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent;

 

(j)  Liens in connection with any sale and leaseback transaction to the extent that the aggregate outstanding amount of the obligations secured thereby does not exceed $10,000,000 at any time outstanding;

 

(k)  Liens granted by a Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Loan Party in respect of Indebtedness permitted to be incurred by such Subsidiary under Section 6.01;

 

(l)  Liens on assets of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Loan Party granted in favor the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary; and

 

(m)  Liens not otherwise permitted by this Section to the extent that the aggregate outstanding principal amount of the obligations secured thereby does not exceed $25,000,000 at any time outstanding.

 

For purposes of determining compliance with this Section 6.02, a Lien need not be incurred solely by reference to one category of Liens described in clauses (a) through (m) above but may be incurred under any combination of such categories (including in part under one such category and in part under any other such category). The expansion of Liens by virtue of accrual of interest, amortization of original issue discount and

 

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increases in the amount of Indebtedness outstanding solely as a result of fluctuations in the exchange rate of currencies will not be deemed to be an incurrence of Liens for purposes of this Section 6.02.

 

SECTION 6.03.  Fundamental Changes.  (a)  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, merge into or consolidate with any other Person, or permit any other Person to merge into or consolidate with it, or liquidate or dissolve, except that, if at the time thereof and immediately after giving effect thereto no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing (i) any Person may merge into or consolidate with the Borrower in a transaction in which (x) the Borrower is the surviving entity or (y) the other party is the surviving entity of such merger (in such event, such surviving entity shall be the “Successor Borrower”) so long as (A) the Successor Borrower is organized under the laws of the United States, (B) the Successor Borrower expressly assumes the Borrower’s obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which the Borrower is a party pursuant to a supplement hereto or thereto, as applicable, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and (C) each Subsidiary Loan Party, unless it is the other party to such merger or consolidation, shall have by a supplement to the Collateral Agreement and, if reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, each other Security Document to which such Subsidiary Loan Party is a party confirmed that its obligations thereunder shall apply to the Successor Borrower’s obligations under this Agreement (it being understood that, if the foregoing conditions in clauses (A) through (C) are satisfied, then the Successor Borrower will automatically succeed to, and be substituted for, the Borrower under this Agreement), (ii) any Person (other than the Borrower) may merge into or consolidate with any Restricted Subsidiary in a transaction in which the surviving entity is a Restricted Subsidiary and, if any party to such merger or consolidation is a Subsidiary Loan Party, the surviving entity is or becomes a Subsidiary Loan Party, (iii) any Restricted Subsidiary may merge into or consolidate with any Person (other than the Borrower) in a transaction permitted under Section 6.05 in which, after giving effect to such transaction, the surviving entity is not a Restricted Subsidiary, and (iv) any Restricted Subsidiary may liquidate or dissolve or change its legal form if the Borrower determines in good faith that such liquidation or dissolution or change in legal form is in the best interests of the Borrower and is not materially disadvantageous to the Lenders; provided that any such merger or consolidation involving a Person that is not a wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiary immediately prior to such merger or consolidation shall not be permitted unless it is also permitted by Section 6.04.

 

(b)  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, engage to any material extent in any business other than businesses of the type conducted by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on the Effective Date and businesses reasonably related, complementary or ancillary thereto or a reasonable extension or expansion thereof as determined by the Borrower in good faith.

 

SECTION 6.04.  Investments, Loans, Advances, Guarantees and Acquisitions.  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, purchase, hold or acquire (including pursuant to any merger or consolidation with any Person that was not a wholly-owned Restricted Subsidiary prior to such merger or

 

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consolidation) any Equity Interests in or evidences of Indebtedness or other securities (including any option, warrant or other right to acquire any of the foregoing) of, make or permit to exist any loans or advances to, Guarantee any obligations of, or make or permit to exist any investment or any other interest in, any other Person, or purchase or otherwise acquire (in one transaction or a series of transactions) any assets of any other Person constituting a business unit, except:

 

(a)  Permitted Investments;

 

(b)  Permitted Acquisitions; provided that the aggregate amount of cash consideration paid in respect of all investments pursuant to this clause (b) if such investment is (i) an investment in the Equity Interests of any Person that does not become a Loan Party, or (ii) an investment in assets by a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Loan Party, shall not exceed at the time each such investment is made and after giving effect thereto, the greater of $55,000,000 and 20.0% of Consolidated EBITDA (calculated on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter on or prior to the date of determination) (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs);

 

(c)  (i) investments existing on the Effective Date in the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, (ii) other investments existing on the Effective Date and set forth on Schedule 6.04 and (iii) and any modification, replacement, renewal or extension of the foregoing; provided that the amount of the original investment is not increased unless otherwise permitted by this Section 6.04;

 

(d)  investments by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries in Equity Interests of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries (including between or among Restricted Subsidiaries); provided that (i) any such Equity Interests held by a Loan Party shall be pledged in accordance with the requirements of the definition of the term “Collateral and Guarantee Requirement” and (ii) the aggregate amount of such investments made by Loan Parties in Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties (together with the aggregate principal amount of any (A) outstanding intercompany loans permitted under subclause (ii) to the proviso to clause (e) of this Section and (B) outstanding Guarantees permitted under the proviso to clause (f) of this Section) shall not exceed at the time such investment is made and after giving effect thereto, the greater of $55,000,000 and 20.0% of Consolidated EBITDA (calculated on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter on or prior to the date of determination)  (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs);

 

(e)  loans or advances made by the Borrower to any Restricted Subsidiary and made by any Restricted Subsidiary to the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary; provided that the amount of such loans and advances made by Loan Parties to Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties (together with the aggregate principal amount of any (A) outstanding investments permitted under subclause (ii) of the proviso to clause (d) of this Section and (B) outstanding

 

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Guarantees permitted under the proviso to clause (f) of this Section) shall not exceed at the time such loan or advance is made and after giving effect thereto, the greater of $55,000,000 and 20.0% of Consolidated EBITDA (calculated on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter on or prior to the date of determination) (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs);

 

(f)  Guarantees of Indebtedness that is permitted under Section 6.01 and other obligations, in each case of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided that the total of the aggregate principal amount of Indebtedness and the aggregate amount of other obligations, in each case of Restricted Subsidiaries that are not Loan Parties that is Guaranteed by any Loan Party (together with the aggregate principal amount of any (A) outstanding investments permitted under subclause (ii) of the proviso to clause (d) of this Section and (B) intercompany loans permitted under subclause (ii) to the proviso to clause (e) of this Section) shall not exceed at the time of such Guarantee and after giving effect thereto, the greater of $55,000,000 and 20.0% of Consolidated EBITDA (calculated on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter on or prior to the date of determination) (in each case determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs);

 

(g)  loans or advances to officers, directors, members of management or employees of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary made (i) in the ordinary course of business of the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary, as applicable, and (ii) in connection with such Person’s purchase of Equity Interests of the Borrower; provided that, to the extent such loans or advances are made in cash, the amount of such loans and advances used to acquire such Equity Interests shall be contributed or paid to the Borrower in cash; provided, further, that the aggregate amount of loans or advances permitted under this clause (g) (determined without regard to any write-downs or write-offs of such loans or advances) shall not exceed in the aggregate outstanding at any time (x) prior to the IPO, $10,000,000 and (y) after the IPO, $5,000,000 (excluding the amount of any loans or advances in excess of $5,000,000 made prior to the IPO pursuant to this clause (g));

 

(h)  payroll, travel and similar advances to cover matters that are expected at the time of such advances ultimately to be treated as expenses of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary for accounting purposes and that are made in the ordinary course of business;

 

(i)  investments received (i) in connection with the bankruptcy or reorganization of, or settlement of delinquent accounts or disputes with or judgments against, any Person, or foreclosure or deed in lieu of foreclosure with respect to any Lien held as security for an obligation, in each case in the ordinary course of business, (ii) upon the foreclosure with respect to any secured investment, (iii) as a result of the settlement, compromise or resolution of

 

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litigation, arbitration or other disputes or (iv) in settlement of debt created in the ordinary course of business;

 

(j)  investments in the form of Hedging Agreements permitted by Section 6.06;

 

(k)  investments of any Person existing at the time such Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary or consolidates or merges with the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (including in connection with a Permitted Acquisition) so long as such investments were not made in contemplation of such Person becoming a Restricted Subsidiary or of such consolidation or merger;

 

(l)  investments resulting from pledges or deposits described in clause (c) or (d) of the definition of the term “Permitted Encumbrance”;

 

(m)  investments made as a result of the receipt of noncash consideration from a Disposition of any asset in compliance with Section 6.05;

 

(n)  investments in any Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party in an amount required to permit such Subsidiary to consummate an investment that, if undertaken by a Loan Party, would be permitted under this Section 6.04;

 

(o)  investments that result solely from the receipt by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary from any of its subsidiaries of a dividend or other Restricted Payment in the form of Equity Interests, evidences of Indebtedness or other securities (but not any additions thereto made after the date of the receipt thereof);

 

(p)  receivables or other trade payables owing to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary if created or acquired in the ordinary course of business and payable or dischargeable in accordance with customary trade terms; provided that such trade terms may include such concessionary trade terms as the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary deems reasonable under the circumstances;

 

(q)  mergers and consolidations permitted under Section 6.03 that do not involve any Person other than the Borrower and Restricted Subsidiaries that are wholly-owned Subsidiaries;

 

(r)  investments made in connection with the funding of contributions under any non-qualified retirement plan or similar employee compensation plan, in each case entered into in the ordinary course of business and in an amount not to exceed the amount of compensation expense recognized by the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries in connection with such plans;

 

(s)  Guarantees by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries of leases of the Borrower and Restricted Subsidiaries (other than Capital Lease Obligations) or of other obligations not constituting Indebtedness, in each case entered into in the ordinary course of business and payments thereon or investments in respect thereof in lieu of such payments;

 

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(t)  investments consisting of endorsements for collection or deposit;

 

(u)  investments (i) constituting deposits, prepayments and/or other credits to suppliers, (ii) made in connection with obtaining, maintaining or renewing client and customer contracts and/or (iii) in the form of advances made to distributors, suppliers, licensors and licensees, in each case, in the ordinary course of business;

 

(v)  prior to an IPO, investments not exceeding $10,000,000 at any time outstanding, constituting the repurchase of an Equity Interests in the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary that is issued to any employee or to any plan for the benefit of employees or by any such plan to such employees upon such employee’s termination, death or disability;

 

(w)  so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, other investments, loans and advances by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in an aggregate amount, including all related commitments for future investments, loans or advances (and the principal amount of any Indebtedness that is assumed or otherwise incurred in connection with such investment, loan or advance), not exceeding, at the time such investments, loans or advances are made and immediately after giving effect thereto, the Available Amount at such time, for all such investments made or committed to be made from and after the Effective Date; provided that, in the event any such investment, loan or advance by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary is made concurrently with an equity issuance the proceeds of which increase the Available Amount, any investment, loan or advance can be made in the same or lesser amount of the proceeds of such equity issuance notwithstanding the occurrence or continuation of any Event of Default; and

 

(x)  other investments, loans and advances by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary not otherwise permitted by this Section so long as at the time of the making of any such investment, loan or advance made pursuant to this clause (x) and immediately after giving effect thereto (i) the Total Secured Net Leverage Ratio, calculated on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the Fiscal Quarter of the Borrower most recently ended, is less than or equal to 2.50 and (ii) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing; provided that if the proceeds of any such investment will be applied to finance a Limited Condition Acquisition, compliance with this clause (x) shall be determined in accordance with Section 1.03.

 

For purposes of compliance with this Section 6.04, the amount of any investment shall be the amount actually invested (measured at the time made), without adjustment for subsequent increases or decreases in the value of such investment but giving effect to any returns or distributions of capital or repayment of principal actually received in cash by such other Person with respect thereto (but only to the extent that the aggregate amount of all such returns, distributions and repayments with respect to such investment does not exceed the principal amount

 

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of such investment and less any such amount which increases the Available Amount).  Any investment that exceeds the limits of any particular clause set forth above may be allocated amongst more than one of such clauses to permit the incurrence of holding of such investment to the extent such excess is permitted as an investment under such other clauses.

 

SECTION 6.05.  Asset Sales.  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, sell, transfer, lease or otherwise dispose of any asset, including any Equity Interest owned by it (each such sale, transfer, lease or other disposition herein, a “Disposition”), nor will the Borrower permit any Restricted Subsidiary to issue any additional Equity Interest in such Restricted Subsidiary (other than issuing directors’ qualifying shares and other than issuing Equity Interests to the Borrower or another Restricted Subsidiary in compliance with Section 6.04(d)), except:

 

(a)  Dispositions of (i) inventory, (ii) used or surplus equipment or assets or obsolete or worn-out property no longer useful to the conduct of the business of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, (iii) cash and Permitted Investments, (iv) inventory reasonably determined in good faith by the management of the Borrower to be no longer useful to the conduct of the business of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries and (v) other tangible property exchanged in connection with upgrades to similar tangible property, in each case in the ordinary course of business;

 

(b)  Dispositions to the Borrower or a Restricted Subsidiary; provided that any such Dispositions involving a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Loan Party shall be made in compliance with Sections 6.04 and 6.08;

 

(c)  Dispositions of accounts receivable in connection with the compromise, settlement or collection thereof in the ordinary course of business and not as part of any accounts receivables financing transaction;

 

(d)  Dispositions of assets to the extent that such assets constitutes an investment permitted by clause (i), (k) or (m) of Section 6.04 or another asset received as consideration for the Disposition of any asset permitted by this Section (in each case, other than Equity Interests in a Restricted Subsidiary, unless all Equity Interests in such Restricted Subsidiary (other than directors’ qualifying shares) are sold);

 

(e)  leases or subleases entered into in the ordinary course of business, to the extent that they do not materially interfere with the business of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(f)  licenses or sublicenses of property (including licensing and cross-licensing arrangements involving technology or other intellectual property of the Borrower or any Subsidiary) in the ordinary course of business, to the extent that they do not materially interfere with the business of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary;

 

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(g)  Dispositions resulting from any casualty or other insured damage to, or any taking under power of eminent domain or by condemnation or similar proceeding of, any property or asset of any of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary;

 

(h)  Dispositions of assets to the extent that (i) such assets are exchanged for credit against the purchase price of similar replacement assets or (ii) the proceeds of such Disposition are promptly applied to the purchase price of such replacement assets;

 

(i)  any surrender or waiver of contract rights pursuant to a settlement, release, recovery on or surrender of contract, tort or other claims of any kind;

 

(j)  termination of any Hedging Agreement in accordance with its terms (other than any default termination);

 

(k)  (i) Dispositions of the Equity Interests of, or securities of, Unrestricted Subsidiaries and (ii) Dispositions of investments in joint ventures to the extent required by, or made pursuant to, buy/sell arrangements between the joint venture parties set forth in the joint venture agreement or similar binding agreements entered into with respect to such investment in such joint venture;

 

(l)  Dispositions that do not exceed $5,000,000 in any Fiscal Year;

 

(m)  Dispositions of non-core assets (which may include real property) acquired in an acquisition or investment permitted under this Agreement and that are identified as non-core assets by the Borrower or the applicable Restricted Subsidiary at the time of the acquisition thereof or promptly thereafter to the extent such Disposition is consummated within two years of such acquisition or investment;

 

(n)  Dispositions of assets (other than Equity Interests in a Restricted Subsidiary unless all Equity Interests in such Restricted Subsidiary (other than directors’ qualifying shares) are sold) that are not permitted by any other clause of this Section; provided that the aggregate fair market value of all Dispositions made in reliance upon this clause (n) during the term of this Agreement shall not exceed 25% of the consolidated total assets of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries determined as of the last day of the most recent Fiscal Quarter prior to the date of any such Disposition for which financial statements have been delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(a) or (b);

 

(o)  sale and leaseback transactions permitted by Section 6.02(j); and

 

(p)  Dispositions of equipment and other property purchased and subsequently sold to third party manufacturing partners for fair market value that do not exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate in any Fiscal Year;

 

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provided that all Dispositions permitted hereby (other than those permitted by clause (b)) shall be made for fair value and all Dispositions permitted by clauses (a)(i), (k), (l), (m) or (n) for at least 75% consideration in the form of cash or investments described in clauses (a) through (d) of the definition of “Permitted Investments” payable at the time of such Disposition; provided, further, that (i) any consideration in the form of Permitted Investments that are disposed of for cash consideration within 30 Business Days after such sale, transfer or other disposition shall be deemed to be cash consideration in an amount equal to the amount of such cash consideration received for purposes of this proviso, (ii) any liabilities (as shown on the Borrower’s or such Restricted Subsidiary’s most recent balance sheet provided hereunder or in the footnotes thereto) of the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary, other than liabilities that are by their terms subordinated to the payment in cash of the Obligations, that are assumed by the transferee with respect to the applicable Disposition or otherwise cancelled or terminated in connection with such Disposition and, in each case, for which the Borrower and all the Restricted Subsidiaries shall have been validly released by all applicable creditors in writing shall be deemed to be cash consideration in an amount equal to the liabilities so assumed, and (iii) any Designated Non-Cash Consideration received by the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary in respect of such Disposition having an aggregate fair market value, taken together with all other Designated Non-Cash Consideration received pursuant to this clause (iii) not in excess of, in any Fiscal Year, the greater of $5,000,000 and 1.75% of Consolidated EBITDA (determined at the time of such Disposition (calculated on a Pro Forma Basis) as of the last day of the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter on or prior to the date of determination) at the time of the receipt of such Designated Non-Cash Consideration, with the fair market value of each item of Designated Non-Cash Consideration being measured at the time received and without giving effect to subsequent changes in value, shall be deemed to be cash consideration.

 

SECTION 6.06.  Hedging Agreements.  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into any Hedging Agreement, except (a) Hedging Agreements entered into to hedge or mitigate risks to which the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary has actual or potential exposure (other than those in respect of the Equity Interests or Indebtedness of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary) and (b) Hedging Agreements entered into in order to effectively cap, collar or exchange interest rates (from fixed to floating rates, from one floating rate to another floating rate or otherwise) with respect to any interest-bearing liability or investment of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary.

 

SECTION 6.07.  Restricted Payments.  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, declare or make, directly or indirectly, any Restricted Payment, except that:

 

(a)  any Restricted Subsidiary may declare and pay dividends or make other distributions with respect to its Equity Interests, or make other Restricted Payments in respect of its Equity Interests, in each case ratably to the holders of such Equity Interests;

 

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(b)  the Borrower may declare and pay dividends with respect to its Equity Interests payable solely in shares of Qualified Equity Interests or Disqualified Equity Interests permitted hereunder;

 

(c)  the Borrower may make Restricted Payments, not exceeding $10,000,000 during any Fiscal Year (together with any Restricted Payments permitted under this clause (c) in the immediately prior Fiscal Year (without giving effect to this parenthetical) and not used in such prior Fiscal Year), pursuant to and in accordance with stock option plans, related stockholder agreements or other similar agreements, or other benefit plans approved by the Borrower’s board of directors for directors, officers or employees of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries, less any amount of Indebtedness issued pursuant to Section 6.01(q);

 

(d)  prior to an IPO, the Borrower may make Restricted Payments, not exceeding $10,000,000 in the aggregate, in connection with the purchase, redemption, retirement, acquisition, exchange, conversion, cancelation or termination of any Equity Interest in the Borrower held by an employee of the Borrower or any Subsidiary upon such employee’s termination, death or disability;

 

(e)  the Borrower may make cash payments in lieu of the issuance of fractional shares representing insignificant interests in the Borrower in connection with (i) any dividend, split or combination of its Equity Interests or (ii) the exercise of warrants, options or other securities convertible into or exchangeable for Equity Interests in the Borrower;

 

(f)  the Borrower may make any repurchase of Equity Interests of the Borrower that is deemed to occur upon the exercise of stock options if such Equity Interests represent a portion of the exercise price of such stock options;

 

(g)  the Borrower may make any repurchase of Equity Interests of the Borrower that is deemed to occur upon the non-cash exercise of Equity Interests to pay Taxes due upon such exercise;

 

(h)  concurrently with any issuance of Qualified Equity Interests (other than Cure Amounts), the Borrower may redeem, purchase or retire any Equity Interests of the Borrower using the proceeds of, or convert or exchange any Equity Interests of the Borrower for, such Qualified Equity Interests;

 

(i)  in connection with or after an IPO, (i) any Restricted Payment to pay listing fees and other costs and expenses attributable to being a publicly traded company which are reasonable and customary and (ii) additional Restricted Payments in an aggregate amount per annum not to exceed an amount equal to 6.0% the net proceeds received by (or contributed to) the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries from such IPO;

 

(j)  so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary may make other Restricted Payments not otherwise permitted by this Section in an aggregate amount not exceeding, at the time

 

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such Restricted Payments are made and immediately after giving effect thereto, the Available Amount at such time; provided that at the time of any such Restricted Payments and immediately after giving effect thereto, the Borrower shall be in compliance with the financial covenants set forth in Sections 6.11 and 6.12, calculated on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the Fiscal Quarter of the Borrower most recently ended;

 

(k)  so long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the Borrower and any Restricted Subsidiary may make other Restricted Payments not otherwise permitted by this Section so long as at the time of the making of any such Restricted Payment made pursuant to this clause (k) and immediately after giving effect thereto, the Total Secured Net Leverage Ratio, calculated on a Pro Forma Basis as of the last day of the Fiscal Quarter of the Borrower most recently ended, is less than or equal to 2.50 to 1.00;

 

(l)  the Borrower and any Restricted Subsidiary may make Restricted Payments with respect to or on account of (i) management, consulting and advisory fees and (ii) reimbursement of out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in connection with management, consulting and advisory services, in each case to the Permitted Holders solely to the extent required by the Sponsor Management Agreement; provided that no Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom;

 

(m)  the Borrower may make any repurchase of Equity Interests of the Borrower that is deemed to occur upon the cashless exercise of stock options, warrants or other convertible securities as a result of the Borrower accepting a portion of such options, warrants or other convertible securities as satisfaction of the exercise price of such Equity Interests;

 

(n)  on the Effective Date, the Borrower may pay the Specified Dividend; and

 

(o)  the Borrower may make Additional Distributions that were originally permitted under clauses (a) through (n) of this Section 6.07.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the making of any dividend, payment or other distribution or the consummation of any irrevocable redemption within 180 days after the date of declaration of such dividend, payment or other distribution or giving of the redemption notice, as applicable, will not be prohibited if, at the date of declaration or notice, such dividend, payment or other distribution or redemption would have complied with the terms of this Agreement.

 

SECTION 6.08.  Transactions with Affiliates.  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, sell, lease or otherwise transfer any assets to, or purchase, lease or otherwise acquire any assets from, or otherwise engage in any other transactions with, any of its Affiliates, except:

 

(a)  transactions (i) that are at prices and on terms and conditions (taken as a whole) not materially less favorable to the Borrower or such Restricted Subsidiary than

 

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could be obtained on an arm’s-length basis from unrelated third parties or (ii) for which the Borrower has delivered to the Administrative Agent a letter from an independent financial advisor stating that such transaction is fair from a financial point of view;

 

(b)  transactions between or among the Borrower and the Subsidiary Loan Parties not involving any other Affiliate;

 

(c)  loans or advances to employees permitted under Section 6.04(g);

 

(d)  payroll, travel and similar advances to cover matters permitted under Section 6.04(h);

 

(e)  any contribution to the capital of the Borrower by the Permitted Holders or any purchase of Equity Interests in the Borrower by the Permitted Holders not prohibited by this Agreement;

 

(f)  the payment of fees to directors of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary who are not employees of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, and compensation and employee benefit arrangements paid to, and indemnities provided for the benefit of, directors, officers or employees of the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business;

 

(g)  any issuances of securities or other payments, awards or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant to, or the funding of, employment agreements, stock options and stock ownership plans approved by the Borrower’s board of directors;

 

(h)  employment and severance arrangements entered into in the ordinary course of business between the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary and any employee thereof and approved by the Borrower’s or any Restricted Subsidiary’s board of directors (or equivalent governing body);

 

(i)  any Restricted Payment permitted by Section 6.07;

 

(j)  any IPO of the Borrower;

 

(k)  any agreement between any Person and an Affiliate of such Person existing at the time such Person is acquired by or merged into such Borrower or its Restricted Subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; provided that such agreement was not entered into in contemplation of such acquisition or merger, or any subsequent amendment thereto (so long as any such amendment is not disadvantageous to the Lenders in any material respect in the good faith judgment of the Borrower as compared to such agreement as in effect on the date of such acquisition or merger);

 

(l)  after an IPO, any other transaction with an Affiliate, which is approved by a majority of disinterested members of the board of directors (or equivalent governing body) of the Borrower in good faith;

 

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(m)   any grant of board nomination rights, registration rights or other governance rights in connection with the Transactions and any IPO of the Borrower, provided that the recipient shall not receive any cash or cash equivalents with respect thereto; and

 

(n)  transactions contemplated by the Sponsor Management Agreement.

 

SECTION 6.09.  Restrictive Agreements.  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, enter into, incur or permit to exist any agreement or other arrangement that prohibits, restricts or imposes any condition upon (a) the ability of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to create, incur or permit to exist any Lien upon any of its assets (other than any Excluded Assets (as defined in the Collateral Agreement)) to secure the Obligations or (b) the ability of any Restricted Subsidiary to pay dividends or other distributions with respect to any of its Equity Interests or to make or repay loans or advances to the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary or to Guarantee the Obligations; provided that (i) the foregoing shall not apply to (A) restrictions and conditions imposed by law or by this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (B) restrictions and conditions imposed by the definitive documentation in respect of (x) any Alternative Incremental Facility Debt or Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness, (y) any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereof or (z) any other Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01; provided that such restrictions and conditions when taken as a whole are no more restrictive in any material respect than the restrictions and conditions in the Loan Documents (as reasonably determined by the Borrower in consultation with the Administrative Agent), (C) in the case of any Restricted Subsidiary that is not a wholly-owned Subsidiary, restrictions and conditions imposed by its organizational documents or any related joint venture or similar agreements; provided that such restrictions and conditions apply only to such Restricted Subsidiary and to the Equity Interests of such Restricted Subsidiary, (D) customary restrictions and conditions contained in agreements relating to the sale of a Restricted Subsidiary or any assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary, in each case pending such sale; provided that such restrictions and conditions apply only to such Restricted Subsidiary or the assets that are to be sold and, in each case, such sale is permitted hereunder, and (E) restrictions and conditions existing on the Effective Date and identified on Schedule 6.09 (or to any extension or renewal of, or any amendment, modification or replacement not expanding the scope of, any such restriction or condition); (ii) clause (a) of the foregoing shall not apply to (A) restrictions and conditions imposed by any agreement relating to secured Indebtedness permitted by Section 6.01 if such restrictions and conditions apply only to the assets securing such Indebtedness and (B) customary provisions in leases and other agreements restricting the assignment thereof; and (iii) clause (b) of the foregoing shall not apply to restrictions and conditions imposed by any agreement relating to Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary in existence at the time such Restricted Subsidiary became a Restricted Subsidiary and otherwise permitted by Section 6.01 if such restrictions and conditions apply only to such Restricted Subsidiary.

 

SECTION 6.10.  Amendment of Organizational Documents.  The Borrower will not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, amend, modify,

 

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waive, terminate or release its certificate of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational documents if the effect of such amendment, modification, waiver, termination or release is materially adverse to the interests of the Lenders.

 

SECTION 6.11.  Total Net Leverage Ratio.  The Borrower will not permit the Total Net Leverage Ratio as of the end of any Fiscal Quarter to exceed 3.50 to 1.00.

 

SECTION 6.12.  Interest Coverage Ratio.  The Borrower will not permit the Interest Coverage Ratio as of the end of any Fiscal Quarter to be less than 3.00 to 1.00.

 

SECTION 6.13.  Changes in Fiscal Periods.  The Borrower will neither (a) permit its Fiscal Year or the fiscal year of any Restricted Subsidiary to end on a day other than December 31, nor (b) change its method of determining Fiscal Quarters, in each case, other than (i) to conform such Restricted Subsidiary to December 31 or the method of determining Fiscal Quarters used by the Borrower or (ii) after prior written consent of the Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).

 

ARTICLE VII

 

Events of Default

 

SECTION 7.01.  Events of Default.  If any of the following events (each such event, an “Event of Default”) shall occur:

 

(a)  the Borrower shall fail to pay any principal of any Loan or any reimbursement obligation in respect of any LC Disbursement when and as the same shall become due and payable, whether at the due date thereof or at a date fixed for prepayment thereof or otherwise;

 

(b)  the Borrower shall fail to pay any interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount (other than an amount referred to in clause (a) of this Section 7.01) payable under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, when and as the same shall become due and payable, and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of three Business Days;

 

(c)  any representation, warranty or statement made or deemed made by or on behalf of the Borrower or any Subsidiary in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any amendment or modification hereof or thereof or waiver hereunder or thereunder, or in any report, certificate, financial statement or other information furnished pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any amendment or modification hereof or thereof or waiver hereunder or thereunder, shall prove to have been incorrect in any material respect (or, in the case of representations and warranties qualified as to materiality or Material Adverse Effect, in all respects) when made or deemed made;

 

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(d)  the Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in Section 5.01(c), 5.02, 5.04 (with respect to the existence of the Borrower), 5.10 or 5.11 or in Article VI;

 

(e)  any Loan Party shall fail to observe or perform any covenant, condition or agreement contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document (other than those specified in clause (a), (b) or (d) of this Section 7.01), and such failure shall continue unremedied for a period of 30 days after written notice thereof from the Administrative Agent or any Lender to the Borrower;

 

(f)  the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary shall fail to make any payment (whether of principal, interest, premium or otherwise and regardless of amount) in respect of any Material Indebtedness (other than the Obligations), when and as the same shall become due and payable (after giving effect to any applicable grace period in respect of such failure under the documentation representing such Material Indebtedness);

 

(g)  any event or condition occurs that results in any Material Indebtedness becoming due or being terminated or required to be prepaid, repurchased, redeemed or defeased prior to its scheduled maturity or that enables or permits (with or without the giving of notice, the lapse of time or both) the holder or holders of any Material Indebtedness or any trustee or agent on its or their behalf, or, in the case of any Hedging Agreement the applicable counterparty, to cause any Material Indebtedness to become due or become subject to a mandatory offer to purchase by any obligor thereunder, or to terminate or require the prepayment, repurchase, redemption or defeasance thereof, prior to its scheduled maturity; provided that this clause (g) shall not apply to (i) any secured Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of the Disposition of the assets securing such Indebtedness (to the extent such Disposition is not prohibited under this Agreement) or as a result of a casualty or condemnation event, (ii) any Indebtedness that becomes due as a result of a voluntary refinancing thereof permitted under Section 6.01 or (iii) with respect to Indebtedness incurred under any Hedging Agreement, termination events or equivalent events pursuant to the terms of the relevant Hedging Agreement which are not the result of any default thereunder by any Loan Party or any Restricted Subsidiary; provided, further, that such failure is unremedied and is not waived by the holders of such Material Indebtedness prior to any termination of Commitments or acceleration of the Loans pursuant to this Section 7.01;

 

(h)  an involuntary proceeding shall be commenced or an involuntary petition shall be filed seeking (i) liquidation, reorganization or other relief in respect of the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary or its debts, or of a substantial part of its assets, under any Federal, State or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect or (ii) the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets, and, in

 

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any such case, such proceeding or petition shall continue undismissed for 60 days or an order or decree approving or ordering any of the foregoing shall be entered;

 

(i)  the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary shall (i) voluntarily commence any proceeding or file any petition seeking liquidation (other than any liquidation permitted under Section 6.03), reorganization, bankruptcy, administration, winding up, deregistration, suspension of payments or other relief under any Federal, State or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, (ii) consent to the institution of, or fail to contest in a timely and appropriate manner, any proceeding or petition described in clause (h) of this Section 7.01, (iii) apply for or consent to the appointment of a receiver, trustee, custodian, sequestrator, conservator or similar official for the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary or for a substantial part of its assets, (iv) file an answer admitting the material allegations of a petition filed against it in any such proceeding or (v) make a general assignment for the benefit of creditors, or the board of directors (or similar governing body) of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary (or any committee thereof) shall adopt any resolution or otherwise authorize any action to approve any of the actions referred to above in this clause (i) or in clause (h) of this Section 7.01;

 

(j)  the Borrower or any Material Subsidiary shall become unable, admit in writing its inability or fail generally to pay its debts as they become due;

 

(k)  one or more judgments for the payment of money in an aggregate amount in excess of $30,000,000 (other than any such judgment covered by insurance (other than under a self-insurance program) to the extent a claim therefor has been made in writing and liability therefor has not been denied by the insurer) shall be rendered against the Borrower, any Restricted Subsidiary or any combination thereof and the same shall remain undischarged for a period of 45 consecutive days during which execution shall not be effectively stayed, or any action shall be legally taken by a judgment creditor to attach or levy upon any assets of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary to enforce any such judgment;

 

(l)  an ERISA Event shall have occurred that when taken together with all other ERISA Events that have occurred, would reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

 

(m)  any Lien purported to be created under any Security Document shall cease to be, or shall be asserted by any Loan Party not to be, a valid and perfected Lien on any material Collateral, with the priority required by the applicable Security Document, except as a result of (i) the Disposition of the applicable Collateral in a transaction permitted under the Loan Documents, (ii) the release thereof as provided in Section 9.14 or (iii) as a result of the Administrative Agent’s failure to (A) maintain possession of any stock certificate, promissory note or other instrument delivered to it under the Collateral Agreement or (B) file Uniform Commercial Code continuation statements;

 

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(n)  any Guarantee purported to be created under any Loan Document shall cease to be, or shall be asserted by any Loan Party not to be, in full force and effect, except as a result of the release thereof as provided in the applicable Loan Document or Section 9.14;

 

(o)  a Change in Control shall occur; or

 

(p)  any material Security Document shall cease to be, or shall be asserted by any Loan Party not to be, in full force and effect, except as a result of the release thereof as provided in the applicable Loan Document or Section 9.14;

 

then, and in every such event (other than an event with respect to the Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of this Section 7.01), and at any time thereafter during the continuance of such event, the Administrative Agent may, and at the request of the Required Lenders shall, by notice to the Borrower, take any or all of the following actions, at the same or different times:  (i) terminate the Commitments, and thereupon the Commitments shall terminate immediately, (ii) declare the Loans then outstanding to be due and payable in whole (or in part (but ratably as among the Classes of Loans and the Loans of each Class at such time outstanding), in which case any principal not so declared to be due and payable may thereafter be declared to be due and payable), and thereupon the principal of the Loans then outstanding so declared to be due and payable, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Borrower hereunder, shall become due and payable immediately and (iii) require the deposit of cash collateral in respect of LC Exposure as provided in Section 2.04(i), in each case without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower; and in the case of any event with respect to the Borrower described in clause (h) or (i) of this Section 7.01, the Commitments shall automatically terminate and the principal of the Loans then outstanding, together with accrued interest thereon and all fees and other obligations of the Borrower hereunder, shall immediately and automatically become due and payable and the deposit of such cash collateral in respect of LC Exposure shall immediately and automatically become due, in each case, without presentment, demand, protest or other notice of any kind, all of which are hereby waived by the Borrower.

 

SECTION 7.02.  Right to Cure.  (a)  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 7.01, in the event that the Borrower fails to comply with the requirements of the financial covenants set forth in Sections 6.11 and 6.12, if then in effect, until the expiration of the tenth Business Day subsequent to the date the certificate calculating compliance with Sections 6.11 and 6.12 is required to be delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(c) (such required date, the “Delivery Deadline” and the tenth Business Day thereafter, the “Cure Deadline”), the shareholders of the Borrower shall have the right to contribute cash to the equity of the Borrower in an aggregate amount equal to the amount necessary to cure the relevant failure to comply with Sections 6.11 and 6.12 (the “Cure Right”), and upon the receipt by the Borrower of such cash (the “Cure Amount”) pursuant to the exercise by the shareholders of the Borrower of such Cure Right, the Total Net Leverage Ratio and the Interest Coverage Ratio shall be recalculated giving effect to the following pro forma adjustments:

 

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(i) Consolidated EBITDA for shall be increased, solely for the purpose of measuring compliance with Sections 6.11 and 6.12 and not for any other purpose under this Agreement, by an amount equal to the Cure Amount; and

 

(ii) If, after giving effect to the foregoing recalculations, the Borrower shall then be in compliance with the requirements of the Total Net Leverage Ratio and Interest Coverage Ratio under Sections 6.11 and 6.12, the Borrower shall be deemed to have satisfied the requirements of the Total Net Leverage Ratio and Interest Coverage Ratio as of the relevant date of determination with the same effect as though there had been no failure to comply therewith at such date, and the applicable breach or default of Sections 6.11 and 6.12 that had occurred shall be deemed cured for this purpose under this Agreement.

 

(b)  Upon receipt by the Administrative Agent of written notice on the Delivery Deadline that the Borrower intends to exercise the Cure Right in respect of such Fiscal Quarter or Fiscal Year, the Lenders shall not be permitted to accelerate the Loans held by them, exercise remedies against the Collateral or any other rights and remedies under any of the Loan Documents that are available during the continuance of an Event of Default on the basis of a failure to comply with the requirements of the financial covenants set forth in Sections 6.11 and 6.12, unless such failure is not cured by the Borrower’s receipt of the Cure Amount on or prior to the Cure Deadline; provided that, during such period until the Cure Amount has been received by the Borrower as provided above, a Default in respect of such failure to comply with Sections 6.11 and 6.12 shall continue to exist for all purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents.

 

(c)  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, (i) in each four-Fiscal Quarter period of the Borrower there shall be at least two Fiscal Quarter in which the Cure Right is not exercised and (ii) the Cure Right shall not be exercised more than five times during the term of this Agreement.

 

ARTICLE VIII

 

The Administrative Agent

 

Each of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks hereby irrevocably appoints the entity named as Administrative Agent in the heading of this Agreement and its successors to serve as administrative agent under the Loan Documents and authorizes the Administrative Agent to take such actions and to exercise such powers as are delegated to the Administrative Agent by the terms of the Loan Documents, together with such actions and powers as are reasonably incidental thereto.  In addition, to the extent required under the laws of any jurisdiction other than the United States of America, each of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks hereby grants to the Administrative Agent any required powers of attorney to execute any Security Document governed by the laws of such jurisdiction on such Lender’s or such Issuing Bank’s behalf.  It is understood and agreed that the use of the term “agent” (or any similar term) herein or in any other Loan Document with reference to the Administrative Agent is not intended to connote any fiduciary duty or

 

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other implied (or express) obligations arising under agency doctrine of any applicable law.  Instead, such term is used as a matter of market custom and is intended to create or reflect only an administrative relationship between contracting parties.

 

The Administrative Agent shall also act as the collateral agent under the Loan Documents, and each of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks hereby irrevocably appoints and authorizes the Administrative Agent to act as the agent of such Lender and Issuing Bank for purposes of acquiring, holding and enforcing any and all Liens on Collateral granted by any of the Loan Parties to secure any of the Obligations, together with such powers and discretion as are reasonably incidental thereto.  In this connection, the Administrative Agent, as collateral agent and any co-agents, sub-agents and attorneys-in-fact appointed by the Administrative Agent for purposes of holding or enforcing any Lien on the Collateral (or any portion thereof) granted under the Security Documents, or for exercising any rights and remedies thereunder at the direction of the Administrative Agent), shall be entitled to the benefits of all provisions of this Article VIII and Article IX as if set forth in full herein with respect thereto.

 

The Person serving as the Administrative Agent hereunder shall have the same rights and powers in its capacity as a Lender or an Issuing Bank as any other Lender or Issuing Bank and may exercise the same as though it were not the Administrative Agent, and such Person and its Affiliates may accept deposits from, lend money to, own securities of, act as the financial advisor or in any other advisory capacity for and generally engage in any kind of business with the Borrower or any Subsidiary or other Affiliate thereof as if such Person were not the Administrative Agent hereunder and without any duty to account therefor to the Lenders or the Issuing Banks.

 

The Administrative Agent shall not have any duties or obligations except those expressly set forth in the Loan Documents, and its duties hereunder shall be administrative in nature.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, (a) the Administrative Agent shall not be subject to any fiduciary or other implied duties, regardless of whether a Default has occurred and is continuing, (b) the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to take any discretionary action or to exercise any discretionary power, except discretionary rights and powers expressly contemplated by the Loan Documents that the Administrative Agent is required to exercise as directed in writing by the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith to be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in the Loan Documents); provided that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to take any action that, in its opinion, could expose the Administrative Agent to liability or be contrary to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or applicable law, including for the avoidance of doubt any action that may be in violation of the automatic stay under any Debtor Relief Laws or that may effect a forfeiture, modification or termination of property of a Defaulting Lender in violation of any Debtor Relief Laws, and (c) except as expressly set forth in the Loan Documents, the Administrative Agent shall not have any duty to disclose, and shall not be liable for the failure to disclose, any information relating to the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any other Affiliate of any of the foregoing that is communicated to or obtained by the Person serving as Administrative Agent or any of its Affiliates in any

 

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capacity.  The Administrative Agent shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it with the consent or at the request of the Required Lenders (or such other number or percentage of the Lenders as shall be necessary, or as the Administrative Agent shall believe in good faith to be necessary, under the circumstances as provided in the Loan Documents) or in the absence of its own gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct (such absence to be presumed unless otherwise determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and nonappealable judgment).  The Administrative Agent shall be deemed not to have knowledge of any Default unless and until written notice thereof (stating that it is a “notice of default”) is given to the Administrative Agent by the Borrower, a Lender or an Issuing Bank, and the Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have any duty to ascertain or inquire into (i) any statement, warranty or representation made in or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document, (ii) the contents of any certificate, report or other document delivered hereunder or thereunder or in connection herewith or therewith, (iii) the performance or observance of any of the covenants, agreements or other terms or conditions set forth in this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the occurrence of any Default, (iv) the sufficiency, validity, enforceability, effectiveness or genuineness of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any other agreement, instrument or document, (v) the value or the sufficiency of any Collateral or (vi) the satisfaction of any condition set forth in Article IV or elsewhere in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, other than to confirm receipt of items expressly required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent or satisfaction of any condition that expressly refers to the matters described therein being acceptable or satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Administrative Agent shall not be liable for, or be responsible for any loss, cost or expense suffered by the Borrower or any Lender as a result of, any determination of the Revolving Exposure or the component amounts thereof or of the Weighted Average Yield in the absence of its own gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct (such absence to be presumed unless otherwise determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and nonappealable judgment).

 

The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible or have any liability for, or have any duty to ascertain, inquire into, monitor or enforce, compliance with the provisions hereof relating to Disqualified Institutions.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent shall not (x) be obligated to ascertain, monitor or inquire as to whether any Lender or Participant or prospective Lender or Participant is a Disqualified Institution or (y) have any liability with respect to or arising out of any assignment or participation of Loans, or disclosure of confidential information, to any Disqualified Institution.

 

The Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall not incur any liability for relying, upon any notice, request, certificate, consent, statement, instrument, document or other writing (including any electronic message, Internet or intranet website posting or other distribution) believed by it in good faith to be genuine and to have been signed or sent or otherwise authenticated by the proper Person (whether or not such Person in fact meets the requirements set forth in the Loan Documents for being the signatory, sender or authenticator thereof).  The Administrative Agent also shall be entitled to rely, and shall not incur any liability for relying, upon any statement made to it

 

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orally or by telephone and believed by it to be made by the proper Person (whether or not such Person in fact meets the requirements set forth in the Loan Documents for being the signatory, sender or authenticator thereof), and may act upon any such statement prior to receipt of written confirmation thereof.  In determining compliance with any condition hereunder to the making of a Loan, or the issuance, extension, renewal or increase of a Letter of Credit, that by its terms must be fulfilled to the satisfaction of a Lender or an Issuing Bank, the Administrative Agent may presume that such condition is satisfactory to such Lender or such Issuing Bank unless the Administrative Agent shall have received notice to the contrary from such Lender or such Issuing Bank prior to the making of such Loan or the issuance of such Letter of Credit.  The Administrative Agent may consult with legal counsel (who may be counsel for the Borrower), independent accountants and other experts selected by it, and shall not be liable for any action taken or not taken by it in accordance with the advice of any such counsel, accountants or experts.

 

The Administrative Agent may perform any of and all its duties and exercise its rights and powers hereunder or under any other Loan Document by or through any one or more sub-agents appointed by the Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent may perform any of and all their duties and exercise their rights and powers by or through their respective Related Parties.  The exculpatory provisions of this Article shall apply to any such sub-agent and to the Related Parties of the Administrative Agent and any such sub-agent and shall apply to their respective activities in connection with the syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein as well as activities as Administrative Agent.  The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any sub-agents except to the extent that a court of competent jurisdiction determines in a final and nonappealable judgment that the Administrative Agent acted with bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct in the selection of such sub-agents.

 

Subject to the terms of this paragraph, the Administrative Agent may resign at any time from its capacity as such.  In connection with such resignation, the Administrative Agent shall give notice of its intent to resign to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Borrower.  Upon receipt of any such notice of resignation, the Required Lenders shall have the right, subject to the consent of the Borrower (which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, conditioned or delayed),  to appoint a successor; provided that no such consent of the Borrower shall be required if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.  If no successor shall have been so appointed by the Required Lenders and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its intent to resign (or such earlier day as shall be agreed by the Required Lenders and the Borrower), then the retiring Administrative Agent may, on behalf of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, with the consent of the Borrower (which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, conditioned or delayed),  to appoint a successor Administrative Agent, which shall be a bank with an office in New York, New York, or an Affiliate of any such bank, provided that in no event shall any such successor Administrative Agent be a Defaulting Lender; provided that no such consent of the Borrower shall be required if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.  Upon the acceptance of its appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder by a successor, such successor shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges

 

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and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent, and the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents.  The fees payable by the Borrower to a successor Administrative Agent shall be the same as those payable to its predecessor unless otherwise agreed by the Borrower and such successor.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event no successor Administrative Agent shall have been so appointed and shall have accepted such appointment within 30 days after the retiring Administrative Agent gives notice of its intent to resign, the retiring Administrative Agent may give notice of the effectiveness of its resignation to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Borrower, whereupon, on the date of effectiveness of such resignation stated in such notice, (a) the retiring Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and obligations hereunder and under the other Loan Documents; provided that, solely for purposes of maintaining any security interest granted to the Administrative Agent under any Security Document for the benefit of the Secured Parties, the retiring Administrative Agent shall continue to be vested with such security interest as collateral agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties and, in the case of any Collateral in the possession of the Administrative Agent, shall continue to hold such Collateral, in each case until such time as a successor Administrative Agent is appointed and accepts such appointment in accordance with this paragraph (it being understood and agreed that the retiring Administrative Agent shall have no duty or obligation to take any further action under any Security Document, including any action required to maintain the perfection of any such security interest), and (b) the Required Lenders shall succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges and duties of the retiring Administrative Agent; provided that (i) all payments required to be made hereunder or under any other Loan Document to the Administrative Agent for the account of any Person other than the Administrative Agent shall be made directly to such Person (provided, however, that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no Loan Party shall suffer any penalty for the failure of any such payment to be received by such Person so long as such Loan Party diligently attempted to make such payment in good faith) and (ii) all notices and other communications required or contemplated to be given or made to the Administrative Agent shall also directly be given or made to each Lender and each Issuing Bank (provided, however, that notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, no Loan Party shall suffer any penalty for the failure of such Lender or Issuing Bank to receive such notices or communications so long as such Loan Party diligently attempted to deliver such notices or communications in good faith).  Following the effectiveness of the Administrative Agent’s resignation from its capacity as such, the provisions of this Article and Section 9.03, as well as any exculpatory, reimbursement and indemnification provisions set forth in any other Loan Document, shall continue in effect for the benefit of such retiring Administrative Agent, its sub-agents and their respective Related Parties in respect of any actions taken or omitted to be taken by any of them while it was acting as Administrative Agent and in respect of the matters referred to in the proviso under clause (a) above.

 

Each Lender and each Issuing Bank acknowledges that it has, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any Arranger or any other Lender or Issuing Bank, or any of the Related Parties of any of the foregoing, and based on such documents and information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own

 

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credit analysis and decision to enter into this Agreement.  Each Lender and each Issuing Bank also acknowledges that it will, independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent, any Arranger or any other Lender or Issuing Bank, or any of the Related Parties of any of the foregoing, and based on such documents and information as it shall from time to time deem appropriate, continue to make its own decisions in taking or not taking action under or based upon this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any related agreement or any document furnished hereunder or thereunder.

 

Each Lender, by delivering its signature page to this Agreement and funding its Loans on the Effective Date, or delivering its signature page to an Assignment and Assumption or any other Loan Document pursuant to which it shall become a Lender hereunder, shall be deemed to have acknowledged receipt of, and consented to and approved, this Agreement and each other Loan Document and each other document required to be delivered to, or be approved by or satisfactory to, the Administrative Agent or the Lenders on the Effective Date.

 

Except with respect to the exercise of setoff rights of any Lender in accordance with Section 9.08 or with respect to a Lender’s right to file a proof of claim in an insolvency proceeding, no Secured Party shall have any right individually to realize upon any of the Collateral or to enforce any Guarantee of the Obligations, it being understood and agreed that all powers, rights and remedies under the Loan Documents may be exercised solely by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties in accordance with the terms thereof.  In the event of a foreclosure by the Administrative Agent on any of the Collateral pursuant to a public or private sale or other disposition, the Administrative Agent or any Lender may be the purchaser or licensor of any or all of such Collateral at any such sale or other disposition, and the Administrative Agent, as agent for and representative of the Secured Parties (but not any Lender or Lenders in its or their respective individual capacities unless the Required Lenders shall otherwise agree in writing) shall be entitled, for the purpose of bidding and making settlement or payment of the purchase price for all or any portion of the Collateral sold at any such public sale, to use and apply any of the Loan Document Obligations as a credit on account of the purchase price for any collateral payable by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties at such sale or other disposition.

 

In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation thereof, no Hedging Agreement or Cash Management Services the obligations under which constitute Secured Hedging Obligations or Secured Cash Management Obligations, as applicable, will create (or be deemed to create) in favor of any Secured Party that is a party thereto any right to notice of any action or to consent to, direct or object to any action hereunder or under any other Loan Document or otherwise in respect of the Collateral (including the release or impairment of any Collateral) other than in such Secured Party’s capacity as a Lender and, in such case, only to the extent expressly provided in the Loan Documents.  Notwithstanding any other provision of this Article IX to the contrary, the Administrative Agent shall not be required to verify the payment of, or that other satisfactory arrangements have been made with respect to, Obligations arising under Secured Hedging Obligations and Secured Cash Management Obligations unless the Administrative Agent has received written notice of such Obligations, together with such

 

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supporting documentation as the Administrative Agent may request, from the applicable Secured Party.   By accepting the benefits of the Guarantee and the Collateral, each Secured Party that is a party to any such Hedging Agreement or Cash Management Services shall be deemed to have appointed the Administrative Agent to serve as administrative agent and collateral agent under the Loan Documents and agreed to be bound by the Loan Documents as a Secured Party thereunder, subject to the limitations set forth in this paragraph.

 

The Secured Parties irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at its option and in its discretion, (a) to release any Lien on any property granted or held by the Administrative Agent under any Loan Document (i) upon termination of the Commitments and payment in full of all Obligations (other than contingent indemnification obligations) and the expiration or termination of all Letters of Credit (other than Letters of Credit that have been cash collateralized or backstopped in a manner reasonably acceptable to the applicable Issuing Bank), (ii) is sold or otherwise disposed of or to be sold or otherwise disposed of as part of or in connection with any sale or other disposition permitted hereunder or under any other Loan Document to a Person that is not a Loan Party, (iii) that constitutes Excluded Assets (as defined in the Collateral Agreement) or (iv) if approved, authorized or ratified in writing in accordance with Section 9.02(b), (b) to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guarantee if such Person ceases to be a Subsidiary as a result of a transaction permitted under the Loan Documents and (c) to subordinate any Lien on any property granted to or held by the Administrative Agent under any Loan Document to the holder of any Lien on such property that is permitted by Section 6.02(e).  Upon request by the Administrative Agent at any time, the Required Lenders will confirm in writing the Administrative Agent’s authority to release or subordinate its interest in particular types or items of property, or to release any Guarantor from its obligations under the Guarantee pursuant to this paragraph.  In each case as specified in this paragraph, the Administrative Agent will, at the Borrower’s expense, execute and deliver to the applicable Loan Party such documents as such Loan Party may reasonably request to evidence the release of such item of Collateral from the assignment and security interest granted under the Security Documents or to subordinate its interest in such item, or to release such Guarantor from its obligations under the Guaranty, in each case in accordance with the terms of the Loan Documents and this paragraph.  The Administrative Agent shall not be responsible for or have a duty to ascertain or inquire into any representation or warranty regarding the existence, value or collectability of the Collateral, the existence, priority or perfection of the Administrative Agent’s Lien thereon or any certificate prepared by any Loan Party in connection therewith, nor shall the Administrative Agent be responsible or liable to the Lenders for any failure to monitor or maintain any portion of the Collateral.

 

The Administrative Agent is authorized to enter into any Intercreditor Agreement in accordance with the terms hereof and any other intercreditor arrangements including any required hereunder, in each case, with respect to Indebtedness, that is required or permitted to be incurred hereunder and for which accession to the Intercreditor Agreement is required, and the parties hereto acknowledge that the Intercreditor Agreement is binding upon them; provided that no Intercreditor Agreement shall provide for the subordination of the Obligations to any other Indebtedness.  Each

 

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Lender and each Issuing Bank (a) hereby agrees that it will be bound by, and will not take any action contrary to, the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement and (b) hereby authorizes and instructs the Administrative Agent to enter into any Intercreditor Agreement and to subject the Liens on the Collateral securing the Obligations to the provisions thereof.  The foregoing provisions are intended as an inducement to the Secured Parties to extend credit to the Borrower, and the Secured Parties are intended third-party beneficiaries of such provisions and the provisions of the Intercreditor Agreement.

 

In case of the pendency of any proceeding with respect to any Loan Party under any Federal, State or foreign bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or similar law now or hereafter in effect, the Administrative Agent (irrespective of whether the principal of any Loan or any LC Disbursement shall then be due and payable as herein expressed or by declaration or otherwise and irrespective of whether the Administrative Agent shall have made any demand on the Borrower) shall be entitled and empowered (but not obligated) by intervention in such proceeding or otherwise:

 

(a) to file and prove a claim for the whole amount of the principal and interest owing and unpaid in respect of the Loans, LC Exposure and all other Obligations that are owing and unpaid and to file such other documents as may be necessary or advisable in order to have the claims of the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and the Administrative Agent (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Lenders, the Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent and their respective agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Lenders, the Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.11, 2.12, 2.14, 2.15, 2.16 and 9.03) allowed in such judicial proceeding; and

 

(b) to collect and receive any monies or other property payable or deliverable on any such claims and to distribute the same;

 

and any custodian, receiver, assignee, trustee, liquidator, sequestrator or other similar official in any such proceeding is hereby authorized by each Lender, each Issuing Bank and each other Secured Party to make such payments to the Administrative Agent and, in the event that the Administrative Agent shall consent to the making of such payments directly to the Lenders, the Issuing Banks or the other Secured Parties, to pay to the Administrative Agent any amount due to it, in its capacity as the Administrative Agent, under the Loan Documents (including any claim for the reasonable compensation, expenses, disbursements and advances of the Administrative Agent and its agents and counsel and all other amounts due the Administrative Agent under Sections 2.11 and 9.03).

 

Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to authorize the Administrative Agent to authorize or consent to or accept or adopt on behalf of any Lender or Issuing Bank any plan of reorganization, arrangement, adjustment or composition affecting the Obligations or the rights of any Lender or Issuing Bank to authorize the Administrative

 

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Agent to vote in respect of the claim of any Lender or Issuing Bank or in any such proceeding.

 

The Secured Parties hereby irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at the direction of the Required Lenders, to credit bid all or any portion of the Obligations (including accepting some or all of the Collateral in satisfaction of some or all of the Obligations pursuant to a deed in lieu of foreclosure or otherwise) and in such manner purchase (either directly or through one or more acquisition vehicles) all or any portion of the Collateral (a) at any sale thereof conducted under the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, including under Sections 363, 1123 or 1129 of the Bankruptcy Code, or any similar laws in any other jurisdictions to which a Loan Party is subject, (b) at any other sale or foreclosure or acceptance of collateral in lieu of debt conducted by (or with the consent or at the direction of) the Administrative Agent (whether by judicial action or otherwise) in accordance with any applicable law.  In connection with any such credit bid and purchase, the Obligations owed to the Secured Parties shall be entitled to be, and shall be, credit bid on a ratable basis (with Obligations with respect to contingent or unliquidated claims receiving contingent interests in the acquired assets on a ratable basis that would vest upon the liquidation of such claims in an amount proportional to the liquidated portion of the contingent claim amount used in allocating the contingent interests) in the asset or assets so purchased (or in the Equity Interests or debt instruments of the acquisition vehicle or vehicles that are used to consummate such purchase).  In connection with any such bid (i) the Administrative Agent shall be authorized to form one or more acquisition vehicles to make a bid, (ii) to adopt documents providing for the governance of the acquisition vehicle or vehicles (provided that any actions by the Administrative Agent with respect to such acquisition vehicle or vehicles, including any disposition of the assets or Equity Interests thereof shall be governed, directly or indirectly, by the vote of the Required Lenders, irrespective of the termination of this Agreement and without giving effect to the limitations on actions by the Required Lenders contained in Section 9.02(b) of this Agreement, and (iii) to the extent that Obligations that are assigned to an acquisition vehicle are not used to acquire Collateral for any reason (as a result of another bid being higher or better, because the amount of Obligations assigned to the acquisition vehicle exceeds the amount of debt credit bid by the acquisition vehicle or otherwise), such Obligations shall automatically be reassigned to the Lenders pro rata and the Equity Interests and/or debt instruments issued by any acquisition vehicle on account of the Obligations that had been assigned to the acquisition vehicle shall automatically be cancelled, without the need for any Secured Party or any acquisition vehicle to take any further action.

 

Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, none of the Arrangers shall have any powers, duties or obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document (except in its capacity, as applicable, as a Lender or an Issuing Bank), but all such Persons shall have the benefit of the indemnities provided for hereunder.

 

The provisions of this Article are solely for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders and the Issuing Banks, and, except solely to the extent of the Borrower’s rights to consent pursuant to and subject to the conditions set forth in this Article, and the Borrower shall not have any rights as a third party beneficiary of any

 

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such provisions.  Each Secured Party, whether or not a party hereto, will be deemed, by its acceptance of the benefits of the Collateral and the Guarantees of the Obligations provided under the Loan Documents, to have agreed to the provisions of this Article.

 

Notwithstanding anything contained in any of the Loan Documents, the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and each Lender hereby agree that no Lender shall have any right individually to realize upon any of the Collateral under any Security Documents or to enforce the guarantee set forth in the Collateral Agreement, it being understood and agreed that all powers, rights and remedies under the Collateral Agreement and the other Security Documents may be exercised solely by the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties in accordance with the terms thereof.

 

ARTICLE IX

 

Miscellaneous

 

SECTION 9.01.  Notices.  (a)  General.  Except in the case of notices and other communications expressly permitted to be given by telephone (and subject to paragraph (b) of this Section), all notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by e-mail or fax, as follows:

 

(i) if to the Borrower, to it at P.O. Box 163686, Austin, TX 78716-3686 (E-Mails: rshields@yeticoolers.com, bbarksdale@yeticoolers.com), with a copy to David Schnadig and Michael Najjar c/o Cortec Group, 140 East 45th Street, 43rd Floor, New York, NY 10017 (E-Mails: dschnadig@cortecgroup.com, mnajjar@cortecgroup.com);

 

(ii) if to the Administrative Agent, to Bank of America, N.A., 555 California Street, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94104, Attention: Bridgett J. Manduk Mowry (Fax No.: 415-503-5011; E-Mail: bridgett.manduk@baml.com);

 

(iii) if in respect of funding or payments, to Angie Hidalgo, Bank of America, N.A., 901 Main Street, 14th Floor, Mail Code: TX1-492-14-11, Dallas, TX 75202-3714, Attention:  Credit Services (Fax No.: 214-416-0555, E-Mail: angie.hildago@baml.com);

 

(iv) if to any Issuing Bank, to it at its address (or fax number) most recently specified by it in a notice delivered to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower (or, in the absence of any such notice, to the address (or fax number) set forth in the Administrative Questionnaire of the Lender that is serving as such Issuing Bank or is an Affiliate thereof); and

 

(v) if to any other Lender, to it at its address (or fax number) set forth in its Administrative Questionnaire.

 

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Notices and communications sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices sent by fax shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient).  Notices delivered through electronic communications, to the extent provided in paragraph (b) of this Section, shall be effective as provided in such paragraph.

 

(b)  Electronic Communications.  Notices and other communications to the Lenders and the Issuing Banks hereunder may be delivered or furnished by electronic communication (including e-mail and Internet and intranet websites) pursuant to procedures approved by the Administrative Agent; provided that the foregoing shall not apply to notices under Article II to any Lender or any Issuing Bank if such Lender or such Issuing Bank, as applicable, has notified the Administrative Agent that it is incapable of receiving notices under such Article by electronic communication.  Any notices or other communications to the Administrative Agent or the Borrower may, in its discretion, agree to accept notices and other communications to it hereunder by electronic communications pursuant to procedures approved by it; provided that approval of such procedures may be limited to particular notices or communications or may be rescinded by any such Person by notice to each other such Person.

 

Unless the Administrative Agent otherwise prescribes, (i) notices and other communications sent to an e-mail address shall be deemed received upon the sender’s receipt of an acknowledgment from the intended recipient (such as by the “return receipt requested” function, as available, return e-mail or other written acknowledgment) and (ii) notices and other communications posted to an Internet or intranet website shall be deemed received upon the deemed receipt by the intended recipient, at its e-mail address as described in the foregoing clause (i), of notification that such notice or communication is available and identifying the website address therefore; provided that, for both clauses (i) and (ii) above, if such notice, e-mail or other communication is not sent during the normal business hours of the recipient, such notice or communication shall be deemed to have been sent at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient.

 

(c)  Change of Address, etc.  Any party hereto may change its address or fax number for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.

 

(d)  Platform.  The Borrower agrees that the Administrative Agent may, but shall not be obligated to, make any Communications by posting such Communication on Debt Domain, IntraLinks, SyndTrak or a substantially similar electronic transmission system (the “Platform”).  The Platform is provided “as is” and “as available”.  Neither the Administrative Agent nor any of its Related Parties warrants, or shall be deemed to warrant, as to the adequacy of the Platform and each such Person expressly disclaims any liability for errors or omissions in the Communications.  No warranty of any kind, express, implied or statutory, including any warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, non-infringement of third-party rights or freedom from viruses or

 

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other code defects, is made, or shall be deemed to be made, by the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties in connection with the Communications or the Platform.  In no event shall the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties have any liability to the Loan Parties, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or any other Person for damages of any kind, including direct or indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages, losses or expenses (whether in tort, contract or otherwise), arising out of any Loan Party’s or the Administrative Agent’s transmission of Communications through the Platform, except to the extent of the gross negligence, bad faith or willful misconduct of the Administrative Agent or any of its Related Parties (as determined by a final and non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction).

 

SECTION 9.02.  Waivers; Amendments.  (a)  No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power.  The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders hereunder and under the other Loan Documents are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have.  No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document or consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the making of a Loan or the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of a Letter of Credit shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.  No notice or demand on the Borrower in any case shall entitle the Borrower to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.

 

(b)  Except as provided in Sections 2.20, 2.21, 2.22 and 9.02(c) (which, for the avoidance of doubt, shall not change Section 5.02 of the Collateral Agreement), none of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any provision hereof or thereof may be waived, amended or modified except, in the case of this Agreement, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Borrower and the Required Lenders (or by the Administrative Agent with the consent of the Required Lenders) and, in the case of any other Loan Document, pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Administrative Agent and the Loan Party or Loan Parties that are parties thereto, in each case with the consent of the Required Lenders; provided that no such agreement shall (i) increase the Commitment of any Lender without the written consent of such Lender, (ii) reduce the principal amount of any Loan or LC Disbursement or reduce the rate of interest thereon, or reduce any fees payable hereunder (in each case, other than as a result of any change in the definition of the term “Total Secured Net Leverage Ratio” or in any component thereof), in each case without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby, (iii) postpone the scheduled maturity date of any Loan, or the date of any scheduled payment of the principal amount of any Term Loan under

 

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Section 2.09 or the applicable Incremental Facility Amendment, or the required date of reimbursement of any LC Disbursement, or any date for the payment of any interest or fees payable hereunder, or reduce the amount of, waive or excuse any such payment, or postpone the scheduled date of expiration of any Commitment, without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby, (iv) change Section 2.17(b) or 2.17(c) in a manner that would alter the pro rata sharing of payments required thereby without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby, (v) change Section 5.02 of the Collateral Agreement without the written consent of each Lender affected thereby (vi) change any of the provisions of this Section or the percentage set forth in the definition of the term “Required Lenders” or any other provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document specifying the number or percentage of Lenders (or Lenders of any Class) required to waive, amend or otherwise modify any rights thereunder or make any determination or grant any consent thereunder, without the written consent of each Lender (or each Lender of such Class, as applicable); provided that, with the consent of the Required Lenders, the provisions of this Section and the definition of the term “Required Lenders” may be amended to include references to any new class of loans created under this Agreement (or to lenders extending such loans) on substantially the same basis as the corresponding references relating to the existing Classes of Loans or Lenders, (vii) release, subordinate or otherwise limit all or substantially all of the value of the Guarantees provided by the Subsidiary Loan Parties (including, in each case, by limiting liability in respect thereof) under the Collateral Agreement, in each case without the written consent of each Lender (except as expressly provided in Section 9.14 or the Collateral Agreement (including any such release by the Administrative Agent in connection with any sale or other disposition of any Subsidiary upon the exercise of remedies under the Security Documents), it being understood and agreed that an amendment or other modification of the type of obligations guaranteed under the Collateral Agreement shall not be deemed to be a release or limitation of any Guarantee), (viii) release or subordinate all or substantially all the Collateral from the Liens of the Security Documents without the written consent of each Lender (except as expressly provided in Section 9.14 or the applicable Security Document (including any such release by the Administrative Agent in connection with any sale or other disposition of the Collateral upon the exercise of remedies under the Security Documents), it being understood and agreed that an amendment or other modification of the type of obligations secured by the Security Documents shall not be deemed to be a release of the Collateral from the Liens of the Security Documents), (ix) change any provisions of this Agreement or any other Loan Document in a manner that by its terms adversely affects the rights in respect of payments due to, or the Collateral of, Lenders holding Loans of any Class differently than those holding Loans of any other Class, without the written consent of each Lender of each affected Class, (x) modify the protections afforded to an SPV pursuant to the provisions of Section 9.04(e) without the written consent of such SPV or (xi) change the rights of the Tranche A Term Lenders and Tranche B Term Lenders to decline mandatory prepayments as provided in Section 2.10 or the rights of any Additional Lenders of any Class to decline mandatory prepayments of Term Loans of such Class as provided in the applicable Incremental Facility Amendment, without the written consent of Tranche A Term Lenders, Tranche B Term Lenders or Additional Lenders of such Class, as applicable, holding a majority of the outstanding Tranche A

 

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Term Loans, Tranche B Term Loans or Incremental Term Loans of such Class, as applicable; provided further that (A) no such agreement shall amend, modify, extend or otherwise affect the rights or obligations of the Administrative Agent or any Issuing Bank without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent or such Issuing Bank, as applicable, (B) any waiver, amendment or other modification of this Agreement that by its terms affects the rights or duties under this Agreement of the Lenders of one or more Classes (but not the Lenders of any other Class) may be effected by an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Borrower and the requisite number or percentage in interest of each affected Class of Lenders that would be required to consent thereto under this Section if such Class of Lenders were the only Class of Lenders hereunder at the time and (C) if the terms of any waiver, amendment or other modification of this Agreement or any other Loan Document provide that any Class of Loans (together with all accrued interest thereon and all accrued fees payable with respect to the Commitments of such Class) will be repaid or paid in full, and the Commitments of such Class (if any) terminated, as a condition to the effectiveness of such waiver, amendment or other modification, then so long as the Loans of such Class (together with such accrued interest and fees) are in fact repaid or paid in full and such Commitments are in fact terminated, in each case prior to or substantially simultaneously with the effectiveness of such amendment, then such Loans and Commitments shall not be included in the determination of the Required Lenders with respect to such amendment.  Notwithstanding any of the foregoing, (1) no consent with respect to any waiver, amendment or other modification of this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be required of any Defaulting Lender, except with respect to any waiver, amendment or other modification referred to in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) of the first proviso of this paragraph and then only in the event such Defaulting Lender shall be affected by such waiver, amendment or other modification, (2) any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document may be amended by an agreement in writing entered into by the Borrower and the Administrative Agent to cure any ambiguity, omission, mistake, defect or inconsistency so long as, in each case, the Lenders shall have received at least five Business Days prior written notice thereof and the Administrative Agent shall not have received, within five Business Days of the date of such notice to the Lenders, a written notice from (x) the Required Lenders stating that the Required Lenders object to such amendment or (y) if affected by such amendment, any Issuing Bank stating that it objects to such amendment, (3) this Agreement may be amended to provide for Incremental Extensions of Credit in the manner contemplated by Section 2.20 and the extension of the Maturity Date as provided in Section 2.21 and the incurrence of Refinancing Term Commitments and Refinancing Term Loans as provided in Section 2.22, in each case without any additional consents and (4) no agreement referred to in the immediately preceding sentence shall waive any condition set forth in Section 4.02 without the written consent of the Majority in Interest of the Revolving Lenders (it being understood and agreed that any amendment or waiver of, or any consent with respect to, any provision of this Agreement (other than any waiver expressly relating to Section 4.02) or any other Loan Document, including any amendment of an affirmative or negative covenant set forth herein or in any other Loan Document or any waiver of a Default or an Event of Default, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any condition set forth in Section 4.02).

 

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(c)  In connection with any proposed amendment, modification, waiver or termination (a “Proposed Change”) requiring the consent of all Lenders or all affected Lenders, if the consent of the Required Lenders (and, to the extent any Proposed Change requires the consent of Lenders holding Loans of any Class pursuant to clause (v), (viii) or (x) of paragraph (b) of this Section, the consent of a Majority in Interest of the outstanding Loans and unused Commitments of such Class) to such Proposed Change is obtained, but the consent to such Proposed Change of other Lenders whose consent is required is not obtained (any such Lender whose consent is not obtained as described in paragraph (b) of this Section being referred to as a “Non-Consenting Lender”), then, so long as the Lender that is acting as Administrative Agent is not a Non-Consenting Lender, the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to such Non-Consenting Lender and the Administrative Agent, require such Non-Consenting Lender to assign and delegate, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in Section 9.04), all its interests, rights and obligations under this Agreement to an assignee that shall assume such obligations (which assignee may be another Lender, if a Lender accepts such assignment); provided that (i) the Borrower shall have received the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent (and, if a Revolving Commitment is being assigned, each Issuing Bank), which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld, conditioned or delayed, (ii) such Non-Consenting Lender shall have received payment of an amount equal to the outstanding principal of its Loans and participations in LC Disbursements, accrued interest thereon, accrued fees and all other amounts payable to it hereunder (including, if applicable, the prepayment fee pursuant to Section 2.10(g)) (with such assignment being deemed to be an optional prepayment for purposes of determining the applicability of such Section) from the assignee (in the case of such principal and accrued interest and fees (other than any fee payable pursuant to Section 2.10(g)) or the Borrower (in the case of all other amounts (including any amount payable pursuant to Section 2.10(g)), (iii) the Borrower or such assignee shall have paid to the Administrative Agent the processing and recordation fee specified in Section 9.04(b), (iv) such assignment does not conflict with applicable law and (v) the assignee shall have given its consent to such Proposed Change and, as a result of such assignment and delegation and any contemporaneous assignments and delegations and consents, such Proposed Change can be effected.

 

(d)  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Administrative Agent may, without the consent of any Secured Party, consent to a departure by any Loan Party from any covenant of such Loan Party set forth in this Agreement, the Collateral Agreement or any other Security Document to the extent such departure is consistent with the authority of the Administrative Agent set forth in the definition of the term “Collateral and Guarantee Requirement”.

 

(e)  The Administrative Agent may, but shall have no obligation to, with the concurrence of any Lender, execute waivers, amendments or other modifications on behalf of such Lender.  Any waiver, amendment or other modification effected in accordance with this Section, shall be binding upon each Person that is at the time thereof a Lender and each Person that subsequently becomes a Lender.

 

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SECTION 9.03.  Expenses; Indemnity; Damage Waiver.  (a)  The Borrower shall pay, within 30 days of a written demand therefor (together with reasonable backup documentation supporting such reimbursement request), (i) all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, any Arranger and their respective Affiliates, including the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees, charges and disbursements of counsel (limited to one primary counsel for the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers and their respective Affiliates, and, if reasonably necessary, one additional counsel in each relevant material jurisdiction and one specialty counsel acting in multiple jurisdictions), in connection with the structuring, arrangement and syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein and any credit or similar facility refinancing or replacing, in whole or in part, any of the credit facilities provided for herein, as well as the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents or any waiver, amendments or modifications of the provisions hereof or thereof (whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby shall be consummated), (ii) all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by any Issuing Bank in connection with the issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of any Letter of Credit or any demand for payment thereunder and (iii) all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, any Issuing Bank or any Lender, including the fees, charges and disbursements of counsel (limited to one counsel to the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders, taken as a whole, and, if reasonably necessary, one additional counsel in each relevant material jurisdiction and, in the case of an actual or perceived conflict of interest, one additional counsel in each relevant jurisdiction to each group of similarly situated Persons), in connection with the enforcement or protection of its rights in connection with the Loan Documents, including its rights under this Section, or in connection with the Loans made or Letters of Credit issued hereunder, including all such out-of-pocket expenses incurred during any workout, restructuring or negotiations in respect of such Loans or Letters of Credit.

 

(b)  The Borrower shall indemnify the Administrative Agent (and any sub-agent thereof), each Arranger, each Lender and each Issuing Bank, their successors and assigns and each Related Party of any of the foregoing Persons (each such Person being called an “Indemnitee”), against, and hold each Indemnitee harmless from, any and all losses, claims, damages, penalties, liabilities and related expenses, including the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees, charges and disbursements of any counsel for any Indemnitee (limited to one counsel to the Indemnitees, taken as a whole, and, if reasonably necessary, one additional counsel in each material jurisdiction and, in the case of an actual or perceived conflict of interest, one additional counsel in each relevant jurisdiction to the each group of similarly situated Indemnitees, taken as a whole), incurred by or asserted or awarded against any Indemnitee arising out of, in connection with or as a result of (including, without limitation, in connection with any investigation, litigation or proceeding or preparation of a defense in connection therewith) (i) the structuring, arrangement and syndication of the credit facilities provided for herein, the preparation, negotiation, execution, delivery and administration of this Agreement, the other Loan Documents or any other agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the performance by the parties to this Agreement or the other Loan Documents of their respective obligations hereunder or thereunder or the consummation of the

 

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Transactions or any other transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, (ii) any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds therefrom (including any refusal by any Issuing Bank to honor a demand for payment under a Letter of Credit if the documents presented in connection with such demand do not strictly comply with the terms of such Letter of Credit), (iii) any actual or alleged presence or Release of Hazardous Materials on, at, to or from any Mortgaged Property or any other property currently or formerly owned or operated by the Borrower or any Subsidiary, or any other Environmental Liability related in any way to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or (iv) any actual or prospective claim, litigation, investigation or proceeding relating to any of the foregoing, whether based on contract, tort or any other theory and whether initiated against or by any party to this Agreement or any other Loan Document, any Affiliate of any of the foregoing or any third party (and regardless of whether any Indemnitee is a party thereto); provided that the foregoing indemnity shall not, as to any Indemnitee, apply to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses to the extent they (A) are found in a final and non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from the bad faith, willful misconduct or gross negligence of an Indemnitee, (B) result from a claim brought by the Borrower or any Subsidiary against an Indemnitee for material breach in bad faith of such Indemnitee’s obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document if the Borrower or such Subsidiary has obtained a final and non-appealable judgment in its favor on such claim as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction, (C) result from a proceeding that does not involve an act or omission by the Borrower or any of its Affiliates and that is brought by an Indemnitee against any other Indemnitee (other than a proceeding that is brought against the Administrative Agent or any Arranger in its capacity or in fulfilling its roles as an agent or arranger hereunder or any similar role with respect to the Indebtedness incurred or to be incurred hereunder) or (D) result from settlements effected without the Borrower’s prior written consent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, delayed or conditioned) but if settled with the Borrower’s written consent, or if there is a final judgment against an Indemnitee in any such proceeding, the Borrower shall indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnitee to the extent and in the manner set forth above; provided that neither the Borrower nor its Subsidiaries shall, without the prior written consent of an Indemnitee (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), effect any settlement in respect of which indemnity could have been sought hereunder by such Indemnitee unless such settlement (w) includes an unconditional release of such Indemnitee in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to such Indemnitee from all liability on claims that are the subject matter of such settlement, (x) does not include any statement as to or any admission of fault, culpability or a failure to act by or on behalf of such Indemnitee, (y) does not obligate such Indemnitee to make any payment that is not paid by the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates and (z) does not require any specific performance obligation on the part of such Indemnitee that is not performed by the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, (x) neither the Borrower nor its Subsidiaries shall be liable to pay any settlement effected without the Borrower or such Subsidiary’s written consent (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) and (b) each Indemnitee shall be obligated to refund and return any and all amounts paid by the Borrower under this paragraph to such Indemnitee for any such fees, expenses or damages to the extent it

 

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is determined within six months of payment that such Indemnitee is not entitled to payment of such amount in accordance with the terms hereof.  This paragraph shall not apply with respect to Taxes other than any Taxes that represent losses, claims or damages arising from any non-Tax claim.

 

(c)  To the extent that the Borrower fails to pay any amount required to be paid by it under paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section to the Administrative Agent (or any sub-agent thereof), any Issuing Bank or any Related Party of any of the foregoing (and without limiting their obligation to do so), each Lender severally agrees to pay to the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent), such Issuing Bank or such Related Party, as applicable, such Lender’s pro rata share (determined as of the time that the applicable unreimbursed expense or indemnity payment is sought) of such unpaid amount (it being understood and agreed that the Borrower’s failure to pay any such amount shall not relieve the Borrower of any default in the payment thereof); provided that the unreimbursed expense or indemnified loss, claim, damage, liability or related expense, as applicable, was incurred by or asserted against the Administrative Agent (or such sub-agent), such Issuing Bank in its capacity as such, or against any Related Party of any of the foregoing acting for the Administrative Agent (or any such sub-agent) or any Issuing Bank in connection with such capacity; provided further that, with respect to such unpaid amounts owed to any Issuing Bank in its capacity as such, or to any Related Party of any of the foregoing acting for any Issuing Bank in connection with such capacity, only the Revolving Lenders shall be required to pay such unpaid amounts.  For purposes of this Section, a Lender’s “pro rata share” shall be determined based upon its share of the sum of the total Revolving Exposures, unused Revolving Commitments and, except for purposes of the second proviso of the immediately preceding sentence, the outstanding Term Loans and unused Term Commitments, in each case at that time.  The obligations of the Lenders under this paragraph are subject to the last sentence of Section 2.02(a) (which shall apply mutatis mutandis to the Lenders’ obligations under this paragraph).

 

(d)  To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the Borrower shall not assert, or permit any of its Affiliates or Related Parties to assert, and hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee for any damages arising from the use by others of information or other materials obtained through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems (including the Internet), provided that the foregoing waiver shall not apply to any losses, claims, damages, liabilities or related expenses to the extent they are found in a final and non-appealable judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction to have resulted from the bad faith, willful misconduct or gross negligence of such Indemnitee.

 

(e)  To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, none of the parties hereto (nor any Indemnities)  shall assert, or permit any of its Affiliates or Related Parties to assert, and each such party hereby waives, any claim against each other party for any special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with or as a result of, this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the Transactions, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the proceeds thereof; provided that nothing in this clause (e) shall relieve the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary of

 

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any obligation it may have to indemnify an Indemnitee against special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages asserted against such Indemnitee by a third party.

 

(f)  Unless otherwise specified, all amounts due under this Section shall be payable not later than 30 days after written demand therefor.

 

SECTION 9.04.  Successors and Assigns.  (a)  General.  The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliate of any Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), except that (i) the Borrower may not assign, delegate or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Administrative Agent and each Lender (and any attempted assignment, delegation or transfer by the Borrower without such consent shall be null and void) and (ii) no Lender may assign, delegate or otherwise transfer its rights or obligations hereunder except in accordance with this Section.  Nothing in this Agreement, expressed or implied, shall be construed to confer upon any Person (other than the parties hereto, their respective successors and assigns permitted hereby (including any Affiliate of any Issuing Bank that issues any Letter of Credit), Participants (to the extent provided in paragraph (c) of this Section), the Arrangers and, to the extent expressly contemplated hereby, the sub-agents of the Administrative Agent and the Related Parties of any of the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers, any Issuing Bank and any Lender) any legal or equitable right, remedy or claim under or by reason of this Agreement; provided that Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated may, without notice to the Borrower, assign its rights and obligations under this Agreement to any other registered broker-dealer wholly-owned by Bank of America Corporation to which all or substantially all of Bank of America Corporation’s or any of its subsidiaries’ investment banking, commercial lending services or related businesses may be transferred following the date of this Agreement.

 

(b)  Assignments by Lenders.  (i) Subject to the conditions set forth in paragraph (b)(ii) below, any Lender may assign and delegate to one or more Eligible Assignees all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitment and the Loans at the time owing to it) with the prior written consent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) of (A) the Borrower; provided that no consent of the Borrower shall be required (1) for an assignment and delegation to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund and (2) if an Event of Default under clause (a), (b), (h) or (i) of Section 7.01 has occurred and is continuing, for any other assignment and delegation; provided further that the Borrower shall be deemed to have consented to any such assignment and delegation unless it shall object thereto by written notice to the Administrative Agent within ten Business Days after having received notice thereof, (B) the Administrative Agent; provided that no consent of the Administrative Agent shall be required for an assignment and delegation of all or any portion of a Term Loan to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, and (C) each Issuing Bank, in the case of any assignment and delegation of all or a portion of a Revolving Commitment or any Lender’s obligations in respect of its LC Exposure.

 

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(ii)  Assignments and delegations shall be subject to the following additional conditions: (A) except in the case of an assignment and delegation to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund or an assignment and delegation of the entire remaining amount of the assigning Lender’s Commitment or Loans of any Class, the amount of the Commitment or Loans of the assigning Lender subject to each such assignment and delegation (determined as of the trade date specified in the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment and delegation or, if no trade date is so specified, as of the date the Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignment and delegation is delivered to the Administrative Agent) shall not be less than $5,000,000 or, in the case of Term Loans, $1,000,000, unless each of the Borrower and the Administrative Agent otherwise consents (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed); provided that no such consent of the Borrower shall be required if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, (B) each partial assignment and delegation shall be made as an assignment and delegation of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement; provided that this clause (B) shall not be construed to prohibit the assignment and delegation of a proportionate part of all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations in respect of one Class of Commitments or Loans, (C) the parties to each assignment and delegation shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Assignment and Assumption, together with a processing and recordation fee of $3,500 (which fee may be waived or reduced in the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent); provided that (1) only one such processing and recordation fee shall be payable in the event of simultaneous assignments and delegations from any Lender or its Approved Funds to one or more other Approved Funds of such Lender, (2) no such fee shall apply to an assignment and delegation by a Lender to its Affiliate and (3) with respect to any assignment and delegation pursuant to Section 2.18(b) or 9.02(c), the parties hereto agree that such assignment and delegation may be effected pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption executed by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent and the assignee and that the Lender required to make such assignment and delegation need not be a party thereto, and (D) the assignee, if it shall not be a Lender, shall deliver to the Administrative Agent any tax forms required by Section 2.16(f) and an Administrative Questionnaire in which the assignee designates one or more credit contacts to whom all syndicate-level information (which may contain MNPI) will be made available and who may receive such information in accordance with the assignee’s compliance procedures and applicable law, including Federal, State and foreign securities laws.

 

(iii)  Subject to acceptance and recording thereof pursuant to paragraph (b)(v) of this Section, from and after the effective date specified in each Assignment and Assumption, the assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and, to the extent of the interest assigned and delegated by such Assignment and Assumption, have the rights and obligations of a Lender under this Agreement, and the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent of the interest assigned and delegated by such Assignment and Assumption, be released from its obligations under this Agreement (and, in the case of an Assignment and Assumption covering all the assigning Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party hereto but shall continue to be entitled to the benefits of (and subject to the obligations and limitations of) Sections 2.14, 2.15, 2.16 and 9.03 and to any fees payable hereunder that have accrued

 

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for such Lender’s account but have not yet been paid).  Any assignment, delegation or other transfer by a Lender of rights or obligations under this Agreement that does not comply with this Section shall be treated for purposes of this Agreement as a sale by such Lender of a participation in such rights and obligations in accordance with Section 9.04(c).

 

(iv)  The Administrative Agent, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, shall maintain at one of its offices a copy of each Assignment and Assumption delivered to it and a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of the Lenders, and the Commitment of, and principal amount of (and stated interest on) the Loans and LC Disbursements owing to, each Lender pursuant to the terms hereof from time to time (the “Register”).  The entries in the Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Register pursuant to the terms hereof as a Lender hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement, notwithstanding notice to the contrary.  The Register shall be available for inspection by the Borrower and any Issuing Bank or any Lender, at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior notice.

 

(v)  Upon receipt by the Administrative Agent of a duly completed Assignment and Assumption executed by an assigning Lender and an assignee, the assignee’s completed Administrative Questionnaire and any tax forms required by Section 2.16(f) (unless the assignee shall already be a Lender hereunder), the processing and recordation fee referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section and any written consent to such assignment and delegation required by paragraph (b) of this Section, the Administrative Agent shall accept such Assignment and Assumption and record the information contained therein in the Register; provided that the Administrative Agent shall not be required to accept such Assignment and Assumption or so record the information contained therein if the Administrative Agent reasonably believes that such Assignment and Assumption lacks any written consent required by this Section or is otherwise not in proper form, it being acknowledged that the Administrative Agent shall have no duty or obligation (and shall incur no liability) with respect to obtaining (or confirming the receipt) of any such written consent or with respect to the form of (or any defect in) such Assignment and Assumption, any such duty and obligation being solely with the assigning Lender and the assignee.  No assignment or delegation shall be effective for purposes of this Agreement unless it has been recorded in the Register as provided in this paragraph and, following such recording, unless otherwise determined by the Administrative Agent (such determination to be made in the sole discretion of the Administrative Agent, which determination may be conditioned on the consent of the assigning Lender and the assignee), shall be effective notwithstanding any defect in the Assignment and Assumption relating thereto.  Each assigning Lender and the assignee, by its execution and delivery of an Assignment and Assumption, shall be deemed to have represented to the Administrative Agent that all written consents required by this Section with respect thereto (other than the consent of the Administrative Agent) have been obtained and that such Assignment and Assumption is otherwise duly completed and in proper form, and each assignee, by its execution and delivery of an Assignment and

 

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Assumption, shall be deemed to have represented to the assigning Lender and the Administrative Agent that such assignee is an Eligible Assignee.

 

(vi)  The words “execution”, “signed”, “signature” and words of like import in any Assignment and Assumption shall be deemed to include electronic signatures or the keeping of records in electronic form, each of which shall be of the same legal effect, validity or enforceability as a manually executed signature or the use of a paper-based recordkeeping system, as applicable, to the extent and as provided for in any applicable law, including the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, the New York State Electronic Signatures and Records Act or any other similar State laws based on the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act.

 

(c)  Participations.  Any Lender may, without the consent of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or any Issuing Bank, sell participations to one or more Eligible Assignees (each, a “Participant”) in all or a portion of such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement (including all or a portion of its Commitments and Loans of any Class); provided that (A) such Lender’s obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged, (B) such Lender shall remain solely responsible to the other parties hereto for the performance of such obligations and (C) the Borrower, the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the other Lenders shall continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with such Lender’s rights and obligations under this Agreement.  Any agreement or instrument pursuant to which a Lender sells such a participation shall provide that such Lender shall retain the sole right to enforce this Agreement and to approve any amendment, modification or waiver of any provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document; provided that such agreement or instrument may provide that such Lender will not, without the consent of the Participant, agree to any amendment, modification or waiver described in the first proviso to Section 9.02(b) that affects such Participant or requires the approval of all the Lenders.  The Borrower agrees that each Participant shall be entitled to the benefits of Sections 2.14, 2.15 and 2.16 (subject to the requirements and limitations therein, including the requirements under Section 2.16(f) (it being understood and agreed that the documentation required under Section 2.16(f) shall be delivered to the participating Lender)) to the same extent as if it were a Lender and had acquired its interest by assignment and delegation pursuant to paragraph (b) of this Section; provided that such Participant (A) agrees to be subject to the provisions of Sections 2.17 and 2.18 as if it were an assignee under paragraph (b) of this Section and (B) shall not be entitled to receive any greater payment under Section 2.14 or 2.16, with respect to any participation, than its participating Lender would have been entitled to receive, except to the extent such entitlement to receive a greater payment results from a Change in Law that occurs after the Participant acquired the applicable participation.  Each Lender that sells a participation agrees, at the Borrower’s request and expense, to use reasonable efforts to cooperate with the Borrower to effectuate the provisions of Section 2.18(b) with respect to any Participant.  To the extent permitted by law, each Participant also shall be entitled to the benefits of Section 9.08 as though it were a Lender; provided that such Participant agrees to be subject to Section 2.17(c) as though it were a Lender.  The Borrower shall be entitled to seek specific performance to unwind any such participation in addition to any other remedies available to the Borrower at law or at equity in respect of any

 

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participation made by a Lender to any Disqualified Institutions without the Borrower’s consent, to the extent the Borrower’s consent is required under the terms hereof (and not obtained or deemed given).  Each Lender that sells a participation shall, acting solely for this purpose as a non-fiduciary agent of the Borrower, maintain a register on which it enters the name and address of each Participant and the principal amounts (and stated interest) of each Participant’s interest in the Loans or other obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document (the “Participant Register”); provided that no Lender shall have any obligation to disclose all or any portion of the Participant Register (including the identity of any Participant or any information relating to a Participant’s interest in any Commitments, Loans, Letters of Credit or its other obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document) to any Person except to the extent that such disclosure is necessary to establish that such Commitment, Loan, Letter of Credit or other obligation is in registered form under Section 5f.103-1(c) of the United States Treasury Regulations.  The entries in the Participant Register shall be conclusive absent manifest error, and such Lender shall treat each Person whose name is recorded in the Participant Register as the owner of such participation for all purposes of this Agreement notwithstanding any notice to the contrary.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Administrative Agent (in its capacity as Administrative Agent) shall have no responsibility for maintaining a Participant Register.

 

(d)  Certain Pledges.  Any Lender may, without the consent of the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or any Issuing Bank, at any time pledge or assign a security interest in all or any portion of its rights under this Agreement to secure obligations of such Lender, including any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to a Federal Reserve Bank, and this Section shall not apply to any such pledge or assignment of a security interest; provided that no such pledge or assignment of a security interest shall release a Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or substitute any such pledgee or assignee for such Lender as a party hereto.

 

(e)  Special Purpose Funding Vehicles.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, any Lender (a “Granting Lender”) may grant to a special purpose funding vehicle (an “SPV”), identified as such in writing from time to time by the Granting Lender to the Administrative Agent and the Borrower, the option to provide to the Borrower all or any part of any Loan that such Granting Lender would otherwise be obligated to make to the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement; provided that (i) nothing herein shall constitute a commitment by any SPV to make any Loan and (ii) if an SPV elects not to exercise such option or otherwise fails to provide all or any part of such Loan, the Granting Lender shall be obligated to make such Loan pursuant to the terms hereof.  The making of a Loan by an SPV hereunder shall utilize the Commitment of the Granting Lender to the same extent, and as if, such Loan were made by such Granting Lender.  Each party hereto hereby agrees that no SPV shall be liable for any indemnity or similar payment obligation under this Agreement (all liability for which shall remain with the Granting Lender).  In furtherance of the foregoing, each party hereto hereby agrees (which agreement shall survive the termination of this Agreement) that, prior to the date that is one year and one day after the payment in full of all outstanding commercial paper or other senior indebtedness of any SPV, such party will not institute against, or join any other person in instituting against, such SPV any

 

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bankruptcy, reorganization, arrangement, insolvency or liquidation proceedings under the laws of the United States or any State thereof.  In addition, notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section, any SPV may (i) with notice to, but without the prior written consent of, the Borrower and the Administrative Agent and without paying any processing fee therefor, assign and delegate all or a portion of its interests in any Loans to the Granting Lender or to any financial institutions (consented to by the Borrower and Administrative Agent) providing liquidity or credit support to or for the account of such SPV to support the funding or maintenance of Loans and (ii) disclose on a confidential basis any non-public information relating to its Loans to any rating agency, commercial paper dealer or provider of any surety, guarantee or credit or liquidity enhancement to such SPV.

 

(f)  Assignments to Affiliated Lenders.  Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, any Term Lender may assign and delegate all or a portion of its Term Loans to an Affiliated Lender in accordance with this paragraph, provided that:

 

(i)  no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom;

 

(ii)  the assigning Term Lender and the Affiliated Lender purchasing such Lender’s Term Loans, as applicable, shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption in lieu of an Assignment and Assumption;

 

(iii)  for the avoidance of doubt, Lenders shall not be permitted to assign or delegate Revolving Commitments or Revolving Exposure to any Affiliated Lender;

 

(iv)  (A) the Affiliated Lender shall have identified itself in writing as an Affiliated Lender to the assigning Term Lender and the Administrative Agent prior to the execution of the Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption and (B) the Affiliated Lender shall be deemed to have represented and warranted to the assigning Term Lender and the Administrative Agent that the requirements set forth in clause (vii) below, shall have been satisfied upon consummation of the applicable Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption;

 

(v)  Affiliated Lenders will not (A) have the right to receive information, reports or other materials provided solely to Lenders by the Administrative Agent or any other Lender, except to the extent made available to the Borrower, (B) attend or participate in meetings attended solely by the Lenders and the Administrative Agent, or (C) access any electronic site established for the Lenders or confidential communications from counsel to or financial advisors of the Administrative Agent or the Lenders;

 

(vi)          (A) for purposes of determining whether the Required Lenders or any other requisite Class vote required by this Agreement have (x) consented (or not consented) to any amendment, waiver or modification of, or any action under this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any departure by any Loan Party therefrom,

 

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(y) otherwise acted on any matter related to this Agreement or any other Loan Document and (z) directed or required the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender to undertake any action (or refrain from taking any action) under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, all Term Loans held by any Affiliated Lender shall be deemed to be not outstanding for all purposes of calculating whether the Required Lenders or the requisite vote of any Class of Lenders have taken any actions, (B) with respect to any amendment, waiver or modification of, or any action under this Agreement or any other Loan Document that requires the consent of all, or all affected, Lenders, the Term Loans held by any Affiliated Lender shall be deemed to be outstanding only if such amendment, waiver, modification or other action adversely affects such Affiliated Lender more than other Term Lenders in any material respect, (C) for purposes of voting on any plan of reorganization or plan of liquidation pursuant to any Debtor Relief Laws (a “Plan of Reorganization”), each Affiliated Lender hereby agrees (x) not to vote on such Plan of Reorganization, (y) if such Affiliated Lender does vote on such Plan of Reorganization notwithstanding the restriction in the foregoing clause (x), such vote will be deemed not to be in good faith and shall be “designated” pursuant to Section 1126(e) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision in any other Debtor Relief Laws), and such vote shall not be counted in determining whether the applicable class has accepted or rejected such Plan of Reorganization in accordance with Section 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision in any other Debtor Relief Laws) and (z) not to contest any request by any party for a determination by the Bankruptcy Court (or other applicable court of competent jurisdiction) effectuating the foregoing clause (y), in each case under this clause (vi) (B) unless such Plan of Reorganization adversely affects such Affiliated Lender more than other Term Lenders in any material respect, and (D) each Affiliated Lender hereby irrevocably appoints the Administrative Agent (such appointment being coupled with an interest) as such Affiliated Lender’s attorney-in-fact, with full authority in the place and stead of such Affiliated Lender and in the name of such Affiliated Lender (solely in respect of Term Loans therein and not in respect of any other claim or status such Affiliated Lender may otherwise have), from time to time in the Administrative Agent’s discretion to take any action and to execute any instrument that the Administrative Agent may deem reasonably necessary or appropriate to carry out the provisions of this clause (vi), including to ensure that any vote of such Affiliated Lender on any Plan of Reorganization is withdrawn or otherwise not counted;

 

(vii)         the aggregate principal amount of any Class or tranche of Term Loans held at any one time by Affiliated Lenders may not exceed 25% of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of any Class or tranche of Term Loans; and

 

(viii)        the Affiliated Lender will not be entitled to make or bring (or participate in, other than as a passive participant in or recipient of its pro rata benefits of) actions against the Administrative Agent, in its role as such, or receive advice of counsel or other advisors to the Administrative Agent or any other Lenders or challenge the attorney client privilege of their respective counsel.

 

Each Affiliated Lender that is a Term Lender hereunder agrees to comply with the terms of this paragraph (f) (notwithstanding that it may be granted access to the Platform or any other electronic site established for the Lenders by the Administrative

 

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Agent), and agrees that in any subsequent assignment of all or any portion of its Term Loans it shall identify itself in writing to the assignee as an Affiliated Lender prior to the execution of such assignment.

 

(g)   Purchasing Borrower Parties.  Notwithstanding anything else to the contrary contained in this Agreement (including the definition of “Eligible Assignees”), any Lender may assign and delegate all or a portion of its Term Loans to any Purchasing Borrower Party in accordance with this paragraph (which assignment and delegation will not constitute a prepayment of Loans for any purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents); provided that:

 

(i) no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom;

 

(ii) each Auction Purchase Offer shall be conducted in accordance with the procedures, terms and conditions set forth in this paragraph and the Auction Procedures;

 

(iii) the assigning Lender and Purchasing Borrower Party purchasing such Lender’s Term Loans, as applicable, shall execute and deliver to the Administrative Agent an Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption in lieu of an Assignment and Assumption;

 

(iv) for the avoidance of doubt, the Lenders shall not be permitted to assign or delegate Revolving Commitments or Revolving Exposure to a Purchasing Borrower Party;

 

(v) to the extent permitted by applicable law and not giving rise to any adverse tax consequence (other than any tax imposed in connection with the forgiveness of any Indebtedness income), any Term Loans assigned and delegated to any Purchasing Borrower Party shall be automatically and permanently cancelled upon the effectiveness of such assignment and delegation and will thereafter no longer be outstanding for any purpose hereunder (it being understood and agreed that (A) except as expressly set forth in any such definition, any gains or losses by any Purchasing Borrower Party upon purchase or acquisition and cancellation of such Term Loans shall not be taken into account in the calculation of Excess Cash Flow, Consolidated Net Income and Consolidated EBITDA and (B) any purchase of Term Loans pursuant to this paragraph (g) shall not constitute a voluntary prepayment of Term Loans for purposes of this Agreement);

 

(vi) the Purchasing Borrower Party shall not have any MNPI that either (A) has not been disclosed to the assigning Lender (other than any such Lender that does not wish to receive MNPI) on or prior to the date of any initiation of an Auction by such Purchasing Borrower Party or (B) if not disclosed to such Lender, would reasonably be expected to have a material effect upon, or otherwise be material to, (1) such Lender’s decision to participate in any such

 

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Auction or (2) the market price of the Term Loans, in each case, with respect to such Lender, except to the extent that such Lender has entered into a customary “big boy” letter with the Borrower; and

 

(vii) no Purchasing Borrower Party may use the proceeds from Revolving Loans to purchase any Term Loans.

 

(h)  Disqualified Institutions.

 

(i) No assignment or participation shall be made to any Person that was a Disqualified Institution as of the date (the “Trade Date”) on which the assigning Lender entered into a binding agreement to sell and assign all or a portion of its rights and obligations under this Agreement to such Person (unless the Borrower has consented to such assignment in writing in its sole and absolute discretion, in which case such Person will not be considered a Disqualified Institution for the purpose of such assignment or participation).  For the avoidance of doubt, with respect to any assignee that becomes a Disqualified Institution after the applicable Trade Date (including as a result of the delivery of a notice pursuant to, and/or the expiration of the notice period referred to in, the definition of “Disqualified Institution”), (x) such assignee shall not retroactively be disqualified from becoming a Lender and (y) the execution by the Borrower of an Assignment and Assumption with respect to such assignee will not by itself result in such assignee no longer being considered a Disqualified Institution. Any assignment in violation of this clause (h)(i) shall not be void, but the other provisions of this clause (h) shall apply.

 

(ii) If any assignment or participation is made to any Disqualified Institution without the Borrower’s prior written consent in violation of clause (i) above, or if any Person becomes a Disqualified Institution after the applicable Trade Date, the Borrower may, at its sole expense and effort, upon notice to the applicable Disqualified Institution and the Administrative Agent, (A) terminate any Revolving Commitment of such Disqualified Institution and repay all obligations of the Borrower owing to such Disqualified Institution in connection with such Revolving Commitment, (B) in the case of outstanding Term Loans held by Disqualified Institutions, purchase or prepay such Term Loan by paying the lesser of (x) the principal amount thereof and (y) the amount that such Disqualified Institution paid to acquire such Term Loans, in each case plus accrued interest, accrued fees and all other amounts (other than principal amounts) payable to it hereunder and/or (C) require such Disqualified Institution to assign, without recourse (in accordance with and subject to the restrictions contained in this Section 9.04), all of its interest, rights and obligations under this Agreement to one or more Eligible Assignees at the lesser of (x) the principal amount thereof and (y) the amount that such Disqualified Institution paid to acquire such interests, rights and obligations, in each case plus accrued interest, accrued fees and all other amounts (other than principal amounts) payable to it hereunder.  For the avoidance of doubt, the Borrower shall not use the proceeds of

 

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any Revolving Loans to purchase Loans or Commitments from any Term Lender or Revolving Lender pursuant to this clause (h)(ii).

 

(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, Disqualified Institutions (A) will not (x) have the right to receive information, reports or other materials provided to Lenders by the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or any other Lender, (y) attend or participate in meetings attended by the Lenders and the Administrative Agent, or (z) access any electronic site established for the Lenders or confidential communications from counsel to or financial advisors of the Administrative Agent or the Lenders and (B) (x) for purposes of any consent to any amendment, waiver or modification of, or any action under, and for the purpose of any direction to the Administrative Agent or any Lender to undertake any action (or refrain from taking any action) under this Agreement or any other Loan Document, each Disqualified Institution will be deemed to have consented in the same proportion as the Lenders that are not Disqualified Institutions consented to such matter, and (y) for purposes of voting on any Plan of Reorganization, each Disqualified Institution party hereto hereby agrees (1) not to vote on such Plan of Reorganization, (2) if such Disqualified Institution does vote on such Plan of Reorganization notwithstanding the restriction in the foregoing clause (1), such vote will be deemed not to be in good faith and shall be “designated” pursuant to Section 1126(e) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision in any other Debtor Relief Laws), and such vote shall not be counted in determining whether the applicable class has accepted or rejected such Plan of Reorganization in accordance with Section 1126(c) of the Bankruptcy Code (or any similar provision in any other Debtor Relief Laws) and (3) not to contest any request by any party for a determination by the Bankruptcy Court (or other applicable court of competent jurisdiction) effectuating the foregoing clause (2).

 

(iv) The Administrative Agent shall (A) have the right, and the Borrower hereby expressly authorizes the Administrative Agent, to post the list of Disqualified Institutions provided by the Borrower and any updates thereto from time to time (collectively, the “DQ List”) on the Platform, including that portion  of the Platform that is designated for “public side” Lenders and (B) provide, and the Borrower hereby expressly authorizes the Administrative Agent to provide, the DQ List to each Lender requesting the same promptly following such request.

 

SECTION 9.05.  Survival.  All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the other parties hereto and shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the making of any Loans and issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by any such other party or on its behalf and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, any Issuing Bank, any Lender or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time this Agreement or any other

 

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Loan Document is executed and delivered or any credit is extended hereunder, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under this Agreement is outstanding and unpaid or any LC Exposure is outstanding and so long as the Commitments have not expired or terminated.  Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything else to the contrary set forth in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, in the event that, in connection with the refinancing or repayment in full of the credit facilities provided for herein, an Issuing Bank shall have provided to the Administrative Agent a written consent to the release of the Revolving Lenders from their obligations hereunder with respect to any Letter of Credit issued by such Issuing Bank (whether as a result of the obligations of the Borrower (and any other account party) in respect of such Letter of Credit having been collateralized in full by a deposit of cash with such Issuing Bank, or being supported by a letter of credit that names such Issuing Bank as the beneficiary thereunder, or otherwise), then from and after such time such Letter of Credit shall cease to be a “Letter of Credit” outstanding hereunder for all purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents, and the Revolving Lenders shall be deemed to have no participations in such Letter of Credit, and no obligations with respect thereto, under Section 2.04(d) or 2.04(e).  The provisions of Sections 2.14, 2.15, 2.16, 2.17(e) and 9.03 and Article VIII shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, the repayment or prepayment of the Loans, the expiration or termination of the Letters of Credit and the Commitments or the termination of this Agreement or any provision hereof.  For the avoidance of doubt, if any entity ceases to be a Lender under this Agreement pursuant to an Assignment and Assumption, such entity shall be entitled to the benefits of the surviving provisions in the previous sentence but only with respect to the period during which such entity was a Lender under this Agreement.

 

SECTION 9.06.  Counterparts; Integration; Effectiveness.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.  This Agreement, the other Loan Documents and any separate letter agreements with respect to fees payable to the Administrative Agent or the syndication of the Loans and Commitments constitute the entire contract among the parties relating to the subject matter hereof and supersede any and all previous agreements and understandings, oral or written, relating to the subject matter hereof, including the commitments of the Lenders and, if applicable, their Affiliates under the commitment letter in respect of the credit facilities set forth herein and any related commitment advices submitted by the Lenders (but do not supersede any other provisions of such commitment letter or any related fee letters that do not, by the terms of such documents, terminate upon the effectiveness of this Agreement, all of which provisions shall remain in full force and effect).  Except as provided in Section 4.01, this Agreement shall become effective when it shall have been executed by the Administrative Agent and the Administrative Agent shall have received counterparts hereof that, when taken together, bear the signatures of each of the other parties hereto, and thereafter shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement

 

170


 

by facsimile transmission or other electronic imaging shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

SECTION 9.07.  Severability.  Any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

SECTION 9.08.  Right of Setoff.  If an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing, each Lender, each Issuing Bank and each of their respective Affiliates is hereby authorized at any time and from time to time, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, to set off and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or demand, provisional or final, in whatever currency) or other amounts at any time held and other obligations (in whatever currency) at any time owing by such Lender, such Issuing Bank or any such Affiliate to or for the credit or the account of the Borrower against any of and all the obligations then due of the Borrower now or hereafter existing under this Agreement held by such Lender, such Issuing Bank or any such Affiliates, irrespective of whether or not such Lender, such Issuing Bank or any such Affiliate shall have made any demand under this Agreement and although such obligations of the Borrower are owed to a branch or office of such Lender, such Issuing Bank or any such Affiliate different from the branch or office holding such deposit or obligated on such Indebtedness.  Each Lender and each Issuing Bank agrees to notify the Borrower and the Administrative Agent promptly after any such setoff and application; provided that the failure to give or any delay in giving such notice shall not affect the validity of any such setoff and application under this Section.  The rights of each Lender, each Issuing Bank and their respective Affiliates under this Section are in addition to other rights and remedies (including other rights of setoff) that such Lender, such Issuing Bank and any such Affiliate may have.

