01/29/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 01/29/2026 15:17
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): January 29, 2026
GENTHERM INCORPORATED
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Michigan | 0-21810 | 95-4318554 | ||
|
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) |
(Commission File Number) |
(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
|
28875 Cabot Drive Novi, Michigan |
48377 | |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (248) 348-9735
Former name or former address, if changed since last report: N/A
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
| ☒ |
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425) |
| ☐ |
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12) |
| ☐ |
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b)) |
| ☐ |
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c)) |
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
|
Title of each class |
Trading |
Name of each exchange |
||
| Common Stock, no par value | THRM | The Nasdaq Global Market |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company ☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
| Item 1.01 |
Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement. |
On January 29, 2026, Gentherm Incorporated, a Michigan corporation ("Gentherm"), entered into definitive agreements with Modine Manufacturing Co., a Wisconsin corporation ("Modine"), Platinum SpinCo Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Modine ("SpinCo"), and Platinum Gold Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Gentherm ("Merger Sub"), with respect to a Reverse Morris Trust transaction, and pursuant to which, subject to the terms and conditions of such definitive agreements, (i) Modine will transfer (or cause to be transferred) and SpinCo will accept and assume (or cause to be accepted and assumed) all of the rights, titles and interests to and under certain assets and liabilities relating to Modine's Performance Technologies business (the "SpinCo Business") (such reorganization of the SpinCo Business, the "Reorganization"), (ii) Modine will distribute to its shareholders all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, of SpinCo ("SpinCo Common Stock") held by Modine by way of a pro rata distribution (the "Spin-Off" and the disposition by Modine of 100% of the SpinCo Common Stock by way of the Spin-Off, the "Distribution") and (iii) following the Distribution, Merger Sub will be merged with and into SpinCo, with SpinCo as the surviving entity (the "Merger") and all SpinCo Common Stock will be converted into the right to receive shares of common stock, no par value per share, of Gentherm ("Gentherm Common Stock"), as calculated and subject to adjustment as set forth in the Merger Agreement (as defined below) (collectively, the "Proposed Transaction"). Following the consummation of the Merger, (i) SpinCo will be a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gentherm, and (ii) the shareholders of Gentherm immediately prior to the Merger will own approximately 60.0% and former SpinCo shareholders prior to the Distribution will own approximately 40.0% of the outstanding shares of Gentherm Common Stock on a fully diluted basis and disregarding any shareholder overlap. The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both Modine and Gentherm.
The definitive agreements entered into in connection with the transaction include (i) an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement"), dated as of January 29, 2026, by and among Modine, Gentherm, SpinCo and Merger Sub, and (ii) a Separation Agreement (the "Separation Agreement"), dated as of January 29, 2026, by and among Modine, Gentherm and SpinCo. Modine, Gentherm and SpinCo will also enter into additional agreements, including, among others:
| • |
a Tax Matters Agreement, which will govern, among other things, Modine's, Gentherm's and SpinCo's respective rights, responsibilities and obligations with respect to taxes, tax attributes, the preparation and filing of tax returns, responsibility for and preservation of the expected tax-free status of the transactions contemplated by the Separation Agreement and certain other tax matters; |
| • |
an Employee Matters Agreement, which will govern, among other things, Modine's, Gentherm's and SpinCo's obligations with respect to current and former employees of Modine and of the SpinCo Business; |
| • |
an Intellectual Property Matters Agreement, solely between Modine and SpinCo, which will allocate rights and interests in certain intellectual property rights relating to the SpinCo Business and Modine; |
| • |
a Transition Services Agreement, which will govern, among other things, the parties' respective rights and obligations with respect to the provision of certain transition services; |
| • |
a Technical Services Agreement, which will govern, among other things, the parties' respective rights and obligations with respect to certain test equipment and use of Modine's technical center; |
| • |
a Trademark Matters Agreement, which will govern, among other things, the Modine's and SpinCo's respective rights and obligations with respect to certain trademarks registered by Modine; and |
| • |
a Lease Agreement, pursuant to which certain property in Racine, Wisconsin transferred to SpinCo in the Reorganization will be leased back to Modine. |
The Separation Agreement
Separation. The Separation Agreement sets forth the terms and conditions regarding the separation of the SpinCo Business from Modine. The Separation Agreement identifies and provides for the transfer of certain assets by Modine to SpinCo, the transfer of certain assets by SpinCo to Modine, the assumption of certain liabilities by SpinCo from Modine and the assumption of certain liabilities by Modine from SpinCo. The Separation Agreement also governs the rights and obligations of Modine and SpinCo regarding the distribution by Modine of SpinCo Common Stock to Modine's shareholders. Pursuant to the Separation Agreement, the Distribution will be effected by means of a pro rata distribution of SpinCo Common Stock to Modine's shareholders without consideration.
Distribution. Prior to, and as a condition of, the Distribution, SpinCo will make a cash payment to Modine equal to $210 million (the "SpinCo Cash Distribution"), subject to adjustment for cash, working capital and indebtedness of SpinCo and subject to decrease if additional shares of Gentherm Common Stock will be issued to the SpinCo shareholders to meet the Threshold Percentage (as described below).
Certain Other Matters. The Separation Agreement also sets forth other agreements between Modine and SpinCo related to the Distribution, including provisions concerning the termination and settlement of intercompany accounts, certain working capital adjustments and third-party consents. The Separation Agreement governs certain aspects of the relationship between Modine and SpinCo after the Distribution, including provisions with respect to release of claims, indemnification, insurance, access to financial and other information and access to and provision of records. The parties have mutual ongoing indemnification obligations following the Distribution with respect to certain liabilities related to the SpinCo Business and Modine's business, respectively.
Conditions. Consummation of the Distribution is subject to various conditions, including the satisfaction or waiver of all conditions under the Merger Agreement (which includes the completion of the SpinCo Cash Distribution and other conditions described below).
The foregoing description of the Separation Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the full text of the Separation Agreement, which is filed herewith as Exhibit 2.1 and is incorporated herein by reference.
The Merger Agreement
Structure. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, immediately following the Distribution, SpinCo and Merger Sub will combine through the following series of transactions (subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement):
| • |
Merger Sub will merge with and into SpinCo, with SpinCo surviving the Merger and becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gentherm; |
| • |
In the Merger, holders of SpinCo Common Stock will be entitled to receive for each share of SpinCo Common Stock a number of shares of newly issued Gentherm Common Stock determined pursuant to the exchange ratio specified in the Merger Agreement (the "Exchange Ratio"); |
| • |
Prior to the adjustments described in the following paragraph and disregarding any shareholder overlap, the Exchange Ratio is designed to result in the outstanding Gold Common Stock on a fully diluted basis, immediately following the Merger, being owned approximately 40.0% by former SpinCo shareholders (the "SpinCo Percentage") and approximately 60.0% by the shareholders of Gentherm immediately prior to the Merger (the "Gentherm Percentage"); |
| • |
However, in order to preserve the tax-free nature of the Spin-Off, the Merger Agreement generally provides that the Exchange Ratio will be adjusted and increased if necessary to ensure that, immediately following the closing of the Merger, former SpinCo shareholders (including the Overlap Shareholders, as defined in the Merger Agreement) own, for tax purposes, at least 50.5% (the "Threshold Percentage") of the outstanding shares of Gentherm Common Stock on a fully diluted basis. In the event that the exchange ratio |
|
is adjusted upwards, the SpinCo Cash Distribution will be decreased to account for the value of the additional shares issued to the former SpinCo shareholders up to a certain cap and Gentherm could issue a pre-closing cash dividend to its shareholders (any such dividend, a "Gentherm Special Dividend") (each as required pursuant to the Merger Agreement). |
Each step of the Merger is intended to be completed substantially concurrently, in the order indicated.
Financing. On January 29, 2026, Gentherm, SpinCo and a financial institution executed a 364-day bridge loan facility commitment letter, pursuant to which such financial institution has committed to provide (i) debt financing to SpinCo (the "SpinCo Bridge Facility") to fund the SpinCo Cash Distribution and the Gentherm Special Dividend, if any, and to pay fees and expenses related to the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and the Separation Agreement and (ii) to Gentherm a backstop of its existing credit agreement, in each case on the terms and conditions set forth therein. The SpinCo Bridge Facility is expected to be replaced with permanent financing (the "Permanent Financing"), which may include secured or unsecured notes or term loans (including in the form of a delayed draw term loan facility). If the Proposed Transaction is consummated, any indebtedness incurred by SpinCo under the SpinCo Bridge Facility or the Permanent Financing will become indebtedness of a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gentherm.
Post-Closing Governance. The Merger Agreement provides that, in connection with and effective as of the effective time of the Merger, the Gentherm Board of Directors will consist of eleven members, including two individuals selected prior to the closing of the Merger by Modine after consultation in good faith with Gentherm and who meet Nasdaq's independent director requirements, and the nine directors on the Gentherm board immediately prior to closing.
Closing Conditions. Consummation of the Merger is subject to various conditions under the Merger Agreement including, among others: (i) the accuracy of representations and warranties and compliance with covenants, subject to certain customary exceptions; (ii) the approval by Gentherm shareholders of the issuance of shares of Gentherm Common Stock pursuant to the Merger, among other things; (iii) the effectiveness of registration statements to be filed by Gentherm and SpinCo with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") in connection with the Proposed Transaction; (iv) the absence of any law restraining, enjoining, or otherwise prohibiting the consummation of the Reorganization, the Distribution or the Merger; (v) the consummation of the Reorganization, the Distribution and related transactions; (vi) the occurrence of the SpinCo Cash Distribution; (vii) the receipt of a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue Service regarding certain matters germane to the U.S. federal income tax consequences of the transactions; (viii) the receipt of certain opinions of counsel as to tax matters pertaining to the Proposed Transaction; (ix) the receipt of certain U.S. and international regulatory approvals; and (x) the approval of the Nasdaq Stock Market ("Nasdaq") of the listing on Nasdaq of the newly issued shares of Gentherm Common Stock in the Merger.
Representations, Warranties and Covenants. Gentherm and Modine (on behalf of itself and SpinCo) make certain customary and mutual representations, warranties and covenants in the Merger Agreement, including, among other things, covenants by Modine not to take certain actions prior to the closing of the Proposed Transaction with respect to its business and the SpinCo Business without the prior approval of Gentherm. In addition, Gentherm also agreed not to take certain actions with respect to its business prior to the closing of the Merger without the approval of Modine. Gentherm and Modine have also agreed in the Merger Agreement to covenants to not solicit competing transactions.
Termination. The Merger Agreement contains specified termination rights for Gentherm and Modine, including in the event that the Merger has not been consummated on or prior to March 31, 2027 (subject to a three-month extension in connection with outstanding regulatory approvals). Additionally, the Merger Agreement requires Gentherm to pay Modine a termination fee of $45 million if the Merger Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances.
The foregoing description of the Merger Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby does not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the full text of the Merger Agreement, which is filed herewith as Exhibit 2.2 and is incorporated herein by reference.
The above descriptions of each of the Separation Agreement and the Merger Agreement have been included to provide investors and security holders with information regarding the terms of each of the Separation Agreement and the Merger Agreement. They are not intended to provide any other factual information about Gentherm, Modine, SpinCo, Merger Sub and their respective subsidiaries and affiliates, or any of their respective businesses. The Merger Agreement contains representations and warranties that are solely for the benefit of parties thereto. The assertions embodied in those representations and warranties are qualified by information in confidential disclosure letters that the parties have exchanged in connection with signing the Merger Agreement as of a specific date. The disclosure letters contain information that modifies, qualifies and creates exceptions to the representations and warranties set forth in the Merger Agreement. Therefore, investors and security holders should not treat the representations and warranties as categorical statements of fact. Moreover, these representations and warranties may apply standards of materiality in a way that is different from what may be material to investors. They were made only as of the date of the Merger Agreement or such other date or dates as may be specified in the Merger Agreement and they are subject to more recent developments. Accordingly, investors and security holders should read the representations and warranties in the Merger Agreement not in isolation but only in conjunction with the other information about Gentherm and Modine and their respective subsidiaries that the respective companies include in reports and statements they file with the SEC.
NO OFFER OR SOLICITATION
This Current Report on Form 8-K is not intended to and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or exchange any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. It does not constitute a prospectus or prospectus equivalent document. No offering or sale of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act, and otherwise in accordance with applicable law.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
In connection with the Proposed Transaction among Gentherm, Modine and SpinCo, the parties intend to file relevant materials with the SEC, including, among other filings, a registration statement on Form S-4 to be filed by Gentherm (the "Form S-4") that will include a preliminary proxy statement/prospectus of Gentherm and a definitive proxy statement/prospectus of Gentherm, the latter of which will be mailed to shareholders of Gentherm, and a registration statement on Form 10 to be filed by SpinCo that will incorporate by reference certain portions of the Form S-4 and will serve as an information statement/prospectus in connection with the spin-off of SpinCo from Modine. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF GENTHERM AND MODINE ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS, THE INFORMATION STATEMENT/PROSPECTUS AND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS THAT WILL BE FILED WITH THE SEC, AS WELL AS ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS TO THESE DOCUMENTS, CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT GENTHERM, MODINE, SPINCO, THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS. Investors and security holders will be able to obtain free copies of the Form S-4 and the proxy statement/prospectus (when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by Gentherm, Modine or SpinCo through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Gentherm will be available free of charge on Gentherm's website at ir.Gentherm.com under the tab "Financial Info" and under the heading "SEC Filings." Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by Modine and SpinCo will be available free of charge on Modine's website at investors.Modine.com under the tab "Financials" and under the heading "SEC Filings."
Participants in the Solicitation
Gentherm and Modine and their respective directors and executive officers and other members of management and employees may be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies from Gentherm's shareholders in connection with the Proposed Transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of Gentherm is set forth in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on February 19, 2025, and its proxy statement for its 2025 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on March 27, 2025. To the extent holdings of Gentherm's securities by its directors or executive officers have changed since
the amounts set forth in such filings, such changes have been or will be reflected on Initial Statements of Beneficial Ownership on Form 3 or Statements of Beneficial Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC. Information about the directors and executive officers of Gentherm and other information regarding the potential participants in the proxy solicitations and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the proxy statement/prospectus and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC regarding the Proposed Transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of Modine is set forth in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2025, which was filed with the SEC on May 21, 2025, and its proxy statement for its 2025 annual meeting of shareholders, which was filed with the SEC on July 9, 2025. To the extent holdings of Modine's securities by its directors or executive officers have changed since the amounts set forth in such filings, such changes have been or will be reflected on Initial Statements of Beneficial Ownership on Form 3 or Statements of Beneficial Ownership on Form 4 filed with the SEC. You may obtain these documents (when they become available) free of charge through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov and from Gentherm's website and Modine's website as described above.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Current Report on Form 8-K includes "forward-looking statements" as that term is defined in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including statements regarding the Proposed Transaction among Gentherm, Modine and SpinCo. These forward-looking statements may be identified by the words "believe," "feel," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "appear," "estimate," "forecast," "outlook," "target," "endeavor," "seek," "predict," "intend," "suggest," "strategy," "plan," "may," "could," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology generally intended to identify forward-looking statements. All statements, other than historical facts, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the expected timing and structure of the Proposed Transaction, the ability of the parties to complete the Proposed Transaction, the expected benefits of the Proposed Transaction, including future financial and operating results, anticipated strategic benefits of the Proposed Transaction, the amount and timing of synergies from the Proposed Transaction, the tax consequences of the Proposed Transaction, the terms and scope of the expected financing in connection with the Proposed Transaction, the aggregate amount of indebtedness of the combined company following the closing of the Proposed Transaction, the combined company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, legal, economic and regulatory conditions, and any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing, are forward-looking statements.
These forward-looking statements are based on Gentherm's and Modine's current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations generally. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond Gentherm's and Modine's control. None of Gentherm, Modine, SpinCo or any of their respective directors, executive officers, advisors or representatives make any representation or provide any assurance or guarantee that the occurrence of the events expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements will actually occur, or if any of them do occur, what impact they will have on the business, results of operations or financial condition of Gentherm, Modine or the combined business. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements, including developments that could have a material adverse effect on Gentherm's and Modine's businesses and the ability to successfully complete the Proposed Transaction and realize its benefits. The inclusion of such statements should not be regarded as a representation that such plans, estimates or expectations will be achieved. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such plans, estimates or expectations include, among others, (1) that one or more closing conditions to the Proposed Transaction, including certain regulatory approvals, may not be satisfied or waived, on a timely basis or otherwise, including that a governmental entity may prohibit, delay or refuse to grant approval for the consummation of the Proposed Transaction, may require conditions, limitations or restrictions in connection with such approvals or that the required approval by the shareholders of Gentherm may not be obtained; (2) the risk that the Proposed Transaction may not be completed on the terms or in the time frame expected by Gentherm, Modine and SpinCo, or at all; (3) unexpected costs, charges or expenses resulting from the Proposed Transaction; (4) uncertainty of the expected financial performance of the combined company following completion of the Proposed Transaction; (5) failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the Proposed Transaction, including as a result of delay in completing the Proposed Transaction or integrating the businesses of Gentherm and SpinCo, on the expected timeframe or at all; (6) the
ability of the combined company to implement its business strategy; (7) difficulties and delays in the combined company achieving revenue and cost synergies; (8) inability of the combined company to retain and hire key personnel; (9) the occurrence of any event that could give rise to termination of the Proposed Transaction; (10) the risk that shareholder litigation in connection with the Proposed Transaction or other litigation, settlements or investigations may affect the timing or occurrence of the Proposed Transaction or result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability; (11) evolving legal, regulatory and tax regimes; (12) changes in general economic and/or industry specific conditions or any volatility resulting from the imposition of and changing policies, including those policies with respect to tariffs; (13) actions by third parties, including government agencies; (14) the risk that the anticipated tax treatment of the Proposed Transaction is not obtained; (15) the risk of greater than expected difficulty in separating the business of SpinCo from the other businesses of Modine; (16) risks related to the disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the pendency of the Proposed Transaction, or other effects of the pendency of the Proposed Transaction on the relationship of any of the parties to the Proposed Transaction with their employees, customers, suppliers, or other counterparties; and (17) other risk factors detailed from time to time in Gentherm's and Modine's reports filed with the SEC, including Gentherm's and Modine's annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and other documents filed with the SEC, including documents that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the Proposed Transaction. The foregoing list of important factors is not exclusive.
Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Current Report on Form 8-K. None of Gentherm, Modine or SpinCo undertakes, and each party expressly disclaims, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or development, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements.
| Item 9.01 |
Financial Statements and Exhibits |
| (d) |
Exhibits |
| Exhibit 2.1* | Separation Agreement, dated as of January 29, 2026, by and among Gentherm Incorporated, Modine Manufacturing Co. and Platinum SpinCo Inc. | |
| Exhibit 2.2* | Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of January 29, 2026, by and among Gentherm Incorporated, Modine Manufacturing Co., Platinum Gold Merger Sub Inc. and Platinum SpinCo Inc. | |
| Exhibit 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) | |
| * |
Annexes, schedules and/or exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. Gentherm agrees to furnish supplementally a copy of any omitted attachment to the SEC on a confidential basis upon request. |
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
| Gentherm Incorporated | ||||||
| By: |
/s/ Wayne Kauffman |
|||||
| Wayne Kauffman | ||||||
| Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary | ||||||
| Date: January 29, 2026 | ||||||
Exhibit 2.1
Execution Version
SEPARATION AGREEMENT
BY AND AMONG
MODINE MANUFACTURING COMPANY,
GENTHERM INCORPORATED
AND
PLATINUM SPINCO INC.
DATED AS OF JANUARY 29, 2026
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | ||||||
|
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS |
2 | |||||
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ARTICLE II THE SEPARATION |
18 | |||||
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2.1 |
Transfer of Assets and Assumption of Liabilities | 18 | ||||
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2.2 |
SpinCo Assets; Company Assets | 21 | ||||
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2.3 |
SpinCo Liabilities; Company Liabilities | 25 | ||||
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2.4 |
Approvals and Notifications | 27 | ||||
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2.5 |
Novation of Liabilities | 32 | ||||
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2.6 |
Release of Support Obligations | 35 | ||||
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2.7 |
Wrong Pockets; Mail and Other Communications; Payments | 37 | ||||
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2.8 |
Termination of Agreements | 38 | ||||
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2.9 |
Treatment of Shared Contracts | 39 | ||||
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2.10 |
Treatment of Shared Services | 40 | ||||
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2.11 |
Certain Adjustments | 40 | ||||
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2.12 |
Bank Accounts; Cash Balances | 47 | ||||
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2.13 |
Transaction Documents | 48 | ||||
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2.14 |
Disclaimer of Representations and Warranties | 48 | ||||
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2.15 |
SpinCo Financing | 49 | ||||
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2.16 |
Financial Information Certifications | 49 | ||||
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ARTICLE III THE DISTRIBUTION |
50 | |||||
|
3.1 |
Actions Prior to the Distribution | 50 | ||||
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3.2 |
Conditions to the Distribution | 52 | ||||
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3.3 |
The Distribution | 53 | ||||
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3.4 |
SpinCo Common Stock Issued to Company Subsidiaries | 54 | ||||
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3.5 |
Authorization of SpinCo Common Stock to Accomplish the Distribution | 54 | ||||
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ARTICLE IV MUTUAL RELEASES; INDEMNIFICATION |
55 | |||||
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4.1 |
Release of Pre-Distribution Claims | 55 | ||||
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4.2 |
Indemnification by SpinCo | 57 | ||||
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4.3 |
Indemnification by Company | 58 | ||||
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4.4 |
Indemnification Obligations Net of Insurance Proceeds and Other Amounts | 59 | ||||
-i-
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4.5 |
Procedures for Indemnification of Third-Party Claims | 60 | ||||
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4.6 |
Additional Matters | 62 | ||||
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4.7 |
Right of Contribution | 64 | ||||
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4.8 |
Covenant Not to Sue | 64 | ||||
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4.9 |
Survival of Indemnities | 64 | ||||
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4.10 |
Exclusive Remedy | 65 | ||||
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4.11 |
Management of Actions | 65 | ||||
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4.12 |
Settlement of Actions | 67 | ||||
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ARTICLE V CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS |
68 | |||||
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5.1 |
Insurance Matters | 68 | ||||
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5.2 |
Late Payments | 71 | ||||
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5.3 |
Treatment of Payments for Tax Purposes | 71 | ||||
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5.4 |
Inducement | 71 | ||||
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5.5 |
Post-Distribution Time Conduct | 71 | ||||
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5.6 |
SpinCo Group Employee Roster | 71 | ||||
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ARTICLE VI EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION; CONFIDENTIALITY |
71 | |||||
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6.1 |
Agreement for Exchange of Information | 71 | ||||
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6.2 |
Ownership of Information | 73 | ||||
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6.3 |
Compensation for Providing Information | 73 | ||||
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6.4 |
Record Retention | 73 | ||||
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6.5 |
Limitations of Liability | 74 | ||||
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6.6 |
Other Agreements Providing for Exchange of Information | 74 | ||||
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6.7 |
Production of Witnesses; Records; Cooperation | 74 | ||||
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6.8 |
Privileged Matters | 75 | ||||
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6.9 |
Confidentiality | 77 | ||||
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6.10 |
Protective Arrangements | 80 | ||||
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ARTICLE VII FURTHER ASSURANCES AND ADDITIONAL COVENANTS |
80 | |||||
|
7.1 |
Further Assurances | 80 | ||||
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7.2 |
Use of the House Marks | 81 | ||||
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7.3 |
Separation Planning | 82 | ||||
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7.4 |
Ancillary Agreements | 84 | ||||
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ARTICLE VIII TERMINATION |
85 | |||||
|
8.1 |
Termination | 85 | ||||
-ii-
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8.2 |
Effect of Termination | 85 | ||||
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ARTICLE IX MISCELLANEOUS |
85 | |||||
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9.1 |
Counterparts; Entire Agreement; Corporate Power | 85 | ||||
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9.2 |
Survival of Covenants | 86 | ||||
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9.3 |
Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial | 86 | ||||
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9.4 |
Assignability. | 87 | ||||
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9.5 |
Third-Party Beneficiaries | 87 | ||||
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9.6 |
Notices | 88 | ||||
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9.7 |
Severability | 89 | ||||
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9.8 |
No Set-Off | 89 | ||||
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9.9 |
Headings | 89 | ||||
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9.10 |
Waivers of Default | 89 | ||||
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9.11 |
Specific Performance | 89 | ||||
|
9.12 |
Amendments | 90 | ||||
|
9.13 |
Interpretation | 90 | ||||
|
9.14 |
Negotiation | 91 | ||||
|
9.15 |
Limitation on Liability | 91 | ||||
|
9.16 |
Performance | 91 | ||||
|
9.17 |
Mutual Drafting; Precedence | 92 | ||||
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SCHEDULES
| Schedule 1.1 | Accounting Principles | |
| Schedule 1.2 | Excess Foreign Cash | |
|
Schedule 1.3 Schedule 1.3(a) |
Shared Services SpinCo Business |
|
| Schedule 1.4 | SpinCo Contracts | |
| Schedule 1.5 | SpinCo Intellectual Property | |
| Schedule 1.6(a) | SpinCo Owned Real Property | |
| Schedule 1.6(b) | SpinCo Owned Real Property Leases | |
| Schedule 1.8(a) | SpinCo Transferred Leased Property | |
| Schedule 1.8(b) | SpinCo Transferred Leased Property Leases | |
| Schedule 1.9 | Transferred Entities | |
| Schedule 2.1(a) | Reorganization Step Plan | |
| Schedule 2.1(d) | Reorganization Committee | |
| Schedule 2.2(b)(iv) | Company Assets | |
| Schedule 2.2(b)(v) | Company Intellectual Property | |
|
Schedule 2.3(a)(xii) Schedule 2.3(b)(v) |
Other SpinCo Liabilities Company Liabilities |
|
| Schedule 2.8(b) | Termination of Agreements | |
| Schedule 2.9(a) | Exclusions from Shared Contracts | |
|
Schedule 2.11(a)(viii) Schedule 2.11(a)(ix) |
SpinCo Indebtedness Target Net Working Capital |
|
| Schedule 2.12(a) | Bank Accounts | |
| Schedule 4.11(b) | Management of Company-Controlled Actions | |
| Schedule 5.6 | SpinCo Group Employee Roster | |
| Schedule 7.4(a) | Ancillary Agreements |
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SEPARATION AGREEMENT
This SEPARATION AGREEMENT, dated as of January 29, 2026 (this "Agreement"), is by and among Modine Manufacturing Company, a Wisconsin corporation (the "Company"), Gentherm Incorporated, a Michigan corporation ("Gold"), and Platinum SpinCo Inc., a Delaware corporation ("SpinCo").
R E C I T A L S
WHEREAS, the Company, acting through itself and its direct and indirect Subsidiaries, currently conducts the SpinCo Business;
WHEREAS, SpinCo is a newly formed, wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company;
WHEREAS, the Company intends to separate the SpinCo Business from the Company Business and to cause the SpinCo Assets to be transferred to SpinCo and the other members of the SpinCo Group and to cause the SpinCo Liabilities to be assumed by SpinCo and other members of the SpinCo Group, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement;
WHEREAS, the Company will distribute all the issued and outstanding shares of the common stock, $0.001 par value, of SpinCo (the "SpinCo Common Stock") to the Company's stockholders without consideration on a pro rata basis on the Distribution Date (the "Spin-Off");
WHEREAS, the disposition by the Company of 100% of the SpinCo Common Stock by way of a Spin-Off is referred to as the "Distribution";
WHEREAS, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, it is intended that (i) the Contribution (as defined herein) and the Distribution, taken together, shall qualify as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Sections 355(a) and 368(a)(1)(D) of the Code; (ii) the Merger (as defined herein) shall qualify as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code; and (iii) this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents constitute, and are hereby adopted as, a "plan of reorganization" with respect to the Contribution and Distribution (taken together) within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.368-2(g) and 1.368-3(a) and for purposes of Sections 354, 361 and 368 of the Code;
WHEREAS, pursuant to that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of the date hereof (the "Merger Agreement"), by and among the Company, SpinCo, Gold and Platinum Gold Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Gold ("Merger Sub"), immediately following the Distribution, Merger Sub will merge with and into SpinCo with SpinCo as the surviving entity (the "Merger"), whereupon each share of SpinCo Common Stock will be converted into the right to receive shares of common stock, no par value per share, of Gold, all upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Company Board") and the Board of Directors of SpinCo have approved and declared advisable this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Reorganization and the Distribution, subject to such further action of the Company Board required to establish the Record Date and the Distribution Date, and the effectiveness of the declaration of the Distribution by the Company Board (which will be subject to the satisfaction or, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, waiver of the conditions set forth in this Agreement);
WHEREAS, each of the Company and SpinCo has determined that it is appropriate and desirable to set forth the principal corporate transactions required to effect the Reorganization and the Distribution and certain other agreements that will govern certain matters relating to the Reorganization and the Distribution and the relationship of the Company, SpinCo, Gold and the members of their respective Groups following the Distribution; and
WHEREAS, the Parties acknowledge that this Agreement, the Merger Agreement and the other Transaction Documents represent the integrated agreement of the Company, SpinCo and Gold relating to the Reorganization and the Distribution, are being entered into together, and would not have been entered into independently.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual agreements, provisions and covenants contained in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties, intending to be legally bound, hereby agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of this Agreement, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
"Accounting Principles" shall have the meaning set forth on Schedule 1.1.
"Action" shall mean any demand, action, claim, dispute, suit, countersuit, arbitration, inquiry, subpoena, proceeding or investigation of any nature (whether criminal, civil, legislative, administrative, regulatory, prosecutorial or otherwise) by or before any federal, state, local, foreign or international Governmental Authority or any arbitration or mediation tribunal.
"Additional Readiness Requirements" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.3(c).
"Additional Requirements Costs" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.3(d).
"Affiliate" shall mean, when used with respect to a specified Person (at any point of time or with respect to a period of time, as applicable), a Person that, directly or indirectly, through one (1) or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such specified Person. For the purpose of this definition, "control" (including, with correlative meanings, "controlled by" and "under common control with"), when used with respect to any specified Person, shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person. It is expressly agreed that, from and after the Distribution Time, for purposes of this Agreement, the Merger Agreement, the Transfer Documents and the other Transaction Documents, (a) no member of the SpinCo Group or the Gold Group shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of any member of the Company Group and (b) no member of the Company Group shall be deemed to be an Affiliate of any member of the SpinCo Group or Gold Group.
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"Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
"Approvals or Notifications" shall mean any consents, waivers, approvals, permits or authorizations to be obtained from, notices, registrations or reports to be submitted to, or other filings to be made with, any Third Party, including any Governmental Authority.
"Assets" shall mean, with respect to any Person, the assets, properties, claims and rights (including goodwill) of such Person, wherever located (including in the possession of vendors or other Third Parties or elsewhere), of every kind, character and description, whether real, personal or mixed, tangible, intangible or contingent, in each case, whether or not recorded or reflected or required to be recorded or reflected on the books and records or financial statements of such Person, including rights and benefits pursuant to any Contract, license, Permit, mortgage, concession, franchise, undertaking or other arrangement.
"Audit Reimbursement Obligations" shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.
"Audited Party" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(c).
"Base Level Separation Plan" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.3(b).
"Benefit Plan" shall have the meaning set forth in the Employee Matters Agreement.
"Business Day" shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.
"Cash Transfer" shall mean (a) if the Cash Transfer Amount is a positive number, a cash payment from SpinCo to the Company in an amount equal to the Cash Transfer Amount and (b) if the Cash Transfer Amount is a negative number, a cash payment from the Company to SpinCo in an amount equal to the absolute value of the Cash Transfer Amount.
"Cash Transfer Amount" shall mean the sum of (a) the Estimated Net Working Capital Adjustment (which may be positive or negative), plus (b) the Estimated SpinCo Cash, minus (c) the Estimated SpinCo Indebtedness, plus (d) the Estimated SpinCo Expense Reimbursement.
"Chosen Courts" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.3(b).
"Closing" shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.
"Closing Date" shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.
"Code" shall mean the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"Company" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
"Company Accounts" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.12(a).
"Company Assets" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(b).
"Company Board" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
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"Company Books and Records" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a)(xi).
"Company Business" shall mean all businesses, operations and activities (whether or not such businesses, operations or activities are or have been terminated, divested or discontinued) conducted at any time prior to the Distribution Time by either the Company or SpinCo or any member of its Group (other than the SpinCo Business).
"Company-Controlled Actions" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.11(b).
"Company Group" shall mean the Company and each Person that is a Subsidiary of the Company (other than SpinCo and any other member of the SpinCo Group).
"Company Indemnitees" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.2.
"Company Liabilities" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(b).
"Company Support Obligations" shall mean all guarantees, letters of credit, comfort letters, bonds, sureties and other credit support or assurances made or issued by or on behalf of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries (other than the members of the SpinCo Group) in support of any obligation of any member of the SpinCo Group.
"Confidentiality Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.
"Contract" shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.
"Contribution" shall mean the contribution (as part of the Reorganization and immediately prior to, or otherwise in connection with and in anticipation of, the Distribution) by the Company of (a) the SpinCo Assets and (b) the Cash Transfer (if the Cash Transfer Amount is a negative number) to SpinCo in exchange for (w) the assumption of the SpinCo Liabilities by SpinCo, (x) the actual or deemed issuance by SpinCo to the Company of shares of SpinCo Common Stock, (y) the payment by SpinCo to the Company of the SpinCo Cash Distribution and (z) the payment by SpinCo to the Company of the Cash Transfer (if the Cash Transfer Amount is a positive number).
"Covered Policies" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 5.1(b).
"Cut-Off Time" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11(a)(v).
"Day-One Base Level Readiness" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.3(b).
"Delayed Company Asset" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(h).
"Delayed Company Liability" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(h).
"Delayed SpinCo Asset" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(c).
"Delayed SpinCo Liability" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(c).
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"Disclosure Document" shall mean (a) the registration statement on Form 10 to be filed by or on behalf of SpinCo or a member of the SpinCo Group with the SEC or any other registration statement to be filed by or on behalf of SpinCo or a member of the SpinCo Group with the SEC to effect the registration of shares of SpinCo Common Stock in connection with the Distribution, and also includes any amendment or supplement thereto, and (b) any information statement, prospectus, offering memorandum, offering circular, current or periodic report or similar disclosure document, whether or not filed with or furnished to the SEC or any other Governmental Authority by SpinCo or the Company or any member of their respective Groups, in connection with the Distribution, in each case, which describes the Reorganization or the SpinCo Group or primarily relates to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents.
"Dispute" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.14.
"Disputed Items" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11(e).
"Distribution" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
"Distribution Agent" shall mean the trust company or bank duly appointed by the Company, and reasonably acceptable to Gold, to act as distribution agent, transfer agent and registrar for the SpinCo Common Stock in connection with the Distribution.
"Distribution Date" shall mean the date on which the Company distributes all of the issued and outstanding shares of SpinCo Common Stock to the Record Holders.
"Distribution Tax Opinion" shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.
"Distribution Time" shall mean the time at which the Distribution occurs on the Distribution Date, which for accounting purposes shall be deemed to be 12:01 a.m., New York City time, unless another time is selected by the Parties.
"Effective Time" shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.
"Employee" shall have the meaning set forth in the Employee Matters Agreement.
"Employee Matters Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.
"Environmental Law" shall mean any Law relating to pollution, protection or restoration of or prevention of harm to the environment or natural resources, including the use, handling, transportation, treatment, storage, disposal, Release or discharge of, or exposure to, Hazardous Materials, or the protection of or prevention of harm to human health and safety.
"Environmental Liabilities" shall mean all Liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from any Hazardous Materials, Environmental Law or Contract relating to environmental, health or safety matters (including all removal, remediation or cleanup costs, investigatory or monitoring costs, corrective action or response costs, natural resources damages, property damages, personal injury damages or with any settlement, judgment or other determination of Liability and indemnity, contribution or similar obligations) and all costs and expenses, interest, fines, penalties or other monetary sanctions in connection therewith.
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"Equity Interests" means: (a) the shares of capital stock of a corporation; (b) the general or limited partnership interests of any partnership; (c) the membership or other ownership interest of any limited liability company; (d) the equity securities or other ownership interests of any kind of any other legal entity; or (e) any option, warrant or other right to convert into or otherwise receive any of the foregoing or any other similar Contract pursuant to which such corporation, partnership, limited liability company or other legal entity is or may become obligated to issue any of the foregoing, in any such case of any of clauses (a) through (e) of this definition, whether owned or held beneficially, of record or legally.
"Estimated Net Working Capital" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11(b).
"Estimated Net Working Capital Adjustment" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11(a)(i).
"Estimated SpinCo Cash" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11(a)(ii).
"Estimated SpinCo Expense Reimbursement" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11(a)(iii).
"Estimated SpinCo Indebtedness" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11(a)(iv).
"Excess Foreign Cash" shall have the meaning set forth on Schedule 1.2.
"Exchange Act" shall mean the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934.
"Excluded Cash" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a)(xiv).
"Final Adjustment Statement" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11(d).
"Final Cash Transfer Amount" shall mean an amount equal to the sum of (a) the Final Net Working Capital Adjustment (which may be positive or negative), plus (b) the Final SpinCo Cash, minus (c) the Final SpinCo Indebtedness, plus (d) the Final SpinCo Expense Reimbursement.
"Final Net Working Capital" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11(j).
"Final Net Working Capital Adjustment" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11(a)(iv).
"Final Separation Plan" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.3(b).
"Final SpinCo Cash" shall mean the SpinCo Cash as of the Cut-Off Time as determined pursuant to Section 2.11.
"Final SpinCo Expense Reimbursement" shall mean the SpinCo Expense Reimbursement as determined pursuant to Section 2.11.
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"Final SpinCo Indebtedness" shall mean the SpinCo Indebtedness as of the Cut-Off Time as determined pursuant to Section 2.11.
"Financing Reimbursement Obligations" shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.
"Former Employee" shall have the meaning set forth in the Employee Matters Agreement.
"GAAP" shall mean United States generally accepted accounting principles.
"Gold" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
"Gold Group" shall mean Gold and each Person that is or becomes a Subsidiary of Gold (including, after the Effective Time, SpinCo and the members of the SpinCo Group).
"Governmental Approvals" shall mean any Approvals or Notifications to be made to, or obtained from, any Governmental Authority.
"Governmental Authority" shall mean any nation or government, any state, municipality or other political subdivision thereof, and any entity, body, agency, commission, department, board, bureau, court, tribunal or other instrumentality, whether federal, state, local, domestic, foreign, supranational or multinational, exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, administrative or other similar functions of, or pertaining to, a government and any executive official thereof.
"Group" shall mean either the SpinCo Group or the Company Group, as the context requires.
"Hazardous Materials" shall mean any chemical, material, substance, waste, pollutant or contaminant that could result in Liability or that is prohibited, limited or regulated by or pursuant to, any Environmental Law, and any substance that could cause harm to human health or the environment, including petroleum, petroleum products and byproducts, asbestos and asbestos-containing materials, urea formaldehyde foam insulation, electronic, medical or infectious wastes, polychlorinated biphenyls, per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, radon gas, radioactive substances, chlorofluorocarbons and all other ozone-depleting substances.
"House Marks" shall mean the "modine" Trademark.
"Indemnifying Party" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.4(a).
"Indemnitee" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.4(a).
"Indemnity Payment" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.4(a).
"Independent Accounting Firm" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11(e).
"Information Technology" shall mean all computer systems (including hardware, Software, computers, servers, workstations, routers, hubs, switches, and data communication lines), network and telecommunications equipment, Internet-related information technology infrastructure, and other information technology equipment, and all associated documentation.
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"Initial Adjustment Statement" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11(b).
"Insurance Proceeds" shall mean those monies:
(a) received by an insured from an insurance carrier; or
(b) paid by an insurance carrier on behalf of the insured;
in any such case net of any applicable premium adjustments (including reserves and retrospectively rated premium adjustments) and net of any costs or expenses (including any applicable self-insurance) incurred in the collection thereof.
"Intellectual Property" shall mean any and all common law and statutory intellectual property rights anywhere in the world arising under or associated with the following: (a) patents, patent applications, utility models, statutory invention registrations, certificates of invention, registered designs, utility models and similar or equivalent rights in inventions and designs, and all rights therein provided by international treaties or conventions ("Patents"); (b) trademarks, service marks, trade names, service names, trade dress, logos, corporate names, business names and other designations of origin, including any registrations and applications for registration of any of the foregoing and the goodwill associated with the foregoing ("Trademarks"); (c) rights associated with Internet domain names, social media accounts or "handles" with Facebook, LinkedIn, X (formerly known as Twitter) and similar social media platforms, and other names, identifiers, and locators associated with Internet addresses, sites, and services ("Internet Properties"); (d) copyrights and any other equivalent rights in works of authorship (including rights in Software or databases as a work of authorship) and any other related rights of authors, and all registrations and applications for registration of any of the foregoing ("Copyrights"); (e) trade secrets and industrial secret rights and rights in know-how, inventions (whether patentable or unpatentable and whether or not reduced to practice), data (including biological, chemical, pharmacological, toxicological, pharmaceutical, physical and analytical, safety, quality control, manufacturing and preclinical and clinical data), technical, scientific, regulatory and other information, designs, ideas, research and development, discoveries, results, creations, improvements, techniques, algorithms, procedures, plans, processes, practices, methods, instructions, formulae, formulations, compositions, specifications, and confidential or proprietary marketing, pricing, distribution, cost and sales information, and any other confidential or proprietary business or technical information, in each case, that derive independent economic value, whether actual or potential, from not being known to others ("Trade Secrets"); and (f) all other similar or equivalent intellectual property or proprietary rights anywhere in the world, whether registered or not registered, together with the right to apply for the registration of any such rights, and all rights or forms of protection having equivalent or similar effect, in any jurisdiction.
"Intellectual Property Matters Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.
"Interim Period" shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.
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"Inventory" shall mean all raw materials, parts, components, supplies, goods, materials, works-in-process, finished goods and products, inventory, packaging and stock in trade.
"IRS Ruling" shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.
"Law" shall mean any national, foreign, international, multinational, supranational, federal, state, provincial, local or similar law (including common law), statute, code, order, directive, guidance, ordinance, rule, regulation, treaty (including any income tax treaty), license, Permit, authorization, approval, consent, decree, injunction, binding judicial or administrative interpretation or other requirement, in each case, enacted, promulgated, issued or entered by a Governmental Authority.
"Liabilities" shall mean all debts, guarantees, assurances, commitments, liabilities, responsibilities, Losses, remediation, deficiencies, fines, settlements, sanctions, costs, interest and obligations of any nature or kind, whether accrued or fixed, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, accrued or not accrued, asserted or unasserted, liquidated or unliquidated, foreseen or unforeseen, known or unknown, reserved or unreserved, or determined or determinable, including those arising under any Law, Action (including any Third-Party Claim) or order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, stipulation, determination or award entered by or with any Governmental Authority or arbitration tribunal, and those arising under any Contract, release or warranty, or any fines, damages or equitable relief that is imposed in connection therewith, in each case, including all costs and expenses relating thereto.
"Losses" shall mean actual losses (including any diminution in value), costs, damages, penalties and expenses (including legal and accounting fees and expenses and costs of investigation and litigation), whether or not involving a Third-Party Claim.
"Mercury Common Stock" shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.
"Merger" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
"Merger Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
"Merger Sub" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
"Mixed Action" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.11(d).
"Negotiation Request" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.14.
"Net Working Capital" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11(a)(v).
"Notice of Disagreement" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11(d).
"NYSE" shall mean the New York Stock Exchange.
"Other Party's Auditors" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 6.1(c).
"Outside Date" shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.
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"Parties" shall mean the parties to this Agreement, as appropriate.
"Permits" shall mean permits, approvals, authorizations, consents, licenses or certificates issued by any Governmental Authority.
"Person" shall mean an individual, a general or limited partnership, a corporation, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization, a limited liability entity, any other entity and any Governmental Authority.
"Personal Information" shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.
"Preliminary Adjustment Statement" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11(c).
"Privileged Information" shall mean any information, in written, oral, electronic or other tangible or intangible forms, including any communications by or to attorneys (including attorney-client privileged communications), memoranda and other materials prepared by attorneys or under their direction (including attorney work product), as to which a Party or any member of its Group would be entitled to assert or have asserted a legal privilege or other legal protection, including the attorney-client privilege, attorney work product privilege, and confidentiality privileges applying to federally authorized tax practitioners under Section 7525 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local, foreign or other tax law).
"Procedure" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.2.
"Record Date" shall mean the close of business, on the date to be determined by the Company Board (or a committee thereof) as the record date for the determination of holders of record of shares of Mercury Common Stock entitled to receive SpinCo Common Stock pursuant to the Distribution.
"Record Holders" shall mean the holders of record of shares of Mercury Common Stock as of the Record Date.
"Registered IP" shall mean all United States, international or foreign (a) Patents and Patent applications, (b) registered Trademarks and applications to register Trademarks, (c) registered Copyrights and applications for Copyright registration, and (d) registered Internet Properties.
"Reimbursement Obligations" shall mean the Audit Reimbursement Obligations and the Financing Reimbursement Obligations.
"Release" shall mean any release, spill, emission, discharge, leaking, pumping, pouring, dumping, emptying, escaping, injection, deposit, disposal, dispersal, leaching or migration of Hazardous Materials into or through the environment (including indoor or ambient air, surface water, groundwater and surface or subsurface strata).
"Reorganization" shall mean the steps taken to effect the separation of the SpinCo Business from the Company Business, as set forth in this Agreement, the Merger Agreement and the other applicable Transaction Documents, including the steps set forth in the Reorganization Step Plan and the Contribution.
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"Reorganization Committee" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(c).
"Reorganization Step Plan" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(a).
"Representatives" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any of such Person's directors, officers, employees, agents, consultants, advisors, accountants, attorneys or other representatives.
"Resolution Period" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11(e).
"Restricted Cash" shall mean any cash and cash equivalents of any member of the SpinCo Group as of the Cut-Off Time that is (a) committed, held in escrow or held as collateral in respect of any obligation, or (b) subject to any legal restriction on the ability to freely transfer or use such cash for any lawful purpose, in each case, calculated in a manner that is consistent with the Company's historical classification of Restricted Cash; provided, that Restricted Cash shall not include any Excess Foreign Cash.
"Review Period" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11(d).
"SEC" shall mean the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Securities Filings" shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.
"Security Interest" shall mean any mortgage, security interest, pledge, lien, charge, claim, option, right to acquire, voting or other restriction, right-of-way, covenant, condition, easement, encroachment, restriction on transfer, or other encumbrance of any nature whatsoever.
"Separate Action" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.11(c).
"Shared Contract" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.9(a).
"Shared Services" shall mean the ancillary, proprietary or corporate shared services or processes that are provided to, or used in, both the SpinCo Business and the Company Business, including the services and processes described in Schedule 1.3.
"Software" shall mean any and all (a) software and computer programs, including any and all software implementation of algorithms, models and methodologies, whether in source code, object code, human readable form or other form; (b) databases and compilations, including any and all data and collections of data, whether machine readable or otherwise; (c) descriptions, flow charts and other work products used to design, plan, organize and develop any of the foregoing; (d) screens, user interfaces, report formats, firmware, development tools, templates, menus, buttons and icons; and (e) documentation, including user manuals and other training documentation, relating to any of the foregoing.
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"Solvent" when used with respect to any Person, shall mean that, as of any date of determination, (a) the fair value of the assets of such Person and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, at a fair valuation, will exceed the debts and liabilities, direct, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, of such Person and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, (b) the present fair saleable value of the property of such Person and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis will be greater than the amount that will be required to pay the probable liability of such Person and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis on their debts and other liabilities, direct, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and other liabilities become absolute and matured, (c) such Person and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis will be able to pay their debts and liabilities, direct, subordinated, contingent or otherwise, as such debts and liabilities become absolute and matured, and (d) such Person and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis will not have unreasonably small capital with which to conduct the businesses in which they are engaged as such businesses are now conducted and are proposed to be conducted following the Closing Date.
"Specified Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 9.17(b).
"Specified Company Employee Roster" shall have the meaning set forth in the Employee Matters Agreement.
"Spin-Off" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
"SpinCo" shall have the meaning set forth in the Preamble.
"SpinCo Accounts" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.12(a).
"SpinCo Assets" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a).
"SpinCo Books and Records" shall mean all books, records and Technology to the extent related to, used in or necessary, as of immediately prior to the Distribution Time, for the operation of the SpinCo Business, including financial, employee (including confidentiality, non-disclosure or intellectual property assignment agreements entered into by any SpinCo Group Employee and any hiring, performance or compliance records pertaining to SpinCo Group Employees, in each case as set forth in, and subject to the terms of, the Employee Matters Agreement), litigation, files relating to the prosecution or maintenance of any SpinCo Intellectual Property, all accounting and other books and general business operating documents, manuals, instruments, papers, surveys, specifications, drawings, analyses, books, books of account, records, reports, process files and files and data related thereto (including regulatory dossiers, correspondence and related documentation, as well as cost information, sales and pricing data, customer and supplier lists, records, data and correspondence (whether historical, current or prospective), formulations and specifications, technical, quality, maintenance and manufacturing information and materials prepared by Third Parties), and including, with respect to each member of the SpinCo Group, organizational and operating documents, qualifications to do business as a foreign corporation, arrangements with registered agents relating to foreign qualification, taxpayer and other identification numbers, seals, minute books, stock transfer books, blank stock certificates and other documents relating to the organization, maintenance and existence of each such member, in each case, whether in paper, microfilm, microfiche, computer tape or disc, magnetic tape, electronic or any other form.
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"SpinCo Business" shall mean (a) the business, operations and activities that constitute the Performance Technologies business segment of the Company as narratively described in the Form 10-K of the Company for the period ending March 31, 2025 (and the portions of the business currently included in the Performance Technologies segment that may have been otherwise classified in the past), (i) as such business, operations and activities have been conducted since the date that is five (5) years prior to the date hereof and (ii) as such business, operations and activities are conducted from the date hereof until immediately prior to the Distribution Date by any member of the Company Group or the SpinCo Group (or any of their respective predecessors), (b) together with the (i) other businesses, operations and activities that were terminated or discontinued during the periods described in clauses (a)(i) and (ii) (and with respect to clause (a)(ii), solely to the extent such termination or discontinuation is permitted under Section 7.1 of the Merger Agreement) that, at the time of termination or discontinuation, were primarily related to the business, operations or activities described in clause (a), and (ii) divested businesses set forth on Schedule 1.3(a), but (c) excluding the business, operations and activities that constitute the Company's Climate Solutions segment; provided, that the SpinCo Business shall not include the Company Assets or the Company Business.
"SpinCo Cash" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11(a)(vii).
"SpinCo Cash Distribution" shall mean a cash distribution by SpinCo to the Company occurring immediately prior to the Distribution in the amount equal to the SpinCo Cash Distribution Amount, subject to adjustment as set forth in Section 3.1(c)(ii) of the Merger Agreement.
"SpinCo Cash Distribution Amount" means $210,000,000.
"SpinCo Common Stock" shall have the meaning set forth in the Recitals.
"SpinCo Contracts" shall mean the following Contracts to which either the Company, SpinCo or any member of their respective Groups is a party or by which it or any member of their respective Groups or any of their respective Assets is bound, whether or not in writing, in effect as of the Distribution Time:
(a) (i) the vendor Contracts pursuant to which a Third Party provides Software to either the Company, SpinCo or any member of their respective Groups which are exclusively used in the SpinCo Business and (ii) subject to Section 2.9(a), with respect to any vendor Contract pursuant to which a Third Party provides Software that is used in the SpinCo Business but is not exclusively used in the SpinCo Business, that portion of such vendor Contract that relates to the SpinCo Business;
(b) other than (i) any vendor Contracts of a type addressed in clause (a) above and (ii) any vendor Contracts with a Third Party pursuant to which such Third Party provides Information Technology to either the Company, SpinCo or any member of their respective Groups, subject to Section 2.9(a), with respect to any customer, sales, distribution, purchase, rebate, retail, partnership, promotion, quality, regulatory, services, purchase order, statement of work, supply, vendor or other Contract, in each case, with a Third Party pursuant to which a Third Party sells, supplies or is required to sell or supply any product or provides or is required to provide services to the SpinCo Business that was entered into prior to the Distribution Time, the portion of such Contract that relates to the SpinCo Business or, if such Contract is exclusively related to the SpinCo Business, the entirety of such Contract;
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(c) other than (i) any vendor Contracts of a type addressed in clause (a) above and (ii) any vendor Contracts with a Third Party pursuant to which such Third Party provides Information Technology to either the Company, SpinCo or any member of their respective Groups, subject to Section 2.9(a), with respect to any customer, sales, distribution, purchase, rebate, retail, partnership, promotion, quality, regulatory, services, purchase order, statement of work, supply, vendor or other Contract, in each case, with a Third Party pursuant to which the SpinCo Business sells or is required to sell any product or provides or is required to provide any service to a Third Party that was entered into prior to the Distribution Time, the portion of such Contract that relates to the SpinCo Business or, if such Contract is exclusively related to the SpinCo Business, the entirety of such Contract;
(d) other than (i) any vendor Contracts of a type addressed in clause (a) above and (ii) any vendor Contracts with a Third Party pursuant to which such Third Party provides Information Technology to either the Company, SpinCo or any member of their respective Groups, (x) any Intellectual Property license agreement entered into prior to the Distribution Time exclusively related to the SpinCo Business and (y) subject to Section 2.9(a), with respect to any Intellectual Property license agreement entered into prior to the Distribution Time that relates to the SpinCo Business but is not exclusively related to the SpinCo Business, that portion of any such license agreement that relates to the SpinCo Business;
(e) other than any vendor Contracts of a type addressed in clause (a) above, any vendor Contracts with a Third Party pursuant to which such Third Party provides SpinCo Information Technology;
(f) any guarantee, indemnity, representation, covenant, warranty or other Liability of either the Company, SpinCo or any member of their respective Groups to the extent in respect of any other SpinCo Contract, any SpinCo Liability or the SpinCo Business;
(g) any Contract that is expressly contemplated by this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents to be assigned to SpinCo or any member of the SpinCo Group;
(h) any credit agreement, indenture, note or other financing agreement or instrument entered into by SpinCo and/or any member of the SpinCo Group in connection with the Distribution, including the SpinCo Financing;
(i) any employment, change of control, retention, consulting, indemnification, termination, severance or other similar agreements with any SpinCo Group Employee or consultants of the SpinCo Group that are in effect as of the Distribution Time;
(j) subject to Section 2.2(b)(iv), the portion of any confidentiality agreements with prospective purchasers of the SpinCo Business (or a portion thereof) that restricts the use or disclosure of information of the SpinCo Business or any SpinCo Asset;
(k) any settlements that are primarily related to the SpinCo Business, including those settlements set forth on Schedule 1.4(k), including the right to recover any amounts under such settlements;
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(l) any joint ventures or partnership Contract or agreement that are primarily related to the SpinCo Business, including contracts set forth on Schedule 1.4(l);
(m) any interest rate, currency, commodity or other swap, collar, cap or other hedging or similar agreements or arrangements related exclusively to the SpinCo Business or entered into by or on behalf of any division, business unit or member of the SpinCo Group; and
(n) any other Contract exclusively related to the SpinCo Business; provided, that the intention of this clause (n) is only to rectify any omission of any Contracts that, had the Parties given specific consideration to such Contract as of the date of this Agreement, would have been classified as a SpinCo Contract (and no Contract will be deemed to be a SpinCo Contract solely as a result of this clause (n) if it is within any category of Contracts addressed by any of clauses (a)-(m) above).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, (x) SpinCo Contracts shall not in any event include any Contract that is contemplated to be retained by the Company or any member of the Company Group from and after the Distribution Time pursuant to any provision of this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents and (y) Shared Contracts shall be subject to Section 2.9.
"SpinCo-Controlled Actions" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.11(a).
"SpinCo Designated Transaction Expenses" shall mean (a) fifty percent (50%) of the out of pocket cost of the premium or premiums actually incurred by any member of the Company or the SpinCo Group or on its or their respective behalf or for which it or they are liable, in each case, with respect to obtaining the prepaid directors' and officers' liability insurance policy or policies contemplated by the Merger Agreement, and (b) all Reimbursement Obligations to the extent any such amounts have not been reimbursed by Gold or SpinCo to the Company as of or prior to the Closing.
"SpinCo Designees" shall mean any and all entities (including corporations, general or limited partnerships, trusts, joint ventures, unincorporated organizations, limited liability entities or other entities) designated by the Company that will be members of the SpinCo Group as of immediately prior to the Distribution Time.
"SpinCo Expense Reimbursement" shall mean all SpinCo Designated Transaction Expenses either incurred, paid or payable by any member of the Company Group or paid by any member of the SpinCo Group prior to Closing.
"SpinCo Financing" shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.
"SpinCo Group" shall mean (a) prior to the Distribution Time, SpinCo and each Person that will be a Subsidiary of SpinCo as of immediately after the Distribution Time, including the Transferred Entities, even if, prior to the Distribution Time, such Person is not a Subsidiary of SpinCo; and (b) on and after the Distribution Time, SpinCo and each Person that is a Subsidiary of SpinCo immediately after the Distribution Time, and each other Person that becomes a Subsidiary of SpinCo.
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"SpinCo Group Employee" shall have the meaning set forth in the Employee Matters Agreement.
"SpinCo Group Employee Roster" shall have the meaning set forth in the Employee Matters Agreement.
"SpinCo Indebtedness" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11(a)(viii).
"SpinCo Indemnitees" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.3.
"SpinCo Information Technology" shall mean all Information Technology owned, used or held for use by the Company, SpinCo or members of their respective Groups as of immediately prior to the Distribution Time that is (a) located, installed or contained in or on the SpinCo Owned Real Property or SpinCo Transferred Leased Property, except to the extent such Information Technology is exclusively used or exclusively held for use by the Company Business or (b) exclusively used or exclusively held for use by the SpinCo Business.
"SpinCo Intellectual Property" shall mean (a) the Patents, Trademarks, Internet Properties and other Registered IP that are owned by the Company, SpinCo or any of the members of their respective Groups as of immediately prior to the Distribution Time that are primarily used or primarily held for use by the SpinCo Business, including those set forth on Schedule 1.5, (b) all Intellectual Property (other than Patents, Trademarks, Internet Properties and other Registered IP) that are owned by the Company, SpinCo or any of the members of their respective Groups as of immediately prior to the Distribution Time that are primarily used or primarily held for use by the SpinCo Business, (c) common law rights and rights of priority with respect to the same, and (d) in each case of (a) through (c), (i) rights to collect royalties, income and proceeds in connection therewith, (ii) rights to sue and recover for past, present and future infringement, misappropriation, dilution or other violation of such Intellectual Property against any Persons, (iii) the right to seek, recover and retain all remedies (including damages, royalties, fees, income payments and other proceeds due from and after the Distribution Time), including for the past or future infringement, misappropriation or violation of any of the foregoing, (iv) any and all goodwill associated therewith, and (v) equivalent rights that, now or hereafter, may be secured under the Laws of any jurisdiction, including all registrations, renewals, extensions, combinations and applications for any of such Intellectual Property.
"SpinCo Inventory" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a)(v).
"SpinCo Liabilities" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(a).
"SpinCo Owned Real Property" shall mean the owned real property listed on Schedule 1.6(a), together with all improvements, fixtures and all appurtenances thereto and rights in respect thereof.
"SpinCo Owned Real Property Leases" shall mean the leases, subleases, licenses, sublicenses or other agreements between the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, as landlord, sublandlord, licensor or sublicensor, and any third Person with respect to any SpinCo Owned Real Property, as tenant, subtenant, licensee or sublicensee as of the date of this Agreement listed in Schedule 1.6(b).
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"SpinCo Permits" shall mean all Permits owned or licensed by either the Company, SpinCo or any member of their respective Groups primarily used or primarily held for use in the SpinCo Business as of the Distribution Time.
"SpinCo Support Obligations" shall mean all guarantees, letters of credit, comfort letters, bonds, sureties and other credit support or assurances made or issued by or on behalf of SpinCo or any member of the SpinCo Group in support of any obligation of the Company or any member of the Company Group.
"SpinCo Transferred Leased Property" shall mean the leased real property listed on Schedule 1.8(a).
"SpinCo Transferred Leased Property Leases" shall mean the leases, subleases, licenses, sublicenses or other agreements between the Company or any Subsidiary of the Company, as tenant, subtenant, licensee or sublicensee, and any third Person with respect to any SpinCo Transferred Leased Property, as landlord, sublandlord, licensor or sublicensor as of the date of this Agreement, listed in Schedule 1.8(b).
"Straddle Period" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.16.
"Subsidiary" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, joint venture or partnership of which such Person (a) beneficially owns, either directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of (i) the total combined voting power of all classes of voting securities, (ii) the total combined economic interests, or (iii) the capital or profit interests, in the case of a partnership; or (b) otherwise has the power to vote, either directly or indirectly, sufficient securities to elect a majority of the board of directors or similar governing body.
"Tangible Information" shall mean information that is contained in written, electronic or other tangible forms.
"Tangible Personal Property" means all tangible personal property owned by the Company or SpinCo or any of the members of its Group as of the Distribution Time, including machinery, equipment (including marketing and transportation systems and related facilities), hardware, furniture, furnishings, fixtures, tools, test devices, prototypes, models, spare parts, supplies and apparatus; provided, that "Tangible Personal Property" shall not include any Information Technology, Technology, Intellectual Property, Inventory or books and records.
"Target Net Working Capital" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.11(a)(ix).
"Tax" shall have the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.
"Tax Counsel" shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.
"Tax Matters Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.
"Tax Return" shall have the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.
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"Technical Services Agreements" shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.
"Technology" shall mean tangible embodiments (whether in written, electronic or other form) of Intellectual Property, including blueprints, designs, design protocols, documentation, specifications for materials, specifications for parts and devices, and design tools, materials, manuals, recordings, graphs, drawings, reports, analyses and other writings, data, databases, Software, works of authorship in any media and know-how or knowledge of employees, relating to, embodying, or describing products, articles, apparatus, devices, processes, methods, formulae, recipes or other technical information; provided, that "Technology" shall not include Information Technology.
"Third Party" shall mean any Person other than the Parties or any members of their respective Groups.
"Third-Party Claim" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 4.5(a).
"Trademark Matters Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.
"Transaction Documents" shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.
"Transfer Documents" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.1(b).
"Transferred Entities" shall mean the entities set forth on Schedule 1.9.
"Transition Period" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.2.
"Transition Services Agreement" shall have the meaning set forth in the Merger Agreement.
"Unreleased Company Liability" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(b)(ii).
"Unreleased SpinCo Liability" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 2.5(a)(ii).
ARTICLE II
THE SEPARATION
2.1 Transfer of Assets and Assumption of Liabilities.
(a) Subject to Section 2.4, on or prior to the Distribution Time and prior to the Distribution, in accordance with the plan and structure set forth on Schedule 2.1(a) (the "Reorganization Step Plan"):
(i) Transfer and Assignment of SpinCo Assets. The Company shall, and shall cause the applicable members of its Group to, contribute, assign, transfer, convey and deliver to SpinCo, or the applicable SpinCo Designees, and SpinCo or such SpinCo Designees shall accept from the Company and the applicable members of the Company Group, all of the
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Company's and such Company Group members' respective direct or indirect right, title and interest in and to all of the SpinCo Assets (it being understood that if any SpinCo Asset shall be held by a Transferred Entity or a wholly owned Subsidiary of a Transferred Entity, such SpinCo Asset shall be deemed assigned, transferred, conveyed and delivered to SpinCo as a result of the transfer of all of the Equity Interests in such Transferred Entity from the Company or the applicable members of the Company Group to SpinCo or the applicable SpinCo Designee);
(ii) Acceptance and Assumption of SpinCo Liabilities. SpinCo and the applicable SpinCo Designees shall accept, assume and agree faithfully to perform, discharge and fulfill all of the SpinCo Liabilities in accordance with their respective terms. SpinCo and such SpinCo Designees shall be responsible for all SpinCo Liabilities, regardless of when or where such SpinCo Liabilities arose or arise, or the legal entity that incurred or holds the SpinCo Liability (provided, that nothing contained in this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents shall preclude, restrict or otherwise inhibit SpinCo or one or more of the applicable SpinCo Designees from asserting against Third Parties any defenses available to the legal entity that incurred or holds such SpinCo Liability), or whether the facts on which they are based occurred prior to, at or subsequent to the Distribution Time, regardless of where or against whom such SpinCo Liabilities are asserted or determined (including any SpinCo Liabilities arising out of claims made by the Company's or SpinCo's respective directors, officers, employees, agents, Subsidiaries or Affiliates against any member of the Company Group or the SpinCo Group) or whether asserted or determined prior to the date hereof, and regardless of whether arising from or alleged to arise from negligence, recklessness, violation of Law, fraud or misrepresentation by any member of the Company Group or the SpinCo Group, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, Subsidiaries or Affiliates;
(iii) Transfer and Assignment of Company Assets. The Company and SpinCo shall cause SpinCo and the applicable members of the SpinCo Group (including the SpinCo Designees) to contribute, assign, transfer, convey and deliver to the Company or certain members of the Company Group designated by the Company, and the Company or such other members of the Company Group shall accept from SpinCo and such members of the SpinCo Group, all of SpinCo's and such members of the SpinCo Group's respective direct or indirect right, title and interest in and to all Company Assets held by SpinCo or such member of the SpinCo Group; and
(iv) Acceptance and Assumption of Company Liabilities. The Company and certain members of the Company Group designated by the Company shall accept and assume and agree faithfully to perform, discharge and fulfill all of the Company Liabilities held by SpinCo or the applicable members of the SpinCo Group (including the SpinCo Designees) and the Company and the applicable members of the Company Group shall be responsible for all Company Liabilities in accordance with their respective terms, regardless of when or where such Company Liabilities arose or arise, or the legal entity that incurred or holds the Company Liability (provided, that nothing contained in this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents shall preclude, restrict or otherwise inhibit the Company or one or more of the applicable members of the Company Group designated by the Company from asserting against Third Parties any defenses available to the legal entity that incurred or
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holds such Company Liability), or whether the facts on which they are based occurred prior to, at or subsequent to the Distribution Time, regardless of where or against whom such Company Liabilities are asserted or determined (including any such Company Liabilities arising out of claims made by the Company's or SpinCo's respective directors, officers, employees, agents, Subsidiaries or Affiliates against any member of the Company Group or the SpinCo Group) or whether asserted or determined prior to the date hereof, and regardless of whether arising from or alleged to arise from negligence, recklessness, violation of Law, fraud or misrepresentation by any member of the Company Group or the SpinCo Group, or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, agents, Subsidiaries or Affiliates.
(b) Transfer Documents. In furtherance of the contribution, assignment, transfer, conveyance and delivery of the Assets and the assumption of the Liabilities in accordance with Section 2.1(a), and without prejudice to any actions taken to implement, or documents entered into between or among the Company, SpinCo or members of their respective Groups to implement, or in furtherance of, the Reorganization Step Plan prior to the date hereof, (i) each of the Company and SpinCo shall execute and deliver, and shall cause the applicable members of its Group to execute and deliver, to the other Party, such bills of sale, quitclaim deeds, stock powers, certificates of title, assignments of contracts and other instruments of transfer, conveyance and assignment as and to the extent necessary to evidence the transfer, conveyance and assignment of all of such Party's and the applicable members of its Group's right, title and interest in and to such Assets to the other Party and the applicable members of its Group in accordance with Section 2.1(a), (ii) each of the Company and SpinCo shall execute and deliver, and shall cause the applicable members of its Group to execute and deliver, to the other Party, such assumptions of contracts and other instruments of assumption as and to the extent necessary to evidence the valid and effective assumption of the Liabilities by such Party and the applicable members of its Group in accordance with Section 2.1(a) and (iii) each of the Company and SpinCo will take, and will cause each member of its respective Group to take, such actions as are reasonably necessary to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Reorganization Step Plan (whether prior to, at or after the Distribution Time). The Company may make changes to the Reorganization Step Plan in its reasonable discretion; provided, that, the prior written consent of Gold (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) shall be required (i) with respect to any change to the Reorganization Step Plan which has any non-de minimis financial cost for Gold that will exist after the Distribution Date (other than, for the avoidance of doubt, any cost which is fully reimbursed to Gold or SpinCo Group or otherwise fully borne by the Company), or (ii) to the extent such changes would be reasonably expected to materially impair, materially delay or otherwise have a material adverse effect on, in each case individually or in the aggregate, the ability of the Company to perform its obligations hereunder or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby. All of the foregoing documents contemplated by this Section 2.1(b)(i) and (ii) (including any documents entered into between or among any of the Parties or members of their respective Groups to implement, in furtherance of or in connection with the Reorganization Step Plan prior to the date hereof but excluding, for the avoidance of doubt, the IRS Ruling) shall be referred to collectively herein as the "Transfer Documents". The Company (or, prior to the Distribution Date, SpinCo) will afford Gold a reasonable opportunity to, and Gold shall promptly, review any Transfer Documents prior to execution, and the Company (or, prior to the Distribution Date, SpinCo) shall give due and good faith consideration to Gold's reasonable comments thereon. The Company (or, prior to the Distribution Date, SpinCo) shall, to the extent reasonably
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practicable, reasonably promptly notify Gold upon the receipt of, and provide Gold with copies of, any comments to the Transfer Documents from a Third Party, and give due and good faith consideration to Gold's reasonable comments thereon. The Company shall keep Gold reasonably informed of, and furnish Gold with reasonably requested information relating to, the transfers and/or assumptions, as applicable (including any related Approvals or Notifications addressed in Section 2.4(a)), of the SpinCo Assets to be transferred to, and SpinCo Liabilities to be assumed by, the SpinCo Group under any Transaction Document.
(c) Reorganization Committee. As promptly as reasonably practicable after date hereof, the Parties shall establish and hold the first meeting of a reorganization and transition committee (the "Reorganization Committee"), the purpose of which shall be, subject to and solely to the extent consistent with applicable Laws and the Confidentiality Agreement, discussing and providing information relating to the status of the implementation and completion of the Reorganization, the Distribution and the Merger (including any delays known or any other legal or operational issues with respect to the SpinCo Group or SpinCo Business, and any steps reasonably necessary to remediate such delays or other issues). The number of designees and the members of the Reorganization Committee shall be determined by mutual agreement of Gold and the Company, provided that the initial members of the Reorganization Committee are set forth on Schedule 2.1(d).
(d) Waiver of Bulk-Sale and Bulk-Transfer Laws. To the extent permissible under applicable Law, SpinCo hereby waives compliance by each and every member of the Company Group with the requirements and provisions of any "bulk-sale" or "bulk-transfer" Laws of any jurisdiction that may otherwise be applicable with respect to the transfer or sale of any or all of the SpinCo Assets to any member of the SpinCo Group. To the extent permissible under applicable Law, the Company hereby waives compliance by each and every member of the SpinCo Group with the requirements and provisions of any "bulk-sale" or "bulk-transfer" Laws of any jurisdiction that may otherwise be applicable with respect to the transfer or sale of any or all of the Company Assets to any member of the Company Group.
2.2 SpinCo Assets; Company Assets.
(a) SpinCo Assets. For purposes of this Agreement, "SpinCo Assets" shall mean all of the Company's and its Subsidiaries' right, title and interest in, to and under the following Assets:
(i) all (A) issued and outstanding capital stock or other Equity Interests of the Transferred Entities that are owned by either the Company or SpinCo or any members of its Group as of the Distribution Time and (B) other investments in Equity Interests or other securities in joint ventures, minority investments, partnerships or similar Persons owned by SpinCo or any members of its Group as of the Distribution Time primarily related to the SpinCo Business;
(ii) (A) all cash, cash equivalents or marketable securities paid to SpinCo by the Company in respect of the Cash Transfer, if any, plus (B) SpinCo Cash, plus, (C) all Restricted Cash; provided, that nothing in any of the Transaction Documents shall restrict or limit SpinCo's ability to dividend or distribute SpinCo Cash or Restricted Cash to the Company between the date hereof and the Cut-Off Time;
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(iii) all Assets of either the Company or SpinCo or any of the members of its Group as of the Distribution Time that are expressly provided by this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents (or the Schedules hereto or thereto) as Assets to be transferred to SpinCo or any other member of the SpinCo Group;
(iv) all SpinCo Owned Real Property, SpinCo Owned Real Property Leases and SpinCo Transferred Leased Property Leases, together with (i) any Tangible Personal Property located thereon, (ii) any SpinCo Inventory located thereon, and (iii) any prepaid rent, security deposits and options to renew or purchase related thereto and any and all related interests, including easements, whether as owner, mortgagee or holder of a Security Interest in real property, lessor, sublessor, lessee, sublessee or otherwise;
(v) the Inventory of either the Company or SpinCo or any of the members of their respective Groups as of the Distribution Time to the extent primarily related to, primarily used in or primarily held for use for the SpinCo Business (the "SpinCo Inventory");
(vi) all SpinCo Contracts as of the Distribution Time and all rights, interests or claims of either the Company or SpinCo or any of the members of its Group thereunder (including all prepaid expenses, trade accounts and other accounts and notes receivable thereunder) as of the Distribution Time; provided, that for the avoidance of doubt, all Shared Contracts shall be governed by Section 2.9;
(vii) all SpinCo Intellectual Property as of the Distribution Time, including Trademarks containing the House Marks and Internet Properties containing the House Marks;
(viii) all SpinCo Information Technology as of the Distribution Time;
(ix) all SpinCo Permits as of the Distribution Time and all rights, interests or claims of either the Company or SpinCo or any of the members of its Group thereunder as of the Distribution Time;
(x) copies of any and all SpinCo Books and Records in the possession of either the Company or SpinCo as of immediately prior to the Distribution Time; provided, that the Company shall be permitted to retain copies of, and continue to use (in the case of clauses (A) through (C)), subject to Section 6.9, (A) any SpinCo Books and Records that are used in or necessary for the operation or conduct of the Company Business as of the Distribution Time, (B) any SpinCo Books and Records that the Company is required by Law to retain (and if copies are not provided to SpinCo, then, to the extent permitted by Law, such copies will be made available to SpinCo upon SpinCo's reasonable request), (C) one (1) copy of any SpinCo Books and Records to the extent required to demonstrate compliance with applicable Law or pursuant to internal compliance procedures or related to any Company Assets or the Company's and/or its Affiliates' obligations under this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any of the other Transaction
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Documents and (D) "back-up" electronic tapes of such SpinCo Books and Records maintained by the Company in the ordinary course of business (such material in clauses (A) through (D), the "Company Books and Records"); provided, further, that without limiting the Company's obligations under any other Transaction Document, the foregoing restrictions in (A) through (D) shall not apply to Technology which is used or held for use in the Company Business ;
(xi) other than as set forth in Section 2.2(a)(iv), all Tangible Personal Property primarily used, primarily held for use or primarily related to the SpinCo Business;
(xii) all claims, warranties, guarantees, refunds, actions, defenses, rights of recovery, rights of set-off or counterclaim and rights of recoupment of every kind and nature, in each case, against Third Parties and to the extent arising out of the SpinCo Assets or any SpinCo Liability;
(xiii) subject to Section 5.1, all (A) proceeds of any Third Party insurance policies received (to the extent such proceeds are pending as of the date hereof or otherwise received after the date hereof) or receivable by any member of the Company Group or any member of the SpinCo Group as a result of any damage, destruction or other casualty loss in respect of any SpinCo Asset, and (B) monies received from any Third Party in the nature of contribution or indemnification (to the extent such monies are pending as of the date hereof or otherwise received after the date hereof) as a result of any damage, destruction or other casualty loss in respect of any SpinCo Asset, in each case, net of (x) any "deductibles" or net retentions associated with such proceeds or monies and any reasonable and documented out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Company, SpinCo or any member of their respective Groups with respect thereto and (y) any reasonable and documented amounts expended by the Company, SpinCo, or any member of their respective Groups to repair or replace any such SpinCo Assets (such net proceeds and monies as described in this subsection (xiii), collectively, "Excluded Cash");
(xiv) all rights that accrue or shall accrue to SpinCo or any member of the SpinCo Group pursuant to this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any other Transaction Document;
(xv) any and all Assets expressly included in the Final Net Working Capital; and
(xvi) all other Assets of either the Company or SpinCo or any of the members of its Group as of the Distribution Time that are primarily related to, primarily used in or primarily held for use for the SpinCo Business and that are of a type that are not addressed in subsections (i)-(xv) of this Section 2.2(a); provided, that the intention of this subsection (xvi) is only to rectify any omission of the conveyance to SpinCo of any Assets that, had the Parties given specific consideration to such Asset as of the date of this Agreement, would have been classified as a SpinCo Asset (and no Asset will be deemed to be a SpinCo Asset solely as a result of this subsection (xvi) if it is within any category of Assets addressed by any other section of this Section 2.2(a)).
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The Parties acknowledge and agree that a single Asset may fall within more than one of subsections (i) through (xvii) above; such fact does not imply that (A) such Asset shall be transferred more than once or (B) any duplication of such Asset is required.
(b) Company Assets. For the purposes of this Agreement, "Company Assets" shall mean all Assets of either the Company or SpinCo or the members of its Group as of the Distribution Time, other than the SpinCo Assets, including:
(i) all Assets of either the Company or SpinCo or any of the members of its Group as of the Distribution Time that are contemplated by this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any other Transaction Document (or the Schedules hereto or thereto) as Assets to be retained by the Company or any other member of the Company Group;
(ii) all Inventory of either the Company or SpinCo or any of the members of its Group as of the Distribution Time other than the SpinCo Inventory;
(iii) all real property, whether owned, leased, subleased, licensed, or otherwise occupied by either the Company or SpinCo or any of the members of its Group as of the Distribution Time, other than the SpinCo Owned Real Property, SpinCo Owned Real Property Leases and SpinCo Transferred Leased Property Leases, and Tangible Personal Property located thereon (other than any Tangible Personal Property of the type addressed in Section 2.2(a)(iv) or Section 2.2(a)(xii)) and any prepaid rent, security deposits and options to renew or purchase related thereto;
(iv) all Contracts of either the Company or SpinCo or any of the members of its Group as of the Distribution Time, other than the SpinCo Contracts (including the portion of any Shared Contracts that are SpinCo Contracts; provided, that the remainder of such Shared Contracts shall be Company Assets in accordance with Section 2.9, including as specified on Schedule 2.2(b)(iv));
(v) (A) the Intellectual Property set forth on Schedule 2.2(b)(v), and (B) all other Intellectual Property owned by either the Company or SpinCo or any of the members of its Group as of the Distribution Time, other than, in the case of this clause (B), the SpinCo Intellectual Property;
(vi) all Information Technology owned or used by either the Company or SpinCo or any member of its Group as of immediately prior to the Distribution Time other than the SpinCo Information Technology;
(vii) all Permits of either the Company or SpinCo or any of the members of its Group as of the Distribution Time other than the SpinCo Permits;
(viii) all Company Books and Records;
(ix) all cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities of either the Company or SpinCo or any of the members of its Group as of the Distribution Time, other than (A) all cash or cash equivalents paid to SpinCo by the Company in respect of the Cash Transfer, if any, plus (B) all SpinCo Cash, plus (C) all Restricted Cash, if any, plus, any Excluded Cash received by any member of the Company Group or any member of the SpinCo Group prior to the Cut-Off Time, if any;
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(x) (A) all attorney-client privilege and attorney work-product protection of the Company or any member of its Group arising as a result of legal counsel representing the Company, and any member of the Company Group (including the Transferred Entities), in connection with the sale of the SpinCo Business and the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Merger Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, (B) all documents subject to attorney-client privilege and work-product protection described in the foregoing subsection (A), and (C) all documents maintained by the Company, members of the Company Group or their respective Representatives in connection with the sale of the SpinCo Business, including the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Merger Agreement and the other Transaction Documents (excluding any rights pursuant to the Contracts described in clause (j) of the definition of "SpinCo Contracts"); and
(xi) all rights that accrue or shall accrue to the Company or any member of the Company Group pursuant to this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any other Transaction Document.