 

SECTION 9.09.  Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.  (a)  This Agreement and any claim, controversy, dispute or cause of action (whether in contract or tort or otherwise) based upon, arising out of or relating to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

 

(b)  The Borrower irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that it will not commence any action, litigation or proceeding of any kind or description, whether in law or equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, against the Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or any Related Party of any of the foregoing in any way relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions relating hereto or thereto, in any forum other than the courts of the State of New York sitting in New York County and of the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, and each of the parties hereto irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the jurisdiction of such courts and agrees that all claims in respect of any action, litigation or proceeding may be heard

 

171



 

and determined in such New York State court or, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, in such Federal court.  Each party hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action, litigation or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.  Nothing in this Agreement shall affect any right that the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank may otherwise have to bring any action, litigation or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document against any Loan Party or any of its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.

 

(c)  The Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any action, litigation or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document in any court referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section.  Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

 

(d)  Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 9.01.  Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

 

SECTION 9.10.  WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.  EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY).  EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION.

 

SECTION 9.11.  Headings.  Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

 

SECTION 9.12.  Confidentiality.  Each of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and each Person that was the Administrative Agent, a Lender or an Issuing Bank at the time it received any Information (as defined below) agrees to maintain the confidentiality of the Information, except that Information may be disclosed (a) to its Related Parties, including accountants, legal counsel and other agents and

 

172



 

advisors, it being understood and agreed that the Persons to whom such disclosure is made will be informed of the confidential nature of such Information and instructed to keep such Information confidential and each of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders shall be responsible for the compliance with this Section by its Related Parties, (b) to the extent required or requested by any regulatory authority purporting to have jurisdiction over such Person or its Related Parties (including any self-regulatory authority, such as the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or similar organization) (in which case, to the extent practicable, and not prohibited by law or such process, the party in receipt of such request shall promptly inform the Borrower in advance other than in connection with any examination of the financial condition or other routine examination of such Lender), (c) to the extent required by applicable laws or regulations or by any subpoena or similar legal process (in which case such party agrees to inform the Borrower thereof promptly prior to disclosure to the extent practicable, and not prohibited by law or such process), (d) to any other party to this Agreement, (e) in connection with the exercise of any remedies under this Agreement or any other Loan Document or any suit, action or proceeding relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the enforcement of rights hereunder or thereunder, (f) subject to an agreement containing confidentiality undertakings not less restrictive than those of this Section, to (i) any assignee of or Participant in, or any prospective assignee of or Participant in, any of its rights or obligations under this Agreement, or any current or prospective financing sources (it being understood that the list of Disqualified Institutions may be disclosed to any assignee, Participant or financing source, or prospective assignee,  Participant or financing source, in reliance on this clause (f)); provided that any such disclosure provided to a financing source is provided on a “need to know” basis and  no disclosure of Information may be made under this clause (f)(i) to any Disqualified Institution or (ii) any actual or prospective counterparty (or its Related Parties) to any Hedging Agreement relating to the Borrower or any Subsidiary and its obligations hereunder or under any other Loan Document, (g) on a confidential basis in accordance with the agencies’ standard practices for maintaining confidentiality of information, to (i) any rating agency in connection with rating the Borrower or its Subsidiaries or the credit facilities provided for herein or (ii) the CUSIP Service Bureau or any similar agency in connection with the issuance and monitoring of CUSIP numbers with respect to the credit facilities provided for herein, (h) with the consent of the Borrower, (i) otherwise to the extent consisting of general portfolio information that does not identify the Loan Parties by name or disclose the size of the facilities, (j) the National Association of Insurance Commissioners or (k) to the extent such Information (i) becomes publicly available other than as a result of a breach of this Section or (ii) becomes available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank or any Affiliate of any of the foregoing and is, to the knowledge of the Administrative Agent, such Lender, such Issuing Bank or Affiliate, on a nonconfidential basis from a source other than the Borrower.  For purposes of this Section, “Information” means all information received from the Borrower or learned upon inspection or examination of the Borrower’s books and records or premises relating to the Borrower or any Subsidiary or their businesses, other than any such information that is available to the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank on a nonconfidential basis prior to disclosure by the Borrower and other than information pertaining to this Agreement routinely provided

 

173



 

by arrangers to data service providers, including league table providers, that serve the lending industry.  Any Person required to maintain the confidentiality of Information as provided in this Section shall be considered to have complied with its obligation to do so if such Person has exercised the same degree of care to maintain the confidentiality of such Information as such Person would accord to its own confidential information.

 

SECTION 9.13.  Interest Rate Limitation.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, if at any time the interest rate applicable to any Loan or participation in any LC Disbursement, together with all fees, charges and other amounts that are treated as interest on such Loan or LC Disbursement or participation therein under applicable law (collectively the “Charges”), shall exceed the maximum lawful rate (the “Maximum Rate”) that may be contracted for, charged, taken, received or reserved by the Lender or Issuing Bank holding such Loan or LC Disbursement or participation therein in accordance with applicable law, the rate of interest payable in respect of such Loan hereunder, together with all Charges payable in respect thereof, shall be limited to the Maximum Rate and, to the extent lawful, the interest and Charges that would have been payable in respect of such Loan or LC Disbursement or participation therein but were not payable as a result of the operation of this Section shall be cumulated and the interest and Charges payable to such Lender or Issuing Bank in respect of other Loans or LC Disbursement or participation therein or periods shall be increased (but not above the Maximum Rate therefor) until such cumulated amount, together with interest thereon at the Federal Funds Effective Rate to the date of repayment, shall have been received by such Lender or Issuing Bank.

 

SECTION 9.14.  Release of Liens and Guarantees.  Subject to the reinstatement provisions set forth in the Collateral Agreement, a Subsidiary Loan Party shall automatically be released from its obligations under the Loan Documents, and all security interests created by the Security Documents in Collateral owned by such Subsidiary Loan Party shall be automatically released, upon the consummation of any transaction permitted by this Agreement as a result of which such Subsidiary Loan Party ceases to be a Subsidiary Loan Party or a Designated Subsidiary; provided that, if so required by this Agreement, the Required Lenders shall have consented to such transaction and the terms of such consent shall not have provided otherwise.  Upon any sale or other transfer by any Loan Party (other than to the Borrower or any other Loan Party) of any Collateral in a transaction not prohibited under this Agreement, or upon the effectiveness of any written consent to the release of the security interest created under any Security Document in any Collateral pursuant to Section 9.02, or in the event that any Collateral is no longer required to be subject to a Lien under the Loan Documents, the security interests in such Collateral created by the Security Documents shall be automatically released.  In connection with any termination or release pursuant to this Section, the Administrative Agent shall execute and deliver to any Loan Party, at such Loan Party’s expense, all documents that such Loan Party shall reasonably request to evidence such termination or release.  Any execution and delivery of documents pursuant to this Section shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent.  Each of the Secured Parties irrevocably authorize the Administrative Agent, at its option and in its discretion, to effect the releases set forth in this Section.  The Administrative Agent is irrevocably authorized by the Secured Parties, without any consent or further

 

174



 

agreement of any Secured Party, to release the Administrative Agent’s Liens upon the date the Commitments shall have expired or been terminated and the principal of and interest on each Loan and all fees, expenses and other amounts payable under this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall have been paid in full (other than contingent amounts not yet due) and all Letters of Credit shall have expired or been terminated or shall have been backstopped or cash collateralized (in each case, in a manner reasonably satisfactory to the applicable Issuing Bank) and all LC Disbursements shall have been reimbursed.

 

SECTION 9.15.  USA PATRIOT Act Notice.  Each Lender, each Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent (for itself and not on behalf of any Lender) hereby notifies each Loan Party that, pursuant to the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act, it is required to obtain, verify and record information that identifies such Loan Party, which information includes the name and address of such Loan Party and other information that will allow such Lender, such Issuing Bank or the Administrative Agent, as applicable, to identify such Loan Party in accordance with the USA PATRIOT Act, and each Loan Party agrees to provide such information from time to time to such Lender, such Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent, as applicable.  This notice is given in accordance with the requirements of the USA PATRIOT Act and is effective for the each Lender, each Issuing Bank and the Administrative Agent.

 

SECTION 9.16.  No Fiduciary Relationship.  The Borrower, on behalf of itself and its subsidiaries, agrees that in connection with all aspects of the transactions contemplated hereby and any communications in connection therewith, the Borrower, the Subsidiaries and their respective Affiliates, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers, the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and their respective Affiliates, on the other hand, will have a business relationship that does not create, by implication or otherwise, any fiduciary duty on the part of the Administrative Agent, the Lenders, the Issuing Banks or their Affiliates, and no such duty will be deemed to have arisen in connection with any such transactions or communications.  The Administrative Agent, the Arrangers, the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and their respective Affiliates may be engaged, for their own accounts or the accounts of customers, in a broad range of transactions that involve interests that differ from those of the Borrower, the Subsidiaries and their respective Affiliates, and none of the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers, the Lenders, the Issuing Banks or any of their respective Affiliates has any obligation to disclose any of such interests to the Borrower, the Subsidiaries or any of their respective Affiliates.  To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Borrower hereby waives and releases any claims that it or any of its Affiliates may have against the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers, the Lenders, the Issuing Banks or any of their respective Affiliates with respect to any breach or alleged breach of agency or fiduciary duty in connection with any aspect of any transaction contemplated hereby.

 

SECTION 9.17.  Non-Public Information.  (a)  Each Lender acknowledges that all information, including requests for waivers and amendments, furnished by the Borrower or the Administrative Agent pursuant to or in connection with, or in the course of administering, this Agreement will be syndicate-level information, which may contain MNPI.  Each Lender represents to the Borrower and the Administrative Agent that (i) it

 

175



 

has developed compliance procedures regarding the use of MNPI and that it will handle MNPI in accordance with such procedures and applicable law, including Federal, State and foreign securities laws, and (ii) it has identified in its Administrative Questionnaire a credit contact who may receive information that may contain MNPI in accordance with its compliance procedures and applicable law, including Federal, State and foreign securities laws.

 

(b)  The Borrower and each Lender acknowledge that, if information furnished by the Borrower pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement is being distributed by the Administrative Agent through the Platform, (i) the Administrative Agent may post any information that the Borrower has indicated as containing MNPI solely on that portion of the Platform as is designated for Private Side Lender Representatives and (ii) if the Borrower has not indicated whether any information furnished by it pursuant to or in connection with this Agreement contains MNPI, the Administrative Agent reserves the right to post such information solely on that portion of the Platform as is designated for Private Side Lender Representatives.  The Borrower agrees to clearly designate all information provided to the Administrative Agent by or on behalf of the Borrower that is suitable to be made available to Public Side Lender Representatives, and the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to rely on any such designation by the Borrower without liability or responsibility for the independent verification thereof.

 

SECTION 9.18.  Acknowledgment and Consent to Bail-In of EEA Financial Institutions.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any Loan Document or in any other agreement, arrangement or understanding among the parties hereto, each party hereto acknowledges that any liability of any EEA Financial Institution arising under any Loan Document, to the extent such liability is unsecured, may be subject to the write-down and conversion powers of an EEA Resolution Authority and agrees and consents to, and acknowledges and agrees to be bound by:

 

(a)  the application of any Write-Down and Conversion Powers by an EEA Resolution Authority to any such liabilities arising hereunder which may be payable to it by any party hereto that is an EEA Financial Institution; and

 

(b)  the effects of any Bail-in Action on any such liability, including, if applicable:

 

(i) a reduction in full or in part or cancellation of any such liability;

 

(ii) a conversion of all, or a portion of, such liability into shares or other instruments of ownership in such EEA Financial Institution, its parent undertaking, or a bridge institution that may be issued to it or otherwise conferred on it, and that such shares or other instruments of ownership will be accepted by it in lieu of any rights with respect to any such liability under this Agreement or any other Loan Document; or

 

176



 

(iii) the variation of the terms of such liability in connection with the exercise of the write-down and conversion powers of any EEA Resolution Authority.

 

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

177



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

YETI HOLDINGS, INC.,

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

/s/ Richard J. Shields

 

 

Name:

Richard J. Shields

 

 

Title:

Chief Financial Officer, Principal
Accounting Officer, Treasurer
and Vice President of Finance

 

[Signature Page to Credit Agreement]

 



 

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as
Administrative Agent,

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

/s/ Bridgett J. Manduk Mowry

 

 

 

Name:

Bridgett J. Manduk Mowry

 

 

 

Title:

Vice President

 

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as a Lender
and an Issuing Bank,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

/s/ Kathryn Tucker

 

 

 

Name:

Kathryn Tucker

 

 

 

Title:

Vice President

 

 

KEYBANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION,

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

/s/ Marianne T. Meil

 

 

 

Name:

Marianne T. Meil

 

 

 

Title:

Senior Vice President

 

 

SUNTRUST BANK,

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

/s/ Mark Kelly

 

 

 

Name:

Mark Kelly

 

 

 

Title:

Managing Director

 

 

CITIZENS BANK, N.A.,

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

/s/ Ravi Pillay

 

 

 

Name:

Ravi Pillay

 

 

 

Title:

Vice President

 

[Signature Page to Credit Agreement]

 


 

 

COMPASS BANK,

 

 

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

/s/ Kayle Green

 

 

 

Name: Kayle Green

 

 

 

Title: Managing Director

 

 

 

 

 

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A.,

 

 

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

/s/ Luke Harbinson

 

 

 

Name: Luke Harbinson

 

 

 

Title: Director

 

 

 

 

 

RAYMOND JAMES BANK, N.A.,

 

 

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

/s/ Alexander L. Rody

 

 

 

Name: Alexander L. Rody

 

 

 

Title: Senior Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

MORGAN STANLEY SENIOR FUNDING, INC.,

 

 

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

/s/ Michael King

 

 

 

Name: Michael King

 

 

 

Title: Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

CADENCE BANK, N.A.,

 

 

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

/s/ Emily Northcutt

 

 

 

Name: Emily Northcutt

 

 

 

Title: Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

CAPITAL ONE BANK,

 

 

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

/s/ Steve Ma

 

 

 

Name: Steve Ma

 

 

 

Title: VP, Relationship Mgr.

 

[Signature Page to Credit Agreement]

 



 

 

WOODFOREST NATIONAL BANK,

 

 

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

/s/ John Ellis

 

 

 

Name: John Ellis

 

 

 

Title: Senior Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

TRUSTMARK NATIONAL BANK,

 

 

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

/s/ Louise Barden

 

 

 

Name: Louise Barden

 

 

 

Title: Senior Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

AMALGAMATED BANK,

 

 

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

/s/ Jackson Eng

 

 

 

Name: Jackson Eng

 

 

 

Title: First Vice President

 

 

 

 

 

CAMDEN NATIONAL BANK,

 

 

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

/s/ Ryan A. Smith

 

 

 

Name: Ryan A. Smith

 

 

 

Title: SVP

 

 

 

 

 

STIFEL BANK & TRUST,

 

 

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

/s/ John H. Phillips

 

 

 

Name: John H. Phillips

 

 

 

Title: Executive Vice President

 

[Signature Page to Credit Agreement]

 



 

Schedule 1.01

 

Mortgaged Property

 

None.

 



 

Schedule 2.01

 

Commitments

 

Revolving Commitments

 

Lender

 

Commitment

 

Bank of America, N.A.

 

$

14,220,183.47

 

KeyBank National Association

 

$

11,467,889.91

 

SunTrust Bank

 

$

11,467,889.91

 

Citizens Bank, N.A.

 

$

9,174,311.93

 

Compass Bank

 

$

8,715,596.33

 

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

 

$

6,422,018.35

 

Raymond James Bank, N.A.

 

$

6,422,018.35

 

Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc.

 

$

5,504,587.16

 

Cadence Bank, N.A.

 

$

5,504,587.16

 

Capital One Bank

 

$

4,587,155.96

 

Woodforest National Bank

 

$

4,587,155.96

 

Trustmark National Bank

 

$

3,669,724.77

 

Amalgamated Bank

 

$

2,752,293.58

 

Camden National Bank

 

$

2,752,293.58

 

Stifel Bank & Trust

 

$

2,752,293.58

 

Total

 

$

100,000,000

 

 

Tranche A Term Commitments

 

Lender

 

Commitment

 

Bank of America, N.A.

 

$

63,279,816.53

 

KeyBank National Association

 

$

51,032,110.09

 

SunTrust Bank

 

$

51,032,110.09

 

Citizens Bank, N.A.

 

$

40,825,688.07

 

Compass Bank

 

$

38,784,403.67

 

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.

 

$

28,577,981.65

 

Raymond James Bank, N.A.

 

$

28,577,981.65

 

Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc.

 

$

24,495,412.84

 

Cadence Bank, N.A.

 

$

24,495,412.84

 

Capital One Bank

 

$

20,412,844.04

 

Woodforest National Bank

 

$

20,412,844.04

 

Trustmark National Bank

 

$

16,330,275.23

 

Amalgamated Bank

 

$

12,247,706.42

 

Camden National Bank

 

$

12,247,706.42

 

Stifel Bank & Trust

 

$

12,247,706.42

 

Total

 

$

445,000,000

 

 



 

Tranche B Term Commitments

 

Lender

 

Commitment

 

Bank of America, N.A.

 

$

105,000,000

 

Total

 

$

105,000,000

 

 

3



 

Schedule 3.05

 

Real Property

 

Company

 

Address of Property

 

Ownership Interest

YETI Coolers, LLC

 

3411 Hidalgo Street
Austin, TX 78702

 

Lease

 

 

 

 

 

YETI Coolers, LLC

 

5301 Southwest Parkway, Suite 200
Austin, TX 78735

 

Lease

 

 

 

 

 

YETI Coolers, LLC

 

220 S. Congress Ave.
Suite 100
Austin, TX

 

Lease

 

 

 

 

 

YETI Coolers, LLC

 

4635 Boston Lane
Suite 100
Austin, TX 78735

 

Lease

 

 

 

 

 

YETI Coolers, LLC

 

Unit F5, Floor 22
Seashine Building
No. 609 Hubin South Rd.
Siming Dist., Xianmen

 

Lease

 

 

 

 

 

YETI Coolers, LLC

 

7601 Southwest Parkway
Austin, TX 78735

 

Lease

 



 

Schedule 3.14

 

Subsidiaries

 

Subsidiary

 

Subsidiary Loan
Party (Yes/No)

 

Ownership of
Borrower and each
Restricted Subsidiary
in each Subsidiary

 

Existing Equity
Interests that could
require the issuance
by any Restricted
Subsidiary of any
additional Equity
Interests

YETI Coolers, LLC

 

Yes

 

Borrower owns 100% of the LLC interests (Certificate No. 3)

 

None

 


 

Schedule 3.15

 

Insurance

 

Coverage/
Description

 

Limits

 

Effective
Date

 

Expiration
Date

 

Insurance
Company

 

Insured

 

Policy
Number

Commercial Property

 

Ranges from $100,000 — $13,450,000 (depending on the property)

 

6/15/15

 

6/15/16

 

Federal Insurance Co. (Chubb)

 

YETI Coolers, LLC

 

3597-91-37 BAL

General Liability

 

$10,000-$2,000,000 (depending on the claim)

 

6/15/2012 (retro-active)

 

6/15/16

 

Federal Insurance Co. (Chubb)

 

YETI Coolers, LLC

 

3597-91-37 BAL

Automobile Liability/
Physical Damage

 

$1,000,000

 

6/15/15

 

6/15/16

 

Federal Insurance Co. (Chubb)

 

YETI Coolers, LLC

 

(15)7357-64-21

Umbrella

 

$15,000,000

 

6/15/15

 

6/15/16

 

Federal Insurance Co. (Chubb)

 

YETI Coolers, LLC

 

7988-49-53

Marine Cargo

 

$25,000-$3,000,000

 

6/15/15

 

6/15/16

 

Federal Insurance Co. (Chubb)

 

YETI Coolers, LLC

 

7893971

D&O

 

$8,000,000 (aggregate)

 

6/15/15

 

6/15/16

 

Westchester Surplus Lines Insurance Company (ACE)

 

YETI Coolers, LLC

 

G24291005 004

1st Excess D&O

 

$5,000,000

 

6/15/15

 

6/15/16

 

Federal Insurance Co. (Chubb)

 

YETI Coolers, LLC

 

8242-9036

2nd Excess D&O

 

$5,000,000

 

6/15/15

 

6/15/16

 

Hiscox Insurance Co. (Chubb)

 

YETI Coolers, LLC

 

UDA1591713.15

Crime and K&R

 

$1,000,000 - $3,000,000

 

6/15/15

 

6/15/16

 

Federal Insurance Co. (Chubb)

 

YETI Coolers, LLC

 

8225-5160

Network/
Cyber Liability

 

$1,000,000-$5,000,000

 

6/15/15

 

6/15/16

 

Illinois Union Insurance Company (ACE)

 

YETI Coolers, LLC

 

EON G24579037 003

 



 

Schedule 6.01

 

Existing Indebtedness

 

None.

 



 

Schedule 6.02

 

Existing Liens

 

None.

 



 

Schedule 6.04

 

Existing Investments

 

None.

 



 

Schedule 6.09

 

Existing Restrictions

 

None.

 



 

EXHIBIT A

 

[FORM OF] ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

This Assignment and Assumption (this “Assignment and Assumption”) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between the Assignor (as defined below) and the Assignee (as defined below).  Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by the Assignee.  The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex I attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Assumption as if set forth herein in full.

 

For an agreed consideration, the Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to the Assignee, and the Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from the Assignor, subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions referred to below and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the Administrative Agent as contemplated below, (a) all of the Assignor’s rights and obligations in its capacity as a Lender under the Credit Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of the Assignor under the respective facilities identified below (including any Guarantees and Letters of Credit included in such facilities) and (b) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender) against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (a) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clauses (a) and (b) above being referred to herein collectively as the “Assigned Interest”).  Such sale and assignment is without recourse to the Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty by the Assignor.

 

1. Assignor:

 

2. Assignee:

[and is [a Lender] [an Affiliate/Approved Fund of [Identify Lender]]](1)

 

3. Borrower: YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation

 

4. Administrative Agent: Bank of America, N.A., as the Administrative Agent under the Credit Agreement

 

5. Credit Agreement:  The Credit Agreement dated as of May 19, 2016, among YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, the Lenders and Issuing Banks party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

 


(1)                                 Select as applicable.

 

A-1



 

6.  Assigned Interest:(2)

 

Facility Assigned

 

Aggregate Amount
of
Commitments/Loans 
of the applicable
Class of all Lenders

 

Amount of the
Commitments/Loans
of the applicable
Class Assigned

 

Percentage Assigned
of Aggregate
Amount of
Commitments/Loans
of the applicable
Class of all Lenders(3)

 

Revolving Commitments/Loans

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

%

Tranche A Term Commitments/Loans

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

%

Tranche B Term Commitments/Loans

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

%

[                 ](4)

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

%

 

Effective Date:                    , 20    [TO BE INSERTED BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TRANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR]

 

The Assignee, if not already a Lender, agrees to deliver to the Administrative Agent a completed Administrative Questionnaire in which the Assignee designates one or more credit contacts to whom all syndicate-level information (which may contain MNPI) will be made available and who may receive such information in accordance with the Assignee’s compliance procedures and applicable law, including Federal, State and foreign securities laws.

 


(2)  Must comply with the minimum assignment amounts set forth in Section 9.04(b)(ii)(A) of the Credit Agreement, to the extent such minimum assignment amounts are applicable.

 

(3)  Set forth, to at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Commitments/Loans of all Lenders of any Class, as applicable.

 

(4)  In the event Incremental Term Loans of any Class are established under Section 2.20 of the Credit Agreement or any new Class of Loans or Commitments is established pursuant to Section 2.21 or 2.22 of the Credit Agreement, refer to the Class of such Loans assigned.

 

A-2



 

The terms set forth above are hereby agreed to:

 

[Consented to and](6) Accepted:

 

 

 

 

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as

                                      , as Assignor,

 

Administrative Agent,

 

 

 

by

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

                                      , as Assignee,(5)

 

[Consented to:

 

 

 

by

 

 

YETI HOLDINGS, INC.,

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

by

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

 

Title:](7)

 

 

 

 

 

[Consented to:(8)

 

 

 

 

 

[EACH ISSUING BANK

 

 

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

 

Title:]

 


(5)  The Assignee must deliver to the Borrower all applicable Tax forms required to be delivered by it under Section 2.16(f) of the Credit Agreement.

 

(6)  No consent of the Administrative Agent is required for an assignment of any Term Commitment or Term Loan to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund.

 

(7)  No consent of the Borrower is required (x) for an assignment to a Lender, an Affiliate of a Lender or an Approved Fund, or (y) if an Event of Default of the type set forth in clause (a), (b), (h) or (i) of Section 7.01 has occurred and is continuing, for any other assignment.

 

(8)                                 To be added only if the consent of each Issuing Bank is required by Section 9.04(b)(i)(C) of the Credit Agreement.

 

A-3


 

ANNEX 1 TO
ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

1.                          Representations and Warranties.

 

1.1.                Assignor.  The Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of the Assigned Interest, (ii) the Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim, (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and (iv) it is not a Defaulting Lender; and (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, other than statements made by it herein, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any other Affiliate of the Borrower or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document or (iv) the performance or observance by the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any other Affiliate of the Borrower or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document.

 

1.2.                Assignee.  The Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption, to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it satisfies the requirements specified in the Credit Agreement (including in Section 9.04(h) of the Credit Agreement) that are required to be satisfied by it in order to acquire the Assigned Interest and become a Lender, (iii) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of the Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (iv) it is sophisticated with respect to decisions to acquire assets of the type represented by the Assigned Interest and either it, or the Person exercising discretion in making its decision to acquire the Assigned Interest, is experienced in acquiring assets of such type, (v) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, together with the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.01 thereof (or, prior to the first such delivery, the financial statements referred to in Section 3.04 thereof), and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase the Assigned Interest on the basis of which it has made such analysis and decision independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent, the Assignor or any other Lender, (vi) if it is a Lender that is a U.S. Person, attached hereto is an executed original of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. Federal backup withholding tax, (vii) if it is a Foreign Lender, attached hereto is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement (including Section 2.16(f) thereof), duly completed and executed by the Assignee, and (viii) it is an Eligible Assignee, and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent, the Assignor or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the

 

A-4



 

time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

 

2.                          Payments.  From and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of the Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to the Assignee whether such amounts have accrued prior to or on or after the Effective Date. The Assignor and the Assignee shall make all appropriate adjustments in payments by the Administrative Agent for periods prior to the Effective Date or with respect to the making of this assignment directly between themselves.

 

3.                          General Provisions.  This Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.  This Assignment and Assumption may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Assumption by facsimile transmission or other electronic imaging shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Assumption.  This Assignment and Assumption and any claim, controversy, dispute or cause of action (whether in contract or tort or otherwise) based upon, arising out of or relating to this Assignment and Assumption and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

 

A-5



 

EXHIBIT B

 

[FORM OF] COLLATERAL AGREEMENT

 

[See attached]

 



 

 

GUARANTEE AND COLLATERAL AGREEMENT

 

dated as of

 

May 19, 2016,

 

among

 

YETI HOLDINGS, INC.,

 

THE SUBSIDIARIES OF YETI HOLDINGS, INC.

IDENTIFIED HEREIN

 

and

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,

 

as Administrative Agent

 

 

CS&M Ref. No. 4408-295

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

ARTICLE I

 

 

Definitions

 

 

SECTION 1.01. Defined Terms

1

SECTION 1.02. Other Defined Terms

1

 

 

ARTICLE II

 

Guarantee

 

 

SECTION 2.01. Guarantee

7

SECTION 2.02. Guarantee of Payment; Continuing Guarantee

7

SECTION 2.03. No Limitations

7

SECTION 2.04. Reinstatement

9

SECTION 2.05. Agreement to Pay; Subrogation

9

SECTION 2.06. Information

9

SECTION 2.07. Keepwell

9

 

 

ARTICLE III

 

Pledge of Securities

 

 

SECTION 3.01. Pledge

10

SECTION 3.02. Delivery of the Pledged Securities

10

SECTION 3.03. Representations and Warranties

11

SECTION 3.04. Registration in Nominee Name; Denominations

13

SECTION 3.05. Voting Rights; Dividends and Interest

13

 

 

ARTICLE IV

 

Security Interests in Personal Property

 

 

SECTION 4.01. Security Interest

15

SECTION 4.02. Representations and Warranties

17

SECTION 4.03. Covenants

20

SECTION 4.04. Other Actions

22

SECTION 4.05. Covenants Regarding Patent, Trademark and Copyright Collateral

24

 

 

ARTICLE V

 

Remedies

 

 

SECTION 5.01. Remedies Upon Default

26

 



 

SECTION 5.02. Application of Proceeds

27

SECTION 5.03. Grant of License To Use Intellectual Property

28

SECTION 5.04. Securities Act

29

 

 

ARTICLE VI

 

Indemnity, Subrogation, Contribution and Subordination

 

 

SECTION 6.01. Indemnity and Subrogation

30

SECTION 6.02. Contribution and Subrogation

30

SECTION 6.03. Subordination

30

 

 

ARTICLE VII

 

Miscellaneous

 

 

SECTION 7.01. Notices

31

SECTION 7.02. Waivers; Amendment

31

SECTION 7.03. Administrative Agent’s Fees and Expenses; Indemnification

32

SECTION 7.04. Survival

33

SECTION 7.05. Counterparts; Effectiveness; Successors and Assigns

33

SECTION 7.06. Severability

33

SECTION 7.07. Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process

34

SECTION 7.08. WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL

34

SECTION 7.09. Headings

35

SECTION 7.10. Security Interest Absolute

35

SECTION 7.11. Termination or Release

35

SECTION 7.12. Additional Subsidiaries

36

SECTION 7.13. Administrative Agent Appointed Attorney-in-Fact

36

 



 

Schedules

 

Schedule I

Subsidiary Loan Parties

Schedule II

Pledged Equity Interests; Pledged Debt Securities

Schedule III

Intellectual Property

Schedule IV

Commercial Tort Claims

Schedule V

Third Party Locations

 

Exhibits

 

Exhibit I

Form of Supplement

Exhibit II-A

Form of Patent Security Agreement

Exhibit II-B

Form of Trademark Security Agreement

Exhibit II-C

Form of Copyright Security Agreement

 

 


 

GUARANTEE AND COLLATERAL AGREEMENT dated as of May 19, 2016 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, this “Agreement”), among YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, the Restricted Subsidiaries from time to time party hereto and Bank of America, N.A. (“BAML”), as Administrative Agent.

 

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of May 19, 2016 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), the Lenders and the Issuing Banks from time to time party thereto and BAML, as Administrative Agent.  The Lenders and Issuing Banks have agreed to extend credit to the Borrower on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement.  The obligations of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks to extend such credit are conditioned upon, among other things, the execution and delivery of this Agreement.  The Subsidiary Loan Parties are Affiliates of the Borrower, will derive substantial benefits from the extension of credit to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement and are willing to execute and deliver this Agreement in order to induce the Lenders and the Issuing Banks to extend such credit.  Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

ARTICLE I

 

Definitions

 

SECTION 1.01  Defined Terms.  (a)Each capitalized term used but not defined herein and defined in the Credit Agreement shall have the meaning specified in the Credit Agreement.  Each other term used but not defined herein that is defined in the New York UCC (as defined herein) shall have the meaning specified in the New York UCC.  The term “Instrument” shall have the meaning specified in Article 9 of the New York UCC.

 

(b)  The rules of construction specified in Section 1.03 of the Credit Agreement also apply to this Agreement, mutatis mutandis.

 

SECTION 1.02  Other Defined Terms.  As used in this Agreement, the following terms have the meanings specified below:

 

“Account Debtor” means any Person that is or may become obligated to any Grantor under, with respect to or on account of an Account.

 

“Agreement” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Preamble hereto.

 

“Anti-Assignment Provisions” has the meaning assigned to such term in the definition of “Excluded Asset” herein.

 

“Article 9 Collateral” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.01(a).

 



 

“BAML” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Preamble.

 

“Borrower” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Recitals hereto.

 

“Claiming Party” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.02.

 

“Collateral” means, collectively, the Article 9 Collateral and the Pledged Collateral, provided that no Excluded Asset shall constitute Collateral.

 

“Contributing Party” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.02.

 

“Copyright License” means any written agreement, now or hereafter in effect, granting to any Person any right to use any Copyright owned by any Grantor or that any Grantor otherwise has the right to license, or granting to any Grantor any right to use any Copyright owned by any other Person or that any other Person otherwise has the right to license, and all rights of any Grantor under any such agreement.

 

“Copyrights” means, with respect to any Person, all of the following now owned or hereafter acquired by such Person:  (a) all copyright rights in any work subject to the copyright laws of the United States of America, whether as author, assignee, transferee or otherwise, (b) all registrations and applications for registration of any such copyright in the United States of America, including, registrations, recordings, supplemental registrations, pending applications for registration, and renewals in the United States Copyright Office, including, in the case of any Grantor, any of the foregoing set forth under its name on Schedule III and (c) any other adjacent or other rights related or appurtenant to the foregoing, including moral rights, in each case, in the United States.

 

“Credit Agreement” has the meaning assigned to such term in the Recitals hereto.

 

“Excluded Account” means (a) any Deposit Account or Securities Account used solely for one or more of the following:  payroll accounts, withholding tax accounts, or trust, escrow or other fiduciary accounts, (b) any segregated Deposit Account or Securities Account holding solely a cash portion of the Specified Dividend or any Additional Distribution, and (c) any Deposit Account or Securities Account the funds in which are subject to customary escrow arrangements relating to the purchase price to be paid for, or indemnification obligation in respect of, any transaction not prohibited by the terms of the Credit Agreement.

 

“Excluded Assets” means, collectively,

 

(a) the Excluded Equity Interests (other than Excluded Equity Interests in clause (c) of the definition thereof);

 

(b) the Excluded Accounts;

 

2



 

(c) any leasehold interest in real property;

 

(d) motor vehicles and assets subject to certificates of title (other than to the extent that a security interest therein may be created by the filing of a financing statement);

 

(e) (i) Letter-of-Credit Rights (except to the extent such rights constitute Supporting Obligations with respect to other Collateral that is perfected by filing a financing statement) with a value of less than $2,500,000 and (ii) Letter-of-Credit Rights to the extent any Grantor is required by Requirement of Law to apply the proceeds of a drawing of such letter of credit for a specified purpose in a transaction that is not prohibited by the Credit Agreement and to a person that is not a Grantor;

 

(f) Commercial Tort Claims with a value of less than $2,500,000;

 

(g) those assets in respect of which the granting of the Security Interest (i) would be prohibited by any Requirement of Law, regulation or contract, so long as (A) any contractual restriction is not incurred in contemplation of the owning entity’s becoming a Subsidiary or the entry of such owning entity into the Loan Documents and (B) such contract is permitted under the Credit Agreement (in each case, after giving effect to Sections 9-406, 9-407, 9-408 and 9-409 of the Uniform Commercial Code or any other Requirement of Law or principle of equity (the “Anti-Assignment Provisions”)) (provided that, for purposes of this subclause (i), the Security Interest shall attach immediately on such assets at such time as the condition causing such prohibition shall no longer exist and, to the extent severable, shall attach immediately to any portion of such assets that does not result in such prohibition), or (ii) would result in material adverse tax consequences to the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as reasonably determined in good faith by the Borrower in consultation with the Administrative Agent (it being understood that neither the Borrower nor any Subsidiary shall be required to enter into any security agreement or pledge agreement governed by foreign law);

 

(h) any intent-to-use trademark application filed pursuant to Section 1(b) of the Lanham Act prior to the filing of a “Statement of Use” or “Amendment to Allege Use” pursuant to Sections 1(c) and 1(d) of the Lanham Act with respect thereto, but only to the extent that the grant of the Security Interest would invalidate such trademark application;

 

(i) any governmental licenses or state or local franchises, charters and authorizations, to the extent that a security interest in any such license, franchise, charter or authorization is prohibited or restricted thereby in each case after giving effect to the Anti-Assignment Provisions;

 

(j) any lease, license or agreement or any property subject to a purchase money security interest, capital lease obligation or similar arrangement permitted by the Credit Agreement to the extent that a grant of a security interest therein would violate or invalidate such lease, license or agreement or purchase money, capital lease or similar

 

3



 

arrangement or create a right of termination in favor of any other party thereto (other than the Borrower or any Subsidiary) after giving effect to the applicable Anti-Assignment Provisions; provided that (i) to the extent severable, any portion of or right under any such lease, license, agreement or purchase money, capital lease or similar arrangement in which the Security Interest can be granted without any of the consequences specified above shall not constitute an Excluded Asset and (ii) the Security Interest shall attach immediately to such lease, license, agreement or property upon termination of any such purchase money security interest, capital lease obligation or similar arrangement;

 

(k) any property acquired after the Effective Date that is subject to Permitted Liens under Section 6.02(d) of the Credit Agreement not incurred in anticipation of the acquisition by the applicable Loan Party of such property, to the extent that the granting of the Security Interest in such property would be prohibited under the terms of the Indebtedness secured by such Permitted Lien; provided that the Security Interest shall attach immediately (i) to any portion of such property that does not result in such prohibition and (ii) to such property upon termination of the relevant prohibition; and

 

(l) those assets as to which the Administrative Agent and the Borrower reasonably determine in writing that the costs of obtaining a security interest in such assets or perfection thereof are excessive in relation to the benefit to the Lenders of the security to be afforded thereby, in each case other than any Proceeds, substitutions or replacements of any of the assets described in clauses (a) through (l) (unless any such Proceeds, substitution or replacement would in itself constitute an asset described in clauses (a) through (l)).

 

“Excluded Equity Interests” means (a) voting Equity Interests of any first-tier CFC and any CFC Holding Company in excess of 65% of the issued and outstanding total combined voting power of all classes of Equity Interests entitled to vote of such CFC or CFC Holding Company; (b) voting Equity Interests in any Subsidiaries of any CFC or of any Unrestricted Subsidiaries, (c) Equity Interests of any Immaterial Subsidiary; (d)  Equity Interests of any Unrestricted Subsidiary; (e) Equity Interests of any joint venture or non-wholly-owned Subsidiary to the extent not permitted by the terms of such person’s joint venture or organizational documents (other than with the consent of the Borrower or any Subsidiary), in each case after giving effect to the applicable Anti-Assignment Provisions; and (f) margin stock.

 

“Federal Securities Laws” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 5.04.

 

“Grantors” means, collectively, the Borrower and each Subsidiary Loan Party.

 

“Guarantors” means, collectively, the Borrower (except with respect to obligations of the Borrower) and each Subsidiary Loan Party.

 

4



 

“Immaterial Subsidiary” means any Subsidiary that is not a Material Subsidiary.

 

“Indemnified Amount” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 6.02.

 

“Intellectual Property” means all intellectual and similar property of every kind and nature, including inventions, designs, utility models, Patents, Copyrights, Licenses, Trademarks, trade secrets, domain names, confidential or proprietary technical and business information, know-how, show-how or other data or information, software and databases and all embodiments or fixations thereof and applications therefor, and related documentation, registrations and franchises, and all additions, improvements and accessions to, and books and records describing or used in connection with, any of the foregoing.

 

“IP Security Agreements” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.02(b).

 

“License” means any Patent License, Trademark License, Copyright License or other license or sublicense agreement to which any Grantor is a party, including, in the case of any Grantor, any of the forgoing set forth under its name on Schedule III.

 

“New York UCC” means the Uniform Commercial Code as from time to time in effect in the State of New York.

 

“Patent License” means any written agreement, now or hereafter in effect, granting to any Person any right to make, use or sell any invention on which a Patent has been granted to any Grantor or that any Grantor otherwise has the right to license, or granting to any Grantor any right to make, use or sell any invention on which a Patent has been granted to any other Person or that any other Person otherwise has the right to license, and all rights of any Grantor under any such agreement.

 

“Patents” mean, with respect to any Person, all of the following now owned or hereafter acquired by such Person:  (a) all letters patent of the United States of America, all registrations and recordings thereof and all applications for letters patent of the United States of America, including registrations, recordings and pending applications in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, including, in the case of any Grantor, any of the foregoing set forth under its name on Schedule III, and (b) all reissues, continuations, divisionals, continuations-in-part, reexaminations, supplemental examinations, inter partes reviews, renewals, adjustments or extensions thereof, and the inventions disclosed or claimed therein, including the right to make, have made, use, sell, offer to sell, import or export the inventions disclosed or claimed therein.

 

“Perfection Certificate” means the Perfection Certificate dated the Effective Date delivered by the Borrower to the Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 4.01(f) of the Credit Agreement.

 

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“Permitted Liens” means Liens permitted by Section 6.02 of the Credit Agreement.

 

“Pledged Collateral” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.01.

 

“Pledged Debt Securities” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.01.

 

“Pledged Equity Interests” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 3.01.

 

“Pledged Securities” means any promissory notes, stock certificates, unit certificates, limited liability membership interest certificates and other certificated securities now or hereafter included in the Pledged Collateral, including all certificates, instruments or other documents representing or evidencing any Pledged Collateral.

 

“Qualified ECP Guarantor” means, in respect of any Specified Swap Obligation, each Loan Party that has total assets exceeding $10,000,000 at the time the relevant Guarantee or grant of the relevant security interest becomes or would become effective with respect to such Specified Swap Obligation and each other Loan Party that constitutes an “eligible contract participant” under the Commodity Exchange Act or any regulations promulgated thereunder and can cause another person to qualify as an “eligible contract participant” at such time by guaranteeing or entering into a keepwell in respect of obligations of such other person under Section la(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

 

“Security Interest” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.01(a).

 

“Supplement” means an instrument substantially in the form of Exhibit I hereto, or any other form approved by the Administrative Agent, and in each case reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

“Third Party Locations” has the meaning assigned to such term in Section 4.02(f).

 

“Trademark License” means any written agreement, now or hereafter in effect, granting to any Person any right to use any Trademark owned by any Grantor or that any Grantor otherwise has the right to license, or granting to any Grantor any right to use any Trademark owned by any other Person or that any other Person otherwise has the right to license, and all rights of any Grantor under any such agreement.

 

“Trademarks” means, with respect to any Person, all of the following now owned or hereafter acquired by such Person:  (a) all trademarks, service marks, trade names, corporate names, company names, business names, fictitious business names, trade styles, trade dress, logos, domain names, global top level domain names, other source or business identifiers, designs and general intangibles of like nature, all

 

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registrations and recordings thereof, and all registration and recording applications filed in connection therewith, including registrations and registration applications in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or any similar office in any State of the United States of America, all extensions or renewals thereof, and all common law rights related thereto, including, in the case of any Grantor, any of the foregoing set forth under its name on Schedule III, (b) all goodwill associated therewith or symbolized thereby and (c) all other assets, rights and interests that uniquely reflect or embody such goodwill.

 

“Uniform Commercial Code” means the New York UCC; provided, however, that if by reason of mandatory provisions of law, the perfection, the effect of perfection or non-perfection or priority of a security interest is governed by the personal property security laws of any jurisdiction other than New York, “Uniform Commercial Code” means those personal property security laws as in effect in such other jurisdiction for the purposes of the provisions hereof relating to such perfection or priority and for the definitions related to such provisions.

 

ARTICLE II

 

Guarantee

 

SECTION 2.01  Guarantee.  Each Guarantor irrevocably and unconditionally guarantees, jointly with the other Guarantors and severally, as a primary obligor and not merely as a surety, the due and punctual payment and performance of the Obligations.  Each Guarantor further agrees that the Obligations may be extended or renewed, in whole or in part, or amended or modified, without notice to or further assent from it, and that it will remain bound upon its guarantee hereunder notwithstanding any extension, renewal, amendment or modification of any Obligation.  Each Guarantor waives presentment to, demand of payment from and protest to the Borrower or any other Loan Party of any of the Obligations, and also waives notice of acceptance of its guarantee hereunder and notice of protest for nonpayment.

 

SECTION 2.02  Guarantee of Payment; Continuing Guarantee.  Each Guarantor further agrees that its guarantee hereunder constitutes a guarantee of payment when due (whether or not any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding shall have stayed the accrual or collection of any of the Obligations or operated as a discharge thereof) and not merely of collection, and waives any right to require that any resort be had by the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party to any security held for the payment of the Obligations or to any balance of any deposit account (other than an Excluded Account) or credit on the books of the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party in favor of the Borrower, any other Loan Party or any other Person.  Each Guarantor agrees that its guarantee hereunder is continuing in nature and applies to all Obligations, whether currently existing or hereafter incurred.

 

SECTION 2.03  No Limitations.  (a)Except for the termination or release of a Guarantor’s obligations hereunder as expressly provided in Section 7.11, the obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation, impairment or termination for any reason, including any claim of waiver, release,

 

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surrender, alteration or compromise, and shall not be subject to any defense or set-off, counterclaim, recoupment or termination whatsoever by reason of the invalidity, illegality or unenforceability of the Obligations, any impossibility in the performance of the Obligations or otherwise (other than the defense of payment or performance).  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the obligations of each Guarantor hereunder shall not be discharged or impaired or otherwise affected by (i) the failure of the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party to assert any claim or demand or to enforce any right or remedy under the provisions of any Loan Document or otherwise; (ii) any rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of, or any release from any of the terms or provisions of, any Loan Document or any other agreement, including with respect to any other Guarantor under this Agreement; (iii) the release of, or any impairment of or failure to perfect any Lien on or security interest in, any security held by the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party for any of the Obligations; (iv) any default, failure or delay, wilful or otherwise, in the performance of any of the Obligations; or (v) any other act or omission that may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of any Guarantor or otherwise operate as a discharge of any Guarantor as a matter of law or equity (other than the payment in full in cash of all the Obligations (other than contingent obligations for indemnification, expense reimbursement, tax gross up or yield protection as to which no claim has been made)).  Each Guarantor expressly authorizes the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, to take and hold security for the payment and performance of the Obligations, to exchange, waive or release any or all such security (with or without consideration), to enforce or apply such security and direct the order and manner of any sale thereof in its sole discretion or to release or substitute any one or more other guarantors or obligors upon or in respect of the Obligations, all without affecting the obligations of any Guarantor hereunder.

 

(b)  To the fullest extent permitted by any Requirement of Law, each Guarantor waives any defense based on or arising out of any defense of the Borrower or any other Loan Party or the unenforceability of the Obligations or any part thereof from any cause, or the cessation from any cause of the liability of the Borrower or any other Loan Party, other than payment or performance.  The Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties may, at their election, foreclose on any security held by one or more of them by one or more judicial or nonjudicial sales, accept an assignment of any such security in lieu of foreclosure, compromise or adjust any part of the Obligations, make any other accommodation with the Borrower or any other Loan Party or exercise any other right or remedy available to them against the Borrower or any other Loan Party, without affecting or impairing in any way the liability of any Guarantor hereunder except to the extent the Obligations have been paid in full in cash (other than contingent obligations for indemnification, expense reimbursement, tax gross up or yield protection as to which no claim has been made).  To the fullest extent permitted by Requirement of Law, each Guarantor waives any defense arising out of any such election even though such election operates, pursuant to Requirement of Law, to impair or to extinguish any right of reimbursement or subrogation or other right or remedy of such Guarantor against the Borrower or any other Loan Party, as the case may be, or any security.

 

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SECTION 2.04  Reinstatement.  Each Guarantor agrees that this Agreement and its guarantee hereunder shall continue to be effective or be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time payment, or any part thereof, of any Obligation is rescinded or must otherwise be restored by the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party upon the bankruptcy, insolvency, dissolution, liquidation or reorganization of the Borrower, any other Loan Party or otherwise.

 

SECTION 2.05  Agreement to Pay; Subrogation.  In furtherance of the foregoing and not in limitation of any other right that the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party has at law or in equity against any Guarantor by virtue hereof, upon the failure of the Borrower or any other Loan Party to pay any Obligation when and as the same shall become due, whether at maturity, by acceleration, after notice of prepayment or otherwise, each Guarantor hereby promises to and will forthwith pay, or cause to be paid, to the Administrative Agent for distribution to the applicable Secured Parties in cash the amount of such unpaid Obligation.  Upon payment by any Guarantor of any sums to the Administrative Agent as provided above, all rights of such Guarantor against the Borrower or any other Loan Party arising as a result thereof by way of right of subrogation, contribution, reimbursement, indemnity or otherwise shall in all respects be subject to Article VI.

 

SECTION 2.06  Information.  Each Guarantor (a) assumes all responsibility for being and keeping itself informed of the Borrower’s and each other Loan Party’s financial condition and assets, and of all other circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the Obligations and the nature, scope and extent of the risks that such Guarantor assumes and incurs hereunder, and (b) agrees that none of the Administrative Agent or the other Secured Parties will have any duty to advise such Guarantor of information known to it or any of them regarding such circumstances or risks.

 

SECTION 2.07  Keepwell.  Each Qualified ECP Guarantor hereby jointly and severally absolutely, unconditionally and irrevocably undertakes to provide such funds or other support as may be needed from time to time by each other Guarantor that would otherwise not be an “eligible contract participant” as defined in the Commodity Exchange Act and the regulations thereunder to honor all of its obligations under this Agreement in respect of Specified Swap Obligations (provided, however, that each Qualified ECP Guarantor shall only be liable under this Section 2.07 for the maximum amount of such liability that can be hereby incurred without rendering its obligations under this Section 2.07 or otherwise under this Agreement voidable under any Requirement of Law relating to fraudulent conveyance or fraudulent transfer, and not for any greater amount).  The obligations of each Qualified ECP Guarantor under this Section 2.07 shall remain in full force and effect until the payment in full in cash of all the Obligations (other than contingent obligations for indemnification, expense reimbursement, tax gross up or yield protection as to which no claim has been made).  Each Qualified ECP Guarantor intends that this Section 2.07 constitute, and this Section 2.07 shall be deemed to constitute, a “keepwell, support, or other agreement” for the benefit of each other Loan Party for all purposes of Section la(18)(A)(v)(II) of the Commodity Exchange Act.

 

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ARTICLE III

 

Pledge of Securities

 

SECTION 3.01  Pledge.  As security for the payment and performance in full of the Obligations, each Grantor hereby pledges to the Administrative Agent, its successors and permitted assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, and hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, its successors and permitted assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest in, all such Grantor’s right, title and interest in, to and under: (a)(i) the Equity Interests now or at any time hereafter owned by or on behalf of such Grantor, including those set forth opposite the name of such Grantor on Schedule II, and (ii) all certificates and other instruments representing all such Equity Interests ((i) and (ii) collectively, the “Pledged Equity Interests”); provided that the Pledged Equity Interests shall not include any Excluded Equity Interest or any Excluded Assets; (b)(i) the debt securities now owned or at any time hereafter acquired by such Grantor, including those listed opposite the name of such Grantor on Schedule II, and (ii) all promissory notes and other instruments evidencing all such debt securities ((i) and (ii) collectively, the “Pledged Debt Securities”); provided that the Pledged Debt Securities shall not include any Excluded Assets; (c) all other property of such Grantor that may be delivered to and held by the Administrative Agent pursuant to the terms of this Section 3.01 or Section 3.02; (d) subject to Section 3.05, all payments of principal, and all interest, dividends or other distributions, whether paid or payable in cash, instruments or other property from time to time received, receivable or otherwise distributed in respect of, in exchange for or upon the conversion of, and all other Proceeds received in respect of, the Pledged Equity Interests and Pledged Debt Securities; (e) subject to Section 3.05, all rights and privileges of such Grantor with respect to the securities, instruments and other property referred to in clauses (a), (b), (c) and (d) above; and (f) all Proceeds of any of the foregoing (the items referred to in clauses (a) through (f) above (excluding any Excluded Assets) being collectively referred to as the “Pledged Collateral”).

 

SECTION 3.02  Delivery of the Pledged Securities.  (a)Each Grantor agrees to deliver or cause to be delivered to the Administrative Agent any and all Pledged Securities constituting Pledged Equity Interests (i) on the Effective Date, in the case of any such Pledged Equity Interests owned by such Grantor on the Effective Date, and (ii) promptly after the acquisition thereof (and in any event as required under the Credit Agreement), in the case of any such Pledged Equity Interests acquired by such Grantor after the Effective Date.

 

(b)  Subject to applicable local laws in the case of Equity Interests in any Foreign Subsidiary, each interest in any limited liability company or limited partnership controlled by any Grantor (or by such Grantor and one or more other Loan Parties) and pledged hereunder shall be represented by a certificate, shall be a “security” within the meaning of Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code, and shall be governed by Article 8 of the Uniform Commercial Code; and such certificate shall be delivered to the Administrative Agent in accordance with Section 3.02(a).

 

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(c)  Each Grantor (i) will use commercially reasonable efforts to cause all Indebtedness for borrowed money in a principal amount of $5,000,000 or more owed to such Grantor by any other Person to be evidenced by a duly executed promissory note (x) on the date hereof, in the case of any such Indebtedness existing on the date hereof or (y) promptly following the incurrence thereof in the case of Indebtedness incurred after the date hereof, and (ii) agrees to deliver or cause to be delivered to the Administrative Agent any and all Pledged Debt Securities (other than promissory notes and other evidences of Indebtedness issued by Persons other than the Borrower or any Subsidiary in a principal amount of less than $5,000,000), (I) on the Effective Date, in the case of any such Pledged Debt Securities owned by such Grantor on the Effective Date (including pursuant to clause (i)) and (II) promptly after the acquisition thereof (and, in any event as required under the Credit Agreement) in the case of any such Pledged Debt Securities acquired after the Effective Date.

 

(d)  Upon delivery to the Administrative Agent, (i) any Pledged Securities shall be accompanied by undated stock powers duly executed by the applicable Grantor in blank or other undated instruments of transfer reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and by such other instruments and documents as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request and (ii) all other property comprising part of the Pledged Collateral shall be accompanied by undated proper instruments of assignment duly executed by the applicable Grantor in blank and such other instruments and documents as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request.  Each delivery of Pledged Securities after the Effective Date shall be accompanied by a schedule providing the information required by Schedule II with respect to such Pledged Securities; provided that failure to attach any such schedule hereto shall not affect the validity of such pledge of such Pledged Securities.  Each schedule so delivered after the Effective Date shall be deemed attached hereto and made a part hereof as a supplement to Schedule II and any prior schedules so delivered.

 

SECTION 3.03  Representations and Warranties.  The Grantors jointly and severally represent and warrant to the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, that:

 

(a)  as of the Effective Date, Schedule II sets forth a true and complete list, with respect to each Grantor, of (i) all the Pledged Equity Interests owned by such Grantor and the percentage of the issued and outstanding units of each class of the Equity Interests of the issuer thereof represented by the Pledged Equity Interests owned by such Grantor and (ii) all the Pledged Debt Securities owned by such Grantor (other than any Pledged Equity Interests or Pledged Debt Securities that are not required to be delivered, or not yet required to have been delivered, to the Administrative Agent under the terms of this Agreement or the Credit Agreement);

 

(b)  the Pledged Equity Interests and Pledged Debt Securities issued by the Borrower and any Restricted Subsidiary have been duly and validly authorized and issued by the issuers thereof and (i) in the case of Pledged Equity Interests, are fully paid and nonassessable (to the extent such concepts are applicable) and

 

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(ii) in the case of Pledged Debt Securities, are legal, valid and binding obligations of the issuers thereof, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law;

 

(c)  except for the security interests granted hereunder, each of the Grantors (i) is and, subject to any transfers made in compliance with the Credit Agreement, will continue to be the direct owner, beneficially and of record, of the Pledged Equity Interests and Pledged Debt Securities indicated on Schedule II as owned by such Grantor, (ii) holds the same free and clear of all Liens, other than Permitted Liens, (iii) will make no assignment, pledge, hypothecation or transfer of, or create or permit to exist any security interest in or other Lien on, the Pledged Collateral, other than Permitted Liens and transfers made in compliance with the Credit Agreement, and (iv) will defend its title or interest thereto or therein against any and all Liens (other than the Permitted Liens), however arising, of all Persons whomsoever;

 

(d)  except (x) as disclosed on Schedule II, (y) for restrictions and limitations imposed by the Loan Documents or securities laws generally and (z) in the case of clause (ii) below, for restrictions and limitations existing as of the date such Pledged Collateral is pledged hereunder (and not incurred in contemplation of or in connection with the pledge hereunder) in the articles or certificate of incorporation, bylaws or other organizational documents of the issuer of such Pledged Collateral, the Pledged Collateral (i) is and will continue to be freely transferable and assignable and (ii) is not or will not be subject to any option, right of first refusal, shareholders agreement, charter or by-law provisions or contractual restriction of any nature that might prohibit, impair, delay or otherwise affect the pledge of such Pledged Collateral hereunder, the sale or disposition thereof pursuant hereto or the exercise by the Administrative Agent of rights and remedies hereunder;

 

(e)  each of the Grantors has the power and authority to pledge the Pledged Collateral pledged by it hereunder in the manner hereby done or contemplated;

 

(f)  no consent or approval of any Governmental Authority, any securities exchange or any other Person was or is required for the validity of the pledge of the Pledged Collateral effected hereby (other than any such consent or approval that has been obtained and is in full force and effect and except with respect to Pledged Collateral in the form of Equity Interests in non wholly-owned Subsidiaries);

 

(g)  subject to applicable local laws in the case of Equity Interests in any Foreign Subsidiary, by virtue of the execution and delivery by the Grantors of this Agreement, when any Pledged Securities are delivered to the Administrative Agent in accordance with this Agreement, the Administrative Agent will obtain a legal, valid and perfected Lien upon and security interest in such Pledged

 

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Securities as security for the payment and performance of the Obligations and such Lien is and shall be prior to any other Lien on such Pledged Securities, other than Permitted Liens that have priority as a matter of law; and

 

(h)  subject to applicable local law in the case of any Equity Interests in any Foreign Subsidiary, the pledge effected hereby is effective to vest in the Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, the rights of the Administrative Agent in the Pledged Collateral as set forth herein and all action by any Grantor necessary to perfect the lien on the Pledged Collateral has been duly taken.

 

SECTION 3.04  Registration in Nominee Name; Denominations.  The Administrative Agent, on behalf of the Secured Parties, shall have the right (in its sole and absolute discretion) to hold the Pledged Securities in its own name as pledgee, in the name of its nominee (as pledgee or as sub-agent) or in the name of the applicable Grantor, endorsed or assigned in blank or in favor of the Administrative Agent.  Each Grantor will promptly give to the Administrative Agent copies of any notices or other communications received by it with respect to Pledged Securities registered in the name of such Grantor.  The Administrative Agent shall at all times have the right to exchange the certificates representing Pledged Securities for certificates of smaller or larger denominations for any purpose consistent with this Agreement.

 

SECTION 3.05  Voting Rights; Dividends and Interest.  (a)Unless and until an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and, other than in the case of an Event of Default under Section 7.01(h) or (i) of the Credit Agreement, the Administrative Agent shall have notified the Grantors that the Grantors rights, in whole or in part, under this Section 3.05 are being suspended:

 

(i)  each Grantor shall be entitled to exercise any and all voting and/or other consensual rights and powers inuring to an owner of Pledged Collateral or any part thereof for any purpose consistent with the terms of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents; provided that such rights and powers shall not be exercised in any manner that would reasonably be expected to materially and adversely affect the rights inuring to a holder of any Pledged Collateral or the rights and remedies of any of the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party under this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the ability of the Secured Parties to exercise the same;

 

(ii)  the Administrative Agent shall execute and deliver to each Grantor, or cause to be executed and delivered to such Grantor, all such proxies, powers of attorney and other instruments as such Grantor may reasonably request for the purpose of enabling such Grantor to exercise the voting and/or consensual rights and powers it is entitled to exercise pursuant to Section 3.05(a)(i); and

 

(iii)  each Grantor shall be entitled to receive and retain any and all dividends, interest, principal and other distributions paid on or distributed in respect of the Pledged Collateral, but only to the extent that such dividends,

 

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interest, principal and other distributions are permitted by, and are otherwise paid or distributed in accordance with, the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement, the other Loan Documents and any Requirement of Law; provided that any noncash dividends, interest, principal or other distributions that would constitute Pledged Equity Interests or Pledged Debt Securities, whether resulting from a subdivision, combination or reclassification of the outstanding Equity Interests of the issuer of any Pledged Securities or received in exchange for Pledged Securities or any part thereof, or in redemption thereof, or as a result of any merger, consolidation, acquisition or other exchange of assets to which such issuer may be a party or otherwise, shall be and become part of the Pledged Collateral and, if received by any Grantor, and required to be delivered to the Administrative Agent hereunder, shall not be commingled by such Grantor with any of its other funds or property (but shall be held separate and apart therefrom), shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties and shall be forthwith delivered to the Administrative Agent in the form in which they shall have been received (with any endorsements, stock or note powers and other instruments of transfer reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent). Any actions by the Borrower, the Guarantors or any Restricted Subsidiary in respect of cash dividends that are permitted under Section 6.07 of the Credit Agreement shall be permitted under this Section 3.05(a)(iii) notwithstanding the occurrence or continuance of an Event of Default.

 

(b)  Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, and, other than in the case of an Event of Default under Section 7.01(h) or (i) of the Credit Agreement, after the Administrative Agent shall have notified the Grantors of the suspension of the Grantors’ rights under Section 3.05(a)(iii), all rights of any Grantor to dividends, interest, principal or other distributions that such Grantor is authorized to receive pursuant to Section 3.05(a)(iii), shall cease, and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in the Administrative Agent, which shall have the sole and exclusive right and authority to receive and retain such dividends, interest, principal or other distributions.  All dividends, interest, principal and other distributions received by any Grantor contrary to the provisions of this Section 3.05 shall be held in trust for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, shall be segregated from other property or funds of such Grantor and, to the extent constituting Collateral and required to be pledged hereunder, shall be forthwith delivered to the Administrative Agent upon demand in the form in which they shall have been received (with any necessary endorsements, stock powers or other instruments of transfer).  Any and all money and other property paid over to or received by the Administrative Agent pursuant to the provisions of this Section 3.05(b) shall be retained by the Administrative Agent in an account to be established by the Administrative Agent upon receipt of such money or other property, shall be held as security for the payment and performance of the Obligations and shall be applied in accordance with the provisions of Section 5.02.  After all Events of Default have been cured or waived and the Administrative Agent has received from the Borrower reasonably satisfactory evidence relating to any such cure, the Administrative Agent shall promptly repay to each Grantor (without interest) all dividends, interest, principal or other distributions that such Grantor would otherwise

 

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have been permitted to retain pursuant to the terms of Section 3.05(a)(iii) and that remain in such account.

 

(c)  Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, and, other than in the case of an Event of Default under Section 7.01(h) or (i) of the Credit Agreement, after the Administrative Agent shall have notified the Grantors of the suspension of the Grantors’ rights under Section 3.05(a)(i), all rights of any Grantor to exercise the voting and consensual rights and powers it is entitled to exercise pursuant to Section 3.05(a)(i), and the obligations of the Administrative Agent under Section 3.05(a)(ii), shall cease, and all such rights shall thereupon become vested in the Administrative Agent, which shall have the sole and exclusive right and authority to exercise such voting and consensual rights and powers; provided that, unless otherwise directed by the Required Lenders, the Administrative Agent shall have the right from time to time following and during the continuance of an Event of Default to permit the Grantors to exercise such rights.

 

(d)  Any notice given by the Administrative Agent to the Grantors suspending the Grantors’ rights under Section 3.05(a): (i) may be given by telephone if promptly confirmed in writing, (ii) may be given to one or more of the Grantors at the same or different times and (iii) may suspend the rights and powers of the Grantors under Section 3.05(a)(i) or Section 3.05(a)(iii) in part without suspending all such rights or powers (as specified by the Administrative Agent in its sole and absolute discretion) and without waiving or otherwise affecting the Administrative Agent’s right to give additional notices from time to time suspending other rights and powers so long as an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

ARTICLE IV

 

Security Interests in Personal Property

 

SECTION 4.01  Security Interest.  (a)As security for the payment or performance, as the case may be, in full of the Obligations, and subject to Section 4.01(d), each Grantor hereby grants to the Administrative Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest (the “Security Interest”) in all right, title and interest in, to and under any and all of the following assets now owned or at any time hereafter acquired by such Grantor or in, to or under which such Grantor now has or at any time hereafter may acquire any right, title or interest (collectively, the “Article 9 Collateral”):

 

(i)  all Accounts;

 

(ii)  all Chattel Paper;

 

(iii)  all cash, cash equivalents and Deposit Accounts;

 

(iv)  all Documents;

 

(v)  all Equipment;

 

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(vi)  all General Intangibles, including all Intellectual Property;

 

(vii)  all Instruments;

 

(viii)  all Inventory;

 

(ix)  all other Goods;

 

(x)  all Investment Property;

 

(xi)  all Letter-of-Credit Rights;

 

(xii)  all Commercial Tort Claims described on Schedule IV, as such schedule may be supplemented from time to time pursuant to Section 4.02(e);

 

(xiii)  all Fixtures;

 

(xiv)  all books and records pertaining to the Article 9 Collateral; and

 

(xv)  to the extent not otherwise included, all Proceeds and products of any and all of the foregoing and all collateral security and guarantees given by any Person with respect to any of the foregoing.

 

(b)  Each Grantor hereby irrevocably authorizes the Administrative Agent (or its designee) at any time and from time to time to file in any relevant jurisdiction any financing statements (including fixture filings) with respect to the Article 9 Collateral or any part thereof and amendments thereto that (i) indicate the Collateral as “all assets” of such Grantor or words of similar effect or of a lesser scope or with greater detail and (ii) contain the information required by Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code of each applicable jurisdiction for the filing of any financing statement or amendment, including in the case of a financing statement filed as a fixture filing or covering Article 9 Collateral constituting minerals or the like to be extracted or timber to be cut, a sufficient description of the real property to which such Article 9 Collateral relates.  Each Grantor agrees to provide the information required for any such filing to the Administrative Agent promptly upon reasonable request.

 

Each Grantor also ratifies its authorization for the Administrative Agent (or its designee) to file in any relevant jurisdiction any initial financing statements or amendments thereto if filed prior to the Effective Date.

 

The Administrative Agent (or its designee) is further authorized by each Grantor to file with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or the United States Copyright Office (or any successor office or any similar office in any other country) such documents as may be necessary or advisable for the purpose of perfecting, confirming, continuing, enforcing or protecting the Security Interest granted by such Grantor, without the signature of any Grantor, and naming any Grantor or the Grantors as debtors and the Administrative Agent as secured party.

 

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(c)  The Security Interest and the security interest granted pursuant to Article III are granted as security only and shall not subject the Administrative Agent or any other Secured Party to, or in any way alter or modify, any obligation or liability of any Grantor with respect to or arising out of the Collateral.

 

(d)  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, to the extent and for so long as any asset is an Excluded Asset, the Security Interest granted under this Section 4.01 shall not attach to, and the Article 9 Collateral shall not include, such asset; provided, however that the Security Interest shall immediately attach to, and the Article 9 Collateral shall immediately include, any such asset (or portion thereof) upon such asset (or such portion) ceasing to be an Excluded Asset.

 

(e)  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Grantor shall be required to (i) take any action to create any security interests in assets located or titled outside of the United States, any state, territory or political subdivision thereof or to perfect any security interest in such assets, including making any filings or take any other action to record or perfect the Administrative Agent’s Lien on any Intellectual Property outside of the United States (other than filing of Uniform Commercial Code financing statements and amendments thereto in the United States and delivery of Pledged Securities), (ii) enter into security agreements governed by laws other than the laws of the United States, or any state, territory or political subdivision thereof, (iii) deliver any control agreements or control, lockbox or similar arrangements with respect to any Deposit Accounts or Securities Accounts and (iv) deliver any landlord waivers, estoppels or collateral access letters with respect to any leased locations or warehouse facilities.

 

SECTION 4.02  Representations and Warranties.  The Grantors jointly and severally represent and warrant to the Administrative Agent for the benefit of the Secured Parties that:

 

(a)  Each Grantor has good and valid rights in and title to the Article 9 Collateral with respect to which it has purported to grant the Security Interest hereunder, except for Permitted Liens or defects in title that do not interfere with its ability to conduct its business as currently being conducted, and has full power and authority to grant to the Administrative Agent the Security Interest in such Article 9 Collateral pursuant hereto and to execute, deliver and perform its obligations in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, without the consent or approval of any other Person other than any consent or approval that has been obtained.

 

(b)  The Perfection Certificate has been duly prepared, completed and executed and the information set forth therein, including the exact legal name of each Grantor, is correct and complete in all material respects as of the Effective Date (except in the case of the exact legal names of each Grantor, which shall be correct and complete in all respects).  The Uniform Commercial Code financing statements (including fixture filings, as applicable) or other appropriate filings, recordings or registrations prepared by the Administrative Agent based upon the information provided to the Administrative Agent in the Perfection Certificate for filing in each governmental,

 

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municipal or other office specified in Schedule 2(a) or 2(b) to the Perfection Certificate (or specified by notice from the Borrower to the Administrative Agent after the Effective Date in the case of filings, recordings or registrations required by Section 5.03 or 5.12 of the Credit Agreement), are all the filings, recordings and registrations (other than filings required to be made in the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office in order to perfect the Security Interest in the Article 9 Collateral consisting of United States Patents, United States registered Trademarks (and Trademarks for which United States applications for registration are pending), United States registered Copyrights (and Copyrights for which United States applications for registration are pending) and United States exclusive registered Copyright Licenses) that are necessary as of the Effective Date to publish notice of and protect the validity of and to establish a legal, valid and perfected security interest in favor of the Administrative Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) in respect of all Article 9 Collateral in which the Security Interest may be perfected by filing, recording or registration in the United States of America (or any political subdivision thereof) and its territories and possessions, and no further or subsequent filing, refiling, recording, rerecording, registration or reregistration is necessary with respect to any such Article 9 Collateral in any such jurisdiction, except as provided under Requirement of Law with respect to the filing of continuation statements.  A Patent Security Agreement in the form of Exhibit II-A hereto, a Trademark Security Agreement in the form of Exhibit II-B hereto, and a Copyright Security Agreement in the form of Exhibit II-C hereto (such agreements being collectively referred to herein as the “IP Security Agreements”), in each case containing a description of the Article 9 Collateral consisting of United States Patents, United States registered Trademarks (and Trademarks for which United States applications for registration are pending), United States registered Copyrights (and Copyrights for which United States applications for registration are pending) and United States exclusive Copyright Licenses, as applicable, and executed by each Grantor owning any such Article 9 Collateral, have been delivered to the Administrative Agent for recording with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 261, 15 U.S.C. § 1060 or 17 U.S.C. § 205 and the regulations thereunder, as applicable, to protect the validity of and to establish a legal, valid and perfected security interest in favor of the Administrative Agent (for the benefit of the Secured Parties) in respect of all Article 9 Collateral consisting of United States Patents, United States Trademarks, United States Copyrights and United States exclusive Copyright Licenses in which a security interest may be perfected by filing, recording or registration in the United States of America (or any political subdivision thereof) and its territories and possessions, and no further or subsequent filing, refiling, recording, rerecording, registration or reregistration is necessary with respect to any such Article 9 Collateral in any such jurisdiction (other than such actions as are necessary to perfect the Security Interest with respect to any Article 9 Collateral consisting of United States Patents, United States Trademarks and United States Copyrights and United States exclusive Copyright Licenses (or registration or application for registration thereof) acquired or developed after the Effective Date).

 

(c)  The Security Interest constitutes (i) a legal and valid security interest in all the Article 9 Collateral securing the payment and performance of the Obligations,

 

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(ii) subject to the filings described in Section 4.02(b), a perfected security interest in all Article 9 Collateral in which a security interest may be perfected by filing, recording or registering a financing statement or analogous document in the United States of America (or any political subdivision thereof) and its territories and possessions pursuant to the Uniform Commercial Code or other Requirement of Law in such jurisdictions and (iii) a security interest that shall be perfected in all Article 9 Collateral in which a security interest may be perfected upon the receipt and recording of the IP Security Agreements with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United States Copyright Office, as applicable.  The Security Interest is and shall be prior to any other Lien on any of the Article 9 Collateral, other than Permitted Liens.

 

(d)  Schedule III sets forth, as of the Effective Date, a true and complete list, with respect to each Grantor, of (i) all Patents that have been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office and Patents for which United States applications are pending, (ii)  all Copyrights that have been registered with the United States Copyright Office and Copyrights for which United States registration applications are pending, (iii) all Trademarks that have been registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and Trademarks for which United States registration applications are pending and (iv) all exclusive Copyright Licenses under which such Grantor is a licensee, in each case truly and completely specifying the name of the registered owner, title, registration or application number and, if applicable, the licensee, licensor and date of license agreement, in each case, other than Excluded Assets.  In the event any Supplemental Perfection Certificate or any Supplement shall set forth any Intellectual Property, Schedule III shall be deemed to be supplemented to include the reference to such Intellectual Property, in the same form as such reference is set forth on such Supplemental Perfection Certificate or Supplement.

 

(e)  Schedule IV sets forth, as of the Effective Date, a true and complete list, with respect to each Grantor, of each Commercial Tort Claim in respect of which a complaint or a counterclaim has been filed by such Grantor, seeking damages in an amount reasonably estimated to exceed $2,500,000, including a summary description of such claim.  In the event any Supplemental Perfection Certificate or any Supplement shall set forth any Commercial Tort Claim, Schedule IV shall be deemed to be supplemented to include the reference to such Commercial Tort Claim (and the description thereof), in the same form as such reference and description are set forth on such Supplemental Perfection Certificate or Supplement.

 

(f)  Schedule V sets forth, as of the Effective Date, opposite the name of each Grantor, all locations in the United States where such Grantor maintains any Inventory with a value in excess of $10,000,000 in the aggregate in the possession of any landlord, warehouseman, bailee, agent or processor (the “Third Party Locations”).  In the event any Supplement shall set forth any Third Party Locations, Schedule V shall be deemed to be supplemented to include the reference to such Third Party Locations.

 

(g)  No Grantor has filed or consented to the filing of (i) any financing statement or analogous document under the Uniform Commercial Code or any other Requirement of Law covering any Article 9 Collateral, (ii) any assignment in which any

 

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Grantor assigns any Collateral or any security agreement or similar instrument covering any Article 9 Collateral with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or the United States Copyright Office, (iii) any notice under the Assignment of Claims Act, or (iv) any assignment in which any Grantor assigns any Article 9 Collateral or any security agreement or similar instrument covering any Article 9 Collateral with any foreign governmental, municipal or other office, which financing statement or analogous document, assignment, security agreement or similar instrument is still in effect, except, in each case, for any of the foregoing related solely to Permitted Liens.

 

SECTION 4.03  Covenants.  (a) Each Grantor agrees (i) to be bound by the provisions of Section 5.03 of the Credit Agreement with the same force and effect, and to the same extent, as if each reference therein to the Borrower were a reference to such Grantor and (ii) to be bound by the provisions of Sections 2.16, 5.04, 5.05, 5.06, 5.07, 5.08, 5.09, 5.12, 5.15 and 9.18 of the Credit Agreement with the same force and effect, and to the same extent, as if such Grantor were a party to the Credit Agreement.

 

(b)  [reserved].

 

(c)  Each Grantor shall, at its own expense, take any and all actions necessary to defend title to the Article 9 Collateral against all Persons and to defend the Security Interest of the Administrative Agent in the Article 9 Collateral and the priority thereof against any Lien not constituting a Permitted Lien.

 

(d)  Each Grantor agrees, at its own expense, to execute, acknowledge, deliver and cause to be duly filed all such further instruments, financing statements, agreements and documents and take all such other actions as the Administrative Agent may from time to time reasonably request to better assure, preserve, protect and perfect the Security Interest and the rights and remedies created hereby, including the payment of any fees and Taxes (other than Excluded Taxes) required in connection with the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the granting of the Security Interest and the filing and recording of any financing statements (including fixture filings) or other documents in connection herewith or therewith.  Each Grantor will provide to the Administrative Agent, from time to time upon reasonable request, evidence reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent as to the perfection and priority of the Liens created or intended to be created pursuant to this Agreement.

 

(e)  Each Grantor agrees to maintain, at its own cost and expense, such complete and accurate records with respect to the Article 9 Collateral owned by it as is consistent with its current practices and in accordance with such prudent and standard practices used in industries that are the same as or similar to those in which such Grantor is engaged, but in any event to include complete accounting records indicating all payments and Proceeds received with respect to any part of the Article 9 Collateral, and, at such time or times as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, promptly to prepare and deliver to the Administrative Agent a duly certified schedule or schedules in form and detail reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent showing the identity, amount and location of any and all Article 9 Collateral.  In addition, the Administrative Agent and such Persons as the Administrative Agent may

 

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reasonably designate shall have the right, at the Grantors’ own cost and expense, to inspect the Article 9 Collateral, all records related thereto (and to make extracts and copies from such records) and the premises upon which any of the Article 9 Collateral is located, to discuss the Grantors’ affairs with the officers of the Grantors and their independent accountants and to verify under reasonable and customary procedures, in accordance with Section 5.08 of the Credit Agreement, the identity, validity, amount, quality, quantity, value, condition, location and status of, or any other matter relating to, the Article 9 Collateral; provided, however, that, excluding any such visits and inspections during the continuation of an Event of Default, (a) only the Administrative Agent, acting individually or on behalf of the Lenders, may exercise rights under this Section and (b) the Administrative Agent shall not exercise the rights under this Section more often than one time during any calendar year.  The Administrative Agent shall have the absolute right to share any information it gains from such inspection or verification with any Secured Party.

 

(f)  At its option, the Administrative Agent may discharge past due Taxes, assessments, charges, fees and Liens at any time levied or placed on the Article 9 Collateral that are not permitted by the Credit Agreement, and may pay for the maintenance and preservation of the Article 9 Collateral to the extent any Grantor fails to do so as required by this Agreement or the other Loan Documents, and each Grantor jointly and severally agrees to reimburse the Administrative Agent on demand for any payment made or any expense incurred by the Administrative Agent pursuant to the foregoing authorization (and any such payment made or expense incurred shall be an additional Obligation secured hereby) except to the extent such payment is made for Excluded Taxes; provided, however that nothing in this Section 4.03(f) shall be interpreted as excusing any Grantor from the performance of, or imposing any obligation on the Administrative Agent or any Secured Party to cure or perform, any covenants or other promises of any Grantor with respect to Taxes, assessments, charges, fees and Liens and maintenance as set forth herein or in the other Loan Documents.

 

(g)  Each Grantor shall remain liable to observe and perform all the conditions and obligations to be observed and performed by it under each contract, agreement or instrument relating to the Article 9 Collateral, all in accordance with the terms and conditions thereof, and each Grantor jointly and severally agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Administrative Agent and the Secured Parties from and against any and all liability for such performance.

 

(h)  None of the Grantors shall make or permit to be made any transfer of the Article 9 Collateral and each Grantor shall remain at all times in possession or control of the Article 9 Collateral owned by it, except that, in each case, unless and until the Administrative Agent shall notify the Grantors that an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing and that during the continuance thereof the Grantors shall not sell, convey, lease, assign, transfer or otherwise dispose of any Article 9 Collateral (which notice may be given by telephone if promptly confirmed in writing), the Grantors may use and dispose of the Article 9 Collateral in any lawful manner not inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement, the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Grantor agrees

 

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that it shall not permit any Inventory with a value in excess of $10,000,000 in the aggregate to be in the possession or control of any landlord, warehouseman, agent, bailee, or processor located in the United States at any time unless such Grantor has made commercially reasonable efforts to obtain an acknowledgement in writing, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, from each such landlord, warehouseman, agent, bailee or processor that such landlord, warehouseman, agent, bailee or processor holds the Inventory for the benefit of the Administrative Agent subject to the Security Interest and shall act upon the instructions of the Administrative Agent without further consent from the Grantor, and that such landlord, warehouseman, agent, bailee or processor further agrees to waive and release any Lien held by it with respect to such Inventory, whether arising by operation of law or otherwise.

 

(i)  None of the Grantors will, without the Administrative Agent’s prior written consent, grant any extension of the time of payment of any Accounts or any Payment Intangibles included in the Article 9 Collateral, compromise, compound or settle the same for less than the full amount thereof, release, wholly or partly, any Person liable for the payment thereof or allow any credit or discount whatsoever thereon, other than extensions, compromises, settlements, releases, credits or discounts granted or made in good faith in the prudent conduct of the business of such Grantor.

 

(j)  The Grantors, at their own expense, shall maintain or cause to be maintained insurance in accordance with the requirements set forth in Section 5.07 of the Credit Agreement.  Each Grantor irrevocably makes, constitutes and appoints the Administrative Agent (and its designees) as such Grantor’s true and lawful agent (and attorney-in-fact) for the purpose, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, of making, settling and adjusting claims in respect of Article 9 Collateral under policies of insurance, endorsing the name of such Grantor on any check, draft, instrument or other item of payment for the Proceeds of such policies of insurance and for making all determinations and decisions with respect thereto.  In the event that any Grantor at any time or times shall fail to obtain or maintain any of the policies of insurance required pursuant to Section 5.07 of the Credit Agreement, or to pay any premium in whole or part relating thereto, the Administrative Agent may, without waiving or releasing any obligation or liability of the Grantors hereunder or any Event of Default, in its sole discretion, obtain and maintain such policies of insurance and pay such premium and take any other actions with respect thereto as the Administrative Agent deems advisable.  All sums disbursed by the Administrative Agent in connection with this paragraph, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs, expenses and other charges relating thereto, shall be payable upon demand by the Grantors to the Administrative Agent and shall be additional Obligations secured hereby.

 

SECTION 4.04  Other Actions.  In order to further ensure the attachment, perfection and priority of, and the ability of the Administrative Agent to enforce, the Security Interest, each Grantor agrees, in each case at such Grantor’s own expense, to take the following actions with respect to the following Article 9 Collateral:

 

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(a)  Instruments and Tangible Chattel Paper.  Without limiting each Grantor’s obligations under Article III, if any Grantor shall at any time hold or acquire any Instruments or Tangible Chattel Paper in excess of $2,500,000 and which constitutes Collateral, such Grantor shall forthwith endorse, assign and deliver the same to the Administrative Agent, accompanied by such instruments of transfer or assignment duly executed in blank as the Administrative Agent may from time to time reasonably request.

 

(b)  Investment Property.  Without limiting each Grantor’s obligations under Article III, if any securities (other than Excluded Equity Interests) now or hereafter acquired by any Grantor constitute Collateral and are uncertificated and are issued to such Grantor or its nominee directly by the issuer thereof, such Grantor shall immediately notify the Administrative Agent thereof and, at the Administrative Agent’s reasonable request and option, pursuant to an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, either (i) cause the issuer to agree to comply with instructions from the Administrative Agent as to such securities, without further consent of any Grantor or such nominee, or (ii) arrange for the Administrative Agent to become the registered owner of the securities. The Administrative Agent agrees with each of the Grantors that the Administrative Agent shall not give any such instructions or directions to any such issuer unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

(c)  Electronic Chattel Paper and Transferable Records.  If any Grantor at any time holds or acquires an interest in any Electronic Chattel Paper or any “transferable record,” as that term is defined in Section 201 of the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act, or in Section 16 of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act as in effect in any relevant jurisdiction and constitute Collateral, such Grantor shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent thereof and, at the reasonable request of the Administrative Agent, shall use commercially reasonable efforts to take such action as the Administrative Agent may reasonably request to vest in the Administrative Agent control under New York UCC Section 9-105 of such Electronic Chattel Paper or control under Section 201 of the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act or, as the case may be, Section 16 of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, as so in effect in such jurisdiction, of such transferable record.  The Administrative Agent agrees with such Grantor that the Administrative Agent will arrange, pursuant to procedures reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent and so long as such procedures will not result in the Administrative Agent’s loss of control, for the Grantor to make alterations to the Electronic Chattel Paper or transferable record permitted under New York UCC Section 9-105 or, as the case may be, Section 201 of the Federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act or Section 16 of the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act for a party in control to allow without loss of control, unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would occur after taking into account any action by such Grantor with respect to such Electronic Chattel Paper or transferable record.

 

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(d)  Letter-of-Credit Rights.  If any Grantor is at any time a beneficiary under a letter of credit now or hereafter issued in favor of such Grantor with a face amount greater than $2,500,000, such Grantor shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent thereof and shall, at the reasonable request and option of the Administrative Agent, pursuant to an agreement in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent, use commercially reasonable efforts to either (i) arrange for the issuer and any confirmer of such letter of credit to consent to an assignment to the Administrative Agent of the proceeds of any drawing under the letter of credit or (ii) arrange for the Administrative Agent to become the transferee beneficiary of the letter of credit, with the Administrative Agent agreeing, in each case, that the proceeds of any drawing under the letter of credit are to be paid to the applicable Grantor unless an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

 

(e)  Commercial Tort Claims. If any Grantor shall at any time hold or acquire a Commercial Tort Claim in an amount reasonably estimated to exceed $2,500,000, such Grantor shall promptly notify the Administrative Agent thereof in a writing signed by such Grantor, which shall include a summary description of such Commercial Tort Claim, and grant to the Administrative Agent in such writing a Security Interest therein and in the Proceeds thereof, all upon the terms of this Agreement, with such writing to be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Administrative Agent.

 

SECTION 4.05  Covenants Regarding Patent, Trademark and Copyright Collateral.  (a)Each Grantor agrees that it will not take any action or omit to take any action (and will exercise commercially reasonable efforts to prevent its licensees from taking any action or omitting to take any action) whereby any Patent material to the conduct of the business of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries may become invalidated or dedicated to the public (except as a result of expiration of such Patent at the end of its statutory term), and agrees that it shall in its prudent business judgment continue to mark any products covered by any such Patent with the relevant patent number as necessary and sufficient to establish and preserve its maximum rights under applicable patent laws.

 

(b)  Each Grantor (either itself or through its licensees or its sublicensees) will, for each Trademark material to the conduct of the business of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries (i) maintain such Trademark in full force, free from any valid claim of abandonment or invalidity for non-use, (ii) maintain the quality of products and services offered under such Trademark, (iii) to display such Trademark, if registered, with notice of Federal or foreign registration to the extent necessary and sufficient to establish and preserve its maximum rights under Requirement of Law and (iv) not knowingly use or knowingly permit the use of such Trademark in violation of any third-party rights.

 

(c)  Each Grantor (either itself or through its licensees or sublicensees) will, for each work covered by a Copyright material to the conduct of the business of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries, use commercially reasonable efforts to continue to publish, reproduce, display, adopt and distribute the work with appropriate copyright

 

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notice as necessary and sufficient to establish and preserve its maximum rights under applicable copyright laws.

 

(d)  Each Grantor shall notify the Administrative Agent promptly if it knows that any Patent, Trademark or Copyright material to the conduct of the business of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries may become abandoned, lost or dedicated to the public, or of any materially adverse determination or development (including the institution of, or any such determination or development in, any proceeding in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, United States Copyright Office or any court or similar office of any country) regarding such Grantor’s ownership of any such Patent, Trademark or Copyright, its right to register the same, or its right to keep and maintain the same.

 

(e)  Each Grantor will take all necessary steps that are consistent with its current practice (i) in any proceeding before the United States Patent and Trademark Office, United States Copyright Office or any office or agency in any political subdivision of the United States of America or in any other country or any political subdivision thereof, to maintain and pursue each material application relating to the Patents, Trademarks and/or Copyrights (and to obtain the relevant grant or registration) that is in such Grantor’s business judgment, material to the conduct of the business of the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries and (ii) to maintain each issued Patent and each registration of the Trademarks and Copyrights that is material to the conduct of any Grantor’s business, including timely filings of applications for renewal, affidavits of use, affidavits of incontestability and payment of maintenance fees, and, if consistent with good business judgment, to initiate opposition, interference and cancelation proceedings against third parties.

 

(f)  In the event that any Grantor has reason to believe that any Article 9 Collateral consisting of a Patent, Trademark or Copyright material to the conduct of any Grantor’s business has been or is about to be infringed, misappropriated or diluted by a third party, such Grantor shall, if consistent with good business judgment, promptly sue for infringement, misappropriation or dilution and to recover any and all damages for such infringement, misappropriation or dilution, and take such other actions as are appropriate under the circumstances to protect such Article 9 Collateral.

 

(g)  Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, each Grantor shall, upon reasonable request of the Administrative Agent, use its reasonable best efforts to obtain all requisite consents or approvals by the licensor of each Copyright License, Patent License or Trademark License under which such Grantor is a licensee to effect the assignment of all such Grantor’s right, title and interest thereunder to the Administrative Agent or its designee.

 

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ARTICLE V

 

Remedies

 

SECTION 5.01  Remedies Upon Default.  Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, each Grantor agrees to deliver each item of Collateral to the Administrative Agent on demand, and it is agreed that the Administrative Agent shall have the right to take any of or all the following actions at the same or different times:  (a) with respect to any Article 9 Collateral consisting of Intellectual Property, on demand, to cause the Security Interest to become an assignment, transfer and conveyance of any of or all such Article 9 Collateral by the applicable Grantors to the Administrative Agent, or to license or sublicense, whether general, special or otherwise, and whether on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis, any such Article 9 Collateral throughout the world on such terms and conditions and in such manner as the Administrative Agent shall determine (other than in violation of any then-existing licensing arrangements to the extent that waivers cannot be obtained), and (b) with or without legal process and with or without prior notice or demand for performance, to take possession of the Article 9 Collateral and without liability for trespass to enter any premises where the Article 9 Collateral may be located for the purpose of taking possession of or removing the Article 9 Collateral and, generally, to exercise any and all rights afforded to a secured party under the Uniform Commercial Code or other Requirement of Law.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Grantor agrees that the Administrative Agent shall have the right, subject to the mandatory requirements of Requirement of Law, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, to sell or otherwise dispose of all or any part of the Collateral at a public or private sale or at any broker’s board or on any securities exchange, for cash, upon credit or for future delivery as the Administrative Agent shall deem appropriate.  The Administrative Agent shall be authorized to take the actions set forth in Sections 5.03 and 5.04.  Each such purchaser at any sale of Collateral shall hold the property sold absolutely free from any claim or right on the part of any Grantor, and each Grantor hereby waives (to the extent permitted by law) all rights of redemption, stay and appraisal that such Grantor now has or may at any time in the future have under any rule of law or statute now existing or hereafter enacted.

 

The Administrative Agent shall give the applicable Grantors 10 days’ prior written notice (which each Grantor agrees is reasonable notice within the meaning of Section 9-611 of the New York UCC or its equivalent in other jurisdictions) of the Administrative Agent’s intention to make any sale of Collateral.  Such notice, in the case of a public sale, shall state the time and place for such sale and, in the case of a sale at a broker’s board or on a securities exchange, shall state the board or exchange at which such sale is to be made and the day on which the Collateral, or portion thereof, will first be offered for sale at such board or exchange.  Any such public sale shall be held at such time or times within ordinary business hours and at such place or places as the Administrative Agent may fix and state in the notice (if any) of such sale.  At any such sale, the Collateral, or portion thereof, to be sold may be sold in one lot as an entirety or in separate parcels, as the Administrative Agent may (in its sole and absolute discretion) determine.  The Administrative Agent shall not be obligated to make any sale of any

 

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Collateral if it shall determine not to do so, regardless of the fact that notice of sale of such Collateral shall have been given.  The Administrative Agent may, without notice or publication, adjourn any public or private sale or cause the same to be adjourned from time to time by announcement at the time and place fixed for sale, and such sale may, without further notice, be made at the time and place to which the same was so adjourned.  In case any sale of all or any part of the Collateral is made on credit or for future delivery, the Collateral so sold may be retained by the Administrative Agent until the sale price is paid by the purchaser or purchasers thereof, but the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties shall not incur any liability in case any such purchaser or purchasers shall fail to take up and pay for the Collateral so sold and, in case of any such failure, such Collateral may be sold again upon like notice.  In the event of a foreclosure by the Administrative Agent on any of the Collateral pursuant to a public or private sale or other disposition, the Administrative Agent or any Lender may be the purchaser or licensor of any or all of such Collateral at any such sale or other disposition, and the Administrative Agent, at the direction of the Required Lenders, as agent for and representative of the Secured Parties (but not any Lender or Lenders in its or their respective individual capacities unless the Required Lenders shall otherwise agree in writing) shall be entitled, for the purpose of bidding and making settlement or payment of the purchase price for all or any portion of the Collateral sold at any such public sale, to use and apply any of the Obligations as a credit on account of the purchase price for any Collateral payable by the Administrative Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties at such sale or other disposition.  For purposes hereof, a written agreement to purchase the Collateral or any portion thereof shall be treated as a sale thereof; the Administrative Agent shall be free to carry out such sale pursuant to such agreement and no Grantor shall be entitled to the return of the Collateral or any portion thereof subject thereto, notwithstanding the fact that after the Administrative Agent shall have entered into such an agreement all Events of Default shall have been remedied and the Obligations paid in full.  As an alternative to exercising the power of sale herein conferred upon it, the Administrative Agent may proceed by a suit or suits at law or in equity to foreclose this Agreement and to sell the Collateral or any portion thereof pursuant to a judgment or decree of a court or courts having competent jurisdiction or pursuant to a proceeding by a court-appointed receiver.  Any sale pursuant to the provisions of this Section 5.01 shall be deemed to conform to commercially reasonable standards as provided in Section 9-610(b) of the New York UCC or its equivalent in other jurisdictions.

 

SECTION 5.02  Application of Proceeds.  The Administrative Agent shall apply the Proceeds of any collection, sale, foreclosure or other realization upon any Collateral, including any Collateral consisting of cash, as follows:

 

FIRST, to the payment of all costs and expenses incurred by the Administrative Agent in connection with such collection, sale, foreclosure or realization or otherwise in connection with this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any of the Obligations, including all court costs and the fees and expenses of its agents and legal counsel, the repayment of all advances made by the Administrative Agent hereunder or under any other Loan Document on behalf of any Grantor and any other costs or expenses incurred in connection with the exercise of any right or remedy hereunder or under any other Loan Document;

 

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SECOND, to the payment in full of the Obligations (the amounts so applied to be distributed among the Secured Parties pro rata in accordance with the amounts of the Obligations owed to them on the date of any such distribution); and

 

THIRD, to the Grantors, their successors or assigns, or as a court of competent jurisdiction may otherwise direct.

 

The Administrative Agent shall have absolute discretion as to the time of application of any such Proceeds, moneys or balances in accordance with this Agreement.  Upon any sale of Collateral by the Administrative Agent (including pursuant to a power of sale granted by statute or under a judicial proceeding), the receipt of the Administrative Agent or of the officer making the sale shall be a sufficient discharge to the purchaser or purchasers of the Collateral so sold and such purchaser or purchasers shall not be obligated to see to the application of any part of the purchase money paid over to the Administrative Agent or such officer or be answerable in any way for the misapplication thereof.  The Grantors shall remain liable for any deficiency if the Proceeds of any sale or disposition of the Collateral are insufficient to pay all Obligations, including any reasonable and documented attorneys’ fees and other expenses incurred by Administrative Agent or any Lender to collect such deficiency.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Proceeds of any collection, sale, foreclosure or realization upon any Collateral of any Grantor, including any collateral consisting of cash, shall not be applied to any Excluded Swap Obligation of such Grantor and shall instead be applied to other secured obligations.

 

SECTION 5.03  Grant of License To Use Intellectual Property.  For the purpose of enabling the Administrative Agent to exercise rights and remedies under this Agreement at such time as the Administrative Agent shall be lawfully entitled to exercise such rights and remedies, each Grantor hereby grants to the Administrative Agent an irrevocable, nonexclusive license (exercisable without payment of royalty or other compensation to the Grantors) to use, license or sublicense any of the Article 9 Collateral consisting of Intellectual Property now owned or hereafter acquired by such Grantor, and wherever the same may be located, and including in such license reasonable access to all media in which any of the licensed items may be recorded or stored and to all computer software and programs used for the compilation or printout thereof, and, to the extent permitted by Requirement of Law and while an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, the right to prosecute and maintain all Intellectual Property and the right to sue for infringement of the Intellectual Property.  Each Grantor further agrees to cooperate with the Administrative Agent in any attempt to prosecute or maintain the Intellectual Property or sue for infringement of the Intellectual Property.  The use of such license by the Administrative Agent may be exercised, at the option of the Administrative Agent, only upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default; provided that any license, sublicense or other transaction entered into by the Administrative Agent in accordance herewith shall be binding upon the Grantors notwithstanding any subsequent cure of an Event of Default. Each Grantor irrevocably agrees that the Administrative Agent may sell any of such Grantor’s Inventory directly to any person, including Persons who have previously purchased the Grantor’s Inventory

 

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from such Grantor and in connection with any such sale or other enforcement of the Administrative Agent’s rights under this Agreement, may sell Inventory which bears any Trademark owned by or licensed to such Grantor and any Inventory that is covered by any Copyright owned by or licensed to such Grantor and the Administrative Agent may finish any work in process and affix any Trademark owned by or licensed to such Grantor and sell such Inventory as provided herein.

 

SECTION 5.04  Securities Act.  In view of the position of the Grantors in relation to the Pledged Collateral, or because of other current or future circumstances, a question may arise under the Securities Act as now or hereafter in effect or any similar statute hereafter enacted analogous in purpose or effect (such Act and any such similar statute as from time to time in effect being called the “Federal Securities Laws”) with respect to any disposition of the Pledged Collateral permitted hereunder.  Each Grantor understands that compliance with the Federal Securities Laws might very strictly limit the course of conduct of the Administrative Agent if the Administrative Agent were to attempt to dispose of all or any part of the Pledged Collateral, and might also limit the extent to which or the manner in which any subsequent transferee of any Pledged Collateral could dispose of the same.  Similarly, there may be other legal restrictions or limitations affecting the Administrative Agent in any attempt to dispose of all or part of the Pledged Collateral under applicable Blue Sky or other state securities laws or similar laws analogous in purpose or effect.  Each Grantor recognizes that in light of such restrictions and limitations the Administrative Agent may, with respect to any sale of the Pledged Collateral, and shall be authorized to, limit the purchasers to those who will agree, among other things, to acquire such Pledged Collateral for their own account for investment, and not with a view to the distribution or resale thereof, and upon consummation of any such sale may assign, transfer and deliver to the purchaser or purchasers thereof the Pledged Collateral so sold.  Each Grantor acknowledges and agrees that in light of such restrictions and limitations, the Administrative Agent, in its sole and absolute discretion, (a) may proceed to make such a sale whether or not a registration statement for the purpose of registering such Pledged Collateral or part thereof shall have been filed under the Federal Securities Laws or, to the extent applicable, Blue Sky or other state securities laws and (b) may approach and negotiate with a limited number of potential purchasers (including a single potential purchaser) to effect such sale.  Each Grantor acknowledges and agrees that any such sale might result in prices and other terms less favorable to the seller than if such sale were a public sale without such restrictions.  In the event of any such sale, the Administrative Agent shall incur no responsibility or liability for selling all or any part of the Pledged Collateral at a price that the Administrative Agent, in its sole and absolute discretion, may in good faith deem reasonable under the circumstances, notwithstanding the possibility that a substantially higher price might have been realized if the sale were deferred until after registration as aforesaid or if more than a limited number of potential purchasers (or a single purchaser) were approached.  The provisions of this Section 5.04 will apply notwithstanding the existence of a public or private market upon which the quotations or sales prices may exceed substantially the price at which the Administrative Agent sells.

 

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ARTICLE VI

 

Indemnity, Subrogation, Contribution and Subordination

 

SECTION 6.01  Indemnity and Subrogation.  In addition to all such rights of indemnity and subrogation as the Guarantors may have under Requirement of Law (but subject to Section 6.03), the Borrower agrees that (a) in the event a payment in respect of any Obligation shall be made by any Guarantor (other than the Borrower) under this Agreement, the Borrower shall indemnify such Guarantor for the full amount of such payment and such Guarantor shall be subrogated to the rights of the Person to whom such payment shall have been made to the extent of such payment and (b) in the event any assets of any Grantor (other than the Borrower) shall be sold pursuant to this Agreement or any other Security Document to satisfy in whole or in part any Obligation, the Borrower shall indemnify such Grantor in an amount equal to the greater of the book value or the fair market value of the assets so sold.

 

SECTION 6.02  Contribution and Subrogation.  Each Guarantor and Grantor other than the Borrower (each such Guarantor or Grantor being called a “Contributing Party”) agrees (subject to Section 6.03) that, in the event a payment shall be made by any other Guarantor other than the Borrower hereunder in respect of any Obligation or assets of any other Grantor other than the Borrower shall be sold pursuant to any Security Document to satisfy any Obligation and such other Guarantor or Grantor (the “Claiming Party”) shall not have been fully indemnified by the Borrower as provided in Section 6.01, such Contributing Party shall indemnify the Claiming Party in an amount equal to the amount of such payment or the greater of the book value or the fair market value of such assets (the “Indemnified Amount”), as the case may be, in each case multiplied by a fraction of which the numerator shall be the net worth of such Contributing Party on the Effective Date and the denominator shall be the aggregate net worth of all the Contributing Parties on the Effective Date (or, in the case of any Contributing Party becoming a party hereto pursuant to Section 7.12, the date of the supplement hereto executed and delivered by such Contributing Party).  Any Contributing Party making any payment to a Claiming Party pursuant to this Section 6.02 shall (subject to Section 6.03) be subrogated to the rights of such Claiming Party under Section 6.01 to the extent of such payment.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent that any Claiming Party’s right to indemnification hereunder arises from a payment or sale of Collateral made to satisfy Obligations constituting Specified Swap Obligations, only those Contributing Parties for whom such Specified Swap Obligations do not constitute Excluded Swap Obligations shall indemnify such Claiming Party, with the fraction set forth in the second preceding sentence being modified as appropriate to provide for indemnification of the entire Indemnified Amount.

 

SECTION 6.03  Subordination.  (a)  Notwithstanding any provision of  this Agreement to the contrary, all rights of the Guarantors and Grantors under Sections 6.01 and 6.02 and all other rights of the Guarantors and Grantors of indemnity, contribution or subrogation under Requirement of Law or otherwise shall be fully subordinated to the payment in full in cash of the Obligations.  No failure on the part of the Borrower or any other Guarantor or Grantor to make the payments required by

 

30



 

Sections 6.01 and 6.02 (or any other payments required under Requirement of Law or otherwise) shall in any respect limit the obligations and liabilities of any Guarantor or Grantor with respect to its obligations hereunder, and each Guarantor and Grantor  shall remain liable for the full amount of the obligations of such Guarantor or Grantor hereunder.

 

(b)  Each Guarantor and Grantor hereby agrees that all Indebtedness and other monetary obligations owed by it to, or to it by, any other Guarantor, Grantor or  any other Restricted Subsidiary shall be fully subordinated to the payment in full in cash of the Obligations.

 

ARTICLE VII

 

Miscellaneous

 

SECTION 7.01  Notices.  All communications and notices hereunder shall (except as otherwise expressly permitted herein) be in writing and given in the manner provided in Section 9.01 of the Credit Agreement.  All communications and notices hereunder to any Subsidiary Loan Party (other than the Borrower) shall be given to it in care of the Borrower in the manner provided in Section 9.01 of the Credit Agreement.

 

SECTION 7.02  Waivers; Amendment.  (a)No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder or under any other Loan Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power.  The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent, the Issuing Banks and the Lenders hereunder and under the other Loan Documents are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have.  No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by any Loan Party therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section 7.02, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the purpose for which given.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the execution and delivery of this Agreement, the making of a Loan or issuance, amendment, renewal or extension of a Letter of Credit shall not be construed as a waiver of any Default, regardless of whether the Administrative Agent, any Lender or any Issuing Bank may have had notice or knowledge of such Default at the time.  No notice or demand on any Loan Party in any case shall entitle any Loan Party to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.

 

(b)  Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be waived, amended or modified except pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Administrative Agent and the Loan Party or Loan Parties with respect to which such waiver, amendment or modification is to apply, subject to any consent required in accordance with Section 9.02 of the Credit Agreement; provided that the

 

31



 

Administrative Agent may, without the consent of any Secured Party, consent to a departure by any Loan Party from any covenant of such Loan Party set forth herein or in any other Security Document to the extent such departure is not inconsistent with the Collateral and Guarantee Requirement or with any other limitation on the authority of the Administrative Agent set forth in the Credit Agreement.

 

(c)  This Agreement shall be construed as a separate agreement with respect to each Loan Party and may be amended, modified, supplemented, waived or released with respect to any Loan Party without the approval of any other Loan Party and without affecting the obligations of any other Loan Party hereunder.

 

SECTION 7.03  Administrative Agent’s Fees and Expenses; Indemnification.  (a)The Guarantors and the Grantors jointly and severally agree to reimburse the Administrative Agent for its fees and expenses incurred hereunder as provided in Section 9.03(A) of the Credit Agreement as if each reference therein to the Borrower were a reference to the Guarantors and Grantors.

 

(b)  The Guarantors and Grantors jointly and severally agree to indemnify and hold harmless each Indemnitee as provided in Section 9.03(b) of the Credit Agreement as if each reference to the Borrower therein were a reference to the Guarantors and Grantors.

 

(c)  Any amounts payable hereunder, including as provided in Section 7.03(a) or 7.03(b), shall be additional Obligations secured hereby and by the other Security Documents.  All amounts due under Section 7.03(a) or 7.03(b) shall be payable promptly after written demand therefor.

 

(d)  To the extent permitted by Requirement of Law, no Grantor shall assert, or permit any of its subsidiaries to assert, and each Grantor hereby waives, any claim against any Indemnitee (i) for any damages arising from the use by others of information or other materials obtained through telecommunications, electronic or other information transmission systems (including the Internet), unless determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by final and nonappealable judgment to have resulted from the bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct of such Indemnitee, or (ii) on any theory of liability, for special, indirect, consequential or punitive damages (as opposed to direct or actual damages) arising out of, in connection with, or as a result of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any agreement or instrument contemplated hereby or thereby, the Transactions, any Loan or Letter of Credit or the use of the Proceeds thereof.

 

(e)  BY ACCEPTING THE BENEFITS OF THIS AGREEMENT AND THE GUARANTEES AND SECURITY INTERESTS CREATED HEREBY, EACH SECURED PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES THE PROVISIONS OF ARTICLE VIII OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT AND AGREES TO BE BOUND BY SUCH PROVISIONS AS FULLY AS IF THEY WERE SET FORTH HEREIN.

 

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SECTION 7.04  Survival.  All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Loan Parties in this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and in the certificates or other instruments delivered in connection with or pursuant to this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall be considered to have been relied upon by the Administrative Agent, the Arrangers, the Lenders and the Issuing Banks and shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents and the making of any Loans and issuance of any Letters of Credit, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or any other Person and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent, any Arranger, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or any other Person may have had notice or knowledge of any Default or incorrect representation or warranty at the time this Agreement or any other Loan Document is executed and delivered or any credit is extended under the Credit Agreement, and shall continue in full force and effect as long as the principal of or any accrued interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount payable under the Credit Agreement is outstanding and unpaid or any LC Exposure is outstanding and so long as the Commitments have not expired or terminated.  The provisions of Section 7.03 shall survive and remain in full force and effect regardless of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Loan Documents, the repayment or prepayment of the Loans, the expiration or termination of the Letters of Credit and the Commitments or the termination of this Agreement or any provision hereof.

 

SECTION 7.05  Counterparts; Effectiveness; Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.  This Agreement shall become effective as to any Loan Party when a counterpart hereof executed on behalf of such Loan Party shall have been delivered to the Administrative Agent and a counterpart hereof shall have been executed on behalf of the Administrative Agent, and thereafter shall be binding upon such Loan Party and the Administrative Agent and their respective successors and assigns, and shall inure to the benefit of such Loan Party, the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties and their respective successors and assigns, except that no Loan Party may assign or otherwise transfer any of its rights or obligations hereunder or any interest herein or in the Collateral (and any attempted assignment or transfer by any Loan Party shall be null and void), except as expressly contemplated by this Agreement or the Credit Agreement.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic imaging shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

SECTION 7.06  Severability.  Any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

33



 

SECTION 7.07  Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.   (a)This Agreement and any claim, controversy, dispute or cause of action (whether in contract or tort or otherwise) based upon, arising out of or relating to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

 

(b)  Each party hereto irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that it will not commence any action, litigation or proceeding of any kind or description, whether in law or equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, against the Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or any Related Party of any of the foregoing in any way relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions relating hereto or thereto, in any forum other than the courts of the State of New York sitting in New York County and of the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, and each of the parties hereto irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the jurisdiction of such courts and agrees that all claims in respect of any action, litigation or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State court or, to the fullest extent permitted by Requirement of Law, in such Federal court.  Each party hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action, litigation or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.  Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall affect any right that the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Lender may otherwise have to bring any action, litigation or proceeding to enforce any award or judgment or exercise any right or remedy relating to the Collateral or other property of any Loan Party in the courts of any jurisdiction.

 

(c)  Each party hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any action, litigation or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document in any court referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section 7.08.  Each of the Loan Parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

 

(d)  Each party hereto irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 7.01.  Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

 

SECTION 7.08  WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.  EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY REQUIREMENT OF LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY).  EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY

 

34



 

OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 7.08.

 

SECTION 7.09  Headings.  Article and Section headings and the Table of Contents used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

 

SECTION 7.10  Security Interest Absolute.  All rights of the Administrative Agent hereunder, the Security Interest, the grant of the security interest in the Pledged Collateral and all obligations of each Loan Party hereunder shall be absolute and unconditional irrespective of (a) any lack of validity or enforceability of the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document, any agreement with respect to any of the Obligations or any other agreement or instrument relating to any of the foregoing, (b) any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other term of, all or any of the Obligations, or any other amendment to or waiver of, or any consent to any departure from, the Credit Agreement, any other Loan Document, any agreement with respect to any of the Obligations or any other agreement or instrument relating to any of the foregoing, (c) any exchange, release or non-perfection of any Lien on other collateral securing, or any release or amendment to or waiver of, or any consent to any departure from, any guarantee of, all or any of the Obligations, or (d) any other circumstance that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Loan Party in respect of the Obligations or this Agreement.

 

SECTION 7.11  Termination or Release.  (a)This Agreement, the Guarantees made herein, the Security Interest and all other security interests granted hereby shall, subject to Section 2.04, terminate and be released when all the Loan Document Obligations (other than contingent obligations for indemnification, expense reimbursement, tax gross up or yield protection as to which no claim has been made) have been paid in full in cash, the Lenders have no further commitment to lend under the Credit Agreement, the LC Exposure has been reduced to zero (including as a result of obtaining consents of the applicable Issuing Banks as described in Section 9.05 of the Credit Agreement) and the Issuing Banks have no further obligations to issue, amend or extend Letters of Credit under the Credit Agreement.

 

(b)  The Guarantees made herein, the Security Interest and the other security interests granted hereby shall also terminate and be released (in whole or in part) at the time or times and in the manner set forth in Section 9.14 of the Credit Agreement.  In the event of any such termination or release, Schedules II, III and IV to this Agreement shall be deemed to be modified to remove the Collateral with respect to which the Security Interest and the other security interests granted hereby have been so released.

 

35



 

(c)  In connection with any termination or release pursuant to this Section 7.11, the Administrative Agent shall execute and deliver to any Loan Party, at such Loan Party’s expense, all documents that such Loan Party shall reasonably request to evidence such termination or release.  Any execution and delivery of documents by the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 7.11 shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent.

 

SECTION 7.12  Additional Subsidiaries.  Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, certain Restricted Subsidiaries not party hereto on the Effective Date are required to enter in this Agreement.  Upon the execution and delivery by the Administrative Agent and any such Restricted Subsidiary of a Supplement, such Restricted Subsidiary shall become a Subsidiary Loan Party, a Guarantor and a Grantor hereunder, with the same force and effect as if originally named as such herein.  The execution and delivery of any Supplement shall not require the consent of any other Loan Party.  The rights and obligations of each Loan Party hereunder shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the addition of any new Subsidiary Loan Party as a party to this Agreement.

 

SECTION 7.13  Administrative Agent Appointed Attorney-in-Fact.  Each Grantor hereby appoints the Administrative Agent the attorney-in-fact of such Grantor for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Agreement and taking any action and executing any instrument that the Administrative Agent may deem necessary to accomplish the purposes hereof, which appointment is irrevocable and coupled with an interest.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Administrative Agent shall have the right, upon the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, with full power of substitution either in the Administrative Agent’s name or in the name of such Grantor (a) to receive, endorse, assign and/or deliver any and all notes, acceptances, checks, drafts, money orders or other evidences of payment relating to the Collateral or any part thereof; (b) to demand, collect, receive payment of, give receipt for and give discharges and releases of all or any of the Collateral; (c) to sign the name of any Grantor on any invoice or bill of lading relating to any of the Collateral; (d) to send verifications of Accounts to any Account Debtor; (e) to commence and prosecute any and all suits, actions or proceedings at law or in equity in any court of competent jurisdiction to collect or otherwise realize on all or any of the Collateral or to enforce any rights in respect of any Collateral; (f) to settle, compromise, compound, adjust or defend any actions, suits or proceedings relating to all or any of the Collateral; (g) to notify, or to require any Grantor to notify, Account Debtors to make payment directly to the Administrative Agent; and (h) to use, sell, assign, transfer, pledge, make any agreement with respect to or otherwise deal with all or any of the Collateral, and to do all other acts and things necessary to carry out the purposes of this Agreement, as fully and completely as though the Administrative Agent were the absolute owner of the Collateral for all purposes; provided that nothing herein contained shall be construed as requiring or obligating the Administrative Agent to make any commitment or to make any inquiry as to the nature or sufficiency of any payment received by the Administrative Agent, or to present or file any claim or notice, or to take any action with respect to the Collateral or any part thereof or the moneys due or to become due in respect thereof or any property covered thereby.  The Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties shall be

 

36



 

accountable only for amounts actually received as a result of the exercise of the powers granted to them herein, and neither they nor their Related Parties shall be responsible to any Grantor for any act or failure to act hereunder, except for their own bad faith, gross negligence or willful misconduct (as determined by a court of competent jurisdiction in a final and non-appealable judgment).

 

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

37



 

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

 

 

YETI HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

[OTHER SUBSIDIARY PARTIES]

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as
Administrative Agent

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 

38



 

 

Schedule I to

the Guarantee and

Collateral Agreement

 

SUBSIDIARY LOAN PARTIES

 


 

Schedule II to

the Guarantee and

Collateral Agreement

 

PLEDGED EQUITY INTERESTS

 

Issuer

 

Number of
Certificate

 

Registered
Owner

 

Number and
Class of
Equity Interest

 

Percentage
of Equity Interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PLEDGED DEBT SECURITIES

 

Issuer

 

Principal
Amount

 

Date of Note

 

Maturity Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Schedule III to

the Guarantee and

Collateral Agreement

 

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

 

[To be attached]

 



 

Schedule IV to

the Guarantee and

Collateral Agreement

 

COMMERCIAL TORT CLAIMS

 



 

Schedule V to

the Guarantee and

Collateral Agreement

 

THIRD PARTY LOCATIONS

 



 

Exhibit I to the

Guarantee and

Collateral Agreement

 

SUPPLEMENT NO.    dated as of [  ] (this “Supplement”), to the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement dated as of May 19, 2016 (the “Collateral Agreement”), among YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), each subsidiary of the Borrower listed on Schedule I thereto (each such subsidiary individually a “Subsidiary Guarantor” and, collectively, the “Subsidiary Guarantors”; the Subsidiary Guarantors and the Borrower are referred to collectively herein as the “Grantors”) and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., a national banking association (“BAML”), as Administrative Agent (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”).

 

A.  Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of May 19, 2016 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among the Borrower, the lenders from time to time party thereto and BAML, as Administrative Agent.

 

B.  Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Collateral Agreement and the Credit Agreement referred to therein, as applicable.

 

C.  The Guarantors and Grantors have entered into the Collateral Agreement in order to induce the Lenders and the Issuing Banks to make extensions of credit to the Borrower under the Credit Agreement.  Section 7.12 of the Collateral Agreement provides that additional Restricted Subsidiaries may become Subsidiary Loan Parties under the Collateral Agreement by execution and delivery of an instrument in the form of this Supplement.  The undersigned Restricted Subsidiary (the “New Subsidiary”) is executing this Supplement in accordance with the requirements of the Credit Agreement to become a Subsidiary Loan Party under the Collateral Agreement in order to induce the Lenders and the Issuing Banks to make additional extensions of credit under the Credit Agreement and as consideration for such extensions of credit previously made.

 

Accordingly, the Administrative Agent and the New Subsidiary agree as follows:

 

SECTION 1.  In accordance with Section 7.12 of the Collateral Agreement, the New Subsidiary by its signature below becomes a Loan Party, a Subsidiary Loan Party, a Guarantor and a Grantor under the Collateral Agreement with the same force and effect as if originally named therein as such, and the New Subsidiary hereby (a) agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Collateral Agreement applicable to it in such capacities and (b) represents and warrants that the representations and warranties made by it in such capacities thereunder are true and correct in all material respects (or, in the case of representations and warranties qualified as to materiality, in all respects) on and as of the date hereof, except in the case of any such representation or

 



 

warranty that expressly relates to a prior date, in which case such representation or warranty shall be true and correct in all material respects (or, in the case of representations and warranties qualified as to materiality, in all respects) as of such earlier date.  In furtherance of the foregoing, the New Subsidiary, as security for the payment and performance in full of the Obligations, does hereby create and grant to the Administrative Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, their successors and assigns, a security interest in and lien on all of the New Subsidiary’s right, title and interest in, to and under the Collateral (as defined in the Collateral Agreement) of the New Subsidiary.  Each reference to a “Loan Party,” “Subsidiary Loan Party,” “Guarantor” or “Grantor” in the Collateral Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Subsidiary.  The Collateral Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

 

SECTION 2.  The New Subsidiary represents and warrants to the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties that this Supplement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and to general principles of equity, regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law.

 

SECTION 3.  This Supplement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract. This Supplement shall become effective when a counterpart hereof executed on behalf of the New Subsidiary shall have been delivered to the Administrative Agent and a counterpart hereof shall have been executed on behalf of the Administrative Agent.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Supplement by facsimile or other electronic imaging shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Supplement.

 

SECTION 4.  The New Subsidiary hereby represents and warrants that (a) Schedule I sets forth, as of the date hereof, the true and correct legal name of the New Subsidiary, its jurisdiction of organization and the location of its chief executive office; (b) Schedule II sets forth, as of the date hereof, a true and complete list of (i) all the Pledged Equity Interests owned by the New Subsidiary and the percentage of the issued and outstanding units of each class of the Equity Interests of the issuer thereof represented by such Pledged Equity Interests owned by the New Subsidiary and (ii) all the Pledged Debt Securities owned by the New Subsidiary; (c)  Schedule III sets forth, as of the date hereof, a true and complete list of (i) all Patents that have been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office and Patents for which United States applications are pending, (ii) all Copyrights that have been registered with the United States Copyright Office and Copyrights for which United States registration applications are pending, (iii) all Trademarks that have been registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and Trademarks for which United States registration applications are pending and (iv) all exclusive Copyright Licenses under which such Grantor is a licensee and that, in the case of clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) are owned by the New Subsidiary,

 

2



 

in each case truly and completely specifying the name of the registered owner, title, registration or application number and, if applicable, the licensee and licensor, and in each case of clauses (i) through (iv), that constitute Collateral; (d) Schedule IV sets forth, as of the date hereof, each Commercial Tort Claim in respect of which a complaint or counterclaim has been filed by the New Subsidiary seeking damages in an reasonably estimated to exceed $2,500,000, including a summary description of such claim; and (e) Schedule V sets forth, as of the date hereof, opposite the name of the New Subsidiary, all locations in the United States where the New Subsidiary maintains any Inventory with a value in excess of $10,000,000 in the aggregate in the possession of any landlord, warehouseman, bailee, agent or processor (the “Third Party Locations”).

 

SECTION 5.  Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Collateral Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

 

SECTION 6.  THIS SUPPLEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

SECTION 7.  Any provision of this Supplement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction

 

SECTION 8.  All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing and given as provided in Section 7.01 of the Collateral Agreement.

 

SECTION 9.  The New Subsidiary agrees to reimburse the Administrative Agent for its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, including the reasonable fees, charges and disbursements of counsel, incurred by it in connection with this Supplement, including the preparation, execution and delivery thereof.

 

3



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Subsidiary and the Administrative Agent have duly executed this Supplement as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

[NAME OF NEW SUBSIDIARY]

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

4



 

Schedule I

to Supplement No.    to the

Guarantee and

Collateral Agreement

 

SCHEDULE I

 

New Subsidiary Information

 

Name

 

Jurisdiction of Organization

 

Chief Executive Office

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Schedule II

to Supplement No.    to the

Guarantee and

Collateral Agreement

 

SCHEDULE II

 

Pledged Equity Interests

 

Loan Party

 

Issuer

 

Certificate Number

 

Number and
Class of
Equity Interests

 

Percentage
of Equity Interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pledged Debt Securities

 

 

Loan Party Creditor

 

Debtor

 

Type

 

Amount

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Schedule III

to Supplement No.    to the

Guarantee and

Collateral Agreement

 

SCHEDULE III

 

Intellectual Property

 



 

Schedule IV

to Supplement No.    to the

Guarantee and

Collateral Agreement

 

SCHEDULE IV

 

Commercial Tort Claims

 



 

Schedule V

to Supplement No.    to the

Guarantee and

Collateral Agreement

 

SCHEDULE V

 

Third Party Locations

 



 

Exhibit II-A to

Guarantee and Collateral Agreement

 

[FORM OF] PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT dated as of [      ] (this “Agreement”), among the Subsidiary Loan Parties from time to time party hereto and Bank of America, N.A. (“BAML”), as Administrative Agent.

 

Reference is made to (a) the Credit Agreement dated as of May 19, 2016, (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), the Lenders from time to time party thereto and BAML, as Administrative Agent, and (b) the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement dated as of May 19, 2016 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Collateral Agreement”), among the Borrower, the other Subsidiary Loan Parties from time to time party thereto and BAML, as Administrative Agent.  The Lenders and the Issuing Banks have agreed to extend credit to the Borrower subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement.  The obligations of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks to extend such credit are conditioned upon, among other things, the execution and delivery of this Agreement. The Subsidiary Loan Parties party hereto are Affiliates of the Borrower, will derive substantial benefits from the extension of credit to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement and are willing to execute and deliver this Agreement in order to induce the Lenders and the Issuing Banks to extend such credit.  Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

SECTION 1.  Terms.  Each capitalized term used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning specified in the Credit Agreement or the Collateral Agreement, as applicable.  The rules of construction specified in Section 1.03 of the Credit Agreement also apply to this Agreement, mutatis mutandis.

 

SECTION 2.  Grant of Security Interest.  As security for the payment or performance, as the case may be, in full of the Obligations, each Grantor pursuant to the Collateral Agreement did, and hereby does, grant to the Administrative Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest in all right, title and interest in, to and under any and all of the following assets now owned or at any time hereafter acquired by such Grantor or in, to or under which such Grantor now has or at any time hereafter may acquire any right, title or interest (collectively, the “Patent Collateral”):

 

(c)  all letters patent of the United States of America, all registrations and recordings thereof, and all applications for letters patent of the United States of America, including registrations, recordings and pending applications in the United States Patent and Trademark Office, including those listed on Schedule I; and

 

(d)  all reissues, continuations, divisions, continuations-in-part, renewals or extensions thereof, and the inventions disclosed or claimed therein, including the right to make, use and/or sell the inventions disclosed or claimed therein.

 



 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Patent Collateral shall include any Excluded Assets.

 

SECTION 3. Collateral Agreement.  The security interests granted to the Administrative Agent herein are granted in furtherance, and not in limitation of, the security interests granted to the Administrative Agent pursuant to the Collateral Agreement.  Each Grantor hereby acknowledges and affirms that the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent with respect to the Patent Collateral are more fully set forth in the Collateral Agreement, the terms and provisions of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.  In the event of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the Collateral Agreement, the terms of the Collateral Agreement shall govern.

 

(A) SECTION 4. Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic imaging shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

(B) SECTION 5.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

2



 

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

 

 

 

[NAME OF GRANTOR]

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 



 

SCHEDULE I

 

Patents Owned by [Name of Grantor](1)

 

U.S. Patent Registrations(2)

 

 

Title

 

Registration No.

 

Registration Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Patent Applications(3)

 

 

Title

 

Application No.

 

Application Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


(1)  Make a separate page of Schedule III for each Grantor and state if no Patents are owned.

(2)  List in numerical order by Registration No.

(3)  List in numerical order by Application No.

 


 

Exhibit II-B to

Guarantee and Collateral Agreement

 

[FORM OF] TRADEMARK SECURITY AGREEMENT dated as of [      ] (this “Agreement”), among the Subsidiary Loan Parties from time to time party hereto and Bank of America, N.A. (“BAML”), as Administrative Agent.

 

Reference is made to (a) the Credit Agreement dated as of May 19, 2016, (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), the Lenders from time to time party thereto and BAML, as Administrative Agent, and (b) the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement dated as of May 19, 2016 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Collateral Agreement”), among the Borrower, the other Subsidiary Loan Parties from time to time party thereto and BAML, as Administrative Agent.  The Lenders and the Issuing Banks have agreed to extend credit to the Borrower subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement.  The obligations of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks to extend such credit are conditioned upon, among other things, the execution and delivery of this Agreement. The Subsidiary Loan Parties party hereto are Affiliates of the Borrower, will derive substantial benefits from the extension of credit to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement and are willing to execute and deliver this Agreement in order to induce the Lenders and the Issuing Banks to extend such credit.  Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

SECTION 1.  Terms.  Each capitalized term used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning specified in the Credit Agreement or the Collateral Agreement, as applicable.  The rules of construction specified in Section 1.03 of the Credit Agreement also apply to this Agreement, mutatis mutandis.

 

SECTION 2.  Grant of Security Interest.  As security for the payment or performance, as the case may be, in full of the Obligations, each Grantor pursuant to the Collateral Agreement did, and hereby does, grant to the Administrative Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest in all right, title and interest in, to and under any and all of the following assets now owned or at any time hereafter acquired by such Grantor or in, to or under which such Grantor now has or at any time hereafter may acquire any right, title or interest (collectively, the “Trademark Collateral”):

 

(a)         all United States trademarks, service marks, trade names, corporate names, company names, business names, fictitious business names, trade styles, trade dress, logos, other source or business identifiers, designs and general intangibles of like nature, all registrations and recordings thereof, and all registration and recording applications filed in connection therewith, including registrations and registration applications in the United States Patent and Trademark Office or any

 



 

similar offices in any State of the United States of America, and all extensions or renewals thereof, including those listed on Schedule I;

 

(b)         all goodwill associated therewith or symbolized thereby; and

 

(c)          all other assets, rights and interests that uniquely reflect or embody such goodwill.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Trademark Collateral shall include any Excluded Assets.

 

SECTION 3. Collateral Agreement.  The security interests granted to the Administrative Agent herein are granted in furtherance, and not in limitation of, the security interests granted to the Administrative Agent pursuant to the Collateral Agreement.  Each Grantor hereby acknowledges and affirms that the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent with respect to the Trademark Collateral are more fully set forth in the Collateral Agreement, the terms and provisions of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.  In the event of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the Collateral Agreement, the terms of the Collateral Agreement shall govern.

 

SECTION 4. Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic imaging shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

SECTION 5.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

2



 

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

 

 

 

[NAME OF GRANTOR]

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 



 

SCHEDULE I

 

Trademarks/Trade Names Owned by [Name of Grantor](1)

 

U.S. Trademark Registrations(2)

 

Mark

 

Registration No.

 

Registration Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S. Trademark Applications

 

Mark

 

Application No.

 

Application Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


(1)  Make a separate page of Schedule III for each Grantor and state if no Trademarks/trade names are owned.

(2)  List in numerical order by Registration No.

 



 

Exhibit II-C to

Guarantee and Collateral Agreement

 

[FORM OF] COPYRIGHT SECURITY AGREEMENT dated as of [      ] (this “Agreement”), among the Subsidiary Loan Parties from time to time party hereto and Bank of America, N.A. (“BAML”), as Administrative Agent.

 

Reference is made to (a) the Credit Agreement dated as of May 19, 2016 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), the Lenders from time to time party thereto and BAML, as Administrative Agent, and (b) the Guarantee and Collateral Agreement dated as of May 19, 2016 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Collateral Agreement”), among the Borrower, the other Subsidiary Loan Parties from time to time party thereto and BAML, as Administrative Agent.  The Lenders and the Issuing Banks have agreed to extend credit to the Borrower subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement.  The obligations of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks to extend such credit are conditioned upon, among other things, the execution and delivery of this Agreement.  The Subsidiary Loan Parties party hereto are Affiliates of the Borrower, will derive substantial benefits from the extension of credit to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement and are willing to execute and deliver this Agreement in order to induce the Lenders and the Issuing Banks to extend such credit.  Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

SECTION 1.  Terms.  Each capitalized term used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning specified in the Credit Agreement or the Collateral Agreement, as applicable.  The rules of construction specified in Section 1.03 of the Credit Agreement also apply to this Agreement, mutatis mutandis.

 

SECTION 2.  Grant of Security Interest.  As security for the payment or performance, as the case may be, in full of the Obligations, each Grantor pursuant to the Collateral Agreement did, and hereby does, grant to the Administrative Agent, its successors and assigns, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, a security interest in all right, title and interest in, to and under any and all of the following assets now owned or at any time hereafter acquired by such Grantor or in, to or under which such Grantor now has or at any time hereafter may acquire any right, title or interest (collectively, the “Copyright Collateral”):

 

(i) all copyright rights in any work subject to the copyright laws of the United States of America, whether as author, assignee, transferee or otherwise, and (ii) all registrations and recordings thereof, and all registration and recording applications filed in connection therewith, including registrations, recordings and applications in the United States Copyright Office, including those listed on Schedule I; and

 



 

all exclusive Copyright Licenses under which any Grantor is a licensee, including those listed on Schedule I.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, no Copyright Collateral shall include any Excluded Assets.

 

SECTION 3. Collateral Agreement.  The security interests granted to the Administrative Agent herein are granted in furtherance, and not in limitation of, the security interests granted to the Administrative Agent pursuant to the Collateral Agreement.  Each Grantor hereby acknowledges and affirms that the rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent with respect to the Copyright Collateral are more fully set forth in the Collateral Agreement, the terms and provisions of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.  In the event of any conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the Collateral Agreement, the terms of the Collateral Agreement shall govern.

 

SECTION 4. Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile or other electronic imaging shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.

 

SECTION 5.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

[Signature Pages Follow]

 

2



 

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

 

 

[NAME OF GRANTOR]

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 



 

SCHEDULE I

 

Copyrights

 

 

Registered Owner

 

Title

 

Copyright Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Copyright Applications

 

Registered Owner

 

Title

 

Application Number

 

Filing Date

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exclusive Copyright Licenses

 

 

Licensee

 

Licensor

 

Title

 

Copyright Number

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

EXHIBIT C

 

[FORM OF] PERFECTION CERTIFICATE

 

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of May 19, 2016 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among YETI Holdings, Inc. (the “Borrower”), the lenders from time to time party thereto (the “Lenders”) and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”).  Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings assigned in the Credit Agreement or the Collateral Agreement referred to therein, as applicable.

 

The undersigned, a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, hereby certifies to the Administrative Agent and each other Secured Party, in his capacity as a Responsible Officer and not in a personal capacity, that, as of the date hereof:

 

1.  Names.  (a)  The exact legal name of each Grantor, as such name appears in its respective certificate of formation or organization, is set forth on Schedule 1(a).

 

(b)  Set forth on Schedule 1(b) is each other legal name that each Grantor has had in the past five years, together with the date of the relevant change.

 

(c)  Except as set forth on Schedule 1(c), no Grantor has changed its identity or corporate structure in any way within the past five years.  Changes in identity or corporate structure would include mergers, consolidations and acquisitions of all or substantially all of the assets or capital stock of another Person, as well as any change in the legal form or jurisdiction of organization.  If any such change has occurred within the past five years, include in Schedule 1(c) the information required by Sections 1(a), 1(b), 2(a) and 2(b) of this certificate as to each acquiree or constituent party to a merger or consolidation.

 

(d)  Set forth on Schedule 1(d) is (i) the Organizational Identification Number, if any, issued by the jurisdiction of organization of each Grantor that is a registered organization and (ii) the Federal Taxpayer Identification Number of each Grantor.

 

2.  Current Locations.  (a)  The jurisdiction of formation or organization of each Grantor that is a registered organization is set forth on Schedule 2(a) opposite its name.

 

(b)  The chief executive office of each Grantor is located at the address set forth on Schedule 2(b) opposite its name.

 

(c)  Set forth on Schedule 2(c) opposite the name of each Grantor are all locations, not otherwise identified in Schedule 2(b), where such Grantor maintains any material books or records relating to any Accounts.

 

(d)  Set forth on Schedule 2(d) opposite the name of each Grantor are all locations, not otherwise identified in Schedules 2(b), (c) or (e), where such Grantor maintains any material Collateral (other than (i) inventory or equipment in transit, or (ii) items out for repair and equipment in the possession of an employee or a processor).

 

C-1



 

(e)  Set forth on Schedule 2(e) opposite the name of each Grantor are the names and addresses of all Persons other than such Grantor that have possession of any of the Inventory, Equipment or other Collateral of such Grantor, in each case, in an aggregate amount in excess of $2,500,000 (other than (i) inventory or equipment in transit, or (ii) items out for repair and equipment in the possession of an employee or a processor).

 

(f)  Set forth on Schedule 2(f) is a list of all real property owned by each Grantor, the name of the Grantor that owns such real property and the fair market value of such real property, to the extent an appraisal exists with respect to such real property or, in the absence of any such appraisal, the book value of such real property.

 

3.  Unusual Transactions.  Except as set forth on Schedule 3, all Accounts have been originated by the Grantors and all Inventory has been either acquired by the Grantors in the ordinary course of business or manufactured by the Grantors.

 

4.  File Search Reports.  File search reports have been obtained from each Uniform Commercial Code filing office identified with respect to such Grantor in Section 2(a) hereof, and such search reports reflect no Liens against any of the Collateral other than those permitted under the Credit Agreement.

 

5.  UCC Filings.  With respect to each Grantor, a financing statement in substantially the form of Schedule 5 hereto (each such statement, a “Financing Statement”) has been prepared for filing in the proper Uniform Commercial Code filing office in such Grantor’s jurisdiction (each such office, a “Filing Office”), and upon the Effective Date of the Credit Agreement, each Grantor hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to file its Financing Statement in its Filing Office.

 

6.  [Reserved].

 

7.  Stock Ownership and other Equity Interests.  Attached hereto as Schedule 7 is a true and correct list of (a) all the issued and outstanding stock, partnership interests, limited liability company membership interests or other Equity Interests of each Grantor (other than the Borrower) and each Subsidiary and the record and beneficial owners of such stock, partnership interests, membership interests or other Equity Interests and (b) each equity investment of the Borrower or any Subsidiary that represents 50% or less of the Equity Interests of the Person in which such investment was made, in each case specifying the issuer and certificate number of, and the number and percentage of ownership represented by, such Equity Interests.

 

8.  Debt Instruments.  Attached hereto as Schedule 8 is a true and correct list of all promissory notes and other instruments evidencing Indebtedness held by each Grantor, including all intercompany notes between the Grantors.

 

9.  [Reserved].

 

10.  Mortgage Filings.  Attached hereto as Schedule 10 is a schedule setting forth, with respect to each Mortgaged Property, (a) the exact name of the Person that owns such Mortgaged Property as such name appears in its certificate of incorporation or other organizational document, (b) if different from the name identified pursuant to clause (a), the exact name of the current record

 

C-2



 

owner of such Mortgaged Property reflected in the records of the filing office for such Mortgaged Property identified pursuant to the following clause and (c) the filing office in which a Mortgage with respect to such Mortgaged Property must be filed or recorded in order for the Administrative Agent to obtain a perfected security interest therein.

 

11.  Intellectual Property.  Attached hereto as Schedule 11(A) is a schedule setting forth, with respect to each Grantor, each U.S. registered Patent (including each U.S. registered Patent application) owned by such Grantor, the name of the registered owner and the registration or application number thereof.

 

Attached hereto as Schedule 11(B) is a schedule setting forth, with respect to each Grantor, each U.S. registered Trademark (including each U.S. registered Trademark application) owned by such Grantor, the name of the registered owner, and the registration or application number thereof.

 

Attached hereto as Schedule 11(C) is a schedule setting forth, with respect to each Grantor, each U.S. registered Copyright (including each U.S. registered Copyright application) owned by such Grantor, and  the name of the registered owner, the title and the registration number (if already registered) thereof.  Also set forth on Schedule 11(C) is a schedule setting forth all exclusive Copyright Licenses granted to any Grantor.

 

12.  Commercial Tort Claims.  Attached hereto as Schedule 12 is a true and correct list of commercial tort claims in excess of $1,000,000 held by any Grantor, including a brief description thereof.

 

13.  Letter-of-Credit Rights.  Attached hereto as Schedule 13 is a true and correct list of all letters of credit issued in favor of any Grantor with a face amount in excess of $1,000,000, including the name and address of the issuer (and if applicable, the confirmer) with respect to such letter of credit.

 

14.  Assignment of Claims Act.  Attached hereto as Schedule 14 is a true and correct list of all written contracts between each Grantor and the United States government or any department or agency thereof with an annual amount to be paid to a Grantor in excess of $1,000,000, setting forth the contract number, name and address of contracting officer (or other party to whom a notice of assignment under the Assignment of Claims Act should be sent), contract start date, agency with which the contract was entered into, and a description of the contract type.

 

15.  Chattel Paper.  Attached hereto as Schedule 15 is a true and complete list, for each Grantor, of all Chattel Paper (whether tangible and electronic) in which the outstanding principal amount exceeds $1,000,000, specifying the Grantor and obligor thereunder, the type, the due date and outstanding principal amount thereof.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have duly executed this certificate on this [   ] day of [         ], 2016.

 

 

YETI HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 



 

 

EXHIBIT D

 

[FORM OF] SUPPLEMENTAL PERFECTION CERTIFICATE

 

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of May 19, 2016 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among YETI Holdings, Inc. (the “Borrower”), the lenders from time to time party thereto (the “Lenders”) and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent for the Lenders (in such capacity, the “Administrative Agent”).  Capitalized terms used but not defined herein have the meanings assigned in the Credit Agreement or the Collateral Agreement referred to therein, as applicable.

 

This Certificate is dated as of [       ], 20[   ] and is delivered pursuant to Section 5.03(b) of the Credit Agreement (this certificate and each other certificate heretofore delivered pursuant to Section 5.03(b) of the Credit Agreement being referred to as a “Supplemental Perfection Certificate”), and supplements the information set forth in the Perfection Certificate delivered on the Effective Date (as supplemented from time to time by the Supplemental Perfection Certificates delivered after the Effective Date and prior to the date hereof, the “Prior Perfection Certificate”).

 

The undersigned, a Responsible Officer of the Borrower, hereby certifies to the Administrative Agent and each other Secured Party, in his capacity as a Responsible Officer and not in a personal capacity, that, as of the date hereof:

 

1.  Names.  (a)  Except as set forth on Schedule 1(a) hereto, Schedule 1(a) of the Prior Perfection Certificate sets forth the exact legal name of each Grantor, as such name appears in its respective certificate of formation or organization.

 

(b)  Except as set forth on Schedule 1(b) hereto, Schedule 1(b) of the Prior Perfection Certificate sets forth each other legal name that each Grantor has had in the past five years, together with the date of the relevant change.

 

(c)  Except as set forth on Schedule 1(c) hereto or as set forth on Schedule 1(c) of the Prior Perfection Certificate, no Grantor has changed its identity or corporate structure in any way within the past five years.  Changes in identity or corporate structure would include mergers, consolidations and acquisitions of all or substantially all of the assets or capital stock of another Person, as well as any change in the legal form or jurisdiction of organization.  If any such change has occurred within the past five years, include on Schedule 1(c) hereto (to the extent not already included on Schedule 1(c) of the Prior Perfection Certificate) the information required by Sections 1 and 2 of this certificate as to each acquiree or constituent party to a merger or consolidation.

 

(d)  Except as set forth on Schedule 1(d) hereto, Schedule 1(d) of the Prior Perfection Certificate sets forth (i) the Organizational Identification Number, if any, issued by the jurisdiction of organization of each Grantor that is a registered organization and (ii) the Federal Taxpayer Identification Number of each Grantor.

 

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2.  Current Locations.  (a)  Except as set forth on Schedule 2(a) hereto, the jurisdiction of formation or organization of each Grantor that is a registered organization is set forth on Schedule 2(a)  of the Prior Perfection Certificate opposite its name.

 

(b)  Except as set forth on Schedule 2(b) hereto, the chief executive office of each Grantor is located at the address set forth on Schedule 2(b) of the Prior Perfection Certificate opposite its name.

 

(c)  Except as set forth on Schedule 2(c) hereto, set forth on Schedule 2(c) of the Prior Perfection Certificate opposite the name of each Grantor are all locations, not otherwise identified on Schedule 2(b) hereto or the Prior Perfection Certificate, where such Grantor maintains any material books or records relating to any Accounts.

 

(d)  Except as set forth on Schedule 2(d) hereto, set forth on Schedule 2(d) of the Prior Perfection Certificate opposite the name of each Grantor are all locations, not otherwise identified on Schedules 2(b), (c) or (e) hereto or the Prior Perfection Certificate, where such Grantor maintains any material Collateral (other than (i) inventory or equipment in transit, or (ii) items out for repair and equipment in the possession of an employee or a processor.

 

(e)  Except as set forth on Schedule 2(e) hereto, set forth on Schedule 2(e) of the Prior Perfection Certificate opposite the name of each Grantor are the names and addresses of all Persons other than such Grantor that have possession of any of the  Inventory, Equipment or other Collateral of such Grantor, in each case, in an aggregate amount in excess of $2,500,000 (other than (i) inventory or equipment in transit, or (ii) items out for repair and equipment in the possession of an employee or a processor.

 

(f)  Except as set forth on Schedule 2(f) hereto, Schedule 2(f) of the Prior Perfection Certificate sets forth a list of all real property owned by each Grantor, the name of the Grantor that owns such real property and the fair market value of such real property, to the extent an appraisal exists with respect to such real property or, in the absence of any such appraisal, the book value of such real property.

 

3.  Unusual Transactions.  Except as set forth on Schedule 3 hereto or the Prior Perfection Certificate, all Accounts have been originated by the Grantors and all Inventory has been either acquired by the Grantors in the ordinary course of business or manufactured by the Grantors.

 

4.  File Search Reports.  To the extent that this Supplemental Perfection Certificate contains an update to Schedule 2(a) or Schedule 2(b) hereto, file search reports have been obtained from each Uniform Commercial Code filing office identified with respect to such Grantor in Section 2(a) hereto, and such search reports reflect no Liens against any of the Collateral other than those permitted under the Credit Agreement.

 

5.  UCC Filings.  To the extent that this Supplemental Perfection Certificate contains an update to Schedule 2(a) or Schedule 2(b) hereto, with respect to each Grantor, a financing statement in substantially the form of Schedule 5 hereto (each such statement, a “Financing Statement”) has been prepared for filing in the proper Uniform Commercial Code filing office in such Grantor’s

 

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jurisdiction (each such office, a “Filing Office”), and upon the date hereof, each Grantor hereby authorizes the Administrative Agent to file its Financing Statement in its Filing Office.

 

6.  [Reserved].

 

7.  Stock Ownership and other Equity Interests.  Except as set forth on Schedule 7 hereto, Schedule 7 of the Prior Perfection Certificate sets forth a true and correct list of (a) all the issued and outstanding stock, partnership interests, limited liability company membership interests or other Equity Interests of each Grantor (other than the Borrower) and each Subsidiary and the record and beneficial owners of such stock, partnership interests, membership interests or other Equity Interests and (b) each equity investment of the Borrower or any Subsidiary that represents 50% or less of the Equity Interests of the Person in which such investment was made, in each case specifying the issuer and certificate number of, and the number and percentage of ownership represented by, such Equity Interests.

 

8.  Debt Instruments.  Except as set forth on Schedule 8 hereto, Schedule 8 of the Prior Perfection Certificate sets forth a true and correct list of all promissory notes and other instruments evidencing Indebtedness held by each Grantor, including all intercompany notes between the Grantors.

 

9.  [Reserved].

 

10.  Mortgage Filings.  Except as set forth on Schedule 10 hereto, Schedule 10 of the Prior Perfection Certificate sets forth, with respect to each Mortgaged Property, (a) the exact name of the Person that owns such Mortgaged Property as such name appears in its certificate of incorporation or other organizational document, (b) if different from the name identified pursuant to clause (a), the exact name of the current record owner of such Mortgaged Property reflected in the records of the filing office for such Mortgaged Property identified pursuant to the following clause and (c) the filing office in which a Mortgage with respect to such Mortgaged Property must be filed or recorded in order for the Administrative Agent to obtain a perfected security interest therein.

 

11.  Intellectual Property.  Except as set forth on Schedule 11(A) hereto, Schedule 11(A) of the Prior Perfection Certificate sets forth, with respect to each Grantor, each U.S. registered Patent (including each U.S. registered Patent application) owned by such Grantor, the name of the registered owner and the registration or application number thereof.

 

Except as set forth on Schedule 11(B) hereto, Schedule 11(B) of the Prior Perfection Certificate sets forth, with respect to each Grantor, each U.S. registered Trademark (including each U.S. registered Trademark application) owned by such Grantor, the name of the registered owner, and the registration or application number thereof.

 

Except as set forth on Schedule 11(C) hereto, Schedule 11(C) of the Prior Perfection Certificate sets forth, with respect to each Grantor, each U.S. registered Copyright (including each U.S. registered Copyright application) owned by such Grantor, and  the name of the registered owner, the title and the registration number (if already registered) thereof.  Except as set forth on

 

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Schedule 11(C) hereto, Schedule 11(C) of the Prior Perfection Certificate also sets forth all exclusive Copyright Licenses granted to any Grantor.

 

12.  Commercial Tort Claims.  Except as set forth on Schedule 12 hereto, Schedule 12 of the Prior Perfection Certificate sets forth a true and correct list of commercial tort claims in excess of $1,000,000 held by any Grantor, including a brief description thereof.

 

13.  Letter-of-Credit Rights.  Except as set forth on Schedule 13 hereto, Schedule 13 of the Prior Perfection Certificate sets forth a true and correct list of all letters of credit issued in favor of any Grantor with a face amount in excess of $1,000,000, including the name and address of the issuer (and if applicable, the confirmer) with respect to such letter of credit.

 

14.  Assignment of Claims Act.  Except as set forth on Schedule 14 hereto, Schedule 14 of the Prior Perfection Certificate sets forth a true and correct list of all written contracts between each Grantor and the United States government or any department or agency thereof with an annual amount to be paid to a Grantor in excess of $1,000,000, setting forth the contract number, name and address of contracting officer (or other party to whom a notice of assignment under the Assignment of Claims Act should be sent), contract start date, agency with which the contract was entered into, and a description of the contract type.

 

15.  Chattel Paper.  Except as set forth on Schedule 15 hereto, Schedule 15 of the Prior Perfection Certificate sets forth a true and complete list, for each Grantor, of all Chattel Paper (whether tangible and electronic) in which the outstanding principal amount exceeds $1,000,000, specifying the Grantor and obligor thereunder, the type, the due date and outstanding principal amount thereof.

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have duly executed this certificate on this [  ] day of [            ], 20[  ].

 

 

YETI HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 


 

EXHIBIT E

 

[FORM OF] INTERCOMPANY INDEBTEDNESS SUBORDINATION AGREEMENT dated as of [            ], 2016 (this “Agreement”), among YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), the other Intercompany Lenders and Intercompany Debtors (as defined below) from time to time party hereto and Bank of America, N.A. (“BAML”), as Administrative Agent.

 

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of May 19, 2016 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among the Borrower, the Lenders and Issuing Banks from time to time party thereto and BAML, as Administrative Agent.

 

The Credit Agreement provides that (i) the Borrower may make loans, advances and other extensions of credit to any Restricted Subsidiary and (ii) any Restricted Subsidiary may make loans, advances and other extensions of credit to the Borrower or any other Restricted Subsidiary, so long as, in each case, any Subordinated Intercompany Indebtedness (as defined below) is subordinated to the Obligations on the terms set forth in this Agreement.  For purposes of this Agreement, (a) “Subordinated Intercompany Indebtedness” means any Indebtedness owed by any Loan Party to a Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Loan Party, together with all interest (including interest accruing during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding) on such Indebtedness and all other monetary obligations of any Loan Party arising from or in respect of such Indebtedness, including obligations to pay fees, expense reimbursement obligations and indemnification obligations, whether primary, secondary, direct, contingent, fixed or otherwise (including monetary obligations incurred during the pendency of any bankruptcy, insolvency, receivership or other similar proceeding, regardless of whether allowed or allowable in such proceeding), (b) each of the Loan Parties, in its capacity as an obligor in respect of any Subordinated Intercompany Indebtedness, is referred to herein as an “Intercompany Debtor”, (c) each of the Restricted Subsidiaries that is not a Subsidiary Loan Party, in its capacity as an obligee in respect of any Subordinated Intercompany Indebtedness, is referred to herein as an “Intercompany Lender” and (d) the Lenders, the Issuing Banks and other holders of any Obligations are sometimes referred to as “Senior Lenders”.

 

The Lenders and the Issuing Banks have agreed to extend credit to the Borrower, and to permit the Borrower and the Subsidiary Loan Parties to incur Subordinated Intercompany Indebtedness, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement.  The obligations of the Lenders and the Issuing Banks to extend such credit, and the ability of the Borrower and the Subsidiary Loan Parties to incur Subordinated Intercompany Indebtedness under Section 6.01(c) of the Credit Agreement are conditioned upon, among other things, the execution and delivery of this Agreement.  In accordance with the Credit Agreement, each Intercompany Lender desires to enter into this Agreement in order to subordinate, on the terms set forth herein, its rights, as an Intercompany Lender, to payment under any Subordinated Intercompany Indebtedness to the prior payment in full of the Loan Document Obligations.  The Intercompany Lenders are Affiliates of the Borrower, will derive substantial benefits from the extension of credit to the Borrower pursuant to the Credit Agreement and the provision of other financial accommodations to the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries by the Senior Lenders

 

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and are willing to execute and deliver this Agreement in order to induce the Lenders and the Issuing Banks to extend such credit and provide such accommodations.  Accordingly, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.             Definitions and Construction.  Capitalized terms used but not defined herein (including the preliminary statements hereto) have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement.  The rules of construction specified in Section 1.03 of the Credit Agreement shall apply to this Agreement, mutatis mutandis.

 

2.             Subordination.  (a) Each Intercompany Lender hereby agrees that all its right, title and interest in, to and under any Subordinated Intercompany Indebtedness owed by any Intercompany Debtor shall be subordinate, and junior in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner hereinafter set forth, to all Obligations of such Intercompany Debtor until the payment in full of all Loan Document Obligations (other than contingent obligations for which no claim has been made) of such Intercompany Debtor; provided that such Intercompany Debtor may make payments to the applicable Intercompany Lender unless and until (i) an Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom and (ii) such Intercompany Debtor receives written notice (the “Payment Notice”) from the Administrative Agent to discontinue such payments (provided that a Payment Notice shall be deemed to be automatically delivered, and shall not be required to be given, in the case of an Event of Default under Section 7.01(h) or 7.01(i) of the Credit Agreement) (such Obligations, including interest thereon accruing after the commencement of any proceedings referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section, whether or not such interest is an allowed claim in such proceeding, being hereinafter collectively referred to as “Senior Indebtedness”).

 

(b)           In the event of any insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings, and any receivership, liquidation, reorganization or other similar proceedings in connection therewith, relating to any Intercompany Debtor or to its property, and in the event of any proceedings for voluntary liquidation, dissolution or other winding up of such Intercompany Debtor, whether or not involving insolvency or bankruptcy, if an Event of Default has occurred and is continuing, (i) the holders of Senior Indebtedness shall be paid in full in respect of all amounts constituting Senior Indebtedness before any Intercompany Lender shall be entitled to receive (whether directly or indirectly), or make any demand for, any payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether in cash securities or other property (other than Restructured Debt Securities (as defined below)), and whether directly, by purchase, redemption, exercise of any right of setoff or otherwise, from such Intercompany Debtor on account of any Subordinated Intercompany Indebtedness owed by such Intercompany Debtor to such Intercompany Lender (provided that the foregoing shall not impair the right of any Intercompany Lender to file a proof of claim in any such proceeding in accordance with the terms hereof) and (ii) until the holders of Senior Indebtedness are paid in full in respect of all amounts constituting Senior Indebtedness, any payment or distribution to which such Intercompany Lender would otherwise be entitled, whether in cash, property or securities (other than a payment of debt securities of such Intercompany Debtor that are subordinated and junior in right of payment to the Senior Indebtedness to at least the same extent as the Subordinated Intercompany Indebtedness described in this Agreement is subordinated and junior in right of payment to the Senior Indebtedness then outstanding (such securities being hereinafter referred to as “Restructured Debt Securities”)) shall instead be made to the holders of Senior Indebtedness.

 

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(c)           If (x) any Event of Default has occurred and is continuing and (y) the Administrative Agent has delivered the Payment Notice to the Borrower (provided that the Payment Notice shall not be required to be given in the case of an Event of Default under Section 7.01(h) or 7.01(i) of the Credit Agreement), then no payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether in cash, securities or other property (other than Restructured Debt Securities), and whether directly, by purchase, redemption, exercise of any right of setoff or otherwise, shall be made by or on behalf of any Intercompany Debtor, or any other Person on its behalf, with respect to any Subordinated Intercompany Indebtedness.

 

(d)           If any payment or distribution of any kind or character, whether in cash, securities or other property (other than Restructured Debt Securities), and whether directly, by purchase, redemption, exercise of any right of setoff or otherwise, with respect to any Subordinated Intercompany Indebtedness shall (despite these subordination provisions) be received by any Intercompany Lender in violation of paragraph (b) or (c) of this Section prior to all Senior Indebtedness having been paid in full, such payment or distribution shall be held by such Intercompany Lender in trust (segregated from other property of such Intercompany Lender) for the benefit of the Administrative Agent, and shall be paid over or delivered to the Administrative Agent promptly upon receipt to the extent necessary to pay all Senior Indebtedness in full.

 

(e)           Each Intercompany Lender agrees to file all claims against each relevant Intercompany Debtor in any bankruptcy or other proceeding in which the filing of claims is required by law in respect of any Subordinated Intercompany Indebtedness, and the Administrative Agent shall be entitled to all of such Intercompany Lender’s rights thereunder.  If for any reason an Intercompany Lender fails to file such claim in respect of any Subordinated Intercompany Indebtedness at least ten (10) Business Days prior to the last date on which such claim should be filed, such Intercompany Lender hereby irrevocably appoints the Administrative Agent as its true and lawful attorney-in-fact and the Administrative Agent is hereby authorized to act as attorney-in-fact in such Intercompany Lender’s name to file such claim or, in the Administrative Agent’s discretion, to assign such claim to and cause proof of claim to be filed in the name of the Administrative Agent or its nominee.  In all such cases, whether in administration, bankruptcy or otherwise, the Person or Persons authorized to pay such claim shall pay to the Administrative Agent the full amount payable on the claim in the proceeding, and, to the full extent necessary for that purpose, each Intercompany Lender hereby assigns to the Administrative Agent all of such Intercompany Lender’s rights to any payments or distributions to which such Intercompany Lender otherwise would be entitled.  If the amount so paid is greater than such Intercompany Lender’s liability hereunder, the Administrative Agent shall pay the excess amount to the party entitled thereto.

 

(f)            Each Intercompany Lender and each Intercompany Debtor hereby agrees that the subordination provisions set forth in this Agreement are for the benefit of the Administrative Agent and the other holders of Senior Indebtedness.  The Administrative Agent may, on behalf of itself and such other holders of Senior Indebtedness, proceed to enforce these subordination provisions set forth herein.

 

3.             Waivers and Consents.  (a) Each Intercompany Lender waives the right to compel that any property or asset of any Intercompany Debtor or any property or asset of any

 

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guarantor of the Obligations or any other Person be applied in any particular order to discharge the Obligations.  Each Intercompany Lender expressly waives the right to require the Administrative Agent or any Senior Lender to proceed against any Intercompany Debtor, any guarantor of any Obligations or any other Person, or to pursue any other remedy in its or their power that such Intercompany Lender cannot pursue and that would lighten such Intercompany Lender’s burden, notwithstanding that the failure of the Administrative Agent or any Senior Lender to do so may thereby prejudice such Intercompany Lender.  Each Intercompany Lender agrees that it shall not be discharged, exonerated or have its obligations hereunder reduced by the Administrative Agent’s or any Senior Lender’s delay in proceeding against or enforcing any remedy against any Intercompany Debtor, any guarantor of any Obligations or any other Person; by the Administrative Agent or any Senior Lender releasing any Intercompany Debtor, any guarantor of any Obligations or any other Person from all or any part of the Obligations; or by the discharge of any Intercompany Debtor, any guarantor of any Obligations or any other Person by an operation of law or otherwise, with or without the intervention or omission of the Administrative Agent or any Senior Lender.

 

(b)           Each Intercompany Lender waives all rights and defenses arising out of an election of remedies by the Administrative Agent or any Senior Lender, even though that election of remedies, including any nonjudicial foreclosure with respect to any property or asset securing any Obligations, has impaired the value of such Intercompany Lender’s rights of subrogation, reimbursement or contribution against any Intercompany Debtor, any guarantor of the Obligations or any other Person.  Each Intercompany Lender expressly waives any rights or defenses it may have by reason of protection afforded to any Intercompany Debtor, any guarantor of the Obligations or any other Person with respect to the Obligations pursuant to any anti-deficiency laws or other laws of similar import that limit or discharge the principal debtor’s indebtedness upon judicial or nonjudicial foreclosure of property or assets securing any Obligations.

 

(c)           Each Intercompany Lender agrees that, without the necessity of any reservation of rights against it, and without notice to or further assent by it, any demand for payment of any Obligations made by the Administrative Agent or any Senior Lender may be rescinded in whole or in part by such Person, and any Obligation may be continued, and the Obligations or the liability of any Intercompany Debtor, any guarantor thereof or any other Person obligated thereunder, or any right of offset with respect thereto, may, from time to time, in whole or in part, be renewed, extended, modified, accelerated, compromised, waived, surrendered or released by the Administrative Agent or the Senior Lenders, in each case without notice to or further assent by such Intercompany Lender, which will remain bound hereunder, and without impairing, abridging, releasing or affecting the subordination provided for herein.

 

(d)           Each Intercompany Lender waives any and all notice of the creation, renewal, extension or accrual of any of the Obligations, and any and all notice of or proof of reliance by the Senior Lenders upon this Agreement.  The Obligations, and any of them, shall be deemed conclusively to have been created, contracted or incurred, and the consent to create the obligations of any Intercompany Debtor in respect of the Subordinated Intercompany Indebtedness shall be deemed conclusively to have been given, in reliance upon this Agreement.  Each Intercompany Lender waives any protest, demand for payment and notice of default.

 

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4.             Obligations Unconditional.  All rights and interests of the Administrative Agent and the other Senior Lenders hereunder, and all agreements and obligations of each Intercompany Lender and each Intercompany Debtor hereunder, shall remain in full force and effect until the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 17, irrespective of:

 

(a)           any lack of validity or enforceability of the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document;

 

(b)           any change in the time, manner or place of payment of, or in any other term of, all or any of the Obligations or any amendment or waiver or other modification, whether by course of conduct or otherwise, of, or consent to departure from, the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document;

 

(c)           any exchange, release or nonperfection of any Lien in any Collateral, or any release, amendment, waiver or other modification, whether in writing or by course of conduct or otherwise, of or consent to departure from, any guarantee of any Obligations; or

 

(d)           any other circumstances that might otherwise constitute a defense available to, or a discharge of, any Intercompany Debtor in respect of the Obligations or of such Intercompany Lender or such Intercompany Debtor in respect of the subordination provisions set forth herein (other than the payment in full of the Loan Document Obligations in accordance with the requirements of Section 7.11 of the Collateral Agreement).

 

5.             Waiver of Claims.  (a) To the maximum extent permitted by law, each Intercompany Lender waives any claim it might have against the Administrative Agent or any other Senior Lender with respect to, or arising out of, any action or failure to act or any error of judgment, negligence, or mistake or oversight whatsoever on the part of the Administrative Agent or any other Senior Lender or any Related Party of any of the foregoing with respect to any exercise of rights or remedies under the Loan Documents in the absence of the gross negligence, wilful misconduct or breach in bad faith of such Person’s agreements under the Loan Documents (such absence to be presumed unless otherwise determined by a court of competent jurisdiction by a final and nonappealable judgment).  None of the Administrative Agent or any other Senior Lenders or any Related Party of any of the foregoing shall be liable for failure to demand, collect or realize upon any of the Collateral or any guarantee of any Obligations, or for any delay in doing so, or shall be under any obligation to sell or otherwise dispose of any Collateral upon the request of any Intercompany Debtor, any Intercompany Lender or any other Person or to take any other action whatsoever with regard to the Collateral, or any part thereof, or any such guarantee.

 

(b)           Each Intercompany Lender, for itself and on behalf of its successors and assigns, hereby waives any and all now existing or hereafter arising rights it may have to require the Senior Lenders to marshal assets for the benefit of such Intercompany Lender, or to otherwise direct the timing, order or manner of any sale, collection or other enforcement of the Collateral or enforcement of any rights or remedies under the Loan Documents.  The Senior Lenders are under no duty or obligation, and each Intercompany Lender hereby waives any right it may have to compel any Senior Lender, to pursue any guarantor or other Person who may be liable for the Obligations, or to enforce any Lien in any Collateral.

 

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(c)           Each Intercompany Lender hereby waives and releases all rights which a guarantor or surety with respect to the Senior Indebtedness could exercise.

 

6.             Notices.  (a) All notices and other communications provided for herein shall be in writing and shall be delivered by hand or overnight courier service, mailed by certified or registered mail or sent by email, as follows:

 

(i)  if to the Borrower or the Administrative Agent, to it as provided in Section 9.01 of the Credit Agreement; and

 

(ii)  if to any other Intercompany Lender or Intercompany Debtor, to it in care of the Borrower to its address as provided in Section 9.01 of the Credit Agreement.

 

(b)           Notices and communications sent by hand or overnight courier service, or mailed by certified or registered mail, shall be deemed to have been given when received; notices sent by email shall be deemed to have been given when sent (except that, if not given during normal business hours for the recipient, shall be deemed to have been given at the opening of business on the next Business Day for the recipient).

 

(c)           Any party hereto may change its address or email address for notices and other communications hereunder by notice to the other parties hereto.

 

7.             Waivers; Amendment.  (a) No failure or delay by the Administrative Agent or any other Senior Lender in exercising any right or power hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such right or power, or any abandonment or discontinuance of steps to enforce such a right or power, preclude any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right or power.  The rights and remedies of the Administrative Agent and the other Senior Lenders hereunder are cumulative and are not exclusive of any rights or remedies that they would otherwise have.  No waiver of any provision of this Agreement or consent to any departure by the Borrower, any other Intercompany Lender or any other Intercompany Debtor therefrom shall in any event be effective unless the same shall be permitted by paragraph (b) of this Section, and then such waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific purpose for which given.  No notice or demand on the Borrower, any other Intercompany Lender or any other Intercompany Debtor in any case shall entitle the Borrower, any other Intercompany Lender or any other Intercompany Debtor to any other or further notice or demand in similar or other circumstances.

 

(b)           Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof may be waived, amended or modified except pursuant to an agreement or agreements in writing entered into by the Administrative Agent, the Borrower and the Intercompany Lenders or Intercompany Debtors with respect to which such waiver, amendment or modification is to apply, subject to any consent required in accordance with Section 9.02 of the Credit Agreement.

 

8.             Successors and Assigns.  (a) Whenever in this Agreement any of the parties hereto is referred to, such reference shall be deemed to include the permitted successors and assigns of such party, and all covenants, promises and agreements by or on behalf of the Borrower, each Intercompany Lender, each Intercompany Debtor or the Administrative Agent

 

E-6


 

that are contained in this Agreement shall bind and inure to the benefit of their respective permitted successors and assigns.

 

(b)           The Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties shall have a full and unfettered right to assign or otherwise transfer the whole or any part of the benefit of this Agreement to any Person to whom all or a corresponding part of the Obligations are assigned or transferred, all without impairing, abridging, releasing or affecting the subordination provided for herein.

 

9.             Survival of Agreement.  All covenants, agreements, representations and warranties made by the Borrower, the other Intercompany Lenders and the other Intercompany Debtors in this Agreement shall be considered to have been relied upon by the Administrative Agent and the other Senior Lenders and shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement, regardless of any investigation made by or on behalf of the Administrative Agent or any other Senior Lender and notwithstanding that the Administrative Agent or any other Senior Lender may have had notice or knowledge of any default hereunder or incorrect representation or warranty at the time this Agreement is executed and delivered and shall continue in full force and effect until terminated in accordance with Section 17 hereof.  This Agreement shall apply in respect of the Obligations notwithstanding any intermediate payment in whole or in part of the Obligations and shall apply to the ultimate balance of the Obligations.

 

10.          Counterparts; Effectiveness; Several Agreement.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Agreement by facsimile transmission or other electronic imaging shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Agreement.  This Agreement shall become effective as to any Intercompany Lender or Intercompany Debtor when a counterpart hereof executed on behalf of such Intercompany Lender or Intercompany Debtor shall have been delivered to the Administrative Agent and a counterpart hereof shall have been executed on behalf of the Administrative Agent and delivered to the Borrower.  This Agreement shall be construed as a separate agreement with respect to each Intercompany Lender and each Intercompany Debtor and may be amended, modified, supplemented, waived or released with respect to any Intercompany Lender or Intercompany Debtor without the approval of any other Intercompany Lender or Intercompany Debtor and without affecting the obligations of any other Intercompany Lender or Intercompany Debtor hereunder.

 

11.          Severability.  Any provision of this Agreement held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to such jurisdiction, be ineffective to the extent of such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability without affecting the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof; and the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not invalidate such provision in any other jurisdiction.

 

12.          Further Assurances.  The Borrower, each other Intercompany Lender and each other Intercompany Debtor agrees that it will execute any and all further documents, agreements and instruments to the extent reasonably requested by the Administrative Agent, and take all such further reasonable actions that may be required under any Requirement of Law, or

 

E-7



 

that the Administrative Agent may reasonably request, in each case, for the purposes of obtaining or preserving the full benefits of the subordination provisions set forth herein and of the rights and powers herein granted, all at the expense of the Borrower or such Intercompany Lenders or such Intercompany Debtors.

 

13.          Governing Law; Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process; Appointment of Service of Process Agent.  (a) This Agreement and any claim, controversy, dispute or cause of action (whether in contract or tort or otherwise) based upon, arising out of or relating to this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.

 

(b)           Each party hereto irrevocably and unconditionally agrees that it will not commence any action, litigation or proceeding of any kind or description, whether in law or equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, against the Administrative Agent, any Lender, any Issuing Bank or any Related Party of any of the foregoing in any way relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions relating hereto or thereto, in any forum other than the courts of the State of New York sitting in New York County and of the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York, and any appellate court from any thereof, and each of the parties hereto irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself and its property, to the jurisdiction of such courts and agrees that all claims in respect of any action, litigation or proceeding may be heard and determined in such New York State court or, to the fullest extent permitted by Requirement of Law, in such Federal court.  Each party hereto agrees that a final judgment in any such action, litigation or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.  Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document shall affect any right that the Administrative Agent, any Issuing Bank or any Senior Lender may otherwise have to bring any action, litigation or proceeding to enforce any award or judgment or exercise any right or remedy relating to the Collateral or other property of any Loan Party in the courts of any jurisdiction.

 

(c)           Each party hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally waives, to the fullest extent permitted by Requirement of Law, any objection that it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any action, litigation or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Loan Document in any court referred to in paragraph (b) of this Section 13.  Each of the Loan Parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

 

(d)           Each party hereto irrevocably consents to service of process in the manner provided for notices in Section 6.  Nothing in this Agreement or any other Loan Document will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve process in any other manner permitted by law.

 

14.          WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.  EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY IRREVOCABLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY REQUIREMENT OF LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LEGAL PROCEEDING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER LOAN DOCUMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS

 

E-8



 

CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY (WHETHER BASED ON CONTRACT, TORT OR ANY OTHER THEORY).  EACH PARTY HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT, IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B) ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT AND THE OTHER LOAN DOCUMENTS BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 14.

 

15.          Headings.  Section headings used herein are for convenience of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and shall not affect the construction of, or be taken into consideration in interpreting, this Agreement.

 

16.          Provisions Define Relative Rights.  The subordination provisions set forth herein are intended solely for the purpose of defining the relative rights of the Borrower, the other Intercompany Lenders and the other Intercompany Debtors, on the one hand, and the Administrative Agent and the other Secured Parties, on the other hand, and no other Person shall have any right, benefit or other interest under these subordination provisions.

 

17.          Termination.

 

(a)           This Agreement and the subordination provisions set forth herein shall terminate when all the Loan Document Obligations (other than contingent obligations for indemnification, expense reimbursement, tax gross up or yield protection as to which no claim has been made) have been paid in full, the Lenders have no further commitments to lend under the Credit Agreement, all Letters of Credit have expired, terminated or been backstopped or cash collateralized (in each case in a manner reasonably acceptable to the applicable Issuing Bank) (including as a result of obtaining consents of the applicable Issuing Banks as described in Section 9.05 of the Credit Agreement) and the Issuing Banks have no further obligations to issue, amend or extend Letters of Credit under the Credit Agreement.

 

(b)           The obligations of any Intercompany Lender or Intercompany Debtor hereby shall also terminate and be released (in whole or in part, as applicable) at the time or times and in the manner set forth in Section 9.14 of the Credit Agreement, including at the time any Intercompany Lender or Intercompany Debtor no longer constitutes a Subsidiary of the Borrower.

 

(c)           In connection with any termination or release pursuant to this Section 17, the Administrative Agent shall execute and deliver to the Borrower and its Restricted Subsidiaries, at such Person’s expense, all documents that such Person shall reasonably request to evidence such termination or release.  Any execution and delivery of documents by the Administrative Agent pursuant to this Section 17 shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Administrative Agent.

 

18.          Additional Subsidiaries.  Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, certain Subsidiaries not a party hereto on the Effective Date are required to enter into this Agreement.  Upon execution and delivery after the date hereof by any Subsidiary of a counterpart signature

 

E-9



 

page hereto, such Subsidiary shall become a party hereto with the same force and effect as if originally named as such herein.  The execution and delivery of such a counterpart signature page shall not require the consent of any party hereto.  The rights and obligations under this Agreement of each other party hereto shall remain in full force and effect notwithstanding the addition of any new Subsidiary as a party to this Agreement.

 

E-10



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.

 

 

YETI HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

 

By

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

YETI COOLERS, LLC

 

 

 

By

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

[                       ]

 

 

 

By

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent

 

 

 

By

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 



 

EXHIBIT F-1

 

[FORM OF]

 

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(For Foreign Lenders That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

 

Reference is hereby made to the Credit Agreement dated as of May 19, 2016 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), the Lenders and Issuing Banks party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

 

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.16 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any promissory note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) it is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iii) it is not a “10-percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (iv) it is not a “controlled foreign corporation” related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

 

The undersigned has furnished the Administrative Agent and the Borrower with a certificate of its non-U.S. Person status on IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable.  By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

 

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF LENDER]

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

Date:            , 20[  ]

 

 



 

EXHIBIT F-2

 

[FORM OF]

 

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(For Non-U.S. Participants That Are Not Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

 

Reference is hereby made to the Credit Agreement dated as of May 19, 2016 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), the Lenders and Issuing Banks party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

 

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.16 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record and beneficial owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) it is not a “bank” within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iii) it is not a “10-percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code, and (iv) it is not a “controlled foreign corporation” related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

 

The undersigned has furnished its participating Lender with a certificate of its non-U.S. Person status on IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable.  By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Lender in writing, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

 

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF PARTICIPANT]

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

Date:            , 20[  ]

 

 



 

EXHIBIT F-3

 

[FORM OF]

 

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(For Non-U.S. Participants That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

 

Reference is hereby made to the Credit Agreement dated as of May 19, 2016 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), the Lenders and Issuing Banks party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

 

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.16 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the participation in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) its direct or indirect partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such participation, (iii) with respect to such participation, neither the undersigned nor any of its direct or indirect partners/members is a “bank” extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iv) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a “10-percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (v) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a “controlled foreign corporation” related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

 

The undersigned has furnished its participating Lender with IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its partners/members that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption: (i) an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, or (ii) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, from each of such partner’s/member’s beneficial owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption.  By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform such Lender and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished such Lender with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

 

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF PARTICIPANT]

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

Date:            , 20[  ]

 

 



 

EXHIBIT F-4

 

[FORM OF]

 

U.S. TAX COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE
(For Foreign Lenders That Are Partnerships For U.S. Federal Income Tax Purposes)

 

Reference is hereby made to the Credit Agreement dated as of May 19, 2016 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), the Lenders and Issuing Banks party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

 

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 2.16 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies that (i) it is the sole record owner of the Loan(s) (as well as any promissory note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)) in respect of which it is providing this certificate, (ii) its direct or indirect partners/members are the sole beneficial owners of such Loan(s) (as well as any promissory note(s) evidencing such Loan(s)), (iii) with respect to the extension of credit pursuant to this Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, neither the undersigned nor any of its direct or indirect partners/members is a “bank” extending credit pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary course of its trade or business within the meaning of Section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code, (iv) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a “10-percent shareholder” of the Borrower within the meaning of Section 871(h)(3)(B) of the Code and (v) none of its direct or indirect partners/members is a “controlled foreign corporation” related to the Borrower as described in Section 881(c)(3)(C) of the Code.

 

The undersigned has furnished the Administrative Agent and the Borrower with IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by one of the following forms from each of its partners/members that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption: (i) an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, or (ii) an IRS Form W-8IMY accompanied by an IRS Form W-8BEN or IRS Form W-8BEN-E, as applicable, from each of such partner’s/member’s beneficial owners that is claiming the portfolio interest exemption.  By executing this certificate, the undersigned agrees that (1) if the information provided on this certificate changes, the undersigned shall promptly so inform the Borrower and the Administrative Agent, and (2) the undersigned shall have at all times furnished the Borrower and the Administrative Agent with a properly completed and currently effective certificate in either the calendar year in which each payment is to be made to the undersigned, or in either of the two calendar years preceding such payments.

 

Unless otherwise defined herein, terms defined in the Credit Agreement and used herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

[NAME OF LENDER]

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

Date:            , 20[  ]

 

 

G-1


 

EXHIBIT G

 

AUCTION PROCEDURES

 

This Exhibit G is intended to summarize certain basic terms of the reverse Dutch auction procedures pursuant to and in accordance with the terms and conditions of Section 9.04(g) of the Credit Agreement, of which this Exhibit G is a part.  It is not intended to be a definitive statement of all of the terms and conditions of a reverse Dutch auction, the definitive terms and conditions for which shall be set forth in the applicable Auction Notice.  None of the Administrative Agent, the Auction Manager, any of their respective Affiliates, any Purchasing Borrower Party or any of its Affiliates makes any recommendation pursuant to the applicable Auction Notice as to whether or not any Lender should sell any of its Term Loans to a Purchasing Borrower Party pursuant to the applicable Auction Notice, nor shall the decision by the Administrative Agent or the Auction Manager (or any of their respective Affiliates) in its capacity as a Lender to sell its Term Loans to a Purchasing Borrower Party be deemed to constitute such a recommendation.  Each Lender should make its own decision as to whether to sell any of its Term Loans and as to the price to be sought for such Term Loans.  In addition, each Lender should consult its own attorney, business advisor or tax advisor as to legal, business, tax and related matters concerning each Auction Purchase Offer and the applicable Auction Notice.  Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this Exhibit G have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

Summary.  A Purchasing Borrower Party may purchase by assignment Term Loans of one or more Classes by conducting one or more reverse Dutch auctions pursuant to the procedures described herein and otherwise in accordance with the Credit Agreement.

 

Notice Procedures.  In connection with each Auction Purchase Offer, a Purchasing Borrower Party will provide notification to the Auction Manager (for distribution to the Lenders) of the Term Loans (as determined by such Purchasing Borrower Party in its sole discretion) that will be the subject of such Auction Purchase Offer (each, an “Auction Notice”).  Each Auction Notice shall contain (i) the maximum principal amount (calculated on the face amount thereof) of Term Loans of the applicable Class that the applicable Purchasing Borrower Party offers to purchase in such Auction Purchase Offer (the “Auction Amount”), which shall be no less than $20,000,000; (ii) the range of discounts to par (the “Discount Range”), expressed as a range of prices (in increments of $25) per $1,000, at which such Purchasing Borrower Party would be willing to purchase Term Loans of such Class in such Auction Purchase Offer; and (iii) the date on which such Auction Purchase Offer will conclude (which date shall not be fewer than three Business Days following the distribution of the Auction Notice to the Lenders), on which date Return Bids (as defined below) will be due by 1:00 p.m., New York City time (as such date and time may be extended by the Auction Manager, the “Expiration Time”).  Such Expiration Time may be extended for a period not exceeding three Business Days upon notice by the applicable Purchasing Borrower Party to the Auction Manager received not less than 24 hours before the original Expiration Time; provided that only two extensions per Auction Purchase Offer shall be permitted.  An Auction Purchase Offer shall be regarded as a “failed Auction Purchase Offer” in the event that either (x) the applicable Purchasing Borrower Party withdraws such Auction Purchase Offer in accordance with the terms hereof or (y) the Expiration Time occurs with no Qualifying Bids (as defined below) having been received.  In the event of a failed Auction Purchase Offer, no Purchasing Borrower Party shall be permitted to deliver a new Auction

 

G-1



 

Notice prior to the date occurring three Business Days after such withdrawal or Expiration Time, as the case may be.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, the applicable Purchasing Borrower Party shall not initiate any Auction Purchase Offer by delivering an Auction Notice to the Auction Manager until after the conclusion (whether successful or failed) of the previous Auction Purchase Offer (if any), whether such conclusion occurs by withdrawal of such previous Auction Purchase Offer or the occurrence of the Expiration Time of such previous Auction Purchase Offer.

 

Reply Procedures.  In connection with any Auction Purchase Offer, each Lender of Term Loans of the applicable Class wishing to participate in such Auction Purchase Offer shall, prior to the Expiration Time, provide the Auction Manager with a notice of participation, in the form included in the applicable offering document (each, a “Return Bid”), which shall specify (i) a discount to par that must be expressed as a price (in increments of $25) per $1,000 in principal amount of Term Loans of the applicable Class (the “Reply Price”) within the Discount Range and (ii) the principal amount of Term Loans of the applicable Class, in an amount not less than $1,000,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof, that such Lender offers for sale at its Reply Price (the “Reply Amount”).  A Lender may submit a Reply Amount that is less than the minimum amount and incremental amount requirements described above only if the Reply Amount comprises the entire amount of the Term Loans of the applicable Class held by such Lender.  Lenders may only submit one Return Bid per Auction Purchase Offer, but each Return Bid may contain up to three component bids, each of which may result in a separate Qualifying Bid (as defined below) and each of which will not be contingent on any other component bid submitted by such Lender resulting in a Qualifying Bid.  In addition to the Return Bid, the participating Lender must execute and deliver, to be held in escrow by the Auction Manager, an Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption.  No Purchasing Borrower Party will purchase any Term Loans at a price that is outside of the applicable Discount Range, nor will any Return Bids (including any component bids specified therein) submitted at a price that is outside such applicable Discount Range be considered in any calculation of the Applicable Discounted Price (as defined below).

 

Acceptance Procedures.  Based on the Reply Prices and Reply Amounts received by the Auction Manager, the Auction Manager, in consultation with the applicable Purchasing Borrower Party, will determine the applicable discounted price (the “Applicable Discounted Price”) for the Auction, which will be (i) the lowest Reply Price for which such Purchasing Borrower Party can complete the Auction Purchase Offer at the Auction Amount or (ii) in the event that the aggregate amount of the Reply Amounts relating to such Auction Notice is insufficient to allow such Purchasing Borrower Party to purchase the entire Auction Amount, the highest Reply Price that is within the Discounted Range so that such Purchasing Borrower Party can complete the purchase at such aggregate amount of Reply Amounts.  Subject to the conditions contained in the Auction Notice, the applicable Purchasing Borrower Party shall purchase the Term Loans of the applicable Class (or the respective portions thereof) from each Lender with a Reply Price that is equal to or less than the Applicable Discounted Price (“Qualifying Bids”) at the Applicable Discounted Price; provided that if the aggregate amount required to pay the Qualifying Bids would exceed the Auction Amount for such Auction Purchase Offer, such Purchasing Borrower Party shall pay such Qualifying Bids at the Applicable Discounted Price ratably based on the respective principal amounts of such Qualifying Bids (subject to rounding requirements specified

 

G-2



 

by the Auction Manager) in an aggregate amount not to exceed the Auction Amount.  Each participating Lender shall be given notice as to whether its bid is a Qualifying Bid as soon as reasonably practicable but in no case later than five Business Days from the date the Return Bid was due.

 

Notification Procedures.  The Auction Manager will calculate the Applicable Discounted Price and will cause the Administrative Agent to post the Applicable Discounted Price and proration factor onto an internet or intranet site (including an IntraLinks, SyndTrak or other electronic workspace) in accordance with the Auction Manager’s standard dissemination practices by 4:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Business Day during which the Expiration Time occurs.  The Auction Manager will insert the principal amount of Term Loans of the applicable Class to be assigned and the applicable settlement date determined jointly by the Auction Manager and the Purchasing Borrower party into each applicable Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption received in connection with a Qualifying Bid.  Upon the request of the submitting Lender, the Auction Manager will promptly return any Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption received in connection with a Return Bid that is not a Qualifying Bid.

 

Additional Procedures.  Once initiated by an Auction Notice, the applicable Purchasing Borrower Party may withdraw an Auction Purchase Offer only if no Qualifying Bid has been received by the Auction Manager at the time of withdrawal.  Any Return Bid (including any component bid thereof) delivered to the Auction Manager may not be withdrawn, modified, revoked, terminated or cancelled by a Lender.  However, an Auction Purchase Offer may become void if the conditions to the purchase set forth in Section 9.04(g) of the Credit Agreement are not met.  The purchase price in respect of each Qualifying Bid for which purchase by the applicable Purchasing Borrower Party is required in accordance with the foregoing provisions shall be paid directly by such Purchasing Borrower Party to the respective assigning Lender on a settlement date as determined jointly by such Purchasing Borrower Party and the Auction Manager (which shall be not later than ten Business Days after the date Return Bids are due).  The applicable Purchasing Borrower Party shall execute each applicable Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption received in connection with a Qualifying Bid.  All questions as to the form of documents and eligibility of Term Loans that are the subject of an Auction Purchase Offer will be determined by the Auction Manager, in consultation with the applicable Purchasing Borrower Party, and their determination will be final and binding so long as such determination is not inconsistent with the terms of Section 9.04(g) of the Credit Agreement or this Exhibit G.  The Auction Manager’s interpretation of the terms and conditions of the Auction Notice, in consultation with the applicable Purchasing Borrower Party, will be final and binding so long as such interpretation is not inconsistent with the terms of Section 9.04(g) of the Credit Agreement or this Exhibit G.  None of the Administrative Agent, the Auction Manager or any of their respective Affiliates assumes any responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information concerning the applicable Purchasing Borrower Party, the Loan Parties or any of their respective Affiliates (whether contained in an offering document or otherwise) or for any failure to disclose events that may have occurred and may affect the significance or accuracy of such information.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in any other Loan Document, this Exhibit G shall not require any Purchasing Borrower Party to initiate any Auction Purchase Offer.

 

G-3



 

EXHIBIT H

 

[FORM OF] AFFILIATED LENDER ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

This Affiliated Lender Assignment and Assumption (this “Assignment and Assumption”) is dated as of the Effective Date set forth below and is entered into by and between the Assignor (as defined below) and the Assignee (as defined below).  Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement identified below (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), receipt of a copy of which is hereby acknowledged by the Assignee.  The Standard Terms and Conditions set forth in Annex I attached hereto are hereby agreed to and incorporated herein by reference and made a part of this Assignment and Assumption as if set forth herein in full.

 

For an agreed consideration, the Assignor hereby irrevocably sells and assigns to the Assignee, and the Assignee hereby irrevocably purchases and assumes from the Assignor, subject to and in accordance with the Standard Terms and Conditions referred to below and the Credit Agreement, as of the Effective Date inserted by the Administrative Agent as contemplated below, (a) all the Assignor’s rights and obligations in its capacity as a Lender under the Credit Agreement and any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto to the extent related to the amount and percentage interest identified below of all of such outstanding rights and obligations of the Assignor under the respective facilities identified below (including any Guarantees included in such facilities) and (b) to the extent permitted to be assigned under applicable law, all claims, suits, causes of action and any other right of the Assignor (in its capacity as a Lender) against any Person, whether known or unknown, arising under or in connection with the Credit Agreement, any other documents or instruments delivered pursuant thereto or the loan transactions governed thereby or in any way based on or related to any of the foregoing, including contract claims, tort claims, malpractice claims, statutory claims and all other claims at law or in equity related to the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clause (a) above (the rights and obligations sold and assigned pursuant to clauses (a) and (b) above being referred to herein collectively as the “Assigned Interest”).  Such sale and assignment is without recourse to the Assignor and, except as expressly provided in this Assignment and Assumption, without representation or warranty by the Assignor.

 

1. Assignor:

 

2. Assignee:
[and is a [Purchasing Borrower Party][Non-Debt Fund Affiliate]] (9)

 

3. Borrower:  YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation

 

4. Administrative Agent:  Bank of America, N.A., as the Administrative Agent under the Credit Agreement

 


(9) Select as applicable.

 

H-1



 

5. Credit Agreement:  The Credit Agreement dated as of May 19, 2016, among YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation, the Lenders and Issuing Banks party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.

 

6.  Assigned Interest:  (10)

 

 

Facility Assigned

 

Aggregate Amount
of
Commitments/Loans
of the applicable
Class of all Lenders

 

Amount of the
Commitments/Loans
of the applicable
Class Assigned

 

Percentage Assigned
of Aggregate
Amount of
Commitments/Loans
of the applicable
Class of all
Lenders(11)

 

Tranche A Term Loans

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

%

Tranche B Term Loans

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

%

[       ](12)

 

$

 

 

$

 

 

 

%

 

Effective Date:                    , 20    [TO BE INSERTED BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT AND WHICH SHALL BE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF RECORDATION OF TRANSFER IN THE REGISTER THEREFOR]

 


(10) Must comply with the minimum assignment amounts set forth in Section 9.04(b)(ii)(A) of the Credit Agreement, to the extent such minimum assignment amounts are applicable.

 

(11) Set forth, to at least 9 decimals, as a percentage of the Commitments/Loans of all Lenders of any Class, as applicable.

 

(12) In the event Incremental Term Loans of any Class are established under Section 2.20 of the Credit Agreement or any new Class of Loans or Commitments is established pursuant to Section 2.21 or 2.22 of the Credit Agreement, refer to the Class of such Loans assigned.

 

H-2



 

The terms set forth above are hereby agreed to:

Consented to and Accepted:

 

 

                , as Assignor,

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Administrative Agent,

 

 

by

 

 

by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

Name:

 

Title:

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

                , as Assignee,(13)

Consented to:

 

 

by

YETI HOLDINGS, INC.,

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

by

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

 

Title:

 


(13) In connection with an assignment to a Non-Debt Fund Affiliate (i) the Non-Debt Fund Affiliate shall have identified itself in writing as an Affiliated Lender to the assigning Term Lender and the Administrative Agent prior to the execution of this Assignment and Assumption and (ii) the Non-Debt Fund Affiliate shall be deemed to have represented and warranted to the assigning Term Lender and the Administrative Agent that the requirements set forth in Section 9.04(f)(vii) shall have been satisfied upon consummation of this Assignment and Assumption .

 

H-3



 

ANNEX 1 TO
AFFILIATED LENDER

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

STANDARD TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR

ASSIGNMENT AND ASSUMPTION

 

1.                          Representations and Warranties.

 

1.1.                Assignor.  The Assignor (a) represents and warrants that (i) it is the legal and beneficial owner of the Assigned Interest, (ii) the Assigned Interest is free and clear of any lien, encumbrance or other adverse claim and (iii) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby; (b) assumes no responsibility with respect to (i) any statements, warranties or representations made in or in connection with the Credit Agreement or any other Loan Document, other than statements made by it herein, (ii) the execution, legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of the Loan Documents or any collateral thereunder, (iii) the financial condition of the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any other Affiliate of the Borrower or any other Person obligated in respect of any Loan Document or (iv) the performance or observance by the Borrower, any Subsidiary or any other Affiliate of the Borrower or any other Person of any of their respective obligations under any Loan Document and (c) acknowledges that the Assignee is a [Purchasing Borrower Party] [Non-Debt Fund Affiliate].

 

1.2.                Assignee.  The Assignee (a) represents and warrants that (i) it has full power and authority, and has taken all action necessary, to execute and deliver this Assignment and Assumption, to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and to become a Lender under the Credit Agreement, (ii) it satisfies the requirements, if any, specified in the Credit Agreement that are required to be satisfied by it in order to acquire the Assigned Interest and become a Lender, (iii) it is a [Purchasing Borrower Party][Non-Debt Fund Affiliate], (iv) as of the date hereof it does not have any MNPI that either (A) has not been disclosed to the Assignee (other than in the case of any Assignee that does not wish to receive MNPI) on or prior to the date of any initiation of the Auction in connection with which this Assignment and Assumption is being effectuated or (B) if not disclosed to the Assignee, could reasonably be expected to have a material effect upon, or otherwise be material to, (1) such Assignee’s decision to participate in any such Auction or (2) the market price of the Term Loans, in each case, except to the extent that such Assignee has entered into a customary “big boy” letter with the Borrower, (v) from and after the Effective Date, it shall be bound by the provisions of the Credit Agreement as a Lender thereunder and, to the extent of the Assigned Interest, shall have the obligations of a Lender thereunder, (vi) it has received a copy of the Credit Agreement, together with copies of the most recent financial statements delivered pursuant to Section 5.01 thereof (or, prior to the first such delivery, the financial statements referred to in Section 3.04 thereof), and such other documents and information as it has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into this Assignment and Assumption and to purchase the Assigned Interest on the basis of which it has made such analysis and decision independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent, the Assignor or any other Lender, (vii) if it is a Lender that is a U.S.

 

H-4



 

Person, attached hereto is an executed original of IRS Form W-9 certifying that such Lender is exempt from U.S. Federal backup withholding tax, (viii) if it is a Foreign Lender, attached hereto is any documentation required to be delivered by it pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement (including Section 2.16(f) thereof), duly completed and executed by the Assignee, and (ix) no proceeds from Revolving Loans are being used to fund the purchase of the Assigned Interest, and (b) agrees that (i) it will, independently and without reliance on the Administrative Agent, the Assignor or any other Lender, and based on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Loan Documents and (ii) it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the obligations which by the terms of the Loan Documents are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

 

2.                          Payments.  From and after the Effective Date, the Administrative Agent shall make all payments in respect of the Assigned Interest (including payments of principal, interest, fees and other amounts) to the Assignee whether such amounts have accrued prior to or on or after the Effective Date.  The Assignor and the Assignee shall make all appropriate adjustments in payments by the Administrative Agent for periods prior to the Effective Date or with respect to the making of this assignment directly between themselves.

 

3.                          General Provisions.  This Assignment and Assumption shall be binding upon, and inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.  This Assignment and Assumption may be executed in counterparts (and by different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a single contract.  Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Assignment and Assumption by facsimile transmission or other electronic imaging shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Assignment and Assumption.  This Assignment and Assumption and any claim, controversy, dispute or cause of action (whether in contract or tort or otherwise) based upon, arising out of or relating to this Assignment and Assumption and the transactions contemplated hereby shall be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.

 

H-5


 

EXHIBIT I

 

[FORM OF] MATURITY DATE EXTENSION REQUEST

 

[Insert Date](14)

 

Bank of America, N.A.,

as Administrative Agent

One Bryant Park

New York, New York 10036

Attention:  [            ]

Fax:  [          ]

 

Ladies and Gentlemen:

 

Reference is made to the Credit Agreement dated as of May 19, 2016 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), the Lenders and Issuing Banks party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent.  Capitalized terms used but not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Credit Agreement.

 

In accordance with Section 2.21 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby requests [(a)] an extension of the [insert applicable Class] Maturity Date from [            ] to [            ][, (b) the Applicable Rate to be applied in determining the interest payable on [insert applicable Class] Loans of[, and fees payable under the Credit Agreement to,] Consenting Lenders in respect of that portion of their [[insert applicable Class] Loans] extended to the new Maturity Date to be [  ]%, which changes shall be effective as of [            ] and (c) the amendments to the terms of the Credit Agreement set forth below, which amendments will become effective on [            ]:]

 

[Insert amendments to Credit Agreement, if any]

 

[Signature Pages Follow]

 


(14)  To be delivered no less than 10 days from the then existing Maturity Date

 

I-1



 

 

Very truly yours,

 

 

 

YETI HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

I-2



 

EXHIBIT J-1

 

[FORM OF] TERM LOAN PROMISSORY NOTE

 

THIS TERM LOAN PROMISSORY NOTE (THIS “TERM LOAN PROMISSORY NOTE”) AND THE OBLIGATIONS EVIDENCED HEREBY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT REFERRED TO BELOW.  TRANSFERS OF THIS TERM LOAN PROMISSORY NOTE AND THE OBLIGATIONS EVIDENCED HEREBY MUST BE RECORDED IN THE REGISTER MAINTAINED BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF SUCH CREDIT AGREEMENT.

 

$[           ]

New York, New York

 

 

 

[           ], 20[ ]

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, YETI HOLDINGS, INC., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of Delaware (together with its successors and assigns, the “Borrower”) hereby unconditionally promises to pay to [           ] (the “Lender”) and its successors and assigns, at the office of BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., located at One Bryant Park, New York, New York 10036, in lawful money of the United States of America and in immediately available funds, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the [Tranche A Term Loans][Tranche B Term Loans][Incremental Term Loans][Refinancing Term Loans] made by the Lender to the undersigned pursuant to the Credit Agreement referred to below, which sum shall be payable at such times and in such amounts as are specified in the Credit Agreement.

 

The Borrower further agrees to pay interest in like money at such office on the unpaid principal amount hereof from time to time outstanding at the applicable rates per annum and on the dates set forth in Section 2.12 of the Credit Agreement until such principal amount is paid in full (both before and after judgment).

 

This Term Loan Promissory Note is one of the promissory notes referred to in, and is subject in all respects to, the Credit Agreement, dated as of May 19, 2016 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among the Borrower, the several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time parties thereto (including the Lender) (the “Lenders”), the Issuing Banks and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and is entitled to the benefits thereof, is secured and guaranteed as provided therein and is subject to optional and mandatory prepayment in whole or in part as provided therein.  Reference is hereby made to the Loan Documents for a description of the properties and assets in which a security interest has been granted, the nature and extent of the security and the guarantees, the terms and conditions upon which the security interests and each guarantee were granted and the rights of the holder of this Term Loan Promissory Note in respect thereof.  The holder hereof, by its acceptance of this Term Loan Promissory Note, agrees to the terms of, and to be bound by and to observe the provisions applicable to the Lenders contained in, the Credit Agreement.  Capitalized terms used herein which are defined in the Credit Agreement shall have such defined meanings unless otherwise defined herein or unless the context otherwise requires.

 

J-1-1



 

Upon the occurrence of any one or more of the Events of Default specified in the Credit Agreement, all amounts remaining unpaid on this Term Loan Promissory Note shall become, or may be declared to be, immediately due and payable, all as provided therein.

 

All parties now and hereafter liable with respect to this Term Loan Promissory Note, whether maker, principal, surety, guarantor, endorser or otherwise, hereby waive, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, presentment, demand, protest and all other notices of any kind under this Term Loan Promissory Note.

 

THIS TERM LOAN PROMISSORY NOTE AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

J-1-2



 

 

YETI HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

J-1-3



 

EXHIBIT J-2

 

[FORM OF] REVOLVING LOAN PROMISSORY NOTE

 

THIS REVOLVING LOAN PROMISSORY NOTE (THIS “REVOLVING LOAN PROMISSORY NOTE”) AND THE OBLIGATIONS EVIDENCED HEREBY MAY NOT BE TRANSFERRED EXCEPT IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF THE CREDIT AGREEMENT REFERRED TO BELOW.  TRANSFERS OF THIS REVOLVING LOAN PROMISSORY NOTE AND THE OBLIGATIONS EVIDENCED HEREBY MUST BE RECORDED IN THE REGISTER MAINTAINED BY THE ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT PURSUANT TO THE TERMS OF SUCH CREDIT AGREEMENT.

 

New York, New York

 

[           ], 20[ ]

 

FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, YETI HOLDINGS, INC., a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of Delaware (together with its successors and assigns, the “Borrower”), hereby unconditionally and jointly and severally promise to pay to [           ] (the “Lender”), and its successors and assigns, at the office of BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., located at One Bryant Park, New York, New York 10036, in immediately available funds, the aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Revolving Loans made by the Lender to the undersigned pursuant to the Credit Agreement referred to below, which sum shall be payable at such times and in such amounts as are specified in the Credit Agreement.

 

The Borrower further agrees to pay interest in like money at such office on the unpaid principal amount hereof from time to time outstanding at the applicable rates per annum and on the dates set forth in Section 2.12 of the Credit Agreement until such principal amount is paid in full (both before and after judgment).

 

This Revolving Loan Promissory Note is one of the promissory notes referred to in, and is subject in all respects to, the Credit Agreement, dated as of May 19, 2016 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”), among the Borrower, the several banks and other financial institutions or entities from time to time party thereto (including the Lender) (the “Lenders”), the Issuing Banks and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent for the Lenders, and is entitled to the benefits thereof, is secured and guaranteed as provided therein and is subject to optional and mandatory prepayment in whole or in part as provided therein.  Reference is hereby made to the Loan Documents for a description of the properties and assets in which a security interest has been granted, the nature and extent of the security and the guarantees, the terms and conditions upon which the security interests and each guarantee were granted and the rights of the holder of this Revolving Loan Promissory Note in respect thereof.  The holder hereof, by its acceptance of this Revolving Loan Promissory Note, agrees to the terms of, and to be bound by and to observe the provisions applicable to the Lenders contained in, the Credit Agreement.  Capitalized terms used herein which are defined in the Credit Agreement shall have such defined meanings unless otherwise defined herein or unless the context otherwise requires.

 

J-2-1



 

Upon the occurrence of any one or more of the Events of Default specified in the Credit Agreement, all amounts then remaining unpaid on this Revolving Loan Promissory Note shall become, or may be declared to be, immediately due and payable, all as provided therein.

 

All parties now and hereafter liable with respect to this Revolving Loan Promissory Note, whether maker, principal, surety, guarantor, endorser or otherwise, hereby waive, to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, presentment, demand, protest and all other notices of any kind under this Revolving Loan Promissory Note.

 

THIS REVOLVING LOAN PROMISSORY NOTE AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

 

J-2-2



 

 

YETI HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

 

By:

 

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

J-2-3



 

EXHIBIT K

 

[Form of]

 

Compliance Certificate

 

Financial Statement Date:  [        ,     ]

 

TO:                                                                           Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent

 

RE:                                                                           Credit Agreement, dated as of May 19, 2016, by and among YETI Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “Borrower”), the Lenders and Issuing Banks from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent (as amended, modified, extended, restated, replaced, or supplemented from time to time, the “Credit Agreement”; capitalized terms used herein (and in each Schedule attached hereto) and not otherwise defined shall have the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement)

 

DATE:                                                          [Date]

 

The undersigned Responsible Officer(1) hereby certifies, in my capacity as such and not in my individual capacity, as of the date hereof that [he/she] is the [                     ] of the Borrower, and that [he/she] is authorized to execute and deliver this Certificate to the Administrative Agent on the behalf of the Borrower and the other Loan Parties, and that:

 

[Use following paragraph 1 for fiscal year-end financial statements]

 

1.                                      The Borrower has delivered the year-end audited financial statements required by Section 5.01(a) of the Credit Agreement for the Fiscal Year ended as of the above date, together with the report and opinion of an independent certified public accountant required by such section.

 

[Use following paragraph 1 for fiscal quarter-end financial statements]

 

1.                                      The Borrower has delivered the unaudited financial statements required by Section 5.01(b) of the Credit Agreement for the Fiscal Quarter ended as of the above date.  Such consolidated financial statements fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP as at such date and for such period, subject only to normal year-end audit adjustments and the absence of footnotes.

 

2.                                      The undersigned has reviewed and is familiar with the terms of the Credit Agreement and has made, or has caused to be made under [his/her] supervision, a detailed

 


(1)                                 This Compliance Certificate must be signed by the chief executive officer, president, any vice president, or any Financial Officer or Secretary of the Borrower.

 

K-1



 

review of the transactions and financial condition of the Borrower and the Subsidiaries during the accounting period covered by such financial statements.

 

3.                                      A review of the activities of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries during such fiscal period has been made under the supervision of the undersigned with a view to determining whether during such fiscal period the Borrower and each of the other Loan Parties performed and observed all their obligations under the Loan Documents, and

 

[select one:]

 

[to the knowledge of the undersigned, no Default has occurred and is continuing.]

 

—or—

 

[to the knowledge of the undersigned, the following is a list of each Default that has occurred and is continuing and its nature and status:](16)

 

4.                                      Set forth on Schedule A attached hereto are reasonably detailed calculations demonstrating compliance with the financial covenants contained in Sections 6.11 and 6.12 of the Credit Agreement as of the last day of the applicable period.

 

5.                                      Attached as Schedule B hereto is a narrative report with respect to the consolidated financial statements.

 

6.                                      [There has been no material change in GAAP or in the application thereof since the later of December 31, 2015 and the date of the certificate most recently delivered pursuant to Section 5.01(c) of the Credit Agreement prior to the delivery of the financial statements[, except as follows:](17)](18)

 

[Use following paragraph 7 at any time when there is any Unrestricted Subsidiary]

 

7.                                      [Attached as Schedule C hereto is the Unrestricted Subsidiary Reconciliation Statement.]

 

Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page of this Compliance Certificate by fax transmission or other electronic mail transmission (e.g. “pdf” or “tif”) shall be effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart of this Certificate.

 

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 


(16)  If a Default has occurred, specify the details thereof and any action taken or proposed to be taken with respect thereto.

 

(17)  If any such change has occurred, specify the effect of such change on the financial statements (including those for the prior periods).

 

(18)  Include beginning with the financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2015.

 

K-2



 

 

YETI HOLDINGS, INC.,

 

a Delaware corporation

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

K-3


 

Schedule A(1)

 

Financial Statement Date:  [        ,     ] (“Statement Date”)

 

I.

Section 6.11 — Total Net Leverage Ratio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.

Consolidated EBITDA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

 

Consolidated Net Income for such period

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

plus

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

 

the following to the extent deducted in calculating Consolidated Net Income (without duplication):(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)                       consolidated interest expense for such period

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)                       consolidated income tax expense (including for federal, state, local or foreign Taxes measured on capital, income or profits, franchise Taxes and withholding Taxes) for such period

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c)                        all amounts attributable to depreciation and amortization for such period

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(d)                       non-cash charges or expenses for such period (but excluding any such charge that results from the write-down or write-off of inventory)

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(e)                        non-recurring fees and expenses incurred during such period in connection with the Transactions (including the MIPA Earnout)

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(f)                         fees and expenses incurred during such period in connection with any proposed or actual issuance of any Indebtedness or Equity Interests, an IPO or any proposed or actual acquisitions, investments, asset sales or divestitures

 

$

 


(1)  The descriptions of the calculations set forth in this certificate are sometimes abbreviated for simplicity, but are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of the calculations provided in the Credit Agreement.

 

(2)  Any cash payment made with respect to any noncash items added back in computing Consolidated EBITDA for any prior period pursuant to this Section 2 (or that would have been added back had the Credit Agreement been in effect during such period) shall be subtracted in computing Consolidated EBITDA for the period in which such cash payment is made.

 

K-4



 

 

 

 

 

permitted under the Credit Agreement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(g)                        (1) non-recurring charges incurred during such period as part of business optimization actions, including, but not limited to, (A) costs, expenses and charges incurred during such period in connection with the recruitment, relocation, termination or severance of the management, employees, consultants or directors of the Borrower or its Subsidiaries, (B) restructuring and related charges, plant or facility closings and headcount reductions, (C) payments by the Borrower or its Subsidiaries to suppliers or third party manufacturing partners in respect of losses incurred by such Person related to the manufacturing or production of goods for the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (2) charges, fees and expenses incurred, including with respect to items (B), (C) and (D) of this clause (2), third party consultant costs, during such period in respect of (A) legal expenses outside the ordinary course of business of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, (B) expenses related to the identification of, improvements related to or implementation of manufacturing or distribution services providers, and (C) software and systems implementation or IT process improvements or similar upgrades and (D) the evaluation, design and implementation of new employee compensation and benefit programs and (3) any costs and expenses incurred in connection with moving or relocating the Borrower’s or any Subsidiary’s headquarters (including any related information technology expenses); provided that (x) the aggregate amount added back in computing EBITDA pursuant to this subclause (g) and clause (b) of the definition of “Pro Forma Basis” in the Credit Agreement shall not exceed 15% of Consolidated EBITDA during any period of four consecutive Fiscal Quarters (determined after to giving effect to such amounts), provided, further, that the foregoing shall not include any excess costs incurred related to the shipment of finished goods using air freight as compared to comparable sea freight alternatives from third party foreign manufacturing partners

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(h)                       excess costs incurred in any period beginning after the Effective Date and ending on or before December 31, 2016 related to the shipment of finished goods using air freight as compared to comparable sea freight alternatives from third party foreign manufacturing partners in an aggregate amount for all such costs not to exceed $25,000,000

 

$

 

K-5



 

 

 

 

 

(i)                           any extraordinary losses for such period

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(j)                          any expense during such period relating to defined benefits pension or post-retirement benefit plans

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(k)                       any charges associated with the rollover, acceleration or payout of Equity Interests held by management, employees, consultants or directors of the Borrower or Subsidiaries in connection with the Transactions or an IPO

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(l)                           any losses during such period resulting from the Disposition of any asset of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary outside the ordinary course of business

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(m)                   the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(n)                       non-recurring fees and expenses incurred during such period in connection with the amendment, waiver, consent or other modification to this Agreement or any other Loan Document

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(o)                       any losses, expenses or charges with respect to (A) disposed, abandoned, closed and discontinued operations (other than assets held for sale) and any accretion or accrual of discounted liabilities and on the disposal of disposed, abandoned, and discontinued operations and (B) facilities, plants or distribution centers owned or managed by third parties that have been closed during such period

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(p)                       the proceeds of business interruption insurance in an amount representing the earnings for the applicable period that such proceeds are intended to replace (and proceeds of business interruption insurance that the Borrower in good faith expects to receive within the next four Fiscal Quarter), provided that if such amounts are not received in cash during such next four Fiscal Quarters, such expected proceeds shall be deducted from Consolidated EBITDA in the subsequent Fiscal Quarter

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(q)                       the amount of any fee, cost, expense or reserve to the extent actually reimbursed or reimbursable by third parties pursuant to indemnification or reimbursement provisions or similar agreements or insurance; provided that, the Borrower in good faith expects to receive reimbursement for such fee, cost, expense or reserve within the next four Fiscal Quarters, provided, further, that if such amounts are not received in cash during such next four Fiscal Quarters, such expected proceeds shall be deducted from Consolidated EBITDA in

 

$

 

K-6



 

 

 

 

 

the subsequent Fiscal Quarter

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(r)                          any fees, expenses or other charges paid pursuant to the Sponsor Management Agreement

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(s)                         prior to an IPO, any fees and expenses of the board of directors of the Borrower and its Subsidiaries, including fees, costs and expenses associated with the recruitment and appointment of directors in an aggregate amount for all such fees and expenses not to exceed $650,000

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(t)                          non-cash exchange, translation or performance losses and unrealized net foreign currency transaction losses, in each case impacting net income (including currency re-measurements of Indebtedness, any applicable net losses (or, less, gains) resulting from Hedging Agreements for currency exchange risk associated with the above or any other currency related risk and those resulting from intercompany Indebtedness)

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(u)                       any losses (including all fees and expenses or charges related thereto) attributable to early extinguishment of Indebtedness or obligations under any Hedging Agreement

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

less the following to the extent included in determining Consolidated Net Income (without duplication:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(i)                           any extraordinary gains for such period

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(ii)                        any non-cash gains for such period (other than any such non-cash gains (A) in respect of which cash was received in a prior period or will be received in a future period and (B) that represent the reversal of any accrual in a prior period for, or the reversal of any cash reserves established in a prior period for, anticipated cash charges)

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(iii)                     any amounts contributed by the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary in cash to any defined benefit pension plan (as defined in Section 3(35) of ERISA) that is subject to ERISA or a welfare benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(1) of ERISA) that is subject to ERISA that provides post-retirement group health plan benefits (other than continuation coverage benefits provided pursuant to Part 6 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA or any other similar law during such period)

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(iv)                    any gains during such period resulting from the Disposition of any asset of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary

 

$

 

K-7



 

 

 

 

 

outside the ordinary course of business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(v)                       the cumulative effect of a change in accounting principles

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(vi)                    any gains attributable to early extinguishment of Indebtedness or obligations under any Hedging Agreement

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Consolidated EBITDA(3)

 

$

 


(3)  Consolidated EBITDA for the Fiscal Quarters ending June 30, 2015, September 30, 2015, December 31, 2015 and March 31, 2016 shall be deemed to be $31,522,939, $51,522,939, $67,153,225 and $64,085,159, respectively.

K-8


 

B.

Total Indebtedness

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

 

 

The aggregate principal amount of the following Indebtedness of the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries outstanding as of such date:(4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)                       all obligations for borrowed money or with respect to deposits or advances of any kind

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)                       all obligations evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar instruments

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c)                        all obligations in respect of the deferred purchase price of property or services (excluding trade accounts payable and other accrued obligations, in each case incurred in the ordinary course of business)

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(d)                       all Capital Lease Obligations

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

plus to the extent the underlying obligation is of a type describe in subclause (a) through (d) hereof:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(e)                        all Indebtedness of others secured by (or for which the holder of such Indebtedness has an existing right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any Lien on property owned or acquired by the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(f)                         all Guarantees by the Borrower or the Restricted Subsidiaries of Indebtedness of others

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

less

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2)

 

 

Unrestricted Cash as of such date not to exceed $75,000,000

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Indebtedness

 

$

 


(4)  The term “Indebtedness” shall not include (x) contingent obligations of the Borrower or any Restricted Subsidiary as an account party or applicant in respect of any letter of credit or letter of guaranty unless such letter of credit or letter of guaranty supports an obligation that constitutes Indebtedness and (y) obligations in respect of any purchase price adjustments, earnouts, non-competition agreements or other arrangements representing acquisition consideration or deferred payments of a similar nature unless such obligations are then due and owing.

 

K-9



 

C.

Total Net Leverage Ratio

 

: 1.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Indebtedness

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Divided
by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated EBITDA

 

$

 

K-10



 

II.

 Section 6.12 — Interest Coverage Ratio

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A.

 

 

Consolidated Interest Charges(5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The sum of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(i)                           all interest paid or payable in cash, including commitment fees and annual fees payable in connection with the administration or arrangement of Indebtedness, in each case to the extent treated as interest in accordance with GAAP

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(ii)                        all interest paid or payable in cash with respect to discontinued operations

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(iii)                     the portion of rent expense under capitalized leases that is treated as interest in accordance with GAAP, in each case, of or by the Borrower and the Restricted Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Consolidated Interest Charges(6)

 

$

 


(5)  Consolidated Interest Charges shall exclude (a) premiums, original issue discount, upfront fees, arrangement fees, deferred financing costs and similar fees and costs, (b) transactional expenses and other issuance costs associated with the negotiation, preparation, execution and delivery of the Loan Documents, any documents related to Alternative Incremental Facility Debt and any Indebtedness incurred under Section 6.01(g) of the Credit Agreement or any Refinancing Indebtedness in respect thereto (including Credit Agreement Refinancing Indebtedness), and (c) pay-in-kind interest expense or other non-cash interest expense (including as a result of the effects of purchase accounting).

 

(6)  For purposes of calculating Consolidated Interest Charges as of any date for periods commencing on the Effective Date and ending with the Fiscal Quarter ending June 30, 2017, Consolidated Interest Charges shall be calculated by taking the amount of Consolidated Interest Charges for the period from the Effective Date through the last day of the applicable Fiscal Quarter, dividing such amount by the actual number of days during such period and multiplying such amount by 365.

 

K-11



 

 

B.

 

 

Interest Coverage Ratio

 

: 1.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated EBITDA

 

$

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Divided
by

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Interest Charges

 

$

 

K-12



 

Schedule B

 

Narrative Report

 

[See attached]

 

K-13



 

Schedule C

 

Unrestricted Subsidiary Reconciliation Statement

 

[See attached]

 

K-14





Exhibit 10.12

 

Execution Version

 

ADVISORY AGREEMENT

 

This Advisory Agreement (this “Agreement”) is entered into as of June 15, 2012, by and between YETI Coolers, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (together with its successors, “YETI”), and Cortec Management V, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Cortec”).

 

WHEREAS, YETI is presently engaged in the business of designing, manufacturing and distributing ice chests and coolers, including water coolers and soft sided coolers for sale to sporting goods, industrial, specialty retailers and direct to consumers (collectively, the “Business”); and

 

WHEREAS, YETI for itself and its present and future Subsidiaries, has sought from Cortec, and Cortec has agreed to provide to YETI and its Subsidiaries, certain Management Advisory Services (as hereinafter defined).

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and subject to the terms and conditions herein contained, and other good and valuable consideration, had and received, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, YETI and Cortec agree as follows:

 

I.                                        As used throughout this Agreement, the following terms have the following meanings:

 

“Control” means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management or policies of a Person, whether through the ability to exercise voting power, by contract or otherwise. “Controlling” and “controlled” have the meanings correlative thereto.

 

“Credit Agreement” means that certain Credit Agreement, dated as of June 15, 2012, among Buyer, the lenders party thereto (the “Lenders”) and Fifth Street Finance Corp., as Administrative Agent and Lead Arranger (the “Agent”).

 

“Fee” means 1% of consolidated net revenues (in accordance with GAAP) of YETI and its Subsidiaries, payable quarterly during the Term, provided that (i) the total Fee accrued does not exceed $750,000 per annum, and (ii) the payment of the Fee, and the rights of Cortec with respect thereto, shall be subject to the terms and conditions set forth in Section VI.B.

 

“GAAP” means the generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America.

 

“Management Advisory Services” means professional and administrative advice in areas relating to the Business such as, but not limited to, finance, budgeting, tax planning, risk management, business planning, manufacturing, sales, marketing, staffing levels and acquisitions.

 

“Person” means any individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, trust, estate, association, unincorporated organization or other entity or association.

 



 

“Subsidiary” means any Person the accounts of which would be consolidated with those of the parent in the parent’s consolidated financial statements if such financial statements were prepared in accordance with GAAP as of such date, as well as any other Person (a) of which securities or other ownership interests representing more than 50% of the equity or more than 50% of the ordinary voting power or, in the case of a partnership, more than 50% of the general partnership interests are, as of such date, owned, controlled or held, or (b) that is, as of such date, otherwise controlled, by the parent or one or more subsidiaries of the parent or by the parent and one or more subsidiaries of the parent.

 

“Term” means the period commencing the effective date of this Agreement and ending on the tenth (10) anniversary hereof, subject to the extension and termination provisions set forth in this Agreement.

 

II.                                   YETI hereby retains Cortec to furnish Management Advisory Services to YETI and its Subsidiaries for the Term, all on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth below.