2.3 SpinCo Liabilities; Company Liabilities.
(a) SpinCo Liabilities. For the purposes of this Agreement, "SpinCo Liabilities" shall mean (without duplication) the following Liabilities of either the Company or SpinCo or any of the members of its Group:
(i) all Liabilities, including any Environmental Liabilities, to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from (x) the SpinCo Business or (y) any SpinCo Asset;
(ii) all Liabilities of either the Company or SpinCo or any of the members of its Group to the extent expressly provided by this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any other Transaction Document (or the Schedules hereto or thereto) as Liabilities to be assumed by SpinCo or any other member of the SpinCo Group, and all agreements, obligations and Liabilities of any member of the SpinCo Group under this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any other Transaction Document;
(iii) all Liabilities to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from (and only such portion relating to, arising out of or resulting from) the SpinCo Contracts, the SpinCo Intellectual Property, the SpinCo Information Technology or the SpinCo Permits;
(iv) all Liabilities to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from the SpinCo Financing;
(v) all Liabilities to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from any financing or refinancing in connection with the Distribution;
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(vi) all Liabilities to the extent (including under applicable federal and state securities Laws) relating to, arising out of or resulting from information regarding SpinCo, Gold or their respective businesses and operations contained in any of the Disclosure Documents, other than information relating to the Company or the Company Business, whenever arising;
(vii) all Liabilities to the extent expressly included in the Final Net Working Capital;
(viii) the SpinCo Designated Transaction Expenses, to the extent not included in the calculation of the Final Cash Transfer Amount;
(ix) all Liabilities arising out of claims made by any Third Party (including the Company's or SpinCo's respective directors, officers, stockholders, employees and agents) against any member of the Company Group or the SpinCo Group to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from (x) the SpinCo Business or (y) any SpinCo Asset; and
(x) subject to Sections 2.7, 2.9 and 2.10, all Liabilities to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from the operation of the SpinCo Business at any time after the Distribution Time (including any Liability to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from any act or failure to act by any Person, whether or not such act or failure to act is within such Person's authority, with respect to such business);
(xi) all Liabilities to the extent related to the SpinCo portion of any Shared Contract; and
(xii) all Liabilities to the extent set forth on Schedule 2.3(a)(xii).
(b) Company Liabilities. For the purposes of this Agreement, "Company Liabilities" shall mean (without duplication) the following Liabilities of either the Company or SpinCo or any of the members of its Group:
(i) all Liabilities of either the Company or SpinCo or the members of their respective Groups, in each case, to the extent that such Liabilities are not SpinCo Liabilities;
(ii) all Liabilities to the extent arising out of claims made by any Third Party (including the Company's or SpinCo's respective directors, officers, stockholders, employees and agents) against any member of the Company Group or the SpinCo Group to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from (x) the Company Business (including any terminated, divested or discontinued business, operations and activities of the Company Business) or (y) the Company Assets;
(iii) subject to Sections 2.7, 2.9 and 2.10, all Liabilities to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from the operation of any business conducted by or on behalf of any member of the Company Group at any time after the Distribution Time (including any Liability relating to, arising out of or resulting from any act or failure to act by any Person, whether or not such act or failure to act is within such Person's authority, with respect to such business);
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(iv) all Liabilities to the extent related to the Company portion of any Shared Contract; and
(v) all Liabilities to the extent set forth on Schedule 2.3(b)(v).
(c) Other Transaction Documents. Notwithstanding the foregoing or anything to the contrary herein, to the extent that the provisions of any of the Employee Matters Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement, the Technical Services Agreement, the Trademark Matters Agreement or the Intellectual Property Matters Agreement conflict with the provisions of this Agreement, the provisions of such other agreement or agreements shall govern with respect to the subject matter addressed thereby. For purposes of this Agreement, all Assets and Liabilities allocated to SpinCo pursuant to the Employee Matters Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement, the Trademark Matters Agreement or the Intellectual Property Matters Agreement shall be considered SpinCo Assets or SpinCo Liabilities, respectively, and all Assets and Liabilities allocated to the Company pursuant to the Employee Matters Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement, the Trademark Matters Agreement and the Intellectual Property Matters Agreement shall be considered Company Assets or Company Liabilities, respectively.
2.4 Approvals and Notifications.
(a) Approvals and Notifications for SpinCo Assets and Liabilities. To the extent that the transfer or assignment (or in the case of any Permit, reissuance or replacement) of any SpinCo Asset, the assumption of any SpinCo Liability, the Reorganization, the Distribution or the Merger or any other transaction contemplated by the Transaction Documents requires any Approvals or Notifications, prior to the Distribution Date (x) the Parties shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to timely obtain or make such Approvals or Notifications in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and timelines and (y) each Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, as soon as reasonably practicable, any Approvals or Notifications to assign (or, to the extent reasonably requested to do so by the Company or Gold, novate) all obligations under SpinCo Contracts or SpinCo Transferred Leased Property Leases and other obligations or Liabilities for which one or more members of the SpinCo Group are liable and that do not constitute SpinCo Liabilities or for which one or more members of the Company Group are liable and that do not constitute Company Liabilities, so that, in any such case, the members of the applicable Group will be solely responsible for the applicable Liabilities; provided, however, that except to the extent expressly provided in this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents, no Party shall be obligated to (and, to the extent the following actions primarily relate to a member of the SpinCo Group, a SpinCo Asset or a SpinCo Liability, neither the Company nor any member of the Company Group nor, prior to the Distribution Time, SpinCo nor any member of the SpinCo Group shall, without the prior written consent of Gold (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed)) (i) amend or modify any Contract in a manner adverse in any material respect to the Company Group or the SpinCo Group, in each case, taken as a whole, (ii) materially modify, relinquish, forbear or narrow any material right, (iii) contribute capital or pay any non-de minimis consideration in any form (including providing any letter of credit, guaranty or other financial
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accommodation) to any Person in order to obtain or make such Approvals or Notifications (other than any payment, out-of-pocket expenses or concession that is expressly contemplated to be paid or otherwise shared by a Party in accordance with the express provisions of Section 7.3(d) of this Agreement or the express provisions of the other Transaction Documents), or (iv) commence any Action, in each case, in connection with the actions required by the foregoing clauses (x) and (y).
(b) Delayed SpinCo Transfers. If and to the extent that the valid, complete and perfected transfer or assignment to the SpinCo Group of any SpinCo Asset or assumption by the SpinCo Group of any SpinCo Liability in connection with the Reorganization, the Distribution or any other transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents would be a violation of applicable Law or require any Approval or Notification that has not been obtained or made by the Distribution Time then, unless the Parties shall otherwise mutually determine, the transfer or assignment to the SpinCo Group of such SpinCo Assets or the assumption by the SpinCo Group of such SpinCo Liabilities, as the case may be, shall be automatically deemed deferred and any such purported transfer, assignment or assumption shall be null and void until such time as all legal impediments are removed or such Approval or Notification has been obtained or made. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any such SpinCo Assets or SpinCo Liabilities shall continue to constitute SpinCo Assets and SpinCo Liabilities for all other purposes of this Agreement.
(c) Treatment of Delayed SpinCo Assets and Delayed SpinCo Liabilities. If any transfer or assignment of any SpinCo Asset (or a portion thereof) or any assumption of any SpinCo Liability (or a portion thereof) intended to be transferred, assigned or assumed hereunder, as the case may be, is not consummated on or prior to the Distribution Time, whether as a result of the provisions of Section 2.4(b) or for any other reason (any such SpinCo Asset (or a portion thereof), a "Delayed SpinCo Asset" and any such SpinCo Liability (or a portion thereof), a "Delayed SpinCo Liability"), then, (1) the Company and SpinCo shall each continue to use commercially reasonable efforts (subject to the foregoing limitations) to obtain the relevant consents or waivers for the period commencing after the Distribution Date, and ending on the earlier of (x) the date such Delayed SpinCo Asset or Delayed SpinCo Liability is transferred to Gold or SpinCo, (y) eighteen (18) months after the Distribution Date and (z) if the Delayed SpinCo Asset is a Contract, that date of expiry or termination of such Contract in accordance with its terms and (2) insofar as reasonably practicable and subject to applicable Law, the member of the Company Group retaining such Delayed SpinCo Asset or such Delayed SpinCo Liability, as the case may be, shall thereafter hold such Delayed SpinCo Asset or Delayed SpinCo Liability, as the case may be, in trust for the use and benefit of the member of the SpinCo Group entitled thereto (at the expense of the member of the SpinCo Group entitled thereto). In addition, the member of the Company Group retaining such Delayed SpinCo Asset or such Delayed SpinCo Liability shall, insofar as reasonably practicable and to the extent permitted by applicable Law, treat such Delayed SpinCo Asset or Delayed SpinCo Liability in the ordinary course of business in accordance with SpinCo Business past practice and the Parties will take such other actions as they may reasonably agree in good faith (including entering into appropriate documentation formalizing the arrangements and treatment contemplated by this paragraph) in order to place the Parties in a substantially similar position as if such Delayed SpinCo Asset or Delayed SpinCo Liability had been transferred, assigned or assumed as contemplated hereby and so that all the benefits and burdens relating to such Delayed SpinCo Asset or Delayed SpinCo Liability, as the case may be, including use, risk of loss, potential for gain, and dominion, control and command over such Delayed SpinCo Asset or Delayed SpinCo Liability, as the case may be, and all costs and expenses
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related thereto, shall inure from and after the Distribution Time to the SpinCo Group. Except to the extent otherwise required by applicable Law (including pursuant to a "determination" within the meaning of Section 1313(a) of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law)), each of the Company and SpinCo shall, and shall cause the members of its Group to, (i) treat for all Tax purposes (x) any Delayed SpinCo Asset as an Asset owned by the Party entitled to such Delayed SpinCo Asset, and (y) any Delayed SpinCo Liability as a Liability of the Party intended to be responsible for such Delayed SpinCo Liability, in each case not later than the Distribution Time, and (ii) neither report nor take any Tax position (on a Tax Return or otherwise) inconsistent with such treatment.
(d) Transfer of Delayed SpinCo Assets and Delayed SpinCo Liabilities. If and when the Approvals or Notifications, the absence of which caused the deferral of transfer or assignment of any Delayed SpinCo Asset or the deferral of assumption of any Delayed SpinCo Liability pursuant to Section 2.4(b) are obtained or made, and, if and when any other legal impediments to the transfer or assignment of any Delayed SpinCo Asset or the assumption of any Delayed SpinCo Liability have been removed, the transfer or assignment of the applicable Delayed SpinCo Asset or the assumption of the applicable Delayed SpinCo Liability, as the case may be, shall be effected in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Merger Agreement and/or any other applicable Transaction Document.
(e) Costs for Delayed SpinCo Assets and Delayed SpinCo Liabilities. Any member of the Company Group retaining a Delayed SpinCo Asset or Delayed SpinCo Liability due to the deferral of the transfer or assignment of such Delayed SpinCo Asset or the deferral of the assumption of such Delayed SpinCo Liability, as the case may be, shall be promptly reimbursed by SpinCo or the member of the SpinCo Group entitled to the Delayed SpinCo Asset or Delayed SpinCo Liability for any costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and recording or similar fees) incurred in connection with the actions taken by such member of the Company Group pursuant to Section 2.4(c) (other than any costs or expenses that are expressly contemplated to be paid by the Company pursuant to Section 2.4(k) or Section 7.3). SpinCo shall indemnify and hold the Company Group harmless against, and reimburse the Company for, any Liabilities incurred and any other amounts payable by the Company Group with respect to such arrangements or the Delayed SpinCo Asset underlying such arrangements. The Company shall cause the applicable member of the Company Group to promptly pay to SpinCo or another member of the SpinCo Group any refunds or other amounts received by such member of the Company Group (including any refunds or credits of Taxes) in respect of costs, fees, expenses and other payments referred to in the prior sentence; provided, that neither the Company nor any such members of the Company Group shall be required to make any payments to the extent it would place them in a less favorable net after-Tax position than such party would have been in if such payments referenced in the prior sentence were never made. The Company Group shall not knowingly allow the loss or diminution of value of any Delayed SpinCo Asset without first providing the SpinCo Group commercially reasonable notice of such potential loss or diminution in value and affording the SpinCo Group a commercially reasonable opportunity to take action to prevent such loss or diminution in value; provided, that the Company Group shall not be required to provide notice to the SpinCo Group in connection with Delayed SpinCo Assets that are Contracts, Permits or rights that expire in accordance with their terms.
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(f) Approvals and Notifications for Company Assets. To the extent that the transfer or assignment (or, in the case of any Permit, reissuance or replacement) of any Company Asset, the assumption of any Company Liability, the Reorganization, the Distribution or the Merger or any other transaction contemplated by the Transaction Documents requires any Approvals or Notifications, prior to the Distribution Date (x) the Parties shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to timely obtain or make such Approvals or Notifications in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements and timelines and (y) each Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, as soon as reasonably practicable, any Approvals or Notifications to assign (or, to the extent reasonably requested to do so by the Company or Gold, novate) all obligations under Company Contracts and other obligations or Liabilities for which one or more members of the Company Group are liable and that do not constitute Company Liabilities or for which one or more members of the SpinCo Group are liable and that do not constitute SpinCo Liabilities, so that, in any such case, the members of the applicable Group will be solely responsible for the applicable Liabilities; provided, however, that, except to the extent expressly provided in this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents, no Party shall be obligated to (and, to the extent the following actions primarily relate to a member of the Company Group, a Company Asset or a Company Liability, neither Gold nor any member of the Gold Group nor, after the Distribution Time, SpinCo nor any member of the SpinCo Group shall), without the prior written consent of the Company (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) (i) amend or modify any Contract in a manner adverse in any material respect to the Company Group or the SpinCo Group, in each case, taken as a whole, (ii) materially modify, relinquish, forbear or narrow any material right, (iii) contribute capital or pay any non-de minimis consideration in any form (including providing any letter of credit, guaranty or other financial accommodation) to any Person in order to obtain or make such Approvals or Notifications (other than any payment, out-of-pocket expenses or concession that is expressly contemplated to be paid or otherwise shared by a Party in accordance with the express provisions of Section 7.3(d) of this Agreement or the express provisions of the other Transaction Documents), or (iv) commence any Action, in each case, in connection with the actions required by the foregoing clauses (x) and (y).
(g) Delayed Company Transfers. If and to the extent that the valid, complete and perfected transfer or assignment to the Company Group of any Company Asset or assumption by the Company Group of any Company Liability in connection with the Reorganization, the Distribution or any other transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents would be a violation of applicable Law or require any Approval or Notification that has not been obtained or made by the Distribution Time then, unless the Parties shall otherwise mutually determine, the transfer or assignment to the Company Group of such Company Assets or the assumption by the Company Group of such Company Liabilities, as the case may be, shall be automatically deemed deferred and any such purported transfer, assignment or assumption shall be null and void until such time as all legal impediments are removed or such Approval or Notification has been obtained or made. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any such Company Assets or Company Liabilities shall continue to constitute Company Assets and Company Liabilities for all other purposes of this Agreement.
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(h) Treatment of Delayed Company Assets and Delayed Company Liabilities. If any transfer or assignment of any Company Asset (or a portion thereof) or any assumption of any Company Liability (or a portion thereof) intended to be transferred, assigned or assumed hereunder, as the case may be, is not consummated on or prior to the Distribution Time, whether as a result of the provisions of Section 2.4(g) or for any other reason (any such Company Asset (or a portion thereof), a "Delayed Company Asset" and any such Company Liability (or a portion thereof), a "Delayed Company Liability"), then, (1) the Company and SpinCo shall each continue to use commercially reasonable efforts (subject to the foregoing limitations) to obtain the relevant consents or waivers for the period commencing after the Distribution Date, and ending on the earlier of (x) the date such Delayed Company Asset or Delayed Company Liability is transferred to the Company, (y) eighteen (18) months after the Distribution Date and (z) if the Delayed Company Asset is a Contract, that date of expiry or termination of such Contract in accordance with its terms and (2) insofar as reasonably practicable and subject to applicable Law, the member of the SpinCo Group retaining such Delayed Company Asset or such Delayed Company Liability, as the case may be, shall thereafter hold such Delayed Company Asset or Delayed Company Liability, as the case may be, in trust for the use and benefit of the member of the Company Group entitled thereto (at the expense of the member of the Company Group entitled thereto). In addition, the member of the SpinCo Group retaining such Delayed Company Asset or such Delayed Company Liability shall, insofar as reasonably practicable and to the extent permitted by applicable Law, treat such Delayed Company Asset or Delayed Company Liability in the ordinary course of business in accordance with the Company Group past practice and the Parties will take such other actions as they may reasonably agree in good faith (including entering into appropriate documentation formalizing the arrangements and treatment contemplated by this paragraph) in order to place the Parties in a substantially similar position as if such Delayed Company Asset or Delayed Company Liability had been transferred, assigned or assumed as contemplated hereby and so that all the benefits and burdens relating to such Delayed Company Asset or Delayed Company Liability, as the case may be, including use, risk of loss, potential for gain, and dominion, control and command over such Delayed Company Asset or Delayed Company Liability, as the case may be, and all costs and expenses related thereto, shall inure from and after the Distribution Time to the Company Group. Except to the extent otherwise required by applicable Law (including pursuant to a "determination" within the meaning of Section 1313(a) of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law)), each of the Company and SpinCo shall, and shall cause the members of its Group to, (i) treat for all Tax purposes (x) any Delayed Company Asset as an Asset owned by the Party entitled to such Delayed Company Asset, and (y) any Delayed Company Liability as a Liability of the Party intended to be responsible for such Delayed Company Liability, in each case not later than the Distribution Time, and (ii) neither report nor take any Tax position (on a Tax Return or otherwise) inconsistent with such treatment.
(i) Transfer of Delayed Company Assets and Delayed Company Liabilities. If and when the Approvals or Notifications, the absence of which caused the deferral of transfer or assignment of any Delayed Company Asset or the deferral of assumption of any Delayed Company Liability pursuant to Section 2.4(g), are obtained or made, and, if and when any other legal impediments to the transfer or assignment of any Delayed Company Asset or the assumption of any Delayed Company Liability have been removed, the transfer or assignment of the applicable Delayed Company Asset or the assumption of the applicable Delayed Company Liability, as the case may be, shall be effected in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Merger Agreement and/or any other applicable Transaction Document.
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(j) Costs for Delayed Company Assets and Delayed Company Liabilities. Any member of the SpinCo Group retaining a Delayed Company Asset or Delayed Company Liability due to the deferral of the transfer or assignment of such Delayed Company Asset or the deferral of the assumption of such Delayed Company Liability, as the case may be, shall be promptly reimbursed by the Company or the member of the Company Group entitled to the Delayed Company Asset or Delayed Company Liability for any costs and expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees and recording or similar fees) incurred in connection with the actions taken by such member of the SpinCo Group pursuant to Section 2.4(h) (other than any costs or expenses that are expressly contemplated to be paid by SpinCo pursuant to Section 2.4(k) or Section 7.3). The Company shall indemnify and hold the SpinCo Group harmless against, and reimburse SpinCo for, any Liabilities incurred and any other amounts payable by the SpinCo Group with respect to such arrangements or the Delayed Company Asset underlying such arrangements. SpinCo shall cause the applicable member of the SpinCo Group to promptly pay to the Company or another member of the Company Group any refunds or other amounts received by such member of the SpinCo Group (including any refunds or credits of Taxes) in respect of costs, fees, expenses and other payments referred to in the prior sentence; provided, that neither SpinCo nor any such members of the SpinCo Group shall be required to make any payments to the extent it would place them in a less-favorable net after-Tax position than such party would have been in if such payments referenced in the prior sentence were never made. The SpinCo Group shall not knowingly allow the loss or diminution of value of any Delayed Company Asset without first providing the Company Group commercially reasonable notice of such potential loss or diminution in value and affording the Company Group a commercially reasonable opportunity to take action to prevent such loss or diminution in value; provided, that the SpinCo Group shall not be required to provide notice to the Company Group in connection with Delayed Company Assets that are contracts, permits or rights that expire in accordance with their terms.
(k) Sharing Costs. If the Parties agree in accordance with this Section 2.4 that a Party shall directly or indirectly contribute capital or pay any non-de minimis consideration in any form (including providing any letter of credit, guaranty or other financial accommodation) to any Person, the Company shall pay eighty percent (80%) and Gold shall pay twenty percent (20%) of any and all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including consent fees) incurred by the Company or any member of the Company Group (and any reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by SpinCo or any member of the SpinCo Group prior to the Distribution Time) in connection with their efforts pursuant to this Section 2.4; provided, that Gold, the Company and SpinCo shall be obligated to use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize such costs and expenses. Each of the Company and Gold, as applicable, shall cause the applicable members of the Company Group and the SpinCo Group, respectively, to promptly pay to the Company or SpinCo, as applicable, any applicable portion of refunds or other amounts received by a member of the Company Group or the SpinCo Group, as applicable, in respect of costs, fees, expenses and other payments incurred in connection with this Section 2.4.
2.5 Novation of Liabilities.
(a) Novation of SpinCo Liabilities.
(i) Each of the Company, on the one hand, and SpinCo or Gold, on the other hand, at the request of the other, shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, as soon as reasonably practicable, any consent, substitution, approval or amendment required to novate or assign all SpinCo Liabilities and
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obtain in writing the unconditional release of each member of the Company Group that is a party to any such arrangements, to the extent not prohibited by applicable Law and effective as of the Distribution Time, so that, in any such case, the members of the SpinCo Group shall be solely responsible for such SpinCo Liabilities; provided, however, that, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents, no Party shall be obligated to contribute any capital or pay any non-de minimis consideration in any form (including providing any letter of credit, guaranty or other financial accommodation) to any Third Party from whom any such consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release is requested or commence any Action in connection with such Party's efforts pursuant to this Section 2.5(a)(i) (other than any payment, out-of-pocket expenses or concession that is expressly contemplated to be paid or otherwise shared by a Party in accordance with the express provisions of Section 2.4(k) and Section 7.3(d) of this Agreement or the express provisions of the other Transaction Documents); provided, further, that neither the Company nor, prior to the Closing, SpinCo shall agree to any amendment, modification or other concession, in each case, that adversely affects any member of the SpinCo Group in any non-de minimis respect (other than any impact that is fully reimbursed or borne by the Company), in each case, in connection with obtaining such releases, without the prior written consent of Gold (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). The Company shall be solely responsible for any and all out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including consent fees) incurred by the Company or any member of the Company Group (and any out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by SpinCo or any member of the SpinCo Group prior to the Distribution Time) in connection with its efforts pursuant to this Section 2.5(a)(i).
(ii) If a Party is unable to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, any such required consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release prior to the Distribution Time and the applicable member of the Company Group continues to be bound by such agreement, lease, license or other obligation or Liability as of the Distribution Time (each, an "Unreleased SpinCo Liability"), SpinCo shall, to the extent not prohibited by applicable Law, (A) use its commercially reasonable efforts to effect such consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release as soon as practicable following the Distribution Time for eighteen (18) months following the Distribution Time, and (B) as indemnitor, guarantor, agent or subcontractor for such member of the Company Group, as the case may be, (x) pay, perform and discharge fully all the obligations or other Liabilities of such member of the Company Group that constitute Unreleased SpinCo Liabilities from and after the Distribution Time and (y) use its commercially reasonable efforts to effect such payment, performance or discharge prior to any demand for such payment, performance or discharge is permitted to be made by the obligee thereunder on any member of the Company Group. If and when any such consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release shall be obtained or the Unreleased SpinCo Liabilities shall otherwise become assignable or able to be novated, the Company shall promptly assign, or cause to be assigned, and SpinCo or the applicable SpinCo Group member shall assume, such Unreleased SpinCo Liabilities without exchange of further consideration.
(b) Novation of Company Liabilities.
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(i) Each of the Company, on the one hand, and SpinCo or Gold, on the other hand, at the request of the other, shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, as soon as reasonably practicable, any consent, substitution, approval or amendment required to novate or assign all Company Liabilities and obtain in writing the unconditional release of each member of the SpinCo Group that is a party to any such arrangements, so that, in any such case, the members of the Company Group shall be solely responsible for such Company Liabilities; provided, however, that, except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents, no Party shall be obligated to contribute any capital or pay any non-de minimis consideration in any form (including providing any letter of credit, guaranty or other financial accommodation) to any Third Party from whom any such consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release is requested or commence any Action in connection with its efforts pursuant to this Section 2.5(b)(i) (other than any payment, out-of-pocket expenses or concession that is expressly contemplated to be paid or otherwise shared by a Party in accordance with the express provisions of Section 2.4(k) and Section 7.3(d) of this Agreement or the express provisions of the other Transaction Documents); provided, further, that neither Gold nor, following the Closing, SpinCo shall agree to any amendment, modification or other concession, in each case, that adversely affects any member of the Company Group in any non-de minimis respect (other than any impact that is fully reimbursed or borne by Gold), in each case, in connection with obtaining such releases, without the prior written consent of the Company (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed); provided, further, that in no event shall Gold be required to obtain any consent, substitution, approval or amendment required to novate or assign Company Liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from indebtedness for borrowed money, whether current, short-term or long-term, secured or unsecured. The Company shall be solely responsible for any and all out-of-pocket costs and expenses (including consent fees) incurred by the Company or any member of the Company Group (and any out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by SpinCo or any member of the SpinCo Group prior to the Distribution Time) in connection with its efforts pursuant to this Section 2.5(b)(i).
(ii) If a Party is unable to obtain, or to cause to be obtained, any such required consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release prior to the Distribution Time and the applicable member of the SpinCo Group continues to be bound by such agreement, lease, license or other obligation or Liability as of the Distribution Time (each, an "Unreleased Company Liability"), the Company shall, to the extent not prohibited by applicable Law, (A) use its commercially reasonable efforts to effect such consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release as soon as practicable following the Distribution Time for eighteen (18) months following the Distribution Time, and (B) as indemnitor, guarantor, agent or subcontractor for such member of the SpinCo Group, as the case may be, (x) pay, perform and discharge fully all the obligations or other Liabilities of such member of the SpinCo Group that constitute Unreleased Company Liabilities from and after the Distribution Time and (y) use its commercially reasonable efforts to effect such payment, performance or discharge prior to any demand for such payment, performance or discharge is permitted to be made by the obligee thereunder on any member of the SpinCo Group. If and when any such consent, substitution, approval, amendment or release shall be obtained or the Unreleased Company Liabilities shall otherwise become assignable or able to be novated, SpinCo shall promptly assign, or cause to be assigned, and the Company or the applicable Company Group member shall assume, such Unreleased Company Liabilities without exchange of further consideration.
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2.6 Release of Support Obligations.
(a) On or prior to the Distribution Date or as soon as practicable thereafter:
(i) Each of Gold, SpinCo and the Company shall, and shall cause its respective Subsidiaries to, cooperate regarding, and Gold shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain from the respective beneficiary, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to the Company, valid and binding written unconditional releases of the Company and any other member of the Company Group, as applicable, from any SpinCo Liability, whether arising before, on or after the Closing Date, under any Company Support Obligation in effect immediately prior to the Distribution Time, which release shall be effective as of the Distribution Time, including by providing, as reasonably agreed by the Parties, substitute guarantees, furnishing letters of credit, instituting escrow arrangements, posting surety or performance bonds or making other arrangements as the counterparty or the Company if the applicable counterparty is a member of the Company Group may reasonably request, that materially correspond in form and substance to the relevant Company Support Obligation and, if applicable, taking into account the liquidity requirements of the relevant member(s) of the SpinCo Group for whose benefit the Company Support Obligation is provided, in each case, to the extent not prohibited by applicable Law. During the Interim Period, Gold shall coordinate with SpinCo and the Company with respect to their joint initial contact with such beneficiaries, afford the Company a reasonable opportunity to participate in discussions with such beneficiaries prior to engaging therein, and keep the Company reasonably informed of any discussions with such beneficiaries in which the Company does not participate.
(ii) Each of Gold, SpinCo and the Company shall, and shall cause its respective Subsidiaries to, cooperate regarding, and the Company shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain from the respective beneficiary, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Gold, valid and binding written unconditional releases of SpinCo and any other member of the SpinCo Group, as applicable, from any Company Liability, whether arising before, on or after the Closing Date, under any SpinCo Support Obligation in effect immediately prior to the Distribution Time, which release shall be effective as of the Distribution Time, including by providing, as reasonably agreed by the Parties, substitute guarantees, furnishing letters of credit, instituting escrow arrangements, posting surety or performance bonds or making other arrangements as the counterparty may reasonably request, in each case, to the extent not prohibited by applicable Law. During the Interim Period, the Company shall coordinate with SpinCo and Gold with respect to their joint initial contact with such beneficiaries, afford Gold a reasonable opportunity to participate in discussions with such beneficiaries prior to engaging therein, and keep Gold reasonably informed of any discussions with such beneficiaries in which Gold does not participate.
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(b) Without limiting Gold's or SpinCo's obligations under Section 2.6(a), if any Company Support Obligation has not been released as of the Effective Time, then, from and after the Effective Time, (i) Gold shall indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its applicable Subsidiaries for any Liabilities arising from or relating to such Company Support Obligation (other than any Company Liabilities), including any fees in connection with the issuance and maintenance of any letters of credit, and (ii) Gold shall not permit any members of the SpinCo Group to (A) renew or extend the term of, (B) increase its obligations under, (C) transfer to another third party or (D) amend in any manner any loan, Contract or other obligation if, as a result thereof, the Company or any of its applicable Subsidiaries would become liable under such Company Support Obligation, in each case, without the prior written consent of the Company (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), unless all obligations of the Company and its Subsidiaries with respect thereto are concurrently terminated (with no incremental obligations or liabilities) by documentation reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to the Company. To the extent that the Company or any of its applicable Subsidiaries has performance obligations under any Company Support Obligation after the Effective Time, from and after the Effective Time, Gold shall (x) perform (or cause the members of the SpinCo Group to perform) such obligations on behalf of the Company and such Subsidiaries or (y) otherwise take such action as reasonably requested by the Company and such Subsidiaries so as to put the Company and such Subsidiaries in the same position as if Gold, and not the Company, had performed or were performing such obligations.
(c) Without limiting the Company's obligations under Section 2.6(a), if any SpinCo Support Obligation has not been released as of the Effective Time, then, from and after the Effective Time, (i) the Company shall indemnify and hold harmless Gold and its applicable Subsidiaries for any Liabilities arising from or relating to such SpinCo Support Obligation (other than any SpinCo Liabilities), including any fees in connection with the issuance and maintenance of any letters of credit, and (ii) the Company shall not permit any members of the Company Group to (A) renew or extend the term of, (B) increase its obligations under, (C) transfer to another third party or (D) amend in any manner any loan, Contract or other obligation if, as a result thereof, Gold and its applicable Subsidiaries would become liable under such SpinCo Support Obligation, in each case, without the prior written consent of Gold (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), unless all obligations of SpinCo and its Subsidiaries with respect thereto are concurrently terminated (with no incremental obligations or liabilities) by documentation reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to Gold. To the extent that SpinCo or any of its applicable Subsidiaries has performance obligations under any SpinCo Support Obligation after the Effective Time, from and after the Effective Time, the Company shall (x) perform (or cause the members of the Company Group to perform) such obligations on behalf of SpinCo and such Subsidiaries or (y) otherwise take such action as reasonably requested by SpinCo and such Subsidiaries so as to put SpinCo and such Subsidiaries in the same position as if the Company, and not SpinCo or any member of the SpinCo Group, had performed or were performing such obligations.
(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Parties acknowledge and agree that at any time on or after the Closing Date, (i) the Company may, in consultation in good faith with Gold, take any action to terminate, obtain release of or otherwise limit its liability under any and all outstanding Company Support Obligations (provided, that such action would not result in any non-de minimis Liability for Gold and its Subsidiaries, other than any Liability that
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is fully reimbursed or borne by the Company), (ii) neither the Company nor any of its applicable Affiliates will have any obligation to renew any guarantees, letters of credit, comfort letters, bonds, sureties and other credit support or assurances issued on behalf of any member of the SpinCo Group or the SpinCo Business after the expiration thereof in accordance with its terms, (iii) SpinCo and/or Gold may, in consultation in good faith with the Company, take any action to terminate, obtain release of or otherwise limit the liability of SpinCo or any member of the SpinCo Group under any and all outstanding SpinCo Support Obligations (provided, that such action would not result in any non-de minimis Liability for the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, other than any Liability that is fully reimbursed or borne by Gold or SpinCo) and (iv) none of SpinCo or Gold nor any of their respective applicable Affiliates will have any obligation to renew any guarantees, letters of credit, comfort letters, bonds, sureties and other credit support or assurances issued on behalf of any member of the Company Group or the Company Business after the expiration thereof in accordance with its terms.
2.7 Wrong Pockets; Mail and Other Communications; Payments.
(a) Subject to Section 2.4, after the Distribution Time, if either SpinCo or Gold, on the one hand, or the Company, on the other hand, or any of their respective Group members becomes aware that any of the SpinCo Assets have not been transferred, assigned or conveyed to SpinCo or any member of its Group or that any of the Company Assets have not been retained by or transferred, assigned or conveyed to the Company or any member of its Group (other than the Transferred Entities), it will promptly notify the other Party and the Parties will cooperate in good faith to as promptly as reasonably practicable transfer the relevant asset to the appropriate Party at the expense of the Party who would have been responsible for the related expenses if such asset had been transferred at the Distribution Time.
(b) After the Distribution Time, each of the Company, SpinCo and the members of their respective Groups may receive mail, packages, facsimiles, electronic mail and other communications properly belonging to the other (or the other's respective Group). Accordingly, each of the Company and SpinCo and the members of their respective Groups authorizes the Company and the other members of the Company Group, on the one hand, or SpinCo and the other members of the SpinCo Group, on the other hand, as the case may be, to receive and, if not unambiguously intended for such other Party (or any member of its Group) or any of such other Party's (or any member of its Group's) officers or directors, to open (acting solely as agent for the other Party), all mail, packages, facsimiles, electronic mail and other communications received by it, and to retain the same to the extent that they relate to the business of the receiving Party or, to the extent that they do not relate to the business of the receiving Party, the receiving Party shall promptly deliver such mail, packages, facsimiles, electronic mail or other communications (or, in case the same relate to both businesses, copies thereof) to the other Party. The provisions of this Section 2.7 are not intended to, and shall not be deemed to, constitute an authorization by any of the Company, SpinCo or the members of their respective Groups to (i) permit the other to accept service of process on its behalf and neither party is or shall be deemed to be the agent of the other for service of process purposes or (ii) waive any rights or privileges in respect of any such mail, package, facsimile, electronic mail or other communication or the information contained therein.
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(c) The Company shall, or shall cause its applicable Subsidiary to, promptly pay or deliver to SpinCo (or a designated member of its Group) any monies or checks that have been sent to or that are received by the Company or any member of its Group after the Distribution Time, including by or from any customers, suppliers or other commercial counterparties of the SpinCo Business or the SpinCo Group, to the extent that they constitute SpinCo Assets.
(d) SpinCo shall, or shall cause the applicable member of its Group to, promptly pay or deliver to the Company (or a designated member of its Group) any monies or checks that have been sent to SpinCo or any member of its Group (including the SpinCo Business and the SpinCo Group) after the Distribution Time to the extent that they constitute a Company Asset and are the property of the Company or a member of the Company Group hereunder.
2.8 Termination of Agreements.
(a) Except as set forth in Section 2.8(b), in furtherance of the releases and other provisions of Section 4.1, SpinCo and each member of the SpinCo Group, on the one hand, and the Company and each member of the Company Group, on the other hand, hereby terminate any and all agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings, whether or not in writing, without any further liability to the Company, SpinCo or any members of its respective Groups, between or among SpinCo and/or any member of the SpinCo Group, on the one hand, and the Company and/or any member of the Company Group, on the other hand, effective as of the Distribution Time and in accordance with applicable Law. No such terminated agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding (including any provision thereof which purports to survive termination) shall be of any further force or effect after the Distribution Time, and neither the Company, SpinCo nor any member of their respective Groups shall have any liability thereunder after the Distribution Time. Each Party shall, at the reasonable request of the other Party, take, or cause to be taken, such other actions as may be necessary to effect the foregoing.
(b) The provisions of Section 2.8(a) shall not apply to any of the following agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings, whether or not in writing, (or to any of the provisions thereof): (i) this Agreement, the Merger Agreement and the other Transaction Documents (and each other agreement or instrument expressly contemplated by this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any other Transaction Documents to be entered into by any of the Parties or any of the members of their respective Groups or to be continued from and after the Distribution Time); (ii) any agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings to which any Third Party is a party; (iii) any intercompany accounts payable or accounts receivable accrued as of the Distribution Time that are reflected in the books and records of the Parties or otherwise documented in writing in accordance with past practices, which shall be settled in the manner contemplated by Section 2.8(c); (iv) any agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings to which any non-wholly owned Subsidiary of the Company or SpinCo, as the case may be, is a party (it being understood that directors' qualifying shares or similar interests will be disregarded for purposes of determining whether a Subsidiary is wholly owned); (v) any Shared Contracts and (vi) any agreements listed on Schedule 2.8(b).
(c) All of the intercompany accounts receivable and accounts payable between any member of the Company Group, on the one hand, and any member of the SpinCo Group, on the other hand, outstanding as of immediately prior to the Distribution Time shall be repaid, settled or otherwise eliminated in full, without any further liability thereunder to either party thereto, by means of cash payments, a dividend, capital contribution, a combination of the foregoing, or
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otherwise as determined by the Company in its reasonable discretion prior to the Distribution; provided, that the Company shall not repay, settle or otherwise eliminate any such intercompany accounts in a manner that results in an adverse effect to any member of the SpinCo Group or that exposes Gold or any member of the SpinCo Group to further Liability (unless the cost of such effect or Liability is fully reimbursed to the SpinCo Group or otherwise fully borne by the Company Group), without the prior written consent of Gold (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). For the avoidance of doubt, the Parties agree and acknowledge that the payment or other satisfaction by SpinCo or a member of the SpinCo Group of the amount of an intercompany account receivable shall not be considered an adverse effect to any member of the SpinCo Group. Each Party shall, at the reasonable request of any other Party, take, or cause to be taken, such other actions as may be reasonably necessary to acknowledge the foregoing.
2.9 Treatment of Shared Contracts.
(a) Except as set forth on Schedule 2.9(a), subject to applicable Law and without limiting the generality of the obligations set forth in Section 2.1 unless the Parties otherwise agree or the benefits of any Contract described in this Section 2.9 are expressly conveyed to the applicable Party pursuant to this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any other Transaction Document (excluding the Transition Services Agreement), any Contract, a portion of which is related to, held for use by or used in the SpinCo Business, but the remainder of which is a Company Asset (any such Contract, a "Shared Contract"), shall be assigned in relevant part to the applicable member(s) of the applicable Group, if so assignable, or appropriately amended prior to, on or after the Distribution Time, so that each Party or the member of its Group shall, as of the Distribution Time, be entitled to the rights and benefits, and shall assume the related portion of any Liabilities, inuring to the SpinCo Business or the Company Business, as applicable; provided, however, that (i) in no event shall any member of any Group be required to assign (or amend) any Shared Contract in its entirety or to assign a portion of any Shared Contract which is not assignable (or cannot be amended) by its terms (including any terms imposing consents or conditions on an assignment where such consents or conditions have not been obtained or fulfilled) and (ii) if any Shared Contract cannot be so partially assigned by its terms or otherwise, or cannot be amended or if such assignment or amendment would impair the benefit the parties thereto derive from such Shared Contract, then the Parties shall, and shall cause each of the members of their respective Groups to, take such other commercially reasonable and permissible actions (including by subcontracting, sublicensing, subleasing or back-to-back agreement or by providing prompt notice to the other Party with respect to any relevant claim of Liability or other relevant matters arising in connection with a Shared Contract so as to allow such other Party the ability to exercise any applicable rights under such Shared Contract) to cause a member of the SpinCo Group or the Company Group, as the case may be, to receive the rights and benefits of that portion of each Shared Contract that relates to the SpinCo Business or the Company Business, as the case may be (in each case, to the extent so related), as if such Shared Contract had been assigned to a member of the applicable Group (or amended to allow a member of the applicable Group to exercise applicable rights under such Shared Contract) pursuant to this Section 2.9, and to bear the burden of the corresponding Liabilities (including any Liabilities that may arise by reason of such arrangement), as if such Liabilities had been assumed by a member of the applicable Group pursuant to this Section 2.9. Without limiting the foregoing, if (A) a Shared Contract that is a vendor or supplier Contract cannot be assigned or amended pursuant to this Section 2.9 and can be addressed through an arrangement described in clause (ii) of the immediately preceding
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sentence, but the proposed assignee elects not to receive the rights and benefits of the applicable portion of such Shared Contract pursuant to such an arrangement, and (B) as a result the other Party or a member of the other Party's Group is required to pay any termination, breakage, volume reduction or similar fee or expense to such vendor or supplier, then (C) the proposed assignee or the applicable member of the proposed assignee's Group shall reimburse the other Party or the applicable member of its Group for the amount of such fee or expense. Each of the Company and SpinCo shall, and shall cause the members of their respective Groups to, use its commercially reasonable efforts to complete the assignment or amendment of all Shared Contracts pursuant to this Section 2.9 to be effective at the Distribution Time; provided, however, that any such obligation to use commercially reasonable efforts shall cease on the date that is eighteen (18) months following the Distribution Time.
(b) Except to the extent otherwise required by applicable Law (including pursuant to a "determination" within the meaning of Section 1313(a) of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local or foreign Law)), each of the Company and SpinCo shall, and shall cause the members of its Group to, (i) treat for all Tax purposes the portion of each Shared Contract inuring to its respective businesses as an Asset owned by, and/or a Liability of, as applicable, such Party, or the members of its Group, as applicable, not later than the Distribution Time, and (ii) neither report nor take any Tax position (on a Tax Return or otherwise) inconsistent with such treatment.
(c) Nothing in this Section 2.9 shall require any member of any Group to (and (i) neither the Company nor any member of the Company Group nor, prior to the Distribution Time, SpinCo nor any member of the SpinCo Group shall, without the prior written consent of Gold (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) and (ii) neither Gold nor any member of Gold Group shall, without the prior written consent of the Company (which shall not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed)), in each case, make any non-de minimis payment (except to the extent advanced, assumed or agreed in advance to be reimbursed by any member of the other Group), incur any non-de minimis obligation or grant any non-de minimis concession for the benefit of any member of the other Group in order to effect any transaction contemplated by this Section 2.9 (in each case, other than any payment, out-of-pocket expenses or concession that is expressly contemplated to be paid or otherwise shared by a Party in accordance with the express provisions of Section 2.4(k) and Section 7.3(d) of this Agreement or the express provisions of the other Transaction Documents).
2.10 Treatment of Shared Services. The Company, SpinCo and Gold acknowledge and agree that (a) the SpinCo Business currently receives from the Company and the members of the Company Group certain Shared Services, (b) except as provided in the Transition Services Agreement, any other Transaction Document or the Merger Agreement, all Shared Services shall cease at the Distribution Time, and all agreements and arrangements (whether or not in writing) in respect thereof shall terminate as of the Distribution Time without further liability to Gold or any member of the SpinCo Group, and (c) from and after the Distribution Time, SpinCo and Gold (and their Affiliates) shall have no rights or Liabilities under any Shared Contracts that are not SpinCo Contracts, except to the extent set forth and in accordance with the terms and conditions of any Transaction Document or the Merger Agreement.
2.11 Certain Adjustments.
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(a) Certain Definitions.
(i) "Estimated Net Working Capital Adjustment" shall mean (A) if the Estimated Net Working Capital exceeds 105% of the Target Net Working Capital, then a positive amount equal to the amount by which such Estimated Net Working Capital exceeds the Target Net Working Capital; (B) if the Estimated Net Working Capital is equal to or less than 105% of the Target Net Working Capital and equal to or greater than 95% of the Target Net Working Capital, then an amount equal to zero; and (C) if the Estimated Net Working Capital is less than 95% of the Target Net Working Capital, then a negative amount equal to the amount by which the Target Net Working Capital exceeds the Estimated Net Working Capital.
(ii) "Estimated SpinCo Cash" shall mean the SpinCo Cash as estimated by the Company in good faith prior to the Closing.
(iii) "Estimated SpinCo Expense Reimbursement" shall mean the SpinCo Expense Reimbursement as estimated by the Company in good faith prior to the Closing.
(iv) "Estimated SpinCo Indebtedness" shall mean the SpinCo Indebtedness as estimated by the Company in good faith as of the Cut-Off Time.
(v) "Final Net Working Capital Adjustment" shall mean (A) if the Final Net Working Capital exceeds 105% of the Target Net Working Capital, then a positive amount equal to the amount by which such Final Net Working Capital exceeds the Target Net Working Capital; (B) if the Final Net Working Capital is equal to or less than 105% of the Target Net Working Capital and equal to or greater than 95% of the Target Net Working Capital, then an amount equal to zero; and (C) if the Final Net Working Capital is less than 95% of the Target Net Working Capital, then a negative amount equal to the amount by which the Target Net Working Capital exceeds the Final Net Working Capital.
(vi) "Net Working Capital" shall mean as of 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the Distribution Date (the "Cut-Off Time") and without duplication, an amount (which may be a positive or negative number) equal to (i) the current assets of the SpinCo Business, minus (ii) the current liabilities of the SpinCo Business, in each case, which are included in the line item categories specifically identified in the illustrative calculation set forth in Schedule 1.1, but excluding (A) any deferred Tax assets, deferred Tax liabilities, income Tax assets, and income Tax liabilities, (B) all receivables and payables between any Transferred Entity and another Transferred Entity, (C) amounts outstanding pursuant to intercompany accounts, arrangements, understandings or Contracts to be settled or eliminated in connection with the Closing pursuant to Section 2.8, (D) the SpinCo Financing and any proceeds thereof, (E) the SpinCo Expense Reimbursement (including the Reimbursement Obligations), (F) the Company Assets and the Company Liabilities, (G) any amounts to the extent included and reflected in the calculation of SpinCo Indebtedness and SpinCo Cash, (H) operating lease balances, (I) pay-to-play assets and (J) Mexican statutory GAAP accounts. The Net Working Capital will be determined in accordance with and calculated on a basis consistent with the Accounting Principles.
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(vii) "SpinCo Cash" shall mean the aggregate amount of cash and cash equivalents held by SpinCo and the other members of the SpinCo Group as of the Cut-Off Time (other than any cash paid to SpinCo by the Company in respect of the Cash Transfer), including all uncashed and uncleared checks, drafts and wires received by or on behalf of SpinCo or the other members of the SpinCo Group (to the extent not included as an asset in the calculation of Net Working Capital), and excluding (A) any uncashed and uncleared checks, drafts and wires issued by or on behalf of SpinCo or the other members of the SpinCo Group, (B) any Restricted Cash, (C) any Excluded Cash received by any member of the Company Group or any member of the SpinCo Group prior to the Cut-Off Time and (D) any Excess Foreign Cash, in each case calculated in accordance with the Accounting Principles; provided, that if, after the Cut-Off Time but prior to the Distribution, any SpinCo Cash is distributed to the Company or used to pay any SpinCo Designated Transaction Expenses or SpinCo Indebtedness, such amounts shall not be included in the calculation of Estimated SpinCo Cash or Final SpinCo Cash.
(viii) "SpinCo Indebtedness" shall mean, without duplication, in each case calculated in accordance with the Accounting Principles, the aggregate amount outstanding with respect to any of the following of any member of the SpinCo Group as of the Cut-Off Time: (a) the outstanding principal amount of any indebtedness for borrowed money, including any related accrued and unpaid interest, and, to the extent actually due and payable in connection with the payment of such indebtedness at the Distribution, prepayment fees, premiums or penalties; (b) all obligations under letters of credit, bankers' acceptances, performance bonds, sureties and similar instruments issued for the account of such Person, in each case, only to the extent drawn; (c) all Liabilities arising out of interest rate and currency swap arrangements and any other arrangements designed to provide protection against fluctuations in interest or currency rates, to the extent such arrangements are required to be unwound or terminated, in accordance with their terms, as a result of the consummation of the Distribution or Merger, calculated, as of the Cut-Off Time, as the amount of any payments that would be required to be paid by such Person to the counterparty banks in the event of an early unwind or early termination of such arrangements at the Cut-Off Time less any amount payable to such Person in connection to such unwind or termination; (d) the amount of any deferred purchase price Liabilities related to past acquisitions for equity, property, assets, goods or services (including holdback amounts or similar items including any contingent obligations to pay a deferred purchase price (including contingent earn-outs but excluding any indemnification or similar non-purchase price obligations) and similar performance-based payment obligations); (e) all obligations under a lease agreement required by GAAP to be recorded as finance lease obligations, but excluding any breakage costs, prepayment penalties or fees or other similar amounts payable in connection with any capitalized leases unless such breakage costs, prepayment penalties, fees or other similar amounts are due and will be paid at the Distribution; (f) (1) any severance obligations with respect to former SpinCo Group Employees (or current SpinCo Group Employees with respect to which notice of termination has been provided, other than with respect to terminations at the direction of Gold) that are outstanding and unpaid as of the Cut-Off Time; (2) all obligations in respect
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of unpaid and unfunded nonqualified deferred compensation plan liabilities that are transferred to or assumed by any member of the SpinCo Group pursuant to the Employee Matters Agreement, measured as of the Cut-Off Time and determined on an aggregated basis; (3) all cash dividend equivalent rights in respect of any outstanding Company Award (as such term is used in the Employee Matters Agreement) held by a SpinCo Group Employee with respect to the portion of the vesting period elapsed on or prior to the Distribution Time; (4) all unfunded or underfunded liabilities under any defined benefit pension, retirement or similar plans or arrangements (including pension service awards, termination indemnitees, jubilee payments, seniority or gratuity payments, and any penalty payments related thereto) that are transferred to or assumed by any member of the SpinCo Group pursuant to the Employee Matters Agreement, measured as of the most recent practicable date prior to the Distribution Time and determined on a projected benefit obligation basis; (5) any liabilities assumed by the SpinCo Group with respect to the Company Deferred Compensation Plan (as such term is used in the Employee Matters Agreement); (6) the portion of any retention or transaction bonuses payable in connection with the Reorganization, Distribution or Merger that are or become payable by the SpinCo Group as of the Distribution Time (excluding any liabilities or obligations (A) arising in connection with any arrangements entered into at the direction of Gold or any member of Gold Group, (B) pursuant to plans, agreements, arrangements or Contracts approved by the Company in writing that require more than 60 days of continued service following the Distribution Time or (C) arising as a result of both the Reorganization, Distribution or Merger and a termination of employment or continued service following the consummation of the Reorganization, Distribution or Merger); and (7) the employer portion of any Taxes payable by any member of the SpinCo Group with respect to any amounts set forth in the preceding clauses (1) through (6) and calculated as if all such amounts were paid on the Closing Date; (g) one hundred percent (100%) of all deferred revenue and customer advances / deposits associated with Contracts that are SpinCo Contracts (other than with respect to customer owned tooling, which shall be included in the calculation of Net Working Capital); (h) all accrued and unpaid bonuses (including profit-sharing) as of the Cut-Off Time payable to SpinCo Group Employees, (i) the amount of any unpaid Company Taxes that will be payable by SpinCo or a member of the SpinCo Group; (j) all outstanding factored accounts receivable; (k) any unpaid capital expenditures in accounts payable; (l) any unpaid liabilities related to the items set forth on Schedule 2.11(a)(viii); and (m) guaranties of any obligations of the types described in the preceding clauses (a) through (l), inclusive, of any other Person; provided, that if, after the Cut-Off Time but prior to the Distribution, any SpinCo Cash is distributed to the Company or used to pay any SpinCo Designated Transaction Expenses, SpinCo Indebtedness, such amounts shall not be included in the calculation of Estimated SpinCo Cash or Final SpinCo Cash. Notwithstanding the foregoing, "SpinCo Indebtedness" does not include the aggregate amount outstanding with respect to any of the following of any member of the SpinCo Group as of the Cut-Off Time: (a) any operating or other lease obligations not required to be recorded as finance lease obligations between or among SpinCo and any other member of the SpinCo Group; (b) intercompany obligations between or among SpinCo and any other member of the SpinCo Group to the extent such obligations are not terminated as of the Closing in accordance with Section 2.8; (c) any obligations under any undrawn letters of credit, banker's acceptances, performance bonds or similar obligations; (d) any SpinCo
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Indebtedness incurred by or at the direction of Gold and/or any of its Affiliates, including any SpinCo Indebtedness incurred by any such Persons in connection with the Distribution or the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement, including indebtedness incurred pursuant to the SpinCo Financing or (e) any amounts included in the definition or calculation of Net Working Capital or SpinCo Designated Transaction Expenses.
(ix) "Target Net Working Capital" shall have the meaning set forth in Schedule 2.11(a)(ix).
(b) No later than three (3) Business Days prior to the Closing Date, the Company shall prepare and deliver to SpinCo and Gold a written report (the "Initial Adjustment Statement") setting forth in reasonable detail the Company's good faith estimate of (i) the Net Working Capital (such estimate, the "Estimated Net Working Capital"), (ii) the Estimated SpinCo Indebtedness, (iii) the Estimated SpinCo Expense Reimbursement, (iv) the Estimated SpinCo Cash, and (v) the Cash Transfer Amount, in each case of clauses (i)-(iv), as of the Cut-Off Time and based on the Company's books and records and other information available to the Company at the Closing, together with reasonable supporting detail and, except for SpinCo Designated Transaction Expenses, without giving effect to the Distribution or the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and calculated in accordance with the definitions herein and the Accounting Principles. Following the delivery of the Initial Adjustment Statement, but prior to the Closing, the Company will provide Gold reasonable opportunity to review the Initial Adjustment Statement and request in writing reasonable changes to the Initial Adjustment Statement, and the Company shall consider in good faith any changes proposed by Gold, and the Company shall reasonably cooperate with Gold in connection with its review of the Initial Adjustment Statement, including by providing information reasonably necessary or useful in connection therewith as may be reasonably requested by Gold; provided, that in no event shall the Closing be delayed as a result of Gold's review of the Initial Adjustment Statement or comment thereon.
(c) Within one hundred and twenty (120) days following the Closing Date, Gold shall deliver to the Company a statement (the "Preliminary Adjustment Statement") setting forth in reasonable detail Gold's good faith calculation of (i) the Net Working Capital, (ii) SpinCo Cash, (iii) SpinCo Indebtedness, (iv) SpinCo Expense Reimbursement and (v) the Cash Transfer Amount, in the case of clauses (i)-(iv), being determined as of the Cut-Off Time, and, except for the SpinCo Designated Transaction Expenses, without giving effect to the Distribution or the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and calculated in accordance with the definitions herein and the Accounting Principles, in each case, together with reasonable supporting detail.
(d) If the Company disagrees with the calculations set forth in the Preliminary Adjustment Statement, the Company will deliver to Gold, within sixty (60) days after receipt by the Company of the Preliminary Adjustment Statement (the "Review Period") a written statement of its disagreement specifying in reasonable detail the particulars of the disagreement, including the nature and amount of any disputes as to the Preliminary Adjustment Statement (the "Notice of Disagreement"). The Company will be deemed to have agreed with the items and amounts in the Preliminary Adjustment Statement not specifically identified in such Notice of Disagreement, and such items and amounts shall not be subject to review in accordance with Section 2.11(e). If the
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Company does not deliver a Notice of Disagreement within the Review Period, the Preliminary Adjustment Statement shall become final and binding on the last day of the Review Period (the "Final Adjustment Statement" for purposes of the payment (if any) contemplated by Section 2.11(k)).
(e) If the Company delivers to Gold a Notice of Disagreement during the Review Period, the Company and Gold will attempt to resolve in good faith the matters contained in the Notice of Disagreement during the 30 day period after delivery of the Notice of Disagreement (the "Resolution Period"). Rule 408 of the Federal Rules of Evidence shall apply to each of the Company and Gold during any discussions or negotiations during the Resolution Period. Any disputed items resolved in writing by the Company and Gold during the Resolution Period shall be final and binding with respect to such items, and if the Company and Gold agree in writing on the resolution of each disputed item specified by the Company in the Notice of Disagreement, the amounts so determined shall be final and binding on the parties for all purposes hereunder and, together with the items and amounts in the Preliminary Adjustment Statement and not specifically identified in the Notice of Disagreement, will be the "Final Adjustment Statement" for purposes of the payment (if any) contemplated by Section 2.11(k). If such a resolution is not reached during the Resolution Period, the Company and Gold shall retain a nationally recognized independent certified public accounting firm in the United States mutually acceptable to the Company and Gold (the "Independent Accounting Firm"). The Company and Gold will enter into a customary engagement letter with the Independent Accounting Firm promptly after such selection and submit any unresolved objections covered by the Notice of Disagreement (the "Disputed Items") to the Independent Accounting Firm for resolution in accordance with this Section 2.11(e), together with a copy of this Agreement and the Preliminary Adjustment Statement, promptly after entering into such engagement letter (but in any event, no later than ten (10) days after entering into such engagement letter); provided, that the Company and Gold cannot assign a value to any Disputed Item that is more favorable to such Party than what such Party included in the Notice of Disagreement or the Preliminary Adjustment Statement, respectively. In acting under this Agreement, the Independent Accounting Firm shall function solely as an expert and not as an arbitrator; provided, that the Independent Accounting Firm shall have the power to conclusively resolve differences in disputed items as specified in this Agreement. All communications by the Parties and their respective Representatives with the Independent Accounting Firm relating to any matter disputed in accordance with this Section 2.11(e) shall be conducted only as follows: (i) all such communications shall include at least one Representative of each of the Company and Gold, (ii) there shall be no ex parte communications between any Party (or its Representatives), on the one hand, and the Independent Accounting Firm, on the other hand, (iii) no Party shall disclose to the Independent Accounting Firm any confidential settlement negotiations related to the Final Adjustment Statement, and (iv) unless requested by the Independent Accounting Firm in writing, no Party may present additional information or arguments to the Independent Accounting Firm, either orally or in writing. The Company and Gold shall use their commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Independent Accounting Firm to render a written decision resolving the matters submitted to it within 30 days following the submission thereof. The scope of the disputes to be resolved by the Independent Accounting Firm shall be limited to correcting mathematical errors and determining whether the items and amounts in dispute were determined in accordance with the Accounting Principles and the applicable terms and definitions set forth in this Agreement, and the Independent Accounting Firm shall not be permitted to make any other determination, including any
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determination as to whether the Target Net Working Capital or any estimates on the Preliminary Adjustment Statement are correct, adequate or sufficient. The Independent Accounting Firm's determination of the Disputed Items shall be based solely on written materials submitted by the Company and Gold (i.e., not on independent review). The determination of the Independent Accounting Firm shall be conclusive and binding upon the parties hereto and shall not be subject to appeal or further review (absent fraud or manifest error). The Preliminary Adjustment Statement, as modified by any changes thereto in accordance with any adjustments agreed in writing between the Company and Gold during the Resolution Period and as determined by the Independent Accounting Firm, will be the "Final Adjustment Statement" for purposes of the payment (if any) contemplated by Section 2.11(k).
(f) Each of the Company and Gold (including SpinCo) will (A) pay its own respective costs and expenses incurred in connection with this Section 2.11 and (B) be responsible for the fees and expenses of the Independent Accounting Firm in connection with this Section 2.11 on a pro rata basis based upon the inverse of the degree to which the Independent Accounting Firm has accepted the respective positions of the Company and Gold (which will be determined by the Independent Accounting Firm and set forth in the Independent Accounting Firm's report). For example, if the Independent Accounting Firm determines that it accepted seventy percent (70%) of the position of the Company, the Company will pay thirty percent (30%) of the fees and expenses of the Independent Accounting Firm and Gold will pay the remaining seventy percent (70%) of such fees and expenses.
(g) In connection with the matters set forth in this Section 2.11, during the Review Period and Resolution Period, if applicable, each Party and its Representatives shall, subject to execution of customary access letters (if applicable), afford to the other Party and its Representatives reasonable access during normal business hours and upon reasonable prior notice to the personnel and books and records of their respective Groups or their respective Representatives and in a manner that does not adversely interfere with the conduct of such other Party's business, and to any other information reasonably required for purposes of preparing and reviewing the calculations contemplated in this Section 2.11; provided, that in the event that the Party to whom the request has been made determines in good faith that any such provision of information could reasonably be expected to violate any Law or agreement, waive any legal privilege available under applicable Law, including any attorney-client privilege, attorney work product privilege, and confidentiality privileges applying to federally authorized tax practitioners under Section 7525 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local, foreign or other tax law), or breach any duty of confidentiality owed to any Person, then the Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to permit compliance with such obligations to the extent and in a manner that avoids any such harm or consequence.
(h) For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 2.11 is not intended to be used to permit the introduction of different judgments, accounting methodologies (including with respect to accruals and reserves), policies, principals, practices, procedures or classifications for purposes of calculating amounts referred to in this Section 2.11, or to adjust for any inconsistencies between the Accounting Principles, on the one hand, and GAAP, on the other.
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(i) The Company and Gold agree that the procedures set forth in this Section 2.11 for resolving disputes with respect to the Preliminary Adjustment Statement shall be the sole and exclusive method for resolving any such disputes; provided, that this provision shall not prohibit any party from instituting litigation to enforce this Section 2.11 including any decision pursuant to the terms hereof by the Independent Accounting Firm in any court of competent jurisdiction. The substance of the Independent Accounting Firm's determination shall not be subject to review or appeal, absent a showing of fraud or manifest error. It is the intent of the Parties to have any determination of Disputed Items by the Independent Accounting Firm proceed in an expeditious manner; provided, that any deadline or time period contained herein may be extended or modified by agreement of the Parties, and the Parties agree that the failure of the Independent Accounting Firm to strictly conform to any deadline or time period contained herein shall not be a basis for seeking to overturn any determination rendered by the Independent Accounting Firm.
(j) The Net Working Capital set forth in the Final Adjustment Statement is referred to herein as the "Final Net Working Capital".
(k) Within five (5) Business Days after the determination of the Final Cash Transfer Amount pursuant to Section 2.11(e), (i) if the Final Cash Transfer Amount exceeds the Cash Transfer Amount, SpinCo will pay to the Company the amount of such excess, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to one (1) or more accounts designated in writing by the Company or (ii) if the Cash Transfer Amount exceeds the Final Cash Transfer Amount, the Company will pay to SpinCo the amount of such excess, by wire transfer of immediately available funds to one (1) or more accounts designated in writing by SpinCo. Any payment pursuant to this Section 2.11(k) shall be treated as an adjustment to the Cash Transfer for all U.S. federal (and applicable state, local and foreign) income tax purposes.
(l) For the avoidance of doubt, the Net Working Capital of SpinCo, Final SpinCo Cash, Final SpinCo Indebtedness and Final SpinCo Expense Reimbursement shall all be calculated for the purposes of this Section 2.11 and in the calculation of the Cash Transfer Amount and Final Cash Transfer Amount as of immediately prior to the Distribution and shall entirely disregard (x) any and all effects on SpinCo and its Subsidiaries (including the assets and liabilities of SpinCo and its Subsidiaries) as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Merger Agreement (for the avoidance of doubt, other than with respect to the calculation of the SpinCo Expense Reimbursement) or of any financing or refinancing arrangements entered into at any time by Gold or any other transaction entered into by Gold in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the Merger Agreement and (y) any of the plans, transactions, fundings, payments or changes which Gold initiates or makes or causes to be initiated or made on or after the Closing with respect to SpinCo and its Subsidiaries or their business or assets, or any facts or circumstances that are unique or particular to Gold or any of its assets or liabilities.
2.12 Bank Accounts; Cash Balances.
(a) Each of the Company and SpinCo agrees to take, or cause the members of its Group to take, at the Distribution Time (or such earlier time as the Parties may agree), all actions necessary to amend all Contracts governing each bank and brokerage account owned by SpinCo or any other member of the SpinCo Group (collectively, the "SpinCo Accounts") and all Contracts governing each bank or brokerage account owned by the Company or any other member of the
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Company Group (collectively, the "Company Accounts") so that each such SpinCo Account and Company Account, if currently linked (whether by automatic withdrawal, automatic deposit or any other authorization to transfer funds from or to) to any Company Account or SpinCo Account, respectively, is de-linked from such Company Account or SpinCo Account, respectively. Gold hereby agrees to take, or cause the members of the SpinCo Group to take (following the Distribution Time) all actions necessary to create bank or brokerage accounts for the members of the SpinCo Group set forth on Schedule 2.12(a).
(b) It is intended that, following consummation of the actions contemplated by Section 2.12(a), there will be in place a cash management process pursuant to which the SpinCo Accounts will be managed and funds collected will be transferred into one (1) or more accounts maintained by SpinCo or a member of the SpinCo Group.
(c) It is intended that, following consummation of the actions contemplated by Section 2.12(a), there will continue to be in place a cash management process pursuant to which the Company Accounts will be managed and funds collected will be transferred into one (1) or more accounts maintained by the Company or a member of the Company Group.
(d) With respect to any outstanding checks issued or payments initiated by the Company, SpinCo, or any of the members of their respective Groups prior to the Distribution Time, such outstanding checks and payments shall be honored following the Distribution Time by the Person or Group owning the account on which the check is drawn or from which the payment was initiated, respectively.
2.13 Transaction Documents. Effective on or prior to the Distribution Time, in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, each of the Company and SpinCo will, or will cause the applicable members of their Groups to, execute and deliver all Transaction Documents to which it is a party.
2.14 Disclaimer of Representations and Warranties. EACH OF THE COMPANY (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH MEMBER OF THE COMPANY GROUP), SPINCO (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH MEMBER OF THE SPINCO GROUP) AND GOLD (ON BEHALF OF ITSELF AND EACH MEMBER OF THE GOLD GROUP) UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES THAT, EXCEPT AS EXPRESSLY SET FORTH HEREIN OR IN ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT OR THE MERGER AGREEMENT, NO PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT, THE MERGER AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENT OR DOCUMENT CONTEMPLATED BY THIS AGREEMENT, THE MERGER AGREEMENT, ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT OR OTHERWISE, IS REPRESENTING OR WARRANTING IN ANY WAY AS TO: (A) THE ASSETS, BUSINESSES OR LIABILITIES TRANSFERRED OR ASSUMED AS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY OR THEREBY, (B) ANY CONSENTS OR APPROVALS REQUIRED IN CONNECTION THEREWITH, (C) THE VALUE OR FREEDOM FROM ANY SECURITY INTERESTS OF, OR ANY OTHER MATTER CONCERNING, ANY ASSETS OF SUCH PARTY, (D) THE ABSENCE OF ANY DEFENSES OR RIGHT OF SETOFF OR FREEDOM FROM COUNTERCLAIM WITH RESPECT TO ANY CLAIM OR OTHER ASSET, INCLUDING ANY ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE, OF ANY PARTY, OR (E) THE LEGAL SUFFICIENCY OF ANY ASSIGNMENT, DOCUMENT OR INSTRUMENT
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DELIVERED HEREUNDER TO CONVEY TITLE TO ANY ASSET OR THING OF VALUE UPON THE EXECUTION, DELIVERY AND FILING HEREOF OR THEREOF. EXCEPT AS MAY EXPRESSLY BE SET FORTH HEREIN, THE MERGER AGREEMENT OR IN ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT, ALL SUCH ASSETS ARE BEING TRANSFERRED ON AN "AS-IS," "WHERE-IS" BASIS (AND, IN THE CASE OF ANY REAL PROPERTY, BY MEANS OF A QUITCLAIM OR SIMILAR FORM OF DEED OR CONVEYANCE) AND THE RESPECTIVE TRANSFEREES SHALL BEAR THE ECONOMIC AND LEGAL RISKS THAT (I) ANY CONVEYANCE WILL PROVE TO BE INSUFFICIENT TO VEST IN THE TRANSFEREE GOOD AND MARKETABLE TITLE, FREE AND CLEAR OF ANY SECURITY INTEREST, AND (II) ANY NECESSARY APPROVALS OR NOTIFICATIONS ARE NOT OBTAINED OR MADE OR THAT ANY REQUIREMENTS OF LAWS OR JUDGMENTS ARE NOT COMPLIED WITH. TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW, EXCEPT FOR ANY REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT, SPINCO HEREBY WAIVES AND DISCLAIMS ANY RIGHTS IT MAY HAVE AGAINST THE COMPANY IN CONNECTION WITH THE TRANSFER OF ANY INTEREST IN REAL PROPERTY PERTAINING TO DISCLOSURE OF RELEASES OR SUSPECTED RELEASES, OR THE PRESENCE OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS WITHIN ANY BUILDING OR FACILITY OR ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS.
2.15 SpinCo Financing. Prior to the Distribution Time and subject to the terms and conditions of the Merger Agreement, SpinCo will enter into a definitive agreement or agreements providing for the SpinCo Financing, incur the SpinCo Financing and receive the proceeds thereof. From and after SpinCo's or any other member of the SpinCo Group's receipt of the proceeds of the SpinCo Financing, SpinCo shall not distribute or disburse any portion of the proceeds of the SpinCo Financing other than (i) in connection with the payment of the SpinCo Cash Distribution in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, (ii) in connection with satisfying any payment obligations (including payment of associated fees, costs and other expenses) under the SpinCo Financing or (iii) as expressly permitted by the Tax Matters Agreement.
2.16 Financial Information Certifications. The Company's disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting (as each is contemplated by the Exchange Act) are currently applicable to SpinCo as its Subsidiary. In order to enable the principal executive officer and principal financial officer of SpinCo to make the certifications required of them under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 following the Distribution in respect of any quarterly or annual fiscal period of SpinCo that begins on or prior to the Distribution Date in respect of which financial statements are not included in a Disclosure Document (a "Straddle Period"), the Company, on or before the date that is ten (10) days prior to the latest date on which Gold or SpinCo may file the applicable periodic report pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act for any such Straddle Period (not taking into account any possible extensions), shall provide Gold and/or SpinCo, as applicable, with one (1) or more certifications with respect to such disclosure controls and procedures and the effectiveness thereof and whether there were any changes in the internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the internal control over financial reporting, which certification(s) shall (x) be with respect to the applicable Straddle Period (it being understood that no certification need be provided with respect to any period or portion of any period after the Distribution Date) and (y) be in substantially the same form as those that had been provided by officers or employees of the
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Company in similar certifications delivered prior to the Distribution Date, with such changes thereto as the Company may reasonably determine, including as a result of any changes that the Company may make in respect of its own certifications after the Distribution Date. Such certification(s) shall be provided by the Company (and not by any officer or employee in their individual capacity).
ARTICLE III
THE DISTRIBUTION
3.1 Actions Prior to the Distribution. Prior to the Distribution Time and subject to the terms and conditions set forth herein, the Parties shall take, or cause to be taken, the following actions in connection with the Distribution:
(a) Securities Law Matters.
(i) SpinCo shall cooperate with the Company to accomplish the Distribution, including in connection with the preparation of all documents and the making of all filings required in connection with the Distribution. The Company shall be permitted to direct and control the efforts of SpinCo in connection with the Distribution, and SpinCo shall use reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all other things reasonably necessary to facilitate the Distribution as reasonably directed by the Company in good faith and in accordance with the applicable terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, the Merger Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.
(ii) SpinCo and the Company, as applicable, shall file the Disclosure Documents and any amendments or supplements thereto as may be necessary or advisable in order to cause the Disclosure Documents to become and remain effective as required by the SEC or federal, state or other applicable securities Laws. The Company and SpinCo shall prepare and mail or otherwise make available, prior to any Distribution Date, to the Record Holders, such information concerning SpinCo, the Company, Gold, their respective businesses, operations and management, the Distribution and such other matters as the Company shall reasonably determine and as may be required by Law. The Company and SpinCo will prepare, and SpinCo will, to the extent required under applicable Law, file with or submit to the SEC, any such documentation and any requisite no-action letters which the Company determines are necessary or desirable to effectuate the Distribution, and the Company and SpinCo shall each use its reasonable best efforts to obtain all necessary approvals from the SEC with respect thereto as soon as practicable. The Company and SpinCo shall take all such action as may be necessary or appropriate under the securities or blue sky laws of states or other political subdivisions of the United States and shall use commercially reasonable efforts to comply with any comparable applicable Laws under any foreign jurisdiction in connection with the Distribution.
(b) Stock Exchange Matters. The Company shall give the NYSE not less than ten (10) days' advance notice of the Record Date, in compliance with Rule 10b-17 under the Exchange Act.
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(c) The Distribution Agent. The Company shall enter into a distribution agent agreement with the Distribution Agent or otherwise provide instructions to the Distribution Agent regarding the Distribution.
(d) Employee Matters.
(i) The Parties shall (A) take all actions that the Employee Matters Agreement contemplates would occur prior to the Distribution Time or the Distribution Date and (B) take all actions that are reasonably necessary or advisable to allow or cause the provisions of the Employee Matters Agreement that are effective as of the Distribution Time or the Distribution Date to be effectuated as of such date (including, for the avoidance of doubt, those actions set forth in Section 2.04(g) (Information and Operation), Section 2.04(i) (Transition Services), Section 3.01(a) (Assignment and Transfer of Employees), Section 3.01(b) (Employees with Work Visas or Permits), Section 3.04 (Consultation with Labor Representatives; Labor Agreements), Section 4.01(e) (Necessary Actions), Section 9.01 (Information Sharing and Access), Section 9.03 (Fiduciary Matters) and Section 9.05 (Reimbursement of Costs and Expenses) of the Employee Matters Agreement). For the avoidance of doubt, nothing in this Section 3.1(d) shall be construed as amending or otherwise modifying the timing of any item set forth in Section 2.01 (General Principles) of the Employee Matters Agreement.
(ii) Between the date hereof and the Closing Date, no less frequently than once per quarter (and as reasonably requested by Gold), the Company Group shall provide Gold with an updated SpinCo Group Employee Roster, which update shall include any new hires and employment terminations. Additionally, between the date hereof and the Closing Date, the Company Group agrees that, to the extent permitted by Law, it will reasonably cooperate with Gold in its efforts to recruit for and fill open positions necessary to run the SpinCo Business following the Closing Date (including providing information regarding open positions as reasonably requested by Gold in accordance with applicable Law and the Transaction Documents), it being understood that this sentence shall not be construed as limiting any applicable restrictions on Gold's ability to solicit employees of the Company Group or as requiring the Company Group to cooperate with Gold's solicitation of employees of the Company Group.
(iii) Between the date hereof and the Closing Date, each Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to provide the other Parties with information describing each Benefit Plan election made by an Employee or Former Employee that may have application to such Party's Benefit Plans from and after the Distribution Time, and each Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to administer its Benefit Plans using those elections, including any beneficiary designations. Each Party shall, upon reasonable request, use its commercially reasonable efforts to provide the other Parties and the other Parties' respective Affiliates, agents, and vendors all information reasonably necessary to such Party's operation or administration of its Benefit Plans.
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3.2 Conditions to the Distribution.
(a) The obligation of the Company to consummate the Distribution will be subject to the satisfaction or waiver (in writing) by the Company of the following conditions:
(i) the Company shall have received the Distribution Tax Opinion from Tax Counsel;
(ii) the Company shall have received the IRS Ruling and such IRS Ruling shall continue to be valid and in full force and effect;
(iii) the Reorganization shall have been completed substantially in accordance with the Reorganization Step Plan (other than those steps that are expressly contemplated to occur at or after the Distribution (but, with respect to those steps expressly contemplated to occur at the Distribution, subject to the completion or waiver of such steps at the Distribution), and taking into account any changes to the Reorganization Step Plan made in accordance with Section 2.1(a) and 2.1(b));
(iv) an independent firm mutually acceptable to the Company and Gold shall have delivered an opinion to the Company Board confirming the Company is Solvent immediately prior to the Distribution and of the Company and SpinCo immediately after giving effect to the consummation of the SpinCo Financing, the SpinCo Cash Distribution, the Cash Transfer and the Distribution, and such opinion shall be reasonably acceptable to the Company in form and substance, and such opinion shall not have been withdrawn, rescinded or modified in any respect materially adverse to the Company;
(v) SpinCo shall have consummated the SpinCo Financing in accordance with Section 2.15, and shall have received net cash proceeds in respect of such financing equal to or greater than the amount of the SpinCo Cash Distribution;
(vi) the conditions set forth in Article VIII of the Merger Agreement shall have been satisfied or validly waived, in each case other than those conditions that, by their nature, are to be satisfied substantially contemporaneously with the Distribution and/or the Merger; provided, that such conditions are capable of being satisfied at such time;
(vii) Gold shall have irrevocably confirmed to the Company that each condition in Section 8.3 of the Merger Agreement to Gold's and Merger Sub's obligations to effect the Merger (i) has been satisfied, (ii) will be satisfied at the time of the Distribution, or (iii) subject to applicable Laws, is or has been waived by Gold;
(viii) SpinCo shall have made or caused to be made a cash distribution to the Company in the amount of the SpinCo Cash Distribution; and
(ix) the Cash Transfer shall have been paid, or shall be paid concurrently with the Distribution.
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(b) The foregoing conditions are for the sole benefit of the Company and shall not give rise to or create any duty on the part of Company or the Company Board to waive or not waive any such condition or in any way limit the Company's right to terminate this Agreement as set forth in this Agreement or the Merger Agreement or alter the consequences of any such termination from those specified in Article IX of this Agreement or Article IX of the Merger Agreement. The Company and SpinCo shall cooperate and use reasonable best efforts to cause the conditions to the Distribution set forth in Section 3.2 to be satisfied as promptly as practicable, but in any event, prior to the Outside Date, and to effect the Distribution at the Distribution Time upon such satisfaction (or waiver).