 

III.                              Cortec shall perform Management Advisory Services at such locations as it deems appropriate. However, when Cortec deems it necessary to provide Management Advisory Services at a facility of YETI or any of its Subsidiaries, YETI shall provide or cause its Subsidiary to provide Cortec, at no cost, with suitable office space and support services.

 

IV.                               Cortec shall at all times endeavor to provide Management Advisory Services to YETI and its Subsidiaries in a timely manner with the intention of promoting and assisting the Business. Cortec shall make its personnel reasonably available to the management of YETI and its Subsidiaries for the purposes of providing Management Advisory Services and shall undertake all reasonable activities required to carry out the intentions of the parties as set forth in this Agreement.

 

V.                                    YETI shall fully cooperate, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to cooperate, with Cortec to enable Cortec to perform Management Advisory Services. Without limitation, said cooperation shall mean the supplying of all documentation requested by Cortec and providing access to necessary personnel.

 

VI.                               A.                                    Commencing with the calendar quarter ended September 30, 2012, YETI shall pay (or shall cause one or more of its Subsidiaries to pay) Cortec on or about the fifth business day of the first month of each and every calendar quarter of the Term, the Fee for Management Advisory Services rendered during the preceding quarter based on net revenues during such quarter, provided that the first Fee shall be based on net revenues between the date hereof and September 30, 2012 and shall be paid by YETI to Cortec on October 5, 2012. In addition to payment of the Fee, YETI shall reimburse (or shall cause one of its Subsidiaries to reimburse) Cortec from time to time for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Cortec in the course of rendering Management Advisory Services pursuant to this Agreement (“Expenses”).

 

B.                                    1.                                      If any Specified Event of Default (as defined in the Credit Agreement) shall have occurred and be continuing (each such event, an “Event of Default”), or if the Company is not in compliance with the requirements of Section 3.5 of the

 

YETI Coolers Advisory Agreement

 



 

Credit Agreement, or if a payment of the Fee would result in an Event of Default, YETI shall not pay or cause to be paid the Fee in cash unless it shall have received the prior written consent of the Agent. If, as a result of the circumstances described in the foregoing sentence, YETI fails to pay or cause to be paid any portion of the Fee in cash when due and payable (such unpaid portion of the Fee, the “Deferred Fee”), then all Deferred Fees shall (i) accrue and be owing to Cortec and (ii) be paid to Cortec after the waiver or the cure of any such event or circumstance (it being understood that the $750,000 annual limitation on Fees does not apply to payments of Deferred Fees), provided that the payment of the Deferred Fees would not result in an Event of Default or otherwise be prohibited from being paid under the terms of ‘the Credit Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section VI.B will prevent YETI or one or more of its Subsidiaries from reimbursing Cortec for Expenses.

 

2.                                      In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing provisions prohibiting such payment or distribution, Cortec shall have received any payment in respect of this Agreement (including as a distribution in a bankruptcy proceeding of YETI or any of its Subsidiaries) contrary to such provisions, then and in such event such payment or distribution shall be received and held in trust for the Lenders under the Credit Agreement, so long as the Credit Agreement remains in effect or YETI has any obligations under the Credit Agreement which remain unpaid, and shall be paid over or delivered to the respective Agents for application (in the case of cash) to or as collateral (in the case of non-cash property or securities) for the payment or prepayment of all indebtedness under the Credit Agreement.

 

3.                                      Cortec hereby acknowledges receipt of $1,350,000 as a closing fee paid in connection with the acquisition on the date hereof by YETI Acquisition, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a Subsidiary of YETI (“Buyer”), of all the issued and outstanding membership interests of YETI pursuant to the Membership Interests Purchase Agreement, dated as of May 22, 2012, by and among Buyer and the other parties thereto (the “Purchase Agreement”).

 

C.                                    Subject to any applicable limitations set forth in the Credit Agreement, Cortec may charge a transaction fee to YETI at the closing of any acquisition by YETI or a Subsidiary of another business or product line, whether in the form of an acquisition of capital stock, other equity securities or assets of any Person, in an amount not to exceed 1% of the purchase price in such transaction. Upon the closing of any such acquisition, YETI shall cause any direct or indirect non-foreign subsidiary of YETI acquired or formed in connection with such acquisition to join in and agree to be bound by this Agreement as if it were an entity that signed this Agreement as an original signatory. For purposes of this Section VI.C.:

 

1.                                      in the case of any transaction (including a merger or consolidation) relating to the direct or indirect acquisition of stock of any Person, the purchase price in such transaction shall be deemed to be the sum of (i) the total value of all outstanding equity securities of the acquired Person plus (ii) the total principal

 



 

YETI Coolers Advisory Agreement amount of all debt of the acquired Person (including without limitation any debt incurred in connection with such transaction), in each case determined after giving effect to such transaction; and

 

2.                                      in the case of any transaction relating to the direct or indirect acquisition of assets of any Person, the purchase price in such transaction shall be deemed to be the total consideration paid or payable for the net assets acquired, plus the total principal amount of any debt assumed in connection with the acquisition or incurred in connection therewith (other than to fund the purchase price for the net assets acquired).

 

VII.                          A.                                    YETI shall, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to, to the fullest extent permitted by the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware or any other  applicable laws as presently or hereinafter in effect, protect, indemnity, defend and save harmless Cortec and its employees, members, managers, officers, agents, affiliates and Subsidiaries (any such person, a “Responsible Person”), or such person’s heir, successor or administrator, from and against all losses, judgments, fines, amounts paid in settlement (provided YETI shall have consented to such settlement, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed by it), liabilities, obligations, claims, damages, penalties (whether civil, criminal or other), causes of action, costs and expenses (including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses) and costs of investigation (including, without limitation, any interest, assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection with or in respect of any of the foregoing incurred by such Responsible Person) (collectively, “Liabilities”) imposed upon or incurred by or asserted against any Responsible Person whether in connection with any action or proceeding, whether civil, at law, in equity, criminal, administrative, investigative or otherwise, including any action by or in the right of YETI, or otherwise (collectively, a “Claim”) arising out of, associated with or related to (1) this Agreement, (2) the provision of Management Advisory Services, or (3) the performance of any other services for or on behalf of YETI or any of its Subsidiaries, in each case (x) whether in such Responsible Person’s capacity as a current or former director or officer of YETI or in such Responsible Person’s capacity as a director or officer of another corporation, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise at the request or YETI and (y) whether or not in an advisory capacity and including representing YETI or any of its Subsidiaries in dealings with third parties, in each case whether arising or accruing during or after the Term, including without limitation Liabilities arising out of any accident, injury to or death of any person or persons or loss of or damage to property and Liabilities based upon claims of malfeasance, misfeasance or nonfeasance; provided, that the person seeking indemnification acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of YETI (any such Claim, an “Indemnifiable Claim”).

 

B.                                    If a Responsible Person is entitled under this Section VII to indemnification by YETI for a portion of any Liabilities, but not for the total amount thereof, YETI shall nevertheless indemnify such Responsible Person for the portion thereof to which such Responsible Person is entitled. For purposes of this Section VII, any director of a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of YETI is deemed to be serving in that capacity at

 



 

the request of YETI. Any person entitled to indemnification pursuant to this Section VII is hereinafter referred to as an “Indemnified Person”).

 

C.                                    All expenses reasonably incurred by a Responsible Person in connection with a threatened or actual Claim with respect to which such Responsible Person is or may be entitled to indemnification under this Section VII must be advanced or promptly reimbursed by YETI to him or her in advance of the final disposition of such Claim, upon receipt of an undertaking by such Responsible Person or on his or her behalf to repay the amount of such advances (without interest), if any, as to which such Responsible Person is ultimately found not to be entitled to indemnification or, where indemnification is granted, to the extent such advances exceed the indemnification to which such Responsible Person is entitled.

 

D.                                    The indemnification provided by this Section VII is in addition to any other rights to which any Responsible Person may be entitled. Notwithstanding any different standard of conduct set forth in the organizational documents of YETI or in any other agreement with YETI, a Responsible Person is entitled to the standard of conduct providing the highest degree of protection to such Responsible Person. YETI is authorized to enter into agreements with any such person or persons providing them rights to indemnification or advancement of expenses in addition to the provisions therefor in this Section VII to the fullest extent permitted by the laws of the State of Delaware or any other applicable laws as presently or hereafter in effect.

 

E.                                     In the event that any Indemnified Person entitled to indemnification, advancement of expenses and/or insurance provided by YETI or any of its Subsidiaries (each a “YETI Indemnitor”) pursuant to its certificate of incorporation or by-laws or any separate agreement of indemnification also has rights to indemnification, advancement of expenses and/or insurance provided by Cortec, Cortec Group Fund V, L.P. or any other affiliate of Cortec (any of the foregoing being a “Secondary Indemnitor”), then as between the YETI Indemnitor and the Secondary Indemnitor the following shall apply: The YETI Indemnitor (i) shall be the indemnitor of first resort (i.e. its obligations to the Indemnified Person shall be primary and any obligation of the Secondary Indemnitor to advance expenses or to provide indemnification for the same expenses or liabilities incurred by the Indemnified Person shall be secondary); (ii) shall be required to advance the full amount of expenses incurred by the Indemnified Person and shall be liable for the full amount of all expenses, judgments, penalties, fines and amounts paid in settlement to the extent legally permitted and as required by the terms of the certificate of incorporation, by-laws or indemnification agreement of the YETI Indemnitor, without regard to any rights the Indemnified Person may have against the Secondary Indemnitor; and (iii) shall irrevocably waive, relinquish and release the Secondary Indemnitor from any and all claims it may have against the Secondary Indemnitor for contribution, subrogation or any other recovery of any kind in respect of its indemnification of and advancement of expenses to the Indemnified Person. No advancement or payment by the Secondary Indemnitor to or on behalf of an Indemnified Person with respect to any claim for which the Indemnified Person has sought or may seek indemnification from the YETI Indemnitor shall affect the foregoing and the Secondary Indemnitor shall, to the extent of such advancement or payment, have a right of contribution from the YETI Indemnitor

 



 

and/or a right of subrogation to all rights of recovery of the Indemnified Person against the YETI Indemnitor. Each Secondary Indemnitor shall be an express third party beneficiary of this Section VII.

 

VIII.                     Unless written notice of non-renewal is delivered by either Cortec or YETI not less than ninety (90) or more than one hundred and twenty (120) days before the expiration of the then existing Term, this Agreement will be automatically renewed for additional periods of one year each.

 

IX.                               This Agreement may be terminated by Cortec at any time or by YETI for “cause” upon thirty days written notice of the intention to terminate. For the purposes of this Agreement, “cause” means and is limited to the material breach by Cortec in performing its obligations as set forth in this Agreement and failure of Cortec to cure such breach.

 

A.                                    If YETI intends to terminate this Agreement for cause, it shall deliver to Cortec a written notice of intention to terminate which shall contain ( 1) a notice that the Agreement will be terminated for cause, (2) a detailed description of the material breach alleged to have been committed, and (3) a notice that said termination shall be effective thirty (30) days after it is received by Cortec unless within said thirty (30) days Cortec remedies the breach or in the case of a breach that cannot in good faith be remedied within said period, Cortec institutes good faith measures to remedy said breach.

 

B.                                    Upon termination of this Agreement pursuant to this Section IX, YETI shall have no further liability to Cortec for payment of the Fee or reimbursement of expenses, except for the Fee accrued to the date of termination for services rendered up to that date and for expenses incurred prior to the date of termination, but the rights of Cortec under Section VI and the rights of the Indemnified Persons and Secondary Indemnitors under Section VII shall survive such termination.

 

X.                                    All notices, requests, demands and other communications hereunder shall be in writing, sent by certified mail (return receipt requested), messenger or other private delivery service and shall be effective when actually delivered to the addressee at the following addresses (or at such other address as shall be given in writing by either party to the other):

 

To YETI

YETI Coolers, LLC

 

c/o Cortec Group Fund V, L.P.

 

200 Park Avenue

 

New York, New York 10166

 

Attention: David L. Schnadig

 

 

 

with a copy to:

 

 

 

Cortec Management V, LLC

 

200 Park Avenue

 

New York, New York 10166

 

Attention: Managing Member

 



 

To Cortec                                          Cortec Management V, LLC
200 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10166
Attention: David L. Schnadig

 

XI.                               This Agreement and each and every agreement, covenant, term and condition contained herein shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the respective successors. Except as set forth in this Agreement, no right, duty, obligation or interest arising hereunder may be assigned, delegated or transferred without the prior written consent of the other party, provided that Cortec may assign and delegate its rights and obligations under this Agreement to any other entity controlling, controlled by or under common control with Cortec. This Agreement shall be binding upon the respective permitted successors and assigns of the parties hereto.

 

XII.                          The illegality or unenforceability of any clause or provision of this Agreement under any present or future laws, shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this Agreement.

 

XIII.                     This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive and procedural laws of the State of New York. Any disputes arising out of this Agreement shall be resolved in the courts of the State of New York or of the United States, in each case sitting in New York County. The parties agree that service of process by certified mail, return receipt requested, shall be valid and legal process, sufficient to subject the recipient to the jurisdiction of the courts specified herein.

 

XIV.                      This Agreement contains the entire agreement between Cortec and YETI and supersedes any and all prior management agreements between the parties or any of their Subsidiaries. No change or modification of this Agreement shall be valid unless in writing and signed by an authorized officer of each of YETI and Cortec; provided that no provision of Section VI may be changed or modified in a manner that adversely affects the Lenders without the consent of the Agent, which such consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed. The Lenders are third party beneficiaries of Section VI and may enforce the same as if directly a party hereto.

 

XV.                           This Agreement is intended to create an independent contractor relationship between the parties for purpose of Federal, State and local law, including without limitation, the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

XVI.                      NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THIS AGREEMENT, IN NO INSTANCE SHALL CORTEC, ITS EMPLOYEES, MEMBERS, MANAGERS, OFFICERS, AGENTS, AFFILIATES OR SUBSIDIARIES BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR SPECIAL, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND.

 

[Signatures on the Following Page]

 



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered on the day and year first above written.

 

 

CORTEC MANAGEMENT V, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ David L. Schnadig

 

 

Name:

David L. Schnadig

 

 

Title:

Member

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

YETI COOLERS, LLC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ James W. Tucker

 

 

Name:

James W. Tucker

 

 

Title:

Member

 





Exhibit 10.14

 

YETI COOLERS, LLC

5301 Southwest Parkway
Austin, TX 78735

 

May 18, 2016

 

Ice Box Holdings, Inc.

3411 Hidalgo Street

Austin, TX 78702

 

Roy J. Seiders

3100 Gentry Drive

Austin, TX 78746

 

Ryan R. Seiders

401 Westwood Terrace

Austin, TX 78746

 

Andrew S. Hollon

10019 Austral Cove

Austin, TX 78739

 

John David Bullock, Jr.

203 McConnell Drive

West Lake Hills, TX 78746

 

Re:                             Settlement of Outstanding Obligations

 

Dear Sirs:

 

We refer to that certain Membership Interests Purchase Agreement, dated May 22, 2012, by and among YETI Coolers, LLC, (and as successor-in-interest by merger to YETI Acquisition, LLC, the “Buyer”), Ice Box Holdings, Inc. (the “Seller”), and the Shareholders (as defined therein) (the “Purchase Agreement”).

 

As you are aware, the Board of Directors of YETI Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) has approved the payment of a dividend to the shareholders of the Company on May 17, 2016.  Following the payment of the cash dividend by the Company to the shareholders of the Company and the receipt by Cortec Group Fund V, L.P. (together with its affiliates, the “Cortec Group”) of a satisfactory return to its original investment, the Buyer agrees to pay to the Seller within five business days from the date of payment of such cash dividend to the Cortec Group an amount equal to $10,000,000.00, less the sum of the amounts payable below:

 

1.                          $500,000.00 payable to Harris Williams & Co. pursuant to the HW Engagement Letter to the bank account that Harris Williams & Co. will provide to us;

 

2.                          $290,250.00 payable to Andrew S. Hollon, following the withholding of $209,750.00 in employment and withholding taxes through the Buyer’s payroll; and

 

3.                          $290,250.00 payable to John David Bullock, Jr., following the withholding of $209,750.00 in employment and withholding taxes through the Buyer’s payroll.

 



 

Subject only to payment of the amounts set forth above, if you accept the amount set forth above by counter-signing this letter on the following page, you, on your own behalf, and on behalf of your heirs, beneficiaries, executors, legal and personal representatives, successors, assigns, officers, directors, employees, equityholders and affiliates (collectively, the “Releasor Parties”), hereby fully release, remise, acquit and discharge forever, irrevocably and unconditionally, each of the Buyer, the Cortec Group, the Company and each of their respective parents, subsidiaries, divisions, trustees, administrators, affiliates, predecessors, successors and assigns, and their present and former directors, officers, shareholders, managers, partners members, employees, agents, attorneys, representatives, successors, beneficiaries, heirs and assigns (collectively, the “Releasees”) from, against and with respect to any and all actions, accounts, agreements, causes of action, complaints, charges, claims, covenants, contracts, costs, damages, demands, debts, defenses, duties, expenses, executions, fees, injuries, interest, judgments, liabilities, losses, obligations, penalties, promises, reimbursements, remedies, suits, sums of money, and torts of any kind and nature whatsoever, whether in law, equity or otherwise, direct or indirect, fixed or contingent, foreseeable or unforeseeable, liquidated or unliquidated, known or unknown, matured or unmatured, absolute or contingent, determined or determinable, which you, any of the Releasor Parties, your and their respective successors, Affiliates and assigns, or anyone claiming through or under you or any of the Releasor Parties, ever had or now has, or may hereafter have or acquire, against the Releasees for or by reason of any matter, cause or thing whatsoever arising out of, or relating to, any and all earnout amounts and/or bonus payments payable pursuant to the Purchase Agreement (collectively, the “Released Matters”).

 

You, on your own behalf and on behalf of your Releasor Parties, hereby represent and warrant to the Releasees that you and your Releasor Parties have made no assignment of or transferred any right relating to any Released Matter.  You hereby represent and warrant that, if an individual, that you have the legal capacity to enter into this letter, and if an entity, that you have the right, power, and authority to enter into this letter.

 

You also irrevocably covenant to refrain from, and cause each of Releasor Parties to refrain from, directly or indirectly, asserting any claim, or commencing, instituting or causing to be commenced, any action, proceeding, charge, complaint, or investigation of any kind against any of the Releasees, in any forum whatsoever (including, without limitation, any administrative agency), that arises out of, relates in any way to, or is based upon, any of the Released Matters.

 

This letter contains the complete agreement between the parties with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings between the parties hereto with respect the matters described herein. This letter may be executed in two or more counterparts (any of which may be delivered by facsimile or electronic mail transmission followed promptly by an executed original), each of which will be deemed an original, but all of which together will constitute one and the same instrument. This letter is governed by and shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than the State of Delaware.

 

[Remainder of page is intentionally left blank.]

 

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Best regards,

 

 

 

YETI COOLERS, LLC

 

By YETI Holdings, Inc., its Manager

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Matthew J. Reintjes

 

Name:

Matthew J. Reintjes

 

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

Accepted and Agreed as of the date written above:

 

ICE BOX HOLDINGS, INC.

 

 

By:

/s/ Roy J. Seiders

 

Name:

Roy J. Seiders

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

/s/ Roy J. Seiders

 

Roy J. Seiders, individually

 

 

/s/ Ryan R. Seiders

 

Ryan R. Seiders, individually

 

 

/s/ Andrew S. Hollon

 

Andrew S. Hollon, individually

 

 

/s/ John David Bullock, Jr.

 

John David Bullock, Jr., individually

 

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Exhibit 10.15

 

MASTER TOOLING AND PRODUCT SUPPLY AGREEMENT

 

BETWEEN

 

The Party A (”Party A”): YETI COOLERS, LLC

Address: 5301 Southwest Parkway, Suite 200, Austin, TX 78735, USA

Contact:

Tel: +1-512-394-9384

Email:

 

The Party B (“Party B”):

 

Address:

Contact:

Tel:

Email:

 

Party A and Party B are hereinafter collectively referred to as the “Parties” and individually as a “Party”.

 

“Effective Date”:

 

 

 

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This Master Tooling and Product Supply Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into as of the Effective Date by Party A and Party B for the purpose of establishing a business relationship involving the provision by Party B of Products (as hereinafter defined) and/or services to Party A.

 

1.                          Tooling Design and Production

 

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, Party B shall, from time to time, design and produce certain tools and machines set forth on Appendix T1 (collectively, including any tools and machines added by addendum to Appendix T1 in accordance with the terms hereof, “New Tooling”) to produce parts in accordance with the drawings of Party A for each item of New Tooling as set forth on Appendix T2 (including any specifications, quality or other applicable requirements added by addendum to Appendix T2 in accordance with the terms hereof, “Tooling Specifications”). Party A and Party B may add New Tooling to Appendix T1 by an addendum to Appendix T1 executed by Party A and Party B. Each addendum to Appendix T1 shall have an identification number. If Party A and Party B add any New Tooling to Appendix T1, Party A and Party B shall add Tooling Specifications for such New Tooling to Appendix T2 by executing and delivering an addendum to Appendix T2 which sets forth such Tooling Specifications.

 

[OPTIONAL:  In addition, the Parties acknowledge and agree that, prior to the Effective Date, Party B has designed and produced certain tools and machines at the request of Party A (the “Existing Tooling” and, together with the New Tooling, the “Tooling”), [and Party A has already paid Party B in full for the design, production and all other services relating to the Existing Tooling].]

 

2.                          Supply and Purchase of Products

 

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, Party B hereby agrees to produce, supply and deliver to Party A, and Party A hereby agrees to purchase from Party B, the products set forth on Appendix S1 (collectively, including any products added by addendum to Appendix S1 in accordance with the terms hereof “Products”) that meet the applicable specifications of Party A in respect of each such Product as set forth in Appendix S2 (including any specifications added by addendum to Appendix S2 in accordance with the terms hereof, “Product Specifications”). Party A and Party B may add Products to Appendix S1 by an addendum to Appendix S1 executed by Party A and Party B. Each addendum to Appendix S1 shall have an identification number. If Party A and Party B add any Products to Appendix S1, Party A and Party B shall add Product Specifications for such

 

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Product to Appendix S2 by executing and delivering an addendum to Appendix S2 which sets forth such Product Specifications.

 

3.                          Product Purchase Orders

 

3.1.                Party A may issue purchase orders for the Products (each a “Purchase Order”) to Party B from time to time, and Party B shall supply the Products to Party A based on each Purchase Order. Each Purchase Order will be an integral part of, and shall be subject to, the terms and conditions of this Agreement. Party A may purchase Products from other third parties or manufacture the Products for its own account.

 

3.2.                Party B shall, within five (5) calendar days after the issuance of a Purchase Order by Party A, either accept such Purchase Order or propose to make any Change (as defined in Clause 4.1 below). Party B shall be deemed to have accepted a Purchase Order when it does any of the following: (i) fails to revert with any proposed Change within five (5) calendar days after the issuance of a Purchase Order by Party A; (ii) begins performance under the Purchase Order; or (iii) acknowledges the Purchase Order.

 

4.                          Changes.

 

4.1.                Within the general scope of this Agreement, Party A may from time to time require additional work, issue additional instructions, or make changes by written direction to Party B in any one or more of the following: (a) drawings, designs, Tooling Specifications, Product Specifications, or other technical requirements; (b) method of shipment or packaging; (c) delivery schedule; (d) quantities; and (e) any other matters relating to this Agreement or any Purchase Order or the performance hereof or thereof (collectively, “Changes”).

 

4.2.                If any Change results in an increase or decrease in the cost of performance of this Agreement or any Purchase Order, Party A in its sole discretion may make an equitable adjustment to the Tooling Purchase Price (as defined in Clause 5.1.1 below) or Product Purchase Price (as defined in Clause 5.1 below), as applicable. Any claim by Party B for adjustment under this Agreement or any Purchase Order pursuant to the preceding sentence must be asserted in writing within ten (10) calendar days after receipt by Party B of notification of Change and must be approved by Party A in writing, but nothing herein shall excuse Party B from performing its obligations under this Agreement or any Purchase Order as changed. Information, such as technical direction or guidance provided to Party B by representatives of Party A in connection with Party B’s performance of this Agreement or a Purchase Order, shall not be construed either as a Change or as direction to proceed outside

 

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the scope of this Agreement or such Purchase Order. If Party B considers that the conduct of any of Party A’s employees has constituted a Change, Party B shall notify Party A immediately in writing as to the nature of the Change and its effect on Party B’s performance, including delivery schedule and the Tooling Purchase Price or Product Purchase Price, as applicable. In any event, the maximum liability of Party A for obsolescence, scrappage, and/or rework resulting from any Change shall be limited to the value of the materials and parts in process at the time of the Change; provided that Party B shall be required to deliver to Party A or destroy, at Party A’s election in writing, any such obsolete materials, scrappage, parts in process and raw materials for which Party A has any liability. Nothing in this clause, including any disagreement with Party A as to the equitable adjustment to be made, shall excuse Party B from performing its obligations under Agreement or Purchase Order as changed.

 

4.3.                Once a Purchase Order is accepted by Party B, no Change may be made by Party B unless otherwise agreed in writing by Party A. Any requested Change by Party B shall be submitted to Party A in writing together with an estimate of the anticipated impact, if any, on the delivery date and/or the Product Purchase Price. If Party A approves in writing such Change requested by Party B, it will issue a new Purchase Order which shall supersede and void the prior Purchase Order and be incorporated into and governed by this Agreement.

 

5.                          Purchase Price and Payment

 

5.1.                Tooling.

 

5.1.1.    The Parties agree that the unit purchase price for each item of New Tooling shall be as itemized in Appendix T3 attached to this Agreement (“Tooling Purchase Price”). The Tooling Purchase Price includes all Taxes (as defined in Clause 5.3 below) and all expenses and charges, including without limitation expenses and charges relating to design, production, trial run cost, packing, transportation and any other costs relating to the New Tooling. Appendix T3 may be updated at any time by mutual written agreement of both Parties, including to address any additional New Tooling added to Appendix T1 after the date hereof.

 

5.1.2.    Party B shall issue Party A an invoice for      percent (  %) of the Tooling Purchase Price for each item of Tooling promptly following the date Party B receives the Tooling Specifications for such item of Tooling. Party B shall issue party A an invoice for the remaining       percent (  %) of the Tooling Purchase Price for each item of Tooling within       (  ) calendar days following Sample Acceptance

 

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(defined in Clause 8.1 below).

 

5.1.3.    Invoices for Tooling issued by Party B shall list the contract number and the amount stated in the invoice shall be consistent with that of the corresponding Tooling, duly delivered and accepted; otherwise, Party A is entitled to return such invoice and request of Party B to reissue it.

 

5.1.4.    Payments by Party A to Party B do not constitute acceptance of New Tooling or services as meeting the Tooling Specifications or the requirements under this Agreement or any Purchase Order.

 

5.2.         Products.

 

5.2.1.    The Parties agree that the purchase price for each Product shall be as itemized in Appendix S3 attached to this Agreement (“Product Purchase Price”). The Product Purchase Price includes all Taxes and all expenses and charges, including without limitation expenses and charges relating to sequencing, staging, packing, packaging, and handling. Appendix S3 may be updated at any time by mutual written agreement of both Parties, including to address any additional Products added to Appendix S1 after the date hereof.

 

5.2.2.    Within three (3) calendar days after each shipment of Products, Party B shall submit a formal invoice to Party A, which shall include the following information, if applicable and in English: (a) name and address of Party B; (b) name of shipper (if different from Party B); (c) Party A’s Purchase Order number; (d) port of export and place or places of delivery; (e) detailed description of the Products; (f) quantity of the Products shipped; (g) unit and total prices; and (h) any other information required by Party A, including special packing, packaging, handling, and design requirements . The invoice shall be accompanied (if applicable) by a signed bill of lading or express delivery receipt evidencing such shipment.

 

5.2.3.    Other than invoices for any shipment that Party A has disputed in good faith by written notice to Party B within ten (10) calendar days of receipt, setting forth in reasonable detail the basis for such dispute, which the Parties will negotiate in good faith to resolve, payment for each undisputed invoice will be made by Party A as set forth on Appendix S3.

 

5.2.4.    Payment of an invoice does not constitute acceptance of the Products and is subject to appropriate adjustment should Party B fail to meet the requirements of this

 

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Agreement or any Purchase Order.

 

5.3.                Party B shall be responsible for and shall pay Taxes on the Products that relate to the manufacture of the Products and all activities occurring prior to the sale of the Products to Party A.  Party A shall pay all Taxes that are due and payable as a result of its purchase of the Products and that are incurred for all periods thereafter.  “Taxes” shall mean all sales, use, excise, stamp, transfer, value added, or other taxes or assessments imposed by any foreign, federal, state, or local governmental authority .

 

6.                          Tooling Quality Standard and Warranty

 

6.1.                Party A and Party B shall cooperate to research, develop and design the final drawings of the parts to be produced by each item of New Tooling based on the corresponding Tooling Specifications. Once such final drawings have been completed, Party B shall manufacture such New Tooling to produce parts in accordance with such final drawings in accordance with the state of the art technology and in accordance with all relevant laws and regulations, particularly with all production safety, professional accident prevention, and any and all other safety laws, rules, and regulations.

 

6.2.                For the period starting on the date of Sample Acceptance for each item of New Tooling by Party A and ending on the second anniversary of such Sample Acceptance (“Tooling Quality Guarantee Period”), Party B shall, at the discretion of Party A, repair, replace or take back such item of New Tooling or any of its components that is found to be defective without any charge to Party A.

 

6.3.                If any item of New Tooling or any of its components is found to be defective after the Tooling Quality Guarantee Period, Party B shall cooperate with Party A in repairing such New Tooling or component based on a service fee mutually agreed by the Parties in writing.

 

6.4.                In addition to Party B’s customary warranties and any other warranties contained herein or implied in fact or by law, Party B warrants that the Tooling delivered and services performed (a) will conform to all oral or written representations, specifications, drawings, samples or other descriptions furnished or specified by Party A; (b) will be merchantable, of high quality and free from defects in design, material and workmanship, including without limitation, latent defects, and free of any claim of any nature by any third party; and (c) Party B will convey clear title thereto to Party A as provided hereunder without any encumbrances. Party B warrants that the Tooling will be adequately packed, packaged, marked, labeled, and handled. If Party B knows or has reason to know the particular purpose for which Party A intends to use any item of Tooling, Party B warrants that such Tooling will be fit for such

 

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particular purpose. Party B further warrants that the Tooling furnished hereunder will conform in all respects to samples. In addition, Party B warrants that it will comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations of governmental authority covering the production, sale and delivery of the Tooling.

 

6.5.                Inspection, test, acceptance or use of the Tooling or services furnished hereunder shall not affect Party B’s warranty obligation under this Agreement. All warranties shall survive inspection, test, acceptance, use and payment and shall be for the benefit of Party A and its successors, assigns, dealers, distributors, customers and users of products sold by Party A. Party B’s warranties shall not be limited in any way by Party A extending express or implied warranties to its successors, assigns or customers.

 

7.                          Tooling Property Rights, Safekeeping, and Maintenance

 

7.1.                Title to the Tooling and relevant technical documents shall belong to and be vested in Party A at all times, regardless of Party A’s inspection or acceptance of the Tooling.

 

7.2.                Notwithstanding Clause 7.1, risk of loss of the Tooling shall pass from Party B to Party A upon delivery of the Tooling to Party A pursuant to this Agreement.

 

7.3.                Party B shall safe keep the Tooling with due care, free of charge to Party A. The places where the Tooling are safe-kept shall be suitable in terms of size, humidity, cleanliness, security and any auxiliary facilities and shall allow the Tooling to be safe-kept for an indefinite period of time, without the risk that their condition or quality be impaired.

 

7.4.                Party B shall maintain an orderly storage bookkeeping so that the respective inventory of the Tooling and property of Party A can be immediately recognized. Party A or any of its authorized agents are entitled to examine the place of storage and inspect the storage bookkeeping at any time during usual working hours.

 

7.5.                Party B shall be responsible for the maintenance of the Tooling and bear the corresponding maintenance costs. Party B undertakes to implement all necessary measures to protect the Tooling against deterioration of all kinds. Should there be any damage to any item of Tooling, Party B shall immediately repair such item of Tooling at its own cost. In the event that any item of Tooling is destroyed, lost, cannot be repaired or otherwise cannot be used for the production of Products, Party B shall compensate Party A in the amount equal to the Tooling Purchase Price for such item of Tooling, and shall compensate Party A for its actual losses pursuant to the terms hereunder.

 

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7.6.                Party B shall not move any item of Tooling to any place other than the Facility (as defined in Clause 9.6 below) or destroy any item of Tooling without the prior written consent of a representative of Party A at the Vice President level or higher. The Parties shall cooperate to ensure that an authorized representative of Party A is present to supervise any movement or destruction of any item of Tooling.

 

7.7.                Upon request of Party A and at Party A’s cost and expense, Party B shall immediately return the Tooling to Party A in the best possible conditions, save for normal wear and tear.

 

8.                          Tooling Samples, Delivery and Packaging

 

8.1.                Party B shall provide to Party A a sufficient quantity of samples produced by each item of Tooling (“Samples”) before mass production of any Products to be produced using such Tooling. After Party A inspects and confirms the suitability of the Samples and provides written notice of acceptance to Party B (“Sample Acceptance”), Party B can then use the Tooling to carry out mass production to the extent provided for herein.

 

8.2.               Unless otherwise provided for in Appendix T1, delivery of each item of Tooling shall take place at the Facility.

 

8.3.               Party B shall complete fabrication of each item of Tooling and provide sufficient quantity of the Samples from such item of Tooling within the timelines set forth for such item of Tooling in Appendix T1.

 

8.4.               Party B shall inform Party A in writing ten (10) calendar days in advance in case of any delay in delivery of any item of Tooling, Samples, or the provision of any service. In case Party B cannot deliver such Tooling or Samples in a timely manner for any reason other than Force Majeure (for avoidance of doubt, Tooling or Samples that are delivered that do not meet the requirement of this Agreement shall also be deemed to be delivered late), Party B shall pay liquidated damages to Party A at the rate of    percent (  %) of the corresponding Tooling Purchase Price for each calendar day of delay. If the delay exceeds five (5) calendar days, Party B shall pay liquidated damages to Party A at the rate of       percent (  %) of the corresponding Tooling Purchase Price and, unless the Parties otherwise negotiate a remedy for losses due to delay that is acceptable to Party A, shall compensate Party A for its actual losses resulting from such delay.

 

8.5.               Upon delivery of each item of Tooling, Party B shall hand over to Party A the originals or reproducible copies of the corresponding Tooling designs and other relevant technical documents, including but not limited to computer aided design (“CAD”) files and models. In

 

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addition, Party B shall make available to Party A all such designs and technical documents in existence at any time, whether in draft or final form, during the term of this Agreement.

 

8.6.               Party B shall pack, package, and handle the Tooling and Samples in a manner reasonably designed to fully protect Tooling and Samples from loss and damage and against repeated handlings and numerous loading and unloading. Protective measures consistent with the characteristics and requirements of each item of the Tooling and Samples shall be taken to prevent the Tooling and Samples from damage by moisture, rain, shock, and corrosion. Such packing, packaging, and handling shall also conform with any other requirements specified by Party A under this Agreement or a Purchase Order.

 

8.7.               Party A will inspect Tooling to confirm the model, specification, packaging, quantity, etc. and confirm the Samples according to the corresponding Tooling Specifications.

 

8.8.               If, after inspection, Party A accepts any set of Samples and confirms that they conform to the requirements hereunder, both Parties shall mark such set of Samples with a permanent stamp and seal two (2) original copies, with a copy to be retained by each Party.

 

8.9.               If upon inspection of any set of Samples, Party A determines that such Samples do not conform to the requirements of Party A, Party A shall have the right to reject the corresponding item of Tooling. In such an event, Party B shall take all necessary actions as soon as reasonably practical to ensure the new Samples meet the requirements of Party A within five (5) calendar days. If Party A accepts such new Samples after inspection, both Parties shall mark the new Samples with a permanent stamp and seal two (2) original copies, with a copy to be retained by each Party. Otherwise, Party A is entitled to terminate this Agreement, and Party B shall pay liquidated damages to Party A at the rate of      percent (  %) of the corresponding Tooling Purchase Price and shall compensate Party A for its actual losses resulting therefrom.

 

9.                         Product Delivery, Inspection, Acceptance and Other Performance Covenants

 

9.1.               Delivery time and quantities are of the essence under the Purchase Orders. Party B agrees to            percent (   %) on-time delivery of the quantities and at the times specified by Party A, as stated in the Purchase Orders. If there is an actual or anticipated delay in delivery, Party B shall immediately notify Party A of the expected length of the delay and the reason for such delay; such notice, however, shall not release Party B from its liabilities for such late delivery. If Party B’s deliveries fail to meet the delivery schedule under the Purchase Orders, Party A, in addition to its other rights and remedies and in its sole discretion, (a) may direct expedited routing and charge Party B for any excess costs incurred

 

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as a result, (b) upon repeated issue, may charge liquidated damages at the rate of     percent (  %) of the total Product Purchase Price under the relevant Purchase Order for each day of delay, and (c) upon three (3) or more infractions of the same root cause, may charge Party B for any costs and loss incurred by Party A.

 

9.2.                At least quarterly, Party A shall provide non-binding forecasts to assist Party B to plan for production requirements on a rolling twelve (12) month basis. Party A will not be liable for Party B’s commitments or production arrangements in excess of the amount or in advance of the time required under Party A’s Purchase Orders.

 

9.3.                Party A may inspect all Products at all times and places, including during the period of manufacture. Such inspection may at Party A’s sole option include confirmation of Party B’s compliance with Party A’s quality control procedures. Party B will grant Party A and/or its designees access to Party B’s facilities and those of its sub-suppliers or subcontractors at all reasonable times and will provide access to all Tools, Facilities and inventories of raw materials and provide assistance reasonably necessary for such inspection and/or confirmation at no additional cost to Party A. All Products are subject to final inspection and acceptance after delivery to Party A. Party A and/or its designees (including any “Inspectors” designated pursuant to Appendix S4) shall not take any photos or record any videos within Party B’s facilities, unless Party A and/or its designees reasonably determine that such photos or videos are necessary to document specific situations that Party A requires Party B to address in order to improve performance of obligations or quality of Products; provided, however, that Party A shall not permit any manufacturer or potential manufacturer of Products to view any such photos or videos.

 

9.4.                If Party A determines that any Products delivered by Party B are non-conforming, Party A may, in its sole discretion, either rework any non-conforming Products itself or through any third party at the cost of Party B, or return them to Party B for rework or replacement. If Party A elects to return any non-conforming Products to Party B, then (a) the total Product Purchase Price of such non-conforming Products, including the reasonable expenses incurred by Party A for added value (components and actual labor) and testing of the non-conforming Products, shall be repaid by Party B to Party A, or offset by Party A against any of Party B’s unpaid invoices, and (b) Party B shall destroy the non-conforming Products sent to Party B for replacement. Party B shall assume sole responsibility for all packing, packaging, handling, shipping, transportation, insurance, freight forwarding costs and other expenses incurred in connection with the shipment of all non-conforming Products to and from the manufacturing facility of the Products and any destination set forth in a Purchase Order. To the extent previously paid by Party A, Party A may offset such costs and other

 

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expenses against any of Party B’s unpaid invoices.

 

9.5.                Party B acknowledges and agrees that in the event that (a) in excess of     percent (  %) of the Products in any shipment are non-conforming or defective; (b Party B fails to rework or replace any non-conforming Products to the satisfaction of Party A and within such time period specified by Party A; or (c) Party B otherwise fails to materially comply with any of the terms and provisions of this Agreement or any Purchase Order, Party A is entitled to cancel the relevant Purchase Order without prejudice to any other rights and remedies that Party A may be entitled to. If Party A elects to cancel any Purchase Order, then the total Product Purchase Price of such Purchase Order, including the reasonable expenses incurred by Party A for added value (components and actual labor) and testing of the non-conforming Products, shall be repaid by Party B to Party A, or offset by Party A against any of Party B’s unpaid invoices.

 

9.6.                Unless otherwise set forth in the relevant Purchase Order, title to the Products and the risk of loss shall pass from Party B to Party A upon delivery of the Products to Party A at Party B’s facility located at:                                        (the “Facility”).

 

9.7.                Party B shall only produce, store and pack Products at the Facility. Party B shall not produce, pack or store Products, store raw materials, or use or store any Tooling at any location other than the Facility without Party A’s express written consent in each instance, and strictly in accordance with the terms of such written consent, if any.

 

9.8.                Party A and Party B agree to the terms of the additional covenants set forth on Appendix S4, if any.

 

9.9.                Party B shall not sell any Products (including but not limited to “factory second” or other non-conforming Products) to any employee or third party.

 

10.                   Product Quality Standard and Product Warranty

 

10.1.         Party B shall deliver only Products which meet the Product Specifications for such Products and all drawings, data and requirements that are referred to or incorporated into the Purchase Order. Party B shall manufacture the Products in accordance with the state of the art technology and in accordance with all relevant laws and regulations, including all, environmental, social responsibility, child labor, production safety, professional accident prevention, and other health and safety laws and regulations. Party B shall manufacture the Products in compliance with Party A’s Workplace Code of Conduct Policy set forth on

 

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Appendix S5, which Party A may update from time to time by written notice to Party B. Party A shall have the right to inspect and audit Party B’s premises at any time during normal business hours of operation, including the facilities being used by Party B (or any third party) for production and storage of Product to assure compliance by Party B with any and all applicable laws, rules, and regulations and Party A’s Workplace Code of Conduct Policy.

 

10.2.         The quality guarantee period for Products under this Agreement is one (1) year after the acceptance of the Products by Party A (“Product Quality Guarantee Period”), during which time Party B shall, at the sole discretion of Party A, repair, replace or take back any Products or any of its components that Party A finds to contain a manufacturing defect without any charge to Party A.

 

10.3.         If the Products or any of its components are found to be defective by Party A after the Product Quality Guarantee Period, Party B shall cooperate with Party A in repairing such Products or components based on the actual parts, labor, and inbound/outbound shipping costs incurred.

 

10.4.         In addition to Party B’s customary warranties and any other warranties contained herein or implied in fact or by law, Party B warrants that the Products delivered and services performed (a) will conform to all oral or written representations, Product Specifications, drawings, samples or other descriptions furnished or specified by Party A; (b) will be merchantable, of high quality and free from defects in manufacture, material and workmanship, including without limitation, latent defects and free of any claim of any nature by any third party; and (c) Party B will convey clear title thereto to Party A as provided hereunder without any encumbrances. Party B warrants that the Products will be packed, packaged, handled, marked and labeled in accordance with Party A’s requirements under this Agreement or any Purchase Order. If Party B knows or has reason to know the particular purpose for which Party A intends to use the Products, Party B warrants that such Products will be fit for such particular purpose. Party B further warrants that the Products furnished hereunder will conform in all respects to Samples. In addition, Party B warrants that it will comply with all applicable laws, rules and regulations of any governmental authority covering the production, sale, and delivery of the Products.

 

10.5.         Inspection, test, acceptance or use of the Products or services furnished hereunder shall not affect Party B’s warranty obligation under this Agreement. All warranties shall survive inspection, test, acceptance, use and payment and shall be for the benefit of Party A and its successors, assigns, dealers, distributors, customers and users of products sold by Party A. Party B’s warranties shall not be limited in any way by Party A extending express or implied

 

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warranties to its successors, assigns or customers.

 

10.6.         Party B represents and warrants to Party A that Party B has all required business licenses and other certifications to perform its obligations hereunder.

 

11.                   Product Packaging and Labeling

 

11.1.         Party B shall pack, package, and handle the Products in accordance with all prints and designs provided by Party A, and in packaging provided by or approved in writing by Party A, and in accordance with packaging instructions or specifications of Party A.

 

11.2.         Party B will label, imprint, emboss, stamp or otherwise mark all Products and Product packaging supplied pursuant to this Agreement with any serial numbers, Party A’s trademarks, service marks, trade dress, logos, trade names and corporate names (collectively, “Trademark”) and other information as may be specified by Party A. The labeling of all Products and Product packaging will be subject to the prior written approval of Party A.

 

11.3.         Party A hereby grants to Party B a limited, revocable, non-exclusive, non-transferable right to use the Trademarks solely on the Products, and Product packaging supplied or approved by Party A, pursuant to this Agreement. Party B will (a) comply with Party A’s guidelines and instructions regarding use of the Trademarks, as communicated by Party A to Party B from time to time, (b) ensure that all Products in connection with which the Trademarks are used are of the highest standards and workmanship, and of such nature, style, appearance, and quality as to protect the Trademarks and the goodwill associated therewith, and (c) ensure that all usage of the Trademarks will be solely on behalf of, and inure to the benefit of, Party A. Party B shall not put or place any of the Trademarks or any variation or derivation thereof, or any similar mark that could be confused with any of the Trademarks, on any Products or similar products, on any Tooling or similar machines or equipment, or on any other materials whatsoever..

 

11.4.         Party B shall immediately report to Party A if Party B receives notice of, or becomes aware of, any unauthorized or counterfeit goods which use or bear any of the Trademarks (including goods that use or bear the trade dress of the Products), or marks confusingly similar to the Trademarks or goods confusingly similar to the trade dress of the Products, and shall provide assistance as reasonably requested by Party A in order to determine the source of any such unauthorized or counterfeit goods.

 

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12.                   Intellectual Property Rights

 

12.1.  As between Party A and Party B, Party A shall own all Intellectual Property (as hereinafter defined) in (a) the fields of use contemplated by this Agreement, (b) the Tooling, and (c) the Products, and, except as set forth in Clause 12.4, Party B shall not file for or claim any copyright, patent or trademark protection or any other proprietary rights with respect thereto.  “Intellectual Property” shall mean all concepts, inventions (whether or not protected under patent laws), works of authorship, information fixed in any tangible medium of expression (whether or not protected under copyright laws), Moral Rights, mask works, Trademarks, trade dress, trade secrets, publicity rights, names, likenesses, know-how, ideas (whether or not protected under trade secret laws), and all other subject matter protected under patent (or which is not patented, but is subject matter that is protected under patent law), copyright, mask work, trademark, trade secret, or other laws, whether existing now or in the future, whether statutory or common law, in any jurisdiction in the world, for all media now known or later developed, including without limitation all new or useful art, combinations, discoveries, formulae, algorithms, specifications, manufacturing techniques, technical developments, systems, computer architecture, artwork, software, programming, applets, scripts, designs, processes, and methods of doing business.  “Moral Rights” means any right to claim authorship of a work, any right to object to any distortion or other modification of a work, and any similar right, existing under the law of any country, or under any treaty.

 

12.2.         Any knowledge or information that Party B has disclosed or may hereafter disclose to Party A, which in any way relates to the Tooling, Products, or services covered by this Agreement, shall not, unless otherwise specifically agreed to in writing by Party A, be deemed to be confidential or proprietary information of Party B and shall be acquired by Party A free from any restrictions as part of the consideration for this Agreement. Party B shall not assert any claim with respect to any such information against Party A.

 

12.3.         If Party A pays Party B for the development of any Intellectual Property, or any development under this Agreement, whether solely by Party A, solely by Party B, or jointly by the Parties, results in any Intellectual Property, then Party B hereby assigns all right, title and interest in and to said Intellectual Property to Party A. Party B shall notify Party A in writing of any development that it views as constituting Intellectual Property and shall cooperate with and assist Party A in every reasonable way to perfect Party A’s right, title and interest, including but not limited to executing and delivering all additional documents reasonably requested by Party A in order to perfect, register, and/or enforce the same. To the extent that such Intellectual Property is not assignable to Party A pursuant to the applicable laws, Party B

 

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hereby grants Party A an irrevocable, royalty-free, fully paid, exclusive, transferrable, worldwide, and perpetual right and license, including the right to sub-license, to use such non-assignable Intellectual Property for any purpose, including but not limited to the right to (a) use, make, have made, sell, offer to sell, and distribute products anywhere in the world, (b) repair, rebuild, reconstruct, and relocate the Tooling, Products and the relevant products, and (c) reproduce copyrighted materials, distribute copyrighted materials to customers and others, publicly display and prepare derivative works based upon such copyrighted materials.

 

12.4.         In the event that Party B independently conceives of and develops, in each case without any reliance upon or reference to the Intellectual Property of Party A, an invention that relates to the Products or Tooling and that could be incorporated into such Products or Tooling as a component or part thereof (such invention, a “Party B Developed Invention”), then:

 

(a)                                 such Party B Developed Invention shall be solely owned by Party B;

(b)                                 during the Term, Party B shall grant to Party A, and Party A shall be deemed to have automatically without any action on the part of Party B, an exclusive, irrevocable, royalty-free, fully paid up, transferrable, sublicensable, worldwide right and license to use such Party B Developed Invention for the purposes set forth in Clause 12.3 (a) — (c);

(c)                              for a period of 2 years following the Term, Party B shall grant to, and Party A shall be deemed to have automatically without any action on the part of Party B, a non-exclusive, irrevocable, royalty-free, fully paid up, transferrable, sublicensable, worldwide right and license to use such Party B Developed Invention for the purposes set forth in Clause 12.3 (a) — (c); and

(d)                                 during the Term Party B shall not use or incorporate such Party B Developed Invention into any category of goods or products made or sold (or reasonably related to those made or sold) by Party A or into any category of goods or products that Party A may communicate to Party B as contemplated or potential future goods or products of Party A.

 

12.5.         For the avoidance of doubt, no license, immunity or other right under any Intellectual Property rights of Party A is granted to Party B under this Agreement, unless otherwise expressly provided herein. All Tooling, Tooling Specifications, Product Specifications and designs, patterns, drawings or other materials furnished by Party A to Party B, any modifications of such Tooling, Tooling Specifications, Product Specifications and designs, patterns, drawings or other materials created by Party A or Party B or manufactured or acquired by Party B for purpose of this Agreement or paid for by Party A and any replacement thereof, or any materials affixed or attached thereto, and all replacements

 

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thereof, shall be and remain the property of Party A. Party B shall mark or number Party A’s property as directed by Party A and Party A’s property shall be safely stored separate and apart from Party B’s property. Party B shall not substitute any property for any of Party A’s property, shall not deliver or make available to any third party any of Party A’s property and shall not use any of Party A’s property or any property or goods manufactured, developed or created with the aid of Party A’s property, except in fulfilling its contractual obligations to Party A. Party B warrants that Party A’s property will not be frozen, auctioned or under any other disposal as Party B’s property in any circumstances. All Party A’s property, while in Party B’s custody or control, shall be held and operated at Party B’s risk and shall be kept insured by Party B at Party B’s expense in an amount equal to the replacement cost, with loss payable to Party A. Copies of policies or certificates of such insurance will be furnished to Party A upon request. Party B shall not file any application for any patents, copyrights, trademarks or trade names involving any Trademarks or other Intellectual Property of Party A.

 

13.                   Insurance

 

Party B shall obtain, pay for, and maintain insurance meeting or exceeding the minimum insurance requirements set forth on Appendix S6 with policy terms satisfactory to Party A.

 

14.                   Confidentiality; No Right of Publicity

 

14.1            The Parties agree to maintain the confidentiality of each other’s Confidential Information in accordance with the terms and conditions of the Nondisclosure Agreement entered into by the Parties on or about                   , 20    (the “Confidentiality Agreement”), a copy of which is attached hereto as Appendix C1.

 

14.2            During the Term of this Agreement and at all times after the termination or expiration of this Agreement, Party B shall not make any media release or other public announcement relating to or referring to this Agreement without Party A’s prior written consent.  Party B shall acquire no right to use, and shall not use, without Customer’s prior written consent, the corporate names, trade names, trademarks, service marks, artwork, designs, or copyrighted materials, of Party, its related or subsidiary companies, parent, employees, directors, shareholders, assigns, successors or licensees: (a) in any advertising, publicity, press release, customer list, presentation, or promotion; (b) to express or to imply any endorsement of Party A of Party B’s products or services; or (c) in any manner other than expressly in accordance with this Agreement.

 

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15.                   Assignment and Subcontracting

 

All of the obligations of Party B under this Agreement and any Purchase Order shall be performed solely by Party B itself. No right or interest in this Agreement and any Purchase Order shall be assigned by Party B without Party A’s prior written consent, and no delegation of any obligation owed by Party B shall be made without Party A’s prior written consent. Neither is Party B permitted to subcontract any of its obligations under this Agreement and any Purchase Order to any third party without Party A’s prior written consent. Any attempted assignment, delegation or subcontracting shall be wholly void and totally ineffective for all purposes unless made in conformity with this clause.

 

16.                   Anti-Bribery; Anti-Corruption

 

16.1.         Party B hereby warrants that:

 

(a)                     neither it nor any of its officers, directors, employees, representatives or agents will offer, promise, give or authorize the offer, promise or giving to a government official or an employee of a state-owned or controlled enterprise, directly or indirectly, anything of value, for the government official, the employee of a state-owned or controlled enterprise or another person or entity, in order to influence such a person to act or refrain from acting in the exercise of his/her official duties with respect to this Agreement;

 

(b)                     it and its officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents will use only ethical, legitimate and legal business practices in commercial operations and in promoting the position of Party A on issues before governmental authorities; and that it and its officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents will comply with all applicable anti-corruption laws and regulations;

 

(c)                      it and its officers, directors, employees, representatives and agents will never bribe the employees of Party A by any means, including but not limited to providing or promising to provide off-the-book rebate in secret, entertainment allowance, employment arrangement, travel home and abroad, present, discount for shopping and any other material benefits for the employees of Party A or their relatives;

 

(d)                     it will refuse any improper interests in any form required by the employees of Party A and will provide relevant evidence or clues to assist Party A to investigate and prosecute;

 

17


 

(e)                      it shall keep its books and records in such a fashion that its compliance with the foregoing may be readily audited; and

 

(f)                       it shall indemnify Party A from and against any and all claims, losses, damages, liabilities, expenses and costs of whatever nature arising out of or connected with such non-compliance with the foregoing.

 

17.                   Force Majeure

 

17.1.         Neither Party shall be liable for its failure to perform its obligations under this Agreement due to any event or condition, not existing as of the date of this Agreement, not reasonably foreseeable as of such date and not within its reasonable control (“Force Majeure Event”), which prevents in whole or in material part such Party from performing any obligation hereunder, but only the extent and only for the period that such performance is so affected by the Force Majeure Event. Without limiting the foregoing, for purposes of this Agreement, the following, among other events, shall constitute Force Majeure Events: strikes, riots, wars, fire, flood, hurricane, typhoon, earthquake, epidemics, lockouts, embargoes, acts of God, acts of national or government action, or acts in compliance with any law, regulation or governmental order.

 

17.2.         The Party affected by any Force Majeure Event shall promptly notify the other in writing of the occurrence, nature, cause and possible consequence of a Force Majeure Event and the time during which such Force Majeure Event anticipated to affect the notifying Party’s ability to perform its obligations under this Agreement. Upon giving such written notice to the other Party the Party whose performance is affected by the Force Majeure Event shall be released without any liability on its part from the performance of its obligations hereunder, subject to the limitations under Clause 17.1.

 

17.3.         The Party affected by a Force Majeure Event shall use its reasonable efforts to correct or ameliorate conditions giving rise to any delay or failure of performance.

 

17.4.         During the period that the performance of one Party of its obligation hereunder has been suspended due to a Force Majeure Event, the other Party may likewise suspend the performance of all or part of its obligations hereunder provided that such suspension is commercially reasonable. Should a Force Majeure Event continue for a period in excess of 15 days, the Parties shall consult to determinate whether and in what manner to continue their efforts to resume performance under this Agreement.

 

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18.                   Term and Termination; Restrictive Covenant

 

18.1.         This Agreement shall commence on the Effective Date, and shall remain in effect until                , 20  , unless earlier terminated pursuant to Clause 18.4 or Clause 18.2 hereunder; provided, however, Party A shall have the option to extend the Term by      (   ) additional years on the terms in effect as of          , 20   by delivering a written notice to Party B at least         (  ) calendar days prior to              ,      (as extended, if applicable, “Term”), unless earlier terminated pursuant to Clause 18.2 hereunder.

 

18.2.         During the Term of this Agreement, in case of the occurrence of one of following events of Party B, Party A shall be entitled to immediately terminate this Agreement and all outstanding Purchase Orders by informing Party B in writing five (5) calendar days in advance, but without taking any liability for compensation to Party B:

 

(a)                     Major lawsuits appear;

 

(b)                     its legal representative or senior management are involved in criminal investigation;

 

(c)                      it is merged, acquired, shut down, or liquidated;

 

(d)                     it fails to pay back loans or owe any third party a substantial amount of money;

 

(e)                      it is in any breach of Clause 16 of this Agreement; or

 

(f)                       it is in any material breach of this Agreement (other than the breach of Clause 16) which remains uncured after a thirty (30) calendar days written notice thereof from Party A.

 

18.3.         Any such termination shall be without prejudice to any other rights and remedies that Party A may be entitled to at law.

 

18.4.         Party B shall not be exempted from the responsibility for the product quality requirements stipulated in this Agreement after the termination hereof.

 

18.5.         Clauses [5.1, 6.4, 7, 10.2, 10.3, 10.4, 10.5, 12, 14 and 16 to 22] shall survive the termination of this Agreement.

 

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18.6.         During the Term, Party B will not sell any [          or similar products] to any customer other than Party A. In the event that Party A terminates this Agreement pursuant to Section 18.2 or in the event that Party B refuses to renew this Agreement or the relationship between the Parties on commercially reasonable terms upon expiration of the Term, then, for the one (1) year following such termination, Party B will not sell any [           or similar products] to any customer.

 

19.                   Indemnification

 

19.1.         Party B shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Party A, its successors, assigns, subsidiaries, parents, customers and those selling and using Party A’s products from and against any and all costs, including without limitation reasonable attorney’s fees, damages and liabilities resulting from actual or alleged infringement of or interference with any patent, trademark, copyright, trade secret, proprietary right, license or other right, unless such claim for infringement or interference is based solely upon drawings and specifications furnished to Party B by Party A. Party B also agrees upon receipt of notification to promptly assume full responsibility for defense of any demand, suit or proceeding which may be brought against Party A, its agents, customers or other vendors for any alleged unfair competition resulting from similarity in design, trademark or appearance of goods or services furnished hereunder. Party A may be represented by and actively participate through its own counsel in any suit or proceeding if it so desires, and the costs of such representation shall be paid by Party B. Party B shall not settle any claims against or involving Party A without written consent of Party A unless such settlement releases Party A in full from all liabilities and does not contain any obligations in respect of Party A.

 

19.2.         Party B shall, in the event of complaints, claims or legal actions alleging damage or injury resulting from the purchase, sale or use of the Tooling, the Products or services described herein, indemnify, defend and hold Party A harmless from and against any and all such liabilities and costs, including without limitation, all expenses, losses, royalties, profits, damages, court costs and reasonable attorney’s fees, and will assume the full responsibility and expenses of investigation, litigation and settlement of any such complaints, claims or legal actions. Party A may be represented by and actively participate through its own counsel in any suit or proceeding if it so desires, and the costs of such representation shall be paid by Party B. Party B agrees to include this clause in any subcontracts issued hereunder.

 

19.3.         Party B shall defend, indemnify and hold Party A harmless from and against any and all damages, claims or liabilities and expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, arising or

 

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resulting in any way from any defect in the Products or services purchased hereunder, or from any act or omission of Party B, its agents, employees or subcontractors. This indemnification shall be in addition to the warranty obligations of Party B.

 

19.4.         If any article, apparatus, material, component or part thereof, or any device or process necessarily resulting from the use thereof or process or method for using the Products, is held in a suit or proceeding to constitute infringement or misappropriation, and the manufacture, sale or use of the article, apparatus, material, component, part, device, process or method is enjoined, Party B shall, at its own expense and at Party A’s sole option, either (a) procure for Party A the right to continue making, using or selling the article, apparatus, material, component, part, device, process or method, (b) if the form, fit, function or performance thereof will not be materially adversely affected, replace the same with a noninfringing article, apparatus, material, component, part, device, process or method, or modify it so it becomes noninfringing, or (c) remove the article, apparatus or material or component and refund to Party A the total Product Purchase Price in aggregate during the Term and the transportation and installation costs thereof.

 

20.                   Governing Law and Disputes Resolution

 

20.1.         This Agreement, and all purchases of Products, Tooling, and services by Party A will be governed exclusively by the internal laws of the State of Texas, without giving effect to choice of law principles and without giving effect to the United Nations Convention regarding Contracts for the International Sale of Goods (which the Parties expressly exclude).  The Parties agree that any and all disputes, claims, or litigation arising from or related in any way to this Agreement or Party A’s purchases shall be resolved exclusively by the courts in         , and each Party waives any objections against, and agrees to submit to the personal jurisdiction of, such state and federal courts, including objections or defenses based upon an inconvenient forum.

 

20.2.         The Parties’ shared objective is to resolve all disputes of any nature that may arise between them as amicably and efficiently as possible, and neither Party will unreasonably delay the resolution of a dispute.

 

20.3.         A “dispute” arises when there is a cause of action or claim for relief that either Party could have asserted in court but for this Agreement to arbitrate. Promptly after a dispute arises, executives from each of Party A and Party B who are senior (when possible) to the people with responsibility for administering this Agreement and who have the authority to resolve the dispute will meet face to face at a mutually agreeable location and attempt in good faith to

 

21



 

resolve the dispute.  If these executives are unable to resolve the dispute at their meeting, either party may request that the dispute be submitted to mediation within thirty (30) calendar days after the face to face meeting.  The mediation will be conducted within thirty (30) calendar days after submission by              in accordance with its guidelines.  Each Party will be represented at the mediation by at least one senior executive with sufficient authority to resolve the dispute.  Party A and Party B will each bear their own costs and expenses incurred in connection with the mediation proceeding and will each pay one-half of the costs and expenses of the mediation, including the fees and expenses of the mediator.

 

20.4.         Any and all disputes of whatever nature arising between the Parties, not resolved between the Parties themselves or through mediation, will promptly be submitted to binding arbitration before a single arbitrator in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association (the “AAA”), except as modified in this Agreement.  Either or both Parties may submit the dispute to the AAA.  If resolution of the dispute may affect another supplier of the same or similar products or services, at the request of either Party, that potentially affected supplier may participate in the arbitration as an additional party upon agreeing in writing to be bound by Clauses 20.4 and 20.5 of this Agreement. If no demand for arbitration is received by the AAA within twelve months from the date it first arose, all claims of the Parties arising from or relating to the dispute will be forever barred.  The arbitration hearing must be concluded within one hundred and fifty (150) days following appointment of the arbitrator.  Within thirty (30) calendar days following appointment of the arbitrator, the Party that demanded arbitration must disclose and provide to every other party copies of all documents that support or refute its demand and identify all persons it will call as witnesses at the arbitration hearing.  Twenty (20) calendar days after receiving the required disclosures from the Party that demanded arbitration, each other party must disclose and provide to the Party that demanded arbitration copies of all documents that support or refute (a) its opposition to the arbitration demand, and (b) any counterclaims it asserts as part of the arbitration.  Fifteen (15) calendar days after receiving the required submissions regarding any counterclaims, any party against whom a counterclaim has been asserted must disclose and provide to each other party copies of all documents that support or refute the counterclaim. The Parties have intentionally limited the obligation to produce documents to those documents that support or refute their positions because they wish to avoid the burden and cost of producing less relevant documents.  If a party desires to depose a witness identified by another party, the deposing party must request the deposition within thirty (30) calendar days after the witness has been identified.  If the witness is an employee or under the control of a party, that party must make the witness available for deposition at a mutually convenient time and place within sixty (60) calendar days after the deposition request is made.  If a party is able to produce the witness for deposition, the

 

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deposing party may seek to compel the witness’s deposition pursuant to AAA rules.  No deposition may exceed six (6) hours.  No other pre-hearing discovery will be allowed.  Arbitration under this Agreement will be in lieu of all other remedies and procedures available to the Parties, provided that either Party may seek specific performance, preliminary injunctive or other interlocutory relief prior to the commencement of or during the arbitration proceeding.  If a Party refuses to participate in an arbitration proceeding as required by this Agreement, the other Party may petition any court having proper jurisdiction for an order directing the refusing Party to participate in the arbitration proceeding.  All costs and expenses incurred by the petitioning Party in enforcing the terms of this Agreement will be paid by the refusing Party.

 

20.5.         Each Party will proceed in good faith to conclude the arbitration proceeding as quickly as reasonably possible.  The arbitration proceeding will be confidential between the Parties and there will be no verbatim or recorded record of the proceeding.  The arbitrator’s determination will be binding and conclusive and the arbitration award may be confirmed in any court having proper jurisdiction.  Party A and Party B will bear their own costs and expenses incurred in connection with the arbitration proceeding and each Party will pay one-half of the costs and expenses of the arbitration, including the fees and expenses of the arbitrator.  Any payments or reimbursements required by the decision of the arbitrator will be made within thirty (30) days following the decision.

 

20.6.         This section will not prevent either Party from joining, or bringing a claim against, the other Party in a Products liability action.  However, if (a) only one of the Parties was a defendant in a Products liability action that has been finally decided or (b) only one of the Parties is a Party to the settlement of a Products liability action, then any contribution claim by defendant or settling Party against the other Party regarding that Products liability action will be subject to the provisions of this section, including mandatory arbitration.  A dispute between the Parties about contribution in a Products liability action will be deemed to have arisen at the time:  (c) the Products liability action was finally decided or (d) at the time the settlement agreement for the Products liability action was executed.

 

20.7.

 

21.                   Miscellaneous

 

21.1.         Nothing set forth in this Agreement shall be deemed or interpreted to establish any partnership, joint venture, or other cooperative business relationship between the Parties. Neither Party shall have the right or authority to assume or create any obligations on behalf

 

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of the other Party, express or implied, nor to have any rights to the assets, business interests, or property of the other Party, except as expressed herein.

 

21.2.         This Agreement and the Appendices attached hereto (including any addendum to such Appendices entered into in accordance with the terms of this Agreement) constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the Parties respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements or understandings, inducements or conditions, expressed or implied, written or oral, between the Parties relating to the subject matter hereof.

 

21.3.         This Agreement may only be amended in accordance with the terms hereof or by means of a writing signed by both Parties.

 

21.4.         If any term or other provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid, illegal or otherwise incapable of being enforced, all other terms and provisions of this Agreement will nevertheless remain in full force and effect. Upon any such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the Parties will 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, to the end that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement are consummated to the fullest extent possible.

 

21.5.         Failure by either Party to enforce any provision of this Agreement or to exercise any right in respect of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver of such Party’s rights to enforce the same or any other provision or to exercise the same or any other right.

 

21.6.         Except as specifically provided herein, all notices and other communications given in relation to this Agreement shall be in writing, delivered by hand or sent first class registered post, facsimile or via electronic correspondence and delivered to the other Party at the designated address provided by such Party on the cover page of this Agreement or in a writing delivered after the date hereof in accordance with this Clause 21.6.

 

21.7.         The Appendices of this Agreement include:

 

Appendix T1: The New Tooling

 

Appendix T2: Tooling Specifications

 

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Appendix T3: Tooling Purchase Price

 

Appendix S1: The Products

 

Appendix S2: The Product Specifications

 

Appendix S3: The Product Purchase Price, Product Purchase Price Adjustment Process, and Payment Terms

 

Appendix S4: Additional Performance Covenants

 

Appendix S5: Party A’s Workplace Code of Conduct Policy

 

Appendix S6: Minimum Insurance Requirements

 

Appendix S7: Copies of Business License and other Certificates by Party B

 

Appendix C1:  Nondisclosure Agreement

 

The Appendices hereto (including all addendums and annexes thereto) form an inalienable part of this Agreement and shall have equal legal effect as this Agreement.

 

21.8.         This Agreement is executed in two originals, with each Party holding one original. Each counterpart shall be of the same legal force and effect.

 

[Signature Pages Follows Next]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be duly executed on their respective behalf, by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized, all as of the date first above written.

 

 

Party A: YETI COOLERS, LLC

Party B:

 

 

 

 

Authorized representative:

Authorized representative:

 

 

 

 

Title:

Title:

 

 

 

 

Signature:

Signature:

 

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Appendix T1: New Tooling

 

[To include:

Description of each item of Tooling

Place of Delivery, and Delivery timeline]

 

27



 

Addendum No.      to Appendix T1

List of Additional Tooling

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Addendum to be duly executed on their respective behalf, by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized.

 

Party A: YETI COOLERS, LLC

Party B:

 

 

Authorized representative:

Authorized representative:

 

 

Title: Signature:

Title: Signature:

 

 

Date:

Date:

 

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Appendix T2: Tooling Specifications

[To include preliminary drawings]

 

29



 

Addendum No.     to Appendix T2

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Addendum to be duly executed on their respective behalf, by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized.

 

Party A: YETI COOLERS, LLC

Party B:

 

 

Authorized representative:

Authorized representative:

 

 

Title: Signature:

Title: Signature:

 

 

Date:

Date:

 

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Appendix T3: The Tooling Purchase Price

 

[To include Tooling Purchase Price and number of part units which, once reached, triggers Party B’s obligation to repay the Tooling Purchase Price to Party A]

 

All payments will be made in United States Dollars.

 

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Appendix S1: List Products

 

Addendum No.      to Appendix S1

List of Additional Products

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Addendum to be duly executed on their respective behalf, by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized.

 

Party A: YETI COOLERS, LLC

Party B:

 

 

Authorized representative:

Authorized representative:

 

 

Title: Signature:

Title: Signature:

 

 

Date:

Date:

 

32



 

Appendix S2: The Product Specifications

 

33



 

Addendum No.     to Appendix S2

 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have caused this Addendum to be duly executed on their respective behalf, by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized.

 

Party A: YETI COOLERS, LLC

Party B:

 

 

Authorized representative:

Authorized representative:

 

 

Title: Signature:

Title: Signature:

 

 

Date:

Date:

 

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Appendix S3: The Product Purchase Price, Product Purchase Price Adjustment Process, Payment Terms

 

The initial Product Purchase Price for the Products set forth on Appendix S1 shall be the following:

 

Ongoing Pricing Review and Adjustment:

 

Both parties agree to assign resources to support an ongoing product conversion cost improvement process in the following manner:

 

Each year of this agreement, both parties will work together to reduce the overall conversion, overhead, and indirect costs of the products by a target of 10% per year, exclusive of the impacts to price related to labor rate changes, raw material and component prices, and foreign currency fluctuations. This targeted reduction will include, but is not limited to, the reduction of labor hours into the product, the reduction of scrap, the reduction of overhead costs, and the reduction of VAT, Duty, Freight or other costs that directly impact the product. During the month of November each year, the parties agree to define the current product costing and lock the BOM and overall product pricing to benchmark the target improvement for the following year. This is to be documented and shared between both parties. Resources are to be assigned and project plans developed to identify those requirements and to oversee the project plans through the course of the year, reporting out monthly on the improvements made and how they map to the target reductions in the product cost. As projects are confirmed and in place for 2 months, reductions will be captured. At the end of each quarter, the product cost will be reduced by the amounts agreed upon and POs updated to reflect said cost.

 

Payment for each invoice will be made by Party A as follows:

 

All payments will be made in United States Dollars.

 

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Appendix S4: Additional Performance Covenants

 

Party B shall provide access and adequate office space at Party B’s facilities during all hours of operation for up to three employees or contractors of Party A (“Inspectors”) designated by Party A from time to time. Party B shall provide all utilities and internet and wireless access to such Inspectors. Party A shall be responsible for all compensation payable to such Inspectors. The Inspectors shall have full rights to inspect all areas of Party B’s facilities and those of its sub-suppliers or subcontractors, if any, all Tooling, raw materials, inventories, Products, including “defective” and “off-quality” Products, suppliers and records relating to the Products, raw materials or suppliers.

 

36


 

Appendix S5: Party A’s Workplace Code of Conduct Policy

 

Compliance with all applicable laws, regulations and rules

 

37



 

Appendix S6: Minimum Insurance Requirements

 

Party B shall obtain, pay for, and maintain in full force and effect during the Term insurance as follows:

 

(a)                         Workers’ Compensation and Employers’ Liability insurance with limits to conform with the greater of the amount required by applicable law or one million dollars ($1,000,000) each accident, including occupational disease coverage and an endorsement to the Workers’ Compensation and Employers’ Liability insurance policy, in form acceptable to Party A, containing a waiver of subrogation by the insurance carrier with respect to the additional insureds;

 

(b)                         Commercial General Liability insurance with limits not less than five million dollars ($5,000,000) combined single limit for bodily injury, death, and property damage, including personal injury, contractual liability, independent contractors, broad-form property damage, and products and completed operations coverage; and,

 

(c)                          Commercial Automobile Liability insurance with limits not less than one million dollars ($1,000,000) each occurrence combined single limit of liability for bodily injury, death, and property damage, including owned and non-owned and hired automobile coverages, as applicable.

 

As evidence of insurance coverage, Party B shall deliver (a) certificates of insurance issued by Party B’s insurance carrier showing each of these policies in force during the Term of this Agreement, and (b) an endorsement to each required policy, in form acceptable to Party A, naming Party A and its parent, subsidiaries, divisions and affiliated companies, and all of their respective directors, officers, shareholders, employees and representatives as additional insureds (except for the Workers’ Compensation and Employers’ Liability policies).   To the extent any insurance coverage required under this Agreement is purchased on a “claims-made” basis, such insurance shall cover all prior acts of Party B during the Term, and such insurance shall be continuously maintained until at least two (2) years beyond the expiration or termination of the Term, or Party B shall purchase “tail” coverage, effective upon termination of any such policy or upon termination or expiration of the Term, to provide coverage for at least two (2) years from the occurrence of either such event.  Party B shall give thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to Party A of cancellation, non-renewal, or material change in coverage, scope, or amount of any policy.

 

38



 

Appendix S7: Copies of Business License and other Certificates by Party B

 

39



 

Appendix C1: Nondisclosure Agreement

 

40





Exhibit 10.16

 

SUBLEASE AGREEMENT

 

THIS SUBLEASE AGREEMENT (this “Sublease”) is made and entered into this 8 day of February, 2013, by and between YETI COOLERS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Sublessee”) and OVERWATCH SYSTEMS, LTD., a Delaware corporation, (the “Sublessor”).

 

WHEREAS, by lease dated December 9, 2005, as amended by four (4) additional amendments (collectively the “Lease”) Sublessor leased from TDC-AIS Overwatch, L.P., predecessor-in-interest to OS AUSTIN PROJECT CORPORATION (the “Lessor”) certain premises consisting of approximately 48.117 acres of land out of the Thomas Anderson Survey No. 17, Abstract No. 2 in Travis County, Texas, and the improvements to be constructed thereon, as more particularly described therein, also known as 5301 Southwest Parkway, Austin, TX 78735 (the “Premises”);

 

WHEREAS, Sublessor has agreed to sublease a portion of the Premises, consisting of approximately twenty one thousand five hundred thirty two (21,532) square feet on the second (2nd) floor of the building located on the Premises, known as Suite 200 and more particularly described on Exhibit “A” attached hereto (the “Subleased Premises A”) to Sublessee on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth; and

 

WHEREAS, Sublesssor has agreed to sublease an additional portion of the Premises, consisting of four thousand six hundred twelve (4,612) square feet of space, more particularly described on Exhibit “E-1” attached hereto (the “Subleased Premises B”) to the Sublessee on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the rents, covenants, agreements, stipulations and provisions contained herein to be paid, kept and performed by both Sublessee and Sublessor, the parties do hereby agree as follows:

 

1.              DEFINITIONS:  Unless otherwise set forth in this Sublease, all capitalized terms shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Lease.  All references to the Subleased Premises hereinafter shall be deemed to refer collectively to Subleased Premises A and Subleased Premises B.

 

2.              SUBLEASE TERM:  For Subleased Premises A, Sublessor does hereby demise and sublease the Subleased Premises to Sublessee and Sublessee does hereby sublease the Subleased Premises from Sublessor commencing on the earlier of (a) the date the Sublessee’s improvements are substantially complete in accordance with Sublessee’s Work (defined below) which shall be no later than sixty (60) days following Sublessee’s receipt of a construction permit and any other necessary approvals to perform the Sublessee’s Work, or (b) the date Sublessee commences business operations in the Premises (the “Commencement Date”) and ending on the termination of the Lease,

 



 

currently scheduled for July 31, 2017 (the “Termination Date”), unless sooner terminated pursuant to any provision hereof (the “Term”). Promptly upon the occurrence of the Commencement Date, Sublessee and Sublessor shall execute a letter addendum to this Sublease confirming such Commencement Date.

 

Subleased Premises B’s commencement date shall be nine (9) months following the Commencement Date for Subleased Premises A (the “Expansion Date”) and shall also terminate on the Termination Date.

 

3.              USE:  The Subleased Premises shall be used for Sublessee’s office use, and for no other use whatsoever.  Upon the execution of this Sublease, and any consents needed, Sublessee shall, at no cost, have access to up to ten thousand (10,000) square feet of space within Subleased Premises A (the “Pre-Commencement Space”) during construction of Sublessee’s Work until the Commencement Date of this Sublease.

 

4.              RENT:  It is agreed between the parties hereto that Sublessee shall occupy the Pre­Commencement Space rent-free until the Commencement Date.  Sublessee covenants and agrees to pay to Sublessor, without deduction or set off, rental for the Term (the “Rent”) as follows:

 

Term

 

Gross Rate

 

Sq. Footage

 

Monthly Rent

 

Months 1-2

 

 

 

 

 

$

0.00

 

Months 3-12

 

$23.00 per RSF

 

14,000 NRA

 

$

26,833.33

 

Months 13-24

 

$23.50 per RSF

 

22,112 NRA

 

$

43,302.67

 

Months 25-36

 

$24.00 per RSF

 

26,144 NRA

 

$

52,288.00

 

Months 37-48

 

$24.50 per RSF

 

26,144 NRA

 

$

53,377.33

 

Months 49-End

 

$25.00 per RSF

 

26,144 NRA

 

$

54,466.67

 

 

In the event any payment of Rent is not paid within five (5) days following the date due, Sublessee shall pay to Sublessor, upon demand, a late charge equal to five cents for each dollar overdue.  All Rent is payable in advance in the aforesaid monthly installments of Rent on the first day of each month, with interest at the maximum rate per year permitted by law on any unpaid installments from the date due until paid in full.  Rent payable for any partial month will be prorated on a daily basis.  Upon execution of the Sublease, Sublessee shall pay Rent for month three (3) of the Term to be applied toward the rent due for the third (3rd) full calendar month of the Term.

 

5.              SECURITY DEPOSIT:  Concurrently with the execution hereof, Sublessee shall deposit with Sublessor the sum of Forty-Four Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty Eight Dollars ($44,858.00) (the “Security Deposit”) to insure the timely and faithful performance of each of the terms and conditions hereof by Sublessee.  Sublessor shall have the right to commingle said funds with other funds of Sublessor.  Sublessor shall hold the Security Deposit and shall have the right, but not the obligation, to use the same to cure any

 

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default by Sublessee hereunder or to repair any damage to the Subleased Premises caused by Sublessee, its employees, agents or invitees.  In the absence of any default or damage to the Subleased Premises, Sublessor shall repay said sum, without interest, to Sublessee within sixty (60) days following the end of the Term, as the same may be extended.  In the event Sublessor applies the Security Deposit or any portion thereof in accordance with this Paragraph 5, Sublessee shall be obligated immediately to pay to Sublessor the amount required to restore the Security Deposit to its original amount.  This section shall survive the expiration of the Sublease.

 

6.              TIME AND PLACE OF PAYMENT:  With the exception of the payment of the third month’s Rent for Subleased Premises A, which shall be delivered by Sublessee to Sublessor upon Sublessee’s execution of this Sublease, all payments of Rent shall be made, in advance, without notice, on the first (1st) day of each month during the Term, and addressed to address in the Notice provision or to such other person or at such other place as Sublessor may from time to time designate in writing.

 

7.              OPERATING EXPENSE:  Utilities, janitorial, building management, building maintenance and property taxes are included in the Rent above.  The Rent is inclusive of all operating expenses and there will be no operating expense pass throughs over the Term of the Sublease.  Normal operating hours and HVAC hours for the Premises are from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturdays.  If Sublessee requires after hours HVAC, there will not be a charge for after hour HVAC through the entire Term.

 

8.              BUSINESS PRIVILEGE TAXES, BUSINESS USE TAXES AND OCCUPANCY TAXES:  Sublessee agrees to pay any revenue tax or charge, occupancy tax, business privilege tax, business use tax or any other tax that may be levied against the Subleased Premises or Sublessee’s use or occupancy thereof during the Term.

 

9.              RIGHT OF ENTRY:  Following the execution of this Sublease and prior to the Commencement Date, Sublessee shall have twenty-four (24) hour access to the Pre-Commencement Space and the Subleased Premises.  The purpose of said access includes, but it not limited to, evaluating what alterations, repairs or improvements are needed to modify the Subleased Premises for its use.  Sublessee may not commence any such alteration, repair or improvement until Sublessor and Lessor shall have consented thereto pursuant to Paragraph 11 and Lessor shall have consented to this Sublease.  Sublessee’s access to the Subleased Premises prior to the Commencement Date shall be subject to all of the terms and conditions of this Sublease, except for the payment of Rent.  Sublessee hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Sublessor and Lessor from any and all liability, claims, demands, expenses, damages and judgments arising as a result of Sublessee’s access to the Subleased Premises pursuant to this Paragraph 9, except Sublessee shall have no liability for Sublessor’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

 

10.       ACCEPTANCE AND SURRENDER OF SUBLEASED PREMISES:  Except as otherwise set forth herein, Sublessee agrees to accept the Subleased Premises in its present “as is” condition at the date of this Sublease, it being both parties intent that Sublessee shall bear the full cost and expense of modifying or renovating the Subleased Premises for its use.  Provided Sublessee is not in default hereunder, Sublessor agrees to

 

3



 

provide Sublessee with a sublessee work allowance in the amount of Eleven Dollars per RSF ($11.00) on the entire Subleased Premises (the “Work Allowance”) in connection with the completion by Sublessee of the work on Subleased Premises A and Subleased Premises B more particularly described on Exhibit “B” attached hereto and made a part hereof (collectively, the “Sublessee’s Work”).  The Work Allowance shall be paid by Sublessor directly to Sublessee’s general contractor within thirty (30) days following Sublessor’s receipt of (a) detailed invoices for all of Sublessee’s Work; (b) release of liens executed by all contractors, subcontractors, materialmen and suppliers that performed work which is the subject of the invoice, and (c) such other documentation as may be reasonably required by Sublessor.

 

At Sublessee’s option, Sublessee shall have the right to self-fund the Work Allowance and/or the Moving Allowance (defined below) and receive a dollar-for-dollar credit against each installment of Rent until such time as Sublessee has recouped the entire amount of the self-funded Work Allowance and/or Moving Allowance.  Sublessee shall provide written notice of its intent to exercise this option to Sublessor within ten (10) days of receipt of Lessor’s consent to this Sublease.

 

The Work Allowance is meant to be comprehensive including but not limited to architectural, engineering fees, actual construction material, labor, phone and data cabling equipment, security network, and monument signage costs.  Sublessee shall not be charged for any fee associated with Sublessor’s or Lessor’s review/supervision of the construction of the Sublessee’s Work.

 

Sublessor shall also provide Sublessee a Moving Allowance not to exceed $2.00 per RSF for the Subleased Premises to be used for voice and data cabling and moving related expenses (the “Moving Allowance”).  The Moving Allowance for Subleased Premises A shall be paid by Sublessor directly to Sublessee within 30 days of the Commencement Date.  The Moving Allowance for Subleased Premises B shall be paid by Sublessor directly to Sublessee within 30 days of the Expansion Date.

 

In addition to the Work Allowance and the Moving Allowance, Sublessor has agreed to and paid $0.10 per square foot toward the cost of a test fit with Sublessee’s architect.

 

11.       ALTERATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS:  Sublessee agrees to obtain Sublessor’s and Lessor’s prior written approval of alterations, modifications, repairs or renovations made to the Subleased Premises.  Sublessor agrees that it shall promptly review plans and drawings submitted and that it will not unreasonably delay or deny approval with respect to non-structural alterations.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Sublessor’s consent to such alterations shall be subject to Lessor’s consent thereto.  Any alterations, modifications or renovations of or to the Subleased Premises shall be limited to partition changes (non­bearing walls), electrical and mechanical alterations, telephone relocations, and decorating.  The structural integrity of the Building will not be disturbed in any way.  Sublessee shall provide Sublessor with a waiver of liens prior to the commencement of any alterations or modifications to the Subleased Premises and a release of liens at the completion of any alterations or modifications to the Subleased Premises executed by all contractors who performed such alterations or modifications.  In addition, Sublessee agrees that all work performed upon the Subleased Premises shall be done in a good and

 

4



 

workmanlike manner and shall be in accordance with all applicable law.  Unless expressly agreed to the contrary, all alterations, modifications and renovations, upon completion of construction thereof, shall become part of the Subleased Premises and the property of Lessor without payment therefore by Sublessor and shall be surrendered to Lessor under the Lease at the end of the Term or upon sooner termination of this Sublease pursuant to the terms hereof.  Sublessee shall not be responsible for any alterations that were completed by Sublessor prior to Sublessee occupying the Subleased Premises.  Sublessee shall not have any restoration obligations with respect to the Sublessee’s Work.

 

Sublessee has requested and Sublessor has consented to the use of Sublessor’s office furniture, office equipment, and any existing fixtures and cabling (collectively, the “Furniture”), currently located in the Subleased Premises and described on Exhibit “C”, attached hereto.  The Furniture is in AS-IS condition and shall remain the property of Sublessor.  If any repairs are needed to the office equipment, it shall be at Sublessee’s expense.  The Furniture shall be returned to the Sublessor in its original condition, ordinary wear and tear and casualty excepted.  Sublessor will remove any furniture, equipment, fixtures, or cabling not specified on Exhibit “C” prior to the Commencement Date.  Sublessor shall remove the Furniture upon termination of this Sublease, unless otherwise agreed upon by both parties.

 

Sublessee agrees not to perform any construction in Subleased Premises B until after the Expansion Date.  Work Allowance for Subleased Premises B will be paid in accordance with Paragraph 10.

 

Sublessee has requested and Sublessor has agreed that on or before the Expansion Date, Sublessor shall oversee and complete the installation of a fire-rated corridor connecting Subleased Premises B to Subleased Premises A (as more particularly described on Exhibit “E” attached hereto and made a part hereof) and otherwise demise the Subleased Premises to Sublessee at Sublessor’s sole cost and expense subject to all applicable codes and regulations (the “Demising Work”).  The costs of the Demising Work, including, without limitation, the costs of installing and painting the demising walls shall be paid by Sublessor.

 

12.       REPAIRS/MAINTENANCE:  Sublessee shall, throughout the Term, at its sole cost and expense, keep the Subleased Premises clean, keep waste and drain pipes open and generally maintain the Subleased Premises and the improvements now or hereafter comprising all or any part of the Subleased Premises and the fixtures and appurtenances thereto in good order, repair and condition normal wear and tear only excepted.  Sublessee shall, throughout the Term promptly report all damage or injury to the Subleased Premises, caused by (a) the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Sublessee or its employees, agents, invitees, licensees, subtenants or contractors; (b) the act of moving in or out of the Subleased Premises; and/or (c) the installation and/or removal of any furniture, fixtures or other property.  Sublessor will make the repairs and the Sublessee shall pay for the cost.

 

13.       LEASE CONTROLLING:  The Lease.  Sublessee acknowledges that it is fully familiar with the terms of the Lease, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof as

 

5



 

Exhibit “D”.  Sublessee hereby agrees to perform and observe all of the responsibilities, covenants, terms and obligations on the part of Sublessor as tenant to be performed or observed under the Lease with respect to the Subleased Premises during the Term or any option terms of this Sublease, other than the obligation to pay to Lessor the fixed rent and additional rent provided in the Lease.

 

Sublessor shall not be bound by any warranties and representations made by the Lessor in the Lease, nor shall Sublessor be obligated to perform any of the terms, covenants, conditions and agreements in the Lease required to be performed by the Lessor; and Sublessee agrees to look solely to the Lessor for the performance of the same.  Sublessee further covenants and agrees not to violate or cause to be violated any of the terms and provisions of the Lease.  Sublessee shall be bound by all of the restrictions and limitations placed upon Sublessor as tenant under the Lease, as if Sublessor were the landlord and the Sublessee were the tenant thereunder.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained or implied herein, Sublessee acknowledges that Sublessee is hereby granted no more rights or privileges with respect to the Subleased Premises than Sublessor, as tenant, has under the Lease.  Sublessee further covenants and agrees that it shall not engage in any dispute with, or file any action against Lessor without obtaining Sublessor’s prior written consent thereto, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, and Sublessee hereby expressly waives any rights it may have to engage in any such dispute or file any such action without said consent of Sublessor.

 

In the event the Lease is terminated pursuant to its terms for any reason, this Sublease shall automatically cease and terminate as of the date upon which the Lease is so terminated, without recourse to Sublessee.  In the event Sublessee incurs costs in curing such default, Sublessee may receive a dollar-for-dollar credit against future installments of Rent until such time as Sublessee has recouped the entire amount incurred in remedying such default.  Sublessor hereby covenants to timely pay all rent and other sums due and owing to Lessor under the Lease, perform the covenants and undertakings of Sublessor as tenant under the Lease to the extent the same are not Sublessee’s obligations herein during the term of this Sublease, and agrees not to do or permit to be done any act which shall result in a violation of any of the terms and conditions of said Lease.  Sublessor shall promptly provide Sublessee with copies of any default notices received from Lessor under the Lease.  Sublessor shall not amend or modify the Lease in any manner which affects Sublessee’s use and occupancy of the Subleased Premises without first obtaining the written consent of Sublessee, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

 

Sublessee hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold harmless Sublessor against any and all claims, loss and damage, including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, which may at any time be asserted by Lessor against Sublessor for failure of Sublessee to perform any of the covenants, agreements, terms, provisions of conditions contained in the Lease, which, by reason of the provisions of this Sublease, Sublessee is obligated to perform.  Sublessee further indemnifies and agrees to hold harmless Sublessor from any costs, expenses, claims or damages, including without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, arising during the Term or option terms hereof with respect to the Subleased Premises or Sublessee’s use and occupancy thereof.

 

6



 

Notwithstanding anything in this Sublease contained to the contrary, Sublessor shall not be liable for any of the obligations, duties, responsibilities or liabilities of the Lessor under the Lease or for the failure or any delay by the Lessor to perform or discharge the same.  Sublessor shall not be obligated upon, or to take any action by reason of any matter relating to the operation, maintenance, repair, replacement or restoration of the Premises or any facilities or services thereof.

 

Neither party will do or permit anything to be done which would cause the Lease to be terminated or forfeited by reason of any right of termination or forfeiture reserved or vested in the Lessor under the Lease.  Sublessee will indemnify and hold Sublessor harmless from and against (a) all damages of any kind whatsoever arising from any breach or default on its part by reason of which the Lease shall be terminated or forfeited, and (b) all other liabilities, claims and damages arising out of or in connection with the use and occupancy of the Subleased Premises, unless due to the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Sublessor.

 

14.       LEASE IN EFFECT:  Sublessor warrants and represents, to the best of Sublessor’s knowledge, information and belief, that the Lease is subsisting and is in full force and effect, Sublessor is not in default thereunder, and all rents, additional rents and charges due thereunder are and will be paid.

 

15.       SUBLETTING OR ASSIGNMENT:  Sublessee covenants that it will not assign its interest in this Sublease, in whole or in part, or permit the subletting of the Subleased Premises or any part thereof without the prior written consent of Sublessor, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Permitted Transfer, as defined in Section 11E of the Lease, shall not be considered an assignment under the terms of this Sublease.  In the event of any permitted assignment or subletting at a rental rate in excess of that being charged to Sublessee hereunder, Sublessee shall pay to Sublessor, as collected, half of such excess rents after deducting all reasonable fees incurred in connection with such assignment or sublease.  Sublessee shall be entitled to retain fifty percent (50%) of any profit from the assignment or subletting of its rights hereunder.

 

16.       INSURANCE AND INDEMNITY:  Sublessee agrees to indemnify and hold harmless both Sublessor and Lessor from and against all liability, claims, demands, expenses, damages and judgments arising from Sublessee’s breach of this Sublease and from property damage or injury to third parties (including wrongful death) upon the Subleased Premises during the Term or any extension thereof, unless due to the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Sublessor.  Sublessee agrees, at its own cost and expense, to keep the Subleased Premises insured under a public liability policy against claims for property damage and personal injury to third parties (including wrongful death).  The minimum amounts of such insurance coverage shall not be less than the amounts required by the Lease.  Upon execution of this Sublease by Sublessee and at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration date of such policies, Sublessee shall furnish to Lessor and Sublessor a certificate or certificates of insurance confirming that the required insurance is in full force and effect with all premiums paid current and shall name Sublessor and Lessor as additional insured.  Sublessee further agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Sublessor

 

7



 

and Lessor from all liability arising out of the filing of any mechanic’s or materialman’s lien against the Subleased Premises by reason of any act or omission of Sublessee.

 

17.       PERSONAL PROPERTY:  Sublessee agrees to assume full responsibility for its personal property located at the Subleased Premises, and to indemnify and hold harmless Sublessor and Lessor against damage thereto sustained by fire, theft or other casualty loss.  Sublessor hereby waives its right to any lien, statutory or otherwise, against any of Sublessee’s personal property, trade fixtures, equipment or inventory, for purposes of securing Sublessee’s obligations under this Lease, or otherwise.

 

18.       NOTICES:  All notices required shall be given by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested.  Notice to the Sublessee shall be addressed to:

 

Yeti Coolers, LLC
Attn:  David Bullock, CFO
3411 Hidalgo Street
Austin, TX 78702

 

With a copy to:
Yeti Coolers, LLC
Attn:  David Bullock, CFO
5301 Southwest Parkway
Austin, TX 78735

 

With a copy to:
Jackson Walker
Attn: Chad Smith
100 Congress, Suite 1100
Austin, TX 78701

 

Notice to Sublessor shall be addressed to:
Overwatch Systems
5301 Southwest Parkway
Austin, TX 78735
Attn: Jeff Johnson

 

With a copy to:
Textron Systems Corporation
c/o AAI Corporation
124 Industry Lane
Hunt Valley, MD 21030
Attn: Legal Department

 

All notices shall be deemed received two (2) days after mailing.

 

19.       HOLD OVER AND SUBLESSOR DEFAULT:  Notwithstanding any provision of law or any judicial decision to the contrary, no notice shall be required to terminate the Term on

 

8



 

the date herein specified as the end of the Term, and the Term shall expire on the date herein mentioned without notice being required from either party.  In the event that Sublessee remains beyond the expiration date of the Term, it is the intention of the parties and it is hereby agreed that a tenancy at sufferance shall arise at a monthly rent equal to one hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the monthly Rent in effect at the expiration of the Term plus any amounts charged against Sublessor as Lessee under the Lease for holdover rent or penalty.  It is further agreed that Sublessee shall indemnify and hold harmless Sublessor from and against any and all liability, claims, demands, expenses, damages and judgments incurred by Sublessor as a result of Sublessee’s retaining possession.

 

20.       SUBLESSEE DEFAULT:  The occurrence of any one or more of the following events shall constitute a default under this Sublease by Sublessee:

 

a.                                      The failure by Sublessee to make any payment of Rent, or any other payment required to be made by Sublessee hereunder on the date due where such failure shall continue for a period of five (5) days after the same shall become due and payable.

 

b.                                      The failure by Sublessee to observe or perform any of the covenants, conditions or provisions of this Sublease other than as described in the immediately preceding paragraph and/or the failure by Sublessee to observe or perform any of the covenants, conditions or provisions of the Lease to which Sublessee has agreed to be bound pursuant to the terms of this Sublease, where such failure shall continue for a period of fifteen (15) days after written notice thereof from Sublessor to Sublessee.

 

c.                                       The making by Sublessee of any general arrangement or assignment for the benefit of creditors; Sublessee becomes a “debtor” as defined in 11  U.S.C. 101 or any successor statute thereto (unless, in the case of a petition filed against Sublessee, the same be dismissed within sixty (60) days); the appointment of a trustee or receiver to take possession of all or substantially all of Sublessee’s assets or of Sublessee’s interest in this Sublease, where possession is not restored to Sublessee within thirty (30) days; or the attachment, execution or other judicial seizure of all or substantially all of Sublessee’s assets or of Sublessee’s interest in this Sublease, where such seizure is not discharged within thirty (30) days.

 

21.       REMEDIES:  In the event of any such default by Sublessee, Sublessor may at any time thereafter, without limiting Sublessor in the exercise of any right or remedy which Sublessor may have by reason of such default or breach:

 

a.                                      Terminate Sublessee’s right to possession of the Subleased Premises by any lawful means, in which case this Sublease shall terminate and Sublessee shall immediately surrender possession of the Subleased Premises to Sublessor.  In such event, Sublessor shall be entitled to recover from Sublessee all damages permitted to be recovered by a landlord pursuant to the laws of the jurisdiction where the Subleased Premises are located, together with all damages incurred by Sublessor by reason of Sublessee’s default, including, but not limited to, the cost of recovering possession of the Subleased Premises, reasonable attorneys fees, and any real estate commission actually paid.

 

9



 

b.                                      Maintain Sublessee’s right to possession in which case this Sublease shall continue in effect whether or not Sublessee shall have vacated or abandoned the Subleased Premises.  In such event, Sublessor shall be entitled to enforce all of Sublessor’s rights and remedies under this Sublease, under the laws of the jurisdiction where the Subleased Premises are located at law and equity, including the right to recover the Rent, Additional Rent, and all other sums due hereunder as the same become due.

 

c.                                       Declare the entire balance of Rent, Additional Rent and all other sums payable hereunder during the remaining Term of this Sublease to be immediately due, payable and in arrears as if by the terms and provisions of this Sublease said balance of Rent, Additional Rent and other sums were on that date payable in advance.  Any such acceleration by Sublessor shall not constitute a waiver of any right or remedy of Sublessor.

 

d.                                      Pursue any other remedy now or hereafter available to Sublessor under the laws of the jurisdiction where the Subleased Premises are located or in equity.

 

e.                                       Pursue any remedy enforceable by Lessor under the Lease.

 

All remedies available to Sublessor hereunder shall be cumulative and concurrent.  No waiver or delay in enforcement by Sublessor of any breach of Sublessee’s obligations hereunder shall constitute a waiver of any such breach or any subsequent breach.

 

In the event there is a continuance of an Event of Default described in Section 18(i) of the Lease by Sublessor to Lessor, Sublessee shall make their rent payments directly to Lessor, upon receipt of written notice provided by Lessor.

 

22.       RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL:  Sublessee shall have an ongoing Right of First Refusal (“ROFR”) on the balance of the second floor of the Premises (the “Refusal Space”).  Sublessee shall have the right to lease the Refusal Space on terms identical to those in a bona fide letter of intent from a third-party which Sublessor is willing to accept (the “Offer”).  Upon notification in writing by Sublessor of the receipt of an Offer (the “Refusal Space Notice”) on the Refusal Space, Sublessee shall have seven (7) business days in which to notify Sublessor in writing of its election to lease the Refusal Space on the same terms and conditions as those contained within the Refusal Space Notice.

 

Sublessee’s rejection of the ROFR on any portion of the Refusal Space shall not affect or inhibit Sublessee’s ROFR on any other portion of the Refusal Space or the rejected portion should that lease terminate or expire for any reason.

 

In the event Sublessee rejects the ROFR on any portion of the Refusal Space and the terms of the Refusal Space Notice materially change, Sublessor shall be required to present such ROFR to Sublessee again under the same conditions as provided above.  The terms of a proposed sublease of the Refusal Space will be deemed to be materially different from the terms of the Refusal Space Notice if the financial terms (excluding the security deposit, but including, among other things, base rent, escalations and pass throughs of operating expenses, insurance, utilities and taxes, concession packages, free rent, free parking, leasing concessions, construction costs, improvement allowances, moving and other allowances, and commissions) of such proposed sublease have been

 

10



 

reduced by more than ten percent (10%), in the aggregate, from the terms set forth in the Refusal Space Notice.

 

23.       INTEREST:  In the event that any sums due and payable to Sublessor pursuant to the terms of this Sublease are not paid when due, such sums shall bear interest at the rate of twelve percent (12%) per year, from the due date until actually paid, unless that rate is usurious as applied to Sublessee in which event the rate shall be reduced to the highest non-usurious rate.  Neither the accrual nor the payment of interest shall cure any default by Sublessee under this Sublease.

 

24.       BROKERS:  Sublessor and Sublessee represent, warrant and agree that each has not dealt with any broker, agent, finder or other intermediary in connection with the subletting of the Subleased Premises except Stream Realty Partners (the “Listing Broker”) and Jones Lang LaSalle (the “Sublessor Broker”).  Sublessor shall be solely liable for any commission due to the Listing Broker and Sublessor Broker.  Sublessor and Sublessee agree to indemnify, defend and hold the other harmless from and against any claims against the other resulting from a breach or inaccuracy of the foregoing representation, warranty and agreement which shall survive expiration, cancellation or other termination of this Sublease.

 

25.       COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS:  Sublessee shall, throughout the Term of this Sublease, observe and comply with all statutes, laws, ordinances, notices, orders, rules, regulations and requirements of all federal, state and municipal governments and appropriate departments, commissions, boards and officers thereof, and notices, orders, rules and regulations of the National Board of Fire Underwriters, or any other body now or hereafter constituted exercising similar functions, relating to the Subleased Premises, foreseen or unforeseen, ordinary as well as extraordinary, or to the use or manner of use of the Subleased Premises, or to the fixtures and equipment thereof.

 

26.       AUTHORITY:  The parties executing this Sublease represent and warrant that they have the full right and lawful authority to execute this Sublease for the Term, in the manner and upon the conditions and provisions herein contained.

 

27.       FURTHER DOCUMENTS:  Each party agrees to execute and deliver to the other all instruments which may reasonably be required to carry out all terms and provisions of this Sublease.

 

28.       RECOVERY OF FEES:  If either party is successful in enforcing against the other any legal or equitable remedy for a breach of any provision of this Sublease, the successful party shall be entitled to recover its expenses and reasonable attorney’s fees as determined by the court as part of the judgment or decree.

 

29.       BINDING EFFECT:  This Sublease shall be binding upon the successors and permitted assigns of Sublessee and Sublessor.

 

30.       INTEGRATED DOCUMENT:  This instrument, and its attachments, embodies all of the agreements between the parties with respect to the Subleased Premises, and no oral agreements, prior correspondence or other prior writings shall be held to vary the provisions hereof.  Any subsequent changes or modifications shall become effective only by a written instrument duly executed by Sublessee and Sublessor.

 

11



 

31.       LESSOR’S CONSENT:  This Sublease is contingent upon, and shall have no force or effect until receipt of, the Lessor’s written consent hereto in the form attached as Exhibit “F”.  The Sublessor agrees to exercise good faith in requesting Lessor’s written consent to this Sublease.

 

32.       PARKING:  Sublessee shall have the right to parking spaces associated with the Subleased Premises at a ratio of 4.69 spaces per 1000 RSF at no charge throughout the Term.

 

33.       RELOCATION:  Sublessor shall not have the right to relocate the Subleased Premises.

 

34.       SIGNS:  Sublessor will place a building standard signage on the building directory located in the main lobby of the building and suite signage outside of Subleased Premises identifying Sublessee.  Sublessee shall be permitted to place one placement (panel) on the building exterior monument.  The signage on the building monument will match building standard.  Sublessee will not be responsible for removing signage or any costs associated with removing signage.

 

35.       SECURITY SYSTEM:  The Premises is equipped with twenty-four (24) hour security.  Subject to Sublessor’s approval, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Sublessee will have the right to install its own security system for the Subleased Premises.

 

36.       COUNTERPARTS:  This Sublease may be executed in one or more counterparts, which together constitute one and the same instrument, and may be executed by facsimile or digital signature, each of which shall be deemed original signatures.

 

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

 

 

SUBLESSEE:

 

YETI COOLERS, LLC

 

A Delaware limited liability company

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ David Bullock

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

David Bullock, CFO

 

 

 

SUBLESSOR:

 

OVERWATCH SYSTEMS, LTD.,

 

A Delaware Corporation

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Jeff Johnson

 

Name:

Jeff Johnson

 

Title:

VP Finance

 

12


 

EXHIBIT “A”

 

SUBLEASED PREMISES A

 

 

13



 

EXHIBIT “B”

 

SUBLESSEE’S WORK

 

 

14



 

 

15



 

EXHIBIT “C”

 

PRIME LEASE

 

16



 

EXHIBIT “D”

 

FURNITURE INVENTORY

 

17



 

 



 

 


 

 


 

 


 

EXHIBIT “E”

 

DEMISING WORK

 

 

18



 

EXHIBIT “E-1”

 

Subleased Premises B

 

 

19



 

EXHIBIT “F”

 

LESSOR’S CONSENT TO SUBLEASE

 

20





Exhibit 10.17

 

FIRST SUBLEASE AMENDMENT

 

This is the First Sublease Amendment (“Amendment”) to that certain Sublease dated February 8, 2013 by and between Yeti Coolers, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Sublessee”) and Overwatch Systems, LTD, a Delaware corporation (“Sublessor”).

 

WHEREAS, Sublessee and Sublessor are parties to a Sublease dated February 8, 2013 (“Initial Sublease”), covering sublet premises consisting of approximately twenty-six thousand one hundred forty four (26,144) square feet (the “Initial Sublet Premises”) on the 2nd floor of the building commonly known as 5301 Southwest Parkway, Austin, TX 78735 (“Building”);

 

WHEREAS, Sublessee and Sublessor wish to add space on the second (2nd) floor of the Building consisting of approximately twelve thousand three hundred nineteen (12,319) square feet (“Primary Expansion Premises”) and of approximately two thousand two hundred twenty eight (2,228) square feet (“Additional Expansion Premises”) to the Initial Sublet Premises, as depicted in Exhibit A attached hereto (collectively, the “Expansion Premises”);

 

WHEREAS, for purposes of this Amendment and of the Initial Sublease as modified by this Amendment, the term “Expansion Premises” shall mean the additional space described in the preceding paragraph; the term “Sublease Premises” shall mean and include both the Initial Sublet Premises and the Expansion Premises;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements contained in this Amendment and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Sublessor and Sublessee agree as follows:

 

1.  Incorporation of Recitals. The recitals set forth above, are by this reference, incorporated into and deemed a part of this Amendment.  Upon execution of this Amendment, the Initial Sublease and this Amendment shall be referred to as the “Sublease”.

 

2.  Capitalized Terms. Capitalized terms used in this Amendment as defined terms, but not specifically defined in this Amendment, shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Initial Sublease.

 

3.  Term. Term for the Primary Expansion Premises shall commence (the “Primary Expansion Premises Commencement Date”) upon the later of (i) receipt of Master Landlord’s Consent, or (ii) August 1, 2015, and shall run through the Term of the Initial Sublease (the “Expiration”). The Term for the Additional Expansion Premises shall commence (the “Additional Expansion Premises Commencement Date”) upon the later of (i) commencement of the Term for the Primary Expansion Premises, or (ii) Sublessor’s receipt of U.S. Government approval to sublease the Additional Expansion Premises. Regardless as to when the above referenced commencement dates occur, the Sublease expiration for both the Initial Sublet Premises and the Expansion Premises shall be coterminous.

 

4.  Rent. Sublessee covenants and agrees to pay Sublessor, without deduction or set off, rental for

 

Page 1 of 5



 

the Expansion Premises as follows:

 

Term

 

Gross Rate

 

Square Footage

 

Monthly Rent

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Months 1-12

 

$26.25 per RSF

 

14,547

 

$31,821.56*

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Months 13-Expiration

 

$26.75 per RSF

 

14,547

 

$32,427.69*

 

 

*Rent shall not be charged on the Additional Expansion Premises until the Additional Expansion Premises Commencement Date and Rent shall not be charged on the Primary Expansion Premises until the Primary Expansion Premises Commencement Date. Rent payable for any partial month will be prorated on a daily basis. Operating Expenses for the Expansion Premises shall be handled in accordance with Section 7 of the Sublease.

 

Effective as of the Primary Expansion Premises Commencement Date, the term “Sublease Premises” shall be amended to include, in addition to the Initial Sublet Premises, the Primary Expansion Premises. Effective as of the Additional Expansion Premises Commencement Date, the term “Sublease Premises” shall be amended to include, in addition to the Initial Sublet Premises, the Additional Expansion Premises.  All references in the Sublease to the Sublease Premises shall, as of the passage of both the Primary Expansion Premises Commencement Date and the Additional Expansion Premises Commencement Date, no longer refer to just the Initial Sublet Premises but shall instead refer to the rentable square feet in the second floor of the Building, as more particularly described on Exhibit A to this Amendment.

 

5.  Sublessee Improvements. Sublessor shall be responsible for any necessary demising costs and security mechanisms related to Sublessee providing access to Sublessor’s server room within the Expansion Premises (“Sublessor’s Work”).  Sublessor’s Work shall be completed in a good and workmanlike manner consistent with the other improvements in the Building, and Sublessor shall make a reasonable effort to complete Sublessor’s Work within thirty (30) days after Lessor’s consent is received pursuant to Section 12 below. Sublessor shall use good faith efforts to minimize disruption to Sublessee’s business operations during performance of the Sublessor’s Work. Sublessee shall permit Sublessor access to Sublessor’s server room at all times and shall allow the construction of secured access to Sublessor’s server room during the Term. Otherwise, the Expansion Premises shall be provided to Sublessee on an as-is basis.

 

6.  Furniture. Sublessor shall provide an inventory of the furniture in the Expansion Premises and allow Sublessee to use selected furniture for the term of the Sublease at no cost, ordinary wear and tear and casualty excepted. Sublessee shall furnish Sublessor with a list of furniture to be removed from the Sublease Premises within ten (10) days of execution of this Amendment which Sublessor shall remove at no cost to Sublessee.

 

7.  Parking. Parking shall be provided at the same ratio (4.69 spaces per 1,000 SF) and upon the same terms as per Section 32 of the Initial Sublease.

 

8.  Brokerage. CBRE, Inc. represents Sublessee and upon commencement of the Term of each of

 

Page 2 of 5



 

the Primary Expansion Premises and the Additional Expansion Premises, CBRE, Inc. shall be paid a brokerage commission by Sublessor equal to four (4%) of the aggregate rent to be paid by Sublessee over the Term for the Primary Expansion Premises and Additional Expansion Premises.

 

9.  Entire Agreement. This Amendment constitutes the entire agreement between Sublessor and Sublessee regarding the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior negotiations, discussions, terms sheets, understandings and agreements, whether oral or written, between the parties with respect to such subject matter.  Unless otherwise specifically amended herein as regards the Expansion Premises, all other terms of the Initial Sublease shall govern and apply to this sublease of the Expansion Premises.

 

10.  Execution and Delivery. This Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts and by separate parties on separate counterparts, effective when each party has executed at least one such counterpart or separate counterpart, but each such counterpart shall constitute an original and all such counterparts together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

11.  Full Force and Effect. Except as expressly set forth herein, the Initial Sublease has not been modified or amended and remains in full force and effect.

 

12.  Lessor’s Consent.  This Amendment is contingent upon, and shall have no force or effect until receipt of, the Lessor’s written consent hereto in substantially the same form as presented to the Lessor under the Initial Sublease. The Sublessor agrees to exercise good faith in requesting Lessor’s written consent to this Amendment.  In the event Sublessor has not obtained such consent within thirty (30) days after execution of this Amendment (or reasonable proof to Sublessee of such approval being deemed granted), then either Party may terminate this Amendment, and this Amendment shall no longer have any force or effect.

 

[The signature page follows.]

 

Page 3 of 5



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the following parties have executed this Amendment as of the date first written above.

 

 

Sublessor:

 

 

 

 

 

Overwatch Systems, LTD

 

 

a Delaware corporation

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Steven D. Overly

 

 

 

 

 

Print: Steven D. Overly

 

 

 

 

 

Title: SVP and General Manager

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

7/21/15

 

 

 

 

 

Sublessee:

 

 

 

 

 

Yeti Coolers, LCC

 

 

a Delaware limited liability company

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ David Bullock

 

 

 

 

 

 

Print:

David Bullock

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

CFO

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

7/21/15

 

 

Page 4 of 5


 

EXHIBIT A

 

Expansion Premises and Initial Sublease Premises

 

 

Page 5 of 5





Exhibit 10.18

 

CONSENT TO
SUB-SUBLEASE

 

This CONSENT TO SUB-SUBLEASE (this “Consent Agreement”) is made and entered into as of the 29 day September, 2015, by and among DRAWBRIDGE 5301 SOUTHWEST PARKWAY, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Landlord”); OVERWATCH SYSTEMS, LTD., a Delaware corporation (“Tenant”), YETI COOLERS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“First Subtenant”), and AVAI Ventures, Inc a Texas corporation (“Second Subtenant”).

 

RECITALS

 

A.                                 Landlord and Tenant are the current parties to that certain Office Lease Agreement (the “Original Lease Agreement”), dated as of December 9, 2005, covering the approximately 48.117 acres of land out of the Thomas Anderson Survey No. 17, Abstract No. 2 in Travis County, Texas, as more particularly described therein.

 

B.                                  The Original Lease Agreement has been amended pursuant to (i) that certain First Amendment to Lease, dated as of June 29, 2006, (ii) that certain Second Amendment to Office Lease, dated as of November 30, 2006, (iii) that certain Third Amendment to Office Lease, dated as of September 7, 2007, and (iv) that certain Fourth Amendment to Office Lease, dated as of March 28, 2008 (the Original Lease Agreement, as amended, collectively, the “Lease”).

 

C.                                  Tenant sublet a portion of the Premises to First Subtenant in a Sublease Agreement dated February 8, 2013 (the “Yeti Sublease Agreement”).  Landlord consented to the Yeti Sublease Agreement in a Consent Agreement (the “First Yeti Consent Agreement”) dated February 8, 2013.

 

D.                                 Tenant sublet to First Subtenant, under Amendment One to the Yeti Sublease Agreement, an additional 11,500 RSF of the Premises.  Landlord consented to Amendment One in a Consent Agreement (the “Second Yeti Consent Agreement”) dated July 24, 2015.

 

E.                                   Tenant also sublet a portion of the Premises to Second Subtenant in a Sublease Agreement dated April 24, 2014 (the “AVAI Sublease Agreement”).  Landlord consented to this AVAI Sublease Agreement in a Consent Agreement (the “First AVAI Consent Agreement”) dated May 2014.

 

F.                                    Second Subtenant desires to sub-sublease to First Subtenant 3779 RSF of the Second Subtenant’s subleased premises in a Sub-Sublease agreement dated September 17, 2015 (the “Sub-Sublease”), depicted in Exhibit A, attached hereto.  The Sub-Subleased Premises shall be sub-subleased on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

 

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.                                    Landlord’s Consent. Landlord hereby consents to above described the sub-subleasing of the Subleased Premises by Second Subtenant to First Subtenant,

 

Page 1 of 7



 

subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, and subject to execution and delivery of this Consent Agreement by all parties hereto.

 

2.                                    General Provisions.

 

(a)                               By execution hereof, Tenant ratifies the Lease, Subtenants acknowledge that they have received a complete and correct copy of the Lease and are familiar with the terms, provisions, rules and regulations of the Lease, and Subtenants agrees not to do or omit to do anything which would cause Tenant to be in breach of the Lease.  Any such act or omission shall also constitute a breach of this Consent Agreement entitling Landlord to recover any damage, loss, cost, or expense which it thereby suffers, from Subtenants, whether or not Landlord proceeds against Tenant.  Landlord’s consent set forth in Section 1 hereof shall not be deemed a consent to any other assignments, subleases or transfers under the Lease or to any other matter requiring the consent of Landlord under the Lease.  No assignment, encumbrance or other transfer of the Sublease, nor any sub-sublease, encumbrance or other transfer of the Sublease Premises, shall be made by Tenant and/or Subtenant without Landlord’s written consent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed (in the manner contemplated by the Lease), and any attempt to do so without Landlord’s written consent shall at Landlord’s option be null and void.  This Consent Agreement shall not release Tenant or Subtenants from any existing or future duty, obligation or liability to Landlord pursuant to the Lease, nor shall the Sub-Sublease or this Consent Agreement change, modify or amend the Lease in any manner, any purported modifications being solely for the purpose of setting forth the rights and obligations as between Tenant and Subtenant, but not binding on Landlord.

 

(b)                              The Sub-Sublease is subject and subordinate at all times to this Consent Agreement and to the Lease, and all of its terms, covenants and conditions.  Nothing contained herein shall be construed as a consent to, approval of, or ratification by Landlord of any of the provisions of the Sub-Sublease or as a representation or warranty by Landlord in respect thereof.  Landlord is not consenting to, approving of, or ratifying the terms, covenants and conditions of the Sub- Sublease and is not assuming any obligations under the Sub-Sublease.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Sub-Sublease: (i) nothing in the Sub-Sublease shall create or expand the liability or obligations of Landlord, whether to Tenant, Subtenants or any other party, and Landlord hereby withholds consent to anything in the Sub-Sublease that does create or expand the liability or obligations of Landlord, (ii) nothing in the Sub-Sublease shall limit any rights of Landlord, and Landlord hereby withholds consent to anything in the Sub- Sublease that does limit any right of Landlord, (iii) Subtenants shall have no rights to expand or relocate the Sub- Subleased Premises beyond the Premises, or extend or renew the term of the Sub- Sublease beyond the term of the Lease, regardless of whether Tenant may have such rights under the Lease, and Subtenants shall have no right to exercise Tenant’s rights thereunder, and (iv) any special rights under the Lease which by their terms are personal or non-assignable (including, but not limited to, any extension, expansion, relocation, early termination, signage, or parking rights that by their terms are personal or non-assignable, if any), are not being

 

Page 2 of 7



 

assigned by the Sub- Sublease (notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained therein), and to the extent that such rights by their terms no longer apply after a sublease, then such rights shall be of no further force or effect.

 

(c)                               Any alterations, additions or improvements to the Sub-Subleased Premises shall comply with the requirements of the Lease.

 

 

3.                                    Termination of Lease: Attornment: Direct Payment to Landlord.  Any Lease Termination (as hereinafter defined) prior to the termination of the Sub-Sublease, shall at Landlord’s option either: (i) terminate the Sub-Sublease or (ii) operate as an assignment of the Sublease to Landlord on the terms described herein.  Landlord’s option herein may be exercised by written notice to Sub-Subtenant within ninety (90) days after Landlord receives written notice of such Lease Termination (or at Landlord’s option such earlier date after Landlord otherwise becomes aware of such Lease Termination, or becomes aware of any circumstances that could result in such Lease Termination if Landlord desires to send a notice to become effective when such Lease Termination occurs).  “Lease Termination” means any event, which by voluntary or involuntary act or by operation of law, causes the Lease to be terminated, cancelled, rejected in bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other such proceedings, foreclosed against, or otherwise come to an end, including but not limited to: (i) a default by Tenant under the Lease of any of the terms or provisions thereof; (ii) foreclosure proceedings brought by the holder of any mortgage or trust deed to which the Lease is subject, or (iii) the termination of Tenant’s leasehold estate by dispossession proceedings or otherwise.

 

4.                                    Notices.  Any notice given by any party to another party hereto respecting this Consent Agreement, the Premises or the Sub-Subleased Premises or any matter relating thereto shall be delivered personally, by overnight delivery, by recognized courier, or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, to such other party at the address given below or such other address as such other party may from time to time designate in writing to the other parties in accordance with these provisions.  The addresses set forth below shall supersede any addresses for notices set forth in the Lease.  If no address is given below, then the address for that party shall be the address set forth in the Lease, or in the absence thereof, shall be the address of the Premises.  Any such notice shall be deemed given immediately upon personal delivery, one (1) business day after deposit for overnight delivery, or three (3) business days after deposit for certified or registered mail.

 

 

LANDLORD:

Drawbridge 5301 Southwest Parkway, LLC

 

Three Embarcadero Center, Suite 2310

 

San Francisco, CA 94111

 

Attn: Mark S. Whiting/Charles B. McEachron

 

 

TENANT:

Overwatch Systems

 

5301 Southwest Parkway

 

Austin, TX 78735

 

Attn: Gary Raven

 

Page 3 of 7



 

 

With a copy to:

 

Textron Systems Corporation

 

c/o AAI Corporation

 

124 Industry Lane

 

Hunt Valley, MD 21030

 

Attn: Legal Department

 

 

FIRST SUBTENANT:

Yeti Coolers, LLC

 

Attn: David Bullock, CFO

 

3411 Hidalgo Street

 

Austin, TX 78702

 

 

 

With a copy to:

 

Yeti Coolers, LLC

 

Attn: David Bullock, CFO

 

5301 Southwest Parkway

 

Austin, TX 78735

 

 

 

With a copy to:

 

Jackson Walker

 

Attn: Chad Smith

 

100 Congress, Suite 1100

 

Austin, TX 78701

 

 

SECOND SUBTENANT:

AVAI Ventures, Inc

 

Attn: Rand Arnold, President

 

5301 Southwest Parkway Suite 150

 

Austin, TX 78735

 

 

5.                                    Authority.  Each of the parties to this Consent Agreement represents and warrants to the other parties to this Consent Agreement that the undersigned person signing this Consent Agreement on behalf of such party is a duly elected officer or representative of the entity he/she represents and has been fully empowered by proper resolution of the Board of Directors or other governing body of such entity to execute and deliver this Consent Agreement; that the entity he/she represents has full capacity to enter into this Consent Agreement and to perform the obligations on its part to be performed; and that all necessary internal actions have been taken with respect to such entity in connection with this Consent Agreement.

 

6.                                    Miscellaneous.  This Consent Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties’ respective successors and assigns, subject at all times, to all agreements and restrictions contained in the Lease, and herein, with respect to subleasing, assignment, or other transfer.  The agreements contained herein constitute the entire understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersede all prior agreements, written or oral.  No provision of the Sublease or this Consent Agreement may be amended except in writing signed by all parties hereto or their successors (except that in the case of Lease Termination, no

 

Page 4 of 7



 

agreement or signature by Tenant shall be required).  In the event of any inconsistency between the terms of the Sublease and this Consent Agreement or the Lease, the terms of this Consent Agreement or the Lease, as the case may be, shall govern and control.  If any term, covenant or condition of this Consent Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall, to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Consent Agreement or the application of such term, covenant or condition to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable shall not be affected thereby and each term, covenant or condition of this Consent Agreement shall be valid and in force to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

7.                                    Governing Law.  This Consent Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.  Any disputes arising under this Consent Agreement shall be heard and determined solely in the courts located in the State of Texas.

 

 

8.                                    Not Binding Until Fully Signed and Delivered.  Unless and until all parties hereto have executed and delivered this Consent Agreement, this Consent Agreement and Landlord’s consent herein shall be of no force or effect, notwithstanding that Landlord and Tenant may have permitted temporary occupancy by Subtenant or other matters in connection herewith.

 

«Signatures Follow on Next Page»

 

Page 5 of 7



 

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

 

 

TENANT:

 

 

 

OVERWATCH SYSTEMS, LTD., a

 

Delaware corporation

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Gary Raven

 

 

Name (Printed):

Gary Raven

 

 

Title:

Dir Programs & Operations

 

 

 

 

FIRST

 

SUBTENANT:

 

 

 

YETI COOLERS, LCC,

 

a Delaware limited liability company

 

 

 

By:

/s/ David Bullock

 

 

Name (Printed):

David Bullock

 

 

Title:

CFO

 

 

 

 

SECOND

 

SUBTENANT:

 

 

 

AVAI Ventures, Inc

 

a Texas corporation

 

 

 

By:

/s/ J. Rand Arnold

 

 

Name (Printed):

J. Rand Arnold

 

 

Title:

CEO

 

 

 

 

LANDLORD:

 

 

 

Drawbridge 5301 Southwest Parkway, LLC, a

 

Delaware limited liability company

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Charlie McEachron

 

 

Name (Printed):

Charlie McEachron

 

 

Title:

Chief Operating Officer

 

 



 

EXHIBIT A
SUB-SUBLEASE

 



 

SUB-SUBLEASE AGREEMENT

 

 

THIS SUB-SUBLEASE AGREEMENT (this “Sub-Sublease”) is made and entered into this 17th day of September, 2015, by and between YETI COOLERS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Sub-Sublessee”) and AVAI MOBILE SOLUTIONS, LLC, a Texas limited liability company (the “Sub-Sublessor”).

 

WHEREAS, by lease dated December 9, 2005, as amended by five (5) additional amendments (collectively the “Lease”) OVERWATCH SYSTEMS, LTD., a Delaware corporation (“Sublessor”) leased from TDC-AIS Overwatch, L.P., predecessor-in-interest to OS AUSTIN PROJECT CORPORATION (the “Lessor”) certain premises consisting of approximately 48.117 acres of land out of the Thomas Anderson Survey No. 17, Abstract No, 2 in Travis County, Texas, and the improvements to be constructed thereon, as more particularly described therein, also known as 5301 Southwest Parkway, Austin, TX 78735 (the “Premises”);

 

WHEREAS, by sublease dated __________, as amended (collectively the “Sublease”) Sub-Sublessor leased from Sublessor certain premises consisting of approximately three thousand seven hundred seventy nine (3,779) square feet on the first (1st) floor of the building located within the Premises, known as Suite 150 and more particularly described on Exhibit “A” attached hereto, as more particularly described therein (the “Subleased Premises”);

 

WHEREAS, Sub-Sublessor has agreed to sublease a portion of the Subleased Premises, consisting of approximately three thousand seven hundred seventy nine (3,779) square feet on the first (1st) floor of the building located on the Premises, known as Suite _ and more particularly described on Exhibit “A” attached hereto (the “Sub-Subleased Premises”) to Sub-Sublessee on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth; and

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the rents, covenants, agreements, stipulations and provisions contained herein to be paid, kept and performed by both Sub-Sublessee and Sub-Sublessor, the parties do hereby agree as follows:

 

1.                                    DEFINITIONS.  Unless otherwise set forth in this Sub-Sublease, all capitalized terms shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Lease or Sublease, as the context may indicate.

 

2.                                    SUB-SUBLEASE TERM: Sub-Sublessor does hereby demise and sublease the Sub- Subleased Premises to Sub-Sublessee and Sub-Sublessee does hereby sublease the Sub- Subleased Premises from Sub-Sublessor commencing on the later to occur of (i) October 1, 2015, or (ii) the day following the consent of both the Lessor and the Sublessor (the “Commencement Dale”) and ending on July 31, 2017 (the “Termination Date”), unless sooner terminated pursuant to any provision hereof (the “Term”).  Promptly upon the occurrence of the Commencement Date, Sub-Sublessee and Sub- Sublessor shall execute a letter addendum to this Sub-Sublease confirming such Commencement Date.

 



 

3.                                    USE: The Sub-Subleased Premises shall be used for Sub-Sublessee’s office use, and for no other use whatsoever.

 

4.                                    RENT: Sub-Sublessee covenants and agrees to pay to Sub-Sublessor, without deduction or set off, rental for the Term (the “Rent”) as follows:

 

 

Term

 

Gross Rate

 

Sq. Footage

 

Monthly Rent

 

Months 1-June 30, 2016

 

$24.00 per RSF

 

3,779 NRA

 

$7,558.00

 

July l, 2016-July 31,2017

 

$25.00 per RSF

 

3,779 NRA

 

$7,872.92

 

In the event any payment of Rent is not paid within five (5) days following the date due, Sub-Sublessee shall pay to Sub-Sublessor, upon demand, a late charge equal to five cents for each dollar overdue.  All Rent is payable in advance in the aforesaid monthly installments of Rent on the first day of each month, with interest at the maximum rate per year permitted by law on any unpaid installments from the date due until paid in full Rent payable for any partial month will be prorated on a daily basis.

 

5.                                    SECURITY DEPOSIT, TIME AND PLACE OF RENT PAYMENT:  Concurrently with the execution hereof, Sub-Sublessee shall deposit with Sub-Sublessor the sum of Twenty Two Thousand Six Hundred and Seventy Four Dollars ($22,674.00) (the “Security Deposit”) to insure the timely and faithful performance of each of the terms and conditions hereof by Sub-Sublessee.  Sub-Sublessor shall have the right to commingle said funds with other funds of Sub-Sublessor.  Sub-Sublessor shall hold the Security Deposit and shall have the right, but not the obligation, to use the same to cure any default by Sub-Sublessee hereunder or to repair any damage to the Sub-Subleased Premises caused by Sub-Sublessee, its employees, agents or invitees.  In the absence of any default or damage to the Sub-Subleased Premises, Sub-Sublessor shall repay said sum, without interest, to Sub-Sublessee within sixty (60) days following the end of the Term, as the same may be extended.  In the event Sub-Sublessor applies the Security Deposit or any portion thereof in accordance with this Paragraph 5, Sub-Sublessee shall be obligated immediately to pay to Sub-Sublessor the amount required to restore the Security Deposit to its original amount.  This section shall survive the expiration of the Sub-Sublease.  All payments of Rent shall be made, in advance, without notice, on the first (1st) day of each month during the Term, and addressed to address in the Notice provision or to such other person or at such other place as Sub-Sublessor may from time to time designate in writing.

 

6.                                    OPERATING EXPENSE: Utilities, janitorial, building management, building maintenance and property taxes are included in the Rent above per the Lease.  The Rent is inclusive of all operating expenses and there will be no operating expense pass throughs over the Term of the Sub-Sublease outside those allowed within the Lease.  Normal operating hours and HVAC hours for the Premises are from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturdays.  If Sub-Sublessee requires after hours HVAC, -charges for after hour HVAC through the entire Term will be passed through as charged to the Sub-Sublessor per the Lease.

 

7.                                    BUSINESS PRIVILEGE TAXES, BUSINESS USE TAXES AND OCCUPANCY TAXES: Sub-Sublessee agrees to pay any revenue tax or charge, occupancy tax,

 

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business privilege tax, business use tax or any other tax that may be levied against the Sub-Subleased Premises or Sub-Sublessee’s use or occupancy thereof during the Term.

 

8.                                    RIGHT OF ENTRY: Following the execution of this Sub-Sublease and prior to the Commencement Date, Sub-Sublessee shall have access to the Sub-Subleased Premises.  The purpose of said access includes, but it not limited to, evaluating what alterations, repairs or improvements are needed to modify the Sub-Subleased Premises for its use.  Sub-Sublessee may not commence any such alteration, repair or improvement until Sub- Sublessor, Sublessor and Lessor shall have consented thereto pursuant to Paragraph 10 and Sublessor and Lessor shall have consented to this Sub-Sublease.  Sub-Sublessee’s access to the Sub-Subleased Premises prior to the Commencement Date shall be subject to all of the terms and conditions of this Sub-Sublease, except for the payment of Rent Sub-Sublessee hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Sub-Sublessor, Sublessor and Lessor from any and all liability, claims, demands, expenses, damages and judgments arising as a result of Sub-Sublessee’s access to the Sub-Subleased Premises pursuant to this Paragraph 8, except Sub-Sublessee shall have no liability for Sub-Sublessor’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

 

9.                                    ACCEPTANCE AND SURRENDER OF SUB-SUBLEASED PREMISES: Except as otherwise set forth herein, Sub-Sublessee agrees to accept the Sub-Subleased Premises in its present “as is” condition at the date of this Sub-Sublease, it being both parties intent that Sub-Sublessee shall bear the full cost and expense of modifying or renovating the Sub-Subleased Premises for its use.

 

10.                            ALTERATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS: Sub-Sublessee agrees to obtain Sub- Sublessor’s, Sublessor’s and Lessor’s prior written approval of alterations, modifications, repairs or renovations made to the Sub-Subleased Premises.  Sub-Sublessor agrees that it shall promptly review plans and drawings submitted and that it will not unreasonably delay or deny approval with respect to non-structural alterations.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Sub-Sublessor’s consent to such alterations shall be subject to Sublessor’s consent thereto, and Sublessor’s consent shall be subject to Lessor’s consent thereto.  Any alterations, modifications or renovations of or to the Sub-Subleased Premises shall be limited to partition changes (non-bearing walls), electrical and mechanical alterations, telephone relocations, and decorating.  The structural integrity of the Building will not be disturbed in any way.  Sub-Sublessee shall provide Sub-Sublessor with a waiver of liens prior to the commencement of any alterations or modifications to the Sub-Subleased Premises and a release of liens at the completion of any alterations or modifications to the Sub-Subleased Premises executed by all contractors who performed such alterations or modifications.  In addition, Sub-Sublessee agrees that all work performed upon the Sub- Subleased Premises shall be done in a good and workmanlike manner and shall be in accordance with all applicable law.  Unless expressly agreed to the contrary, all alterations, modifications and renovations, upon completion of construction thereof, shall become part of the Sub-Subleased Premises and the property of Lessor without payment therefore by Sub-Sublessor and shall be surrendered to Lessor under the Lease at the end of the Term or upon sooner termination of this Sub-Sublease pursuant to the terms hereof.  Sub-Sublessee shall not be responsible for any alterations that were completed by Sub-Sublessor prior to Sub-Sublessee occupying the Sub-Subleased Premises.  Sub- Subleesee agrees that any modifications made shall not impede the existing operating

 

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exits currently in place for Sub-Sublessor.  In the event any alterations or modifications are made that force Sub-Sublessor to create new exits for code purposes, Sub-Sublessee shall bear the cost of these additional alterations.

 

11.                            REPAIRS/MAINTENANCE: Sub-Sublessee shall, throughout the Term, at its sole cost and expense, keep the Sub-Subleased Premises clean, keep waste and drain pipes open and generally maintain the Sub-Subleased Premises and the improvements now or hereafter comprising all or any part of the Sub-Subleased Premises and the fixtures and appurtenances thereto in good order, repair and condition, normal wear and tear and casualty and condemnation only excepted.  Sub-Sublessee shall, throughout the Term promptly report all damage or injury to the Sub-Subleased Premises, caused by (a) the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Sub-Sublessee or its employees, agents, invitees, licensees, subtenants or contractors; (b) the act of moving in or out of the Sub-Subleased Premises; and/or (c) the installation and/or removal of any furniture, fixtures or other property.

 

12.                            LEASE AND SUBLEASE CONTROLLING: The Lease, Sub-Sublessee acknowledges that it is fully familiar with the terms of the Lease, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit “B”.  Sub-Sublessee hereby agrees to perform and observe all of the responsibilities, covenants, terms and obligations on the part of Sublessor as tenant to be performed or observed under the Lease with respect to the Sub-Subleased Premises during the Term or any option terms of this Sub-Sublease, other than the obligation to pay to Lessor the fixed rent and additional rent provided in the Lease.

 

The Sublease.  Sub-Sublessee acknowledges that it is fully familiar with the terms of the Sublease, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit “C”.  Sub-Sublessee hereby agrees to perform and observe all of the responsibilities, covenants, terms and obligations on the part of Sub-Sublessor as subtenant to be performed or observed under the Sublease with respect to the Sub-Subleased Premises during the Term or any option terms of this Sub-Sublease, other than the obligation to pay to Sublessor the fixed rent and additional rent provided in the Sublease.

 

Sub-Sublessor shall not be bound by any warranties and representations made by the Lessor in the Lease or the Sublessor in the Sublease, nor shall Sub-Sublessor be obligated to perform any of the terms, covenants, conditions and agreements in the Lease required to be performed by the Lessor or in the Sublease required to be performed by the Sublessor; and Sub-Sublessee agrees to look solely to the Lessor (or Sublessor as applicable) for the performance of the same.  Sub-Sublessee further covenants and agrees not to violate or cause to be violated any of the terms and provisions of the Lease or Sublease.  Sub-Sublessee shall be bound by all of the restrictions and limitations placed upon Sublessor as tenant under the Lease and Sub-Sublessor as subtenant under the Sublease, as if Sub-Sublessor were the landlord and the Sub-Sublessee were the tenant thereunder.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained or implied herein, Sub-Sublessee acknowledges that Sub-Sublessee is hereby granted no more rights or privileges with respect to the Sub-Subleased Premises than Sub-Sublessor, as subtenant, has under the Sublease.  Sub-Sublessee further covenants and agrees that it shall not engage in any dispute with, or file any action against Lessor or Sublessor without obtaining Sub-Sublessor’s prior written consent thereto, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, and Sub-Sublessee hereby expressly

 

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waives any rights it may have to engage in any such dispute or file any such action without said consent of Sub-Sublessor.

 

In the event the Lease or Sublease is terminated pursuant to its terms for any reason, this Sub-Sublease shall automatically cease and terminate as of the date upon which the Lease or Sublease is so terminated, without recourse to Sub-Sublessee.  In the event Sub-Sublessee incurs costs in curing such default, Sub-Sublessee may receive a dollar-for-dollar credit against future installments of Rent until such time as Sub-Sublessee has recouped the entire amount incurred in remedying such default.  Sub-Sublessor hereby covenants to timely pay all rent and other sums due and owing to Sublessor under the Sublease, perform the covenants and undertakings of Sub-Sublessor as subtenant under the Sublease to the extent the same are not Sub-Sublessee’s obligations herein during the term of this Sub-Sublease, and agrees not to do or permit to be done any act which shall result in a violation of any of the terms and conditions of said Sublease.  Sub-Sublessor shall promptly provide Sub-Sublessee with copies of any default notices received from Lessor under the Lease or Sublessor under the Sublease.  Sub-Sublessor shall not amend or modify the Lease or Sublease in any manner which affects Sub-Sublessee’s use and occupancy of the Sub-Subleased Premises without first obtaining the written consent of Sub-Sublessee, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

 

Sub-Sublessee hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold harmless Sub-Sublessor against any and all claims, loss and damage, including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, which may at any time be asserted by Sublessor against Sub-Sublessor for failure of Sub-Sublessee to perform any of the covenants, agreements, terms, provisions of conditions contained in the Lease or Sublease, which, by reason of the provisions of this Sub-Sublease, Sub-Sublessee is obligated to perform.  Sub-Sublessee further indemnifies and agrees to hold harmless Sub-Sublessor from any costs, expenses, claims or damages, including without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, arising during the Term or option terms hereof with respect to the Sub-Subleased Premises or Sub-Sublessee’s use and occupancy thereof.

 

Notwithstanding anything in this Sub-Sublease contained to the contrary, Sub-Sublessor shall not be liable for any of the obligations, duties, responsibilities or liabilities of the Sublessor under the Sublease or for the failure or any delay by the Sublessor to perform or discharge the same.  Sub-Sublessor shall not be obligated upon, or to take any action by reason of any matter relating to the operation, maintenance, repair, replacement or restoration of the Sub-Subleased Premises or any facilities or services thereof.

 

Neither party will do or permit anything to be done which would cause the Lease or Sublease to be terminated or forfeited by reason of any right of termination or forfeiture reserved or vested in the Lessor under the Lease or Sublessor under the Sublease.  Sub-Sublessee will indemnify and hold Sub-Sublessor harmless from and against (a) all damages of any kind whatsoever arising from any breach or default on its part by reason of which the Sublease or Lease shall be terminated or forfeited, and (b) all other liabilities, claims and damages arising out of or in connection with the use and occupancy of the Sub-Subleased Premises, unless due to the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Sub-Sublessor.

 

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13.                            SUBLEASE AND LEASE IN EFFECT: Sub-Sublessor warrants and represents, to the best of Sub-Sublessor’s knowledge, information and belief, that the Lease and Sublease are subsisting and is in full force and effect, Sub-Sublessor and Sublessor are not in default thereunder, and alt rents, additional rents and charges due thereunder are and will be paid.

 

14.                            SUBLETTING OR ASSIGNMENT: Sub-Sublessee covenants that it will not assign its interest in this Sub-Sublease, in whole or in part, or permit the subletting of the Sub- Subleased Premises or any part thereof without the prior written consent of Sub- Sublessor, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Permitted Transfer, as defined in Section 11E of the Lease, shall not be considered an assignment under the terms of this Sub-Sublease.  In the event of any permitted assignment or subletting at a rental rate in excess of that being charged to Sub-Sublessee hereunder, Sub-Sublessee shall pay to Sub-Sublessor, as collected, half of such excess rents after deducting all reasonable fees incurred in connection with such assignment or sublease.  Sub-Sublessee shall be entitled to retain fifty percent (50%) of any profit from the assignment or subletting of its rights hereunder.

 

15.                            INSURANCE AND INDEMNITY: Sub-Sublessee agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Sub-Sublessor, Sublessor and Lessor from and against all liability, claims, demands, expenses, damages and judgments arising from Sub-Sublessee’s breach of this Sub-Sublease and from property damage or injury to third parties (including wrongful death) upon the Sub-Subleased Premises during the Term or any extension thereof, unless due to the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Lessor, Sublessor or Sub-Sublessor.  Sub-Sublessee agrees, at its own cost and expense, to keep the Sub-Subleased Premises insured under a public liability policy against claims for property damage and personal injury to third parties (including wrongful death).  The minimum amounts of such insurance coverage shall not be less than the amounts required by the Lease.  Upon execution of this Sub-Sublease by Sub-Sublessee and at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration date of such policies, Sub-Sublessee shall furnish to Lessor, Sublessor and Sub-Sublessor a certificate or certificates of insurance confirming that the required insurance is in full force and effect with all premiums paid current and shall name Sub-Sublessor, Sublessor and Lessor as additional insured.  Sub-Sublessee further agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Sub-Sublessor, Sublessor and Lessor from all liability arising out of the filing of any mechanic’s or materialman’s lien against the Sub-Subleased Premises by reason of any act or omission of Sub-Sublessee.

 

16.                            PERSONAL PROPERTY: Sub-Sublessee agrees to assume full responsibility for its personal property located at the Sub-Subleased Premises, and to indemnify and hold harmless Sub-Sublessor, Sublessor and Lessor against damage thereto sustained by fire, theft or other casualty loss.  Sub-Sublessor hereby waives its right to any lien, statutory or otherwise, against any of Sub-Sublessee’s personal property, trade fixtures, equipment or inventory, for purposes of securing Sub-Sublessee’s obligations under this Lease, or otherwise, and agrees within (10) days of Sub-Sublessee’s written request to execute in favor of Sub-Sublessee’s lender the form of lien waiver and access agreement attached hereto as Exhibit “D” or if otherwise requested by the Sub-Sublessee, a commercially reasonable form of lien waiver and access agreement giving such lender rights to notice, opportunity (but no obligation) to cure, and access (including for up to 90 days after

 

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default if such lender pays rent for such period) to such lender’s collateral In addition, if required, Sub-Sublessor agrees to cooperate and use good faith efforts to acquire Sublessor and Lessor’s execution of similar to documents to the extent required by Sub-Sublessee’s lender

 

17.                            NOTICES: All notices required shall be given by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested.  Notice to the Sub-Sublessee shall be addressed to:

 

Yeti Coolers, LLC
Attn: Bryan Barksdale

 

PO Box 163686
Austin, TX 78716-3686

 

With a copy to:
Yeti Coolers, LLC
Attn: Bryan Barksdale
5301 Southwest Parkway
Austin, TX 78735

 

With a copy to:
Jackson Walker
Attn: Chad Smith
100 Congress, Suite 1100
Austin, TX 78701

 

Notice to Sub-Sublessor shall be addressed to:
Avai Mobile

 

With a copy to:

 

 

All notices shall be deemed received two (2) days after mailing.

 

18.                            HOLD OVER AND SUB-SUBLESSOR DEFAULT: Notwithstanding any provision of law or any judicial decision to the contrary, no notice shall be required to terminate the Term on the date herein specified as the end of the Term, and the Term shall expire on the date herein mentioned without notice being required from either party.  In the event that Sub-Sublessee remains beyond the expiration date of the Term, it is the intention of the parties and it is hereby agreed that a tenancy at sufferance shall arise at a monthly rent equal to one hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the monthly Rent in effect at the expiration of the Term plus any amounts charged against Sub-Sublessor as subtenant under the Sublease for holdover rent or penalty.  It is further agreed that Sub-Sublessee shall indemnify and hold harmless Sub-Sublessor from and against any and all liability, claims, demands, expenses, damages and judgments incurred by Sub-Sublessor as a result of Sub-Sublessee’s retaining possession.

 

19.                            SUB-SUBLESSEE DEFAULT: The occurrence of any one or more of the following events shall constitute a default under this Sub-Sublease by Sub-Sublessee:

 

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a.        The failure by Sub-Sublessee to make any payment of Rent, or any other payment required to be made by Sub-Sublessee hereunder on the date due where such failure shall continue for a period of five (5) days after the same shall become due and payable.

 

b.        The failure by Sub-Sublessee to observe or perform any of the covenants, conditions or provisions of this Sub-Sublease other than as described in the immediately preceding paragraph and/or the failure by Sub-Sublessee to observe or perform any of the covenants, conditions or provisions of the Lease or Sublease to which Sub-Sublessee has agreed to be bound pursuant to the terms of this Sub-Sublease, where such failure shall continue for a period of fifteen (15) days after written notice thereof from Sub-Sublessor to Sub-Sublessee.

 

c.        The making by Sub-Sublessee of any general arrangement or assignment for the benefit of creditors; Sub-Sublessee becomes a “debtor” as defined in 11 U.S.C. 101 or any successor statute thereto (unless, in the case of a petition filed against Sub-Sublessee, the same be dismissed within sixty (60) days); the appointment of a trustee or receiver to take possession of all or substantially all of Sub-Sublessee’s assets or of Sub-Sublessee’s interest in this Sub-Sublease, where possession is not restored to Sub-Sublessee within thirty (30) days; or the attachment, execution or other judicial seizure of all or substantially all of Sub-Sublessee’s assets or of Sub-Sublessee’s interest in this Sub- Sublease, where such seizure is not discharged within thirty (30) days.

 

20.                            REMEDIES: In the event of any such default by Sub-Sublessee, Sub-Sublessor may at any time thereafter, without limiting Sub-Sublessor in the exercise of any right or remedy which Sub-Sublessor may have by reason of such default or breach:

 

a.                                     Terminate Sub-Sublessee’s right to possession of the Sub-Subleased Premises by any lawful means, in which case this Sub-Sublease shall terminate and Sub- Sublessee shall immediately surrender possession of the Sub-Subleased Premises to Sub-Sublessor.  In such event, Sub-Sublessor shall be entitled to recover from Sub-Sublessee all damages permitted to be recovered by a landlord pursuant to the laws of the jurisdiction where the Sub-Subleased Premises are located, together with all damages incurred by Sub-Sublessor by reason of Sub-Sublessee’s default, including, but not limited to, the cost of recovering possession of the Sub-Subleased Premises, reasonable attorneys fees, and any real estate commission actually paid.

 

b.                                    Maintain Sub-Sublessee’s right to possession in which case this Sub-Sublease shall continue in effect whether or not Sub-Sublessee shall have vacated or abandoned the Sub-Subleased Premises.  In such event, Sub-Sublessor shall be entitled to enforce all of Sub-Sublessor’s rights and remedies under this Sub- Sublease, under the laws of the jurisdiction where the Sub-Subleased Premises are located at law and equity, including the right to recover the Rent, Additional Rent, and all other sums due hereunder as the same become due.

 

c.                                     Declare the entire balance of Rent, Additional Rent and all other sums payable hereunder during the remaining Term of this Sub-Sublease to be immediately due, payable and in arrears as if by the terms and provisions of this Sub-Sublease said balance of Rent, Additional Rent and other sums were on that date payable in

 

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advance.  Any such acceleration by Sub-Sublessor shall not constitute a waiver of any right or remedy of Sub-Sublessor.

 

d.                                    Pursue any other remedy now or hereafter available to Sub-Sublessor under the laws of the jurisdiction where the Sub-Subleased Premises are located or in equity.

 

e.                                     Pursue any remedy enforceable by Sublessor under the Sublease or Lessor under the Lease to the extent they apply to the Sub-Subleased Premises.

 

All remedies available to Sub-Sublessor hereunder shall be cumulative and concurrent.  No waiver or delay in enforcement by Sub-Sublessor of any breach of Sub-Sublessee’s obligations hereunder shall constitute a waiver of any such breach or any subsequent breach.

 

In the event there is a continuance of an Event of Default described in Section 18 (i) of the Lease by Sublessor to Lessor, Sub-Sublessee shall make their rent payments directly to Lessor, upon receipt of written notice provided by Lessor

 

21.                            INTEREST: In the event that any sums due and payable to Sub-Sublessor pursuant to the terms of this Sub-Sublease are not paid when due, such sums shall bear interest at the rate of twelve percent (12%) per year, from the due date until actually paid, unless that rate is usurious as applied to Sub-Sublessee in which event the rate shall be reduced to the highest non-usurious rate.  Neither the accrual nor the payment of interest shall cure any default by Sub-Sublessee under this Sub-Sublease.

 

22.                            BROKERS: Sub-Sublessor and Sub-Sublessee represent, warrant and agree that each has not dealt with any broker, agent, finder or other intermediary in connection with the subletting of the Sub-Subleased Premises except _________ (the “Listing Broker”) and _________ (the “Sub-Sublessor Broker”).  Sub-Sublessor shall be solely liable for any commission due to the Listing Broker and Sub-Sublessor Broker.  Sub-Sublessor and Sub-Sublessee agree to indemnify, defend and hold the other harmless from and against any claims against the other resulting from a breach or inaccuracy of the foregoing representation, warranty and agreement which shall survive expiration, cancellation or other termination of this Sub-Sublease.

 

23.                            COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS: Sub-Sublessee shall, throughout the Term of this Sub- Sublease, observe and comply with all statutes, laws, ordinances, notices, orders, rules, regulations and requirements of all federal, state and municipal governments and appropriate departments, commissions, boards and officers thereof, and notices, orders, rules and regulations of the National Board of Fire Underwriters, or any other body now or hereafter constituted exercising similar functions, relating to the Sub-Subleased Premises, foreseen or unforeseen, ordinary as well as extraordinary, or to the use or manner of use of the Sub-Subleased Premises, or to the fixtures and equipment thereof.

 

24.                            AUTHORITY: The parties executing this Sub-Sublease represent and warrant that they have the full right and lawful authority to execute this Sub-Sublease for the Term, in the manner and upon the conditions and provisions herein contained.

 

25.                            FURTHER DOCUMENTS: Each party agrees to execute and deliver to the other all instruments which may reasonably be required to carry out all terms and provisions of this Sub-Sublease.

 

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26.                            RECOVERY OF FEES: If either party is successful in enforcing against the other any legal or equitable remedy for a breach of any provision of this Sub-Sublease, the successful party shall be entitled to recover its expenses and reasonable attorney’s fees as determined by the court as part of the judgment or decree.

 

27.                            BINDING EFFECT: This Sub-Sublease shall be binding upon the successors and permitted assigns of Sub-Sublessee and Sub-Sublessor.

 

28.                            INTEGRATED DOCUMENT: This instrument, and its attachments, embodies all of the agreements between the parties with respect to the Sub-Subleased Premises, and no oral agreements, prior correspondence or other prior writings shall be held to vary the provisions hereof.  Any subsequent changes or modifications shall become effective only by a written instrument duly executed by Sub-Sublessee and Sub-Sublessor.

 

29.                            LESSOR’S AND SUBLESSOR’S CONSENT: This Sublease is contingent upon, and shall have no force or effect until receipt of, the Lessor’s and Sublessor’s written consent hereto in the form attached as Exhibit “E”.  The Sub-Sublessor agrees to exercise good faith in requesting Lessor’s and Sublessor’s written consent to this Sub-Sublease.

 

30.                            PARKING: Sub-Sublessee shall have the right to parking spaces associated with the Sub-Subleased Premises at a ratio of 4.69 spaces per 1000 RSF at no charge throughout the Term.

 

31.                            RELOCATION: Sub-Sublessor shall not have the right to relocate the Sub-Subleased Premises.

 

32.                            [SIGNS: Sub-Sublessor will place a building standard signage on the building directory located in the main lobby of the building and suite signage outside of Sub-Subleased Premises identifying Sub-Sublessee.  Sub-Sublessee shall be permitted to place one placement (panel) on the building exterior monument.  The signage on the building monument will match building standard.  Sub-Sublessee will not be responsible for removing signage or any costs associated with removing signage.]

 

33.                            SECURITY SYSTEM: The Premises is equipped with twenty-four (24) hour security.  Subject to Sub-Sublessor’s approval, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Sub- Sublessee will have the right to install its own security system for the Sub-Subleased Premises.]

 

36.                            COUNTERPARTS: This Sub-Sublease may be executed in one or more counterparts, which together constitute one and the same instrument, and may be executed by facsimile or digital signature, each of which shall be deemed original signatures.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Sub-Sublease Agreement as of the day and year first above written,

 

 

SUB-SUBLESSEE:

 

YETI COOLERS, LLC

 

A Delaware limited liability company

 

- 10 -



 

 

By:

/s/ David Bullock

 

Name:

David Bullock

 

Title:

CFO

 

 

 

 

SUB-SUBLESSOR:

 

AVAI MOBILE SOLUTIONS LLC

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ J. Rand Arnold

 

Name:

J. Rand Arnold

 

Title:

CEO

 

- 11 -



 

EXHIBIT “A”

 

SUBLEASED PREMISES AND SUB-SUBLEASED PREMISES

 

- 12 -


 

 


 

EXHIBIT “B”

 

The Lease

 

- 13 -



 

EXHIBIT “C”

 

The Sublease

 

- 14 -



 

2.         Landlord hereby agrees that the liens and security interests existing in favor of the Administrative Agent, for the ratable benefit of each and every party now or hereafter participating as a Lender under the Credit Agreement, shall be prior and superior to (i) any and all rights of distraint, levy, and execution which Landlord may now or hereafter have against the Collateral, (ii) any and ail liens and security interests which Landlord may now or hereafter have on and in the Collateral, and (iii) any and all other rights, demands and claims of every nature whatsoever which Landlord may now or hereafter have on or against the Collateral for any reason whatsoever, including, without limitation, rent, storage charge, or similar expense, cost or sum due or to become due Landlord by Tenant under the provisions of any lease, storage agreement or otherwise, and Landlord hereby subordinates all of its foregoing rights and interests in the Collateral to the security interest of the Administrative Agent in the Collateral.

 

3.         Upon the advance written notice from the Administrative Agent that an event of default has occurred and is continuing under the Credit Agreement, Landlord agrees that the Administrative Agent or its delegates or assigns may enter upon the Premises at any time or times, during normal business hours, to inspect or remove the Collateral, or any part thereof, from the Premises, without charge, either prior to or subsequent to the termination of the Lease, provided that in any event such removal shall occur no later than sixty (60) days after the termination of the Lease. The Administrative Agent shall repair or pay actual compensation to Landlord for damage, if any, to the Premises caused by the removal of the Collateral.  In addition to the above removal rights, Landlord will permit the Administrative Agent to remain on the Premises for sixty (60) days after the Administrative Agent gives Landlord written notice of its intention to do so, provided that the Administrative Agent shall pay to Landlord the rent due under the Lease pro-rated on a per diem basis determined on a 30-day month (provided, that such rent shall exclude any rent adjustments, indemnity payments or similar amounts payable under the Lease for default, holdover status or similar charges).

 

4.         Landlord represents and warrants: (a) that it has not assigned its claims for payment, if any, nor its right to perfect or assert a lien of any kind whatsoever against Tenant’s Collateral; (b) that it has the right, power and authority to execute this Agreement; (c) that it holds legal title to the Premises; and (d) the Lease, together with all assignments, modifications, supplementations and amendments set forth in Exhibit A, represents, as of the date hereof, the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the Lease of the Premises.

 

5.         Landlord shall send to the Administrative Agent (in the manner provided herein) a copy of any written notice or written statement sent to Tenant by Landlord asserting a material default under the Lease that would entitle Landlord to terminate the Lease.  Such copy shall be sent to the Administrative Agent at substantially the same time such notice or statement is sent to Tenant.  Notices shall be sent to the Administrative Agent by prepaid, registered or certified mail, or by an overnight courier service (e.g. Federal Express) or via email addressed to the Administrative Agent at the following address, or such other address as the Administrative Agent shall designate to Landlord in writing:

 

Fifth Street Finance Corp.
10 Bank Street, 12
th Floor
White Plains, New York 10606
Attn: General Counsel
Fax: (914) 328-4214

 

6.         Landlord shall not terminate the Lease until Landlord shall have given a copy of such written notice to the Administrative Agent as provided above and, in the event any such default is not cured by Tenant within any time period provided for under the terms and conditions of the Lease (or, if later, the date specified in such written notice), to the extent that such default is (i) curable, and (ii) could

 

- 16 -



 

reasonably be expected to be cured within 30 days from the expiration of Tenant’s cure period under the Lease, Landlord will allow the Administrative Agent (a) thirty (30) days from the expiration of Tenant’s cure period under the Lease (or, if later, under such written notice) within which the Administrative Agent shall have the right, but shall not be obligated, to remedy such act, omission or other default and Landlord will accept such performance by the Administrative Agent; provided, that (i) the Administrative Agent will notify Tenant and Landlord within 10 days following receipt of written notice from Landlord of such default whether it intends to cure or attempt to cure such default, and (ii) failure to notify Tenant thereof within such 10 day period shall be deemed a waiver by the Administrative Agent of its right to effect or seek to effect such cure and (b) up to an additional thirty (30) days to occupy the Premises; provided that the Administrative Agent shall repair or pay actual compensation to Landlord for damage, if any, to the Premises caused by the removal of the Collateral and during such period of occupation the Administrative Agent shall pay to Landlord the rent due under the Lease pro-rated on a per diem basis determined on a thirty (30) day month (provided that such rent shall exclude any rent adjustments, indemnity payments or similar amounts payable under the Lease for default, holdover or similar charge).

 

7.         The undersigned will use commercially reasonable efforts to notify all successor owners, transferees, purchasers and mortgagees of the Premises of the existence of this Agreement. The agreements contained herein may not be modified or terminated orally and shall be binding upon the successors, assigns and personal representatives of the undersigned, upon any successor owner or transferee of the Premises, and upon any purchasers, including any mortgagee, from the undersigned.

 

8.         This Agreement shall continue in effect during the term of the Credit Agreement, and any extensions, renewals or modifications thereof and any substitutions therefor, shall be binding upon the successors, assigns and transferees of Landlord, and shall inure to the benefit of the transferees of Landlord, and shall inure to the benefit of the Administrative Agent, each Lender and their respective successors and assigns.  Landlord hereby waives notice of the Administrative Agent’s acceptance of and reliance on this Agreement.

 

9.         This Agreement (a) may be executed and delivered in any number of counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original and all of which, when taken together, shall constitute one agreement and (b) may, upon execution, be delivered by facsimile or electronic mail, which shall be deemed for all purposes to be an original signature.

 

10.       This Agreement shall be governed by, and construed and interpreted in accordance with, the law of the State of New York.  All judicial proceedings brought by Landlord, the Administrative Agent or Tenant with respect to this Agreement may be brought in any state or federal court of competent jurisdiction in the State of New York, and, by execution and delivery of this Agreement, each of Landlord, Administrative Agent and Tenant accepts, for itself and in connection with its properties, generally and unconditionally, the nonexclusive jurisdiction of the aforesaid courts and irrevocably agrees to be bound by any final judgment rendered thereby in connection with this Agreement from which no appeal has been taken or is available.

 

11.       This Agreement represents the agreement of Landlord, Administrative Agent and Tenant with respect to the subject matter hereof, and there are no promises, undertakings, representations or warranties by Landlord, Administrative Agent and Tenant relative to the subject matter hereof not expressly set forth or referred to herein.

 

12.       This Agreement may not be amended, modified or waived except by a written amendment or instrument signed by each of Landlord, the Administrative Agent and Tenant.

 

[REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

- 17 -



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Landlord and the Administrative Agent have each caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized representatives as of the date first above written.

 

 

Drawbridge 5301 Southwest Parkway, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company,

 

as Landlord

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Charlie McEachron

 

Name:

Charlie McEachron

 

Title:

Chief Operating Officer

 

- 18 -



 

Acknowledged and Agreed:

 

_________________________, as Tenant

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

- 19 -



 

Acknowledged and Agreed:

 

 

FIFTH STREET FINANCE CORP.,
as Administrative Agent for the Lenders

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

Exhibit A

 

Lease

 

- 20 -



 

EXHIBIT “E”

 

LESSOR’S AND SUBLESSOR’S CONSENT TO SUB-SUBLEASE

 

- 21 -





Exhibit 10.19

 

CONSENT TO SECOND SUBLEASE AMENDMENT

 

This CONSENT TO SECOND SUBLEASE AMENDMENT (this “Consent Agreement”) is made and entered into as of the 6 day of May, 2016, by and among OVERWATCH SYSTEMS, LTD., d/b/a/ Textron Systems Advanced Information Solutions a Delaware corporation (“Tenant”), YETI COOLERS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Subtenant”), and DRAWBRIDGE 5301 SOUTHWEST PARKWAY, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Landlord”), as successor in interest to OS AUSTIN PROJECT CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation.

 

RECITALS

 

A.        Landlord and Tenant are the current parties to that certain Office Lease Agreement (the “Original Lease Agreement”), dated as of December 9, 2005, covering the approximately 48.117 acres of land out of the Thomas Anderson Survey No. 17, Abstract No. 2 in Travis County, Texas, and the improvements constructed thereon, as more particularly described therein.

 

B.         The Original Lease Agreement has been amended pursuant to (i) that certain First Amendment to Lease, dated as of June 29, 2006, (ii) that certain Second Amendment to Office Lease, dated as of November 30, 2006, (iii) that certain Third Amendment to Office Lease, dated as of September 7, 2007, and (iv) that certain Fourth Amendment to Office Lease, dated as of March 28, 2008 (the Original Lease Agreement, as amended, collectively, the “Lease”), a copy of which is attached to this Consent Agreement as Exhibit A.

 

C.         Tenant sublet a portion of the Premises to Subtenant, Yeti Coolers, LLC, in a Sublease Agreement dated February 8, 2013 (the “Sublease”), a copy of which is attached hereto as Exhibit B. Landlord consented to this Sublease in a Consent Agreement (the “First Consent Agreement”) dated February 8, 2013. Tenant subleased an additional 11,500 RSF to Subtenant, under First Sublease Amendment to the Sublease Agreement (a copy of which is attached here to as Exhibit C), dated July 21, 2015 (“First Amendment”).

 

D.        Tenant desires to sublease to Subtenant, under Second Sublease Amendment to the Sublease Agreement (a copy of which is attached here to as Exhibit D), dated April ___, 2016 (“Second Amendment”) additional space on the first and fourth floors as depicted in Exhibit E (together with the initial subleased premises, referred to collectively herein as the “Subleased Premises”). This additional portion of the Premises shall be subleased on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.         Landlord’s Consent. Landlord hereby consents to the subleasing of the Subleased Premises to Subtenant pursuant to the Sublease, the First Amendment, and the Second Amendment, subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, and subject to execution and delivery of this Consent Agreement by all parties hereto.

 

2.         General Provisions.

 

(a)        By execution hereof, Tenant ratifies the Lease, Subtenant acknowledges that it has received a complete and correct copy of the Lease and is familiar with the terms, provisions,

 



 

rules and regulations of the Lease, and Subtenant agrees not to do or omit to do anything which would cause Tenant to be in breach of the Lease. Any such act or omission shall also constitute a breach of this Consent Agreement entitling Landlord to recover any damage, loss, cost, or expense which it thereby suffers, from Subtenant, whether or not Landlord proceeds against Tenant. Landlord’s consent set forth in Section 1 hereof shall not be deemed a consent to any other assignments, subleases or transfers under the Lease or to any other matter requiring the consent of Landlord under the Lease. No assignment, encumbrance or other transfer of the Sublease, nor any sub-sublease, encumbrance or other transfer of the Sublease Premises, shall be made by Tenant and/or Subtenant without Landlord’s written consent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed (in the manner contemplated by the Lease), and any attempt to do so without Landlord’s written consent shall at Landlord’s option be null and void. This Consent Agreement shall not release Tenant from any existing or future duty, obligation or liability to Landlord pursuant to the Lease, nor shall the Sublease or this Consent Agreement change, modify or amend the Lease in any manner, any purported modifications being solely for the purpose of setting forth the rights and obligations as between Tenant and Subtenant, but not binding on Landlord.

 

(b)        The Sublease is subject and subordinate at all times to this Consent Agreement and to the Lease and all of its terms, covenants and conditions. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as a consent to, approval of, or ratification by Landlord of any of the provisions of the Sublease or as a representation or warranty by Landlord in respect thereof. Landlord is not consenting to, approving of, or ratifying the terms, covenants and conditions of the Sublease and is not assuming any obligations under the Sublease. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Sublease: (i) nothing in the Sublease shall create or expand the liability or obligations of Landlord, whether to Tenant, Subtenant or any other party, and Landlord hereby withholds consent to anything in the Sublease that does create or expand the liability or obligations of Landlord, (ii) nothing in the Sublease shall limit any rights of Landlord, and Landlord hereby withholds consent to anything in the Sublease that does limit any right of Landlord, (iii) Subtenant shall have no rights to expand or relocate the Sublease Premises beyond the Premises, or extend or renew the term of the Sublease beyond the term of the Lease, regardless of whether Tenant may have such rights under the Lease, and Subtenant shall have no right to exercise Tenant’s rights thereunder, and (iv) any special rights under the Lease which by their terms are personal or non-assignable (including, but not limited to, any extension, expansion, relocation, early termination, signage, or parking rights that by their terms are personal or non-assignable, if any), are not being assigned by the Sublease (notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained therein), and to the extent that such rights by their terms no longer apply after a sublease, then such rights shall be of no further force or effect. Neither the Lease nor the Sublease shall be deemed to grant Subtenant any rights whatsoever against Landlord. Subtenant hereby acknowledges and agrees that its sole remedy for any alleged or actual breach by, or any claim or right against, any other party under the Lease or the Sublease shall be solely against Tenant (except in the case of attornment to the extent described below).

 

(c)        Subtenant’s waivers and indemnity obligations under the Sublease, whether arising directly under the Sublease (whether or not expressly so stated therein) or by the incorporation of the Lease terms therein, shall extend to Landlord and its employees, agents and affiliates and other beneficiaries under the Lease.  If the Lease requires the payment of percentage rent, based on a percentage of gross sales or other revenue in or from the Premises, Subtenant shall comply with all provisions of the Lease respecting the same, including without limitation, all requirements concerning the keeping of books, records, and other items, and reporting of gross sales to Landlord. In such case, Subtenant’s sales shall be included in

 



 

Tenant’s gross sales for purposes of computing Tenant’s percentage rent obligations under the Lease. In the event of any litigation between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, the unsuccessful party agrees to pay to the successful party all costs, expenses and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred therein by the successful party, which shall be included as a part of a judgment rendered therein. The failure or delay of Landlord in seeking to enforce any provisions of the Lease, the Sublease or this Consent Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver of rights or remedies that Landlord may have, or a waiver of any subsequent breach of the terms and provisions therein or herein contained.

 

(d)        Any alterations, additions or improvements to the Sublease Premises shall comply with the requirements of the Lease.

 

(e)        Tenant covenants to Landlord that no interest paid by Subtenant to Tenant under the Sublease will be used by Tenant to pay any amounts due to Landlord under the Lease.

 

3.         Termination of Lease: Attornment: Direct Payment to Landlord.

 

(a)        Any Lease Termination (as hereinafter defined) prior to the termination of the Sublease, shall at Landlord’s option either: (i) terminate the Sublease or (ii) operate as an assignment of the Sublease to Landlord on the terms described herein. Landlord’s option herein may be exercised by written notice to Subtenant within ninety (90) days after Landlord receives written notice of such Lease Termination (or at Landlord’s option such earlier date after Landlord otherwise becomes aware of such Lease Termination, or becomes aware of any circumstances that could result in such Lease Termination if Landlord desires to send a notice to become effective when such Lease Termination occurs). Upon Landlord’s exercise of its right to require an assignment hereunder, Subtenant shall be deemed to have attorned to Landlord and to have recognized Landlord as Subtenant’s landlord under the Sublease, upon the terms and conditions and at the subrent rate specified in the Sublease, and for the then remaining term of the Sublease, except that Landlord shall not be bound by any provision of the Sublease which in any way increases Landlord’s duties, obligations or liabilities to Subtenant beyond those owed to Tenant under the Lease or by any provision giving Subtenant a credit against the subrent. Subtenant agrees to execute and deliver at any time and from time to time, upon the request of Landlord, any instruments which may be necessary or appropriate to evidence such attornment. “Lease Termination” means any event, which by voluntary or involuntary act or by operation of law, causes the Lease to be terminated, cancelled, rejected in bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other such proceedings, foreclosed against, or otherwise come to an end, including but not limited to: (i) a default by Tenant under the Lease of any of the terms or provisions thereof; (ii) foreclosure proceedings brought by the holder of any mortgage or trust deed to which the Lease is subject, or (iii) the termination of Tenant’s leasehold estate by dispossession proceedings or otherwise.

 

(b)        Notwithstanding the foregoing, under no circumstances shall Landlord: (1) be liable to Subtenant for any act, omission or breach of the Sublease by Tenant, (ii) be subject to any offsets or defenses which Subtenant might have against Tenant, (iii) be liable for any improvements, allowances, rent abatement periods, free or reduced rate

 



 

parking or other concessions that Tenant has granted or agreed to give, or bound by any subrentals which Subtenant might have paid in advance to Tenant, or (iv) be bound to honor any rights of Subtenant in any security deposit made with Tenant except to the extent Tenant has turned over such security deposit to Landlord. Tenant hereby agrees that in the event of Lease Termination, Tenant shall immediately pay or transfer to Landlord any security deposits, subrent or other sums then held by Tenant less any amounts due Subtenant as of the date of the Lease Termination. In addition, in the event of attornment hereunder, no partner, trustee, director, officer, employee, beneficiary, shareholder or agent of Landlord or its agent shall be personally liable under or in connection with the Lease or the Sublease, and Subtenant and its successors and assigns shall look solely to Landlord’s interest in the Premises for the satisfaction of any claim or judgment requiring the payment of money by Landlord. The limitation of liability provided in this Section 3(b) is in addition to, and not in limitation of, any limitation on liability applicable to Landlord provided by law or any other agreement or instrument.

 

(c)        In addition to Landlord’s rights set forth above, Landlord may elect from time to time, in Landlord’s sole discretion, to receive directly from Subtenant all sums due or payable to Tenant by Subtenant pursuant to the Sublease, and upon receipt of Landlord’s notice, Subtenant shall thereafter pay Landlord any sums becoming due or payable under the Sublease and Tenant shall receive from Landlord a corresponding credit for such sums received by Landlord against any and all payment then due or thereafter becoming due from Tenant. Neither the service of such written notice nor the receipt of such direct payments shall cause Landlord to assume any of Tenant’s duties, obligations and/or liabilities under the Sublease, nor shall such event impose upon Landlord the duty or obligation to honor the Sublease, nor subsequently to accept Subtenant’s attornment pursuant to the other provisions hereof. Tenant agrees to hold any and all payments from Subtenant as a trust fund to be applied first to the satisfaction of all of Tenant’s obligations under the Lease and hereunder, before using any part thereof for any other purpose.

 

4.         Services. Tenant hereby agrees that Landlord may, in its sole discretion, provide services directly to Subtenant at Subtenant’s request. Subtenant hereby agrees that Subtenant shall be directly liable for Landlord’s charges therefore and shall timely pay the same when due (and in no event later than 10 days after being invoiced therefor).

 

5.         Notices. Any notice given by any party to another party hereto respecting this Consent Agreement, the Sublease, the Premises or the Sublease Premises or any matter relating thereto shall be delivered personally, by overnight delivery, by recognized courier, or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, to such other party at the address given below or such other address as such other party may from time to time designate in writing to the other parties in accordance with these provisions. The addresses set forth below shall supersede any addresses for notices set forth in the Lease. If no address is given below, then the address for that party shall be the address set forth in the Lease, or in the absence thereof, shall be the address of the Premises. Any such notice shall be deemed given immediately upon personal delivery, one (1) business day after deposit for overnight delivery, or three (3) business days after deposit for certified or registered mail.

 



 

LANDLORD:

 

DRAWBRIDGE 5301 SOUTHWEST PARKWAY, LLC
c/o Drawbridge Realty
Three Embarcadero Center, Suite 2310
San Francisco, CA 94111
ATTN: Mark S. Whiting / Charles B. McEachron

 

 

 

 

 

 

TENANT:

 

Overwatch Systems
5301 Southwest Parkway
Austin, TX 78735
Attn: Gary Raven

 

With a copy to:
AAI Corporation
124 Industry Lane
Hunt Valley, MD 21030
Attn: Legal Department

 

 

 

SUBTENANT:

 

Yeti Coolers, LLC
Attn: David Bullock, CFO
3411 Hidalgo Street
Austin, TX 78702

 

Yeti Coolers, LLC
Attn: General Counsel, Bryan Barksdale, Esq.
5301 Southwest Parkway, Suite 200
Austin, TX 78735

 

With a copy to:
Jackson Walker
Attn: Chad Smith
100 Congress,
Suite 1100
Austin, TX 78701

 

6.         Real Estate Brokers. Tenant and Subtenant jointly and severally agree to defend, indemnify and hold Landlord harmless from all damages, judgments, liabilities and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising from any claims or demands of any broker, agent or finder for any commission or fee alleged to be due in connection with the Sublease or this Consent Agreement.

 

7.         Authority. Each of the parties to this Consent Agreement represents and warrants to the other parties to this Consent Agreement that the undersigned person signing this Consent Agreement on behalf of such party is a duly elected officer or representative of the entity he/she represents and has been fully empowered by proper resolution of the Board of Directors or other governing body of such entity to execute and deliver this Consent Agreement: that the entity he/she represents has full capacity to enter into this Consent Agreement and to perform the

 



 

obligations on its part to be performed; and that all necessary internal actions have been taken with respect to such entity in connection with this Consent Agreement.

 

8.         Miscellaneous. This Consent Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties’ respective successors and assigns, subject at all times, to all agreements and restrictions contained in the Lease, and herein, with respect to subleasing, assignment, or other transfer. The agreements contained herein constitute the entire understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersede all prior agreements, written or oral. No provision of the Sublease or this Consent Agreement may be amended except in writing signed by all parties hereto or their successors (except that in the case of Lease Termination, no agreement or signature by Tenant shall be required). In the event of any inconsistency between the terms of the Sublease and this Consent Agreement or the Lease, the terms of this Consent Agreement or the Lease, as the case may be, shall govern and control. If any term, covenant or condition of this Consent Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall, to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Consent Agreement or the application of such term, covenant or condition to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable shall not be affected thereby and each term, covenant or condition of this Consent Agreement shall be valid and in force to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

9.         Governing Law. This Consent Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas. Any disputes arising under this Consent Agreement shall be heard and determined solely in the courts located in the State of Texas.

 

10.       Review Fee and Transfer Premiums. In order to help reimburse Landlord’s legal and administrative expenses in reviewing the Sublease, Tenant shall pay Landlord with Tenant’s submission of the Sublease and this Consent Agreement for Landlord’s review the amount of $1,500.00 (the “Review Fee”). Landlord’s acceptance of such Review Fee shall impose no duty or obligation upon Landlord to consent to the transaction contemplated herein nor to execute this Consent Agreement. Tenant shall also promptly pay Landlord any share of subleasing or transfer premiums or profits, or other items, required under the Lease in connection with sublease approvals.

 

11.       Not Binding Until Fully Signed and Delivered. Unless and until all parties hereto have executed and delivered this Consent Agreement, this Consent Agreement and Landlord’s consent herein shall be of no force or effect, notwithstanding that Landlord and Tenant may have permitted temporary occupancy by Subtenant or other matters in connection herewith.

 

[The signature page follows.]

 



 

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

 

 

TENANT:

 

 

 

OVERWATCH SYSTEMS, LTD.,

 

d/b/a Textron Systems Advanced

 

Information Solutions

 

a Delaware corporation

 

 

 

By: /s/ Gary Raven                                    

 

 

Name (Printed): Gary Raven                     

 

 

Title: Dir. Programs & Operations            

 

 

 

 

SUBTENANT:

 

 

 

YETI COOLERS, LLC,

 

a Delaware limited liability company

 

 

 

By: /s/ Byran Barksdale                           

 

 

Name (Printed): Byran Barksdale            

 

 

Title: General Counsel                             

 

 

 

 

LANDLORD:

 

 

 

DRAWBRIDGE 5301 SOUTHWEST PARKWAY, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

 

 

 

By: /s/ Charles McEachron                     

 

 

Name (Printed): Charles McEachron      

 

 

Title: COO                                             

 

 



 

REAFFIRMATION OF CONTINUING LEASE GUARANTY

 

The undersigned, TEXTRON INC., a Delaware corporation (“Guarantor”), being the guarantor under that certain Continuing Lease Guaranty, dated as of March 28, 2008 (the “Guaranty”), with respect to that certain Office Lease Agreement, by and between Drawbridge 5301 Southwest Parkway, LLC (as successor landlord) (“Landlord”), and Overwatch Systems, Ltd. (“Tenant”), dated December 9, 2005, as thereafter amended from time to time (collectively, the “Lease”), under which Landlord leased to Tenant certain premises more particularly described therein (the “Premises”), hereby ratifies and consents in all respects to the sublease of a portion of the Premises by Tenant to YETI Coolers, LLC, and agrees that neither the execution of, nor the performance by Tenant under, nor the consent by Landlord to, the sublease shall in any way affect, impair, discharge, limit, relieve or release the obligations, covenants and liabilities of Guarantor under the Guaranty, which Guaranty is hereby ratified, confirmed and reaffirmed in all respects. Guarantor acknowledges and affirms that this Reaffirmation of Continuing Lease Guaranty is made to and for the benefit of Landlord, its successors and assigns.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Guarantor has executed this Reaffirmation of Continuing Lease Guaranty as of the 13th day of May 2016.

 

TEXTRON INC.,

 

a Delaware corporation

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Mary F. Lovejoy

 

 

Name:

Mary F. Lovejoy

 

 

Title:

Vice President and Treasurer

 

 

 

1


 

EXHIBIT A

 



 

EXHIBIT B

 



 

SUBLEASE AGREEMENT

 

 

THIS SUBLEASE AGREEMENT (this “Sublease”) is made and entered into this 8 day of February, 2013, by and between YETI COOLERS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (the “Sublessee”) and OVERWATCH SYSTEMS, LTD., a Delaware corporation, (the “Sublessor”).

 

WHEREAS, by lease dated December 9, 2005, as amended by four (4) additional amendments (collectively the “Lease”) Sublessor leased from TDC-AIS Overwatch, L.P., predecessor-in-interest to OS AUSTIN PROJECT CORPORATION (the “Lessor”) certain premises consisting of approximately 48.117 acres of land out of the Thomas Anderson Survey No. 17, Abstract No. 2 in Travis County, Texas, and the improvements to be constructed thereon, as more particularly described therein, also known as 5301 Southwest Parkway, Austin, TX 78735 (the “Premises”);

 

WHEREAS, Sublessor has agreed to sublease a portion of the Premises, consisting of approximately twenty one thousand five hundred thirty two (21,532) square feet on the second (2nd) floor of the building located on the Premises, known as Suite 200 and more particularly described on Exhibit “A” attached hereto (the “Subleased Premises A”) to Sublessee on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth; and

 

WHEREAS, Sublesssor has agreed to sublease an additional portion of the Premises, consisting of four thousand six hundred twelve (4,612) square feet of space, more particularly described on Exhibit “E-1” attached hereto (the “Subleased Premises B”) to the Sublessee on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth;

 

NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the rents, covenants, agreements, stipulations and provisions contained herein to be paid, kept and performed by both Sublessee and Sublessor, the parties do hereby agree as follows:

 

1.                                    DEFINITIONS.         Unless otherwise set forth in this Sublease, all capitalized terms shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Lease. All references to the Subleased Premises hereinafter shall be deemed to refer collectively to Subleased Premises A and Subleased Premises B.

 

2.                                    SUBLEASE TERM:  For Subleased Premises A, Sublessor does hereby demise and sublease the Subleased Premises to Sublessee and Sublessee does hereby sublease the Subleased Premises from Sublessor commencing on the earlier of (a) the date the Sublessee’s improvements are substantially complete in accordance with Sublessee’s Work (defined below) which shall be no later than sixty (60) days following Sublessee’s receipt of a construction permit and any other necessary approvals to perform the Sublessee’s Work, or (b) the date Sublessee commences business operations in the Premises (the “Commencement Date”) and ending on the termination of the Lease,

 



 

currently scheduled for July 31, 2017 (the “Termination Date”), unless sooner terminated pursuant to any provision hereof (the “Term”). Promptly upon the occurrence of the Commencement Date, Sublessee and Sublessor shall execute a letter addendum to this Sublease confirming such Commencement Date.

 

Subleased Premises B’s commencement date shall be nine (9) months following the Commencement Date for Subleased Premises A (the “Expansion Date”) and shall also terminate on the Termination Date.

 

3.                                    USE: The Subleased Premises shall be used for Sublessee’s office use, and for no other use whatsoever. Upon the execution of this Sublease, and any consents needed, Sublessee shall, at no cost, have access to up to ten thousand (10,000) square feet of space within Subleased Premises A (the “Pre-Commencement Space”) during construction of Sublessee’s Work until the Commencement Date of this Sublease.

 

4.                                    RENT: It is agreed between the parties hereto that Sublessee shall occupy the Pre- Commencement Space rent-free until the Commencement Date. Sublessee covenants and agrees to pay to Sublessor, without deduction or set off, rental for the Term (the “Rent”) as follows:

 

Term

 

Gross Rate

 

Sq. Footage

 

Monthly Rent

Months 1-2

 

 

 

 

 

$         0.00

Months 3-12

 

$23.00 per RSF

 

14,000 NRA

 

$26,833.33

Months 13-24

 

$23.50 per RSF

 

22,112 NRA

 

$43,302.67

Months 25-36

 

$24.00 per RSF

 

26,144 NRA

 

$52,288.00

Months 37-48

 

$24.50 per RSF

 

26,144 NRA

 

$53,377.33

Months 49-End

 

$25.00 per RSF

 

26,144 NRA

 

$54,466.67

 

In the event any payment of Rent is not paid within five (5) days following the date due, Sublessee shall pay to Sublessor, upon demand, a late charge equal to five cents for each dollar overdue. All Rent is payable in advance in the aforesaid monthly installments of Rent on the first day of each month, with interest at the maximum rate per year permitted by law on any unpaid installments from the date due until paid in full. Rent payable for any partial month will be prorated on a daily basis. Upon execution of the Sublease, Sublessee shall pay Rent for month three (3) of the Term to be applied toward the rent due for the third (3rd) full calendar month of the Term.

 

5.                                    SECURITY DEPOSIT:  Concurrently with the execution hereof, Sublessee shall deposit with Sublessor the sum of Forty-Four Thousand Eight Hundred Fifty Eight Dollars  ($44,858.00) (the “Security Deposit”) to insure the timely and faithful performance of each of the terms and conditions hereof by Sublessee.  Sublessor shall have the right to commingle said funds with other funds of Sublessor.  Sublessor shall hold the Security Deposit and shall have the right, but not the obligation, to use the same to cure any

 

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default by Sublessee hereunder or to repair any damage to the Subleased Premises caused by Sublessee, its employees, agents or invitees. In the absence of any default or damage to the Subleased Premises, Sublessor shall repay said sum, without interest, to Sublessee within sixty (60) days following the end of the Term, as the same may be extended. In the event Sublessor applies the Security Deposit or any portion thereof in accordance with this Paragraph 5, Sublessee shall be obligated immediately to pay to Sublessor the amount required to restore the Security Deposit to its original amount. This section shall survive the expiration of the Sublease.

 

6.                                    TIME AND PLACE OF PAYMENT: With the exception of the payment of the third month’s Rent for Subleased Premises A, which shall be delivered by Sublessee to Sublessor upon Sublessee’s execution of this Sublease, all payments of Rent shall be made, in advance, without notice, on the first (1st) day of each month during the Term, and addressed to address in the Notice provision or to such other person or at such other place as Sublessor may from time to time designate in writing.

 

7.                                    OPERATING EXPENSE: Utilities, janitorial, building management, building maintenance and property taxes are included in the Rent above. The Rent is inclusive of all operating expenses and there will be no operating expense pass throughs over the Term of the Sublease. Normal operating hours and HVAC hours for the Premises are from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, Monday through Friday, and from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm on Saturdays. If Sublessee requires after hours HVAC, there will not be a charge for after hour HVAC through the entire Term.

 

8.                                    BUSINESS PRIVILEGE TAXES, BUSINESS USE TAXES AND OCCUPANCY TAXES: Sublessee agrees to pay any revenue tax or charge, occupancy tax, business privilege tax, business use tax or any other tax that may be levied against the Subleased Premises or Sublessee’s use or occupancy thereof during the Term.

 

9.                                    RIGHT OF ENTRY: Following the execution of this Sublease and prior to the Commencement Date, Sublessee shall have twenty-four (24) hour access to the Pre-Commencement Space and the Subleased Premises. The purpose of said access includes, but it not limited to, evaluating what alterations, repairs or improvements are needed to modify the Subleased Premises for its use. Sublessee may not commence any such alteration, repair or improvement until Sublessor and Lessor shall have consented thereto pursuant to Paragraph 11 and Lessor shall have consented to this Sublease. Sublessee’s access to the Subleased Premises prior to the Commencement Date shall be subject to all of the terms and conditions of this Sublease, except for the payment of Rent. Sublessee hereby agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Sublessor and Lessor from any and all liability, claims, demands, expenses, damages and judgments arising as a result of Sublessee’s access to the Subleased Premises pursuant to this Paragraph 9, except Sublessee shall have no liability for Sublessor’s gross negligence or willful misconduct.

 

10.                            ACCEPTANCE AND SURRENDER OF SUBLEASED PREMISES:     Except as otherwise set forth herein, Sublessee agrees to accept the Subleased Premises in its present “as is” condition at the date of this Sublease, it being both parties intent that Sublessee shall bear the full cost and expense of modifying or renovating the Subleased Premises for its use. Provided Sublessee is not in default hereunder, Sublessor agrees to

 

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provide Sublessee with a sublessee work allowance in the amount of Eleven Dollars per RSF ($11.00) on the entire Subleased Premises (the “Work Allowance”) in connection with the completion by Sublessee of the work on Subleased Premises A and Subleased Premises B more particularly described on Exhibit “B” attached hereto and made a part hereof (collectively, the “Sublessee’s Work”). The Work Allowance shall be paid by Sublessor directly to Sublessee’s general contractor within thirty (30) days following Sublessor’s receipt of (a) detailed invoices for all of Sublessee’s Work; (b) release of liens executed by all contractors, subcontractors, materialmen and suppliers that performed work which is the subject of the invoice, and (c) such other documentation as may be reasonably required by Sublessor.

 

At Sublessee’s option, Sublessee shall have the right to self-fund the Work Allowance and/or the Moving Allowance (defined below) and receive a dollar-for-dollar credit against each installment of Rent until such time as Sublessee has recouped the entire amount of the self-funded Work Allowance and/or Moving Allowance. Sublessee shall provide written notice of its intent to exercise this option to Sublessor within ten (10) days of receipt of Lessor’s consent to this Sublease.

 

The Work Allowance is meant to be comprehensive including but not limited to architectural, engineering fees, actual construction material, labor, phone and data cabling equipment, security network, and monument signage costs. Sublessee shall not be charged for any fee associated with Sublessor’s or Lessor’s review/supervision of the construction of the Sublessee’s Work.

 

Sublessor shall also provide Sublessee a Moving Allowance not to exceed $2.00 per RSF for the Subleased Premises to be used for voice and data cabling and moving related expenses (the “Moving Allowance”). The Moving Allowance for Subleased Premises A shall be paid by Sublessor directly to Sublessee within 30 days of the Commencement Date. The Moving Allowance for Subleased Premises B shall be paid by Sublessor directly to Sublessee within 30 days of the Expansion Date.

 

In addition to the Work Allowance and the Moving Allowance, Sublessor has agreed to and paid $0.10 per square foot toward the cost of a test fit with Sublessee’s architect.

 

11.                            ALTERATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS: Sublessee agrees to obtain Sublessor’s and Lessor’s prior written approval of alterations, modifications, repairs or renovations made to the Subleased Premises. Sublessor agrees that it shall promptly review plans and drawings submitted and that it will not unreasonably delay or deny approval with respect to non-structural alterations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Sublessor’s consent to such alterations shall be subject to Lessor’s consent thereto. Any alterations, modifications or renovations of or to the Subleased Premises shall be limited to partition changes (non-bearing walls), electrical and mechanical alterations, telephone relocations, and decorating. The structural integrity of the Building will not be disturbed in any way. Sublessee shall provide Sublessor with a waiver of liens prior to the commencement of any alterations or modifications to the Subleased Premises and a release of liens at the completion of any alterations or modifications to the Subleased Premises executed by all contractors who performed such alterations or modifications.  In addition, Sublessee agrees that all work performed upon the Subleased Premises shall be done in a good and

 

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workmanlike manner and shall be in accordance with all applicable law. Unless expressly agreed to the contrary, all alterations, modifications and renovations, upon completion of construction thereof, shall become part of the Subleased Premises and the property of Lessor without payment therefore by Sublessor and shall be surrendered to Lessorunder the Lease at the end of the Term or upon sooner termination of this Sublease pursuant to the terms hereof. Sublessee shall not be responsible for any alterations that were completed by Sublessor prior to Sublessee occupying the Subleased Premises. Sublessee shall not have any restoration obligations with respect to the Sublessee’s Work.

 

Sublessee has requested and Sublessor has consented to the use of Sublessor’s office furniture, office equipment, and any existing fixtures and cabling (collectively, the “Furniture”), currently located in the Subleased Premises and described on Exhibit “C”, attached hereto. The Furniture is in AS-IS condition and shall remain the property of Sublessor. If any repairs are needed to the office equipment, it shall be at Sublessee’s expense. The Furniture shall be returned to the Sublessor in its original condition, ordinary wear and tear and casualty excepted. Sublessor will remove any furniture, equipment, fixtures, or cabling not specified on Exhibit “C” prior to the Commencement Date. Sublessor shall remove the Furniture upon termination of this Sublease, unless otherwise agreed upon by both parties.

 

Sublessee agrees not to perform any construction in Subleased Premises B until after the Expansion Date. Work Allowance for Subleased Premises B will be paid in accordance with Paragraph 10.

 

Sublessee has requested and Sublessor has agreed that on or before the Expansion Date, Sublessor shall oversee and complete the installation of a fire-rated corridor connecting Subleased Premises B to Subleased Premises A (as more particularly described on Exhibit “E” attached hereto and made a part hereof) and otherwise demise the Subleased Premises to Sublessee at Sublessor’s sole cost and expense subject to all applicable codes and regulations (the “Demising Work”). The costs of the Demising Work, including, without limitation, the costs of installing and painting the demising walls shall be paid by Sublessor.

 

12.                            REPAIRS/MAINTENANCE: Sublessee shall, throughout the Term, at its sole cost and expense, keep the Subleased Premises clean, keep waste and drain pipes open and generally maintain the Subleased Premises and the improvements now or hereafter comprising all or any part of the Subleased Premises and the fixtures and appurtenances thereto in good order, repair and condition normal wear and tear only excepted. Sublessee shall, throughout the Term promptly report all damage or injury to the Subleased Premises, caused by (a) the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Sublessee or its employees, agents, invitees, licensees, subtenants or contractors; (b) the act of moving in or out of the Subleased Premises; and/or (c) the installation and/or removal of any furniture, fixtures or other property. Sublessor will make the repairs and the Sublessee shall pay for the cost.

 

13.                            LEASE CONTROLLING:  The Lease. Sublessee acknowledges that it is fully familiar with the terms of the Lease, a copy of which is attached hereto and made a part hereof as

 

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Exhibit “D”.  Sublessee hereby agrees to perform and observe all of the responsibilities, covenants, terms and obligations on the part of Sublessor as tenant to be performed or observed under the Lease with respect to the Subleased Premises during the Term or any option terms of this Sublease, other than the obligation to pay to Lessor the fixed rent and additional rent provided in the Lease.

 

Sublessor shall not be bound by any warranties and representations made by the Lessor in the Lease, nor shall Sublessor be obligated to perform any of the terms, covenants, conditions and agreements in the Lease required to be performed by the Lessor; and Sublessee agrees to look solely to the Lessor for the performance of the same. Sublessee further covenants and agrees not to violate or cause to be violated any of the terms and provisions of the Lease. Sublessee shall be bound by all of the restrictions and limitations placed upon Sublessor as tenant under the Lease, as if Sublessor were the landlord and the Sublessee were the tenant thereunder. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained or implied herein, Sublessee acknowledges that Sublessee is hereby granted no more rights or privileges with respect to the Subleased Premises than Sublessor, as tenant, has under the Lease. Sublessee further covenants and agrees that it shall not engage in any dispute with, or file any action against Lessor without obtaining Sublessor’s prior written consent thereto, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, and Sublessee hereby expressly waives any rights it may have to engage in any such dispute or file any such action without said consent of Sublessor.

 

In the event the Lease is terminated pursuant to its terms for any reason, this Sublease shall automatically cease and terminate as of the date upon which the Lease is so terminated, without recourse to Sublessee. In the event Sublessee incurs costs in curing such default, Sublessee may receive a dollar-for-dollar credit against future installments of Rent until such time as Sublessee has recouped the entire amount incurred in remedying such default. Sublessor hereby covenants to timely pay all rent and other sums due and owing to Lessor under the Lease, perform the covenants and undertakings of Sublessor as tenant under the Lease to the extent the same are not Sublessee’s obligations herein during the term of this Sublease, and agrees not to do or permit to be done any act which shall result in a violation of any of the terms and conditions of said Lease. Sublessor shall promptly provide Sublessee with copies of any default notices received from Lessor under the Lease. Sublessor shall not amend or modify the Lease in any manner which affects Sublessee’s use and occupancy of the Subleased Premises without first obtaining the written consent of Sublessee, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

 

Sublessee hereby indemnifies and agrees to hold harmless Sublessor against any and all claims, loss and damage, including without limitation reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, which may at any time be asserted by Lessor against Sublessor for failure of Sublessee to perform any of the covenants, agreements, terms, provisions of conditions contained in the Lease, which, by reason of the provisions of this Sublease, Sublessee is obligated to perform. Sublessee further indemnifies and agrees to hold harmless Sublessor from any costs, expenses, claims or damages, including without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees and disbursements, arising during the Term or option terms hereof with respect to the Subleased Premises or Sublessee’s use and occupancy thereof.

 

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Notwithstanding anything in this Sublease contained to the contrary, Sublessor shall not be liable for any of the obligations, duties, responsibilities or liabilities of the Lessor under the Lease or for the failure or any delay by the Lessor to perform or discharge the same. Sublessor shall not be obligated upon, or to take any action by reason of any matter relating to the operation, maintenance, repair, replacement or restoration of the Premises or any facilities or services thereof.

 

Neither party will do or permit anything to be done which would cause the Lease to be terminated or forfeited by reason of any right of termination or forfeiture reserved or vested in the Lessor under the Lease. Sublessee will indemnify and hold Sublessor harmless from and against (a) all damages of any kind whatsoever arising from any breach or default on its part by reason of which the Lease shall be terminated or forfeited, and (b) all other liabilities, claims and damages arising out of or in connection with the use and occupancy of the Subleased Premises, unless due to the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Sublessor.

 

14.                            LEASE IN EFFECT: Sublessor warrants and represents, to the best of Sublessor’s knowledge, information and belief, that the Lease is subsisting and is in full force and effect, Sublessor is not in default thereunder, and all rents, additional rents and charges due thereunder are and will be paid.

 

15.                            SUBLETTING OR ASSIGNMENT: Sublessee covenants that it will not assign its interest in this Sublease, in whole or in part, or permit the subletting of the Subleased Premises or any part thereof without the prior written consent of Sublessor, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Permitted Transfer, as defined in Section 11E of the Lease, shall not be considered an assignment under the terms of this Sublease. In the event of any permitted assignment or subletting at a rental rate in excess of that being charged to Sublessee hereunder, Sublessee shall pay to Sublessor, as collected, half of such excess rents after deducting all reasonable fees incurred in connection with such assignment or sublease. Sublessee shall be entitled to retain fifty percent (50%) of any profit from the assignment or subletting of its rights hereunder.

 

16.                            INSURANCE AND INDEMNITY: Sublessee agrees to indemnify and hold harmless both Sublessor and Lessor from and against all liability, claims, demands, expenses, damages and judgments arising from Sublessee’s breach of this Sublease and from property damage or injury to third parties (including wrongful death) upon the Subleased Premises during the Term or any extension thereof, unless due to the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Sublessor. Sublessee agrees, at its own cost and expense, to keep the Subleased Premises insured under a public liability policy against claims for property damage and personal injury to third parties (including wrongful death). The minimum amounts of such insurance coverage shall not be less than the amounts required by the Lease. Upon execution of this Sublease by Sublessee and at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration date of such policies, Sublessee shall furnish to Lessor and Sublessor a certificate or certificates of insurance confirming that the required insurance is in full force and effect with all premiums paid current and shall name Sublessor and Lessor as additional insured. Sublessee further agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Sublessor

 

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and Lessor from all liability arising out of the filing of any mechanic’s or materialman’s lien against the Subleased Premises by reason of any act or omission of Sublessee.

 

17.                            PERSONAL PROPERTY: Sublessee agrees to assume full responsibility for its personal property located at the Subleased Premises, and to indemnify and hold harmless Sublessor and Lessor against damage thereto sustained by fire, theft or other casualty loss. Sublessor hereby waives its right to any lien, statutory or otherwise, against any of Sublessee’s personal property, trade fixtures, equipment or inventory, for purposes of securing Sublessee’s obligations under this Lease, or otherwise.

 

18.                            NOTICES: All notices required shall be given by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested. Notice to the Sublessee shall be addressed to:

 

Yeti Coolers, LLC
Attn: David Bullock, CFO
3411 Hidalgo Street
Austin, TX 78702

 

With a copy to:
Yeti Coolers, LLC
Attn: 
David Bullock, CFO
 5301 Southwest Parkway
Austin, TX 78735

 

With a copy to:
Jackson Walker
Attn: Chad Smith
100 Congress, Suite 1100
Austin, TX 78701

 

Notice to Sublessor shall be addressed to:
Overwatch Systems
5301 Southwest Parkway
Austin, TX 78735
Attn: Jeff Johnson

 

With a copy to:
Textron Systems Corporation
c/o AAI Corporation
124 Industry Lane
Hunt Valley, MD 21030
Attn: Legal Department

 

All notices shalt be deemed received two (2) clays after mailing.

 

19.                            HOLD OVER AND SUBLESSOR DEFAULT: Notwithstanding any provision of law or any judicial decision to the contrary, no notice shall be required to terminate the Term on

 

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the date herein specified as the end of the Term, and the Term shall expire on the date herein mentioned without notice being required from either party. In the event that Sublessee remains beyond the expiration date of the Term, it is the intention of the parties and it is hereby agreed that a tenancy at sufferance shall arise at a monthly rent equal to one hundred twenty-five percent (125%) of the monthly Rent in effect at the expiration of the Term plus any amounts charged against Sublessor as Lessee under the Lease for holdover rent or penalty. It is further agreed that Sublessee shall indemnify and hold harmless Sublessor from and against any and all liability, claims, demands, expenses, damages and judgments incurred by Sublessor as a result of Sublessee’s retaining possession.

 

20.                            SUBLESSEE DEFAULT: The occurrence of any one or more of the following events shall constitute a default under this Sublease by Sublessee:

 

a.         The failure by Sublessee to make any payment of Rent, or any other payment required to be made by Sublessee hereunder on the date due where such failure shall continue for a period of five (5) days after the same shall become due and payable.

 

b.         The failure by Sublessee to observe or perform any of the covenants, conditions or provisions of this Sublease other than as described in the immediately preceding paragraph and/or the failure by Sublessee to observe or perform any of the covenants, conditions or provisions of the Lease to which Sublessee has agreed to be bound pursuant to the terms of this Sublease, where such failure shall continue for a period of fifteen (15) days after written notice thereof from Sublessor to Sublessee.

 

c.         The making by Sublessee of any general arrangement or assignment for the benefit of creditors; Sublessee becomes a “debtor” as defined in 11 U.S.C. 101 or any successor statute thereto (unless, in the case of a petition filed against Sublessee, the same be dismissed within sixty (60) days); the appointment of a trustee or receiver to take possession of all or substantially all of Sublessee’s assets or of Sublessee’s interest in this Sublease, where possession is not restored to Sublessee within thirty (30) days; or the attachment, execution or other judicial seizure of all or substantially all of Sublessee’s assets or of Sublessee’s interest in this Sublease, where such seizure is not discharged within thirty (30) days.

 

21.                            REMEDIES: In the event of any such default by Sublessee, Sublessor may at any time thereafter, without limiting Sublessor in the exercise of any right or remedy which Sublessor may have by reason of such default or breach:

 

a.                                     Terminate Sublessee’s right to possession of the Subleased Premises by any lawful means, in which case this Sublease shall terminate and Sublessee shall immediately surrender possession of the Subleased Premises to Sublessor. In such event, Sublessor shall be entitled to recover from Sublessee all damages permitted to be recovered by a landlord pursuant to the laws of the jurisdiction where the Subleased Premises are located, together with all damages incurred by Sublessor by reason of Sublessee’s default, including, but not limited to, the cost of recovering possession of the Subleased Premises, reasonable attorneys fees, and any real estate commission actually paid.

 

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b.            Maintain Sublessee’s right to possession in which case this Sublease shall continue in effect whether or not Sublessee shall have vacated or abandoned the Subleased Premises. In such event, Sublessor shall be entitled to enforce all of Sublessor’s rights and remedies under this Sublease, under the laws of the jurisdiction where the Subleased Premises are located at law and equity, including the right to recover the Rent, Additional Rent, and all other sums due hereunder as the same become due.

 

c.            Declare the entire balance of Rent, Additional Rent and all other sums payable hereunder during the remaining Term of this Sublease to be immediately due, payable and in arrears as if by the terms and provisions of this Sublease said balance of Rent, Additional Rent and other sums were on that date payable in advance. Any such acceleration by Sublessor shall not constitute a waiver of any right or remedy of Sublessor.

 

d.            Pursue any other remedy now or hereafter available to Sublessor under the laws of the jurisdiction where the Subleased Premises are located or in equity.

 

e.            Pursue any remedy enforceable by Lessor under the Lease.

 

All remedies available to Sublessor hereunder shall be cumulative and concurrent. No waiver or delay in enforcement by Sublessor of any breach of Sublessee’s obligations hereunder shall constitute a waiver of any such breach or any subsequent breach.

 

In the event there is a continuance of an Event of Default described in Section 18 (i) of the Lease by Sublessor to Lessor, Sublessee shall make their rent payments directly to Lessor, upon receipt of written notice provided by Lessor.

 

22.         RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL: Sublessee shall have an ongoing Right of First Refusal (“ROFR”) on the balance of the second floor of the Premises (the “Refusal Space”). Sublessee shall have the right to lease the Refusal Space on terms identical to those in a bona fide letter of intent from a third-party which Sublessor is willing to accept (the “Offer”). Upon notification in writing by Sublessor of the receipt of an Offer (the “Refusal Space Notice”) on the Refusal Space, Sublessee shall have seven (7) business days in which to notify Sublessor in writing of its election to lease the Refusal Space on the same terms and conditions as those contained within the Refusal Space Notice.

 

Sublessee’s rejection of the ROFR on any portion of the Refusal Space shall not affect or inhibit Sublessee’s ROFR on any other portion of the Refusal Space or the rejected portion should that lease terminate or expire for any reason.

 

In the event Sublessee rejects the ROFR on any portion of the Refusal Space and the terms of the Refusal Space Notice materially change, Sublessor shall be required to present such ROFR to Sublessee again under the same conditions as provided above. The terms of a proposed sublease of the Refusal Space will be deemed to be materially different from the terms of the Refusal Space Notice if the financial terms (excluding the security deposit, but including, among other things, base rent, escalations and pass throughs of operating expenses, insurance, utilities and taxes, concession packages, free rent, free parking, leasing concessions, construction costs, improvement allowances, moving and other allowances, and commissions) of such proposed sublease have been

 

- 10 -



 

reduced by more than ten percent (10%), in the aggregate, from the terms set forth in the Refusal Space Notice.

 

23.         INTEREST: In the event that any sums due and payable to Sublessor pursuant to the terms of this Sublease are not paid when due, such sums shall bear interest at the rate of twelve percent (12%) per year, from the due date until actually paid, unless that rate is usurious as applied to Sublessee in which event the rate shall be reduced to the highest non-usurious rate. Neither the accrual nor the payment of interest shall cure any default by Sublessee under this Sublease.

 

24.         BROKERS: Sublessor and Sublessee represent, warrant and agree that each has not dealt with any broker, agent, finder or other intermediary in connection with the subletting of the Subleased Premises except Stream Realty Partners (the “Listing Broker”) and Jones Lang LaSalle (the “Sublessor Broker”). Sublessor shall be solely liable for any commission due to the Listing Broker and Sublessor Broker. Sublessor and Sublessee agree to indemnify, defend and hold the other harmless from and against any claims against the other resulting from a breach or inaccuracy of the foregoing representation, warranty and agreement which shall survive expiration, cancellation or other termination of this Sublease.

 

25.         COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS: Sublessee shall, throughout the Term of this Sublease, observe and comply with all statutes, laws, ordinances, notices, orders, rules, regulations and requirements of all federal, state and municipal governments and appropriate departments, commissions, boards and officers thereof, and notices, orders, rules and regulations of the National Board of Fire Underwriters, or any other body now or hereafter constituted exercising similar functions, relating to the Subleased Premises, foreseen or unforeseen, ordinary as well as extraordinary, or to the use or manner of use of the Subleased Premises, or to the fixtures and equipment thereof.

 

26.         AUTHORITY: The parties executing this Sublease represent and warrant that they have the full right and lawful authority to execute this Sublease for the Term, in the manner and upon the conditions and provisions herein contained.

 

27.         FURTHER DOCUMENTS: Each party agrees to execute and deliver to the other all instruments which may reasonably be required to carry out all terms and provisions of this Sublease.

 

28.         RECOVERY OF FEES: If either party is successful in enforcing against the other any legal or equitable remedy for a breach of any provision of this Sublease, the successful party shall be entitled to recover its expenses and reasonable attorney’s fees as determined by the court as part of the judgment or decree.

 

29.         BINDING EFFECT: This Sublease shall be binding upon the successors and permitted assigns of Sublessee and Sublessor.

 

30.         INTEGRATED DOCUMENT: This instrument, and its attachments, embodies all of the agreements between the parties with respect to the Subleased Premises, and no oral agreements, prior correspondence or other prior writings shall be held to vary the provisions hereof. Any subsequent changes or modifications shall become effective only by a written instrument duly executed by Sublessee and Sublessor.

 

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31.         LESSOR’S CONSENT: This Sublease is contingent upon, and shall have no force or effect until receipt of, the Lessor’s written consent hereto in the form attached as Exhibit “F.” The Sublessor agrees to exercise good faith in requesting Lessor’s written consent to this Sublease.

 

32.         PARKING: Sublessee shall have the right to parking spaces associated with the Subleased Premises at a ratio of 4.69 spaces per 1000 RSF at no charge throughout the Term.

 

33.         RELOCATION: Sublessor shall not have the right to relocate the Subleased Premises.

 

34.         SIGNS: Sublessor will place a building standard signage on the building directory located in the main lobby of the building and suite signage outside of Subleased Premises identifying Sublessee. Sublessee shall be permitted to place one placement (panel) on the building exterior monument. The signage on the building monument will match building standard. Sublessee will not be responsible for removing signage or any costs associated with removing signage.

 

35.         SECURITY SYSTEM: The Premises is equipped with twenty-four (24) hour security. Subject to Sublessor’s approval, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, Sublessee will have the right to install its own security system for the Subleased Premises.

 

36.         COUNTERPARTS: This Sublease may be executed in one or more counterparts, which together constitute one and the same instrument, and may be executed by facsimile or digital signature, each of which shall be deemed original signatures.

 

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

 

 

SUBLESSEE:

 

YETI COOLERS, LLC

 

A Delaware limited liability company

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ David Bullock

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

David Bullock, CFO

 

 

 

 

SUBLESSOR:

 

OVERWATCH SYSTEMS, LTD.,

 

A Delaware Corporation

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Jeff Johnson

 

Name:

Jeff Johnson

 

Title:

VP Finance

 

- 12 -


 

EXHIBIT “A”

 

SUBLEASED PREMISES A

 

GRAPHIC

 

 

- 13 -


 

EXHIBIT “B”

 

SUBLESSEE’S WORK

 

GRAPHIC

 

- 14 -


GRAPHIC

 

- 15 -


 

EXHIBIT “C”

 

PRIME LEASE

 

-16-



 

EXHIBIT “D”

 

FURNITURE INVENTORY

 

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December 19, 2012 Highlighted: TO REMOVED OVERWATCH -  YETI FURNITURE INVENTORY refer to PLAN DIAGRAMS ROOM desk chair side chair small book case large book case "L" work station rectangular desk conference table conf. chair training table training chair small white board medium white board large white board projection screen celling projector mount 'U' work station uper cabinet file cabinet meeting table recpt. desk '8 x 8' systems panels misc. systems panels IT Rack 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236

GRAPHIC

 

 

December 19, 2012 Highlighted: TO REMOVED OVERWATCH -  YETI FURNITURE INVENTORY refer to PLAN DIAGRAMS ROOM desk chair side chair small book case large book case "L" work station rectangular desk conference table conf. chair training table training chair small white board medium white board large white board projection screen celling projector mount 'U' work station uper cabinet file cabinet meeting table recpt. desk '8 x 8' systems panels misc. systems panels IT Rack   237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 totals 11 1 2 2 2 2 1 3 10 15 16 11 155 63 79 11 111 28 4 50 23 29 50 58 30 8 6 7 45 2 2 1 47 6 16 23 29 12

GRAPHIC

 

 

GRAPHIC

 


 

 

GRAPHIC

 


 

EXHIBIT “E”

 

DEMISING WORK

 

GRAPHIC

 

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EXHIBIT “E-1”

 

Subleased Premises B

 

GRAPHIC

 

-19-


 

 

EXHIBIT “F”

 

LESSOR’S CONSENT TO SUBLEASE

 

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EXHIBIT C

 



 

CONSENT TO SUBLEASE

 

This CONSENT TO SUBLEASE (this “Consent Agreement”) is made and entered into as of the 8 day of February, 2013, by and among OVERWATCH SYSTEMS, LTD., a Delaware corporation (“Tenant”), YETI COOLERS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Subtenant”), and OS AUSTIN PROJECT CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation (“Landlord”).

 

RECITALS

 

A.        Landlord and Tenant are the current parties to that certain Office Lease  Agreement (the “Original Lease Agreement”), dated as of December 9, 2005, covering the approximately 48.117 acres of land out of the Thomas Anderson Survey No. 17, Abstract No. 2 in Travis County, Texas, and the improvements to be constructed thereon, as more particularly described therein.

 

B.        The Original Lease Agreement has been amended pursuant to (i) that certain First  Amendment to Lease, dated as of June 29, 2006, (ii) that certain Second Amendment to Office Lease, dated as of November 30, 2006, (iii) that certain Third Amendment to Office Lease, dated as of September 7, 2007, and (iv) that certain Fourth Amendment to Office Lease, dated as of March 28, 2008 (the Original Lease Agreement, as amended, collectively, the “Lease”), a copy of which is attached to this Consent Agreement as Exhibit A.

 

C.        Tenant desires to sublease to Subtenant a portion of the Premises (the “Sublease Premises”) on the terms and conditions of a Sublease Agreement dated February 8, 2013 (the “Sublease”), a copy of which is attached to this Consent Agreement as Exhibit B and Landlord is willing to consent to the subleasing of the Sublease Premises, all on the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, for good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto agree as follows:

 

1.         Landlord’s Consent. Landlord hereby consents to the subleasing of the Sublease Premises to Subtenant, subject to and upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, and subject to execution and delivery of this Consent Agreement by all parties hereto.

 

2.         General Provisions.

 

(a)        By execution hereof, Tenant ratifies the Lease, Subtenant acknowledges that it has received a complete and correct copy of the Lease and is familiar with the terms, provisions, rules and regulations of the Lease, and Subtenant agrees not to do or omit to do anything which would cause Tenant to be in breach of the Lease. Any such act or omission shall also constitute a breach of this Consent Agreement entitling Landlord to recover any damage, loss, cost, or expense which it thereby suffers, from Subtenant, whether or not Landlord proceeds against Tenant. Landlord’s consent set forth in Section 1 hereof shall not be deemed a consent to any other assignments, subleases or transfers under the Lease or to any other matter requiring the consent of Landlord under the Lease. No assignment, encumbrance or other transfer of the Sublease,

 



 

nor any sub-sublease, encumbrance or other transfer of the Sublease Premises, shall be made by Tenant and/or Subtenant without Landlord’s written consent, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed (in the manner contemplated by the Lease), and any attempt to do so without Landlord’s written consent shall at Landlord’s option be null and void. This Consent Agreement shall not release Tenant from any existing or future duty, obligation or liability to Landlord pursuant to the Lease, nor shall the Sublease or this Consent Agreement change, modify or amend the Lease in any manner, any purported modifications being solely for the purpose of setting forth the rights and obligations as between Tenant and Subtenant, but not binding on Landlord.

 

(b)        The Sublease is subject and subordinate at all times to this Consent  Agreement and to the Lease and all of its terms, covenants and conditions. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as a consent to, approval of, or ratification by Landlord of any of the provisions of the Sublease or as a representation or warranty by Landlord in respect thereof. Landlord is not consenting to, approving of, or ratifying the terms, covenants and conditions of the Sublease and is not assuming any obligations under the Sublease.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, and notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in the Sublease: (i) nothing in the Sublease shall create or expand the liability or obligations of Landlord, whether to Tenant, Subtenant or any other party, and Landlord hereby withholds consent to anything in the Sublease that does create or expand the liability or obligations of Landlord, (ii) nothing in the Sublease shall limit any rights of Landlord, and Landlord hereby withholds consent to anything in the Sublease that does limit any right of Landlord, (iii) Subtenant shall have no rights to expand or relocate the Sublease Premises beyond the Premises, or extend or renew the term of the Sublease beyond the term of the Lease, regardless of whether Tenant may have such rights under the Lease, and Subtenant shall have no right to exercise Tenant’s rights thereunder, and (iv) any special rights under the Lease which by their terms are personal or non-assignable (including, but not limited to, any extension, expansion, relocation, early termination, signage, or parking rights that by their terms are personal or non-assignable, if any), are not being assigned by the Sublease (notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained therein), and to the extent that such rights by their terms no longer apply after a sublease, then such rights shall be of no further force or effect. Neither the Lease nor the Sublease shall be deemed to grant Subtenant any rights whatsoever against Landlord. Subtenant hereby acknowledges and agrees that its sole remedy for any alleged or actual breach by, or any claim or right against, any other party under the Lease or the Sublease shall be solely against Tenant (except in the case of adornment to the extent described below).

 

(c)        Subtenant’s waivers and indemnity obligations under the Sublease,  whether arising directly under the Sublease (whether or not expressly so stated therein) or by the incorporation of the Lease terms therein, shall extend to Landlord and its employees, agents and affiliates and other beneficiaries under the Lease. If the Lease requires the payment of percentage rent, based on a percentage of gross sales or other revenue in or from the Premises, Subtenant shall comply with all provisions of the Lease respecting the same, including without limitation, all requirements concerning the keeping of books, records, and other items, and reporting of gross sales to Landlord. In such case, Subtenant’s sales shall be included in Tenant’s gross sales for purposes of

 

-2-



 

computing Tenant’s percentage rent obligations under the Lease. In the event of any litigation between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof, the unsuccessful party agrees to pay to the successful party all costs, expenses and reasonable attorneys’ fees incurred therein by the successful party, which shall be included as a part of a judgment rendered therein. The failure or delay of Landlord in seeking to enforce any provisions of the Lease, the Sublease or this Consent Agreement shall not be deemed a waiver of rights or remedies that Landlord may have, or a waiver of any subsequent breach of the terms and provisions therein or herein contained.