(c) In addition, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the Company shall use its reasonable best efforts to obtain the opinions described in Section 3.2(a)(i) and Section 3.2(a)(iv). As promptly as reasonably practicable following the date of this Agreement, the Company shall engage an independent firm mutually acceptable to the Company and Gold to provide the opinion described in Section 3.2(a)(iv) and shall cooperate (and cause its Subsidiaries to cooperate) and provide such firm access to the books and records of the Company and its Subsidiaries and such other information as may reasonably be required by such firm to provide such opinion in a timely manner. The Company and its Subsidiaries shall not take any action that would reasonably be expected to cause such independent firm to be unable to deliver the opinion required to satisfy the condition set forth in Section 3.2(a)(iv) to not be delivered.
3.3 The Distribution.
(a) The Board of Directors of the Company, in accordance with applicable Law, shall establish (or designate Persons to establish) a Record Date and the Distribution Date, and the Company shall establish appropriate procedures in connection with, and to effectuate in accordance with applicable Law, the Distribution. All shares of SpinCo Common Stock held by the Company on the Distribution Date shall be distributed to the Record Holders in the manner determined by the Company and in accordance with Section 3.3(d). Subject to the terms thereof, in accordance with Section 3.3(d), each Record Holder shall be entitled to receive for all shares of Mercury Common Stock held by such Record Holder as of the Record Date a number of shares of SpinCo Common Stock equal to (i) the total number of shares of SpinCo Common Stock held by the Company on the Distribution Date, multiplied by (ii) a fraction, the numerator of which is the number of shares of Mercury Common Stock held by such Record Holder on the Record Date and the denominator of which is the total number of shares of Mercury Common Stock outstanding on the Record Date (for the avoidance of doubt, excluding treasury shares held by any member of the Company Group).
(b) None of the Parties, nor any of their Affiliates shall be liable to any Person in respect of any shares of SpinCo Common Stock (or dividends or distributions with respect thereto) that are properly delivered to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar Law.
(c) The Company, SpinCo, the Distribution Agent, or any other applicable withholding agent, as applicable, shall be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement such amounts as are required to be deducted and withheld with respect to the making of such payments under the Code or any provision of state, local, foreign or other tax law. Such withholding agent shall timely remit any such deducted or withheld amounts to the applicable Governmental Authority. Any deducted or withheld amounts will be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the Persons otherwise entitled thereto.
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(d) Upon the consummation of the Spin-Off, the Company shall deliver to the Distribution Agent, a global certificate or book-entry authorization representing the SpinCo Common Stock being distributed in the Spin-Off, as the case may be, for the account of the Company's stockholders that are entitled thereto. The Distribution Agent shall hold such shares for the account of the Company's stockholders pending the Merger, as provided in Section 3.2 of the Merger Agreement. Immediately after the Distribution Time and prior to the Effective Time, the shares of SpinCo Common Stock shall not be transferable and the transfer agent for the SpinCo Common Stock shall not transfer any shares of SpinCo Common Stock. The Distribution shall be deemed to be effective upon written authorization from the Company to the Distribution Agent to proceed.
(e) No action by any Record Holder shall be necessary for such Record Holder to receive the applicable number of shares of SpinCo Common Stock such Record Holder is entitled to in the Distribution.
3.4 SpinCo Common Stock Issued to Company Subsidiaries. In the event that any shares of SpinCo Common Stock are distributed in the Distribution to a Subsidiary of the Company that is a member of the Company Group, then, as promptly as practicable following such Subsidiary's receipt of such SpinCo Common Stock, the Company shall acquire such SpinCo Common Stock in exchange for an amount of cash equal to the fair market value of such SpinCo Common Stock as of the Distribution Date, as determined by the Company. As promptly as practicable following such acquisition and in all events prior to the Merger, the Company shall transfer such SpinCo Common Stock to SpinCo for no consideration, and such SpinCo Common Stock shall be cancelled and cease to be outstanding. The Parties acknowledge and agree that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, (a) the transitory existence of such SpinCo Common Stock is intended to be disregarded, and (b) the Company's payment of cash to such Subsidiary is intended to be treated as a distribution of property described in Section 301 of the Code.
3.5 Authorization of SpinCo Common Stock to Accomplish the Distribution. Prior to the Distribution, the Company and SpinCo shall take all necessary action required, if any, to file a Certificate of Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation of SpinCo with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, to increase the number of authorized shares of SpinCo Common Stock and make such other amendments as may be necessary or advisable in order to cause there to be issued and outstanding the number of shares of SpinCo Common Stock necessary to effect the Distribution and the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.
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ARTICLE IV
MUTUAL RELEASES; INDEMNIFICATION
4.1 Release of Pre-Distribution Claims.
(a) SpinCo and Gold Release of Company. Except as provided in Sections 4.1(c) and 4.1(d), effective as of the Distribution Time, each of SpinCo and Gold does hereby, for itself, each other member of the SpinCo Group and each Subsidiary of Gold, respectively, and their respective successors and assigns, and, to the extent permitted by Law, all Persons who at any time prior to the Distribution Time have been stockholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of any of their respective Groups (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), remise, release and forever discharge (i) the Company and the members of the Company Group, and their respective successors and assigns, (ii) all Persons who at any time prior to the Distribution Time have been stockholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of any member of the Company Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, and (iii) all Persons who at any time prior to the Distribution Time are or have been stockholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of a Transferred Entity and who are not, as of immediately following the Distribution Time, directors, officers or employees of SpinCo or a member of the SpinCo Group, in each case from: (A) all SpinCo Liabilities, (B) all Liabilities arising from or in connection with the transactions and all other activities to implement the Reorganization, the Distribution, the SpinCo Financing, the Merger and any of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents and (C) all Liabilities arising from or in connection with actions, inactions, events, omissions, conditions, facts or circumstances occurring or existing prior to the Distribution Time (whether or not such Liabilities cease being contingent, mature, become known, are asserted or foreseen, or accrue, in each case before, at or after the Distribution Time), in each case to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from the SpinCo Business, the SpinCo Assets or the SpinCo Liabilities.
(b) Company Release of SpinCo. Except as provided in Sections 4.1(c) and 4.1(d), effective as of the Distribution Time, the Company does hereby, for itself and each other member of the Company Group, and their respective successors and assigns, and, to the extent permitted by Law, all Persons who at any time prior to the Distribution Time have been stockholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of any member of the Company Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), remise, release and forever discharge (i) SpinCo and the members of the SpinCo Group and their respective successors and assigns, and (ii) all Persons who at any time prior to the Distribution Time have been stockholders, directors, officers, agents or employees of any member of the SpinCo Group (in each case, in their respective capacities as such), and their respective heirs, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, from (A) all Company Liabilities, (B) all Liabilities arising from or in connection with the transactions and all other activities to implement the Reorganization and the Distribution, any financing or refinancing in connection with the Distribution, the Merger and any of the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents and (C) all Liabilities arising from or in connection with actions, inactions, events, omissions, conditions, facts or circumstances occurring or existing prior to the Distribution Time (whether or not such Liabilities cease being contingent, mature, become known, are asserted or foreseen, or accrue, in each case before, at or after the Distribution Time), in each case to the extent relating to, arising out of or resulting from the Company Business, the Company Assets or the Company Liabilities.
(c) Obligations Not Affected. Nothing contained in Section 4.1(a) or 4.1(b). shall impair any right of any Person to enforce this Agreement, the Merger Agreement, any other Transaction Document or any agreements, arrangements, commitments or understandings that are specified in Section 2.8(b) as not to terminate as of the Distribution Time, in each case in accordance with its terms. Nothing contained in Section 4.1(a) or 4.1(b) shall release any Person from:
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(i) any Liability provided in or resulting from (A) this Agreement, (B) the Merger Agreement, (C) any other Transaction Document or (D) any agreement among any members of the Company Group or any members of the SpinCo Group that is specified in Section 2.8(b) as not to terminate as of the Distribution Time, or any other Liability specified in Section 2.8(b) as not to terminate as of the Distribution Time;
(ii) any Liability, contingent or otherwise, assumed, transferred, assigned or allocated to the Group of which such Person is a member in accordance with, or any other Liability of any member of any Group under, this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any other Transaction Document;
(iii) any Liability for the sale, lease, construction or receipt of goods, property or services purchased, obtained or used in the ordinary course of business by a member of one Group from a member of the other Group prior to the Distribution Time;
(iv) any Liability for unpaid amounts for products or services or refunds owing on products or services due on a value-received basis for work done by a member of one Group at the request or on behalf of a member of the other Group, to the extent reflected in the calculation of Final Net Working Capital;
(v) any Liability provided in or resulting from any agreement that is entered into after the Distribution Time between Gold or SpinCo (and/or a member of the SpinCo Group), on the one hand, and the Company (and/or a member of the Company Group), on the other hand;
(vi) any Liability that the Parties may have with respect to indemnification or contribution or other obligation pursuant to this Agreement, the Merger Agreement, any other Transaction Document or otherwise for claims brought against the Parties by Third Parties, which Liability shall be governed by the provisions of this Article IV and Article V and, if applicable, the appropriate provisions of this Agreement, the Merger Agreement and the Transaction Documents;
(vii) any Liability that a Party may have with respect to such Party's non-compete, non-solicit, non-disparagement, confidentiality or other similar obligations pursuant to this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any other Transaction Document; or
(viii) any Liability the release of which would result in the release of any Person other than a Person released pursuant to this Section 4.1.
In addition, nothing contained in Section 4.1(a) or 4.1(b) shall release: (A) any member of the Company Group from honoring its existing obligations to indemnify any director, officer or employee of SpinCo who was a director, officer or employee of any member of the Company Group on or prior to the Distribution Time, to the extent such director, officer or employee becomes a named defendant in any Action with respect to which such director, officer or employee was entitled to such indemnification pursuant to then-existing obligations; it being understood that,
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if the underlying obligation giving rise to such Action is a SpinCo Liability, SpinCo shall indemnify the Company for such Liability (including the Company's costs to indemnify the director, officer or employee) in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Article IV, or (B) SpinCo from honoring its obligations to indemnify any director, officer or employee of the Company Group who was a director, officer or employee of SpinCo or any member of the SpinCo Group at or prior to the Distribution Time, to the extent such director, officer or employee is or becomes a named defendant in any Action with respect to which he or she was entitled to such indemnification from a member of the SpinCo Group pursuant to then-existing obligations, it being understood that if the underlying obligation giving rise to such Action is a Company Liability, the Company shall indemnify SpinCo for such Liability (including SpinCo's costs to indemnify the director, officer or employee) in accordance with the provisions set forth in this Article IV.
(d) No Claims. SpinCo shall not make, and shall not permit any other member of the SpinCo Group to make, any claim or demand, or commence any Action asserting any claim or demand, including any claim of contribution or any indemnification, against the Company or any other member of the Company Group, or any other Person released pursuant to Section 4.1(a), with respect to any Liabilities released pursuant to Section 4.1(a). The Company shall not make, and shall not permit any other member of the Company Group to make, any claim or demand, or commence any Action asserting any claim or demand, including any claim of contribution or any indemnification, against SpinCo or any other member of the SpinCo Group, or any other Person released pursuant to Section 4.1(b), with respect to any Liabilities released pursuant to Section 4.1(b). Gold shall not make, and shall not permit any other member of the SpinCo Group to make, any claim or demand, or commence any Action asserting any claim or demand, including any claim of contribution or any indemnification, against the Company or any other member of the Company Group, or any other Person released pursuant to Section 4.1(a), with respect to any Liabilities released pursuant to Section 4.1(a).
(e) Execution of Further Releases. It is the intent of each of the Company, SpinCo and Gold, by virtue of the provisions of this Section 4.1, to provide for a full and complete release and discharge of all Liabilities existing or arising from all acts and events occurring or failing to occur or alleged to have occurred or to have failed to occur and all conditions existing or alleged to have existed prior to the Distribution Time, between or among SpinCo, Gold or any member of the SpinCo Group or any Subsidiary of Gold, on the one hand, and the Company or any member of the Company Group, on the other hand, relating to the matters described in Section 4.1(a), except as expressly set forth in Section 4.1(c). At any time at or after the Distribution Time, at the request of either the Company, SpinCo or Gold, the other Parties shall cause each member of its respective Group to execute and deliver releases reflecting the provisions of this Section 4.1.
4.2 Indemnification by SpinCo. Except as otherwise specifically set forth in this Agreement or in any other Transaction Document, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, SpinCo shall, and shall cause the other members of the SpinCo Group to, indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Company, each member of the Company Group and the Company's Affiliates and each of their respective past, present and future directors, officers, employees and agents, in each case in their respective capacities as such, and each of the heirs, executors, successors and assigns of any of the foregoing (collectively, the "Company Indemnitees"), from and against any and all Liabilities of the Company Indemnitees relating to, arising out of or resulting from, directly or indirectly, any of the following items (without duplication):
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(a) any SpinCo Liability;
(b) any failure of SpinCo, any other member of the SpinCo Group or any other Person to pay, perform or otherwise promptly discharge any SpinCo Liabilities in accordance with their terms;
(c) any breach by SpinCo or any other member of the SpinCo Group of this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents (other than any Transaction Document that expressly contains indemnification provisions, which shall be subject to the indemnification provisions contained in such Transaction Document); provided, that the Company Indemnitees shall not have any claim pursuant to this Section 4.2(c) prior to the Distribution Time;
(d) except to the extent it relates to a Company Liability, any guarantee, indemnification or contribution obligation, surety bond or other credit support agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding to the extent discharged or performed by any member of the Company Group for the benefit of any member of the SpinCo Group that survives following the Distribution (other than as a result of breach thereof by any member of the SpinCo Group prior to the Effective Time or breach thereof by any member of the Company Group);
(e) any Liabilities arising out of claims made by the securityholders or lenders of a party or any of their Affiliates to the extent relating to the use of any information provided by or on behalf of Gold in writing prior to the Distribution in connection with the SpinCo Financing (other than with respect to information that was initially disclosed or provided to Gold by any member of the Company Group); and
(f) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, with respect to statements made explicitly in Gold's name in any Securities Filings.
In the event that SpinCo shall transfer a majority of its assets to another Person, Gold shall, or shall cause such transferee to, assume the obligations of SpinCo under this Agreement.
4.3 Indemnification by Company. Except as otherwise specifically set forth in this Agreement or in any other Transaction Document, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, the Company shall, and shall cause the other members of the Company Group to, indemnify, defend and hold harmless SpinCo, each member of the SpinCo Group and SpinCo's Affiliates and each of their respective past, present and future directors, officers, employees or agents, in each case in their respective capacities as such, and each of the heirs, executors, successors and assigns of any of the foregoing (collectively, the "SpinCo Indemnitees"), from and against any and all Liabilities of the SpinCo Indemnitees relating to, arising out of or resulting from, directly or indirectly, any of the following items (without duplication):
(a) any Company Liability;
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(b) any failure of the Company, any other member of the Company Group or any other Person to pay, perform or otherwise promptly discharge any Company Liabilities in accordance with their terms;
(c) any breach by the Company or any other member of the Company Group of this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents (other than any Transaction Document that expressly contains indemnification provisions, which shall be subject to the indemnification provisions contained in such Transaction Document); provided, that the SpinCo Indemnitees shall not have any claim pursuant to this Section 4.3(c) prior to the Distribution Time;
(d) except to the extent it relates to a SpinCo Liability, any guarantee, indemnification or contribution obligation, surety bond or other credit support agreement, arrangement, commitment or understanding to the extent discharged or performed by any member of the SpinCo Group for the benefit of any member of the Company Group that survives following the Distribution (other than as a result of a breach thereof by any member of the SpinCo Group after the Effective Time);
(e) Liabilities arising out of claims made by the securityholders or lenders of a party or any of their Affiliates to the extent relating to the use of any information relating to the Company Business provided by or on behalf of the Company, SpinCo, or any of their Subsidiaries in writing prior to the Distribution in connection with the SpinCo Financing (other than with respect to information that was initially disclosed or provided to the Company by Gold or any of its Subsidiaries); and
(f) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact or omission or alleged omission to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, with respect to statements made explicitly in the Company's name in any Securities Filings.
4.4 Indemnification Obligations Net of Insurance Proceeds and Other Amounts.
(a) The Parties intend that any Liability subject to indemnification, contribution or reimbursement pursuant to this Article IV or Article V will be net of Insurance Proceeds or other amounts actually recovered (net of any out-of-pocket costs or expenses incurred in the collection thereof) from any Person by or on behalf of the Indemnitee in respect of any indemnifiable Liability. Accordingly, the amount which either the Company or SpinCo, as applicable (an "Indemnifying Party"), is required to pay to any Person entitled to indemnification or contribution hereunder (an "Indemnitee") will be reduced by any Insurance Proceeds or other amounts actually recovered (net of any out-of-pocket costs or expenses incurred in the collection thereof) from any Person by or on behalf of the Indemnitee in respect of the related Liability. If an Indemnitee receives a payment (an "Indemnity Payment") required by this Agreement from an Indemnifying Party in respect of any Liability and subsequently receives Insurance Proceeds or any other amounts in respect of such Liability, then reasonably promptly following receipt of such Insurance Proceeds, the Indemnitee will pay to the Indemnifying Party an amount equal to the excess of the Indemnity Payment received over the amount of the Indemnity Payment that would have been due if the Insurance Proceeds or such other amounts (net of any out-of-pocket costs or expenses incurred in the collection thereof) had been received, realized or recovered before the Indemnity Payment was made.
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(b) The Parties agree that an insurer that would otherwise be obligated to pay any claim shall not be relieved of the responsibility with respect thereto or, solely by virtue of any provision contained in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, have any subrogation rights with respect thereto, it being understood that no insurer or any other Third Party shall be entitled to a "windfall" (i.e., a benefit they would not be entitled to receive in the absence of the indemnification provisions) by virtue of the indemnification and contribution provisions hereof. Each of the Company and SpinCo shall, and shall cause the members of its Group to, use commercially reasonable efforts (taking into account the probability of success on the merits and the cost of expending such efforts, including attorneys' fees and expenses) to collect or recover any Insurance Proceeds that may be collectible or recoverable respecting the Liabilities for which indemnification or contribution may be available under this Article IV. Notwithstanding the foregoing, an Indemnifying Party may not delay making any indemnification payment required under the terms of this Agreement, or otherwise satisfying any indemnification obligation, pending the outcome of any Action to collect or recover Insurance Proceeds, and an Indemnitee need not attempt to collect any Insurance Proceeds prior to making a claim for indemnification or contribution or receiving any Indemnity Payment otherwise owed to it under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document.
(c) Notwithstanding anything herein to the contrary, the Company shall not be required to indemnify any SpinCo Indemnitees for any Liability pursuant to Section 4.3 if and to the extent such Liability was reflected in the calculation of the Final Net Working Capital.
4.5 Procedures for Indemnification of Third-Party Claims.
(a) Notice of Claims. If, at or following the Distribution Time, an Indemnitee shall receive notice or otherwise learn of the assertion by a Person (including any Governmental Authority) who is not a member of the Company Group or the SpinCo Group or Gold or any of its Subsidiaries of any claim or of the commencement by any such Person of any Action (collectively, a "Third-Party Claim") with respect to which an Indemnifying Party may be obligated to provide indemnification to such Indemnitee pursuant to Section 4.2 or 4.3, or any other Section of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, such Indemnitee shall give such Indemnifying Party written notice thereof as soon as practicable, but in any event within thirty (30) days (or sooner if the nature of the Third-Party Claim so requires) after becoming aware of such Third-Party Claim. Any such notice shall describe the Third-Party Claim in reasonable detail, including the facts and circumstances giving rise to such claim for indemnification, and include copies of all notices and documents (including court papers) received by the Indemnitee relating to the Third-Party Claim. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the failure of an Indemnitee to provide notice in accordance with this Section 4.5(a) shall not relieve an Indemnifying Party of its indemnification obligations under this Agreement, except to the extent to which the Indemnifying Party is actually prejudiced by the Indemnitee's failure to provide notice in accordance with this Section 4.5(a).
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(b) Control of Defense. An Indemnifying Party may elect to defend (and seek to settle or compromise), at its own expense and with its own counsel, any Third-Party Claim; provided, that the Indemnifying Party shall not be entitled to assume the defense of such Third-Party Claim and shall pay the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees and expenses of one separate counsel for all Indemnitees if the claim for indemnification relates to or arises in connection with any criminal action, indictment or allegation or if such Third-Party Claim seeks an injunction or equitable relief against the Indemnitee (and not any Indemnifying Party or any of its Affiliates). Within thirty (30) days after the receipt of a notice from an Indemnitee in accordance with Section 4.5(a) (or sooner, if the nature of the Third-Party Claim so requires), the Indemnifying Party shall provide written notice to the Indemnitee indicating whether the Indemnifying Party shall assume responsibility for defending the Third-Party Claim. If an Indemnifying Party elects not to assume responsibility for defending any Third-Party Claim or fails to notify an Indemnitee of its election within thirty (30) days after receipt of the notice from an Indemnitee as provided in Section 4.5(a), then the Indemnitee that is the subject of such Third-Party Claim shall be entitled to continue to conduct and control the defense of such Third-Party Claim.
(c) Allocation of Defense Costs. Subject to Section 4.5(b), if an Indemnifying Party has elected to assume the defense of a Third-Party Claim, then such Indemnifying Party shall be solely liable for all fees and expenses incurred by it in connection with the defense of such Third-Party Claim and shall not be entitled to seek any indemnification or reimbursement from the Indemnitee for any such fees or expenses incurred by the Indemnifying Party during the course of the defense of such Third-Party Claim by such Indemnifying Party, regardless of any subsequent decision by the Indemnifying Party to reject or otherwise abandon its assumption of such defense. If an Indemnifying Party elects not to assume responsibility for defending any Third-Party Claim or fails to notify an Indemnitee of its election within thirty (30) days after receipt of a notice from an Indemnitee as provided in Section 4.5(a) and the Indemnitee conducts and controls the defense of such Third-Party Claim and the Indemnifying Party has an indemnification obligation with respect to such Third-Party Claim, then the Indemnifying Party shall be liable for all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees and expenses incurred by the Indemnitee in connection with the defense of such Third-Party Claim.
(d) Right to Monitor and Participate. An Indemnitee that does not conduct and control the defense of any Third-Party Claim, or an Indemnifying Party that does not elect to defend any Third-Party Claim as contemplated hereby, nevertheless shall have the right to employ separate counsel (including local counsel as necessary) of its own choosing to monitor and participate in (but not control) the defense of any Third-Party Claim for which it is a potential Indemnitee or Indemnifying Party, but the fees and expenses of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnitee or Indemnifying Party, as the case may be, and the provisions of Section 4.5(c) shall not apply to such fees and expenses. Notwithstanding the foregoing, but subject to Sections 6.7 and 6.8, such Party shall cooperate with the Party entitled to conduct and control the defense of such Third-Party Claim in such defense and make available to the controlling Party, at the non-controlling Party's expense, all witnesses, information and materials in such Party's possession or under such Party's control relating thereto as are reasonably required by the controlling Party. In addition to the foregoing, if any outside legal counsel to the Indemnitee reasonably determines in good faith that such Indemnitee and the Indemnifying Party have actual or potential differing defenses or conflicts of interest between them that make joint representation inappropriate, then the Indemnitee shall have the right to employ one firm of separate counsel (including local counsel as necessary) and to participate in (but not control) the defense, compromise or settlement thereof, and in such case the Indemnifying Party shall bear the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees and expenses of such counsel for all Indemnitees.
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(e) No Settlement. An Indemnifying Party may not settle or compromise any Third-Party Claim for which an Indemnitee is seeking to be indemnified hereunder without the prior written consent of such Indemnitee, which consent may not be unreasonably withheld, unless such settlement or compromise (i) does not encumber any of the assets of any Indemnitee or contain any restriction or condition that would apply to such Indemnitee or to the conduct of that Person's business (other than the payment of monetary damages, which such damages are fully payable by the settling or compromising Indemnifying Party), (ii) does not contain or involve any admission, statement, finding or determination providing for or acknowledging any liability or wrongdoing or violation of Law by such Indemnitee, and (iii) provides for, as a condition thereto, a full, unconditional and irrevocable release of such Indemnitee from all Liability in connection with the Third-Party Claim. No settlement or entry of judgment in respect of any Third-Party Claim shall be consented to by any Indemnitee without the express written consent of the Indemnifying Party.
(f) Tax Matters Agreement Governs. The above provisions of this Section 4.5 and the provisions of Section 4.6 do not apply to Taxes (it being understood and agreed that Taxes and Tax matters, including the control of Tax-related proceedings, shall be governed by the Tax Matters Agreement).
4.6 Additional Matters.
(a) Timing of Payments. Indemnification or contribution payments in respect of any Liabilities for which an Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification or contribution under this Article IV shall be paid reasonably promptly (but in any event within thirty (30) days of the final determination of the amount that the Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification or contribution under this Article IV) by the Indemnifying Party to the Indemnitee as such Liabilities are incurred upon demand by the Indemnitee, including reasonably satisfactory documentation setting forth the basis for the amount of such indemnification or contribution payment, including documentation with respect to calculations made and consideration of any Insurance Proceeds that actually reduce the amount of such Liabilities. The indemnity and contribution provisions contained in this Article IV shall remain operative and in full force and effect, regardless of (i) any investigation made by or on behalf of any Indemnitee and (ii) the knowledge by the Indemnitee of Liabilities for which it might be entitled to indemnification hereunder.
(b) Notice of Direct Claims. Any claim for indemnification or contribution under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document that does not result from a Third-Party Claim shall be asserted by written notice given by the Indemnitee to the applicable Indemnifying Party; provided, that the failure to so notify an Indemnifying Party will not relieve the Indemnifying Party of its obligations hereunder, except to the extent the Indemnifying Party is actually prejudiced by the Indemnitee's failure to provide notice in accordance with this Section 4.6(b). Such Indemnifying Party shall have a period of forty-five (45) days after the receipt of such notice within which to respond thereto. If such Indemnifying Party does not respond within such forty-five (45)-day period, such specified claim shall be conclusively deemed a Liability of the Indemnifying Party under this Section 4.6(b) or, in the case of any written notice in which the
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amount of the claim (or any portion thereof) is estimated, on such later date when the amount of the claim (or such portion thereof) becomes finally determined. If such Indemnifying Party does not respond within such thirty (30)-day period or rejects such claim in whole or in part, such Indemnitee shall, subject to the provisions of Article VII, be free to pursue such remedies as may be available to such party as contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, as applicable, without prejudice to its continuing rights to pursue indemnification or contribution hereunder.
(c) Pursuit of Claims Against Third Parties. If (i) a Party incurs any Liability arising out of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, (ii) an adequate legal or equitable remedy is not available for any reason against the other Party to satisfy the Liability incurred by the incurring Party, and (iii) a legal or equitable remedy may be available to the other Party against a Third Party for such Liability, then the other Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the incurring Party, at the incurring Party's expense, to permit the incurring Party to obtain the benefits of such legal or equitable remedy against the Third Party.
(d) Subrogation. In the event of payment by or on behalf of any Indemnifying Party to any Indemnitee in connection with any Third-Party Claim, such Indemnifying Party shall be subrogated to and shall stand in the place of such Indemnitee as to any events or circumstances in respect of which such Indemnitee may have any right, defense or claim relating to such Third-Party Claim against any claimant or plaintiff asserting such Third-Party Claim or against any other Person. Subject to Section 4.11, such Indemnitee shall cooperate with such Indemnifying Party in a reasonable manner, and at the cost and expense of such Indemnifying Party, in prosecuting any subrogated right, defense or claim.
(e) Substitution. In the event of an Action in which the Indemnifying Party is not a named defendant, if either the Indemnitee or Indemnifying Party shall so request, the Parties shall use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to substitute the Indemnifying Party for the named defendant. If such substitution or addition cannot be achieved for any reason or is not requested, the named defendant shall allow the Indemnifying Party to direct the defense or prosecution of the Action as set forth in Section 4.5, Section 4.11 and this Section 4.6, and the Indemnifying Party shall fully indemnify the named defendant against all documented out-of-pocket costs of defending the Action (including court costs, sanctions imposed by a court, attorneys' fees, experts fees and all other external expenses), the costs of any judgment or settlement and the cost of any interest or penalties relating to any judgment or settlement.
(f) If an indemnification claim is covered by the indemnification provisions of any Transaction Document (other than this Agreement), the claim shall be made under such document or agreement and not under this Agreement. In no event shall any Party be entitled to double recovery for the same Losses from the indemnification provisions of this Agreement and any other Transaction Document.
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4.7 Right of Contribution.
(a) Contribution. If any right of indemnification contained in Section 4.2 or 4.3 is held unenforceable or is unavailable for any reason, or is insufficient to hold harmless an Indemnitee in respect of any Liability for which such Indemnitee is entitled to indemnification hereunder, then the Indemnifying Party shall contribute to the amounts paid or payable by the Indemnitees as a result of such Liability (or actions in respect thereof) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative fault of the Indemnifying Party and the members of its Group, on the one hand, and the Indemnitees entitled to contribution, on the other hand, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations.
(b) Allocation of Relative Fault. Solely for purposes of determining relative fault pursuant to this Section 4.7: (i) any fault associated with the business conducted with the Delayed SpinCo Assets or Delayed SpinCo Liabilities (except for the gross negligence or intentional misconduct of a member of the Company Group) or with the ownership, operation or activities of the SpinCo Business from and after the Closing shall be deemed to be the fault of SpinCo and the other members of the SpinCo Group, and no such fault shall be deemed to be the fault of the Company or any other member of the Company Group; (ii) any fault associated with the business conducted with Delayed Company Assets or Delayed Company Liabilities (except for the gross negligence or intentional misconduct of a member of the SpinCo Group) shall be deemed to be the fault of Company and the other members of the Company Group, and no such fault shall be deemed to be the fault of SpinCo or any other member of the SpinCo Group; (iii) any fault associated with the ownership, operation or activities of the Company Business shall be deemed to be the fault of the Company and the other members of the Company Group, and no such fault shall be deemed to be the fault of SpinCo or any other member of the SpinCo Group and (iv) any fault associated with the ownership, operation or activities of the SpinCo Business shall be deemed to be the fault of SpinCo and the other members of the SpinCo Group, and no such fault shall be deemed to be the fault of the Company or any other member of the Company Group.
4.8 Covenant Not to Sue. Each Party hereby covenants and agrees that none of it, the members of such Party's Group or any Person claiming through it shall bring suit or otherwise assert any claim against any Indemnitee, or assert a defense against any claim asserted by any Indemnitee, before any court, arbitrator, mediator or administrative agency anywhere in the world, alleging that: (a) the assumption of any SpinCo Liabilities by SpinCo or a member of the SpinCo Group on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents is void or unenforceable for any reason; (b) the retention of any Company Liabilities by the Company or a member of the Company Group on the terms and conditions set forth in this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents is void or unenforceable for any reason; or (c) the provisions of this Article IV are void or unenforceable for any reason.
4.9 Survival of Indemnities. The rights and obligations of each of the Company and SpinCo and their respective Indemnitees under this Article IV shall survive (a) the sale or other transfer by either Party or any member of its Group of any assets or businesses or the assignment by it of any Liabilities or (b) any merger, consolidation, business combination, sale of all or substantially all of its Assets, restructuring, recapitalization, reorganization or similar transaction involving either Party or any of the members of its Group.
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4.10 Exclusive Remedy. The indemnification provisions of this Article IV shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of an Indemnitee for any monetary or compensatory damages or losses for any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document (other than the Merger Agreement and any other Transaction Documents that expressly provide otherwise) or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby. In furtherance of the foregoing, each of the Parties hereby waives, for itself and its respective Group members, successors and assigns, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable Law, any and all rights, claims or remedies such Person or any of its Group members may have against the other Party and its Group members, successors and assigns for any monetary or compensatory damages or losses for any breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or other claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document (other than the Merger Agreement and any other Transaction Documents that expressly provide otherwise) or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby, other than the right to seek indemnity pursuant to this Article IV. For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing does not affect (a) a Party's right to seek specific performance under this Agreement as provided in Section 9.11 or under the Merger Agreement or any other Transaction Document, in each case, as provided therein, or to seek resolution of any disputes regarding indemnification hereunder as provided in Article VII, (b) a Party's right to exercise all of their rights and seek all damages available to them under Law in the event of claims or causes of action arising from fraud, (c) the resolution of the Final Cash Transfer Amount pursuant to Section 2.11 and (d) the rights or obligations of any Person under any of the other Transaction Documents that expressly provide otherwise, or the Confidentiality Agreement. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of this Section 4.10 are not intended to, and will not be deemed to, alter or supersede (i) the indemnification, damages or remedy provisions contained in any other Transaction Document that expressly contains indemnification provisions, which shall be subject to the indemnification provisions contained therein and not in this Article IV, (ii) the rights and obligations of the Company and Gold to resolve disputes with respect to the Final Adjustment Statement pursuant to Section 2.11 or (iii) the rights and obligations of the Parties or any insurers under any Covered Policy.
4.11 Management of Actions. This Section 4.11 shall govern the direction of pending and future Actions in which members of the SpinCo Group or the Company Group are named as parties, but shall not alter the allocation of Liabilities set forth in Article II unless expressly set forth in this Section 4.11.
(a) Management of SpinCo-Controlled Actions. From and after the Distribution Time, the SpinCo Group shall direct the defense or prosecution of any Actions that constitute only SpinCo Liabilities, SpinCo Assets, Delayed SpinCo Assets or Delayed SpinCo Liabilities ("SpinCo-Controlled Actions"). If an Action that constitutes solely a SpinCo Liability, a SpinCo Asset, a Delayed SpinCo Asset or a Delayed SpinCo Liability is commenced after the Distribution Time naming a member of the Company Group as a party thereto, then SpinCo shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such member of the Company Group to be removed as a party to such Action. Neither the Company, on the one hand, nor SpinCo or Gold, on the other hand, shall add the other to any Action pending as of or after the Distribution Time without the prior written consent of such other Party (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).
(b) Management of Company-Controlled Actions. From and after the Distribution Time, the Company Group shall direct the defense or prosecution of (i) any Actions set forth on Schedule 4.11(b) and (ii) any other Actions that constitute only Company Liabilities, Company Assets, Delayed Company Liabilities or Delayed Company Assets ("Company-Controlled Actions"). If an Action that constitutes solely a Company Liability, Company Asset, Delayed Company Liability or Delayed Company Asset is commenced after the Distribution Time naming a member of the SpinCo Group as a party thereto, then the Company shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cause such member of the SpinCo Group to be removed as a party to such Action.
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(c) Management of Actions Naming Both SpinCo and the Company. From and after the Distribution Time, in the event that one or more member(s) of the SpinCo Group and one or more member(s) of the Company Group is named in an Action that is neither a SpinCo-Controlled Action nor a Company-Controlled Action (a "Separate Action"), each of SpinCo and the Company shall be entitled to assume their own defense and select counsel of their own choosing to defend their respective interests in such Separate Action. SpinCo and the Company shall consult in good faith with each other regarding the management of the defense of each Separate Action.
(d) Management of Mixed Actions. From and after the Distribution Time, any Action that constitutes both a SpinCo Liability, a SpinCo Asset, a Delayed SpinCo Asset or a Delayed SpinCo Liability, on the one hand, and a Company Liability or a Company Asset, on the other hand, and that does not constitute a SpinCo-Controlled Action, Company-Controlled Action or a Separate Action ("Mixed Action") shall be managed by the Party with the greater financial exposure with respect thereto (taking into account the provisions of this Article IV), as determined in good faith by the Company and SpinCo; provided, that any outside counsel employed by a Party managing the Action with respect thereto shall be subject to the approval of the other Party (such approval not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed); provided, further, that if the Action involves the pursuit of any criminal sanctions or penalties or seeks equitable or injunctive relief against any Party or Subsidiary of a Party, that Party shall be entitled to control the defense of the claim against such Party; provided, however, that any Action that seeks equitable or injunctive relief against multiple Parties or Subsidiaries of multiple Parties shall be deemed a Mixed Action and jointly managed in accordance with the remainder of this Section 4.11(d). The Company and SpinCo shall reasonably cooperate and consult with each other, and to the extent necessary or advisable, maintain a joint defense in a manner that would preserve for the Company and SpinCo and their respective Group members any attorney-client privilege, joint defense or other privilege with respect to Mixed Actions. The Party managing such Mixed Action shall on a quarterly basis, or if a material development occurs, as soon as reasonably practicable thereafter, inform the other Party of the status of and developments relating to any Mixed Action and provide copies of any material document, notices or other materials related to such Mixed Action; provided, that the failure to provide any such information shall not be a basis for liability of a Party managing such Mixed Action except and solely to the extent the other Party shall have been actually prejudiced thereby. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, the Company and SpinCo may jointly retain counsel (in which case the cost of counsel shall be shared by the Company and SpinCo in proportion to their respective expected financial exposure (in the case of Actions that constitute both a SpinCo Liability or a Delayed SpinCo Liability, on the one hand, and a Company Liability or Delayed Company Liability, on the other hand), as determined in good faith by the Company and SpinCo, or respective expected financial recovery (in the case of Actions that constitute both a SpinCo Asset or a Delayed SpinCo Asset, on the one hand, and a Company Asset or Delayed Company Asset, on the other hand)) or retain separate counsel (in which case each Party will bear the cost of its separate counsel) with respect to any Mixed Action; provided, that the Company and SpinCo shall share discovery and other joint litigation costs in proportion
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to their respective expected financial exposure (in the case of Actions that constitute both a SpinCo Liability or a Delayed SpinCo Liability, on the one hand, and a Company Liability or Delayed Company Liability, on the other hand) or respective expected financial recovery (in the case of Actions that constitute both a SpinCo Asset or a Delayed SpinCo Asset, on the one hand, and a Company Asset or Delayed Company Asset, on the other hand). In any Mixed Action, each of the Company and SpinCo may pursue separate defenses, claims, counterclaims or settlements to those claims relating to the Company Business or the SpinCo Business, respectively; provided, that each Party shall in good faith make all reasonable efforts to avoid adverse effects on the other Party. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, (i) if a judgment is obtained with respect to a Mixed Action, the Company and SpinCo shall endeavor in good faith to allocate the Liabilities in respect of such judgment between them based on the proportion of such Liabilities attributable to the Company Business and the SpinCo Business and (ii) if a recovery is obtained with respect to a Mixed Action, the Company and SpinCo shall endeavor in good faith to allocate the Assets in respect of such recovery between them based on their respective injuries. A Party that is not named as a defendant in a Mixed Action may elect to become a party to such Mixed Action, and the Party named in such Mixed Action shall reasonably cooperate to have such first Party named in such Mixed Action.
(e) Delegation of Rights of Recovery. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable Law, the rights to recovery of each of the Company's Subsidiaries or SpinCo's Subsidiaries in respect of any past, present or future Action are hereby delegated to the Company or SpinCo, respectively. It is the intent of the Parties that the foregoing delegation shall satisfy any Law requiring such delegation to be effected pursuant to a power of attorney or similar instrument. The Parties and their respective Subsidiaries shall execute such further instruments or documents as may be necessary to effect such delegation.
4.12 Settlement of Actions. No Party managing an Action pursuant to Section 4.11 shall settle or compromise such Action (other than the Company with respect to Company-Controlled Actions and SpinCo with respect to SpinCo-Controlled Actions) without the prior written consent of the other Party (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), except that if the Party managing the Action is indemnifying the other Party in full for all monetary damages arising out of or related to such Action, such managing Party may nevertheless settle such Action without such consent, unless such settlement or compromise would (a) result in any non-monetary remedy or relief being imposed upon any member of the other Party's Group, (b) encumber any asset of any member of the other Party's Group or (c) contain or involve an admission or statement providing for or acknowledging any liability or criminal wrongdoing on behalf of the other Party's Group or any of its Affiliates; provided, that such settlement entered into by such managing Party must contain as a condition thereto, a complete release of the other Party being indemnified. No settlement or compromise in respect of any Action shall be made or consented to by any Party not managing an Action pursuant to Section 4.11 without the express written consent of the Party managing such Action.
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ARTICLE V
CERTAIN OTHER MATTERS
5.1 Insurance Matters.
(a) The Company, Gold and SpinCo agree to cooperate in good faith to provide for an orderly transition of insurance coverage from the date hereof through the Distribution Time. In no event shall the Company, any other member of the Company Group or any Company Indemnitee have Liability or obligation whatsoever to any member of the Gold Group or SpinCo Group in the event that any (i) insurance policy or insurance policy-related contract shall be terminated or otherwise cease to be in effect for any reason, shall be unavailable or inadequate to cover any Liability of any member of the Gold Group or SpinCo Group for any reason whatsoever or shall be cancelled, not renewed or not extended beyond the current expiration date or (ii) any insurer declines, denies, delays or obstructs any claim payment; provided, that nothing in this Section 5.1(a) shall relieve any Party of any liability or damages resulting from a breach of the Merger Agreement.
(b) With the sole exception of claims, losses, damages or Liability based upon or arising from any acts, omissions, events or circumstances that occurred or existed prior to the Distribution Time and which would be otherwise covered under any occurrence-based insurance policies of the Company or any member of the Company Group (collectively, the "Covered Policies"), from and after the Distribution Time, SpinCo, any member of the SpinCo Group, Gold, any member of the Gold Group, or any of their respective employees (including former or inactive employees) shall cease to be insured by, shall have no access or availability to or under, shall not be entitled to make claims on or under and shall not be entitled to claim benefits from or seek coverage under, and shall not have any rights to or under, any of the Company's or any member of the Company Group's insurance policies or any of their respective self-insured programs in place immediately prior to the Distribution Time. Solely with respect to the Covered Policies, from and after the Distribution Time, with respect to any claims, losses, damages or Liability based upon or arising from acts, omissions, events or circumstances that occurred or existed prior to the Distribution Time, the Company will provide Gold and SpinCo with access to, and SpinCo and the SpinCo Group may make claims under, the Covered Policies, but solely to the extent that such policies provided coverage for members of the SpinCo Group or the SpinCo Business prior to the Distribution Time; provided, that such access to, and the right to make claims under, such insurance policies, shall be subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of such insurance policies, including any limits on coverage or scope, any deductibles, self-insured retentions and other fees and expenses, and shall be subject to the following additional conditions:
(i) SpinCo shall provide notice to the Company in accordance with Section 9.6, reasonably promptly, of any incident, circumstance or occurrence that could reasonably be expected to lead to a claim made by SpinCo pursuant to this Section 5.1(b) and in any event in sufficient time so that such claim may be made in accordance with the Company's claim reporting procedures in effect immediately prior to the Distribution (or in accordance with any modifications to such procedures after the Distribution communicated by the Company to SpinCo in writing);
(ii) SpinCo shall reimburse the Company and the members of the Company Group for all claim-related payments made by the Company or any member of the Company Group on or after the Distribution Time that arise from claims made by SpinCo, any member of the SpinCo Group, Gold, any member of the Gold Group, any of their respective employees or any Third Party under the Company's or any member of the Company Group's self-insured or large deductible insurance programs for occurrences
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prior to the Distribution Time, including overhead, claim handling and administrative costs, taxes, surcharges, state assessments and other related costs. SpinCo and the other members of the SpinCo Group shall indemnify, hold harmless and reimburse the Company and the members of the Company Group for any deductibles, self-insured retention, fees, indemnity payments, settlements, judgments, legal fees, allocated claims expenses and claim handling fees, and other expenses incurred by the Company or any members of the Company Group to the extent resulting from any access to, or any claims made by SpinCo or any other members of the SpinCo Group, Gold or any other members of the Gold Group under, any of the Company's or a member of the Company Group's insurance policies provided pursuant to this Section 5.1(b) whether such claims are made by SpinCo, its employees or Third Parties; provided, that neither SpinCo nor any other member of the SpinCo Group shall owe any obligations of indemnification, reimbursement or otherwise pursuant to this Section 5.1(b) with respect to any claims resulting from or arising out of the gross negligence, bad faith, fraud or intentional misconduct of the Company or any other members of the Company Group; and
(iii) SpinCo shall exclusively bear (and neither the Company nor any members of the Company Group shall have any obligation to repay or reimburse SpinCo, any member of the SpinCo Group, Gold or any member of the Gold Group for) and shall be liable for all excluded, uninsured, uncovered, unavailable or uncollectible amounts (including where any insurer declines, denies, delays or obstructs any claim payment) of all such claims made by SpinCo, any member of the SpinCo Group, Gold or any member of the Gold Group under the policies as provided for in this Section 5.1(b). Where a policy includes a reinstatement of limits, in the event an insurance policy aggregate is exhausted, or believed likely to be exhausted, due to noticed claims, the SpinCo Group, on the one hand, and the Company Group, on the other hand, shall be responsible for their pro rata portion of the reinstatement premium, if any, based upon the losses of such Group submitted to the Company's insurance carrier(s) (including any submissions prior to the Distribution Time). To the extent that the Company Group, on the one hand, or the SpinCo Group, on the other hand, is allocated more than its pro rata portion of such premium due to the timing of losses submitted to the Company's insurance carrier(s), the other party shall promptly pay the first party an amount so that each Group has been properly allocated its pro rata portion of the reinstatement premium. Subject to the following sentence, the Company, on the one hand, or SpinCo, on the other hand, may elect not to reinstate the policy aggregate even if available. In the event that the Company, on the one hand, or SpinCo, on the other hand, elects not to reinstate the policy aggregate, it shall provide prompt written notice to the other Party and shall have no rights to claim against or have any benefit from the reinstated limits. If either the Company, on the one hand, or SpinCo, on the other hand, elects to reinstate the policy aggregate, such Party shall be responsible for all reinstatement premiums and other costs associated with such reinstatement to the extent such Party has received notice from the other Party that such other Party does not elect to reinstate the limits.
(c) At the Distribution Time, SpinCo shall have in effect, and Gold shall exercise its commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with SpinCo in its efforts to obtain or effect, all insurance programs required to comply with SpinCo's contractual obligations and such other policies required by Law or as reasonably necessary or appropriate for the SpinCo Business and the operation thereof by the SpinCo Group.
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(d) Neither SpinCo, Gold, any member of the SpinCo Group nor any member of the Gold Group, in connection with making a claim under any insurance policy of the Company or any member of the Company Group pursuant to this Section 5.1, shall take any action that would be reasonably likely to: (i) have a non-de minimis impact on the then-current relationship between the Company or any member of the Company Group, on the one hand, and the applicable insurance company, on the other hand; (ii) result in the applicable insurance company terminating or materially reducing coverage, or materially increasing the amount of any premium owed by the Company or any member of the Company Group under the applicable insurance policy; or (iii) otherwise compromise, jeopardize or interfere in any material respect with the rights of the Company or any member of the Company Group under the applicable insurance policy; provided, that SpinCo's, any member of the SpinCo Group's, Gold's, any member of the Gold Group's, any of their respective employees' or any Third Party's making and pursuing of a claim to coverage pursuant to Section 5.1(b)(ii) shall not be deemed to be an action that triggers the foregoing clauses (i), (ii) or (iii).
(e) Any payments, costs, adjustments or reimbursements to be paid by SpinCo and/or Gold pursuant to this Section 5.1 shall be billed quarterly and payable within thirty (30) days from receipt of an invoice from the Company. The Company shall retain the exclusive right to control its insurance policies and programs, including the right to exhaust, settle, release, commute, buyback or otherwise resolve disputes with respect to any of its insurance policies and programs and to amend, modify or waive any rights under any such insurance policies and programs, notwithstanding whether any such policies or programs apply to any SpinCo Liabilities and/or claims SpinCo has made or could make in the future, and no member of the SpinCo Group or Gold Group shall erode, exhaust, settle, release, commute, buyback or otherwise resolve disputes with the Company's insurers with respect to any of the Company's insurance policies and programs, or amend, modify or waive any rights under any such insurance policies and programs; provided, that the Company shall not terminate or make any material amendments, modifications or waivers to, or concessions under, any of the Covered Policies without providing Gold with reasonable notice prior to taking any such actions. SpinCo and Gold shall cooperate with the Company and, upon reasonable request by the Company, share such information as is reasonably necessary in order to permit the Company to manage and conduct its insurance matters as the Company deems appropriate. Each of the Company, on the one hand, and SpinCo, on the other hand, and any member of its applicable Group has the sole right to settle or otherwise resolve Third-Party Claims made against it or any member of its applicable Group covered under an applicable insurance policy.
(f) This Agreement shall not be considered as an attempted assignment of any policy of insurance or as a contract of insurance and shall not be construed to waive any right or remedy of any member of the Company Group in respect of any insurance policy or any other contract or policy of insurance.
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(g) SpinCo and Gold do hereby, for itself and each other member of its Group, agree that no member of the Company Group shall have any Liability whatsoever for any acts, omissions, events or circumstances that occurred prior to the Distribution Time relating to the insurance policies and practices of the Company and the members of the Company Group as in effect at any time, including as a result of the level or scope of any such insurance, the creditworthiness of any insurance carrier, the terms and conditions of any policy, or the adequacy or timeliness of any notice to any insurance carrier with respect to any claim or potential claim or otherwise; provided, that nothing in the foregoing shall be deemed in any way to limit any Party's right under this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any other Transaction Document.
5.2 Late Payments. Except as expressly provided to the contrary in this Agreement or in any Transaction Document, any amount not paid when due pursuant to this Agreement or any Transaction Document (and any amounts billed or otherwise invoiced or demanded and properly payable that are not paid within ten (10) days of a notice of non-payment) shall accrue interest at a rate per annum equal to the prime rate published in the Wall Street Journal for the relevant period plus two percent (2%).
5.3 Treatment of Payments for Tax Purposes. Except as provided in Section 2.11(k), for all applicable Tax purposes, the Parties agree to treat any payment required by this Agreement as set forth in Section 12 of the Tax Matters Agreement.
5.4 Inducement. SpinCo and Gold acknowledge and agree that the Company's willingness to cause, effect and consummate the Reorganization and the Distribution has been conditioned upon and induced by SpinCo's and Gold's covenants and agreements in this Agreement, the Merger Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, including SpinCo's assumption of the SpinCo Liabilities pursuant to the Reorganization and the provisions of this Agreement and SpinCo's covenants and agreements contained in Article IV. The Company acknowledges and agrees that SpinCo's and Gold's willingness to cause, effect and consummate the Reorganization and the Distribution, as applicable, has been conditioned upon and induced by the Company's covenants and agreements in this Agreement, the Merger Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, including the Company's assumption of the Company Liabilities pursuant to the Reorganization and the provisions of this Agreement and the Company's covenants and agreements contained in Article IV.
5.5 Post-Distribution Time Conduct. The Parties acknowledge that, after the Distribution Time, each Party shall be independent of the other Party, with responsibility for its own actions and inactions and its own Liabilities relating to, arising out of or resulting from the conduct of its business, operations and activities following the Distribution Time, except as may otherwise be provided in the Merger Agreement or any Transaction Document, and each Party shall (except as otherwise provided in Article IV) use commercially reasonable efforts to prevent such Liabilities from being inappropriately borne by the other Party.
5.6 SpinCo Group Employee Roster. As promptly as reasonably practicable after February 1, 2026, the Company shall deliver to Gold a complete and correct copy of the SpinCo Group Employee Roster and the Specified Company Employee Roster as of February 1, 2026.
ARTICLE VI
EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION; CONFIDENTIALITY
6.1 Agreement for Exchange of Information.
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(a) Subject to Section 6.9 and any other applicable confidentiality obligations, each of the Company, Gold and SpinCo, on behalf of itself and each member of its Group, agrees to use commercially reasonable efforts to provide or make available, or cause to be provided or made available, to the other Party and the members of such other Party's Group, at any time before, on or after the Distribution Time, reasonably promptly after written request therefor, any information (or a copy thereof) in the possession or under the control of such Party or its Group which the requesting Party or its Group requests to the extent that: (i) such information relates to the SpinCo Business, or any SpinCo Asset or SpinCo Liability, if SpinCo or Gold is the requesting Party, or to the Company Business, or any Company Asset or Company Liability, if the Company is the requesting Party; (ii) such information is required by the requesting Party to comply with its obligations under this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents; or (iii) such information is required by the requesting Party to comply with any obligation imposed by any Governmental Authority; provided, however, that (A) the Company and the members of the Company Group shall be permitted to redact any portion of such information that does not relate to the SpinCo Business and (B) SpinCo and Gold and the members of their respective Groups shall be permitted to redact any portion of such information that does not relate to the Company Business, and in the event that the Party to whom the request has been made determines in good faith that any such provision of information could reasonably be expected to violate any Law or agreement, waive any legal privilege available under applicable Law, including any attorney-client privilege, attorney work product privilege, and confidentiality privileges applying to federally authorized tax practitioners under Section 7525 of the Code (or any similar provision of state, local, foreign or other tax law), or breach any duty of confidentiality or other obligation owed to any Person, then the Parties shall use commercially reasonable efforts to permit compliance with such obligations to the extent and in a manner that avoids any such harm or consequence. The Party providing information pursuant to this Section 6.1 shall only be obligated to provide such information in the form, condition and format in which it then exists, and in no event shall such Party be required to perform any improvement, modification, conversion, updating or reformatting of any such information, and nothing in this Section 6.1 shall expand the obligations of either Party under Section 6.4.
(b) Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, until the end of the first full fiscal year of either Party occurring after the Distribution Date (and for a reasonable period of time thereafter for either Party to prepare consolidated financial statements or complete a financial statement audit for any period during which the financial results of the SpinCo Group were consolidated with those of the Company, which period shall not exceed the date on which each Party's audited financial statements for the first full fiscal year after the Distribution Date are filed with the SEC), each Party shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with the other Party's information requests and, if reasonably requested by the other Party and at the requesting Party's expense, provide such other cooperation as such Party may reasonably require, in each case to enable (i) the other Party to meet its timetable for dissemination of its earnings releases, financial statements and management's assessment of the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures and its internal control over financial reporting in accordance with Items 307 and 308, respectively, of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Exchange Act, (ii) the other Party's accountants to timely complete their review of the quarterly financial statements and audit of the annual financial statements, including, to the extent applicable to such Party, its auditor's audit of its internal control over financial reporting and management's assessment thereof in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the SEC's and Public Company Accounting
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Oversight Board's rules and auditing standards thereunder and any other applicable Laws and (iii) such other Party to respond to any written request or official comment from a Governmental Authority including in connection with responding to a comment letter from the SEC; provided, that in connection with this clause (iii), each Party shall provide reasonable assistance on the terms set forth in this Section 6.1 for a period of three years following the Distribution Date; provided, further, that any assistance sought by a Party pursuant to this Section 6.1(b)(iii) will only be if such Party receives a written request or an official comment from a Governmental Authority and such assistance will not be unreasonably disruptive to the business and affairs of the other Party.
(c) In furtherance of the foregoing, subject to the confidentiality provisions of this Agreement (including, for the avoidance of doubt, those set forth in Section 6.9) and to such Party's confidentiality obligations to third parties and to the extent it relates to the time prior to the Distribution, at the requesting Party's expense, each Party shall authorize and request its respective auditors to make available to the other Party's auditors (the "Other Party's Auditors") both the personnel who performed or are performing the annual audits of such audited Party (each such Party with respect to its own audit, the "Audited Party") and work papers related to the annual audits of such Audited Party, in all cases within a reasonable time prior to such Audited Parties' auditors' opinion date, so that the Other Parties' Auditors are able to perform the procedures they reasonably consider necessary to take responsibility for the work of the Audited Parties' auditors as it relates to their auditors' report on such other Parties' financial statements, all within sufficient time to enable such other Party to meet its timetable for the filing of its annual financial statements with the SEC for the fiscal year in which the Distribution occurs (or, if the Distribution occurs in the first quarter of a fiscal year, the previous fiscal year).
6.2 Ownership of Information. The provision of any information pursuant to Section 6.1 or Section 6.7 shall not affect the ownership of such information (which shall be determined solely in accordance with the terms of this Agreement, the Merger Agreement and the other Transaction Documents) or constitute a grant of rights in or to any such information.
6.3 Compensation for Providing Information. The Party requesting information agrees to reimburse the other Party for the reasonable out-of-pocket costs, if any, of creating, gathering, copying, transporting and otherwise complying with the request with respect to such information (including any reasonable out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred in any review of information for purposes of protecting the Privileged Information of the providing Party or in connection with the restoration of backup media for purposes of providing the requested information). Except as may be otherwise specifically provided elsewhere in this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any other Transaction Document or any other agreement between the Parties, such costs shall be computed in accordance with the providing Party's standard methodology and procedures.
6.4 Record Retention. Until the seven (7)-year anniversary of the Distribution Date, each Party agrees that it shall not destroy or otherwise dispose of, or permit the destruction or disposal of, any SpinCo Books and Records or any Company Books and Records in its or its Subsidiaries' possession without first giving SpinCo and Gold, on the one hand, or the Company, on the other hand, written notice of such intended destruction or disposition no later than twenty (20) days prior to the date of such destruction or disposition and offering such other Party the opportunity to copy such SpinCo
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Books and Records or Company Books and Records, as applicable, or to deliver to such other Party, at such other Party's expense, custody of such SpinCo Books and Records or Company Books and Records, as applicable. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, the Tax Matters Agreement will exclusively govern the retention of Tax-related records and the exchange of Tax-related information, and the Employee Matters Agreement will exclusively govern the retention of employment and benefits-related records.
6.5 Limitations of Liability. Neither Party shall have any Liability to the other Party in the event that any information exchanged or provided pursuant to this Agreement is found to be inaccurate in the absence of gross negligence, bad faith, fraud or willful misconduct by the Party providing such information. Neither Party shall have any Liability to any other Party if any information is destroyed after commercially reasonable efforts by such Party to comply with the provisions of Section 6.4.
6.6 Other Agreements Providing for Exchange of Information.
(a) The rights and obligations granted under this Article VI are subject to any specific limitations, qualifications or additional provisions on the sharing, exchange, retention or confidential treatment of information set forth in the Merger Agreement and any Transaction Document.
(b) Any party that receives, pursuant to a request for information in accordance with this Article VI, Tangible Information that is not relevant to its request shall, at the written request of the providing Party, (i) return it to the providing Party or, at the providing Party's written request, destroy such Tangible Information and (ii) deliver to the providing Party written confirmation that such Tangible Information was returned or destroyed, as the case may be, which confirmation shall be signed by an authorized representative of the requesting Party.
6.7 Production of Witnesses; Records; Cooperation.
(a) After the Distribution Time, subject to Section 6.9 and any other applicable confidentiality obligations, except in the case of a Dispute between the Company, Gold and/or SpinCo, or any members of their respective Groups, each of the Company, on the one hand, and Gold and/or SpinCo, on the other hand, shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to make available to the other Party, upon written request, the former, current and future directors, officers, employees, other personnel and agents of the members of its respective Group as witnesses and any books, records or other documents within its control or which it otherwise has the ability to make available without undue burden, to the extent that any such person (giving consideration to business demands of such directors, officers, employees, other personnel and agents) or books, records or other documents may reasonably be required in connection with any Action in which the requesting Party (or member of its Group) may from time to time be involved, regardless of whether such Action is a matter with respect to which indemnification may be sought hereunder. The requesting Party shall bear all costs and expenses in connection therewith.
(b) If an Indemnifying Party chooses to defend or to seek to compromise or settle any Third-Party Claim, then, subject to Section 6.9 and any other applicable confidentiality obligations, the other Party shall make available to such Indemnifying Party, upon written request, the former, current and future directors, officers, employees, other personnel and agents of the members of its respective Group as witnesses and any books, records or other documents within
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its control or which it otherwise has the ability to make available without undue burden, to the extent that any such person (giving consideration to business demands of such directors, officers, employees, other personnel and agents) or books, records or other documents may reasonably be required in connection with such defense, settlement or compromise, or such prosecution, evaluation or pursuit, as the case may be, and shall otherwise cooperate in such defense, settlement or compromise, or such prosecution, evaluation or pursuit, as the case may be.
(c) Without limiting the foregoing, the Parties shall cooperate and consult to the extent reasonably necessary with respect to any Actions.
(d) Without limiting any provision of this Section 6.7, each of the Parties agrees to cooperate, and to cause each member of its respective Group to cooperate, with each other in the defense of any infringement or similar claim with respect to any Intellectual Property and shall not claim to acknowledge, or permit any member of its respective Group to claim to acknowledge, the validity or infringing use of any Intellectual Property of a Third Party in a manner that would adversely affect or undermine the defense of such infringement or similar claim.
(e) The obligation of the Parties to provide witnesses pursuant to this Section 6.7 is intended to be interpreted in a manner so as to facilitate cooperation and shall include the obligation to provide as witnesses directors, officers, employees, other personnel and agents without regard to whether such person or the employer of such person could assert a possible business conflict (subject to the exception set forth in the first sentence of Section 6.7(a)).
6.8 Privileged Matters.
(a) The Parties recognize that legal and other professional services that have been and will be provided prior to the Distribution Time have been and will be rendered for the collective benefit of each of the members of the Company Group and the SpinCo Group, and that each of the members of the Company Group and the SpinCo Group should be deemed to be the client with respect to such services for the purposes of asserting all privileges which may be asserted under applicable Law in connection therewith. The Parties recognize that legal and other professional services will be provided following the Distribution Time, which services will be rendered solely for the benefit of the Company Group, on the one hand, or the SpinCo Group and the Gold Group, on the other hand, as the case may be. In furtherance of the foregoing, each of the Company, on the one hand, and SpinCo and Gold, on the other hand, shall authorize the delivery to and/or retention by the other Party of materials existing as of the Distribution Time that are necessary for such other Party to perform such services.
(b) The Parties agree as follows:
(i) The Company shall be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges and immunities in connection with any Privileged Information that relates solely to the Company Business and not to the SpinCo Business, whether or not the Privileged Information is in the possession or under the control of any member of the Company Group, on the one hand, or any member of the SpinCo Group or the Gold Group, on the other hand. The Company shall also be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges and immunities in connection with any Privileged Information that relates solely to any Company Liabilities resulting from any Actions that are now pending or may be asserted in the future, whether or not the Privileged Information is in the possession or under the control of any member of the Company Group, on the one hand, or any member of the SpinCo Group or the Gold Group, on the other hand;
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(ii) Gold and SpinCo shall be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges and immunities in connection with any Privileged Information that relates solely to the SpinCo Business and not to the Company Business, whether or not the Privileged Information is in the possession or under the control of any member of the SpinCo Group or the Gold Group, on the one hand, or any member of the Company Group, on the other hand. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, the Company shall be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges and immunities in connection with any proposed sale, spin-off or other disposition of the SpinCo Business or the preparation, negotiation or execution of this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any other Transaction Document or any other transaction including or regarding the SpinCo Business in lieu of any of the foregoing. Gold and SpinCo shall also be entitled, in perpetuity, to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges and immunities in connection with any Privileged Information that relates solely to any SpinCo Liabilities resulting from any Actions that are now pending or may be asserted in the future, whether or not the Privileged Information is in the possession or under the control of any member of the SpinCo Group or the Gold Group, on the one hand, or any member of the Company Group, on the other hand; and
(iii) If the Parties do not agree as to whether certain information is Privileged Information, then such information shall be treated as Privileged Information, and the Party that believes that such information is Privileged Information shall be entitled to control the assertion or waiver of all privileges and immunities in connection with any such information unless the Parties otherwise agree. The Parties shall use the procedures set forth in Article VII to resolve any disputes as to whether any information relates solely to the Company Business, solely to the SpinCo Business, or to both the Company Business and the SpinCo Business.
(c) Subject to the remaining provisions of this Section 6.8, the Parties agree that they shall have a shared privilege or immunity with respect to all privileges and immunities not allocated pursuant to Section 6.8(b) and all privileges and immunities relating to any Actions or other matters that involve both Parties (or one (1) or more members of their respective Groups) and in respect of which both Parties have Liabilities under this Agreement, and that no such shared privilege or immunity may be waived by either Party without the consent of the other Party (which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).
(d) If any Dispute arises between the Parties or any members of their respective Groups regarding whether a privilege or immunity should be waived to protect or advance the interests of either Party and/or any member of their respective Groups, each Party agrees that it shall: (i) negotiate with the other Parties in good faith; (ii) endeavor to minimize any prejudice to the rights of the other Parties; and (iii) not unreasonably withhold consent to any request for waiver by the other Parties. Further, each Party specifically agrees that it shall not withhold its consent to the waiver of a privilege or immunity for any purpose except in good faith to protect its own legitimate interests.
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(e) In the event of any Dispute between the Company and SpinCo or Gold, or any members of their respective Groups, either Party may waive a privilege in which the other Party or member of such other Party's Group has a shared privilege, without obtaining consent pursuant to Section 6.8(c); provided, that the Parties intend such waiver of a shared privilege to be effective only as to the use of information with respect to the Action between the Parties and/or the applicable members of their respective Groups, and is not intended to operate as a waiver of the shared privilege with respect to any Third Party.
(f) Upon receipt by either Party, or by any member of its respective Group, of any subpoena, discovery or other request that may reasonably be expected to result in the production or disclosure of Privileged Information subject to a shared privilege or immunity or as to which another Party has the sole right hereunder to assert a privilege or immunity, or if either Party obtains knowledge that any of its, or any member of its respective Group's, current or former directors, officers, agents or employees have received any subpoena, discovery or other requests that may reasonably be expected to result in the production or disclosure of such Privileged Information, such Party shall promptly notify the other Party or Parties of the existence of the request (which notice shall be delivered to such other Party no later than five (5) Business Days following the receipt of any such subpoena, discovery or other request) and shall provide the other Party or Parties a reasonable opportunity to review the Privileged Information and to assert any rights it or they may have under this Section 6.8 or otherwise to prevent the production or disclosure of such Privileged Information.
(g) Any furnishing of, or access or transfer of, any information pursuant to this Agreement is made in reliance on the agreement of the Parties set forth in this Section 6.8 and Section 6.9 to maintain the confidentiality of Privileged Information and to assert and maintain all applicable privileges and immunities. The Parties agree that their respective rights to any access to information, witnesses and other Persons, the furnishing of notices and documents and other cooperative efforts between the Parties contemplated by this Agreement, and the transfer of Privileged Information between the Parties and members of their respective Groups as needed pursuant to this Agreement, shall not be deemed a waiver of any privilege that has been or may be asserted under this Agreement or otherwise.
(h) In connection with any matter contemplated by Section 6.7 or this Section 6.8, the Parties agree to, and to cause the applicable members of their Group to, use commercially reasonable efforts to maintain their respective separate and joint privileges and immunities, including by executing joint defense and/or common interest agreements where necessary or useful for this purpose.
6.9 Confidentiality. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Article VI, (i) to the extent that the Merger Agreement, a Transaction Document or other Contract other than this Agreement pursuant to which a Party or another Person in its respective Group is bound or its confidential and proprietary information is subject provides that certain information shall be confidentially maintained on a basis that is more protective of such information or for a longer period of time than provided for herein, then the applicable provisions contained in the Merger
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Agreement, the Confidentiality Agreement, such Transaction Document or other Contract shall control with respect thereto and (ii) a Party and the applicable members of its respective Group shall have no right to use any confidential or proprietary information of the disclosing Party unless otherwise provided for in this Agreement, the Merger Agreement, the Confidentiality Agreement, another Transaction Document or a Contract between the Parties or a member of its respective Group. Each Party further acknowledges and agrees that, notwithstanding anything in this Section 6.9 to the contrary, (i) representatives of the Company and the members of the Company Group may retain certain residual knowledge of the confidential and proprietary information concerning SpinCo or a member of the SpinCo Group and (ii) representatives of SpinCo and the members of the SpinCo Group may retain certain residual knowledge of the Company or a member of the Company Group, in each case, that are or may be indistinguishable from generalized industry knowledge and, accordingly, each Party acknowledges and agrees that nothing herein shall prohibit any Party (or its Group) from using or otherwise exploiting for its own benefit or for the benefit of any third Person such residual knowledge; provided, that (A) such residual knowledge has been retained solely in the unaided memory of the Company, SpinCo or such representatives, as applicable (in each case, without intentional memorization) in intangible form and without use, copying or reference to any documented or tangible copies of the other Party's or the members of its Group's confidential and proprietary information, and is not intentionally used in a manner that would breach, or would reasonably be expected to encourage a breach, of this Section 6.9, (B) the foregoing will not be deemed in any event to provide any right for any member of the Company Group to infringe any SpinCo Intellectual Property or any rights of any third parties that have licensed or provided materials to the SpinCo Business, or otherwise to grant any license with respect to any SpinCo Intellectual Property, (C) the foregoing will not be deemed in any event to provide SpinCo with any right to infringe any Intellectual Property of the Company or any rights of any third parties that have licensed or provided material to the Company, or otherwise to grant any license with respect to any Intellectual Property of the Company, and (D) other than as expressly set forth in the Merger Agreement or any Transaction Document, any use of such residual knowledge is on an "as-is, where-is" basis, with all faults and all representations and warranties disclaimed and at the sole risk of such Representatives, the Company, SpinCo and each Parties' Group, as applicable.
(a) Confidentiality. Subject to Section 6.10, and except as contemplated by this Agreement, the Merger Agreement, any other Transaction Document, from and after the Distribution Time until the three (3) year anniversary of the Distribution Time, each of the Company, Gold and SpinCo, on behalf of itself and each member of its respective Group, agrees to hold, and to cause its respective Representatives to hold, in strict confidence, with at least the same degree of care that applies to its own confidential and proprietary information pursuant to policies in effect as of the Distribution Time, all confidential and proprietary information concerning the other Party or any member of the other Party's Group or their respective businesses that is either in its possession (including confidential and proprietary information in its possession prior to the date hereof) or furnished by any such other Party or any member of such Party's Group or their respective Representatives at any time pursuant to this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any other Transaction Document or otherwise, and shall not use any such confidential and proprietary information other than for such purposes as shall be expressly permitted hereunder or thereunder, except, in each case, to the extent that such confidential and proprietary information has been (i) in the public domain or generally available to the public, other than as a result of a disclosure by such Party or any member of such Party's Group or any of their respective
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Representatives in violation of this Agreement or other contractual, legal or fiduciary obligation of confidentiality with respect to such confidential or proprietary information, (ii) later lawfully acquired from other sources by such Party (or any member of such Party's Group) which sources are not themselves known by such Party (or any member of such Party's Group) to be bound by a confidentiality obligation or other contractual, legal or fiduciary obligation of confidentiality with respect to such confidential and proprietary information, or (iii) independently developed or generated without reference to or use of any proprietary or confidential information of the other Party or any member of such Party's Group. Notwithstanding the foregoing three (3) year period, the Company's, Gold's and SpinCo's obligations with respect to confidential and proprietary information that constitutes Trade Secrets shall survive and continue for so long as such confidential and proprietary information retains its status as a Trade Secret. If any confidential and proprietary information of one Party or any member of its Group is disclosed to the other Party or any member of such other Party's Group in connection with providing services to such first Party or any member of such first Party's Group under this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any other Transaction Document, then such disclosed confidential and proprietary information shall be used only as required to perform such services.
(b) No Release; Return or Destruction. Each Party agrees not to release or disclose, or permit to be released or disclosed, any information of the other Party or any member of the other Party's Group or their respective businesses addressed in Section 6.9(a) to any other Person, except its Representatives who reasonably need to know such information in their capacities as such (who shall be advised of their obligations hereunder with respect to such information), and except in compliance with Section 6.10. Without limiting the foregoing, when any such information is no longer needed for the purposes contemplated by this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any other Transaction Document, and is no longer subject to any legal hold or other document preservation obligation, each Party will promptly after written request of the other Party either return to the other Party all such information in a tangible form (including all copies thereof and all notes, extracts or summaries based thereon) or notify the other Party in writing that it has destroyed such information (and such copies thereof and such notes, extracts or summaries based thereon); provided, that the Parties may retain electronic back-up versions of such information maintained on routine computer system backup tapes, disks or other backup storage devices; provided, further, that any such information so retained shall remain subject to the confidentiality provisions of this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any other Transaction Document.
(c) Third-Party Information; Privacy or Data Protection Laws. Each Party acknowledges that it and members of its Group may presently have and, following the Distribution Time, may gain access to or possession of confidential or proprietary information of, or legally protected Personal Information (including personal health information) relating to, Third Parties (i) that was received under privacy policies or notices and/or confidentiality or non-disclosure agreements entered into between such Third Parties, on the one hand, and the other Party or members of such other Party's Group, on the other hand, prior to the Distribution Time; or (ii) that, as between the two Parties, was originally collected by the other Party or members of such other Party's Group and that may be subject to and protected by privacy policies or notices, as well as applicable data privacy Laws or other applicable Laws. Each Party agrees that it shall hold, protect and use, and shall cause the members of its Group and its and their respective Representatives to hold, protect and use, in strict confidence the confidential and proprietary
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information of, or legally protected Personal Information (including personal health information) relating to, Third Parties in accordance with the obligations outlined in the applicable privacy policies (provided, that such policies were made available to the other Party prior to the receipt of such confidential and proprietary information or Personal Information) or notices and applicable data privacy Laws or other applicable Laws and the terms of any agreements that were either entered into before the Distribution Time or affirmative commitments or representations that were made before the Distribution Time by, between or among the other Party or members of the other Party's Group, on the one hand, and such Third Parties, on the other hand.
(d) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 6.9, to the extent that the treatment, maintenance, use, non-use, disclosure or non-disclosure of any confidential and proprietary information concerning a Party or any member of the other Party's Group or their respective businesses is expressly addressed in the Merger Agreement or in any Transaction Document, the applicable terms of such document or agreement will control in such situations.
6.10 Protective Arrangements. In the event that the Company or any member of its Group, on the one hand, or SpinCo or Gold or any member of their respective Groups, on the other hand, either is requested or required to disclose any information pursuant to applicable Law or receives any request or demand under lawful process or from any Governmental Authority to disclose or provide information of the other Party(ies) (or any member of the other Party(ies)'s Group) that is subject to the confidentiality provisions hereof, such Party(ies) shall notify the other Party(ies) (to the extent legally permitted) as promptly as practicable under the circumstances and shall cooperate, at the expense of the other Party(ies), in seeking any appropriate protective order. The Party(ies) receiving the request or demand shall exercise commercially reasonable efforts to take, at the expense of the other Party(ies), reasonable steps necessary to obtain confidential treatment of such information. Subject to the foregoing, the Party(ies) that received such request or demand may thereafter disclose or provide information to the extent requested or required by such Law or by lawful process or such Governmental Authority.
ARTICLE VII
FURTHER ASSURANCES AND ADDITIONAL COVENANTS
7.1 Further Assurances.
(a) In addition to the actions provided for elsewhere in this Agreement, each of the Parties shall (and will cause their respective Subsidiaries to), prior to, on and after the Distribution Time, to take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to do, or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Laws, regulations and agreements to consummate and make effective the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.
(b) Without limiting the foregoing, prior to, on and after the Distribution Time, each Party hereto shall cooperate with the other Parties, and without any further consideration, but at the expense of the requesting Party, to execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, all instruments, including instruments of conveyance, assignment and transfer, and to make all filings with, and to obtain all Approvals or Notifications of, any Governmental Authority or any other Person under any permit, license, agreement, indenture or other instrument (including any
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consents or Governmental Approvals), and to take all such other actions as such Party may reasonably be requested to take by the other Parties from time to time, consistent with the terms of this Agreement, and the other Transaction Documents, in order to effectuate the provisions and purposes of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and the transfers of the SpinCo Assets and the Company Assets and the assignment and assumption of the SpinCo Liabilities and the Company Liabilities and the other transactions contemplated hereby and thereby. Without limiting the foregoing, each Party will, at the reasonable request, cost and expense of the requesting Party, take such other actions as may be reasonably necessary to vest in the Company or SpinCo, as the case may be, good and marketable title to the Assets allocated to such Party under this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents, free and clear of any Security Interest, if and to the extent it is practicable to do so.
(c) On or prior to the Distribution Time, the Company and SpinCo in their respective capacities as direct and indirect stockholders of the members of their Groups shall each ratify any actions which are reasonably necessary or desirable to be taken by the Company, SpinCo or any of the members of their respective Groups, as the case may be, to effectuate the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents.
(d) Following the Distribution Time, SpinCo shall be responsible for preparing and, if desired by SpinCo, recording the applicable assignment of SpinCo Intellectual Property to SpinCo or its designees following execution thereof by the Company and the applicable member of its Group with the intellectual property offices and registrars and other similar authorities where SpinCo Intellectual Property is still recorded or held in the name of the Company or any of its Affiliates (other than another member of the SpinCo Group). Following SpinCo's reasonable request, following the Distribution Time, the Company shall, and shall cause the other members of its Group to, execute and deliver all such assignments and other instruments and take such other actions as may be required to effect, evidence or perfect the assignment of the SpinCo Intellectual Property to SpinCo or its designees. In the event that the Company is required to take any other action in order for SpinCo to complete recordation of such SpinCo Intellectual Property in accordance with the first sentence of this Section 7.1(d) then following SpinCo's reasonable request, the Company shall, and shall cause the other members of its Group to, exercise its reasonable efforts to cooperate with SpinCo as may be required to effectuate such recordation. The Company and Gold shall share equally any and all reasonable and documented out-of-pocket government filing fees and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation of such assignment and other instruments and the initial recordation of ownership in the name of SpinCo or its designees; provided, that such fees are incurred and invoiced to the Company within twelve (12) months following the Distribution Date.
7.2 Use of the House Marks. Except as expressly provided in this Section 7.2, the Transition Services Agreement or the Trademark Matters Agreement, the Company covenants that, from and after the Distribution Time, it shall, and shall cause the other members of the Company Group to, cease and discontinue any and all use of the House Marks. Within six (6) months following the Distribution Date, the Company agrees to cause each member of the Company Group to change the legal names of the members of the Company Group to names that do not include any House Mark. Except as expressly permitted in the Trademark Matters Agreement, the Company shall not, and shall cause the members of the Company Group not to, form any new entity or conduct any new business using any House Mark.
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(a) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company and the other members of the Company Group shall not be prohibited from using the House Marks after the applicable transition periods in the Transaction Documents (i) as required by applicable Law; (ii) on internal business, legal, and archival documents not visible to the public; and (iii) in a neutral, non-trademark manner to accurately describe the history of the Company Business (e.g., "formerly the XYZ division of SpinCo"), provided such use is consistent with fair use principles and does not suggest sponsorship, endorsement, or affiliation with the Company or the members of its Group or give rise to a likelihood of confusion with same.