 

(d)       Any alterations, additions or improvements to the Sublease Premises shall comply with the requirements of the Lease.

 

(e)        Tenant covenants to Landlord that no interest paid by Subtenant to Tenant  under the Sublease will be used by Tenant to pay any amounts due to Landlord under the Lease.

 

3.         Termination of Lease; Attornment; Direct Payment to Landlord.

 

(a)        Any Lease Termination (as hereinafter defined) prior to the termination of the Sublease, shall at Landlord’s option either: (i) terminate the Sublease or (ii) operate as an assignment of the Sublease to Landlord on the terms described herein. Landlord’s option herein may be exercised by written notice to Subtenant within ninety (90) days after Landlord receives written notice of such Lease Termination (or at Landlord’s option such earlier date after Landlord otherwise becomes aware of such Lease Termination, or becomes aware of any circumstances that could result in such Lease Termination if Landlord desires to send a notice to become effective when such Lease Termination occurs). Upon Landlord’s exercise of its right to require an assignment hereunder, Subtenant shall be deemed to have attorned to Landlord and to have recognized Landlord as Subtenant’s landlord under the Sublease, upon the terms and conditions and at the subrent rate specified in the Sublease, and for the then remaining term of the Sublease, except that Landlord shall not be bound by any provision of the Sublease which in any way increases Landlord’s duties, obligations or liabilities to Subtenant beyond those owed to Tenant under the Lease or by any provision giving Subtenant a credit against the subrent. Subtenant agrees to execute and deliver at any time and from time to time, upon the request of Landlord, any instruments which may be necessary or appropriate to evidence such attornment. “Lease Termination” means any event, which by voluntary or involuntary act or by operation of law, causes the Lease to be terminated, cancelled, rejected in bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or other such proceedings, foreclosed against, or otherwise come to an end, including but not limited to: (i) a default by Tenant under the Lease of any of the terms or provisions thereof; (ii) foreclosure proceedings brought by the holder of any mortgage or trust deed to which the Lease is subject, or (iii) the termination of Tenant’s leasehold estate by dispossession proceedings or otherwise.

 

(b)        Notwithstanding the foregoing, under no circumstances shall Landlord: (1) be liable to Subtenant for any act, omission or breach of the Sublease by Tenant, (ii) be subject to any offsets or defenses which Subtenant might have against Tenant, (iii) be liable for any improvements, allowances, rent abatement periods, free or reduced rate

 

-3-



 

parking or other concessions that Tenant has granted or agreed to give, or bound by any subrentals which Subtenant might have paid in advance to Tenant, or (iv) be bound to honor any rights of Subtenant in any security deposit made with Tenant except to the extent Tenant has turned over such security deposit to Landlord. Tenant hereby agrees that in the event of Lease Termination, Tenant shall immediately pay or transfer to Landlord any security deposits, subrent or other sums then held by Tenant less any amounts due Subtenant as of the date of the Lease Termination. In addition, in the event of attornment hereunder, no partner, trustee, director, officer, employee, beneficiary, shareholder or agent of Landlord or its agent shall be personally liable under or in connection with the Lease or the Sublease, and Subtenant and its successors and assigns shall look solely to Landlord’s interest in the Premises for the satisfaction of any claim or judgment requiring the payment of money by Landlord. The limitation of liability provided in this Section 3(b) is in addition to, and not in limitation of, any limitation on liability applicable to Landlord provided by law or any other agreement or instrument.

 

(c)        In addition to Landlord’s rights set forth above, Landlord may elect from time to time, in Landlord’s sole discretion, to receive directly from Subtenant all sums due or payable to Tenant by Subtenant pursuant to the Sublease, and upon receipt of Landlord’s notice, Subtenant shall thereafter pay Landlord any sums becoming due or payable under the Sublease, and Tenant shall receive from Landlord a corresponding credit for such sums received by Landlord against any and all payments then due or thereafter becoming due from Tenant. Neither the service of such written notice nor the receipt of such direct payments shall cause Landlord to assume any of Tenant’s duties, obligations and/or liabilities under the Sublease, nor shall such event impose upon Landlord the duty or obligation to honor the Sublease, nor subsequently to accept Subtenant’s attornment pursuant to the other provisions hereof. Tenant agrees to hold any and all payments from Subtenant as a trust fund to be applied first to the satisfaction of all of Tenant’s obligations under the Lease and hereunder, before using any part thereof for any other purpose.

 

4.         Services. Tenant hereby agrees that Landlord may, in its sole discretion, provide services directly to Subtenant at Subtenant’s request. Subtenant hereby agrees that Subtenant shall be directly liable for Landlord’s charges therefor and shall timely pay the same when due (and in no event later than 10 days after being invoiced therefor).

 

5.         Notices. Any notice given by any party to another party hereto respecting this Consent Agreement, the Sublease, the Premises or the Sublease Premises or any matter relating thereto shall be delivered personally, by overnight delivery, by recognized courier, or by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, to such other party at the address given below or such other address as such other party may from time to time designate in writing to the other parties in accordance with these provisions. The addresses set forth below shall supersede any addresses for notices set forth in the Lease. If no address is given below, then the address for that party shall be the address set forth in the Lease, or in the absence thereof, shall be the address of the Premises. Any such notice shall be deemed given immediately upon personal delivery, one (1) business day after deposit for overnight delivery, or three (3) business days after deposit for certified or registered mail.

 

-4-



 

obligations on its part to be performed; and that all necessary internal actions have been taken with respect to such entity in connection with this Consent Agreement.

 

8.         Miscellaneous. This Consent Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties’ respective successors and assigns, subject at all times, to all agreements and restrictions contained in the Lease, and herein, with respect to subleasing, assignment, or other transfer. The agreements contained herein constitute the entire understanding between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersede all prior agreements, written or oral. No provision of the Sublease or this Consent Agreement may be amended except in writing signed by all parties hereto or their successors (except that in the case of Lease Termination, no agreement or signature by Tenant shall be required). In the event of any inconsistency between the terms of the Sublease and this Consent Agreement or the Lease, the terms of this Consent Agreement or the Lease, as the case may be, shall govern and control.  If any term, covenant or condition of this Consent Agreement or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall, to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Consent Agreement or the application of such term, covenant or condition to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable shall not be affected thereby and each term, covenant or condition of this Consent Agreement shall be valid and in force to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

9.         Governing Law. This Consent Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the Stale of Texas. Any disputes arising under this Consent Agreement shall be heard and determined solely in the courts located in the State of Texas.

 

10.       Review Fee and Transfer Premiums. In order to help reimburse Landlord’s legal and administrative expenses in reviewing the Sublease, Tenant shall pay Landlord with Tenant’s submission of the Sublease and this Consent Agreement for Landlord’s review the amount of $1,500.00 (the “Review Fee”). Landlord’s acceptance of such Review Fee shall impose no duty or obligation upon Landlord to consent to the transaction contemplated herein nor to execute this Consent Agreement. Tenant shall also promptly pay Landlord any share of subleasing or transfer premiums or profits, or other items, required under the Lease in connection with sublease approvals.

 

11.       Not Binding Until Fully Signed and Delivered. Unless and until all parties hereto have executed and delivered this Consent Agreement, this Consent Agreement and Landlord’s consent herein shall be of no force or effect, notwithstanding that Landlord and Tenant may have permitted temporary occupancy by Subtenant or other matters in connection herewith.

 

[The signature page follows.]

 

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REAFFIRMATION OF CONTINUING LEASE GUARANTY

 

The undersigned, Textron Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Guarantor”), being the guarantor under that certain Continuing Lease Guaranty, dated as of March 28, 2008 (the “Guaranty”), with respect to that certain Office Lease Agreement, by and between OS Austin Project Corporation (“Landlord”) and Overwatch Systems, Ltd. (“Tenant”), dated December 9, 2005, as thereafter amended from time to time (collectively, the “Lease”), under which Landlord leased to Tenant certain premises more particularly described therein (the “Premise”), hereby ratifies and consents in all respects to the sublease of a portion of the Premises by Tenant to Yeti Coolers, LLC, and agrees that neither the execution of, nor the performance by Tenant under, nor the consent by Landlord to, the sublease shall in any way affect, impair, discharge, limit, relieve or release the obligations, covenants and liabilities of Guarantor under the Guaranty, which Guaranty is hereby ratified, confirmed and reaffirmed in all respects. Guarantor acknowledges and affirms that this Reaffirmation of Continuing Lease Guaranty is made to and for the benefit of Landlord, its successors and assigns.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Guarantor has executed this Reaffirmation of Continuing Lease Guaranty as of the 8 day of February, 2013.

 

TEXTRON INC., a

 

Delaware corporation

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Mary F. Lovejoy

 

Name:

Mary F. Lovejoy

 

Title:

Vice President and Treasurer

 

 

-6-


 

EXHIBIT D

 



 

SECOND SUBLEASE AMENDMENT

 

This is the Second Sublease Amendment (“Second Amendment”) to that certain Sublease dated February 8, 2013 by and between Yeti Coolers, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Sublessee”) and Overwatch Systems, LTD d/b/a Textron Systems Advance Information Solutions, a Delaware corporation (“Sublessor”), as amended by the First Sublease Amendment dated July 21, 2015 by and between Sublessee and Sublessor (the “First Amendment”, and the Sublease and the First Amendment are collectively referred to herein as the “Sublease”).

 

WHEREAS, Sublessee and Sublessor are parties to a Sublease dated February 8, 2013 (“Initial Sublease”), which was amended by the First Sublease Amendment dated July 21, 2015,

 

WHEREAS, pursuant to the Initial Sublease and First Sublease Amendment, Sublessee is currently leasing sublet premises consisting of approximately forty-thousand six hundred ninety one (40,691) square feet (the “Expanded Sublet Premises”) on the 2nd floor of the building commonly known as 5301 Southwest Parkway, Austin, TX 78735 (“Building”);

 

WHEREAS, Sublessee and Sublessor wish to add space on the first (1st) floor of the Building as cross-hatched in Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein for all purposes (“First Floor Expansion Premises”) and of approximately two thousand (2,000) usable square feet located on the east wing of the 4th floor of the Building (“Storage Space Premises”) to the Expanded Sublet Premises, as depicted in Exhibit A (collectively, the “Second Expansion Premises”);

 

WHEREAS, for purposes of this Second Amendment and of the Sublease as modified by this Second Amendment, the term “Second Expansion Premises” shall mean the additional space described in the preceding paragraph; the term Sublease Premises shall mean and include the Initial Sublease, the Expanded Sublet Premises and the Second Expansion Premises (collectively the “Sublease Premises”);

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements contained in this Amendment and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, Sublessor and Sublessee agree as follows:

 

1. Incorporation of Recitals. The recitals set forth above, are by this reference, incorporated into and deemed a part of this Second Amendment. Upon execution of this Second Amendment, the Sublease and this Second Amendment shall be referred to as the “Sublease”.

 

2. Capitalized Terms. Capitalized terms used in this Second Amendment as defined terms, but not specifically defined in this Second Amendment, shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Sublease.

 

3. Term. Term for the Second Expansion Premises shall commence (the “Second Expansion Premises Commencement Date”) upon receipt of Lessor’s Consent and shall run through the Term

 

Page 1 of 6



 

of the Sublease (the “Expiration”). Regardless as to when the above referenced commencement date occurs, the Sublease expiration for both the Expanded Sublet Premises and the Second Expansion Premises shall be the same as the Initial Sublease, which is July 31, 2017.

 

4. Rent. Sublessee covenants and agrees to pay Sublessor, without deduction or set off, rental for the First Floor Expansion Premises as follows:

 

Term

Monthly Rent

 

 

Months 1-Expiration

$10,100.00*

 

Sublessee covenants and agrees to pay Sublessor, without deduction or set off, rental for the Storage Space Premises as follows:

 

Term

Gross Rate

Square Footage

Monthly Rent

 

 

 

 

Months 1-Expiration

$13.00 per USF

2,000

$2,166.67*

 

*Rent shall not be charged on the Second Expansion Premises until the Second Expansion Premises Commencement Date. Rent payable for any partial month will be prorated on a daily basis. Operating Expenses for the Second Expansion Premises shall be handled in accordance with Section 7 of the Sublease.

 

Provided that such space is available for sublet from Sublessor, Sublessee shall have the right to expand the Storage Space Premises in 500 usable square foot increments, by providing advanced written notice to Sublessor, at the same Gross Rate as set forth above and otherwise on the same terms and conditions contained herein. Sublessor shall have the right to terminate Sublessee’s rights to sublease the Storage Space Premises by providing ninety (90) days advance written notice to Sublessee, after which time the Storage Space Premises shall be excluded from the Sublease Premises and Sublessee shall be relieved of any obligations related thereto.

 

5. Sublessee Improvements. Sublessor shall provide a key to access the Storage Space Premises. Sublessor shall also install two deadbolt locks on the door entering its space on the western most side of the First Floor Expansion Premises, one for Sublessee’s security, one for Sublessor’s security. Except as set forth above, the Second Expansion Premises shall be provided to Sublessee on an as-is basis and any additional work required, if any, shall be at Sublessee’s sole cost and expense.

 

6. Furniture. Sublessor shall provide an inventory of the furniture in the First Floor Expansion Premises and allow Sublessee to use selected furniture for the term of the Sublease at no cost, reasonable wear and tear, casualty and condemnation excepted. Sublessor shall furnish Sublessee with a list of furniture to be removed from the First Floor Expansion Premises within thirty (30) days of execution of this Second Amendment which Sublessor shall remove at no cost to Sublessee

 

Page 2 of 6



 

as shown on Exhibit B.

 

7. Parking. Parking shall be provided at a ratio of 4.00 spaces per 1,000 RSF and upon the same terms as per Section 32 of the Sublease. After passage of the Second Expansion Premises Commencement Date, Sublessee shall be entitled to an additional thirty (30) parking spaces.

 

8. Brokerage. CBRE, Inc. represents Sublessee and upon commencement of the Term of the Second Expansion Premises, CBRE, Inc. shall be paid a brokerage commission by Sublessor equal to four (4%) of the aggregate rent to be paid by Sublessee over the Term for the Second Expansion Premises.

 

9. Entire Agreement. This Second Amendment constitutes the entire agreement between Sublessor and Sublessee regarding the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior negotiations, discussions, terms sheets, understandings and agreements, whether oral or written, between the parties with respect to such subject matter. Unless otherwise specifically amended herein as regards the Second Expansion Premises, all other terms of the Sublease shall govern and apply to this sublease of the Second Expansion Premises.

 

10. Execution and Delivery. This Second Amendment may be executed in one or more counterparts and by separate parties on separate counterparts, effective when each party has executed at least one such counterpart or separate counterpart, but each such counterpart shall constitute an original and all such counterparts together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

 

11. Full Force and Effect. Except as expressly set forth herein, the Sublease has not been modified or amended and remains in full force and effect.

 

12. Lessor’s Consent. This Second Amendment is contingent upon, and shall have no force or effect until receipt of, the Lessor’s written consent hereto in substantially the same form as presented to the Lessor under the Sublease. The Sublessor agrees to exercise good faith in requesting Lessor’s written consent to this Second Amendment. In the event Sublessor has not obtained such consent within ninety (90) days after execution of this Second Amendment (or reasonable proof to Sublessee of such approval being deemed granted), then Sublessee may terminate this Second Amendment and this Second Amendment shall no longer have any force or effect.

 

[The signature page follows.]

 

Page 3 of 6



 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the following parties have executed this Second Amendment as of the date fully executed below.

 

 

Sublessor:

 

 

 

Overwatch Systems, LTD

 

d/b/a Textron Systems Advanced Information Solutions

 

a Delaware corporation

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Gary Raven

 

 

 

 

 

Print: Gary Raven

 

 

 

 

 

Title: Director Programs & Operations

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

5/6/2016

 

 

 

 

 

Sublessee:

 

 

 

 

 

Yeti Coolers, LLC

 

 

a Delaware limited liability company

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Bryan Barksdale

 

 

 

 

 

 

Print:

Bryan Barksdale

 

 

 

 

 

 

Title:

General Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date:

5/5/2016

 

 

Page 4 of 6


 

EXHIBIT A

 

First Floor Expansion Premises and Storage Space Premises

 

GRAPHIC

 

Page 5 of 6


 

EXHIBIT B

 

Furniture Retention

 

Horrigan/Lyerly

 

2 x Monitors/Large Screen TVs

 

All Computing and networking equipment

 

All Audio Equipment

 

Phones

 

Deep Freezer

 

Folding Chairs

 

Folding Tables

 

 

Labs

 

All computing and network equipment

 

2 x Monitors/Large screen TVs

 

Leather chairs

 

Racks

 

Adjustable height chairs

 

Phones

 

 

Wellness Room

 

Bulletin board

 

Refrigerator

 

Storage cabinets

 

Recliner

 

Lamps

 

Page 6 of 6


 

EXHIBIT E

 

GRAPHIC

 


 




Exhibit 10.20

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LANTANA RIDGE

 

OFFICE LEASE

 

BY AND BETWEEN

 

LANTANA RIDGE JV, LLC

 

AND

 

YETI COOLERS, LLC

 

DATED JANUARY 27, 2016

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page No.

1.

DEFINITIONS

1

2.

LEASE OF PREMISES

1

 

2.1

Lease

 

1

 

2.2

Shell Improvements

 

1

 

2.3

Milestones

 

1

 

2.4

Remedies for Failure to Meet Milestone Dates

 

2

3.

USE OF PREMISES

5

4.

TERM AND OCCUPANCY OF PREMISES

5

5.

RENT

6

 

5.1

Items Comprising Rent

 

6

 

5.2

Time for Payment

 

6

 

5.3

Estimates and Annual Reconciliation of Operating Expenses

 

7

 

5.4

Tenant’s Inspection Right

 

7

 

5.5

Operating Expenses Cap

 

8

6.

SECURITY DEPOSIT

9

7.

FAILURE OF BUILDING SYSTEMS

9

8.

AS-IS

10

9.

UTILITIES AND SERVICES

11

 

9.1

Landlord Obligations

 

11

 

9.2

Extraordinary Services

 

13

 

9.3

Telephone

 

13

 

9.4

Governmental Interruption in Utility Services

 

13

10.

ALTERATIONS

13

 

10.1

Restriction on Alterations

 

13

 

10.2

Removal and Surrender of Fixtures and Alterations

 

15

 

10.3

Tenant’s Fixtures

 

15

11.

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS

15

 

11.1

Tenant’s Obligations

 

15

 

11.2

Landlord’s Obligations

 

16

 

11.3

Waiver of Liability

 

16

12.

INSURANCE; WAIVER OF SUBROGATION

17

 

12.1

Liability Insurance

 

17

 

12.2

Property Insurance

 

18

 

12.3

Business Interruption Insurance

 

18

 

12.4

Policy Requirements

 

18

 

12.5

Landlord’s Insurance

 

19

 

12.6

Waiver of Subrogation

 

20

13.

DAMAGE OR DESTRUCTION

20

 

13.1

Damage and Restoration

 

20

 

13.2

Termination

 

21

 

13.3

Tenant Termination Right

 

22

14.

EMINENT DOMAIN

22

 

14.1

Taking

 

22

 

14.2

Temporary Taking

 

23

 

i



 

15.

ASSIGNMENT AND SUBLETTING

23

 

15.1

Limitation

 

23

 

15.2

Notice of Intent to Assign or Sublet

 

24

 

15.3

Landlord’s Consent

 

24

 

15.4

Profits

 

25

 

15.5

Costs

 

26

 

15.6

Permitted Transfers

 

26

16.

LANDLORD’S RESERVED RIGHTS

27

 

16.1

Right of Entry

 

27

 

16.2

Building and Common Areas

 

28

 

16.3

Name

 

29

17.

INDEMNIFICATION AND WAIVER

29

 

17.1

Indemnity

 

29

 

17.2

Waiver

 

30

18.

DEFINITION OF LANDLORD

30

19.

SUBORDINATION

31

 

19.1

Subordination

 

31

 

19.2

Attornment

 

31

 

19.3

Notice to Landlord’s Mortgagee

 

31

 

19.4

Landlord’s Mortgagee’ s Protection Provisions

 

31

20.

INTENTIONALLY DELETED

32

21.

SURRENDER OF PREMISES AND REMOVAL OF PROPERTY

32

 

21.1

No Merger

 

32

 

21.2

Surrender of Premises

 

32

 

21.3

Disposal of Property

 

33

22.

HOLDING OVER

33

23.

DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES

33

 

23.1

Defaults by Tenant

 

33

 

23.2

Landlord’s Remedies

 

35

 

23.3

Waivers by Tenant

 

37

 

23.4

Repossession

 

37

 

23.5

Methodology of Calculating Charges

 

38

 

23.6

Right of Landlord to Injunction; Remedies Cumulative

 

38

 

23.7

Waiver of Landlord’s Lien

 

38

 

23.8

Waiver of Jury Trial

 

38

 

23.9

Definition of Tenant

 

39

 

23.10

Tenant’s Obligation Not Dependent

 

39

24.

COVENANT AGAINST LIENS

39

25.

INTEREST ON TENANT’S OBLIGATIONS; LATE CHARGES

40

 

25.1

Interest

 

40

 

25.2

Late Charge

 

40

26.

QUIET ENJOYMENT

40

27.

PARKING FACILITIES; AMENITIES

40

 

27.1

Parking

 

41

 

27.2

Project Amenities

 

41

 

ii



 

28.

BROKERS

42

29.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

42

30.

SIGNAGE

43

 

30.1

Directory

 

43

 

30.2

Directional Signs

 

43

 

30.3

Monument Signage

 

43

 

30.4

Building Signage

 

44

 

30.5

Transferee Rights to Signage

 

44

31.

PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES

44

32.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

45

 

32.1

No Waiver

 

45

 

32.2

Terms; Headings

 

45

 

32.3

Entire Agreement; Electronic Records

 

45

 

32.4

Successors and Assigns

 

45

 

32.5

Notices

 

46

 

32.6

Severability

 

46

 

32.7

Time of Essence

 

46

 

32.8

Governing Law

 

46

 

32.9

Attorneys’ Fees

 

46

 

32.10

Light and Air

 

46

 

32.11

Bankruptcy Prior to Commencement

 

46

 

32.12

Force Majeure

 

47

 

32.13

Applicable Laws

 

47

 

32.14

Estoppel Certificate

 

47

 

32.15

Examination of Lease

 

47

 

32.16

Limitation on Liability

 

47

 

32.17

Representations

 

48

 

32.18

Memorandum of Lease

 

50

 

32.19

Landlord’s Fees

 

50

 

32.20

Landlord’s Knowledge

 

50

33.

DTPA WAIVER

50

34.

HAZARDOUS MATERIALS

51

35.

COUNTERPARTS

51

36.

RELATION OF PARTIES

52

37.

JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY

52

38.

APPRAISAL OF THE PROJECT

52

39.

FINANCIAL REPORTS

52

40.

CONFIDENTIALITY

52

41.

NO CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT

53

42.

ABATED RENT BUY-OUT

53

43.

USURY

54

44.

SPECIAL PROVISIONS

54

 

44.1

Renewal Option

 

54

 

44.2

Roof; Additional Equipment

 

56

 

44.3

Security Access

 

59

 

44.4

Right to Go Dark

 

59

 

44.5

Traffic Light

 

59

 

44.6

Management

 

59

 

44.7

Termination Right

 

60

 

iii



 

 

44.8

Serving of Alcohol in Premises

 

60

EXHIBIT A FLOOR PLAN

A-1

EXHIBIT B GLOSSARY OF DEFINED TERMS

B-1

EXHIBIT C MEMORANDUM OF LEASE COMMENCEMENT

C-1

EXHIBIT D WORK LETTER

D-1

EXHIBIT E BUILDING DATA (SHELL BUILDING)

E-1

EXHIBIT F RULES AND REGULATIONS

F-1

EXHIBIT G JANITORIAL SPECIFICATIONS

G-1

EXHIBIT H FORM OF SNDA

H-1

EXHIBIT I FORM OF TENANT ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATE

I-1

EXHIBIT J FORM OF NONDISCLOSURE AGREEMENT

J-1

 

iv


 

 

 

LEASE SUMMARY

 

This lease summary (“Lease Summary”) is made a part of the Lease and it shall be incorporated into the provisions thereof; provided, however, that to the extent that there exists a conflict between this Lease Summary and the Lease, the Lease shall govern.

 

Lease Date:

 

January 29, 2016

 

 

 

Landlord:

 

Lantana Ridge JV LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

 

 

 

Tenant:

 

YETI Coolers, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

 

 

 

Building(s):

 

Building I (being the eastern most building) and Building II (being the western most building) to be constructed on land located at 7601 Southwest Parkway, Austin, Texas 78735 (the “Land”) as part of the Project known as Lantana Ridge.

 

 

 

Premises:

 

Building I containing approximately 87,500 rentable square feet and Building II containing approximately 87,500 rentable square feet (for a total of 175,000 rentable square feet as described on the floor plan attached hereto as Exhibit A and made a part hereof.

The rentable square feet of the Buildings shall be measured in accordance with BOMA Standards ANSI-BOMA Z65.l-2010, method b, as amended, by the Landlord’s architect for the Building promptly after Project Completion (as hereinafter defined) and Landlord shall provide Tenant with the architect’s determination. Tenant shall have the right to verify all of such square footage calculations. The Base Rent and all other sums under this Lease which are calculated based on the square footage of the Premises or Buildings shall be adjusted accordingly.

 

 

 

Commencement Date:

 

The earlier of (a) the date on which Tenant occupies any portion of the Premises and begins conducting business therein or (b) 150 days following the Delivery Date (as hereinafter defined).

 

 

 

Term:

 

Approximately one hundred twenty (120) months, commencing on the Commencement Date and ending on the last day of the 120th full calendar month following the Commencement Date (the “Expiration Date”)

 

 

 

Base Rent:

 

Subject to the abatement of Base Rent provided below, Base Rent shall be the following amounts for the following periods of time:

 

 

Period

Annual Base Rent

Monthly Base Rent

Annual Rate Per Sq.
Ft.

 

1-12*

$4,200,000.00

$350,000.00

$24.00

13-24

$4,326,000.00

$360,500.00

$24.72

 

1



 

25-36

$4,455,500.00

$371,291.67

$25.46

37-48

$4,590,250.00

$382,520.83

$26.23

49-60

$4,726,750.00

$393,895.83

$27.01

61-72

$4,868,500.00

$405,708.33

$27.82

73-84

$5,015,500.00

$417,958.33

$28.66

85-96

$5,166,000.00

$430,500.00

$29.52

97-108

$5,320,000.00

$443,333.33

$30.40

109-120

$5,481,000.00

$456,750.00

$31.32

*See Section 5.2 regarding Abatement Period

 

Permitted Use:

 

See Section 3.

 

 

 

Security Deposit:

 

$623,875.00

 

 

 

Guarantor:

 

None.

 

 

 

Addresses for Notice:

 

To Landlord:

 

 

Lantana Ridge JV LLC
c/o Lincoln Property Company
2000 McKinney Avenue, Suite 1000
Dallas, Texas 75201

 

 

 

 

 

With a copy to:

 

 

 

 

 

Lincoln Property Company
201 W. 5
th Street
Austin, Texas 78701
Attn:  Property Management

 

 

 

 

 

And with a copy to:

 

 

 

 

 

Metcalfe Wolf Stuart & Williams LLP
221 W. 6
th Street, Suite 1300
Austin, Texas 78701
Attn:  Nicole D.  Castro

 

2



 

 

 

To Tenant:

 

Prior to the Commencement Date:

 

 

 

 

 

YETI Coolers, LLC
Attn:  General Counsel, Bryan Barksdale, Esq.
5301 Southwest Parkway, Suite 200
Austin, TX 78735

 

 

 

 

 

On and after the Commencement Date:

 

 

 

 

 

YETI Coolers, LLC
7601 Southwest Parkway, Building 1
Austin, TX 78735
Attn:  General Counsel

 

 

 

 

 

And with a copy to:

 

 

 

 

 

Jackson Walker LLP
100 Congress, Suite 1100
Austin, Texas 78701
Attn:  Chad Smith

 

3



 

OFFICE LEASE

 

THIS OFFICE LEASE (this “Lease”) is made and entered into as of the 29th day of January, 2016 (the “Effective Date”) by and between Landlord and Tenant.

 

1.                                    Definitions.

 

All capitalized terms used in this Lease and not specifically defined in the text shall have the meanings ascribed to them in the Lease Summary or in the glossary attached hereto as Exhibit B and hereby made a part hereof.

 

2.                                    Lease of Premises.

 

2.1                            Lease.  Subject to the covenants, terms, provisions and conditions of this Lease, Landlord hereby leases to Tenant, and Tenant hereby leases from Landlord, the Premises described in the Lease Summary.  Landlord also hereby grants to Tenant a license to use the Common Area within the Project (which license shall be exclusive to Tenant so long as Tenant leases the entire Premises), subject to the covenants, terms, provisions and conditions of this Lease and Landlord’s rules and regulations therefor.

 

2.2                            Shell Improvements.  Landlord (a) shall construct the “Shell Improvements” described on Exhibit E and (b) shall complete construction of the parking areas, sidewalks, drive aisles, landscaping and other common area improvements (collectively, the “Site Improvements”).  Shell Improvements and Site Improvements are collectively referred to herein as the “Landlord’s Work.”  Landlord shall commence and diligently prosecute to completion the Landlord’s Work such that the below Milestones are timely achieved.  Except as specifically set forth in Section 2.4 below, Landlord shall not be liable for a failure to deliver possession of the Premises by the applicable Milestone Dates set forth below and (a) the validity of this Lease shall not be affected or impaired thereby, (b) Landlord shall not be in default hereunder or be liable for damages therefor, and (c) Tenant shall accept possession of the Premises when Landlord tenders possession thereof to Tenant.  Landlord shall provide Tenant with regular updates as to the progress of completion of the Landlord’s Work and the below Milestones, as well as reasonably satisfactory evidence of completion of each Milestone (as set forth below).  As long as Tenant leases the entire Premises, Landlord shall not construct any other improvements on the Land other than the Landlord’s Work, without the prior written consent of Tenant, such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.

 

2.3                            Milestones.  Landlord has received its site development permit for the development of the Landlord’s Work prior to the date of this Lease and supplied a copy of the same to Tenant.  Landlord shall use good faith, diligent efforts to achieve the following “Milestones” (herein so called) by the applicable “Milestone Date” (herein so called) set forth below:

 

Milestone

Milestone Date

Evidence of Completion

Project Commencement

March 1, 2016

Affidavit from Landlord

Construction Permit Receipt

June 1, 2016

Permit from City of Austin

Building Top Out (joists

October 15, 2016

Letter from Building Architect

 

1



 

and deck on roof)

 

 

Dried-In (weather tight)

December 15, 2016

Letter from Building Architect

Permanent Power

December 15, 2016

Letter from Building Architect

Delivery Date

January 15, 2017

Final inspection certificate of base building fire protection system by City of Austin

Project Completion

January 15, 2017

Shell Certificate of Compliance

 

 

The Land is currently in “shovel ready” condition so Project Commencement could commence at any time.  At such time as Landlord has achieved each applicable Milestone, Landlord shall deliver to Tenant the documents set forth above as evidence of such completion of the Milestone.  Each Milestone is more particularly defined in Exhibit 8 to the Lease.  Each of the foregoing Milestone Dates shall be extended one day for each day of Force Majeure Events or a Tenant Delay to the extent such Force Majeure Event or Tenant Delay actually resulted in a failure to meet the applicable Milestone Date and all references in this Lease to a Milestone Date shall mean the Milestone Date as so adjusted.  Landlord and Tenant agree to use commercially reasonable efforts to mitigate delays caused by Force Majeure Events or Tenant Delays.  In no event shall any delays associated with Landlord’s financing or permitting or code compliance be considered a Force Majeure Event.  The foregoing Milestone Dates may also be adjusted based on mutual written agreement of Landlord and Tenant to reflect the actual conditions pertaining to the construction of the Landlord’s Work.  Subject to the foregoing right to adjust such Milestone Dates for Force Majeure Events or Tenant Delay or by mutual agreement, Landlord acknowledges and agrees that Tenant requires the Shell Improvements to be delivered on the Delivery Date to permit Tenant to begin its Tenant Improvement work in the Premises.  Landlord agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts, at Landlord’s cost and expense, to correct any delays caused by Landlord, including overtime and additional labor if necessary, in an effort to achieve the applicable Milestones by the applicable Milestone Date.  In the event Landlord’s progress reports indicate any delays in Landlord’s Work that are a result of a Tenant Delay, then Landlord shall notify Tenant of such Tenant Delay within five (5) business days of Landlord becoming aware of same and Tenant shall be responsible for the costs incurred by Landlord to mitigate such Tenant Delay, including costs associated with accelerating the Landlord’s Work in an effort to achieve the applicable Milestones by the applicable Milestone Date despite such Tenant Delay.

 

2.4                            Remedies for Failure to Meet Milestone Dates.

 

(a)                               Project Commencement.  Tenant shall have the option to terminate this Lease if Project Commencement has not occurred by the applicable Milestone Date for Project Commencement.  If Tenant becomes entitled to terminate the Lease pursuant to this Paragraph 2.4(a}, such option must be exercised within ten (10) days following the Project Commencement Milestone Date by delivery of written notice of such election to Landlord.  If Tenant timely terminates this Lease pursuant to this Paragraph 2.4(a), then this Lease shall terminate and Landlord and Tenant shall have no further obligations or liabilities hereunder (except any and all monies deposited by Tenant shall be returned to Tenant), except those obligations that survive termination.  If Tenant fails to timely exercise such termination option, or if Project Commencement occurs within such 10-day period, then the Lease shall continue in full force and

 

2



 

effect.  If Tenant timely terminates this Lease pursuant to this Paragraph 2.4(a), Landlord shall reimburse Tenant for Tenant’s actual and reasonable out-of-pocket costs for legal fees, engineering and design fees, and construction costs incurred by Tenant in connection with this Lease from and after the effective date of the Lease until the termination notice.  In no event shall Landlord’s total liability for the foregoing costs exceed $75,000.  Landlord shall reimburse Tenant for such costs (subject to the foregoing cap of $75,000) within thirty (30) days of receipt of a statement from Tenant accompanied by copies of invoices evidencing such costs.  The foregoing obligation shall survive termination of this Lease.

 

(b)                              Construction Permit Receipt.  Provided this Lease has not been earlier terminated pursuant to Tenant’s rights as set forth herein, if Landlord does not achieve the Construction Permit Receipt Milestone by the Construction Permit Receipt Milestone Date, then Tenant shall be entitled to one (1) day of free Base Rent (the “Construction Permit Receipt Abatement”) for each day following the Construction Permit Receipt Milestone Date until the earlier of the date the Construction Permit Receipt Milestone is achieved or the 30th day following the Construction Permit Receipt Milestone Date.  If the Construction Permit Receipt Milestone has not been achieved within 30 days following the Construction Permit Receipt Milestone Date, then the Construction Permit Rental Abatement shall be increased to two (2) days of free Base Rent for each day of delay beginning on the 31st day following the Construction Permit Receipt Milestone Date until the Construction Permit Receipt Milestone is achieved.  The foregoing Construction Permit Receipt Abatement shall be based on the Base Rent for the entire Premises, and such abatement shall not include Tenant’s Pro Rata Share of Operating Expenses.  Tenant shall have the option to terminate this Lease if the Construction Permit Receipt Milestone has not occurred within sixty (60) days following the Construction Permit Receipt Milestone Date.  If Tenant becomes entitled to terminate the Lease pursuant to this Paragraph 2.4(b), such option must be exercised within 65 days following the Construction Permit Receipt Milestone Date by delivery of written notice of such election to Landlord.  If Tenant timely terminates this Lease pursuant to this Paragraph 2.4(b), then this Lease shall terminate and Landlord and Tenant shall have no further obligations or liabilities hereunder (except any and all monies deposited by Tenant shall be returned to Tenant), except those obligations that survive termination .  If Tenant timely terminates this Lease pursuant to this Paragraph 2.4(b), Landlord shall reimburse Tenant for Tenant’s actual and reasonable out-of-pocket costs for legal fees, engineering and design fees, and construction costs incurred by Tenant in connection with this Lease from and after the effective date of the Lease until the termination notice.  In no event shall Landlord’s total liability for the foregoing costs exceed $500,000.  Landlord shall reimburse Tenant for such costs (subject to the foregoing cap of $500,000) within thirty (30) days of receipt of a statement from Tenant accompanied by copies of invoices evidencing such costs.  The foregoing obligation shall survive termination of this Lease.  Notwithstanding the foregoing.  in the event Tenant does not timely terminate pursuant to this Paragraph 2.4(b), and Landlord subsequently achieves the Delivery Date Milestone and the Project Completion Milestone by the applicable Milestone Dates, then notwithstanding such delay in the Construction Permit Receipt Milestone, Tenant shall not be entitled to the Construction Permit Receipt Abatement; it being agreed that such Construction Permit Receipt Abatement shall be null and void.

 

(c)                               Interim Milestones.  Provided this Lease has not been earlier terminated pursuant to Tenant’s rights as set forth herein, if Landlord does not achieve the Building Top Out Milestone, Dried-In Milestone or Permanent Power Milestone (collectively referred to herein as

 

3



 

the “Interim Milestones” and individually as an “Interim Milestone”), by the applicable Milestone Date for each such Interim Milestone, then Tenant shall be entitled to one (1) day of free  Base Rent (the “Interim Milestone Abatement”) for each day following the applicable Milestone Date until the earlier of the date the applicable Interim Milestone is achieved or the 30th day following the applicable Milestone Date.  If the applicable Interim Milestone has not been achieved within 30 days following the applicable Milestone Date, then the Interim Milestone Abatement shall be increased to two (2) days of free Base Rent for each day of delay beginning on the 31st day following the applicable Milestone Date until the applicable Interim Milestone is achieved.  The foregoing Interim Milestone Abatement shall be based on the Base Rent for the entire Premises, and such abatement shall not include Tenant’s Pro Rata Share of Operating Expenses.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event Landlord subsequently achieves the Delivery Date Milestone and the Project Completion Milestone by the applicable Milestone Dates, then notwithstanding such delay in any of the Interim Milestones, Tenant shall not be entitled to the Interim Milestone Abatement; it being agreed that such Interim Milestone Abatement shall be null and void.

 

(d)                             Delivery Date and Project Completion.  Provided this Lease has not been earlier terminated pursuant to Tenant’s rights as set forth herein, if Landlord does not achieve the Delivery Date Milestone and the Project Completion Milestone (collectively referred to herein as the “Delivery/Completion Milestones” and individually as the “Delivery/Completion Milestone”) by the applicable Milestone Date, then Tenant shall be entitled to one (1) day of free Base Rent (the “Delivery/Completion Milestone Abatement”) for each day following the applicable Milestone Date until the earlier of the date the applicable Delivery/Completion Milestone is achieved or the 15th day following the applicable Delivery/Completion Milestone Date.  If the applicable Delivery/Completion Milestone has not been achieved within 15 days following the applicable Delivery/Completion Milestone Date, then the Delivery/Completion Milestone Abatement shall be increased to two (2) days of free Base Rent for each day of delay beginning on the 16th day following the applicable Delivery/Completion Milestone Date until the applicable Delivery/Completion Milestone is achieved.  The foregoing Delivery/Completion Milestone Abatement shall be based on the Base Rent for the entire Premises, and such abatement shall not include Tenant’s Pro Rata Share of Operating Expenses.  Tenant shall have the option to terminate this Lease if the applicable Delivery/Completion Milestone has not occurred within sixty (60) days following the applicable Delivery/Completion Milestone Date.  If Tenant becomes entitled to terminate the Lease pursuant to this Paragraph 2.4(b), such option must be exercised within 65 days following the Delivery/Completion Milestone Date by delivery of written notice of such election to Landlord.  If Tenant timely terminates this Lease pursuant to this Paragraph 2.4(d), then this Lease shall terminate and Landlord and Tenant shall have no further obligations or liabilities hereunder (except any and all monies deposited by Tenant shall be returned to Tenant), except those obligations that survive termination.  If Tenant timely terminates this Lease pursuant to this Paragraph 2.4(d), Landlord shall reimburse Tenant for Tenant’s actual and reasonable out-of-pocket costs for legal fees, engineering and design fees, and construction costs incurred by Tenant in connection with this Lease from and after the effective date of the Lease until the termination notice.  In no event shall Landlord’s total liability for the foregoing costs exceed $500,000.  Landlord shall reimburse Tenant for such costs (subject to the foregoing cap of $500,000) within thirty (30) days of receipt of a statement from Tenant accompanied by copies of invoices evidencing such costs.  The foregoing obligation shall survive termination of this Lease.

 

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(e)                               Tenant’s Holdover Costs.  Provided this Lease has not been earlier terminated pursuant to Tenant’s rights as set forth herein, if Landlord does not achieve the Project Completion Milestone by the Project Completion Milestone Date, and if, due solely to Landlord’s delay in achieving the Project Completion Milestone, Tenant is prevented from being able to occupy the Premises for the conduct of business by August 1, 2017 despite commercially reasonable mitigation and acceleration efforts by Tenant and its contractor, then (i) the Commencement Date will be extended on a day-for-day basis for each day of delay (excluding Tenant Delays) after August 1, 2017 and (ii) Landlord shall reimburse Tenant for holdover costs incurred by Tenant in holding over in its existing sublease space plus any other actual damages charged by Tenant’s current landlord and/or sublandlord at its existing sublease space, or, in the event Tenant is forced to evacuate its existing sublease space, any reasonable charges incurred by Tenant in leasing similar space to the Premises in the interim (the “Holdover Amount”).  Such Holdover Amount shall not include the regular (non-premium) rental amount under Tenant’s existing sublease space (the “Sublease Base Rent”) and Landlord shall have no liability for such amount (and if Tenant is in other temporary space instead of the existing sublease space, such Holdover Amount shall not include the amount equal to the Sublease Base Rent for any period Tenant is in such temporary space).  Any such Holdover Amount to which Tenant is entitled shall be applied as an offset to Base Rent due under this Lease.

 

(f)                                Cap on Liability.  In no event shall Landlord’s total liability for the Holdover Amount as set forth in Paragraph 2.4(e) above plus any rental abatement amounts realized by Tenant as set forth in Paragraph 2.4 exceed $3,000,000.

 

3.                                    Use of Premises.

 

The Premises shall be used for general office purposes or for any other legal use permitted by applicable zoning ordinances and Applicable Law as of the date of this Lease and Tenant shall not use, or permit others to use, any portion of the Premises or Tenant’s rights in the Project for the Prohibited Uses.  Without limiting the foregoing, Tenant shall be permitted to use the Premises for a cafeteria/kitchen, a workout facility, a nursing/pumping room, and a new product demonstration/testing lab, in each case for use by Tenant and its employees as an ancillary use to Tenant’s general office use and in accordance with all Applicable Laws.  Tenant shall be permitted to have a security desk at the entrance to the Premises and/or either or both of the Buildings and require all Tenant’s visitors to sign a commercially reasonable nondisclosure agreement.

 

4.                                    Term and Occupancy of Premises.

 

The Term shall commence on the Commencement Date and end on the Expiration Date (as such terms are defined in the Lease Summary), unless sooner terminated as provided herein.  By occupying the Premises, Tenant shall be deemed to have accepted the Premises in their condition as of the date of such occupancy, subject to the performance of items on the Punch List (as defined in Exhibit D) that remain to be performed by Landlord, if any.  Within thirty (30) days of occupying the Premises, Tenant shall execute and deliver to Landlord a letter substantially in the form of Exhibit C hereto confirming the Commencement Date and the Expiration Date of the initial Term; however, the failure of the parties to execute such letter shall not defer the Commencement Date or otherwise invalidate this Lease.

 

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5.                                    Rent.

 

5.1                            Items Comprising Rent.  In consideration for this Lease, effective as of the Commencement Date, Tenant agrees to pay Landlord the following (hereinafter collectively referred to as “Rent”):

 

(a)                               Monthly Base Rent as described in the Lease Summary.

 

(b)                              Tenant’s Pro Rata Share of Operating Expenses for the applicable calendar year, as estimated and reconciled by Landlord in accordance with Section 5.3 below.

 

(c)                               Those charges which Landlord imposes on Tenant for services pursuant to Section 9.2 of this Lease.

 

(d)                             Any sums which Tenant becomes obligated to pay as a result of Tenant’s failure to comply with any of the terms and provisions of this Lease.

 

(e)                               Any other amounts due under this Lease.

 

5.2                            Time for Payment.  Rent due under subparagraphs 5.1(a) and (b) above shall be payable in advance on the first (1st) day of each calendar month without prior notice or demand or deduction or set-off except as otherwise expressly provided herein.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the first payment of the first full month of Rent, in an amount disregarding any abated rent periods, shall be due on the date of execution of this Lease.  Landlord shall not be obligated to invoice Tenant monthly for Rent due under subparagraphs (a) or (b).  All other sums due from Tenant shall be due and payable within thirty (30) days following presentation by Landlord of an invoice therefor, unless this Lease specifically provides otherwise.  All Rent shall be payable in United States dollars as directed by Landlord at Landlord’s address provided for in this Lease or such other address as may be specified in writing by Landlord, and shall be accompanied by all applicable state and local sales or use taxes.  Rent for any partial calendar month during the Term shall be prorated on a per diem basis based on a three hundred sixty five (365) day year.  So long as Tenant is not in default beyond any applicable cure periods under the terms and conditions of this Lease as of the date any Base Rent would otherwise be due and owing during the first twelve (12) months of the Term (the “Abatement Period”), Tenant shall be entitled to a credit of Base Rent and Tenant’s Pro Rata Share of Operating Expenses during the Abatement Period for Building II (e.g., if the Commencement Date is July 15, 2017, Base Rent and Tenant’s Pro Rata Share of Operating Expenses shall be abated until July 14, 2018 for Building II).  Said credit shall be used solely to offset Base Rent and Tenant’s Pro Rata Share of Operating Expenses for Building II during the Abatement Period and in no circumstances shall Tenant be paid any amounts pursuant thereto.  Tenant shall continue to be responsible for the payment of all of its other monetary obligations under this Lease during the Abatement Period, including, without limit, Base Rent and Tenant’s Pro Rata Share of Operating Expenses for Building I.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event Tenant occupies Building II and conducts business therein during such Abatement Period, then Tenant shall be responsible for paying for utilities and janitorial expenses incurred for Building II from and after the date of occupancy.  In the event Tenant is in default (after any applicable grace or cure periods) under the terms and conditions of this Lease on the day any installment of Base Rent would have been due hereunder

 

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but for the aforesaid abatements of Base Rent and Tenant’s Pro Rata Share of Operating Expenses for Building II during the Abatement Period, then, in such event, the rent abatements as set forth above, shall no longer be in effect and Tenant shall be obligated, during the period of such uncured default, to pay the installments of Base Rent in the amount set forth in the Base Rent Schedule in the Lease Summary and Tenant’s Pro Rata Share of Operating Expenses for Building II.  In the event of a default by Tenant under the terms of this Lease that results in early termination of this Lease, Landlord shall be entitled to the recovery of the unamortized portion of the Base Rent and Tenant’s Pro Rata Share of Operating Expenses abated hereunder, amortized over the Term of this Lease.  In no event shall Tenant be entitled to any extension of the Abatement Period because of any payment of Base Rent or Tenant’s Pro Rata Share of Operating Expenses made due to defaults.

 

5.3                            Estimates and Annual Reconciliation of Operating Expenses.  On or before the Commencement Date and thereafter prior to the commencement of each calendar year of the Term, or as soon thereafter as possible, Landlord shall furnish to Tenant a statement containing Landlord’s reasonable estimate of Operating Expenses for such year and a calculation of Tenant’s Pro Rata Share, which Landlord may re-estimate at any time.  Thereafter, Tenant shall pay to Landlord one-twelfth of the amount of its Pro Rata Share on each monthly Rent payment date until further adjustment pursuant to this paragraph.  If Landlord’s statement is furnished after the start of the year, then Tenant shall continue to pay the monthly amount of its Pro Rata Share of such expenses due for the prior year and on the next monthly Rent payment date after Landlord’s statement is delivered to Tenant, Tenant shall also pay any excess amounts allocable to the prior months in that year.  Following each calendar year during the Term, Landlord shall furnish to Tenant a statement showing the actual Operating Expenses during said calendar year (“Annual Operating Expenses Statement”).  If the Annual Operating Expenses Statement reveals an underpayment, Tenant shall pay such underpayment to Landlord within thirty (30) days (whether or not this Lease has expired or been terminated) after Landlord delivers the Annual Operating Expenses Statement to Tenant, and if the Annual Operating Expenses Statement shows an overpayment, Landlord shall credit the next monthly rental payment(s) of Tenant with an amount equal to such overpayment, or, if the Term has expired, refund the overpayment to Tenant within thirty (30) days following delivery of the Annual Operating Expenses Statement.  The obligations set forth in this Section 5.3 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of the Term.  Estimated initial Operating Expenses are currently expected to equal $11.46 per rentable square foot of the Premises.

 

5.4                            Tenant’s Inspection Right.  Provided no Event of Default then exists, after receiving the Annual Operating Expenses Statement and giving Landlord 30-days’ prior written notice thereof, Tenant may inspect or audit Landlord’s records relating to Operating Expenses for the period of time covered by such Annual Operating Expenses Statement in accordance with the following provisions.  If Tenant fails to object to the calculation of Operating Expenses on an Annual Operating Expenses Statement within 90 days after the statement has been delivered to Tenant, or if Tenant fails to conclude its audit or inspection within 180 days after the statement has been delivered to Tenant, then Tenant shall have waived its right to object to the calculation of Operating Expenses for the year in question and the calculation of Operating Expenses set forth on such statement shall be final.  Tenant’s audit or inspection shall be conducted where Landlord maintains its books and records, shall not unreasonably interfere with the conduct of Landlord’s business, and shall be conducted only during business hours reasonably designated

 

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by Landlord.  Tenant shall pay the costs of such audit or inspection, unless the total Operating Expenses for the period in question is determined to be overstated by more than 5% in the aggregate, in which case Landlord shall pay the audit cost.  Tenant may not conduct an inspection or have an audit performed more than once during any calendar year.  Tenant or the accounting firm conducting such audit shall, at no charge to Landlord, submit its audit report in draft form to Landlord for Landlord’s review and comment before the final approved audit report is submitted to Landlord, and any reasonable comments by Landlord shall be incorporated into the final audit report.  If such inspection or audit reveals that an error was made in the Operating Expenses previously charged to Tenant, then Landlord shall refund to Tenant any overpayment of any such costs, or Tenant shall pay to Landlord any underpayment of any such costs, as the case may be, within 30 days after notification thereof.  Provided Landlord’s accounting for Operating Expenses is consistent with the terms of this Lease, standard practices and consistent with the Comparable Buildings, Landlord’s good faith judgment regarding the proper accounting for Operating Expenses (including the decision to include or exclude certain items not specifically stated herein as being included in, or excluded from, Operating Expenses) shall be binding on Tenant in connection with any such audit or inspection (but shall not otherwise limit Tenant’s audit rights contained herein).  Tenant shall maintain the results of each such audit or inspection confidential and shall not be permitted to use any third party to perform such audit or inspection, other than an independent firm of certified public accountants (a) which is not compensated on a contingency fee basis or in any other manner which is dependent upon the results of such audit or inspection (and Tenant shall deliver the fee agreement or other similar evidence of such fee arrangement to Landlord upon request), and (b) which agrees with Landlord in writing to maintain the results of such audit or inspection confidential.  Nothing in this Section 5.4 shall be construed to limit, suspend or abate Tenant’s obligation to pay Rent when due, including Tenant’s Pro Rata Share of Operating Expenses.

 

5.5                            Operating Expenses Cap. For purposes of calculating Operating Expenses under Section 5.3, the maximum increase in the amount of Controllable Operating Expenses (defined below) that may be included in calculating such Operating Expenses for each calendar year after the first calendar year which includes the Commencement Date (the “Cap Base Year”) shall be limited to 5% per calendar year on a cumulative, compounded basis.  If the Commencement Date is not the first day of the calendar year, then the Operating Expenses for the Cap Base Year shall be annualized for the purpose of calculating the cap on Controllable Operating Expenses.  For example, the maximum amount of Controllable Operating Expenses that may be included in the calculation of such Operating Expenses for each calendar year after the Cap Base Year shall equal the product of the Cap Base Year Controllable Operating Expenses and the following percentages for the following calendar years:  105% for the first year following the Cap Base Year; 110.25% for the second year following the Cap Base Year; 115.76% for the third year following the Cap Base Year; 121.55% for the fourth year following the Cap Base Year; etc.; however, any increases in Operating Expenses not recovered by Landlord due to the foregoing limitation shall be carried forward into succeeding calendar years during the Term (subject to the foregoing limitation) to the extent necessary until fully recouped by Landlord.  “Controllable Operating Expenses” means all Operating Expenses which are within the reasonable control of Landlord; thus, excluding taxes, insurance, utilities, snow removal costs and other weather­ related costs (including landscape maintenance costs, such as those resulting from infestation, storms, drought and other severe weather), costs incurred to comply with governmental requirements, increased costs due to union or other collective bargaining negotiations, and costs

 

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resulting from acts of force majeure.  For the purposes of the previous definition, the cost of services that can be competitively bid shall not be included in Controllable Operating Expenses only if the increase in the expense type in question is comparable to the increase in the same expense type incurred by owners of other Comparable Buildings.  For clarity, all costs associated with Tenant requests for non-scheduled maintenance or repairs, or any above-Comparable Building standard services, shall not be included in Controllable Operating Expenses.

 

6.                                    Security Deposit.

 

(a)                               Tenant shall deliver to Heritage Title Company of Austin, Inc. (“Escrow Agent”) upon execution and delivery of this Lease by Tenant the Security Deposit as security for the full and faithful performance of each of the terms hereof by Tenant.  The Security Deposit shall be delivered to Landlord by the Escrow Agent upon Landlord’s achievement of the Delivery Date Milestone and delivery to the Escrow Agent and Tenant of the evidence of completion for such Milestone as set forth in Section 2.3 above.  Landlord and Tenant shall execute a commercially reasonable escrow agreement regarding the escrow of the Security Deposit promptly after execution of this Lease, it being agreed that the Escrow Agent’s standard escrow agreement is commercially reasonable.  Landlord shall be required to keep the Security Deposit separate from its general funds and Tenant shall be entitled to interest thereon.  If an Event of Default occurs, Landlord may, but shall not be required to, use, apply or retain all or any part of the Security Deposit for the payment of any Rent or any other sum in default, or for the payment of any other amount which Landlord may spend or become obligated to spend by reason of such Event of Default or to compensate Landlord for any other loss or damage which Landlord may suffer by reason of such Event of Default, including, without limitation, costs and attorneys’ fees incurred by Landlord to recover possession of the Premises.  If any portion of the Security Deposit is so used or applied, Tenant shall, upon demand therefor, deposit cash with Landlord in an amount sufficient to restore the Security Deposit to its original amount and Tenant’s failure to do so shall constitute an Event of Default.  The Security Deposit is not an advance payment of Rent or a measure or limit of Landlord’s damages upon an Event of Default.

 

(b)                              Except as expressly set forth in this Lease, Tenant acknowledges that Landlord has the right to transfer or mortgage its interest in the Building and in this Lease, and Tenant agrees that in the event of any such transfer or mortgage, Landlord shall have the right to transfer or assign the Security Deposit to the transferee or mortgagee.  Upon such transfer or assignment of the Security Deposit, Landlord shall be deemed released by Tenant from all liability or obligation for the return of the Security Deposit and Tenant shall look solely to such transferee or mortgagee for the return of the Security Deposit.  If Tenant shall fully and faithfully perform every provision of this Lease to be performed by it, the Security Deposit or any balance thereof shall be returned to Tenant (or, at Landlord’s option, to the last assignee of Tenant’s interest hereunder) within sixty (60) days following the expiration of the Term and surrender of possession of the Premises to Landlord in compliance with the provisions of this Lease.

 

7.                                    Failure of Building Systems.

 

To the extent any of the services described in Section 9 require electricity, gas, water or other services supplied by public or private utility providers, Landlord’s covenants hereunder shall impose on Landlord only the obligation to use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the

 

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applicable utility providers to furnish the same, to the extent the same is within Landlord’s control.  Any failure or defect in the services shall not be construed as an eviction of Tenant, entitle Tenant to any damages from Landlord, or, except as expressly provided herein, entitle Tenant to any reduction, abatement, offset, or refund of Rent.  Landlord shall not be in breach or default under this Lease, provided Landlord uses commercially reasonable efforts during normal business hours to restore any such failure to the extent within Landlord’s control) after Landlord receives written notice thereof.  Landlord shall not otherwise be liable to Tenant for any such failure, stoppage or interruption of any services or utilities or unavailability of access to the Project and such shall not be construed as an eviction of Tenant nor shall such entitle Tenant to any reduction, abatement, offset, or refund of Rent or to any damages from Landlord, nor shall Landlord be in breach or default under this Lease.  Tenant hereby waives and disclaims, and agrees not to claim or assert, all present and future rights to assert that any such obligation of Landlord entitles Tenant to any counterclaim or any reduction, abatement, offset, or refund of Rent.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, commencing on the fifth (5th) consecutive business day following Tenant’s written notice to Landlord advising of a service failure within Landlord’s control and is not caused by a casualty (in which case Section 13 controls), a taking (in which case Section 14 controls), Tenant or a Tenant Party, a governmental directive, or a failure of the utility provider to furnish necessary services, Tenant shall be entitled to an equitable diminution of Rent based upon the pro rata portion of the Premises which is rendered unfit for occupancy for the permitted use beginning on the first business day following the end of such 5 business-day period and continuing until such time as the services are restored or Tenant recommences business operations in the applicable portion of the Premises.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the unavailability of any critical service prevents Tenant from making reasonable use of a material portion of the Premises for more than sixty (60) consecutive days, the restoration of which is within Landlord’s reasonable control and is not caused by a casualty, a taking, Tenant or Tenant Party, a governmental directive, or a failure of the utility provider to furnish necessary services, Tenant may, at its option, by delivering written notice thereof to Landlord and Landlord ‘s mortgagee before the earlier of the date such services are restored or ten days after such 60-day period, either (i) terminate this Lease and the parties hereto shall be relieved of all liabilities and obligations hereunder (other than those which expressly survive termination) as of the date of Tenant’s written notice of termination, or (ii) remedy such failure, in which case Landlord will reimburse Tenant for its actual out-of-pocket costs incurred in remedying such failure within thirty (30) days following receipt of an invoice evidencing such costs.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, if Landlord is diligently performing the physical work necessary to restore such services, such 60-day period shall be extended for so long as Landlord is diligently pursuing the restoration in good faith.  As used herein, “critical services” means electrical service, elevator service, HVAC service, sewer service or water service to the Premises.  The foregoing 5 business day period and 60 day period shall be extended on a day­for-day basis for each day of Force Majeure Events.

 

8.                                    AS-IS.  TENANT AGREES THAT IT IS NOT RELYING ON AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION MADE BY LANDLORD, LANDLORD’ S AGENTS, OR ANY BROKER CONCERNING THE USE OR CONDITION OF THE PREMISES, COMMON AREAS OR THE PROJECT.  TENANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT IT ACCEPTS THE PREMISES IN THEIR “AS-IS, WHERE IS” PHYSICAL CONDITION AS OF THE DELIVERY DATE, WITHOUT ANY OBLIGATION BY LANDLORD TO PAINT, REDECORATE, OR

 

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PERFORM ANY OTHER WORK IN, ON OR ABOUT THE PREMISES AT ANY TIME, EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH IN THIS LEASE.  LANDLORD, ANY AGENT OF LANDLORD AND ANY BROKER HAVE NOT MADE, AND WILL NOT MAKE, ANY WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION OF ANY KIND, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE PREMISES, THE BUILDING, COMMON AREAS OR ANY OTHER PORTION OF THE PROJECT.  LANDLORD EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF SUITABILITY, HABITABILITY OR MERCHANTABILITY.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord represents and warrants to Tenant that as of the Project Completion, (i) the Shell Improvements shall be in good and clean operating condition and repair, (ii) the electrical, mechanical, HVAC, plumbing, sewer, elevator and other systems serving the Buildings and installed as part of Landlord’s Work will be in good operating condition and repair, (iii) the roof of the Buildings will be in good condition and water tight, (iv) to Landlord’s current actual knowledge, the Landlord’s Work will not be in violation of municipal, state and federal statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances, requirements and orders then in effect, including without limitation, all applicable statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances, requirements or orders requiring installation of fire sprinkler systems, seismic reinforcement and related alterations, removal of asbestos, and compliance with ADA and fire/safety.

 

9.                                    Utilities and Services.

 

9.1                            Landlord Obligations.  Landlord shall furnish the following services and utilities to the Premises, the cost of which shall be included in Operating Expenses except as specifically provided otherwise herein, subject to Landlord’s reasonable rules and regulations from time to time (and except during emergencies).

 

(a)                               HVAC.  Landlord shall furnish heating, ventilation and air conditioning (“HVAC”) in accordance with HVAC provided in other Comparable Buildings, as determined by Landlord and as described in Exhibit E attached hereto.  Tenant shall not, without Landlord’s prior written consent, use any equipment or lighting, so that heat generated by such use or occupancy affects the ambient temperature otherwise maintained in the Premises by the HVAC system under normal operation.  Subject to Applicable Law, there shall be no density limitations on Tenant’s occupancy of the Premises.  In the event such use or occupancy affects the ambient temperature, as determined by Landlord, Landlord shall have the right to install any machinery or equipment which Landlord determines necessary to restore temperature balance, including, without limitation, modifications to the standard air conditioning equipment, and the cost thereof, including the cost of installation and any additional cost of operation and maintenance incurred thereby, shall be paid by Tenant to Landlord upon demand by Landlord .  Landlord makes no representation with respect to the adequacy or fitness of the HVAC equipment in the Building to maintain temperatures which may be required for, or because of, any equipment of Tenant, and Landlord shall have no liability for loss or damage in connection therewith.

 

(b)                              Electricity.  Subject to emergencies and Force Majeure Events, Landlord shall furnish to the Premises electric current to the Premises in accordance with the following specifications:  (i) 6 watts per Rentable Square Foot for low voltage (120/280 volt) connected load for outlets and other low voltage usage, and (ii) 1 watt per Rentable Square Foot for

 

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standard office lighting in accordance with energy code requirements.  Without the prior written consent of Landlord, which Landlord may reasonably refuse, Tenant shall not install or operate any machinery, appliances or equipment in the Premises which will in any way increase the amount of electricity usually furnished or supplied for use of the Premises as general office space; nor connect any apparatus, device, machinery, appliances or equipment (except through existing electrical outlets in the Premises), for the purpose of using electric current.  The use of electricity in the Premises shall not exceed the capacity of existing feeders and risers to or wiring in the Premises.  Any risers or wiring required to meet Tenant’s excess electrical requirements shall, upon Tenant’s written request, be installed by Landlord, at Tenant’s cost.  if, in Landlord’s reasonable judgment, the same are necessary and shall not cause permanent damage to the Building or the Premises, cause or create a dangerous or hazardous condition, entail excessive or unreasonable alterations, repairs, or expenses, adversely affect Landlord’s ability to provide reasonable service to the balance of the Building, or interfere with or disturb other tenants of the Building.  Tenant shall be responsible for the cost of all electricity used by Tenant in the Premises.

 

(c)                               Elevators.  Landlord shall furnish elevator service to the Premises at all times.

 

(d)                             Water.  Landlord shall make available hot and cold water for normal lavatory and drinking purposes to be drawn from the lavatory.

 

(e)                               Janitorial.  Landlord shall provide Building standard janitorial services in accordance with the specifications attached hereto as Exhibit F and made a part hereof.  Landlord shall not be required to provide more than Building standard janitorial services for portions of the Premises used for storage, mailroom, kitchen or other ancillary purposes, nor shall Landlord be required to provide janitorial services to areas obstructed or locked by Tenant (except as expressly provided herein), or used as a lavatory, other than the lavatory rooms shown on the floor plan of the Premises attached hereto as Exhibit A, if any.  Tenant may increase the standard janitorial services at Tenant’s expense.

 

(f)                                Access.  Landlord shall furnish Tenant’s employees access to the Premises and the Parking Facility on a seven (7) day per week, twenty four (24) hour per day basis, subject to emergencies and Force Majeure Events, and subject to compliance with such security measures and rules and regulations as shall from time-to-time be in effect for the Building and/or the Project, and Landlord’s maintenance activities.

 

(g)                              ADA.  Landlord shall use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Landlord’s Work (other than the Premises, which shall be the responsibility of Tenant) to meet the requirements imposed by the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and Texas Accessibility Standards (“TAS”) as of the Project Completion.  Should the Landlord’s Work not be in compliance with ADA or TAS after the Project Completion due to a change in the ADA or TAS or due to Tenant’s specific use of the Premises, Landlord shall make any changes or alterations required to so comply, it being further agreed that all expenses of such compliance shall be included as Operating Expenses.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord shall have the right to contest any alleged violation in good faith, including, without limitation, the right to apply for and obtain a waiver or deferment of compliance, the right to assert any and all defenses allowed by Applicable Laws and the right to appeal any decisions, judgments or rulings to the

 

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fullest extent permitted by Applicable Laws.  Landlord, after the exhaustion of any and all rights to appeal or contest, will make all repairs, additions, alterations or improvements necessary to comply with the terms of any final order or judgment as provided in this Section 9.1(g).  Any improvements needed to comply with the ADA or the TAS now or in the future in the Premises shall be performed by Tenant, at the sole cost and expense of Tenant.  Further, if, as a result of Tenant’s use and occupancy of the Premises, or the making of any alterations, additions or improvements therein, any additions, alterations or improvements shall be required to be made by Landlord to any part of the Landlord’s Work or the Project to comply with any requirements of ADA or TAS and all regulations thereunder, Tenant shall reimburse Landlord on demand for the cost incurred by Landlord to effect such compliance.

 

9.2                            Extraordinary Services.  Landlord may impose a charge and establish rules and regulations for any of the following:  (a) additional or unusual janitorial services requested by Tenant in excess of the Building standard janitorial services specified above or required because of any non-building standard improvements in the Premises, the carelessness of Tenant, or the nature of Tenant’s business; (b) the reasonable costs of removal of any refuse and rubbish from the Premises except for discarded material placed in wastepaper baskets and left for emptying as an incident to Landlord’s normal cleaning of the Premises; and (c) any other services requested by Tenant or reasonably required to maintain the Premises in a Class A manner similar to the Comparable Buildings and not otherwise included in Operating Expenses.

 

9.3                            Telephone.  Tenant shall make its own arrangements for telephone and other communication services, and Landlord shall have no liability or obligation in connection therewith other than to provide reasonable access to the Building telephone closets.

 

9.4                            Governmental Interruption in Utility Services.   Landlord shall not be liable for damages or otherwise for failure, stoppage or interruption of any services or utilities or unavailability of access to the Project, nor shall the same be construed either as an eviction of Tenant, or result in an abatement of Rent, when such failure is caused by Force Majeure Events.  If any governmental entity imposes mandatory or, suggests or requests voluntary controls or guidelines on Landlord or the Project or any part thereof, relating to the services provided by Landlord, or the reduction of emissions, Landlord may make such alterations to the Building or any other part of the Project related thereto and take such other steps as are necessary to comply with such controls and guidelines, the cost of such compliance and alterations shall be included in Operating Expenses, however, any capital costs shall be amortized over the useful life of such alterations per GAAP accounting and Landlord shall not be liable therefor, for damages or otherwise, nor shall the same be construed either as an eviction of Tenant, or result in an abatement of Rent.  Landlord shall use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize interruption to Tenant’s business as a result of any such governmental interruptions.

 

10.                            Alterations.

 

10.1                    Restriction on Alterations.  Except for any Tenant Improvements specifically permitted by this Lease, Tenant shall make no alteration, repair, addition or improvement in, to or about the Premises (collectively, “Alterations”), including, without limitation, the installation of any data or telecommunications cable, without the prior written consent of Landlord, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, and it shall be reasonable for Landlord to

 

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require, among other things, some or all of the following:  (a) the right to approve the plans and specifications for any work; (b) the right to require supplemental insurance satisfactory to Landlord and naming each of Landlord and Manager as an additional insured; (c) the right to require forms of waivers of liens prior to commencement of work and/or unconditional lien releases for work completed; (d) satisfactory evidence that Tenant has sufficient funds to pay for such Alterations; (e) requirements as to the manner in which work may be performed; and (f) the right to approve the contractor or contractors to perform Alterations.  In addition, all Alterations that involve the installation of data or communications cable shall be subject to the terms and conditions of the voice and data cabling specifications adopted by Landlord from time to time and delivered to Tenant upon Tenant’s request for the same and subject to removal pursuant to Section 10.2 hereof.  Except for Cosmetic Alterations (defined below), any modifications to any Alterations or Tenant Improvements will require the consent of Landlord in accordance with this Section 10.1.

 

All Alterations shall be compatible with a first class office building complex and completed in accordance with Landlord’s requirements and all applicable rules, regulations and requirements of governmental authorities and insurance carriers.  The outside appearance, character or use of the Building shall not be affected by any Alteration, and no Alteration shall weaken or impair the structure of the Building or create the potential for unusual expenses to be incurred upon the removal of the Alterations and the restoration of the Premises upon the termination of this Lease.  No part of the Building outside of the Premises shall be affected by any Alteration.  The proper functioning of the Building Systems and Service Facilities shall not be affected by any Alteration and there shall be no Alteration which interferes with Landlord’s access to the Building Systems or interferes with the moving of Landlord’s equipment to or from the enclosures containing the Building Systems.  Tenant shall not be permitted to install and make part of the Premises any materials, fixtures or articles which are subject to liens, conditional sales contracts or chattel mortgages other than trade fixtures, furniture and equipment.  Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for its reasonable expenses in reviewing plans and inspecting all Alterations to assure compliance with Landlord’s requirements, including any out­ of-pocket costs for engineering review.  In addition, Tenant shall pay Landlord a construction supervision fee equal to five percent (5%) of the cost of all Alterations.  Landlord’s review of any such plans or specifications or Alterations shall not constitute an express or implicit covenant or warranty that any such plans or specifications submitted by Tenant or Alterations to be constructed or as constructed by Tenant are safe or that the same comply with Applicable Laws.  Further, Tenant shall indemnify, protect, defend and hold Landlord harmless from any loss, cost or expense, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs, incurred by Landlord as a result of any defects in design, materials or workmanship resulting from Alterations.  If requested by Landlord, Tenant shall provide Landlord with copies of all contracts, receipts, paid vouchers, and any other documentation (including, without limitation, “as-built” drawings, air/water, balancing reports, permits and inspection certificates) in connection with the construction of such Alterations.  Tenant shall promptly pay all costs incurred in connection with all Alterations.  Any increase in any tax, assessment or charge levied or assessed as a result of any Alterations shall be payable by Tenant.

 

Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant shall be permitted, without Landlord’s consent, but upon advance notice and upon compliance with Landlord’s construction rules and regulations, to make strictly cosmetic, non-structural additions and alterations to the Premises

 

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that do not (i) involve the expenditure of more than $25,000.00 in each instance, (ii) affect the exterior appearance of the Premises or Building, (iii) affect the Building’s electrical, ventilation, plumbing, elevator, mechanical, air conditioning or other systems, (iv) require a building or other permit, or (v) diminish the value of the Premises or Building (“Cosmetic Alterations”).  Tenant shall, prior to the commencement of any Cosmetic Alterations, deliver to Landlord waivers of liens and proofs of contractor insurance, in form reasonably acceptable to Landlord, from all contractors performing such work and plans indicating the nature of the proposed improvements.  Landlord shall not charge a construction supervision fee for Cosmetic Alterations.

 

10.2                    Removal and Surrender of Fixtures and Alterations.  All Alterations and the Tenant Improvements installed in the Premises which are attached to, or built into, the Premises, shall at the end of the Term become the property of Landlord and shall be surrendered with the Premises; provided, however, Landlord may, by written notice to Tenant, require Tenant to remove, any (i) Alterations, (ii) any structural alteration; and (iii) Tenant Improvements (in each case to the extent Landlord notified that such items must be removed in conjunction with Landlord’ s approval of same).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in all cases Tenant shall be required to remove, and to restore the Premises or Project, as applicable, to their previous condition, any improvements or signage incorporating Tenant’s name or logo, internal stairwells, vaults, raised flooring, data centers, computer rooms, any alteration, improvement or equipment not complying with Applicable Laws, and, unless Landlord has expressly stated otherwise in writing or as otherwise set forth in Section 27.2, all of Tenant’s Off-Premises Equipment (all such items in this sentence being “Mandatory Removal Items”).  Tenant shall repair any damage to the Premises, the Building and any other part of the Project caused by the removal of any of the foregoing, all at Tenant’s sole expense and to the reasonable satisfaction of Landlord.  Tenant shall have no obligation to remove any data or telecommunications cable, provided that such cabling shall be in proper working condition, terminated at both ends at a connector or other similar equipment, and appropriately labeled or tagged.  The obligations of Tenant under this Section 10.2 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of the Term.

 

10.3                    Tenant’s Fixtures.  Tenant shall have the right to install moveable, unattached trade fixtures, machinery and equipment (excluding Alterations, which are governed by Sections 10.1 and 10.2 hereof) required by Tenant or used by it in its business (collectively, “Tenant’s Property”), provided that same do not exceed applicable safe floor loads or otherwise impair Building Systems or the structure of the Building and further provided that Tenant’s Property shall be limited to items normally used for the permitted usage of the Premises.  Except to the extent (if any) paid for by Landlord, in cash or by way of any credit or allowance, including but not limited to the Construction Allowance, provided hereunder, Tenant’s Property shall be and remain Tenant’s personal property and shall be removed by Tenant prior to the end of the Term.  Tenant shall repair and restore any damage to the Premises and Building caused by such installation or removal.

 

11.                            Maintenance and Repairs.

 

11.1                    Tenant’s Obligations.  Tenant shall maintain the Premises and Tenant’s Off-Premises Equipment (as defined below) in a clean, safe, and good condition, and shall not permit or knowingly allow to remain any waste or damage to any portion of the Premises.  Additionally,

 

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Tenant, at its sole expense, shall repair, replace and maintain in good condition and in accordance with all Applicable Laws and the equipment manufacturer’s suggested service programs, all of Tenant’s equipment or other property that may be located on or about the Project (other than inside the Premises) (“Tenant’s Off-Premises Equipment”).  Tenant may not install any Tenant’s Off-Premises Equipment without first obtaining the written consent of Landlord.  Tenant shall repair or replace, subject to Landlord’s direction and supervision, any damage to the Building caused by any negligence or willful misconduct of Tenant or any other Tenant Parties.  Tenant shall perform all maintenance, repairs or replacements in a good, workmanlike and lien-free manner, consistent with the quality of labor and materials used in the Building and in accordance with all Applicable Laws.  If Tenant fails to make such repairs or replacements within 15 days after the occurrence of such damage, then Landlord may, at its option, make such repairs or replacements, and Tenant shall pay the cost thereof to Landlord on demand as Rent, together with an administrative charge in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the cost of such repairs or replacements.  If any such damage constitutes an emergency situation, occurs outside of the Premises or affects the structure or exterior of the Building or affects the Building Systems, then Landlord may elect to repair such damage at Tenant’s expense, rather than having Tenant repair such damage.  The cost of all maintenance, repair or replacement work performed by Landlord under this Section 11.1 shall be paid by Tenant to Landlord within 30 days after Landlord has invoiced Tenant therefor.  Tenant’s obligations to repair and/or maintain contained in this paragraph shall not include repairs to the structure or exterior of the Building or any repairs or maintenance affecting the Building Systems, regular wear and tear, or items covered by Landlord’s insurance.

 

11.2                    Landlord’s Obligations.  Subject to Section 13 of this Lease, Landlord shall repair and maintain with reasonable diligence after notice thereof from Tenant, all other portions of the Project not maintained by Tenant pursuant to Section 11.1 above, including damage to the Building Systems installed by Landlord and serving or located on the Premises (including electrical and plumbing) and the structural elements of the Building.  If such maintenance and repair is required by the act, neglect, misuse, fault or omission of any of the Tenant Parties, then Tenant shall pay the cost of such maintenance and repairs within thirty (30) days after Landlord has invoiced Tenant therefor.  If any repairs are required or elected to be made by Landlord.  Tenant shall, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, promptly remove Tenant’s fixtures, inventory, equipment and other property to the extent required to enable Landlord to make such repairs.

 

11.3                    Waiver of Liability.  Landlord shall not be liable for any injury to persons or property arising from any repairs, maintenance, alteration or improvement in or to any portion of the Project or the Building, including the Premises, or any personal property located therein, including, without limitation, Tenant’s Property, UNLESS LANDLORD IS GROSSLY NEGLIGENT IN PERFORMING SUCH REPAIRS, MAINTENANCE, ALTERATIONS OR IMPROVEMENTS, AND SUCH GROSS NEGLIGENCE IS THE SOLE, PROXIMATE CAUSE OF THE LOSS OR DAMAGE.  Any liability of Landlord pursuant to the preceding sentence shall be limited to the cost of such repairs, maintenance, alterations or improvements.  FURTHER, NO INDEMNIFIED PARTIES SHALL BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY CAUSED BY OTHER TENANTS OR OTHER PERSONS IN OR ABOUT THE PROJECT, OR FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF ANY LOSS OF USE OF THE PREMISES OR ANY EQUIPMENT OR FACILITIES THEREIN BY TENANT OR ANY PERSON CLAIMING

 

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THROUGH OR UNDER TENANT.  Tenant waives and releases its right (if any) to make repairs at Landlord’s expense under Applicable Law.  TENANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION 11.3 TENANT WAIVES CLAIMS AGAINST LANDLORD EVEN IF LANDLORD IS NEGLIGENT WHEN SUCH NEGLIGENCE IS OTHER THAN GROSS NEGLIGENCE AND WHEN SUCH NEGLIGENCE IS NOT THE SOLE, PROXIMATE CAUSE OF THE LOSS OR DAMAGE UPON WHICH THE CLAIMS ARE MADE.

 

12.                            Insurance; Waiver of Subrogation.

 

Tenant shall at all times during the Term (and prior to the Term with respect to any activity of Tenant at the Project) and at its own cost and expense procure and continue in force insurance as follows:

 

12.1                    Liability Insurance.  Workers’ compensation insurance, employer’s liability insurance, automobile liability, commercial general liability insurance (including liquor liability) and commercial umbrella or excess liability insurance adequate to protect Tenant and Landlord against liability for injury to or death of any person or damage to property in connection with the use, operation or condition of the Premises and Tenant’s Off-Premises Equipment.  The limits of liability under the workers’ compensation policy shall be at least equal to the statutory requirements as required by the Texas Workers Compensation Act.  The limits of liability under the employer’s liability policy shall be at least $1,000,000.00 per bodily injury, each accident; bodily injury, by disease, each person; and bodily injury, by disease, policy limit.  The commercial general liability policy shall be in an amount of not less than $2,000,000.00 per occurrence and in the aggregate.  The automobile liability policy shall be in an amount of not less than $1,000,000.00 per occurrence.  The umbrella/excess policy shall be in an amount of not less than $15,000,000.00.  Not more frequently than once each five (5) years, if, in the reasonable opinion of Landlord or Landlord’s mortgagee or of the independent insurance broker retained by Landlord, the amount of Tenant’s employer’s liability or commercial general liability coverage at that time is not adequate, Tenant shall increase such liability insurance coverages as reasonably required by Landlord; provided, however, such increases shall not exceed commercially reasonable insurance coverages required to be carried by tenants leasing comparable office space in Comparable Buildings.  Furthermore, following Tenant’s construction of an archery range as a Project Amenity (defined below) or similar activity, if, in the reasonable opinion of Landlord or Landlord’s mortgagee or of the independent insurance broker retained by Landlord, the amount of Tenant’s employer’s liability or commercial general liability coverage at that time is not adequate based on the construction and use of the Project Amenity, Tenant shall increase such liability insurance coverages as reasonably required by Landlord, up to $25,000,000.  In addition, should Tenant elect not to prohibit the carrying of any firearms or other weapons on the Project in accordance with Texas law (including concealed, open carry, or both), and if, in the reasonable opinion of Landlord or Landlord’s mortgagee or of the independent insurance broker retained by Landlord, the amount of Tenant’s employer’s liability or commercial general liability coverage at that time is not adequate based on permitting the carrying of firearms or other weapons on the Project, Tenant shall increase such liability insurance coverages as reasonably required by Landlord.

 

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12.2                    Property Insurance.  Insurance covering all leasehold improvements (including, but not limited to, all Tenant Improvements and Alterations), trade fixtures, merchandise and other personal property from time to time in, on or upon the Premises, including.  Tenant’s Property and Tenant’s Off-Premises Equipment, from time to time during the Term, providing protection against any peril included within the classification “Causes of Loss - Special Form” (formerly known as “All Risk Coverage”), together with insurance against sprinkler water damage, vandalism and malicious mischief.  The proceeds of such insurance shall be used for the repair or replacement of the property so insured.  The full replacement value of the items to be insured under this paragraph shall be determined by Tenant and acknowledged by the company issuing the insurance policy by the issuance of an agreed amount endorsement at the time the policy is initially obtained, and shall be increased from time to time if and to the extent necessary to maintain full replacement value coverage.

 

12.3                    Business Interruption Insurance.  Loss of income or business interruption insurance in such amounts as will reimburse Tenant for direct and indirect loss of earnings, and extra expenses and insurance attributable to prevention of access to the Premises or the Building as a result of such perils, for not less than twelve (12) months attributable to all perils commonly insured against by prudent tenants or attributable to prevention of access to the Premises or to the Building as a result of such perils, but in no event more than $10,000,000.00, such amount being deemed sufficient for Business Interruption Insurance under this Lease.

 

12.4                    Policy Requirements.

 

(a)                               All insurance required to be carried by Tenant hereunder shall be issued by responsible insurance companies, licensed to do business in the State of Texas and reasonably acceptable to Landlord.  Insurance companies rated A:IX or better by Best’s Insurance Reports shall be deemed acceptable.

 

(b)                              Each policy shall be written on an “occurrence” basis and shall have a deductible or deductibles, if any, which do not exceed the deductible amount(s) generally maintained by similarly situated tenants in Comparable Buildings, as determined by Landlord.  Each policy (except the workers’ compensation policy, which shall be endorsed to provide that the underwriter waives its right of subrogation against Landlord and Landlord’s lender and their respective members, managers, partners, officers, directors, agents and employees) shall name Landlord and Landlord’s lender and their respective members, managers, partners, officers, directors, agents and employees as additional insureds, as their interests may appear and the commercial general liability policy shall also name Manager as an additional insured.  Tenant’s insurance shall be a primary and non-contributory when any policy issued to Landlord provides duplicate or similar coverage.  Tenant’s liability insurance shall not have any exclusions for firearms or any of the Project Amenities.  Certificates evidencing the existence and amounts of such insurance shall be delivered to Landlord by Tenant at least thirty (30) days prior to Tenant’s occupancy of any portion of the Premises, and in any event, prior to any activity of Tenant in the Building.  No such policy shall be cancelable except after thirty (30) days’ prior written notice to Landlord.  Tenant shall provide Landlord with originals of the endorsement(s) to Tenant’s commercial general liability insurance policy and all risks property insurance policies which include the following exact wording:

 

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It is agreed that [*Landlord*] and [*Lender*] and their respective members, managers, partners, officers, directors, affiliates, agents and employees are additional insureds.  The coverage under this policy is primary and non-contributing insurance with respect to liability arising out of the ownership, maintenance or use of the premises leased to [*Tenant*].

 

Tenant shall, at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of any such policy, furnish Landlord with renewals or “binders” thereof.  Should Tenant at any time neglect or refuse to provide the insurance required by this Lease, or should such insurance be canceled, Landlord shall have the right, but not the duty, in addition to all other rights and remedies provided herein, to procure the same and Tenant shall pay the cost thereof as Rent promptly upon Landlord’s demand.  Tenant will deliver copies of its policies and endorsements to Landlord within five business days after Landlord’s written request therefor.

 

(c)                               The policies of insurance required to be carried by Tenant shall be primary and non-contributing with, and not in excess of any other insurance available to Landlord.  The cost of defending any claims made against any of the policies required to be carried by Tenant shall not be included in any of the limits of liability for such policies.  Tenant shall immediately report to Landlord, and promptly thereafter confirm in writing, the occurrence of any injury, loss or damage incurred by Tenant, or Tenant’s receipt of notice or knowledge of any claim by a third party or any other occurrence, that might give rise to such claims.  It shall be the responsibility of Tenant not to violate nor knowingly permit to be violated any condition of the policies required by this Lease.

 

(d)                             Any policy of property insurance required hereunder may be in “blanket coverage” form, provided any such “blanket coverage” policy (i) specifically provides that the amount of insurance coverage required hereunder shall in no way be prejudiced by other losses covered by the policy or (ii) is in an amount not less than the sum of one hundred percent (100%) of the actual replacement costs of all of the properties covered under such “blanket coverage” insurance policy.  Neither the issuance of any such property insurance policy nor the minimum limits specified in this Section shall be deemed to limit or restrict in any way Tenant’s liability arising under or out of this Lease.

 

12.5                    Landlord’s Insurance.  Landlord shall, at all times during the Term hereof, maintain in force insurance of the type commonly referred to as an “all risk of physical loss” policy in an amount equal to the full replacement cost of the Building, the Parking Facility, and improvements to the Common Areas, and commercial general liability insurance in an amount not less than $2,000,000.00 insuring the Building and the Project against all risks and hazards as are customarily insured against, in Landlord’ s reasonable judgment, by owners of the Comparable Buildings.  The umbrella/excess policy shall be in an amount of not less than $5,000,000.00.  Landlord shall also maintain in force rental loss insurance in an amount not less than twelve (12) months’ Rent for the Building.  Without limitation of the foregoing, Landlord shall maintain in force such additional or alternative insurance as may be required by the holder of the Mortgage or as Landlord may reasonably determine is appropriate and consistent with other owners of Comparable Buildings.  The premiums and deductible amounts on the insurance policies referred to in this paragraph will be part of Operating Expenses.  Except as expressly set

 

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forth in Section 13, the foregoing insurance policies and any other insurance carried by Landlord shall be for the sole benefit of Landlord and under Landlord’s sole control, and Tenant shall have no right or claim to any proceeds thereof or any other rights thereunder.  Any insurance required to be maintained by Landlord may be taken out under a blanket insurance policy or policies covering other buildings, property or insureds in addition to the Building and Landlord.  In such event, the costs of any such blanket insurance policy or policies shall be reasonably allocated to the Project and the other properties covered by such policy or policies as reasonably determined by Landlord and included as part of Operating Expenses.

 

12.6                    Waiver of Subrogation.  Landlord and Tenant each hereby releases the other, and waives its right of recovery against the other, for any direct or consequential loss or damage arising out of or incident to the perils covered by the property insurance policy or policies carried by the waiving party (or, if greater, are required to be carried by Landlord and Tenant under this Lease) to the extent such losses or damages are actually covered by such insurance policies, WHETHER OR NOT SUCH DAMAGE OR LOSS MAY BE ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE NEGLIGENCE OF EITHER PARTY OR THEIR AGENTS, INVITEES, CONTRACTORS, OR EMPLOYEES.  Each party shall cause its insurance carrier to endorse all applicable policies waiving the carrier’s rights of recovery under subrogation or otherwise against the other party.  Additionally, each party waives any claim it may have against the other party for any Loss (defined below) to the extent such Loss is caused by a terrorist act.  Such waiver shall not limit any indemnity or other waiver made under this Lease.  Landlord and Tenant each also hereby releases the other, and waives its right of recovery against the other, for any direct or consequential loss or damage arising out of or incident to the perils that would be covered by the property insurance policy or policies required to be carried by the waiving party even if not actually carried, WHETHER OR NOT SUCH DAMAGE OR LOSS MAY BE ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE NEGLIGENCE OF EITHER PARTY OR THEIR AGENTS, INVITEES, CONTRACTORS, OR EMPLOYEES.  THE PARTIES HEREBY ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS WAIVER OF SUBROGATION PROVISION APPLIES EVEN IF THE RELEASED PARTY IS NEGLIGENT.

 

13.                            Damage or Destruction.

 

13.1                    Damage and Restoration.  If the Premises or any Building Systems shall be damaged by fire or other casualty, Landlord shall, except as otherwise provided herein, restore the Premises and such Building Systems.  Landlord shall proceed with diligence to restore the Building and shall commence such restoration efforts as soon as commercially practical after any such casualty.  Such restoration shall be to substantially the Building standard condition that existed prior to the casualty, except for modifications required by zoning and building codes and other Applicable Laws, or by the holder of a Mortgage on the Building, and any other modifications to the lobby or restrooms of the Buildings mutually agreed upon by Landlord and Tenant (provided access to the Premises and any restrooms serving the Premises is not materially impaired).  Landlord shall not be required to repair or replace any of Tenant’s Property, or any Alterations or Tenant Improvements.  Tenant shall promptly and diligently repair or replace Tenant’s Alterations and Tenant Improvements and any of Tenant’s Off-Premises Equipment (provided that Tenant may elect in its discretion whether or not to replace any Project Amenity) at Tenant’s sole cost and expense following any fire or other casualty.  Landlord shall not be liable for any inconvenience or annoyance to Tenant or its visitors, or injury to Tenant’s business

 

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resulting in any way from such damage or the repair thereof, except that Landlord shall allow Tenant a proportionate abatement of Base Rent and Tenant’s Pro Rata Share of Operating Expenses during the time and to the extent the Premises are unfit for occupancy by Tenant, and Tenant does not occupy the Premises or a portion thereof, as a result thereof; provided, however, there shall be no abatement of Rent:  (a) if Landlord provides to Tenant other space in the Project or Austin southwest submarket area near the Building which is reasonably suited for the temporary operation of Tenant’s business and acceptable to Tenant in its reasonable discretion; if the damage is caused in whole or in part by Tenant or any Tenant Parties; or (c) to the extent that the Rent abatement is covered by business interruption insurance maintained by Tenant (or would have been covered had Tenant carried the business interruption insurance required to be carried by Tenant pursuant to this Lease).  Notwithstanding the foregoing, during any rent abatement period under this Lease, Tenant shall pay Landlord as Rent Landlord’s normal charges for all services and utilities provided to and used by Tenant during the period of the rent abatement.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, Landlord’s obligation to repair or restore the Building or any portion thereof shall be limited to the extent of the insurance proceeds actually received by Landlord for the fire or other casualty in question; provided, however, if such insurance proceeds are insufficient to restore the Building to the condition required hereunder and Landlord is unwilling or unable to complete such restoration with its own funds (and Tenant has been provided the opportunity to contribute such funds and has declined), then Tenant may terminate this Lease by delivering written notice of its election to terminate within thirty (30) days after Landlord’s delivery to Tenant of a written notice indicating such unwillingness or inability (which Landlord agrees to provide to Tenant within sixty (60) days after any such casualty).  If this Lease is terminated under the provisions of this Section 13, Landlord shall be entitled to the full proceeds of the insurance policies providing coverage for all alterations, improvements and betterments in the Premises, but not for any of Tenant’s personal property, including furniture, fixtures and equipment (and, if Tenant has failed to maintain insurance on such items as required by this Lease, Tenant shall pay Landlord an amount equal to the proceeds Landlord would have received had Tenant maintained insurance on such items as required by this Lease); provided that, after Landlord has received proceeds sufficient to restore the Project and all alterations, improvements and betterments funded by Landlord with respect to the Premises (including the Construction Allowance) to Class A general office use condition, Tenant shall be entitled to any excess insurance proceeds from policies maintained by Tenant and covering alterations, improvements and betterments installed at Tenant’s sole cost and expense in the Premises or at the Project.

 

13.2                    Termination.  If the Premises are damaged by fire or other casualty, Landlord shall, within sixty (60) days after such casualty, deliver to Tenant a good faith estimate of the time needed to repair the damage caused by such casualty (the “Damage Notice”) Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord may elect not to perform restoration work, and instead terminate this Lease by notifying Tenant in writing of such termination within sixty (60) days after the date the damage occurred (such notice to include a termination date giving Tenant at least sixty (60) days to vacate the Premises), but Landlord may so elect only if the Building (or Buildings) is/are damaged by fire or other casualty such that:  (a) in Landlord’s estimation, restoration cannot reasonably be completed within two hundred seventy (270) days after being commenced without the payment of overtime or other premiums; (b) the holder of any Mortgage on the Building shall require that the insurance proceeds or any portion thereof be used to retire the mortgage debt in whole or in part; (c) the damage to the Building exceeds 50% of the

 

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replacement cost thereof (excluding foundations and footings), as estimated by Landlord; (d) such damage occurs during the last two years of the Term and it would take more than 120 days to complete the restoration of such damage or more than 50% of the Premises are affected by such damage; or (e) the damage is not fully covered by Landlord’s insurance policies.  In the event of a Landlord termination under subparagraphs (b) or (e) in the preceding sentence, Landlord shall provide written notice to Tenant stating the amount of funds needed by Landlord to restore the Premises, and Tenant shall have the opportunity to contribute such funds in which case Landlord shall retract its termination option and restore the Premises as provided herein.  Tenant hereby waives any rights it may have under any Applicable Law to terminate the Lease by reason of damage to the Premises or the Building or to any abatement of Rent except as specifically set forth herein.

 

13.3                    Tenant Termination Right.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant may elect to terminate this Lease by notifying Landlord in writing of such termination within thirty (30) days after Tenant’s receipt of the Damage Notice (such notice to include a termination date giving Tenant at least sixty (60) days to vacate the Premises), but Tenant may so elect only if (i) the Damage Notice from Landlord states that restoration cannot reasonably be completed within two hundred seventy (270) days after being commenced, or (ii) such damage occurs during the last two years of the Term and it would take more than 120 days to complete the restoration of such damage or more than 50% of the Premises are affected by such damage.

 

 

14.                            Eminent Domain.

 

14.1                    Taking.  In case the whole of the Premises, or such part thereof as shall substantially interfere with Tenant’s use and occupancy of the entirety thereof, shall be taken by any lawful power or authority by exercise of the right of eminent domain, or sold to prevent such taking, within sixty (60) days after delivery of notice of such taking, either Tenant or Landlord may terminate this Lease effective as of the date possession is required to be surrendered to said authority.  If such portion of the Building or Project is so taken or sold in lieu thereof so as to require, in the opinion of Landlord, a substantial alteration or reconstruction of the remaining portions thereof, or which renders the Building or Project economically unviable for its use as presently intended, or any Landlord’s Mortgagee requires that Landlord terminate this Lease, this Lease may be terminated by Landlord, as of the date of the vesting of title under such taking or sale, by written notice to Tenant within sixty (60) days following notice to Landlord of the date on which said vesting will occur.  Tenant shall not because of such taking assert any claim against Landlord or any Landlord’s Mortgagee for any compensation because of such taking, and Landlord shall be entitled to receive the amount of any award made to Landlord.  In the event this Lease is not terminated pursuant to this Section 14.1, Landlord shall restore the Building to substantially their condition prior to such partial taking, and the Base Rent and Tenant’s Pro Rata Share of Operating Expenses shall be abated in proportion to the time during which, and to the part of the Premises of which, Tenant is actually deprived on account of such taking and restoration.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, during any Rent abatement under this Lease, Tenant shall continue to be obligated to pay Landlord for all services and utilities provided to and used by Tenant during the period of the Rent abatement.  Nothing contained in this Section shall be deemed to give Landlord any interest in, or prevent Tenant from seeking a separate award against the taking authority for, the taking of personal property and fixtures belonging to Tenant,

 

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for relocation or business interruption expenses recoverable from the taking authority, loss of business or goodwill, for the taking of Tenant’s trade fixtures, the Tenant Improvements, Tenant’s leasehold estate, the cost of relocating Tenant and/or disruption of Tenant’s business, so long as Tenant’s award does not diminish Landlord’s award.

 

14.2                    Temporary Taking.  If all or any portion of the Premises are temporarily condemned or otherwise taken for public or quasi-public use for a period of less than one hundred eighty (180) days, this Lease shall remain in full force and effect and Tenant shall continue to perform all of the terms, conditions and covenants of this Lease, including without limitation, the payment of Rent and all other amounts required hereunder.  Tenant shall be entitled to receive the entire award made in connection with any temporary condemnation or other taking attributable to any period within the Term.  Landlord shall be entitled to the entire award for any such temporary condemnation or other taking which relates to a period after the expiration of the Term or which is allocable to the cost of restoration of the Premises.  If any such temporary condemnation or other taking terminates prior to the expiration of the Term, Tenant shall restore the Premises as nearly as possible to the condition prior to the condemnation or other taking, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense; provided Tenant shall receive the portion of the award attributable to such restoration.

 

15.                            Assignment and Subletting.

 

15.1                    Limitation.

 

(a)                               Except as specifically set forth herein, Tenant shall not directly or indirectly, or voluntarily or involuntarily, (i) assign, transfer, mortgage or otherwise encumber (collectively, “Assignment”) all or any portion of its leasehold estate, including, without limitation, an Assignment accomplished, directly or indirectly, by consolidation, merger, reorganization or other operation of law, or (ii) permit the Premises or any portion thereof to be occupied or used by anyone other than Tenant or Tenant’s employees (whether through a license, concession, other occupancy or use right or otherwise) or sublet the Premises or any portion thereof (collectively, a “Sublease”) without obtaining the prior written consent of Landlord, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.  The transfer, assignment or hypothecation of any stock, partnership interest, equity, voting or other ownership interest in Tenant, directly or indirectly, in excess of forty nine percent (49%), in the aggregate, or the sale or other transfer, in one or more transactions, of a majority of Tenant’s assets shall be deemed an Assignment hereunder.  Any attempted Assignment or Sublease (collectively, a “Transfer”) without such consent (where consent is required hereunder) shall, in addition to constituting an Event of Default hereunder, at Landlord’s election be null and void and of no effect.  No Transfer (including any Permitted Transfer) shall relieve Tenant of its obligation to pay the Rent and to perform all of the other obligations to be performed by Tenant hereunder.  The acceptance of Rent by Landlord from any other person shall not be deemed to be a waiver by Landlord of any provision of this Lease or to be a consent to any Transfer.  Consent to one Transfer shall not be deemed to constitute consent to any other Transfer.  No Transfer shall relieve Tenant of its obligations hereunder.  If Landlord does not consent to a Transfer (where consent is required hereunder), Tenant’s sole remedy against Landlord will be an action for specific performance or declaratory relief and Tenant waives any right it may have at law or in equity to terminate this Lease as a result of Landlord’s refusal to consent to a Transfer, even if such refusal is ultimately

 

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determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be unreasonable, nor will it obligate Landlord to consent to any further Transfer.  In agreeing to act reasonably, Landlord is agreeing to act in a manner consistent with the standards followed by large institutional owners of commercial real estate and Landlord is permitted to consider the financial terms of the Transfer and the impact of the Transfer on the value of the Project.  Landlord may condition its consent to a Transfer (where consent is required hereunder) on an increase in the Security Deposit or receipt of a guaranty from a suitable party.  Any request by Tenant to pledge or encumber this Lease or any interest therein shall be in Landlord’s sole discretion.

 

(b)                              Notwithstanding any law or custom to the contrary, Landlord’s refusal to consent to any Transfer shall be deemed reasonable (and Landlord may refuse such consent in its sole discretion) if:

 

(1)                              The Transferee (defined below) is of a character or reputation or engaged in a business which is not consistent with the quality of the Building or the Project;

 

(2)                              The Transferee intends to use the space being transferred for purposes which are not permitted under this Lease;

 

(3)                              The Transfer Space (defined below) is not suitable for the uses permitted under this Lease in conformity with all applicable building and safety codes;

 

(4)                              The Transferee will use the Premises or the Building in a manner that would adversely affect the mechanical systems or structural components of the Building;

 

(5)                              The Transferee is a government (or subdivision or agency thereat) or any other entity entitled to the defense of sovereign immunity; or

 

(6)                              The Transferee or any affiliate of Transferee is currently or has in the past been involved in litigation with Landlord or any of its Affiliates.

 

Additionally, Landlord may withhold its consent in its sole discretion to any proposed Transfer if any Event of Default by Tenant then exists.

 

15.2                    Notice of Intent to Assign or Sublet.  If Tenant desires at any time to make a Transfer, it shall first give Landlord a notice (the “Transfer Notice”) that includes the following:

 

(a)                               the size and location of the space Tenant proposes to Transfer (the “Transfer Space”); (b) the terms of the proposed Transfer and a copy of the instrument by which the Transfer will be made in the form that will be executed by the parties thereto; (c) the date on which Tenant proposes that the Transfer be effective, which shall be at least ten (10) business-days after the Transfer Notice; (d) the name and address of the proposed assignee, subtenant, transferee or occupant (“Transferee”); and (e) reasonably satisfactory information about the proposed Transferee’s business, business history and proposed business to be carried on in the Transfer Space.

 

15.3                    Landlord’s Consent.

 

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(a)                               If the Transfer is not completed within one hundred twenty (120) days of Landlord’s consent thereto, Tenant shall once again comply with all of the provisions of this Section 15, including, without limitation, the obligation to give Landlord the Transfer Notice.

 

(b)                              Any Sublease shall provide that it is subject and subordinate to this Lease and to any Mortgages; that Landlord may enforce the provisions of the Sublease, including collection of Rent; that the cost of any modification to the Premises, Building and/or Project arising from or as a result of the Sublease, including any modifications to convert a single tenant floor to a multi­ tenant floor, shall be the sole responsibility of Tenant (and subject to Landlord’s approval, not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed); that in the event of termination of this Lease for any reason, including, without limitation, a voluntary surrender by Tenant, or i n the event of any reentry or repossession of the Premises by Landlord, Landlord may, in its sole discretion, either terminate the Sublease or take over all of the right, title and interest of Tenant, as sublessor, under such Sublease, in which case the Transferee shall attorn to Landlord, but that nevertheless Landlord shall not (i) be liable for any previous act or omission of Tenant under such Sublease, (ii) be subject to any counterclaim, defense or offset previously accrued in favor of the Transferee against Tenant, (iii) be bound by any previous modification of any Sublease made without Landlord’s written consent, or by any previous prepayment by the Transferee of more than one month’s Rent, (iv) be bound by any security or advance rental deposit made by such subtenant which is not delivered or paid over to Landlord and with respect to which such subtenant shall look solely to Tenant for refund or reimbursement, or (v) be obligated to perform any work in the subleased space or to prepare it for occupancy, and in connection with such attornment, the subtenant shall execute and deliver to Landlord any instruments Landlord may reasonably request to evidence and confirm such attornment.  Each subtenant or licensee of Tenant shall be deemed, automatically upon and as a condition of its occupying or using the Premises or any part thereof, to have agreed to be bound by the terms and conditions set forth in this Section 15.3(b).  The provisions of this Section 15.3(b) shall be self-operative, and no further instrument shall be required to give effect to this provision.

 

(c)                               Each Transferee by assignment shall assume all obligations of Tenant under this Lease and shall be and remain liable jointly and severally with Tenant for the payment of the Rent, and for the performance of all of the terms, covenants, conditions and agreements herein contained on Tenant’s part to be performed for the Term of this Lease.  No Assignment shall be binding on Landlord unless the Transferee and Tenant shall deliver to Landlord a counterpart of the Assignment and which contains a covenant of assumption by the Transferee satisfactory in substance and form to Landlord consistent with the requirements of this Section.  Failure or refusal of the Transferee to execute such instrument of assumption shall not release or discharge the Transferee from its liability as set forth above.

 

15.4                    Profits.  If there are any Profits (as defined in the following paragraph) from any Transfer, Tenant shall pay fifty percent (50%) of such Profits to Landlord as additional Rent.  Landlord’s share of Profits shall be paid to Landlord within thirty (30) days after receipt thereof by Tenant.  The payments of Profits to Landlord shall be made on a monthly basis as additional Rent with respect to each Transfer separately, subject to an annual reconciliation on each anniversary date of the Transfer.  If the payments to Landlord under this paragraph during the twelve (12) months preceding each annual reconciliation exceed the amount of Profits determined on an annual basis, then Landlord shall refund to Tenant the amount of such

 

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overpayment or credit the overpayment against Tenant’s future obligations under this paragraph, at Landlord’s option.  If Tenant has underpaid its obligations hereunder during the preceding twelve (12) months, Tenant shall immediately pay to Landlord the amount owing after the annual reconciliation.

 

For purposes of this Section, “Profits” are defined as all cash or cash equivalent amounts and sums which Tenant (including any affiliate or successor of Tenant or other entity related to Tenant) receives on an annual basis from any Transferee, directly or indirectly, attributable to the Premises or any portion thereof, less the sum of the following:  (1) the amortized amount for each such annual period of (i) any additional tenant improvement costs paid to Tenant’s Transferee by Tenant; (ii) reasonable leasing commissions paid by Tenant in connection with the Transfer; (iii) other economic concessions (planning allowance, lease takeover payments, moving expenses, etc.) paid by Tenant to or on behalf of the Transferee in connection with the Transfer; and (iv) Tenant’s reasonable attorneys’ fees paid by Tenant in connection with the Transfer (such amounts to be amortized over the term of the Transfer), and (2) the Rent paid during each such annual period by Tenant attributable to the Transfer Space (pro rata based on Rentable Square Feet).  Any lump sum payment received by Tenant from a Transferee shall be treated like any other amount so received by Tenant for the applicable annual period and shall be utilized in computing Profits in accordance with the foregoing.  All Profits and the components thereof shall be subject to audit by Landlord or its representatives at reasonable times.  Tenant shall deliver to Landlord, upon request, any information required by Landlord to calculate and/or substantiate the amount of Profits hereunder.  If Landlord’s audit reveals that Tenant has underpaid Landlord Profits by more than five percent (5%), Tenant shall reimburse Landlord the cost Landlord incurs in conducting such audit as additional Rent upon demand therefor.

 

15.5                    Costs.  In connection with any Transfer requiring Landlord’s consent, Tenant agrees to pay Landlord’s reasonable costs and attorneys’ fees incurred in connection with considering any request for a consent to a Transfer as well as the processing and documentation of any requested Transfer, whether or not Landlord consents to the Transfer or the same is finally consummated.

 

15.6                    Permitted Transfers.  Notwithstanding Section 15.1, Tenant may Transfer all or part of its interest in this Lease or all or part of the Premises (a “Permitted Transfer”) to the following types of entities (a “Permitted Transferee”) without the written consent of Landlord:

 

(a)                               Any person or entity owned or controlled by or under common control of Yeti Coolers, LLC (an “Affiliate”), but only so long as such transferee remains an Affiliate of Tenant;

 

(b)                              any corporation, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability company or other business entity in which or with which Tenant, or its corporate successors or assigns, is merged or consolidated, in accordance with applicable statutory provisions governing merger and consolidation of business entities, so long as (a) Tenant’s obligations hereunder are assumed by the entity surviving such merger or created by such consolidation; and (b) the Tangible Net Worth of the surviving or created entity is not less than the Tangible Net Worth of Tenant as of the date hereof; or

 

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(c)                               any corporation, limited partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability company or other business entity acquiring all or substantially all of Tenant’s assets, so long as (a) Tenant’s obligations hereunder are assumed by the entity acquiring such assets; and (b) such entity’s Tangible Net Worth after such acquisition is not less than the Tangible Net Worth of Tenant as of the date hereof; or

 

(d)                             For sublease Transfers only, and provided that (l) Tenant has a Tangible Net Worth of at least $35,000,000, and (2) the proposed subtenant has a Tangible Net Worth of at least $1,000,000, any subtenant using the Premises solely for general office purposes, not for any of the Prohibited Uses, and only so long as such subtenant does not meet any of the criteria set forth in Section 15.1(b)(1)-(6) hereinabove.