(b) From and after the Distribution Date, SpinCo shall own and retain all right, title, and interest in the trademark registrations covering the Trademark "Modine Manufacturing Company - Engineering a Cleaner, Healthier World", provided that SpinCo shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain registrations for the Modine Manufacturing Company logo without the "Engineering a Cleaner, Healthier World" tagline within a commercially reasonable time following the Distribution Date. Upon obtaining such registrations, SpinCo shall use commercially reasonable efforts to phase out use of the Trademark "Modine Manufacturing Company - Engineering a Cleaner, Healthier World" in the SpinCo Business within a reasonable time period, not to exceed within twelve (12) months following the Distribution Date. Promptly following the conclusion of the transition period set forth in the Trademark Matters Agreement for the Company's use of such mark, the Company covenants and agrees to cease all use of the Trademark "Modine Manufacturing Company - Engineering a Cleaner, Healthier World" and shall, following receipt of written request from SpinCo, provide to SpinCo evidence of the same.
7.3 Separation Planning.
(a) General. Between the date hereof and the earlier of the Distribution Date and valid termination of this Agreement, the Parties shall and shall cause their respective Groups to, cooperate and work together in good faith to prepare and plan for the smooth and orderly transition of the SpinCo Business to SpinCo and Gold; provided, for the avoidance of doubt, that neither Party shall be required to agree to (a) any amendment, modification or other change to this Agreement, the Merger Agreement or any other Transaction Document or (b) any non-de minimis payment, out-of-pocket expenses or consent fees (other than any payment, out-of-pocket expenses or consent fee that is expressly contemplated to be paid or otherwise shared by a Party in accordance with the express provisions of Section 2.4(k) and Section 7.3(d) of this Agreement or the express provisions of the other Transaction Documents), in each case, in connection with the cooperation process described in this Section 7.3. In furtherance of the foregoing, each of the Company and Gold shall ensure that appropriate representatives of the Company or Gold and their respective Groups (as applicable) with sufficient knowledge and qualifications to prepare and plan for the separation and transition of the operations of the SpinCo Business shall participate in transition planning meetings (in-person or virtually) on a regular basis as reasonably agreed between the Company and Gold, to discuss the overall status and plans for the separation of the SpinCo Business from the Company Business and the transition of the SpinCo Business to Gold, including the status of, and any delays known or reasonably expected, or any other legal or operational issues, in relation to implementation and completion of the Final Separation Plan (as defined below), and such other matters as may be reasonably agreed between Gold and the Company.
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(b) Base Level Separation Plan. In furtherance and not in limitation of the provisions of Section 7.3(a), as promptly as practicable (and in any event within forty-five (45) days following the date hereof), the Company shall prepare and deliver to Gold a written separation plan, in form and substance customary in the circumstances (the "Base Level Separation Plan"), setting forth in reasonable detail the actions to be taken by the Company Group and the SpinCo Group prior to the Distribution Date to effect the separation of the SpinCo Business and SpinCo Assets from the Company Business and Company Assets, including separation of the Spinco Information Technology from the Company Group's Information Technology and migration thereof to standalone SpinCo Group systems, and replication or substantially equivalent replacement of Information Technology for the SpinCo Business that is shared with the Company Business and is not SpinCo Information Technology, to enable the SpinCo Business to operate without material reliance on the Company Group as of the Distribution Date in substantially the same manner as currently operated, except solely with respect to the services expressly designated in the Transition Services Agreement ("Day-One Base Level Readiness"). The Base Level Separation Plan shall address, but not be limited to, detailed plans for data migration, system testing and validation, and a cutover and rollback plan, with respect to all material Information Technology and data used in the SpinCo Business. The Company shall prepare the Base Level Separation Plan in consultation with Gold, provided, that such consultation does not impede the Company's ability to prepare, or delay the Company's delivery of, the Base Level Separation Plan.
(c) Final Separation Plan. As promptly as practicable following delivery to Gold of the Base Level Separation Plan, the Parties shall cooperate in good faith to review and revise the Base Level Separation Plan to include additional details regarding the actions to be taken thereunder regarding the separation of the SpinCo Business and SpinCo Assets from the Company Business and Company Assets, including the separation of Spinco Information Technology and migration thereof to standalone SpinCo Group systems, and replication or substantially equivalent replacements of Information Technology for the SpinCo Business that is shared with the Company Business and is not SpinCo Information Technology, in order to achieve Day-One Base Level Readiness. The Company shall consider in good faith any changes to the Base Level Separation Plan requested by Gold and shall not unreasonably withhold, condition, or delay its approval of any such requested change; provided, that the Company shall not be obligated to approve any such requested changes that are reasonably likely to impede or delay the Company's ability to prepare and implement the Base Level Separation Plan. The Base Level Separation Plan including any such additional details mutually agreed by the Company and Gold shall be referred to as the "Final Separation Plan". During the review of the Base Level Separation Plan, Gold may request that the Company take additional actions not described in the Base Level Separation Plan to address specific customizations or unique requirements of Gold's operating model, processes or infrastructure that are not necessary to achieve Day-One Base Level Readiness and the Company shall not unreasonably withhold, condition or delay its approval of any such additional actions (such additional actions that the Company agrees to take, the "Additional Readiness Requirements"). The Additional Readiness Requirements shall be incorporated into the Final Separation Plan. Each Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to implement the tasks contemplated to be taken by it in the Final Separation Plan in all material respects and in accordance with any time periods set forth therein. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in any of the Transaction Documents, the completion of the actions contemplated by the Base Level Separation Plan, the Final Separation Plan and any Additional Readiness Requirements shall not be considered a condition to the Closing of the Distribution or the Merger; provided, however, that
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if such activities are not completed by the Distribution Date, the Company will make available for the use of the applicable Information Technology or other shared asset or resource as a service to SpinCo and its Subsidiaries pursuant to the terms of the Transition Services Agreement (or implement such other substitute arrangement as may be agreed between the Parties with respect to such resource or asset), and the schedules to the Transition Services Agreement shall be accordingly amended and supplemented by the Parties to reflect this arrangement.
(d) Separation Planning Fees and Expenses. Each Party shall be responsible for its own out-of-pocket fees and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation, review and approval of the Base Level Separation Plan and the Final Separation Plan. With the exception of the Additional Requirements Costs, the Company shall pay eighty (80%) and Gold shall pay twenty percent (20%) of the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket fees and expenses (including consent, transfer and license fees and other expenses incurred to assign or replace Shared Contracts under which the SpinCo Business receives or uses Information Technology (directly or through the Company Group)) incurred in connection with implementation of the Final Separation Plan (including, for the avoidance of doubt, out-of-pocket fees and expenses incurred in connection with third party project management or implementation management (PMO or IMO) services rendered to the Company or SpinCo in connection with the implementation of the Systems Separation and Data Migration under the Final Separation Plan) ("Separation Costs"); provided, that the portion of Separation Costs to be borne by Gold shall not exceed one million dollars ($1,000,000) and the Company shall be responsible for any Separation Costs in excess of such amount. For the avoidance of doubt, "Separation Costs" shall not include internal costs and expenses incurred by the Company Group in connection with the implementation of the Final Separation Plan, except as set forth below with respect to the Additional Requirements Costs. Gold shall pay and be responsible for one hundred percent (100%) of any reasonable and documented incremental out-of-pocket fees and expenses, in each case, to the extent incurred in connection with the implementation of the Additional Readiness Requirements (the "Additional Requirements Costs"). The Company Group shall maintain reasonably detailed books and records reflecting the Separation Costs and the Additional Requirements Costs. The Company shall provide Gold and SpinCo with a detailed, itemized report at the end of each month summarizing all Separation Costs incurred or committed to be incurred in such month and the aggregate amount of Separation Costs incurred to date. The Parties shall work together in good faith in connection and use commercially reasonable efforts to reduce, mitigate and manage the amount of Separation Costs and the Additional Requirements Costs.
7.4 Ancillary Agreements.
(a) Each of the Company, SpinCo and Gold agrees that it will use its reasonable best efforts to cooperate in good faith to finalize the Trademark Matters Agreement and Exhibit A to the Transition Services Agreement so that such agreements shall be executed on the Closing Date, taking into consideration the nature and circumstances of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and any key terms or principles set forth on Schedule 7.4(a). In connection with the foregoing, between the date hereof and the Closing Date, the Company, SpinCo and Gold will cooperate reasonably and in good faith to finalize the scope and other terms of the Trademark Matters Agreement and Exhibit A to the Transition Services Agreement, which such cooperation shall include, to the extent reasonably requested by SpinCo or Gold, access to data and information reasonably available to the Company related to the applicable services and making appropriate,
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knowledgeable personnel of the Company, its Affiliates or SpinCo reasonably available to participate in meetings and other discussions relating to the foregoing. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties agree that, if the Company, SpinCo and Gold do not agree to Exhibit A of the Transition Services Agreement prior to the Closing, the terms and conditions set forth on Schedule 7.4(a) shall be effective as of the Closing as if it were part of the Transition Services Agreement, and shall be legally binding upon the Company, SpinCo and Gold, and the Parties shall continue to negotiate in good faith and finalize the Transition Services Agreement and Trademark Matters Agreement as soon as reasonably practicable after the Closing.
ARTICLE VIII
TERMINATION
8.1 Termination. Prior to the Distribution, this Agreement shall terminate immediately upon termination of the Merger Agreement. After the Distribution, this Agreement may not be terminated except by an agreement in writing signed by a duly authorized officer of each of the Company, SpinCo and Gold.
8.2 Effect of Termination. In the event of any termination of this Agreement prior to the Distribution Time, no Party (nor any of its directors, officers or employees) shall have any Liability or further obligation to the other Party by reason of this Agreement; provided, that the Parties' obligations regarding the payment of costs and expenses in Section 2.4(k) and Section 7.3(d) shall survive termination of the Agreement.
ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
9.1 Counterparts; Entire Agreement; Corporate Power.
(a) This Agreement and each Transaction Document may be executed in one (1) or more counterparts, all of which shall be considered one and the same agreement, and shall become effective when one (1) or more counterparts have been signed by each of the Parties and delivered to the other Party.
(b) This Agreement, the other Transaction Documents and the Exhibits, Schedules and appendices hereto and thereto contain the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof, supersede all previous agreements, negotiations, discussions, writings, understandings, commitments and conversations with respect to such subject matter, and there are no agreements or understandings between the Parties other than those set forth or referred to herein or therein. This Agreement and the other Transaction Documents together govern the arrangements in connection with the Reorganization and the Distribution and would not have been entered into independently. Notwithstanding any oral agreement or course of conduct of the Parties or their Representatives to the contrary, no Party to this Agreement shall be under any legal obligation to enter into or complete the Distribution or the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement unless and until this Agreement shall have been executed and delivered by each of the Parties.
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(c) The Company represents on behalf of itself and each other member of the Company Group, Gold represents on behalf of itself and its Subsidiaries, and SpinCo represents on behalf of itself and each other member of the SpinCo Group, as follows:
(i) each such Person has the requisite corporate or other power and authority and has taken all corporate or other action necessary in order to execute, deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement and each other Transaction Document to which it is a party and to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby; and
(ii) this Agreement and each other Transaction Document to which it is a party has been duly executed and delivered by it and constitutes a valid and binding agreement of it enforceable in accordance with the terms thereof.
(d) Each Party acknowledges that it and each other Party is executing this Agreement and certain of the Transaction Documents by facsimile, stamp, electronic or mechanical signature, and that delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document (whether executed by manual, stamp, electronic or mechanical signature) by facsimile or by electronic mail in portable document format (PDF) shall be effective as delivery of such executed counterpart of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document. Each Party expressly adopts and confirms each such facsimile, stamp, electronic or mechanical signature (regardless of whether delivered in person, by mail, by courier, by facsimile or by electronic mail in portable document format (PDF)) made in its respective name as if it were a manual signature delivered in person, agrees that it will not assert that any such signature or delivery is not adequate to bind such Party to the same extent as if it were signed manually and delivered in person and agrees that, at the reasonable request of the other Party at any time, it will as promptly as reasonably practicable cause each such Transaction Document to be manually executed (any such execution to be as of the date of the initial date thereof) and delivered in person, by mail or by courier.
9.2 Survival of Covenants. Except as expressly set forth in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, the covenants and other agreements contained in this Agreement and each other Transaction Document, and liability for the breach of any covenants and other agreements contained herein or therein, shall survive each of the Reorganization, the Distribution and the Merger, and shall remain in full force and effect.
9.3 Governing Law; Submission to Jurisdiction; Waiver of Jury Trial.
(a) This Agreement and, unless expressly provided therein, each other Transaction Document (and any claims or disputes arising out of or related hereto or thereto or to the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby or to the inducement of any party to enter herein and therein, whether for breach of contract, tortious conduct or otherwise and whether predicated on common law, statute or otherwise) shall be governed by and construed and interpreted in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware irrespective of the choice of laws principles of the State of Delaware including all matters of validity, construction, effect, enforceability, performance and remedies.
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(b) Each Party hereto irrevocably agrees that any litigation relating to any Dispute with respect to this Agreement and the rights and obligations arising hereunder, or for recognition and enforcement of any judgment in respect of this Agreement and the rights and obligations arising hereunder brought by the other Party hereto or its successors or assigns, shall be brought and determined exclusively in the Delaware Court of Chancery and any state appellate court therefrom within the State of Delaware (or, solely in the case that the Delaware Court of Chancery declines to accept jurisdiction over a particular matter, any state or federal court within the State of Delaware) (the "Chosen Courts"). Each of the Parties hereto hereby irrevocably submits with regard to any such Dispute for itself and in respect of its property, generally and unconditionally, to the personal jurisdiction of the Chosen Courts and agrees that it will not bring any action relating to this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement in any court other than the Chosen Courts. Each of the Parties hereto hereby irrevocably waives, and agrees not to assert, by way of motion, as a defense, counterclaim or otherwise, in any Dispute with respect to this Agreement, (i) any claim that it is not personally subject to the jurisdiction of the Chosen Courts, (ii) any claim that it or its property is exempt or immune from jurisdiction of any such court or from any legal process commenced in such courts (whether through service of notice, attachment prior to judgment, attachment in aid of execution of judgment, execution of judgment or otherwise) and (iii) to the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, any claim that (A) the Dispute in such court is brought in an inconvenient forum, (B) the venue of such Dispute is improper or (C) this Agreement, or the subject matter hereof, may not be enforced in or by such courts. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable Law, each Party hereto hereby consents to the service of process in accordance with Section 9.6; provided, that (I) nothing herein shall affect the right of any Party to serve legal process in any other manner permitted by Law and (II) each such Party's consent to jurisdiction and service contained in this Section 9.3(b) is solely for the purpose referred to in this Section 9.3(b) and shall not be deemed to be a general submission to said courts or in the State of Delaware other than for such purpose.
(c) EACH PARTY HERETO IRREVOCABLY WAIVES ANY AND ALL RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY DISPUTE ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THIS AGREEMENT OR THE TRANSACTIONS CONTEMPLATED HEREBY.
9.4 Assignability. Except as set forth in this Agreement or any other Transaction Document, this Agreement and each other Transaction Document shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and the parties thereto, respectively, and their respective successors and permitted assigns; provided, however, that neither Party nor any such party thereto may assign its rights or delegate its obligations under this Agreement or any other Transaction Document without the express prior written consent of the other Party hereto or other parties thereto, as applicable.
9.5 Third-Party Beneficiaries. Except for the indemnification rights under this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents of any Company Indemnitee or SpinCo Indemnitee in their respective capacities as such, and except as otherwise set forth in the Merger Agreement, (a) the provisions of this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents are solely for the benefit of the Parties and are not intended to confer upon any Person except the Parties any rights or remedies hereunder and (b) there are no third-party beneficiaries of this Agreement or any Transaction Document and none of this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents shall provide any Third Party with any remedy, claim, Liability, reimbursement, claim of action or other right in excess of those existing without reference to this Agreement or any Transaction Document, as applicable.
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9.6 Notices. All notices, requests, claims, demands or other communications under, this Agreement and, to the extent applicable and unless otherwise provided therein, under this Agreement and each of the Transaction Documents, shall be in writing and shall be given or made (and except as provided herein, shall be deemed to have been duly given or made upon receipt) by delivery in person, by overnight courier service, by certified mail, return receipt requested, by electronic mail upon transmission (provided no "bounceback" or notice of nondelivery is received), to the respective Parties at the following addresses (or at such other address for a Party as shall be specified in a notice given in accordance with this Section 9.6):
If to the Company or, prior to the Distribution Date, to SpinCo, to:
|
Modine Manufacturing Company 1500 De Koven Ave |
|
Racine, Wisconsin 53403 |
|
Attention: General Counsel |
|
E-mail: [redacted] |
|
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to: |
|
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP 200 Park Avenue |
|
New York, NY 10166 |
|
Telephone: [redacted] |
|
Attention: Andrew Kaplan |
|
E-mail: [redacted]; |
If to Gold or, following the Distribution Date, to SpinCo, then to:
|
Gentherm Incorporated |
|
28875 Cabot Drive |
|
Novi, MI 48377 |
|
Attention: Wayne Kauffman; Jon Douyard |
|
Email: [redacted]; [redacted] |
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
|
Latham & Watkins LLP |
|
330 N Wabash Ave, Suite 2800 |
|
Chicago, IL 60611 |
|
Attention: Bradley C. Faris; Jason Morelli |
|
E-mail: [redacted]; [redacted] |
and
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|
Honigman LLP |
|
2290 First National Building |
|
660 Woodward Avenue |
|
Detroit, MI 48226 |
|
Attention: Michael S. Ben; Matt VanWasshnova |
|
Email: [redacted]; [redacted] |
A Party may, by notice to the other Party, change the address to which such notices are to be given or made.
9.7 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or the application thereof to any Person or circumstance is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions hereof or thereof, or the application of such provision to Persons or circumstances or in jurisdictions other than those as to which it has been held invalid or unenforceable, shall remain in full force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated thereby. Upon such determination, the Parties shall negotiate in good faith in an effort to agree upon such a suitable and equitable provision to effect the original intent of the Parties.
9.8 No Set-Off. Except as expressly set forth in any Transaction Document or as otherwise mutually agreed to in writing by the Parties, neither Party nor any member of such Party's group shall have any right of set-off or other similar rights with respect to (a) any amounts received pursuant to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document or (b) any other amounts claimed to be owed to the other Party or any member of its Group arising out of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document.
9.9 Headings. The article, section and paragraph headings contained in this Agreement and in the Transaction Documents are for reference purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document.
9.10 Waivers of Default. Waiver by a Party of any default by the other Party of any provision of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document shall not be deemed a waiver by the waiving Party of any subsequent or other default, nor shall it prejudice the rights of the other Party. No failure or delay by a Party in exercising any right, power or privilege under this Agreement or any Transaction Document shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall a single or partial exercise thereof prejudice any other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, power or privilege. No waiver by any Party of any provision of this Agreement shall be effective unless explicitly set forth in writing and executed by the Party so waiving; provided, that, prior to the Effective Time, unless the Merger Agreement shall have been terminated in accordance with its terms, any waiver by SpinCo that is adverse in any material respect to Gold shall require the prior written consent of Gold.
9.11 Specific Performance. In the event of any actual or threatened default in, or breach of, any of the terms, conditions and provisions of any Transaction Document (except as otherwise provided therein), the Party or Parties who are, or are to be, thereby aggrieved shall have the right to specific performance and injunctive or other equitable relief in respect of its or their rights under
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such Transaction Documents, in addition to any and all other rights and remedies at law or in equity, and all such rights and remedies shall be cumulative. The Parties agree that the remedies at law for any breach or threatened breach, including monetary damages, are inadequate compensation for any loss and that any defense in any action for specific performance that a remedy at law would be adequate is waived. Any requirements for the securing or posting of any bond with such remedy are waived by each of the Parties. Nothing in this section is intended to limit or waive the aggrieved party's ability to pursue any other remedy to which it is entitled.
9.12 Amendments. No provisions of this Agreement or any other Transaction Document (except as otherwise provided therein) shall be deemed waived, amended, supplemented or modified by a Party, unless such waiver, amendment, supplement or modification is in writing and signed by each of the parties hereto and thereto.
9.13 Interpretation. In any Transaction Document, unless the context of the applicable Transaction Document otherwise requires: (a) words in the singular shall be deemed to include the plural and vice versa and words of one gender shall be deemed to include the other genders as the context requires; (b) the terms "hereof," "herein," and "herewith" and words of similar import shall, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to the applicable Transaction Document as a whole (including all of the Schedules, Exhibits and Appendices hereto and thereto) and not to any particular provision of any Transaction Document; (c) Article, Annex, Section, Schedule, Exhibit and Appendix references are to the Articles, Annexes, Sections, Schedules, Exhibits and Appendices to the applicable Transaction Document unless otherwise specified; (d) unless otherwise stated, all references to any agreement (including each Transaction Document) shall be deemed to include the exhibits, schedules and annexes (including all Schedules, Exhibits and Appendices) to such agreement; (e) the word "including" and words of similar import when used in the applicable Transaction Document shall mean "including, without limitation," unless otherwise specified; (f) the word "or" shall be disjunctive but is not exclusive; (g) the word "extent" in the phrase "to the extent" shall mean the degree to which a subject or other thing extends, and such phrase shall not mean simply "if;" (h) references to "ordinary course of business" refers to the ordinary course of business of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole and consistent with past practice (i) unless otherwise specified in a particular case, the word "days" refers to calendar days; provided, that if any action is to be taken or given on or by a particular calendar day, and such calendar day is not a Business Day, then such action may be deferred until the next Business Day; (j) when calculating the period of time before which or following which any act is to be done or step taken pursuant to this Agreement, the date that is the reference date in calculating such period shall be excluded and if the last day of such period is not a business day, the period shall end on the next succeeding business day; (k) references herein to this Agreement or any other agreement contemplated herein shall be deemed to refer to this Agreement or such other agreement as of the date on which it is executed and as it may be amended, modified or supplemented thereafter, unless otherwise specified; (l) unless expressly stated to the contrary in any Transaction Document, all references to "the date hereof," "the date of this Agreement," "hereby" and "hereupon" and words of similar import shall all be references to January 29, 2026; (m) references to "paragraphs" or "clauses" shall be to separate paragraphs or clauses of the Section or subsection in which the reference occurs; (n) derivative forms of defined terms will have correlative meanings; (o) any Law defined or referred to in this Agreement or in any agreement or instrument that is referred to herein means such Law as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented, including (in the case of statutes) by succession of comparable
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successor Laws and the related regulations thereunder and published interpretations thereof; (p) references to any federal, state, local or foreign statute or Law shall include all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder; (q) references to any Person include references to such Person's successors and permitted assigns, and in the case of any Governmental Authority, to any Person succeeding to its functions and capacities; (r) the terms "writing," "written" and comparable terms refer to printing, typing and other means of reproducing words (including electronic media) in a visible form; (s) all monetary figures shall be in United States dollars unless otherwise specified; and (t) all accounting terms used herein and not expressly defined herein shall have the meanings given to them under GAAP, unless the context otherwise requires.
9.14 Negotiation. Following the Closing, any Party seeking resolution of any dispute, controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this Agreement or any other Transaction Document (including regarding whether any Assets are SpinCo Assets or Company Assets, any Liabilities are SpinCo Liabilities or Company Liabilities) or the validity, interpretation, breach or termination of this Agreement or any Transaction Document (a "Dispute"), shall provide written notice thereof to the General Counsel of the Company or Gold, as applicable, with a copy provided to the Chief Financial Officer of the Company or Gold, as applicable (the "Negotiation Request"). As soon as reasonably practicable following receipt of a Negotiation Request, an appropriate executive or other representative at a senior level of management of each of the Company and Gold (or, if the Parties, agree, of the appropriate strategic business unit or division within such entity) identified by the Chief Financial Officers of each of the Company and Gold, as applicable, shall begin conducting good faith negotiations with respect to such Dispute. All such negotiations shall be confidential and shall be treated as compromise and settlement negotiations for purposes of applicable rules of evidence. If the Company and Gold are unable for any reason to resolve a Dispute through such negotiations within thirty (30) days of receipt of a Negotiation Request, and such thirty (30)-day period is not extended by mutual written consent of the Company and Gold, the Dispute may be submitted to the applicable courts in accordance with Section 9.3.
9.15 Limitation on Liability. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, no Party or any member of its respective Group shall be liable under this Agreement to any other Party for any punitive, exemplary, speculative or similar damages in excess of compensatory damages of the other arising in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby, whether or not advised of the possibility of such damages and whether or not such damages are reasonably foreseeable (other than any such Liability (a) with respect to a Third-Party Claim with respect to which such losses are found by a court of competent jurisdiction to be owed to an unaffiliated third party or (b) arising under or otherwise governed by any other Transaction Agreement, including the Transition Services Agreement or the Technical Services Agreement, in each case, to the extent expressly set forth therein).
9.16 Performance. The Company will cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth in this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to be performed by any member of the Company Group. SpinCo will cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth in this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to be performed by any member of the SpinCo Group. Gold will cause to be performed, and hereby guarantees the performance of, all actions, agreements and obligations set forth in this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents to be performed by Gold or any Subsidiary of Gold (including, from and
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after the Distribution Time of the Merger, the members of the SpinCo Group). Each Party (including its permitted successors and assigns) further agrees that it will (a) give timely notice of the terms, conditions and continuing obligations contained in this Section 9.16 to all of the other members of its Group and (b) cause all of the other members of its Group not to take any action inconsistent with such Party's obligations under this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.
9.17 Mutual Drafting; Precedence.
(a) Each of the Company, SpinCo and Gold acknowledges that each Party to this Agreement has been represented by legal counsel in connection with this Agreement and that this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents shall be deemed to be the joint work product of the Parties and any rule of construction that a document shall be interpreted or construed against a drafter of such document shall not be applicable.
(b) In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between, on the one hand, the terms of this Agreement and, on the other hand, the terms of the Merger Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents (other than the Transfer Documents) (each, a "Specified Agreement"), the terms of the applicable Specified Agreement shall control with respect to the subject matter specifically addressed by such Specified Agreement to the extent of such conflict or inconsistency. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the terms of the Merger Agreement and any other Specified Agreement, the terms of the Merger Agreement shall control with respect to the subject matter specifically addressed by such Merger Agreement to the extent of such conflict or inconsistency. In the event of any conflict or inconsistency between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of the Transfer Documents, the terms of this Agreement shall control to the extent of such conflict or inconsistency.
[Remainder of page intentionally left blank]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Separation Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives as of the date first written above.
| MODINE MANUFACTURING COMPANY | ||
| By: |
/s/ Erin Roth |
|
| Name: Erin Roth | ||
| Title: Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer | ||
| PLATINUM SPINCO INC. | ||
| By: |
/s/ Michael Rathburn |
|
| Name: Michael Rathburn | ||
| Title: Vice President | ||
[Signature Page to Separation Agreement]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Separation Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized representatives as of the date first written above.
| GENTHERM INCORPORATED | ||
| By: |
/s/ William Presley |
|
| Name: William Presley | ||
| Title: President and Chief Executive Officer | ||
[Signature Page to Separation Agreement]
Exhibit 2.2
Execution Version
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
dated as of January 29, 2026
by and among
MODINE MANUFACTURING COMPANY,
PLATINUM SPINCO INC.,
GENTHERM INCORPORATED
and
PLATINUM GOLD MERGER SUB INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | ||||||
|
ARTICLE I DEFINITIONS |
2 | |||||
|
Section 1.1 |
Definitions | 2 | ||||
|
Section 1.2 |
Cross References | 20 | ||||
|
Section 1.3 |
Interpretation | 22 | ||||
|
ARTICLE II THE MERGER |
24 | |||||
|
Section 2.1 |
The Merger | 24 | ||||
|
Section 2.2 |
Closing | 25 | ||||
|
Section 2.3 |
Effective Time | 25 | ||||
|
Section 2.4 |
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation; Directors and Officers of the Surviving Corporation | 25 | ||||
|
Section 2.5 |
Governance Matters | 25 | ||||
|
ARTICLE III CONVERSION OF SHARES |
26 | |||||
|
Section 3.1 |
Effect on Capital Stock; Gold Special Dividend | 26 | ||||
|
Section 3.2 |
Surrender and Payment | 30 | ||||
|
Section 3.3 |
Appraisal Rights | 32 | ||||
|
ARTICLE IV REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF MERCURY RELATING TO MERCURY |
32 | |||||
|
Section 4.1 |
Organization of Mercury | 32 | ||||
|
Section 4.2 |
Due Authorization | 33 | ||||
|
Section 4.3 |
Consents and Approvals; No Violations | 33 | ||||
|
Section 4.4 |
Litigation | 34 | ||||
|
Section 4.5 |
Brokers | 34 | ||||
|
Section 4.6 |
Mercury Reports and Financial Statements | 34 | ||||
|
ARTICLE V REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF MERCURY RELATING TO SPINCO |
35 | |||||
|
Section 5.1 |
Organization of the SpinCo Group | 35 | ||||
|
Section 5.2 |
Due Authorization | 36 | ||||
|
Section 5.3 |
Capitalization of the Members of the SpinCo Group | 36 | ||||
|
Section 5.4 |
Consents and Approvals; No Violations | 37 | ||||
|
Section 5.5 |
Financial Statements; Undisclosed Liabilities | 38 | ||||
|
Section 5.6 |
Absence of Certain Changes or Events | 39 | ||||
|
Section 5.7 |
Sufficiency of the SpinCo Assets | 39 | ||||
|
Section 5.8 |
Litigation | 40 | ||||
|
Section 5.9 |
Real Property | 41 | ||||
|
Section 5.10 |
Tax Matters | 42 | ||||
i
|
Section 5.11 |
Material Contracts | 43 | ||||
|
Section 5.12 |
Labor Relations | 45 | ||||
|
Section 5.13 |
Compliance with Law; Permits | 46 | ||||
|
Section 5.14 |
Regulatory Matters | 48 | ||||
|
Section 5.15 |
SpinCo Benefit Plans | 48 | ||||
|
Section 5.16 |
Intellectual Property | 51 | ||||
|
Section 5.17 |
Environmental Matters | 54 | ||||
|
Section 5.18 |
Insurance | 54 | ||||
|
Section 5.19 |
Affiliate Matters | 55 | ||||
|
Section 5.20 |
Proxy Statement; Registration Statements | 55 | ||||
|
Section 5.21 |
Board and Stockholder Approval | 55 | ||||
|
Section 5.22 |
Gold Common Stock | 56 | ||||
|
Section 5.23 |
SpinCo Financing | 56 | ||||
|
Section 5.24 |
No Other Representations and Warranties | 56 | ||||
|
ARTICLE VI REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF GOLD AND MERGER SUB |
57 | |||||
|
Section 6.1 |
Organization | 57 | ||||
|
Section 6.2 |
Due Authorization | 58 | ||||
|
Section 6.3 |
Capital Stock and Other Matters | 58 | ||||
|
Section 6.4 |
Capitalization of Subsidiaries | 59 | ||||
|
Section 6.5 |
Subsidiaries | 59 | ||||
|
Section 6.6 |
Consents and Approvals; No Violations | 60 | ||||
|
Section 6.7 |
Gold Reports and Financial Statements | 60 | ||||
|
Section 6.8 |
No Undisclosed Liabilities | 61 | ||||
|
Section 6.9 |
Litigation | 62 | ||||
|
Section 6.10 |
Real Property | 62 | ||||
|
Section 6.11 |
Tax Matters | 63 | ||||
|
Section 6.12 |
Absence of Certain Changes or Events | 65 | ||||
|
Section 6.13 |
Material Contracts | 65 | ||||
|
Section 6.14 |
Labor Relations | 67 | ||||
|
Section 6.15 |
Compliance with Law; Permits | 68 | ||||
|
Section 6.16 |
Regulatory Matters | 69 | ||||
|
Section 6.17 |
Gold Benefit Plans | 69 | ||||
|
Section 6.18 |
Intellectual Property | 72 | ||||
|
Section 6.19 |
Environmental Matters | 74 | ||||
|
Section 6.20 |
Insurance | 75 | ||||
|
Section 6.21 |
Affiliate Matters | 75 | ||||
|
Section 6.22 |
Brokers | 75 | ||||
|
Section 6.23 |
Proxy Statement; Registration Statements | 75 | ||||
|
Section 6.24 |
Opinion of Gold Financial Advisor | 76 | ||||
|
Section 6.25 |
Certain Board Findings | 76 | ||||
|
Section 6.26 |
Shareholder Approval Required | 76 | ||||
|
Section 6.27 |
SpinCo Common Stock | 76 | ||||
|
Section 6.28 |
Gold Financing | 76 | ||||
|
Section 6.29 |
No Rights Plan; No Antitakeover Law | 77 | ||||
ii
|
Section 6.30 |
No Other Representations and Warranties | 77 | ||||
|
ARTICLE VII COVENANTS |
78 | |||||
|
Section 7.1 |
Conduct of Business | 78 | ||||
|
Section 7.2 |
Tax Matters | 87 | ||||
|
Section 7.3 |
Preparation of the Registration Statements and Prospectus; Gold Shareholders Meeting | 92 | ||||
|
Section 7.4 |
Reasonable Best Efforts | 95 | ||||
|
Section 7.5 |
SpinCo Financing; Mercury Credit Agreement | 98 | ||||
|
Section 7.6 |
Gold Financing | 105 | ||||
|
Section 7.7 |
Access to Information | 109 | ||||
|
Section 7.8 |
D&O Indemnification and Insurance. | 110 | ||||
|
Section 7.9 |
No Solicitation | 111 | ||||
|
Section 7.10 |
Exclusivity | 115 | ||||
|
Section 7.11 |
Public Announcements | 115 | ||||
|
Section 7.12 |
Employee Non-Solicitation; Non-Competition | 116 | ||||
|
Section 7.13 |
Defense of Litigation | 117 | ||||
|
Section 7.14 |
Section 16 Matters | 118 | ||||
|
Section 7.15 |
Control of Other Party's Business | 118 | ||||
|
Section 7.16 |
SpinCo Share Issuance | 118 | ||||
|
Section 7.17 |
Transaction Documents | 118 | ||||
|
Section 7.18 |
Stock Exchange Listing | 118 | ||||
|
Section 7.19 |
Takeover Statutes | 119 | ||||
|
Section 7.20 |
Works Council Matters | 119 | ||||
|
Section 7.21 |
Further Assurances | 119 | ||||
|
Section 7.22 |
Sole Stockholder Approvals | 119 | ||||
|
Section 7.23 |
Obligations of Merger Sub | 119 | ||||
|
Section 7.24 |
Financial Statements | 120 | ||||
|
Section 7.25 |
Notices of Certain Events | 121 | ||||
|
ARTICLE VIII CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER |
122 | |||||
|
Section 8.1 |
Conditions to the Obligations of SpinCo, Mercury, Gold and Merger Sub to Effect the Merger | 122 | ||||
|
Section 8.2 |
Additional Conditions to the Obligations of Mercury and SpinCo | 122 | ||||
|
Section 8.3 |
Additional Conditions to the Obligations of Gold and Merger Sub | 123 | ||||
|
ARTICLE IX TERMINATION |
124 | |||||
|
Section 9.1 |
Termination | 124 | ||||
|
Section 9.2 |
Effect of Termination | 125 | ||||
|
Section 9.3 |
Termination Fee; Other Fees and Expenses | 126 | ||||
|
ARTICLE X MISCELLANEOUS |
127 | |||||
|
Section 10.1 |
Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements | 127 | ||||
|
Section 10.2 |
Governing Law; Jurisdiction | 127 | ||||
iii
|
Section 10.3 |
Notices | 128 | ||||
|
Section 10.4 |
Headings | 129 | ||||
|
Section 10.5 |
Entire Agreement | 129 | ||||
|
Section 10.6 |
Amendments and Waivers | 129 | ||||
|
Section 10.7 |
Assignment; Parties in Interest; Non-Parties | 130 | ||||
|
Section 10.8 |
Specific Performance | 130 | ||||
|
Section 10.9 |
WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL | 131 | ||||
|
Section 10.10 |
Severability | 131 | ||||
|
Section 10.11 |
Counterparts | 132 | ||||
|
Section 10.12 |
Certain Financing Provisions | 132 |
SCHEDULES AND EXHIBITS
| Exhibit A | Separation Agreement | |
| Exhibit B | Form of Tax Matters Agreement | |
| Exhibit C | Form of Employee Matters Agreement | |
| Exhibit D | Form of Transition Services Agreement | |
| Exhibit E | Form of Intellectual Property Matters Agreement | |
| Exhibit F | Form of Gold Charter Amendment | |
| Exhibit G | Form of Lease Agreement | |
| Schedule A | Overlap Counting Principles |
iv
AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER
This AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, dated as of January 29, 2026, is entered into by and among Modine Manufacturing Company, a Wisconsin corporation ("Mercury"), Platinum SpinCo Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly owned Subsidiary of Mercury ("SpinCo"), Gentherm Incorporated, a Michigan corporation ("Gold"), and Platinum Gold Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned Subsidiary of Gold ("Merger Sub"). Each of the foregoing parties is referred to herein as a "Party" and collectively as the "Parties."
RECITALS
WHEREAS, Mercury, acting through itself and its direct and indirect Subsidiaries, currently conducts the Mercury Business and the SpinCo Business;
WHEREAS, contemporaneously with the execution of this Agreement, Mercury, SpinCo and Gold are entering into the Separation Agreement, pursuant to which Mercury will, upon the terms and conditions set forth therein and in accordance with the Reorganization, separate the SpinCo Business such that, as of the Distribution, the SpinCo Business is held by the members of the SpinCo Group;
WHEREAS, to effect such separation, Mercury shall, and cause members of the Mercury Group to, contribute, convey, transfer, assign and deliver to SpinCo and members of the SpinCo Group, and SpinCo and members of the SpinCo Group shall accept and assume from Mercury and members of the Mercury Group, all of the right, title and interest of Mercury and the members of the Mercury Group in, to and under certain assets and liabilities relating to the SpinCo Business, in each case on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Separation Agreement;
WHEREAS, in connection with such separation and in partial consideration of the transfer to SpinCo of such assets, SpinCo will make the SpinCo Cash Distribution (as may be adjusted in accordance with this Agreement) to Mercury;
WHEREAS, after such separation and upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the Separation Agreement, Mercury will distribute all of the outstanding shares of the common stock, $0.001 par value, of SpinCo (the "SpinCo Common Stock") to Mercury's shareholders without consideration on a pro rata basis (the disposition by Mercury of 100% of the SpinCo Common Stock by way of such distribution is referred to as the "Distribution");
WHEREAS, following the Distribution, at the Effective Time, the Parties will effect the merger of Merger Sub with and into SpinCo (the "Merger"), with SpinCo continuing as the surviving corporation and becoming a wholly owned Subsidiary of Gold, all upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein;
WHEREAS, the board of directors of Gold (the "Gold Board") has unanimously (a) determined that the terms of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Gold Share Issuance, are fair to and in the best interests of Gold and its shareholders, (b) approved and declared advisable the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger and the Gold Share Issuance, on the terms and subject to the conditions set forth herein, (c) determined it
advisable for the Gold shareholders to approve an amendment to the certificate of incorporation of Gold, substantially in the form of Exhibit F (the "Gold Charter Amendment") to effect an increase to the number of authorized shares of Gold Common Stock, (d) resolved to recommend that the shareholders of Gold approve the Gold Share Issuance and the Gold Charter Amendment (the "Gold Board Recommendation"), and (e) directed that the Gold Share Issuance and the Gold Charter Amendment be submitted to a vote at a meeting of Gold's shareholders;
WHEREAS, the board of directors of Merger Sub has determined that the Merger and this Agreement are advisable and in the best interests of its sole stockholder and has approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger;
WHEREAS, the board of directors of Mercury (the "Mercury Board") has approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, subject to such further action by the Mercury Board required to establish the Record Date and the Distribution Date, and the effectiveness of the declaration of the Distribution by the Mercury Board (which shall be subject to the satisfaction or, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, waiver of the conditions set forth in the Separation Agreement);
WHEREAS, the board of directors of SpinCo (the "SpinCo Board") has determined that the Merger and this Agreement are advisable and in the best interests of its sole stockholder and has approved this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Merger; and
WHEREAS, it is the intention of the Parties that, for U.S. federal income Tax purposes: (a) the Contribution and the Distribution, taken together, qualify as a "reorganization" within the meanings of Sections 368(a)(1)(D) and 355(a) of the Code; (b) the Merger qualify as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code; and (c) this Agreement constitutes, and is hereby adopted as, a "plan of reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368 of the Code and Treasury Regulations Sections 1.368-2(g) and 1.368-3(a) for the Merger and for purposes of Sections 354, 361 and 368 of the Code.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants contained herein and other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Parties agree as follows:
ARTICLE I
DEFINITIONS
Section 1.1 Definitions. As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:
"Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement" shall mean a confidentiality agreement that contains confidentiality and use provisions that are not materially less restrictive to the other party than the terms in the Confidentiality Agreement are on Gold; provided, that such confidentiality agreement shall not include any provision calling for an exclusive right to negotiate with any Party to this Agreement or otherwise prohibiting Gold's compliance with its obligations under this Agreement.
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"Action" shall mean any action, claim, charges, complaint, examination, investigation, dispute, suit, countersuit, arbitration or other proceeding of any nature (whether criminal, civil, legislative, administrative, regulatory, prosecutorial or otherwise) by or before any federal, state, local, foreign or international Governmental Authority or any arbitration or mediation tribunal.
"Adverse Law Event" shall mean (a) the enactment of any Law, issuance of any judicial determination or proposal or promulgation of any administrative authority or pronouncement (including any interpretation of Law) which would materially adversely affect the Intended Tax Treatment, (b) the approval by either house of the U.S. Congress or the U.S. executive branch of any legislation which would if enacted and signed into Law, or would reasonably be expected to if enacted and signed into Law, materially adversely affect the Intended Tax Treatment or (c) the refusal by the IRS to issue any ruling requested in the IRS Ruling Request.
"Affiliate" shall mean, when used with respect to a specified Person (at any point of time or with respect to a period of time, as applicable), a Person that, directly or indirectly, through one or more intermediaries, controls, is controlled by or is under common control with such specified Person. For the purpose of this definition, "control" (including, with correlative meanings, "controlled by" and "under common control with"), when used with respect to any specified Person shall mean the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of such Person. Following the Effective Time, Affiliates of Gold shall include the members of the SpinCo Group.
"Agreement" shall mean this Agreement and Plan of Merger, including all Annexes, Exhibits and Schedules hereto, including the Gold Disclosure Letter and the SpinCo Disclosure Letter, in each case as may be amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms.
"Anti-Corruption Laws" shall mean all Laws relating to the prevention of corruption, money laundering and bribery, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 and the UK Bribery Act 2010.
"Antitrust Laws" shall mean the Sherman Antitrust Act, as amended, the Clayton Act, as amended, the Federal Trade Commission Act, as amended, the HSR Act and any other federal, state, foreign or supranational Law that is designed or intended to prohibit, restrict or regulate actions having the purpose or effect of monopolization or restraint of trade or lessening of competition through merger or acquisition.
"Audit Reimbursement Obligations" shall mean the reasonable and documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by Mercury, SpinCo or any of their respective Subsidiaries in connection with the preparation of the SpinCo Audited Financial Statements.
"Benefit Plan" shall mean each "employee benefit plan" (within the meaning of Section 3(3) of ERISA but regardless of whether such plan is subject to ERISA) and each benefit or compensation plan, program, policy, contract, agreement or arrangement, including each pension, post-employment or retirement, profit sharing, 401(k), severance, health and welfare, disability, deferred compensation, employment, consulting, termination, supplemental unemployment, change-in-control, retention, fringe benefit, stock purchase, cash bonus or equity or equity-based incentive plan, program, agreement, policy or other arrangement, in each case, excluding any plan, program or arrangement that is sponsored, maintained or administered by any Governmental Authority or any Multiemployer Plan.
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"Business Day" shall mean any day that is not a Saturday, a Sunday or other day on which banking institutions are authorized or obligated by Law to be closed in New York, New York.
"Code" shall mean the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
"Collective Bargaining Agreement" shall mean each written Contract with a labor union, labor organization, works council or other employee representative body.
"Company Awards" has the meaning set forth in the definition of "Company Awards" in the Employee Matters Agreement.
"Confidentiality Agreement" shall mean that certain Amended and Restated Mutual Confidentiality Agreement, by and between Gold and Mercury, dated as of November 17, 2025, as amended, restated or supplemented from time to time, including any addendum thereto.
"Consent" shall mean any consent, clearance, expiration or termination of a waiting period, approval, exemption, waiver, authorization, filing, registration or notification.
"Contract" shall mean any legally binding contract (whether written or oral), agreement, understanding, arrangement, subcontract, commitment, loan or credit agreement, note, bond, indenture, lease, warranty, accepted purchase order with outstanding performance obligations at the applicable time of determination, sublicense or license or other instrument, including all amendments, supplements or modifications thereto.
"Contribution" has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
"Controlled Group Liability" shall mean any and all Liabilities (a) under Title IV of ERISA, (b) under Section 302 of ERISA, (c) under Sections 412 and 4971 of the Code, and (d) as a result of a failure to comply with the continuing coverage requirements of Section 601 et seq. of ERISA and Section 4980B of the Code.
"Determination Time" means 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on the second (2nd) Business Day immediately prior to the date on which the Closing occurs.
"DGCL" shall mean the Delaware General Corporation Law.
"Distribution Date" has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
"Distribution Time" has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
"Employee Matters Agreement" shall mean an Employee Matters Agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit C, as such agreement may be amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms.
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"Environmental Law" has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
"Environmental Liabilities" has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
"ERISA" shall mean the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974.
"ERISA Affiliate" shall mean, with respect to any entity, trade or business (whether or not incorporated), any other entity, trade or business (whether or not incorporated) that is a member of a group described in Section 414(b), (c), (m) or (o) of the Code or Section 4001(b)(1) of ERISA that includes the first entity, trade or business, or that is a member of the same "controlled group" as the first entity, trade or business pursuant to Section 4001(a)(14) of ERISA.
"Exchange Act" shall mean the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
"Exchange Ratio" shall mean (subject to adjustment as contemplated by Section 3.1(a)(iv) and Section 3.1(c)), a number equal to (a) the Fully Diluted SpinCo Shares minus the SpinCo Make Whole Awards divided by (b) the number of outstanding shares of SpinCo Common Stock immediately following the Distribution.
"Ex-Im Laws" shall mean all Laws relating to export, reexport, transfer, and import controls, including the Export Administration Regulations, the customs and import Laws administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the EU Dual Use Regulation.
"Financing Reimbursement Obligations" shall mean the sum of (a) all documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by Mercury, SpinCo or any of their respective Subsidiaries in connection with the SpinCo Financing or any Permanent SpinCo Financing (including all commitment fees and other fees, obligations and expenses arising pursuant to the terms of the Commitment Letter or the SpinCo Financing Agreements or in connection with any Permanent SpinCo Financing, and the documented out-of-pocket fees, costs and expenses of counsel, accountants, consultants or other advisors (including financial or capital markets advisors)), (b) all documented out-of-pocket costs and expenses incurred by Mercury, SpinCo or any of their respective Subsidiaries in connection with the Gold Financing, and (c) all interest expense incurred and fees paid by Mercury, SpinCo or any of their respective Subsidiaries with respect to any SpinCo Financing (whether pursuant to the Commitment Letter, the SpinCo Financing Agreements or otherwise) or any Permanent SpinCo Financing with respect to any period, or on any date, at or prior to the earlier of the Closing or the termination of this Agreement; provided, that "Financing Reimbursement Obligations" shall not include costs and expenses incurred by Mercury, SpinCo or any of their respective Subsidiaries in connection with the actions contemplated by Section 7.5(k).
"Foreign Benefit Plan" shall mean any Benefit Plan that is primarily subject to the laws of a jurisdiction outside the United States.
"Foreign Investment Law" shall mean any federal, state, foreign, or supranational Law that is designed or intended to screen, prohibit, restrict or regulate investments on cultural, public order or safety, privacy, or national or economic security grounds.
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"Fraud" shall mean any actual and intentional misrepresentation of a material fact by a Party in making the representations and warranties set forth in Article IV, Article V or Article VI, as applicable, or in the certificate contemplated by Section 8.2(c) and Section 8.3(c), as applicable, that constitutes actual common law fraud under the Laws of the State of Delaware, but does not include fraud based on constructive knowledge, negligent misrepresentation, recklessness or a similar theory.
"Fully Diluted Gold Shares" shall mean the sum of (a) the number of shares of Gold Common Stock outstanding as of the Determination Time plus (b) the number of shares of Gold Common Stock underlying Gold Equity Awards as of the Determination Time (provided, that for purposes of this clause (b), shares of Gold Common Stock underlying Gold RSU Awards and Gold PSU Awards will be calculated using the treasury stock method and performance awards will be calculated assuming performance goals are satisfied based on target performance).
"Fully Diluted SpinCo Shares" shall mean a number of shares of Gold Common Stock equal to (a) the Fully Diluted Gold Shares, multiplied by (b) a fraction equal to (i) 40%, divided by (ii) 60%.
"GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting principles in the United States, consistently applied.
"Gold Affiliate Contract" shall mean any Contract, whether or not in writing, between any of Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and any present or former officer or director of Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries or "immediate family member" thereof (as defined in Rule 16a-1 under the Exchange Act), on the other hand.
"Gold Benefit Plan" shall mean each Benefit Plan (a) that is maintained, sponsored, contributed to or entered into, by Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries, or to which Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries is required to contribute or (b) under or with respect to which Gold or any of its Subsidiaries has any Liability.
"Gold Business" shall mean the businesses of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries, as conducted as of the date hereof.
"Gold Business Systems" shall mean the Information Technology and Software used or relied on by or for the operation of the Gold Business, including in each case any outsourced systems and processes.
"Gold Common Stock" shall mean the common stock, without par value, of Gold.
"Gold Credit Agreement" shall mean the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of June 10, 2022, by and among Gold, the other borrower parties from time to time party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto and Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
"Gold Datasite" shall mean the datasite established by Gold for purposes of due diligence of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries and their respective businesses (including any "clean room" or similar subset of a datasite or folders in which access is restricted to certain Representatives of Mercury) located at www.intralinks.com.
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"Gold Disclosure Letter" shall mean the Disclosure Letter delivered by Gold to Mercury and SpinCo on the date hereof and identified as such.
"Gold Distribution Tax Representations" shall mean the representations of an officer of Gold, dated as of the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Tax Counsel, delivered to Tax Counsel in connection with the Distribution Tax Opinion.
"Gold Equity Awards" shall mean, collectively, all Gold RSU Awards, Gold Restricted Stock Awards and Gold PSU Awards.
"Gold Equity Incentive Plan" shall mean the Gold 2013 Equity Incentive Plan and the Gold 2023 Equity Incentive Plan.
"Gold Intellectual Property" shall mean the Intellectual Property owned by Gold or any of its Subsidiaries.
"Gold Material Adverse Effect" shall mean any change, event, development, occurrence or effect that has, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition or results of operations of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries, taken as a whole; provided, however, that none of the following shall be deemed in themselves, either alone or in combination, to constitute, and none of the following shall be taken into account in determining whether there has been or would reasonably be expected to be a Gold Material Adverse Effect: (a) any change resulting from general market, economic, financial, capital markets or regulatory conditions, (b) any general change in the credit, debt, financial or capital markets or changes in interest or exchange rates, (c) any change in applicable Law or GAAP (or, in each case, authoritative interpretations thereof), (d) any change resulting from any hurricane, flood, tornado, earthquake or other natural disaster or weather-related event, or other force majeure event, any epidemic, pandemic or disease, or any worsening thereof, (e) any change resulting from local, national or international political conditions, including the outcome of any elections, the outbreak or escalation of any military conflict, declared or undeclared war, armed hostilities, cyberterrorism or other acts of foreign or domestic terrorism or civil unrest, (f) any change generally affecting the industries in which Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries operate, (g) any change resulting from the execution of this Agreement or the Separation Agreement or the announcement or the pendency of the Merger or the Separation, including, to the extent resulting therefrom, any actions of or loss of customers, suppliers, distributors, employees or other material business relationships (including any cancellation or delay in customer orders or any termination of or adverse change to any Contract effected or proposed by any customer, supplier, distributor or other counterparty) (provided, that this clause (g) shall not apply to any representation or warranty to the extent the purpose of such representation or warranty is to address, as applicable, the consequences resulting from the execution of this Agreement or the Separation Agreement or the announcement or the pendency of the Merger or the Separation), (h) any change in Gold's stock price or the trading volume of Gold's stock or any change in the credit rating of Gold (but not, in each case, the underlying cause of any such change, unless such underlying cause would otherwise be excepted by another clause of this definition), (i) any change resulting from any action required to be taken
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by the terms of this Agreement (other than pursuant to Section 7.1), (j) any change in or the imposition of any tariff, or any action relating to any trade dispute, or change in funding policies of or spending by any Governmental Authority, (k) any failure to meet internal or analysts' expectations, projections or results of operations (but not, in each case, the underlying cause of any such failure, unless such underlying cause would otherwise be excepted by another clause of this definition) or (l) any shareholder or derivative litigation arising from or relating to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby; provided, that, in the case of clauses (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (j), if any such change, event, development, condition, occurrence or effect disproportionately impacts Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries, taken as a whole, as compared to other participants in the industries in which Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries operate, the incremental disproportionate impact thereof may be taken into account in determining whether a Gold Material Adverse Effect has occurred or would reasonably be expected to occur.
"Gold Merger Tax Representations" shall mean the representations of an officer of Gold, dated as of the Closing Date, in substantially the form set forth in Section 7.2(c) of the Gold Disclosure Letter (with any modifications reasonably requested by Tax Counsel or Gold Tax Counsel), delivered to Tax Counsel and Gold Tax Counsel in connection with the Merger Tax Opinions.
"Gold Overlap Ownership Percentage" shall mean, with respect to any Overlap Shareholder, the fraction obtained by dividing (a) the number of shares of Gold Common Stock that will be owned directly or indirectly by such Overlap Shareholder immediately following the Effective Time (calculated pursuant to this Agreement and in accordance with the methodology set forth in Schedule A, but excluding any shares of Gold Common Stock issued pursuant to the Merger in exchange for shares of SpinCo Common Stock that do not constitute Qualified SpinCo Common Stock) by (b) the number of shares of Gold Common Stock that will be issued and outstanding immediately following the Effective Time (calculated pursuant to this Agreement).
"Gold PSU Award" shall mean a restricted stock unit award subject to performance-vesting conditions granted under a Gold Equity Incentive Plan.
"Gold Registration Statement" shall mean the registration statement on Form S-4 to be filed or confidentially submitted by Gold with the SEC to effect the registration under the Securities Act of the issuance of the shares of Gold Common Stock that will be issued to holders of SpinCo Common Stock pursuant to the Merger (as amended and supplemented from time to time).
"Gold Restricted Stock Award" shall mean a restricted stock award granted under a Gold Equity Incentive Plan.
"Gold RSU Award" shall mean a restricted stock unit award granted under a Gold Equity Incentive Plan that is not a Gold PSU Award.
"Gold SEC Documents" shall mean all forms, reports, schedules, statements and other documents required to be filed or furnished by Gold with the SEC since January 1, 2024.
"Gold Share Issuance" shall mean the issuance of the shares of Gold Common Stock in the Merger.
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"Gold Shareholder Approval" shall mean (i) the approval of the Gold Share Issuance at the Gold Shareholders Meeting by the affirmative vote of a majority of the total votes cast by the holders of Gold Common Stock entitled to vote thereon and (ii) the approval of the Gold Charter Amendment at the Gold Shareholders Meeting by the affirmative vote of a majority of the shares of Gold Common Stock outstanding and entitled to vote thereon.
"Gold Subsidiaries" shall mean all direct and indirect Subsidiaries of Gold. Following the Effective Time, the Gold Subsidiaries shall include SpinCo and the SpinCo Subsidiaries.
"Gold Tax Counsel" shall mean Gold's outside tax counsel, Latham & Watkins LLP.
"Gold Tax Representations" shall mean the Gold Distribution Tax Representations and the Gold Merger Tax Representations.
"Governmental Authority" shall mean any nation or government, any state, municipality or other political subdivision thereof, and any entity, body, agency, commission, department, board, bureau, court, tribunal or other instrumentality, whether federal, state, local, domestic, foreign, supranational or multinational, exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory, administrative or other similar functions of, or pertaining to, a government and any executive official thereof.
"Hazardous Materials" has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
"HSR Act" shall mean the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976 and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
"Information Technology" has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
"Intellectual Property" has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
"Intellectual Property Matters Agreement" shall mean an Intellectual Property Matters Agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit E, as such agreement may be amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms.
"Interests" shall mean shares, partnership interests, limited liability company interests or any other equity interest in any Person.
"Intervening Event" shall mean any change, event, development or occurrence with respect to Gold that is material to Gold and its Subsidiaries (taken as a whole) which was not known by or was not reasonably foreseeable to, the Gold Board as of the date of this Agreement (or which was known or reasonably foreseeable but in respect of which the probability or magnitude of the consequences were neither known nor reasonably foreseeable as of the date hereof); provided, however, that in no event shall (a) the receipt, existence or terms of a Competing Proposal or Superior Proposal, (b) any events, developments, occurrences or changes in circumstances of Mercury or the members of the SpinCo Group, including any event, development or occurrence that results from the announcement, pendency and consummation of this Agreement or the Transaction or any actions required to be taken or to be refrained from being taken pursuant to this Agreement, (c) the status of the Merger under the HSR Act or of any of the other Requisite
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Regulatory Approvals, (d) any change in the price, or change in trading volume, of Gold Common Stock, or any change in the credit rating of Gold (it being understood that the underlying facts giving rise or contributing to such change may be taken into account in determining whether there has been an Intervening Event, to the extent not otherwise expressly prohibited by this definition), (e) the fact in and of itself that Gold met or exceeded internal or analysts' expectations, projections, forecasts, guidance, estimates, budgets or results of operations (it being understood that the underlying facts giving rise or contributing to such event may be taken into account in determining whether there has been an Intervening Event, to the extent not otherwise expressly prohibited by this definition) or (f) changes in general economic, political or financial conditions or markets (including changes in interest rates, exchange rates, stock, bond or debt prices), constitute or be deemed to contribute to an Intervening Event.
"IRS" shall mean the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.
"IRS Ruling" shall mean a private letter ruling from the IRS received by Mercury after the date hereof regarding such matters germane to the U.S. federal income Tax consequences of the Reorganization, Contribution, Distribution and Merger and any related transactions as Mercury and Gold may determine in accordance with Section 7.2(h), including any matters included in the initial formal private letter ruling request (as distinguished from any pre-submission conference memorandum) submitted by Mercury pursuant to Section 7.2(h) and any supplemental requests or information submissions by Mercury with respect to modifications requested by, or needed or appropriate to accommodate or respond to, the IRS after such initial formal request, which private letter ruling (a) shall include rulings substantively similar to the rulings contained in IRS Private Letter Ruling 202145020, including with respect to the "Overlap Counting Principles" described therein, except the rulings shall also permit Mercury to rely on voluntary disclosures to investment research companies in determining the share ownership by "Overlapping Shareholders," and (b) shall not impose an obligation to review investor websites or other sources of information to gather information at a time following the beginning of the day on the date that is two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing Date.
"IRS Ruling Request" shall mean a formal request (as distinguished from any pre-submission conference memorandum) for the IRS Ruling that will be submitted by Mercury to the IRS.
"Knowledge" shall mean (a) with respect to Mercury, the actual knowledge of the persons set forth in Section 1.1(a) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter, (b) with respect to SpinCo, the actual knowledge of the persons set forth in Section 1.1(b) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter, and (c) with respect to Gold, the actual knowledge of the persons set forth in Section 1.1(a) of the Gold Disclosure Letter.
"Law" shall mean any national, foreign, international, multinational, supranational, federal, state, provincial, local or similar law (including common law), statute, code, order, directive, guidance, ordinance, rule, regulation, treaty (including any income tax treaty), license, Permit, authorization, approval, consent, decree, injunction, binding judicial or administrative interpretation or other requirement, in each case, enacted, promulgated, issued or entered by a Governmental Authority.
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"Lease Agreement" shall mean a Lease Agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit G, as such agreement may be amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms.
"Lender Parties" shall mean (i) the Lenders, together with their Affiliates, and their Affiliates' current or future officers, directors, employees, agents, Representatives, stockholders, limited partners, managers, members or partners and (ii) the permitted successors and assigns of each of the Persons described in the foregoing clause (i), in each case in their respective capacities as such.
"Lenders" shall mean the entities (including commitment parties, agents, co-agents, lenders, arrangers, bookrunners, underwriters, financial institutions, investors or similar debt financing sources) that have committed or commit, after the date hereof, to provide or otherwise enter into agreements as lenders in connection with the Gold Financing, the SpinCo Financing or the Permanent SpinCo Financing, including the Commitment Letter and any joinder agreements, credit agreements or similar definitive financing documents entered into pursuant to the Commitment Letter or relating thereto.
"Liability" shall mean all debts, guarantees, assurances, commitments, liabilities, responsibilities, Losses, deficiencies, fines, settlements, sanctions, costs, interest and obligations of any nature or kind, whether accrued or fixed, absolute or contingent, matured or unmatured, accrued or not accrued, asserted or unasserted, liquidated or unliquidated, foreseen or unforeseen, known or unknown, reserved or unreserved, or determined or determinable, including those arising under any Law, Action or order, writ, judgment, injunction, decree, stipulation, determination or award entered by or with any Governmental Authority or arbitration tribunal, and those arising under any contract, agreement, obligation, indenture, instrument, lease, promise, arrangement, release, warranty, commitment or undertaking, or any fines, damages or equitable relief that is imposed in connection therewith, in each case, including all costs and expenses relating thereto.
"Lien" shall mean any mortgage, deed of trust, pledge, hypothecation, encumbrance, easement, license, purchase option, right of first refusal, security interest or other lien of any kind.
"Losses" shall mean actual losses (including any diminution in value), costs, damages, penalties and expenses (including legal and accounting fees and expenses and costs of investigation and litigation).
"Mercury Assets" has the meaning set forth in the definition of "Company Assets" in the Separation Agreement.
"Mercury Benefit Plan" shall mean each Benefit Plan (a) that is maintained, sponsored, contributed to or entered into by Mercury or any of its Affiliates (including SpinCo and its Subsidiaries) or to which Mercury or any of its Affiliates (including SpinCo and its Subsidiaries) is required to contribute, in each case for the benefit of any SpinCo Group Employee or any other current or former director, officer, consultant, employee or other individual service provider of the SpinCo Business or (b) under or with respect to which SpinCo has any Liability.
"Mercury Business" has the meaning set forth in the definition of "Company Business" in the Separation Agreement.
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"Mercury Common Stock" shall mean the common stock, $0.625 par value per share, of Mercury.
"Mercury Credit Agreement" shall mean that certain Sixth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of July 10, 2025, by and among Mercury, the other borrowers from time to time party thereto, the lenders from time to time party thereto and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent, as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time (including Amendment No. 1 to Credit Agreement, dated as of December 23, 2025).
"Mercury Combined Tax Return" shall mean any combined, consolidated, affiliated, unitary or similar Tax Return that includes Mercury or any of its Affiliates (other than the members of the SpinCo Group), on the one hand, and any of SpinCo or the SpinCo Subsidiaries, on the other hand, it being understood that a Tax Return claiming group relief or similar sharing of Tax losses or other attributes (or surrendering) shall not, by virtue of such claiming, be considered a Mercury Combined Tax Return.
"Mercury Distribution Tax Representations" shall mean the representations of an officer of Mercury, dated as of the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Tax Counsel, delivered to Tax Counsel in connection with the Distribution Tax Opinion.
"Mercury Equity Award" has the meaning set forth in the Employee Matters Agreement.
"Mercury Existing Debt Agreements" means the Mercury Credit Agreement and the Mercury Note Purchase Agreement.
"Mercury Group" has the meaning set forth in the definition of "Company Group" in the Separation Agreement.
"Mercury Liabilities" has the meaning set forth in the definition of "Company Liabilities" in the Separation Agreement.
"Mercury Material Adverse Effect" shall mean any change, event, development, occurrence or effect that has a material adverse effect on the ability of Mercury to consummate the Distribution or the Separation by the Outside Date.
"Mercury Note Purchase Agreement" shall mean that certain Second Amended and Restated Note Purchase and Private Shelf Agreement, dated as of August 6, 2019, by and among Mercury, PGIM, Inc. and the other noteholders from time to time party thereto, as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time (including the First Amendment thereto, dated as of January 31, 2020, the Second Amendment thereto, dated as of May 19, 2020, the Third Amendment thereto, dated as of May 18, 2021, the Fourth Amendment thereto, dated as of November 21, 2022, and the Fifth Amendment thereto, dated as of July 10, 2025).
"Mercury PS Award" has the meaning set forth in the Employee Matters Agreement.
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"Mercury SEC Documents" shall mean all forms, reports, schedules, statements and other documents required to be filed or furnished by Mercury or SpinCo with the SEC since January 1, 2024.
"Mercury Tax Group" shall mean any consolidated, combined, affiliated or unitary group that (i) includes Mercury or any of its Affiliates and (ii) does not include SpinCo or any of the SpinCo Subsidiaries.
"Merger Tax Opinions" shall mean Mercury Merger Tax Opinion and the Gold Merger Tax Opinion.
"Multiemployer Plan" shall mean any "multiemployer plan" within the meaning of Section 3(37) or Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA.
"Nasdaq" shall mean the Nasdaq Global Select Market.
"NYSE" shall mean the New York Stock Exchange.
"OFAC" shall mean the U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control.
"Open Source Software" shall mean any software that is subject to the terms of any license agreement that meets the definition of "Open Source" promulgated by the Open Source Initiative, available online at http://www.opensource.org/osd.html or a similar license.
"Organizational Documents" shall mean: (a) with respect to any corporation, its articles or certificate of incorporation and bylaws; (b) with respect to any limited liability company, its articles or certificate of organization or formation and its operating agreement or limited liability company agreement or documents of similar substance; (c) with respect to any limited partnership, its certificate of limited partnership and partnership agreement or governing or organizational documents of similar substance; and (d) with respect to any other entity, governing or organizational documents of similar substance to any of the foregoing, in the case of each of the foregoing clauses (a) through (d), including any amendments as may be in effect from time to time.
"Overlap Shareholders" shall have the meaning set forth on Schedule A.
"Overlap Shares" shall mean, with respect to any Overlap Shareholder, (a) the lesser of (i) the SpinCo Overlap Ownership Percentage for such Overlap Shareholder and (ii) the Gold Overlap Ownership Percentage for such Overlap Shareholder, multiplied by (b) the number of shares of Gold Common Stock that will be issued and outstanding immediately following the Effective Time.
"Permits" shall mean permits, approvals, authorizations, consents, licenses or certificates issued by any Governmental Authority.
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"Permitted Liens" shall mean: (a) statutory Liens arising by operation of Law with respect to a Liability incurred in the ordinary course of business and which is not delinquent or is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings; (b) requirements and restrictions of zoning, licensing, permitting, building and other similar land-use Laws which are not violated by the present use or occupancy of the real property subject thereto; (c) Liens for Taxes or mechanics', materialmen's and similar Liens arising or incurred in the ordinary course of business and with respect to any amounts, in each case (i) not yet due and payable or (ii) which are being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings and for which adequate reserves have been established in accordance with GAAP; (d) non-exclusive license rights to Intellectual Property granted in the ordinary course of business; (e) easements (including conservation easements and public trust easements, rights-of-way, road use Contracts, covenants, conditions, restrictions, reservations, licenses, Contracts and other similar non-monetary matters) of public record (provided, however, that the same, individually and in the aggregate, do not materially impair or interfere with the operation or use of such real property in the operation of the business currently conducted thereon); (f) purchase money Liens and Liens securing rental payments under capital lease agreements; (g) pledges or deposits made in the ordinary course of business in connection with workers' compensation, unemployment insurance and other types of social security (other than pursuant to Section 303(k) or 4068 of ERISA or Section 430(k) of the Code) or to secure the performance of tenders, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, bids, performance and return of money bonds and similar obligations; (h) Liens arising under conditional sales Contracts and equipment leases with third parties entered into in the ordinary course of business; (i) pledges or deposits to secure public or statutory obligations unrelated to any default or violation of any Law; (j) Liens arising under or created by this Agreement or any other Transaction Document (other than as a result of a breach or default under such Contracts); (k) Liens securing the obligations in respect of SpinCo Financing, Permanent SpinCo Financing or Gold Financing, in each case, to the extent created pursuant to the applicable definitive documentation for such financing; (l) restrictions on transfer resulting from securities Laws; (m) Liens securing the obligations in respect of the Gold Credit Agreement; (n) Liens securing the obligations in respect of the Mercury Credit Agreement or the Mercury Note Purchase Agreement and which will, in each case, be released prior to or in connection with the Closing, and (o) Liens described on Section 1.1(b) of the Gold Disclosure Letter.
"Person" shall mean an individual, a general or limited partnership, a corporation, a trust, a joint venture, an unincorporated organization, a limited liability entity, any other entity and any Governmental Authority.
"Personal Information" shall mean all information in any form or media that identifies, could be used to identify or is otherwise related to an individual person (including any current, prospective or former customer, end user or employee), in addition to any definition for "personal information" or any similar term provided by applicable Law, Privacy Requirements or by Mercury or Gold, as applicable, in any of their respective privacy policies, notices or contracts (e.g., "personal data," "personally identifiable information" or "PII").
"Privacy Laws" shall mean any and all applicable Laws, legal requirements and self-regulatory guidelines (including of any applicable foreign jurisdiction) relating to the receipt, collection, compilation, use, storage, processing, sharing, safeguarding, security (technical, physical or administrative), disposal, destruction, disclosure or transfer (including cross-border) of any Personal Information, including, but not limited to, the Federal Trade Commission Act, California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS), EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), any and all applicable Laws relating to breach notification, the use of biometric identifiers and the use of Personal Information for marketing purposes.
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"Privacy Requirements" shall mean all applicable Privacy Laws and all of Mercury's and Gold's, as applicable, policies, notices and contractual obligations relating to the receipt, collection, compilation, use, storage, processing, sharing, safeguarding, security (technical, physical and administrative), disposal, destruction, disclosure or transfer (including cross-border) of Personal Information.
"Proxy Statement" shall mean the proxy statement to be mailed to the shareholders of Gold relating to the Gold Shareholders Meeting, including any amendments or supplements thereto.
"Qualified SpinCo Common Stock" shall mean SpinCo Common Stock received by holders of Mercury Common Stock pursuant to the Distribution, except for any SpinCo Common Stock that is acquired, directly or indirectly, pursuant to a plan (or series of related transactions) that includes the Distribution, within the meaning of Section 355(e) of the Code and the Treasury Regulations promulgated thereunder. This definition (and the application thereof) is intended to monitor compliance with Section 355(e) of the Code and shall be interpreted accordingly.
"Record Date" shall mean the close of business on the date to be determined by the Mercury Board (or a committee thereof) as the record date for the determination of holders of record of Mercury Common Stock entitled to receive shares of SpinCo Common Stock in the Distribution.
"Registered IP" has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
"Regulatory Authorizations" shall mean all approvals, clearances, Permits, authorizations, registrations and listings of any Person, in any applicable jurisdiction.
"Release" has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
"Reorganization" has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
"Reorganization Step Plan" has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
"Representative" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any of such Person's directors, officers, employees, agents, consultants, advisors, accountants, financing sources, attorneys or other representatives.
"Sanctioned Country" shall mean any country or region or government thereof that is, or has been in the five (5) years prior to the date hereof, the subject or target of a comprehensive embargo under Trade Controls (including Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, and the Crimea, the so-called "Donetsk People's Republic," and the so-called "Luhansk People's Republic" regions of Ukraine).
"Sanctioned Person" shall mean any Person that is the subject or target of sanctions or restrictions under Trade Controls including: (a) any Person listed on any U.S. or non-U.S. sanctions- or export-related restricted party list, including the OFAC List of Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons, or any other OFAC, U.S. Department of Commerce Bureau of Industry and Security, or U.S. Department of State sanctions- or export-related restricted party list; (b) any Person located, organized, or resident in a Sanctioned Country; or (c) any Person that is, in the aggregate, 50 percent or greater owned, directly or indirectly, or otherwise controlled by a Person or Persons described in clauses (a)-(b).
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"Sanctions" shall mean all U.S. and non-U.S. Laws relating to economic or trade sanctions, including the Laws administered or enforced by the United States (including by OFAC or the U.S. Department of State) and the United Nations Security Council.
"SEC" shall mean the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Securities Act" shall mean the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.
"Separation" shall mean the transactions contemplated by Section 2.1(a) of the Separation Agreement, subject to Section 2.4 and Section 2.5 of the Separation Agreement.
"Separation Agreement" shall mean that Separation Agreement dated as of the date hereof among Mercury, SpinCo and Gold, attached as Exhibit A to this Agreement, as may be amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms.
"Shared Services" has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
"Software" has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
"SpinCo Affiliate Contract" shall mean any Contract, whether or not in writing, (a) between any member of the SpinCo Group, on the one hand, and any present or former officer or director of any member of the SpinCo Group or "immediate family member" thereof (as defined in Rule 16a-1 under the Exchange Act), on the other hand, or (b) between any member of the SpinCo Group, on the one hand, and Mercury and/or any of its Subsidiaries (other than a member of the SpinCo Group), on the other hand.
"SpinCo Assets" has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
"SpinCo Benefit Plan" shall mean each Mercury Benefit Plan that is (a) maintained, sponsored, contributed to or entered into solely by SpinCo or a Subsidiary thereof, or to which SpinCo or a Subsidiary thereof (and none of Mercury or any of its other Subsidiaries) is required to contribute, or to which SpinCo or any of its Subsidiaries (and none of Mercury or any of its other Subsidiaries) is a party, or (b) an individual offer letter, employment agreement, change in control employment agreement, or consulting agreement between Mercury or one of its Affiliates (other than the SpinCo Group) and a SpinCo Group Employee.
"SpinCo Books and Records" has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
"SpinCo Business" has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
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"SpinCo Business Systems" shall mean the Information Technology and Software used or relied on by or for the operation of the SpinCo Business, including in each case any outsourced systems and processes.
"SpinCo Cash Distribution" has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
"SpinCo Datasite" shall mean the datasite established by Mercury for purposes of due diligence of the members of the SpinCo Group and the SpinCo Business (including any "clean room" or similar subset of a datasite or folders in which access is restricted to certain Representatives of Gold) located at www.intralinks.com.
"SpinCo Disclosure Letter" shall mean the Disclosure Letter delivered by Mercury and SpinCo to Gold on the date hereof and identified as such.
"SpinCo Group" has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
"SpinCo Group Employee" has the meaning set forth in the Employee Matters Agreement.
"SpinCo Intellectual Property" has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
"SpinCo Liabilities" has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
"SpinCo Make Whole Awards" shall mean the number of shares of Gold Common Stock underlying the Gold Equity Awards that would be awarded in respect of Company Awards pursuant to Sections 4.01(a), 4.01(b) and 4.01(c) of the Employee Matters Agreement, based on Company Awards outstanding as of, and otherwise calculated as of, the Determination Time.
"SpinCo Material Adverse Effect" shall mean any change, event, development, occurrence or effect that has, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on the business, financial condition or results of operations of the SpinCo Business, taken as a whole; provided, however, that none of the following shall be deemed in themselves, either alone or in combination, to constitute, and none of the following shall be taken into account in determining whether there has been or would reasonably be expected to be a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect: (a) any change resulting from general market, economic, financial, capital markets or regulatory conditions, (b) any general change in the credit, debt, financial or capital markets or changes in interest or exchange rates, (c) any change in applicable Law or GAAP (or, in each case, authoritative interpretations thereof), (d) any change resulting from any hurricane, flood, tornado, earthquake or other natural disaster or weather-related event, or other force majeure event, any epidemic, pandemic or disease, or any worsening thereof, (e) any change resulting from local, national or international political conditions, including the outcome of any elections, the outbreak or escalation of any military conflict, declared or undeclared war, armed hostilities, cyberterrorism or other acts of foreign or domestic terrorism or civil unrest, (f) any change generally affecting the industries in which the SpinCo Business operates, (g) any change resulting from the execution of this Agreement or the Separation Agreement or the announcement or the pendency of the Merger or the Separation, including, to the extent resulting therefrom, any actions of or loss of customers, suppliers, distributors, employees or other material business relationships (including any cancellation or delay in customer orders or any termination of or adverse change to any Contract effected or proposed by any customer, supplier, distributor or other counterparty) (provided, that
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this clause (g) shall not apply to any representation or warranty to the extent the purpose of such representation or warranty is to address, as applicable, the consequences resulting from the execution of this Agreement or the Separation Agreement or the announcement or the pendency of the Merger or the Separation), (h) any change resulting from any action required to be taken by the terms of this Agreement (other than pursuant to Section 7.1), (i) any change in or imposition of any tariff, or any action relating to any trade dispute, or change in funding policies of or spending by any Governmental Authority or (j) any failure to meet internal or analysts' expectations, projections or results of operations (but not, in each case, the underlying cause of any such failure, unless such underlying cause would otherwise be excepted by another clause of this definition); provided, that in the case of clauses (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f) and (i), if any such change, event, development, condition, occurrence or effect disproportionately impacts the SpinCo Business, taken as a whole, as compared to other participants in the industries in which the SpinCo Business operates, the incremental disproportionate impact thereof may be taken into account in determining whether a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect has occurred or would reasonably be expected to occur.
"SpinCo Merger Tax Representations" shall mean the representations of an officer of SpinCo, dated as of the Closing Date, in substantially the form set forth in Section 7.2(c) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter (with any modifications reasonably requested by Tax Counsel or Gold Tax Counsel), delivered to Tax Counsel and Gold Tax Counsel in connection with the Merger Tax Opinions.
"SpinCo Overlap Ownership Percentage" shall mean, with respect to any Overlap Shareholder, the fraction obtained by dividing (a) the number of shares of SpinCo Common Stock that will be owned directly or indirectly by such Overlap Shareholder immediately prior to the Effective Time (calculated pursuant to this Agreement and in accordance with the methodology set forth on Schedule A, but excluding any shares of SpinCo Common Stock that do not constitute Qualified SpinCo Common Stock) by (b) the number of shares of SpinCo Common Stock that will be issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time.
"SpinCo Registration Statement" shall mean the registration statement to be filed or confidentially submitted by SpinCo with the SEC to effect the registration of the shares of SpinCo Common Stock in connection with the Distribution, as such registration statement may be amended or supplemented from time to time prior to the Distribution Time.
"SpinCo Subsidiaries" shall mean all direct and indirect Subsidiaries of SpinCo, after giving effect to the Reorganization. Following the Effective Time, the SpinCo Subsidiaries shall include the applicable Gold Subsidiaries.
"Subsidiary" shall mean, with respect to any Person, any corporation, limited liability company, joint venture or partnership of which such Person (a) beneficially owns, either directly or indirectly, more than fifty percent (50%) of (i) the total combined voting power of all classes of voting securities, (ii) the total combined economic interests or (iii) the capital or profit interests, in the case of a partnership, or (b) otherwise has the power to vote, either directly or indirectly, sufficient securities to elect a majority of the board of directors or similar governing body; provided, that, from and after the Closing, none of the members of the SpinCo Group shall be considered a Subsidiary of Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries.
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"Tax Authority" has the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.
"Tax Counsel" shall mean Mercury's outside tax counsel, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP.
"Tax Matters Agreement" shall mean a Tax Matters Agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit B, as such agreement may be amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms.
"Tax Returns" has the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.
"Taxes" has the meaning set forth in the Tax Matters Agreement.
"Technical Services Agreements" shall mean Technical Services Agreements in substantially the form agreed among the Parties pursuant to Section 7.4 of the Separation Agreement, as such agreements may be amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with their terms.
"Threshold Percentage" shall mean 50.5%.
"Trade Secret" has the meaning set forth in the Separation Agreement.
"Trademark Matters Agreement" shall mean the Trademark Matters Agreement in substantially the form agreed among the Parties pursuant to Section 7.4 of the Separation Agreement, as such agreement may be amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms.
"Transaction Documents" shall mean this Agreement, the Separation Agreement, the Employee Matters Agreement, the Tax Matters Agreement, the Technical Services Agreements, the Lease Agreement, the Transition Services Agreement, the Trademark Matters Agreement, and the Intellectual Property Matters Agreement, and including all annexes, Exhibits, Schedules, attachments and appendices thereto, and any certificate or other instrument delivered by any Party to any other Party pursuant to this Agreement or any of the foregoing.
"Transaction Process" shall mean all matters relating to the separation, disposition or sale of the SpinCo Business and the review of strategic alternatives with respect to the SpinCo Business (including the potential spin-off of the SpinCo Business), including matters relating to (a) the solicitation of proposals from and negotiations with third parties in connection with the disposition or sale of the SpinCo Business or SpinCo Assets or any portions thereof, or (b) the drafting, negotiation or interpretation of any of the provisions of this Agreement or the Transaction Documents, or the determination of the allocation of any assets or Liabilities pursuant to the foregoing agreements or the transactions contemplated thereby.
"Transactions" shall mean the Merger, the Separation, the Distribution, the Gold Special Dividend, if any, and the other transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents.
"Transition Services Agreement" shall mean a Transition Services Agreement in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit D, as such agreement may be amended, restated, modified or supplemented from time to time in accordance with its terms.
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"Treasury Regulations" shall mean the regulations promulgated by the U.S. Treasury Department under the Code.
"Willful Breach" shall mean, with respect to any obligation, covenant or agreement of a Party in this Agreement, any action or omission taken or omitted to be taken by such Party in material breach of such obligation, covenant or agreement that such Party intentionally takes (or intentionally fails to take or perform) with actual knowledge that such action or omission would, or would reasonably be expected to, cause or result in a breach of this Agreement.
Section 1.2 Cross References. Each of the following terms is defined in the Section set forth opposite such term:
| Term | Section | |
| Additional Gold SEC Documents | Section 6.7(a) | |
| Agent Agreement | Section 3.2(b) | |
| Aggregate Adjustment Amount | Section 3.1(c)(ii)(A) | |
| Alternative Notice | Section 7.9(c) | |
| Alternative SpinCo Financing | Section 7.5(b) | |
| Applicable Percentage | Section 3.1(c)(i) | |
| Burdensome Condition | Section 7.4(c) | |
| Certificate of Merger | Section 2.3 | |
| Chosen Courts | Section 10.2 | |
| Closing | Section 2.2 | |
| Closing Date | Section 2.2 | |
| COBRA | Section 5.15(i) | |
| Commitment Letter | Section 7.5(a) | |
| Competing Proposal | Section 7.9(g)(i) | |
| Competitive Business | Section 7.12(c) | |
| Distribution | Recitals | |
| Distribution Documents | Section 5.20 | |
| Distribution Tax Opinion | Section 7.2(b) | |
| Effective Time | Section 2.3 | |
| Excess Adjustment Amount | Section 3.1(c)(ii) | |
| Exchange Agent | Section 3.2(b) | |
| Exchange Fund | Section 3.2(b) | |
| Exchange Ratio Increase Amount | Section 3.1(c)(i) | |
| Final Adjustment Amount | Section 3.1(c)(iii)(B) | |
| Final Adjustment Cap | Section 3.1(c)(iii)(C) | |
| Gold | Preamble | |
| Gold Adverse Recommendation Change | Section 7.9(a) | |
| Gold Alternative Financing | Section 7.6(b) | |
| Gold Audit Committee | Section 6.7(b) | |
| Gold Board | Recitals | |
| Gold Board Recommendation | Recitals | |
| Gold Charter Amendment | Recitals | |
| Gold Environmental Permit | Section 6.19(a) | |
| Gold Financing | Section 7.6(a) |
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| Term | Section | |
| Gold Financing Agreements | Section 7.6(d) | |
| Gold Foreign Benefit Plan | Section 6.17(j) | |
| Gold Leased Real Property | Section 6.10(b) | |
| Gold Material Contracts | Section 6.13(a) | |
| Gold Merger Tax Opinion | Section 7.2(c) | |
| Gold Owned Real Property | Section 6.10(a) | |
| Gold Preferred Stock | Section 6.3(a) | |
| Gold Products | Section 6.9(b) | |
| Gold Real Property Leases | Section 6.10(b) | |
| Gold Shareholders Meeting | Section 7.3(d)(i) | |
| Gold Software | Section 6.18(h) | |
| Gold Special Dividend | Section 3.1(c)(ii)(A) | |
| Gold Termination Fee | Section 9.3(b) | |
| Indemnified Parties | Section 7.8(a) | |
| Initial Adjustment Amount | Section 3.1(c)(iii)(D) | |
| Initial Adjustment Cap | Section 3.1(c)(iii)(E) | |
| Intended Tax Treatment | Section 7.2(a) | |
| Interim Period | Section 7.1(a) | |
| Intermediate Adjustment Amount | Section 3.1(c)(iii)(F) | |
| Intermediate Adjustment Cap | Section 3.1(c)(iii)(G) | |
| IRS Pre-Submission Conference Request | Section 7.2(h)(i) | |
| IRS Submission | Section 7.2(h)(i) | |
| Legal Restraint | Section 8.1(d) | |
| Mercury | Preamble | |
| Mercury Audit Committee | Section 4.6 | |
| Mercury Board | Recitals | |
| Mercury Designated Director | Section 2.5 | |
| Mercury Foreign Benefit Plan | Section 5.15(j) | |
| Mercury Merger Tax Opinion | Section 7.2(c) | |
| Merger | Recitals | |
| Merger Consideration | Section 3.1(a)(i) | |
| Merger Sub | Preamble | |
| Merger Sub Common Stock | Section 3.1(a)(v) | |
| Merger Sub Shareholder Approval | Section 7.22 | |
| Negotiation Period | Section 7.9(c) | |
| New SpinCo Group Member | Section 5.1 | |
| Order | Section 5.8(a) | |
| Outside Date | Section 9.1(b) | |
| Parties | Preamble | |
| Party | Preamble | |
| Permanent SpinCo Financing | Section 7.5(g) | |
| Permanent SpinCo Financing Agreements | Section 7.5(g) | |
| Redactable Information | Section 7.2(h)(iv) | |
| Registered Gold Intellectual Property | Section 6.18(a) | |
| Registered SpinCo Intellectual Property | Section 5.16(a) |
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| Term | Section | |
| Remedies Exception | Section 4.2 | |
| Required SpinCo Information | Section 7.5(d) | |
| Requisite Regulatory Approval | Section 8.1(a) | |
| Restricted Period | Section 7.12(c) | |
| Securities Filings | Section 7.3(a) | |
| SpinCo | Preamble | |
| SpinCo Audited Financial Statements | Section 7.24(a) | |
| SpinCo Board | Recitals | |
| SpinCo Common Stock | Recitals | |
| SpinCo Environmental Permit | Section 5.17(a) | |
| SpinCo Financing | Section 7.5(a) | |
| SpinCo Financing Agreements | Section 7.5(d) | |
| SpinCo Material Contracts | Section 5.11(a) | |
| SpinCo Owned Real Property | Section 5.9(a) | |
| SpinCo Products | Section 5.8(b) | |
| SpinCo Proposal | Section 7.10 | |
| SpinCo Software | Section 5.16(e) | |
| SpinCo Stockholder Approval | Section 5.21(b) | |
| SpinCo Subsequent Unaudited Financial Statements | Section 7.24(b) | |
| SpinCo Transferred Leased Property | Section 5.9(b) | |
| SpinCo Transferred Property Leases | Section 5.9(b) | |
| SpinCo Unaudited Nine-Month Financial Statements | Section 7.24(a) | |
| SpinCo Unaudited Financial Statements | Section 5.5(a) | |
| Superior Proposal | Section 7.9(g)(ii) | |
| Surviving Corporation | Section 2.1 | |
| Trade Controls | Section 5.13(c) | |
| WARN Laws | Section 5.12(c) |
Section 1.3 Interpretation.
(a) Unless the context of this Agreement otherwise requires:
(i) (A) words of any gender include each other gender and neuter form; (B) words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively; (C) derivative forms of defined terms will have correlative meanings; (D) the terms "hereof," "herein," "hereby," "hereto," "herewith," "hereunder" and derivative or similar words refer to this entire Agreement; (E) the terms "Article," "Section," "Annex," "Exhibit," "Schedule," and "Disclosure Letter" refer to the specified Article, Section, Annex, Exhibit, Schedule or Disclosure Letter of this Agreement and references to "paragraphs" or "clauses" shall be to separate paragraphs or clauses of the Section or subsection in which the reference occurs; (F) the words "include," "includes" and "including" shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase "without limitation"; and (G) the word "or" shall be disjunctive but is not exclusive;
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(ii) any Law defined or referred to in this Agreement or in any agreement or instrument that is referred to herein means such Law as from time to time amended, modified or supplemented, including (in the case of statutes) by succession of comparable successor Laws and the related regulations thereunder and published interpretations thereof; provided, that, for purposes of any representations and warranties contained in this Agreement that are made as of a specific date or dates, references to any Law shall be deemed to refer to such Law, as amended, and the related regulations thereunder and published interpretations thereof, in each case, as of such date or dates;
(iii) references to any federal, state, local, or foreign statute or Law shall include all rules and regulations promulgated thereunder;
(iv) references to any Person include references to such Person's successors and permitted assigns, and in the case of any Governmental Authority, to any Person succeeding to its functions and capacities; and
(v) all references to "the date hereof," "the date of this Agreement," and words of similar import shall all be references to January 29, 2026.
(b) The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to be the language chosen by the Parties to express their mutual intent. The Parties acknowledge that each Party and its attorney has reviewed and participated in the drafting of this Agreement and that any rule of construction to the effect that any ambiguities are to be resolved against the drafting Party, or any similar rule operating against the drafter of an agreement, shall not be applicable to the construction or interpretation of this Agreement.
(c) Nothing herein (including the SpinCo Disclosure Letter and the Gold Disclosure Letter) shall be deemed an admission by any Party or any of its Affiliates, in any Action, that such Party or any such Affiliate, or any third party, is or is not in breach or violation of, or in default in, the performance or observance of any term or provisions of any Contract or any Law.
(d) Whenever this Agreement refers to a number of days, such number shall refer to calendar days unless Business Days are specified. If any action is to be taken or given on or by a particular calendar day, and such calendar day is not a Business Day, then such action may be deferred until the next Business Day.
(e) When calculating the period of time before which, within which or following which any act is to be done or step taken pursuant to this Agreement, the date that is the reference date in calculating such period shall be excluded and if the last day of such period is not a Business Day, the period shall end on the next succeeding Business Day.
(f) The phrase "to the extent" shall mean the degree to which a subject or other thing extends, and such phrase shall not mean simply "if."
(g) The term "writing," "written" and comparable terms refer to printing, typing and other means of reproducing words (including electronic media) in a visible form.
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(h) All accounting terms used herein and not expressly defined herein shall have the meanings given to them under GAAP, unless the context otherwise requires.
(i) References to "ordinary course of business" refers to the ordinary course of business of the applicable Person and its Subsidiaries taken as a whole and consistent with past practice, including reasonable actions or omissions taken or to be taken by such Person in good faith from time to time in response to changing economics and other conditions, circumstances or events.
(j) All monetary figures shall be in United States dollars unless otherwise specified.
(k) No reference in this Agreement to dollar amount thresholds shall be deemed to be evidence of a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect, Mercury Material Adverse Effect or a Gold Material Adverse Effect, as applicable, or materiality.
(l) Unless otherwise appropriate based on the context or specified herein, each of the representations and warranties of Mercury related to SpinCo or the SpinCo Business set forth herein shall be deemed to be made as if the transactions contemplated by the Separation Agreement (including the Reorganization) have been consummated in accordance with the terms thereof as of the date such representations and warranties are made hereunder.
(m) The phrases "filed," "furnished," "provided," "delivered" or "made available" when used with respect to information or documents means that such information or documents have been (i) physically or electronically delivered to the relevant Party (and includes that such information or documents have been furnished to its Representatives acting on its behalf or posted to the Gold Datasite or the SpinCo Datasite) or (ii) are otherwise Gold SEC Documents or Mercury SEC Documents and made publicly available on the SEC's EDGAR website by Gold or Mercury, as applicable, in each case, prior to the execution of this Agreement.
ARTICLE II
THE MERGER
Section 2.1 The Merger. At the Effective Time and upon the terms and subject to the conditions of this Agreement, Merger Sub shall be merged with and into SpinCo in accordance with the applicable provisions of the DGCL, the separate existence of Merger Sub shall cease and SpinCo shall continue as the surviving corporation of the Merger (sometimes referred to herein as the "Surviving Corporation") and shall succeed to and assume all the rights, powers and privileges and be subject to all of the obligations of Merger Sub in accordance with the DGCL. As a result of the Merger, SpinCo shall become a direct, wholly owned Subsidiary of Gold. References herein to "SpinCo" with respect to the period from and after the Effective Time shall be deemed to be references to the Surviving Corporation. At the Effective Time, the effects of the Merger shall be as provided in this Agreement, the Certificate of Merger and the applicable provisions of the DGCL.
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Section 2.2 Closing. Unless the transactions herein contemplated shall have been abandoned and this Agreement terminated in accordance with Section 9.1, the closing of the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby (the "Closing") shall take place at 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the date that is three (3) Business Days after the date on which after the conditions set forth in Article VIII (other than those conditions set forth in Section 8.1(b), and the conditions set forth in Section 8.2 or Section 8.3 that are, in each case, to be satisfied at or immediately prior to the Closing, but subject to the satisfaction or, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, waiver of such conditions at the Closing) have been satisfied or, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, waived, by electronic exchange of documents and signatures, unless another date and time is agreed to in writing by Mercury and Gold. The date on which the Closing actually occurs is hereinafter referred to as the "Closing Date."
Section 2.3 Effective Time. On the Closing Date after completion of the Distribution, SpinCo and Merger Sub shall file a certificate of merger relating to the Merger (the "Certificate of Merger") with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware in accordance with the relevant provisions of the DGCL and shall make all other filings or recordings required under the DGCL. The Merger shall become effective at the time the Certificate of Merger shall have been duly filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, or such later time as Gold and SpinCo shall agree and specify in the Certificate of Merger (such time as the Merger becomes effective being the "Effective Time").
Section 2.4 Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws of the Surviving Corporation; Directors and Officers of the Surviving Corporation.
(a) Without limiting Section 7.8(a), the certificate of incorporation of Merger Sub in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the certificate of incorporation of the Surviving Corporation until amended in accordance with applicable Law, except the name of the Surviving Corporation shall be as provided in Section 2.4(b) and the reference to the incorporator shall be deleted.
(b) Without limiting Section 7.8(a), the bylaws of Merger Sub in effect immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the bylaws of the Surviving Corporation until amended in accordance with applicable Law, except the name of the Surviving Corporation shall be "Gentherm Performance Technology Inc.".
(c) From and after the Effective Time, until successors are duly elected or appointed and qualified in accordance with applicable Law, (i) the directors of Merger Sub as of immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the directors of the Surviving Corporation and (ii) the officers of SpinCo as of immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be the officers of the Surviving Corporation.
Section 2.5 Governance Matters. Gold shall cause the Gold Board to take all action necessary such that, effective as of the Effective Time, the Gold Board shall consist of eleven (11) individuals, including (a) two (2) individuals selected by Mercury (each, a "Mercury Designated Director") after good-faith consultation with Gold and who each meet the requirements under the rules and regulations of Nasdaq to be considered an independent director of the Gold Board and (b) nine (9) individuals from the Gold Board immediately prior to Closing. Subject to the fiduciary duties of the Gold Board, applicable Laws and the rules and regulations of Nasdaq, Gold shall cause each such Mercury Designated Director to be included in the slate of nominees recommended by the Gold Board to Gold's shareholders for election as directors at the next annual meeting of Gold shareholders to occur following the Effective Time and shall use no less rigorous efforts to cause the election of each such Mercury Designated Director, as applicable, including soliciting proxies in favor of the election of such Persons, at such annual meeting than the manner in which Gold supports all other nominees.
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ARTICLE III
CONVERSION OF SHARES
Section 3.1 Effect on Capital Stock; Gold Special Dividend. At the Effective Time, by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of any party to this Agreement or any holder of the capital stock of Mercury, SpinCo, Merger Sub or Gold:
(a) SpinCo Capital Stock and Merger Sub Common Stock.
(i) Each share of SpinCo Common Stock issued and outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than shares canceled in accordance with Section 3.1(a)(ii)) shall be automatically converted into the right to receive a number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Gold Common Stock equal to the Exchange Ratio, subject to adjustment in accordance with Section 3.1(a)(iv) and, if applicable, in accordance with Section 3.1(c), together with cash paid in lieu of fractional shares of Gold Common Stock in accordance with Section 3.2(e) (the "Merger Consideration").
(ii) Each share of SpinCo Common Stock held by SpinCo as treasury stock or by Gold or Merger Sub, in each case, as of immediately prior to the Effective Time shall automatically be canceled and shall cease to exist and no stock or other consideration shall be issued or delivered in exchange therefor or in respect thereof.
(iii) Each share of SpinCo Common Stock issued and outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, when converted in accordance with this Section 3.1, shall no longer be outstanding and shall automatically be canceled and shall cease to exist, and each holder of such shares shall cease to have any rights with respect thereto, except the right to receive the Merger Consideration as provided in Section 3.1(a)(i) and any dividends or distributions and other amounts payable in accordance with Section 3.2(d).
(iv) The Exchange Ratio and any other similarly dependent items shall be adjusted to the extent appropriate to reflect the effect of any stock split, split-up, reverse stock split, stock dividend or distribution of Gold Common Stock, or securities convertible into any such securities, reorganization, recapitalization, reclassification or other like change with respect to Gold Common Stock having a record date occurring on or after the date of this Agreement and prior to the Effective Time or the Distribution Time (as applicable), other than the Reorganization and the Distribution; provided, that, in the case of SpinCo Common Stock, Mercury shall be entitled to cause the number of outstanding shares of SpinCo Common Stock as of immediately prior to the Distribution Time to be the number determined in accordance with Section 7.16; provided, further, that nothing in this Section 3.1(a)(iv) shall be construed to permit Gold, SpinCo or Mercury to take or to permit any of their respective Subsidiaries to take any action with respect to its securities that is prohibited by the terms of this Agreement.
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(v) At the Effective Time, all of the shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of Merger Sub ("Merger Sub Common Stock") issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be automatically converted into one (1) fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Surviving Corporation.
(b) Gold Common Stock. Each share of Gold Common Stock that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to and at the Effective Time shall remain outstanding immediately following the Effective Time.
(c) Potential Exchange Ratio Adjustment.
(i) If the Exchange Ratio would result in the percentage of issued and outstanding shares of Gold Common Stock to be received in the Merger by holders of SpinCo Common Stock with respect to Qualified SpinCo Common Stock (other than the Overlap Shareholders), together with the percentage of issued and outstanding shares of Gold Common Stock represented by the aggregate Overlap Shares for all Overlap Shareholders (if any) (such aggregate percentage, the "Applicable Percentage"), being less than the Threshold Percentage of all shares of Gold Common Stock issued and outstanding immediately following the consummation of the Merger (determined without regard to any adjustment pursuant to this Section 3.1(c)) (for this purpose, (A) including instruments other than Gold Common Stock that are treated as stock of Gold for U.S. federal income Tax purposes, and treating such instruments as a number of shares of Gold Common Stock corresponding to the relative value or voting power of such instruments (whichever is greater)) and (B) including stock or other instruments described in clause (A) that may be issued after the consummation of the Merger, pursuant to the exercise or settlement of an option or other Contract acquired or entered into before the Merger that may be regarded as having been acquired or entered into as part of a "plan" or "series of related transactions" of which the Distribution is a part within the meaning of Section 355(e) of the Code (taking into account the safe harbors under Treasury Regulations Section 1.355-7(d)), then the Exchange Ratio shall be increased (the amount of such increase, the "Exchange Ratio Increase Amount") to the extent necessary so that such increased Exchange Ratio would result in the percentage of shares of issued and outstanding shares of Gold Common Stock to be received by the holders of SpinCo Common Stock with respect to Qualified SpinCo Common Stock (other than Overlap Shareholders (if any)), together with the percentage of issued and outstanding shares of Gold Common Stock represented by the aggregate Overlap Shares for all Overlap Shareholders (if any), being equal, in the aggregate, to the Threshold Percentage. It is understood and agreed that, notwithstanding the references to holders of SpinCo Common Stock other than the Overlap Shareholders in this Section 3.1(c)(i), this distinction is being made solely for the purposes of the calculation of the Exchange Ratio and is not intended to, and does not, describe which holders of SpinCo Common Stock receive shares of Gold Common Stock in the Merger, which is described in Section 3.1(a).
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(ii) If the Exchange Ratio is increased pursuant to Section 3.1(c)(i), then:
(A) Prior to the Merger, SpinCo, subject to applicable Law and to Section 3.1(c)(ii)(B), Section 3.1(c)(ii)(C), Section 3.1(c)(ii)(D) and Section 3.1(c)(ii)(E), shall reduce the amount of the SpinCo Cash Distribution by an aggregate amount equal to the Initial Adjustment Amount; and
(B) provided, that if the Aggregate Adjustment Amount exceeds the Initial Adjustment Cap, then, following the action required by the foregoing clause (A), with respect to the incremental portion of the Aggregate Adjustment Amount that exceeds the Initial Adjustment Cap, prior to the Merger (regardless of whether the actual payment date for any Gold Special Dividend is before, on or after the Effective Time), Gold, subject to applicable Law, shall declare a special dividend pro rata to the holders of Gold Common Stock as of a record date prior to the Closing Date (the "Gold Special Dividend") in an aggregate amount equal to the Intermediate Adjustment Amount; and
(C) provided, further, that if the Aggregate Adjustment Amount exceeds the Intermediate Adjustment Cap, then, following the action required by the foregoing clauses (A) and (B), with respect to the incremental portion of the Aggregate Adjustment Amount that exceeds the Intermediate Adjustment Cap, (i) the amount of the SpinCo Cash Distribution shall be further decreased by an amount equal to 40% of the Final Adjustment Amount, and (ii) the Gold Special Dividend shall be increased by an amount equal to 60% of the Final Adjustment Amount; and
(D) provided, further, that if the Aggregate Adjustment Amount exceeds the Final Adjustment Cap (the amount by which the Aggregate Adjustment Amount exceeds the Final Adjustment Cap, the "Excess Adjustment Amount"), then (1) Mercury shall, in its sole discretion, be entitled to further decrease the amount of the SpinCo Cash Distribution up to the Excess Adjustment Amount and (2) Gold shall, in its sole discretion, be entitled to further increase the Gold Special Dividend up to the Excess Adjustment Amount.
(E) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if the Aggregate Adjustment Amount exceeds the Final Adjustment Cap and the sum of (i) the absolute value of the decrease in Section 3.1(c)(ii)(D)(1) and (ii) the increase in Section 3.1(c)(ii)(D)(2) is less than the Excess Adjustment Amount, then the Exchange Ratio shall not be increased as contemplated by Section 3.1(c)(i), and neither Mercury nor Gold shall be obligated to consummate the transactions contemplated to occur at the Closing.
(iii) For purposes of this Agreement:
(A) "Aggregate Adjustment Amount" shall mean the product of: (A) the Exchange Ratio Increase Amount, multiplied by (B) $37.4775, multiplied by (C) the number of outstanding shares of SpinCo Common Stock that will be outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time.
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(B) "Final Adjustment Amount" shall mean the lesser of (x) the Aggregate Adjustment Amount minus the Intermediate Adjustment Cap and (y) the Final Adjustment Cap minus the Intermediate Adjustment Cap (or, if clauses (x) and (y) are equal, such amount).
(C) "Final Adjustment Cap" shall mean $200,000,000.00.
(D) "Initial Adjustment Amount" shall mean the lesser of (x) the Aggregate Adjustment Amount and (y) the Initial Adjustment Cap (or, if clauses (x) and (y) are equal, such amount).
(E) "Initial Adjustment Cap" shall mean $35,000,000.00.
(F) "Intermediate Adjustment Amount" shall mean the lesser of (x) the Aggregate Adjustment Amount minus the Initial Adjustment Cap and (y) the Intermediate Adjustment Cap minus the Initial Adjustment Cap (or, if clauses (x) and (y) are equal, such amount).
(G) "Intermediate Adjustment Cap" shall mean $70,000,000.00.
(iv) The determination as to whether the percentage of issued and outstanding shares of Gold Common Stock to be received in the Merger by holders of SpinCo Common Stock with respect to Qualified SpinCo Common Stock (other than the Overlap Shareholders), together with the percentage of issued and outstanding shares of Gold Common Stock represented by the aggregate Overlap Shares for all Overlap Shareholders (if any), meets the Threshold Percentage shall be made jointly by Gold and Mercury acting reasonably and in good faith and in consultation with their respective outside legal counsel and tax advisors. In furtherance thereof, (A) during the Interim Period, Gold and Mercury shall promptly notify the other upon it becoming aware of any action or occurrence that would reasonably be expected to result in the need for an adjustment to the Exchange Ratio pursuant to this Section 3.1(c), (B) no later than ten (10) Business Days prior to the expected Closing, and on each Business Day following the tenth (10th) Business Day prior to the expected Closing, each of Gold and Mercury shall provide the other Party with any information that is reasonably necessary or reasonably requested by such other Party with respect to the calculation of the Overlap Shares, the Applicable Percentage, the Exchange Ratio, the Aggregate Adjustment Amount and the Excess Adjustment Amount (if any) as of such date and shall provide one another with such information as of the Determination Time as promptly as reasonable practicable and (C) promptly thereafter, if such Party determines, acting reasonably and in good faith and in consultation with the other Party and its outside legal counsel and tax advisors, that the Threshold Percentage is not met, such Party shall notify the other Party thereof (together with its calculation of the Applicable Percentage and proposed Exchange Ratio Increase Amount, Aggregate Adjustment Amount and Excess Adjustment Amount (if any), including reasonable supporting detail for any such calculations). Gold and Mercury shall consider and discuss in good faith any comments to the Exchange Ratio Increase Amount, the Aggregate Adjustment Amount or the Excess Adjustment Amount (if any) proposed by the other Party and seek to determine the final amounts thereof as promptly as practicable following the Determination Time.
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Section 3.2 Surrender and Payment.
(a) Pursuant to Section 3.3 of the Separation Agreement, the Exchange Agent (as defined below, and acting as "Distribution Agent" thereunder) shall hold, for the account of the relevant SpinCo stockholders, book-entry shares representing all of the outstanding shares of SpinCo Common Stock distributed or exchanged, as applicable, in the Distribution.
(b) Prior to the Effective Time, Gold shall designate a nationally recognized commercial bank or trust company reasonably acceptable to Mercury to act as agent (the "Exchange Agent") for the benefit of the holders of shares of SpinCo Common Stock whose shares of SpinCo Common Stock are exchanged in accordance with this Section 3.2(b). At or substantially concurrently with the Effective Time, SpinCo shall deposit, or shall cause to be deposited, with the Exchange Agent, for the benefit of the holders of shares of SpinCo Common Stock, for exchange in accordance with this Section 3.2(b) as promptly as practicable after the Effective Time, book-entry shares representing the Merger Consideration issuable to holders of shares of SpinCo Common Stock as of immediately prior to the Effective Time pursuant to Section 3.1(a)(i) (such book-entry shares of Gold Common Stock, together with any cash received by the Exchange Agent in respect of dividends or distributions with respect thereto pursuant to Section 3.2(d) and other amounts payable in accordance with Section 3.2(e), the "Exchange Fund"). The Exchange Agent shall, following the Effective Time, pursuant to irrevocable instructions from Gold, deliver the Merger Consideration out of the Exchange Fund. The cash portion, if any, of the Exchange Fund shall be invested by the Exchange Agent as directed by Gold; provided, that (i) no such investment of or losses thereon shall relieve Gold from making or causing to be made the payments required by this Section 3.2 or elsewhere in this Agreement, or affect the amount payable in respect of the shares of SpinCo Common Stock outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time, (ii) to the extent the Exchange Fund is insufficient at any time to make such payments, Gold shall promptly provide additional funds to the Exchange Agent in the amount of any such deficiency and (iii) no such investment shall have maturities that would reasonably be expected to prevent or delay the payments to be made pursuant to this Section 3.2. Any interest or other income from such investments shall be paid to and become the property of Gold. The Exchange Fund shall not be used for any purpose other than as specified in this Section 3.2(b). No later than ten (10) Business Days prior to the Effective Time, Gold shall enter into an agreement with the Exchange Agent, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Mercury, to effect the applicable terms of this Agreement (the "Agent Agreement").
(c) As promptly as practicable after the Effective Time, Gold shall cause the Exchange Agent to deliver to each holder of shares of SpinCo Common Stock following the Distribution and immediately prior to the Effective Time, from the Exchange Fund, the shares of Gold Common Stock into which such shares of SpinCo Common Stock have been converted pursuant to the Merger, which shares shall, for the sake of clarity, be delivered to the same Persons who received shares of SpinCo Common Stock in the Distribution (in respect of such shares of SpinCo Common Stock). Each holder of shares of SpinCo Common Stock following the Distribution and immediately prior to the Effective Time shall be entitled to receive in respect of such shares of SpinCo Common Stock held by such Person a book-entry authorization representing the number of whole shares of Gold Common Stock that such holder has the right to receive pursuant to this Section 3.2(c) (and cash in lieu of fractional shares of Gold Common Stock, as contemplated by Section 3.2(e), and any dividends or distributions and other amounts pursuant to Section 3.2(d)). The Exchange Agent shall not be entitled to vote or exercise any rights of ownership with respect to Gold Common Stock held by it from time to time hereunder or under the Agent Agreement.
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(d) Distributions After the Effective Time. Subject to the following sentence, no dividends or other distributions declared with respect to Gold Common Stock with a record date after the Effective Time shall be paid with respect to any shares of Gold Common Stock that are not able to be delivered by the Exchange Agent promptly after the Effective Time, whether due to a legal impediment to such delivery or otherwise. Subject to the effect of abandoned property, escheat, Tax or other applicable Laws, following the delivery of any such previously undelivered shares of Gold Common Stock, there shall be paid to the record holder of such shares of Gold Common Stock, without interest, (i) at the time of delivery, the amount of cash payable in lieu of fractional shares of Gold Common Stock to which such holder is entitled pursuant to Section 3.2(e), (ii) at the time of delivery, the amount of dividends or other distributions with a record date after the Effective Time theretofore paid with respect to such whole shares of Gold Common Stock and (iii) at the appropriate payment date, the amount of dividends or other distributions with a record date after the Effective Time but prior to the distribution of such whole shares of Gold Common Stock and a payment date subsequent to the distribution of such whole shares of Gold Common Stock.
(e) No Fractional Shares. No certificates or scrip representing fractional shares of Gold Common Stock or book-entry credit of the same shall be issued on conversion of shares of SpinCo Common Stock, and such fractional share interests will not entitle the owner thereof to vote, or to any other rights of a shareholder of Gold. All fractional shares of Gold that a holder of shares of SpinCo Common Stock would otherwise be entitled to receive as a result of the Merger shall be aggregated by the Exchange Agent. The Exchange Agent shall cause the whole shares obtained thereby to be sold on behalf of such holders that would otherwise have been entitled to receive a fractional share of Gold Common Stock pursuant to the Merger in the open market (or otherwise as reasonably directed by Gold), in each case at then-prevailing market prices and in no case later than ten (10) Business Days after the Effective Time. The Exchange Agent shall make available the net proceeds thereof, subject to the deduction of the amount of any withholding Taxes as contemplated in Section 3.2(j) and brokerage charges, commissions and conveyance and similar Taxes, to the holders of shares of SpinCo Common Stock that would otherwise have been entitled to receive a fractional share of Gold Common Stock pursuant to the Merger on a pro rata basis based on such fractional interest, without interest, as soon as practicable thereafter.
(f) No Further Ownership Rights in SpinCo Common Stock. All shares of Gold Common Stock issued in respect of shares of SpinCo Common Stock in accordance with the terms of this Section 3.2 (including any cash paid pursuant to Section 3.2(d) or Section 3.2(e)) shall be deemed to have been issued in full satisfaction of all rights pertaining to such shares of SpinCo Common Stock.
(g) Termination of Exchange Fund. Any portion of the Exchange Fund made available to the Exchange Agent that remains undistributed to the former holders of shares of SpinCo Common Stock on the one (1) year anniversary of the Effective Time shall be delivered to Gold, and any former holders of shares of SpinCo Common Stock who have not received shares of Gold Common Stock in accordance with this Article III shall thereafter look only to Gold for the Merger Consideration to which they are entitled pursuant to Section 3.1(a)(i), any cash in lieu of fractional shares of Gold Common Stock to which they are entitled pursuant to Section 3.2(e) and any dividends or other distributions with respect to the Gold Common Stock to which they are entitled pursuant to Section 3.2(d) (subject to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar Law).
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(h) No Liability. None of Mercury, the Surviving Corporation, Gold, Merger Sub, the Exchange Agent or any other Person shall be liable to any holder of SpinCo Common Stock or any holder of shares of Mercury Common Stock for shares of Gold Common Stock (or dividends or distributions with respect thereto or with respect to SpinCo Common Stock) or cash properly delivered to a public official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property, escheat or similar Law.
(i) Closing of Transfer Books. From and after the Effective Time, the stock transfer books of SpinCo shall be closed and no transfer shall be made of any shares of capital stock of SpinCo that were outstanding as of immediately prior to the Effective Time.
(j) Tax Withholding. SpinCo, Mercury, Gold, Merger Sub and the Exchange Agent shall each be entitled to deduct and withhold from the consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to any holder of shares of SpinCo Common Stock such amounts as are required to be deducted and withheld with respect to the making of such payment under the Code, or under any provision of state, local or foreign Tax Law. To the extent that amounts are so deducted or withheld, such deducted or withheld amounts shall be paid over to the appropriate Governmental Authority and will be treated for all purposes of this Agreement as having been paid to the Person in respect of which such deduction or withholding was made.
Section 3.3 Appraisal Rights. In accordance with Section 262 of the DGCL, no appraisal rights shall be available to the holders of SpinCo Common Stock in connection with the Merger.
ARTICLE IV
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
OF MERCURY RELATING TO MERCURY
Except as otherwise disclosed or identified in (a) the Mercury SEC Documents filed with or furnished to the SEC and publicly available on the SEC's EDGAR database at least one (1) Business Day prior to the date hereof (excluding any disclosures of factors or risks contained or referenced therein under the captions "Risk Factors" or "Forward-Looking Statements" to the extent they are forward-looking statements and any other similar general, forward-looking predictive or cautionary statements) or (b) the SpinCo Disclosure Letter (it being understood that each such disclosure shall also apply to each other representation and warranty contained in this Article IV to the extent that it is reasonably apparent on the face of such disclosure that it is relevant to or applies to such representation or warranty), Mercury hereby represents and warrants to Gold and Merger Sub as follows:
Section 4.1 Organization of Mercury.
(a) Mercury has been duly incorporated and is validly existing and in good standing as a Wisconsin corporation.
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(b) Mercury and (to the extent relating to the SpinCo Business) each member of the Mercury Group has all requisite corporate power and authority to own, lease and operate its respective properties and assets in all manner in which such assets and properties are now owned, leased and operated and to conduct its business as it is now being conducted, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Mercury Material Adverse Effect. Mercury has made available to Gold and Merger Sub true and complete copies of the Organizational Documents of Mercury as in effect on the date hereof. Mercury and (to the extent relating to the SpinCo Business) each member of the Mercury Group is duly licensed or qualified and in good standing (or equivalent status as applicable) in each jurisdiction in which the assets owned or leased by it or the character of its activities require it to be so licensed or qualified or in good standing (or equivalent status as applicable), except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Mercury Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.2 Due Authorization. Mercury has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party and to consummate the Transactions, except for such further action of the Mercury Board required, to establish the Record Date and the Distribution Date, and declare the Distribution (the effectiveness of which will be subject to the satisfaction or, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, waiver, of the conditions set forth in the Separation Agreement). The execution and delivery by Mercury of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party as of the Effective Time and the consummation of the Transactions have been duly authorized by all necessary and proper corporate action on its part, and no other corporate action on the part of Mercury is necessary to authorize this Agreement or the Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party as of the Effective Time or, subject to such further action of the Mercury Board required, if applicable, to establish the Record Date and the Distribution Date, and declare the Distribution (the effectiveness of which will be subject to the satisfaction or, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, waiver of the conditions set forth in the Separation Agreement), consummate the Transactions. Each of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which Mercury is or will be a party as of the Effective Time has been or will be duly and validly executed and delivered by it and (assuming that each of this Agreement and the other applicable Transaction Documents to which each of Gold or Merger Sub is or will be a party as of the Effective Time constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Gold or Merger Sub (as applicable)), constitutes or will when executed and delivered constitute the legal, valid and binding obligation of Mercury, enforceable against it in accordance with its terms, subject to applicable bankruptcy, insolvency, fraudulent conveyance, reorganization, moratorium and similar Laws affecting creditors' rights generally and subject, as to enforceability, to general principles of equity, whether considered in an Action at law or in equity (collectively, the "Remedies Exception").
Section 4.3 Consents and Approvals; No Violations.
(a) Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties of Gold and Merger Sub set forth in Article VI, no filing with or notice to, and no permit, authorization, registration, consent or approval of, any Governmental Authority is required on the part of Mercury for the execution, delivery and performance by Mercury of this Agreement or by any member of the Mercury Group of any Transaction Document to which it is a party or the consummation by Mercury or any member of the Mercury Group of the Transactions, except: (i) compliance with any applicable requirements of any Antitrust Law, Foreign Investment Law, the Securities Act,
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the Exchange Act, or applicable blue sky laws; (ii) compliance with any Permits relating to the SpinCo Business; (iii) the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware pursuant to the provisions of the DGCL; (iv) the rules and regulations of the NYSE; (v) the filing of any amendment to the Organizational Documents of SpinCo to effect the Separation and Distribution; or (vi) any Consents, the failure of which to make or obtain would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Mercury Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Subject to the receipt of the Consents set forth in Section 4.3(a), neither the execution, delivery and performance by Mercury of this Agreement and by any member of the Mercury Group of the Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party as of the Effective Time, nor the consummation by Mercury or of any member of the Mercury Group of the Transactions, will (i) conflict with or result in any breach or violation of any provision of the Organizational Documents of Mercury or of any member of the Mercury Group, (ii) result in a breach or violation of, or constitute a default under, require a Consent under or give rise to any right of termination, amendment, cancellation payment obligation or acceleration adverse to Mercury under a Contract to which Mercury or any member of the Mercury Group is a party that constitutes (A) an "instrument defining the rights of holders of the equity or debt securities" with respect to Mercury as such term is described in Item 601(b)(4) of Regulation S-K of the SEC, or (B) a "material contract" with respect to Mercury as such term is defined in Item 601(b)(10) of Regulation S-K of the SEC (other than those agreements and arrangements described in Item 601(b)(10)(iii) of Regulation S-K of the SEC), (iii) result in the creation or imposition of any Lien (other than Permitted Liens) upon any of the SpinCo Assets or (iv) violate any Law applicable to Mercury or of any member of the Mercury Group, except, in the case of clause (ii), clause (iii) and clause (iv), as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Mercury Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.4 Litigation. (a) There are no, and in the past two (2) years have been no, Actions pending or, to the Knowledge of Mercury, threatened before or by any Governmental Authority against Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries that, individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to result in a Mercury Material Adverse Effect, and (b) neither Mercury nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any Order that, in each case, would reasonably be expected to result in, individually or in the aggregate, a Mercury Material Adverse Effect.
Section 4.5 Brokers. No broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder's or other fee or commission for which Gold or any of its Subsidiaries, including Merger Sub, the Surviving Corporation or the members of the SpinCo Group would be liable after the Closing, in connection with this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents, or the Transactions, based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries.
Section 4.6 Mercury Reports and Financial Statements. Mercury has established and maintains a system of internal controls and procedures that comply in all material respects with applicable Law (including disclosure controls and procedures required by Rule 13a-15 or 15d-15 under the Exchange Act). Such internal controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Mercury with respect to the SpinCo Business in any Mercury SEC Document is recorded and reported on a timely basis to the individuals responsible for the preparation of such Mercury SEC Document. Such internal controls and procedures are
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designed to provide reasonable assurances that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain accountability for assets. Such internal controls are overseen by the audit committee of the Mercury Board (the "Mercury Audit Committee"). Since January 1, 2024, Mercury's chief executive officer and its chief financial officer have disclosed to Mercury's independent auditor and the Mercury Audit Committee (i) any significant deficiency or material weakness in Mercury's internal controls and (ii) any fraud, whether or not material, involving management or other employees who have a significant role in Mercury's internal controls. Since January 1, 2024, neither Mercury nor any member of the Mercury Group has received any material, unresolved complaint, allegation, assertion or claim regarding the impropriety of any accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods of Mercury or any member of Mercury Group or their respective internal accounting controls, in each case, with respect to the SpinCo Business.
ARTICLE V
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
OF MERCURY RELATING TO SPINCO
Except as otherwise disclosed or identified in (a) the Mercury SEC Documents filed with or furnished to the SEC and publicly available on the SEC's EDGAR database at least one (1) Business Day prior to the date hereof (excluding any disclosures of factors or risks contained or referenced therein under the captions "Risk Factors" or "Forward-Looking Statements" to the extent they are forward-looking statements and any other similar general, forward-looking, predictive or cautionary statements) or (b) the corresponding section or subsection of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter (it being understood that each such disclosure shall also apply to each other representation and warranty contained in this Article V to the extent that it is reasonably apparent on the face of such disclosure that it is relevant to or applies to such representation or warranty), Mercury hereby represents and warrants to Gold and Merger Sub as follows:
Section 5.1 Organization of the SpinCo Group. SpinCo is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the State of Delaware. Each member of the SpinCo Group other than SpinCo is a corporation or other legal entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (or equivalent status as applicable) under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect. Each member of the SpinCo Group has all requisite corporate or other organizational power and authority to own, lease and operate its assets in the manner as it is now being conducted and to carry on its business as now being conducted and is duly licensed or qualified to do business and is in good standing (or equivalent status as applicable) as a foreign corporation or other legal entity in each jurisdiction where the conduct of its business requires such qualification, in each case except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect. SpinCo has made available to Gold true and complete copies of the Organizational Documents of SpinCo as in effect on the date of this Agreement. Section 5.1 of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter sets forth a list of each member of the SpinCo Group and its respective jurisdiction of its organization; provided, that to the extent that the Reorganization provides for the formation of new members of the SpinCo Group (each, a "New SpinCo Group Member"), Section 5.1 of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter shall be deemed to be automatically amended to include such New SpinCo Group Member upon Mercury delivering copies of the Organizational Documents of such New SpinCo Group Member to Gold to the extent applicable and the representations set forth in this Section 5.1 with respect to such New SpinCo Group Member shall be deemed to be given as of the date such New SpinCo Group Member is formed and not as of the date hereof.
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Section 5.2 Due Authorization. SpinCo has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party at the Effective Time and (subject to the receipt of the Consents described in Section 5.4(a)) to consummate the Transactions (subject, in the case of the Merger, to the SpinCo Stockholder Approval, which will occur promptly (and in any event within twenty-four (24) hours) after the execution of this Agreement), and except for such further action of the Mercury Board required, if applicable, to establish the Record Date and the Distribution Date, and the effectiveness of the declaration of the Distribution by Mercury (which is subject to the satisfaction or, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, waiver of the conditions set forth in the Separation Agreement). The execution and delivery by SpinCo of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party at the Effective Time and the consummation by SpinCo of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly and validly authorized and approved by all necessary and proper corporate action on its part and, except for the SpinCo Stockholder Approval, no other corporate action on the part of SpinCo, the SpinCo Group or the Mercury Group is necessary to authorize this Agreement or the Transaction Documents to which SpinCo is or will be a party at the Effective Time. Each of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party at the Effective Time has been, or when executed and delivered will be, duly and validly executed and delivered by SpinCo and (assuming that this Agreement and such other applicable Transaction Documents to which Gold or Merger Sub is or will be a party at the Effective Time constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Gold or Merger Sub (as applicable)) constitutes or will constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of SpinCo, enforceable against SpinCo in accordance with its terms, subject to the Remedies Exception.
Section 5.3 Capitalization of the Members of the SpinCo Group.
(a) As of the date hereof, (i) the authorized capital stock of SpinCo consists of 5,000 shares of SpinCo Common Stock, (ii) the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of SpinCo consists of 1,000 shares of SpinCo Common Stock and (iii) no shares of SpinCo Common Stock are being held by SpinCo in its treasury. All of the issued and outstanding shares of SpinCo Common Stock are, as of the date hereof (and as of immediately prior to the Distribution will be), owned, of record and beneficially, by Mercury and have been duly authorized and validly issued, are fully paid and nonassessable and have not been issued in violation of any preemptive or similar rights. Immediately prior to the Effective Time, there will be outstanding a number of shares of SpinCo Common Stock determined in accordance with Section 7.16.
(b) Except for the shares of SpinCo Common Stock, there are no shares of common stock, preferred stock or other equity interests of SpinCo issued or outstanding. No bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness of any member of the SpinCo Group having the right to vote (or convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for securities having the right to vote) on any matters on which holders of shares of capital stock of SpinCo (including SpinCo Common Stock) may vote are, or as of the Effective Time will be, issued or outstanding.
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(c) Except pursuant to the Separation Agreement and the Transaction Documents (including the Separation and the Distribution), there are no (i) outstanding options, warrants, rights or other securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of capital stock of SpinCo, or any other commitments or agreements providing for the issuance, sale, repurchase or redemption of shares of capital stock of SpinCo, (ii) agreements of any kind which may obligate SpinCo to issue, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its shares of capital stock or (iii) voting trusts, proxies or other agreements or understandings with respect to the voting shares of capital stock of SpinCo.
(d) The issued and outstanding Interests of each Subsidiary of SpinCo have been duly authorized and validly issued and, as applicable, are fully paid and nonassessable. SpinCo, directly or indirectly, owns, or will own at the Closing, legal and beneficial title to all the issued and outstanding Interests of each Subsidiary of SpinCo, free and clear of any Liens (other than Permitted Liens or those set forth in their respective Organizational Documents, arising pursuant to applicable securities Laws or created by this Agreement), except as would not reasonably be expected to be material to the SpinCo Business, taken as a whole. Except pursuant to the Transaction Documents, there are no outstanding options, warrants, rights or other securities exercisable or exchangeable for Interests of any Subsidiary of SpinCo, any other commitments or agreements providing for the issuance, sale, repurchase or redemption of Interests of any Subsidiary of SpinCo, and there are no agreements of any kind which may obligate any Subsidiary of SpinCo to issue, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its Interests. The representations set forth in this Section 5.3(d) with respect to each New SpinCo Group Member shall be deemed to be given as of the date such New SpinCo Group Member becomes a Subsidiary of SpinCo.
(e) Section 5.3(e) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter contains a true, correct and complete list, as of January 28, 2026, of all Mercury Equity Awards held by SpinCo Group Employees, indicating, as applicable, with respect to each Mercury Equity Award held by SpinCo Group Employees then outstanding, the employee ID of the holder of the Mercury Equity Award, the type of Mercury Equity Award, the number of shares of common stock of Mercury subject to such Mercury Equity Award, the grant date for such Mercury Equity Award, the exercise or purchase price and expiration date of such Mercury Equity Award (as applicable), and the vesting schedule for such Mercury Equity Award (with the number of shares subject to issuance pursuant to outstanding Mercury PS Awards based on target and maximum performance achievement). No later than five (5) days prior to the Closing, Mercury shall provide an updated version of Section 5.3(e) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter as of no later than one day prior to the date such schedule is delivered.
Section 5.4 Consents and Approvals; No Violations.
(a) Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties of Gold and Merger Sub set forth in Article VI, no filing with or notice to, and no permit, authorization, registration, consent or approval of, any Governmental Authority is required on the part of SpinCo for the execution, delivery and performance by SpinCo of this Agreement or by SpinCo or any member of the SpinCo Group of any Transaction Document to which it is a party or the consummation by SpinCo or any member of the SpinCo Group of the Transactions, except (i) compliance with any applicable requirements of any Antitrust Law, Foreign Investment Law, the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or applicable blue sky laws; (ii) compliance with any Permits relating to the SpinCo
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Business; (iii) the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware pursuant to the provisions of the DGCL; (iv) the rules and regulations of the NYSE; (v) the filing of any amendment to the Organizational Documents of SpinCo to effect the Separation and Distribution; or (vi) any Consents, the failure of which to make or obtain would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Subject to the receipt of the Consents set forth in Section 5.4(a), neither the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by SpinCo or any Transaction Document by SpinCo or any member of the SpinCo Group to which it is or will be a party as of the Effective Time, nor the consummation by SpinCo or any member of the SpinCo Group of the Transactions, will (i) conflict with or result in any breach or violation of any provision of the respective Organizational Documents of SpinCo or of the members of the SpinCo Group, (ii) result in a breach or violation of, require a Consent under or constitute a default under, or give rise to any right of termination, amendment, cancellation, payment obligation or acceleration adverse to any member of the SpinCo Group under any SpinCo Material Contract or SpinCo Transferred Property Lease or (iii) violate any Law applicable to the SpinCo Business, except, in the case of clause (ii) and clause (iii), as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.5 Financial Statements; Undisclosed Liabilities.
(a) Section 5.5(a) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter sets forth the carve-out unaudited statement of operations of the SpinCo Business for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024 and the nine (9) months ended September 30, 2025, and the unaudited balance sheet of the SpinCo Business as of September 30, 2025 and March 31, 2024 (collectively, the "SpinCo Unaudited Financial Statements"). The SpinCo Unaudited Financial Statements (x) were prepared in good faith and derived from the financial data inputs in the consolidated audited financial statements of Mercury for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024, which were prepared in accordance with GAAP as consistently applied by Mercury throughout the periods covered, and (y) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and the results of operations of the SpinCo Business, in the aggregate, as of the respective dates thereof or the periods then ended, in each case except as may be noted therein and subject to the absence of footnote disclosures and to normal and recurring year-end adjustments that are not, individually or in the aggregate, material to the SpinCo Business; provided, that the SpinCo Unaudited Financial Statements and the foregoing representations and warranties are qualified by the facts that (A) the SpinCo Business has not operated on a separate standalone basis and has historically been reported within Mercury's consolidated financial statements, (B) the SpinCo Unaudited Financial Statements assume certain allocated charges and credits which do not necessarily reflect amounts that would have resulted from arm's-length transactions or that the SpinCo Business would have incurred on a standalone basis, and (C) the SpinCo Unaudited Financial Statements are not necessarily indicative of what the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of the SpinCo Business or the members of the SpinCo Group will be in the future.
(b) There are no liabilities or obligations of the SpinCo Business of any nature, whether or not accrued, contingent or otherwise, that would be required by GAAP to be reflected or reserved for on a combined balance sheet of the SpinCo Business, other than those that: (i) are reflected or reserved for in the SpinCo Unaudited Financial Statements; (ii) have been incurred in
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the ordinary course of business since September 30, 2025; (iii) are incurred in connection with the Transactions or the announcement, negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement, the Transaction Documents or the Distribution; (iv) have been (or will be prior to the Closing) discharged or paid off; (v) arise in connection with future performance under existing Contracts unrelated to any breach or default by SpinCo or its Subsidiaries; or (vi) would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect.
(c) When delivered pursuant to Section 7.24 of this Agreement, the SpinCo Audited Financial Statements will (x) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP as consistently applied by Mercury throughout the periods covered, and (y) present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and the results of operations of the SpinCo Business, in the aggregate, as of the respective dates thereof or the periods then ended; provided, that the SpinCo Audited Financial Statements and the foregoing representations and warranties are qualified by the facts that (A) the SpinCo Business has not operated on a separate standalone basis and has historically been reported within Mercury's consolidated financial statements, (B) the SpinCo Audited Financial Statements will assume certain allocated charges and credits which do not necessarily reflect amounts that would have resulted from arm's-length transactions or that the SpinCo Business would have incurred on a standalone basis, and (C) the SpinCo Audited Financial Statements will not necessarily be indicative of what the results of operations, financial position and cash flows of the SpinCo Business or the members of the SpinCo Group will be in the future. The SpinCo Audited Financial Statements will conform in all material respects to the published rules and regulations of the SEC applicable to financial statements for each of the periods that will be required to be included in the SpinCo Registration Statement and the Gold Registration Statement.
(d) No member of the SpinCo Group is a party to, or has any commitment to become a party to, any off-balance sheet joint venture, off-balance sheet partnership or any other "off-balance sheet arrangements" (as defined in Item 303(b) of Regulation S-K promulgated by the SEC) that is material to the SpinCo Group, taken as a whole.
Section 5.6 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. (a) Except in connection with the process related to the potential separation, disposition or sale of the SpinCo Business and the review of strategic alternatives with respect to the SpinCo Business or as contemplated by this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents (including the reorganizations and transactions undertaken to facilitate the Reorganization and the Distribution), since September 30, 2025 and through the date of this Agreement, the SpinCo Business has been operated in the ordinary course of business in all material respects and (b) since September 30, 2025, there has not occurred any event, change, occurrence, circumstance, development or effect that is, or would reasonably be expected to result in, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.7 Sufficiency of the SpinCo Assets. At the Closing, (a) taking into account and giving effect to all of the Transaction Documents (including the rights, benefits and services made available in the Transaction Documents) and the Reorganization, (b) assuming all consents, authorizations, expiration of waiting periods assignments, amendments and Permits necessary in connection with the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents have been obtained and (c) other than with respect to Shared Services, the members of the SpinCo Group will own or have good, valid and marketable title to, and the valid right to use (including by means of ownership or rights pursuant to licenses or other
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Contracts), the assets, properties and rights necessary to conduct the SpinCo Business immediately following the Closing in substantially the same manner in all material respects as conducted by Mercury and its Subsidiaries as of the date hereof, taking into account the natural evolution of the SpinCo Business during the interim period between the date hereof and the Closing (to the extent permitted under this the terms of this Agreement). The foregoing is not, and is not intended to be, a representation or warranty of any kind regarding non-infringement (which representation and warranty is solely as set forth in Section 5.16).
Section 5.8 Litigation.
(a) (i) There is no, and in the past two (2) years has been no, Action pending or, to the Knowledge of SpinCo, threatened, against any member of the SpinCo Group, or arising out of or relating to the SpinCo Business and pending or, to the Knowledge of SpinCo, threatened, against Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries other than the members of the SpinCo Group, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect, and (ii) no member of the SpinCo Group (nor any of Mercury or any of its other Subsidiaries solely with respect to the SpinCo Business) is subject to any outstanding order, judgment, writ, injunction, stipulation, ruling, assessment, award or decree issued by any Governmental Authority or any arbitration or mediation tribunal (any "Order"), except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect.
(b) There is no, and in the past two (2) years has been no, (i) product warranty or product liability Actions pending or, to the Knowledge of SpinCo, threatened, against any member of the SpinCo Group, or arising out of or relating to the SpinCo Business and pending or, to the Knowledge of SpinCo, threatened, against Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries other than the members of the SpinCo Group with respect to any services or products designed, marketed, developed, manufactured, assembled, sold, distributed or delivered by the members of the SpinCo Group in connection with the SpinCo Business ("SpinCo Products"), except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect, and (ii) no member of the SpinCo Group has (A) been served with process or threatened in writing, regarding any Action or recall or (B) initiated or been required to initiate a product recall, consumer recall, suspension or withdrawal or similar Action, in each case with respect to any SpinCo Products, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect. To the Knowledge of SpinCo, (i) there are no facts which the members of the SpinCo Group expect to furnish a basis for the recall of any SpinCo Product or withdrawal of any approval, license, registration or consent of any Governmental Authority with respect to SpinCo, the SpinCo Business or any SpinCo Products, (ii) there is no basis for the recall of any SpinCo Product and (iii) there are no defects, technical concerns or problems in any of the SpinCo Products currently offered by any member of the SpinCo Group that would prevent the same from performing in accordance with their user specifications or functionality descriptions, in each case, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect.
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Section 5.9 Real Property.
(a) Section 5.9(a) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter sets forth a true and complete list of the material real property owned, or that will be owned following the Reorganization, by members of the SpinCo Group which constitute SpinCo Assets (together with the land, buildings, structures, improvements and fixtures thereon, the "SpinCo Owned Real Property"). Except as would not reasonably be expected to be material to the SpinCo Business, taken as a whole, (i) the members of the SpinCo Group, as applicable, have good and marketable indefeasible fee simple or valid title to all SpinCo Owned Real Property, free and clear of all Liens, except Permitted Liens and (ii) none of Mercury, the members of the SpinCo Group, or their respective Subsidiaries have received written notice of any, and to the Knowledge of SpinCo, there is no, pending condemnation, expropriation, eminent domain or similar Action affecting all or any material portion of any SpinCo Owned Real Property. Except as set forth on Section 5.9(a) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter and as would not reasonably be expected to be material to the SpinCo Business, taken as a whole, (i) no member of the SpinCo Group has granted to any Person the right to use or occupy any SpinCo Owned Real Property, and (ii) there are no outstanding options, rights of right offer to purchase any SpinCo Owned Real Property or any portion thereof or interest therein. Except as would not reasonably be expected to be material to the SpinCo Business, taken as a whole, no member of the SpinCo Group is in breach or default under any restrictive or other covenant encumbering any SpinCo Owned Real Property.
(b) Section 5.9(b) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter sets forth a true and complete list of material leased or subleased real property in which the members of the SpinCo Group have, or will have an interest following the Reorganization, a leasehold or subleasehold interest and which constitute SpinCo Assets (the "SpinCo Transferred Leased Property"), and the leases, subleases and other similar agreements with respect thereto (the "SpinCo Transferred Property Leases"). Mercury has made available to Gold copies of each SpinCo Transferred Property Lease that are correct and complete in all material respects (subject to any redaction of information deemed competitively sensitive by Mercury or pursuant to applicable Law). Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect, (i) the members of the SpinCo Group, as applicable, have a valid leasehold or subleasehold interest in the SpinCo Transferred Leased Property, free and clear of all Liens, except Permitted Liens, and each such leasehold or subleasehold interest in a SpinCo Transferred Leased Property is legal, valid, binding, enforceable and in full force and effect subject to the Remedies Exception, (ii) no member of the SpinCo Group, or, to the Knowledge of SpinCo, as of the date hereof, any other party thereto, is in breach of or default under any SpinCo Transferred Property Lease and no event has occurred or circumstances exists which, with delivery of notice, the passage of time or both, would constitute such a breach or default, or permit the termination or acceleration of rent under such SpinCo Transferred Property Lease, (iii) no member of the SpinCo Group has, as of the date hereof, received any written notice from any lessor of any SpinCo Transferred Leased Property of any breach of or default under any lease or sublease thereof by any member of the SpinCo Group, which breach or default has not been cured, and (iv) no member of the SpinCo Group has subleased, licensed, assigned, transferred, conveyed, mortgaged, deeded in trust or encumbered any interest in any SpinCo Transferred Property Lease or SpinCo Transferred Leased Property, except Permitted Liens.
(c) The SpinCo Owned Real Property and the SpinCo Transferred Leased Property comprise all of the material real property used or intended to be used as of the date hereof in the SpinCo Business.
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Section 5.10 Tax Matters.
(a) Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect:
(i) (A) All Tax Returns required to be filed by or with respect to a member of the SpinCo Group have been timely filed (taking into account applicable extensions), (B) all filed Tax Returns are true, correct and complete, and (C) all Taxes, whether or not shown as due on any Tax Returns, in respect of each member of the SpinCo Group and the SpinCo Business have been paid;
(ii) (A) No Governmental Authority has asserted any written claim, assessment or deficiency for Taxes against any member of the SpinCo Group (and, to the Knowledge of SpinCo, no such claim, assessment or deficiency has been threatened or proposed in writing), except for deficiencies which have been fully satisfied by payment, settled or withdrawn and (B) no claim, audit or other proceeding by any Governmental Authority is ongoing, pending or threatened in writing with respect to any Taxes of any member of the SpinCo Group;
(iii) All amounts of Taxes (including sales and other similar Taxes) required to be deducted, collected or withheld by each member of the SpinCo Group have been deducted, collected or withheld and have been (or will be) duly and timely paid to the proper Governmental Authority and each member of the SpinCo Group has complied in all respects with all informational reporting requirements related thereto;
(iv) No waivers or extension of any statute of limitations on the assessment and collection of any Tax or governmental charge with respect to any member of the SpinCo Group have been requested or made that has not expired (or would not expire) prior to the Closing;
(v) No member of the SpinCo Group has been subject to Tax in any jurisdiction outside the jurisdiction that it is incorporated or organized thereunder as a result of having a permanent establishment. No claim has ever been made by a Governmental Authority in a jurisdiction where any member of the SpinCo Group does not file Tax Returns of a particular type that such entity is or may be subject to taxation of such type by that jurisdiction;
(vi) No member of the SpinCo Group (A) is party to any Tax allocation, sharing, indemnity, or reimbursement agreement or other similar agreement (other than any customary commercial, leasing or employment contracts the primary purpose of which is not related to Taxes or any Tax allocation, sharing, indemnity, or reimbursement agreement the only parties to which are members of the SpinCo Group), (B) is subject to any "closing agreement" within the meaning of Section 7121 of the Code (or any corresponding similar provision of state, local or non-U.S. Tax Law) or other written agreement (including a Tax ruling) with a Governmental Authority that will remain in effect after the Closing, or (C) has any Liability for Taxes of any Person (other than Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries) under Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or non-U.S. Law), as a transferee or successor, by operation of law or by contract (other than customary commercial, leasing or employment contracts, the primary purposes of which do not relate to Taxes);
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(vii) Other than in connection with the Separation, within the past two (2) years, no member of the SpinCo Group has constituted either a "distributing corporation" or a "controlled corporation" (within the meaning of Section 355(a)(1)(A) of the Code) in a distribution of stock intended to qualify for tax-free treatment under Section 355 of the Code;
(viii) No member of the SpinCo Group has participated in a "listed transaction" within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b)(2); and
(ix) There are no Liens for Taxes (other than Permitted Liens) upon the assets of any member of the SpinCo Group or the SpinCo Business.
(b) Neither Mercury nor any of its Subsidiaries has taken or agreed to take any action or knows of any fact, agreement, plan or other circumstance that would reasonably be expected to prevent or impede (i) the Intended Tax Treatment, (ii) Mercury from delivering the Mercury Distribution Tax Representations, (iii) SpinCo from delivering the SpinCo Merger Tax Representations, (iv) Gold from delivering the Gold Tax Representations, (v) Mercury from receiving the IRS Ruling, (vi) Mercury or Gold from receiving the Tax opinions described in Section 7.2(d), (vii) Mercury from receiving Mercury Merger Tax Opinion or (viii) Gold from receiving the Gold Merger Tax Opinion.
Section 5.11 Material Contracts.
(a) There are no SpinCo Material Contracts as of the date hereof except as set forth in Section 5.11(a) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter. The term "SpinCo Material Contracts" means Contracts (other than (x) sales or purchase orders, statements of work, standard terms and conditions, invoices and similar instruments or (y) Benefit Plans) in the following categories that are primarily related to the SpinCo Business and to which Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries is a party (in each case, other than any Contract or portion thereof that is a Mercury Asset, any intercompany agreements or any Contract for Shared Services):
(i) each of the top ten (10) Contracts that are primarily related to the SpinCo Business, measured by the total amounts invoiced to the SpinCo Business during the twelve (12) month period ending December 31, 2025, other than any such Contracts that can be terminated on less than one hundred twenty (120) days' notice without material monetary penalty;
(ii) the Contracts with each of the top ten (10) customers of the SpinCo Business, measured by amounts paid to the SpinCo Business during the twelve (12) month period ending December 31, 2025;
(iii) any Contract requiring future capital commitments, investments or expenditures (or series of capital expenditures) by the SpinCo Business in excess of $1,000,000, other than partnerships, joint ventures, collaborations or similar material agreements involving partnership, co-investment or collaboration between the SpinCo Business and a third party;
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(iv) any material partnership, joint venture, profit sharing, joint development, collaboration or similar material agreement involving partnership, co-investment or collaboration involving the SpinCo Business and a third party which (A) is reasonably expected to have revenues attributable to the SpinCo Business in excess of $5,000,000 during the twelve (12) month period following the date hereof, or (B) pursuant to which Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries has an express obligation to make any investment in, or advancement or capital contribution to, any other Person in excess of $5,000,000, in the aggregate, in the twelve (12) month period following the date hereof, in each case, other than any such Contract solely between Mercury and its wholly owned Subsidiaries or among wholly owned Subsidiaries of Mercury;
(v) any Contract relating to the acquisition or disposition of any business, product line, equity interests or a material amount of assets, in each case, for aggregate consideration under such Contract in excess of $5,000,000 (whether by merger, sale of stock, sale of assets or otherwise) under which, after the Closing, the SpinCo Business will have any remaining material obligation with respect to an indemnification, "earn out," contingent purchase price or similar contingent obligations;
(vi) (A) any Contract the express terms of which restrict or limit in any material respect the ability of any member of the SpinCo Group or its Affiliates after the Closing to compete in any business or with any Person or in any geographic area, (B) any Contract the express terms of which grant the other party "most favored nation" status or equivalent preferential pricing terms as would have a material impact on the SpinCo Business, or (C) any Contract the express terms of which grant the other party exclusivity or similar rights as would have a material impact on the SpinCo Business;
(vii) any Contract (A) pursuant to which (1) any Person has licensed any material Intellectual Property to any member of the SpinCo Group or (with respect to the SpinCo Business) the Mercury Group, or granted to any member of the SpinCo Group or (with respect to the SpinCo Business) the Mercury Group, any covenant not to sue or right of use with respect to any Intellectual Property, excluding non-exclusive licenses with respect to commercially available software on standard terms with aggregate annual or one-time license, maintenance, support and other fees of less than $250,000, or (2) any member of the SpinCo Group or (with respect to the SpinCo Business) the Mercury Group has granted any Person a license to any material SpinCo Intellectual Property or a covenant not to sue or other right of use with respect to any material SpinCo Intellectual Property, other than non-exclusive licenses granted in the ordinary course of business in connection with the sale of any products or services to SpinCo customers, or (B) relating to the development of any material Intellectual Property purported to be owned by SpinCo or any SpinCo Subsidiary (other than Contracts entered into with employees or independent contractors on Mercury's standard form invention assignment agreements made available to Gold);
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(viii) other than the Commitment Letter or otherwise in connection with the SpinCo Financing or Permanent SpinCo Financing, any Contract relating to or evidencing indebtedness for borrowed money of the SpinCo Business in excess of $1,000,000, except for any Contract relating to indebtedness for borrowed money or guarantees or credit support arrangements with respect to any such indebtedness or arrangements between Mercury and a Subsidiary of Mercury or between Subsidiaries of Mercury;
(ix) any material interest rate, currency, commodity or other swap, collar, cap or other hedging or similar agreements or arrangements exclusively related to the SpinCo Business;
(x) each Contract under which any member of the SpinCo Group has continuing material guarantee or indemnification obligations to any Person, other than those entered into in the ordinary course of the SpinCo Business;
(xi) any material vendor Contracts with a third party pursuant to which such third party provides information technology, human resources or financial services to Mercury, SpinCo or any member of the Mercury Group or SpinCo Group primarily used or primarily held for use in the SpinCo Business; and
(xii) any material settlement Contract relating to any actual or threatened Actions in the two (2) years preceding the date of this Agreement pursuant to which any member of the SpinCo Group (after giving effect to the Reorganization) has ongoing obligations after the Closing.
(b) Mercury has made available to Gold copies of each SpinCo Material Contract that are correct and complete in all material respects (subject to any redaction of information deemed competitively sensitive by Mercury or pursuant to applicable Law). Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect, (i) each SpinCo Material Contract is a legal, valid and binding obligation of Mercury or a Subsidiary thereof, as applicable, and, to the Knowledge of SpinCo, each counterparty thereto, and is in full force and effect and enforceable in accordance with its terms subject to the Remedies Exception, (ii) neither Mercury and its applicable Subsidiaries nor, to the Knowledge of SpinCo, any other party thereto, is in breach of, or in default under, any such SpinCo Material Contract, and (iii) no event has occurred that with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute such a breach or default thereunder by Mercury or any of its applicable Subsidiaries, or, to the Knowledge of SpinCo, any other party thereto. As of the date hereof, no party to any SpinCo Material Contract has exercised any termination rights with respect thereto (or provided written notice of intent to exercise such termination rights or written notice that such party intends to adversely amend or modify in any material respect (other than notice of amendments or modifications provided in the ordinary course of business), or elect not to renew or perform in any material respect, such SpinCo Material Contract).
Section 5.12 Labor Relations.
(a) Section 5.12(a) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter sets forth a list, as of the date of hereof, of (i) each labor union, works council or other employee representative body that represents SpinCo Group Employees and (ii) each Collective Bargaining Agreement covering SpinCo Group Employees and/or to which any member of the SpinCo Group is a party or by which any member
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of the SpinCo Group is bound. Except as would not reasonably be expected to be material to the SpinCo Business, taken as a whole or as set forth on Section 5.12(a) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter: (i) no petition for recognition or certification of a bargaining unit or employee representative of a labor organization for the representation of any SpinCo Group Employees is pending or, to the Knowledge of SpinCo, threatened; and (ii) no strike, slowdown, work stoppage, lockout, job action, picketing, handbilling material labor dispute, union organizing activity, in each case affecting the SpinCo Business or any of the members of the SpinCo Group or relating to any SpinCo Group Employees, is pending or has occurred within the past two (2) years.
(b) There are no pending, or to the Knowledge of SpinCo, threatened, unfair labor or other employment-related practice charges, complaints, grievances or other Actions by or before any Governmental Authority arising under any applicable Law governing labor or employment by, in connection with or otherwise related to any SpinCo Group Employees or current independent contractors of the SpinCo Business, other than any such charges, complaints, grievances or Actions that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect.
(c) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect, for the past two (2) years, Mercury and each of its Affiliates, as well as the SpinCo Group, has been in compliance with all Laws relating to labor and employment and employment practices, including all Laws respecting terms and conditions of employment, employment practices, discrimination, harassment, retaliation civil rights, plant closures and mass layoffs (including the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act and any similar plant closures and mass layoffs Laws ("WARN Laws")), wages (including minimum wage and overtime), hours of work, meal and rest breaks, withholdings and deductions, worker classification (including the classification of exempt and non-exempt employees and of independent contractors and consultants), employment equity, collective bargaining, occupational health and safety, workers' compensation and immigration, in each case, with respect to the SpinCo Group Employees, former employees, and independent contractors or other workers providing services to the SpinCo Business.
(d) With respect to the SpinCo Business and the SpinCo Group Employees, Mercury and its Affiliates have reasonably investigated all allegations of sexual or other harassment that have been reported to Mercury's Helpline in the past two (2) years. Neither Mercury nor any of its Affiliates reasonably anticipates any material Liabilities relating to any such allegations.
(e) Except as set forth on Section 5.12(e) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter, all SpinCo Group Employees are, as of the date hereof, exclusively or primarily dedicated to the SpinCo Business.
Section 5.13 Compliance with Law; Permits.
(a) Except for Environmental Laws (which are addressed exclusively as set forth in Section 5.17), Mercury and Mercury's Subsidiaries (in each case, solely with respect to the SpinCo Business) and the members of the SpinCo Group are, and, during the past two (2) years Mercury and Mercury's Subsidiaries (in each case, solely with respect to the SpinCo Business) and the members of the SpinCo Group (i) have been in compliance with all applicable Laws and (ii) have
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not received written notice from any Governmental Authority alleging any material non-compliance with or possible material violation of any applicable Law or that Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries (with respect to the SpinCo Business) or the members of the SpinCo Group, is subject to any inspection, investigation, survey, audit or other review, except in each case as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect. Neither Mercury nor any of its Subsidiaries (in each case, solely with respect to the SpinCo Business) is subject to any corporate integrity agreements, deferred prosecution agreements, monitoring agreements or consent decrees with or imposed by any Governmental Authority and to the Knowledge of SpinCo (A) the imposition of any such agreement or decree is not currently pending, and (B) neither Mercury nor any of its Subsidiaries has received written notice that the imposition of any such agreement or decree is currently contemplated or proposed.
(b) Except with respect to Permits required under applicable Environmental Laws (which are addressed exclusively in Section 5.17), at all times during the past two (2) years (i) Mercury and its Subsidiaries (solely with respect to the SpinCo Business) and the members of the SpinCo Group have obtained and maintained all of the Permits and Regulatory Authorizations necessary to conduct the SpinCo Business substantially in the manner it was conducted as of the applicable date in compliance with applicable Law and (ii) such Permits and Regulatory Authorizations as are necessary to conduct the SpinCo Business substantially in the manner it is currently conducted are valid and in full force and effect and Mercury or its applicable Subsidiary or the applicable member of the SpinCo Group is in compliance with the terms thereof, in each case of (i) and (ii) except for such matters that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect.
(c) None of Mercury or any of Mercury's Subsidiaries (in each case, solely with respect to the SpinCo Business) or any member of the SpinCo Group, any SpinCo Group Employee or, to the Knowledge of SpinCo, any agent or other third party representative acting on behalf of the SpinCo Business, (i) is currently, or since April 24, 2019 has been (A) a Sanctioned Person; (B) engaging in any dealings or transactions with or for the benefit of any Sanctioned Person or in any Sanctioned Country in violation of Sanctions; or (C) otherwise in violation of Sanctions, Ex-Im Laws, or U.S. anti-boycott Laws (collectively, "Trade Controls"); or (ii) has in the past five (5) years (A) made or accepted any unlawful payment or given, received, offered, promised, or authorized or agreed to give or receive, any money, advantage or thing of value, directly or indirectly, to or from any employee or official of any Governmental Authority or any other Person in violation of Anti-Corruption Laws or (B) otherwise been in violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws.
(d) None of Mercury or any of Mercury's Subsidiaries (in each case, solely with respect to the SpinCo Business) or any member of the SpinCo Group, any SpinCo Group Employee, or, to the Knowledge of SpinCo, any agent or third party representative acting on behalf of the SpinCo Business, has (i) received from any Governmental Authority or any Person any written notice, request, citation, inquiry, or internal or external allegation; (ii) made any voluntary or involuntary disclosure to a Governmental Authority; or (iii) conducted any internal investigation or audit, in each case of clauses (i)-(iii) concerning any actual or potential violation or wrongdoing related to Trade Controls or Anti-Corruption Laws. There are no pending or, to the Knowledge of SpinCo, threatened claims against Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries (in each case, solely with respect to the SpinCo Business) with respect to Trade Controls or Anti-Corruption Laws. Mercury and Mercury's Subsidiaries (in each case, solely with respect to the SpinCo Business) have implemented policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws.
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Section 5.14 Regulatory Matters.
(a) During the past two (2) years Mercury and Mercury's Subsidiaries (in each case, solely with respect to the SpinCo Business) and the members of the SpinCo Group have filed with the applicable regulatory authorities all required material filings, declarations, listings, registrations, reports or submissions, except, in each case, as would not have, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect. All such filings, declarations, listings, registrations, reports or submissions were in material compliance with all applicable Laws when filed, and, as of the date of this Agreement, no deficiencies have been asserted in writing by any applicable regulatory authorities to Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries with respect to any such filings, declarations, listing, registrations, reports or submissions, except as would not have, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Except as would not have, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect, Mercury and Mercury's Subsidiaries (in each case, solely with respect to the SpinCo Business) have for the past two (2) years had appropriate internal controls that are reasonably designed to ensure compliance with all applicable Laws.
Section 5.15 SpinCo Benefit Plans.
(a) Section 5.15(a) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter sets forth a list, as of the date hereof, of each material Mercury Benefit Plan and separately identifies and sets forth each material SpinCo Benefit Plan; provided, that such list may omit (i) (x) any Mercury Benefit Plan that is an individualized agreement that is consistent, in all material respects, with a representative form of agreement that has been provided to Gold prior to the date hereof and (y) is not with a SpinCo Group Employee who is or is expected to be an officer of SpinCo and (ii) any Mercury Benefit Plan (other than a SpinCo Benefit Plan) maintained outside of the United States. Within the sixty (60) day period following the date hereof Mercury shall provide a supplemental Section 5.15(a) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter that sets forth each Mercury Benefit Plan that would been included on such initial schedule but for clause (ii) of the proviso in the first sentence of this Section 5.15(a). Each SpinCo Benefit Plan is exclusive to SpinCo and its Subsidiaries, and no SpinCo Benefit Plan covers or provides benefits to any individual who is not a current or former employee of SpinCo (or an eligible dependent or beneficiary thereof).