 

Tenant shall promptly notify Landlord of any such Permitted Transfer.  Tenant shall remain liable for the performance of all of the obligations of Tenant hereunder, or if Tenant no longer exists because of a merger, consolidation, or acquisition, the surviving or acquiring entity shall expressly assume in writing the obligations of Tenant hereunder.  Additionally, the Permitted Transferee shall comply with all of the terms and conditions of this Lease, including the Permitted Use, and the use of the Premises by the Permitted Transferee may not violate any other agreements affecting the Premises or the Building, Landlord or other tenants of the Building.  No later than ten days after the effective date of any Permitted Transfer, Tenant agrees to furnish Landlord with (1) copies of the instrument effecting any of the foregoing Transfers, (2) documentation establishing Tenant’s satisfaction of the requirements set forth above applicable to any such Transfer, and (3) evidence of insurance as required under this Lease with respect to the Permitted Transferee.  The occurrence of a Permitted Transfer shall not waive Landlord’s rights as to any subsequent Transfers.  The right to Transfer to an Affiliate pursuant to Section 15.6(a) shall be subject to the condition that such Permitted Transferee remains an Affiliate of Tenant and that on or before such Transfer being effected both Tenant and such Permitted Transferee must enter into an agreement with Landlord, in a form satisfactory to Landlord, Tenant and such Permitted Transferee, each acting reasonably, that if such Permitted Transferee ceases to be an Affiliate of Tenant, it shall so notify Landlord in writing within ten days after such event and, upon the written request of Landlord, transfer, assign, set over and/or re-assign this Lease and its interest in the Premises, as applicable, to Tenant or, subject to complying with this condition, another Affiliate of Tenant.  “Tangible Net Worth” means the excess of total assets over total liabilities, in each case as determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles consistently applied (“GAAP”), excluding, however, from the determination of total assets all assets which would be classified as intangible assets under GAAP including goodwill, licenses, patents, trademarks, trade names, copyrights, and franchises.  Any subsequent Transfer by a Permitted Transferee shall be subject to the terms of this Section 15.

 

16.                            Landlord’s Reserved Rights.

 

16.1                    Right of Entry.  Landlord and its agents and representatives shall have the right, at all reasonable times, to enter the Premises for the following purposes:  (a) inspecting the physical condition of the Premises; (b) performing all obligations of Landlord under this Lease or Applicable Law; (c) showing the Premises to prospective purchasers, mortgagees and tenants (provided Landlord shall show the Premises to prospective tenants only during the last nine (9)

 

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months of the Term); (d) maintaining, repairing, replacing, extending or otherwise modifying the Building or Building Systems; and (e) accessing telephone closets, electrical panels, and similar installations that may serve areas of the Building.  Except for (i) emergencies and (ii) entry to furnish janitorial or other services to be provided by Landlord hereunder, Landlord will give Tenant reasonable notice (which may be oral) prior to any entry, and Tenant shall have the right to have one of its employees accompany Landlord or its agent or representative, as the case may be.  No such entry shall be construed under any circumstances as a forcible or unlawful entry into the Premises, or an eviction of Tenant or result in an abatement of Rent.  In exercising Landlord’s rights in Sections 16.1, 16.2 or 16.3 of this Lease, Landlord shall use commercially reasonable efforts to notify Tenant at least 48 hours in advance (excluding emergencies, routine janitorial, and routine maintenance where no such notice shall be required) and to minimize any interference with Tenant’s occupancy of the Premises.  Tenant hereby waives any claim against Landlord or its agents or representatives for damages for any injury or inconvenience to or interference with, Tenant’s business or quiet enjoyment of the Premises.

 

Tenant may designate a reasonable portion of the Premises as secure areas in a written notice to Landlord.  Except in cases of real or apparent emergency, in which case no approval shall be required, Landlord, prospective purchasers and lenders and prospective tenants shall be entitled to inspect or access such secured areas only with Tenant’s prior approval (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), and provided no Event of Default exists under this Lease, Tenant shall be permitted to provide an employee of Tenant to accompany Landlord and/or such third parties.  To be considered a secured area, Tenant shall clearly label and install conspicuous signage on such area clearly designating such area as being a secure area.  To the extent that Landlord or its contractors are prevented from entering any such secure areas, Landlord shall have no obligation to provide services to such areas, including janitorial services.  In the event of an emergency, Landlord may acquire access to the Premises by any means necessary, including the immediate destruction of the locks and/or doors.  Tenant reserves the right to require Landlord, Landlord’s agents and contractors, and any other third parties to sign a commercially reasonable nondisclosure agreement in the form attached hereto as Exhibit J prior to Landlord entering such secure area (except in case of a real or apparent emergency).

 

16.2                    Building and Common Areas.  Without limitation of the preceding paragraph, Landlord may:  (a) install, repair, replace or relocate pipes, ducts, conduits, wires and appurtenant meters and equipment for service to the Building above the ceiling surfaces, below the floor surfaces, within the walls and in the central core areas of the Premises or the rest of the Building; (b) repair, renovate, alter, expand or improve the Project; (c) close temporarily any of the Common Areas for maintenance purposes as long as reasonable access to the Premises remains available; (d) designate other land outside the boundaries of the Building to be a part of the Common Area; (e) use the Common Area while engaged in making additional improvements, repairs or alterations to the Building, or any portion thereof; (f) take such reasonable measures as Landlord deems advisable for the access control of the Building and its occupants; (g) evacuate the Building for cause, suspected cause, or for drill purposes; (h) temporarily deny access to the Building; and (i) do and perform such other acts and make such other changes in, to or with respect to the Common Area and Building and other portions of the Project as Landlord may deem appropriate

 

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16.3                    Name.  Subject to Landlord’s approval (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) and so long as Tenant leases the entire Premises, Tenant may adopt any name for the Building or the Project and Tenant reserves the right to change the address of the Building or the Project and/or any part thereof at any time.

 

17.                            Indemnification and Waiver.

 

17.1                    Indemnity.  SUBJECT TO SECTION 12.6 AND SECTION 17.2, TENANT SHALL DEFEND, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD HARMLESS THE INDEMNIFIED PARTIES FROM AND AGAINST ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS, LIABILITIES, CAUSES OF ACTION, SUITS, JUDGMENTS, DAMAGES, AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING ATTORNEYS’ FEES) ARISING FROM ANY INJURY TO OR DEATH OF ANY PERSON OR THE DAMAGE TO OR THEFT, DESTRUCTION, LOSS, OR LOSS OF USE OF, ANY PROPERTY OR INCONVENIENCE (A “LOSS”), (A) OCCURRING IN OR ON THE PROJECT (OTHER THAN WITHIN THE PREMISES) TO THE EXTENT CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF ANY TENANT PARTY, (B) OCCURRING IN THE PREMISES, OR (C) ARISING OUT OF THE INSTALLATION, OPERATION, MAINTENANCE, REPAIR OR REMOVAL OF ANY PROPERTY OF ANY TENANT PARTY LOCATED IN OR ABOUT THE PROJECT, INCLUDING TENANT’S OFF­ PREMISES EQUIPMENT.  IT BEING AGREED THAT CLAUSES (B) AND (C) OF THIS INDEMNITY ARE INTENDED TO INDEMNIFY LANDLORD AND ITS AGENTS AGAINST THE CONSEQUENCES OF THEIR OWN NEGLIGENCE OR FAULT, EVEN WHEN LANDLORD OR ITS AGENTS ARE JOINTLY, COMPARATIVELY, CONTRIBUTIVELY, OR CONCURRENTLY NEGLIGENT WITH TENANT, AND EVEN THOUGH ANY SUCH CLAIM, CAUSE OF ACTION OR SUIT IS BASED UPON OR ALLEGED TO BE BASED UPON THE STRICT LIABILITY OF LANDLORD OR ITS AGENTS.  HOWEVER, SUCH INDEMNITY SHALL NOT APPLY TO THE SOLE OR GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF LANDLORD AND ITS AGENTS.  HOWEVER, IF LANDLORD IS FOUND TO BE PARTIALLY NEGLIGENT BY A COURT OF COMPETENT JURISDICTION IN A FINAL, NON-APPEALABLE JUDGMENT, LANDLORD SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING ITS PROPORTION OF THE APPLICABLE DAMAGE AWARD, CALCULATED USING THE PERCENTAGE OF LANDLORD’ S NEGLIGENCE AS DETERMINED BY SUCH COURT.

 

SUBJECT TO SECTION 12.6, LANDLORD SHALL DEFEND, INDEMNIFY, AND HOLD HARMLESS TENANT AND ITS AGENTS FROM AND AGAINST ALL CLAIMS, DEMANDS, LIABILITIES, CAUSES OF ACTION, SUITS, JUDGMENTS, DAMAGES, AND EXPENSES (INCLUDING REASONABLE ATTORNEYS’ FEES) FOR ANY LOSS ARISING FROM ANY OCCURRENCE (A) IN OR ON THE BUILDING’ S COMMON AREAS TO THE EXTENT CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF LANDLORD OR ITS AGENTS, AND (B) IN THE PREMISES TO THE EXTENT EXCLUSIVELY CAUSED BY THE SOLE NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF LANDLORD OR ITS AGENTS.

 

THE INDEMNITIES SET FORTH IN THIS LEASE SHALL SURVIVE TERMINATION OR EXPIRATION OF THIS LEASE AND SHALL NOT TERMINATE OR BE WAIVED, DIMINISHED OR AFFECTED IN ANY MANNER BY ANY ABATEMENT

 

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OR APPORTIONMENT OF RENT UNDER ANY PROVISION OF THIS LEASE.  IF ANY PROCEEDING IS FILED FOR WHICH INDEMNITY IS REQUIRED HEREUNDER, THE INDEMNIFYING PARTY AGREES, UPON REQUEST THEREFOR, TO DEFEND THE INDEMNIFIED PARTY IN SUCH PROCEEDING AT ITS SOLE COST UTILIZING COUNSEL SATISFACTORY TO THE INDEMNIFIED PARTY.

 

17.2                    Waiver.  SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 12.6, AS A MATERIAL PART OF THE CONSIDERATION TO LANDLORD FOR ENTERING INTO THIS LEASE, TENANT HEREBY ASSUMES ALL RISK OF AND RELEASES, DISCHARGES AND HOLDS HARMLESS LANDLORD FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL LIABILITY TO TENANT FOR DAMAGE TO PROPERTY OR INJURY TO PERSONS IN, UPON OR ABOUT THE PREMISES FROM ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER EXCEPT AS SET FORTH IN SECTION 17.1 ABOVE.  IN NO EVENT SHALL LANDLORD BE LIABLE TO TENANT FOR ANY INJURY TO ANY PERSON IN THE PREMISES OR DAMAGE TO THE PREMISES OR FOR ANY LOSS, DAMAGE OR INJURY TO ANY PROPERTY OF TENANT THEREIN OR BY ANY MALFUNCTION OF ANY UTILITY OR OTHER EQUIPMENT, INSTALLATION OR SYSTEM, OR BY THE RUPTURE, LEAKAGE OR OVERFLOW OF ANY PLUMBING OR OTHER PIPES, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WATER, STEAM AND REFRIGERATION LINES, SPRINKLERS, TANKS, DRAINS, DRINKING FOUNTAINS OR SIMILAR CAUSE IN, ABOUT OR UPON THE PREMISES, THE BUILDING OR ANY OTHER PORTION OF THE PROJECT, UNLESS SUCH LOSS, DAMAGE OR INJURY IS CAUSED BY THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF LANDLORD.  TENANT ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION 17.2 TENANT AGREES TO RELEASE LANDLORD FOR CLAIMS EVEN IF LANDLORD IS NEGLIGENT WHEN SUCH NEGLIGENCE IS OTHER THAN GROSS NEGLIGENCE AND WILLFUL MISCONDUCT AS MORE PARTICULARLY PROVIDED ABOVE.

 

18.                            Definition of Landlord.

 

The term “Landlord” as used in this Lease, so far as covenants or obligations on the part of Landlord are concerned, shall be limited to mean and include only the owner or owners, at the time in question, of the fee title of the Building or the lessees underground leases of the land or master leases of the Building, if any.  In the event of any transfer, assignment or other conveyance of any such title, upon written assumption by such transferee of Landlord’s obligations contained herein, Landlord herein named (and in case of any subsequent transfer or conveyance, the then grantor) shall be automatically freed and relieved from and after the date of such transfer, assignment or conveyance of all liability for the performance of any covenant or obligation on the part of Landlord contained in this Lease thereafter to be performed.  Without further agreement, the transferee of such title shall be deemed to have assumed and agreed to observe and perform any and all obligations of Landlord hereunder during its ownership of the Premises.  Landlord may transfer its interest in the Premises without the consent of Tenant and such transfer or subsequent transfer shall not be deemed a violation on Landlord’s part of any term or condition of this Lease.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord shall not transfer, assign, or convey its interest in the Premises prior to Landlord’s Work being completed and Project Completion being achieved by Landlord, except to the extent such transfer, assignment

 

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or conveyance is to an entity owned or controlled by, or under common control of, either Landlord or Lincoln Property Company Commercial, Inc.

 

19.                            Subordination.

 

19.1                    Subordination.  This Lease shall be subordinate to any existing and future deed of trust, mortgage, and/or other security instrument (each, a “Mortgage”) and any ground lease, master lease, or primary lease (each, a “Primary Lease”), that may now or hereafter encumber all or any portion of the Project, the Building and/or the Premises, and all renewals, modifications, consolidations, replacements and extensions thereof.  The mortgagee under any Mortgage or the lessor under any Primary Lease (herein referred to as a “Landlord’s Mortgagee”) may elect, at any time, unilaterally, to make this Lease superior to its Mortgage, Primary Lease, or other interest in the Premises by so notifying Tenant in writing.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to any existing mortgage, Landlord agrees to obtain within sixty (60) days from the date of this Lease a non-disturbance agreement in substantially the same form as attached hereto as Exhibit H.  With respect to any future mortgage, Tenant’s subordination shall be conditioned upon Tenant’s receipt from such new mortgagee of a non­ disturbance agreement meeting the above description.

 

19.2                    Attornment.  Tenant shall attorn to any party succeeding to Landlord’s interest in the Premises, whether by purchase, foreclosure, deed in lieu of foreclosure, power of sale, termination of lease, or otherwise, upon such party’s request, and shall execute such agreements confirming such attornment as such party may reasonably request.

 

19.3                    Notice to Landlord’s Mortgagee.  Tenant shall not seek to enforce any remedy it may have for any default on the part of Landlord without first giving written notice by certified mail, return receipt requested, specifying the default in reasonable detail, to any Landlord’s Mortgagee whose address has been given to Tenant, and affording such Landlord’s Mortgagee a reasonable opportunity to cure any of Landlord’s defaults hereunder.  Tenant further agrees that if Landlord shall have failed to cure any default within the time period provided for in this Lease, then Landlord’s Mortgagee shall have an additional thirty (30} days within which to cure such default or if such default cannot be cured within that time, then such additional time as may be necessary if within such thirty (30) days such Landlord’s Mortgagee has commenced and is diligently pursuing the remedies necessary to cure such default (including, but not limited to, commencement of foreclosure proceedings, if necessary to effect such cure), in which event this Lease shall not be terminated while such remedies are being so diligently pursued.

 

19.4                    Landlord’s Mortgagee’s Protection Provisions.  If Landlord’s Mortgagee shall succeed to the interest of Landlord under this Lease, Landlord’s Mortgagee shall not be:  (1) liable for any act or omission of any prior lessor (including Landlord); (2) bound by any rent or additional rent or advance rent which Tenant might have paid for more than the current month to any prior lessor (including Landlord), and all such rent shall remain due and owing, notwithstanding such advance payment; (3) bound by any security or advance rental deposit made by Tenant which is not delivered or paid over to Landlord’s Mortgagee and with respect to which Tenant shall look solely to Landlord for refund or reimbursement; (4) bound by any termination, amendment or modification of this Lease made without Landlord’s Mortgagee’s consent and written approval, except for those terminations, amendments and modifications

 

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permitted to be made by Landlord without Landlord’s Mortgagee’s consent pursuant to the terms of the applicable documents between Landlord and Landlord’s Mortgagee; (5) subject to the defenses which Tenant might have against any prior lessor (including Landlord); (6) subject to any offsets, abatement or reductions in Rent which Tenant might have against any prior lessor (including Landlord) except for those offset, abatement or reduction rights which (A) are expressly provided in this Lease, (B) relate to periods of time following the acquisition of the Building by Landlord’s Mortgagee, and (C) Tenant has provided written notice to Landlord’s Mortgagee and provided Landlord’s Mortgagee a reasonable opportunity to cure the event giving rise to such offset, abatement or reduction event; (7) obligated to construct or complete the construction of any improvements for Tenant’s occupancy, or to reimburse Tenant for the costs of any such initial construction; however.  Tenant shall retain all termination rights with respect thereto and otherwise under the Lease; and (8) be liable to Tenant for any other payments due from Landlord to Tenant.  Nothing in this Lease shall be construed to require Landlord’s Mortgagee to see to the application of the proceeds of any loan, and Tenant’s agreements set forth herein shall not be impaired on account of any modification of the documents evidencing and securing any loan.  Landlord’s Mortgagee shall have no liability or responsibility under or pursuant to the terms of this Lease or otherwise after it ceases to own fee simple title to the Project.  To the extent of a conflict between this Section 19 of the Lease and any subordination, non-disturbance and attornment agreement, the terms of such subordination, non-disturbance and attornment agreement shall control over any such conflict.

 

20.                            Intentionally Deleted.

 

21.                            Surrender of Premises and Removal of Property.

 

21.1                    No Merger.  There shall be no merger of the leasehold estate hereby created with the fee estate in the Premises or any part thereof if the same person acquires or holds, directly or indirectly, this Lease or any interest in this Lease and the fee estate in the leasehold Premises or any interest in such fee estate.

 

21.2                    Surrender of Premises.  No act by Landlord shall be deemed an acceptance of a surrender of the Premises, and no agreement to accept a surrender of the Premises shall be valid unless it is in writing and signed by Landlord.  At the expiration or termination of this Lease or Tenant’s right to possess the Premises for any reason, Tenant shall deliver to Landlord the Premises with all improvements located therein in good repair and condition, free of Hazardous Materials placed on the Premises by Tenant or any Tenant Party during the Term, broom-clean, reasonable wear and tear (and condemnation and casualty damage not caused by Tenant, as to which Sections 13 and 14 shall control) excepted, in accordance with the removal obligations, if any, described in Section 10.2 and shall deliver to Landlord all keys to the Premises.  Provided that Tenant has performed all of its obligations hereunder, Tenant may remove all of Tenant’s Property placed in the Premises or elsewhere in the Project by Tenant (but Tenant may not remove any such item which was paid for, in whole or in part, by Landlord unless Landlord requires such removal).  Tenant shall, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, repair all damage caused by such removal.  All items not so removed shall, at Landlord’s option, be deemed to have been abandoned by Tenant and may be appropriated, sold, stored (at Tenant’s sole cost and expense), destroyed, or otherwise disposed of by Landlord without notice to Tenant and without

 

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any obligation to account for such items.  The provisions of this Section 21.2 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of the Term.

 

21.3                    Disposal of Property.  In the event of the expiration of this Lease or other re­ entry of the Premises by Landlord as provided in this Lease, any of Tenant’s Property which is not removed by Tenant upon the expiration of the Term of this Lease, or within 48 hours after a termination or termination of possession by reason of Tenant’s Default, shall be considered abandoned and Landlord may remove any or all of such property and dispose of the same in any manner or store the same in a public warehouse or elsewhere for the account of, and at the expense and risk of, Tenant.  If Tenant shall fail to pay the costs of storing any such property after it has been stored for a period of 30 days or more, Landlord may sell any or all of such property at public or private sale, in such manner and at such places as Landlord, in its sole discretion, may deem proper, without notice to or demand upon Tenant.  In the event of such sale, Landlord shall apply the proceeds thereof, first, to the cost and expense of sale, including reasonable attorneys’ fees; second, to the repayment of the cost of removal and storage; third, to the repayment of any other sums which may then or thereafter be due to Landlord from Tenant under any of the terms of this Lease; and fourth, the balance, if any, to Tenant.

 

22.                            Holding Over.

 

If Tenant fails to vacate the Premises at expiration or earlier termination of the Term, then Tenant shall be a tenant at sufferance as to such space and, in addition to all other damages and remedies to which Landlord may be entitled for such holding over, (a) Tenant shall pay, in addition to the other Rent, holdover rent (on a per diem basis) for the Premises equal to 125% of each of the Base Rent and Tenant’s Pro Rata Share of Operating Expenses payable during the last month of the Term for the first thirty (30) days of any such holdover and, if such holdover continues for more than 30 days, then such holdover rent (on a per diem basis) after the initial 30 days shall be equal to 150% of each of the Base Rent and Tenant’s Pro Rata Share of Operating Expenses payable during the last month of the Term, and (b) Tenant shall otherwise continue to be subject to all of Tenant’s obligations under this Lease.  The provisions of this Section 22 shall not be deemed to limit or constitute a waiver of any other rights or remedies of Landlord provided herein or at law or a consent by Landlord to any holding over by Tenant and Landlord expressly reserves the right to require Tenant to surrender possession of the Premises upon the expiration of the Term or upon the earlier termination hereof and to assert any remedy in law or equity to evict Tenant and/or collect damages (direct, indirect and/or consequential) in connection with such holding over.  If Tenant fails to surrender the Premises upon the termination or expiration of this Lease, in addition to any other liabilities to Landlord accruing therefrom, Tenant shall protect, defend, indemnify and hold the Indemnified Parties harmless from all loss, costs (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) and liability resulting from such failure, including any claims made by any succeeding lessees founded upon such failure to surrender, and any lost profits to Landlord resulting therefrom.

 

23.                            Defaults and Remedies.

 

23.1                    Defaults by Tenant.  The occurrence of any of the following shall constitute a material default and breach of this Lease by Tenant (each, a “Default” or an “Event of Default”):

 

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(a)                               if Tenant fails to pay Rent or make any other payment required to be made by Tenant under this Lease and such failure continues for three (3) business days after delivery of notice to Tenant;

 

(b)                              if Tenant makes a Transfer in violation of the terms of this Lease and such Transfer is not terminated within five (5) business days after delivery of notice to Tenant;

 

(c)                               if Tenant fails to observe or perform the provisions of Sections 3, 10, 12 and 24 of this Lease and such failure continues for five (5) business days after notice thereof from Landlord to Tenant;

 

(d)                             if Tenant fails to provide estoppel certificates, or other certificates as herein provided, and such failure continues for three (3) business days after delivery of notice to Tenant following expiration of the ten (10) business day period provided herein for the delivery of such certificates;

 

(e)                               except as otherwise provided in this Section 23.1 or elsewhere in this Lease, if Tenant fails to perform, comply with, or observe any other agreement or obligation of Tenant under this Lease and such failure continues for a period of more than thirty (30) days after Landlord has delivered to Tenant written notice thereof (or so long as Tenant commenced to cure such default promptly following delivery of such notice to Tenant, but the default is not curable within thirty (30) days despite undertaking all reasonable efforts, then such period shall be extended, but in no event more than an additional thirty (30) days);

 

(f)                                if any action is taken by or against Tenant (or any guarantor of Tenant) pursuant to any statute pertaining to bankruptcy or insolvency or the reorganization of Tenant (unless, in the case of a petition filed against Tenant, the same is dismissed within ninety (90) days); if Tenant makes any general assignment for the benefit of creditors; if a trustee or receiver is appointed to take possession of all or any portion of Tenant’s assets located at the Premises or of Tenant’s interest in this Lease, where possession is not restored to Tenant within thirty (30) days; or if all or any portion of Tenant’s assets located at the Premises or of Tenant’s interest in this Lease is attached, executed upon, or otherwise judicially seized and such seizure is not discharged within thirty (30) days;

 

(g)                              if Tenant fails to vacate and surrender the Premises as required by this Lease upon the expiration of the Term or sooner termination of this Lease;

 

(h)                              if Tenant submits to Landlord any materially false information on any document required to be given by Tenant to Landlord; and/or

 

(i)                                  if any surety or guarantor of this Lease fails to comply with all the provisions of the suretyship or guaranty agreement.

 

Any notice of a Tenant default shall be sent to all Tenant addresses set forth in the Lease Summary (or such other addresses as Tenant may provide to Landlord in the manner set forth herein) by certified U.S. mail, return receipt requested.

 

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23.2                    Landlord’s Remedies.  If there shall occur an Event of Default, Landlord shall have and may exercise all remedies available to Landlord at law or in equity or under any statute or ordinance.  In the event Landlord obtains an enforceable judgment against Tenant from a court with jurisdiction of Tenant or Tenant’s Property, Landlord shall thereafter have such lien rights at law and in equity to enforce and collect such judgment and Tenant’s obligations under this Lease.  Without limitation of the foregoing, Landlord may at its option:

 

(a)                               Performance of Obligations:  Make any such payment or perform any other act which Tenant should have performed (and enter upon the Premises in connection therewith if necessary) in Tenant’s name and on Tenant’s behalf, without liability therefor.  All sums so paid by Landlord and all costs incurred by Landlord in making such payment or performing such other act or obligation and/or in enforcing this Lease, including attorneys’ fees, together with interest thereon at the Default Rate, shall be payable to Landlord on demand and Tenant agrees to pay any such sums, and Landlord shall have (in addition to any other right or remedy hereunder) the same rights and remedies in the event of the non-payment thereof by Tenant as in the case of Default by Tenant in the payment of Rent.

 

(b)                              Termination:  Terminate this Lease by giving written notice thereof and, upon the giving of such notice, this Lease and the estate hereby granted shall expire and terminate with the same force and effect as though the date of such notice were the date fixed for the expiration of the Term, and all rights of Tenant hereunder shall expire and terminate, but Tenant shall remain liable as provided in Section 23.2(d) below and as otherwise hereinafter provided; and/or

 

(c)                               Recovery of Possession; Reletting:  Whether or not this Lease has been terminated as herein provided, terminate Tenant’s right of possession and re-enter and repossess the Premises or any part thereof by summary proceedings, ejectment, forcible entry and detainer, forcible detainer or otherwise, and Landlord shall have the right to remove all persons and property therefrom and change the locks, without judicial process.  Landlord shall be under no liability for or by reason of any such entry, repossession or removal.  No such re-entry or taking of possession of the Premises by Landlord shall be construed as an election on Landlord’s part to terminate this Lease or to accept a surrender thereof unless a written notice of such intention is given by Landlord to Tenant or unless the termination of this Lease is decreed by a court of competent jurisdiction .  If (and only to the extent) required by Applicable Law, Landlord shall use reasonable efforts to relet the Premises on market terms and may satisfy said obligation by complying with the provisions of Section 23.2(f) below; however, Landlord may at its option re let all or any part of the Premises for the account of Tenant for such term or terms (which may be greater or Jess than the period which would otherwise have constituted the balance of the Term) and on such conditions (which may include concessions or free Rent) and for such uses as Landlord, in its sole discretion, may determine, and Landlord may collect and receive any Rents payable by reason of such re letting; and apply the same on account of Rent due and to become due hereunder.  Landlord shall not be required to accept any tenant offered by Tenant or observe any instruction given by Tenant about such reletting, or do any act or exercise any care or diligence with respect to such reletting, unless required by Applicable Law.  For the purpose of such reletting, Landlord may decorate or make repairs, changes, alterations or additions in or to the Premises or any part thereof to the extent deemed by Landlord desirable or convenient, and the reasonable cost of such decoration, repairs, changes, alterations or additions shall be charged to and be payable by Tenant as Rent hereunder, as well as any reasonable brokerage and legal

 

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fees expended by Landlord.  Landlord reserves the right to terminate this Lease at any time after taking possession of the Premises as aforesaid.  Neither termination nor repossession and reletting shall relieve Tenant of its obligations hereunder, all of which shall survive such termination, repossession or reletting.  Tenant agrees that Landlord may file suit to recover any sums falling due under the terms of this Section 23 from time to time and that no suit or recovery of any portion due Landlord hereunder shall be any defense to any subsequent action brought for any amount not theretofore reduced to judgment in favor of Landlord.  If Landlord terminates Tenant’s possession of the Premises under this Section 23, Landlord shall have no obligation to post any notice and Landlord shall have no obligation whatsoever to tender to Tenant a key for new locks installed in the Premises; and/or

 

(d)                             Damages:  Terminate this Lease and recover from Tenant upon demand therefor, as damages for Tenant’s default, an amount equal to the sum of the following:  (1) the cost of recovering the Premises, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys’ fees; (2) the unpaid Rent earned at the time of termination, plus interest thereon at the Default Rate; (3) the difference, if any, between (i) Rent and other sums which would be payable under this Lease for the remainder of the Term, discounted to present worth at the rate of five percent (5%) per annum, and (ii) the then fair market rental value of the Premises as reasonably determined by Landlord for the same period, discounted to present worth at the same rate; (4) costs of reletting and refurbishing the Premises, including, without limitation, reasonable legal fees, brokerage commissions, the costs of alterations and the value of other concessions or allowances granted to a new tenant, and (5) any other sum of money and damages owed by Tenant to Landlord.

 

(e)                               Calculation of Rent:  In calculating future Rent for purposes of subparagraphs (b) and (d) above, Landlord’s reasonable and good faith estimate of future Operating Expenses shall be based on historical escalations and the then current market conditions.  In addition, Landlord may include as an item of Rent its reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs in enforcing its rights hereunder, together with each of the other expenses related thereto as described in subparagraph (b) above.

 

(f)                                Mitigation:  Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon the occurrence of an Event of Default, Landlord and Tenant agree that if Landlord sues Tenant to enforce the Lease and collect Rent that has accrued and Landlord has a duty to mitigate under Applicable Law, unless contrary to Applicable Law, Landlord will have satisfied the duty to mitigate and will have used objectively reasonable efforts to relet the Premises if Landlord does the following within ninety (90) days after Landlord regains possession of the Premises:  (1) place the Premises on Landlord’s inventory of available space; (2) make Landlord’s inventory available to area brokers; and (3) show the Premises to prospective tenants who request to see it.

 

(g)                              Reimbursement:  Landlord and Tenant further acknowledge that, to induce Tenant to enter into this Lease, and in consideration of Tenant’s agreement to perform all of the terms, covenants and conditions to be performed by Tenant under this Lease, as and when performance is due during the Term, Landlord may have agreed to (i) waive reimbursement from, or pay to, Tenant the amount of the Landlord’s Contribution and/or (ii)) abate the payment by Tenant of Rent or portions thereof during the period(s) specified herein, and/or (iii) other allowances paid to or on behalf of Tenant for moving expenses, lease buyouts, lease termination fees and similar inducements to lease the Premises (“Other Allowances”).  Landlord has or will

 

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pay substantial real estate brokerage commissions relating to this Lease (the “Commissions”).  Upon the occurrence of an Event of Default under this Lease for which Landlord terminates the Lease, any abatement of Rent or portions thereof is of no further force and effect as to any subsequent payments of Rent otherwise due under this Lease, each of the foregoing agreements is deemed revoked retroactively and Tenant shall immediately pay to Landlord without notice or demand by Landlord (all of which shall be amortized over the Term of this Lease):  (A) the unamortized cost of any and all payments of Rent which have theretofore been abated, (B) the unamortized cost of any Landlord’s Contribution expenses incurred by Landlord, (C) the unamortized cost of the Commissions and (D) the unamortized cost of any Other Allowance provided to Tenant as an inducement to lease the Premises.  The unamortized cost is calculated by amortizing the aggregate cost incurred or paid by Landlord for the abated Rent, Landlord’s Contribution, Commissions and Other Allowances over the number of months of the Term during which Tenant is required to pay Base Rent on a monthly basis and multi plying the monthly amortized cost by the number of months remaining in the Term after an Event of Default.  Landlord may, or, at Tenant’s request, shall, after the occurrence of an Event of Default, forward a statement to Tenant setting forth the unamortized cost of the abated Rent, Landlord’s Contribution, Other Allowances and Commissions incurred by Landlord payable in accordance with this Section 23.2(g), but the failure to deliver the statement shall not be deemed to be a waiver of the right to collect such amounts.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Landlord and Tenant agree that the payment of Rent for the entire Term by Tenant would reimburse Landlord completely for the Other Allowances and Commissions as anticipated by this Lease, therefore Landlord agrees that Landlord will not collect or be entitled to collect any reimbursements hereunder in an amount which is in excess of one hundred percent (100%) of the Rent due from Tenant to Landlord under this Lease.

 

23.3                    Waivers by Tenant.  In the event of a termination of this Lease as a result of an Event of Default, Tenant hereby waives all right to recover or regain possession of the Premises, to save forfeiture by payment of Rent due or by other performance of the conditions, terms or provisions hereof, and without limitation of or by the foregoing, Tenant waives all right to reinstate or redeem this Lease notwithstanding any provisions of any statute, law or decision now or hereafter in force or effect and Tenant waives all right to any second or further trial in summary proceedings, ejectment, forcible entry and detainer, forcible detainer or in any other action provided by any statute or decision now or hereafter in force or effect.  Landlord shall not be required to serve Tenant with any notices or demands as a prerequisite to its exercise of any of its rights or remedies under this Lease, other than those notices and demands specifically required under this Lease.  Tenant expressly waives the service of any statutory demand or notice that is a prerequisite to Landlord’s commencement of eviction proceedings against Tenant.  including, without limitation.  the demands and notices specified in the Texas Property Code.

 

23.4                    Repossession.  If Landlord exercises either of the remedies provided in Sections 23.2(b) or 23.2(c), Tenant shall surrender possession and vacate the Premises and immediately deliver possession thereof to Landlord, and Landlord may re-enter and take complete and peaceful possession of the Premises, with or without process of law, full and complete license to do so being hereby granted to Landlord, and Landlord may remove all occupants and property therefrom, using such force as may be necessary to the extent allowed by Applicable Law, without being deemed guilty in any manner of trespass, eviction or forcible entry and detainer and without relinquishing Landlord’s right to Rent or any other right given to Landlord

 

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hereunder or by operation of law.  In order to exercise its remedies hereunder and to regain possession of the Premises and to deny Tenant access thereto, Landlord or its agent may, at the expense and liability of the Tenant, alter or change any or all locks or other security devices controlling access to the Premises without posting or giving notice of any kind to Tenant, and Tenant hereby waives all of such notices or demands to the fullest extent allowed by Applicable Law.  Unless contrary to Applicable Law (after giving full force and effect to Tenant’s waivers in this Lease), Landlord shall have no obligation to provide Tenant a key or grant Tenant access to the Premises so long as Tenant is in Default under this Lease.  Unless contrary to Applicable Law (after giving full force and effect to Tenant’s waivers in this Lease), Tenant shall not be entitled to recover possession of the Premises, terminate this Lease, or recover any actual, incidental, consequential, punitive, statutory or other damages or award of attorneys’ fees, by reason of Landlord’s alteration or change of any lock or other security device and the resulting exclusion from the Premises of Tenant or Tenant’s agents, servants, employees, customers, licensees, invitees or any other persons from the Premises in accordance with the terms of this paragraph.  TENANT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SUBPARAGRAPH OF THIS LEASE SUPERSEDE THE LOCKOUT PROVISIONS OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY CODE AND TENANT FURTHER WARRANTS AND REPRESENTS THAT IT HEREBY KNOWINGLY WAIVES ANY RIGHTS IT MAY HAVE THEREUNDER TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW.

 

23.5                    Methodology of Calculating Charges.  Landlord and Tenant are knowledgeable and experienced in commercial leasing transactions and agree that the provisions of this Lease for determining all Rent and other charges and amounts payable by Tenant are commercially reasonable and valid, and as to each such charge or amount, constitutes a “method by which the charge is to be computed” for purposes of Section 93.012 of the Texas Property Code, even though such methods may not state a precise mathematical formula for determining such charges.  ACCORDINGLY, TENANT VOLUNTARILY AND KNOWINGLY WAIVES ALL RIGHTS AND BENEFITS, IF ANY, OF A TENANT UNDER SECTION 93.012 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY CODE, AS SUCH SECTION NOW EXISTS OR AS IT MAY BE HEREAFTER AMENDED OR SUCCEEDED.

 

23.6                    Right of Landlord to Injunction; Remedies Cumulative.  Upon any actual or threatened Event of Default, Landlord shall have the right of injunction to restrain the same.  The rights and remedies given to Landlord in this Lease are distinct, separate and cumulative remedies, and no one of them, whether or not exercised by Landlord, shall be deemed to be in exclusion of any of the others.

 

23.7                    Waiver of Landlord’s Lien.  Landlord waives all contractual, statutory and constitutional liens held by Landlord on Tenant’s personal property, goods, equipment, inventory, furnishings, chattels, accounts and assets, including the Tenant’s Property, to secure the obligations of Tenant under this Lease.

 

23.8                    Waiver of Jury Trial.  TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, LANDLORD AND TENANT HEREBY WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY ACTION, PROCEEDING OR COUNTERCLAIM BROUGHT BY EITHER OF THE PARTIES HERETO AGAINST THE OTHER ON ANY MATTERS

 

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WHATSOEVER ARISING OUT OF OR IN ANY WAY CONNECTED WITH THIS LEASE, THE RELATIONSHIP OF LANDLORD AND TENANT, TENANT’S USE OR OCCUPANCY OF THE PREMISES, AND/OR ANY CLAIM OF INJURY OR DAMAGE, OR FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF ANY REMEDY UNDER ANY STATUTE, ORDINANCE OR OTHERWISE.  WITHOUT LIMITING THE GENERALITY OF THE FOREGOING, TENANT WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY LAWSUIT BROUGHT BY LANDLORD TO RECOVER POSSESSION OF THE PREMISES FOLLOWING LANDLORD’S TERMINATION OF THIS LEASE PURSUANT TO SECTION 23.2(B) OR THE RIGHT OF TENANT TO POSSESSION OF THE PREMISES PURSUANT TO SECTION 23.2(B) AND ON ANY CLAIM FOR DELINQUENT RENT WHICH LANDLORD MAY JOIN IN ITS LAWSUIT TO RECOVER POSSESSION.

 

23.9                    Definition of Tenant.  The term “Tenant” shall be deemed to include all persons or entities named as Tenant under this Lease, or each and every one of them.  If any of the obligations of Tenant hereunder is guaranteed by another person or entity, the term “Tenant” shall be deemed to include all of such guarantors and any one or more of such guarantors.  If this Lease has been assigned, the term “Tenant” shall be deemed to include both the assignee and the assignor.

 

23.10            Tenant’s Obligation Not Dependent.  TENANT’ S OBLIGATION TO PAY RENT HEREUNDER IS NOT DEPENDENT UPON THE CONDITION OF THE PREMISES OR THE PERFORMANCE BY LANDLORD OF ITS OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER, AND TENANT SHALL CONTINUE TO PAY RENT HEREUNDER WITHOUT ABATEMENT, SETOFF, OR DEDUCTION, NOTWITHSTANDING ANY BREACH BY LANDLORD OF ITS DUTIES OR OBLIGATIONS HEREUNDER, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED.

 

24.                            Covenant Against Liens.

 

All work performed, materials furnished, or obligations incurred by or at the request of a Tenant Party shall be deemed authorized and ordered by Tenant only, and Tenant shall not permit any mechanic’s liens to be filed against the Premises or the Project in connection therewith.  Upon completion of any such work, Tenant shall deliver to Landlord final unconditional lien waivers from all contractors, subcontractors and materialmen who performed such work.  If such a lien is filed, then Tenant shall, within ten (10) days after Tenant obtains knowledge thereof (or such earlier time period as may be necessary to prevent the forfeiture of the Premises, the Project or any interest of Landlord therein or the imposition of a civil or criminal fine with respect thereto), either (i) pay the amount of the lien and cause the lien to be released of record, or (ii) diligently contest such lien and deliver to Landlord a bond or other security reasonably satisfactory to Landlord.  If Tenant fails to timely take either such action, then Landlord may pay the lien claim, and any amounts so paid, including reasonable expenses and interest, shall be paid by Tenant to Landlord within ten (10) days after Landlord has invoiced Tenant therefore together with interest at the Default Rate.  Tenant shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless the Indemnified Parties from and against all claims, demands, causes of action, suits, judgments, damages and expenses (including attorneys’ fees) in any way arising from or relating to the failure by any Tenant Party to pay for any work performed, materials furnished, or

 

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obligations incurred by or at the request of a Tenant Party.  This indemnity provision shall survive termination or expiration of this Lease.  Landlord and Tenant acknowledge and agree that their relationship is and shall be solely that of “landlord-tenant” (thereby excluding a relationship of “owner-contractor,” “owner-agent” or other similar relationships).  Accordingly, all materialmen, contractors, artisans, mechanics, laborers and any other persons now or hereafter contracting with Tenant, any contractor or subcontractor of Tenant or any other Tenant Party for the furnishing of any labor, services, materials, supplies or equipment with respect to any portion of the Premises, at any time from the date hereof until the end of the Term, are hereby charged with notice that they look exclusively to Tenant to obtain payment for same.  Nothing herein shall be deemed a consent by Landlord to any liens being placed upon the Premises, the Project or Landlord’s interest therein due to any work performed by or for Tenant or deemed to give any contractor or subcontractor or materialman any right or interest in any funds held by Landlord to reimburse Tenant for any portion of the cost of such work.

 

25.                            Interest on Tenant’s Obligations; Late Charges.

 

25.1                    Interest.  Any amount due from Tenant to Landlord which is not paid when due shall bear interest at the lesser of fifteen percent (15%) per annum or the maximum lawful rate of interest (said lesser rate is herein referred to as the “Default Rate”), from the date such payment is due until paid, but the payment of such interest shall not excuse or cure any default by Tenant under this Lease.

 

25.2                    Late Charge.  In the event Tenant is late in paying any amount of Rent due under this Lease, Tenant shall pay Landlord a late charge equal to five percent (5%) of each delinquent amount of Rent and any subsequent delinquent amount of Rent.  The parties agree that the amount of such late charge represents a reasonable estimate of the cost and expense that would be incurred by Landlord in processing each delinquent payment of Rent by Tenant and that such late charge shall be paid to Landlord as liquidated damages for each delinquent payment, but the payment of such late charge shall not excuse or cure any default by Tenant under this Lease.  The parties further agree that the payment of late charges and the payment of interest provided for in the preceding paragraph are distinct and separate from one another in that the payment of interest is to compensate Landlord for the use of Landlord ‘s money by Tenant, while the payment of a late charge is to compensate Landlord for the additional administrative expense incurred by Landlord in handling and processing delinquent payments, but excluding attorneys’ fees and costs incurred with respect to such delinquent payments.

 

26.                            Quiet Enjoyment.

 

Tenant, upon the paying of all Rent hereunder and performing each of the covenants, agreements and conditions of this Lease required to be performed by Tenant, shall lawfully and quietly hold, occupy and enjoy the Premises during the Term without hindrance or molestation of anyone lawfully claiming by, through or under Landlord, subject, however, to the terms and conditions of this Lease.  This covenant of quiet enjoyment is in lieu of any implied covenant of quiet enjoyment under Texas law.

 

27.                            Parking Facilities; Amenities.

 

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27.1                    Parking.  Tenant and its employees, invitees and Transferees (if any) shall have the right to park, at any given time, in the Parking Facility, subject to such reasonable rules and regulations as Landlord may establish.  Such parking rights shall be exclusive to Tenant (subject to Landlord’ s and its representatives right to park in the Parking Facility during any entry to the Project permitted herein) for so long as Tenant is the sole occupant and no Event of Default has occurred.  The Project will include 177 covered parking spaces and 630 surface parking spaces.  Tenant shall have the right, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, and subject to Landlord’s reasonable approval and all Applicable Laws, to create the maximum number of parking spaces permitted by Applicable Law, including the current zoning ordinance pertaining to the Project.  Subject to Applicable Laws and so long as Tenant is leasing the entire Premises, Tenant (but no Transferees) shall have the ability to park in unpaved areas of the Project for temporary overflow parking of Tenant’s employees and guests without being held in default of this Lease; provided that (i) Tenant shall be responsible for promptly repairing any damage to such unpaved areas caused by such use and restoring the same to the condition prior to such use (or, at Landlord’s election reimbursing Landlord for the costs incurred by Landlord to repair and restore same); and (ii) neither Landlord nor Manager shall be in default or held liable for failing to maintain landscaping in accordance with Comparable Buildings in any unpaved areas where Tenant’s employees or guests are parking.  Landlord shall have no liability for any damage to persons or property which may occur in, on, or about the Parking Facility.  Tenant shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to designate certain parking spaces as reserved spaces for use by visitors or occupants of the Building; and Tenant reserves the right to relocate such reserved spaces to another location within the Parking Facility from time to time and at any time.  Subject to and in compliance with all Applicable Laws, Tenant reserves the right to use the Parking Facility for other purposes than parking (games, events, etc.) and also reserves the right to install security access gates throughout certain section of the Parking Facility restricting such areas from visitors (provided that emergency access will be available to emergency vehicles.

 

27.2                    Project Amenities.  Tenant shall have the right, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense (subject to reimbursement from the Amenity Allowance, as defined in Exhibit D), to construct and install any or all of the following amenities for the Project:  (i) jogging trail, (ii) sports court, (iii) covered terrace, (iv) casting pond, (v) archery range, (vi) outdoor exercise facility, (vii) outdoor all-hands assembly area, (viii) barbeque pits, (ix) basketball courts, and (x) exterior Wi-Fi (each a “Project Amenity”).  Any such Project Amenity shall be subject to all Applicable Laws and Landlord’s reasonable approval.   Tenant acknowledges that the conceptual renderings of the foregoing potential Project Amenities provided by Landlord are for conceptual purposes only and are not part of the current design or Landlord’s Work and Landlord shall have no liability therefore.  To the extent Tenant constructs any such Project Amenity, Tenant, at Tenant’s expense, shall be responsible for obtaining and maintaining all necessary permits and approvals related to the construction and use of such Project Amenity and for maintaining, operating, repairing and replacing such Project Amenity.  If Tenant fails to maintain any such Project Amenity, after written notice to Tenant and a reasonable amount of time to cure, Landlord shall have the right (but not the obligation) to maintain any Project Amenity, at Tenant’s expense, and the right to remove such Project Amenity at Tenant’s expense.  Tenant shall have no obligation to remove any jogging trail, sports court, covered terrace, or basketball courts constructed by Tenant on the Project in accordance with the terms of this Lease at the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.  In the event any Project

 

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Amenity is removed by Tenant, then Tenant shall make such repairs and restoration as necessary to return the Project to its condition prior to such Project Amenity being constructed.  Landlord shall have the right to reasonably impose rules and regulations regarding the use of any such Project Amenity and Tenant’s use thereof shall be governed by Landlord’s rules and regulations that are then in effect.  Tenant acknowledges and agrees that any Tenant Party’s use of the Project Amenities is voluntary and, in consideration of the use of the Project Amenities, shall be undertaken by such Tenant Party at its sole risk.  For all purposes under this Lease, the Project Amenities shall be deemed to be included within the definition of Tenant’s Off­ Premises Equipment.  Neither Landlord nor Landlord’ s agents, employees or representatives shall be liable for any claims, demands, injuries, damages, actions or causes of action whatsoever arising out of or connected with any Tenant Party’s use of the Project Amenities and their facilities and services.  TENANT DOES HEREBY EXPRESSLY FOREVER WAIVE, RELEASE AND DISCHARGE LANDLORD AND ITS AGENTS, EMPLOYEES AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY ARISING FROM ALL SUCH CLAIMS, DEMANDS, INJURIES, DAMAGES, ACTIONS AND/OR CAUSES OF ACTION EVEN IF CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF LANDLORD OR ITS AGENTS, EMPLOYEES OR REPRESENTATIVES (BUT NOT TO THE EXTENT CAUSED BY THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF SUCH PARTIES).  The waivers contained in this Section 27.2 shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.

 

28.                            Brokers.

 

Landlord and Tenant each warrants to the other that it has not had any contact or dealings with any real estate broker or other intermediary other than CBRE, Inc. (“Tenant’s Broker”) and Lincoln Property Company (“Landlord’s Broker,” collectively with Tenant’s Broker, the “Brokers”) which would give rise to the payment of any fee or brokerage commission in connection with this Lease.  Landlord and Tenant shall each indemnify the other from and against any loss, liability or damage (including reasonable and actual counsel fees and costs) with respect to any fee or brokerage commission (except to Brokers) arising out of any act or omission of the indemnifying party.  Landlord agrees to pay brokerage commissions due in connection with this Lease to Brokers in accordance with separate commission agreements executed by Landlord and Brokers.

 

29.                            Rules and Regulations.

 

The “Rules and Regulations” attached hereto as Exhibit E are hereby incorporated herein and made a part of this Lease.  Tenant agrees to abide by and comply with each and every one of said Rules and Regulations and any amendments, modifications and/or additions thereto as may hereafter be adopted by Landlord for the safety, care, security, good order and cleanliness of the Premises, the Building, the Parking Facility or any other portion of the Project.  Landlord shall have the right to amend, modify or add to the Rules and Regulations in its reasonable discretion provided that Landlord adopts such amendments in good faith, that such amendments do not alter any other terms of this Lease, that the rules and regulations are uniformly enforced against all tenants of Landlord, and that Tenant continues to be able to conduct the uses permitted by this Lease in a commercially reasonable manner.  Landlord agrees that the Rules and Regulations shall not be enforced so as to discriminate against Tenant.  Tenant shall not be obligated to

 

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comply with any future Rules and Regulations or amendments thereto until Landlord has delivered a written copy of such Rules and Regulations to Tenant.  In the event of a conflict between this Lease and the Rules and Regulations, the terms and conditions of the Lease shall prevail.

 

30.                            Signage.

 

30.1                    Directory.  If Tenant is not the sole occupant of the Building, Landlord shall have the right to maintain a directory at the Building to accommodate the names of tenants of the Building.

 

30.2                    Directional Signs.  Tenant shall have the right to place up to two (2) directional signs on the Project directing visitors in the Project.  Any such signs will be designed and constructed in a manner compatible with Project standard signs and graphics criteria and shall be subject to Applicable Laws and Landlord’s prior written approval of the signs and cost thereof (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed and any response shall be received within five (5) business days after submittal to Landlord).  Tenant shall submit its proposed design (including without limit the installation method, size, materials, and finishes) to Landlord, along with the estimated costs of constructing and installing such directional signs.  Tenant shall promptly notify Landlord of any changes in the directional signs, including the estimated costs thereof, and such changes shall be subject to Landlord’s approval.  Within thirty (30) days following installation of the directional signs and submission of an invoice evidencing the cost of constructing and installing such directional signs (and proof that such invoices have been paid), Landlord shall reimburse Tenant for the costs thereof (such reimbursement not to exceed the amount approved by Landlord as set forth herein).  During the Term of this Lease, Tenant, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, shall maintain, repair and restore the directional signs.  Upon expiration of the Term, Tenant shall promptly remove all of its directional signs and repair and restore the surfaces on which such signs were attached to their prior condition, at Tenant’s expense.

 

30.3                    Monument Signage.  So long as this Lease is in full force and effect, no Event of Default has occurred, and the named Tenant as set forth in this Lease shall occupy at least ten percent (10%) of the Premises for the operation of its business for the Permitted Use hereunder (collectively, the “Sign Conditions”), Tenant shall have the right to construct a monument sign at each entrance to the Project with each monument sign (including without limit the size, location, design, materials, lighting, construction, cost, and panels or other identifying information) to be subject to Applicable Laws and Landlord’s approval (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed and any response shall be received within five (5) business days after submittal to Landlord).  Tenant shall submit its proposed design of such monument signs (including without limit the installation method, size, materials, and finishes) to Landlord , along with the estimated costs of constructing and installing such monument signs.  Tenant shall promptly notify Landlord of any proposed changes in the monument signs, including the addition of signage for any Transferee, and any estimated costs thereof, and such changes shall be subject to Landlord’s approval, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.  Within thirty (30) days following installation of the monument signs and submission of an invoice evidencing the cost of constructing and installing such monument signs (and proof that such invoices have been

 

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paid), Landlord shall reimburse Tenant for the costs thereof (such reimbursement not to exceed the amount approved by Landlord as set forth herein).  Any changes to the monument sign after the initial construction thereof shall be at Tenant’s sole cost and expense.  During the Term of this Lease, Tenant, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, shall maintain, repair and restore the monument signs.  Upon the expiration or earlier termination of the Term of this Lease, and upon any event pursuant to which the Sign Conditions cease to prevail, Tenant, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, shall remove any panels or other information that identifies the Project as being occupied by Tenant (or any Transferee) and repair and restore the surfaces on which such signs were attached to their prior condition, at Tenant’s expense.  Any such monument sign shall be subject to the applicable provisions of this Lease, Applicable Law, and Landlord’s other reasonable requirements.

 

30.4                    Building Signage.  So long as the Sign Conditions continue to prevail, Tenant shall have the exclusive right, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, subject to Applicable Law, the terms of this Lease and Landlord’s approval rights, to install and maintain two (2) exterior signs on each Building (each hereinafter, “Building Sign”).  The location, size, construction, mounting and design of each Building Sign shall be subject to Landlord’s approval (which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed).  Tenant shall obtain, at its expense, all permits and approvals required for the installation of each Building Sign prior to the installation thereof (but shall not be permitted to seek any zoning or similar relief for Building’s Sign without Landlord’s consent, which may be withheld in Landlord’s sole discretion), and shall keep all such perm its and approvals in full force and effect throughout the Term.  Tenant acknowledges that each such Building Sign shall be at Tenant’s risk and Tenant shall perform all maintenance and repairs to each Building Sign required to keep it in good condition.  The installation, repair, maintenance and removal of any Building Sign shall be subject to the applicable provisions of the Lease and Landlord’s other reasonable requirements.  Tenant shall promptly notify Landlord any proposed changes in the Building Sign, including the addition of signage for any Transferee permitted hereunder, and any estimated costs thereof, and such changes shall be subject to Landlord’s approval, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.  Any changes to the Building Sign shall be at Tenant’s sole cost and expense.  Upon the expiration or earlier termination of the Term of this Lease, and upon any event pursuant to which the Sign Conditions cease to prevail, Tenant shall remove each Building Sign (and all associated hardware) from the applicable Building and shall fill all holes and repair all damage caused by such removal and restore the affected area to a condition and appearance which is consistent with the finishes (e.g. paint) in close proximity to such area.

 

30.5                    Transferee Rights to Signage.  In the event of a Transfer in accordance with Section 15 hereinabove, Tenant shall have the right to add such Transferee’s signage to the Building Sign, monument signs, directional signs, and directory contemplated in this Section 30, all subject to Landlord’s approval, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld , conditioned or delayed.

 

31.                            Personal Property Taxes.

 

Tenant shall be liable for all taxes levied or assessed against personal property, furniture, or fixtures placed by Tenant in the Premises or in or on the Project.  If any taxes for which

 

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Tenant is liable are levied or assessed against Landlord or Landlord’s property and Landlord elects to pay the same, or if the assessed value of Landlord’ s property is increased by inclusion of such personal property, furniture or fixtures and Landlord elects to pay the taxes based on such increase, then Tenant shall pay to Landlord, within thirty (30) days following written request therefor, the part of such taxes for which Tenant is primarily liable hereunder; however, Landlord shall not pay such amount if Tenant notifies Landlord that it will contest the validity or amount of such taxes before Landlord makes such payment, and thereafter diligently proceeds with such contest in accordance with Applicable Laws and if the non-payment thereof does not pose a threat of loss or seizure of the Building or the Project or interest of Landlord therein or impose any fee or penalty against Landlord.

 

32.                            General Provisions.

 

32.1                    No Waiver.  The waiver by Landlord or Tenant of any breach of any provision contained in this Lease, which waiver shall only be effective if the same is in writing, or the failure of Landlord or Tenant to insist on strict performance by Tenant or Landlord, shall not be deemed to be a waiver of such provision as to any subsequent breach thereof or of any other provision contained in this Lease.  The acceptance of Rents hereunder by Landlord shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any breach or default by Tenant regardless of Landlord’s knowledge of such breach or default at the time of acceptance of Rent.

 

32.2                    Terms; Headings.  The words “Landlord” and “Tenant” as used herein shall include the plural, as well as the singular.  The words used in neuter gender include the masculine and feminine and words in the masculine or feminine gender include the neuter.  If there is more than one Tenant, the obligations hereunder imposed upon Tenant shall be joint and several.  The headings or titles of this Lease shall have no effect upon the construction or interpretation of any part hereof.  Any reference to a period of time measured in days refers to calendar days unless otherwise specifically indicated.

 

32.3                    Entire Agreement; Electronic Records.  This instrument along with any exhibits and attachments or other documents attached hereto constitutes the entire and exclusive agreement between Landlord and Tenant with respect to the Premises.  The exhibits attached hereto are incorporated herein by this reference for all purposes.  This instrument and said exhibits and attachments and other documents may be altered, amended, modified or revoked only by an instrument in writing signed by both Landlord and Tenant.  Landlord and Tenant hereby agree that all prior or contemporaneous oral and written understandings, agreements or negotiations relative to the leasing of the Premises are merged into and superseded by this instrument.  Landlord and Tenant hereby agree not to conduct the transactions or communications contemplated by this Lease by electronic means, except as specifically set forth in Section 35; nor shall the use of the phrase “in writing” or the word “written” be construed to include electronic communications except as specifically set forth in Section 35.

 

32.4                    Successors and Assigns.  Subject to the provisions of Section 15 relating to Assignment and Sublease, this Lease is intended to and does bind the heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns of any and all of the parties hereto.

 

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32.5                    Notices.  All notices, consents, approvals, requests, demands and other communications (collectively “notices”) which Landlord or Tenant are required or desire to serve upon, or deliver to, the other shall be in writing and shall be sent by certified U.S.  mail, return receipt requested, or by personal delivery, or by a reputable commercial overnight courier service (such as, but not limited to, Federal Express), to the appropriate address indicated in the Lease Summary, or at such other place or places as either Landlord or Tenant may, from time to time, designate in a written notice given to the other.  If the term “Tenant” in this Lease refers to more than one person or entity, Landlord shall be required to make service or delivery, as aforesaid, to any one of said persons or entities only.  Notices shall be deemed sufficiently served or given at the earlier of (i) time of receipt, (ii) three (3) days after it was sent by U.S. mail, (iii) the date of hand delivery, or (iv) one (1) day after it was sent by overnight courier.  Any notice, request, communication or demand by Tenant or Landlord to the other party hereto shall be addressed in accordance with the addresses set forth in the Lease Summary.  Rejection or other refusal to accept a notice or the inability to deliver the same because of a changed address of which no notice was given, shall be deemed to be receipt of the notice on the date delivery was first attempted.  Any notice of a Tenant default shall be sent to all Tenant addresses set forth in the Lease Summary (or such other addresses as Tenant may provide to Landlord in the manner set forth herein) by certified U.S. mail, return receipt requested.

 

32.6                    Severability.  If any provision of this Lease shall be held invalid or unenforceable to any extent, the remaining provisions of this Lease shall not be affected thereby and each of said provisions shall be valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.

 

32.7                    Time of Essence.  Time is of the essence of this Lease and each provision hereof in which time of performance is established.

 

32.8                    Governing Law.  This Lease shall be governed by, interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas applicable to contracts executed and performed entirely within the State of Texas.  Any party bringing a legal action or proceeding against any other party arising out of or relating to this Lease must bring such legal action or proceeding in the applicable court(s) of Travis County, Texas having jurisdiction over the subject matter of such action or proceeding, and each party submits to the jurisdiction of such court(s).

 

32.9                    Attorneys’ Fees.  In the event of any dispute, whether in litigation or in an alternative dispute resolution proceeding, between the parties, the prevailing party shall be entitled to obtain, as part of the resolution thereof, all reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses incurred in connection with such dispute, except as may be limited by Applicable Law.

 

32.10            Light and Air.  Any diminution or shutting off of light, air or view by any structure which may be erected on lands adjacent to the Building or any other portion of the Project shall in no manner affect this Lease or impose any liability whatsoever on Landlord or Tenant.

 

32.11            Bankruptcy Prior to Commencement.  If, at any time prior to the Commencement Date, any action is taken by or against Tenant in any court pursuant to any statute pertaining to bankruptcy or insolvency or the reorganization of Tenant, Tenant makes any general assignment for the benefit of creditors, a trustee or receiver is appointed to take

 

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possession of substantially all of Tenant’s assets or of Tenant’s interest in this Lease, or there is an attachment, execution or other judicial seizure of substantially all of Tenant’s assets or of Tenant’s interest in this Lease, then (to the extent permitted by law) this Lease shall ipso facto be canceled and terminated and of no further force or effect.  In such event, neither Tenant nor any person claiming through or under Tenant or by virtue of any statute or of any order of any court shall be entitled to possession of the Premises or any interest in this Lease and Landlord shall, in addition to any other rights and remedies under this Lease, be entitled to retain any Rent, security deposit or other monies received by Landlord from Tenant as liquidated damages.

 

32.12            Force Majeure.  Neither Landlord nor Tenant shall be liable for any failure to comply or delay in complying with its obligations hereunder if such failure or delay is due to Force Majeure Events, except for the payment of Rent by Tenant.  Neither Landlord nor Tenant shall be obliged to settle any strike to avoid a Force Majeure Event from continuing.

 

32.13            Applicable Laws.  At its sole cost and expense, Tenant shall promptly comply with all requirements of Applicable Laws relating to or arising out of the use, occupancy, repair or alteration of the Premises, other than making any changes to the structure of the Building.  Tenant, at its sole cost and expense, shall obtain and maintain throughout the Term, any business licenses or permits required by any governmental body for the conduct of its business within the Premises.  Landlord shall promptly remedy any latent defects in Landlord’s Work following notification from Tenant in writing within the first Lease Year.

 

32.14            Estoppel Certificate.  From time to time, Tenant shall furnish to any party designated by Landlord, within ten (10) business days after Landlord has made a request therefor, a certificate signed by Tenant confirming and containing such factual certifications and representations as to this Lease as Landlord may reasonably request.  Unless otherwise required by Landlord’s Mortgagee or a prospective purchaser or mortgagee of the Project, the initial form of estoppel certificate to be signed by Tenant is attached hereto as Exhibit I.  If Tenant does not deliver to Landlord the certificate signed by Tenant within such required time period, Landlord, Landlord’s Mortgagee and any prospective purchaser or mortgagee, may conclusively presume and rely upon the following facts:  (a) this Lease is in full force and effect; (b) the terms and provisions of this Lease have not been changed except as otherwise represented by Landlord; (c) not more than one monthly installment of Base Rent and other charges have been paid in advance; (d) there are no claims against Landlord nor any defenses or rights of offset against collection of Rent or other charges; and (e) Landlord is not in default under this Lease.  In such event, Tenant shall be estopped from denying the truth of the presumed facts.

 

32.15            Examination of Lease.  The submission of this instrument for examination or signature by Tenant, Tenant’s agents or attorneys, does not constitute a reservation of, or an option to lease, and this instrument shall not be effective or binding as a lease or otherwise until its execution and delivery by both Landlord and Tenant.

 

32.16            Limitation on Liability.  NOTWITHSTANDING ANYTHING IN THIS LEASE OR ANY APPLICABLE LAW TO THE CONTRARY, THE LIABILITY OF LANDLORD HEREUNDER (INCLUDING ANY SUCCESSOR LANDLORD HEREUNDER) AND ANY RECOURSE BY TENANT AGAINST LANDLORD SHALL BE LIMITED SOLELY TO THE INTEREST OF LANDLORD IN THE PROJECT, AND

 

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NEITHER LANDLORD, NOR ANY OF ITS CONSTITUENT MEMBERS, NOR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES, PARTNERS, MANAGERS, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS OR SHAREHOLDERS SHALL HAVE ANY PERSONAL LIABILITY THEREFOR, AND TENANT, FOR ITSELF AND ALL PERSONS CLAIMING BY, THROUGH OR UNDER TENANT, EXPRESSLY WAIVES AND RELEASES LANDLORD AND SUCH RELATED PERSONS AND ENTITIES FROM ANY AND ALL PERSONAL LIABILITY.  IN NO EVENT SHALL LANDLORD BE LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL, SPECIAL, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES.  TENANT HEREBY WAIVES ITS STATUTORY LIEN UNDER SECTION 91.004 OF THE TEXAS PROPERTY CODE.  NEITHER TENANT, NOR ANY OF ITS CONSTITUENT MEMBERS, NOR ANY OF THEIR RESPECTIVE AFFILIATES, PARTNERS, MANAGERS, DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS OR SHAREHOLDERS SHALL HAVE ANY PERSONAL LIABILITY RELATED TO THIS LEASE.

 

32.17            Representations.

 

(a)                               Representations by Tenant.  Tenant represents and warrants to Landlord that, on the date hereof and throughout the Term, the following:

 

(1)                              Tenant is a limited liability company, duly organized and validly existing in good standing under the laws of Delaware, has qualified to do business in the State of Texas and has all requisite power and authority to enter into and perform its obligation under this Lease;

 

(2)                              no governmental action is required to be taken, given or obtained, as the case may be, by or from any governmental authority and no filing.  recording, publication or registration in any public office or any other place, is necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance by Tenant of this Lease or for the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability hereof;

 

(3)                              the execution and delivery of this Lease by Tenant and the performance of its obligation hereunder will not contravene any Applicable Laws, or any judgment or order applicable to or binding on it, or contravene or result in any breach of, or constitute any default under, its articles of organization, operating agreement or any indenture, mortgage, contract, agreement or instrument to which the Tenant is a party or by which any of its properties may be bound; and

 

(4)                              the execution, delivery and performance of this Lease by Tenant has been duly authorized by all necessary action;

 

(5)                              this Lease has been duly executed and delivered by Tenant and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Tenant enforceable against Tenant in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, liquidation or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity; and

 

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(6)                              Tenant is in compliance and will continue to comply with all applicable anti-money laundering laws, including, without limitation, the USA Patriot Act, and the laws administered by the United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, including, without limitation, Executive Order 13224 (the “Executive Order”).  Tenant further represents (such representation to be true throughout the Term) (i) that it is not, and it is not owned or controlled directly or indirectly by any person or entity, on the SDN List published by the United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control and (ii) that it is not a person otherwise identified by government or legal authority as a person with whom a U.S.  person is prohibited from transacting business.  As of the date hereof, a list of such designations and the text for the Executive Order are published under the internet website address www.ustreas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac.

 

(b)                              Representations by Landlord.  Landlord represents and warrants to Tenant that, on the date hereof and throughout the Term, the following:

 

(1)                              Landlord is a limited liability company, duly organized and validly existing in good standing under the laws of Delaware, has qualified to do business in the State of Texas and has all requisite power and authority to enter into and perform its obligation under this Lease.  Landlord discloses to Tenant that it is affiliated with Lincoln Property Company, and the Landlord’s Broker;

 

(2)                              no governmental action is required to be taken, given or obtained, as the case may be, by or from any governmental authority and no filing, recording, publication or registration in any public office or any other place, is necessary to authorize the execution, delivery and performance by Landlord of this Lease or for the legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability hereof;

 

(3)                              the execution and delivery of this Lease by Landlord and the performance of its obligation hereunder will not contravene any Applicable Laws, or any judgment or order applicable to or binding on it, or contravene or result in any breach of, or constitute any default under, its articles of organization, operating agreement or any indenture, mortgage, contract, agreement or instrument to which the Landlord is a party or by which any of its properties may be bound; and

 

(4)                              the execution, delivery and performance of this Lease by Landlord has been duly authorized by all necessary action;

 

(5)                              this Lease has been duly executed and delivered by Landlord and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Landlord enforceable against Landlord in accordance with its terms, except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, liquidation or similar laws affecting creditors’ rights generally and by general principles of equity; and

 

(6)                              Landlord is in compliance and will continue to comply with all applicable anti-money laundering laws, including, without limitation.  the USA Patriot Act, and the laws administered by the United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, including, without limitation, the Executive Order.  Landlord further represents (such

 

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representation to be true throughout the Term) (i) that it is not, and it is not owned or controlled directly or indirectly by any person or entity, on the SON List published by the United States Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control and (ii) that it is not a person otherwise identified by government or legal authority as a person with whom a U.S.  person is prohibited from transacting business.

 

32.18            Memorandum of Lease.  Tenant shall not record this Lease or any memorandum of this Lease without the prior written consent of Landlord, which consent may be withheld or denied in the sole and absolute discretion of Landlord, and any recordation by Tenant shall be a Default under this Lease.

 

32.19            Landlord’s Fees.  Whenever Tenant requests Landlord to take any action not required of it hereunder or give any consent required or permitted under this Lease, Tenant will reimburse Landlord for Landlord’s reasonable, out-of-pocket costs payable to third parties and incurred by Landlord in reviewing the proposed action or consent, including, without limitation, reasonable fees of attorneys, engineers and architects, within thirty (30) days after Landlord’s delivery to Tenant of a statement of such costs.  Tenant will be obligated to make such reimbursement without regard to whether Landlord consents to any such proposed action.

 

32.20            Landlord’s Knowledge.  Landlord and Tenant each specifically acknowledge and agree that all references in this Lease to the phrase “to Landlord’s knowledge” (or other similar phrase) (a) shall mean the actual (not constructive) personal knowledge of Mike Crockett (“Landlord’s Manager”); (b) shall in no case mean or refer to the actual or constructive knowledge of any other employee, trustee, partner, agent or partner of a partner, officer, director or other representative of Landlord or any investment advisor, attorney, contractor or representative of Landlord (together with Landlord’s Manager, “Landlord’s Representatives”); and (c) shall in no event or circumstance impose upon Landlord or any of Landlord’s Representatives any duty or obligation to verify, inquire or make any independent inquiry or investigation of any such representation, warranty or statement, or to otherwise investigate the facts or circumstances relating or otherwise pertinent thereto.  Tenant further acknowledges and agrees that none of Landlord’s Representatives shall be personally liable, or otherwise have any personal liability, under or in connection with this Lease, including without limitation, in connection with any of the representations, warranties or statements made in connection with, or pursuant to, this Lease.

 

33.                            DTPA WAIVER.

 

PURSUANT TO SECTION 17.42 OF THE TEXAS BUSINESS AND COMMERCE CODE, TENANT WAIVES ALL PROVISIONS OF SUBCHAPTER E OF CHAPTER 17 OF SUCH CODE (OTHER THAN SECTION 17.555) (THE “DTPA”) WITH RESPECT TO THIS LEASE.  TO INDUCE LANDLORD TO ENTER INTO THIS LEASE, TENANT REPRESENTS AN D WARRANTS:  (A) TENANT IS REPRESENTED BY LEGAL COUNSEL OF ITS OWN CHOICE AND DESIGNATION IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSACTION CONTEMPLATED BY THIS LEASE; (B) TENANT’S COUNSEL WAS NOT DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY IDENTIFIED, SUGGESTED OR SELECTED BY LANDLORD OR AN AGENT OF LANDLORD; (C) TENANT IS LEASING THE PREMISES FOR BUSINESS OR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES, NOT FOR USE AS TENANT’S

 

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RESIDENCE; (D) TENANT HAS SUFFICIENT KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN FINANCIAL AND BUSINESS MATTERS AND IT CAN EVALUATE THE MERITS AND RISKS OF THIS LEASE; (E) TENANT IS NOT IN A SIGNIFICANTLY DISPARATE BARGAINING POSITION RELATIVE TO LANDLORD WITH RESPECT TO THIS LEASE; (F) TENANT HAS A CHOICE OTHER THAN TO ENTER INTO THIS LEASE WITH THIS DTPA WAIVER PROVISION, IN THAT IT CAN ENTER INTO A LEASE AGREEMENT WITH ANOTHER LANDLORD OR PAY MORE CONSIDERATION TO ENTER INTO THIS LEASE WITHOUT THIS DTPA WAIVER PROVISION; (G) TENANT IS KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY AGREEING TO THIS DTPA WAIVER PROVISION AND CONSIDERS IT BINDING AND ENFORCEABLE; AND (H) TENANT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT LANDLORD WOULD NOT ENTER INTO THIS LEASE FOR THE SAME CONSIDERATION OR UPON THE SAME TERMS BUT FOR THE INCLUSION OF THIS DTPA WAIVER PROVISION IN THIS LEASE.

 

34.                            Hazardous Materials.

 

The term “Hazardous Materials” means any substance, material, or waste which is now or hereafter classified or considered to be hazardous, toxic, or dangerous under any Applicable Laws relating to pollution or the protection or regulation of human health, natural resources or the environment, or poses or threatens to pose a hazard to the health or safety of persons on the Premises or the Project.  Tenant shall not use, generate, store, or dispose of, or permit the use, generation, storage or disposal of Hazardous Materials on or about the Premises or the Project except in a manner and quantity necessary for the ordinary performance of Tenant’s business, and then in compliance with all Applicable Laws.  If Tenant breaches its obligations under this Section, Landlord may immediately take any and all action reasonably appropriate to remedy the same, including taking all appropriate action to clean up or remediate any contamination resulting from Tenant’s use, generation, storage or disposal of Hazardous Materials.  Tenant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Indemnified Parties from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities, causes of action, suits, judgments, damages and expenses (including reasonable attorneys’ fees and cost of cleanup and remediation) arising from Tenant’s failure to comply with the provisions of this Section.  This indemnity provision shall survive termination or expiration of this Lease.  Landlord shall not (and shall not permit its agents or employees to) use, generate, store or dispose of Hazardous Materials at the Building, except in a manner and quantity necessary for the operation of the Building and then in compliance with all Applicable Laws.  To Landlord’ s knowledge no Hazardous Materials exist, or will exist, at the Premises, the Building or the Project as of the Commencement Date.  Tenant shall have no obligations as to Hazardous Materials existing at the Project as of the date of this Lease.  Landlord agrees to comply with all applicable laws related to Hazardous Materials.  Nothing herein shall subject Tenant to liability for Hazardous Materials existing on the Project as of the Delivery Date, seeping onto the Project from adjoining properties, brought onto the Project by Landlord, or subsequently found on the Project unless such Hazardous Materials are placed on the Project by Tenant or any Tenant Party.

 

35.                            Counterparts.

 

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This Lease may be executed in multiple counterparts, including by fax, electronic mail and other electronic means, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute a single instrument.

 

36.                            Relation of Parties.

 

It is the intention of this Lease to create the relationship between the parties hereto of landlord and tenant and no other relationship whatsoever, and nothing contained in this Lease (including, without limitation, the method of determining Rent) shall be construed to make the parties hereto partners or joint venturers or to render either party hereto liable for any of the debts or obligations of the other party.

 

37.                            Joint and Several Liability.

 

If Tenant is comprised of more than one party (or if Tenant permits any other party to occupy the Premises), each such party shall be jointly and severally liable for Tenant’s obligations under this Lease.  If Landlord is comprised of more than one party, each such party shall be jointly and severally liable for Landlord’s obligations under this Lease.  Notices, payments and agreements given or made by, with or to any one person or entity shall be deemed to have been given or made by, with and to all of them.  All unperformed obligations of Tenant hereunder not fully performed at the end of the Term shall survive the end of the Term, including payment obligations with respect to Rent and all obligations concerning the condition and repair of the Premises.

 

38.                            Appraisal of the Project.

 

TENANT HEREBY WAIVES ALL RIGHTS TO PROTEST THE APPRAISED VALUE OF THE PROJECT OR TO APPEAL THE SAME AND ALL RIGHTS TO RECEIVE NOTICES OF REAPPRAISALS AS SET FORTH IN SECTIONS 41.413 AND 42.015 OF THE TEXAS TAX CODE.

 

39.                            Financial Reports.

 

Within 15 days after Landlord’s request, Tenant will furnish Tenant’s most recent audited annual financial statements (including any notes to them) to Landlord, or, if no such audited statements have been prepared, such other financial statements (and notes to them) as may have been prepared by an independent certified public accountant or, failing those, Tenant’s internally prepared financial statements for the most recently published quarter.  Tenant will discuss its financial statements with Landlord.  Landlord will not disclose any aspect of Tenant’s financial statements that Tenant designates to Landlord as confidential except (a) to Landlord’s Mortgagee or prospective mortgagees or purchasers of the Building, (b) in litigation between Landlord and Tenant, and/or (c) if required by Applicable Law or court order.  Tenant shall not be required to deliver the financial statements required under this Section more than once in any 12-month period unless requested by Landlord’ s Mortgagee or a prospective buyer or lender of the Building or an Event of Default occurs.

 

40.                            Confidentiality.

 

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Both Landlord and Tenant acknowledge that the terms and conditions of this Lease (other than the existence of this Lease and the location of the Premises) are to remain confidential for both parties’ benefit, and may not be disclosed by either party to anyone, by any manner or means, directly or indirectly, without the other party’s prior written consent; however, Landlord or Tenant may disclose the terms and conditions of this Lease to its respective attorneys, accountants, brokers, employees and existing or prospective financial partners and, as to Landlord, any potential purchasers, or any other party assisting Landlord in the sale or valuation of the Project, or if required by Applicable Laws or court order, provided all parties to whom Landlord or Tenant is permitted hereunder to disclose such terms and conditions are advised by Landlord or Tenant (as the case may be} of the confidential nature of such terms and conditions and agree to maintain the confidentiality thereof (in each case, prior to disclosure).  The disclosing party shall be liable for any disclosures made in violation of this Section by the disclosing party or by any entity or individual to whom the terms of and conditions of this Lease were disclosed or made available by the disclosing party.  The consent by either party to any disclosures shall not be deemed to be a waiver on the part of such party of any prohibition against any future disclosure.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Landlord and Tenant shall each have the right to make disclosures of the terms of this Lease (a) to the extent required by legal requirements, (b) to the extent reasonably required to enforce such party’s rights hereunder, (c) to the extent reasonably necessary in connection with such party’s financing, selling, leasing, or otherwise transferring or capitalizing its assets or its business (or any such transaction consummated by such party’s affiliate) (including, without limitation, disclosures that are reasonably necessary to comply with rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any stock exchange), (d) to the extent reasonably required in connection with such party’s books and records being audited, (e) to the extent reasonably required in constructing, operating, maintaining, repairing or restoring the Premises or the other portions of the Project, and (f) pursuant to a press release which has been approved by both parties.

 

41.                            No Construction Contract.

 

Landlord and Tenant acknowledge and agree that this Lease, including all exhibits a part hereof, is not a construction contract or an agreement collateral to or affecting a construction contract.

 

42.                            Abated Rent Buy-Out.

 

If this Lease or any amendment hereto contains any provision for the abatement of Rent granted by Landlord as an inducement or concession to secure this Lease or amendment hereto (other than as a result of casualty, condemnation, or interruption of services), then in connection with any sale, financing or refinancing of the Building or Project, Landlord shall have the right to buy out all or any portion of the abated Rent at any time prior to the expiration of the abatement period by (a) providing written notice thereof to Tenant and (b) paying to Tenant the amount of abated Rent then remaining due remaining discounted to present value at a per annum rate equal to the “Prime Rate” as published on the date this Lease is terminated by The Wall Street Journal in its listing of “Money Rates” minus one percent.  If Landlord elects to buy out all or a portion of the abated Rent, Landlord and Tenant shall, at Landlord’s option, enter into an amendment to the Lease.  In no event shall Landlord be obligated to pay a commission with respect to the abated Rent and Tenant and Landlord shall each indemnify the other against all costs, expenses,

 

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attorneys’ fees, and other liability for commissions or other compensation claimed with respect to the abated Rent by any broker or agent claiming the same by, through or under the indemnifying party.

 

43.                            Usury.

 

All agreements between Landlord and Tenant, whether now existing or hereafter arising and whether written or oral, are hereby expressly limited so that in no contingency or event whatsoever shall the amount contracted for, charged or received by Landlord for the use, forbearance or retention of money hereunder or otherwise exceed the maximum amount which Landlord is legally entitled to contract for, charge or collect under the applicable state or federal law.  If, from any circumstance whatsoever, fulfillment of any provision hereof at the time performance of such provision shall be due shall involve transcending the limit of validity prescribed by law, then the obligation to be fulfilled shall be automatically reduced to the limit of such validity, and if from any such circumstance Landlord shall ever receive as interest or otherwise an amount in excess of the maximum that can be legally collected, then such amount which would be excessive interest shall be applied to the reduction of rent hereunder, and if such amount which would be excessive interest exceeds such rent, then such additional amount shall be refunded to Tenant.

 

44.                            Special Provisions.

 

44.1                    Renewal Option.  Provided no Event of Default exists at the time of such election or the commencement of the applicable Renewal Term, Tenant may renew this Lease for the entire Premises for two (2) additional periods of five (5) years each (each a “Renewal Term”) on the same terms provided in this Lease (except as set forth below), by delivering written notice (“Tenant’s Notice”) of the exercise thereof to Landlord at least two hundred seventy (270) but not more than three hundred sixty five (365) days, prior to the last day of the initial Term or Renewal Term then in effect.  If Tenant fails to timely deliver such notice, Tenant’s renewal option shall terminate and be of no further force or effect.  On or before the commencement date of the applicable Renewal Term, Landlord and Tenant shall execute an amendment to this Lease extending the Term on the same terms provided in this Lease, except as follows.

 

(a)                               The Base Rent for the applicable Renewal Term (the “Market Base Rent”) shall be one hundred percent (100%) of the “market base rent” for the Premises during such Renewal Term including escalations from year to year, which “market base rent” shall be the base rental rates for new leases or renewals of direct leases (not subleases) for similar space (taking into account the age of building, quality, size, location, floor(s), views, concessions, and expenses) by no-equity tenants of comparable credit-worthiness in Comparable Buildings in the area of the Building then available for lease.

 

(b)                              At least 240 days prior to the expiration of the Lease Term or Renewal Term then in effect, Landlord shall give Tenant written notice (“Landlord’s Determination Notice”) of Landlord’s determination of the Market Base Rent for the applicable Renewal Term for the Premises, including any annual escalations.  If Tenant agrees with Landlord’s determination for the Premises, Tenant shall so notify Landlord within ten (10) business days

 

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after delivery of Landlord’s Determination Notice to Tenant, and the Market Base Rent for such Renewal Term for the Premises shall be as stated therein.  In the event that Tenant does not agree with Landlord’s determination for the Premises, Tenant shall so notify Landlord within ten (10) business days after delivery of Landlord’s Determination Notice to Tenant (“Tenant’s Objection Notice”), which objection notice must propose an alternative Market Base Rent for the applicable Renewal Term as determined in good faith by Tenant, and Landlord and Tenant shall have twenty (20) days from the date Tenant’s Objection Notice is delivered to Landlord to agree upon the Market Base Rent for the Premises.  If Landlord and Tenant fail to agree upon the Market Base Rent for such Renewal Term within such 20-day period, then the Market Base Rent for the Premises shall be determined by Baseball Arbitration, as set forth in subsection (c) below.

 

(c)                               If Landlord and Tenant shall fail to agree upon a final and binding Market Base Rent for the applicable Renewal Term as set forth above, then within fifteen (15) days after the end of such 20-day negotiation period, Landlord and Tenant shall each designate an arbitrator; and within twenty (20) days of Landlord and Tenant each designating an arbitrator, Landlord’s arbitrator and Tenant’s arbitrator shall mutually designate a third arbitrator (collectively referred to herein as the “Arbitrators” and individually as an “Arbitrator”) .  If Landlord and Tenant shall fail to timely designate an arbitrator, or if the two Arbitrators shall fail to timely agree upon the choice of such third Arbitrator, then either party may apply to the American Arbitration Association or any successor thereto having jurisdiction to designate an arbitrator.  The Arbitrators shall each be a real estate broker or consultant that (i) is familiar with recent direct leases (not subleases) of Comparable Buildings, and (ii) has no direct or indirect financial or other business interest in any party hereto or the Building, and is not affiliated with any party hereto.  The Arbitrators shall conduct such hearings and investigations as they may deem appropriate and shall, within thirty (30) days after the designation of the third Arbitrator, determine which of the two (2) proposals shall be the Market Base Rent for the Premises (which shall be either the Market Base Rent proposed by Landlord in the Landlord’ s Determination Notice or the Market Base Rent proposed by Tenant in Tenant’s Objection Notice for such Premises, but no other amount), such determination to be made by majority vote of the Arbitrators and which vote shall be final and binding upon Landlord and Tenant, provided that the Arbitrators shall not have the power to add to, modify, or change any of the provisions of this Lease.  Each party shall pay its own counsel fees and expenses, if any, in connection with any arbitration under this Clause, and the parties shall share equally all other expenses and fees of any such Arbitration.

 

(d)                             Tenant shall have no further renewal options unless expressly granted by Landlord in writing; and

 

(e)                               Landlord shall lease to Tenant the Premises in their then-current condition, without any allowances or concessions or abatements.

 

 

Tenant’s rights under this Section 44.1 shall terminate if (1) this Lease or Tenant’s right to possession of the Premises is terminated, (2) Tenant’s Tangible Net Worth at the time of such election or the commencement of the Renewal Term is materially less than Tenant’s Tangible Net Worth as of the date of this Lease, or (3) Tenant fails to timely exercise its option under this Section 44.1, time being of the essence with respect to Tenant’s exercise thereof.

 

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44.2                    Roof; Additional Equipment.  Except for Tenant’s (and its employees and invitees) use of, and access to, the Rooftop Terrace being constructed by Landlord on Building J in accordance with Section 44.2(a) below, and except as set forth in Section 44.2(b) below, Tenant shall have no right to use the roof of either Building.

 

(a)                               Rooftop Terrace.  Tenant’s use of and access to the Rooftop Terrace shall be subject to Landlord’s reasonable rules and regulations promulgated by Landlord from time to time and all Applicable Laws.  The Rooftop Terrace shall remain in place as of the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease and Tenant shall have no obligation to remove same.  Subject to the mutual waiver of subrogation set forth in Section 12.6, Tenant shall protect, defend, indemnify and hold harmless Landlord from and against claims, damages, liabilities, costs and expenses of every kind and nature, including attorneys’ fees, incurred by or asserted against Landlord arising out of Tenant’s (or its employees or invitees) use of or access to the Rooftop Terrace, provided that in no event shall the Tenant’s indemnification or hold harmless obligations be construed as requiring Tenant to indemnify or hold harmless the Landlord or any other third party for any damages or injuries to the extent caused by the gross negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord or such third party or their respective employees, contractors or agents.  The foregoing indemnification shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.  Landlord shall maintain and repair the Rooftop Terrace and such costs to maintain and repair same shall be included in Operating Expenses.  Tenant shall promptly notify Landlord of any required repair or maintenance items related to the Rooftop Terrace.  The square footage of the Rooftop Terrace shall not be included in the calculation of the rentable square footage of the Premises.

 

(b)                              Additional Equipment.

 

(1)                              Right to Install Generator and Rooftop Equipment.  Provided Tenant complies with the terms of this Section 44.2(b), Tenant may, at its risk and expense, install, operate and maintain (a) one generator and an associated uninterruptible power source system for emergency back-up purposes (collectively, the “Generator”, which defined term shall also refer to any associated fuel tank and all related equipment) at a mutually agreeable location, and (b) a satellite dish/microwave antenna and related equipment and wiring and/or one or more supplemental HVAC systems reasonably necessary for Tenant’s business operations at locations approved by Landlord (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed, subject to the terms of this Section 44.2(b)) (collectively, the “Rooftop Equipment”).  The Rooftop Equipment and the Generator may be collectively referred to as the “Additional Equipment.”  Any fuel tank associated with the Generator, together with such Generator, shall be a single, self-contained, double-wall, above-ground fuel tank unit and equipped with a critical silence muffler.  No underground storage tanks may be installed or used in connection with the Generator.

 

(2)                              Delivery of Plan, Specifications and Permits.  Before installing the Additional Equipment, Tenant shall submit to Landlord for its reasonable approval of the size, location and screening thereof (a) construction ready plans and specifications prepared by a registered professional engineer in the State in which the Premises are located reasonably approved by Landlord which (1) specify in detail the design, location, size, model, weight,

 

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method of installation (including separation walls, sound proofing and ventilation system), method of screening, and frequency of the Additional Equipment, and (2) are sufficiently detailed to allow for the installation of the Additional Equipment in a good and workmanlike manner and in accordance with all Applicable Laws and (b) all necessary consents, approvals, perm its or registrations, including architectural guidelines in effect for the area in which the Building is located as they may be amended from time to time, required for the installation, maintenance, use or operation of the Additional Equipment.  Landlord may, as a condition to approving installation of the Additional Equipment, require that Tenant screen the Additional Equipment with a parapet wall or other screening device acceptable to Landlord, in its reasonable discretion as long as they are consistent with Landlord’s other screening materials and parameters.  If the Additional Equipment uses any electricity (including for any back-up batteries or power sources) and is not otherwise connected to Tenant’s existing electricity system, Tenant shall pay for the cost to purchase and install electrical connection equipment and wiring.  Landlord’s approval of any such plans and specifications shall not constitute a representation or warranty by Landlord that such plans and specifications comply with sound architectural guidelines and/or engineering practices or will comply with all Applicable Laws; such compliance shall be the sole responsibility of Tenant.  Tenant shall maintain all permits necessary for the maintenance and operation of the Additional Equipment while it is on the Building, and all such permits shall be in Tenant’s name.

 

(3)                              Tenant ‘s Installation of Additional Equipment.  Tenant shall install (in a good and workmanlike manner) the Additional Equipment in accordance with the approved plans and specifications therefor and all Applicable Laws (including all applicable permits and consents issued with respect to the Additional Equipment) in a manner so as not to damage the Building.

 

(4)                              Tenant’s Operation and Maintenance of Additional Equipment.  Tenant shall operate and maintain the Additional Equipment and the screening therefor in good repair and condition, in accordance with all Applicable Laws, all manufacturer’s suggested maintenance programs, and the approved plans and specifications therefor, all at Tenant’s sole cost and expense.  All work relating to the Rooftop Equipment shall, at Tenant’s expense, be coordinated with Landlord ‘s roofing contractor so as not to affect any warranty for the Building’s roof, and Tenant shall not walk on or damage the roof membrane or reinforcing wire.  Tenant shall (a) properly fuel and immediately remove from the area surrounding the Generator any spills or other leaks of fluid from the Generator, (b) ensure that the Generator is properly exhausted at all times so as to minimize odors emanating therefrom, and (c) if Tenant is not leasing all of the office portion of the Building, ensure that all testing of the Generator is performed after normal business hours, and Landlord and Tenant shall cooperate in good faith to ensure no testing is disruptive to other Project tenants.

 

(5)                              Relocation of Additional Equipment.  Tenant may not relocate any of the Additional Equipment without the prior written consent of Landlord (which shall be governed by Section 44.2(b)(2) above).  Tenant agrees that, upon at least 60 days’ prior written notice to Tenant from Landlord that Landlord reasonably requires Tenant to relocate any Rooftop Equipment in order to accommodate roof repair or replacement (which notice may be given at any time and from time to time during the Term), Tenant shall relocate such Rooftop Equipment from the then existing location to any substitute location reasonably designated by Landlord on

 

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the Building.  Tenant shall complete (at Tenant’s sole cost and expense if the relocation is due to Landlord’s maintenance obligations under this Lease or required by Applicable Law, but otherwise at Landlord’s expense) such relocation prior to the expiration of such 60-day period and upon the expiration of such 60-day period Tenant shall have no further right to use or occupy the prior location until the completion of such roof repair or replacement, at which time Landlord may notify Tenant to relocate back to the original location and Tenant will perform such relocation as soon as reasonably practicable after such notice.  If Landlord exercises its right to cause Tenant to relocate all or a portion of the Rooftop Equipment pursuant to this Section 44.2(b)(5), Landlord shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to minimize any disruption to Tenant’s operations as a result thereof.  Tenant shall, at Tenant’s expense, repair all damage to the Building caused by the installation, maintenance or removal of the Rooftop Equipment at any such prior rooftop locations.

 

(6)                              Additional Equipment Removal Obligations; Landlord’s Rights.  Within 10 days after (a) the termination of Tenant’s right to possess the Premises, (b) the termination of this Lease, or (c) the expiration of the Term, Tenant shall, at its risk and expense, remove the Additional Equipment.  If Tenant fails to do so after five (5) business days written notice and opportunity to cure, Landlord may remove the Additional Equipment and store or dispose of it in any manner Landlord deems appropriate without liability to Tenant; Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for all costs incurred by Landlord in connection therewith, plus an administrative fee of 10% of such costs, within 30 days after Landlord’s delivery of an invoice therefor.  Alternatively, at Landlord’s election, Tenant shall deliver to Landlord all or such portion of the Additional Equipment as Landlord may require, in good repair and condition, normal wear and tear excepted (damages from casualty and condemnation excepted), and deliver to Landlord a bill of sale for such Additional Equipment and all operating manuals, keys and similar items with respect to the Additional Equipment, and thereafter the Additional Equipment shall be Landlord’s property.  Tenant shall repair any damage to the Building caused by or relating to the Additional Equipment, including that which is caused by its installation, maintenance, use, or removal, and Tenant shall restore the area of the roof on which Tenant’s Rooftop Equipment was located to its condition as of the installation date.  If Tenant fails to do so within 30 days after Landlord’s written request, Landlord may perform such work and Tenant shall pay to Landlord all reasonable costs incurred in connection therewith, plus an administrative fee of 10% of such costs, within 30 days after Landlord’s written request therefor.

 

(7)                              Disclaimer.  For all purposes under this Lease, the Additional Equipment shall be deemed to be included within the definition of Tenant’s Off-Premises Equipment.  LANDLORD SHALL HAVE NO RESPONSIBILITY OR LIABILITY TO TENANT, ITS AGENTS, EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS, VISITORS OR INVITEES FOR, LOSSES, DAMAGES OR INJURY TO PERSONS OR PROPERTY CAUSED BY, RELATED TO, OR ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH, ANY SUCH CONNECTION TO, USE OF, OR FAILURE, NON-PERFORMANCE OR INADEQUATE PERFORMANCE OF, THE ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT, AND TENANT HEREBY RELEASES LANDLORD FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY FOR SUCH LOSSES, DAMAGES OR INJURY, EVEN IF CAUSED BY THE NEGLIGENCE OF LANDLORD OR ITS EMPLOYEES AND/OR AGENTS (EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT CAUSED BY THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT OF LANDLORD OR ITS EMPLOYEES, CONTRACTORS AND/OR AGENTS).

 

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(8)                              Personal Right.  The Additional Equipment may only be used in connection with Tenant’s business performed at the Project.  The rights granted to Tenant under this Section 44.2(b) are personal to Yeti Coolers, LLC, but may be assigned to any Permitted Transferee or any other assignee of Tenant’s interest in this Lease approved in writing by Landlord.  Tenant shall not allow any third party to use such equipment, whether by sublease, license, occupancy agreement or otherwise, except in connection with Permitted Transfers.

 

44.3                    Security Access.  Landlord, as part of Landlord’s Work, shall install a card-key access system or keypad system or other type of security system for entrance to the Building 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.  Landlord shall provide to Tenant up to 750 access cards or equivalent for use by Tenant’s employees; any additional cards shall be provided by Landlord at Tenant’s expense.  For so long as Tenant occupies the Premises and conducts business therein, Tenant may install, at Tenant’s expense, a supplemental card-key access system or keypad system or other type of security system within the Premises or portions thereof as well as security cameras in the elevator lobbies and stairwells, subject to Landlord’s prior approval of such system (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), provided that (i) Tenant shall provide Landlord with three (3) master keys (not to be duplicated) which shall be held by named individuals with contact information provided to Tenant, and (ii) Tenant shall be responsible for all costs related to the installation, maintenance, and repair of such supplemental system, and (iii) Tenant, at Tenant’s expense, shall remove such supplemental system on or before the expiration or earlier termination of the Lease, repair any damage caused by such removal, and restore the Building and Premises to good condition (including filling any holes and replacing any damaged paneling or other materials caused by such system or the removal thereof).  Landlord and Tenant shall cooperate in good faith to ensure that Landlord’s security access system for the entrance to the Buildings is compatible with Tenant’s supplemental security system.

 

44.4                    Right to Go Dark.  The parties acknowledge that Tenant has no obligation to continuously operate at the Premises.  In the event Tenant elects to cease operations at the Premises, Tenant shall deliver to Landlord written notice of Tenant’s decision to close.  All other obligations of this Lease, including without limitation Tenant’s payment of Rent as and when due under this Lease, shall continue in full force and effect.

 

44.5                    Traffic Light.  Landlord represents and warrants to Tenant that Landlord has (i) delivered to the City of Austin the costs associated with the installation of a traffic signal at the eastern most entrance to the Project (the “Signal”); and (ii) secured the necessary approval from the City of Austin and applicable jurisdictions for the installation of such Signal.  Landlord is not responsible for the installation of such Signal and, except as set forth below, shall have no liability to Tenant if the City of Austin fails to install same.  In the event the Signal is not installed by the City of Austin (or applicable governmental agency) and operational within one (1) year following the Commencement Date, then Landlord shall provide Tenant with a rental abatement in the amount of One Hundred Thousand & No/100 Dollars ($100,000.00), which abatement shall be applied against the Base Rent payment next due under the Lease.

 

44.6                    Management.  In the event of gross negligence or willful misconduct by Manager in its obligations set forth in this Lease or if Manager does not deliver first-class

 

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service and responsiveness similar to Comparable Buildings, or in the event such Manager is operating materially worse than those managers of Comparable Buildings, which failure and/or gross negligence or willful misconduct remains uncured for a period of thirty (30) days (or such longer period of time as may reasonably be required if such cannot reasonably be cured within such initial 30-day period), following Landlord’s receipt of written notice from Tenant, then from and after the expiration of such cure period and until the time such obligation is cured, Tenant shall have the right to require that Landlord replace the then-current Manager with a new management company reasonably acceptable to both Landlord and Tenant.

 

44.7                    Termination Right.  Tenant shall have a one-time right (“Termination Right”) to terminate this Lease in its entirety on the last day of the eighty-fourth (84th) full calendar month following the Commencement Date (“Termination Date”) by providing Landlord at least twelve (12) months prior written notice of Tenant’s exercise of such Termination Right (the “Termination Notice”).  Tenant shall have no obligation to pay any penalty or fee for its exercise of the Termination Right.  The failure of Tenant to timely give the Termination Notice shall be deemed a waiver by Tenant of the Termination Right.  Neither party shall have any further obligations to the other party in the event of Tenant’s termination under this Section, except for those obligations that expressly survive Lease termination.

 

44.8                    Serving of Alcohol in Premises.  So long as Tenant maintains liquor liability insurance as required in Section 12.1 and provides evidence thereof to Landlord, Tenant may, at Tenant’s sole risk, serve liquor and alcoholic beverages in the Premises to Tenant’s employees, clients and business invitees.  Notwithstanding Landlord’s indemnification contained in Section 17.1 , it is the intention of the parties that Tenant bear all risks relating to the serving of liquor by any Tenant Party; therefore, Tenant shall defend, indemnify and hold harmless Landlord, its agents and their respective affiliates from all losses, claims, costs and liabilities arising in connection with or relating to the serving of liquor or alcoholic beverages by a Tenant Party, including, without limitation, those arising from Landlord’s negligence (except to the extent caused by Landlord’s gross negligence or willful misconduct).

 

[THE REMAINDER OF THIS PAGE IS INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

 

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Landlord and Tenant have executed this Lease as of the dates set forth below to be effective as of the Effective Date.

 

This Lease is executed as of the Lease Date (as defined in the Lease Summary).

 

LANDLORD:

LANTANA RIDGE JV LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Michael D. Crockett

 

Name:

Michael D. Crockett

 

Title:

VP

 

 

 

 

TENANT:

YETI COOLERS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ Mathew Reintjes

 

Name:

Matthew Reintjes

 

Title:

Chief Executive Officer

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

FLOOR PLAN

 

 

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A-4



 

 

A-5



 

 

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EXHIBIT B

 

GLOSSARY OF DEFINED TERMS

 

Applicable Laws.  All laws, statutes, codes, ordinances and other governmental rules, regulations and requirements, and all restrictive covenants, now or hereafter in effect, which apply to the Project, the Building and/or the Premises and/or Tenant’s operations within the Premises, including, without limitation, the Hill Country Roadway Ordinance and those pertaining to environmental protection.

 

Building Systems.  The plumbing, electrical, mechanical, vertical transportation, sprinkler, fire and life safety, structural, security, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems serving the Building, including pipes, wiring, cabling, ducts and conduits forming an integral part of such systems.

 

Common Area.  Means the Parking Facility, common area lighting, landscaping and driveways on the Project and the common areas of the Building, including, without limitation, the elevators and hallways to the extent Tenant is not leasing the entire Building and designated by Landlord from time to time for the common use of all tenants of the Project.

 

Comparable Buildings.  Means the following office buildings in the Austin, Texas area, including the landscaping and grounds associated with such buildings (whether with the names below or new names):  (i) Encino Trace located at 5707 Southwest Parkway; (ii) Rialto I & II located at 7500 Rialto Boulevard; (iii) 5301 Southwest Parkway; (iv) 7000 Lantana, Buildings I and II; (v) The Overlook; (vi) Travis Oaks; and (vii) such additional or replacement office buildings agreed upon by Landlord and Tenant.

 

Construction Permit Receipt.  For purposes of the Construction Permit Receipt Milestone, Construction Permit Receipt shall mean that Landlord has obtained all permits, contracts, plans and specifications necessary to commence construction of the Shell Improvements.

 

Delivery Date.  For purposes of the Delivery Date Milestone, Delivery Date shall mean that Landlord has substantially completed construction of the slab of each floor of the Buildings in accordance with the structural plans and as set forth in Exhibit E such that Tenant can obtain permits necessary for construction of its Tenant Improvements and can commence construction of its Tenant Improvements.

 

Force Majeure Events.  Means acts of God, inability to obtain labor, strikes, lockouts, lack of materials (where alternative materials of substantially similar quality and utility are not available), governmental restrictions, enemy actions, civil commotion, riots, insurrection, war, fire, earthquake, hurricane, unavoidable casualty or any other causes beyond a party’s reasonable control.

 

Gross Project Income.  All Revenue and other income actually collected from operations during each year, except interest income derived from funds on deposit in financial institutions.  “Revenue” shall mean all rent and other amounts collected from tenants in the Project other than (i) security and other tenant deposits (other than as applied to pay rent); and

 

B-1



 

(ii) rents paid in advance by tenants, except the portion of any such advance payment applied to the rent due for the current month.  Gross Project Income shall include all income from the Project whether or not characterized as rent, including parking charges, operating expense reimbursements and fees, amounts paid for after-hours or excess utilities, air conditioning service or other services, amounts paid for special services rendered to tenants of the Building, and vending machine rental charges, but Gross Project Income shall not include any amounts received in settlement of insurance claims by Landlord, as awards in litigation or other proceedings (other than such amounts which compensate Landlord for income which Landlord otherwise would have received from the Project), as costs and fees recovered in litigation, or from refund or return of taxes paid or amounts paid under construction or service contracts.

 

Holidays.  New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, the day after Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day (on the days such holidays are generally observed).

 

Indemnified Parties.  Shall mean any and all of the following:  Landlord; any Mortgagee, whether now or hereafter existing; Manager; and their respective members, managers, partners, officers, directors, agents and employees.

 

Manager.  Lincoln Property Company Commercial, Inc. or any successor manager of the Building.

 

Operating Expenses.  The total of all actual costs and expenses incurred by Landlord and except to the extent expressly provided below, calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, in connection with the management, operation, ownership, maintenance, cleaning, protecting, servicing and repair of the Project and performing Landlord’s obligations under this Lease (but not related to the acquisition or initial construction of Landlord’s Work).  Operating Expenses shall include, without limitation, (i) the cost of providing, owning, managing, operating, maintaining and repairing air conditioning, sprinkler, fire and life safety, electricity, plumbing, steam, heating, mechanical, ventilation, Common Area lighting, escalator and elevator systems and all other utilities and the cost of supplies, including, without limitation, replacement lamps and ballasts, and equipment and maintenance and service contracts in connection therewith and including any costs related to maintaining and managing the Building with green building standards (e.g., costs related to maintaining and managing LEED and/or AEGB certification, but not costs to obtain such certification); (ii) the cost of repairs, replacements, general maintenance and cleaning, trash removal, telephone service, janitorial service, and supplies, security, indoor and outdoor landscaping, and other Project services, if any; (iii) the cost (including deductibles) of fire, extended coverage, boiler, sprinkler, apparatus, commercial general liability, property damage, rent, earthquake, hurricane and other insurance; (iv) market based wages, salaries and other labor costs including taxes, insurance, retirement, medical and other employee benefits for all staff performing services related to the Building, including without limitation, Project accounting and accounts receivable and payable personnel; (v) fees, charges and other costs, including management fees, consulting fees, legal fees and accounting fees, of all independent contractors engaged by Landlord or reasonably charged by Landlord if Landlord performs any such services in connection with the Project (Landlord and Tenant agree the management shall not exceed three percent (3.0%) of Gross Project Income, calculated prior to the inclusion of said management fee in Gross Project

 

B-2



 

Income); (vi) the fair market rental value of the Project manager’s offices and storage areas in the Building, provided said offices and storage areas are devoted to the management, operation, maintenance or repair of the Project (or to the extent such areas are devoted to other properties, then pro rata to the Project and such other properties); (vii) the cost of business taxes and licenses; (viii) fees, charges, assessments and other amounts imposed by any property owners association, condominium association or federal, state or local government for fire and police protection, trash removal, maintenance or other services which do not constitute Real Property Taxes as defined below; (ix) any charges which are payable by Landlord to a special assessment district or imposed upon Landlord pursuant to any lawful means; (x) the costs of contesting the validity or applicability of any governmental enactment which would increase Operating Expenses; (xi) capital costs incurred in connection with improvements to the Building or Project, to Building Systems or Service Facilities, or to equipment or personal property used in the maintenance, operation or repair of the Building or Project, which are reasonably anticipated to achieve economies or to reduce costs in the operation, maintenance or repair of the Project or portion thereof, to upgrade Building security, or to comply with Applicable Laws; provided, however, the same shall be amortized (including interest on the unamortized cost) over the cost recovery period (i.e., the anticipated period to recover the full cost of such capital item), of the relevant capital item as reasonably determined by Landlord; (xii) depreciation of the cost of acquiring, or the rental expense of, personal property used in the maintenance, operation and repair of the Building or Project; and (xiii) Real Property Taxes.

 

Operating Expenses that vary according to the occupancy of the Building shall be adjusted to reflect one hundred percent (100%) occupancy of the Building for any period in which the Building is not one hundred percent (100%) occupied or if Landlord is not providing a comparable level of service to one hundred percent (100%) of the Building.  Landlord shall use a consistent methodology from year to year when making any such adjustments.

 

Operating Expenses shall not include the following:

 

(a)                               capital improvements made to the Project except for capital improvements that are (i) required under laws first imposed after the Commencement Date of the Lease, (ii) are designed to reduce Operating Expenses provided that such expenses shall only be included to the extent of the actual reduction in Operating Expenses, (iii) the cost to replace components of Common Area capital improvements such as the parking lot, paving, elevators or fences to the extent reasonably required as a result of normal wear and tear, but not resulting from any defect in the design, engineering, construction or installation of such Common Area components or the use of outdated components (by way of example, (1) replacement of the entire elevator system would not be included but replacement of the interior of the elevator cab may be included if required as a result of ordinary wear and tear and (2) a complete re-build of the parking lot would not be included but reasonable re-striping of the parking lot may be included if required as a result of ordinary wear and tear).  In the event capital improvements are made pursuant to the provisions of this Section (a) the cost thereof shall be amortized on a straight line basis over the useful life of such capital improvement in accordance with GAAP accounting.