(b) As applicable with respect to each of the material SpinCo Benefit Plans required to be set forth on Section 5.15(a) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter, Mercury has made available to Gold true and complete copies of: (i) the applicable plan document (including all amendments thereto) (or, for any unwritten plan, a summary of the material terms thereof) and all related trust agreements, insurance policies or other funding arrangements; (ii) the most recent summary plan description; (iii) the most recent Form 5500 (including all schedules and attachments thereto); (iv) the most recent determination, opinion or advisory letter issued by the IRS; and (v) any material,
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non routine correspondence with any Governmental Authority in the past two (2) years. As applicable with respect to each of the material Mercury Benefit Plans required to be set forth on Section 5.15(a) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter (other than individual agreements or arrangements that do not differ in any material respect from a form of agreement made available to Gold), Mercury has made available to Gold true and complete copies of: (A) the applicable plan document (including all amendments thereto) (or, for any unwritten plan, a summary of the material terms thereof); and (B) the most recent determination, opinion or advisory letter issued by the IRS. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this paragraph, the foregoing materials in respect of material Mercury Benefit Plans (other than SpinCo Benefit Plans) maintained outside of the United States may be made available to Gold during the sixty (60) day period following the date hereof.
(c) Each Mercury Benefit Plan intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code has received a favorable determination letter from the IRS (or is entitled to rely upon a favorable opinion letter issued by the IRS), and, to the Knowledge of SpinCo, there are no existing circumstances or events that would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the qualified status of any such plan.
(d) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect: (i) each of the Mercury Benefit Plans has been established, maintained, operated, funded and administered in all respects in accordance with its terms and in compliance with applicable Law, including ERISA and the Code; (ii) there are no pending Actions or claims (other than routine claims for benefits), or to the Knowledge of SpinCo, threatened, against or involving any Mercury Benefit Plan (or the assets thereof); (iii) all required contributions and other payments to each Mercury Benefit Plan that have become due have been timely made or, if not yet due, properly accrued; (iv) there has been no non-exempt "prohibited transaction" within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA or breach of fiduciary duty (as determined under ERISA) with respect to any Mercury Benefit Plan; and (v) neither SpinCo nor any of its Subsidiaries has incurred (whether or not assessed) any Liability that has not been satisfied under Section 4980B, 4980D, 4980H, 6721 or 6722 of the Code.
(e) No SpinCo Benefit Plan is, and neither SpinCo nor any of its ERISA Affiliates sponsors, maintains, contributes to, has any obligation to contribute to, or has any Liability under or with respect to: (i) any Multiemployer Plan or (ii) a plan that has two (2) or more contributing sponsors, at least two (2) of whom are not under common control, within the meaning of Section 4063 of ERISA, or any "multiple employer plan" within the meaning of Section 210 of ERISA or Section 413 of the Code. No SpinCo Benefit Plan is a "defined benefit plan" (as defined in Section 3(35) of ERISA) or a plan subject to Title IV or Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412, 430 or 4971 of the Code. Neither SpinCo nor any of its ERISA Affiliates has incurred (x) any Liability to or with respect to a Multiemployer Plan, including as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as those terms are defined in Part 1 of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA, that has not been satisfied in full, or (y) any Controlled Group Liability that has not been satisfied in full, and, to the Knowledge of SpinCo, no condition exists that presents a material risk to SpinCo or its Subsidiaries of incurring any such Liabilities (including on account of any ERISA Affiliate). No SpinCo Benefit Plan is, and none of SpinCo or any of its Subsidiaries has any Liability with respect to, a "multiple employer welfare arrangement" (within the meaning of Section 3(40)(A) of ERISA). There is no Lien pursuant to ERISA Sections 303(k) or 4068 or Code Sections 412 or 430(k) in favor of, or enforceable by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any other entity with respect to any of the assets of SpinCo or any of its Subsidiaries.
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(f) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the Transactions would reasonably be expected to, either alone or in combination with another event: (i) entitle any SpinCo Group Employee to material severance pay, unemployment compensation or any other material benefits or payments; (ii) accelerate the time of payment, funding or vesting, or materially increase the amount of any payments or benefits due to any SpinCo Group Employee (including the forgiveness of indebtedness); (iii) limit or restrict the right to merge, terminate or amend any SpinCo Benefit Plan on or after the Closing; or (iv) result in any payment (whether in cash or property or the vesting of property) to any "disqualified individual" (as such term is defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.280G-1) that would, individually or in combination with any other such payment, constitute an "excess parachute payment" (as defined in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code).
(g) No SpinCo Benefit Plan provides for the gross-up or reimbursement of Taxes under Section 409A or 4999 of the Code.
(h) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect, each SpinCo Benefit Plan that constitutes in any part a "nonqualified deferred compensation plan" (as defined under Section 409A(d)(1) of the Code) subject to Section 409A of the Code has been operated and administered in all material respects in operational compliance with, and is in all material respects in documentary compliance with, Section 409A of the Code and all IRS guidance promulgated thereunder, and no amount under any such plan, agreement or arrangement is, has been or would reasonably be expected to be subject to any additional Tax, interest or penalties under Section 409A of the Code.
(i) No SpinCo Benefit Plan provides, and SpinCo does not have any obligation to provide, retiree, post-termination or other post-employment health or welfare benefits, other than health care continuation coverage (i) as required by Section 4980B of the Code or Part 6 of Subtitle B of Title I of ERISA ("COBRA") or ERISA, (ii) in connection with severance benefits or (iii) through the end of the month in which a termination of employment occurs.
(j) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect: (i) each Mercury Benefit Plan that is a Foreign Benefit Plan (a "Mercury Foreign Benefit Plan") has been established, maintained, funded, operated and administered in all respects in accordance with its terms and applicable Laws, and if intended to qualify for special Tax treatment, meets all the requirements for such treatment or if intended to be filed, registered or approved by a Governmental Authority has been duly and timely filed, registered or approved, as applicable; (ii) is funded, book-reserved or secured by an insurance policy to the extent required by the terms of the applicable Mercury Foreign Benefit Plan or applicable Law, based on reasonable actuarial assumptions in accordance with applicable accounting principles; and (iii) each Mercury Foreign Benefit Plan required to be registered has been registered and has been maintained in good standing with applicable regulatory authorities.
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Section 5.16 Intellectual Property.
(a) Section 5.16(a) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter sets forth a list of all SpinCo Intellectual Property that is Registered IP (the "Registered SpinCo Intellectual Property"), identifying for each, as applicable, the record (and if different, beneficial) owner, the registration, patent or application number and date, and the jurisdiction and domain name registrar. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect, the Intellectual Property required to be disclosed in Section 5.16(a) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter pursuant to the foregoing sentence (i) is subsisting and, other than Registered SpinCo Intellectual Property constituting applications, valid and enforceable and (ii) do not require any filings, payments or similar actions to be taken by the SpinCo Group within sixty (60) days of the date hereof for the purposes of obtaining, maintaining, perfecting or renewing such Intellectual Property.
(b) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect: (i) as of immediately prior to the Separation, Mercury and its Subsidiaries solely and exclusively own and, as of the Distribution, the members of the SpinCo Group solely and exclusively own, all rights, title and interest in and to the SpinCo Intellectual Property, in each case, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens; and (ii) the SpinCo Intellectual Property and the Intellectual Property licensed to the members of the SpinCo Group pursuant to the Intellectual Property Matters Agreement constitute all Intellectual Property owned by Mercury and its Subsidiaries used in or necessary for the operation of the SpinCo Business as currently conducted.
(c) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect: (i) there is no opposition or cancellation Action pending that challenges the ownership, scope, validity, use or enforceability of any SpinCo Intellectual Property (other than ordinary course proceedings instituted by the relevant intellectual property office related to the application for any item of Registered SpinCo Intellectual Property); (ii) the operation of the SpinCo Business does not infringe, misappropriate, dilute, or otherwise violate, and in the past six (6) years has not infringed, misappropriated, diluted, or otherwise violated, the Intellectual Property of any other Person; and (iii) none of Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries (including the SpinCo Group) have received any written notice since the date that is six (6) years prior to the date hereof alleging that the operation of the SpinCo Business infringes, misappropriates, dilutes, or otherwise violates the Intellectual Property of any other Person.
(d) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect: (i) to the Knowledge of SpinCo, no Person is infringing, misappropriating, diluting or otherwise violating, and in the past six (6) years has not infringed, misappropriated, diluted, or otherwise violated, any SpinCo Intellectual Property, and (ii) neither Mercury nor any member of the SpinCo Group has, since the date that is six (6) years prior to the date hereof, made any written allegation or brought any Action against any Person claiming that such Person is infringing, misappropriating, diluting or otherwise violating any SpinCo Intellectual Property.
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(e) Mercury and its Subsidiaries and the members of the SpinCo Group have taken commercially reasonable measures to protect, preserve, and maintain the SpinCo Intellectual Property, including by protecting the confidentiality of all material Trade Secrets included in the SpinCo Intellectual Property or otherwise held by SpinCo, and there are, and in the past three (3) years there have been, no unauthorized uses or disclosures of any such Trade Secrets.
(f) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect, all Persons (including current and former employees, consultants and independent contractors) who contributed to the development or creation of any Intellectual Property purported to be owned by SpinCo or any SpinCo Subsidiary have assigned to Mercury or one of its Subsidiaries (or, if applicable, a member of the SpinCo Group) all of such Person's right, title and interest in and to all such Intellectual Property developed or created in the course of such Person's employment or retention thereby, except where ownership of such Intellectual Property vested in Mercury or its applicable Subsidiary (or, if applicable, a member of the SpinCo Group) by operation of law.
(g) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect, (i) no funding, personnel, or facilities of any Governmental Authority, university, college, or other educational institution or research center was used, directly or indirectly, to create, author, conceive of, invent, modify, improve, or develop any Intellectual Property for or on behalf of the SpinCo Business in a manner that has resulted in any such third party having any current claim or right in or to any Intellectual Property purported to be owned by SpinCo or any SpinCo Subsidiary, and (ii) no such Person has asserted in writing any claim or right in or to any Intellectual Property purported to be owned by SpinCo or any SpinCo Subsidiary on the basis that its funding, personnel, or facilities were used in the development thereof.
(h) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect, Mercury and its Subsidiaries and the members of the SpinCo Group have not incorporated, included, embedded, linked or distributed any Open Source Software with proprietary Software included in the SpinCo Intellectual Property ("SpinCo Software") in a manner that requires that any such SpinCo Software (or portion thereof): (i) be disclosed or distributed in source code form; (ii) be licensed for the purpose of making, or otherwise permit any Person to make, derivative works of or reverse engineer any such source code; or (iii) be redistributed, hosted or otherwise made available at no or nominal charge. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect, (x) no portion of source code of SpinCo Software has been disclosed, licensed, released, distributed or made available to or for any Person who was not or is not an employee, contractor, consultant or other Person working on behalf of Mercury and its Subsidiaries and the members of the SpinCo Group, in each case, who have signed written confidentiality agreements with respect thereto, or escrowed to or for any Person, and no Person has been granted any rights thereto or agreed to disclose, license, release, deliver, escrow, or otherwise grant any right thereto and (y) no event has occurred, and no circumstance or condition exists, that (whether with or without the passage of time, the giving of notice or both) will, or would reasonably be expected to, result in a requirement that any such source code be disclosed, licensed, released, distributed, escrowed or made available, or any other grant of any right be made with respect thereto.
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(i) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect, in each case solely with respect to the SpinCo Business, (i) neither Mercury nor its Subsidiaries has, in the past two (2) years, sent, been required to send, or received any written notice in connection with any violation by Mercury or its Subsidiaries of any Privacy Requirement, nor has Mercury or its Subsidiaries been threatened in writing to be charged with any such violation by any Governmental Authority; (ii) neither Mercury nor its Subsidiaries has, in the past two (2) years, received any written complaint by any Person with respect to the collection, use or processing of Personal Information; (iii) Mercury and its Subsidiaries maintain policies and procedures regarding data security, privacy, data transfer and the processing of data and Personal Information that are commercially reasonable and designed to protect Personal Information against any unauthorized use, access or disclosure and otherwise comply with Privacy Requirements; (iv) Mercury and its Subsidiaries, in connection with the SpinCo Business, in the past one (1) year, have been in compliance in all material respects with all Privacy Requirements; and (v) in the past two (2) years, to the Knowledge of SpinCo, there has been no unauthorized use, access or disclosure or other processing of any SpinCo Business Systems, data, or other information (including Trade Secrets and Personal Information) used in the SpinCo Business.
(j) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect: (i) as of (A) the date hereof, Mercury and its Subsidiaries, and (B) the Distribution Time, the SpinCo Group, owns or has a valid right to access and use the SpinCo Business Systems, taking into account all assets and services to be provided, acquired, leased, licensed or otherwise obtained under the Transaction Documents or independently acquired by Gold or its Affiliates as contemplated thereby; and (ii) the SpinCo Business Systems (A) do not, to the Knowledge of SpinCo, contain any viruses, worms, trojan horses, bugs, faults or other devices, errors, contaminants or effects that are designed to disrupt or adversely affect the functionality of any such SpinCo Business Systems and (B) are adequate and sufficient for the operation of the SpinCo Business as currently conducted.
(k) (i) Mercury and its Subsidiaries (including the SpinCo Group) have taken commercially reasonable precautions to protect the confidentiality, integrity and security of the SpinCo Business Systems, and all information processes thereby or stored therein from any unauthorized processing, access, use, interruption, modification or corruption and commercially reasonable data backup, disaster recovery and business continuity plans and procedures; and (ii) in the past two (2) years there have been no failures or other adverse events affecting any of the SpinCo Business Systems that have caused any material disruption in the use thereof or to the operation of the SpinCo Business.
(l) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect, neither the execution of this Agreement or the Transaction Documents nor the consummation of the Transaction Process will result in the loss, limitation, termination or impairment of (or any right of any Person to limit, terminate or impair) or the requirement to pay additional fees or royalties with respect to Mercury's or any member of the SpinCo Group's right to own or use any Intellectual Property used in or necessary for the SpinCo Business.
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Section 5.17 Environmental Matters.
(a) The members of the SpinCo Group and the Mercury Group and the facilities, assets and operations on any real property owned, leased, used or operated by the members of the SpinCo Group and the Mercury Group, in each case with respect to the SpinCo Business, are, and during the past three (3) years have been, in compliance with (i) applicable Environmental Laws (including the possession, maintenance of, and application for, any such Permit described in clause (ii) below) and (ii) any material Permit required to operate the SpinCo Business or SpinCo Assets or occupy and use any real property or facility (including the SpinCo Transferred Leased Property and SpinCo Owned Real Property) under any applicable Environmental Law (any "SpinCo Environmental Permit"), except in each case of (i) and (ii) as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect.
(b) (i) There is no Action pending or, to the Knowledge of SpinCo, threatened that asserts any actual or potential Environmental Liability relating to the SpinCo Business, (ii) no outstanding Order has been issued or is otherwise in effect in relation to any Environmental Law or any SpinCo Environmental Permit, in each case relating to the SpinCo Business, the SpinCo Assets or any real property or facility currently owned, leased, used or operated by the SpinCo Business (including the SpinCo Transferred Leased Property or SpinCo Owned Real Property), and (iii) neither the SpinCo Group nor Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries have received, (A) in the past three (3) years, any written notice, report or other information alleging any Environmental Liability relating to the SpinCo Business, or (B), at any time, any such written notice, report or information alleging any Environmental Liability relating to the SpinCo Business the subject of which has not been resolved, except in each case of clauses (i) through (iii), as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect.
(c) To the Knowledge of SpinCo, no member of the SpinCo Group, Mercury or any of Mercury's Subsidiaries (or any other Person to the extent resulting in Environmental Liability for the SpinCo Group), in each case with respect to the SpinCo Business, has Released, produced, processed, generated, transported, treated, handled, used, stored, disposed of, arranged for the disposal of, or exposed any Person to, any Hazardous Materials, in each case except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect.
(d) No member of the SpinCo Group, Mercury or any of Mercury's Subsidiaries (or any other Person to the extent resulting in Environmental Liability for the SpinCo Group) has expressly assumed or retained any Environmental Liability of any other Person, including in any acquisition or divestiture of any property or business except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect.
Section 5.18 Insurance. All insurance policies (excluding those funding any SpinCo Benefit Plans set forth on Section 5.15(a) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter) to which any member of the SpinCo Group is currently a party, or which are held for the benefit of the members of the SpinCo Group or the SpinCo Business, are in full force and effect, and, to the Knowledge of SpinCo, have been issued by licensed insurers, all premiums due and payable with respect thereto have been paid, and no written notice of cancellation or termination has been received with respect to any such policies, except for such cancellations or terminations which would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect.
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Section 5.19 Affiliate Matters. Except for Contracts solely between or among the members of the SpinCo Group or Contracts for employment, compensation or benefit agreements or arrangements with directors, officers and employees made in the ordinary course of business or as set forth on Section 5.19 of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter, no member of the SpinCo Group is party to any SpinCo Affiliate Contract.
Section 5.20 Proxy Statement; Registration Statements. None of the information regarding any of Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries (including the members of the SpinCo Group), the SpinCo Business, or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Transaction Document to be provided by Mercury or SpinCo or any of their respective Subsidiaries specifically for inclusion in, or incorporation by reference into, the Proxy Statement, the Gold Registration Statement, the SpinCo Registration Statement or the documents relating to the Distribution that are filed with the SEC and/or distributed to Mercury shareholders or Gold shareholders (the "Distribution Documents") will, in the case of the Proxy Statement or the Distribution Documents or any amendment or supplement thereto, at the time of the first mailing of the Proxy Statement and the Distribution Documents and of any amendment or supplement thereto, or, in the case of the Gold Registration Statement and the SpinCo Registration Statement, at the time such registration statement becomes effective, on the date of the Gold Shareholders Meeting, at the Distribution Date or at the Effective Time, contain an untrue or false statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they are made, not false or misleading. The SpinCo Registration Statement will comply as to form in all material respects with the provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, as the case may be, except that no representation is made by Mercury or SpinCo with respect to information provided by Gold specifically for inclusion in, or incorporation by reference into, the SpinCo Registration Statement.
Section 5.21 Board and Stockholder Approval.
(a) Each of the Mercury Board and the SpinCo Board, at a meeting duly called and held or by written consent, has by unanimous vote of all directors present or unanimous consent, (i) approved this Agreement, the Separation Agreement and the other Transaction Documents and authorized and approved the execution, delivery and performance hereof and thereof and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, including the Merger and the Separation and (ii) declared each of them advisable, fair to and in the best interests of Mercury, SpinCo and their respective stockholders. As of the date hereof, the sole stockholder of SpinCo is (and as of immediately prior to the Distribution the sole stockholder of SpinCo will be) Mercury.
(b) Promptly (and in any event within twenty-four hours ) after the execution of this Agreement, Mercury will approve and adopt, as SpinCo's sole stockholder, this Agreement and the Transaction Documents and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby, including the Merger (the "SpinCo Stockholder Approval"). The approval of Mercury's shareholders is not required to effect the transactions contemplated by the Separation Agreement, this Agreement or any of the other Transaction Documents. Upon obtaining the SpinCo Stockholder Approval, the approval of SpinCo's stockholders after the Distribution Date will not be required to effect the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, including the Merger, unless this Agreement is amended on or after the Distribution Date.
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Section 5.22 Gold Common Stock. Neither Mercury nor any of its Subsidiaries, including SpinCo, owns (directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record) or will own on the Closing Date, nor is Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries a party to any Contract for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of, in each case, any shares of capital stock of Gold (other than as contemplated by this Agreement).
Section 5.23 SpinCo Financing. As of the date of this Agreement, the Commitment Letter is in full force and effect and is a legal, valid and binding obligation of SpinCo and, to the Knowledge of SpinCo, each of the other parties thereto (other than Gold), enforceable against SpinCo and, to the Knowledge of SpinCo, each of the other parties thereto (other than Gold) in accordance with its terms (except insofar as such enforceability is subject to the Remedies Exception). As of the date of this Agreement, except for the Commitment Letter, there are no side letters or other Contracts to which SpinCo or any of its Affiliates is a party containing conditions precedent to or otherwise relating to the funding of the full amount of the SpinCo Financing, other than as expressly set forth in the Commitment Letter. As of the date of this Agreement, no event has occurred, which, with or without notice, lapse of time or both, (i) would constitute a default or breach on the part of SpinCo or its Affiliates or, to the Knowledge of SpinCo, any other party to the Commitment Letter (other than Gold), under the Commitment Letter, or (ii) to the Knowledge of SpinCo, would result in any portion of the SpinCo Financing being unavailable or delayed.
Section 5.24 No Other Representations and Warranties. Except as expressly set forth in Article VI or in any Transaction Document (and except for any Gold Tax Representations), (a) Mercury and SpinCo each acknowledges and agrees that neither Gold, Merger Sub nor any of their Affiliates, nor any of their respective Representatives has made, or is making, any express or implied representation or warranty whatsoever with respect to Gold, Merger Sub or any of their Affiliates, or any of their respective businesses, operations, assets, liabilities, conditions (financial or otherwise) or prospects, and (b) Mercury and SpinCo each further acknowledges and agrees that neither Gold, Merger Sub nor any of their Affiliates shall be liable in respect of the accuracy or completeness of any information provided to Mercury, SpinCo or any of their respective Affiliates or Representatives. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as expressly set forth in Article VI or in any Transaction Document (and except for any Gold Tax Representations), each of Mercury and SpinCo acknowledges and agrees that no representations or warranties are made with respect to any projections, forecasts, estimates or budgets with respect to Gold or any of its Subsidiaries that may have been made available, in the Gold Datasite or otherwise, to Mercury, SpinCo or any of their Representatives, and expressly disclaims reliance on any other representations, warranties, statements, information or inducements, oral or written, express or implied, or as to the accuracy or completeness of any statements or other information, made to, or made available to, itself or any of its Representatives, in each case with respect to, or in connection with, the negotiation, execution or delivery of this Agreement, any instrument or other document delivered pursuant to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and notwithstanding the distribution, disclosure or other delivery to Mercury, SpinCo or any of their respective Representatives of any document or other information with respect to any one or more of the foregoing, and waive any claims or causes of actions relating thereto, other than those for Fraud. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is understood that any cost estimates, financial or other projections or other predictions that may be contained or referred to in this Agreement (including the Gold Disclosure Letter), any information, documents or other materials (including any such materials contained in the Gold Datasite or otherwise reviewed by
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Mercury, SpinCo or any of their respective Affiliates or Representatives) or management presentations that have been or shall hereafter be provided to Mercury, SpinCo or any of their respective Affiliates or Representatives are not and will not be deemed to be representations or warranties of Gold or Merger Sub, and no representation or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of any of the foregoing except as expressly set forth in Article VI of this Agreement or in any Transaction Document (and except for any Gold Tax Representations). In entering into this Agreement, Mercury and SpinCo acknowledge and agree that they have relied solely upon their own investigation and analysis, and Mercury and SpinCo acknowledges and agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, that Gold, Merger Sub and their Affiliates and their respective Representatives shall not have any Liability or responsibility whatsoever to Mercury or SpinCo or any of their respective Representatives on any basis (including in contract or tort, under federal or state securities laws or otherwise) based upon any information provided or made available, or statements made (or any omissions therefrom), to Mercury or SpinCo or their Affiliates or any of their respective Representatives, including in respect of the specific representations and warranties as set forth in Article VI of this Agreement or any Transaction Document, except as and only to the extent expressly set forth herein or therein with respect to such representations and warranties and subject to the limitations and restrictions contained herein or therein.
ARTICLE VI
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES
OF GOLD AND MERGER SUB
Except as otherwise disclosed or identified in (a) the Gold SEC Documents filed with or furnished to the SEC and publicly available on the SEC's EDGAR database at least one (1) Business Day prior to the date hereof (excluding any disclosures of factors or risks contained or referenced therein under the captions "Risk Factors" or "Forward-Looking Statements" to the extent they are forward-looking statements and any other similar general, forward-looking, predictive or cautionary statements) or (b) the corresponding section or subsection of the Gold Disclosure Letter (it being understood that each such disclosure shall also apply to each other representation and warranty contained in this Article VI to the extent that it is reasonably apparent on the face of such disclosure that it is relevant to or applies to such representation or warranty), Gold and Merger Sub, jointly and severally, hereby represent and warrant to Mercury and SpinCo as follows:
Section 6.1 Organization. Each of Gold and Merger Sub is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and in good standing under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization. Each of the Gold Subsidiaries other than Merger Sub is a corporation or other legal entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (or equivalent status as applicable) under the Laws of the jurisdiction of its organization, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect. Each of Merger Sub and Gold has all requisite corporate or other organizational power and authority to own, lease and operate its assets in the manner as it is now being conducted and to carry on its businesses as now being conducted and is duly licensed or qualified to do business and is in good standing (or equivalent status as applicable) as a foreign corporation or other legal entity in each jurisdiction where the conduct of its business requires such qualification, in each case except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect. Gold has made available to Mercury true and complete copies of the Organizational Documents of Gold and Merger Sub as in effect on the date hereof.
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Section 6.2 Due Authorization. Each of Gold and Merger Sub has all requisite corporate power and authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party at the Effective Time and (subject to the receipt of the Consents described in Section 6.6(a), and, solely with respect to Gold, the Gold Shareholder Approval) to consummate the Transactions. The execution and delivery by Gold and Merger Sub of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which each is or will be a party at the Effective Time and the consummation by Gold and Merger Sub of the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby have been duly and validly authorized and approved by all necessary and proper corporate action on its part, and, except for the Gold Shareholder Approval (solely with respect to Gold), no other corporate action on the part of Gold is necessary to authorize this Agreement or the Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party at the Effective Time. Each of this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to which it is or will be a party at the Effective Time has been, or when executed and delivered will be, duly and validly executed and delivered by each of Gold and Merger Sub (as applicable) and (assuming that this Agreement or such other applicable Transaction Documents to which Mercury or SpinCo is or will be a party at the Effective Time constitutes a legal, valid and binding obligation of Mercury or SpinCo (as applicable)) constitutes or will constitute a legal, valid and binding obligation of each of Gold and Merger Sub (as applicable), enforceable against each of Gold and Merger Sub (as applicable) in accordance with its terms, subject to the Remedies Exception.
Section 6.3 Capital Stock and Other Matters.
(a) As of the date hereof, the authorized capital stock of Gold consists of 55,000,000 shares of Gold Common Stock and 4,991,000 shares of preferred stock, without par value, of Gold ("Gold Preferred Stock"). As of the Closing, after giving effect to the Gold Charter Amendment, the authorized capital stock of Gold shall consist of 110,000,000 shares of Gold Common Stock and 4,991,000 shares of Gold Preferred Stock. At the close of business on January 23, 2026: (i) 30,485,631 shares of unrestricted Gold Common Stock were issued and outstanding; (ii) 40,600 shares of Gold Common Stock were subject to outstanding unvested Gold Restricted Stock Awards; (iii) 4,701,771 shares of Gold Common Stock were reserved for issuance pursuant to the Gold Equity Incentive Plan, of which (A) 493,798 shares of Gold Common Stock were issuable upon the vesting and settlement of Gold PSU Awards (assuming applicable performance goals are satisfied at the target level) and (B) 351,771 shares of Gold Common Stock were issuable upon the vesting and settlement of Gold RSU Awards; (iv) no shares of Gold Common Stock were held by Gold in its treasury or by its Subsidiaries; (v) no shares of Gold Preferred Stock were issued and outstanding; and (vi) 175,407 shares of Gold Common Stock were issuable upon the vesting and settlement of restricted stock units of Gold other than Gold RSU Awards. All of the issued and outstanding shares of Gold Common Stock have been, and all shares of Gold Common Stock issued pursuant to the Merger will be at Closing duly authorized and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable and have not been, issued in violation of any preemptive or similar rights.
(b) No bonds, debentures, notes or other indebtedness of Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries having the right to vote (or convertible or exchangeable into or exercisable for securities having the right to vote) on any matters on which holders of shares of capital stock of Gold (including Gold Common Stock) may vote are, or as of the Effective Time will be, issued or outstanding.
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(c) As of the date hereof, (i) the authorized capital stock of Merger Sub consists of 100 shares of Merger Sub Common Stock and (ii) the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of Merger Sub consists of 100 shares of Merger Sub Common Stock.
(d) Except as expressly set forth in Section 6.3(a), or in connection with the Merger, as of the date hereof, there are no (i) outstanding options, warrants, rights or other securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for shares of capital stock of Gold, or any other commitments or agreements providing for the issuance, sale, repurchase or redemption of shares of capital stock of Gold, (ii) agreements of any kind which may obligate Gold to issue, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its shares of capital stock or (iii) voting trusts, proxies or other agreements or understandings with respect to the voting shares of capital stock of Gold.
Section 6.4 Capitalization of Subsidiaries. The issued and outstanding Interests of each of the Gold Subsidiaries have been duly authorized and validly issued and, as applicable, are fully paid and nonassessable. Gold, directly or indirectly, owns legal and beneficial title to all the issued and outstanding Interests of the Gold Subsidiaries, free and clear of any Liens (other than Permitted Liens or those set forth in their respective Organizational Documents, arising pursuant to applicable securities Laws or created by this Agreement). There are no outstanding options, warrants, rights or other securities exercisable or exchangeable for Interests of any Gold Subsidiaries, any other commitments or agreements providing for the issuance, sale, repurchase or redemption of Interests of any Gold Subsidiaries, and there are no agreements of any kind which may obligate any Gold Subsidiary to issue, purchase, redeem or otherwise acquire any of its Interests.
Section 6.5 Subsidiaries.
(a) Section 6.5(a) of the Gold Disclosure Letter sets forth a list of the Gold Subsidiaries and their respective jurisdictions of organization, as of the date hereof. Each Gold Subsidiary is a corporation or other legal entity duly organized, validly existing and in good standing (or equivalent status as applicable) under the Laws of its jurisdiction of organization, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect. Each Gold Subsidiary has all requisite organizational power and authority to own, lease and operate its assets where such assets are now owned, leased, and operated and to conduct its business as it is now being conducted, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Each Gold Subsidiary is duly licensed or qualified and in good standing (or equivalent status as applicable) in each jurisdiction in which the assets owned or leased by it or the character of its activities require it to be so licensed or qualified or in good standing (or equivalent status as applicable), except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect. Except as set forth in Section 6.5(b) of the Gold Disclosure Letter, and other than the Subsidiaries set forth on Section 6.5(a) of the Gold Disclosure Letter, as of the date hereof, Gold does not own or hold, directly or indirectly, any Interest in any other Person.
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Section 6.6 Consents and Approvals; No Violations.
(a) Assuming the accuracy of the representations and warranties of Mercury and SpinCo set forth in Article IV and Article V, no filing with or notice to, and no Permit, authorization, registration, consent or approval of, any Governmental Authority is required on the part of Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries for the execution, delivery and performance by Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries of this Agreement or by Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries of any Transaction Document to which it is a party or the consummation by Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries of the Transactions, except: (i) compliance with any applicable requirements of any Antitrust Law, Foreign Investment Law, the Securities Act, the Exchange Act, or applicable blue sky laws; (ii) compliance with any Permits relating to the Gold Business; (iii) the filing of the Certificate of Merger with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware pursuant to the provisions of the DGCL; (iv) the rules and regulations of Nasdaq; or (v) Consents, the failure of which to make or obtain would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Subject to the receipt of the Consents set forth in Section 6.6(a), neither the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement by each of Gold and Merger Sub or any Transaction Document by Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries to which it is or will be a party as of the Effective Time, nor the consummation by Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries of the Transactions, will (i) conflict with or result in any breach or violation of any provision of the respective Organizational Documents of Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries, (ii) result in a breach or violation of, require a Consent under or constitute a default under, or give rise to any right of termination, amendment, cancellation, payment obligation or acceleration adverse to Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries under any Gold Material Contract or Gold Real Property Lease or (iii) violate any Law applicable to Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries, except, in the case of clause (ii) and clause (iii), as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect.
Section 6.7 Gold Reports and Financial Statements.
(a) Gold has timely filed or furnished with the SEC all Gold SEC Documents. As of their respective filing dates (or if amended or superseded by a filing prior to the date of this Agreement, then on the date of such filing), the Gold SEC Documents (including any amendments thereto) complied in all material respects, and each other form, report, schedule, statement, prospectus or other document filed by Gold or any of its Subsidiaries after the date hereof and prior to the Effective Time (the "Additional Gold SEC Documents") will comply in all material respects, with the requirements of the Securities Act, the Exchange Act and the applicable regulations promulgated thereunder, as the case may be, and none of such Gold SEC Documents when filed contained (or, with respect to the Additional Gold SEC Documents, will contain) any untrue statement of a material fact or omitted (or, with respect to the Additional Gold SEC Documents, will omit) to state a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not false or misleading. The consolidated financial statements (including all related notes and schedules) of Gold included or incorporated by reference in the Gold SEC Documents when filed complied (or, with respect to the Additional Gold SEC Documents, will comply) as to form with the published rules and regulations of the SEC with respect thereto, in each case, in effect at the time of such
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filing. The audited consolidated financial statements and unaudited consolidated interim financial statements included in the Gold SEC Documents and the Additional Gold SEC Documents fairly present in all material respects (or, with respect to the Additional Gold SEC Documents, will fairly present in all material respects) the financial position of Gold and its consolidated Subsidiaries as of the respective dates thereof and the results of operations and changes in cash flows or changes in shareholders' equity or other information included therein for the periods or as of the respective dates then ended, in each case except as otherwise noted therein and subject, in the case of unaudited interim statements, to normal year-end audit adjustments. Each of the financial statements (including the related notes) of Gold included in the Gold SEC Documents have been prepared in accordance with GAAP, consistently applied throughout the periods covered, except as otherwise noted therein and, in the case of unaudited statements, as permitted by Form 10-Q or any successor form under the Exchange Act, and except that unaudited financial statements may not contain footnotes and are subject to normal and recurring year-end adjustments that are not, individually or in the aggregate, material to the Gold Business.
(b) Gold has established and maintains a system of internal controls that comply in all material respects with applicable Law and that are designed to provide reasonable assurances that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP and to maintain accountability for assets. Such internal controls are overseen by the audit committee of the Gold Board (the "Gold Audit Committee"). Since January 1, 2024, Gold's chief financial officer, general counsel and director of internal audit have disclosed to Gold's independent auditor and the Gold Audit Committee (the material circumstances of which (if any) have been made available to Gold) (a) any significant deficiency or material weakness in Gold's internal controls and (b) any fraud, whether or not material, involving management or other employees who have a significant role in Gold's internal controls. Since January 1, 2024, neither Gold nor any Gold Subsidiary has received any material, unresolved complaint, allegation, assertion or claim regarding the impropriety of any accounting or auditing practices, procedures, methodologies or methods of Gold or any Gold Subsidiary or their respective internal accounting controls.
Section 6.8 No Undisclosed Liabilities. There are no liabilities or obligations of the Gold Business of any nature, whether or not accrued, contingent or otherwise, that would be required by GAAP to be reflected or reserved for on a consolidated balance sheet of the Gold Business or in the notes thereto prepared in accordance with GAAP, other than those that: (i) are reflected or reserved for in the financial statements of Gold included in the Gold SEC Documents or disclosed in the notes thereto; (ii) have been incurred in the ordinary course of business since September 30, 2025; (iii) are incurred in connection with the Transactions or the announcement, negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement, the Transaction Documents or the Distribution; (iv) have been (or will be prior to the Closing) discharged or paid off; (v) arise in connection with future performance under existing Contracts unrelated to any breach or default by Gold or its Subsidiaries; or (vi) would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect.
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Section 6.9 Litigation.
(a) (i) There is no, and in the past two (2) years has been no, Action pending or, to the Knowledge of Gold, threatened, against Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries, or arising out of or relating to the Gold Business, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect, and (ii) neither Gold nor any Gold Subsidiary is subject to any outstanding Order, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect.
(b) There is no, and in the past two (2) years has been no, (i) product warranty or product liability Actions pending or, to the Knowledge of Gold, threatened, against Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries, or arising out of or relating to Gold Business with respect to any services or products designed, marketed, developed, manufactured, assembled, sold, distributed or delivered by Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries in connection with the Gold Business ("Gold Products"), except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect, and (ii) neither Gold nor any Gold Subsidiary has (A) been served with process or threatened in writing, regarding any Action or recall or (B) initiated or been required to initiate a product recall, consumer recall, suspension or withdrawal or similar Action, in each case with respect to any Gold Products, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect. To the Knowledge of Gold, (i) there are no facts which Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries expect to furnish a basis for the recall of any Gold Product or withdrawal of any approval, license, registration or consent of any Governmental Authority with respect to Gold, the Gold Subsidiaries, Gold Business or any Gold Products, (ii) there is no basis for the recall of any Gold Product and (iii) there are no defects, technical concerns or problems in any of the Gold Products currently offered by Gold or any Gold Subsidiary that would prevent the same from performing in accordance with their user specifications or functionality descriptions, in each case, except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect.
Section 6.10 Real Property.
(a) Section 6.10(a) of the Gold Disclosure Letter sets forth a true and complete list of the material real property owned by Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries (together with the land, buildings, structures, improvements and fixtures thereon, the "Gold Owned Real Property"). Except as would not reasonably be expected to be material to the Gold Business, taken as a whole, (i) Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries, as applicable, have good and marketable indefeasible fee simple valid title to all Gold Owned Real Property, free and clear of all Liens, except Permitted Liens and (ii) neither Gold nor the Gold Subsidiaries has received written notice of any, and to the Knowledge of Gold, there is no, pending condemnation, expropriation, eminent domain or similar Action affecting all or any material portion of any Gold Owned Real Property. Except as set forth on Section 6.10(a) of the Gold Disclosure Letter and as would not reasonably be expected to be material to the Gold Business, taken as a whole, (i) neither Gold nor the Gold Subsidiaries have granted to any Person the right to use or occupy any Gold Owned Real Property, and (ii) there are no outstanding options, rights of right offer to purchase any Gold Owned Real Property or any portion thereof or interest therein. Except as would not reasonably be expected to be material to the Gold Business, taken as a whole, neither Gold nor the Gold Subsidiaries are in breach or default under any restrictive or other covenant encumbering any Gold Owned Real Property.
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(b) Section 6.10(b) of the Gold Disclosure Letter sets forth a true and complete list of material leased or subleased real property in which Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries have a leasehold or subleasehold interest, or other interest to occupy such lease real property (the "Gold Leased Real Property", and the leases, subleases, and other similar agreements with respect thereto, the "Gold Real Property Leases"). Gold has made available to Mercury copies of each Gold Real Property Lease that are correct and complete in all material respects (subject to any redaction of information deemed competitively sensitive by Gold or pursuant to applicable Law). With respect to the Gold Leased Real Property and Gold Real Property Leases, (i) Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries, as applicable, have a valid leasehold or subleasehold interest in the Gold Leased Real Property, free and clear of all Liens, except Permitted Liens, and each such leasehold or subleasehold interest in a Gold Real Property Lease is legal, valid, binding, enforceable and in full force and effect subject to the Remedies Exception, (ii) none of Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries, or, to the Knowledge of Gold, any other party thereto, is in breach of or default under any Gold Real Property Lease and no event has occurred or circumstance exists which, with the delivery of notice, the passage of time or both, would constitute such a breach or default, or permit the termination, modification or acceleration of rent under such Gold Real Property Lease, (iii) neither Gold nor the Gold Subsidiaries has, as of the date hereof, received any written notice from any lessor of any Gold Leased Real Property of any breach of or default under any lease or sublease thereof by Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries, which breach or default has not been cured, and (iv) neither Gold nor the Gold Subsidiaries has subleased, licensed, assigned, transferred, conveyed, mortgaged, deeded in trust or encumbered any interest in any Gold Leased Real Property, except Permitted Liens.
(c) The Gold Owned Real Property and the Gold Leased Real Property comprise all of the material real property used or intended to be used as of the date hereof in the Gold Business.
Section 6.11 Tax Matters.
(a) Except as would not, individually or in the aggregate, have a Gold Material Adverse Effect:
(i) (A) All Tax Returns required to be filed by or with respect to Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries have been timely filed (taking into account applicable extensions), (B) all filed Tax Returns are true, correct and complete, and (C) all Taxes, whether or not shown as due on any Tax Return, have been paid;
(ii) (A) No Governmental Authority has asserted any written claim, assessment or deficiency for Taxes against Gold or any Gold Subsidiary (and, to the Knowledge of Gold, no such claim, assessment or deficiency has been threatened or proposed in writing), except for deficiencies which have been fully satisfied by payment, settled or withdrawn and (B) no claim, audit or other proceeding by any Governmental Authority is ongoing, pending or threatened in writing with respect to any Taxes of Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries;
(iii) All amounts of Taxes (including sales and other similar Taxes) required to be deducted, collected or withheld by Gold and each Gold Subsidiary have been deducted, collected or withheld and have been (or will be) duly and timely paid to the proper Governmental Authority and Gold and each Gold Subsidiary has complied in all respects with all informational reporting requirements related thereto;
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(iv) No waivers or extension of any statute of limitations on the assessment and collection of any Tax or governmental charge with respect to Gold or any Gold Subsidiary have been requested or made that has not expired (or would not expire) prior to the Closing;
(v) Neither Gold nor any Gold Subsidiary has been subject to Tax in any jurisdiction outside the jurisdiction that it is incorporated or organized thereunder as a result of having a permanent establishment. No claim has ever been made by a Governmental Authority in a jurisdiction where Gold or any Gold Subsidiary does not file Tax Returns of a particular type that such entity is or may be subject to taxation of such type by that jurisdiction;
(vi) Neither Gold nor any Gold Subsidiary (A) is party to any Tax allocation, sharing, indemnity, or reimbursement agreement or other similar agreement (other than any customary commercial, leasing or employment contracts the primary purpose of which is not related to Taxes or any Tax allocation, sharing, indemnity or reimbursement agreement the only parties to which are Gold or any Gold Subsidiary), (B) is subject to any "closing agreement" within the meaning of Section 7121 of the Code (or any corresponding similar provision of state, local or non-U.S. Tax Law) or other written agreement (including a Tax ruling) with a Governmental Authority that will remain in effect after the Closing, or (C) has any Liability for Taxes of any Person (other than Gold or any Gold Subsidiary) under Treasury Regulations Section 1.1502-6 (or any similar provision of state, local or non-U.S. Law), as a transferee or successor, by operation of law or by contract (other than customary commercial, leasing or employment contracts the primary purposes of which do not relate to Taxes);
(vii) Within the past two (2) years, neither Gold nor any Gold Subsidiary has constituted either a "distributing corporation" or a "controlled corporation" (within the meaning of Section 355(a)(1)(A) of the Code) in a distribution of stock intended to qualify for tax-free treatment under Section 355 of the Code;
(viii) Neither Gold nor any Gold Subsidiary has participated in a "listed transaction" within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Section 1.6011-4(b)(2); and
(ix) There are no Liens for Taxes (other than Permitted Liens) upon the assets of Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries.
(b) Neither Gold nor any of the Gold Subsidiaries has taken or agreed to take any action or knows of any fact, agreement, plan or other circumstance that would reasonably be expected to prevent or impede (i) the Intended Tax Treatment, (ii) Mercury from delivering the Mercury Distribution Tax Representations, (iii) SpinCo from delivering the SpinCo Merger Tax Representations, (iv) Gold from delivering the Gold Tax Representations, (v) Mercury from receiving the IRS Ruling, (vi) Mercury or Gold from receiving the Tax opinions described in Section 7.2(d), (vii) Mercury from receiving Mercury Merger Tax Opinion or (viii) Gold from receiving the Gold Merger Tax Opinion.
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(c) Merger Sub was formed solely for the purpose of engaging in the Merger, and does not have any assets and has not engaged in any business activities or conducted any operations other than in connection with the Merger.
Section 6.12 Absence of Certain Changes or Events. (a) Except as contemplated by this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents, since September 30, 2025 and through the date of this Agreement, the Gold Business has operated in the ordinary course of business in all material respects and (b) since September 30, 2025, there has not occurred any event, change, occurrence, circumstance, development or effect that is, or would reasonably be expected to result in, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect.
Section 6.13 Material Contracts.
(a) There are no Gold Material Contracts as of the date hereof except as set forth on Section 6.13(a) of the Gold Disclosure Letter. The term "Gold Material Contracts" means Contracts (other than (x) sales or purchase orders, statements of work, standard terms and conditions, invoices and similar instruments or (y) Benefit Plans) in the following categories to which Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries is a party:
(i) each of the top ten (10) Contracts, measured by the total amounts invoiced to Gold or any Gold Subsidiary during the twelve (12) month period ending December 31, 2025, other than any such Contracts that can be terminated on less than one hundred twenty (120) days' notice without material monetary penalty;
(ii) the Contracts with each of the top ten (10) customers of the Gold Business measured by amounts paid to Gold or any Gold Subsidiary during the twelve (12) month period ending December 31, 2025;
(iii) any Contract requiring future capital commitments, investments or expenditures (or series of capital expenditures) by Gold or its Subsidiaries in excess of $1,000,000, other than partnerships, joint ventures, collaborations or similar material agreements involving partnership, co-investment or collaboration between Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and a third party, on the other hand;
(iv) any material partnership, joint venture, profit sharing, joint development, collaboration or similar material agreement involving partnership, co-investment or collaboration involving Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and a third party, on the other hand, which (A) is reasonably expected to have revenues attributable to Gold in excess of $5,000,000 during the twelve (12) month period following the date hereof, or (B) pursuant to which Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries has an express obligation to make any investment in, or advancement or capital contribution to, any other Person in excess of $5,000,000, in the aggregate, in the twelve (12) month period following the date hereof, in each case, other than any such Contract solely between Gold and its wholly owned Subsidiaries or among wholly owned Subsidiaries of Gold;
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(v) any Contract relating to the acquisition or disposition of any business, product line, equity interests or a material amount of assets, in each case, for aggregate consideration under such Contract in excess of $5,000,000 (whether by merger, sale of stock, sale of assets or otherwise) under which, after the Closing, Gold or its Affiliates will have any remaining material obligation with respect to an indemnification, "earn out," contingent purchase price or similar contingent obligations;
(vi) (A) any Contract the express terms of which restrict or limit in any material respect the ability of Gold or its Affiliates after the Closing to compete in any business or with any Person or in any geographic area, (B) any Contract the express terms of which grant the other party "most favored nation" status or equivalent preferential pricing terms as would have a material impact on the Gold Business, or (C) any Contract the express terms of which grant the other party exclusivity or similar rights as would have a material impact on the Gold Business;
(vii) any Contract (A) pursuant to which (1) any Person has licensed any material Intellectual Property to Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries, or granted to Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries, any covenant not to sue or right of use with respect to any Intellectual Property, excluding non-exclusive licenses with respect to commercially available software on standard terms with aggregate annual or one-time license, maintenance, support and other fees of less than $250,000, or (2) Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries have granted any Person a license to any material Gold Intellectual Property or a covenant not to sue or other right of use with respect to any material Gold Intellectual Property, other than non-exclusive licenses granted in the ordinary course of business in connection with the sale of any products or services to customers of Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries, or (B) relating to the development of any material Intellectual Property purported to be owned by Gold or any Gold Subsidiary (other than Contracts entered into with employees or independent contractors on Gold's standard form invention assignment agreements made available to SpinCo);
(viii) other than the Commitment Letter or otherwise in connection with the Gold Financing, any Contract relating to or evidencing indebtedness for borrowed money of Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries in excess of $1,000,000, except for any Contract relating to indebtedness for borrowed money or guarantees or credit support arrangements with respect to any such indebtedness or arrangements between Gold and a Gold Subsidiary or between the Gold Subsidiaries;
(ix) any material interest rate, currency, commodity or other swap, collar, cap or other hedging or similar agreements or arrangements to which Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries are party;
(x) each Contract under which Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries has continuing material guarantee or indemnification obligations to any Person, other than those entered into in the ordinary course of the Gold Business;
(xi) any material vendor Contracts with a third party pursuant to which such third party provides information technology, human resources or financial services to Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries for use in the Gold Business;
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(xii) and (xii) any material settlement Contract relating to any actual or threatened Actions in the two (2) years preceding the date of this Agreement pursuant to which Gold or any of its Subsidiaries has ongoing obligations after the Closing.
(b) Gold has made available to Mercury copies of each Gold Material Contract that are correct and complete in all material respects (subject to any redaction of information deemed competitively sensitive by Gold or pursuant to applicable Law). Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect, (i) each Gold Material Contract is a legal, valid and binding obligation of Gold or a Gold Subsidiary, as applicable, and, to the Knowledge of Gold, each counterparty thereto, and is in full force and effect and enforceable in accordance with its terms subject to the Remedies Exception, (ii) neither Gold and the applicable Gold Subsidiaries nor, to the Knowledge of Gold, any other party thereto, is in breach of, or in default under, any such Gold Material Contract, and (iii) no event has occurred that with notice or lapse of time or both would constitute such a breach or default thereunder by Gold or any of the applicable Gold Subsidiaries, or, to the Knowledge of Gold, any other party thereto. As of the date hereof, no party to any Gold Material Contract has exercised any termination rights with respect thereto (or provided written notice of intent to exercise such termination rights or written notice that such party intends to adversely amend or modify in any material respect (other than notice of amendments or modifications provided in the ordinary course of business), or elect not to renew or perform in any material respect, such Gold Material Contract).
Section 6.14 Labor Relations.
(a) Section 6.14(a) of the Gold Disclosure Letter sets forth a list, as of the date hereof, of (i) each labor union, works council or other employee representative body that represents employees of Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries and (ii) each Collective Bargaining Agreement covering employees of Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries. Except as would not reasonably be expected to be material to the Gold Business, taken as a whole: (A) no petition for recognition or certification of a bargaining unit or employee representative by a labor organization for the representation of any employees of Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries is pending or, to the Knowledge of Gold, threatened; and (B) no strike, slowdown, work stoppage, lockout, job action, picketing, handbilling, labor dispute, union organizing activity, in each case affecting Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries, is pending or has occurred within the past two (2) years.
(b) There are no pending, or to the Knowledge of Gold, threatened, unfair labor or other employment-related practice charges, complaints, grievances or other Actions by or before any Governmental Authority arising under any applicable Law governing labor or employment by, in connection with, or otherwise related to any current employees or independent contractors of Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries, other than any such charges, complaints, grievances or Actions that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect.
(c) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect, for the past two (2) years, Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries have been in compliance with all Laws relating to labor, employment, and employment practices, including all Laws respecting terms and conditions of employment, employment practices, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, civil rights, plant closures and mass
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layoffs (including WARN Laws), wages (including minimum wage and overtime), hours of work, meal and rest breaks, withholdings and deductions, worker classification (including the classification of exempt and non-exempt employees and of independent contractors and consultants), employment equity, collective bargaining, labor relations, occupational health and safety, workers' compensation and immigration.
(d) Gold and each of the Gold Subsidiaries have reasonably investigated all allegations of sexual or other harassment that have been reported to Gold's human resources department in the past two (2) years made against any officer, director, executive, or similarly-levelled employee. Neither the Gold nor any of the Gold Subsidiaries reasonably anticipates any material Liabilities relating to any such allegations.
Section 6.15 Compliance with Law; Permits.
(a) Except for Environmental Laws (which are addressed exclusively as set forth in Section 6.19), Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries are, and, during the past two (2) years (i) have been in compliance with all applicable Laws and (ii) have not received written notice from any Governmental Authority alleging any material non-compliance with or possible material violation of any applicable Law or that Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries is subject to any inspection, investigation, survey, audit or other review, except in each case as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect. Neither Gold nor any of the Gold Subsidiaries is subject to any corporate integrity agreements, deferred prosecution agreements, monitoring agreements or consent decrees with or imposed by any Governmental Authority and to the Knowledge of Gold (A) the imposition of any such agreement or decree is not currently pending, and (B) neither Gold nor any of the Gold Subsidiaries has received written notice that the imposition of any such agreement or decree is currently contemplated or proposed.
(b) Except with respect to Permits required under applicable Environmental Laws (which are addressed exclusively in Section 6.19), at all times during the past two (2) years (i) Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries have obtained and maintained all of the Permits and Regulatory Authorizations necessary to conduct the Gold business substantially in the manner it was conducted as of the applicable date in compliance with applicable Law and (ii) such Permits and Regulatory Authorizations as are necessary to conduct the Gold Business substantially in the manner it is currently conducted are valid and in full force and effect and Gold or the applicable Gold Subsidiary is in compliance with the terms thereof, in each case of (i) and (ii) except for such matters that would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect.
(c) None of Gold, any of the Gold Subsidiaries, any of their respective employees or, to the Knowledge of Gold, any agent or other third party representative acting on behalf of Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries, (i) is currently, or since April 24, 2019 has been (A) a Sanctioned Person; (B) engaging in any dealings or transactions with or for the benefit of any Sanctioned Person or in any Sanctioned Country in violation of Sanctions; or (C) otherwise in violation of Trade Controls; or (ii) has in the past five (5) years (A) made or accepted any unlawful payment or given, received, offered, promised, or authorized or agreed to give or receive, any money, advantage or thing of value, directly or indirectly, to or from any employee or official of any Governmental Authority or any other Person in violation of Anti-Corruption Laws or (B) otherwise been in violation of any Anti-Corruption Laws.
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(d) None of Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries or any employee thereof, or, to the Knowledge of Gold, any agent or third party representative acting on behalf of the Gold Business, has (i) received from any Governmental Authority or any Person any written notice, request, citation, inquiry, or internal or external allegation; (ii) made any voluntary or involuntary disclosure to a Governmental Authority; or (iii) conducted any internal investigation or audit, in each case of clauses (i)-(iii) concerning any actual or potential violation or wrongdoing related to Trade Controls or Anti-Corruption Laws. There are no pending or, to the Knowledge of Gold, threatened claims against Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries with respect to Trade Controls or Anti-Corruption Laws. Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries have implemented policies and procedures reasonably designed to ensure compliance with Anti-Corruption Laws.
Section 6.16 Regulatory Matters.
(a) During the past two (2) years Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries have filed with the applicable regulatory authorities all required material filings, declarations, listings, registrations, reports or submissions, except, in each case, as would not have, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect. All such filings, declarations, listings, registrations, reports or submissions were in material compliance with all applicable Laws when filed, and, as of the date of this Agreement, no deficiencies have been asserted in writing by any applicable regulatory authorities to Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries with respect to any such filings, declarations, listing, registrations, reports or submissions, except as would not have, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect.
(b) Except as would not have, and would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect, Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries have for the past two (2) years had appropriate internal controls that are reasonably designed to ensure compliance with all applicable Laws.
Section 6.17 Gold Benefit Plans.
(a) Section 6.17(a) of the Gold Disclosure Letter sets forth a list, as of the date hereof, of each material Gold Benefit Plan; provided, that such list may omit (i) any Gold Benefit Plan that is an individualized agreement that is consistent, in all material respects, with a representative form of agreement that has been provided to Mercury prior to the date hereof and (ii) any Gold Benefit Plan maintained outside of the United States. Within the sixty (60) day period following the date hereof Gold shall provide a supplemental Section 6.17(a) of the Gold Disclosure Letter that sets forth each Gold Benefit Plan that would been included on such initial schedule but for clause (ii) of the proviso in the first sentence of this Section 6.17(a).
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(b) As applicable with respect to each of the material Gold Benefit Plans required to be set forth on Section 6.17(a) of the Gold Disclosure Letter, Gold has made available to Mercury true and complete copies of: (i) the applicable plan document (including all amendments thereto) (or, for any unwritten plan, a summary of the material terms thereof) and all related trust agreements, insurance policies or other funding arrangements; (ii) the most recent summary plan description; (iii) the most recent Form 5500 (including all schedules and attachments thereto); (iv) the most recent determination, opinion or advisory letter issued by the IRS; and (v) any material, non-routine correspondence with any Governmental Authority in the past two (2) years. Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this paragraph, the foregoing materials in respect of material Gold Benefit Plans maintained outside of the United States may be made available to Mercury during the sixty (60) day period following the date hereof.
(c) Each Gold Benefit Plan intended to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code has received a favorable determination letter from the IRS (or is entitled to rely upon a favorable opinion letter issued by the IRS), and to the Knowledge of Gold, there are no existing circumstances or events that would reasonably be expected to adversely affect the qualified status of any such plan.
(d) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect: (i) each of the Gold Benefit Plans has been established, maintained, operated, funded and administered in all respects in accordance with its terms and in compliance with applicable Law, including ERISA and the Code; (ii) there are no pending Actions or claims (other than routine claims for benefits), or to the Knowledge of Gold, threatened, against or involving any Gold Benefit Plan (or the assets thereof); (iii) all required contributions and other payments to each Gold Benefit Plan that have become due have been timely made or, if not yet due, properly accrued; (iv) there has been no non-exempt "prohibited transaction" within the meaning of Section 4975 of the Code or Section 406 of ERISA or breach of fiduciary duty (as determined under ERISA) with respect to any Gold Benefit Plan; and (v) neither Gold nor any of the Gold Subsidiaries has incurred (whether or not assessed) any Liability that has not been satisfied under Section 4980B, 4980D, 4980H, 6721 or 6722 of the Code.
(e) No Gold Benefit Plan is, and neither Gold nor any of its ERISA Affiliates sponsors, maintains, contributes to, has any obligation to contribute to, or has any Liability under or with respect to: (i) any Multiemployer Plan or (ii) a plan that has two (2) or more contributing sponsors, at least two (2) of whom are not under common control, within the meaning of Section 4063 of ERISA, or any "multiple employer plan" within the meaning of Section 210 of ERISA or Section 413 of the Code. No Gold Benefit Plan is a "defined benefit plan" (as defined in Section 3(35) of ERISA) or a plan subject to Title IV or Section 302 of ERISA or Section 412, 430 or 4971 of the Code. Neither Gold nor any of its ERISA Affiliates has incurred (x) any Liability to or with respect to a Multiemployer Plan, including as a result of a complete or partial withdrawal from such Multiemployer Plan, as those terms are defined in Part 1 of Subtitle E of Title IV of ERISA, that has not been satisfied in full, or (y) any Controlled Group Liability that has not been satisfied in full, and, to the Knowledge of Gold, no condition exists that presents a material risk to Gold or its Subsidiaries of incurring any such Liabilities (including on account of any ERISA Affiliate). No Gold Benefit Plan is, and none of Gold or any of its Subsidiaries has any Liability with respect to, a "multiple employer welfare arrangement" (within the meaning of Section 3(40)(A) of ERISA). There is no Lien pursuant to ERISA Sections 303(k) or 4068 or Code Sections 412 or 430(k) in favor of, or enforceable by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any other entity with respect to any of the assets of Gold or any of its Subsidiaries.
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(f) Neither the execution and delivery of this Agreement nor the consummation of the Transactions would reasonably be expected to, either alone or in combination with another event: (i) entitle any employee of Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries to material severance pay, unemployment compensation or any other material benefits or payments; (ii) accelerate the time of payment, funding or vesting, or materially increase the amount of any payments or benefits due to any employee of Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries (including the forgiveness of indebtedness); (iii) limit or restrict the right to merge, terminate or amend any Gold Benefit Plan on or after the Closing; or (iv) result in any payment (whether in cash or property or the vesting of property) to any "disqualified individual" (as such term is defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.280G-1) that would, individually or in combination with any other such payment, constitute an "excess parachute payment" (as defined in Section 280G(b)(1) of the Code).
(g) No Gold Benefit Plan provides for the gross-up or reimbursement of Taxes under Section 409A or 4999 of the Code.
(h) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect, each Gold Benefit Plan that constitutes in any part a "nonqualified deferred compensation plan" (as defined under Section 409A(d)(1) of the Code) subject to Section 409A of the Code has been operated and administered in all material respects in operational compliance with, and is in all material respects in documentary compliance with, Section 409A of the Code and all IRS guidance promulgated thereunder, and no amount under any such plan, agreement or arrangement is, has been or would reasonably be expected to be subject to any additional Tax, interest or penalties under Section 409A of the Code.
(i) No Gold Benefit Plan provides, and neither Gold nor any of the Gold Subsidiaries has any obligation to provide, retiree, post-termination or other post-employment health or welfare benefits, other than health care continuation coverage (i) as required by Section 4980B of the Code or COBRA or ERISA, (ii) in connection with severance benefits or (iii) through the end of the month in which a termination of employment occurs.
(j) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect: (i) each Gold Benefit Plan that is a Foreign Benefit Plan (a "Gold Foreign Benefit Plan") has been established, maintained, funded, operated and administered in all respects in accordance with its terms and applicable Laws, and if intended to qualify for special Tax treatment, meets all the requirements for such treatment or if intended to be filed, registered or approved by a Governmental Authority has been duly and timely filed, registered or approved, as applicable; (ii) is funded, book-reserved or secured by an insurance policy to the extent required by the terms of the applicable Gold Foreign Benefit Plan or applicable Law, based on reasonable actuarial assumptions in accordance with applicable accounting principles; and (iii) each Gold Foreign Benefit Plan required to be registered has been registered and has been maintained in good standing with applicable regulatory authorities.
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Section 6.18 Intellectual Property.
(a) Section 6.18(a) of the Gold Disclosure Letter sets forth a list of all Gold Intellectual Property that is Registered IP (the "Registered Gold Intellectual Property"), identifying for each, as applicable, the record (and if different, beneficial) owner, the registration, patent or application number and date, and the jurisdiction and domain name registrar. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect, the Intellectual Property required to be disclosed in Section 6.18(a) of the Gold Disclosure Letter pursuant to the foregoing sentence (i) is subsisting and, other than Registered Gold Intellectual Property constituting applications, valid and enforceable and (ii) do not require any filings, payments or similar actions to be taken by Gold within sixty (60) days of the date hereof for the purposes of obtaining, maintaining, perfecting or renewing such Intellectual Property.
(b) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect, Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries solely and exclusively own all rights, title and interest in and to the Gold Intellectual Property, in each case, free and clear of all Liens other than Permitted Liens.
(c) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect: (i) there is no opposition or cancellation Action pending that challenges the ownership, scope, validity use or enforceability of any Gold Intellectual Property (other than ordinary course proceedings instituted by the relevant intellectual property office related to the application for any item of Registered Gold Intellectual Property); (ii) the operation of its business does not infringe, misappropriate, dilute, or otherwise violate, and in the past six (6) years has not infringed, misappropriated, diluted, or otherwise violated, the Intellectual Property of any other Person; and (iii) Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries have not received any written notice in the past six (6) years alleging that the operation of the Gold Business infringes, misappropriates, dilutes, or otherwise violates the Intellectual Property of any other Person.
(d) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect: (i) to the Knowledge of Gold, no Person is infringing, misappropriating, diluting, or otherwise violating, and in the past six (6) years has not infringed, misappropriated, diluted, or otherwise violated, any Gold Intellectual Property, and (ii) neither Gold nor any of the Gold Subsidiaries have, since the date that is six (6) years prior to the date hereof, made any allegation or brought any Action against any Person claiming that such Person is infringing, misappropriating, diluting or otherwise violating any Gold Intellectual Property.
(e) Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries have taken commercially reasonable measures to protect, preserve, and maintain the Gold Intellectual Property, including by protecting the confidentiality of all material Trade Secrets included in the Gold Intellectual Property or otherwise held by Gold, and there are, and in the past three (3) years there have been, no unauthorized uses or disclosures of any such Trade Secrets.
(f) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect, all Persons (including current and former employees, consultants and independent contractors) who contributed to the development or creation of any Intellectual Property purported to be owned by Gold or any Gold Subsidiary have assigned to Gold or one of the Gold Subsidiaries all of such Person's right, title and interest in and to all such Intellectual Property developed or created in the course of such Person's employment or retention thereby, except where ownership of such Intellectual Property vested in Gold or its applicable Subsidiary by operation of law.
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(g) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect, (i) no funding, personnel, or facilities of any Governmental Authority, university, college, or other educational institution or research center was used, directly or indirectly, to create, author, conceive of, invent, modify, improve, or develop any Intellectual Property for or on behalf of the Gold Business in a manner that has resulted in any such third party having any current claim or right in or to any Intellectual Property purported to be owned by Gold or any Gold Subsidiary, and (ii) no such Person has asserted in writing any claim or right in or to any Intellectual Property purported to be owned by Gold or any Gold Subsidiary on the basis that its funding, personnel, or facilities were used in the development thereof.
(h) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect, Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries have not incorporated, included, embedded, linked or distributed any Open Source Software with proprietary Software included in the Gold Intellectual Property ("Gold Software") in a manner that requires that any such Gold Software (or portion thereof): (i) be disclosed or distributed in source code form; (ii) be licensed for the purpose of making, or otherwise permit any person to make, derivative works of or reverse engineer any such source code; or (iii) be redistributed, hosted or otherwise made available at no or nominal charge. Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect, (A) no portion of source code of the Gold Software has been disclosed, licensed, released, distributed, escrowed or made available to or for any Person who was not or is not an employee, contractor, consultant or other Person working on behalf of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries, in each case who have signed written confidentiality agreements with respect thereto, and no such Person has been granted any rights thereto or agreed to disclose, license, release, deliver, escrow, or otherwise grant any right thereto and (B) no event has occurred, and no circumstance or condition exists, that (whether with or without the passage of time, the giving of notice or both) will, or would reasonably be expected to, result in a requirement that any such source code be disclosed, licensed, released, distributed, escrowed or made available, or any other grant of any right be made with respect thereto.
(i) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect, in each case solely with respect to the Gold Business, (i) neither Gold nor any of the Gold Subsidiaries has, in past two (2) years, sent, been required to send, or received any written notice in connection with any violation by Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries of any Privacy Requirement, nor has Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries been threatened in writing to be charged with any such violation by any Governmental Authority; (ii) neither Gold nor its Subsidiaries has, in past two (2) years, received any written complaint by any Person with respect to the collection, use or processing of Personal Information; (iii) Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries maintain policies and procedures regarding data security, privacy, data transfer and the processing of data and Personal Information that are commercially reasonable and designed to protect Personal Information against any unauthorized use, access or disclosure and otherwise comply with, Privacy Requirements; (iv) Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries, in connection with the Gold Business, in past two (2) years, have been in compliance in all material respects with all Privacy Requirements; and (v) in past two (2) years, to the Knowledge of Gold, there has been no unauthorized use, access or disclosure or other processing of any Gold Business Systems, data, or other information (including Trade Secrets and Personal Information) used in the Gold Business and owned by Mercury.
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(j) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect: (i) as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date, Gold owns or has a valid right to access and use the Gold Business Systems; and (ii) the Gold Business Systems (A) do not, to the Knowledge of Gold, contain any viruses, worms, trojan horses, bugs, faults or other devices, errors, contaminants or effects that are designed to disrupt or adversely affect the functionality of any such Gold Business Systems and (B) are adequate and sufficient for the operation of the Gold Business as currently conducted.
(k) (i) Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries have taken commercially reasonable precautions to protect the confidentiality, integrity and security of the Gold Business Systems, and all information processes thereby or stored therein from any unauthorized processing, access, use, interruption, modification or corruption and commercially reasonable data backup, disaster recovery and business continuity plans and procedures; and (ii) in past two (2) years there have been no failures or other adverse events affecting any of the Gold Business Systems that have caused any material disruption in the use thereof or to the operation of the Gold Business.
(l) Except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect, neither the execution of this Agreement or the Transaction Documents nor the consummation of the Transaction Process will result in the loss, limitation, termination or impairment of (or any right of any Person to limit, terminate or impair) or the requirement to pay additional fees or royalties with respect to Gold's or any of the Gold Subsidiaries' right to own or use any Intellectual Property used in or necessary for the Gold Business.
Section 6.19 Environmental Matters.
(a) Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries and the facilities, assets and operations on any real property owned, leased, used or operated by Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries are, and during the past three (3) years have been, in compliance with (i) applicable Environmental Laws (including the possession, maintenance of, and application for, any such Permit described in clause (ii) below) and (ii) any material Permit required to operate the Gold Business or occupy and use any real property or facility (including the Gold Leased Real Property and Gold Owned Real Property) under any applicable Environmental Law (any "Gold Environmental Permit"), except in each case of (i) and (ii) as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect.
(b) (i) There is no Action pending or, to the Knowledge of Gold, threatened that asserts any actual or potential Environmental Liability relating to Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries, (ii) no outstanding Order has been issued or is otherwise in effect in relation to any Environmental Law or any Gold Environmental Permit, in each case relating to Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries or any real property or facility currently owned, leased, used or operated by Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries (including the Gold Leased Real Property or Gold Owned Real Property), and (iii) neither Gold nor the Gold Subsidiaries has received, (A) in the past three (3) years, any written notice, report or other information alleging any Environmental Liability relating to the Gold Business, or (B), at any time, any such written notice, report or other information alleging any Environmental Liability relating to the Gold Business the subject of which has not been resolved, except in each case of clauses (i) through (iii), as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect.
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(c) To the Knowledge of Gold, neither Gold nor any of the Gold Subsidiaries (or any other Person to the extent resulting in Environmental Liability for Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries) has Released, produced, processed, generated, transported, treated, handled, used, stored, disposed of, arranged for the disposal of, or exposed any Person to, any Hazardous Materials, in each case except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect.
(d) Neither Gold nor any of the Gold Subsidiaries (or any other Person to the extent resulting in Environmental Liability for Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries) has expressly assumed or retained any Environmental Liability of any other Person, including in any acquisition or divestiture of any property or business except as would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect.
Section 6.20 Insurance. All insurance policies (excluding those funding any Gold Benefit Plans set forth on Section 6.17 of the Gold Disclosure Letter) to which Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries is currently a party, or which are held for the benefit of Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries, are in full force and effect, and, to the Knowledge of Gold, have been issued by licensed insurers, all premiums due and payable with respect thereto have been paid, and no written notice of cancellation or termination has been received with respect to any such policies, except for such cancellations or terminations which would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect.
Section 6.21 Affiliate Matters. Except for Contracts solely between or among Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries or Contracts for employment, compensation or benefit agreements or arrangements with directors, officers and employees made in the ordinary course of business or as set forth on Section 6.21 of the Gold Disclosure Letter, neither Gold nor any of the Gold Subsidiaries is party to any Gold Affiliate Contract.
Section 6.22 Brokers. Except for Barclays Capital Inc., no broker, finder or investment banker is entitled to any brokerage, finder's or other fee or commission from Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries, or for which Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries would be liable, in connection with this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents, or the Transactions, based upon arrangements made by or on behalf of Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries.
Section 6.23 Proxy Statement; Registration Statements. None of the information regarding Gold, the Gold Business or any of the Gold Subsidiaries or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Transaction Document to be provided by Gold or any Gold Subsidiaries specifically for inclusion in, or incorporation by reference into, the Proxy Statement, the Gold Registration Statement, the SpinCo Registration Statement or the Distribution Documents will, in the case of the Proxy Statement or the Distribution Documents or any amendment or supplement thereto, at the time of the first mailing of the Proxy Statement and the Distribution Documents and of any amendment or supplement thereto, or, in the case of the Gold Registration Statement and the SpinCo Registration Statement, at the time such registration statement becomes effective, on the date of the Gold Shareholders Meeting, at the Distribution Date or at the Effective Time,
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contain an untrue or false statement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they are made, not false or misleading. The Proxy Statement and the Gold Registration Statement will comply as to form in all material respects with the provisions of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act, as the case may be, except that no representation is made by Gold with respect to information provided by Mercury or SpinCo specifically for inclusion in, or incorporation by reference into, the Proxy Statement or the Gold Registration Statement.
Section 6.24 Opinion of Gold Financial Advisor. The Gold Board has received, the opinion of Barclays Capital Inc. to the effect that, as of the date of such opinion, and based upon and subject to the qualifications, assumptions, limitations and other matters set forth in the written opinion, the Exchange Ratio pursuant to this Agreement (subject to any adjustment pursuant to Section 3.1(c)(ii) that is not in excess of the Final Adjustment Cap) is fair, from a financial point of view, to Gold.
Section 6.25 Certain Board Findings. The Gold Board, at a meeting duly called and held, unanimously adopted resolutions (a) determining that the terms of the Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby, including the Gold Share Issuance, are advisable and in the best interests of Gold and its shareholders, (b) approving the execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the consummation of the Transactions, including the Merger and the Gold Share Issuance, (c) resolving to make the Gold Board Recommendation, subject to Section 7.3(d), and (d) directing that the Gold Share Issuance and the Gold Charter Amendment be submitted to a vote at a meeting of Gold's shareholders.
Section 6.26 Shareholder Approval Required. No vote of the holders of any class of equity securities of Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries is required for the execution and delivery of this Agreement or any other Transaction Documents to which any of Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries is to be a party, the performance by Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries of its obligations hereunder and thereunder, or to consummate the Merger and the other Transactions, except that the Gold Share Issuance and the Gold Charter Amendment require the Gold Shareholder Approval.
Section 6.27 SpinCo Common Stock. Neither Gold nor any of the Gold Subsidiaries owns or will own (directly or indirectly, beneficially or of record) on the Closing Date, nor is Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries a party to any Contract for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of, in each case, any shares of capital stock of SpinCo (other than as contemplated by this Agreement) or Mercury.
Section 6.28 Gold Financing. As of the date of this Agreement, the Commitment Letter is in full force and effect and is a legal, valid and binding obligation of Gold and, to the Knowledge of Gold, each of the other parties thereto (other than SpinCo), enforceable against Gold and, to the Knowledge of Gold, each of the other parties thereto (other than SpinCo) in accordance with its terms (except insofar as such enforceability is subject to the Remedies Exception). As of the date of this Agreement, except for the Commitment Letter, there are no side letters or other Contracts to which Gold or any of its Affiliates is a party containing conditions precedent to or otherwise relating to the funding of the full amount of the Gold Financing, other than as expressly set forth in the Commitment Letter. As of the date of this Agreement, no event has occurred, which, with or without notice, lapse of time or both, (i) would constitute a default or breach on the part of Gold or its Affiliates or, to the Knowledge of Gold, any other party thereto (other than SpinCo), under the Commitment Letter, or (ii) to the Knowledge of Gold, would result in any portion of the Gold Financing being unavailable or delayed.
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Section 6.29 No Rights Plan; No Antitakeover Law. As of the date hereof, there is no rights plan, "poison pill," antitakeover plan or other similar device in effect, to which Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries is a party or otherwise bound. As of the Effective Time, there will be no rights plan, "poison pill," antitakeover plan or other similar device in effect, to which Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries will be a party or otherwise be bound, other than any such plan or device that (x) contains an express exception for this Agreement, the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby and any acquisition of Gold Common Stock pursuant to the Merger and (y) does not otherwise interfere with or adversely affect any of the transactions contemplated hereby. No "fair price," "moratorium," "control share acquisition," "business combination" or other similar antitakeover Law applicable to Gold or Merger Sub applies to this Agreement, the Merger or the other transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.
Section 6.30 No Other Representations and Warranties. Except as expressly set forth in Article IV or Article V or in any Transaction Document (and except for any Mercury Distribution Tax Representations), (a) Gold and Merger Sub each acknowledges and agrees that neither Mercury, SpinCo nor any of their Affiliates (including the members of the SpinCo Group), nor any of their respective Representatives has made, or is making, any express or implied representation or warranty whatsoever with respect to Mercury, SpinCo nor any of their Affiliates (including the members of the SpinCo Group), or any of their respective businesses, operations, assets, liabilities, conditions (financial or otherwise) or prospects, and (b) each of Gold and Merger Sub each further acknowledges and agrees that neither Mercury, SpinCo nor any of their Affiliates shall be liable in respect of the accuracy or completeness of any information provided to Gold, Merger Sub or any of their respective Affiliates or Representatives. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, except as expressly set forth in Article IV or Article V or in any Transaction Document (and except for any Mercury Distribution Tax Representations), Gold and Merger Sub each acknowledges and agrees that no representations or warranties are made with respect to any projections, forecasts, estimates or budgets with respect to Mercury, SpinCo, any of the members of the SpinCo Group or the SpinCo Business that may have been made available, in the SpinCo Datasite or otherwise, to Gold or Merger Sub or any of their respective Representatives, and expressly disclaims reliance on any other representations, warranties, statements, information or inducements, oral or written, express or implied, or as to the accuracy or completeness of any statements or other information, made to, or made available to, itself or any of its Representatives, in each case with respect to, or in connection with, the negotiation, execution or delivery of this Agreement, any instrument or other document delivered pursuant to this Agreement or the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, and notwithstanding the distribution, disclosure or other delivery to Gold or Merger Sub or any of their respective Representatives of any document or other information with respect to any one (1) or more of the foregoing, and waive any claims or causes of actions relating thereto, other than those for Fraud. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, it is understood that any cost estimates, financial or other projections or other predictions that may be contained or referred to in this Agreement (including the SpinCo Disclosure Letter), any information, documents or other materials (including any such materials contained in the SpinCo Datasite or otherwise reviewed by Gold, Merger Sub or any of their
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respective Affiliates or Representatives) or management presentations that have been or shall hereafter be provided to Gold, Merger Sub or any of their respective Affiliates or Representatives are not and will not be deemed to be representations or warranties of Mercury or SpinCo, and no representation or warranty is made as to the accuracy or completeness of any of the foregoing except as expressly set forth in Article IV or Article V of this Agreement or in any Transaction Document (and except, in each case, for any Mercury Distribution Tax Representations). In entering into this Agreement, Gold and Merger Sub acknowledge and agree that they have relied solely upon their own investigation and analysis, and Gold and Merger Sub each acknowledges and agrees, to the fullest extent permitted by Law, that Mercury, the members of the SpinCo Group and their Affiliates and their respective Representatives shall not have any Liability or responsibility whatsoever to Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries or any of their respective Representatives on any basis (including in contract or tort, under federal or state securities laws or otherwise) based upon any information provided or made available, or statements made (or any omissions therefrom), to Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries or any of their respective Representatives, including in respect of the specific representations and warranties as set forth in Article IV or Article V of this Agreement or any Transaction Document, except as and only to the extent expressly set forth herein or therein with respect to such representations and warranties and subject to the limitations and restrictions contained herein or therein.
ARTICLE VII
COVENANTS
Section 7.1 Conduct of Business.
(a) Mercury covenants and agrees that, from the date of this Agreement through the earlier of the Closing or the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 9.1 (the "Interim Period") (solely with respect to the SpinCo Group or the SpinCo Business and excluding the Mercury Assets and the Mercury Liabilities), except (i) as otherwise required or expressly contemplated by this Agreement (including in furtherance of the Distribution and the Reorganization), (ii) as required by Law, (iii) as disclosed in Section 7.1(a) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter or (iv) as otherwise consented to by Gold (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), Mercury shall (and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to) use commercially reasonable efforts to conduct the SpinCo Business in all material respects in the ordinary course of business and to preserve intact its businesses and its business relationships with key employees, significant customers and others having significant business relationships with the SpinCo Business; provided, however, that any failure to take any action for which Gold's consent was required by Section 7.1(b) and was not provided by Gold following Mercury's request therefor shall not be deemed a breach of this Section 7.1(a).