 

(b)                              repair, replacements and general maintenance paid by proceeds of insurance or by Tenant or other third parties, and alterations attributable solely to tenants of the Building other than Tenant;

 

B-3



 

(c)                               interest, amortization or other payments on loans to Landlord;

 

(d)                             depreciation of the Building and Landlord’s personal property;

 

(e)                               leasing commissions, marketing costs, lease takeover costs, moving costs and other costs incurred solely in order to lease space in the Building or Project;

 

(f)                                legal expenses, other than those incurred for the general benefit of the Building’s tenants (e.g., tax disputes);

 

(g)                              renovating or otherwise improving space for occupants of the Building or vacant space in the Building;

 

(h)                              federal income taxes imposed on or measured by the income of Landlord from the operation of the Building;

 

(i)                                  any ground leases affecting the Building;

 

(j)                                  services provided by Landlord’s affiliates to the extent in excess of that which would be incurred in an arms’ length transaction;

 

(k)                              Landlord’s costs of electricity and other services sold separately to tenants for which Landlord is entitled to be reimbursed by such tenants as an additional charge over and above and base rent and operating expense or other rental adjustments payable under the Lease with such tenant;

 

(l)                                  Expenses in connection with services or other benefits of a type which Tenant is not entitled to receive under the Lease but which are provided to another lessee or occupant;

 

(m)                          Any cost or expense incurred as a direct result of painting, decorating, carpet shampooing, drapery cleaning, and wall washing within any lessee spaces in the Building to the extent such are not Building standard services;

 

(n)                              Landlord’s corporate income, excise and franchise taxes;

 

(o)                              General corporate overhead and any and all costs associated with the operation of the business of the entity which constitutes Landlord; excluded items shall specifically include, but shall not be limited to formation of the entity, internal accounting and legal matters, including but not limited to preparation of tax returns and financial statements and gathering of data thereof (except to the extent related to Landlord’s performance under this Lease and other leases, for example, without limitation, matters relating to Operating Expenses);

 

(p)                              Costs of defending any lawsuits with any Lender (except as the actions of a lessee may be in issue), costs of selling, syndication, financing, mortgaging or hypothecating any of Landlord’s interest in the Project, costs of any disputes between Landlord and its employees (if any), and disputes between Landlord and managers of the Project, costs and expenses associated with management above the level of property manager (which property manager may be pro-rated with other buildings), and Landlord’s headquarters’ office costs and general overhead;

 

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(q)                              any expense incurred as a direct result of the negligence of Landlord, its agents, servants, or employees or arising out of Landlord’s negligent failure to manage the Project to a standard consistent with other Comparable Buildings in Austin, Texas to the extent that such expense would not have been incurred in the absence of such negligence;

 

(r)                                 repair or other work occasioned by fire, windstorm, or other insurable casualties; and repairs or rebuilding necessitated by condemnation but the amount of the deductible under insurance policies may be included in Operating Expenses;

 

(s)                                services, items or improvements for a particular lessee;

 

(t)                                 any cost, fines, or penalties incurred due to violations by Landlord or any other lessee or occupant of the Project of any governmental rule or authority or under the terms and conditions of any lease;

 

(u)                              except as specifically set forth in the Lease, costs incurred by Landlord to comply with the ADA by reason of the Building, excluding the Premises, and Project not being in compliance therewith, including but not limited to, laws relating to the removal of chlorofluorocarbons (Freon) from the Building’s HVAC systems;

 

(v)                              Any costs relating to the presence of asbestos-containing materials located in the Building as of or prior to the date of the Lease, including, without limitation, costs of any encapsulation or removal thereof required by any laws or regulations, whether currently existing or hereafter enacted;

 

(w)                          Costs of structural repairs, correcting defects in the original design or any subsequent construction of the Building or the material used in the construction of the Project (including latent defects in the original or any subsequent construction of the Landlord’s Work or defects in the design of the Landlord’s Work) or in the equipment or appurtenances thereto, except that for the purposes of this subparagraph conditions (not occasioned by design or construction defects) resulting from ordinary wear and tear and use shall not be deemed defects;

 

(x)                              Any particular items and services for which Tenant otherwise reimburses Landlord by direct payment over and above base rent and operating expense adjustments; and

 

(y)                              Charitable donations attributable to the Building or Project and costs for sculpture, paintings and other objects of art.

 

Landlord agrees that Landlord will not collect or be entitled to collect (after any true-up following the end of the applicable calendar year and excluding administrative fees) Operating Expenses from all of its tenants in an amount which is in excess of one hundred percent (100%) of the Operating Expenses actually paid or incurred by Landlord in connection with the operation of the Project.  All assessments and premiums related to capital expenditures, taxes and insurance which are not specifically charged to Tenant because of what Tenant has done, and which can be paid by Landlord in installments for a period of more than one year, shall be paid by Landlord in the maximum number of installments permitted by law and not included as Operating Expenses except in the year in which the assessment or premium installment is actually paid.  In any event, Landlord shall use good faith efforts to minimize the amount of

 

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Operating Expenses consistent with its obligation to maintain the Class A character and first class nature of the Project.

 

Parking Facility.  The garage and parking areas located at and serving the Building.

 

Prohibited Uses.  Shall mean the operations of any of the following entities or persons or for any of the following purposes:

 

(a)                               living quarters, sleeping apartments or lodging rooms;

 

(b)                              any foreign consulates or domestic or foreign government agencies;

 

(c)                               use by governmental agencies, or any subdivision or agency thereof or any other entity entitled to the defense of sovereign immunity;

 

(d)                             any use which would violate any Applicable Laws, including, without limitation, those with respect to hazardous or toxic materials, or the provisions of any governmental permit or document related to the Project;

 

(e)                               any use (or failure to occupy) which would adversely affect or render more expensive fire or other insurance maintained by Landlord for the Building or any of its contents;

 

(f)                                any use which would impair or interfere with the Building Systems or the Service Facilities;

 

(g)                              any use which would constitute waste, damage the Premises, would tend to create a nuisance or tend to injure, annoy, interfere with or disturb other tenants or occupants of the Project or overload the Building Systems; or

 

(h)                              any use which would impair the appearance of the Building or be prejudicial to the business or reputation of Landlord or the Project or confuse or mislead the public as to the relationship between Landlord and Tenant.

 

Project.  The Buildings, the Parking Facility, private access roads and building appurtenances, the land located at 7601 Southwest Parkway and more particularly described as Lot 6, Block P, LANTANA PHASE 1, SECTION 2, a subdivision in Travis County, Texas, according to the map or plat thereof, recorded under Document No. 200000150 of the Official Public Records of Travis County, Texas, on which they have been (or will be) constructed, adjacent parcels of land that Landlord operates jointly with the Buildings and other buildings and improvements located on such adjacent parcels of land.

 

Project Commencement.  For purposes of the Project Commencement Milestone, Project Commencement shall mean that Landlord has closed on all equity and debt financing necessary for the construction of the Landlord’s Work and site work has commenced.

 

Project Completion.  For purposes of the Project Completion Milestone, Project Completion shall mean that construction of the Landlord’s Work is substantially complete such

 

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that a Shell Certificate of Compliance for the Shell Improvements for both Buildings has been issued for the Buildings.

 

Pro Rata Share.  A percentage calculated by dividing the Rentable Square Feet in the Premises by the total Rentable Square Feet in the Building.  For purposes of this Lease, Landlord and Tenant agree that at the inception of this Lease, Tenant’s Pro Rata Share will be 100% for all purposes.

 

Real Property Taxes.  All taxes, assessments (special or otherwise) and charges levied upon or with respect to the Project and any ad valorem taxes on personal property used in connection therewith.  Real Property Taxes shall include, without limitation, any tax, fee or excise on the act of entering into this Lease, on the occupancy of Tenant, the Rent hereunder or in connection with the business of owning and/or renting space in the Project which are now or hereafter levied or assessed against Landlord by the United States of America, the State of Texas, or any political subdivision, public corporation, district or other political or public entity, and shall also include any other tax, assessment, fee or excise, however described (whether general or special, ordinary or extraordinary, foreseen or unforeseen), which may be levied or assessed in lieu of, or as a substitute for, either in part or in whole, any Real Property Taxes.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing and notwithstanding anything contained in this Lease to the contrary, Real Property Taxes shall include the tax (sometimes referred to as business, margin or franchise tax) enacted by House Bill 3 as passed during the 3rd called session of the Texas Legislature in 2006, which has been codified in Chapter 171, Texas Tax Code, and any supplements, replacements, additions or other modifications thereto.  Landlord may pay any such special assessments in installments when allowed by Applicable Law, in which case Real Property Taxes shall include any interest charged thereon.  Real Property Taxes shall also include any mandatory private assessments or the Building’s contribution towards a mandatory private or quasi-public cost-sharing agreement for the purpose of augmenting or improving the quality of service and amenities normally provided by governmental agencies, including without limit assessments related to the 10(a) permit applicable to the Project and any mandatory property owner association assessments.  Real Property Taxes shall also include reasonable legal fees, costs and disbursements incurred in connection with proceedings to contest, determine or reduce Real Property Taxes.  Except as expressly provided herein, Real Property Taxes shall not include income, franchise, transfer, inheritance or capital stock taxes, unless, due to a change in the method of taxation, any of such taxes are levied or assessed against Landlord, in whole or in part, in lieu of, as a substitute for, any other tax which would otherwise constitute a Real Property Tax.  In the event that at any time during the Term of this Lease the assessment for the Project is reduced on appeal with a result that Landlord receives a refund of any real estate taxes, Landlord shall pay to, or credit against installments of Rent, at Landlord’s election, Tenant its Pro Rata Share of any such refund (net of Landlord’s out-of-pocket expenditures in connection with such appeal).

 

Rentable Area or Rentable Square Feet.  The actual, measurable area (square footage) within the Premises adjusted upward so as to allocate to the Premises a portion of the Common Area and non-usable areas of the Building.

 

Service Facilities.  The janitorial, security and building maintenance services used in the Building.

 

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Tenant Improvements.  All improvements to be constructed in accordance with and as indicated on the Working Drawings (defined in Exhibit D), together with any work required by governmental authorities to be made to other areas of the Project as a result of the improvements indicated by the Working Drawings.

 

Tenant Party or Parties.  Means any of the following persons:  Tenant; any assignees claiming by, through, or under Tenant; any subtenants claiming by, through, or under Tenant; and any of their respective agents, contractors, employees, licensees and invitees.

 

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EXHIBIT C

 

MEMORANDUM OF LEASE COMMENCEMENT

 

THIS MEMORANDUM is made and entered into as of _______________, 20__ by and between Lantana Ridge JV LLC (“Landlord”), and Yeti Coolers, LLC (“Tenant”), with respect to that certain Office Lease between Landlord and Tenant dated as of __________, 2016 (the “Lease”).  Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Lease.

 

The Commencement Date of the Lease is __________, 20__, and the Expiration Date of the Lease is _______________, 20____, unless sooner terminated or extended pursuant to the terms of the Lease.

 

The Premises contain __________ rentable square feet (comprised of ___________ rentable square feet in Building I and __________ rentable square feet in Building II).

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Landlord and Tenant have executed this Memorandum as of the date set forth in the first paragraph above.

 

LANDLORD:

LANTANA RIDGE JV LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

TENANT:

YETI COOLERS, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

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EXHIBIT D

 

WORK LETTER

(Tenant Performs the Tenant Improvements)

 

A.        Landlord’s Work; Acceptance of Premises

 

1.         Landlord’s Work.  Landlord shall complete the Shell Improvements and Site Improvements as further set forth in the Lease and in Exhibit E attached to the Lease.  Landlord shall also construct, in conjunction with the Shell Improvements and at Tenant’s option upon written notice from Tenant to Landlord, those certain improvements described on Exhibit E-1.Tenant shall notify Landlord as to whether it desires any or all of such improvements on Exhibit E-1 within five (5) business days after receipt of written request from Landlord.  Such improvements are not part of Landlord’s Work and shall be constructed at Tenant’s expense.  Tenant must timely respond, within five (5) business days, to requests for information related to Exhibit E-1.  To the extent Tenant’s election to have Landlord construct all or any improvements described in Exhibit E-1 cause a delay in Landlord’s Work, then such delays shall be considered a Tenant Delay.  Tenant may apply the Construction Allowance to all costs incurred in constructing the improvements set forth on Exhibit E-1.  Except as set forth in the Lease, Exhibit E, Exhibit E-1, and herein, Landlord shall have no other obligations to construct any improvements to the Premises or Project.  Tenant shall be responsible for the Tenant Improvements within the Premises.  The Shell Improvements and Site Improvements shall be constructed in a good and workmanlike manner and in accordance with all Applicable Laws.  Landlord shall be responsible for remedying any latent defects in the Shell Improvements or Site Improvements following notification from Tenant received in writing within one year following the Project Completion Milestone Date.

 

(a)        Lobby and Restroom Finishes.  As part of the Shell Improvements, Landlord shall design and construct the lobby and restrooms in the Building.  Landlord shall provide Tenant with options for finishes (with total associated costs on a line-item basis) for the lobby and restrooms (the “Finishes”), which Finishes shall be equivalent in quality to those recently completed in that certain project known as Research Park Plaza, Building V located at 12301 Research Blvd., Austin, Texas 78759 (“Quality Standard”).  Tenant shall have the right to either select the lobby and restroom Finishes from the options furnished by Landlord, or propose additional options for such Finishes for Landlord’s approval, not to be unreasonably withheld.  Tenant shall notify Landlord of its selected Finishes (whether from Landlord’s options or otherwise) within five (5) business days after Landlord delivers its options to Tenant.  If Tenant fails to timely respond, then Landlord shall have the right to select the Finishes.  If the final approved Finishes are of a quality or cost in excess of the Quality Standards, then Landlord shall notify Tenant of such cost increases within five (5) business days after Tenant proposes such alternative Finishes.  and if approved by Tenant, Tenant shall be responsible for the additional costs associated with such approved Finishes.  Tenant shall pay to Landlord its share of such costs within ten (10) business days of receipt of such notice from Landlord.  Any delay in responding or paying shall be considered a Tenant Delay.  If Tenant fails to timely approve the excess costs or to timely pay its share of the Finishes, Landlord shall

 

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have the right to select the Finishes from the Landlord’s proposed options that do not result in excess costs to Tenant.

 

(b)        Rooftop Terrace.  As part of the Landlord’s Work, Landlord shall design and construct a rooftop terrace containing approximately 7,200 square feet on the roof of Building I (the “Rooftop Terrace”).  Landlord shall provide Tenant with plans (“Rooftop Plans”) for the Rooftop Terrace (with total associated costs on a line-item basis).  Tenant shall have the right to either approve the Rooftop Plans, or propose additional options for such Rooftop Terrace for Landlord’s approval, not to be unreasonably withheld.  Tenant shall notify Landlord of its additional options for such Rooftop Terrace (whether from Landlord’s options or otherwise) within five (5) business days after Landlord delivers its Rooftop Plans to Tenant.  If Tenant fails to timely respond, then Tenant shall be deemed to have approved the Rooftop Plans submitted by Landlord.  Landlord shall notify Tenant of any cost increases related to Tenant’s proposed Rooftop Plans within five (5) business days after Tenant proposes such Rooftop Plans, and Tenant shall notify Landlord within five (5) business days of receipt of same as to whether Tenant approves such additional costs.  If Tenant fails to timely respond or timely rejects such costs, then Landlord may proceed with Landlord’s original Rooftop Plans.  Landlord shall be responsible for the costs associated with the design, permitting (including any necessary governmental approvals) and construction of the Rooftop Terrace (collectively, the “Terrace Costs”), up to a maximum amount of $350,000.  If the actual Terrace Costs exceed $350,000, then Tenant shall be responsible for all such Terrace Costs in excess of $350,000.  Landlord shall notify Tenant of the total estimated Terrace Costs prior to the Construction Permit Receipt Milestone Date and Tenant shall pay to Landlord its share of such costs within ten (10) business days of receipt of such notice from Landlord.  Any delay in paying such amount shall be considered a Tenant Delay.  Landlord shall have no obligation to construct the Rooftop Terrace unless and until such time as Tenant has paid its share of the Terrace Costs.  If the actual Terrace Costs differ from the estimated Terrace Costs, then Landlord shall deliver such overpayment to Tenant, or Tenant shall deliver such underpayment to Landlord, as applicable, within ten (10) business days of Landlord’s determination of the actual Terrace Costs.

 

2.         Acceptance of Premises.  Upon delivery of the Premises to Tenant, Tenant shall accept the Premises in their then-current “AS-IS” condition as further set forth in the Lease.

 

3.         Tenant Delay.  In the event Landlord shall be delayed in completing Landlord’s Work for any reason set forth in the following subparagraphs (a) through (h) (“Tenant Delay”), then the Milestone Dates shall be adjusted as set forth in the Lease; but neither the Commencement Date nor the payment of Rent under the Lease shall be affected or deferred on account of such Tenant Delay:

 

(a)        Tenant’s failure to timely approve any of Landlord’s plans or Finishes or failure to timely provide information when required hereby;

 

(b)        Tenant’s failure to promptly and timely approve any cost estimates or designs within the time period prescribed herein (or within three (3) business days

 

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following written notice from Landlord if no timeframe stated herein), or Tenant’s failure to approve any subsequent revisions to same;

 

(c)        Tenant’s request for or use of unique materials, finishes or installations or construction procedures which are substantially different from that which is standard or customary for the Landlord’s Work or from that shown in any plans, which result in the Landlord’s Work taking longer to complete under standard construction procedures (e.g., without use of overtime or additional shifts and without necessitating other measures to expedite long lead time items) than originally projected by Landlord at the execution of the Lease (i.e., as indicated by the Milestone Dates for each Milestone);

 

(d)       Tenant’s failure to pay for its share of any costs as and when payable by Tenant hereunder;

 

(e)        Tenant’s request for changes in the Landlord’s Work (notwithstanding Landlord’s approval of any such changes) which result in the Landlord’s Work taking longer to complete under standard construction procedures (e.g., without use of overtime or additional shifts and without necessitating other measures to expedite long lead time items) than originally projected by Landlord at the execution of the Lease (i.e., as indicated by the Milestone Dates for each Milestone);

 

(f)        Landlord’s determination that base building modifications are necessary in order to accommodate the Tenant Improvements which result in the Landlord’s Work taking longer to complete under standard construction procedures (e.g., without use of overtime or additional shifts and without necessitating other measures to expedite long lead time items) than originally projected by Landlord at the execution of the Lease (i.e., as indicated by the Milestone Dates for each Milestone);

 

(g)        The entry by Tenant or Tenant’s contractors in or about the Premises or Project that actually disrupts and delays the completion of the Landlord’s Work; or

 

(h)        any other act, omission or delay by Tenant, its agents or contractors or persons employed by any of such persons delaying the Shell Improvements or Site Improvements.

 

B.        Tenant Improvements

 

4.         Space Plans.

 

(a)        Preparation and Delivery.  On or before August 1, 2016 (the “Space Plans Delivery Deadline”), Tenant shall deliver to Landlord a space plan prepared by The Lauck Group or another design consultant reasonably acceptable to Landlord (the “Architect”) depicting improvements to be installed in the Premises (the “Space Plans”).  The Lauck Group is hereby approved by Landlord as the Architect.

 

(b)        Approval Process.  Landlord shall notify Tenant whether it approves of the submitted Space Plans within seven (7) business days after Tenant’s submission thereof.  If Landlord disapproves of such Space Plans, then Landlord shall notify Tenant

 

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thereof specifying in reasonable detail the reasons for such disapproval, in which case Tenant shall, within five (5) business days after such notice, revise such Space Plans in accordance with Landlord’s objections and submit to Landlord for its review and approval.  Landlord shall notify Tenant in writing whether it approves of the resubmitted Space Plans within five (5) business days after its receipt thereof.  This process shall be repeated until the Space Plans have been finally approved by Landlord and Tenant.  The Space Plans must be approved and final no later than August 20, 2016 (the “Space Plans Approval Deadline”).

 

5.         Working Drawings.

 

(a)        Preparation and Delivery.  On or before the 30th day following the date on which the Space Plans are approved (or deemed approved) by Landlord and Tenant (the “Working Drawings Delivery Deadline”), Tenant shall provide to Landlord for its approval final working drawings, prepared by the Architect, of all improvements that Tenant proposes to install in the Premises; such working drawings shall include the partition layout, ceiling plan, electrical outlets and switches, telephone outlets, drawings for any modifications to the mechanical, electrical, life safety and plumbing and any other systems of the Building, and detailed plans and specifications for the construction of the improvements called for under this Exhibit and Exhibit D-1 attached hereto, in accordance with all applicable Laws and suitable for permitting and construction.  Tenant acknowledges that Landlord is intending to be part of the Austin Green Building program, and Tenant agrees to perform its construction in the Premises in accordance with any required green-building initiatives, including the requirements of Exhibit D-1 attached hereto.

 

(b)        Approval Process.  Landlord shall notify Tenant whether it approves of the submitted working drawings within fifteen (15) business days after Tenant’s submission thereof.  If Landlord disapproves of such working drawings, then Landlord shall notify Tenant thereof specifying in reasonable detail the reasons for such disapproval, in which case Tenant shall, within five (5) business days after such notice, revise such working drawings in accordance with Landlord’s objections and submit the revised working drawings to Landlord for its review and approval.  Landlord shall notify Tenant in writing whether it approves of the resubmitted working drawings within seven (7) business days after its receipt thereof.  This process shall be repeated until the working drawings have been finally approved by Tenant and Landlord.  The Working Drawings must be approved and final no later than October 31, 2016.  At such time as Landlord approves the Working Drawings, Landlord shall also specify whether any of the Tenant Improvements set forth in such Working Drawings are required to be removed upon the expiration or earlier termination of the Lease.

 

(c)        Landlord’s Approval; Performance of Tenant’s Work.  If any of Tenant’s proposed construction work will affect the Building Systems or structure of the Building, then the working drawings pertaining thereto must be approved by the Project’s engineer of record.  Landlord’s approval of such working drawings shall not be unreasonably withheld, provided that (i) they comply with all Laws, (ii) the improvements depicted thereon do not (1) adversely affect (in the reasonable discretion of Landlord) the Building

 

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Systems or structure of the Building (including the Project’s restrooms or mechanical rooms), or (2) affect (in the sole discretion of Landlord) the exterior appearance of the Buildings, (iii) such working drawings are sufficiently detailed to allow construction of the improvements and associated work in a good and workmanlike manner, and (iv) the improvements depicted thereon conform to the rules and regulations promulgated from time to time by Landlord for the construction of tenant improvements.  As used herein, “Working Drawings” means the final working drawings approved by Landlord, as amended from time to time by any approved changes thereto, and “Tenant’s Work” or “Tenant Improvements” means all improvements to be constructed in accordance with and as indicated on the Working Drawings, together with any work required by governmental authorities to be made to other areas of the Project as a result of the improvements indicated by the Working Drawings.  Tenant’s Work may include, if desired by Tenant and subject to Landlord’s approval rights as set forth herein (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) and subject to all Applicable Laws, grade-level roll up garage doors with accompanying curb cuts and ramps; painting, graphics and signage in the fire stairs; a rainwater collection system tied to the water quality ponds on the Project; and security access gates throughout certain sections of the Parking Facilities.  Tenant’s Work may also include a second fiber optic connection line, provided that Tenant coordinates the installation of such second line with the installation by Landlord of the first fiber optic line and such installation by Tenant of the second line does not delay Landlord’s Work.  Landlord’s approval of the Working Drawings shall not be a representation or warranty of Landlord that such drawings are adequate for any use or comply with any Law, but shall merely be the consent of Landlord thereto.  Landlord shall, at Tenant’s request, sign the Working Drawings to evidence its review and approval thereof.  After the Working Drawings have been approved, Tenant shall cause the Tenant’s Work to be performed in accordance with the Working Drawings.  Tenant, at Tenant’s cost, shall be responsible for obtaining any permits or other governmental approvals required to construct the Tenant Improvements.  Landlord agrees to provide Tenant with an asbestos letter as necessary to permit Tenant to obtain its construction permits.  LANDLORD MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, WITH RESPECT TO THE SPACE PLANS, THE WORKING DRAWINGS OR THE TENANT’S WORK (OR ANY OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE ARCHITECT, TENANT’S CONTRACTOR OR ANY OF THEIR SUBCONTRACTORS).  ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES BY LANDLORD WITH RESPECT THERETO, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THOSE OF HABITABILITY, MERCHANTABILITY, MARKETABILITY, QUALITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, ARE EXPRESSLY NEGATED AND WAIVED.  WITHOUT LIMITING THE FOREGOING, LANDLORD SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY FAILURE OF THE TENANT’S WORK.  LANDLORD WILL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR, OR HAVE CONTROL OR CHARGE OVER, THE ACTS OR OMISSIONS OF THE ARCHITECT OR ITS AGENTS OR EMPLOYEES.  LANDLORD IS NOT ACTING AS A CONTRACTOR AND IS NOT GUARANTEEING THE SPACE PLANS, THE WORKING DRAWINGS OR THE TENANT’S WORK, TENANT’S SOLE RECOURSE WITH RESPECT THERETO BEING THE PURSUIT OF TENANT’S REMEDIES UNDER THE WARRANTIES CONTAINED IN

 

D-5



 

TENANT’S CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT OR IN TENANT’S ARCHITECT’S AGREEMENT.

 

(d)       Contractors; Performance of Tenant’s Work.  The Tenant’s Work shall be performed only by licensed contractors and subcontractors approved in writing by Landlord, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.  Sabre Commercial, Rand, Harvey Cleary, Balfour Beatty, and FlintCo Constructive Solutions are hereby preapproved by Landlord as contractors for the Tenant’s Work.  All contractors and subcontractors shall be required to procure and maintain insurance against such risks, in such amounts, and with such companies as Landlord may reasonably require.  Certificates of such insurance, with paid receipts therefor, must be received by Landlord before the Tenant’s Work is commenced.  The Tenant’s Work shall be performed in a good and workmanlike manner free of defects and shall conform strictly with the Working Drawings and the requirements of Exhibit D-1 attached hereto.  All contractors and subcontractors shall contact Landlord and schedule time periods during which they may use Project facilities in connection with the Tenant’s Work (e.g., elevators, excess electricity, etc.).  Landlord and Tenant acknowledge and agree that it would be most efficient for Tenant to use the contractor constructing the Landlord’s Work on behalf of Landlord for purposes of Landlord achieving its Milestones by the applicable Milestone Dates and thus permitting Tenant to commence its Tenant Improvements as soon as possible.  However, notwithstanding the foregoing, Tenant shall have the right to select a different contractor to perform the Tenant Improvements; provided that (i) Tenant’s selection of a different contractor shall not alter the Milestone Dates (unless there is a Tenant Delay resulting therefrom); (ii) Tenant requires its contractor to cooperate with Landlord’s contractor to avoid any Tenant Delays in the construction of the Landlord’s Work; and (iii) Tenant’s contractor satisfies Landlord’s reasonable contractor requirements.  Tenant’s contractors, sub-contractors, vendors, and consultants shall be permitted to park at the Project at no additional cost during the design and construction of the Tenant Improvements, furniture installation, and move-in.  Tenant and Tenant’s Contractors and their activities in the Premises and Building will not interfere with or delay the completion of the work to be done by Landlord and will not interfere with other construction by Landlord, its contractors and subcontractors and their agents and employees in or about the Premises or Building.  Landlord, its contractors and subcontractors and their agents and employees shall have priority over Tenant and Tenant’s contractors in performing work within the Premises or Building, including.  without limitation, the use of hoists and elevators and Landlord shall cause its contractor to reasonably cooperate with Tenant’s contractor regarding the use of same.  Tenant agrees that any such entry into the Premises shall be at Tenant’s own risk and Landlord shall not be liable in any way for any injury, loss or damage which may occur to any of the Tenant’s property or installations made in the Premises during such early entry.

 

(e)        Additional Equipment; Project Amenities; Upgrades to Landlord’s Work.

 

(1)        To the extent Tenant notifies Landlord that Tenant intends to include a casting pond as a Project Amenity in conjunction with the construction of Tenant’s Work, Landlord agrees to cooperate with Tenant, at no additional cost to Landlord, to accommodate use of the water quality

 

D-6



 

ponds being constructed by Landlord as part of Landlord’s Work, as a casting pond in accordance with all Applicable Laws.

 

(2)        In the event Tenant desires space on the roof for an RTU (which will be considered Additional Equipment), Tenant must submit to Landlord on or before five (5) business days after Landlord provides the specifications to Tenant the size and load date of such RTU, and Landlord shall provide such space in connection with Landlord’s Work at no additional cost to Landlord.

 

(3)        In the event Tenant desire that the elevators being installed by Landlord as part of Landlord’s Work be upgraded, Tenant shall notify Landlord of same prior to five (5) business days after Landlord provides the specifications to Tenant.  Any such upgrade shall be subject to Landlord’s approval, not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.  If Tenant timely notifies Landlord, in writing, of such desired upgrades, and Landlord consents to same, Landlord shall thereafter provide written notice to Tenant of the increased costs associated with such upgrade.  Within five (5) business days of receipt of such costs, Tenant shall notify Landlord as to whether Tenant desires to continue with the upgrades, at Tenant’s cost and expense, or whether Tenant objects to such additional costs.  If Tenant fails to timely respond, or timely objects to such costs, then Landlord shall have no obligation to upgrade such elevators.  Any additional costs incurred due to such upgrades shall be at Tenant’s sole costs and expense (provided Tenant may apply the Construction Allowance to such costs).

 

(4)        In the event Tenant desires any upgrades to the interior finishes of the Premises and/or the landscaping, each as specified in Exhibit E (for example, upgrades to doors, blinds, etc.), Tenant shall promptly notify Landlord of any such upgrades desires by Tenant (and in any event no later than five (5) business days after Landlord provides the specifications to Tenant.  Any such upgrade shall be subject to Landlord’s approval, not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.  If Tenant timely notifies Landlord, in writing, of such desired upgrades, and Landlord consents to same, Landlord shall thereafter provide written notice to Tenant of the increased costs associated with such upgrade.  Within five (5) business days of receipt of such costs, Tenant shall notify Landlord as to whether Tenant desires to continue with the upgrades, at Tenant’s cost and expense, or whether Tenant objects to such additional costs.  If Tenant fails to timely respond, or timely objects to such costs, then Landlord shall have no obligation to upgrade such interior finishes and/or landscaping, as applicable.  Any additional costs incurred due to such upgrades shall be at Tenant’s sole costs and expense (provided Tenant may apply the Construction Allowance to such costs).

 

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6.         Construction Contracts.

 

(a)        Tenant’s General Contractor.  Tenant shall bid the construction of the Tenant’s Work to at least three (3) general contractors approved by Landlord, and Tenant shall enter into a construction contract with a general contractor selected by Tenant and approved by Landlord in a form acceptable to Tenant’s representative for the Tenant’s Work.  The construction contract shall comply with the provisions of this Section 6 and provide for, among other things, (i) a one-year warranty for all defective Tenant’s Work; (ii) a requirement that Tenant’s Contractor maintain commercial general liability insurance of not less than a combined single limit of $5,000,000, naming Landlord, Landlord’s property management company, Landlord’s asset management company, Landlord’s Mortgagee, Tenant, and each of their respective Affiliates as additional insureds; (iii) a requirement that the contractor perform the Tenant’s Work in substantial accordance with the Space Plans and the Working Drawings (and such plans and drawings are specifically referenced and/or itemized in the Contract) and in a good and workmanlike manner; (iv) a requirement that the contractor is responsible for daily cleanup work and final clean up (including removal of debris); and (v) those items described in Section 6(b) below (collectively, the “Approval Criteria”).  Landlord shall have three (3) business days to notify Tenant whether it approves the proposed construction agreements.  If Landlord disapproves of the proposed construction agreements, then it shall specify in reasonable detail the reasons for such disapproval, in which case Tenant shall revise the proposed construction agreements to correct the objections and resubmit them to Landlord within two (2) business days after Landlord notifies Tenant of its objections thereto, following which Landlord shall have two (2) business days to notify Tenant whether it approves the revised construction agreements.

 

(b)        All Construction Contracts.  Unless otherwise agreed in writing by Landlord and Tenant, each of Tenant’s construction contracts shall:  (i) provide a schedule and sequence of construction activities and completion reasonably acceptable to Landlord, (ii) be in a contract form that satisfies the Approval Criteria, (iii) require the contractor and each subcontractor to name Landlord, Landlord’s property management company, Landlord’s asset management company, and Tenant as additional insured on such contractor’s insurance maintained in connection with the construction of the Tenant’s Work, (iv) be assignable following an Event of Default by Tenant under the Lease to Landlord and Landlord’s Mortgagees, (v) contain at least a one-year warranty for all workmanship and materials, and (vi) provide payment and performance bonds for each contract in excess of $500,000.

 

(c)        Construction Manager.  Tenant shall have the right to engage a construction manager to manage the construction of the Tenant Improvements on behalf of Tenant.  The cost of such Tenant construction manager may be included as part of the Total Construction Costs and paid from the Construction Allowance.  Landlord (or Landlord’s designated representative) shall also be entitled to either (i) a 3% construction supervision fee, in the event Tenant does not engage its own construction manager or (ii) a $15,000 construction supervision fee, in the event Tenant does engage its own construction manager.

 

D-8



 

7.         Change Orders.  Tenant may initiate changes in the Tenant’s Work.  Each such change must receive the prior written approval of Landlord, such approval shall be granted or withheld in accordance with the standards set forth in Section 3(c) above.  Tenant shall, upon completion of the Tenant’s Work, furnish Landlord with accurate architectural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing “as built” plans of the Tenant’s Work as constructed in both blueprint and electronic CADD format, which plans shall be incorporated into this Exhibit D by this reference for all purposes.  If Tenant requests any changes to the Tenant’s Work described in the Space Plans or the Working Drawings, then such increased costs and any additional design costs incurred in connection therewith as the result of any such change shall be added to the Total Construction Costs.

 

8.         Definitions.  As used herein “Substantial Completion,” “Substantially Completed,” and any derivations thereof mean the Tenant’s Work in the Premises is substantially completed (as reasonably determined by Landlord) in accordance with the Working Drawings.  Substantial Completion shall have occurred even though minor details of construction, decoration, landscaping and mechanical adjustments remain to be completed.

 

9.         Walk-Through:  Punchlist.  When Tenant considers the Tenant’s Work in the Premises to be Substantially Completed, Tenant will notify Landlord and within three (3) business days thereafter, Landlord’s representative and Tenant’s representative shall conduct a walk-through of the Premises and identify any necessary touch-up work, repairs and minor completion items that are necessary for final completion of the Tenant’s Work.  Neither Landlord’s representative nor Tenant’s representative shall unreasonably withhold his or her agreement on punchlist items.  Tenant shall use reasonable efforts to cause the contractor performing the Tenant’s Work to complete all punchlist items within 30 days after agreement thereon.

 

10.       Excess Costs.  Tenant shall pay the entire amount by which the Total Construction Costs (hereinafter defined) exceed the Construction Allowance (hereinafter defined) (such excess amount being referred to herein as the “Excess Amount”).  Upon approval of the Working Drawings and selection of a contractor, Tenant shall promptly execute a work order agreement which identifies such drawings and itemizes the Total Construction Costs and sets forth the Construction Allowance and Excess Amount.  As used herein, “Total Construction Costs” means the entire cost of performing the Tenant’s Work, including design of and space planning for the Tenant’s Work and preparation of the Working Drawings and the final “as-built” plan of the Tenant’s Work, costs of construction labor and materials, electrical usage during construction, additional janitorial services, related taxes and insurance costs, licenses, permits, certifications, surveys and other approvals required by Law, phone and data cabling and equipment, security network, and construction management fees.

 

11.       Allowances.

 

(a)        Construction Allowance.  Landlord shall provide to Tenant a construction allowance not to exceed $45.00 per rentable square foot in the Premises (the “Construction Allowance”) to be applied toward the Total Construction Costs, as adjusted for any changes to the Tenant’s Work.  No advance of the Construction Allowance shall be made by Landlord until Tenant has first paid to the contractor from its

 

D-9



 

own funds (and provided reasonable evidence thereof to Landlord) the anticipated Excess Amount.  Thereafter, Landlord shall pay to Tenant the Construction Allowance, to be applied solely toward the remaining Total Construction Costs and not in reimbursement of the Excess Amount paid by Tenant, in multiple disbursements (but not more than once in any calendar month) following the receipt by Landlord of the following items:  (i) a request for payment, (ii) final, unconditional or partial lien waivers, as the case may be, from all persons performing work or supplying or fabricating materials for the Tenant’s Work, fully executed, acknowledged and in recordable form, (iii) copies of all invoices and proof of payment of same, and (iv) the Architect’s certification that the Tenant’s Work for which reimbursement has been requested has been finally completed, including (with respect to the last application for payment only) any punch-list items, on the appropriate AIA form or another form approved by Landlord, and, with respect to the disbursement of the last 10% of the Construction Allowance:  (1) the permanent certificate of occupancy issued for the Premises, (2) Tenant’s occupancy of the Premises, (3) delivery of the “as-built” plans for the Tenant’s Work as constructed (and as set forth above) to Landlord’s construction representative (set forth below), and (4) an estoppel certificate confirming such factual matters as Landlord or Landlord’s Mortgagee may reasonably request (collectively, a “Completed Application for Payment”).  Landlord shall pay the amount requested in the applicable Completed Application for Payment to Tenant within 30 days following Tenant’s submission of the Completed Application for Payment.  If, however, the Completed Application for Payment is incomplete or incorrect, Landlord’s payment of such request shall be deferred until 30 days following Landlord’s receipt of the corrected Completed Application for Payment.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Exhibit, Landlord shall not be obligated to make any disbursement of the Construction Allowance during the pendency of any of the following:  (A) Landlord has received written notice of any unpaid claims relating to any portion of the Tenant’s Work or materials in connection therewith, other than claims which will be paid in full from such disbursement, (B) there is an unbonded lien outstanding against the Project or the Premises or Tenant’s interest therein by reason of work done, or claimed to have been done, or materials supplied or specifically fabricated, claimed to have been supplied or specifically fabricated, to or for Tenant or the Premises, (C) the conditions to the advance of the Construction Allowance are not satisfied, or (D) an Event of Default by Tenant exists.  If the Total Construction Costs for the Premises are less than the Construction Allowance, then Tenant shall not be entitled to receive payment or credit for such difference and Landlord shall retain the same.  The Construction Allowance must be used (that is, the Tenant’s Work must be fully complete and the Construction Allowance disbursed) within twenty-four (24) months following the Commencement Date or shall be deemed forfeited with no further obligation by Landlord with respect thereto, time being of the essence with respect thereto.  The Construction Allowance may be used in Tenant’s discretion for Tenant’s Work with no stipulation from Landlord as to how much of the Construction Allowance is allocated within the various spaces in the Premises.

 

(b)        Test-Fit Allowance.  Landlord shall provide Tenant with an allowance (the “Test-Fit Allowance”) in an amount not to exceed $0.10 per Rentable Square Foot for the Premises to be applied against the cost of Tenant’s test-fit and pricing plan for the Premises.  TENANT SHALL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY UNUSED PORTION OF

 

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THE TEST-FIT ALLOWANCE FOR THE PREMISES.  NO PORTION OF ANY UNUSED TEST-FIT ALLOWANCE SHALL BE APPLIED TO RENT.  The Test-Fit Allowance shall be paid by Landlord to Tenant (or to the Architect preparing the test-fit) within thirty (30) days of delivery to Landlord of an invoice therefor.  Any costs of such test-fit for the Premises in excess of the Test-Fit Allowance shall be the responsibility of Tenant.

 

(c)        Amenity Allowance.  Landlord shall provide to Tenant an allowance not to exceed Three Hundred Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($300,000.00) (the “Amenity Allowance”) to be applied toward the costs incurred by Tenant in constructing one or more of the Project Amenities as set forth in the Lease. Upon construction by Tenant of any Project Amenity, Landlord shall pay to Tenant the actual costs incurred by Tenant in constructing the applicable Project Amenity (but in no event shall all such payments in the aggregate exceed the Amenity Allowance) following the receipt by Landlord of the following items: (i) a request for payment, (ii) final, unconditional lien waivers from all persons performing work or supplying or fabricating materials for the applicable Project Amenity, fully executed, acknowledged and in recordable form, (iii) copies of all invoices and proof of payment of same, (iv) the Architect’s certification (or verification by Landlord’s construction representative) that the Project Amenity for which reimbursement has been requested has been finally completed, including any punch-list items, on the appropriate AIA form or another form approved by Landlord, (v) delivery of the “as-built” plans for the applicable Project Amenity as constructed to Landlord’s construction representative (set forth below), and (vi) an estoppel certificate confirming such factual matters as Landlord or Landlord’s Mortgagee may reasonably request (collectively, a “Completed Amenity Application for Payment”). Landlord shall pay the lesser of (1) amount requested in the applicable Completed Amenity Application for Payment to Tenant and (2) the remaining balance of the Amenity Allowance within 30 days following Tenant’s submission of the Completed Amenity Application for Payment. If, however, the Completed Amenity Application for Payment is incomplete or incorrect, Landlord’s payment of such request shall be deferred until 30 days following Landlord’s receipt of the corrected Completed Amenity Application for Payment.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Exhibit, Landlord shall not be obligated to make any disbursement of the Amenity Allowance during the pendency of any of the following:  (A) Landlord has received written notice of any unpaid claims relating to any portion of the Project Amenity or materials in connection therewith, (B) there is an unbonded lien outstanding against the Project or the Premises or Tenant’s interest therein by reason of work done, or claimed to have been done, or materials supplied or specifically fabricated, claimed to have been supplied or specifically fabricated, to or for Tenant or the Premises, (C) the conditions to the payment of the Amenity Allowance are not satisfied, or (D) an Event of Default by Tenant exists. Any costs associated with the construction of Project Amenities in excess of the Amenity Allowance shall be Tenant’s responsibility. The Amenity Allowance must be used and fully disbursed within twenty-four (24) months following the Commencement Date or shall be deemed forfeited with no further obligation by Landlord with respect thereto, time being of the essence with respect thereto. The Amenity Allowance may be used by Tenant for Project Amenities in its sole discretion with no stipulation from Landlord as to how much of the Amenity Allowance is allocated between various Project Amenities. TENANT SHALL NOT BE

 

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ENTITLED TO ANY UNUSED PORTION OF THE AMENITY ALLOWANCE.  NO PORTION OF ANY UNUSED AMENITY ALLOWANCE SHALL BE APPLIED TO RENT.

 

12.       Right of Inspection.  Landlord or its Affiliate or agent may inspect the Tenant’s Work and coordinate the relationship between the Tenant’s Work, the Landlord’s Work, and the Building’s Systems.  Any third party fees incurred by Landlord in conjunction with its construction supervision/coordination shall be paid from the Construction Allowance.

 

13.       Construction Representatives.  Landlord’s and Tenant’s representatives for coordination of construction and approval of change orders will be as follows, provided that either party may change its representative upon written notice to the other:

 

Landlord’s Representative:

Lincoln Property Company

 

7500 Rialto Blvd., Bldg. I, Ste. 270

 

Austin, TX 78735

 

Attn: Mike Crockett

 

Telephone: 512-322-3203

 

Email: mcrockett@lpc.com

 

 

Tenant’s Representative:

Yeti Coolers, LLC

 

c/o David Bullock

 

5301 Southwest Parkway, Suite 200

 

Austin, TX 78735

 

Telephone: 512-394-9384

 

Email: david@yeticoolers.com

 

C.        Miscellaneous.

 

1.         To the extent not inconsistent with this Exhibit, Sections 10 and 21 of this Lease shall govern the performance of the Tenant’s Work and Landlord’s and Tenant’s respective rights and obligations regarding the improvements installed pursuant thereto.

 

2.         Time is of the essence of this Work Letter.

 

3.         This Work Letter shall not be deemed applicable to any additional space added to the Premises at any time or from time to time, whether by any options under the Lease or otherwise, or to any portion of the Premises or any additions thereto in the event of a renewal or extension of the original Term of the Lease or any Renewal Term, whether by any options under the Lease or otherwise, unless expressly so provided in the Lease or any amendment or supplement thereto.

 

4.         Except to the extent resulting from Landlord’s gross negligence or willful misconduct, Tenant agrees to defend, indemnify and hold harmless Landlord and its officers, directors, partners, employees and agents from all liabilities, costs, damages, fees and expenses arising out of or connected with the activities of Tenant or Tenant’s contractors in or about the Premises or Project, including, without limitation, the cost of any repairs to the Premises or Project necessitated by activities of Tenant or Tenant’s contractors in performing the Tenant

 

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Improvements pursuant to this Work letter.  Tenant acknowledges that the foregoing indemnity shall be in addition to the insurance requirements set forth herein and shall not be in discharge of or in substitution for same.

 

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EXHIBIT D-1

 

AEGB REQUIREMENTS

 

Landlord (as Owner) intends to achieve a 1-Star Austin Energy Green Building (AEGB) Commercial Rating for the Building.  As such, Tenant is required to ensure the Premises are in conformance with the requirements of the 1-Star AEGB rating.  Useful information about the AEGB rating can be found at www.greenbuilding.austinenergy.com.  Below are general requirements that must be included in the Tenant’s Work.  Consult the AEGB Commercial Rating Guidebook for detailed requirements of each sustainability measure.

 

1.                                    Current Regulations:  Each tenant space must meet current City of Austin codes with local amendments (including but not limited to energy, building, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical).

 

2.                                    Building Systems Commissioning:  Each tenant must hire a commissioning authority with documented commissioning experience on at least two other building projects.  The commissioning authority will verify and ensure that mechanical, electrical and all other energy using systems are installed and calibrated to operate according to the Owner Project Requirements (OPR) and Basis of Design (BOD).  To fulfill the intent of this requirement:

 

a.             The Landlord must develop the Owner Project Requirements (OPR) document;

b.            The design team shall develop the Basis of Design (BOD);

c.             The project team shall include commissioning requirements in the construction documents;

d.           The project team and commissioning authority shall develop and utilize a commissioning plan;

e.             The commissioning authority shall verify installation, functional performance, and training of maintenance staff;

f.              The mechanical designer shall include control sequencing and set points for all design conditions in the construction documents;

g.            The project team shall provide O&M documentation; and

h.            The commissioning authority shall complete a commissioning report.

 

3.                                    Building Energy Use Efficiency:  Each tenant space must not exceed 0.9 w/sf for lighting power density.

 

4.                                    Building Water Use Reduction:  Each tenant must install water efficient fixtures that do not exceed the following flow rates or standards as set by the City of Austin:

 

a.             Waterclosets 1.28gpf

b.            Urinals = 0.125gpf

c.             Public Lavatory 0.5gpm

d.           Private Lavatory = 2.2gpm

e.             Kitchen Sink = 1.8gpm

f.              Showerheads = 2.0gpm

g.            Residential style dishwashers  = Energy Star or equivalent

h.            Ice-machines  = Energy Star or equivalent

 

D-1 - 1



 

i.                Pre-rinse style spray valves = less than or equal to 1.3gpm

 

5.                                    Low VOC Paints and Coatings:  All paints, primers, and anti-corrosive coatings applied on-site to the interior of the building must not exceed the VOC limit of Green Seal Environmental Standard GS-11, 2008, Section 4.4.  Coatings applied on-site to the interior of the building must not exceed the current VOC limit of SCAQMD Rule 1113 for clear wood finishes, floor coatings, stains, sealers and shellacs, and all other applicable coatings.

 

a.             Non-flat topcoat = 100 g/L

b.            Flat topcoat = 50 g/L

c.             Primer = 100 g/L

d.           Anti-Corrosive coating 250 g/L

 

6.                                    Storage and Collection of Recyclables:  Each tenant space must provide an easily-accessible, clearly marked area dedicated to the collection and separation (if needed) of materials for recycling.  At a minimum, the materials to be recycled are:

 

a.             Paper

b.            Cardboard

c.             Plastic

d.           Glass

e.             Metal

 

In addition, any commercial kitchen must provide separation, storage and collection of kitchen scraps and other compostable materials.

 

7.                                    Construction Waste Management:  Each tenant shall recycle and/or salvage at least 50% (by weight) of non-hazardous construction and demolition waste.

 

D-1 - 2


 

 

EXHIBIT E

 

BUILDING DATA (SHELL BUILDING)

 

SUMMARY

 

 

 

 

 

Overview

 

·                 The intent of these Preliminary Design Parameters is to describe the anticipated scope of work as an aid in establishing a common basis for cost comparison.  They are not all-inclusive or comprehensive.

·                 Site, Core and Shell Work shall consist of elements as defined herein and in the attached Exhibits.

·                 The scope of the Shell Work is generally intended to provide a warm dark shell, prepped to receive interior tenant improvements.  The Shell Work includes completion of the first floor lobbies, service corridors, exit passageways and all core and service rooms.

·                 This project includes the construction of (2) similar office buildings over basement parking.

 

 

 

Applicable Codes

 

·                 All applicable federal, state and local codes, and local amendments, Design Guidelines, etc. as adopted and/or enforced by the City.

·                 2012 International Building Code

·                 2009 City of Austin Energy Code

·                 2011 National Electric Code

·                 2009 International Fire Code

·                 2009 Uniform Mechanical Code

·                 2009 Uniform Plumbing Code

·                 Texas Accessibility Standards’ ADA.

·                 Others as may apply or be required.

 

 

 

Total Land Area

 

·                 21.599 Acres.

 

 

 

Office Building Area

 

·                 Building One

=

  87,152 RSF

 

 

·                 Building Two

 =

  87,152 RSF

 

 

·                 Total

 =

174,304 RSF

 

 

·                 Note:  All areas are approximate and for convenience purposes only.  In the event of any conflict area indicated by plans controls.

 

 

 

Parking Garage Area
(Basement)

 

·                 64,194 SF.

·                 Note:  All areas are approximate and for convenience purposes only.  In the event of any conflict area indicated by

 

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plans controls.

·                 Basement Garage Deck/Underside of 1st Floor Slab to be insulated.

 

 

 

Office Building Height

 

·                 3 stories, 46 feet

 

 

 

Basement Parking Garage Height

 

·                 11’-6” below building, one level basement

·                 Clearance height for garage entry – 8’ 4”

 

 

 

Permits and Fees

 

·                 All permits and fees for the Shell Improvements required by authorities having jurisdiction are to be included as part of the Shell Work.

 

 

 

Sustainability

 

·                 Landlord intends to use sustainable strategies that are practical to this building (such as listed below) and intends to achieve a 2-star rating with the Austin Energy Green Building.

o                Construction waste management.

o                Water use reduction.

o                Recycled content of materials.

o                Low-emitting materials.

o                Optimized energy performance.

o                Indoor Air Quality.

o                Commissioning.

 

 

 

SITE DEVELOPMENT

 

 

 

 

 

General

 

·                 The site shall be made development-ready as part of the Shell Work.  This shall include, but not be limited to all earthwork, including any required treatments, such as sub-soil prep. paving, hardscape, off-site utilities and improvements, on-site utilities, water quality related improvements.  All storm water flow to be in enclosed structures unless specifically shown otherwise on the plans that will be prepared by the Civil Engineer.

·                 The site will include (2) Water Quality Ponds.

·                 Site amenities include a ½ mile jogging trail and a paved 60’x100’ sport court.

·                 The plaza connecting the two buildings at grade will be bounded by a glass and stainless steel guard.

 

 

 

Parking

 

·                 630 Surface parking spaces.

·                 177 Structured parking spaces.

·                 Paving to be as required by City and per the best performing soils report recommendation, over treated subgrade per the soils report.

 

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Loading

 

·                 (2) total 12’ x 40’ loading positions at grade.

 

 

 

Trash/Recycle

 

·                 (2) 8CY dumpsters within concrete panel enclosure on appropriate footings with louvered aluminum and steel manual gates, with protective bollards.

·                 Dumpster pads and approaches are to be as required by City, over treated sub-grade, with 7” thick (minimum) reinforced concrete.

 

 

 

Emergency Generator

 

·                 Provide conduit rough-in for future generators, and appropriate space in Main Electrical Rooms in each building for associated equipment.

 

 

 

Landscape

 

·                 Provide landscape and irrigation allowance, in keeping with requirements of the City, including Landscape Buffer and perimeter of building (such landscape to be comparable to the landscaping at Rialto I & II located at 7500 Rialto Boulevard).

 

 

 

Hardscape

 

·                 Provide hardscape allowance in keeping with requirements of the City, including Landscape Buffer and perimeter of building (such hardscape to be comparable to the hardscaping at Rialto I & II located at 7500 Rialto Boulevard).

·                 Include itemized allowance for enhanced hardscape at building entries.

 

 

 

Signage

 

·                 Provide allowance for (3) 5’x8’ stone veneer monument signs with appropriate footings and lighting for both sides of each sign.

·                 Provide street address signage as required by City.

·                 Provide code-required signage throughout the project.

 

 

 

OFFICE BUILDING ENVELOPE

 

 

 

 

 

Foundation

 

·                 Drilled concrete piers, grade beams etc., per best performing soils report recommendation, (other than a structural slab) and/or as indicated in future Structural documents.  Below grade walls to have granular backfill to prevent hydrostatic pressure and should gravity drain, or drain to a sump with multiple pumps.  Until such time as a site specific foundation design is available, foundation scope of work shall include an allowance for the following:

·                 Drilled piers founded into the gray limestone

 

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(include 36 inch diameter straight sided drilled piers, 20 feet long, with 5 feet of penetration into the gray limestone.)

 

 

 

Basement Floor
(parking level)

 

·                 Reinforced concrete slab on grade

 

 

 

Ground Floor

 

·                 Reinforced concrete girders, joists and slab supported by concrete columns, per best performing soils report recommendation.  Until such time as a site specific ground floor structure design is available, foundation scope of work shall include an allowance for each of the following:

·                 Rework existing soil with moisture and density control and cap with 1 to 2-1/2 feet of select fill.  Any additional fill required to achieve top of pad elevation should also be select fill.

·                 Provide temporary leave-outs and/or sleaves as Tenant may direct to facilitate installation of under floor plumbing and electrical and data installed as part of the Interiors Work, provided such information is submitted to Landlord in a timely manner (and if not timely submitted, then as directed by Landlord).

·                 Provide any necessary floor slab drops to accommodate tile and other thickened floor finishes.

·                 Sprayed on insulation similar to K13 for floor above the garage.

 

 

 

Perimeter Structure

 

·                 Concrete tilt panel construction with steel framing at top floor wall/parapet.

 

 

 

Basement Structure

 

·                 Cast in place, post-tensioned concrete (from basement floor to top of, and including, level one slab).

 

 

 

Upper Floor Structure
(Levels 2 & 3)

 

·                 Composite steel system and concrete floors.  Cementitious fireproofing if required by City code as part of the Terrace Costs.

 

 

 

Roof Structure

 

·                 Bar Joists and composite steel system / concrete deck at MEP equipment areas.  Cementitious fireproofing if required by City code as part of the Terrace Costs.

 

 

 

Upper level Columns

 

·                 Steel encased with rated gyp.  Cementitious fireproofing if required by City code as part of the Terrace Costs.

 

 

 

Lateral Bracing

 

·                 Moment connections only.  “K” bracing or other structural

 

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elements not allowed below the ceiling, except at core walls.

 

 

 

Structural Bays

 

·                 Perimeter Bays:  Approximately 30’ x 45’.

·                 Center Bay:  Approximately 30’x30’.

 

 

 

Building Skin Materials

 

·                 Painted concrete tilt-wall in 2-color scheme, wall system including manufacturer’s sill extensions, accent areas of curtain wall, cut stone veneer (stacked and mechanically anchored, with relief angles as required), dimension stone cladding, and aluminum composite material wall panels.  Concrete panels shall have reveals, offsets form-liners and other treatments to create a sophisticated pattern of panel articulation.  Panel thickness shall be 9¼”, inclusive of ¾” thickness for reveals and offsets.

·                 Waterproofing, flashing, etc. as required throughout the project, including continuous waterproofing behind cut stone veneer.

 

 

 

Glazing

 

·                 Vision Glass:  1” low-e, insulated glass.

·                 Spandrel Glass:  1” insulated spandrel unit, with opacifier to match vision glass.

 

 

 

Thermal Performance

 

·                 Walls:  Insulated to R-19 or better.

·                 Roof:  Insulated to R-30 or better.

 

 

 

Vestibules and Canopies

 

·                 As shown on Shell Work plans.

 

 

 

Rooftop Screening

 

·                 Panels on galvanized steel posts at 10’ o.c.  Screening to extend to mean sea level elevation of tallest piece of rooftop equipment.

 

 

 

Floor-to-Floor Heights

 

·                 Basement Floor:  11’-6”

·                 Level One:  15’-0”

·                 Upper Floors:  15’-0” (at low point of roof)

·                 Floor to Floor clearances will vary throughout the floors depending on the size and location of various structural members such as trusses and purlins.

 

 

 

Vertical Design Criteria

 

·                 Ceiling Height Allowance:  10’-0” (Except 12’-6” at one story Lobby space)

·                 Interstitial Space Allowance

 

 

 

·                 Lights                 7” min.

 

 

·                 Sprinkler             3” min.

 

 

·                 Cable Tray          3” min.

 

 

·                 Ductwork             20” min.

 

E-5



 

 

 

·                 Total                            33” min.

(from underside of ceiling to structure)

·                 Structural Allowance        27” (to be verified)

 

 

 

Roof

 

·                 Roof Membrane:  60 mil TPO with surface finish having a minimum SRI of 78.

·                 Internally piped storm water drainage and overflow for roof drains.

·                 Minimum Roof Slope:  ¼” per foot.

·                 Other Design Criteria

·                 Wind Resistance:    90 MPH

·                 Exposure:                 B

·                 Insurance:                Factory Mutual, or other, insurance criteria as clarified by the Landlord.

·                 Warranty:  20 Year NDL.

 

 

 

Live Loads

 

·                 The following minimum live loads will be required, unless noted otherwise.

·                 First Floor               100 lbs/sf (80+20)

·                 Upper Floor            100 lbs/sf (80+20)

·                 All Core bays          125 PSF

·                 Roof                       Code + Equipment

 

 

 

Passenger Elevators

 

·                 Quantity:  (4)

·                 Type/Speed:  Machine Room-less traction.

·                 Capacity:  4,000 lbs.

·                 Door Size:  7’-0” high hoistway entrance.

·                 Ceiling Height:  8’-0” nominal w/ top hat.

·                 Protection:  Provide pads and hooks for both cabs.

·                 Cab Finish Allowance:  $25,000 per elevator over and above standard finish.

·                 Stops:  All Occupied floors (including basement).

·                 Access Control:  As mutually clarified by Landlord and Tenant.

INTERIOR FINISHES

 

 

 

 

 

Lobby

 

·                 Height:  Partial two story.

·                 Floor:  3 cm thick stone floor, 5’X5’ nominal panels, thick-set.

·                 Base:  Stone.

·                 Interior Walls:  Gypsum board, tape and bed only with Architectural Woodwork panels and cut stone veneer and 2cm thick dimensional stone veneer.

·                 Ceiling:  Articulated gypsum board; Tape, bed and paint.

 

E-6



 

 

 

·                 Monumental stair with glass and stainless steel guard and handrails.

 

 

 

Perimeter Walls

 

·                 3 5/8” metal studs at 24”o.c., with continuous R-19 thermal insulation; include continuous gypsum board window shade/perimeter slot diffuser pocket.  Tape and bed, typical.

 

 

 

Interior Walls

 

·                 3 5/8” metal studs, gage and spacing per manufacturer’s requirements for span at L/240 with 5/8” gypsum board; Tape and bed, typical.

·                 Sound attenuation batts at all interior walls.

 

 

 

Fire Exit Stairs

 

·                 Steel stringers with concrete-filled pans.

·                 Paint interior of stairwells.  Paint all exposed steel stair components and steel railing.

·                 Seal concrete floors and treads.

·                 Roof access as required by the city.

 

 

 

First Floor Corridors

 

·                 Gypsum board, tape, bed and paint.

·                 Building-Standard suspended acoustical ceiling (with rated ceiling assembly above as required at rated corridors).

·                 Johnsonite “Millwork” series base.

·                 26oz Broadloom carpet-direct glue.  10 yr commercial warranty.

 

 

 

Toilet Rooms

 

·                 Floor:  12” x 24” Porcelain tile.

·                 Base:  Porcelain tile to match floor, 6” min.

·                 Stall Enclosures:  full height painted gypsum toilet partitions with painted gypsum board style stall fronts.

·                 Wet Walls:  12” x 24” Porcelain tile to ceiling.

·                 Wet Wall Returns:  12” x 24” Porcelain tile to ceiling.

·                 Other Walls:  Premium Type II vinyl wall covering.

·                 Ceilings:  Painted gypsum board with light cove at wet wall and Counters.

·                 Counter Tops:  3 cm granite to be selected by Architect.

·                 Lavatory Skirt:  Wood veneer removable panel.

·                 Quiet Rock Gypsum (or equal) to achieve STC 45 or better around restrooms.

 

 

 

Electrical, Mechanical,
Telephone, and Other Service Spaces

 

·                 Floor:         Sealed Concrete

·                 Base:         4” Vinyl.

·                 Walls:        Painted gypsum board.  (Painted plywood over gypsum board at Telephone room).

·                 Ceilings:    Exposed to structure.

 

E-7



 

Floor – Lease Space (Bldg Standard)

 

·                 Exposed concrete.

 

 

 

Door – Core Areas (Bldg Standard)

 

·                 9’-0” height x 1 ¾” solid core with wood veneer surface in aluminum frames at typical interior doors.  Brushed stainless commercial grade hardware throughout.  Mortise locksets.

 

 

 

Window Coverings

 

·                 1” Horizontal louver blinds equal to Levelor at all locations, except none required at Lobbies.

 

 

 

Fire Extinguishers

 

·                 Quantity, type and location as required by code.  Provide recessed brushed stainless steel cabinets.

 

 

 

HVAC SYSTEM

 

 

 

 

 

General Description

 

·                 The Shell Contract is to provide HVAC systems through and including the terminal boxes, with interior distribution and control elements to be handled in individual Tenant Finish-out Contracts.

·                 The Building will be served by Rooftop Package Units.  Rooftop Units will typically be VAV with return air fans, elevated height sound-attenuating curbs and of double wall construction.  The RTUs shall have economizer cycle, Variable Frequency Drive on supply fans, and powered exhaust.  Primary supply air will be routed to fan powered VAV terminals to serve the perimeter zones/upper floors and VAV cooling only terminals to serve the interior spaces.  Electric resistance heating will be provided in the fan powered VAV terminals.  Each wing shall have an RTU that will supply air down thru building shafts to the floor served.  Combination fire/smoke dampers shall be provided at supply air take-off on each floor and return air opening into shafts.  Provide return air ductwork to RTU RA opening.  Sound attenuators and vibration isolators will be provided on the ductwork to ensure compliance with maximum appropriate maximum noise levels for a Class “A” Office Building.  Rooftop Package Units shall be fan powered boxes with heat at exterior zones

 

·                 Exhaust will be served by a central exhaust system, exhausting air from toilet rooms and general exhaust from plenum space on each floor as required.  Exhaust duct will be routed through a central shaft with fire/smoke dampers at each penetration of the shaft.  Exhaust fans will be located on the roof.

 

E-8



 

Supplemental HVAC Systems

 

·                 The Elevator Control Room will be provided with an independent split system for 24 hour operation.

·                 The Main Telephone/Communications Room will be provided with an independent split system for 24 hour operation.

·                 The Electrical Rooms will be provided with an independent split system for 24 hour operation if required by the Landlord for proper operation.

·                 Provide thermostatically controlled electric heat unit heaters above ceiling of top floor.

 

 

 

Basic Design Criteria

 

·                 Design will be based on approximately 300sf per ton.  Systems will be designed to maintain 75 degrees/50% RH in the summertime and 70 degrees with no minimum relative humidity in the wintertime.  Minimum Heating Capacity will be 32 BTUH/sf by means of electric heating.

·                 Outside air to be supplied to each floor:  ASHRAE 62.1 levels for medium density occupancy (150 SF/person).  This results in 0.0933 CFM/SF outside air.

 

 

 

Energy Management System

 

·                 A Building DDC electronic temperature control system for HVAC systems and equipment including Variable Air Volume (VAV) and Fan Powered Terminal Boxes (FPB) shall be provided and tied to the Energy Management System (EMS).  The EMS shall be connected to central monitoring station at location to be mutually selected by Landlord and Tenant and accessible via the internet.

 

 

 

PLUMBING SYSTEM

 

 

 

 

 

Service

 

·                 Domestic City of Austin water, City of Austin sanitary sewer, storm sewer, fire loop, landscape irrigation and other services as required by code.  Toilets, sewer and other elements shall be situated in building core.

·                 Landlord will provide a connection point in the core of each Building for Tenant’s plumbing.

 

 

 

Storm Drainage

 

·                 Provide independent storm and storm over flow systems complying with rain fall rates required by code and insurance underwriter (whichever is more stringent).  Storm drains shall connect to site storm sewer and overflow drains shall discharge on site above grade.  Provide sub-soil drains at elevator pits and building perimeter.

 

 

 

Plumbing Fixtures

 

·                 Low-flow type in quantities as required by code.

 

E-9



 

Faucets/Flush Valves

 

·                 Lavatories - Automatic, with no requirement to reset at power loss.

·                 Urinals - Automatic, with manual flush button and with no requirement to reset at power loss.

·                 Water Closets - Automatic, with manual flush button and with no requirement to reset at power loss.

 

 

 

Equipment

 

·                 Water heaters; re-circ system.

·                 Bi-level drinking fountains; electric water coolers.

 

 

 

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

 

 

 

 

 

General Description

 

·                 Provide primary service, primary and secondary electrical panels for all spaces, with all applicable systems appropriate to a Class “A” office building, appropriate distribution to individual floor electrical rooms and all required power and fixtures throughout the site and in all core and lobby spaces.

 

 

 

Electrical Service

 

·                 3000A, 480/277V, 3-phase, 4-wire plus ground; Service shall be in one 3000 amp main switchboard in the Main Electrical Room from City of Austin Electric.  Main switchboard shall have 3000 amp main breaker.  Distribution shall be such that building management can separately disconnect service to each floor for future maintenance.  Each Building shall have such Electrical Service (i.e., 3000A, 480/277V, 3-phase per Building)

 

 

 

Telephone/Data

 

·                 Provide connection to adjacent infrastructure with all applicable systems appropriate to a Class “A” office building, including appropriate distribution to individual floor telephone rooms, and allowing for future connections by Tenants.

 

 

 

Back-up Power

 

·                 Life Safety power requirements shall be provided by battery packs, and other as may be required by code.

 

 

 

Lighting

 

·                 Parking Lot:  Metal Halide on 25’ poles with 1.5 fc minimum maintained at ground.

·                 Building Accent Lighting:  As required by the City.

·                 Building Entry Canopies:  Recessed fluorescent down lights.

·                 Lobbies:  Recessed fluorescent down lights and LED cove lights.

·                 Toilets:  Recessed fluorescent down lights and fluorescent cove lights.

·                 Service Areas:  2x4 lay-in parabolic fluorescent fixtures in service/equipment rooms with suspended acoustical

 

E-10



 

 

 

ceilings; Fluorescent strip lights in stairwells and in service/equipment rooms with exposed structure.

·                 Emergency & Exit Lights:  As required by code and custom.

·                 All lighting within the Common Areas shall be LED Technology.

 

 

 

SPECIALTY SYSTEMS

 

 

 

 

 

Lightning Protection

 

·                 Lightning protection system with UL master label.

 

 

 

Fire Protection

 

·                 Fire service, fire riser in dedicated room, control valves, distribution piping and sprinkler heads in accordance with code requirements, NFPA Standards, and Landlord’s insurance underwriter requirements.  The system will be a wet pipe system throughout.  Piping shall be steel.  CPVC piping will not be accepted.  Heads in the Lobbies, Toilet Rooms and other areas with gypsum board ceilings are to be concealed and placed in a pattern to compliment the lighting layout.  Heads in all other areas are to be semi-recessed heads, centered in ceiling tiles.  Heads to be turned up in unfinished areas.

Fire Alarm

 

·                 The Fire Alarm system will be a microprocessor-based, comprehensive, performance-based, emergency voice/alarm communications system, designed per NFPA and ADA requirements.  The system will be intelligent, addressable and consist of the following components:

·                 Initiation devices – pull stations, smoke detectors, heat detectors, tamper flow switches.

·                 Annunciation devices – strobes, speakers, strobe / speaker combination.

 

 

 

Building Automation

 

·                 Provide System as directed by the Landlord.

 

 

 

Security/Access Control

 

·                 Coordinate with, and rough-in for, the work of the Tenant’s security/access control vendor.

·                 Provide conduit and pathway to serve all exterior doors and all stairwell doors.

 

 

 

Fiber Optic Connection Line

 

·                 Provide 4” PVC pathway to demarcation point in Building Core of Building I, with fiber connection to Building II.  Time Warner is provider.

 

 

 

Natural Gas

 

·                 N/A

 

E-11


 

EXHIBIT E-1

 

Scone of Work/Division of Work Narrative to Accommodate Product Dev. Lab on First Floor of Building II at Lantana Ridge

 

Foundation.  Cast-in-place, reinforced concrete foundation to the specification and criteria of the Structural Engineer of Record with sleaves in accordance with the Tenant’s provided dimension plan for Tenant’s future plumbing and electrical under slab rough-in work.

 

Mechanical.  Landlord to provide and install Base/Shell Building HVAC system that will accommodate approximately 100 tons +/- of H/AC to the first floor suite (assumes 21k SF Floorplate).  Extension of ductwork, downstream equipment, AHUs, FPB, VAV, t-stats, supplies/returns are provided and installed as part of the TI project.

 

Electrical.  480v, 3-phase power from Austin Energy to the building’s exterior pad mounted transformer, to the building’s main distribution panel.  Then Landlord is responsible for distributing to each floor’s electrical room, both high and low voltage with two 48 circuit panels (both high and low voltage) and necessary transformers (to convert from high to low) installed in each floor’s electrical room.

 

Plumbing.  Domestic water supply (probably 1.5”), metered, stubbed into the building vertically and then run overhead, vertically and horizontally to distribute water to the first floor suite per Tenant’s plans.

 

Fire Sprinkler/Fire Alarm.  As required by code/ordinances and the authority having jurisdiction for Base/Shell Building Condition.  Expanded and modified by Tenant to suit TI’s during Tenant’s interior construction.

 

Compressed Air.  External or internally installed compressed air storage container for distribution to various locations throughout the NPD Tenant Suite.

 

Dust Collection.  Exterior wall penetration in an approved location and size by the structural engineer to externally mounted/installed dust collection tank.  Screening, fencing, visibility of collection tank per mutually agreeable scope of work between Landlord and Tenant.

 

Overhead doors.  One glazed overhead door at grade level for material deliveries, pallet jack and fork-lift accessible.

 

END OF EXHIBIT E-1

 

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EXHIBIT F

 

RULES AND REGULATIONS

 

1.         Except as otherwise provided in the Lease or any exhibits thereto, no sign, placard, picture, advertisement, name or notice shall be inscribed, displayed or printed or affixed on or to any part of the outside or inside of the Building without the prior written consent of Landlord.  Landlord shall have the right to remove any such sign, placard, picture, advertisement, name or notice, unless Landlord has given written consent, without notice to and at the expense of Tenant.  Landlord shall not be liable in damages for such removal unless the written consent of Landlord had been obtained.  All approved signs or lettering on doors and walls to the Premises shall be printed, painted, affixed or inscribed at the expense of Tenant by Landlord or by a person approved by Landlord in a manner and style acceptable to Landlord.  Tenant shall not use any blinds, shades, awnings, or screens in connection with any window or door of the Premises unless approved in writing by Landlord.  Tenant shall use the Building standard window covering specified by Landlord and Landlord reserves the right to disapprove interior improvements visible from the ground level outside the Building on wholly esthetic grounds.  Such improvements must be submitted for Landlord’s written approval prior to installation, or Landlord may remove or replace such items at Tenant’s expense.

 

2.         Tenant shall not permit any Tenant Party to smoke (including the use of any form of e-cigarette, electronic cigarette, personal vaporizer or electronic nicotine delivery system) in the Premises or anywhere else on the Project, except in designated smoking areas outside the Building approved by Landlord in its reasonable discretion.  Tenant shall cooperate with Landlord in enforcing this prohibition and use its best efforts in supervising each Tenant Party in this regard.

 

3.         Tenant shall not permit suppliers to deliver food, milk, soft drinks, bottled water, plant maintenance or any other services without such supplier first having delivered a valid certificate of insurance.

 

4.         No tenant and no employees or invitees of any tenant shall go upon the roof of the Building, except for Tenant’s use of the Rooftop Terrace and except as specifically permitted in the Lease.

 

5.         Tenant, upon the termination of its tenancy, shall deliver to Landlord the parking and security access cards issued to Tenant and all keys of offices, rooms and toilet rooms which shall have been furnished to Tenant or which Tenant shall have made, and in the event of loss of any access cards or keys so furnished, shall pay Landlord therefor.  Tenant shall not alter any lock or install any new or additional locks or any bolts on any door of the Premises without the written consent of Landlord.

 

6.         The toilet rooms, toilets, urinals, wash bowls and other apparatus shall not be used for any purpose other than that for which they were constructed and no foreign substance of any kind whatsoever shall be thrown therein and the expense of any breakage, stoppage, or damage resulting from the violation of this rule shall be borne by Tenant who, or whose employees or invitees, shall have caused it.

 

F-1



 

7.         Tenant shall not use the Premises in any manner which exceeds the floor load capacity of the floor on which the Premises are located.

 

8.         Any hand trucks permitted in the Building must be equipped with soft rubber tires and side guards.

 

9.         Landlord shall have the right to prescribe the weight, size and position of all safes and other heavy equipment brought into the Building and also the times and manner of moving the same in and out of the Building.  Safes or other heavy objects shall, if considered necessary by Landlord, stand on a platform of such thickness as is necessary to properly distribute the weight.  Landlord will not be responsible for loss of or damage to any such safe or property from any cause, and all damage done to the Building by moving or maintaining any such safe or other property shall be repaired at the expense of Tenant.  Tenant’s business machines and mechanical equipment shall be installed, maintained and used so as to minimize vibration and noise that may be transmitted to the Building structure or beyond the Premises.

 

10.       Tenant shall not employ any person or persons other than the janitor of Landlord for the purpose of cleaning the Premises unless otherwise agreed to by Landlord.  Except with the written consent of Landlord no person or persons other than those approved by Landlord shall be permitted to enter the Building for the purpose of cleaning the same.  Tenant shall not cause any unnecessary labor by reason of Tenant’s carelessness or indifference in the preservation of good order and cleanliness.  Landlord shall not be responsible to any Tenant for any loss of property on the Premises, however occurring, or for any damage done to the effects of any tenant by the janitor or any other employee or other person.  Janitor service shall include ordinary dusting and cleaning by the janitor assigned to such work and shall not include shampooing of carpets or rugs or moving of furniture or other special services.  Janitor service will not be furnished on nights when rooms are occupied after 6:00 p.m.  Window cleaning shall be done only by Landlord.

 

11.       Tenant shall not use, keep or permit to be used or kept any foul or noxious gas or substance in the Premises, or permit or suffer the Premises to be occupied or used in any manner offensive or reasonably objectionable to Landlord.

 

12.       Other than heating and reheating in areas designed for such use, no cooking shall be done or permitted by Tenant on the Premises, nor shall the Premises be used for washing clothes, for lodging, or for any improper, objectionable or immoral purpose.

 

13.       Tenant shall not use or keep in the Premises or the Building any kerosene, gasoline or inflammable, explosive or combustible fluid or material, or use any method of heating or air-conditioning other than that supplied by Landlord.

 

14.       Landlord will direct electricians as to where and how telephone and telegraph wires are to be introduced.  No boring or cutting for wires or stringing of wires will be allowed without written consent of Landlord.  The location of telephones, call boxes and other office equipment affixed to the Premises shall be subject to the approval of Landlord.

 

15.       Tenant shall not lay linoleum, tile, carpet or other similar floor covering so that the same shall be affixed to the floor of the Premises in any manner except as approved by

 

F-2



 

Landlord.  The expenses of repairing any damage resulting from a violation of this rule or removal of any floor covering shall be borne by Tenant.

 

16.       Tenant shall use commercially reasonable efforts to see that the doors of the Premises are closed and securely locked before leaving the Building and that all water apparatus are entirely shut off before Tenant or Tenant’s employees leave the Building.

 

17.       Tenant shall not use the Premises in any manner which would increase the amount of water typically furnished for office use, nor connect any appliance directly to the water pipes without Landlord’s prior consent (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed.

 

18.       The Premises shall not be used for manufacturing, sale, or the storage of narcotics, liquor, or tobacco in any form, or as a barber or manicure shop.  The Premises shall not be used for lodging or sleeping or for any immoral or illegal purposes.

 

19.       Tenant shall not conduct any auction, fire, bankruptcy, going out of business, liquidation or similar sales at the Project.

 

F-3



 

EXHIBIT G

 

JANITORIAL SPECIFICATIONS

 

OFFICE AREAS:

 

Daily:

 

Five (5) days each week, including Monday through Friday, and excluding Holidays:

 

1.         Empty and clean all waste receptacles and recycling bins; remove waste materials and flattened cardboard from the Premises.

 

2.         Dry-mop all uncarpeted areas.

 

3.         Vacuum all rugs and carpet areas in offices, lobbies and corridors.

 

4.         Hand-dust all office furniture, fixtures and all other horizontal surfaces (but only to the extent surfaces are cleared of all materials such as papers, documents and files).

 

5.         Sweep all private stairways, vacuum if carpeted.

 

6.         Police all stairwells throughout the entire Building and keep in clean condition.

 

7.         Spot-clean spill marks on resilient floor tile.

 

8.         Spot-clean all water coolers and fountains.

 

9.         It is understood that Landlord shall have no obligations to (a) wash or otherwise clean dishes, glasses and other utensils used for preparing food or beverages, or (b) to remove or store such dishes, glasses and other utensils in order to clean any area, fixture or surface of the Premises.

 

Weekly:

 

10.       Hand-dust all door louvers.

 

11.       Dust and/or wash directory boards and display glass.

 

12.       Wipe clean and polish all metal and bright work.

 

13.       Damp-mop and polish all resilient flooring in the Premises, public corridors and elevator lobbies.

 

14.       Wash, clean and polish all water coolers and fountains.

 

15.       Dust in place all picture frames, charts, graphs and similar wall hangings.

 

G-1



 

16.       Clean glass around tenant entrances, including conference rooms and other interior rooms.

 

17.       Remove all finger marks and smudges from doors, door frames, around light switches, private entrance glass and partitions.

 

Monthly:

 

18.       Dust all paneled walls, doors and other similar surfaces not reached in nightly or weekly cleaning.

 

19.       Vacuum high moldings and other areas not reached in nightly or weekly cleaning.

 

Quarterly:

 

20.       Vacuum all ventilating and air conditioning louvers.

 

21.       Dust exterior of lighting fixtures.

 

LAVATORIES:

 

Daily:

 

Five (5) days each week, including Monday through Friday, and excluding Holidays

 

22.       Clean and damp-mop floors.

 

23.       Wash and polish all mirrors, bright work and enameled surfaces.

 

24.       Wash and sanitize all basins, bowls and urinals.

 

25.       Wash and sanitize toilet seats.

 

26.       Dust, clean and wash, where necessary, all partitions, tile walls, dispensers and receptacles.

 

27.       Twice daily during normal business hours, and again in the evening, empty and sanitize all receptacles and sanitary disposals.

 

28.       Twice daily during normal business hours, and again in the evening, provide materials and fill towel, sanitary napkin and soap dispensers.

 

Monthly:

 

29.       Machine-scrub lavatory floors, apply floor finishing where applicable.

 

30.       Wash and polish all partitions, tile walls and enamel surfaces.

 

Quarterly:

 

G-2



 

31.       Dust light fixtures.

 

32.       Vacuum all louvers and ventilating grills.

 

MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES:

 

33.       Maintain building lobby, corridors and other public areas in a clean and orderly condition.

 

34.       Damp-mop spillage in office and public areas as required.

 

35.       Interior curtain-wall window washing once per year.

 

36.       For any locked areas in the Premises, Tenant will unlock such secured areas during normal business hours once per week for the janitorial services referenced herein.

 

These janitorial specifications may be changed or altered from time to time to facilitate the inclusion of the latest methods of maintenance and cleaning technology generally recognized as acceptable for a first-class office building.

 

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EXHIBIT H

 

FORM OF SNDA

 

 

[See attached]

 

H-1



 

PLAINSCAPITAL BANK - LOAN NO. 3222593

 

AFTER RECORDING RETURN TO:

 

PLAINSCAPITAL BANK
2911 Turtle Creek Blvd, Suite 1300
Dallas, TX 75219
Attention:  Cole Dulaney

 

 

 

NOTICE OF CONFIDENTIALITY RIGHTS:  IF YOU ARE A NATURAL PERSON, YOU MAY REMOVE OR STRIKE ANY OR ALL OF THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION FROM ANY INSTRUMENT THAT TRANSFERS AN INTEREST IN REAL PROPERTY BEFORE IT IS FILED FOR RECORD IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS:  YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OR YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE NUMBER.

 

 

SUBORDINATION, NONDISTURBANCE AND
ATTORNMENT AGREEMENT
(this “Agreement”)

 

EFFECTIVE DATE:

January 29, 2016

 

 

LENDER:

PLAINSCAPITAL BANK
2911 Turtle Creek Blvd, Suite 1300
Dallas, TX 75219
Attention:  Cole Dulaney

 

 

LANDLORD:

LANTANA RIDGE JV LLC
c/o Lincoln Property Company
2000 McKinney Avenue, Suite 1000
Dallas, Texas 75201

 

 

TENANT:

YETI COOLERS, LLC

 

 

 

Prior to Lease Commencement Date (as defined in the Lease):
5301 Southwest Parkway, Suite
200 Austin, Texas 78735

 

 

 

After Lease Commencement Date (as defined in the Lease):
7601 Southwest Park, Building __
Austin, Texas 78735

 

RECITALS:

 

WHEREAS, it is contemplated that Lender will lend money to Landlord, and as security therefor, Landlord will grant Lender a first mortgage lien (the “Mortgage”) on the real property described on Exhibit A attached hereto and all of the buildings and improvements thereon (collectively, the “Property”), and

 

 

SUBORDINATION, NONDISTURBANCE AND ATTORNMENT AGREEMENT — PAGE 1
PLAINSCAPITAL BANK – LANTANA RIDGE JV LLC

 



 

WHEREAS, Tenant is a party to that certain Lantana Ridge Office Lease (as amended, modified and supplemented from time to time, the “Lease”) dated January 29, 2016, by and between the Landlord, as the landlord, and Tenant, as the tenant, covering that portion of the Property described in the Lease (hereinafter called the “Leased Premises”); and

 

WHEREAS, Landlord, Tenant and Lender desire to confirm and agree upon certain of their rights and obligations with respect to the Lease and the Mortgage;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, Landlord, Tenant and Lender hereby agree and covenant as follows:

 

1.         Subordination.  The Lease shall at all times be subject and subordinate in each and every respect to the Mortgage and to any and all increases, renewals, modifications, extensions, substitutions, replacements and/or consolidations of the Mortgage.

 

2.         Nondisturbance.  So long as Tenant is not in default (beyond any period given Tenant in the Lease to cure such default) in the payment of rent or in the performance of any of the terms, covenants or conditions of the Lease on Tenant’s part to be performed, (i) Tenant’s possession of the Leased Premises and Tenant’s rights and privileges under the Lease, or any extensions or renewals thereof, or expansions into additional space within the Property which may be effected in accordance with the terms of the Lease, shall not be diminished or interfered with by Lender in the exercise of any of its rights under the Mortgage, (ii) Tenant’s occupancy of the Leased Premises or any such expansion space shall not be disturbed by Lender in the exercise of any of its rights under the Mortgage during the term of the Lease or any such extensions or renewals thereof, and (iii) Lender will not join Tenant as a party defendant in any action or proceeding for the purpose of terminating Tenant’s interest and estate under the Lease because of any default under the Mortgage.

 

3.         Attornment.  In the event any proceedings are brought for the foreclosure of the Mortgage or if the Property is sold pursuant to a trustee’s sale under the Mortgage, or upon a transfer of the Property by conveyance in lieu of foreclosure, Tenant shall attorn to the purchaser upon any such foreclosure sale or trustee’s sale or transfer in lieu thereof and shall recognize such purchaser as the landlord under the Lease.  Such attornment shall be effective and self-operative without the execution of any further instrument on the part of any of the parties hereto.  Tenant agrees, however, to execute and deliver at any time and from time to time, upon the request of Lender, any instrument or certificate which, in the reasonable judgment of Lender, may be necessary or appropriate in any such foreclosure proceeding or otherwise to evidence such attornment.  Tenant hereby irrevocably appoints Lender and any other or future holders of the indebtedness or other obligations secured by the Mortgage or any such purchaser, jointly and severally, the agent and attorney in fact of Tenant to execute and deliver for and on behalf of Tenant any such instrument or certificate.  In the event of any such attornment, Tenant further waives the provisions of any statute or rule of law, now or hereafter in effect, which may give or purport to give Tenant any right to terminate or otherwise adversely affect the Lease and the obligations of Tenant thereunder as a result of any such foreclosure proceeding, trustee’s sale or conveyance in lieu thereof.

 

4.         Foreclosure and Sale.  If Lender shall succeed to the interest of Landlord under the Lease in any manner, or if any purchaser acquires the Leased Premises upon any foreclosure of the Mortgage or any trustee’s sale under the Mortgage, Lender or such purchaser, as the case may be, shall have the same remedies by entry, action or otherwise in the event of any default by Tenant (beyond any period given to Tenant in the Lease to cure such default) in the payment of rent or additional rent or in the performance of any of the terms, covenants and conditions of the Lease on Tenant’s part to be performed that Landlord had or would have had if Lender or such purchaser had not succeeded to the interest of Landlord.  From and after attornment by Tenant, Lender or such purchaser shall be bound to Tenant under all of the terms, covenants, and conditions of the Lease, and Tenant shall, from and after the succession to the interest of Landlord under the Lease by Lender or such purchaser, have the same remedies against Lender or such purchaser for the breach of an agreement contained in the Lease that Tenant might have had under the Lease against Landlord if Lender or such purchaser had not succeeded to the interest of Landlord; provided further, however, that Lender or such purchaser shall not in any event be:

 

(a)        liable for any act or omission of any prior landlord (including Landlord); or

 

 

SUBORDINATION, NONDISTURBANCE AND ATTORNMENT AGREEMENT — PAGE 2
PLAINSCAPITAL BANK – LANTANA RIDGE JV LLC

 



 

(b)        subject to any offsets or defenses which Tenant might have against any prior landlord (including Landlord); or

 

(c)        bound by any rent or additional rent which Tenant might have paid for more than the current month to any prior landlord (including Landlord), or by any security deposit, cleaning deposit or other prepaid charge which Tenant might have paid in advance to any prior landlord (including Landlord), unless actually received by Lender or such purchaser; or

 

(d)       bound by or liable for any obligation of the landlord to pay any sums of money to or for the benefit of or on behalf of Tenant for concessions or inducements granted to Tenant by any prior landlord (including Landlord) except as expressly set forth in the Lease; provided, however, Tenant shall retain any rent abatement rights set forth in Section 2.4 of the Lease; or

 

(e)        bound by any amendment or modification of the Lease made without its consent; or

 

(f)        obligated to perform any construction obligations under the Lease; provided, however, Tenant shall retain all termination rights with respect thereto and otherwise under the Lease.

 

5.         Acknowledgment and Agreement by Tenant.  Tenant acknowledges and agrees that:

 

(a)        Lender, in making any disbursements to Landlord, is under no obligation or duty to oversee or direct the application of the proceeds of such disbursements, and such proceeds may be used by Landlord for purposes other than improvement of the Property.

 

(b)        From and after the date hereof, in the event of any act or omission by Landlord which would give Tenant the right, either immediately or after the lapse of time, to cease paying rent or terminate the Lease or to claim a partial or total eviction, Tenant will not exercise any such right:

 

(i)         until it has given written notice of such act or omission to Lender; and

 

(ii)        if Landlord shall have failed to cure such default within the time provided for in the Lease, then the Lender shall have an additional THIRTY (30) days within which to cure such default or if such default cannot be cured within that time, then such additional time as may be necessary to cure such default shall be deemed granted to Lender if within such THIRTY (30) days Lender has commenced and is diligently pursuing the remedies necessary to cure such default (including, but not limited to, commencement of foreclosure proceedings, if necessary to effect such cure), in which event the Lease shall not be terminated while such remedies are being so diligently pursued.

 

(c)        It has notice that the Lease and the rent and all other sums due thereunder are to be or have been assigned to Lender as security for the loan secured by the Mortgage.  In the event that Lender notifies Tenant of a default under the Mortgage and demands that Tenant pay its rent and all other sums due under the Lease to Lender, Tenant shall honor such demand and pay its rent and all other sums due under the Lease directly to Lender or as otherwise required pursuant to such notice.

 

(d)       It shall send a copy of any notice or statement claiming a default by Landlord under the Lease to Lender at the same time such notice or statement is sent to Landlord.

 

(e)        This Agreement satisfies any condition or requirements in the Lease relating to the granting of a non-disturbance agreement.

 

6.         Acknowledgment and Agreement by Landlord.  Landlord, as landlord under the Lease and mortgagor or grantor under the Mortgage, acknowledges and agrees for itself and its successors and assigns, that:

 

 

SUBORDINATION, NONDISTURBANCE AND ATTORNMENT AGREEMENT — PAGE 3
PLAINSCAPITAL BANK – LANTANA RIDGE JV LLC

 



 

(a)        This Agreement does not (i) constitute a waiver by Lender of any of its rights under the Mortgage; and or (ii) in any way release Landlord from its obligations to comply with the terms, provisions, conditions, covenants, agreements and clauses of the Mortgage;

 

(b)        The provisions of the Mortgage remain in full force and effect and must be complied with by Landlord; and

 

(c)        In the event of a default under the Mortgage, Tenant may pay all rent and all other sums due under the Lease to Lender as provided in this Agreement.

 

7.         TARA.  Tenant unconditionally agrees, upon the receipt of written notice from Lender, whether prior to or after default in connection with the loan secured by the Mortgage, Tenant shall:  (i) notwithstanding Tex. Prop. Code § 64.055(d), immediately turn over to Lender all “Rents” and “Proceeds” (as such terms are defined in the Texas Assignment of Rents Act (“TARA”) to which Lender is entitled to collect under Tex. Prop Code § 64.054; (ii) not deduct any portion of the Rents for any purpose, notwithstanding any other provision of TARA, this Agreement, or any other encumbrance; and (iii) pay all Rents as they accrue to Lender, without any deduction, set-off, or other reduction of any kind. Tenant unconditionally:  (i) waives any right to delay payment of Rent as contemplated by Tex. Prop. Code § 64.056; and (ii) waives any right to continue paying Rents to any person other than Lender as contemplated by Texas Prop. Code § 64.056.

 

8.         Notice.  All notices to be delivered hereunder to Lender shall be deemed to have been duly given if mailed under United States registered or certified mail, with return receipt requested, postage prepaid to Lender at the address set forth above (or at such other address as shall be given in writing by Lender to Tenant) and shall be deemed complete upon any such mailing.

 

9.         Miscellaneous.

 

(a)        As between Landlord and Lender, the Mortgage, the other Loan Documents (as defined in the Mortgage) and this Agreement supersede any inconsistent provision of the Lease; provided, however, as between Landlord and Tenant, the Lease controls.

 

(b)        Lender shall have no obligations nor incur any liability with respect to any warranties of any nature whatsoever, whether pursuant to the Lease or otherwise, including, without limitation, any warranties respecting use, compliance with zoning, Landlord’s title, Landlord’s authority, habitability, fitness for purpose or possession.  As between Lender and Tenant, this Agreement supersedes any inconsistent provisions of the Lease.

 

(c)        This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their respective successors and permitted assigns; provided, however, that in the event of the assignment or transfer of the interest of Lender, all obligations and liabilities of Lender under this Agreement shall terminate, and thereupon all such obligations and liabilities shall be the responsibility of the party to whom Lender’s interest is assigned or transferred.

 

(d)       This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.

 

10.       Condition Precedent to Effectiveness.  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Agreement, this Agreement shall be binding on the parties hereto only if Lender advances a loan to Landlord that is secured by the Mortgage.

 

 

REMAINDER OF PAGE LEFT INTENTIONALLY BLANK

 

 

SUBORDINATION, NONDISTURBANCE AND ATTORNMENT AGREEMENT — PAGE 4
PLAINSCAPITAL BANK – LANTANA RIDGE JV LLC

 


 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the Effective Date.

 

LENDER:

 

PLAINSCAPITAL BANK

 

 

By:

 

Cole Dulaney, Executive Vice President

 

STATE OF TEXAS

§

COUNTY OF DALLAS

§

 

This instrument was acknowledged before me on this _____ day of January, 2016, by Cole Dulaney, Executive Vice President of PLAINSCAPITAL BANK, on behalf of said bank.

 

[SEAL]

 

 

Notary Public, State of Texas

 

 

SIGNATURES CONTINUED ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE

 

 

SUBORDINATION, NONDISTURBANCE AND ATTORNMENT AGREEMENT — PAGE 1
PLAINSCAPITAL BANK – LANTANA RIDGE JV LLC

 



 

TENANT:

 

YETI COOLERS, LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

STATE OF ____________________

§

COUNTY OF _____________________

§

 

This instrument was acknowledged before me on this _____ day of _____________, 2016, by _____________________, ___________________________ of YETI COOLERS, LLC, on behalf of said entity.

 

[SEAL]

 

 

Notary Public, State of _______________

 

 

SIGNATURES CONTINUED ON THE FOLLOWING PAGE

 

 

SUBORDINATION, NONDISTURBANCE AND ATTORNMENT AGREEMENT — PAGE 1
PLAINSCAPITAL BANK – LANTANA RIDGE JV LLC

 



 

LANDLORD:

 

LANTANA RIDGE JV LLC,
a Delaware limited liability company

 

 

By:

LO LANTANA BTS LLC

 

 

a Delaware limited liability company

 

 

its operating member

 

 

 

 

By:

Non-Member Manager, Inc.,

 

 

a Texas corporation,

 

 

its manager

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

 

 

 

STATE OF TEXAS

§

COUNTY OF ____________

§

 

This instrument was acknowledged before me on January ____, 2016, by ____________, the ___________________ of Non-Member Manager, Inc., a Texas corporation, the manager of LO LANTANA BTS LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, the operating member of LANTANA RIDGE JV LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, on behalf of said entity.

 

 

[SEAL]

 

 

Notary Public, State of Texas

 

 

 

SUBORDINATION, NONDISTURBANCE AND ATTORNMENT AGREEMENT — PAGE 2
PLAINSCAPITAL BANK – LANTANA RIDGE JV LLC

 


 

EXHIBIT A
DESCRIPTION OF REAL PROPERTY

 

 

[TO BE ATTACHED]

 

 

SUBORDINATION, NONDISTURBANCE AND ATTORNMENT AGREEMENT — PAGE 1
PLAINSCAPITAL BANK – LANTANA RIDGE JV LLC

 



 

EXHIBIT I

 

FORM OF TENANT ESTOPPEL CERTIFICATE

 

The undersigned is the Tenant under the Lease (defined below) between ___________________, a __________________, as Landlord, and the undersigned as Tenant, for the Premises on the __________ floor(s) of the building located at ____________________, __________ and commonly known as ____________________, and hereby certifies as follows:

 

1.         The Lease consists of the original Lease Agreement dated as of __________, 20____, between Tenant and Landlord[‘s predecessor-in-interest] and the following amendments or modifications thereto (if none, please state “none”):

 

 

 

 

 

The documents listed above are herein collectively referred to as the “Lease” and represent the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the Premises.  All capitalized terms used herein but not defined shall be given the meaning assigned to them in the Lease.

 

2.         The Lease is in full force and effect and has not been modified, supplemented or amended in any way except as provided in Section 1 above.

 

3.         The Term commenced on __________, 20____ , and the Term expires, excluding any extension options, on __________, 20____, and Tenant has no option to purchase all or any part of the Premises or the Building.

 

4.         Tenant currently occupies the Premises described in the Lease and Tenant has not transferred, assigned, or sublet any portion of the Premises nor entered into any license or concession agreements with respect thereto except as follows (if none, please state “none”):

 

 

 

 

 

5.         All monthly installments of Base Rent, all Additional Rent and all monthly installments of estimated Additional Rent have been paid when due through __________.  The current monthly installment of Base Rent is $__________.

 

6.         All conditions of the Lease to be performed by Landlord necessary to the enforceability of the Lease have been satisfied and Landlord is not in default thereunder.  In addition, Tenant has not delivered any notice to Landlord regarding a default by Landlord thereunder.

 

7.         As of the date hereof, there are no existing defenses or offsets, or, to Tenant’s knowledge, claims or any basis for a claim, that Tenant has against Landlord and no event has

 

I-1



 

occurred and no condition exists, which, with the giving of notice or the passage of time, or both, will constitute a default under the Lease.

 

8.         No rental has been paid more than 30 days in advance and no security deposit has been delivered to Landlord except as provided in the Lease.

 

9.         If Tenant is a corporation, partnership or other business entity, each individual executing this Estoppel Certificate on behalf of Tenant hereby represents and warrants that Tenant is and will remain during the Term a duly formed and existing entity qualified to do business in the state in which the Premises are located and that Tenant has full right and authority to execute and deliver this Estoppel Certificate and that each person signing on behalf of Tenant is authorized to do so.

 

10.       There are no actions pending against Tenant under any bankruptcy or similar laws of the United States or any state.

 

11.       Other than in compliance with all applicable laws and incidental to the ordinary course of the use of the Premises, Tenant has not used or stored any hazardous substances in the Premises.

 

12.       All tenant improvement work to be performed by Landlord under the Lease has been completed in accordance with the Lease and has been accepted by Tenant and all reimbursements and allowances due to Tenant under the Lease in connection with any tenant improvement work have been paid in full.

 

Tenant acknowledges that this Estoppel Certificate may be delivered to Landlord, Landlord’s Mortgagee or to a prospective mortgagee or prospective purchaser, and their respective successors and assigns, and acknowledges that Landlord, Landlord’s Mortgagee and/or such prospective mortgagee or prospective purchaser will be relying upon the statements contained herein in disbursing loan advances or making a new loan or acquiring the property of which the Premises are a part and that receipt by it of this certificate is a condition of disbursing loan advances or making such loan or acquiring such property.

 

Executed as of ____________________, 20____.

 

TENANT:

_________________________________, a ________

 

 

 

 

 

By:

 

 

Name:

 

 

Title:

 

 

I-2


 

J-3





Exhibit 10.21

 

 

April 1, 2016

 

Strictly Confidential

 

Mr. David L. Schnadig
Yeti Holdings, Inc.
5301 Southwest Parkway
Austin, TX 78735

 

Dear Dave:

 

This letter evidences the agreement (the “Agreement”) between Harris Williams LLC, doing business as Harris Williams & Co. (“HW&Co.”), and Yeti Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) pursuant to which HW&Co. will provide mergers and acquisitions and other related strategic/financial advisory services (the “Services”) to the Company as and when requested by the Company with respect to the possible merger, sale, initial public offering or other extraordinary transaction involving the Company (a “Transaction”). The Company has engaged HW&Co. for a term of twelve (15) months from the Effective Date (as defined herein as the date first written above of April 1, 2016). HW&Co. understands that the Company has engaged other financial advisors to assist with a possible Transaction and HW&Co. will work with such financial advisors as the Company so instructs.

 

In consideration of HW&Co.’s Services for the Transaction, the Company shall pay HW&Co. a fee (the “Closing Fee”) equal to $3,000,000. The Closing Fee shall be paid in cash via wire transfer at the time the Transaction is consummated.

 

The Company and HW&Co. agree to the provisions with respect to the Company’s indemnification of HW&Co. and other matters as set forth in Exhibit A hereto, the terms of which are incorporated by reference into this Agreement in their entirety.  Exhibit A is an integral part of this Agreement and shall survive any termination or expiration of this Agreement.

 

This Agreement constitutes the valid and binding agreement of each party and its successors and assigns. The Company acknowledges that all opinions and advice (written or oral) given by HW&Co. to the Company in connection with this Agreement are intended solely for the use of the Board of Directors (or similar governing body) of the Company, in such capacity only, in consideration of the Transaction and are not for the use of, and cannot be relied upon by, any other person or be used or relied upon for any other purpose.

 

The Company acknowledges and agrees that HW&Co. has been retained solely to provide the Services with respect to the Transaction and that no fiduciary, agency or similar relationship between the Company and HW&Co. has been created in respect of any Transaction or HW&Co.’s engagement hereunder, regardless of whether HW&Co. or any of its affiliates has advised or is

 

100 Haxall Point     9th Floor     Richmond, Virginia 23219     Phone: (804) 648-0072     Fax: (804) 648-0073     www.harriswilliams.com     Member FINRA/SIPC

 



 

advising the Company on other matters. The Company agrees that it shall not make, and hereby waives, any claim based on an assertion of such a fiduciary, agency or similar relationship. In connection with this engagement, HW&Co. is acting as an independent contractor, with obligations owing solely to the Company, and not in any other capacity.

 

The services to be provided by HW&Co. are limited to the Services. The terms of this Agreement apply to all advice and services provided by HW&Co., including advice and services provided prior to the date hereof related to the engagement hereunder. HW&Co. is not undertaking to provide any legal, accounting or tax advice in connection with this Agreement. The Company agrees that HW&Co. shall not be responsible for the underlying business decision of the Company to effect a Transaction or for the advice or services provided by any of the Company’s other advisors or contractors.

 

EACH OF HW&CO. AND THE COMPANY HEREBY WAIVES ANY RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY WITH RESPECT TO ANY CLAIM, COUNTERCLAIM OR ACTION ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE ENGAGEMENT HEREUNDER.

 

This Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware, without giving effect to its conflicts of laws principles.

 

HW&Co. must keep confidential and may not publicly announce the fact it has provided Services to the Company, unless approved in writing by the Company. If such public announcement by HW&Co. is approved, the form of any public announcement must also be approved in writing by the Company.

 

This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior oral and written discussions and understandings.  This Agreement shall be effective as of the last date written below. Any modification or amendment to this Agreement or waiver by either party of any rights or remedies available to it shall not be effective unless, and only to the extent that, such modification, amendment or waiver is set forth in a writing, fully executed by the relevant parties, and delivered to the other party. All provisions in this Agreement are severable and each valid and enforceable provision shall remain in effect and shall be binding upon the undersigned, notwithstanding that other provisions may be held by legislative or judicial process to be invalid or unenforceable. All amounts payable under this Agreement are denominated in U.S. Dollars.

 

[Signature Page Follows]

 

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Agreed and accepted (separate copies may be executed by the parties and a photocopy or facsimile signature shall have the same force and effect as an original):

 

Yeti Holdings, Inc.

 

Harris Williams LLC d/b/a

Harris Williams & Co.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By:

/s/ David L. Schnadig

 

By:

/s/ John Neuner

Name:

David L. Schnadig

 

Name:

John Neuner

Title:

Vice President

 

Title:

Managing Director

 

HW&Co. is a FINRA-registered broker-dealer subsidiary of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. and its affiliates are engaged in a broad range of financial services and securities activities. Under Section 326 of the USA PATRIOT Act, HW&Co. and its affiliates are required to verify the identity of their clients. HW&Co. utilizes the services of outside vendors, such as Dun & Bradstreet, to assist with this government-mandated requirement.

 

Company Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN):

45-5297111

 

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EXHIBIT A

 

INDEMNIFICATION

 

The Company shall indemnify and hold harmless HW&Co. and its control persons, officers, directors, members, managers, employees, agents, and affiliates (each an “Indemnified Party”), jointly and severally, from and against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, costs, or expenses in respect to any action, claim, suit or proceeding to which such Indemnified Party may become subject in connection with the services rendered pursuant to or matters which are the subject of or arise out of this Agreement or HW&Co.’s Services provided in connection herewith, whether arising before or after the date of this Agreement (collectively, “Claims”). The Company will promptly reimburse each Indemnified Party for any legal or other expenses incurred by such Indemnified Party in connection with investigating, preparing for, defending, settling or compromising any such Claim as such expenses are incurred, regardless of whether such Indemnified Party is a party in such Claim. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall not be liable with respect to any such Claim nor for any such Indemnified Party’s expenses if a court of competent jurisdiction shall have determined by a final judgment that such Claim resulted solely from the Indemnified Party’s bad faith, willful misconduct or gross negligence.  The Company also agrees that no Indemnified Party shall have any liability to the Company or to any person asserting claims on behalf of or in right of the Company, directly or indirectly, arising out of, or relating to, this Agreement or HW&Co.’s Services hereunder, unless it is determined in a final judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction that such liability resulted solely from the bad faith, willful misconduct or gross negligence of such Indemnified Party.

 

If the indemnification provided for herein is unavailable or insufficient to hold harmless an Indemnified Party with respect to any Claim, then the Company shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such Indemnified Party as a result of such Claim in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative benefits received by the Company, on the one hand, and HW&Co., on the other hand, in connection with the matters contemplated by this Agreement. If, however, the allocation provided by the immediately preceding sentence is not permitted by applicable law, then the Company shall contribute to such amount paid or payable by any Indemnified Party in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only such relative benefits, but also the relative fault of the Company, on the one hand, and such Indemnified Party, on the other hand, in connection therewith, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company expressly agrees that neither HW&Co. nor any other Indemnified Party shall be required to contribute any amount pursuant to this paragraph in excess of the amount of fees paid or payable to HW&Co. under this Agreement (excluding reimbursable expenses).  The “relative benefits” received by the Company on the one hand and the Indemnified Party on the other shall be deemed to be in the same proportion as the aggregate consideration paid or payable in connection with the Transaction bears to the total fees actually received by HW&Co. in connection with this Agreement.

 

If any action, suit, proceeding, or investigation (a “Proceeding”) is commenced as to which an Indemnified Party proposes to demand indemnification, it shall notify the Company in writing within 15  days of obtaining knowledge of such Proceeding.  The Company shall not settle any

 

4



 

claim relating to HW&Co.’s engagement under this Agreement unless such settlement includes an express release of each Indemnified Party with respect to all claims asserted in such Claim, such release to be set forth in an instrument signed by all parties to such settlement. The rights to indemnification, reimbursement, release, waiver and contribution contained in this Agreement shall survive any Termination or expiration of this Agreement or the consummation, termination, or abandonment of any Transaction, and shall not limit any other rights that an Indemnified Party may have at law or otherwise.

 

If multiple claims are asserted against an Indemnified Party in any Claim, and indemnification as to at least one of such claims is permitted under applicable law and provided for under this Agreement, then the Company agrees that any judgment or award shall be conclusively deemed to be based on claims as to which indemnification is permitted and provided for, except to the extent the judgment or award expressly states that the judgment or award, or any portion thereof, is based solely on a claim or claims as to which indemnification is not available.

 

No agreement with any other financial advisor shall limit or impair in any respect the foregoing indemnification provisions.

 

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Exhibit 21.1

 

SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT AS OF JUNE 1, 2016

 

Subsidiary

 

Jurisdiction of Organization

 

Percentage of Ownership

 

YETI Coolers, LLC

 

Delaware

 

100

%

 





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Exhibit 23.2

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

              We have issued our report dated April 11, 2016 (except for Note 13 and the effects thereof, which is as of June 6, 2016), with respect to the consolidated financial statements of YETI Holdings, Inc. contained in the Registration Statement and Prospectus. We consent to the use of the aforementioned report in the Registration Statement and Prospectus, and to the use of our name as it appears under the caption "Experts."

/s/ Grant Thornton LLP

Dallas, Texas
July 1, 2016




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CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


Exhibit 99.1

 

Consent of Director Nominee

 

Pursuant to Rule 438 under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the “Registration Statement”) of YETI Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”), the undersigned hereby consents to being named and described as a person who will become a director of the Company in the Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement to any prospectus included in such Registration Statement, any amendment to such Registration Statement or any subsequent Registration Statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act and to the filing or attachment of this consent with such Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement thereto.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this consent as of the 13th day of June 2016.

 

/s/ Troy Alstead

 

Troy Alstead

 

 





Exhibit 99.2

 

Consent of Director Nominee

 

Pursuant to Rule 438 under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the “Registration Statement”) of YETI Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”), the undersigned hereby consents to being named and described as a person who will become a director of the Company in the Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement to any prospectus included in such Registration Statement, any amendment to such Registration Statement or any subsequent Registration Statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act and to the filing or attachment of this consent with such Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement thereto.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this consent as of the 14th day of June 2016.

 

/s/ Dustan E. McCoy

 

 

Dustan E. McCoy

 

 

 





Exhibit 99.3

 

Consent of Director Nominee

 

Pursuant to Rule 438 under the Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”), in connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (the “Registration Statement”) of YETI Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”), the undersigned hereby consents to being named and described as a person who will become a director of the Company in the Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement to any prospectus included in such Registration Statement, any amendment to such Registration Statement or any subsequent Registration Statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act and to the filing or attachment of this consent with such Registration Statement and any amendment or supplement thereto.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this consent as of the 13th day of June 2016.

 

/s/ Robert K. Shearer

 

Robert K. Shearer