(b) Mercury covenants and agrees that, during the Interim Period (solely with respect to the SpinCo Group or the SpinCo Business and excluding the Mercury Assets and the Mercury Liabilities), except (i) as otherwise required or expressly contemplated by this Agreement (including in order to give effect to the Distribution, the Reorganization), (ii) as required by Law, (iii) as disclosed in Section 7.1(b) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter or (iv) as otherwise consented to by Gold (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), Mercury shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to:
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(i) amend, modify, restate, waive, rescind or otherwise change the Organizational Documents of Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries (other than any such changes thereto that would not prevent or materially impair or materially delay Mercury's or any of its Subsidiaries' ability to comply with its obligations hereunder and under the Separation Agreement, or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby);
(ii) (A) except for transactions among wholly-owned members of the SpinCo Group, make any material acquisition of any assets or businesses in excess of $10,000,000, individually, other than acquisitions of assets (but not businesses) in the ordinary course of business or (B) except for transactions between or among wholly-owned members of the SpinCo Group, sell, pledge, dispose of or encumber any material assets or businesses other than in the ordinary course of business (solely with respect to assets);
(iii) (A) issue, sell, pledge or transfer any equity interests of any of the members of the SpinCo Group, or securities convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, or options with respect to, or warrants to purchase, or rights to subscribe for, equity interests of any of the members of the SpinCo Group, in each case other than (i) to other members of the SpinCo Group and (ii) the granting of Permitted Liens described in clause (j) of the definition thereof or (B) from the Determination Time through the earlier of the Closing or the termination of this Agreement, issue, sell or pledge any equity interests of Mercury, or securities convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, or options with respect to, or warrants to purchase, or rights to subscribe for, equity interests of Mercury;
(iv) (A) sell, lease, license (as licensor), assign, dispose of, or transfer any material SpinCo Intellectual Property (other than non-exclusive licenses of such Intellectual Property granted in the ordinary course of business), (B) abandon, permit to lapse, dedicate to public or permit to expire any material Registered SpinCo Intellectual Property (other than at the end of its non-renewable statutory term), (C) disclose any material confidential information or material Trade Secrets included in the SpinCo Intellectual Property to any Person that is not subject to reasonable obligations with respect to confidentiality and non-disclosure, or (D) escrow or make available any material source code for any SpinCo Software included in the SpinCo Intellectual Property;
(v) enter into any Contract for the purchase of real property or any lease (as lessee) of real property related to any leased property providing for annual payments in excess of $1,000,000 other than any renewal or extension of a real property lease in the ordinary course of business and on substantially similar terms to the existing lease or terms no less favorable in the aggregate to the SpinCo Business than those in the existing lease;
(vi) (A) amend any material term of, or waive any material right under, or voluntarily terminate (other than upon expiration in accordance with its terms), any SpinCo Material Contract or any SpinCo Transferred Property Lease, or (B) enter into any Contract that, if in effect on the date hereof, would be a SpinCo Material Contract or any SpinCo Transferred Property Lease, other than, in each case of clauses (A) and (B), (1) in the ordinary course of business or (2) any modifications which are more favorable to the SpinCo Business;
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(vii) cause any member of the SpinCo Group to repurchase, repay, prepay, refinance or incur any indebtedness for borrowed money, issue debt securities or any right to acquire any debt securities, engage in any securitization transactions or similar arrangements or assume, guarantee or endorse, or otherwise as an accommodation become responsible for (whether directly, contingently or otherwise), the obligations of any Person for borrowed money except (A) in the ordinary course of business, including pursuant to working capital facilities and commercial paper issuances, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $5,000,000, (B) the SpinCo Financing and Permanent SpinCo Financing, (C) intercompany indebtedness among SpinCo and its wholly owned Subsidiaries or among any such wholly owned Subsidiaries and (D) intercompany indebtedness among SpinCo and its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and Mercury and its Subsidiaries (other than SpinCo and its Subsidiaries), and the other hand, in connection with the Reorganization or in the ordinary course of business, which shall be settled at or prior to the Closing;
(viii) except (A) as required by any Benefit Plan or Collective Bargaining Agreement or (B) with respect to Mercury Benefit Plans (other than SpinCo Benefit Plans), in connection with any action that applies in a substantially uniform manner to SpinCo Group Employees and other similarly situated employees of Mercury and its Affiliates, (1) grant any increases in cash compensation of any SpinCo Group Employee or other individual service provider of the SpinCo Group, other than any actions taken in the ordinary course of business with respect to SpinCo Group Employees or other individual service provider of the SpinCo Group (x) below the level of Vice President, General Manager and (y) with annualized base cash compensation below $400,000; (2) enter into or adopt any new SpinCo Benefit Plan, or materially amend or terminate any existing SpinCo Benefit Plan; (3) enter into any employment, consulting, severance or termination agreement with any SpinCo Group Employee or other individual service provider of the SpinCo Group, other than any actions taken in the ordinary course of business (x) with respect to SpinCo Group Employees or other individual service provider of the SpinCo Group (A) below the level of Plant Manager and (B) with annualized base cash compensation below $400,000 or (y) with respect to employment or consulting agreements that do not provide for severance compensation benefits, service that is not "at-will" or benefits or compensation not generally available to all similarly situated employees or service providers of SpinCo and its Subsidiaries; (4) enter into, adopt or provide for any retention, change in control or transaction bonus agreement, plan or program with any SpinCo Group Employee or other individual service provider of the SpinCo Group; (5) accelerate the vesting of, or the lapsing of restrictions with respect to, any equity-based or other incentive-based compensation or cause or otherwise require SpinCo or any of the SpinCo Subsidiaries to fund or commit to fund any compensation; (6) terminate the employment or services of any SpinCo Group Employee or other individual service provider of the SpinCo Group (x) at or above the level of Vice President or (y) with annualized base cash compensation at or above $400,000, in each case, other than for cause or performance, in each case, as determined by Mercury in good faith in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; (7) hire, engage or promote (other than to fill a vacancy in the ordinary course of business) any SpinCo Group Employee or other individual service provider of the SpinCo Group (x) at or above the level of Plant Manager or (y) with annualized base cash compensation at or above $300,000; or (8) establish, adopt, enter into, negotiate, terminate or materially amend any Collective Bargaining Agreement, or recognize or certify any labor union, works council, or other labor organization or employee representative as the bargaining representative for any SpinCo Group Employees;
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(ix) implement any reduction-in-force, office or plant closing, or similar action that, in each case, would trigger notice obligations under any WARN Laws;
(x) transfer or reassign the duties or employment of (A) any SpinCo Group Employee such that he or she no longer meets the definition of a SpinCo Group Employee or (B) any other employee of Mercury or any of its Affiliates such that he or she does meet the definition of a SpinCo Group Employee; provided, that a termination of employment or services of any SpinCo Group Employee or other individual service provider of the SpinCo Group that would not be prohibited by Section 7.1(b)(viii)(6) will not constitute a transfer or reassignment of duties for purposes of this Section 7.1(b)(x);
(xi) (A) transfer the employment of any individual who is not a SpinCo Group Employee into the SpinCo Group, or (B) transfer the employment of any SpinCo Group Employee out of the SpinCo Group;
(xii) transfer the sponsorship of, or any Liabilities relating to, any Mercury Benefit Plan (other than a SpinCo Benefit Plan set forth and so designated on Section 5.15(a) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter as of the date hereof or immaterial SpinCo Benefit Plans as listed within 60 days following the date hereof as contemplated by Section 5.15(a)) to SpinCo or any Subsidiary thereof;
(xiii) commence an obligation of SpinCo or any Subsidiary thereof to contribute to any Multiemployer Plan;
(xiv) (A) make any change (or file any such change) in any method of Tax accounting, (B) make (other than in a manner consistent with past practice and other than an initial entity classification election), change or revoke any material Tax election, (C) settle any audit, proceeding, claim or assessment with respect to material Taxes of a member of the SpinCo Group, (D) enter into a "closing agreement" within the meaning of Section 7121 of the Code or other written agreement with a Governmental Authority with respect to material Taxes of a member of the SpinCo Group, (E) agree to waive, surrender or abandon any right to claim a material Tax refund, offset or other reduction in liability of a member of the SpinCo Group, (F) file any material Tax Return other than on a basis consistent in all material respects with past practice (except as otherwise required by a change in Law) with respect to a member of the SpinCo Group, (G) file any material amended Tax Return or claim for refund for material Taxes or (H) grant, request or consent to any extension (other than in connection with any automatically granted Tax Return extension obtained in the ordinary course of business) or waiver of the statute of limitations period applicable to any material Tax claim or assessment, in each case of clauses (A) through (H), only to the extent such action (x) would be binding on the SpinCo Group or Gold and its Subsidiaries or (y) would reasonably be expected to have an adverse impact on the Taxes of the SpinCo Group or Gold and its Subsidiaries (it being understood and
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agreed that, notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, none of the covenants set forth in clauses (i) through (xiii) nor (xv) through (xxi) shall be considered to relate to Tax compliance (other than clause (xxi) insofar as it relates to this clause (xiv))); provided, that each of the foregoing clauses (A) through (H) shall not apply with respect to any Mercury Combined Tax Return or any member of the Mercury Tax Group (or any Tax Return of any member of the Mercury Tax Group) or any Tax Return to the extent required to conform to a Mercury Combined Tax Return or a Tax Return of any member of the Mercury Tax Group, in each case, other than to the extent such action would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse impact on the Taxes of the SpinCo Group or Gold and its Subsidiaries;
(xv) make any material change in any method of financial accounting or financial accounting practice or policy applicable to the SpinCo Business, other than such changes as are required by GAAP or applicable Law or that otherwise apply generally to Mercury and its Subsidiaries;
(xvi) settle or compromise any Action, or enter into any consent decree or settlement agreement with any Governmental Authority, against any member of the SpinCo Group or primarily relating to the SpinCo Business or the liability of which would be a SpinCo Liability, other than settlements or compromises of any Action in the ordinary course of business or where the amount paid in settlement or compromise does not exceed $1,000,000 individually or $2,500,000 in the aggregate (excluding any amounts covered by insurance) (it being agreed and understood that this clause (xvi) shall not apply with respect to (A) Tax matters, or (B) derivative, direct or other Actions brought by or on behalf of Mercury's shareholders (provided, that the costs associated with such derivative, direct or other Actions shall be borne solely by Mercury));
(xvii) merge, combine or consolidate (pursuant to a plan of merger or otherwise) any of the members of the SpinCo Group with any Person or adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation or resolutions providing for a complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization of any of the members of the SpinCo Group (other than in connection with the Reorganization or the Separation);
(xviii) incur or grant a material Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) on any assets, properties or rights of any member of the SpinCo Group that constitute SpinCo Assets, in each case, except (A) Liens securing obligations under the SpinCo Financing or Permanent SpinCo Financing, (B) Liens securing guarantees of obligations under credit agreements to which any member of the SpinCo Group is party as of the date hereof; provided, that any such Liens and guarantees will be released prior to or in connection with the Closing, (C) Liens incurred in connection with the ordinary course factoring of receivables pursuant to agreements delivered to Gold, (D) Liens that will be released prior to or in connection with the Closing or (E) Liens securing any intercompany indebtedness among the SpinCo Group or otherwise permitted by Section 7.1(b)(vii)(D);
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(xix) except in accordance with Mercury's annual capital expenditure budgets set forth on Section 7.1(b)(xix) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter, plus a 4% variance for the total amount budgeted under such capital expenditure budgets, or pursuant to a SpinCo Material Contract made available to Gold as of the date hereof, make any capital expenditure or expenditures or enter into agreements or arrangements providing for any capital expenditure or expenditures or otherwise commit to do so;
(xx) (A) grant any material refunds, discounts, credits, rebates or allowances to customers, or (B) take actions to delay accounts payable or accelerate accounts receivable in any material respect, in each case, other than in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; or
(xxi) authorize or commit or agree to take any of the foregoing actions.
(c) Gold covenants and agrees that, during the Interim Period, except (i) as otherwise required or expressly contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) as required by Law, (iii) as disclosed in Section 7.1(c) of the Gold Disclosure Letter or (iv) as otherwise consented to by Mercury (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), Gold shall (and shall cause each of the Gold Subsidiaries to) use commercially reasonable efforts to conduct the Gold Business in all material respects in the ordinary course of business and to preserve intact its respective businesses and its business relationships with key employees, significant customers and others having significant business relationships with the Gold Business; provided, however, that any failure to take any action for which Mercury's consent was required by Section 7.1(d) and was not provided by Mercury following Gold's request therefor shall not be deemed a breach of this Section 7.1(c).
(d) Gold covenants and agrees that, during the Interim Period, except (i) as otherwise required or expressly contemplated by this Agreement, (ii) as required by Law, (iii) as disclosed in Section 7.1(d) of the Gold Disclosure Letter or (iv) as otherwise consented to by Mercury (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed), Gold shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries (including Merger Sub) not to:
(i) amend, modify, restate, waive, rescind or otherwise change the Organizational Documents of Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries (other than any such changes thereto that would not prevent or materially impair or materially delay Gold's or any Gold Subsidiary's ability to comply with its obligations hereunder and under the Separation Agreement, or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby);
(ii) except for transactions among Gold and any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business and transactions among Gold and its wholly owned Subsidiaries, (A) make any material acquisition of any assets or businesses in excess of $10,000,000, individually, other than acquisitions of assets (but not businesses) in the ordinary course of business or (B) sell, pledge, dispose of or encumber any material assets or businesses other than in the ordinary course of business (solely with respect to assets);
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(iii) issue, sell, pledge or transfer any equity interests of Gold or Gold Subsidiaries, or securities convertible into, or exchangeable or exercisable for, or options with respect to, or warrants to purchase, or rights to subscribe for, equity interests of Gold or any Gold Subsidiary, in each case other than (A) to Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries, (B) the granting of Permitted Liens, (C) in respect of the settlement of Gold Equity Awards in accordance with their terms and, as applicable, the Gold Equity Incentive Plan, in each case, in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice, or (D) in respect of the issuance of annual Gold Equity Awards and issuance of Gold Equity Awards in connection with new hires or promotions, in each case, in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice;
(iv) (A) sell, lease, license (as licensor), assign, dispose of, or transfer any material Gold Intellectual Property (other than non-exclusive licenses of such Intellectual Property granted in the ordinary course of business), (B) abandon, permit to lapse, dedicate to public or permit to expire any material Registered Gold Intellectual Property (other than at the end of its non-renewable statutory term), (C) disclose any material confidential information or material Trade Secrets included in the Gold Intellectual Property to any Person that is not subject to reasonable obligations with respect to confidentiality and non-disclosure, or (D) escrow or make available any material source code for any Gold Software included in the Gold Intellectual Property;
(v) enter into any Contract for the purchase of real property or any lease (as lessee) of real property related to any leased property providing for annual payments in excess of $1,000,000 other than any renewal or extension of a real property lease in the ordinary course of business and on substantially similar terms to the existing lease or terms no less favorable in the aggregate to the Gold Business than those in the existing lease;
(vi) except as required by any Gold Benefit Plan or Collective Bargaining Agreement: (1) grant any increases in cash compensation of any employee or individual service provider of Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries, other than any actions taken in the ordinary course of business with respect to employees or individual service providers of Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries (x) below the level of Senior Vice President or General Manager and (y) with annualized base cash compensation below $400,000; (2) enter into or adopt any new Benefit Plan, or materially amend or terminate any existing Gold Benefit Plan, other than with respect to broad-based welfare benefit plans in the ordinary course of business; (3) enter into any employment, consulting, severance or termination agreement with any employee, individual service provider or former employee of Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries, other than (x) any actions taken in the ordinary course of business with respect to employees or individual service providers of Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries (A) below the level of Senior Vice President or General Manager and (B) with annualized base cash compensation below $400,000 or (y) with respect to employment or consulting agreements that do not provide for severance compensation benefits, service that is not "at-will" or benefits or compensation not generally available to all similarly situated employees or service providers of SpinCo and its Subsidiaries; (4) accelerate the vesting of, or the lapsing of restrictions with respect to, any equity-based or other incentive-based compensation or the funding of any other compensation; (5) terminate the employment or services of any employee or other individual service provider of Gold or its Subsidiaries (x) at or above the level of Senior Vice President or General Manager or (y) with annualized base cash compensation at or above $400,000, in each case, other than for cause or performance, in each case, as determined by Gold in good faith in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice; (6) hire, engage or promote (other than to fill a vacancy in the ordinary
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course of business) any employee or other individual service provider of Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries (x) at or above the level of Senior Vice President or General Manager or (y) with annualized base cash compensation at or above $400,000; or (7) establish, adopt, enter into, negotiate, terminate or materially amend any Collective Bargaining Agreement, or recognize or certify any labor union, works council, or other labor organization or employee representative as the bargaining representative for any employees of Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries;
(vii) implement any reduction-in-force, office or plant closing, or similar action that, in each case, would trigger notice obligations under any WARN Laws;
(viii) (A) amend any material term of, or waive any material right under, or voluntarily terminate (other than upon expiration in accordance with its terms), any Gold Material Contract, or (B) enter into any Contract that, if in effect on the date hereof, would be a Gold Material Contract, other than, in each case of clauses (A) and (B), (1) in the ordinary course of business or (2) any modifications which are more favorable to the Gold Business;
(ix) repurchase, repay, prepay, refinance or incur any indebtedness for borrowed money, issue any debt securities or any right to acquire debt securities, engage in any securitization transactions or similar arrangements or assume, guarantee or endorse, or otherwise as an accommodation become responsible for (whether directly, contingently or otherwise), the obligations of any Person for borrowed money except (A) in the ordinary course of business, including pursuant to working capital facilities and commercial paper issuances, in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed $5,000,000 at any time outstanding, (B) the Gold Financing, (C) revolving borrowings pursuant to the Gold Credit Agreement (as in effect on the date hereof), and (D) intercompany indebtedness among Gold and its wholly owned Subsidiaries or among any such wholly owned Subsidiaries;
(x) (A) make any change (or file any such change) in any method of Tax accounting, (B) make (other than in a manner consistent with past practice and other than an initial entity classification election), change or revoke any material Tax election, (C) settle any audit, proceeding, claim or assessment with respect to material Taxes, (D) enter into a "closing agreement" within the meaning of Section 7121 of the Code or other written agreement with a Governmental Authority with respect to material Taxes, (E) agree to waive, surrender or abandon any right to claim a material Tax refund, offset or other reduction in liability, (F) file any material Tax Return other than on a basis consistent in all material respects with past practice (except as otherwise required by a change in Law), (G) file any material amended Tax Return or claim for refund for material Taxes or (H) grant, request or consent to any extension (other than in connection with any automatically granted Tax Return extension obtained in the ordinary course of business) or waiver of the statute of limitations period applicable to any material Tax claim or assessment, in each case of clauses (A) through (H), only to the extent such action (x) would be binding on the SpinCo Group or Gold and its Subsidiaries or (y) would reasonably be expected to have an adverse impact on the Taxes of the SpinCo Group or Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries (it being understood and agreed that, notwithstanding any other provisions of this Agreement to the contrary, none of the covenants set forth in clauses (i) through (ix) nor (xi) through (xvii) shall be considered to relate to Tax compliance (other than clause (xvii) insofar as it relates to this clause (x)));
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(xi) make any material change in any method of financial accounting or financial accounting practice or policy, other than such changes as are required by GAAP or applicable Law;
(xii) settle or compromise any Action, or enter into any consent decree or settlement agreement with any Governmental Authority, against Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries, other than settlements or compromises of any Action in the ordinary course of business or where the amount paid in settlement or compromise does not exceed $1,000,000 individually or $2,500,000 in the aggregate (excluding any amounts covered by insurance) (it being agreed and understood that this clause (xii) shall not apply with respect to (A) Tax matters, or (B) derivative, direct or other Actions brought by or on behalf of Gold's shareholders (provided, that the costs associated with such derivative, direct or other Actions shall be borne solely by Gold));
(xiii) merge, combine or consolidate (pursuant to a plan of merger or otherwise) with any Person or adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation or resolutions providing for a complete or partial liquidation, dissolution, restructuring, recapitalization or other reorganization of Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries;
(xiv) incur or grant a material Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) on any assets, properties or rights of Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries, in each case, except (A) Liens securing obligations under the SpinCo Financing, Permanent SpinCo Financing or Gold Financing, (B) Liens securing guarantees of obligations under credit agreements to which Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries is party as of the date hereof; provided, that any such Liens and guarantees will be released prior to or in connection with the Closing, (C) Liens incurred in connection with the ordinary course factoring of receivables pursuant to agreements delivered to Mercury, (D) Liens that will be released prior to or in connection with the Closing or (E) Liens securing any intercompany indebtedness among Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries;
(xv) except in accordance with Gold's annual capital expenditure budget set forth on Section 7.1(d)(xv) of the Gold Disclosure Letter, plus a 4% variance for the total amount budgeted under such capital expenditure budget, or pursuant to a Gold Material Contract made available to Mercury as of the date hereof, make any capital expenditure or expenditures or enter into agreements or arrangements providing for any capital expenditure or expenditures or otherwise commit to do so;
(xvi) (x) declare or pay any dividends on or make other distributions in respect of Gold Common Stock or other equity securities (whether in cash, securities or property) or (y) redeem, repurchase or otherwise acquire any shares of Gold Common Stock (including any securities convertible or exchangeable into such capital stock); or
(xvii) authorize or commit or agree to take any of the foregoing actions.
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(e) Nothing contained in this Agreement shall give Gold or Mercury, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct the other Party's or any of its Subsidiaries' businesses or operations prior to the Closing. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, including this Section 7.1, Gold and Merger Sub, on the one hand, and Mercury and SpinCo, on the other hand, shall retain control of and responsibility for the operation of their respective businesses consistent with any applicable Antitrust Law or Foreign Investment Law, and each Party to this Agreement shall comply with the terms of Section 7.1 of this Agreement consistent with and in compliance with any applicable Antitrust Law or Foreign Investment Law. In furtherance of the foregoing, nothing contained in the Agreement shall give Gold or Merger Sub the ability to control or direct the business or operations of Mercury or SpinCo nor give Mercury or SpinCo the ability to control or direct the business or operations of Gold or Merger Sub. In addition, the Parties acknowledge and agree that nothing in this Section 7.1 shall be deemed to limit the transfer of the Mercury Assets or the Mercury Liabilities prior to, at or after the Closing or prohibit Mercury or its Affiliates from implementing the Reorganization and the Distribution.
Section 7.2 Tax Matters.
(a) This Agreement is intended to constitute a "plan of reorganization" within the meaning of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.368-2(g) and 1.368-3(a) for the Merger and for purposes of Sections 354, 361 and 368 of the Code, and the Parties hereby adopt it as such. From and after the date of this Agreement and until the Effective Time, each Party shall use its reasonable best efforts to ensure that the Contribution, Distribution and Merger will have the U.S. federal income Tax treatment described in the "Intended Tax Treatment" as defined in the Form of Tax Matters Agreement included as Exhibit B hereto (the "Intended Tax Treatment") and shall not take any action, cause or permit any action to be taken, fail to take any action or cause any action to fail to be taken, which action or failure to act could prevent the Intended Tax Treatment.
(b) Each of Mercury, SpinCo and Gold shall cooperate with one another and shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause Mercury to obtain a written opinion of Tax Counsel, reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to Mercury (the "Distribution Tax Opinion"), dated as of the Closing Date, regarding the U.S. federal income Tax treatments of the Contribution and Distribution set forth in clauses (a) through (f) of the definition of "Intended Tax Treatment" as defined in the Form of Tax Matters Agreement included as Exhibit B hereto. In delivering the Distribution Tax Opinion, Tax Counsel shall be entitled to receive and rely upon the Gold Distribution Tax Representations and the Mercury Distribution Tax Representations. Mercury shall provide draft copies of the Gold Distribution Tax Representations and the Mercury Distribution Tax Representations to Gold no later than fifteen (15) days before Mercury intends to finalize such representations, Gold shall provide any comments within ten (10) days of receipt of such draft copies, and Mercury shall determine in its reasonable discretion whether to incorporate any comments so received.
(c) Each of Mercury, SpinCo and Gold shall cooperate with one another and shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause Mercury to obtain a written opinion of Tax Counsel (the "Mercury Merger Tax Opinion") and Gold to obtain a written opinion of Gold Tax Counsel (the "Gold Merger Tax Opinion") reasonably satisfactory in form and substance to Mercury and Gold, respectively, dated as of the Closing Date, to the effect that, on the basis of the facts, representations and assumptions set forth or referred to in such opinion, the Merger will qualify as a "reorganization" within the meaning of Section 368(a) of the Code. In delivering the Mercury Merger Tax Opinion and the Gold Merger Tax Opinion, Tax Counsel and Gold Tax Counsel shall both be entitled to receive and rely upon the SpinCo Merger Tax Representations and the Gold Merger Tax Representations.
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(d) Mercury and SpinCo, on the one hand, and Gold, on the other hand, shall cooperate with each other in obtaining, and shall use their respective reasonable best efforts to obtain, any Tax opinions required to be filed with the SEC in connection with the filing of the Gold Registration Statement and shall each use its respective reasonable best efforts to cause such opinions to be timely filed.
(e) Gold shall promptly notify and consult in good faith with Mercury if, before the Effective Time, (i) it is notified by Gold Tax Counsel that Gold Tax Counsel expects to be unwilling or unable to deliver the Gold Merger Tax Opinion at the Closing or (ii) it discovers any other fact that could be expected, in Gold's reasonable discretion, to prevent the delivery of the Gold Merger Tax Opinion or the delivery of the IRS Ruling.
(f) Mercury shall promptly notify and consult in good faith with Gold if, before the Effective Time, (i) it is notified by Tax Counsel that Tax Counsel (x) expects the IRS Ruling will not be delivered by the expected Closing Date (with such expectation to be determined based on the time of such notification by Mercury in its reasonable discretion) or (y) expects to be unwilling or unable to deliver the Distribution Tax Opinion or the Mercury Merger Tax Opinion at the Closing, or (ii) it discovers any other fact that could be expected, in Mercury's reasonable discretion, to prevent the delivery of the IRS Ruling, the Distribution Tax Opinion or Mercury Merger Tax Opinion.
(g) At the Closing, Mercury shall deliver, or cause to be delivered, to Gold a certification by SpinCo and a notice to the IRS meeting the requirements of Treasury Regulations Sections 1.1445-2(c)(3) and 1.897-2(h), dated as of the Closing Date and in form and substance reasonably acceptable to Gold; provided that delivery of such documentation shall not be a condition to Closing, and Gold's sole recourse if Mercury fails to deliver, or cause to be delivered, such documentation shall be to make any withholding required under applicable Law.
(h) Tax Ruling Procedures.
(i) As soon as reasonably practicable after the date hereof, Mercury shall submit (i) an IRS pre-submission conference memorandum requesting a conference regarding the IRS Ruling ("IRS Pre-Submission Conference Request") and (ii) the IRS Ruling Request. Mercury shall submit to the IRS supplemental materials relating thereto that Mercury determines in good faith are necessary or appropriate to obtain the requested rulings under the IRS Ruling Request or any additional rulings from the IRS that Mercury determines are necessary or appropriate, including as a result of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement (each, together with the IRS Ruling Request and IRS Pre-Submission Conference Request, an "IRS Submission").
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(ii) All IRS Submissions shall be prepared by Mercury, subject to the terms of this Section 7.2(h). Mercury shall have control over the process for submitting and prosecuting IRS Submissions, subject to the terms of this Section 7.2(h).
(iii) From and after the date of this Agreement and until the Effective Time, each Party agrees to use its reasonable best efforts to facilitate receipt by Mercury of (i) the IRS Ruling (and any additional rulings Mercury determines are necessary or appropriate), including providing such appropriate information as the IRS shall require in connection with the IRS Ruling Request or any IRS Submission and (ii) any other Tax opinions from Mercury's counsel or tax advisors that Mercury determines are necessary or appropriate addressing the U.S. Tax or non-U.S. Tax consequences of the Reorganization, Contribution, Distribution or Merger.
(iv) Mercury shall provide Gold with draft copies of the IRS Pre-Submission Conference Request, the IRS Ruling Request and, subject to Section 7.2(h)(v), each other material IRS Submission reasonably in advance of the filing thereof with the IRS in order to provide Gold the opportunity to review and comment on each such submission, and shall consider in good faith any comments provided by Gold on such draft copies prior to filing or submission; provided, that Mercury shall provide the draft copies of the IRS Pre-Submission Conference Request and the IRS Ruling Request to Gold no later than six (6) days before Mercury intends to or is required to file or submit such documents to the IRS; provided further, that, with respect to each other material IRS Submission not addressed in Section 7.2(h)(v), Mercury shall provide such materials to Gold no later than six (6) days before Mercury intends to or is required to file or submit such document to the IRS and shall consider in good faith any comments provided Gold within four (4) days of receipt of such draft copies; provided, further, that Mercury may redact from any such draft copies of such IRS Submissions any information ("Redactable Information") that Mercury, in its good faith judgment, considers to be confidential and not germane to Gold's or SpinCo's obligations under this Agreement or any Transaction Documents.
(v) Mercury shall apply for "fast-track" processing for the IRS Ruling Request as provided for under Revenue Procedure 2023-26, 2023-23 I.R.B. 486 (or any successor or substantially similar IRS guidance or procedures). To the extent such "fast-track" processing is obtained, Mercury shall provide Gold with draft copies of any material IRS Submission (other than the IRS Pre-Submission Conference Request and the IRS Ruling Request, which shall be provided in accordance with Section 7.2(h)(iv)) no later than two (2) Business Days before Mercury intends to or is required to file or submit such document to the IRS in order to provide Gold the opportunity to review and comment on each such submission, and shall consider in good faith any comments provided by Gold within one (1) Business Day of receipt of such draft copies; provided, that Mercury may redact any Redactable Information from any such draft copies of such IRS Submissions.
(vi) Mercury shall provide Gold with notice reasonably in advance of the pre-submission conference that follows the submission of the IRS Pre-Submission Conference Request and shall permit the Gold Tax Counsel to attend such meeting. Gold shall, and shall use reasonable best efforts to cause the Gold Tax Counsel to, take actions necessary to facilitate such attendance, including the signing of a power of attorney or similar forms reasonably requested by Mercury.
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(vii) Mercury shall provide Gold with copies of each IRS Submission filed with the IRS, as filed with the IRS, promptly following the filing thereof; provided, that Mercury may redact any Redactable Information from such IRS Submissions.
(viii) Mercury shall keep Gold reasonably informed in a timely manner of all material actions taken or proposed to be taken by Mercury with respect to the IRS Submissions and the status of the IRS Submissions, including the withdrawal of any IRS Submission (such actions being subject to the approval of Gold, which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed). Mercury shall provide Gold with notice reasonably in advance of any formally scheduled meetings (including telephonic meetings) with the IRS (subject to approval by the IRS) that relate to the IRS Ruling Request and any other IRS Submission and permit Gold's Tax Counsel to attend such meeting if Gold's Tax Counsel is available during the scheduled time (which scheduled time shall be at the mutual convenience of Mercury's Representatives and the IRS). For the avoidance of doubt, the foregoing shall not apply to any non-scheduled or informal telephonic discussions between Mercury's Representatives and the IRS; provided, that Mercury shall keep Gold reasonably informed in a timely manner regarding the contents of any such discussions.
(ix) Following the receipt of the IRS Ruling, Mercury shall promptly make available copies of the IRS Ruling to SpinCo and Gold; provided, that Mercury may redact from any such copies any Redactable Information.
(i) If, (A) in the event of any Adverse Law Event prior to the Closing, Mercury reasonably determines that the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Transaction Documents would result in a material amount of Tax to Mercury or any of its Affiliates or (B) either Gold Tax Counsel or Tax Counsel reasonably expects to be unwilling or unable to deliver its Merger Tax Opinion, then the Parties shall collaborate reasonably and in good faith in order to change the method or structure of effecting the transactions (including by having SpinCo, immediately after the Merger, merge with and into a limited liability company that is classified as an entity that is disregarded as separate from Gold for U.S. federal income tax purposes) contemplated by the Transaction Documents (including the Reorganization) so as to either (i) make likely the receipt from the IRS of the IRS Ruling, (ii) make likely the receipt of the Distribution Tax Opinions or the Merger Tax Opinions or (iii) allow Mercury to accomplish the same result as the structure contemplated as of the date hereof in a tax-free or, in the reasonable judgment of Mercury, Tax efficient manner, as promptly as practicable and in any event prior to the Outside Date; provided, however, that no such change shall alter or change the Exchange Ratio, the SpinCo Cash Distribution, the nature or mix of the Merger Consideration, or materially alter the scope of the SpinCo Business, the SpinCo Assets, the members of the SpinCo Group or SpinCo Liabilities to be acquired by Gold in connection with the Transactions. In the event that the Parties reasonably, and in good faith, agree to an alternative structure pursuant to this Section 7.2(i), they shall be obligated, as soon as practicable thereafter, to modify the covenants and agreements set forth in this Agreement and the Transaction Documents to the extent required in order to reflect such change in transaction structure, and the Parties shall use all commercially reasonable efforts to cause the transactions contemplated hereby, as so modified, to be consummated as soon as practicable thereafter.
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(j) PRC Bulletin 7 Tax.
(i) The Parties acknowledge and agree that reporting will be made with the applicable Tax Authorities of the Peoples Republic of China ("PRC") in connection with Article 9 of Bulletin 7 with respect to the Merger. Accordingly, Mercury shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after Closing, prepare and, upon prior written consent of Gold (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed) file all such information and documents as required under Article 9 and Bulletin 7 (the "Bulletin 7 Reporting"), in each case, with respect to the Merger. The Parties shall use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to adopt a centralized filing approach with respect to the Bulletin 7 Reporting, to the extent applicable.
(ii) Gold shall provide reasonable and necessary cooperation and assistance to Mercury in relation to the Bulletin 7 Reporting. Mercury shall, no less than seven (7) days before it submits the Bulletin 7 Reporting to any PRC Tax Authority, (i) confer with Gold in good faith regarding the timing and venue of its proposed filings, (ii) provide Gold with copies of all Bulletin 7 Reporting documents it proposes to submit, (iii) consider in good faith any reasonable comments raised by Gold thereon that are provided to Mercury in writing no more than three (3) days after the date such Bulletin 7 Reporting documents are provided to Mercury, (iv) include explicit representations in the Bulletin 7 Reporting documents that Mercury, instead of Gold, is solely responsible for the associated Tax filings and liabilities, if applicable, in connection with any indirect share transfer of the members of the SpinCo Group under this Agreement, and will file any required Tax Returns and settle relevant Taxes pursuant to Bulletin 7, and (v) promptly after the filing of the Bulletin 7 Reporting, deliver to Gold a copy of the submitted version of the Bulletin 7 Reporting documents and an acknowledgement or receipt in respect of the filing issued by the appropriate PRC Tax Authority or a duplicate of the submitted version of the Bulletin 7 Reporting documents.
(iii) Where applicable, Mercury shall file required Tax Returns and pay or cause to be paid the Tax amount due with the appropriate PRC Tax Authorities and other Governmental Authorities in connection with the Merger before the respective filing and payment due dates as specified in Bulletin 7 (the "Bulletin 7 Taxes"), including any amended or supplemental Tax Returns that may be required. Mercury shall provide Gold with a copy of such Tax Returns (including amended or supplemental Tax Returns) at least ten (10) days before submitting the Tax Returns to the appropriate PRC Tax Authority, and shall consider in good faith any reasonable comments raised by Gold thereon that are provided to Mercury in writing no more than seven (7) days after the date such Tax Returns are provided to Gold. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon Mercury or Gold receiving a payment or assessment notice issued by relevant PRC Tax Authorities (a "PRC Payment Notice" ) for any PRC Bulletin 7 Taxes with respect to any member of the SpinCo Group, the Party that received the PRC Payment Notice shall deliver a written notice to the other Party with a copy of the PRC Payment Notice, and Mercury shall pay or cause to be paid the amount shown as due and payable on the PRC Payment Notice to the relevant PRC Tax Authorities in settlement of such Bulletin 7 Taxes in accordance with the PRC Payment Notice and applicable PRC Tax laws. Mercury shall provide to Gold copies of the Tax payment receipt from the competent PRC Tax Authorities indicating that Mercury or one or more of their Affiliates has paid the necessary Bulletin 7 Tax amount.
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(iv) If Mercury or Gold receive any other written communication of any PRC Governmental Authority in relation to the Merger and/or Bulletin 7 Reporting, such Party shall promptly forward the communication to the other Party. Upon Mercury's request following the execution of this Agreement, Gold shall, and following the Closing shall cause the relevant members of the SpinCo Group to, provide to Mercury all information, documents and assistance reasonably necessary in connection with any Tax filings to be made in connection with Bulletin 7 Taxes.
(v) Mercury and Gold shall use commercially reasonable efforts following the execution of this Agreement to discuss in good faith the anticipated allocation of the Merger Consideration for purposes of Bulletin 7.
Section 7.3 Preparation of the Registration Statements and Prospectus; Gold Shareholders Meeting.
(a) As promptly as practicable after the execution of this Agreement, to the extent such filings are required by Law in connection with the transactions contemplated by this Agreement: (i) Gold, Mercury and SpinCo shall jointly prepare and Gold shall file or confidentially submit with the SEC the Gold Registration Statement (and Gold and Mercury shall mutually agree whether to file or confidentially submit); (ii) Gold, Mercury and SpinCo shall jointly prepare and SpinCo shall file or confidentially submit with the SEC the SpinCo Registration Statement (and Gold and Mercury shall mutually agree whether to file or confidentially submit); and (iii) Gold, Mercury and SpinCo shall jointly prepare and Gold shall file or confidentially submit with the SEC the Proxy Statement (which Proxy Statement may form a part of the Gold Registration Statement) (the Gold Registration Statement, the SpinCo Registration Statement and the Proxy Statement, the "Securities Filings").
(b) Each of Gold, Mercury and SpinCo shall use its reasonable best efforts to have the Gold Registration Statement and the SpinCo Registration Statement declared effective as promptly as practicable after such filing (including by responding to comments of the SEC) and, prior to the effective date of the Gold Registration Statement and the SpinCo Registration Statement, each of Gold, Mercury and SpinCo shall take all action reasonably required (other than qualifying to do business in any jurisdiction in which it is not now so qualified or filing a general consent to service of process in any such jurisdiction) to be taken under any applicable securities Laws in connection with, in the case of Gold, the Gold Share Issuance and, in the case of Mercury and SpinCo, the Distribution. The Parties shall cooperate in preparing and filing with the SEC the Securities Filings and any necessary amendments or supplements thereto, including making available upon reasonable notice the senior management employees of the applicable Party to discuss the materials prepared and delivered pursuant to this Section 7.3. Following the effective date of the Gold Registration Statement and the SpinCo Registration Statement, each of Gold, Mercury and SpinCo shall take all action reasonably required (other than qualifying to do business in any jurisdiction in which it is not now so qualified or filing a general consent to service of process in
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any such jurisdiction) to be taken under any applicable securities Laws in order to keep the Gold Registration Statement and the SpinCo Registration Statement effective for as long as is necessary in order to consummate the Transactions. As promptly as practicable after the SpinCo Registration Statement shall have become effective, Mercury shall cause the Distribution Documents to be mailed or made available to Mercury's shareholders pursuant to applicable Law. No filing of, or amendment or supplement to, the Gold Registration Statement or the Proxy Statement will be made by Gold without providing Mercury and SpinCo with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment thereon (and such comments shall be reasonably considered by Gold in good faith). No filing of, or amendment or supplement to, the SpinCo Registration Statement will be made by Mercury or SpinCo without providing Gold with a reasonable opportunity to review and comment thereon (and such comments shall be reasonably considered by Mercury and SpinCo in good faith). Each Party (as applicable) will cause the Distribution Documents to comply in all material respects with the applicable requirements of U.S. federal securities laws. Gold and Merger Sub shall furnish all information concerning Gold and its Subsidiaries, and Mercury and SpinCo shall furnish all information concerning Mercury, the SpinCo Business and the members of the SpinCo Group, in each case, as may be reasonably requested by the other Parties in connection with, or is required by applicable Law in order to complete, the preparation, filing and distribution of the Securities Filings and any necessary amendments or supplements thereto. For the avoidance of doubt, any ordinary course communications filed pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act or any other disclosures or statements with respect to the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby and in the Transaction Documents contained in any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, including filings required under securities Laws, other than the Securities Filings, shall not be subject to this Section 7.3(b) and shall instead be subject to Section 7.11.
(c) If, at any time prior to the Effective Time, any information relating to Gold, Mercury or SpinCo, or any of their respective Affiliates, directors or officers, should be discovered by Gold, Mercury or SpinCo which should be set forth in an amendment or supplement to any of the Securities Filings, so that any such document would not include any misstatement of a material fact or omit to state any material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, the Party that discovers such information shall promptly notify the other Party and, to the extent required by applicable Law, an appropriate amendment or supplement describing such information shall be promptly filed with the SEC, and, to the extent required by applicable Law, disseminated to the shareholders of Gold or the shareholders of Mercury, as applicable. Each Party shall notify the other Party promptly of (i) the time when the Gold Registration Statement or the SpinCo Registration Statement has become effective or when any supplement or amendment to any Securities Filing has been filed and (ii) the issuance of any stop order or suspension of the qualification of the shares of Gold Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Merger or shares of SpinCo Common Stock issuable in the Distribution for offering or sale in any jurisdiction. In addition, each Party agrees to promptly provide the other Party and their respective counsel with copies of any written comments or requests for amendments or supplements, and shall promptly inform the other Party of any oral comments or requests for amendments or supplements, that such Party or its counsel may receive from time to time from the SEC with respect to any of the Securities Filings promptly after receipt of such comments, and shall provide the other Party with copies of any written or oral responses or correspondence between it or its Affiliates and the SEC related thereto. Each Party and their respective counsel shall be given a reasonable opportunity to review any such written responses prior to such written responses being filed with the SEC and to participate in any discussions or oral material communications with the SEC, and each Party shall reasonably consider in good faith the additions, deletions, comments or changes suggested thereto by the other Party and their respective counsel.
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(d) Gold Shareholders Meeting.
(i) Subject in all respects to Section 7.3(d)(iii), Gold shall call, give notice of, convene and hold a meeting of its shareholders (the "Gold Shareholders Meeting") as promptly as reasonably practicable following the date on which the Gold Registration Statement is declared effective, for the purpose of obtaining the Gold Shareholder Approval (and no other matters, except for a customary proposal to adjourn the meeting to solicit additional proxies to obtain the Gold Shareholder Approval, if necessary, and any other proposal required by applicable Law, may be considered or voted upon at the Gold Shareholders Meeting without Mercury's prior written consent). Gold shall not postpone or adjourn the Gold Shareholders Meeting without the prior written consent of Mercury; provided, however, that, subject to the requirements of any applicable Law, Gold may after consultation with Mercury, and in the case of clause (C) on up to two (2) occasions upon the reasonable request of Mercury (and for no more than ten (10) Business Days each) shall, postpone or adjourn the Gold Shareholders Meeting: (A) if a quorum necessary to conduct the business to be conducted at the Gold Shareholders Meeting has not been established; (B) to allow reasonable additional time for the filing and mailing of any supplemental or amended disclosure which the Gold Board has determined in good faith after consultation with outside counsel is required under applicable Law and for such supplemental or amended disclosure to be disseminated and reviewed by Gold's shareholders prior to the Gold Shareholders Meeting (in each case so long as any such disclosure was made in compliance with this Agreement); (C) to allow reasonable additional time to solicit additional proxies, if and to the extent the requisite Gold Shareholder Approval would not otherwise be obtained; (D) if required by applicable Law (and not otherwise covered by clause (B) above); or (E) with the prior written consent of Mercury; provided, further, that, unless otherwise agreed to by Mercury, the Gold Shareholders Meeting shall not be postponed or adjourned under clauses (A) through (C) for more than twenty (20) Business Days in the aggregate from the originally scheduled date of the Gold Shareholders Meeting without the written consent of Mercury. Gold shall advise Mercury upon request on a daily basis during each of the last ten (10) Business Days prior to the then-scheduled date of the Gold Shareholders Meeting as to the aggregate tally of proxies received by Gold with respect to the Gold Shareholder Approval and at additional times upon the reasonable request of Mercury. Gold shall use its reasonable best efforts to ensure that all proxies solicited by Gold, the Gold Subsidiaries and their respective Representatives in connection with the Gold Shareholders Meeting are solicited in compliance with applicable Law.
(ii) Subject to Section 7.9, Gold shall, through the Gold Board, make the Gold Board Recommendation and include such Gold Board Recommendation in the Proxy Statement and use its reasonable best efforts to solicit from its shareholders proxies in favor of the approval of the proposals required under the Gold Shareholder Approval.
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(iii) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, including any Gold Adverse Recommendation Change, unless this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Section 9.1, the obligations of the Parties under this Section 7.3 shall continue in full force and effect. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, unless this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Section 9.1, the proposals required under the Gold Shareholder Approval shall be submitted to the shareholders of Gold for approval at the Gold Shareholders Meeting whether or not (A) the Gold Board shall have effected a Gold Adverse Recommendation Change or (B) any Competing Proposal shall have been publicly proposed or announced or otherwise submitted to Gold or any of its Representatives.
Section 7.4 Reasonable Best Efforts.
(a) Subject to the terms of Section 7.5, which shall govern with respect to the subject matter thereof, each of Gold and Mercury shall use its reasonable best efforts to promptly take, or cause to be taken, all actions, and to promptly do, or cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate with the other in doing, all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable under applicable Laws to consummate and make effective the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, as promptly as practicable and in any event prior to the Outside Date, including: (i) preparing and filing of all forms, registrations, and notifications required to be filed to consummate the Merger and the other Transactions; (ii) subject to Section 7.4(c), obtaining of all necessary actions or nonactions, waivers, consents, clearances, approvals, and expirations or terminations of waiting periods, from Governmental Authorities; (iii) obtaining all necessary consents, approvals or waivers from third parties; and (iv) subject to Section 7.4(c), defending any lawsuits or other legal proceedings, whether judicial or administrative, challenging this Agreement or the consummation of the Merger and the other Transactions; provided,however, that other than as set forth in the Separation Agreement, in no event shall Mercury, SpinCo, Gold or their respective Subsidiaries be required to pay any fee, penalty or other consideration to any third party for any consent or approval required for the consummation of the Transactions. In furtherance of the foregoing, each of Gold, SpinCo and Mercury shall not, and shall cause their respective Affiliates not to, acquire or agree to acquire (by merging or consolidating with, or by purchasing a substantial portion of the assets of or equity in, or by any other manner), any Person or portion thereof, or otherwise acquire or agree to acquire any assets, if the entering into a definitive agreement relating to, or the consummation of, such acquisition, merger or consolidation or other transaction (or series of transactions) after the date of this Agreement would reasonably be expected to materially delay the obtaining of, or result in not obtaining, any consent, clearance, expiration or termination of a waiting period, authorization, Order or approval of, or any exemption by, any Governmental Authority necessary to be obtained at or prior to the Closing.
(b) Mercury and Gold shall (i) promptly, but in no event later than twenty-five (25) Business Days after the date hereof, file (or cause to be filed) any and all required pre-merger notification and report forms under the HSR Act with respect to the Merger and the other transactions contemplated in this Agreement, the Separation Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, (ii) as soon as reasonably practicable, file (or cause to be filed) any and all filings or notifications under applicable Foreign Investment Laws, as set forth in Section 7.4(b)(ii) of the Gold Disclosure Letter, and (iii) as soon as reasonably practicable, make any and all other filings or notifications (or drafts thereof) under applicable Antitrust Laws or Foreign Investment Laws, as set forth in Section 7.4(b)(iii) of the Gold Disclosure Letter. Mercury and Gold shall request
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early termination of any applicable waiting periods under the Antitrust Laws and Foreign Investment Laws (to the extent available) and shall respectively use their reasonable best efforts to cause the expiration or termination of such waiting periods, and shall provide an appropriate response to any request for additional information or documents that may be requested pursuant to any Law or by any Governmental Authority as promptly as practicable. None of Gold, SpinCo or Mercury shall commit to or agree with any Governmental Authority to (w) stay, toll or extend any applicable waiting period under the HSR Act, (x) pull and refile or resubmit the notification and report forms pursuant to the HSR Act, (y) not consummate the Merger or any other transactions contemplated herein or in the other Transaction Documents before an agreed-to date, or (z) any timing agreement, in each case relating to the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the other Transaction Documents, without the prior written consent of the other Parties.
(c) In furtherance of the covenants of the parties contained in this Section 7.4, (i) if any administrative or judicial action or proceeding, including any proceeding by a private party, is instituted (or threatened to be instituted) challenging the Merger or any other transaction contemplated in this Agreement, the Separation Agreement and the other Transaction Documents as violative of any applicable Law, including any Antitrust Law or Foreign Investment Law, each of the Parties hereto shall, and shall cause their respective Affiliates to, use its reasonable best efforts to contest and resist any such action or proceeding and to have vacated, lifted, reversed or overturned any decree, judgment, injunction, or other order, whether temporary, preliminary or permanent, that results from such action or proceeding and that prohibits, prevents or restricts consummation of the Merger or any other transaction contemplated by this Agreement, the Separation Agreement and the other Transaction Documents on or before the Outside Date and (ii) Gold shall, and shall cause its Affiliates to, use reasonable best efforts to take such further action as may be necessary to avoid or eliminate each and every impediment under any applicable law, including any Antitrust Law and Foreign Investment Law so as to enable the Closing to occur as promptly as practicable (and in any event no later than the Outside Date), and including (A) proposing, negotiating, committing to and effecting, by consent decree, hold separate order or otherwise, any sale, licensing, divestiture or disposition of any share capital or other equity voting interests, assets (whether tangible or intangible), businesses, contracts, divisions, operations, properties, products or product lines of Gold, the SpinCo Business or the members of the SpinCo Group or any of their respective Affiliates (other than Mercury and its Affiliates following the Closing), (B) terminating, transferring or creating relationships, contractual rights or other obligations of Gold, the SpinCo Business or the members of the SpinCo Group or any of their respective Affiliates (other than Mercury and its Affiliates following the Closing) and (C) otherwise taking or committing to take actions, including other structural or conduct relief or behavioral remedies, that after the Closing would limit the freedom of action of Gold, the SpinCo Business or the members of the SpinCo Group or any of their respective Affiliates (or of Gold and its Affiliates) with respect to, or their ability to retain, operate, vote, transfer, receive dividends or otherwise exercise full ownership rights with respect to any share capital or other equity voting interests, assets (whether tangible or intangible), businesses, divisions, operations, properties, products or product lines, including by creating, terminating or divesting relationships, contractual rights or obligations. No actions taken pursuant to this Section 7.4(c) shall be considered for purposes of determining whether a Gold Material Adverse Effect has occurred or may occur. Notwithstanding any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, (x) Gold and its Affiliates shall not be required to take or agree to take any action if such action or actions would, or would
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reasonably be expected to, result in a material adverse effect on the business, assets, properties, financial condition or results of operations of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries (including SpinCo and the other members of the SpinCo Group), taken as a whole, after the consummation of the Transactions, and (y) Mercury, SpinCo and their respective Affiliates shall not be required to take or agree to take any action if such action or actions (1) is not conditioned on the Closing or (2) relates to or would impact any properties, assets or businesses of Mercury's climate solutions business (clauses (x) and (y), a "Burdensome Condition").
(d) Whether or not the Merger is consummated, Gold shall be responsible for all filing fees payable to any Governmental Authority in order to obtain any consent, finding of suitability, clearance, expiration or termination of a waiting period, authorization, Order or approval pursuant to this Section 7.4, and each of Gold and Mercury shall otherwise bear its own costs and expenses in connection therewith. Gold and Mercury shall, and shall cause their respective Affiliates to, cooperate and consult with one another in connection with the making of all filings, notifications, communications, submissions, and any other actions pursuant to this Section 7.4, and, subject to applicable legal limitations and the instructions of any Governmental Authority, Gold and Mercury shall keep each other apprised on a current basis of the status of matters relating to the completion of the transactions contemplated hereby, including promptly furnishing the other with copies of notices or other substantive communications received by Gold or Mercury, as the case may be, or any of their respective Affiliates, from any third party and/or any Governmental Authority with respect to such transactions. Subject to applicable Law relating to the exchange of information, Gold and Mercury shall permit counsel for the other party reasonable opportunity to review in advance, and consider in good faith the views of the other party in connection with, any proposed notifications or filings and any written communications or submissions to any Governmental Authority; provided, however, that materials may be redacted (i) to remove references concerning the valuation of the SpinCo Business and the SpinCo Assets or information concerning the Transaction Process, or proposals from third parties with respect thereto, (ii) as necessary to comply with contractual agreements, and (iii) as necessary to address reasonable privilege or confidentiality concerns; provided, further, that Gold or Mercury, as the case may be, may reasonably designate any competitively sensitive material provided to another party under this Section 7.4(d) as "Outside Counsel Only". To the extent practicable, Gold and Mercury agree not to participate in any scheduled meeting or discussion, either in person, by video conference, or by telephone, with any Governmental Authority in connection with the Merger or any other transaction contemplated hereby unless it consults with the other party in advance and, to the extent not prohibited by such Governmental Authority, gives the other party a reasonable opportunity to attend and participate. Subject to the terms of this Section 7.4, including the last sentence of Section 7.4(b), Gold shall, after good-faith consultation with Mercury, lead all communications and develop and direct strategy, in each case, with respect to any actions to be taken by the Parties pursuant to this Section 7.4 to obtain the expiration or termination of the waiting period under the HSR Act and the Requisite Regulatory Approvals from any Governmental Authority under the applicable Antitrust Laws or Foreign Investment Laws.
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Section 7.5 SpinCo Financing; Mercury Credit Agreement.
(a) Until the earlier of the Closing and the valid termination of this Agreement in accordance with Article IX, SpinCo shall (and Mercury shall cause SpinCo to) use reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to (i) maintain in effect the commitment letter, dated as of the date of this Agreement (including: (A) all exhibits, schedules, documents, certificates and annexes to such agreement in effect as of the date hereof; and (B) any associated fee letters (together, as amended, modified, supplemented, restated, replaced or waived from time to time in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the terms thereof, the "Commitment Letter")), pursuant to which, among other things, the applicable Lenders have committed to provide SpinCo with debt financing in the applicable amount set forth therein (the debt financing contemplated by the Commitment Letter to be issued or incurred by SpinCo being referred to as the "SpinCo Financing"), (ii) comply on a timely basis with the obligations and satisfy on a timely basis the conditions, in each case, that are set forth in the Commitment Letter that are applicable to and within the control of SpinCo, (iii) enforce the rights of SpinCo under the Commitment Letter and (iv) obtain funding of the SpinCo Financing (other than any portion thereof that is replaced with previously or concurrently funded Permanent SpinCo Financing) no later than immediately prior to the Distribution.
(b) In the event any funds in the amounts set forth in the Commitment Letter or the SpinCo Financing Agreements (as defined below), or any portion thereof, become unavailable to SpinCo on the terms and conditions contemplated in the Commitment Letter or the SpinCo Financing Agreements, Mercury (in consultation in good faith with Gold) shall cause SpinCo to, and each of SpinCo and Gold shall, and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries to, use reasonable best efforts to cooperate to obtain promptly replacement debt financing for SpinCo from the same or alternative sources, in an aggregate amount, when added to the portion of the SpinCo Financing and Permanent SpinCo Financing that is available, equal to $290,000,000 (the "Alternative SpinCo Financing", it being understood and agreed that references herein to (i) the SpinCo Financing shall include any such Alternative SpinCo Financing and (ii) the Commitment Letter or SpinCo Financing Agreements shall include the commitment letter and definitive agreements, as applicable, in each case relating to such Alternative SpinCo Financing), and to obtain a new financing commitment that provides for such financing; provided, that the terms of the Alternative SpinCo Financing must (A) not result in any material and adverse Tax consequences to Mercury and its Subsidiaries, including as to the Intended Tax Treatment of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents (as determined by Mercury in good faith); provided, further, that any violation of the Intended Tax Treatment shall be deemed material and adverse for purposes of this Section 7.5(b), (B) unless otherwise agreed to in writing by Mercury, SpinCo and Gold, be on terms and conditions not materially less favorable (i) with respect to final stated maturity, "all-in-yield", interest rate margin or mandatory prepayment provisions or (ii) otherwise, taken as a whole, to SpinCo and Gold than those in the Commitment Letter or the SpinCo Financing Agreements, as applicable and (C) unless otherwise agreed to in writing by Mercury, SpinCo and Gold, not contain any conditions to the consummation of such Alternative SpinCo Financing that are more onerous than the conditions set forth in the Commitment Letter or the SpinCo Financing Agreements, as applicable (subject, in each case, to the Intended Tax Treatment).
(c) SpinCo shall give Gold, and Gold shall give SpinCo and Mercury, prompt written notice upon it obtaining Knowledge of (i) any material breach (or threatened material breach) or default (or any event or circumstance that, with or without notice, lapse of time or both, could reasonably be expected to give rise to any material breach or default) by any party to the SpinCo Financing Agreements or the Permanent SpinCo Financing Agreements, (ii) any actual or threatened withdrawal, repudiation or termination of the SpinCo Financing or Permanent SpinCo
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Financing by any party to the SpinCo Financing Agreements or the Permanent SpinCo Financing Agreements, (iii) any material dispute or disagreement between or among any of the parties to the SpinCo Financing Agreements or the Permanent SpinCo Financing Agreements, (iv) the termination or expiration of the SpinCo Financing Agreements or the Permanent SpinCo Financing Agreements or (v) any amendment, restatement, supplement or modification of, or waiver under, or replacement of the SpinCo Financing Agreements or the Permanent SpinCo Financing Agreements. Subject to Section 7.5(b), SpinCo shall not, without the prior written consent of Gold, amend, modify, supplement, restate, replace, terminate, or agree to any waiver under the SpinCo Financing Agreements or the Permanent SpinCo Financing Agreements.
(d) Until the earlier of the Closing and the valid termination of this Agreement in accordance with Article IX, each of Mercury, SpinCo and Gold agrees to cooperate (and to cause their respective Subsidiaries (in the case of Mercury, limited to SpinCo and its Subsidiaries) to cooperate) and use reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, and to cause their respective Subsidiaries (in the case of Mercury, limited to SpinCo and its Subsidiaries) and Representatives to take or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, advisable and proper in connection with the arrangement, marketing and consummation by SpinCo of the SpinCo Financing, including by (i) participating (and using reasonable best efforts to cause members with appropriate seniority and expertise of the management team of and advisors, including auditors, to SpinCo and Gold to participate, in each case to the extent reasonable and customary) in the marketing and syndication efforts related thereto, (ii) participating in the preparation of rating agency presentations and meetings with rating agencies, due diligence sessions and drafting sessions with respect thereto, (iii) participating in the preparation of appropriate and customary materials for bank information memoranda and similar documents customarily required in connection with obtaining such SpinCo Financing, and assisting with the identification of any portion of the information contained therein relating to such Person that constitutes material non-public information of such Person, including executing and delivering customary authorization and representations letters in connection with the foregoing and subject to customary confidentiality provisions and disclaimers (including a customary "10b-5" representation regarding the absence of material misstatements or omissions in the information furnished in connection therewith, and, where applicable, certifying as to the absence of material non-public information in the information furnished in connection therewith), (iv) negotiating and, in the case of SpinCo, entering into definitive agreements with respect thereto, on the terms and conditions contained in the Commitment Letter or on such other terms as are reasonably acceptable to Mercury, SpinCo and Gold (the "SpinCo Financing Agreements"); provided, that any such other terms must not result in any material and adverse Tax consequences to Mercury and its Subsidiaries, including as to the Intended Tax Treatment of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents (as determined by Mercury in good faith); provided, further, that any violation of the Intended Tax Treatment shall be deemed material and adverse for purposes of this Section 7.5(d), (v) on a timely basis (A) satisfying all conditions precedent in the Commitment Letter and the SpinCo Financing Agreements that are within the control of SpinCo, Gold or their respective Subsidiaries, as applicable, (B) furnishing all financial information as set forth in Section 4 of Annex C to the Commitment Letter (the "Required SpinCo Information") and any additional customary financial information regarding the SpinCo Business or Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries, as applicable, or any of their respective properties or assets, as may be reasonably requested by SpinCo or Gold, as applicable, in connection with the SpinCo Financing and (C) preparing reasonable and customary financing documents, offering materials and other materials
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related to the SpinCo Financing; provided that, for the avoidance of doubt, Gold shall be solely responsible for the preparation and content of any offering documents, bank information memoranda, pro forma financial information, capitalization tables, projections, forward-looking statements and synergy/cost-savings information, (vi) furnishing at least four (4) Business Days prior to the Closing (A) all documentation and other information requested by the financing sources required under applicable "know your customer" and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the U.S.A. Patriot Act of 2001, and (B) if SpinCo qualifies as a "legal entity customer" under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation (as defined in the Commitment Letter), the certification required by Section 5 of Annex C to the Commitment Letter, in each case to the extent requested at least nine (9) Business Days prior to the Closing, and (vii) delivering any customary certificates required by the SpinCo Financing Agreements (other than any solvency certificate, which shall be delivered by an officer of Gold). All cooperation under this Section 7.5(d) shall be subject to Section 7.5(h).
(e) Mercury hereby consents to the use of SpinCo's and the SpinCo Subsidiaries' logos, and Gold hereby consents to the use of its and the Gold Subsidiaries' logos, in connection with the SpinCo Financing and Permanent SpinCo Financing and solely in a manner that is not intended or reasonably likely to harm or disparage the reputation or goodwill of the relevant party, or any of their respective Intellectual Property rights. SpinCo and Gold shall, upon reasonable request by Mercury, each keep Mercury informed in reasonable detail of the status of its efforts to arrange and consummate the SpinCo Financing and Permanent SpinCo Financing and as promptly as practicable provide copies of then-current drafts of the SpinCo Financing Agreements and Permanent SpinCo Financing Agreements.
(f) Notwithstanding any of the foregoing or any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, (i) other than in the event of a termination by Gold pursuant to Section 9.1(d) due to a material breach of a covenant on the part of Mercury or SpinCo, in which case Mercury shall be responsible for 100% of the Financing Reimbursement Obligations, Gold shall, and shall cause the Gold Subsidiaries to, pay to Mercury an amount of cash equal to 100% of the aggregate amount of the Financing Reimbursement Obligations (payment for any such Financing Reimbursement Obligations to be made promptly and in any event within ten (10) Business Days following delivery to Gold by Mercury of a written request therefor accompanied by reasonable supporting documentation evidencing such Financing Reimbursement Obligations) and (ii) without duplication of the foregoing, Gold shall, and shall cause the Gold Subsidiaries to, indemnify and hold harmless Mercury, its Subsidiaries and its and their respective Representatives from and against 100% of Losses actually suffered or incurred by them in connection with the SpinCo Financing, the Permanent SpinCo Financing or the Gold Financing, except any such Losses to the extent suffered or incurred as a result of the bad faith, gross negligence, willful misconduct or material breach of this Agreement, the Commitment Letter, any SpinCo Financing Agreement or any other agreement executed in connection with the SpinCo Financing or the Permanent SpinCo Financing by Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries, including SpinCo, or any of their respective Representatives.
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(g) Until the earlier of the Closing and the valid termination of this Agreement in accordance with Article IX, each of Mercury, SpinCo and Gold agrees to cooperate (and to cause their respective Subsidiaries (in the case of Mercury, limited to SpinCo and its Subsidiaries) to cooperate) and use reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, and to cause their respective Subsidiaries (in the case of Mercury, limited to SpinCo and its Subsidiaries) and Representatives to take or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, advisable and proper in connection with the arrangement, marketing and consummation of the issuance of any debt securities or the incurrence of any other long-term debt financing by SpinCo (or its designee) in lieu of or in replacement of the SpinCo Financing (such financing, the "Permanent SpinCo Financing"), including by (i) consulting in good faith on the terms and conditions of any Permanent SpinCo Financing, which shall be subject to SpinCo and Gold's mutual approval, (ii) participating (and using reasonable best efforts to cause members with appropriate seniority and expertise of the management team of and advisors, including auditors, to SpinCo and Gold, to participate, in each case to the extent reasonable and customary) in the marketing and syndication efforts related thereto, (iii) participating in the preparation of rating agency presentations and meetings with rating agencies, due diligence sessions and drafting sessions with respect thereto, (iv) participating in the preparation of appropriate and customary materials for investor presentations, offering memoranda, private placement memoranda, bank information memoranda and similar documents customarily required in connection with obtaining such Permanent SpinCo Financing, and assisting with the identification of any portion of the information contained therein relating to such Person that constitutes material non-public information of such Person, including executing and delivering customary authorization and representations letters in connection with the foregoing and subject to customary confidentiality provisions and disclaimers (including a customary "10b-5" representation regarding the absence of material misstatements or omissions in the information furnished in connection therewith, and, where applicable, certifying as to the absence of material non-public information in the information furnished in connection therewith), (v) using reasonable best efforts to obtain or provide customary accountants' comfort letters (including customary "negative assurance" and change period), legal opinions (if and to the extent required by the applicable financing sources and, prior to the Effective Time, to be delivered by counsel to Gold (and not by counsel to SpinCo); provided that any legal opinion of counsel to SpinCo, shall be delivered effective as of the Effective Time and solely with respect to SpinCo and its Subsidiaries, at Gold's request and expense), negative assurance letters, officers' certificates and other documentation and items relating to the Permanent SpinCo Financing to the extent customarily provided in similar financings for issuers comparable to SpinCo (but, for the avoidance of doubt, no solvency certificate shall be required from any officer of SpinCo), (vi) negotiating and, in the case of SpinCo, entering into definitive agreements with respect thereto (the "Permanent SpinCo Financing Agreements"), on terms and conditions reasonably satisfactory to Mercury, SpinCo and Gold; provided, that any such terms must not result in any material and adverse Tax consequences to Mercury and its Subsidiaries, including as to the Intended Tax Treatment of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents (as determined by Mercury in good faith); provided, further, that any violation of the Intended Tax Treatment shall be material for purposes of this Section 7.5(g), (vii) on a timely basis (A) satisfying all conditions precedent in the Permanent SpinCo Financing Agreements that are within the control of SpinCo, Gold or their respective Subsidiaries, as applicable, (B) furnishing all Required SpinCo Information and any additional customary financial information regarding the SpinCo Business or Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries, as applicable, or any of their respective properties or assets, as may be reasonably requested by SpinCo or Gold, as applicable, in connection with the Permanent SpinCo Financing and (C) preparing reasonable and customary financing documents, offering materials and other materials related to the Permanent SpinCo Financing, (viii) facilitating the provision of guarantees if
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required by the terms of the Permanent SpinCo Financing; provided that no guarantees or security shall be required from Mercury or any Affiliate other than SpinCo and its Subsidiaries, and no guarantees or security from SpinCo or any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to be provided prior to the Effective Time (other than any escrow subsidiary or other special purpose entity solely for purposes of any Permanent SpinCo Financing), (ix) furnishing at least four (4) Business Days prior to the Closing (A) all documentation and other information requested by the financing sources required under applicable "know your customer" and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the U.S.A. Patriot Act of 2001, and (B) if SpinCo qualifies as a "legal entity customer" under the Beneficial Ownership Regulation (as defined in the Commitment Letter), the certification required by Section 5 of Annex C to the Commitment Letter, in each case to the extent requested at least nine (9) Business Days prior to the Closing, and (x) delivering any customary certificates required by the Permanent SpinCo Financing Agreements. For the avoidance of doubt, (x) Gold shall be solely responsible for the preparation and content of any offering documents, bank information memoranda, pro forma financial information, capitalization tables, projections, forward-looking statements and synergy/cost-savings information relating to the Permanent SpinCo Financing, and (y) SpinCo's obligations under this Section 7.5(g) are subject to Section 7.5(h).
(h) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 7.5, (i) no action contemplated in this Section 7.5 shall be required to the extent such action would: (A) require Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries (other than SpinCo and its Subsidiaries) or, prior to the Closing, Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries to be an issuer or guarantor of the SpinCo Financing or the Permanent SpinCo Financing; (B) require Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries or, prior to the Closing, Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries to provide (or have provided on its behalf) any certificates, legal opinions, negative assurance letters or other documentation (other than, in the case of Gold, SpinCo and their respective Subsidiaries, certificates, opinions, letters or other documentation delivered (or delivered on such entity's behalf) at the launch, pricing or closing of the SpinCo Financing or the Permanent SpinCo Financing, as applicable); provided, that, for the avoidance of doubt, no officer, employee or counsel of SpinCo shall be required to deliver any legal opinion to any financing source prior to the Effective Time, and any legal opinion required by the Commitment Letter, the SpinCo Financing Agreements or the Permanent SpinCo Financing Agreements shall, prior to the Effective Time, be delivered by counsel to Gold (and not by counsel to SpinCo); provided, further, that the foregoing limitations shall not apply to the provision of customary authorization and representation letters to be executed and delivered by Gold and any of the Gold Subsidiaries as required by Section 7.5(d) or Section 7.5(g) above; (C) cause any director, officer or employee of Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries or Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries, to incur any personal liability; (D) without limiting clause (B) above, require Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries (other than SpinCo and its Subsidiaries) or, prior to the Closing, Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries to execute and deliver any documentation related to the SpinCo Financing or Permanent SpinCo Financing (other than (1) the customary comfort letters, legal opinions, negative assurance letters and officers' certificates contemplated to be delivered by or on behalf of Gold and any of the Gold Subsidiaries under Section 7.5(g)(v) above, and (2) the customary authorization and representation letters to be executed and delivered by Gold and any of the Gold Subsidiaries as required by Section 7.5(d) or Section 7.5(g) above); (E) (1) jeopardize (in Mercury's reasonable determination) any attorney-client privilege of Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries (in which case Mercury and such Subsidiaries shall use reasonable best efforts to take such action in a manner that would not jeopardize such attorney-client privilege) or (2) jeopardize
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(in Gold's reasonable determination) any attorney-client privilege of Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries (in which case Gold and such Subsidiaries shall use reasonable best efforts to take such action in a manner that would not jeopardize such attorney-client privilege); (F) result in a material violation or breach of, or a default under, the Organizational Documents of Mercury or its Subsidiaries, the Organizational Documents of Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries, or any applicable Law; (G) require the incurrence or issuance of any indebtedness (other than the SpinCo Financing, the Permanent SpinCo Financing and intercompany indebtedness required or otherwise contemplated by the Transaction Documents, including the Reorganization Step Plan); (H) unreasonably interfere with the respective businesses or ongoing operations of Mercury and its Subsidiaries or Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries; (I) require Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries or Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries to prepare or deliver in connection with the SpinCo Financing or the Permanent SpinCo Financing any financial information (other than the Required SpinCo Information) that is not readily available to them or prepared in the ordinary course of their respective financial reporting practices; or (J) require Mercury, SpinCo or their respective Subsidiaries to prepare any pro forma financial statements or pro forma financial information or provide any information regarding any post-Closing or pro forma cost savings, synergies, capitalization, ownership or other post-Closing pro forma adjustments desired to be incorporated into any information used in connection with the SpinCo Financing or the Permanent SpinCo Financing, which shall be prepared by Gold and (ii) no action contemplated in this Section 7.5 shall be required by Mercury, SpinCo or their respective Subsidiaries to the extent such action would result in any material and adverse Tax consequences to Mercury or its Subsidiaries, including as to the Intended Tax Treatment of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents (as determined by Mercury in good faith); provided, that any violation of the Intended Tax Treatment shall be material for purposes of this Section 7.5(h).
(i) All non-public or otherwise confidential information regarding the SpinCo Business obtained by Gold or its Representatives pursuant to this Section 7.5 or otherwise shall be kept confidential in accordance with the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement. Notwithstanding any other provision set forth herein or in any other agreement between Mercury and Gold (or their respective Affiliates), each of Mercury and SpinCo agrees that Gold may share information with respect to SpinCo and the SpinCo Business with the Lenders, and that Gold and such Lenders may share such information with potential financing sources in connection with any marketing efforts for the SpinCo Financing and the Permanent SpinCo Financing; provided, however, that the recipients of such information and any other information contemplated to be provided by Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries pursuant to this Section 7.5, agree to customary confidentiality arrangements, including "click through" confidentiality agreements and confidentiality provisions contained in customary bank books and offering memoranda; and competitively sensitive information may be provided on an "outside counsel only" basis where reasonably practicable.
(j) All non-public or otherwise confidential information regarding the businesses of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries obtained by Mercury, SpinCo or their respective Representatives pursuant to this Section 7.5 or otherwise shall be kept confidential in accordance with the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement. Notwithstanding any other provision set forth herein or in any other agreement between Mercury or SpinCo, on the one hand, and Gold, on the other hand (or their respective Affiliates), Gold agrees that Mercury and SpinCo may share information with respect to the businesses of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries with the Lenders, and that Mercury, SpinCo and such Lenders may share such information with potential financing sources in
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connection with any marketing efforts for the SpinCo Financing and the Permanent SpinCo Financing; provided, however, that the recipients of such information and any other information contemplated to be provided by Mercury, SpinCo or any of their respective Subsidiaries pursuant to this Section 7.5, agree to customary confidentiality arrangements, including "click through" confidentiality agreements and confidentiality provisions contained in customary bank books and offering memoranda, private placement memoranda and similar documents; and competitively sensitive information may be provided on an "outside counsel only" basis where reasonably practicable.
(k) Mercury shall:
(i) as promptly as possible after the date hereof (and in any event prior to the Closing), deliver to Gold an amendment (the substantially agreed form of which shall be delivered to Gold no later than two (2) Business Days prior to the Closing) to each of the Mercury Existing Debt Agreements pursuant to which the requisite holders of indebtedness issued pursuant to such Mercury Existing Debt Agreement shall have consented to or otherwise amended such Mercury Existing Debt Agreements to permit the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, the SpinCo Financing and the Permanent SpinCo Financing; and
(ii) prior to the Closing, deliver to Gold customary evidence that, pursuant to the terms of the Mercury Existing Debt Agreements and effective prior to or as of the Closing, (A) SpinCo and its Subsidiaries have been released from all guarantees of indebtedness under each Mercury Existing Debt Agreement and (B) the equity interests of SpinCo and its Subsidiaries, all assets of SpinCo and its Subsidiaries and all other assets and business transferred from Mercury to SpinCo pursuant to the Separation Agreement have been released from all Liens and other collateral obligations under each of the Mercury Existing Debt Agreements. Such evidence shall be in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Gold and may consist of some or all of the following, as applicable: UCC-3 termination statements; recordable satisfactions or releases with respect to any mortgages or deeds of trust; recordable releases with respect to any security interests recorded with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or the United States Copyright Office; and terminations or acknowledgments of any deposit account control agreements, securities account control agreements or similar perfection arrangements, together with an officer's certificate of Mercury identifying the specific provisions of the Mercury Existing Debt Agreements and related security documents pursuant to which such releases occur automatically upon a permitted disposition and a lien release letter or acknowledgment from the agent or other secured parties under each Mercury Existing Debt Agreement.
(l) In the event that the Issuing SPV (as defined in the Commitment Letter) is utilized in connection with any Permanent SpinCo Financing, the costs, fees and expenses associated with prefunding any reserve, escrow or similar account established in connection therewith (including any amounts required to be deposited to prefund or secure the payment of principal of, or interest or premium on, any Notes issued by or through the Issuing SPV) (the "Escrow Prefunding Costs") shall be allocated 100% to SpinCo. The Escrow Prefunding Costs shall be deemed Financing Reimbursement Obligations for purposes of Section 7.5(f).
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Section 7.6 Gold Financing.
(a) Until the earlier of the Closing and the valid termination of this Agreement in accordance with Article IX (or, if earlier, the date that the requisite holders of indebtedness issued pursuant to the Gold Credit Agreement shall have consented to or otherwise amended, amended and restated, refinanced or replaced the Gold Credit Agreement to permit the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents, the SpinCo Financing and the Permanent SpinCo Financing (such date, the "Gold Credit Agreement Consent Date")), Gold shall use reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, proper or advisable to (i) maintain in effect the Commitment Letter, pursuant to which, among other things, the applicable Lenders have committed to provide Gold with debt financing in the applicable amount set forth therein (the debt financing contemplated by the Commitment Letter to be issued or incurred by Gold being referred to as the "Gold Financing"), (ii) comply on a timely basis with the obligations and satisfy on a timely basis the conditions within the control of Gold, in each case, that are set forth in the Commitment Letter that are applicable to Gold, (iii) enforce the rights of Gold under the Commitment Letter and (iv) obtain funding of the Gold Financing no later than contemporaneously with or immediately prior to the Merger.
(b) In the event any funds in the amounts set forth in the Commitment Letter or the Gold Financing Agreements (as defined below), or any portion thereof, become unavailable on the terms and conditions contemplated in the Commitment Letter or the Gold Financing Agreements (other than as a result of the Gold Credit Agreement Consent Date), each of Mercury and Gold (in consultation in good faith with Mercury) shall, and shall cause their respective Subsidiaries (in the case of Mercury, limited to SpinCo and its Subsidiaries) to, use reasonable best efforts to cooperate to obtain promptly replacement debt financing for Gold from the same or alternative sources, in an aggregate amount, when added to the portion of the Gold Financing that is available and other available sources of liquidity, equal to $500,000,000 (the "Gold Alternative Financing", it being understood and agreed that references herein to (i) the Gold Financing shall include any such Gold Alternative Financing and (ii) the Commitment Letter or Gold Financing Agreements shall include the commitment letter and definitive agreements, as applicable, in each case relating to such Gold Alternative Financing), and to obtain a new financing commitment that provides for such financing; provided, that the terms of the Gold Alternative Financing must (A) not result in any material and adverse Tax consequences to Mercury and its Subsidiaries, including as to the Intended Tax Treatment of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents (as determined by Mercury in good faith); provided, further, that any violation of the Intended Tax Treatment shall be deemed material and adverse for purposes of this Section 7.6(b), (B) unless otherwise agreed to in writing by Mercury, be on terms and conditions not materially less favorable, taken as a whole, to Gold than those in the Commitment Letter or the Gold Financing Agreements, as applicable and (C) unless otherwise agreed to in writing by Mercury, not contain any conditions to the consummation of such Gold Alternative Financing that are more onerous than the conditions set forth in the Commitment Letter or the Gold Financing Agreements, as applicable (subject, in each case, to the Intended Tax Treatment).
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(c) Prior to the Gold Credit Agreement Consent Date, (i) Gold shall give SpinCo and Mercury prompt written notice upon it obtaining Knowledge of (A) any material breach (or threatened material breach) or default (or any event or circumstance that, with or without notice, lapse of time or both, could reasonably be expected to give rise to any material breach or default) by any party to the Gold Financing Agreements, (B) any actual or threatened withdrawal, repudiation or termination of the Gold Financing by any party to the Gold Financing Agreements, (C) any material dispute or disagreement between or among any of the parties to the Gold Financing Agreements, (D) the termination or expiration of the Gold Financing Agreements, or (E) any amendment, restatement, supplement or modification of, or waiver under, or replacement of the Gold Financing Agreements (including the Gold Credit Agreement Consent Date) and (ii) subject to the immediately preceding clause (b), Gold shall not, without the prior written consent of Mercury, amend, modify, supplement, restate, replace, terminate, or agree to any waiver under the Gold Financing Agreements; provided, that (i) SpinCo's consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed and (ii) Gold may make immaterial or administrative amendments, waivers or modifications that do not adversely affect SpinCo or the economic terms of the Gold Financing in any material respect, with prompt notice to SpinCo.
(d) Until the earlier of the Closing and the valid termination of this Agreement in accordance with Article IX (or, if earlier, the Gold Credit Agreement Consent Date), each of Mercury, SpinCo and Gold agrees to cooperate (and to cause their respective Subsidiaries (in the case of Mercury, limited to SpinCo and its Subsidiaries) to cooperate) and use reasonable best efforts to take, or cause to be taken, and to cause their respective Subsidiaries (in the case of Mercury, limited to SpinCo and its Subsidiaries) and Representatives to take or cause to be taken, all actions and to do, or cause to be done, all things reasonably necessary, advisable and proper in connection with the arrangement, marketing and consummation by Gold of the Gold Financing, including by (i) participating (and using reasonable best efforts to cause members with appropriate seniority and expertise of the management team of and advisors, including auditors, to SpinCo and Gold to participate, in each case to the extent reasonable and customary) in the marketing and syndication efforts related thereto, (ii) participating in the preparation of rating agency presentations and meetings with rating agencies, due diligence sessions and drafting sessions with respect thereto, (iii) negotiating and, in the case of Gold, entering into definitive agreements with respect thereto, on the terms and conditions contained in the Commitment Letter or on such other terms as are reasonably acceptable to Mercury, SpinCo and Gold (the "Gold Financing Agreements"); provided, that any such other terms must not result in any material and adverse Tax consequences to Mercury and its Subsidiaries, including as to the Intended Tax Treatment of the transactions contemplated by the Transaction Documents (as determined by Mercury in good faith and, with respect to consequences of the Intended Tax Treatment, in consultation with Gold); provided, further, that any violation of the Intended Tax Treatment that is attributable to the terms of the Gold Financing Agreements shall be deemed material and adverse for purposes of this Section 7.6(d), (iv) on a timely basis (A) satisfying all conditions precedent in the Commitment Letter and the Gold Financing Agreements that are within the control of SpinCo, Gold or their respective Subsidiaries, as applicable, (B) furnishing all financial information as set forth in Section 4 of Annex C to the Commitment Letter (the "Required Gold Information") and any additional customary financial information regarding the SpinCo Business or Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries, as applicable, or any of their respective properties or assets, as may be reasonably requested by SpinCo or Gold, as applicable, in connection with the Gold Financing and (C) preparing reasonable and customary financing documents, offering materials and other materials related to the Gold Financing, (v) furnishing at least four (4) Business Days prior to the Closing (A) all documentation and other information requested by the financing sources required under applicable "know your customer" and anti-money laundering rules and regulations, including the U.S.A. Patriot Act of 2001, and (B) if Gold qualifies as a "legal entity customer" under the
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Beneficial Ownership Regulation (as defined in the Commitment Letter), the certification required by Section 5 of Annex C to the Commitment Letter, in each case to the extent requested at least nine (9) Business Days prior to the Closing, and (vi) delivering any customary certificates required by the Gold Financing Agreements; provided, that SpinCo's obligations under this Section 7.6(d) are limited to providing information regarding SpinCo to the extent in its possession and control, participating in reasonable and customary due diligence sessions and delivering limited authorization letters consistent with Section 7.5(d), SpinCo shall not be required to deliver, or to cause its counsel to deliver, any legal opinion in connection with the Gold Financing (any such legal opinions to be delivered by counsel to Gold), and SpinCo shall not be required to satisfy, or be deemed to have satisfied, any condition precedent to the Gold Financing other than delivery of such SpinCo information and cooperation; and nothing herein shall require disclosure of information protected by privilege, restricted by Law or Contract, or competitively sensitive (which, where reasonably practicable, may be provided on an "outside counsel only" basis). All cooperation under this Section 7.6(d) shall be subject to Section 7.6(f).
(e) Mercury hereby consents to the use of SpinCo's and its Subsidiaries' logos, and Gold hereby consents to the use of its and the Gold Subsidiaries' logos, in connection with the Gold Financing and solely in a manner that is not intended or reasonably likely to harm or disparage the reputation or goodwill of the relevant party, or any of their respective Intellectual Property rights. SpinCo and Gold shall, upon reasonable request by Mercury, each keep Mercury informed in reasonable detail of the status of its efforts to arrange and consummate the Gold Financing and as promptly as practicable provide copies of then-current drafts of the Gold Financing.
(f) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Section 7.6, no action contemplated in this Section 7.6 shall be required to the extent such action would: (A) require Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries (other than SpinCo and its Subsidiaries) or, prior to the Closing, SpinCo or any of its Subsidiaries to be an issuer or guarantor of the Gold Financing; (B) require Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries (other than SpinCo and its Subsidiaries) or Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries or, prior to the Closing, SpinCo or any of its Subsidiaries to provide (or have provided on its behalf) any certificates, legal opinions, negative assurance letters or other documentation (other than, in the case of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries, certificates, opinions, letters or other documentation delivered (or delivered on its behalf) at the closing of the Gold Financing); provided, that SpinCo shall not be required to deliver, or to cause its counsel to deliver, any legal opinion in connection with the Gold Financing (any such legal opinions to be delivered by counsel to Gold), and no legal opinion of counsel to SpinCo shall be required prior to the Effective Time; (C) cause any director, officer or employee of Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries, or Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries, to incur any personal liability; (D) without limiting clause (B) above, require Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries (other than SpinCo and its Subsidiaries) or, prior to the Closing, SpinCo or any of its Subsidiaries, to execute and deliver any documentation related to the Gold Financing; (E) (1) jeopardize (in Mercury's reasonable determination) any attorney-client privilege of Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries (in which case Mercury and such Subsidiaries shall use reasonable best efforts to take such action in a manner that would not jeopardize such attorney-client privilege) or (2) jeopardize (in Gold's reasonable determination) any attorney-client privilege of Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries (in which case Gold and such Subsidiaries shall use reasonable best efforts to take such action in a manner that would not jeopardize such attorney-client privilege); (F) result in a material violation or breach of, or a default
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under, the Organizational Documents of Mercury or its Subsidiaries, the Organizational Documents of Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries, or any applicable Law; (G) require the incurrence or issuance of any indebtedness (other than the Gold Financing); (H) unreasonably interfere with the respective businesses or ongoing operations of Mercury and its Subsidiaries or Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries; (I) require Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries or Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries to prepare or deliver in connection with the Gold Financing any financial information (other than the Required Gold Information) that is not readily available to them or prepared in the ordinary course of their respective financial reporting practices; or (J) require Mercury, SpinCo or their respective Subsidiaries to prepare any pro forma financial statements or pro forma financial information or provide any information regarding any post-Closing or pro forma cost savings, synergies, capitalization, ownership or other post-Closing pro forma adjustments.
(g) All non-public or otherwise confidential information regarding the SpinCo Business obtained by Gold or its Representatives pursuant to this Section 7.6 or otherwise shall be kept confidential in accordance with the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement. Notwithstanding any other provision set forth herein or in any other agreement between Mercury and Gold (or their respective Affiliates), each of Mercury and SpinCo agrees that Gold may share information with respect to SpinCo and the SpinCo Business with the Lenders, and that Gold and such Lenders may share such information with potential financing sources in connection with any marketing efforts for the Gold Financing; provided, however, that the recipients of such information and any other information contemplated to be provided by Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries pursuant to this Section 7.6, agree to customary confidentiality arrangements, including "click through" confidentiality agreements and confidentiality provisions contained in customary bank books and offering memoranda; and competitively sensitive information may be provided on an "outside counsel only" basis where reasonably practicable.
(h) All non-public or otherwise confidential information regarding the businesses of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries obtained by Mercury, SpinCo or their respective Representatives pursuant to this Section 7.6 or otherwise shall be kept confidential in accordance with the terms of the Confidentiality Agreement. Notwithstanding any other provision set forth herein or in any other agreement between Mercury or SpinCo, on the one hand, and Gold, on the other hand (or their respective Affiliates), Gold agrees that Mercury and SpinCo may share information with respect to the businesses of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries with the Lenders, and that Mercury, SpinCo and such Lenders may share such information with potential financing sources in connection with any marketing efforts for the Gold Financing; provided, however, that the recipients of such information and any other information contemplated to be provided by Mercury, SpinCo or any of their respective Subsidiaries pursuant to this Section 7.6, agree to customary confidentiality arrangements, including "click through" confidentiality agreements and confidentiality provisions contained in customary bank books and offering memoranda, private placement memoranda and similar documents.
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Section 7.7 Access to Information.
(a) Mercury shall, and shall cause its Subsidiaries, on the one hand, and Gold shall, and shall cause the Gold Subsidiaries, on the other hand, to the extent permitted under applicable Law, afford to the other Party and to its respective Representatives, reasonable access, during normal business hours and subject to bona fide policies and procedures established by the other Party, during the Interim Period, in such manner as to not interfere with Gold's and its Subsidiaries' or the SpinCo Business's (as applicable) normal operations, the properties, the SpinCo Books and Records and appropriate senior-level employees of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries or Mercury and its Subsidiaries (to the extent related to the SpinCo Business), including the members of the SpinCo Group (as applicable), as such Party and its Representatives may reasonably request solely for purposes of consummating the Transactions, integration planning and preparing for the operation of SpinCo and the Surviving Corporation post-Closing; provided, that: (a) such investigation shall only be upon reasonable notice and at the sole cost and expense of the investigating Party; (b) no Party or its Representatives shall be permitted to perform any environmental testing or sampling, including sampling of soil, groundwater, surface water, building materials or air or wastewater emissions without the prior written consent of the other applicable Party; (c) no Party or its Representatives shall be entitled to access any employee-related or employee benefit-related files or records of another Party, including individual performance or evaluation records, medical histories, workers compensation records, drug testing results or other sensitive personal information; (d) no Party or its Representatives shall communicate with any of the employees of the other Party or its Subsidiaries without the prior written consent of such Party (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) and except to the extent required to comply with the terms of the Employee Matters Agreement or other Transaction Documents or as otherwise expressly permitted by such Party; and (e) nothing in this Section 7.7 shall require any Party to permit any inspection or disclose any information to any other Party that (i) would unreasonably interfere with the conduct of such Party's business or result in damage to property (other than immaterial damage), except with such other Party's prior written consent (which may be withheld or denied at its sole discretion), (ii) would cause a violation of any Law, privacy policy or any confidentiality obligations and similar restrictions that may be applicable to such information, or (iii) would jeopardize the attorney-client privilege or other disclosure privilege or protection to such Party (provided, that the Party that would otherwise be required to disclose information to the other shall take any and all reasonable action necessary to permit such disclosure without such loss of privilege or violation of agreement, policy, Law or other restriction, including through the use of commercially reasonable efforts to obtain any required consent or waiver to the disclosure of such information from any third party and through the implementation of appropriate and mutually agreeable "clean room" or other similar procedures designed to limit any such adverse effect of sharing such information by each Party). For the avoidance of doubt, no Party shall be required to provide any information that is not readily available to such Party and its Affiliates under their books and records or current reporting systems following the use of commercially reasonable efforts (or which creates an unreasonable burden on the employees of the providing Party or its Affiliates). All requests for such access to any Party shall be made to such Party or its designated Representative.
(b) Each of Gold and Mercury may, as it deems advisable, reasonably designate any competitively sensitive information as "clean team" or "outside counsel only" material or with similar restrictions.
(c) Notwithstanding anything in this Section 7.7 to the contrary, this Section 7.7 shall not require Mercury or SpinCo to provide access to, or make any disclosure with respect to, any information of or to the extent relating to Mercury, any of its Affiliates or any of their respective businesses, other than information to the extent relating to the SpinCo Business, the members of the SpinCo Group, the SpinCo Assets or the SpinCo Liabilities.
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(d) The Parties hereby agree that, notwithstanding anything in this Section 7.7 to the contrary, the provisions of the Confidentiality Agreement shall apply to all information and material furnished by any Party or its Representatives thereunder and hereunder. The Confidentiality Agreement shall survive any termination of this Agreement.
Section 7.8 D&O Indemnification and Insurance.
(a) For a period of six (6) years from and after the Effective Time, SpinCo agrees that it shall indemnify and hold harmless each present and former director, officer or employee of SpinCo and any other member of the SpinCo Group (the "Indemnified Parties") against any costs or expenses (including reasonable attorneys' fees), judgments, fines, losses, claims, damages or liabilities incurred in connection with any claim, action, suit, proceeding or investigation, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, arising out of or pertaining to any matters existing or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time, whether asserted or claimed prior to, at or after the Effective Time, to the fullest extent that SpinCo would have been permitted under the Organizational Documents of SpinCo as in effect on the date hereof to indemnify such Person (including promptly advancing expenses as incurred to the fullest extent permitted under such Organizational Documents; provided, that such Person delivers an undertaking to SpinCo in advance agreeing to return any such funds to which a court of competent jurisdiction has determined in a final, nonappealable judgment that such Person is not entitled to indemnification). Without limiting the foregoing, SpinCo shall cause the members of the SpinCo Group (i) to maintain for a period of not less than six (6) years from the Effective Time provisions in their respective Organizational Documents concerning the indemnification and exculpation (including provisions relating to expense advancement) of the members of the SpinCo Group's respective former and current officers, directors or employees that are no less favorable to those Persons than the provisions of the Organizational Documents of Mercury as of the date hereof and (ii) not to amend, repeal, waive or otherwise modify such provisions in any respect that would adversely affect the rights of those Persons thereunder, in each case, except as required by applicable Law.
(b) SpinCo may, in consultation with Gold, procure a prepaid, non-cancelable six (6) year "tail" policy commencing on the Closing Date containing terms not less favorable to the Indemnified Parties than the terms of directors' and officers' and fiduciary liability insurance covering the Indemnified Parties with respect to matters existing or occurring at or prior to the Effective Time; provided, that if the premium thereof would exceed 300% of the last annual premium paid by Mercury prior to the date hereof, then SpinCo may only procure the maximum coverage available at an annual premium equal to such maximum amount. If any claim is asserted or made within such six (6) year period, then any insurance that is maintained under this Section 7.8 shall be continued in respect of such claim until the final disposition thereof.
(c) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Agreement to the contrary, this Section 7.8 shall survive the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and shall be binding on all successors and assigns of SpinCo and are intended to be for the benefit of, and will be enforceable by, each present and former director, officer and employee of any member of the SpinCo Group and his or her heirs and representatives. In the event that SpinCo or any of its respective successors or assigns consolidates with or merges into any other Person and shall not be the continuing or surviving corporation or entity of such consolidation or merger or transfers or conveys all or substantially all of its assets to any Person, then, and in each such case, proper provision shall be made so that the successors and assigns of SpinCo shall succeed to the obligations set forth in this Section 7.8.
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Section 7.9 No Solicitation.
(a) Gold shall immediately cease, and shall cause the Gold Subsidiaries to and shall direct and use reasonable best efforts to cause its and their respective Representatives to immediately cease, any discussions or negotiations with any Person (other than Mercury or its Affiliates) that may be ongoing with respect to a Competing Proposal, or any proposal that would reasonably be expected to lead to a Competing Proposal, and shall promptly (and, in any event, within twenty-four (24) hours) (x) request that all such Persons and their respective Representatives return or destroy reasonably promptly any confidential information that has been provided in any such discussions or negotiations and (y) terminate access to any physical or electronic data rooms relating to a possible Competing Proposal. From the date hereof until the earlier of the Effective Time or the termination of this Agreement in accordance with Article IX, Gold shall not (and shall cause the Gold Subsidiaries not to) nor shall Gold authorize or permit its or any Gold Subsidiaries respective directors, officers or employees to, and shall direct and use reasonable best efforts to cause the Representatives of the foregoing not to, directly or indirectly, (i) solicit, initiate, knowingly encourage or knowingly facilitate any Competing Proposal or any inquiry, proposal or offer which would reasonably be expected to lead to a Competing Proposal, or (ii) engage in, continue or otherwise participate in any discussions or negotiations regarding, or furnish to any Person any non-public information relating to Gold or any Gold Subsidiary relating to any Competing Proposal (or any inquiry, proposal or offer which would reasonably be expected to lead to a Competing Proposal); provided, however, if, prior to obtaining the Gold Shareholder Approval and following the receipt of a bona fide written Competing Proposal made after the date hereof that was not, directly or indirectly, solicited, initiated, knowingly encouraged or knowingly facilitated in breach of this Section 7.9(a), that the Gold Board determines in good faith (after receiving advice of its financial advisor and of its outside legal counsel) is or would reasonably be expected to lead to a Superior Proposal and that the Gold Board determines in good faith, after consultation with outside legal counsel, that a failure to take action under clause (A) or (B) below with respect to such Competing Proposal would be reasonably expected to be inconsistent with the fiduciary duties that the directors owe to Gold and its shareholders in their capacity as directors of Gold under applicable Law, Gold may, in response to such Competing Proposal and subject to Section 7.9(d), (A) furnish information with respect to Gold, the Gold Subsidiaries and Affiliates to the Person making such Competing Proposal pursuant to an Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement (provided, that if the Person making such Competing Proposal is a competitor of Gold, Gold shall not provide any commercially sensitive non-public information with respect to the competing business to such Person or their Representatives in connection with any actions permitted by this Section 7.9(a) other than in accordance with customary "clean room" or other similar procedures designed to limit the disclosure of competitively sensitive information); provided, further, that Gold shall provide Mercury a non-redacted copy of each Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement that Gold executes in accordance with this Section 7.9(a), and (B) engage in discussions or negotiations with such Person regarding such Competing Proposal. Except as expressly permitted by this Section 7.9. The Gold Board shall not, from and after the date of this Agreement until the earlier of the Effective Time or the date, if any, on which this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Article IX, (1) adopt, authorize, approve, endorse or recommend, or publicly propose to adopt, authorize, approve, endorse or recommend, any
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Competing Proposal, (2) withdraw, change, amend, modify or qualify, or publicly propose to withdraw, change, amend, modify or qualify, in a manner adverse to Mercury or SpinCo, the Gold Board Recommendation, (3) if a Competing Proposal that is structured as a tender offer or exchange offer for the outstanding shares of Gold Common Stock is commenced pursuant to Rule 14d-12 under the Exchange Act, fail to recommend against any such Competing Proposal within ten (10) Business Days after such commencement (or, if earlier, by the second (2nd) Business Day prior to the then-scheduled Gold Shareholders Meeting), (4) fail to include the Gold Board Recommendation in the Proxy Statement, (5) approve or authorize, or cause or permit Gold or any Gold Subsidiary to enter into, any merger agreement, acquisition agreement, reorganization agreement, joint venture agreement, partnership agreement, letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle, or similar agreement with respect to any Competing Proposal (other than an Acceptable Confidentiality Agreement), or (6) commit or agree to do any of the foregoing (any act described in clauses (1), (2), (3), (4) or (6) (to the extent relating to clauses (1), (2), (3) or (4)), a "Gold Adverse Recommendation Change").
(b) Except as expressly permitted by this Section 7.9, Gold shall not, and shall cause the Gold Subsidiaries not to, from and after the date of this Agreement until the earlier of the Effective Time or the date, if any, on which this Agreement is terminated in accordance with Article IX: (i) take any action to make the provisions of any takeover statute inapplicable to any transactions contemplated by a Competing Proposal; or (ii) terminate, amend in a manner adverse to Mercury, release, modify or grant any permission, waiver or release under, any "standstill" or similar agreement entered into by Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries in respect of or in contemplation of a Competing Proposal (other than if the Gold Board determines, in good faith after consultation with its outside legal counsel, that failure to take any of such actions under clause (ii) would reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with the fiduciary duties that the directors owe to Gold and its shareholders in their capacity as directors of Gold under applicable Law).
(c) In addition to the provisions of Section 7.9(a) and Section 7.9(b), prior to receipt of the Gold Shareholder Approval, the Gold Board may (i) in response to any bona fide written Competing Proposal received after the date hereof that was not, directly or indirectly, solicited, initiated or knowingly encouraged in breach of Section 7.9(a), effect a Gold Adverse Recommendation Change or (ii) in response to an Intervening Event, effect a Gold Adverse Recommendation Change, in the case of each of clauses (i) and (ii), if and only if, (A) (1) in the case of a Competing Proposal, the Gold Board concludes in good faith, after consultation with Gold's outside financial advisor and outside legal counsel, that such Competing Proposal constitutes a Superior Proposal or (2) in the case of an Intervening Event, if the Gold Board determines in good faith that an Intervening Event has occurred and is continuing; (B) the Gold Board determines in good faith, after consultation with Gold's outside legal counsel, that the failure to take such action would reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with the fiduciary duties that the directors owe to Gold and its shareholders in their capacity as directors of Gold under applicable Law; (C) the Gold Board provides Mercury four (4) Business Days' prior written notice of its intention to take such action (an "Alternative Notice"), which notice shall include the information with respect to such Competing Proposal that is specified in Section 7.9(d) as well as an unredacted copy of the acquisition agreement relating to such Competing Proposal (if any), or the material facts and circumstances relating to any such Intervening Event, as applicable; (D) during the four (4) Business Days following such written notice (the "Negotiation Period"), if requested by Mercury, Gold shall and shall direct its Representatives to, negotiate in good faith
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with Mercury regarding any revisions to the terms of the Transactions, including those contemplated by this Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, proposed by Mercury in response to such Competing Proposal or Intervening Event; and (E) at the end of the four (4) Business Day period described in the foregoing clause (D), the Gold Board concludes in good faith, (x) after consultation with Gold's outside legal counsel and financial advisor (and taking into account any adjustment or modification of the terms of this Agreement or the other Transaction Documents to which Mercury and SpinCo have agreed in writing), that such Competing Proposal continues to be a Superior Proposal and (y) after consultation with Gold's outside legal counsel, that the failure to make a Gold Adverse Recommendation Change would reasonably be expected to be inconsistent with the fiduciary duties that the directors owe to Gold and its shareholders in their capacity as directors of Gold under applicable Law. Any material amendment or material modification to any Competing Proposal (including any amendment or modification to the amount, form or mix of consideration the shareholders of Gold would receive as a result of the Superior Proposal) or to the facts and circumstances relating to any Intervening Event shall require a new Alternative Notice and a new Negotiation Period commencing from the date of receipt of such new Alternative Notice; provided, that, with respect to each subsequent written notice related to a material amendment or modification, references to the four (4) Business Day period above shall be deemed to be references to three (3) Business Days.
(d) Without limiting the obligations set forth in Section 7.9(a) and Section 7.9(c), Gold shall as promptly as reasonably practicable, and in any event no later than forty-eight (48) hours, after it receives (i) any Competing Proposal or any proposals or inquiries that would reasonably be expected to lead to a Competing Proposal, (ii) any inquiry or request for non-public information relating to Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries relating to, or from any Person that has made, has indicated in writing that such Person is reasonably likely to make, or would reasonably be expected to make, a Competing Proposal or (iii) any inquiry or request for discussions or negotiations regarding any Competing Proposal or that would reasonably be expected to lead to a Competing Proposal, notify Mercury (which notice, if provided orally, shall be confirmed in writing) of any of the foregoing occurrences, the identity of the Person making such request, inquiry or Competing Proposal and a copy of such request, inquiry or Competing Proposal (or where no such copy is available, a reasonably detailed description of the material terms and conditions of, and facts surrounding any such request, inquiry or Competing Proposal), including any modification thereto. Gold shall keep Mercury reasonably informed on a reasonably prompt and current basis (and in any event no later than twenty-four (24) hours) after the occurrence of any material changes to such Competing Proposal (including any changes to the material terms and conditions thereof and of any other material modification thereto), and any other material developments, discussions and negotiations with respect thereto (which shall remain subject to the other obligations of Gold hereunder), including promptly furnishing unredacted copies of any written inquiries, proposals, material correspondence and draft material documentation and definitive agreements and written summaries of any other material oral inquiries or discussions, including those exchanged between Gold and such Person and/or their respective Representatives. Gold agrees that, it shall, prior to or substantially concurrent with the time it is provided to any third parties (and, in any event, within forty-eight (48) hours), provide to Mercury any non-public information concerning Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries that Gold (directly or indirectly) provides to any third party in connection with any Competing Proposal which was not previously provided to Mercury and SpinCo.
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(e) Nothing contained in this Agreement shall prohibit Gold or the Gold Board from (i) disclosing to its shareholders a position pursuant to the Exchange Act or (ii) making any "stop, look and listen" communication pursuant to Rule 14d-9(f) or any similar statement in response to any publicly disclosed Competing Proposal, so long as such disclosure includes an express reaffirmation of the Gold Board Recommendation, without alternation, modification or qualification thereof. For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 7.9(e) shall not permit the Gold Board to make (or otherwise modify the definition of) a Gold Adverse Recommendation Change.
(f) Any failure of any of the Gold Subsidiaries or any Representative of Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries to comply with any provisions of this Section 7.9 (as if such Subsidiaries or Representatives were directly subject to this Section 7.9) shall be deemed a breach of this Section 7.9 by Gold.
(g) For purposes of this Agreement:
(i) "Competing Proposal" means, other than the Transactions, any inquiry, proposal or offer from a third party relating to (A) a merger, scheme of arrangement, reorganization, sale of assets, share exchange, consolidation, business combination, recapitalization, dissolution, liquidation, joint venture, exclusive license, spin-off, share exchange or other similar transaction involving twenty percent (20%) or more of the issued and outstanding shares of Gold Common Stock or any other class or type of Interests, or consolidated assets of, Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries; (B) the acquisition (whether by merger, scheme of arrangement, consolidation, equity investment, joint venture or otherwise) by any Person of twenty percent (20%) or more of the consolidated assets (it being understood that consolidated assets include equity securities of Subsidiaries), net revenue or net income of Gold and the Gold Subsidiaries, as determined on a fair-market-value basis; (C) the purchase or acquisition after the date hereof, directly or indirectly, by any Person of twenty percent (20%) or more of the issued and outstanding shares of the Gold Common Stock or of any other class or type of Interests, in Gold; (D) any purchase, acquisition, tender offer or exchange offer that, if consummated, would result in any Person beneficially owning twenty percent (20%) or more of the shares of Gold Common Stock or of any other class or type of Interests of Gold or any of the Gold Subsidiaries; or (E) any combination of the foregoing.
(ii) "Superior Proposal" means a bona fide written Competing Proposal (except the references therein to "20%" shall be replaced by "50%") made by a third party which was not solicited in violation of Section 7.9(a) and which, in the good faith judgment of the Gold Board after consultation with its financial advisor and outside legal counsel, taking into account the various legal, financial and regulatory aspects of the Competing Proposal, (A) if accepted, is reasonably likely to be consummated on the terms proposed, taking into account any legal, financial and regulatory requirements, and the identity of the Person or Persons making the proposal and (B) if consummated, would result in a transaction that is more favorable to Gold's shareholders from a financial point of view than the Merger and the other transactions contemplated hereby (after giving effect to all adjustments or modifications to the terms thereof which may be agreed in writing to be made by Mercury and SpinCo pursuant to Section 7.9(b)).
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Section 7.10 Exclusivity. Mercury shall immediately cease, and shall cause its Subsidiaries to immediately cease, and shall direct and use reasonable best efforts to cause its Representatives, to immediately cease, any discussions or negotiations with any Person (other than Gold or its Affiliates) that may be ongoing with respect to a SpinCo Proposal and shall request to have returned or destroyed reasonably promptly any confidential information that has been provided in any such discussions or negotiations. From the date hereof until the earlier to occur of (a) termination of this Agreement pursuant to Article IX and (b) the Closing, Mercury shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries and shall direct and use reasonable best efforts to cause its Representatives not to, directly or indirectly: (i) solicit, initiate, knowingly encourage or knowingly facilitate (including by way of furnishing information which has not been previously publicly disseminated) any proposal from a third party relating to the acquisition (whether by merger, purchase of stock, purchase of assets or otherwise), exclusive license, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution or other transaction involving any portion of the business or assets of Mercury and its Subsidiaries that, individually or in the aggregate, constitutes 20% or more of the net revenues, net income or assets of the SpinCo Business (taken as a whole) (any of the foregoing, a "SpinCo Proposal") or any inquiry, offer or proposal that would reasonably be expected to lead to a SpinCo Proposal, (ii) engage in any discussions or negotiations, or furnish to any Person any non-public information relating to the SpinCo Business, SpinCo Assets or the SpinCo Group in connection with any SpinCo Proposal or any inquiry, offer or proposal related to, or that would reasonably expected to lead to, a SpinCo Proposal, (iii) adopt, approve or recommend, or publicly propose to adopt, approve or recommend, any SpinCo Proposal or (iv) approve or authorize, or cause or permit Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries to enter into, any merger agreement, acquisition agreement, reorganization agreement, joint venture agreement, partnership agreement, letter of intent, memorandum of understanding, agreement in principle or similar agreement or document relating to, or providing for, any SpinCo Proposal; provided, that nothing in this Section 7.10 shall limit Mercury's ability to pursue or engage in any transaction relating to substantially all of the business of Mercury (as opposed to solely the SpinCo Business), so long as such transaction would not prevent or materially impair or materially delay Mercury's ability to comply with its obligations hereunder and under the Separation Agreement and the other Transaction Documents, or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.
Section 7.11 Public Announcements. Except (a) as otherwise expressly contemplated by this Agreement, (b) for the joint press release to be issued by the Parties in the forms agreed by the Parties (or any public statement or disclosure that contains or reflects only such information previously disclosed in press releases or other public disclosures made in accordance with this Section 7.11) or (c) any communications regarding a Gold Adverse Recommendation Change in accordance with this Agreement, neither Gold nor Mercury will, and each of Gold and Mercury will cause its Subsidiaries not to, issue any press release or otherwise make any public statements or disclosure with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby or by the Transaction Documents without the prior written consent of the other Party. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent such disclosure is required by applicable Law or obligations pursuant to any listing agreement with or the rules of any national securities exchange, the Party seeking to make such disclosure will promptly notify the other Party thereof and the Party making such statement will use efforts reasonable under the circumstances to (x) consult in good faith with the other Party thereto and (y) provide meaningful opportunity for review and give due consideration to reasonable comments by the other Party prior to making such disclosure in order to allow a mutually agreeable release or announcement to be issued. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Party may make statements that are consistent with previous public statements made by such Party in compliance with this Section 7.11.
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Section 7.12 Employee Non-Solicitation; Non-Competition.
(a) For a period of two (2) years following the Closing Date, Mercury shall not, and shall cause its Subsidiaries not to, (i) directly or indirectly solicit for employment or hire (whether as an employee, consultant or otherwise) or induce or cause, or attempt to induce or cause, to leave the employ of Gold or any of its Affiliates any employee with a title of Manager or higher of the SpinCo Business as of the Closing Date or any employee set forth on Section 7.12(a)(i) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter; provided, that this Section 7.12(a) shall not restrict any (x) general solicitation for employees not specifically directed at such Persons or (y) solicitation or employment of any Person whose employment with Gold or its Affiliates was terminated by Gold or any of its Subsidiaries prior to any solicitation by Mercury or its Subsidiaries; provided, further, that notwithstanding the foregoing, to the fullest extent permitted under applicable Law, neither Mercury nor its Subsidiaries may hire any employee set forth on Section 7.12(a)(ii) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter during such two (2)-year period.
(b) For a period of two (2) years following the Closing Date, Gold shall not, and shall cause its Affiliates (including, following the Closing, the members of the SpinCo Group) not to, (i) directly or indirectly solicit for employment or hire (whether as an employee, consultant or otherwise) or induce or cause, or attempt to induce or cause, to leave the employ of Mercury or its Subsidiaries any employee with a title of Vice President or higher of Mercury or its Subsidiaries or any employee set forth on Section 7.12(b)(i) of the Gold Disclosure Letter; provided, that this Section 7.12(b) shall not restrict any (x) general solicitation for employees not specifically directed at such Persons or (y) solicitation or employment of any Person whose employment with Mercury or its Subsidiaries was terminated by Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries prior to any solicitation by Gold or its Affiliates (including the SpinCo Group); provided, further, that notwithstanding the foregoing, neither Gold nor its Subsidiaries may hire any employee set forth on Section 7.12(b)(ii) of the Gold Disclosure Letter during such two (2)-year period.
(c) In furtherance of the Merger and the transactions contemplated hereby, Mercury covenants and agrees that, from and after the Effective Time until the date that is four (4) years after the Closing Date (the "Restricted Period") and except as otherwise expressly contemplated by Transaction Documents or as set forth on Section 7.12(c)(i) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter, it shall not, and shall cause the members of the Mercury Group not to, directly or indirectly, engage in (or own any Interest in any Person that engages in) the SpinCo Business or any product set forth on Section 7.12(c)(ii) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter (the "Competitive Business"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Section 7.12(c) shall prohibit (i) any member of the Mercury Group from engaging in the businesses conducted by the Mercury Group (excluding the SpinCo Business) at the Effective Time, (ii) any member of the Mercury Group from directly or indirectly acquiring (in one transaction or a series of transactions, and whether through any merger, reorganization, consolidation, tender offer, self-tender, exchange offer, stock acquisition, asset acquisition, binding share exchange, business combination, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution, joint venture or otherwise) any interest in a Person or business engaged in a Competitive Business, and operating and managing such Person or business; provided, that if such Competitive Business represents fifteen percent (15%) or more of the net revenues or net income
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of such acquired Person or business, as applicable, for such acquired business's or Person's most recently completed fiscal year, then the applicable member of the Mercury Group shall within eighteen (18) months after the consummation of Mercury's or one or more Subsidiaries' acquisition (whether by merger, business combination, stock purchase or otherwise) of such Person or business so long as the Restricted Period is still in effect, either (x) dispose of such Person or business or the relevant portion thereof that is engaged in the Competitive Business or (y) discontinue the operation of such Competitive Business, (iii) the acquisition and ownership by Mercury or any of its Subsidiaries, directly or indirectly, of less than five percent (5%) in the aggregate of the equity interests of any Person engaged in a Competitive Business, (iv) any member of the Mercury Group from performing their obligations under this Agreement or the Transaction Documents, or (v) any Person who acquires fifty percent (50%) or more of the consolidated assets or issued and outstanding shares of Mercury (in one transaction or a series of transactions, and whether through any merger, reorganization, consolidation, tender offer, self-tender, exchange offer, stock acquisition, asset acquisition, binding share exchange, business combination, recapitalization, liquidation, dissolution, joint venture or otherwise) from engaging in a Competitive Business if such Person is engaging in such Competitive Business prior to such acquisition; provided, that the restrictions and obligations set forth in this Section 7.12(c) shall continue to apply to Mercury and its Subsidiaries (as of immediately prior to such acquisition) until the fourth (4th) anniversary of the Closing Date.
(d) The Parties acknowledge that the covenants set forth in this Section 7.12 are reasonable in order to protect the value of the SpinCo Business and the business of Mercury and the other members of the Mercury Group. It is the intention of the Parties that if any restriction or covenant contained in this Section 7.12 covers a geographic area, is for a length of time or is of a scope that is not permitted by applicable Law, or is in any way construed to be too broad or to any extent invalid, such restriction or covenant will not be construed to be null, void and of no effect, but will, to the extent such restriction or covenant would be valid or enforceable under applicable Law, be construed and interpreted to provide for a covenant having the maximum enforceable geographic area, time period and other provisions (not greater than those contained in this Section 7.12) that would be valid and enforceable under such applicable Law.
Section 7.13 Defense of Litigation. Gold and Mercury shall provide the other Party prompt notice in writing of any Action brought by any shareholder or purported shareholder or equityholder, as applicable, of such Party against it, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective directors and officers (including, with respect to Mercury, SpinCo) relating to the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Separation Agreement, including the Separation, the Merger, the Gold Charter Amendment and the Gold Share Issuance, and shall keep the other Party informed on a reasonably prompt basis with respect to the status thereof and consider any comments or suggestions made by the other Party in good faith with respect to the strategy therefor; provided, that prior to the Effective Time, no Party shall compromise, settle, come to an arrangement regarding or agree to compromise, settle or come to an arrangement regarding any Action arising or resulting from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or consent to the same, without the prior written consent of the other Party (not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed) to the extent (a) such Action includes the other Party or any of its Subsidiaries, directors or officers as named defendants or (b) such compromise, settlement or arrangement would reasonably be expected to prevent, materially impair, materially delay or otherwise have a material adverse effect on the ability of the Parties to perform their respective obligations hereunder, or to consummate the transactions contemplated hereby in a timely manner.
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Section 7.14 Section 16 Matters. Prior to the Effective Time, each of Gold, Mercury and SpinCo shall take all such steps as may be required (to the extent permitted by applicable Law) to cause any dispositions of SpinCo Common Stock (including derivative securities with respect to SpinCo Common Stock) or acquisitions of Gold Common Stock resulting from the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or any Transaction Document, including the Distribution, directly or indirectly, by each individual, if any, who is subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act with respect to Gold or SpinCo, as applicable, as an officer or director thereof to be exempt under Rule 16b-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act, such steps to be taken in accordance with (and to the extent permitted by) applicable SEC rules and regulations and interpretations of the SEC staff.
Section 7.15 Control of Other Party's Business. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall give Mercury or SpinCo, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct Gold's operations prior to the Effective Time. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall give Gold, directly or indirectly, the right to control or direct the operations of Mercury or SpinCo, including the SpinCo Business, prior to the Effective Time. Prior to the Effective Time, each of Mercury, SpinCo and Gold shall exercise, consistent with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, complete control and supervision over its respective operations.
Section 7.16 SpinCo Share Issuance. In connection with the Distribution, prior to the Distribution Time, SpinCo will take all actions necessary to authorize the issuance of a number of, or stock split of, shares of SpinCo Common Stock such that the total number of shares of SpinCo Common Stock outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will equal the number of shares of Mercury Common Stock entitled to receive the Distribution outstanding immediately prior to the Distribution Time in accordance with the terms of the Separation Agreement. SpinCo shall effect such amendments, filings or other actions with respect to its Organizational Documents as are necessary to effect the Distribution in accordance with the terms of this Agreement and the Separation Agreement.
Section 7.17 Transaction Documents. Gold shall, or shall cause the applicable Gold Subsidiaries to, execute and deliver to Mercury at or prior to the Closing each of the Transaction Documents to which it or any such Gold Subsidiary is or will be a party at the Effective Time that have not previously been executed. Mercury shall, or shall cause its applicable Subsidiaries to, execute and deliver to Gold at or prior to the Closing each of the Transaction Documents to which it or any such Subsidiary is or will be a party at the Effective Time that have not previously been executed.
Section 7.18 Stock Exchange Listing. Gold shall use its reasonable best efforts to cause the shares of Gold Common Stock issuable pursuant to the Merger to be approved for listing on Nasdaq, subject to official notice of issuance, as promptly as practicable after the date of this Agreement, and in any event prior to the Effective Time.
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Section 7.19 Takeover Statutes. If any "fair price," "moratorium," "control share acquisition," "business combination" or other form of antitakeover Law shall become applicable to the transactions contemplated hereby, Gold and the Gold Board shall use all reasonable efforts to grant such approvals and take such actions as are reasonably necessary so that the transactions contemplated hereby may be consummated as promptly as practicable on the terms contemplated hereby and otherwise act to eliminate or minimize the effects of such statute or regulation on the transactions contemplated hereby.
Section 7.20 Works Council Matters. The Parties acknowledge and agree that they will satisfy all notification and consultation obligations in all material respects with respect to the Separation, the Distribution and the Merger. The Parties shall reasonably cooperate with each other in connection with such notification and consultation processes, and Gold shall be provided with a reasonable opportunity to review in advance any proposed communications in connection therewith, and any information to be provided related to the Transactions, including the SpinCo Financing, the Gold Financing and the expected consequences of the Transactions, shall be mutually agreed to by Gold and Mercury.
Section 7.21 Further Assurances. Except as otherwise expressly provided in this Agreement, the Parties shall, and shall cause their respective Affiliates to, use their respective commercially reasonable efforts to take, or cause to be taken, all appropriate action to do, or cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate with the other Parties in doing, all things necessary, proper or advisable under this Agreement or applicable Law as may be required to carry out the provisions of this Agreement and to consummate and make effective the Merger and the other Transactions (other than with respect to the matters covered in Section 7.4, which shall be governed by the provisions of Section 7.4 and any consents required in connection with the Separation, which shall solely be governed by the Separation Agreement). In furtherance and not in limitation of the foregoing, each Party shall use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain all consents, approvals or waivers from third parties necessary in connection with the Merger and the other Transactions (other than with respect to the matters covered in Section 7.4, which shall be governed by the provisions of Section 7.4 and any consents required in connection with the Separation, which shall solely be governed by the Separation Agreement); provided, that no Party or any of its Affiliates shall be required to commence any litigation or offer or pay any money or otherwise grant any accommodation (financial or otherwise) to any third party with respect to the foregoing. The failure to obtain any consents, approvals or waivers from third parties shall not in and of itself constitute a breach of this Agreement.
Section 7.22 Sole Stockholder Approvals. Immediately after the execution of this Agreement, (a) Mercury will deliver the SpinCo Stockholder Approval to Gold, and (b) Gold, as the sole shareholder of Merger Sub, acting by written consent, will adopt this Agreement and approve the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby, upon the terms and subject to the conditions stated herein and in accordance with the applicable provisions of the DGCL (the "Merger Sub Shareholder Approval"), and deliver a copy of the Merger Sub Shareholder Approval to Mercury.
Section 7.23 Obligations of Merger Sub. Gold shall take all action necessary to cause Merger Sub to perform its obligations under this Agreement and to consummate the Transactions, including the Merger, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this Agreement.
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Section 7.24 Financial Statements.
(a) Mercury shall deliver to Gold, (x) as promptly as reasonably practicable after the date hereof, unaudited carve-out combined balance sheets as of, and related combined statements of operations and cash flows for, the nine (9)-month period ended December 31, 2025, together with an unaudited statement of operations for the nine (9)-month period ended December 31, 2025 and (y) as promptly as reasonably practicable after the end of any interim period ending after the date hereof, unaudited carve-out consolidated balance sheets and related consolidated statements of operations and cash flows as of and for each interim period ended sixty (60) days prior to the Closing Date, in each case, prepared on a GAAP basis for pro forma disclosure purposes and suitable for inclusion in an offering document or confidential offering memorandum for any Permanent SpinCo Financing (the "SpinCo Unaudited Nine-Month Financial Statements"). Mercury shall deliver to Gold, as promptly as reasonably practicable after the date hereof, the audited combined and consolidated financial statements of (i) the SpinCo Business and (ii) to the extent required by applicable Law, SpinCo (before giving effect to the Separation) (except that for SpinCo, only an opening balance sheet shall be required), including the combined and consolidated balance sheets of (1) the SpinCo Business and (2) to the extent required by applicable Law, SpinCo (before giving effect to the Separation) as of March 31, 2026, March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024, and the combined and consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows of (x) the SpinCo Business and (y) to the extent required by applicable Law, SpinCo (before giving effect to the Separation) for the fiscal years ended March 31, 2026, March 31, 2025 and March 31, 2024, and the notes related thereto, prepared on a GAAP basis and together with an audit report, without qualification or exception thereto, on the financial statements from the independent accountants for the SpinCo Business and SpinCo (collectively, the "SpinCo Audited Financial Statements") as well as consents of such independent accountants required to be filed with the Gold Registration Statement no later than the filing of the Gold Registration Statement.
(b) Mercury shall, from the date hereof until the date on which Gold files a Current Report on Form 8-K in connection with the Closing, which shall be within four (4) Business Days of the Closing (or no later than seventy-one (71) thereafter if such Current Report on Form 8-K does not include all historical financial statements of SpinCo required pursuant Item 9.01 of Form 8-K), deliver to Gold, as promptly as reasonably practicable after the end of any fiscal quarter ending after the date hereof, copies of the unaudited combined balance sheet of the SpinCo Business as of the end of each fiscal quarter ending after December 31, 2025, the related unaudited combined statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows of the SpinCo Business for each such fiscal quarter and the notes related thereto, together with comparable financial statements for the corresponding periods of the prior fiscal year, in each case, prepared on a GAAP basis, and in each case, to the extent required to be included or incorporated by reference in the Securities Filings or in connection with the SpinCo Financing, Permanent SpinCo Financing and Gold Financing (collectively, the "SpinCo Subsequent Unaudited Financial Statements"), which SpinCo Subsequent Unaudited Financial Statements shall have been reviewed by the independent accountant for SpinCo in accordance with the procedures specified by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board in AS 4105, Reviews of Interim Financial Information.
(c) In connection with the filing of the Securities Filings, as well as the SpinCo Financing, Permanent SpinCo Financing and Gold Financing, as applicable, Mercury shall use its commercially reasonable efforts prior to and after the Closing to cooperate with Gold in connection with Gold's preparation of pro forma financial statements that comply with the rules and regulations of the SEC, including the requirements of Regulation S-X, including, without
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limitation the pro forma financial statements that are required to be filed with the SEC by Gold as an exhibit to a Current Report on Form 8-K within four (4) Business Days of the Closing (or no later than seventy-one (71) days thereafter if such pro forma financial statements are not included in the Current Report on Form 8-K filed by Gold within four (4) Business Days of the Closing).
(d) After the Closing, Gold shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to cooperate with Mercury in connection with Mercury's preparation of financial statements that comply with the rules and regulations of the SEC, including the requirements of Regulation S-X.
(e) Notwithstanding any of the foregoing or any other provision in this Agreement to the contrary, other than in the event of a termination by Gold pursuant to Section 9.1(d) due to a material breach of a covenant on the part of Mercury or SpinCo, in which case Mercury shall be responsible for 100% of the Audit Reimbursement Obligations, in the event Mercury (i) delivers to Gold substantially complete drafts of the financial statements for fiscal year end March 31, 2025 and fiscal year end March 31, 2024 included in the SpinCo Audited Financial Statements on or before April 30, 2026, and (ii) delivers to Gold the final copies of such financial statements on or before May 8, 2026, Gold shall, and shall cause the Gold Subsidiaries to, pay to Mercury an amount of cash equal to 50% of the aggregate amount of the Audit Reimbursement Obligations (payment for any such Audit Reimbursement Obligations to be made promptly and in any event within ten (10) days following delivery to Gold by Mercury of a written request therefor accompanied by reasonable supporting documentation evidencing such Audit Reimbursement Obligations), but in no event shall Gold's responsibility for its portion of the Audit Reimbursement Obligations exceed $4,000,000. For the avoidance of doubt, in the event the financial statements for fiscal year end March 31, 2025 and fiscal year end March 31, 2024 included in the SpinCo Audited Financial Statements are not (i) substantially completed and delivered to Gold on or before April 30, 2026 and (ii) completed and delivered to Gold on or before May 8, 2026, Mercury shall be responsible for 100% of the Audit Reimbursement Obligations.
Section 7.25 Notices of Certain Events. Subject to applicable Law and as otherwise required by any Governmental Authority, Mercury and Gold each shall keep the other reasonably apprised of the status of material matters relating to the consummation of the Transactions. Mercury and Gold each shall give reasonably prompt notice to the other of any change, event, development or effect that has had or would reasonably be expected to have a Mercury Material Adverse Effect, SpinCo Material Adverse Effect or a Gold Material Adverse Effect, as applicable, or of any failure of any condition to the other Party's obligation to consummate the Transactions; provided, that the delivery of any notice pursuant to this Section 7.25 shall not affect or be deemed to modify any representation, warranty, covenant, right, remedy or condition to any obligation of any Party or update the SpinCo Disclosure Letter or Gold Disclosure Letter, as applicable; provided, further, that any Party's obligations, actions or inactions pursuant to this Section 7.25, in each case, in and of themselves, shall be deemed excluded for purposes of determining whether the condition set forth in Section 8.2(a) or Section 8.3(a), as applicable, has been satisfied.
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ARTICLE VIII
CONDITIONS TO THE MERGER
Section 8.1 Conditions to the Obligations of SpinCo, Mercury, Gold and Merger Sub to Effect the Merger. The respective obligations of each Party to consummate the Merger shall be subject to the fulfillment (or, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, waiver by Mercury and Gold) at or prior to the Closing of the following conditions:
(a) (i) Any applicable waiting period under the HSR Act with respect to the Merger shall have expired or been terminated; and (ii) any required consents, authorizations, approvals, orders, filings and declarations required to be obtained prior to the consummation of the Merger from a Governmental Authority under a Law set forth on Section 8.1(a) of the Gold Disclosure Letter (each, a "Requisite Regulatory Approval") shall have been filed, occurred or been obtained (or any applicable waiting period thereunder shall have expired or been terminated), as applicable, without the imposition of any Burdensome Condition;
(b) The Separation and the Distribution shall have been consummated in accordance with the terms of the Separation Agreement in all material respects;
(c) Each of the Gold Registration Statement and the SpinCo Registration Statement shall have become effective in accordance with the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, as applicable, and none shall be the subject of any stop order by the SEC or actual or threatened proceedings by a Governmental Authority seeking such a stop order;
(d) No Governmental Authority of competent jurisdiction in any jurisdiction set forth in Section 8.1(d) of the SpinCo Disclosure Letter shall have enacted, promulgated, issued or granted any Law or Order that remains in effect and that has the effect of restraining, enjoining or prohibiting the consummation of the Separation, the Distribution or the Merger (each, a "Legal Restraint");
(e) The Gold Shareholder Approval shall have been obtained; and
(f) The shares of Gold Common Stock to be issued to the holders of shares of SpinCo Common Stock pursuant to the Merger shall have been approved for listing on the Nasdaq, subject to official notice of issuance.
Section 8.2 Additional Conditions to the Obligations of Mercury and SpinCo. The obligation of Mercury and SpinCo to consummate the Merger shall be subject to the fulfillment (or, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, waiver by Mercury) at or prior to the Closing of the following additional conditions:
(a) Each of Gold and Merger Sub shall have performed and complied in all material respects with the obligations, covenants and agreements required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it at or prior to the Effective Time;
(b) The representations and warranties made by Gold and Merger Sub set forth in Article VI (other than the first sentence of Section 6.1, Section 6.2, Section 6.3(a), Section 6.12(b), Section 6.22, Section 6.25 and Section 6.26), without giving effect to materiality, Gold Material Adverse Effect or similar qualifications, shall be true and correct in all respects at and as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date as though such representations and warranties were made at and as of the Closing Date (except in the case of any representation or warranty that by its terms addresses matters only as of another specified date, which shall be so true and correct only as of such specified date), except to the extent the failure of such representations and warranties to be
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true and correct (without giving effect to materiality, Gold Material Adverse Effect or similar qualifications) would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Gold Material Adverse Effect. The representations and warranties made by Gold and Merger Sub set forth in the first sentence of Section 6.1, Section 6.2, Section 6.22 and Section 6.26 shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date as though such representations and warranties were made at and as of the Closing Date (except in the case of any representation or warranty that by its terms addresses matters only as of another specified date, which shall be so true and correct only as of such specified date). The representations and warranties made by Gold and Merger Sub set forth in Section 6.3(a), Section 6.12(b) and Section 6.25 shall be true and correct in all respects at and as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date as though such representations and warranties were made at and as of the Closing Date (other than for de minimis inaccuracies, in the case of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 6.3(a) and Section 6.25, and except in the case of any representation or warranty that by its terms addresses matters only as of another specified date, which shall be so true and correct only as of such specified date);
(c) Gold and Merger Sub shall have delivered to Mercury a certificate dated as of the Closing Date signed by an executive officer of Gold and Merger Sub to the effect that the conditions set forth in Section 8.2(a) and Section 8.2(b) have been satisfied;
(d) Mercury shall have received the Mercury Merger Tax Opinion;
(e) Mercury shall have received (i) the IRS Ruling in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Mercury, and such IRS Ruling shall continue to be valid and in full force and effect and (ii) the Distribution Tax Opinion in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Mercury; and
(f) The SpinCo Cash Distribution shall have occurred.
Section 8.3 Additional Conditions to the Obligations of Gold and Merger Sub. The obligation of Gold and Merger Sub to consummate the Merger shall be subject to the fulfillment (or, to the extent permitted by applicable Law, waiver by Gold) at or prior to the Closing of the following additional conditions:
(a) Each of Mercury and SpinCo shall have performed and complied in all material respects with the obligations, covenants and agreements required by this Agreement to be performed or complied with by it at or prior to the Effective Time;
(b) The representations and warranties made by Mercury and SpinCo set forth in Article IV and Article V (other than Section 4.1, Section 4.2, Section 4.5, the first sentence of Section 5.1, Section 5.2, Section 5.3(a)-(c), Section 5.6(b), Section 5.7 and Section 5.21), without giving effect to materiality, "Mercury Material Adverse Effect", "SpinCo Material Adverse Effect" or similar qualifications, shall be true and correct in all respects at and as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date as though such representations and warranties were made at and as of the Closing Date (except in the case of any representation or warranty that by its terms addresses matters only as of another specified date, which shall be so true and correct only as of such specified date), except to the extent the failure of such representations and warranties to be true
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and correct (without giving effect to materiality, "Mercury Material Adverse Effect", "SpinCo Material Adverse Effect" or similar qualifications) would not reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a SpinCo Material Adverse Effect or Mercury Material Adverse Effect. The representations and warranties made by Mercury and SpinCo set forth in Section 4.1, Section 4.2, Section 4.5, the first sentence of Section 5.1, Section 5.2, Section 5.7 and Section 5.21 shall be true and correct in all material respects at and as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date as though such representations and warranties were made at and as of the Closing Date (except in the case of any representation or warranty that by its terms addresses matters only as of another specified date, which shall be so true and correct only as of such specified date). The representations and warranties made by Mercury and SpinCo set forth in Section 5.3(a)-(c) and Section 5.6(b) and shall be true and correct in all respects at and as of the date hereof and as of the Closing Date as though such representations and warranties were made at and as of the Closing Date (other than for de minimis inaccuracies, in the case of the representations and warranties set forth in Section 5.3(a)-(c), and except in the case of any representation or warranty that by its terms addresses matters only as of another specified date, which shall be so true and correct only as of such specified date);
(c) Mercury shall have delivered to Gold a certificate dated as of the Closing Date signed by an executive officer of Mercury to the effect that each of the conditions set forth in Section 8.3(a), and Section 8.3(b) have been satisfied; and
(d) Gold shall have received the Gold Merger Tax Opinion.
ARTICLE IX
TERMINATION
Section 9.1 Termination. This Agreement may be terminated and the transactions contemplated hereby may be abandoned at any time prior to the Effective Time:
(a) by mutual written agreement of Mercury and Gold;
(b) by Mercury or Gold, if the Closing shall not have occurred on or prior to March 31, 2027 (the "Outside Date"); provided, that, if any of the conditions to the Closing set forth in Section 8.1(a) or Section 8.1(d) (solely as it relates to any Antitrust Law or Foreign Investment Law) have not been satisfied or waived (to the extent permitted by applicable Law) on or prior to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on the fourth (4th) Business Day prior to the Outside Date, but all other conditions to the Closing set forth in Article VIII have been satisfied or waived (to the extent permitted by applicable Law) (other than the conditions to the Closing set forth in Section 8.1(c) and Section 8.2(e) and those conditions that by their nature are to be satisfied at the Closing (including the conditions to the Closing set forth in Section 8.1(b), Section 8.2(c), Section 8.2(d), Section 8.2(f), Section 8.3(c) and Section 8.3(d), in each case, so long as such conditions are reasonably capable of being satisfied if the Closing were to occur on the Outside Date)), the Outside Date will be automatically extended, without any action on the part of any Party, to June 30, 2027 and, if so extended, such date shall be the "Outside Date"; provided, further, that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.1(b) shall not be available to any Party whose action or failure to comply with its obligations under this Agreement or the Separation Agreement has been the primary cause of, or has primarily resulted in, the failure of the Closing to occur on or prior to such date; provided, further, notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this Section 9.1(b), Mercury and Gold may mutually agree in writing to amend the Outside Date to any other date as they mutually agree;
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(c) by Mercury or Gold, if any Legal Restraint permanently preventing or prohibiting consummation of the Merger or the Separation shall be in effect and shall have become final and non-appealable; provided, that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.1(c) shall not be available to any Party whose action or failure to perform any of its obligations under this Agreement or the Separation Agreement is the primary cause of, or primarily resulted in, the enactment or issuance of any such Legal Restraint;
(d) by Gold upon written notice to Mercury, in the event of a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement on the part of Mercury or SpinCo, such that the conditions specified in Section 8.3(a) or Section 8.3(b) would not be satisfied at the Closing, and which, (i) with respect to any such breach that is capable of being cured by the Outside Date, is not cured by Mercury or SpinCo by the earlier of: (x) sixty (60) days after receipt by Mercury of written notice thereof or (y) the Outside Date, or (ii) is incapable of being cured prior to the Outside Date; provided, that Gold shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.1(d) if Gold or Merger Sub is then in breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement to the extent such breach or breaches would give rise to the failure of a condition set forth in Section 8.2(a) or Section 8.2(b);
(e) by Mercury upon written notice to Gold, in the event of a breach of any representation, warranty, covenant or agreement contained in this Agreement on the part of Gold or Merger Sub such that the conditions specified in Section 8.2(a) or Section 8.2(b) would not be satisfied at the Closing, and which, (i) with respect to any such breach that is capable of being cured by the Outside Date, is not cured by Gold by the earlier of: (x) sixty (60) days after receipt by Gold of written notice thereof; or (y) the Outside Date, or (ii) is incapable of being cured prior to the Outside Date; provided, that Mercury shall not have the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.1(e) if Mercury or SpinCo is then in breach of any of its representations, warranties, covenants or agreements set forth in this Agreement to the extent such breach or breaches would give rise to the failure of a condition set forth in Section 8.3(a) or Section 8.3(b);
(f) by Mercury or Gold if the Gold Shareholder Approval shall not have been obtained upon a vote taken thereon at the Gold Shareholders Meeting, duly convened therefor, or at any adjournment or postponement thereof; provided, that the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to this Section 9.1(f) shall not be available to any Party whose action or failure to perform any of its obligations under this Agreement is the primary cause of, or primarily resulted in, the failure to obtain such Gold Shareholder Approval; or
(g) by Mercury, at any time prior to obtaining the Gold Shareholder Approval, if the Gold Board shall have effected a Gold Adverse Recommendation Change.
Section 9.2 Effect of Termination. In the event of termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 9.1, this Agreement shall forthwith become null and void and have no effect, without any Liability on the part of any Party; provided, however, that no such termination shall relieve any Party of any liability or damages resulting from Fraud or Willful Breach; provided, further, that Section 7.5(f), Section 7.5(h), Section 7.5(i), Section 7.5(j), Section 7.7(d), Section 7.24(e), this Section 9.2, Section 9.3 and Article X hereof shall survive any termination of this Agreement. The Confidentiality Agreement shall not be affected by a termination of this Agreement.
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Section 9.3 Termination Fee; Other Fees and Expenses.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in the Separation Agreement or this Agreement, including this Section 9.3, Section 7.4(d), Section 7.5(f) and Section 7.24(e), all fees and expenses incurred by the Parties shall be borne solely by the Party that has incurred such fees and expenses, whether or not the Merger is consummated; provided, that the expenses in connection with printing and mailing the Gold Registration Statement, the Proxy Statement, the SpinCo Registration Statement and the Distribution Documents, shall be borne equally by Mercury and Gold.
(b) If this Agreement is terminated (i) pursuant to Section 9.1(g) (or pursuant to any other provision of Section 9.1 when Mercury had the right to terminate this Agreement pursuant to Section 9.1(g)) or (ii) (A) pursuant to Section 9.1(e), (B) pursuant to Section 9.1(b), or (C) pursuant to Section 9.1(f) and, in the case of each of clauses (B) and (C) (and with respect to clause (A), prior to such termination), a Competing Proposal shall have been publicly announced or disclosed (or otherwise communicated to the Gold Board) at any time after the date of this Agreement and (if made or communicated publicly) not publicly withdrawn at least five (5) Business Days prior to the date of termination or, with respect to clause (C), prior to the Gold Shareholders Meeting, and within twelve (12) months after the date of such termination, a transaction in respect of a Competing Proposal is consummated or Gold enters into a definitive agreement in respect of a Competing Proposal (which, in each case, need not be the same Competing Proposal that was made, disclosed or communicated prior to the termination hereof, and regardless of when such Competing Proposal was made or the counterparty thereto), then Gold shall pay, or cause to be paid, to Mercury $45,000,000 (the "Gold Termination Fee"), by wire transfer of immediately available funds to an account or accounts specified by Mercury on the second Business Day following termination of this Agreement (with respect to clause (i)) or the second Business Day following the earlier of the date Gold enters into a definitive agreement in respect of and the date Gold consummates the applicable transaction (with respect to clause (ii)), as applicable; provided that, solely for purposes of this Section 9.3(b), the term "Competing Proposal" shall have the meaning set forth in Section 7.9(g), except that all references to 20% shall instead refer to 50%. In no event shall Gold be required to pay the Gold Termination Fee on more than one occasion.
(c) The payment of the Gold Termination Fee shall be compensation and liquidated damages for the loss suffered by Mercury as a result of the failure of the Merger to be consummated and to avoid the difficulty of determining damages under the circumstances. Each of the Parties acknowledges that the Gold Termination Fee is not intended to be a penalty, but rather represents liquidated damages in a reasonable amount that will compensate Mercury in the circumstances in which such Gold Termination Fee is due and payable, for the efforts and resources expended and opportunities foregone while negotiating this Agreement and in reliance on this Agreement and on the expectation of the consummation of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, which amount would otherwise be impossible to calculate with precision. Each Party further agrees that the agreements contained in this Section 9.3 are an integral part of the transactions contemplated
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by this Agreement, and that, without these agreements, the Parties would not enter into this Agreement. Accordingly, if Gold fails to pay any amounts due under this Section 9.3 and, in order to obtain such payment, Mercury commences a suit that results in a judgment against Gold for such amounts, Gold shall pay interest on such amounts from the date payment of such amounts was due to the date of actual payment at the rate equal to the prime rate published in the Wall Street Journal for the relevant period plus two percent (2%), together with the costs and expenses of Mercury (including reasonable legal fees and expenses) in connection with such suit. Subject to Section 9.2, payment by Gold of the Gold Termination Fee shall be the sole and exclusive remedy of Mercury and SpinCo against Gold, Merger Sub and their respective Subsidiaries in circumstances where the Gold Termination Fee is payable hereunder. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary, nothing in this Agreement, including this Section 9.3, shall in any way limit the provisions of Section 10.8 and Mercury shall be entitled to pursue both a grant of specific performance in addition to payment of the Gold Termination Fee (but shall not be entitled to receive both a grant of specific performance that results in the Closing and payment of the Gold Termination Fee).
ARTICLE X
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 10.1 Non-Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements. The obligations, covenants and agreements that by their terms are to be performed following the Closing pursuant to any Transaction Document, including the Separation Agreement, or this Agreement shall survive the Effective Time in accordance with their terms and all other obligations, covenants and agreements herein and therein shall terminate and shall not survive the Closing. None of the representations or warranties in this Agreement or in any certificate or instrument delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall survive the Effective Time. The Confidentiality Agreement shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement and any termination of this Agreement, and the provisions of the Confidentiality Agreement shall apply to all information and material furnished by any Party or its Representatives thereunder or hereunder.
Section 10.2 Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement, and all claims, disputes, controversies or causes of action (whether in contract, tort, equity or otherwise) that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement (including any schedule or exhibit hereto) or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement (including any claim, dispute, controversy or cause of action based upon, arising out of or related to any representation or warranty made in or in connection with this Agreement or as an inducement to enter into this Agreement), shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the Laws of the State of Delaware, without regard to 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. Each of the Parties agrees that any Action related to this agreement shall be brought exclusively in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware or, if under applicable Law, exclusive jurisdiction over such matter is vested in the federal courts, any federal court in the State of Delaware and any appellate court from any thereof (the "Chosen Courts"). By executing and delivering this Agreement, each of the Parties irrevocably: (a) accepts generally and unconditionally submits to the exclusive jurisdiction of the Chosen Courts for any Action relating to this Agreement, including any Action brought for any remedy contemplated by Section 10.8; (b) waives any objections which such Party may now or hereafter have to the laying
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of venue of any such Action contemplated by this Section 10.2 and hereby further irrevocably waives and agrees not to plead or claim that any such Action has been brought in an inconvenient forum; (c) agrees that it will not attempt to deny or defeat the personal jurisdiction of the Chosen Courts by motion or other request for leave from any such court; (d) agrees that it will not bring any Action contemplated by this Section 10.2 in any court other than the Chosen Courts; (e) agrees that service of all process, including the summons and complaint, in any Action may be made by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, to such Party at their respective addresses provided in accordance with Section 10.3 or in any other manner permitted by Law; and (f) agrees that service as provided in the preceding clause (e) is sufficient to confer personal jurisdiction over such Party in the Action, and otherwise constitutes effective and binding service in every respect. Each of the Parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in any Action in a Chosen Court as provided above may be enforced in other jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by Law, and each Party further agrees to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the Chosen Courts for the enforcement or execution of any such judgment.
Section 10.3 Notices. All notices and other communications among the Parties shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) when delivered in person, (b) when delivered after posting in the national mail having been sent registered or certified mail return receipt requested, postage prepaid, (c) when delivered by FedEx or other internationally recognized overnight delivery service or (d) when delivered by email (so long as the sender of such email does not receive an automatic reply, "bounceback" or notice of nondelivery from the recipient's email server indicating that the recipient did not receive such email), addressed as follows:
if to Mercury or SpinCo, to:
Modine Manufacturing Company
1500 De Koven Ave
Racine, Wisconsin 53403
Attention: General Counsel
Email: [redacted]
with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP
200 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10166
Attention: Andrew Kaplan
Email: [redacted]
if to Gold or Merger Sub, to:
Gentherm Incorporated
28875 Cabot Drive
Novi, MI 48377
Attention: Wayne Kauffman; Jon Douyard
Email: [redacted]; [redacted]
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with a copy (which shall not constitute notice) to:
Latham & Watkins LLP
330 N Wabash Ave, Suite 2800
Chicago, IL 60611
Attention: Bradley C. Faris; Jason Morelli
Email: [redacted]; [redacted]
and
Honigman LLP
2290 First National Building
660 Woodward Avenue
Detroit, MI 48226
Attention: Michael S. Ben; Matt VanWasshnova
Email: [redacted]; [redacted]
or to such other address or addresses as the Parties may from time to time designate in writing by like notice.
Section 10.4 Headings. The headings contained in this Agreement are inserted for convenience only and shall not be considered in interpreting or construing any of the provisions contained in this Agreement.
Section 10.5 Entire Agreement. This Agreement (including the Exhibits and Schedules hereto), the Confidentiality Agreement and the other Transaction Documents constitute the entire agreement between the Parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior agreements and understandings between the Parties with respect to such subject matter; provided, however, that for the sake of clarity, it is understood that this Agreement shall not supersede the terms and provisions of the Confidentiality Agreement, which shall survive and remain in effect until expiration or termination thereof in accordance with its respective terms (subject to the last sentence of Section 10.1). Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, the SpinCo Disclosure Letter and Gold Disclosure Letter are "facts ascertainable" as that term is used in Section 251(b) of the DGCL, and do not form part of this Agreement but instead operate upon the terms of this Agreement as provided herein.
Section 10.6 Amendments and Waivers.
(a) Any Party may, at any time prior to the Closing, by action taken by its board of directors, or officers thereunto duly authorized, waive any of the terms or conditions of this Agreement or (without limiting Section 10.6(b)) agree to an amendment or modification to this Agreement by a duly executed agreement in writing; provided, that after the Gold Shareholder Approval has been obtained, no amendment or waiver shall be made that pursuant to applicable Law requires further approval or adoption by the shareholders of Gold without such further approval or adoption. No waiver by any of the Parties of any breach hereunder shall be deemed to extend to any prior or subsequent breach hereunder or affect in any way any rights arising by virtue of any prior or subsequent such occurrence. No waiver by any of the Parties of any of the provisions hereof shall be effective unless explicitly set forth in writing and executed by the Party sought to be charged with such waiver.
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(b) This Agreement may be amended or modified, in whole or in part, only by a duly authorized agreement in writing executed by the Parties which makes reference to this Agreement; provided, that any amendments or modifications of this Section 10.6(b) or Section 10.2, Section 10.7 or Section 10.12 (including the definitions of "Lenders", "Lender Parties" and any other provisions of this Agreement to the extent a modification thereof would affect the substance of the foregoing definitions and/or Section 10.12) to the extent materially adversely affecting any of the Lenders, may not be entered into without the prior written consent of each of the Lenders (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed).
Section 10.7 Assignment; Parties in Interest; Non-Parties.
(a) No Party may assign its rights or delegate its duties under this Agreement without the prior written consent of the other Parties. Any attempted assignment or delegation in breach of this Section 10.7 shall be null and void. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Parties and their respective permitted successors and assigns. Nothing expressed or implied in this Agreement is intended or shall be construed to confer upon or give any Person, other than the Parties, any rights or remedies under or by reason of this Agreement, except as provided in Section 7.8 and Section 10.7(b) (which is intended to be for the benefit of the Persons covered thereby and may be enforced by such Persons).
(b) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, it is hereby agreed and acknowledged that this Agreement may only be enforced against, and any claims of action that may be based upon, arise out of or relate to this Agreement or the negotiation, execution or performance of this Agreement may only be made against, the Parties hereto, and no former, current or future Affiliates, officers, directors, managers, employees, equityholders, lenders, financing sources, managers, members, partners, agents or representatives of any Party, in each case, who is not a Party to this Agreement, shall have any liability for any obligations of the Parties hereto or for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, the transactions contemplated hereby. Such Persons who are not Parties hereto are third party beneficiaries of Section 10.2, Section 10.6, Section 10.9, Section 10.12 and this Section 10.7(b). For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 10.7(b) shall not affect (a) the rights of the Persons party to the Commitment Letter to enforce the Commitment Letter in accordance with its terms; or (b) the rights and obligations of the Parties hereto set forth in Section 7.5.
Section 10.8 Specific Performance.
(a) The Parties agree and acknowledge that the failure to perform under this Agreement will cause an actual, immediate and irreparable harm and injury and that the Parties would not have any adequate remedy at law in the event that any of the provisions of this Agreement were not performed in accordance with their specific terms or were otherwise breached. Accordingly, it is agreed that, (i) each of the Parties shall be entitled to an injunction or injunctions to prevent breaches or threatened breaches of this Agreement by any other Party and to specifically enforce
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the terms and provisions of this Agreement, and (ii) prior to the earlier of the Closing or any termination of this Agreement in accordance with Section 9.1, damages shall be awarded only in a case where a court of competent jurisdiction shall have determined that, notwithstanding the Parties' intention for specific performance to be the applicable remedy prior to termination or the Closing, such specific performance is not available or otherwise will not be granted as a remedy.
(b) The Parties further agree that (i) by seeking the remedies provided for in this Section 10.8, a Party shall not in any respect waive its right to seek any other form of relief that may be available to a party under this Agreement, including monetary damages, subject to the terms hereof, (ii) nothing contained in this Section 10.8 shall require any Party to institute any proceeding for (or limit any Party's right to institute any proceeding for) specific performance under this Section 10.8 before exercising any termination right under Section 9.1 (and pursuing damages after such termination), nor shall the commencement of any Action pursuant to this Section 10.8 or anything contained in this Section 10.8 restrict or limit any Party's right to terminate this Agreement in accordance with the terms of Section 9.1 or to pursue any other remedies under this Agreement that may be available then or thereafter and (iii) no Person shall be required to obtain, furnish or post any bond or similar instrument in connection with or as a condition to obtaining any remedy referred to in this Section 10.8, and each Party irrevocably waives any right it may have to require the obtaining, furnishing or posting of any such bond or similar instrument.
Section 10.9 WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL. EACH PARTY ACKNOWLEDGES AND AGREES THAT ANY CONTROVERSY WHICH MAY ARISE UNDER THIS AGREEMENT IS LIKELY TO INVOLVE COMPLICATED AND DIFFICULT ISSUES, AND THEREFORE IT HEREBY UNCONDITIONALLY AND IRREVOCABLY WAIVES THEIR RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY JUDICIAL PROCEEDING IN ANY COURT RELATING TO ANY DISPUTE, CONTROVERSY OR CLAIM ARISING OUT OF, RELATING TO OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY OTHER TRANSACTION DOCUMENT (INCLUDING ANY SCHEDULE OR EXHIBIT HERETO AND THERETO) OR THE BREACH, TERMINATION OR VALIDITY OF SUCH AGREEMENTS OR THE NEGOTIATION, EXECUTION OR PERFORMANCE OF SUCH AGREEMENTS. NO PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT SHALL SEEK A JURY TRIAL IN ANY LAWSUIT, PROCEEDING, COUNTERCLAIM OR ANY OTHER LITIGATION PROCEDURE BASED UPON, OR ARISING OUT OF, THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY RELATED INSTRUMENTS. NO PARTY WILL SEEK TO CONSOLIDATE ANY SUCH ACTION IN WHICH A JURY TRIAL HAS BEEN WAIVED WITH ANY OTHER ACTION IN WHICH A JURY TRIAL CANNOT BE OR HAS NOT BEEN WAIVED. EACH PARTY TO THIS AGREEMENT CERTIFIES THAT IT HAS BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER INTO THIS AGREEMENT OR INSTRUMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND CERTIFICATIONS SET FORTH ABOVE IN THIS SECTION 10.9. NO PARTY HAS IN ANY WAY AGREED WITH OR REPRESENTED TO ANY OTHER PARTY THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THIS Section 10.9 WILL NOT BE FULLY ENFORCED IN ALL INSTANCES.
Section 10.10 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement, or the application of any such provision to any Person or circumstance, shall be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision hereof. The Parties further agree that if any provision contained herein is, to any extent, held invalid or unenforceable in any respect under the Laws governing this Agreement, they shall take any actions necessary to render the remaining provisions of this Agreement valid and enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by Law and, to the extent necessary, shall amend or otherwise modify this Agreement to replace any provision contained herein that is held invalid or unenforceable with a valid and enforceable provision giving effect to the intent of the Parties.
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Section 10.11 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two or more counterparts (including by electronic or.pdf transmission), each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. Delivery of any signature page by facsimile, electronic or.pdf transmission shall be binding to the same extent as an original signature page.
Section 10.12 Certain Financing Provisions. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, each of Mercury, SpinCo and Gold on behalf of itself and its respective Subsidiaries, Affiliates and Representatives:
(a) agrees that any proceeding, whether in law or in equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, involving the Lender Parties, arising out of or relating to, this Agreement, the SpinCo Financing, the Permanent SpinCo Financing, the Gold Financing or any of the agreements (including the Commitment Letter) entered into in connection with the SpinCo Financing, the Permanent SpinCo Financing, the Gold Financing or any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the agreements entered into in connection with the SpinCo Financing, the Permanent SpinCo Financing, the Gold Financing or the performance of any services thereunder shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of any federal or state court in the Borough of Manhattan, New York, New York, so long as such forum is and remains available, and any appellate court thereof and each party hereto irrevocably submits itself and its property with respect to any such proceeding to the exclusive jurisdiction of such court;
(b) agrees that any such proceeding shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York (without giving effect to any conflicts of law principles that would result in the application of the laws of another state), except as otherwise provided in the Commitment Letter or other applicable definitive document relating to the SpinCo Financing, the Permanent SpinCo Financing and the Gold Financing;
(c) agrees not to bring or support any proceeding of any kind or description, whether in law or in equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise, against any Lender Party in any way arising out of or relating to, this Agreement, the SpinCo Financing, the Permanent SpinCo Financing, the Gold Financing, the Commitment Letter or any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Commitment Letter or the performance of any services under the Commitment Letter in any forum other than any federal or state court in the Borough of Manhattan, New York, New York;
(d) agrees that service of process upon Mercury, SpinCo, their respective Subsidiaries, Gold or the Gold Subsidiaries in any such proceeding shall be effective if notice is given in accordance with Section 10.3;
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(e) irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent that it may effectively do so, the defense of an inconvenient forum to the maintenance of such proceeding in any such court;
(f) knowingly, intentionally and voluntarily waives to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law trial by jury in any proceeding brought against any Lender Party in any way arising out of or relating to, this Agreement, the SpinCo Financing, the Permanent SpinCo Financing, the Gold Financing, the Commitment Letter or any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Commitment Letter or the performance of any services under the Commitment Letter;
(g) agrees that none of the Lender Parties will have any liability to Mercury, SpinCo, Gold or any of their respective Subsidiaries or any of their respective Affiliates or Representatives (other than, following the Closing Date, Gold, SpinCo and their respective Subsidiaries in accordance with the terms of the SpinCo Financing, the Permanent SpinCo Financing, the Gold Financing or the Commitment Letter) solely relating to or arising out of this Agreement or any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement, whether in law or in equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise and not related to the SpinCo Financing, the Permanent SpinCo Financing, the Gold Financing or the Commitment Letter in any way; and
(h) hereby waives any and all claims and causes of action against the Lender Parties in their capacity as Lender Parties relating to or arising out of this Agreement, the SpinCo Financing, the Permanent SpinCo Financing, the Gold Financing, the Commitment Letter or any of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the Commitment Letter or the performance of any services under the Commitment Letter (other than, following the Closing Date, with respect to the SpinCo Financing, the Permanent SpinCo Financing and/or the Gold Financing), whether in law or in equity, whether in contract or in tort or otherwise.
[Signature page follows]
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed by their respective authorized officers as of the day and year first above written.
| MODINE MANUFACTURING COMPANY | ||
| By: |
/s/ Erin Roth |
|
| Name: | Erin Roth | |
| Title: | Vice President, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer | |
| PLATINUM SPINCO INC. | ||
| By: |
/s/ Michael Rathburn |
|
| Name: | Michael Rathburn | |
| Title: | Vice President | |
| GENTHERM INCORPORATED | ||
| By: |
/s/ William Presley |
|
| Name: | William Presley | |
| Title: | President and Chief Executive Officer | |
| PLATINUM GOLD MERGER SUB INC. | ||
| By: |
/s/ Thomas Stocker |
|
| Name: | Thomas Stocker | |
| Title: | President | |
[Signature Page to Agreement and Plan of Merger]